Mitchell: "Gah! An enemy ambush! With a musical accompaniment, apparently!"

Oliver: <These flying papercraft need a good soak! Orders, Professor?>

A lightbulb ignites in Mitchell's head.

Mitchell: "Say, how about we use this tune to our advantage. Oliver, Water pulse, two triple volley spreads, timed to the beat and on my mark. Ready?"

Oliver: <*sigh* The things I do for family. Ready!>

Mitchell: "3, 2, 1, FIRE!"

Oliver attacks the origami Basculin, firing three shots left to right, then three shots right to left in their general direction.

Kaisei pulls off a golden band on his arm as the origami Basculin appear.

Kaisei: "..."

"...Right, I'll have to wait for night."

"Okay, Tale, looks like you're up!"

He throws a Poke Ball, releasing a Tentacruel.

Tale: <You need to get a better sense of time if you're going to do that.>

<But that is why I'm here after all!>

Kaisei: "Right, use Acid!"

Tale sprayed a gunk out to try and damage the paper fishes.

Speaking of fish Pokemon, three fish Pokemon are currently swimming around in the Stormchaser's new saltwater pool/aquarium.

Slliuq: <Ereh ni od ot elba eb ot ecin yletinifed si siht, timda ot evah I.>

Jones: <I know, right? I mean, there's plenty of seawater in our balls but if you wanna swim together we gotta go find an ocean or head back to PEFE HQ for one of its modules. Shame humans can't make use of the 2/3 of the world we're better equipped for.>

Chum: <What'd I tell ya? The Stormchaser saw a need and filled it! I gotta thank whoever got this water on here in the first place.>

Autumn Mountain, far past

Ann: Go Dicot!

Dicot: -Appears, now a Roselia-

Alright Dicot, use Magical Leaf!

Dicot: -Sends out multicolored leaves from her petals-

Poni Facility, past

Chiyo: -Sizing up the amalgamation- I don't want to hurt them, they're just in pain, and angry.

We won't have to, but I'm going to need you guys to distract them for me, after I solifidy them.

-Eyes glow-

Chloe: Boll, let's do it!

Boll: -Uses Hurricane to whip up a lot of dust and cotton spores, as Chloe turns into wind form, creating a dust ring around the spirits-

Vengeful Amalgam: -Flings loosened bricks at the group, which are blocked by Chiyo's barriers or punched apart by Atlas-

Zee: -Uses her powers to cause the fluff to expand, creating another ring-

Life, now for light.

Hitodama, like with Glastrier!

Hitodama: -Creates a ring of green fire-

Okay, now for me.

-Starts chanting and keeps at it until the amalgam glows golden and splits into its component spirits, who then disappear-

And that's another brought to rest.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 29th 2023 at 3:29:05 PM

West Province Area One, Paldea

Daydre: "Hm. I guess I never really thought about what happens if you two evolve. Would you just end up making two Aegislash?"

Daydre: "..."

Daydre: "You don't want to think about that? Alright then."

Daydre: -shrugging- "I actually don't know very much about Honedge either. I've never trained one. Well, except for that one time. But that was weird."

The Daydre lump kinda. Off-gases some vague smoke in the appropriate aura color. The smoke increases if it's touching the mask directly, but other than that doesn't do much.

Daydre: "Aw, you made a homunculus from the dregs of my being! c:"

She sees no problem with this.

Daydre: "...Actually I guess it's not quite a homunculus. But still."

.. Nodding along to Megan's "explanation" of where she got her "supplies".

Daydre: "...Yeah, probably better not to use them. But stealing's always fun! I mean, er. "Stealing"."

She sheathes Aya and Ana Maria at Megan's prompting.

Daydre: -smiling- "Hehe."

... And is lead to the spirograph.

She returns Megan's gaze.

Daydre: "You don't need to tell me twice~"

And she dances.

What's immediately obvious is that her movements are much more.. confident than usual. She's not the greatest dancer in the world, but she moves well enough to be pleasing to the eye. There's not a particular term for the dance she's doing. It's definitely cobbled together from a variety of things she's seen, but fits the general description of "passionate" and "direct".

That's not to say she's being pushy, though. Everything she involves Megan in comes with an implicit "shall we?"— there's a polite hesitation where she waits for Megan to accept before attempting things like spin outs or lean tos.

Poni Facility

-We stand in front of the entrance to the template room-

Are you guys ready for what you might find inside? I know this has been a tough experience for all of you.

Chiyo: We need to get to the bottom of this, so we don't really have a choice.

Chloe: -Staring hard- It's our only method of getting closure where this is concerned.

Abe: Don't disagree.

Zee: -Nods-

Well, if you're all sure.

