ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Meat Palace, Three Moths And A Cyst

-The Mothim/mans don't seem to be that damaged by the Psychic-

... Flamel, I said don't bother with Psychic. It's resistant to it.

-The Cyst refuses to react to the Screech. Especially as the PA system resolves from static to an actual voice-

Shadow James Crowley: Alright. Welcome to another Smoke Break Thoughts. Today, I pose a simple question: Why must we kill to eat? Aren't we beyond such sh— yaknow. You can eat a fruit just fine without killing the tree, why's that not the case with flesh?

-The Cyst seems to be resonating with the PA system's voice-

Shadow James Crowley: I mean I get it, without easy protein that could be made clean by cooking humanity wouldn't be where it is. I get that, I get that it was nessecary. But we're big boys now, we shouldn't have to put up with murder for meat. Once I get what I need... Well okay indulge me a tangent for a moment.

Uh guys..? You should finish off those Mothmans quick because I think the Cyst's about to do something!

Glimwood Depths, Gale's Cabin

-She's checked the whole place twice; none of those damnable [$4.99] world-ending discs and no sign of a June Breeze alert from her allies. That was one tick off the big list of things she was concerned with-

-She spent a half hour meditating, trying to open any kind of UI that may have metaphysically implanted itself in her brain; no [artisanal math rocks]. She was still in costume, and it still had all those telltale imperfections she remembered from making it. Each in turn she let out her Pokemon and yeah everyone accounted for and the correct species-

-Seriously, what was wrong here? She wondered whether her own paranoia was making her do something worth posting about but if so where was the other shoe dropping? Surely an AFD event couldn't just be 'oh I'm paranoid and nothing happens'. Surely there had to be some point to all this?-

Floaroma Town, past

Channah is reading her texts with an increasingly disconcerted look on her face.

Kamon: (leans over her shoulder) Whatcha got there my dear?

Channah: (jerks away) Fuck off.

Kamon: Hey, is that a group J-Team text? Can I get those? Eh? Wait, who's Chiyo?

Channah: Get away from my PokeNav.

Kamon: Templars? Who are-

Channah: More idiot pricks who don't know they're dead yet. Like you. (shoves her device away, irritated but distracted)

Kamon: Oh my. And they're kidnappers too, I see. Classy. So what exactly is their beef with you guys?

Channah: (staring at the flower fields) Stupid shit I don't care about.

Kamon: ...Ah.

Channah: I should've been there. Now he's hanging out with god-knows-who stuck in god-knows-where...    Stupid!    The fuck am I doing here.

Kamon: Can't you just, ah, ask him? I'm sure he'll let you know more.

Channah: (rounds on him) He should've    TOLD ME   .

Kamon: o_o ...But he just did? Are you feeling okay?

Channah: I will set you and this hideous town    on fire    if you keep asking    QUESTIONS   .

Kamon: (throws his hands up, backing away) Well excuse me, princess...

Eterna Forest, now

Kamon is walking by himself through the forest, looking a little depressed.

Rockstar: <Nae bother, the radge bird isny in hir right mind. Nivir been, right enough, e'en without yer bad manners. A wouldnae go looking fur hir. Wit you need is - >

Diamante: (in a deeper voice, since he is now a Prinplup) <Meep! Meep!>

The Old Chateau looms past the trees.

Kamon: A spooky mansion? ...Heck, why not.

Stormchaser

Vesha: How about you, Halys? Who's on the other side waiting for you?

-Halys lets out a wistful sigh.-

Halys: ...Horizon. Our team of heroes under OASIS's sponsorship. Aegis, the youngest warrior in her family's legacy. Comet, a speedster aberrant who's been through... a lot. Greer and Midgard, a transforming hero with DID. Jubilee, an involuntary telepath. North, an android with amnesia. And Peleia, a bird-themed flying hero supported by another sponsorship

Kai: Are we talking like VKS's Croagunk Cola sponsorship, or...?

Vesha: That's just the hero squad, though, isn't it? Surely there's people who care about the other side of your identity.

-Halys is hesitant.-

Halys: ...There's. A few, I've met through classes. Leila, Salma, Alexei... I don't know if Lindsey would actually miss me, she's kind of a supervillain, but—

Cyrus: -suddenly way too interested- You're sleeping with a supervillain?

Halys: Wh— when did I say I was sleeping with her?!

Cyrus: Why else would you mention someone you don't think would miss you? You knew there was some juicy gossip behind it.

Kai: Not gonna lie, it is kind of telling.

Halys: -face red- Moving on. There's also Maria Knight, owner of Knight's Tavern. That's where I work, when I'm off the superhero clock, and she's the only person outside of Horizon who knows my identity. And, I guess, you all as well.

Vesha: Back up, you're a bartender?

Halys: ...you're about to ask me to get drinks.

Vesha: It's only proper for a sendoff like this! Our last night together, we should drink and be merry!

Cyrus: Never mind the fact that it's also our first night. Honestly, that should be even more cause to have fun! Besides, alcohol is good for wounds, isn't it?

Halys: ...Rubbing alcohol is good for cleaning wounds, not the type you get in drinks.

Cyrus: Psh. It's all the same.

Kai: ...a bar does sometimes show up on the Stormchaser, if you look for it. Like, it just appears.

Halys: ...

-After a moment, Halys smiles.-

Halys: You know what? Yeah. It does sound like a good way to say goodbye. And to say thanks for saving me, too.

Old Chateau, Eterna Forest

Kamon: (standing in entry, holding his phone out) ...Hellooo? If anyone's here, now's your time to tell me... I'm just a trainer, exploring; don't mean any harm...

Rockstar: <Really, Kam? Livestreaming, now?>

Kamon: Not livestreaming, just footage for my next upload - Hey, did I just hear you say 'livestreaming'? Am I hearing things? (turns the camera on Rockstar)

Rockstar folds his arms and waits until Kamon loses interest and turns away to narrate his exploration.

