Hamlet, The Basement

The key fits into the door easily, with the door itself swinging open to reveal...

Oh. Those weren't footsteps. It seems that rhythmic thump was some kind of water wheel in this room that's being driven by some unknown and possibly entirely underground river. The linkages from said wheel are a mess, snapped shafts to anything that looks like practical milling machinery leaving the only active linkage as a series of step-up gears feeding into what you may or not be able to recognize as a rudimentary film projector. The looping film strip inside it is already spinning but in this lighting and the way the machine is set up the only way to figure out what's on it is to give it some kind of light source.

You could use your own flame or, on a nearby table, a lantern-like construct housing a single glowing shard of crystal.

[Balarat] Bushlands, A While Back

Shift: <Alright. Break for today and tomorrow we'll take this guy's Treasure.>

Yeah. Guess I've got a delivery to handle...

Wilmont Industrial Park, A While Back

-The time differential between [Australia] and the headquarters for Zagan makes things convenient, if you consider staying awake for practically the whole night just to be active in two vastly different time zones. Gale Knight silently prays to Lady Luck for the fortitude to go without sleep and for a blessing for the heist (and trials of conscience) to come. Eventually she receives the proper access and beelines for the usual office space where deals of food are made-

-She knocks on the door-

Hey uh, Nicole? Is Crowley in? Kinda... Kinda want to give him a piece of my mind about those budget cuts.

Nicole, Pokemon Masterfoods Handler: H-he's gone out for lunch...

-Something about the tone of voice coming through the door causes Gale's eyebrow to perk-

He hit you again, didn't he?

Nicole: No he—

Where's his office?

Nicole: He's not in... Knight please don't... Promise you're not going to do something rash.

-Gale takes a deep breath but the lying words 'I promise' refuse to escape into voice-

I'm just going to give him a warning. That's all.

-There is a tense few seconds-

Nicole: Two floors up, big frosted windows.

-There is no further reply, Gale walks off with a grim determination-

Wilmont Industrial Park, Two Hours Less Of A While Back

-James Crowley is not in a good mood following his lunch meeting with the guy from the "Board of Education". Some would say it's the drinks, but really the main thing is how the usual discussion of supply deals with those insane scientists had turned into what was effectively a ransom argument. As he power-walked back to his office he was already drafting the formal dissolution of the supply contract, the less formal leak to the media about the nature of this board and the far less formal bounty notice offering practically the year's budget for the machine that he desired in the first place-

-So really there was a lot on his mind as he sat down at his desk and noticed the card sitting there-

James Crowley: What the fuck is this?

James Crowley: ... Security!

-A flash... We see Shadow James from the outside: His exterior like concrete superstructure and an endless stream of miniaturized packaged meat falling from the corner of his mouth-

Shadow James Crowley: Security!

-Within, white blood cells flood as an uncertaintly resolves into focus...-

[Balarat] Bushlands, A Few More Hours Less A While Ago

-Pent emerges from the shadows as the sun peeks over the trees, looking tired but leading Susan by the hand-

Okay. Sound off who's here.

-A secondary Pent standing nearby dissolves into an ooze-

Shift: <Yo.>

Jubilife City

-The Tyrantanoth Rex is knocked backwards by the Dual Chop and after regaining his bearings he lets loose a harrowing roar before charging to bodily crash into the Minor Machamp-

Floaroma Town

Then I shall not keep you further then, Kai. Farewell.

-Pent gives a rare (at least for this face) smile and steps into the shadows to depart-

Gale's Cabin, Recently

-And by recently I mean Halloween. A spitting image of a certain philosophical robot girl is sprawled out on the bed of the cabin following the end of a particularly stressful cooking stream (both in cooking a pumpkin-based feast in high heel boots and also in moderating an abnormally thirsty chat) and just staring at the ceiling while unwrapping her third chocolate of the evening-

Alright, now we get to relax.