-Upon opening the door, it's clear that the room had been ransacked at some point, but there are certain sections that appear a lot more damaged than the others-

Damn, you guys really did a number on this place, I don't think they'd be getting much out of those.

Chiyo: Okay, but we need to find mine.

Abe: -Pointing up- Hmm...

-The section labeled #77 is also heavily damaged, but there remains a very tiny mostly pristine portion-

Chiyo: So that's how they did it. Scraping the insides to see if they got anything good, but what they got would've been really damaged. Necessitating the usage of a filler to shore up the template, in this case meaning you Tagg.

-To Chiyo-

Do you think they picked me for any reason in particular?

Chiyo: -Shakes head- No, like I said back at the Stormchaser, I think it was just a coincidence, they probably picked yours just because it was the most convenient, having no idea of our connection or who it even belonged to.

Well, I guess we got our answers, or at least as close to them as we'll get without interrogating a School scientist directly.

Chloe: -Agitated- Let's get out of here then, just being here makes me feel off.

-Looking up-

I'll be happy for this place to just remain a memory.

-Twitches-

Ah crud.

Zee: -Grimacing- Seems we have company.

-Everyone turns around to see three more such amalgams preparing to attack-

Chloe: Arceus, not this again.

-It's then that just as we prepare to fight again, we spot a figure in a dark cloak with a scythe, accompanied by a Glimmora, approaching rapidly from behind-

???: -Exasperated- No, no, no, quit it you guys. They're not our enemies.

-The cloaked figure and her Glimmora push their way past the spirits, who seemingly calm down, to talk face to face-

It's been a long time you guys.

-Removing her hood, revealing a [East or Southeast Asian]-appearing face with brown skin and the School-typical purple eyes, as spirit flames start surrounding her-

Glad you're all still alive, there's not much here besides the dead normally.

Chiyo: -Recognizing them immediately- ...Ruthenium.

Chloe: -Eyebrow raise- So it was you who did the memorial and everything?

??? Ruthenium: -Nods- Yeah, that was me.

Boron: She's kept us all company all this time.

Abe: What I don't get is... why come back in the first time? This place just holds nothing but bad memories for us.

Ruthenium: Well, there's a bit of a story there, if you're willing to listen.

Chiyo: I guess we've got plenty of time.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 29th 2023 at 3:31:00 PM

Poni Facility

Abe: -Following some introductions- So what happened Ruthenium?

Ruthenium: -Thinking back- After Diamond got away, I managed to escape myself by following his example. Then I drifted around the world for a couple years, which is how I met Lily here.

-Leaning against her scythe-

But then, I felt the strongest desire to come back here of all places, so I came back to Alola, to Poni, despite the dangers of recapture or liquidation. Luckily for me, once I got here, the base was completely abandoned. Well, except for all the ghosts.

Boron: Like me, for one. I met up with her not too long after I died.

Ruthenium: -Still taking- I wanted to figure out a way to help everyone, but I knew couldn't do it on my own. So I did my best to learn how to interact with spirits, by becoming an Yveltalist. How to talk to them, how to calm them, I even learned how to channel them.

Chiyo: -Eyebrow raise- Channel, like those Soul House shrine maidens?

Ruthenium: -To Chiyo- Well, us Schoolchildren starting out are basically empty vessels, right? So I was taught how to temporarily take on that state in order to better channel spirits.

Lily: -Skeptical- <I think it's crazy personally.>

Ruthenium: I can shut it off whenever I want, so no crying out to eat the hearts of babies for me.

So basically, voluntary Hallow.

Ruthenium: Precisely.

Zee: How'd you know we were here?

Ruthenium: -With a wry grin- My other mon told me, so I had to rush over quickly before something happened to you.

-An Alolan Dugtrio then erupts out of the ground next to her-

Chloe: So there's us, then Diamond, possibly Hydogren and Flerovium, and then you. Do you know of anyone else that's still alive Ruthenium?

Ruthenium: -Shakes head- I wish I could say, but I haven't the slightest clue. It's just been me, my mons, and the ghosts here.

-Gesturing towards the three mostly pacified amalgams-

I've wanted to send off these guys for the longest, but I can't do it alone, and it's too dangerous to risk the School finding out I'm squatting in here if I tried getting better help. Like fuck I'm getting No Heart's attention.

-Stepping forward-

Well, I think I can help, I'm no stranger to quelling restless spirits. We can do it together.

Ruthenium: Well, it can't make things worse. Let's try it out Tagg.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 29th 2023 at 2:18:27 PM

School safehouse

Robin: ~Okay then, here we go!~

Everyone teleports away.

Stormchaser living room

They arrive back in the living room.

Robin: ~Phew! That was close.~

Robin takes the opportunity to smash the ice trapping Micro and the fainted grass Dratini. Micro shivers.