Rockstar: <Ach, dummy...>

???: < Not the right one. Excuse me... >

Rockstar: <Hwhae?>

A nondescript fog nearby materializes into a definite shape. Rockstar takes a step back, and before his eyes it becomes a sad-looking Gengar:

Male Shiny Gengar: < Oh... Yes, you're not the right person. I'm sorry. I'll be going. >

Rockstar: <Wait, whae're ye lookin fur?>

Gengar: < I thought I felt a familiar presence. But I was wrong... Why are you here? >

Rockstar: (gestures at Kamon in the distance) <Thit handsome knob end. Am Rockstair. Yer a rir sight.>

Hunter: < Yes. My trainer says I was even prettier as a Haunter. My name is Hunter. >

Rockstar: <Yer trainirr? Wit ur ye doin alone, then?>

Hunter: < I... I'm... I was... > (looks lost)

Both Pokemon turn as Kamon shrieks suddenly. His phone is now floating around of its own accord, wearing mischievous white and blue eyes on the glowing screen.

Kamon: What - OI! I wasn't done yet! Come back! (chases his phone around the balcony)

Rockstar: (sighs) <Is thit you?>

Hunter: < No. I don't tease. It's cruel. But I can help. >

Hunter floats into the phone's path and casts Hypnosis, causing it to abruptly turn off and drop to the floor. Kamon dives forward and catches it in both hands, getting a faceful of carpet dust.

Kamon: Mmmph. (raises his head and sneezes mightily) Oh, eugh, disgusting. Prolly 'sbestos 'r something. Zacian's teeth, wha' was that?

The phone shakes in his hands and a snore rattles the walls. It sounds like someone digitally edited a lawnmower's growl.

Hunter: < Rotom. >

Kamon: (eyes widen) Is... Is this a Pokemon?

Rockstar: (shakes his head) <As if ye weren't already eh white Raihan...>

???, Real Hot Hours

-A volcano erupts in the background, platforms made of pumice and obsidian circling it as flaming fireballs come down, the air thick with ash-

Looking pretty post-apocalyptic here.

Chiyo: -Helping Dr. Nakamura across some platforms- I feel the pull too, we must be almost to where we need to go.

Dr. Nakamura: I'm not a geologist, but I'm pretty sure this close to an erupting volcano our lungs should be getting choked from the ash, but here we are breathing like it's Verdanturf Town.

-Thinking-

It must be the power of these places we've been traveling through, every time we go through one, we get some different boon.

Chiyo: -To me- Didn't get the chance to ask, but did you tell Channah about where we've been before you told the rest of the J-Team?

-To Chiyo-

Yeah, I sent her a text, she already knows. I figure it's good that we spend at least some time apart anyway.

Chiyo: -Doing a face- Your kinda clingy and insecure girlfriend has been perfectly fine with you spending more than a week with two other women in a cramped apartment without her?

-Picking up on Chiyo's skepticism-

I believe in Channah, we talked back in Galar and everything. Sometimes she backslides, but I never expected perfection.

Chiyo: -Shrugs- Well, I hope you're right, for everyone's sakes.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 1st 2022 at 10:39:45 AM

Stormchaser — The Bar That Shows Up Sometimes

-Halys pours glasses for Kai, Cyrus, and Vesha, before pouring one for themself.-

Halys: So, how about our host? Who else is in this J-Team of yours, Amarin?

Kai: Oh, I couldn't go through the whole list, you'd have to stay forever to get through them all.

Vesha: Let's start from the top, then. Got a special someone? Or several someones?

-Kai giggles, taking a drink.-

Kai: Yeah, I sure do. Alice and Brie. Alice is... well, she's another superhero like yourself, Halys.

Cyrus: Hehe, Halys and Alice. That's funny.

-Halys rolls their eyes, but can't help but smirk.-

Kai: Yeah. Her hero alias is Gaia, she's Roserade-themed. Really, though, it's mostly just an excuse to embrace her inner theatre kid, and maybe fight crime along the way. And I love her for it.

Vesha: Heh, that's cool. I have no clue what Roserade is, but it sounds pretty.

Kai: Oh! Lemme just...

-They pull up a picture of a Roserade, and shows it to the other three.-

Kai: There you go.

Vesha: Oh, wow. You just keep a catalog of these monster things in your pocket?

Kai: ...right, not from a world with phones. I mean, yes, that's one of the things this does, but— well, okay, there's just a lot, and we don't have a lot of time to explain everything.

Vesha: Fair enough.

Halys: Got a picture of her, at least?

-Kai beams, and scrolls through to find a picture of Alice, Brie, and herself all together.-

Kai: Yeah, there they are. Alice on the left, Brie on the right.

Cyrus: Cute. And about Brie?

Kai: Oh, where do I begin? Brie's amazing. A Flying-type trainer, though only for anything that can't be construed as a bird. Dragons and bugs and stuff. She may not go around in spandex and leather like Alice and Halys and me, but honestly, if anyone should be considered a hero? It should be her. When this corner of the multiverse got torn open a few years back, she was constantly world-hopping, helping fix one problem after another that stemmed from worlds bleeding together, and fighting some pretty intense outsider monsters that found their way in.

-They take a drink.-

Kai: One time, she and her Pokemon managed to fight something for thirty-six hours straight, before my team and I even got her call for help. They were... really wrecked after such a long fight, and she almost died in the hospital afterwards, but she didn't. She's basically unstoppable. And so cool.

Vesha: Wow. You've got it bad.

-Kai's big, adoring smile is unparalleled.-

Kai: Yeah, I really do.

Halys: Does she still... travel the multiverse, that way? Maybe we'll get the chance to meet her some day.

Kai: Heh, maybe. Things have slowed down now that the sky's sealed back up, but who knows?

The Stormchaser

-Steve and Alphos stand together and bow-

Alphos: "And that concludes our special Scarlet and Violet sneak preview!"

