Halis: <Oh, what'll I be having? Hmm... if they make frozen yogurt I don't doubt they also have milkshakes, yes? I'd personally like one right about now.>

They switch out their scarf on the spot again with a sparkle from it to change back to human form, but for some reason only manage to do a partial transformation, still stuck with the Lopunny ears and tail. They immediately feel something's off, getting a mirror out and inspecting closely.

Halis: "Ah, well, that's certainly a new one... I appear to be having a wardrobe malfunction of some sort."

They put the mirror away.

Halis: "Anyway, I've actually found rocks before that affected me beyond just surface-level effects, so I have found so-called 'rare' ones before, but I have, or, at least had, the common sense to hand them over to some friends of mine for safekeeping. That one..."

They gesture to the one they handed Louis earlier.

Halis: "Iunno, there's something about it that makes me want to get the shiny part out. Feels special somehow."

Faction Offices

-Kai's face immediately flushes red at Alice's consideration of a Kai collection. Kalter momentarily looks confused, before the realization sets in and they turn a similar shade of crimson to match.-

Kalter: O-oh. A-hem, anyway, I didn't— no, that's not why I'm here. Not to recruit. I just, er, needed to see why Javed hasn't been dealt with, because they're unfinished business.

-By a stroke of good fortune, the flustered feeling seems to have supplanted the confrontational air from earlier.-

Kai: ...It's because they don't really have anywhere else to go. Their old world was basically devoid of fate, no more stories to be told. Criminal here or not, at least they get to be something.

Kalter: ...their chaos is still your responsibility, though.

Kai: Are they with Renegade again? Uh, Alice, for context — Cy became fake-Rogue so that the previous fake-Rogue could get a palette swap and a new name.

Kalter: ...Not sure. If they are, then they're definitely both a responsibility.

Meat Palace

-As we travel through the tunnels-

Well, hopefully this'll be simple as far as Palace heists go.

Outside the Café, several seconds before the Chicxulub meteor impact

-Upon exiting, Channah and Chiyo are met by a small group of smug-looking Templars-

Templar #1: Ugh, why'd Lydia have to waste our time like that. Now Iridium, you and your friend are going to come with us, nice and easy.

Templar #2: -Smirking- They're so small, it's hilarious.

Chiyo: -Staring them down as she steps between them and Channah- It's Chiyo, and I think you already know the answer to that, Templar. I'm not letting you take me or Channah.

Templar #1: Oh please, you think you're hot shit just because you killed some bottom rate Templars, truant?

-Snorts-

You might've killed them, but I'm literally built different-Urk!

-They clutch their skull in pain, and then they drop motionless to the ground, presumably of a barrier-induced stroke-

Templar #2: -Shocked- The fuck was that?

Chiyo: Those dossiers they give you don't tell you everything about me.

-Figurative flames in her eyes as she stares down the remaining Templars, looking as if she might as well be seven feet tall instead of a mere 5'3"-

I will once again give you the opportunity to take your fellow's corpse and leave. But if you still wish to fight... you're only going to end up joining him.

-The remaining Templars don't run and instead start creating Constructs-

Chiyo: So damned stubborn...

-Barriers rotating aggressively-

Alright then, have it your way.

-And Dactyl is sent careening into a Templar, who is knocked to the ground and doesn't get up, as the rest of the Templars close in and attempt to mob-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Nov 20th 2022 at 11:08:01 AM

Battle Academy

Arubeg: You know what I just realized?

Retek: Uuuuuh... the sheer absurdity of us being schoolteachers?

Arubeg: Shut up. I'm being serious.

Retek: Oh. Then I got nothing.

Arubeg: How are we gonna be able to tell if any of our students are gifted in this world's weird genetic superpowers?

Retek: What, you mean like the mind things that Ludmilla does? Dunno. I always assumed that things like that would make themselves known eventually.

Arubeg: And if it makes itself known in a emotionally tense situation, like after being pranked or an especially bad loss?

Retek: Okay yeah, I see your point. Pretty sure an incident exactly like that is on our "to watch" list.

Arubeg: I'll ask Therephit and Doh.

Retek: I'll ask Angela and... I guess she just goes by Ein now. Anywho, I'll ask them.

-Something occurs to Retek as he turns.-

Retek: Hey, what brought this up, anyway?

Arubeg: A hunch.

Ein: Mama Angela? Why is this book glowing?

Angela: Hm?

-Angela walks over. The book is indeed glowing - a dull orange, one that Angela is herself very familiar with.-

Angela: I believe that is the book that contains the Firebird. Odd. I had not seen that particular Abnormality in some time. I wondered if it had been lost.

Ein: Why is it glowing?

Angela: I'm not entirely sure. My current hypothesis is that it's resonating with something, but...

-Xavier rolls over in her bed.-

Angela: I couldn't begin to imagine as to what.

Ein: Hmmm...

Ein: Oh, phooey.

Angela: Do not try to force it. This Abnormality is far less malicious than most of the others. It will not hurt anyone unless attacked first.

Ein: Alright, Mama. Oh! By the way! A message came in from Mama Deziree!

Angela: Oh?

Ein: I'm gonna be a sister!

Angela: ... Oh.

Alola, Wela Volcano

Hoops peers over the lip of the volcano. "You want me to what?"

"Like I said," Kiawe repeats. "The Totem pokémon is in the volcano. Your trial is one of endurance, since you have to find it and defeat it before succumbing to heat exhaustion."

Hoops stares at him. "I read online I just had to do a spot the difference."

Kiawe shakes his head. "It was too easy. It didn't count as a trial at all."

"You realise I could die."

"No!" Kiawe stamps his foot on the ground, and flames seem to rise up behind him. "If your spirit is as hot as the volcanoes of Alola, there's no way that you can lose!"

Hoops is silent for a second. "But that's lava. Like, extremely hot and dangerous lava."

Kiawe shrugs. "In the volcano is where the Firium Z crystals are. You want it, right?"

