<There are a few answers. First is that I wanted to extend a courteous hand to our newest member on the team, we're not rivals or anything. Movies only get made with teams and the best only come out when all the parks work together in harmony, it costs me nothing to be helpful.>

He rubbed his chin. <Second is very straightforward. I despise Divas and undignified egos, call it a personal flaw but making an entire movie over a mistake you made and how you were wronged is just outright unprofessional. There are numerous ways I'd solve this but I want to do this right, to make it clear that I've been around so long because I did things the right way.>

Kec's Office

<Well then in that case, all I can do is say thank you> Kec says. He just about manages to avoid bowing. <I know you don't have to do this, and it really means a lot to get help from someone who I've idolised ever since I first got into movies in the first place.>

He reaches behind his desk and grabs a small satchel. <I'm ready whenever you are> he says. <Unless you didn't mean right now, in which case I'm sorry for being so impatient.>

<Oh I'm quite good to go whenever you are!> Scott said.

"And I can even provide a rough translation when needed," he added switching to galarian. "Though obviously I can only paraphrase at best for the sake of time."

Stormchaser, past

Nicky: Oh dear, I hope she'll be okay.

-Chiyo and I share a look as Aislinn leaves-

Chiyo: ...I'll talk to her. Maybe not right now, but...

Sure, but I'm not sure how receptive she'll be if you do.

-To Ynos-

Well, I guess we might as well get you set up in the meantime. We're not exactly hurting for space here, it literally makes more as needed.

Stormchaser, Monday

-To Ludmilla-

So I've heard, haven't gotten the chance to visit though.

Persona users, that might mean...

But I think that's definitely a reason to free up my schedule.

Chiyo: -Nods- There's things we need to discuss with them regarding the School.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Dec 28th 2022 at 10:02:30 AM

Stormchaser

Ludmilla: That's one of the reasons my dad hired them. He knew that setting up a "Battle Academy" while we're still in the School's crosshairs could result in drawing people into the crossfire. Apparently whatever world they came from had manifesting one's psyche like a Persona as a matter of course. But... not like we do. It's more like they...

Doomsday: <They basically Mega Evolve, but the human equivalent. They get armor and weapons and start hitting you with the embodiment of emotions. But only in the Academy.>

Ludmilla: There's a restriction, apparently. I haven't been told why yet. Director Angela said it was a matter of operational security, and so they've only talked to Mom and Dad about it.

Stormchaser, Ynos

Ynos: ".. Right."

The vibe he gives off is one of hesitance. Is it because he's unused to kindness with no strings attached or is it because he has lingering ties to Morata? ~The world may never know~

He gives Ever a very confused look before addressing Misery again.

Ynos: "No, I don't think I am, strange Hatterene. I have had more than enough tests for one lifetime."

Stormchaser, Workshop

If the knives could talk they would say "you're not the subject of our ire, anyway". But knives can't talk, that's ridiculous.

...

Okay most knives can't talk, point conceded. We live in a Pokemon world, after all.

Daydre frowns.

Daydre: "I dunno, I feel like you trump the average J-Teamer. ... Then again we get new people every other month or so so I'm not entirely sure where the average actually is, but."

Daydre: "Don't count yourself out."

She hums a little tune.

Daydre: "Familial spirits are... A thing, in [China]. From what little I know about the matter. I don't remember what the term for them is, I just go clean graves with my family once a year and that's about it for my knowledge. Generally human sourced, though... There's a few stories I've read about humans making deals to worship foxmons as 'false' ancestor spirits and ending up worse off for it. I suppose that's fitting enough, too."

Something inside her grins at the idea that the mask was meant for her, somehow. ... But then another something breaks through for a second and jostles her brain.

Daydre: "... There is also Aislinn. But our relationship is weird. Dunno how happy she'd be about me borrowing it, but..."

Daydre: -shrugging- "I'm the one it fucked up, why shouldn't I have a say in what happens with it?"

Daydre giggles.

Daydre: "Yeah, that is a terrible idea. Might be fun, though."