Steve: "We hope you enjoy your Gen 9 experience when it comes!"

-They vanish into the portal from whence they came-

-Everyone else is left back where they started, collectively on their asses-

Locke: "So, who's NOT excited to go to whatever weird place they're trying to tell us about?"

Odin: "Nope."

Owen: "Nuh-uh."

Jade: "Not me."

Seigbert: "I'm scared. Storm, hold me."

Storm: "No."

Jared: "Wait... I know where it is! It's-"

???, funky spacetime

-The area is a grassy platform with two people sitting on a blanket with their backs to the trio. Two very familiar people-

Chiyo: Wait...

-Running up-

Nicky? Kendra?

Nicky: -Turning around, slightly shocked- Chiyo!

Kendra: -Beaming- It's great to see you and Tagg, but who's your other friend? How did you even get here?

Chiyo: This is Hanako, she gave us shelter after the School attacked Tagg and I and-

-Getting group hugged-

I missed seeing you guys too, but what... is this place?

Nicky: Sit down, and we can explain.

A few minutes later

Kendra: You know the whole Nine Realms deal, right?

-Nods-

Nicky: If you were to liken this place to the solar system, it would be akin to the heliopause, the boundary between the sun's influence and the interstellar medium.

Kendra: -Pointing to a diagram- This place, it's very close to the boundary between our universe and the great void between universes. So ideas, and places, and beings from all over the Nine Realms, they become Lost and settle or form pocket dimensions of their own. We stand, or rather sit, at the very back curtain of our reality.

Dr. Nakamura: -Blinks- You know, if I didn't know Dr. Tagg already, and my own family history, I'd think I'd had some spoiled food right now.

Nicky: On April Fools, the increased Glitch energy allows easier access to realms such as this one than what we'd get normally.

-Smiling

Would you like to join us to watch?

-To Nicky-

Well, it's not like we're really going anywhere.

-The sky turns dark as Unown appear against the sky and make formations that appear to be words and sentences too far away to make out-

Dr. Nakamaura: -Looking up- It looks like a...

-Finishing the statement-

...An Internet forum? Feels like Glitch City all over again.

Chiyo: Wow...

I wish Sol and Channah were here to see this with me though...

Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 1st 2022 at 11:22:33 AM

Reality's Back Curtain, sometime later

So, er, how do we leave?

Nicky: -Shrugs- We Dive, of course.

...Of course.

Dr. Nakamura: Dive?

Kendra: -Pointing down- You just jump off, focus on where you want to be, and you'll end up there.

Chiyo: It's pretty simple, I've done it plenty of times and it's mostly safe.

Dr. Nakamura: -Eyes bugging out- Mostly safe?

-Looking down to the Earths below-

Well, now or never I suppose.

Chiyo: -Hugging Nicky and Kendra- Nice to see you both, I've missed you.

Nicky: -Smiling- See you soon Chiyo.

Kendra: Maybe sooner than you think, let's demonstrate.

-And they both lean off the platform and freefall downwards-

Dr. Nakamura: -As the Earth seems to shrink- Your girlfriends are pretty cool, but I suspect we might be stuck here if we stay too long.

Chiyo: -Nods- Alright, let's Dive back to Hanako's apartment. Everyone ready?

Dr. Nakamura: Ready.

-Nods-

Yeah.

-Cue freefall to the Earth below-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 1st 2022 at 11:59:07 AM

Stormchaser — The Bar That Shows Up Sometimes

Cyrus: Hey, how much time do we have, anyway?

-Kai checks their phone, and their eyes widen.-

Kai: Oh, shit, two minutes left. Quick, Halys, another round?

Halys: Sure thing, coming up.

-They pour everyone another drink, including one for themself, and raise it up.-

Halys: Here's to us. To second chances, even in our darkest moments.

Cyrus: To coming back from our lowest points, stronger and better than ever.

Vesha: To finding new friends, and new paths to follow.

Kai: And here's to our stories never truly ending, no matter the time that passes. May we never be forgotten.

-They tap their glasses, and drink.-

Kai: I certainly won't forget you three.

Halys: Maybe we'll meet again someday?

Cyrus: Gosh, I hope so. I'm glad I settled down, but damn, this was a fun night.

Vesha: Maybe it'll be one of our worlds, next time? If you ever want to take a trip across the cosmos, it sounds like you know someone who can get you there.

Kai: Heh, yeah. Fate's taken me weirder places.

-Vesha ponders for a moment.-

Vesha: Hey, hold on, there's something I've been wanting to do before we go.

Cyrus: Hmm? Do it quick, clock's ticking.

-Vesha beams, grips Halys's shirt, and pulls them into a kiss.-

Halys: ....?????????????????????

-And breaks away, leaving Halys red-faced and processing it.-

Cyrus: Nice.

Vesha: Hehe. Thanks, Halys.

Halys: ...I.

Vesha: So, how does this April-Fools sendoff thing work, anyway? Do we just pass out and wake up back at home? Do we vanish in a puff of bright light? I'm rather new to this whole thing.

Kai: ...uh.

-Kai checks their phone.-

-April 2nd, 2022, at 12:01.-

Kai: ...Um.

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Apr 1st 2022 at 12:02:08 PM

Stormchaser — The Bar That Shows Up Sometimes

Cyrus: ...well?

Kai: I'm... not sure. Usually there's like, this big reset wave, if you stay awake for the turn of the hour. But nothing seems like it's changed?

Vesha: ...if I may? We did show up shortly before last midnight. It was close, but not yet.

Halys: ...so we're stuck here?

Cyrus: ...ah. Um. Well that's a problem.

Kai: Nonono, it's fine! We'll figure this out. We'll just have to get you back the old fashioned way.

Vesha: There's an "old fashioned way" for multiverse travel?

Kai: Yeah, you know. Finding the right timeline in the right part of the multiverse, and traveling that way.

Halys: ...that seems like an awful lot of work.