Hoops sighs, and looks at the two Z crystals they already have: normal and water. They didn't come to Alola to leave with just this number. "Fine."

"Excellent," Kiawe says. "Now, leave all but two of your pokémon here. I promise to look after them for you."

They groan and select two pokéballs, pocketing them before giving the rest to Kiawe. "Come out," they say, tapping the balls. Sal and Led appear in front of them. "Led, can your Light Screen help protect us from the heat?" they ask.

Led nods. <It will help a bit.>

With that, they begin to descend the path that winds down the side of the volcano. The heat increases quickly, and Hoops begins to think that this may not have been the best idea, seeing as they're partially made of a rather dry fabric.

"We'd better make this quick," they note.

By the time they reach the bottom, Hoops and Led are drenched in sweat, even despite the Light Screen. Sal, being a fire type, is completely fine and is enjoying the heat.

<There> he says, pointing to a rock in the centre of the volcano. Upon it stands a capsule, inside of which Hoops can see glinting several red crystals. <This is gonna be great> he says. <I can't wait to use a Z-move.>

<Is that why you were up last night practicing the movements?> Led asks in a teasing voice.

"And why you made me watch the dance for three hours?" Hoops adds.

Sal blushes. <Shut up.>

There are a number of rocks that can be jumped between to reach the one with the capsule on it. Hoops notes how dangerously close to the lava they are. "I wonder what the insurance premiums for this trial are. Okay, first of all." They concentrate, and all the bandages on their body retract into the stump of their arm, leaving them with only one functional arm and hand.

<Is that a good idea?> Led asks.

"Better to be down a hand than to catch fire," Hoops tells her. "Come on."

Led acts as their support while they make their way across the rocks. At one point they seem like they might fall, but Led creates another Light Screen and catches them. After a lot of tense sweating, they make it to the centre, which is about ten metres of rock in every direction.

<Great> Sal says. <Now we just need to -> He suddenly stops and stands completely still. <Oh no> he whispers. <This was a mistake.>

Before either Led or Hoops can ask what he means, he turns and shoots a column of flame towards Hoops. It's only their years of instincts that allow them to dive out of the way in time.

"What the Distortion World are you doing!" they yell.

Sal looks at them with tears forming in his eyes. <I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.>

<Hoops!> Led yells. She points behind them, at one of the walls of the volcano. Dozens of Salandit are crawling towards them, flames smouldering in their partially open jaws. Behind them, walking slowly on two legs, is a giant Salazzle, easily twice the size of any that Hoops has seen before. She glows with the yellow energy of a totem pokémon, and when she walks on the lava she seems to move across it like it's normal, solid earth.

"Kiawe, what the fuck?" Hoops mutters.

The Salazzle reaches the island in the centre of the volcano and regards the trio. <Prey> she muses. <Smaller than I'd like. And this little one...> She cranes her head to look at Sal, who still can't move as hard as he might try.

"What's happening?" Hoops asks.

The Salazzle looks smugly at them. Or perhaps that's just her natural face. <You're this little one's trainer, but you know so little> she says. Her tongue flicks in and out. <Males like him cannot resist my scent. They do as I wish them to do.>

While her attention is focused elsewhere, Sal opens his mouth and attempts to charge a Dragon Pulse attack. Salazzle glances at him, and his mouth slams shut. The attack explodes in his mouth.

<Sal!> Led yells. She uses an Air Slash that targets Salazzle, but three Salandit dive in front of her and intercept the attack. Salazzle glares at her.

<Stay out of this, Bug!> she snaps. <This is a matter for our kind! This one has the scent of one who has abandoned his tribe. Speak, Little One, and explain yourself!>

Sal remains silent. Salazzle grows visibly frustrated, and narrows her eyes at him. He gasps in pain. <I wanted to make my own path!> he shrieks. <I wanted a choice!>

Salazzle stares at him. <This is not our way. You will become one of mine, and all will be restored.>

Hoops steps forwards and stands between her and Sal. "You want him, you'll have to go through me."

Salazzle's tongue flickers in and out. <Your scent is... interesting. And it seems you understand our speech, which is rare for a human. However, you will not stop the natural order!>

Faster than Hoops can move, she moves forwards and slams her tail into them. Hoops has just enough to gasp in pain before being thrown into the capsule containing the Z crystals hard enough to crack the casing. They don't get up.

<Now> Salazzle turns her attention back to Sal. <Where were we?>

Mt. Battle, Master's Perch

-Dune taps his foot in the air as he leans back in his chair, his legs kicked up onto his desk as he watches the latest challenger on the monitor.-

Dune: He's gonna use Hydro Pump...

Challenger: Use Hydro Pump!

Dune: Then the Cradilily's Storm Drain activates...

Challenger: What?!

Dune: Then the Ninetails uses Sunny Day...

Vonder: Sunny Day!

Dune: Then the Cradilily uses Solar Beam...

Vonder: Solar Beam!

Dune: And I don't even need to finish watching to know that's where this challenge dies.

-He looks down at his phone, bored as a teenager at a seminar.-

Dune: Lesse... Oh, a congrats from Clavises... gonna have to send them a Christmas card this year...

-He keeps flipping through.-

Dune: I hope Champloo's understudy is gonna be able to handle the kitchen at the Academy. If Deziree's weird appetites are gonna be any reflection of her morning sickness, then we're gonna need him at the house...

-Then he notices a message from Angela.-

-Huh, that's weird. Angela usually has Retek or one of the others message on her behalf.-

Dune: What's this, then... "Resonance"? Well that's the most ominously vague word she could have used, that could mean literally anything.

-He starts typing back as the challenger is given a pat on the back and sent back down the mountain.-

The GM House

-Deziree, meanwhile, is sitting on the couch, ruminating.-

-She doesn't ruminate a whole lot, so she's not especially good at it, but she's trying.-

Deziree: ... Hey, Mobius.