Kec's Office

<Well then> Kec says, fighting the urge to turn to face a camera that doesn't exist. <Let's go destroy a director's reputation.>

He then realises that Scott may not get the reference. <Let's just... go.>

Old Chateau

-Locke is looking around inside here-

-Suddenly he spots something glittery on a table-

-He moves closer-

-It seems to be a strange crystalline orb with the word "Paradox" painted onto it-

-He picks it up and inspects it-

-Suddenly there is a fierce rattling and clinking from behind him-

???: <N-No! That treasure is MINE!>

-Something hits Locke with a very heavy THUD from behind-

Veilstone Basement

—Owen enters what seems to be a decrypt lab-

-He looks around. Broken and powered-down equipment everywhere-

-But he notices one thing is still barely functioning-

-A containment unit with a Pokeball inside-

-He checks to see if the containment unit can be opened with the key-

-It does-

-He slowly takes the Pokeball out-

-something bursts out and tackles him-

Canaclave

-Merlin walks out of the library with the book-

Merlin: "The mysterious Pokemon in the book looked like the dragons in Luis' sigil... Could he have...?"

-Suddenly, he is tackled-

Hearthrome City, Amity Square

Tony and the gang all see it at once, a lush and green paradise as far as the eye can see, with all sorts of Pokemon having a jolly good time. A Jigglypuff and Clefairy are playing tag near some bushes, while a Drifloon is giving a Buneary a playful ride on it's arms. Saul is the most amazed at all of this.

Saul: <WOOOAAAHHH! LOOK AT ALL THIS! THIS IS AWESOME!>

Stephen: <It truly is a masterpiece in the making!>

Tony: This place is really cool! Why don't we all meet some new Pokemon? Who knows? I might even catch one here where we're at it!

Stephen: <Oooooh! Sounds like a good idea to me! I'm sure a new Pokemon to call a friend would make your day.>

Saul: <Yeah! What Stephen said! Besides, I'm all about making new friends!>

Tony: Then it's settled, let's go guys!

And off they went. Saul was the first to find a Skitty eating a berry all by herself.

Saul: <Hey there pal! How you doin?>

The Skitty just turns to glare at him for a second.

Skitty: <Can I please just eat my snack in peace?!>

Saul stared back awkwardly before exchanging a goofy grin.

Saul: <Uh...err...yeah...sorry about that. My trainer's probably going to be looking for me anyway.>

And he runs off to meet another Pokemon somewhere else.

Stephen then meets up with a Drifloon at a nearby tree.

Stephen: <Hi! Mind if stay here for a bit?>

Drifloon: <Oh no, not at all man. Make yourself comfortable!>

Stephen: <Thanks!>

The two then both float down into the shade.

Drifloon: <So, you got yourself a trainer huh?>

Stephen: <Yep, one of the nicest persons I've ever met!>

The Drifloon then looked at Stephen cautiously.

Drifloon: <I'd look out for him if I were you, there's been strange things happening around here recently.>

Stephen looked a bit intrigued.

Stephen: <Oh? What do you mean exactly?>

The Drifloon then started to look behind him to see if anyone was listening, before looking back at Stephen.

Drifloon: <It's just about these strange, skull-bandana guys. Nobody knows where they came from, but apparently they just decided to show a couple of days ago. Weird huh?>

There it was again. So they really weren't seeing things after all...this was bad. If anything happened to Tony or Saul, he didn't want anyone else to get hurt in the process. He knew what those people were capable of doing. Regaining his confidence, he started to float back up in a hurry.

Stephen.: <Well, it was nice talking to you, but right now I need to go find my trainer and his other mon. I think we should all group together to stay safe.>

Drifloon: <Alright, see you around then!>

And then Stephen hurried off in order to find Saul.

Meanwhile, Tony himself was behind another tree, watching a peculiar sight: an Eevee with a Chimchar, both wearing what appeared to be ninja masks, all by themselves at a nearby river. Wanting to investigate a little more, he rolls down the hill and into a bush, trying to listen to what was going on.

Chimchar: <Look, your lessons are starting to get on my nerves here. We've done this stupid balancing on rocks thing for literally half of the day!>

Eevee: <Haven't we talked about this before? Your mind has to relaxed with your body before it can toughened up some more. And also, you appear to be really impatient today. Why the heck is that exactly?>

The Chimchar then stomped his foot down near the Eevee.

Chimchar: <It's because all throughout this week, I came to you for one reason...to be stronger. To learn the ways of your Ninja-whachamacallit, AND I'VE STILL LEARNED NOTHING FROM YOU!>

You couldn't see it, but the Eevee then was downright pissed through her mask.

Eevee: <Alright, listen here "Donkey Kong." First of all, it's called Ninjutsu! Second, you should've already known that you're not supposed to learn all of this in one whole week. You know how long it took me to master this? Ten years! TEN WHOLE FREAKING YEARS! So don't be complaining to me that you can't stand one week of this! I HAD TO ENDURE TONS MORE WEEKS THAN YOU!>

And that was when the Chimchar had it.