Kai: I think... we could ask for Kalter's help, when they wake up? They travel the multiverse, I think, for... their own reasons. They might be able to help.

Cyrus: Gods, I hope so. I'm worried about Aelia.

Halys: Well, whatever happens, we can try to deal with it tomorrow. Maybe if we're lucky, the wave will hit while we're asleep. Then you don't have to worry about anything.

Kai: Y-yeah. Let's all get some rest. You all need it. I'll... keep an eye out for if Kalter wakes up again.

-The group all nods at Kai in agreement, and they awkwardly shuffle out of the bar room.-

Between Realms

-Falling towards Earth, dodging miscellaneous debris-

Chiyo: Make sure that stuff doesn't hit us, or it's mostly likely lights out for good!

Dr. Nakamura: I'll keep that in mind!

-It's then that a red-eyed white Pikachu wearing a blue jester's hat dives among us-

Jack Frost: <Hee hoh!>

Chiyo: Huh?

A Jack Frost? Must be diving through the CU.

-Red vines stick out through the path as I shift to my Thief outfit-

The Metaverse? Almost seems like a cancer from this angle, like that Meat Palace...

Dr. Nakamura: What are you wearing Tagg, and why haven't either of us changed?

-To Dr. Nakamura-

There's a bit of a story behind that.

Chiyo: I'd love to know too, we didn't change when we visited the time.

-We fall through a cloud of Dream Mist, the Jack Frost disappearing once we come out of it, and a rift showing the inside of an apartment appears-

Aim for that!

-We fly through and end up-

Dr. Nakamura's Apartment

-Landing in a jumble with me on the bottom-

...Well, at least I don't feel like the time we dived to see Mithas to help with the Deep Alloy.

Chiyo: -Jokingly, in the middle of the pile- Let's get up, this is a bit of a compromising position, don't you think?

-Deliriously laughing-

People will say things.

Dr. Nakamura: -Dusting her clothes off as she gets off first- Well that was certainly an... eventful April Fools.

Chiyo: -Getting off and taking a seat- So Tagg, what is the story with that?

-Still on the floor-

Well...

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 6th 2022 at 12:51:35 PM

Stormchaser — Medbay

-After the other Kai-alikes have all found sleeping arrangements aboard the Stormchaser, Kai themself has returned to the medbay. At first, Kalter is still out cold, so Kai just takes a seat near her and Nyx, and slowly finds themself napping.-

-It's not until a few hours later when Kai is awoken by a sharp prodding in their arm.-

Kai: ow— hmm...?

Nyx: <She's awake.>

-Kai blinks out of their haze, and smiles at Kalter, who is sitting up, still in visible pain.-

Kai: Oh, ah-heh, hey. Glad to see you made it.

Kalter: ...yeah. Life Dew helps. It unfortunately isn't a cure-all, so I'm still in a lot of pain right now.

Nyx: <She needs to recover. But... I know I'm not exactly a welcome sight here. Your airship is scared of me.>

Kai: ...I... see.

-There's a moment of quiet.-

Kalter: ...so, what happened after I got skewered?

-For a second, Kai seems uncertain how to answer, but manages to come up with something.-

Kai: Well, the good news is, that was the last thing the Necromancer could muster. Halys got control again. The Luminous Crystal and the Tears of Princes are shining strongly as ever again. Fake Rogue got arrested. Or, well, let themself get arrested, willingly.

-They frown.-

Kai: The bad news is, Renegade is still out there.

Kalter: ...ah.

-Kalter balls her fist.-

Kalter: The war isn't over, then.

-Kai shakes her head.-

Kai: Renegade is my problem. Mine and my friends, specific to this world. You shouldn't have to try to shoulder the burden for me, across the cosmos.

Kalter: They almost cast Almia into darkness.

Kai: And we stopped them. We know they exist, and now we know they're a Hunter, so the J-Team can face the situation with the appropriate amount of gravity. There's other ways we could use your help.

-Kalter grips the side of her cot, but sighs and relents.-

Kalter: ...Whatever you might need me for, it's gonna be a bit before I can do anything. It's agonizing, staying still like this, but it hurts too much to move.

Kai: ...right. So, uh, I guess that means I'll have to look elsewhere for a solution to the awkward news.

-Kalter narrows their eyes-

Kalter: ...go on?

Kai: So, uh, Cyrus, Vesha, and Halys? Didn't get sent back at midnight. I, uh, was hoping you might be able to help figure out where in the multiverse they come from, but...

-Kalter stares for a few seconds, before groaning and pinching the bridge of their nose.-

Kalter: ...yeah no. I'm not in any state to be a goddamn... cosmic chauffeur. Sorry.

Kai: It's fine! It's okay. I was thinking of checking with Brie next. It's just, uh, you already knew what was going on, so... yeah.

Kalter: ...heh. Right, Brie. I remember meeting her, the first time I ran into you. You seem a lot closer to your version than I am to mine.

Kai: ...is it... bad, between the two of you?

-Kalter shakes her head.-

Kalter: She agrees with me. We just... don't know each other nearly as personally.

Kai: Ah... that's a relief, at least.

-Kai taps their fingers together-

Kai: Pardon my curiosity, but do you have anyone like that for you?

Kalter: ...I don't know. Maybe. I don't really have time for that sort of romance, but... I dunno. Moira is something, I guess. I don't know where we stand, the two of us, but she... reminds me what I'm fighting for.

-Kai wracks her brain-

Kai: ...sorry, I don't think I know anyone on the team named Moira.

-Kalter chuckles sadly-

Kalter: I'm not surprised. She doesn't survive in most timelines. It's a miracle she made it out alive in mine.

Kai: ...oh.

Kalter: ...sorry for the downer. Sorry for not being able to send the others off properly. Good luck finding a way to get them home.

Kai; ...y-yeah. Good luck yourself, with healing up properly.

Kalter: I've survived worse. Don't worry about me.

Kai: ...it's strange to hear that from the other side of the conversation.