-Which is precisely the moment her phone rings and with a grumble Gale Knight rolls over and grabs it-

Heya Nicole. How's the promotion?

A Sharp-Dressed (we assume) Secretary: Wrong employee Miss Knight. Call has come down from on high, Miss Thane herself is requesting your presence at Orochi Tower now.

Should I get changed into something formal?

Sharp-Dressed Secretary: No, come as you are.

Are you sure? Cause I'm currently—

Sharp-Dressed Secretary: Come as you are. Promptly, please.

... Alright! Tell Thane I warned her!

-The call ends with a click and Gale Knight rolls off the bed to make sure her costume was properly aligned before turning off the cabin lights and vanishing in the resultant shadows-

???, The Counselor's Office

-The Counselor glances up from his desk as Whitt enters. If he'd previously seemed somewhat more tired and worn during his chats with Nitrogen and Adelinde, now his smile looks positively painted-on.-

The Counselor: Ah, Whitt. I've been told you had quite the adventure. Please, take a seat. What is it that you need to ask me about?

???, Counsellor's Office

Whitt takes the seat. He seems unsure of how to say what he wants to.

"While I was... waylaid," he says, not wanting to use the words captured or imprisoned. "I... well, there was this person there. A guard. He'd stop outside of my cell, and say things that were meant to torment me. I started to feel something that I've never experienced before, something that I didn't really understand. I was hoping you could help me with it."

???, The Counselor's Office

-The Counselor's smile fades, and he sets down his papers to give Whitt his full attention.-

The Counselor: Detention is inherently compromising by its very nature. Prison guards hold immense psychological power over their prisoners, and can leverage that power to all manner of ends. No doubt you've used such tactics yourself in the past. It's my job here to ensure that our students are able to deal with such stressors, and to help them recover in the aftermath. In that vein, may I ask what it was they said that caused you to feel this way?

???, Counsellor's Office

Whitts shrugs, and winces at the way the movement hurts his shoulder. "Insulted me. Insulted the School. Refused to acknowledge our superiority. Name calling. It wasn't exactly new, but there was so much of it."

He stares at his hands. "I hated him, sir. Pure, burning hatred. That shouldn't happen. People don't hate the thorn they cut themselves on. There's no way that I should hate a creature who's so much lesser than me."

"More like trying to avoid a lot of-"

~Not the time,~ Colt interrupted.

Vaughn let out a grunt. "Right, okay. The name is Vaughn, who are you?"

???, The Counselor's Office

-The Counselor raps his desk pensively.-

The Counselor: Unfortunately, there will always be those who fail to grasp that our organisation is working towards the betterment - ultimately, the perfection - of mankind. I would agree that hatred is largely wasted on such individuals. They are more deserving of contempt, or maybe pity. Hatred itself, however... that can be quite a productive emotion, if channelled correctly. You feel such emotion because we are not in the business of making automatons. I would suggest you remember that feeling, the next time you find yourself facing those associated with your captors. Goodness knows we need a victory against them and theirs.

-He leans back in his chair.-

The Counselor: I don't suppose you happened to learn anything useful during your time in captivity, did you? I'm still waiting on your report.

???, Counsellor's Office

Whitt has the decency to look ashamed. "No, I didn't. I wish that I had been able to accomplish more, but I fear that at best I may have planted a seed of doubt. And that seed might not even grow. In the end, I was barely able to escape with my life."

He tightens his fist. "That's the other reason I wanted to talk to you. I know that you may punish me for my failure, and I accept whatever is deemed necessary. But once that is done, I wish to be made more powerful. The creatures we should be ruling are defiant, and they are annoyingly competent when it comes to defending themselves, and so if there is anything that the School can do to grant me power, I wish that it be done to me."