Chimchar: <Well, you know what? I'm sick of this tomfoolery we've been doing all this time, and I'm not gonna take it anymore. I QUIT!>

In a fit of rage, the Chimchar then ripped his mask off and threw into the raging river, before storming away into the rest of the woods.

The Eevee stared at him angrily as he left.

Eevee: <FINE! BE THAT WAY! SEE IF I CARE IF YOU KEEP GETTING BEATEN UP BY BULLIES!>

The Eevee then turned to face the river and took her mask off with her paws, she looked at the water, her former student's mask now drenched and floating away. With a look of fury in her eyes, she was just about to throw hers away too until...

Tony: You know about Ninjutsu?

The Eevee then turned around to see a man with a suitcase, looking at her intuitively.

Eevee: <A trainer? -sigh- What do you want here exactly?>

Tony then approached the Eevee, crouching down on a rock close to her.

Tony: I noticed your student left you so quickly, and I don't think that wasn't very nice of him at all. I'm here because you seem interesting, and I want to give your lessons a chance.

The Eevee just looked at him disapprovingly.

Eevee: <So what? You just came here to comfort me by saying all of this?>

But what Tony said next surprised the Eevee very much.

Tony: Oh no, I want you to teach me.

Edited by ThanosBoi on Dec 30th 2022 at 4:49:16 AM

Stormchaser, Workshop

Megan: -giggling- Might be fun, indeed.

Megan: -rubbing the back of her neck- Yeahhh back when I was around more often, I'd visit temple with my parents once a year to honor my dead relatives, and that was it for my experience with [Buddhism]. Mostly I swear by the Myths.

-Megan blinks at the reminder-

Megan: -fist into the flat of her hand- Riiiight, angsty pastel Daydrelative.

-...-

Megan: That sounded better in my head. I kind of avoid her after the whole Morata thing. I think Abilene feels bad about, y'know, her mom, but we already have the mask back, so.

Megan: -grin- Well, not back back, but isn't that just a matter of pressing your right? I'll back you up whatever you do.

Vee: <I swear, some of the people walkin' up that entry ramp vanish into the depths, never t' return.>

Thespi: -grin- <Those are the NP Cs.>

Pollen: <Um, this is real life, Thespi, people can't be NP Cs.>

Tripod: -shrugs-

Thespi: <...I'm just kinda proud you know what that means.>

Pollen: -mutters-

-Megan blinks again, seemingly becoming aware the bustle of her team around her's stalled in the lull-

-Fraidy's toying with a console of hers, Pippy's nervously tossing Wishiwashi into Ceal's mouth, Vee's yawning-

Megan: …so I think we're done for the day. I kinda wanna keep going, but this is around where Vee starts biting me.

Vee: -purr- <That it is.>

Megan: -beam- Wanna stick around and…

Megan: -putting a hand on Daydre's back- …talk battle strategy?

Galar, Wild Area - Dappled Grove

-Abilene rubs a pair of fingers to her temple-

Abilene: ...I will have you know that stumble was expressive. At the thought of being compared to a blasted Cain.

-...in for a penny, in for a pound-

(-with Lanatus on the bench, she briefly contemplates sending out Rosa, as the next-best-equipped, most human-sized service Pokémon she has on her-)

(-but-)

(-for no reason at all, she doesn't feel like sending out him specifically-)

(-her extremely distinctive shiny Roserade specifically-)

-she sighs and holds out her hand-

-...so Alice can see how it twitches at her breakdown of Abilene's entire personality-

Abilene: -stiff- ...my meaning has ever been crisp and clear.

Malaise: -hovering a distance away- <Your current girlfriend thought your love confession was you wanting to punch h—>

-she recalls Malaise-

-and sends out Malus, their sibling Appletun-

Malus: -promptly- <They're right.>

Abilene: Fuck you.

-Malus bloops, and Abilene sticks out her tongue-

Abilene: -arching one perfectly coiffed eyebrow- Recognizing from personal experience, O'Sullivan? One has noticed it's taking two to tango at the verbosity venue.

-...-

Abilene: You use big words.

-she shudders, smile gone huge and saccharine-

Abilene: You're very annoying. And also smart! Do you want a cookie? See, I can say true thin—gods, it's like pulling teeth. It's like chewing on Yvetal's own frigging pinions. How can she stand sounding like this all day, I'd go insane.

Malus: <You find it endearing~>

Abilene: -dismayed- Of course I find it endearing!

Malus: <Also case in point on the 'lethal cocktail' thing—>

Abilene: Where did all of you pick up this ridiculous [gadfly] streak! I am perfectly capable of recognizing and admiring beautiful things in the other! Especially those I am unsuited for. I am not...cuddly-wuddly.