Mobius: <Hm, yes? Something on your mind?>

-The Metagross hovers over, not wanting to tear up the new carpet (again).-

Deziree: Can I just, kinda... vent to you for a bit?

Mobius: <I'm between sample recordings, so I don't see why not. Of course, if you need someone to help scrub your mind of bad thoughts, I'm always happy to oblige. Both literally and metaphorically.>

-He holds up a toilet brush with a tag tied around the handle labeled "brain scrubber".-

Deziree: Gross. Anyway... I've been thinking, ever since the incident at the Walking Mountain...

-If one were not familiar with the intricacies of Metagross body language, one wouldn't be able to note the imperceptible tensing all over Mobius's metallic body.-

Mobius: <Yes...?>

Deziree: Am I really ready to be a mother?

-One doesn't need to be familiar with the intricacies of Metagross body language to see Mobius deflate in disappointment at the self-depricating tone of the question.-

Mobius: <I don't think->

-He's cut off by Deziree's continuing line of questions.-

Deziree: Like, I'm a great scientist - I know I am - but between the love for my work and the responsibilities I'm taking on by having a kid, a literal baby, as opposed to Ludmilla who was a wild child, sure, but one that at least knew how to talk and not need diaper changes every three hours...

-Mobius internally begins to regret agreeing to this, but decides to patiently wait for the expecting mother to finish.-

-It's a good thing his current experiment has sample periods measured in days.-

Faction Offices

-Kalter's sudden flusterment seems to soften Alice's attitude, albeit only temporarily.-

Alice: If Javed is still colluding with this fake-Rogue-turned-Renegade, then yes, that's a problem we need to address. However, that is something I would argue you ought to have investigated beforehand. It is the kind of situation that me and mine are well-suited to look into, but you seem to be holding this particular variant of Kai responsible for the actions of all others despite the fact that you are the planar interloper here. Or is this a collective responsibility shared amongst all Kais? Because if that were the case, then it's your problem just as much as hers.

Edited by Herbert40k on Nov 21st 2022 at 7:31:01 PM

The Underground Bunker

<Oh... I see...> said Teryx. <Well, you deserve to sleep in your own bed, so... I suppose I'll take the couch, then.>

He began to walk over to it.

<Sadly, I have a feeling I'll be uncomfortable all night... but even so.>

With that said, he promptly laid down on it.

Kris's secret base

Kris grabs some blankets and cushions from a cupboard.

Kris: In that case, you can at least use some of these.

The Underground Base

Teryx lit up as soon as he saw the cushions and blankets, and promptly ran over to Kris and grabbed them before setting them on the couch.

<Oh, thank you so much!> he said. <The last thing I would want is to sleep without any comfort. It is a bit of a shame there do not appear to be any cuddly toys, though, but I believe this should suffice.>

He got under the blanket, which was very soft, and turned to face Kris.

<Alright, then,> said Teryx. <Good night, Kris.>

Sinnoh underground, secret base

Kris: Yeah, Pat has some plushies but trying to take those yields... explosive results. Good night. I might have left for my shift by the time you wake up.

Kris heads over to their bedroom.

Louis' car, Celestic Town

The car touches down lightly in front of a small artisan cafe and froyo shop. Louis looks intrigued at what just happened to what had been a magical device. Could Strobe's glitch powers be seeping out of the PDA?

Louis: Don't worry too much about the bunny ears. Just tell everyone you like cosplaying as a lopunny. What's probably weirder is drinking froyo in the middle of a Sinnohan autumn.

Austin: I have a doctor's note telling me I should eat a lot of yogurt. They can't pin me on that.

Louis: There's an okay selection of shakes you can choose from. And as for prying that mineral from the rock, that's probably doable. Like, I've met a few rock collectors and some of them like keeping the mineral in the rock and some of them want to take it out if they can. Do what you feel like; though if you want to I'd recommend you ask a mineralogist to help you do that.

A Cell, the Stormchaser

A ditto, a golurk, and a duskull loaf around in what appears to be a reasonably comfortable jail cell. Apparently, they didn't take well to being with the J-Team, and Ciara put them on time out "to help them adjust to the situation." The duskull, Hassium, was already content with the situation and only went in because they wanted to help the golurk.

The ditto is bored and unhappy while the golurk sat down casually moving his legs back and forth.

Adam the Golurk: <When do you think father will come rescue us?>

Igor the Ditto: <How about never?>

Adam: <Lies! LIES!>

Igor: <Look, if he were all that worked up about retrieving us, he'd had made—>

Adam: <I saw Dr. Coleman here days ago!>

Igor: <—more than one attempt! It's obvious that a retrieval operation is not something they're capable of doing. Accept it. The J-Team is not some group the School can just casually intimidate.>

Adam: <Don't say that! Father will come for us again!>

Igor: <I'm more powerful than either of you and literally did all of Dr. Cassander's dirty work after you kicked the bucket. If he can't even bother sending a proper retrieval team to get me and by extension you out of here—>

Hassium: <Enough, Igor. Anyway, it doesn't matter. We follow the ancient rule that bonds us all to whichever human happens to have caught us.>

Adam: <You are evoking the Vow?>

Hassium: <Hey, we've been more free as Pokémon than we've ever been as people. It's the first time I've chosen something, and as far as trainers go, Ciara's not bad. >

She turns to Adam.

Hassium: <But he's right.Would you rather set yourself up for disappointment? The School treated us as expendable when we were human and Dr. Cassander treated Igor better than either of us even then. He's not coming back for him, and he's not coming back for us. And maybe... it's better this way. We should just accept it. We're not gonna be saved.>

Adam: <But... why?>

Hassium: <The School's always seen us as expendable, Adam. I don't know what Dr. Cassander told you to make you think otherwise. They can replace us, but I can never replace you. You may not like Ciara or Igor, but we have each other. Isn't that all that matters?>

Adam: <I guess so.>

Igor: <And here I thought templars and testing-lines don't like each other.>

Hassium: <Knock it off, Igor. You never had a sibling.>

Circhester Manor, Galar

Dr. Cassander paces in his well-appointed office. Suddenly, a Porygon2 appears in his office.