Maniac Tunnel:

Mark would nod in response to Owen's answer, “Sounds like you've just gotten lucky a few times. Just glad you bother digging somewhere that makes common sense and not just anywhere you could end up hitting pipes or power line,” Almost immediately in response to Owen's question, Travis would elaborate, “I didn't say there was amber here, was just saying there could be. Still setting up my detector,”

Rookie the Riolu would briefly notice the other pokemon greeting him, initially only responding with a light, bashful albeit friendly wave before asking with notable confusion, <What are you talking about? I'm a fighter, not a potter! What does a pottery wheel have anything to do with fighting?> Rookie's attention would be shifted from Cephalo to Eurypedis, but before he would even have a chance to respond, Stipax would accidentally make and announce his discovery. At the same time, Chopper would also run into the giant rock containing old amber and fossils, but he wouldn't stop quite in sync with Stipax and inadvertently chip off some chunks of rocks and amber.

<Wow, that's so cool! How are we going to get it out of here though?> Chopper would ask, fascinated by the discovery and the first time he ever helped dig up something truly valuable, only for Mark to explain, <We're not taking the entire rock, just the fossils and amber Stipax dug out of it,> <Ohhhh, that would make a lot more sense> Chopper would reply, feeling dumbfounded before literally jumping out of the digsite.

“I am detecting amber signatures near our location,” Haxx would inform the group literally right after the discovery had already been made, with Travis replying, “Thank you captain obvious...also why is your text and UI pink now?”

“I'm experimenting with new colors, got bored with blue,” Haxx would explain, causing Travis to say, “That's great and all, but I'd rather not have my phone flash pink every time you say a syllable,”

“You can argue with your phone later, right now I need you to set a path for wherever Owen's planning to go this time, assuming it's not super out of the way,” Mark told Travis before asking Owen, “That kinda depends on where you're planning to go. We're still a ways from Hearthome and it's getting late as hell. What did you have in mind?” In the distance, the faint sound of rumbling from both sides of the party could be heard slowly getting louder, followed by the growing clamor of what could have been a swarm of Geodudes.

Maniac Cave

"Oh, I was thinking of heading back to Oreburgh City, since that's where the fossil revival center is," said Owen. "It'd be a good way to introduce the rest of my mons to these new friends."

And then— they heard the rumbling.

"Uh-oh," said Owen. "Someone's coming. Guys, ready yourselves."

Stipax, Eurypedis, Cephalo, and Steggy nodded, getting into battle positions.

The skies over Sinnoh

-Savannah is pretty silent as they fly toward Jubilife.-

Maniac Tunnel:

“Hmmm...that's a good walk west of Hearthome. Good thing the lab seems to almost always be open, guessing they've got a night crew or something,” Travis said in response to Owen's response before continuing, “It's getting pretty late though, and while I've done all nighters before to cram for mid-terms and finals, it's not a fun experience. Would rather not have to do it again if I don't have to.”

“If we need to pick up the pace I guess we can start flying straight to Oreburgh. I don't know if you have any pokemon who can really fly Trav, but I'm guessing one of us will be able to help you out with that if you don't,” Mark would say with Travis explaining, “Something tells me I'm not going to fly from here to Oreburgh holding onto my Starly's feet with one hand while he struggles to fly fueled by the power of belief,”. He would laugh imagining the mere idea of trying to pull this off before the rumbling could be heard by everyone and Owen's team already prepared for combat. Chopper, Tricky, and Rookie were also ready to handle whatever was coming their way, with the threat revealing itself to be a swarm of angry Geodudes, pissed off that their habitat had not only been trespassed but ransacked.

<The hell you think you're doing to our home?! Why are you breaking apart our rocks?!> One of the Geodudes angrily growled while angrily squaring up. <Yeah, we don't break into your houses and steal your things! Let's teach these jerks a lesson!> Another Geodude suggested before the swarm began attacking the party's pokemon.