-she shivers-

Abilene: -dour- Oh, how lucky I would be to cross your path again. In some nonspecific, extremely un-questionable locale. Perhaps battling, for League-approved, ambiguous purposes. Abilene: Certainly you seem to be enjoying this psychological dissection, despite your protests. Do you take love interests a lot? From your manner of speech, it's nearly enough to have one swoon into your arms, or perhaps punch you in the face. No doubt you are flush for romantic or rivalrous pursuits.

Sinnoh, Valley Windworks

Addie: -chipper- <Hi!>

-she sweats-

Logan: To fix the goalposts, you need to set up a scenario where the system can't advance without treating you better. Which means gathering up under one banner not only you, but everyone who could possibly replace you. And your peers, and anyone who could possibly replace them.

Logan: -smile- Which sounds counterintuitive, but bear with me?

Logan: That safety net—that reassurance that reprimand occurs for poor service and not to speaking out against meaningless inefficiency—is absolutely necessary for working to correct that meaninglessness.

Logan: The answers follow from the questions: it is efficient, but not meaningful, for them to replace anyone making their job harder, even if the hard thing is the necessary thing for growth; therefore, render it the less efficient option. Teach your intended replacements what they're trying to hide, and get them on your side. (Certainly they don't hesitate to ask you to do hard things; they can figure out a more equitable system than what you've been given.)

Logan: ...to fix the goalposts in place, to be moved when everything advances, you also need the reassurance that something's looking out for you. The hyper-competitive environment encourages people to sabotage anyone who can do their own job better than them, or get rid of anyone who has a position they want, because a risk of getting laid off that easy to invoke incentivizes setting people up to invoke it. Survival over everything emphasizes survival over everything, in spite of everything that's lost alongside a veteran employee or promising newcomer. The answer is, again, remove that as an option. Go to coworkers you can trust, or could trust, and start spreading the idea of resistance and change at the top quietly, very organized—until it comes time to make it loud and clear.

Logan: -wince- It won't be easy. From everything you've told me about your work environment, anyone you go to will be suspicious of your motives. But they designed it that way on purpose, right? Because it'd be easier.

Logan: You deserve better than to be given what's easy. I hope you can make something better, all of you.

Edited by Asterisk395 on Dec 30th 2022 at 8:46:46 AM

Silas nodded. "I can think of a few situations, a few psychics I can count on one hand who'd I'd like to test this new immunity against."

A wicked grin spread across his face. "Man the looks on their faces, that'd be fun."

JD just nodded and lead Leonard out to his car. "Detective Shun will be riding up front with me sir, you'll be in the backseat for today. We'll be taking the main roads but we'll arrive in good time."

He shot Shun a sympathetic look, one that almost seemed to say "Sorry that you have to put up with this."

"If I recall, Judge Jackson is the one overseeing this trial today. Updated files have been sent to your personal devices, as well as all the gathered evidence on hand," JD continued as he stepped into his vehicle.

"Any further questions for the lead detective or I?"

Silas blinked at Jared's comment, but he was even more shocked by Alice's sudden intrusion... and then a smile appeared on his face.

"Don't worry Jared, she's not the prosecutor. She's in fact working with you, your assistant even."

He let out an exhale and shook his head. "This is going to be rough, but we'll be good to go... I think. Everyone ready?"

Galar, Wild Area - Dappled Grove, past

-Alice stops for a second, folding her arms indignantly.-

Alice: My love life is none of your concern, and I would appreciate it if you spared me your speculation. Are you envious, perhaps? Insulted that I did not dial up the charm and render you weak at the knees with every word from my mouth? Because if that is the treatment you would prefer, it is still not too late for me to adjust my approach.

-It seems to take her a moment to realise what she just said, because once she does, she glances away and changes tack.-

Alice: ...I never claimed to be innocent of similar habits myself, in regards to both speech and attitude. Why else do you think I would attempt to warn you against your own destructive tendencies? What happens when an indestructable force meets an immovable object remains a question for the philosophers, but I have seen first-hand the collerateral damage to all those unfortunate enough to be caught between them.

-She sighs, and extends her hand.-

Alice: ...Perhaps a League-sanctioned battle would indeed be a better venue for such disputes. Shall we continue, Duchess?

Jubilife Pokemon Center, past

-Lissa smirks.-

Lissa: First things first, you promised to treat me for the evening, so let's see what kinda faces I can make first. We bouncing, then?