Cassander: Ah, Crick, what updates do you bring?

Crick: It's been several weeks, sir. Do you not find my assistance satisfactory? In what way can I serve you better? How would Igor have done things? Shall I send in a drone to serve you lunch?

Dr. Cassander: Crick, there's nothing wrong with your service specifically. The administration has been more than generous bringing you here. On top of the 5-star personal chef and two heavy-hitting templars serving as guard duty, of course. It is all adequate to fill in the roles once done by Oganesson and Igor.

Crick: On behalf of Dr. Coleman, I do apologise for the failure to retrieve your Pokémon from that traitorous templar. Apparently, she and her daughter got lost in their airship. She did confirm the presence of truants there.

Dr. Cassander: Ciara is a coward and a disappointing genetic failure. We have lost nothing from her defection. Had Adelinde not been preoccupied I'd rather have sent her to retrieve my lost property and liquidate her. Though even I think that's a waste of resources at this point; the ship's too difficult to track. But save your service concerns. You had news to tell me.

Crick: The last preparations for the new pokémon you requested have been prepared. Their enclosure is ready and they should arrive some time today.

Dr. Cassander: Good. It'd have certainly been easier once upon a time to contact smugglers to acquire a battler for me, but since the incident contracts have been slow. How goes the online smear campaign against our dear friend Jack King?

Crick: Excellent! The Aurabolts fandom have proven themselves to be useful pawns by initiating a boycott of all things King Industries. And no sooner after that, we can expect the Aurabolts themselves to be out of the way once the smear campaign following the murder accusations earn enough momentum.

Dr. Cassander: Genius.

Crick: The trick is to always keep a metaphorical ear open. When opportunity knocks and all that.

Dr. Cassander: Sometimes I still wish it were our own actions that led Delta to get caught. No doubt once that sanctimonious fool been made an example of, the Hunter's Guild will be begging for our contracts and our legal protection.

Crick: Shall I send a gift basket to the judge, sir?

Dr. Cassander: Make sure that it includes the fine Paldean ham and the billion dollar untraceable check. And once that's done, send Watson out to the pasture with the stantler does.

Crick: Careless Whisper on the garden speakers?

Dr. Cassander: And anything that's just as apropos.

Crick: It shall be done.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Dec 5th 2022 at 4:58:50 AM

Jubilife Outskirts

-the battle has proceeded along apace-

-by which we mean that it is now 1 to 5-

-it's raining some-

Ever: -recalling an unconscious Letter- You know, I have actual rivals out there. Like, people who can give me a challenge. Some of them are even Water trainers. The most interesting part of this battle has been catching up with your team. Can't we just...not do this?

All: -recalling an unconscious Hallie- I'm angry at you!

Ever: And I apologized!

All: Not enough!

Ever: Ugh, fine. Who's next? Current? Sycorax? Did you give up on our family rules and catch an Inteleon?

All: Wake!

Ever: You have the stupidest fucking names—

Barraskewda: <Hi!>

Ever: ...Hello, fishy.

-they send out Scramble, who takes a picture-

Ever: Thunder.

Scramble: -chirps-

-they shoot up into the air— -

All: Crunch!

-and the Barraskewda moves much, much faster-

Ever: ...Huh.

Well. That is...tiresome.

Snowpoint, Noctowl Nest

Tony: So you were able to subdue the stash, nice work! As for me and Saul, we've just been protecting the nest until the Sneasel arrive.

Saul: <Apparently, the Noctowl left for a while and hasn't come back yet, but I'm sure we have plenty of time before->

Then in the depths of the forest, multiple paws pounded through the snow, heading foward.

Saul: <Speak of the devil...they're coming guys!>

Tony: -sigh- I should've known that this peaceful moment would be short lived. Get ready Saffy! I hope you're a good battler, because things are about to heat up!

And with that, Tony and Saul both got into fighting stances and stood protectively in front of the tree, awaiting the fight that lied ahead of them.

Edited by ThanosBoi on Nov 21st 2022 at 6:18:03 AM

Noctowl nest

Saffy: Here we go...

Topaz: <Finally some action!>

Saffy summons an aura bat. Topaz flies around looking slightly too excited. Xanthe readies a fire punch and Gilby starts levitating his spoons for some reason.

Gilby: <Stop looking at me like I don't know what I'm doing!>

Halis: "I mean, I wear this same outfit all the time and nobody seems to mention anything even when it's like, stupidly hot, and it's not like I'd mention it either since half the time I barely even notice what temperature it's supposed to be."

They look outside.

Halis: "Well, this place seems good... granted, I've been to some of the fancier places the world has to offer on my own time, but this seems nice enough."

Looking back at Louis, they inspect the rock closer, staring at the shinier part stuck inside the rough.

Halis: "As for this rock, it's not really a matter of it being a gemstone of any kind, no no... there's something else about it that gets me. Some sort of power inside it, calling to me and I alone. So familiar, and yet so distant, like a friend from an age long past..."

They shake their head a bit, realizing what they're saying sounds pretty vague and probably nonsensical.

Halis: "In any event, present matters are more important, right? Let's go inside, no sense in delaying."

They move to get out, bringing the PDA with them provided Strobe doesn't just make it hover on its own again.

The GM House

-Knock knock knock!-

-Deziree looks at the clock.-

Deziree: Uuuuuuuugh.

-Normally she'd have someone else get the door but she's in the mood to yell at the interloper in person.-

Deziree: Yeah, yeah, what is it, it's-

-She opens the door to find herself face to face with a young woman with white hair and...-

-Not a whole lot of clothes.-

???: Uh... hi, Mistress!