Micro: <Brrrr!> ~At least we all got out in one piece.~

The Dratini starts to stir.

Dratini: <This isn't the warehouse... Where are we?>

School safehouse, aftermath

Asclepius throws Magnesium across the room.

Asclepius: Why did you just stand there and do nothing?! What is wrong with you?! We had them! But now they're gone and it's all your fault!

???: Really? They got away already? What is wrong with you two?!

Dr Coleman walks into the trashed warehouse with Chase V following behind.

Dr Coleman: Please do explain why my facility is a mess and my delta Dratini is gone. I'm interested to hear what excuses you can come up with.

Asclepius: It's Magnesium's fault! He just stood around and did nothing after his Sawsbuck got hit once!

Dr Coleman: Judging by the frost on the ground, our intruder was using Ice type pokemon. Since Maggie uses Grass types, she would understandably struggle against that. You, however, have a Kingambit.

Asclepius: They had a Gallade with them! If they hadn't got that lucky freeze on Aceso, they'd still be here now.

Dr Coleman: Hmm...

She stops and thinks for a second.

Dr Coleman: What a shame. It looks like this safehouse won't be the only thing I'll have to deal with. It was useful while it lasted, but some branches must be pruned. I suppose I will also have to think of an appropriate punishment for you.

Asclepius: What?! I did everything right!! It's Magnesium's fault!

Dr Coleman: You'd do well to learn not to act like a child. As for Magnesium, I think we have time for one more test of her regeneration skills before we leave this place behind. We haven't tried the hand in a while...

Magnesium nervously holds his left hand, which is already missing a finger or two.

Edited by QuantumMelody29 on Apr 5th 2023 at 9:39:51 AM

Poni Facility

-A number of spirits have gathered within a drawn circle Ruthenum and I have made-

Ruthenium: Alright Tagg, let's send them to rest at last.

-Nods-

May the Alpha grant you all the peace you seek.

-We both start chanting as the circle starts glowing blue, then golden-

Chiyo: So, this is it then...

-The spirits then surround Chiyo and the others, joining in a group embrace-

Oxygen: I'm happy I was able to see you again Iridium.

Neptunium: -Cracking a slight smile for the first time this entire venture- Don't end up like us.

-The spirits, still group hugging Chiyo and everyone else, all glow golden as they disappear and it's just the Truancy Gang, myself, and Ruthenium left amongst the humans-

Abe: -As last of the golden motes disappear- Wow...

-Well, save for one-

Boron: -Having not disappeared- I think... I still have some unfinished business here. I want to go with you guys. The School's still around, and so's No Heart.

-Annoyed-

But if I try leaving, once I go far enough I just snap back here. I probably still feel enough attachment to this place that I can't just leave, even now.

-To Boron-

I have an idea to get around that.

-Drawing a circle and placing a dislodged piece of rubble into it-

I can bind you to this piece of concrete, and you'll be able to leave with. It'll be a weak binding, so you can still manifest of your own free will instead of just being stuck in there, though unless it's damaged you won't be able to leave. Is that what you want Boron?

Boron: -Eyes narrowing with determination- I'll take it.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 5th 2023 at 6:30:58 AM

Poni Facility

-After coming back up the surprisingly still in good shape elevator, it's nighttime-

Chiyo: -Speaking up- So Ruthenium, are you going to come with us?

Ruthenium: -Shakes head- No I'm afraid, I think I'll stay here for now. We might've put a lot of spirits to rest, but those weren't the only ones in there, and someone needs to watch over them. I think it'll be easier than it was before though, thanks to you guys.

Chiyo: -Clutching her necklace- Fair enough. Do you at least have a phone or something so we can keep in touch?

Ruthenium: I don't really use them but...

Chiyo: We can figure that out, Chloe didn't really have one until I got Tagg to help with that.

Boron: -Manifesting- Of course now I'm wondering what I should do besides being just moral support. Try to see if I become a Ghost-type?

??? You have all done quite well, putting those unfortunate wayward spirits to rest.

Chiyo: Uxie?

Ruthenium: What? 0_0

??? Uxie: -Appears, but it's a projection rather than in the flesh- Boron, do you wish to help your comrades despite your current state?

Boron: -Eyebrow raise- A god knows who I am?

Uxie: I know who everyone is, and everything about them. That includes Schoolchildren. That is Knowledge.

Boron: -To Uxie- Yeah, of course I do.

Uxie: When you all are done here, those who will leave will have an audience with Tapu Fini. That is your next step for this quest.

-She disappears-

Ruthenium: Well, that was definitely... something. Anyway, you guys are free to stay here for the night. I sleep over where the scientists used to sleep on the upper levels.