Prosecutor's Office - Day 1

-Shun gives JD a small nod as he takes his seat in the front, whilst Leonard climbs into the back, forced to hunch over like some awkward, spindly insect.-

Leonard: No, I don't believe so. The facts will all come out in court. If I have questions, I can put them to the detective whilst he's on the stand, isn't that right?

Shun: ...Yes, sir.

Unova Courthouse - Day 1

-Alice blinks at Jared and his choice of attire before Silas's remark snaps her back to reality.-

Alice: ...Uh, yes, Silas is correct. I'm not the prosecutor, I'm assistant counsel for the defence. My name is Alice O'Sullivan. Please tell me you're not our attorney.

-She nods at Silas.-

Alice: I suppose there would be no chance of turnabout if the odds weren't stacked against us. I, for one, am as ready as can be realistically expected.

Mt. Battle Master's Office

-Dune flips through his roster, double checking training routines and known weaknesses. Then he stops.-

Dune: ... I haven't caught a new Pokemon since I got Svarog.

-This actually stops him and makes him think.-

Dune: ... Am I in a rut?

Old Chateau

-Locke looks up to see a treasure chest on his... chest-

-The treasure chest... has a Pokemon inside-

Ghimmighoul: <Oh, beg my pardon? My natural inclination for shiny things overcame me - I've been eying it ever since that mysterious personmon left it...>

Locke: "It's OK I guess... -Oof."

Gimmighoul: <That said what were YOU doing trying to grab it?>

Locke: -tries to explain-

Ghimmighoul: '< ...So you came from another timeline that your parents created and now you're trying to figure out what happened to that timeline?>

Locke: "Basically."

Ghimmighoul: <And wait, you're the son of the Ghost Lord? I was one of the Ghost Lord's treasurers!"

Locke: "...Really?"

Ghimmighoul: <Yes! Why even after he was dethroned I kept counting coins for Spectra until the day I died! And... After I died apparently. I got shipped off from Ransei to Paldea to here because everyone thought I was just a normal treasure chest... You're one of the few humans I've seen since this mansion fell into ruin, aside from that strange personmon. It must be a sign...>

[[purpler:Locke:]] ...Did you get a good look at the weird personmon?

'Ghimmighoul: <Sadly no.>

Locke: "Damn it..."

Ghimmighoul: "But I do know that orb seems to contain some uniquely Paldean crystal..."

-Locke looks over at the orb-

'Locke: "Hm..."

Iron Lab

-Owen looks up to see a Type: Null has pounced on him-

Owen: "AGH! Please don't hurt me, I paid a lot for this avatar!"

Type: Null: <...Oh. You aren't an Ultra Beast. Sorry...>

Owen: "...So you aren't going to hurt me?"

Type: Null: <Why would I? I just said, you're not an Ultra Beast. Or those weird people experimenting on me. Or those psychic people who destroyed the lab.>

Owen: "This was an Iron lab, so Team Iron were the people experimenting on you... and those psychic people must have been the School. Both bad news."

Type: Null: <Figures...>

Owen: "I guess you're who she wanted me to find..."

Type: Null: <Who?>

Owen: "My girlfriend. She's missing."

Type: Null: <Aw...>

Canaclave

-Merlin looks up at who tackled him-

-It's Fou, and Thetis is standing nearby-

Fou: <We finally found you!>

Thetis: "You were definitely eager to get here."

Merlin: "Because I found it! I found a hint!"

-He holds up the Scarlet-Violet Book-

Thetis: "...Ah, so now you understand. The time has come to reveal what I know."

Fou: <Yeah, quit being cryptic and spill it.>

Thetis:-frowns- "...Ser Luis was assigned an urgent mission from his patron Lord Regigigas to investigate the Paldean Empire's search for treasure. He never returned."

Fou: "<...>

Merlin: "..."

Edited by Umbramatic on Dec 30th 2022 at 3:54:53 AM

Hearthrome City, Amity Square

Stephen has been looking for Saul and Tony for quite a while now. He still hasn't been able to find them even after floating from mon to mon asking for answers. And the with overarching threat of the mysterious skull-bandana people, he knew they couldn't take any risks about going alone anymore.

Stephen: <Oh Arceus...where are those two?! I just hope I'm not too late...I don't want anything bad to happen, not after we just had a break from our job...>

Just his luck, as he then saw Saul lying down in the middle of the grass, with a look of pure boredom in his face. As soon as he saw Stephen though, he got right back up and rushed over to meet him.