-Deziree slow blinks.-

Deziree: ... Okay, one thing at a time. Get inside, follow me, don't talk until we're behind a closed door.

???: Thank you, ma'am!

-Deziree mulls over how her life just can't be simple ever since coming back from that stupid pocket dimension as she makes her way to the guest room.-

Deziree: Sit.

-She points to the bed. The strange woman obliges without a word.-

-Deziree then digs through the dresser.-

Deziree: Underwear. Just slip it on over the parts it fits on.

-Fumbling with the unfamiliar garments, the new person tries to follow instructions, with some trial and error.-

Deziree: Shirt. Head goes through the big hole, arms go through the little holes. If you have a weird tag thing sticking up into your neck, it's on backwards.-

-This one was way easier to intuit for the fumbling newbie.-

Deziree: Pants. Or shorts, I guess. One leg in each hole, the part with the zipper is at the front.

-After the last few bits, this one's easy.-

Deziree: Okay then.

-Deziree grabs a chair from a nearby desk and sits in it backwards, leaning her tired chin on the back of the chair.-

Deziree: What transformed you?

???: O-Oh! Does this, uh, happen often?

Deziree: Often enough. Was it a pink or - Arceus help me - blue floating thing that spoke into your mind, or was it some inky shadow creature?

???: An inky shadow creature, ma'am. H-He said he was a traveler looking for a place to stay the night, and then one of the Daughters mouthed off to him and I got caught in the crossfire...

-Deziree facepalms. Of fucking course.-

Deziree: Goddammit. Not only are you from the Walking Mountain group, you also got got by Coyote of all people. Ugh.

???: I didn't do nothing myself, ma'am, promise! That stuck-up jerk Janeway's the one that did it! I was a bystander!

-Oh, great, the one thing that could make her headache worse. Her being mentioned.-

Deziree: Uuuugh. It is way too late at night to go into an angry rant. Okay, first off - you got a name?

???: Lumi, ma'am. I was one of the foundry workers.

Deziree: Well, it looks like you're a "ma'am", too.

Lumi: Wait, I am?!

Deziree: You're biologically a female human right now, from what's been... presented.

Lumi: Oh! Oh, huh.

Deziree: Okay, look. You don't have a Bracelet, that much is clear. You also probably aren't gonna get a whole lot of sympathy from Coyote. So what I recommend is getting accustomed to things for the time being, and-

Lumi: Can I work for you, miss?

Deziree: ... I'm sorry?

Lumi: I swear I'm good for it! I know how to mold, melt, and meld most any metal!

Deziree: Okay, first off - no alliteration. Second, that's not what's at question here. The question is, can you do it with hands now?

Lumi: If'n I don't know now, I will! Look, ma'am, you're the one to get us out of that hellhole, and away from the Daughters and Empress. Far as I'm concerned, if I have to learn how to deliver a baby, I will.

-The reminder of Deziree's most recent discovery makes her face flatten in unamusement, which Lumi takes as disbelief.-

Lumi: Look, ma'am, it ain't like I can just go back out into the desert as a pink, fleshy thing. If I don't freeze during the night I'm gonna cook during the day.

Deziree: Okay, okay, fine. You can use this guestroom for the time being, then. I'll let the others know we have another person over.

Lumi: "Another" person?

Deziree: Tomorrow you get to meet Twitch and Vinegar, your seniors in the positions related to being my subordinates.

Lumi: Wait, you mean like minions?

-A yellow image flashes in Deziree's mind before being swiftly repressed.-

Deziree: The word "minion" has been forever tainted. They're my assistants.

Lumi: Oh, uh, alright, ma'am.

Deziree: By the way, when you wake up tomorrow, be sure to get a shower, and test the water before you walk in. Otherwise you're gonna scorch yourself and it's not fun.

Lumi: Uh, how'd you know I'd just walk in without testing it?

Deziree: Because I did that the first time I became human.

Lumi: ... Oh.

Hamlet Past

With a hesitant sigh, she pauses before reaching into her pocket, Katsuragi materializing before being handed the lantern.

Without a word, the Ghost-type began the descent down the well, while Kamui kept the room illuminated with a flare of her own.

Jubilife

<Whoops.>

Pointing at a shadow cast by one of the stone pillars, Talbain watches as it darkens unnaturally.

Without another word, he steps into that shadow like it’s a pool of water, falling through it and leaving no evidence he was ever there, save for the obvious monolithic monuments.

Celestic Town, Cafe and Froyo place

He nods in agreement about the outfit choice and says nothing more, then joins the rest as they disembarked from the car.

Louis: Oh, I'm used to less than fancy places. My parents cut me off and for a time joints like these were the closest I got to treating myself. It may not be posh, but it hits the spot.

Lou asks no follow up questions on the stone, as he really has no clue what to make of the vague and ominous reading from it. It's also his own little defense mechanism; he'd rather not know or be involved in any way to an artifact of power in case his grandma decides to pay a visit.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Nov 22nd 2022 at 8:12:47 AM

Wela Volcano Crater

Sal is doing his best to resist Salazzle's pheromones. They fill his mind, and though he is still able to think for himself, they cause his body to move in ways that he doesn't want. It's because of this that he wasn't able to do anything when Hoops was attacked.

<Now> Salazzle says to him. <Where were we? Oh yes, I was about to formally welcome you into the tribe.>

He feels himself take a step forwards, then another. He screams inside his mind to stop moving, but the pheromones are so strong. Salazzle is right about one thing: their species is wired to obey the females. Males like him were coded to obey. That didn't make it hurt any less.

<No!> He feels Led grabbing onto him. She fills his vision, pushing against him as he tries to move forwards. She was always stronger than him, so he stops moving.

<Get out of the way> Salazzle warns her. <Your trainer will surely need your help to leave this place.>

<I won't!> she insists. Sal watches her, awestruck. They'd been together for so long, and they'd joked before that they were like an old married couple, but they'd just as often joked that they hated each other. And she was doing all this for him?