“Alright Rookie, show them what you got!” Mark would order before the Riolu struck a dramatic pose and threw a Rock Smash attack right into a wild Geodude's face, which was not only super effective, but would have caused the wild pokemon to explode into shattered rock bits of Rookie hadn't been taught restraint, with the floating rock mon instantly going spiral-eyed and falling face up onto the ground. Chopper meanwhile would fight without needing to be prompted, intelligently deciding to throw a mach punch into another geodude after Rookie made his attack. This Mach Punch would not only take out the target Geodude in one hit, it would send that Geodude flying into another Geodude, slamming into them like a billiard ball hard enough to knock out both geodudes and send both of them falling onto the ground.

Tricky meanwhile would have a rougher time, being at a type disadvantage, however Travis still remained confident as ever. “I know you're electric against rock and ground, but there's always been more to you than meets the eye Tricky. Use Iron Tail!” Travis would say before Tricky would bound towards a wild geodude and jump into a Metroid-styled Screw Attack, somehow unleashing an iron tail attack that would spike her target hard into the ground and knock them out instantly. At this point about less than half of the geodude swarm would be defeated, however several of them would make their approach towards Owen's team.

Floaroma Town

-Kai smiles back, giving a quick wave before Pent disappears from view. She then goes to finish recollecting flowers and pay for them, then pulls out her phone-

Maniac Cave

"Well, I have Teryx, but he's not that good at flying," said Owen.

And then the Geodude swarm started.

About five Geodude headed towards the group of mons, and almost immediately the mons on the other side fought back.

<Alright!> cried Cephalo. <You wanna see this?! Here you are!>

He promptly slammed his head into two of the Geodude, knocking both of them out.

Steggy shook his bushes, releasing multiple leaves out at the opponent.

Eurypedis, meanwhile, opened his mouth and released a stream of water from it.

Finally, Stipax created a ball of greenish energy in between his pedipalps and released it in a massive burst.

All of the Geodude were thrown back against the wall.

???, The Counselor's Office

-The Counselor's expression creases into a frown.-

The Counselor: You should know that in this office, I don't tend to dole out punishments for punishment's sake. The fact that you were able to escape on your own prerogative is remarkable in itself. An asset recovered, without the need for further expenditure. As for your request... that's not really my department. But I can speak to the science team, in recognition of your efforts.

-He steeples his fingers.-

The Counselor: That said... I'm glad you're able to recognise the competence of this latest threat. When I said that hatred is an emotion that can be productively channelled, the key word there was "productively". It needs to be focused, targeted, and to do that we need to choose our battles, not engage our enemy on their own terms. Is that understood?

[Ballarat], far past

-Appears-

Let's get this show on the road, as we've already established the School will certainly try to silence him.

Lavender Tower, past

Ann: -To Jackie- Yeah, let's.

-She starts going up the stairs-

???, School Medbay - Today

-A rather tall, copper-haired Templar is staring at a tank, his features very similar to Zee's, though he's even taller than she is-

???: -Arms crossed- That was a very foolish decision Brad, provoking Iridium and the hedge Auric's team.

Brad: -Within the tank, body mostly obscured from the bubbles, cracking a grin- Yeah well, you win some, you lose some Adrian.

Adrian the Stalwart: I'd suggest not making a habit of it, you've been in there for for more than a month now. You're lucky though, most Templars don't come back at all, or in pieces, especially after a second fight.

Brad: That little pet project the eggheads have been cooking up amongst the Freshmen, with that nearly unusable template they had to shore up, how's that been going?

Adrian: The tests remain inconclusive.

Brad: Yeah well, the old one didn't seem like they'd amount to much either, just gotta make sure there's no repeat mistakes.

Adrian: -Looking towards the entrance- It would appear we have a guest.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Nov 5th 2022 at 4:40:35 AM

Over the Skies of Sinnoh

Tony is basically trying is hardest not to scream while they fly through the air. Stephen is just chilling in his pokeball, oblivious to what’s going on at the moment.

Stormchaser entrance

Jess waves off their mum and sighs in relief when she and Ada leave.

Jess: Thank Arceus that's finally over with.