Kalter: Isn't it?

-They both laugh awkwardly, before silence fills the room again.-

Kai: ...I'm gonna. Get some actual rest.

Kalter: Cool. I'm gonna lie here in pain.

-Kai momentarily looks like they have another remark, but comes up empty, and after a few seconds, nods and heads back out toward their room.-

Pueltown Police Station

-While one version of Cyrus Javed rests soundly in a room on the Stormchaser, the other version is cooped up in a holding cell, waiting in agonizing stillness. They've been arrested before, of course they have. The process isn't exactly the same here in Almia, but it still is what it is. And really, the worst part is the waiting.-

-Waiting so long, in fact, that they're pretty sure that the reset wave Renegade was talking about should have happened by now. They're not certain, time's a bit fuzzy right now.-

-Maybe they're not going back? That would be a relief. Doskvol was fun while it lasted, but there's nothing worth anything there anymore. A book closed after just one chapter, and then tossed into the fire to never be read again. And besides, speaking of things that burn, the sun was gone there. There's sun here. It's a bit painful on the eyes, but it's nice to see it. At least, it will be if they get out of this godforsaken cell.-

-There's the sound of something rolling.-

-At first, Cyrus thinks it's a cart of some sort, going by with who knows what. Cyrus attempts to look around, but no, there doesn't seem to be anyone anywhere.-

-Wait. There's something on the ground.-

-Huh. The old fashioned monster capsule thing. Cyrus knew they'd collected it as evidence, but it's a bit weird that they'd be careless enough with it to just drop it and let it roll away.-

-And then it starts rolling again, and Cyrus tilts their head as the ball looks up at them with big, embossed eyes.-

Cyrus: ...Well, I'll be damned.

-The newborn Apricorn-bodied Voltorb seems to get excited, hearing Cyrus speak, and bounces on the ground.-

Cyrus: Heheh, hey, whoa, little guy! Don't want to alert someone you're here!

Someone Outside: Wait, is Javed talking to someone? What's going on in there?

Cyrus: Ah, shit. Quick, hide!

-The Voltorb just keeps bouncing, its body crackling with sparks, and with an absolutely unfathomable force from such a tiny creature, an explosion blasts open the cell and destroys the lights.-

Cyrus: Oh shit—!!

-The moment Cyrus processes what just happened, they quickly scoop up the unconscious Voltorb, find an adequately dark spot, and bolt, disappearing into the shadows as security rushes into the room.-

Jubilife

Car Accident Guy: "So you're saying you can heal really fast too?"

Ynos: "Yeah."

Car Accident Guy: "And you were also made in a lab?"

Ynos: "Yeah."

Car Accident Guy: "Wow, we're so similar."

Ynos: "Yeah. I have no idea why I told you my entire life story but I feel like I can trust youuu..."

Car Accident Guy Nytoas: "Oh, you can call my Nytoas."

Ynos: "Oh, alright Car Accident Guy."

Nytoas: "... Nytoas."

Ynos: "Nytoas."

Nytoas: "But yeah. I've been wondering this whole time... You haven't thought about... Being free, finally?"

"Like, completely free? That hasn't crossed your mind at all?"

Ynos: "..."

Jubilife, A Public Park

Haostyn has thankfully not managed to rip a man/horsemon's throat out by the time Daydre catches up with him.

.... Not that that's a thing he would do, of course.

He has, however, managed to bite someone's Abomasnow unprompted. The Abomasnow is (unsuccessfully) trying to shake him off and doesn't seem overly bothered besides that.

Daydre: "Uh, sorry about that, he's my, uh.... Friend's(?)"

Abomasnow: <I should blast this little runt>

Abomasnow Trainer: "Not at all boy! This happens all the time!"

Daydre: (pulling on Haostyn) "... Does it?"

Abomasnow Trainer: "Of course!"

Daydre yanks Haostyn off with a comical pop. The Abomasnow and their trainer both backflip out of frame.

Daydre: "I'm not gonna question it, I'm not gonna question it"

Without the Abomasnow he was using as a teething ring, Haostyn turns on Daydre, grinding his teeth.

Daydre: "Uhh...."

Glimwood Depths, Gale's Cabin

Where's the joke!?

-Gale shouts to the empty cabin, arms up and just kind of wildly gesticulating (she's still dressed as [number one rated] 2B on purpose by the way)-

No seriously! Where is the joke in all this? Heck it doesn't even feel particularly referential! Are you doing a Stanley Parable thing? Cause we both know something like that happened years ago and wasn't actually that interesting!

-She stomps around (as best as one can stomp in heels) and eventually collapses back into bed, staring up at the ceiling with something approaching [desperation] for understanding in her expression-

Maybe if I knew how you were describing me it would make sense but honestly I don't see you being that creative and slash or vitriolic.

-She silently hopes her sick burn doesn't affect the posting motivation of her author. As much as this current spotlight on April Fool's Day feels like [all buildup and no release], she is legitimately thankful for whatever interesting screentime she gets the remaining 364.25 days of the year...-

I'm... I'm going to sleep. Maybe we can do something fun tomorrow when there isn't the pressure to be funny...

-She turns over on the bed and lets out a deep sigh as she tries to will herself to sleep-

Edited by Pentigan on Apr 2nd 2022 at 4:29:49 AM

Meat Palace

The technology still has its issues at the moment, the serums still require something dying in the process to my memories.

-Has Mokele-Mbembe use Stone Edge on the Mothmen-

Dr. Nakamura's Apartment

-Having told a truncated version of events thus far-

...And that's it.

Dr. Nakamura: So that whole thing in November wasn't the first time you've done something like that?

More or less.

Chiyo: Stealing hearts? Can't lie that doing something like that feels more than a little morally murky.

-Nods-

I won't deny that, but sometimes we have no better tool. Besides killing that is, and I'd rather not that do that if I can help it.

Chiyo: Fair enough.

-Thinking pose on-

Well, like I said, you're helping me, so I'm helping you, if not as directly.