Saul: <Hey! Look who it is! You've been by yourself for quite a while man.>

Stephen: <Actually I was hanging out in the shade with a Drifloon, apparently he was talking about those people who were watching us before.>

Saul's face turned to one of worry.

Saul: <Wait, what?!>

Stephen: <Yeah, he says they've been here for about a week, just acting weird among everyone here. I was thinking we need to find Tony and tell him about this.>

Saul: <Of course dude! It's been getting a little crappy here for me anyway. I just got back from trying to battle with a bunch of Turtwigs.>

Stephen: <And how did that go exactly?>

Saul: <Let's just say they didn't take too kindly to me taunting them every second or so. Needed a whole lot of berries to recover from that one...>

Stephen: <Oh...we should probably get going anyways though.>

Saul: <Yup, no trainer of mine is gonna be beaten up by a bunch of bandana weirdos!>

They both run off all the way over to the river, where they see...Tony? Except he's doing a handstand on a couple of rocks near the water, trying to balance himself while the Eevee watches him.

Stephen: <Tony! There you are! We need to talk!>

The Eevee then turns around at them to stare at them fiercely.

Eevee: <Excuse me! Do you buffoons not realize that he's trying to concentrate right now?! We're in the middle of doing something here!>

Saul then looks at her apologetically.

Saul: <Oh, sorry. We're just his mons. I'm Saul and he's Stephen. We just wanted to make sure he's alright.>

The Eevee just sighs.

Eevee: <Okay, well currently he's undergoing stage one of his Ninjutsu training, which is basically trying to reconnect with your surroundings and relaxing, so then you can be ready to kick some butt basically.>

At the mention of Ninjutsu, Saul immediately went erratic.

Saul: <OOOOOH! I wanna try that out sooooo bad! I can't wait to do all those cool moves like Bruce Lee and all that stuff! Can we join your lesson? Please please please?>

The Eevee just looks at Saul's enthusiasm and tries to not smirk at it.

Eevee: <...Okay, I'll let you both join. Let's see if you all can take the heat that this gives of all you. Start off by doing a handstand on a nearby rock and keep your balance, for an hour.>

Stephen: <An hour? Don't you think that's a bit too much?>

Eevee: <Are you the one teaching here "Casper?" Huh?>

Stephen was about to say something, but Saul was already doing his own handstand. He sighed and just made his way to another rock, before floating upside down.

Stephen: <Welp, we're all going to be here for a while, that's for sure...>

Stormchaser

Chase: Thanks so much for helping me. I can't really reward you right now, but I can promise you once I'm better I won't capture any of you guys.

Chase teleports away. Micro shakes his head.

Micro: ~See, this is why we need to get those records too.~

Stormchasxer

Justice: "...And the records, got it."

THE COURT

Jared: Oh, dude, nice! I'm Jared Goldherst, the defense, nice to meet you! If we're gonna work together we'l take those guys DOOOOOOOOOOOQWN!

-he pumps his fists dramatically as he says this-

Stormchaser kitchen, past

Ludovic: Oh, we should. Clean up. Dear me. (rolls up his sleeves)

Kamon: Whoa now what's that.

He jabs at the odd, faded bruises on the underside of Ludovic's exposed arm harder than probably intended. Ludovic shoves him away.

Ludovic: They randomly showed up one morning a while ago when I looked in the mirror.

Kamon: On MY vanilla Kalosian??? Ludi, are you finally letting Cayenne branch out?

Ludovic: Silence, commoner. You know, the thought occurred that they resemble Wobbuffet or Wynaut footprints, which is admittedly bizarre.

Kamon: You mean one touched you?? Urgh, get away, you'll spread their sliminess everywhere. (ineptly wards him off) Nasty creatures. Should do us all a favor and stop reproducing.

Ludovic: How silly. All Pokémon are Arceus' perfect children, none of them should die out.

Kamon: No, see, they're vindictive cold beasts that serve no purpose except to fuck you up and should be collectively launched into the sun. (turns to Tagg) Right??

Hamlet, The Basement

The main basement hub is a mess. Deep gouges on every surface, scattered shards of metal dot the floor... The table in the center of the room has been outright broken and the fake Corviknight upon it is now missing. The door opposite the one to the tunnel leading to the well now stands blown open with a faint red light glowing from somewhere past a corner...

Meat Palace

-So yeah guess who's holding the weird spindle of the meat machine that has orbiting genetic holograms or whatever-

Anthem: <Looks like your plan is well done— wait no I mean—!>

Shadow James Crowley: Yeah yeah, I get it... I'm beat... You intruders want me to cut ties with those asshats? Fine, I was gonna do so anyways!