Chloe: -Smirking- Nice, direct action.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 30th 2023 at 5:03:06 AM

Copying that... that wouldn't work... however. Ribbon smiled and jumped, a light screen forming underneath her, before she continued to leap from light screen to light screen. She landed beside Talbain with a smile.

<Just gotta get clever about applying your moves, huh?>

The Judge's eyes widened at that. "Yes! Yes that is quite suspicious!"

He banged his gavel a bit to quite the room. "Mr. Cain, if you can adequately explain this, please do so posthaste!"

Isaac nodded a bit. "That's good, that's useful. If the information is accurate, that'll protect us."

The group stood outside a building, that said "The Bishop". ~This is the place,~ Deckard noted. ~Investigative Journalism... everyone ready?~

"If this guy is as slippery as our contacts say, then facing him won't be easy," Isaac noted.

Poni Facility, past - Later That Night

Chiyo: -Has walked down to where the makeshift memorial is by herself- Today has been... a lot.

-In front of her is Ruthenium, polishing the memorial stones-

Ruthenium: -Notices Chiyo and stands up- Oh, hey Iridium, or should I call you Chiyo now?

Chiyo: Either's fine, you're not School-affiliated, or a Templar.

Ruthenium: Thought you'd be sleeping like the others.

Chiyo: -Polishing a stone- Today's left me with a lot to think about. I've got closure on one thing, but when we're done in Alola, I still have to face the fact that the Freshman Iridium's still School "property". That's Tagg and I's problem primarily, because she's half of each of us. And once we do manage to get her free, things will get even more complicated as we try to adjust.

Ruthenium: If you ask me, it's better to take things one step at a time. Like, I think you should talk to him and stuff, but there's no use counting Torchic eggs before they hatch.

Chiyo: I guess. Actually Ruthenium, I had a question.

Ruthenium: Yeah?

Chiyo: I'll admit I don't get it Ruthenium. Every time I think about this place, I think about all the pain and suffering it caused the others and I. But you, you don't seem to really mind continuing to spend time here, and you've done it for so long by yourself save for Boron and the other spirits.

Ruthenium: Well, it's true, this place was filled with pain and suffering for us, but maybe... that's not all it has to be. I could see this place one day being a center of learning, about us, to make sure that the School's apologists don't end up rewriting the record. Maybe even a home, despite all that's happened here. What better way to spite the School, and No Heart, than to build upon their ashes?

-Half-jokingly-

Though I think we'd need some of that PEFE money to make this place livable again for more than just me. Get a more proper memorial stone than what I was able to cobble together from the decaying façade, for one.

Chiyo: Yeah, maybe.

-Looking out towards the sea from the roof-

Hmm...

-It's then that I feel a sudden gust of wind-

Chloe.

Chloe: -Forms right next to me- Tagg.

-A couple quiet uncomfortable moments pass between us. While hardly fighting like cats and dogs, Chloe and I probably have the least great relationship out of Chiyo's Batchmates-

What brings you up here? Thought you'd be with Abe and Zee.

Chloe: Well...

-She shifts uncomfortably-

I wanted to say I was sorry for, well, treating you as just some random person that was leading Chiyo down the path to her doom just because you saved her life once.

-To Chloe-

You just wanted your friend to be safe, the School plays for keeps, as we've established over and over.

Chloe: That wasn't fair to you, or Chiyo. She's able to make her own decisions, and well, you've definitely proven you're willing to walk the walk.

-Looking away-

I'm a J-Teamer, it's what we do.

Chloe: -Arms crossed- Chiyo thinks so highly of you, I don't think quite you understand just how much she does. I bet if you were to go down there and ask her right now she'd say that if any random person was to have their DNA mixed up with hers, and it was a choice, you're one of the people she'd rather it be. Like, imagine if little Iridium Jr. was half No Heart or something? I figure she definitely lucked out there.

I don't get it personally, I don't think I deserve that. I've done things that aren't exactly great.

Chloe: Tagg, I don't think any of us has clean hands here, we've all killed to survive. Even Abe.

-Serious-

There are things that you guys don't know about me.

Chloe: Chiyo has that Templar Louise hang around her, despite that look in her eyes that tells me she's killed Schoolchildren before, whatever you did can't be worse than what the School does, what you saw down then in No Heart's lab. But hey, you can always tell her, apart from Abe Chiyo's the least judgmental out of all of us. She's always been pretty good at judging a person's inner character.

-Changing subjects-

Chloe: Anyway, I'd like things to start over between us, begin with a clean slate, or at least as close to it as we're gonna get. Like I don't think we're gonna be best buddies like you and Chiyo are or anything overnight, but.

-Looking at Chloe for a few seconds before giving my answer-

Sure.