<Led...> he managed to say. He saw her large eyes focus on him. <Please... go...>

She shook her head. <No! I've never done what you said before, and I won't start now.>

<Touching> Salazzle said. <Hurt her, Little One.>

Sal felt the command of the pheromones in his mind, and felt flames gather in his mouth. He opened it, and Led looked down at the bright fire. She didn't move.

Glimwood Tangle, ten years ago

A young Hoops, at the time still using the name Jamie Thorn, released their newly caught Salandit from his ball. He scowled up at them.

"Hi," the child with the annoyingly bright hair said. "I'm Jamie! And I'd like to call you Sal, if that's okay with you."

It didn't feel okay with him. Really, the only thing stopping him from setting this kid alight right now was the Vow. He'd been caught fair and square, and now he had to play nice.

"Oh yeah," the kid said. "And you need to meet the others!" He pulled out two more pokéballs and opened them, releasing a Kecleon (the one that Sal recognised from just battling with it) and a Ledyba.

<Hi> the Kecleon said. <Sorry for roughing you up back there. Welcome to the team. I'm Kec by the way.>

The Ledyba laughed. <Look at his face. He looks like he'd rather be anywhere but here.>

Sal rounded on her. <You have something to say to me?>

She shook her head, still giggling. <No, nothing. You'll get used to being around after a while. The kid's a good one, but the parents...> she shrugged. <Well, let's just say we have a job.>

Sal shook his head. <I'm gonna hate this.>

Ballonlea, that evening

Sal sits on the shelf above the child's bed, watching them sleep. He watched the yelling that they received from their father for choosing to catch a weak pokémon that couldn't even evolve, and now winces every time that they jerk in their sleep.

<This kid doesn't have it easy, do they?> they ask.

Led shakes her head next to him. <We do what we can. We've thought about running away, but they're still too young to be on their own.>

Sal looks at her. <You really care about them.>

<We care for each other> she says. <Look, I get that no-one wants to be caught, but... well, if you ever want to talk then I'm here.>

Ballonlea Hospital, several years later

<This was your fault!> Led snaps at him. She's evolved in the last few years, and her large eyes are struggling to hold back tears. For some reason, Sal hates to see her cry like this.

<I'm sorry!> he says, panicking. On the other side of the glass, doctors treat Hoops, who has giant burns on their arms from the gigantimax pokémon that they encountered trying to run away from home. Kec is away receiving treatment in the pokémon hospital, and Hoops' father stands over their bed with a thunderous expression.

<Sorry isn't good enough!> Led yells. She's fully crying now. <I told you that we had to wait, that it was too dangerous. They're going to be scarred for life, because of you!>

<I'm sorry!> he screams again.

Ballonlea, two years later

Hoops stops at the door, hesitating for a moment before they leave forever. Their father won't be awake for a few hours, but they feel they should say some final words to the house.

Led and Sal stand down the path, to give them some privacy.

<Are you sure it's time?> Sal asks.

<Yeah> Led says. <They're ready this time.>

They both look at the bandages that Hoops still uses to cover the burns on their arms. <Led, I...> Sal starts to say, but she hold up one of her arms and cuts him off.

<I know> she says. <You were trying to protect them. It's what we all do. It wasn't your fault.>

<That day> he says. <It's the only day I've seen you cry. I don't like seeing you cry. I hate it.>

<That's life> she says. <We cry sometimes.>

<No> he says. <Never you.>

Stormchaser, a few weeks ago

A few hours after Kec leaves, Sal and Led leave the ship to watch the sunset for a while. They didn't agree not to invite anyone else, but neither of them do. This is a moment for them.

<It's just us now> Led says. <There were three of us for years, and now there's two.> There are the beginnings of a tear in her eyes.

Sal points it out. <I've never seen you cry> he says. <Not for years. Even when Hoops... when they left us or when they died. Why?>

<I don't know> she admits. <I suppose it's because I learned to lean on you and Kec. He was always the strong leader, and you were always there to be silly when I need you to be. When they left us, it hurt so bad, but you both promised me that it wouldn't be forever. I let myself believe you. Then when the School attacked them, and we thought they were dead, to be honest by the time my shock was gone Cof had already told us that they'd be okay. But now, Kec leaving like this, it feels like something is beginning to end.>

<What do you mean?> Sal asks.

<Well, Kec's going off and getting a job far away> she explains. <How long is it before Tot picks up an acting job? Or Sud is hired as a bouncer at some seedy club and decides it would be more fulfilling, or Vul wants to go and hunt for treasure, or you go somewhere else and leave me behind?>

Sal stares at her. <I mean> she continues. <We did what we set out to do. We all wanted to collect the gym badges and challenge the league, to show off our strength. We did that, and now everyone could decide that their own dreams can't work by staying with everyone else. I don't want that. So I'm crying because I'm scared.>

He waits to make sure she's finished. <I was sad when Api left> he admits. <I know it was what was best for him, but it was nice to have another poison type around, you know? My point is, I'm scared for it too. But I promise: even if everyone else is gone, and they're off having their own adventures somewhere; I promise that you and I will always be together.>

Wela Volcano, present day

Led watches the flames die in Sal's throat. She sobs with joy, but then she feels Salazzle behind her. The totem pokémon coats her hand in flames and grabs Led, who screams in terror. Sal still doesn't move, having only been able to wrest control for an instant.

<Get out of our way!> Salazzle throws Led towards the group of Salazzle. As she hits the floor, they swarm her. Biting scratching, using flames. She knocks them away with Air Slash and Bug Buzz, but they just keep on coming, they won't stop.

She screams. <Sal!>

Flames erupt from the ground. Somehow, even in the depths of a volcano, the temperature increases. The Salandit all look up at Sal, who is wreathed in white hot flames.