Kal: Took her long enough. We need to talk.

Jess turns around. Kal has apparently been following from a distance for a while.

Jess: I'm so sorry about earlier! We didn't mean to come in your room!

Kal: It's not about that. Well, sort of.

Jess: What is it then?

Kal: Just come back to my room with me. I won't kick you out this time. It'll be easier for me to show you there.

Jess: Erm, okay?

Jess follows Kal back towards the Stormchaser rooms.

Stormchaser medbay

Chase II is sitting in a chair next to his bed. Micro is curled up on his lap.

Chase: I'm finally able to stand up for a few seconds! Things are getting better! Still can't really do anything with this arm though.

He weakly wiggles his arm.

Chase: Soon I'll be able to bring someone back from here and get back to my usual duties! I can't wait to see Shelf again.

Micro: ~Are you really sure they want you back? That new you looked pretty intent on liquidating you, and why would they have Ada with them?

Chase: Come on, we both know Ada would love to see me dead. I'll bet she was the one who set up the mistake in the first place. I can't wait to see the look on her face when I show back up alive and well with a captured truant or two!

Micro sighs.

Edited by QuantumMelody29 on Nov 5th 2022 at 9:03:53 AM

Textspace

School Medbay

-there is a familiar click of heels, and someone whistles a tune-

-as Adelinde paces into the room-

Adelinde: Adrian. Brad.

-there's a note of caution in her voice that isn't usually there-

You aren't looking so good.

Edited by memyselfandI2 on Nov 5th 2022 at 2:50:36 AM

Battle Academy

Gabriella: We don't have class for another... hour? Ish?

Xavier: Mph!

-Xavier swallows.-

Xavier: I hope Mr. Wes wasn't too mad about me being out!

Gabriella: He apparently knew you were out going after the bounty, judging by how he just sent your schoolwork straight to your room.

-Xavier lets out a long, overdramatic groan.-

Gabriella: Oh, by the way, Daria, did you get your Pokedex? If not, you'll need to get in touch with Logistics to get one. They're super useful.

-A little holographic cube with eyes pops out of Xavier's pocket.-

Peepa: Every Pokedex from Battle Academy is also home to your own Personal Podedex Assistant, like me! We may not be able to make our Pokedex float around, but we've got just as much personality as any Rotom!

Textspace

Memitospace

-Knock, knock.-

Jubilife City

-And eventually they arrive over Jubilife.-

Savannah: Um... where did you say you were staying again?

School Medbay

Adrian: -Nods in greeting- Adelinde.

Brad: -Smirks- Hey Adel.

-Looking at her with his working eye-

Yeah well, that's what happens when when you get mauled. Way I see it, at least I didn't go out like Hortensia and Gerald did. They're dead, thanks to that truant Iridium, but I'm still here. The doc pulled out all the stops to make sure of that.

Adrian: Perhaps I should take my leave...

Brad: -To Adrian- Nah, stick around big guy.

-To Adelinde-

You're not just here to see little old me for a wellness check, are you? You wanna talk about what happened at the base, am I right?

School Medbay

Adelinde: Indeed.

-she paces in front of Brad-

Adelinde: It was, to speak plainly, a clusterfuck. As someone closer to the action than I was, I was hoping you might have some insight.

Memitospace

-the door opens without visible impetus-

-Brie is sitting on a couch, playing Capumon-

-Ever is draped over the television. There's a vaguely quadrupedal Ghost resting on them-

Edited by memyselfandI2 on Nov 5th 2022 at 3:43:34 AM

Memitospace

-Kai steps in, flowers in hand. They smile at Brie, but pause upon seeing Ever.-

Kai: ...Ah, that's what you meant.

-They ponder for a moment, before turning their attention back to Brie.-

Kai: Hey there, sweetie~

-They wander over, kiss Brie on the forehead, and hold up the bouquet.-

Kai: Hope you've been doing okay since the fight with Nitrogen.