Chloe: -Reaching out her hand- I'm Chloe Cloudchaser, formerly Chlorine of the New Century Class, I go where the wind takes me.

-Shaking Chloe's hand-

I'm Tagg, PEFE Researcher, explorer.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 29th 2023 at 3:18:13 PM

Hamlet, Past

She shrugs, Akatsuki leading her down the trail.

Poke Park-our

Talbain shakes his head at Ribbon's solution, looking up at the screens on his Stone Edge spires, that Ribbon had leaped from.

<That's Kendall's job. Mine is to deal damage.>

"Yeah, misdirection is a craft unto itself," Kendall's voice came from behind the Sylveon, the only source being a cloud of black smoke that sunk back into the shadow cast by Talbain's tail.

With a flick of his tail towards the Light Screens, the shadows flew over and stained them black.

Sinnoh Underground, Kris's secret base

Pat is looking at some of the Paldea vacation brochures Kris got from work. Kris arrives back from yet another shift.

Pat: Oh, hi!

Kris notices the rustling of paper as Pat puts the brochures away.

Kris: Are you reading something?

Soul hops off of Kris's shoulder and investigates.

Soul: <Why read holiday brochures for somewhere you're never going to go?>

Kris shakes their head.

Kris: Wait, did you find those Paldea vacation vouchers?

Pat: Yeah! It'd be fun if we could go!

Pat sniffles.

Pat: ...Once I get over this cold, at least.

Kris: What's the point?

Pat: I dunno, it might be fun? I also saw this thing about these Herba Mystica thingies. Apparently they're super healthy and if you eat all of them it'll cure anything! Imagine that!

Kris sighs.

Kris: We weren't created to have fun. We need to lay low or either the j-team or the other templars will get us. And even then, how would we get to Paldea? We haven't got any passports so they probably wouldn't let us on a plane, and even if they did, your Golduck isn't a registered service pokemon so you probably wouldn't be able to have him out for the journey. We wouldn't want another explosion, especially not on a plane.

Pat: Surely there's a way to do it! I guess you're too much of a grumpig to be able to think of one. I thought the whole point of being out was to not have to just sit around waiting to expire.

She sneezes a lot.

Pat: Speaking of that, did you get those cold and flu thingies?

Kris: Sorry... I'll go and buy some later.

Seafolk Village

-Finishing the last of the Zumungous Z-Noodles we've all ordered-

Zee: I don't get to eat stuff like this a lot, it's either what I can buy from the village or what I grow or Sickle hunts.

Abe: It's kinda funny, we were all made in Alola, but this is the first time we've really gotten to experience it besides trying to put as many miles between us and the islands as possible.

Hapu: -Approaching our table- Tapu Fini said you all have a tendency to be hard to find Mr. Tagg and friends, but here you all are.

Chloe: -To me- You know this kid?

She's Poni's kahuna.

Chloe: Oh. I thought it was some old guy.

That was her grandfather, he died a while ago.

Hapu: I am looking for a Ms. Chiyo.

Chiyo: -Stepping forward- That'd be me.

Hapu: Tapu Fini says you are to be tested in particular.

Chiyo: Me, huh?

Hapu: You were deemed most suitable. Of course, your friends can also be there with you.

Chiyo: -To Hapu- Considering how these past couple days have been, it's appreciated.

Ruins of Hope

-We have gathered in front of the entrance-

Hapu: Once you enter the ruins, the test will begin. I am not sure what you will see once you enter, the mist shows different things to everyone. But the theme is the same, ghosts from the past.

Chiyo: If it's to help Boron help us, I'll do it.

Hapu: Then I wish you luck Ms. Chiyo.

Chiyo: -Nods before she enters, followed by the rest of the group-

"Ah yes, Hoops," Gabriel said. "Turns out they have enough of a nervous-system to still be 'hacked' funnily enough."

He looked over the samples and handed them to a menial, who rushed off to the labs. "Of course, please. Feel free to use the infirmary to get yourself patched up. I'll be contacting Victor soon enough to get these samples processed."

Roxy sat at the table, reading through some articles on companies on her laptop. She was bored out of her mind but study was necessary, the more she learned the more she could blend in. Still, just reading about boring history of companies drove her crazy.

She paused a bit as she got to the figures section on a company the family had hit a few times, Sakura Genetics.

She squinted... "Wait..."

Attached were two photos, one of a current executive at Sakura, a man in a dark red suit with a black tie and a pair of square glasses. Another was of the familiar templar, Gabriel the Synaptic, still holding that psychic blade of his. The faces were identical, save for expressions.

Gabriel's Base

Whitt smiles. "If they have a nervous system, that means pinning them to the mountain with ice must have hurt like hell. That makes me happy."

He starts to head in the direction of the infirmary, before pausing. "What are you working on here, anyway?"