-The whole place trembles as the eyes high up on the wall lose focus on the group and just stare off into the distance-

Shadow James Crowley: God, to think I got outdone by a bunch of twenty-somethings and their Pokemon... Whatever, guess the me in reality better start compiling the leak...

-Rakash takes a moment to breathe and nods at Anthem-

We should get out of here before the Palace vanishes.

Shadow James Crowley: Yeah, get out of my damn body...

-There is a click as a door that might not have been there before opens revealing a corridor that likely leads back to the main factory floor-

Orochi Tower, November 1st

Yeah, well now you know I'm not responsible for James' death.

Lily Thane: Yeah, but... Listen, whatever was involved, that's bad mojo so I'd really like to be kept in the loop.

I'm not letting you join the Thieves.

Lily Thane: Mkay. Wasn't going to ask that. Just that if you find something dangerous, like 'might effect my interests' dangerous? You let me know too.

Fine, but if the Thieves need something you can provide then you'll give it, no questions asked. Deal?

Lily Thane: Hm... Deal.

-Lily Thane steeples her fingers and things are silently for slightly too many seconds-

So... Can I leave?

Lily Thane: Huh! Long time since I got a Supporting Actor!

What?

Lily Thane: Oh nothing for you to bother with, you can go.

Oooooookay...

-Gale gets up and slowly backs out of the room-

Lavender Tower

-With her cool cutting move done, Gale puts away her pen and sword-

Well Olivia, once you've figured out where the next streamer leads just give me a shout and I'll be there to help. I've got your back on this endeavor.

Unova Court - Defense Lobby - Room 1

Sorry I'm late

-Pentigan, in full classic J-Teamer regalia (longcoat and fedora, you know the look) arrives at the Defense Lobby. He looks to be in decent spirits, though one hand is currently fiddling with some kind of vaguely jade-green object-

Decided to stop by a shrine on the way here, pick up something auspicious just in case. Thought we could use as much luck or dare I say courage as we could today.

-He closes his hand around the jade object before putting it onto the brim of his hat, it's a magatama clearly made of jade-

Battle Academy

Elizabeth: It is kinda like that, except instead of two birds it's one bird and he's a nice bird!

-The girl takes a moment to breathe-

Elizabeth: Are Hanib and Amkoh also the ravens of Odin? That's really neat and very cool if so.

Battle Academy

Ein: No, more like branches on a tree. Some of the highest branches, but not quite the top of the tree. Kinda like that. Though, Hanib always has had a thing for birds... Not sure why...

-Elsewhere, Hanib pauses as she drinks her tea.-

Hanib: ...

-She shrugs and goes back to enjoying her especially prepared black tea.-

Ein: Mama Angela is still teaching me about the whole "Sephira" thing.

The GM House

Deziree: If you're going out to catch a new team, then you'd better catch one that knows how to massage feet as well as you do.

Dune: I'm not a miracle worker, dear. That's your thing.

Deziree: Yeah, a miracle worker who feels like her bladder's shrunken three sizes in the last two months.

Dune: Yes, dear, very true. Anything you want me to pick up while I'm in Galar?

Deziree: Get me one of those Gigantimax Pokemon. I want to study it.

Dune: You do know that Gigantimaxing is a phenomena wholly restricted to Galar, right?

Deziree: I know what I said!

Dune: Alright, I'll see if I can't find one.

Sunnyshore City

Chiyo: -Sitting in a restaurant, looking into her mug of hot chocolate- New Year's is tomorrow, what will next year bring?

Lydia: -Comes in and chooses to sit right across from Chiyo- Hello, Chiyo.

Chiyo: -Crossing her arms, annoyed at the unwelcome guest- Lydia. I'm surprised you'd come up to me like this after what happened the last time we met.

Lydia: -Taking a sip of her own mug of hot chocolate- I try not to repeat mistakes, and I know you won't strike first unless I'm dumb enough to start something.

-Fists to cheeks-

You sure did end up putting a whole bunch of Combee in the School's bonnet with what you've been up to lately. That little speech you made a couple months back, that little prank you and the J-Team guy, your... whatever did at the tissue bank, getting a Templar to defect.

Chiyo: -Humorless- I try.

Lydia: They've been trying to keep the last one quiet because of what happened with Adelinde, or maybe she didn't tell them because the loss was too humiliating.

-Unown J, T, L, and C appear-

But my little friends tell me everything they see. Except inside that airship the J-Team lives in, it's as impenetrable to peer in as your mind.