Salazzle stares at him. <What?>

Sal begins to glow blue. He grows larger, with a long, narrow body and long arms and legs. His tail doubles in length and begins to flicker back and forth, while his neck elongates, ending in a grinning snout. The lights fades, and Sal has evolved into a Salazzle. Compared to the totem pokémon, his nose and waist are ever so slightly less narrow, but aside from that they look very similar.

<What?> Salazzle shrieks. <This shouldn't be possible! You're a male!>

Sal stares her down. The pheromones no longer have any effect on him. He's stronger now than he ever thought he'd be, and he plans to show every bit of that strength here and now. <Get off my friend. No-one is allowed to make her cry.>

Outside the Cafe, past

Channah: Did you just cripple those guys?

(constructs appear)

Channah: (sends out Merix) Nice. Crowd control time, kiddo.

Merix looks around wide-eyed, then launches a Discharge at their foes.

Stormchaser, some time ago

Montanari: <And you are still completely sure about this plan?> (fiddles with his red tie)

Channah: (checking her equipment) Yes.

Montanari: <Then I do not need to remind you about our policies regarding potential... mishandling of non-Channah-persons or property, nor the Vow-related clauses included wherein.>

Channah: (shrugs) After what happened, I don't particularly care about mishandling anyone else or their property. The whole point of you guys is to be at my beck and call, I'm pretty sure.

Montanari: (smiles and spreads his stubby arms) <From a certain point of view, si. The Boss made it clear to me many years ago that we are, first and foremost, your protectors, Little Sister. You will excuse us if we seem apprehensive about your involvement in uncertain situations.>

Titus: (lumbers in from the bathroom) <Is that what they're calling it now?>

Channah: Psh. It doesn't matter what you think then, you can't make me do anything I don't want.

Montanari: (subsides and watches her silently)

Titus: <You sure you don't want me to go, chica?>

Channah: No, I'm not going to take any more time away from your elbow-licking championship practice. I've already got enough going with me, anyway.

Titus: <Whatever you say. Still, I don't trust those Macrauls, even in a roomful of Wobbs. 'specially with them. Uh, perdóname.>

Montanari: <Non è un problema. We will do our best, signore. And our best is quite adequate. Do not worry.> (solemnly salutes Titus)

Channah: Alright, enough jabbering, it's go-time. Savings! C'mere for a second.

Titus watches as Montanari and his minions follow their trainer in lockstep out the door. After a beat, he attempts to lick his elbow and fails.

The Underground Bunker

<Shift...?> asked Teryx. <I wonder what that could mean... well, anyways. Good night.>

And with that said, he promptly laid down on the couch and started to head off to sleep.

MEANWHILE...

Eterna City

After a few hours, the Jura5 arrived in Eterna City, where the tunnel was still going. It was getting very late by that point, and a few of the mons, specifically Saura (obviously) looked very tired, and were just about ready to head off.

<My word... how long is this tunnel?> asked Stipax.

<I can't believe he managed to dig all the way to Eterna City!> said Crina.

<Wonder what Gardenia's thinkin' about this,> said Chasmo.

<I don't know, but I'm starting to get sleepy,> said Saura.

<Go figure,> Nautilu noted.

<There's the Saura we know~!> Crina chirped. <She didn't have a bug in her brain after all!>

<Well, of course she didn't,> said Nautilu. <Didn't you hear her?>

<I did... but wait a minute, how can I hear? I don't have ears! Shouldn't it be impossible?... Oooh! I know! Maybe I accidentally swallowed a hearing aid or something when I was eating food?>

<...No,> said Nautilu. <It's far more likely that you have some hidden mechanism that works similar to ears and allows you to hear things. I'd assume the mechanism is hidden inside your tentacles.>

<Oooohh!> said Crina. <That makes a bit of sense...>

Nautilu chuckled, rolling his eyes lightheartedly.

<Well, I can say this for sure,> said Chasmo. <We all need to get some sleep. There any beds around here?>

<Maybe we could make one out of clouds!> Crina suggested.

<I don't think that'll work,> said Nautilu. <Besides, we all know what you think clouds are.>

<What does she think they are?> asked Saura.

<The spirits of dead Ditto!> Crina replied.

Saura just stared at her blankly. <...Hm.>

<Maybe... there'll be some beds at the Pokemon Center?> asked Stipax.

<Stipax, we don't even have our PokeBalls,> said Chasmo.

<I don't know if he was suggesting that,> said Saura. <I think he was just saying that we might be able to rest in beds that the Center might have.>

<Right,> said Stipax.

<Ahh,> said Chasmo. <Well, even so... we don't really know if the people at the Pokemon Center can speak Monese.>

<Oh...> Stipax muttered.

And then it hit him.

<Wait a minute!> he cried. <We have Nautilu!>

<That we do,> said Chasmo.

<You're saying I can go in and talk to the Pokemon Center workers?> asked Nautilu. <While that would admittedly be useful, I have a feeling they'd freak out at the sight of a talking Pokemon.>

<He does have a point,> said Chasmo. <Plus we don't even know if the Pokemon Center has beds.>

<Awww...> muttered Stipax.

<Ah, don't beat yourself up too much,> said Chasmo. <You had the right idea. But honestly, I think we're better off just sleeping in the streets before we follow the tunnel to wherever it stops the next morning.>

And then seconds later, it started to rain.

<...well,> said Chasmo. <Looks like I spoke too soon.>

<Oh, look!> cried Crina. <Rain!>

She promptly raised her head to the sky, attempting to "catch" the raindrops in her "mouth", and began running all around. Chasmo shrugged.

<Well, I don't think Crina minds it,> said Chasmo. <Stipax? Are you okay with this?>

<Sure!> cried Stipax.

<Nautilu?>

<I don't mind, really,> said Nautilu. <In all honesty, I'm resistant to it, since I am part Water-type, even though the rain does slightly soil my shell.>

<Saura?>

<I don't mind the rain,> said Saura simply, before immediately curling up and lying down on the ground before falling asleep.