"New templar designs, custom made pokemon, a few new biotoxins I hope to use... prepping many things," Gabriel answered.

"You may see Victor around, pay him no mind, he's here by invitation. I felt giving him access to my labs would be useful," he added. "He's rather brilliant if unconventional."

Ruins of Hope

-The interior is, as expected, filled with a thick mist that even Aura Sense cannot pierce-

Chloe: Kahuna Hapu said there'd be ghosts from the past, so who exactly are we going to see in here that we didn't see back at the old facility?

-The mist starts to part, and two figures start to approach the group, an older [Asian] couple-

Man: Is that you Chiyo?

Woman: You've blossomed so beautifully my child.

Chiyo: -Recognizing the people in question- It makes sense, of course I would see them here.

-To Chiyo-

Those are the two you told me about, aren't they?

Chiyo: -Seemingly only half hearing my statment- Mr. and Mrs. Sunazawa...

-She runs over and hugs them both, surprised that in this case, they're actually corporeal compared to the spirits inside the facility-

I'm sorry, what happened to you was all my fault. You died because of me, some runaway without parents or identity.

Mr. Sunazawa: When that Templar, or whatever they were, come to our door and demanded that we give you up or suffer the consequences, we chose not to even knowing that this person had the full desire and ability to harm us. Do you know why?

Mrs. Sunazawa: We didn't die because of you, we died because we weren't going to just let someone do as they pleased to you. We died protecting someone that we loved.

Chiyo: -Looking down- I never wanted anyone dying because of me.

Mr. Sunazawa: We were never able to have children of our own, but despite our time together being short, you were like a daughter to us Chiyo.

Mrs. Sunazawa: Our only regret in dying to protect you was that it meant apart from Dactyl you spent so long mostly alone, because you were afraid of the same thing happening to anyone else you chose to let in. From all that you've accomplished, how everyone you've met can see your inner glow, anyone would be proud to call you their daughter.

-Gesturing to the rest of the group-

And we can tell they're all proud to call you friend.

Chloe: They're right.

Mr. Sunazawa: We need to go now.

Mrs. Sunazawa: But remember that we'll always be watching over you Chiyo.

-And the mist turns so opaque that we see no more-

Orre, Battle Academy Bench

They're on the bench again.

Ama: "..."

Strontium: "Did you.. have something you wanted to say in person? Instead of over text?"

Ama: "Yes."

Strontium: "Oh, okay..."

Ama: "Your voice sounds stronger. That's good."

Strontium: "Yeah. I'm... more used to it, now."

Ama: "Yeah."

Strontium: "..."

Ama: "..."

Strontium: "So what did you want to-"

Ama: "So I-"

The mutual interruption causes the both of them to fall back into silence once more.

Ama: "..."

Ama is, ultimately, the one who decides to break it.

Ama: "I've... finally come up with a name for you, if you'd like it."

Strontium blinks, and then slowly nods.

... It should also be noted Ama has been holding a stack of papers like her life depended on it.

Ama: "I..."

Strontium: "Yes?"

Ama sighs, and stows the papers away somewhere.

Ama: "... I'd brought that as a script to help me explain the cultural and historical significance of the name I picked out but that's.. Silly, now that I think about it. You learn enough from the academy, you don't need a lesson from me."

Strontium: -a little disappointed- "I.. guess not."

Ama: "But... I suppose I'll just say it. The name I'm suggesting is 蓮. Or, well, Lian. I don't speak the best. It's [Mandarin] for lotus."

Ama: -continuing- "[Mandarin]... Isn't actually *my* dialect, so to speak, but... It's probably the most common reading. And spelled in Galarian it's subtle enough to go largely unnoticed, which I imagine is important to Schoolchildren."

Ama: "Admittedly I.. started from your designation. I looked up the common uses for strontium. This was probably a poor starting place, but... It's what I thought of first. Strontium is commonly used in fireworks, and I initially thought something relating to that would be acceptable. But... call it superstitious, naming you after something that burns bright but short sounded like an ill omen. Something piqued my interest about the [Chinese] word for fireworks, though."

Ama: "It contains the hanzi for flower. So that got me to thinking about flower names!... Somewhat of an old standby for me, but it works out more often than not. I know more about flower meanings than I should, so.. I picked something from that."

Ama: "Lotuses are hardy, and they're perennials, and they live quite long for flowers, and they're often used symbolically because of their penchant for rising through the mud and flowering."

As Ama speaks, Strontium starts taking deeper breaths.

Ama: "And call it cheesy, but... That's my hope for you, I suppose. Live a long and healthy life despite early hardship."

The breaths turn into quiet sobs as she breaks into tears.

Ama: "... I know I said I wouldn't give you a lesson and ended up doing it anyway, so I'm... sorry..."