Chiyo: -Smiling, but it's not one of her friendly smiles- Well that's good to know, that we continue to be a pain in the neck for you guys.

Lydia: The Principal's getting antsy especially, but I don't really have any details on that.

Chiyo: -A hint of a more sincere smile- That's even better.

Lydia: How long do you think you have before the School decides its counterattack?

Chiyo: Who knows, but it doesn't matter. Whatever you send at us, we'll beat.

-Quirking an eyebrow-

Did your masters put you up to sending me a message?

Lydia: -Nonchalantly reclining in her chair- Oh no, I'm off duty, I just figured I'd check in, see where we stand. As far as my superiors know, we're not having this conversation. You make better conversation that most of my peers anyway, even if we are technically enemies.

Chiyo: -Looking around, noting the lack of other purple eyed people hanging around as was the case during the Café incident- I don't know about the "technical" part, you haven't exactly handed over your letter of defection, and last time you got your other Templars set on us.

Lydia: -Checking her phone, seemingly ignoring the latter part of Chiyo's last statement- Well I've got an appointment to take care of, so we'll see each other again soon Chiyo.

-Standing up, surprisingly sincere sounding-

Have a Happy New Year.

-She then walks outside and walks over to a man, whose brown eyes and countenance don't exactly scream "School agent", before they depart together. While there's a hint of hunger in Lydia's eyes, there's a lack of the smugness from last time-

Chiyo: -Watching as Lydia squeezes the man's butt as they're walking away, sipping her hot chocolate- "Just fucking", huh?

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jan 14th 2023 at 5:53:38 AM

Courtroom

Finding his balance slightly as Pentigan appears as himself, Kendall points, chains and a [Psyche-Lock] forming for just a few seconds around the veteran J-Teamer before he chuckles it off, the illusion vanishing.

He sighs.

"I’m scared for what this means for all of us."

Hamlet

With no other sources to follow, it's all Kamui can do to step into the room with the source of red light.

Meat Palace

Ahemait vanished as R n' L blinded himself once again, Camazotz the Noivern summoning a Tailwind to get the Thieves out faster.

Real him? File?

Edited by AbsentCoder on Dec 30th 2022 at 9:36:03 AM

Stormchaser

Micro: ~Okay, now we just need to wait until Dr Coleman leaves. Once she's gone there should just be a schoolkid who is likely sleeping and if we're unlucky a templar or two in the medbay.~

Jess: I can head home and let you guys know when she gets back.

Micro: ~Wait, are you the Rose person she kept talking about?~

Jess sighs.

Jess: Of course she would... But yes, I suppose... But anyway, do you have a phone I could text?

Micro turns to Justice.

Micro: ~Not me. I'm guessing you have one?~

Old Chateau

Locke: ...Say what's your name?

Ghimmighoul: <Oh! I used to have one but it's... a literal deadname so now I don't.>

Locke: "If my hunch is correct and you're going to join me on my quest, how does Midas sound?"

Ghimmighoul Midas: <Oh! Sounds marvelous!>

-They hop off Locke's chest. Locke gets up and picks up the strange orb-

Locke: Well there's only one way we're going to solve this mystery and rewrite history.

Midas: <I can take a guess.>

Locke: "Let's go to Paldea!"

Iron Lab

Owen: "Well I can't just leave you here. You want a name?"

Type: Null:<...Uhhh, sure.>

Owen: "...I could probably generate a ton of potential names from my databases but all I can think of right now is Cube."

Type: Null: <Cube works actually.>

Owen: "...Okay then!"

-Cube gets off Owen and Owen gets up-

Owen: "Well, the last person in contact with my sister says the only hint to her destination was Paldea so I think I know where I'm taking you."

Cube: <Better than here...>

-Owen pumps a fist-

Owen: "Let's go to Paldea!"

Canaclave City

Merlin: "...Well?"

Fou: "Well?"

Merlin: "Let's find out what happened to him! I can't rest easy until we do!"

Thetis: -smiles- "That's the spirit. I will join you in your cause."

Fou: <Oh boy. I think I know where this is going.>

Merlin: "Yes!"

-Starts marching off again-

"Let's go to Paldea!"

Happy 11th WAAPT-versary, me! Hope to have more adventures ahead!

Edited by Umbramatic on Dec 31st 2022 at 1:58:37 PM

The GM House

Deziree: Uuuuuugh alcohol doesn't even do anything for me and yet not drinking on New Year's still sucks.

Dune: Sorry, dear.

Deziree: Why couldn't we just keep our pants on until January...

Edited by DuneTheWanderer on Dec 31st 2022 at 6:03:25 AM