Dr. Nakamura: You've helped me in the past too, and I'm already pretty deep in stuff like this because of Morata, so I kinda owe you one as a friend.

-Nods-

Well, thanks guys.

-And then I start seeing beyond seeing-

Chiyo: -Hand on my shoulder- Tagg? Tagg? You okay man?

-Blinks-

Yeah.

Dr. Nakamura: You kinda zoned out for a couple seconds there.

-Scratching head-

Yeah, it's a thing I do sometimes, hyperfocus and all.

Chiyo: -Smiling- Guess we'll call it a night then, this April Fools has certainly been... eventful.

Later That Night

Chiyo: -Lying down-

With everything Tagg told me, told us, I wonder. It all sounds like something the School would be very interested in working with, if they're not already doing so. They had better be careful, because it seems they're playing with fire.

And eventually, it might burn them...

Sunyshore

-Ever and Brie(?) stand on the shore, overlooking a sea of glass. Pokemon swim through it uninterrupted, many having their own wacky adventures-

Ever: The day is coming to an end.

Brie(?): Hmm. Close to the trip back?

Ever: Yeah. Though...you've mentioned both home and not existing before today, so...what happens after you go?

Brie(?): End of the road, I guess.

Ever: Ah. That's a shame.

Brie(?): Time is a carnificinant thing.

Ever: Yeah. You know, I said all kinds of words before now. Why are you only repeating a few of them?

Brie(?): Think about it.

Ever: Hm. Seems close to things I prefer not to think about. There's a lot of stuff that goes on in the world and if you poke too closely at it, it gets funny.

Brie(?): Shame.

Ever: Well. Whatever the case. I hope when everything goes back to normal, you find yourself someplace. And I hope it's somewhere you're happy.

-it is, apparently, almost midnight-

Brie(?): It was a nice day.

Ever: I'm sincerely glad. Do you have a name I can remember on your behalf?

Brie(?): Hm.

Ever: Can I offer you one? Echo is taken, you could be Return, Reverse, Reflect? Alter, Shadow, Mirror, Mask, Double...

Brie(?): Someplace...

Ever: Oh?

Brie(?): Lace.

Ever: Lace.

Lace: In disarray, if you poke too closely at it.

Ever: Fragile?

Lace: Wearing out.

Ever: Hm. I'm sorry to hear that, Lace.

Lace: I'm sorry too.

Ever: Anything you'd like me to do when you go?

Lace: (smiles) You're off the hook.

Ever: That's good. I'm honestly not much for people's last wishes.

Lace: Disarray?

Ever: Very much so.

-the clock strikes midnight-

Ever: ...

-they look around-

-they're alone on the shore-

Ever: Don't know what I expected.

Jubilife, A Public Park 1

CW Brief suicide mention

The two have made their way to a nearby park.

Ynos: "It's not like I haven't thought about it, especially not after what happened a few months ago. But I..."

Nytoas: "You're afraid?"

Ynos: "No, it's not that. ...Maybe a little. But it's only me who gets hurt if I leave. I don't care if it's just me that gets hurt."

Nytoas: "If it's not that, then what?"

Ynos: "I don't... I guess, without her, what purpose do I serve? For why have I bloodied my hands all these years? I can't be allowed to have a happy ending."

Nytoas: "You don't have to serve a purpose, though."

Ynos: "That's what that woman said too... Chiyo, she said."

"But that doesn't change anything. Even then I don't deserve to be free."

Nytoas: "Framing it as whether you deserve it feels... wrong. Do I deserve to be free? Does anyone?"

Ynos: "You, at least, were strong enough to take it for yourself. And you didn't abandon your friends in the process."

Nytoas murmurs uncomfortably.

Nytoas: "It's not like... a privilege you have to earn. In an ideal world everyone should get it. It's just... a right. You should have it, if you want."

He looks away, deep in thought.

Nytoas: "With... There's some caveats. There's an extent to which people shouldn't just do whatever they want at all times."

"Agh. Now you have me confused. If this woman is so bad then just don't work for her. You're primed to cut and run so you should."

Ynos: "It's not that simple!"

Nytoas: "It is! I'm on the other side so I can tell you right now that not working for an oppressive capitalist is much, much, much better than the alternative! It seems like you've already been told as much too!"

Ynos: "I don't—"

Nytoas: "Then what?!"

Ynos: "I did it before, okay! I did it once, it didn't work out, it got my friends killed, it landed me in just as shitty a position I was in before... My only saving grace was her! The only thing that kept me from dying in a gutter... Trying to think for myself only ever got me in trouble, so I'm not going to make that mistake again. I'll just follow the orders of people who know better than me until I die."

Nytoas: (agitated) "You really want to live like that?"

Ynos: "It's how I've survived."

Nytoas: "Even if they told you to walk off a cliff and off yourself?"

Ynos: "Yes. It'd probably be for some kind of understandable reason. I'd survive, anyway. And if I didn't, well..."

Nytoas: "If you're so convinced of your durability, why don't you just run, then?"

Ynos: "..."

Nytoas: "It is fear, isn't it?"

He rubs the back of his head.

Nytoas: "... I... am probably not going to convince you in one conversation. This seems deep-seated. Something to think about, I guess. Just know that there's a second person out there that thinks you can do better. Also what in the desolate waste beyond is going on over there?"

Jubilife, A Public Park 2

Haostyn jumps at Daydre!

Out of nowhere a blur of black and red whirls down from the sky and bats Haostyn on the head with the flat of an axe.

The blur lands heavily a few feet away, propping themself up with the aforementioned axe while Haostyn reorients himself.

   Thomasyn:    "Back off, I've seen this before!"

It's some guy! Wearing black and red armor. There's a long red scarf wrapped around his neck and his black hair is tied in a ponytail.

Daydre: "You've seen this before?"

   Thomasyn:    "Eleven times, in fact."

"All of them me, but that's besides the point."