Ama trails to a stop as she realizes Strontium is crying.

Strontium: -between sniffs-"You.. you took... my question seriously..."

Ama: "Of course I did?? Why wouldn't I?"

Strontium: "I th-... I thought... you..."

Ama: -concerned- "I what?"

Ama: -softer- "If you don't like it, you don't have to use it if you don't want to-"

Lian: -wiping her eyes- "No it's nothing I need to go to my next class"

Lian: -voice still tight- "I'll use the name I promise"

Lian: "Thank you"

... And with that she runs away. Ama reaches a hand out, but opts not to follow.

Sofia pops her head up out of a nearby bush.

Ama: "... Did I do something wrong?"

Sofia: "Surprisingly, I don't think so."

Ama: "... What do you mean surprisingly?"

Ruins of Hope

-When the mist clears, there's just us and what appears to be a block puzzle-

The Ruins of Hope go by another name, the Ruins of the Other Side. It's said that life comes to an end here, which is why we encountered the long-dead Sunazawas. Not limited by region, since they died in Kanto.

Chiyo: -Just stands quietly for several seconds before speaking, as Atlas starts moving the gigantic blocks- Hoshizawa? Did I ever tell you guys how I decided on my name?

-To Chiyo-

No, but based on everything we just saw, I can guess.

Chiyo: Hoshi, "star" of course. Like how I also named myself Ida Starfield, apart from its connection to Ida B. Wells. But "zawa" as a suffix, I chose that as part of my name because of the Sunazawas and what they did for me. So my full name can be translated into Galarian as "The starry marsh of a thousand worlds" due to the kanji I used for it.

And well, that's how I choose to remember them.

Well, I think it's nice that you chose to honor them that way Chiyo. We only truly die once we're forgotten, or so the saying goes.

Chiyo: -Nods-

-We stand in front of the next entrance-

Abe: I have a feeling about who we'll probably be seeing next, based on how we saw the Sunazawas.

Zee: -Hands on Chiyo's shoulders- Do you think you're ready for that? For them?

Chiyo: -Nods- Yes.

-We go inside-

Ruins of Hope

CW suicidal ideation

-This time, a young woman with brown skin and pink hair cut into a bob appears from the mist. She has the School-typical purple eyes-

Chiyo: -Eyes widen- ...Curium.

Curium: -Smiling, looking a bit healthier than she probably would've when Chiyo last saw her- It's been a long time, my rainbow.

-Looking at her necklace-

Still wearing my gift huh?

Chiyo: -Immediately rushes over and hugs, openly weeping- It's been so long, I've missed you, we've all missed you.

Chloe: -Tearing up- When Chiyo said you died, you'd already been dead for a while.

Abe: We didn't even get the chance to say goodbye.

Zee: -Looking at the ground- We never really got the chance to have closure in that sense.

Curium: I missed you guys too, I wish I could've hung on enough to see the rest of us again.

Boron: -Manifesting from her stone- Curium, I fucked up.

Curium: I don't blame you for what happened anymore than the others do Boron.

Boron: I should've been the only one who died after Gallium, not you.

Curium: -Gently but firmly, in a very similar way to Chiyo- I wouldn't have wanted that. No one here would want that, and if Gallium were here, he'd probably say the same thing.

-To me-

And you must be the Tagg my rainbow told me about.

-To Chiyo-

You mentioned me to her?

Chiyo: You were important, how could I not?

Curium: Our time together was shorter than either of us would've liked, but we might've had nothing had you not interfered with the Templars that day.

-Smiling-

Thank you for standing by my Chiyo when the others and I couldn't.

It's... an honor for you to say that.

Chiyo: -Still gripping her hard- I wish we'd had the chance to bring Nicky and Kendra here with us, they would've loved you as I do.

Curium: Perhaps if fate were different. Life was hard, but at least I can say the last moments of it I was living, and not just surviving.

Chiyo: We're doing our best to get a cure to the Curse, and then we'll put the School to bed once and for all. What happened to you and Vana won't happen to anyone else, at least not due to that.

Curium: -Clasping her hands- And I believe you and Tagg and all your combined allies can do that.

-As the mist starts getting thicker-

It seems I'll have to take my leave now. Chloe, Abe, Zee, Tagg, take care of her in my stead please? Take care of each other. That goes for you too Boron.

Of course.

Chloe: You don't need to ask.

Abe: We will.

Zee: -Nods-

Boron: Hmm.

Curium: -Proceeds to kiss Chiyo deeply for what seems to be at least a minute before separating- Goodbye my rainbow, I'll always be with you.