Chasmo sighed. <Welp. Looks like we're stuck out here after all. I'm probably going to end up being covered in water and fainted in the morning, but... it is what it is.>

Stipax looked down, feeling somewhat bad for Chasmo, before eventually looking around and noticing a giant stick on the floor. Getting inspired, he ran up to the giant stick and held it up in front of Chasmo, who glanced up at him in confusion.

<Stipax?> asked Chasmo. <What are you doing?>

<Well, I definitely don't want you to faint in the morning,> said Stipax. <So... I decided to make you this.>

<Hm...?>

He promptly shot out a String Shot on top of the stick, before compounding it with a Sticky Web to make a base. Seconds later, he promptly shot out several Electrowebs on top of the Sticky Web that folded themselves over the top of the stick to create a makeshift umbrella. A few Gastro Acids closed up the holes created by the Electrowebs.

The resultant umbrella was massive— big enough to cover Chasmo.

<Ta-da!> Stipax sang happily.

Chasmo glanced up at the umbrella for a few moments, then smiled.

<Well. This is... pretty impressive. Thanks, Stipax.>

<You're welcome!> said Stipax.

<Awww~!> said Crina. <How sweet~! I wish Saura was awake to see this!>

<I don't know if the umbrella will necessarily hold up, and you probably could have added in a few more Sticky Webs,> Nautilu said. <Despite that, however, I will admit it was a very thoughtful and valiant effort on your part.>

<Thanks!> Stipax replied.

<Alright, then,> said Chasmo, getting comfortable under the umbrella. <Think we should head off to sleep?>

<Yeah...> said Stipax. <I'm getting tired.>

<Yep,> said Chasmo. <Alright, then. Goodnight. We'll see if we can't find Teryx in the morning.>

<Goodnight~!> said Stipax.

<Goodnight,> said Nautilu simply.

<Hey~! I'm not that tired!>

Nautilu opened one eye, giving Crina a look. She giggled.

<Ahhh, I'm just joking! You know that! See you in the morning!>

With that said, everyone went to sleep, with Crina, naturally, sleeping with her eyes open, putting a sleeping mask on her "eyes". Stipax, meanwhile, went over to Chasmo, crawled onto his back, and drifted off.

Edited by OPALGARNET16 on Jan 17th 2023 at 10:13:04 AM

Snowpoint, Noctowl Nest

Saul looks a little concerned that Gilby's main weapons happened to be just spoons, and they were all literally about to be bombarded by the Sneasel gang.

Saul: <Dude. Your main method of defense includes silverware?! These guys aren't gonna play around!>

Tony: Is now really a good time to talk about this?

Speaking of the Sneasel gang, they all appeared in front of Tony, Saffy, and their mons. One Sneasel in particular is carrying the sack of "oran berries" from the temple. They happen to recognize Saul and look at him with absolute fury.

Sneasel 1: <What the? YOU TRAITOR! You ratted us out to the detective? I thought you were one of us!>

Saul: <I only did to get away from you all! Taking an egg here means taking a baby! AND WE'RE NOT GONNA LET THAT HAPPEN!>

Sneasel 1: <So you wanna play tough huh? Fine then. EVERYONE ATTACK!>

And then the gang charged into everyone, with no sense of mercy whatsoever.

Tony reached down and grabbed a stick from the ground and stayed in front of the tree, making him the main defense for the nest.

Tony: NOW SAUL! SHOW THEM WHAT YOU GOT!

Saul himself screamed and rushed towards the gang, his claws glowing as he Scratched anyone in his path.

Edited by ThanosBoi on Nov 22nd 2022 at 5:59:46 AM

Faction Offices

-Kalter hesitates, then sighs.-

Kalter: ...Your counterpart always seems to be the voice of reason, too.

-They bring their hands to their face in a stress-eye-rub motion, focusing themself-

Kalter: Right. Okay then. I'd like to investigate and intercept Javed. Unfortunately, things have a nasty habit of escalating around me, due to my broken Heart aura. So I'd... appreciate... your help.

-They're visibly straining to keep their emotions in check as they say this.-

Kai: That... is amenable.

Nuevma

-it is then Jared barges in-

Jared: Yo my dudes what is up?

Stormchaser Lobby

Justice: Oh! That is concerning... Still, I want to help! I should do SOMETHING useful around here.

School Facility, ???

Victor: "That's the spirit!"

Pavo: ~You'll prove your superiority to her. Just not to me.~

Celstic

Cynthia's Grandma: That'll show 'em.

-recalls her Garchomp-

"Now will you follow me to my house? You can take refuge there and also I can help out the OTHER young man"

-she heads off-

-Owen and Odin awkwardly follow-

Legendary Hotel

Voyd: "Oh, I'll avoid the minibar then!"

-It is then the party is greeted by Yvan-

Yvan: "Hello! I see you made it to my fine establishment!"

Jublife

'Cavendish: -to Gale- <Surely studying that thing would lead to more chaos!>

Noble Elemental:] Are you OK?

Meat Palace

-Lead Monkey creeps along to the moment of truth-

Lavender Tower

-Colored Pencils slides out of the way of the attacks and keeps firing pencils-

Olivia: <We need to find... Some kind of weakness!>

Jackie:' <NO SHIT>

-A Perrzerker Jackie sent out is slicing pencils and cackling-

Snowpoint Temple

-The snow is quiet-

-And then the tiny Hisuian Zorua Daydre befriended emerges from it-

-It sniffs the ground, starts moving forward-

-And then the Memory Stalker, having come all the way from Galar, appears-

-It looms over the Hisuian Zorua-

-The Zorua looks up at it with its large eyes-

-...And you can almost see a heart form in the Memory Stalker's singular eye-

-It pets the Zorua with a tendril-

-The Zorua gives it a few licks and hops on its back-

-The two head off-

Edited by Umbramatic on Nov 22nd 2022 at 7:18:46 AM