Daydre opens her mouth and then closes it again.

Thomasyn hefts his axe and goes back to subduing Haostyn.

Daydre: "You know I could just use my Pokemon for- ope, alright, they're doing this. Okay then."

Synoa: "He dropped his ice cream..."

Syn: "What a waste."

Daydre jumps as two more strangers appear besides her, a tall woman with pale blue hair and what seems to be a ponytailed cyborg wearing an "In Case of Accident, My Blood Type Is Mounain Dew" hoodie. Both of them are holding ice cream cones.

There are differences but their faces look... vaguely similar to the other two's.

Daydre: "So uh... You guys not from around here?"

Syn: "No."

Daydre: "Cool, cool..."

Almia, Ranger HQ, April 1st

Ditty: ...you can stop screaming at any time, you know.

Logan: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (no)

Ditty: The ceiling did nothing to deserve this.

Logan: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (kai. kai what the fuck)

Sinnoh, April 1st, After A Variety Of Messes

Megan: ...so, Battle Bond.

Hiro: -putting out his hair, which intermittently tries to set itself on fire- Yeah. Still no consistency in activation?

Megan: -liquidating, doing nothing to stop it- Yeah. -_-

Megan: -burbling- It should just be on knockout, right...?

Hiro: I cannot reiterate enough how much the practical element is secondary to the interpersonal. Historically, it is the most common.

Pollen: -the "tiny human with wings" kind of fairy, hating it- <We're getting along a lot better these days.>

Hiro: Is that the truth.

Megan & Pollen: <Yes!

Hiro: -half-smirk- Hm.

-Pollen tries to continue the defensive, but becomes aware of a high-pitched whistling-

-she looks up...-

-into a bloom of otherworldly light...-

Pollen: <...>

-Megan shudders as an old fear - not hers - trickles through her exoskeleton wait, that's not right''-

-Pollen shrills and throws up a Safeguard, forcing everyone down and back-

-...behind just enough cover for the rubble to stream past them, from what streaks out of the sky and craters the earth-

Megan: .

Hiro: ..

Pollen: ...

-for all Hiro illuminates, Pollen's the only one there who sees clear through obstruction-

Pollen: -tiny- <Ultra Beast.>

-the light leaches from their surroundings, drawn inexorably...forward and down-

-into the cracked crystal thing in the pit-

Pollen: <This—this is a joke, right? This has—gotta be some...twisted joke?>

Megan: I-It's April Fool's...?

Hiro: Pain is funny, sometimes.

Pollen & Megan: Not helping!!>

Hiro: -shrug- I don't claim to know all the rules of the universe.

-and something blacker than night claws its way out, reaching for the sun-

Pollen: -screaming- <Voyd! Stop it!!>

-no response but a sound like chainsaw rattling-

Hiro: ...cover your eyes.

(-but it turns instead for the Moonblast and Fire Burst charging in a pair of hands-)

Celestic, April 1st

-crash-

Sinnoh, Not Quite The Safe House, But Someplace Related, April 1st

-and the peace of longstanding crimes against humanity is thrown into disarray by a boom like a meteor impact-

-we'll get back to this-

Edited by Asterisk395 on Apr 2nd 2022 at 2:00:12 AM

An industrial loft at the Wyndon Docklands, the First of April

A green-haired, stern-faced Kalosian woman walks up the hall to one of the units that now make up this former textile factory turned hipster loft. She wears a starched business power suit that seemed stuck in the 1980s. A few bits of confetti were stuck on her hair. Going by her appearance, she could be pushing her mid-30s. Following her around is an equally stern-faced Mr. Rime.

She tries to knock on the door, only for it to open by itself. Opening the door is a casually dressed man in jeans, a button down with a checkered tie.

Louis: Have you come to check on me so soon, soeur?

Nicolette: Aren't you happy to see me, little brother?

Louis: Didn't expect me to live in a different part of town, now, Nicolette?

Nicolette: Impossible. What kind of ruse are you pulling at, Louis? You were disinherited. You couldn't possibly have any funds to live off— where is the boy?!

Louis: He's in his room.

Nicolette: Why is he not in the dormitory?

Louis: He wanted to live with me. He made repeated requests to mom and dad to have him live with me while he studied here and all they gave him was "send him to my place over the weekends."

Nicolette: Well, in their defense. Your old house was well below our acceptable margin of "decent."

Louis: You leave my old house out of this! It was fine the way it was.

Nicolette looks around. The apartment was decently furnished in a modern contemporary style. To the east was a window showing the city of Wyndon and the [Thames]. To the north was a screen showing virtual computers and the icons of porygon wandering around them. In various orderly cases were [Funko Pops].

Nicolette: A reasonably acceptable upgrade, if you're into the same shit Sylvestre's into.

Louis: That's the closest you can ever come to complimenting me, is it?

Nicolette: Don't get used to it.

An indeedee walks toward Nicolette.

Mathilde, via speech device: Would you like some coffee, Miss Nicolette.

Nicolette: That is acceptable. And call on Gaspard. I wish to see him personally.

Mathilde: Your wish is my command, mademoiselle.

Louis: Yeah, go bring him here. Not every day we have sibling bond.

Louis: What's with the confetti on your hair?

Nicolette: Oh, you wouldn't believe what just happened. There was a flash mob in the middle of the streets that came out of nowhere. It was bedlam! Bedlam I say!

Louis: Couldn't have been worse than the giant robot zapdos. Or that time in the museum. Or that time I was in the Christmas protest when a bunch of villain-backed Flare sympathizers...

Nicolette: I get it.

An awkward silence ensues.

Louis: So, how'd the divorce go?

Nicolette: Terribly.

Louis: Bummer. I'll go make dessert.

Earlier, the Streets of Wundon

What appears to be a [Filipino] man gallivants across the street, wearing, white jeans and sneakers and a white T-shirt with blue and red piping and a number 53 emblazoned on his chest. On his shoulders was an 80s beatbox. Dancing alongside him was a pale, blue skinned masked gentleman wearing a vampire costume that tries too hard.

And everyone else in town was following along in a rather oddly well-choreographed dance number set to the song. Everyone was singing along, led by the man in white.

Once the song concluded, confetti dropped from the sky.

Herbie: Oh, Arceus, that was completely impromptu.

Otis: Indeed. These mortals can be swayed to do anything. Lovely song, though. Once this city and its people are brought to heel, it shall be decreed that this song shall play at all times.

Herbie: Not gonna lie, that's a big step up from the politicians down here. Ever consider just running for office? Plenty of room to use your, uh, "dark powers" there.

Otis: Please, don't insult me. If I am to run as the dark master of this miserable island as well as the digital world, I can do it without relying on [Cambridge Analytica] or breaking the hearts of the maidens of Wyndon.

A bunch of women nearby swoon as Otis finger guns seductively at them.

Herbie: I still have Lou's credit card number. Wanna go buy some wine?

Otis: I never drink—oh, what the hell!

Edited by MasterJayAM on Apr 2nd 2022 at 11:54:22 PM

Sinnoh Route 203

-Hailee walks onto Route 203-

Hailee: This is it. Route 203. Here starts the road to Oreburgh, home of the first Gym! Wonder what adventures await us!

-Hailee continues down the path, until she spots a berry on the path-

Hailee: A berry? Cool!

-Hailee picks up the berry and decides to eat it, moving her hand closer to her mouth, before something swoops and takes the berry-

Hailee: Hey!

-Hailee looks up and spots the culprit on a tree, a small, mysterious Pokemon wearing a grass hoodie and cloak, the hoodie covering their face, as it then dashes off-

Hailee: Get back here!

-Hailee chases the Pokèmon as it dashes through the treetops-

Hailee: That is one athletic Pokemon. Well, in that case...

-Hailee brings Banjo out from his Pokeball, as he chases the Pokèmon through the treetops-

Banjo: Get back here!

-the chase continues until they reach a small cave, as the Pokemon then tries to dash and hide inside-

Hailee: Oh no ya don't! Banjo, Branch Poke!

-the move strikes the Pokemon, knocking it out and making it drop the berry-

Hailee: Alright!

-Banjo then eats the berry-

Hailee: Aww, I was gonna eat that... it's okay. Not like I'd abandon you over that.

-the Pokemon that stole the now-eaten berry then wakes up-

Hailee: There's no more berry for you to run away over. Now, just what kind of Pokèmon are you...

-the leaves making up the Pokemon's hoodie then drift off in the wind, revealing what it is-

Hailee: A Piplup?

Stormchaser

-Kai stirs awake.-

Vesha: Morning, Kai.

-Kai squeaks in surprise and bolts upright, glancing around.-

Kai: ...oh gods you're still here.

Vesha: So it would seem! Halys is still getting more sleep, they seemed like they were pretty wrecked after everything yesterday, but Cyrus and I were gonna go find somewhere to get coffee, want to come with? Our money isn't exactly compatible with this world, after all.

Kai: It didn't get translated...?

Vesha: Apparently not!

Kai: ...okay. Well, there's coffee on the Stormchaser, but I guess you want to find somewhere that doesn't involved being cooped up like this.

Vesha: Yeah, no, fresh air would be nice.

Kai: Yeah. Lemme just... where's my phone...

Cyrus: I've got it!

-Kai glances past Vesha to look at Cyrus, who is tapping at the phone idly.-

Kai: ...how did you—

Cyrus: Picked the lock.

Kai: Picked the— you mean you guessed my passcode???

Cyrus: Nah, just picked the lock.

Kai: What does that even mean?

Vesha: It was pretty impressive.

Kai: ...I. You know what nevermind just give me it back please.

Cyrus: Aw.

-Cyrus slumps, but hands over the phone.-

Kai: Thank you.

Cyrus: By the way, the other me broke out of jail, apparently.

Kai: They What?????

Some Cafe in Jubilife — Shortly Later

-They've got coffee now!-

-Kai is busy typing up a text-

Cyrus: Honestly, they're probably happier not going home?

Kai: ...yeah I guess.

Cyrus: Yeah! You won't have to miss my face for too long.

Kai: ...sure.

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Apr 2nd 2022 at 12:29:55 PM

Jubilife Cafe

Wyndon Stadium, past

"Dodge!" Hoops yells. Through the use of a lot of scuttling and jumping, Sal is able to avoid the attacks from his opponents, though he is left breathing heavily.

"If direct attacks don't work, let's try something else," Hoops notes. "Sal, use Toxic but throw it up into the air."

Sal follows the instruction and launches a large glob of poison into the sky, where it hangs for a moment as it reaches the top of its arc.

"Now, use Dragon Pulse and target the poison!"

Sal remembers when they pulled off a similar manoeuvre at the Motostoke Gym and launches a beam of purple energy at the poison. The large glob explodes, creating a wide rain of the toxic liquid.

Celestic Town, present day

It has been several weeks since Vana first stumbled into town with a broken leg, and she has now recovered enough that she could safely leave. However, Professor Carolina cautions against this idea.

"It could be dangerous," she warns. "There are dangerous people and pokémon out there, and you're so young."

"I know," Vana says, packing supplies into a bag. "That's how I got hurt in the first place."

"Then you should stay. You can live here as long as you want."

Vana shakes her head. "I have things that I need to do. People that I need to get revenge on." She coughs violently.

"You still need to recover more," warns the professor. "Just, another week at least."

"No," Vana insists. "It has to be now. If not now, then I don't think I'll ever leave."

"Then don't."

"I have to!" Vana doesn't mean to shout, and she feels guilt at seeing the old woman flinch. "I'm sorry. But like I said, I have a path. And I have to finish walking it, for better or for worse."

She thinks of someone she met long ago. "I have to make up for something."

Some Cafe In Jubilife