-And so the mist goes completely opaque as everyone else (Even Boron, who finds that she's a bit more corporeal than she would be otherwise) embraces Chiyo-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Oct 8th 2023 at 8:20:14 AM

The Hamlet, The Farmlands -> The Crossroads

The crystals in the fields and forest have crumbled, their false light banished by the destruction of their focal point. The overcast skies are the only light in these lands now and the walk back to the crossroads.

Oddly Jolly Man: Ah, hail there my recurring traveler! Had you any luck finding anything at the old farms?

Glimwood Cabin, A While Back (Theoretically)

-Gale waits and watches her phone and eventually shrugs-

No reply. Maybe I should just...

-She snaps her fingers-

Hold on there's probably a shop that knows all about weird junk like this.

Autumn Mountain

-Gale seems to be... Weirdly in good spirits as the fight begins and she sets Bob down carefully-

One small change, let us hope it is a precursor to grander rewrites...

Oh, you lot can hear it too? Thought it was just me!

-Gale laughs and draws a few Pokeballs-

Acolyte, keep an eye out for further dangers! Squad, line 'em up and knock 'em down!

-She lets out the aforementioned Corviknight and Falinks who immediately set about their assigned tasks-

Pokepark, Dojo

Gale's Mystery Bird: <Heya Cap. Yeah. Just... Needed a moment to figure out who to hang out with.>

-The Murkrow does a little wobble and preens itself-

Gale's Mystery Bird: <As tempting as it would be to make some ominous statement involving the names of the [Norse] god's twin corvids, I think Gale works fine. After all, the being before you is a mere mass of magic animated by my very soul and puppeteered with no mind or biology of its own. Also given Gale is a perfectly suitable bird name it... Yeah.>

Kwan Resort House, AFD

Wow, surprised we entirely lack Noibatman. If I knew that, this would be the part where I unfurl my master plan and reveal that actually my costume is enchanted to turn into a Noibatman costume at a moment's notice!

-No such thing happens as she stands there smirking-

Alas, I did not predict such a thing.

Ruins of Hope

-The mist clears, and before us is the actual shrine room, Tapu Fini floating at the top of the stairs-

Tapu Fini: <I believe I have seen enough.>

Chiyo: Why did you make me go through that?

Tapu Fini: <I wished to divine your character, Chiyo Hoshizawa, before I granted you what you sought. If you were unable to handle what you saw within the mist, you would've been lost within it forever. Of course, the fact that you fight against that plague on our islands, the School, certainly helps enamor yourself to me, scion of Clan Anuenue.>

Well, never put it past a fairy to divine a dangerous test, but I don't think Lilac could've helped on this one...

Chiyo: Clan Anuenue... what is it exactly? Obviously I know "anuenue" is Alolan for "rainbow", but I'm sure there's more to it than that.

Tapu Fini: <I could tell you, but the truth is more interesting to figure out on its own, which you will.>

Chloe: Well that's helpful.

Abe: Chloe... I'd suggest being careful when dealing with a deity.

Tapu Fini: <I can however elucidate another thing I'm sure you've all been wondering about, which is why your old facility was abandoned.>

Chiyo: Was it you?

Tapu Fini: -Animatedly- <Oh yes, I felt that place had long been an eyesore on the land for their numerous crimes, as well as a sign of human arrogance like that which made me and my fellow guardians mostly stay away from the affairs of your kind.>

-With a satisfied tone-

<So as Tapu Bulu did to that market they had the arrogance to build on their sacred grounds as if it was their own, I had them expelled.>

Zee: That made things easier, would've been annoying to have to fight our way through Templars if it was still active.

Tapu Fini: -Makes a crystal vial filled with water appear, which floats into Chiyo's hands- <This vial contains some of my purifying water. You will use this with your friend's last earthly remnants so that they may be cleansed and create a new vessel for her. Then, when the time is right, use that special ritual, and your friend will be able to properly join you in your fight against the School.>

Chiyo: Thank you for this gift, great Tapu Fini, it won't go to waste.

Tapu Fini: -Nods before disappearing-

-Taking in the sight of the water and Tapu Fini's final words-

Well, this is certainly going to be nostalgic to an extent.

Abe: -Eyebrow raise- What do you mean?

I'll explain properly when we're actually doing the ritual, but this isn't my first rodeo where this stuff is concerned.

Chiyo: Let's go guys, I think we're done here.

-And so everyone files out of the ruins-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 8th 2023 at 5:34:03 AM

Unova Courtroom - Day 1

Alice: Keep pressing, Jared. We'll have them on the ropes soon enough.

-Shun adjusts his tie and keeps his gaze at his feet, whilst Leonard sputters indignantly.-

Leonard: I-It's entirely possible that after the fatal blow, the victim fell on top of the calling card she had received! That would explain why it was found intact!

-Alice looks over at Jared.-

Alice: ...From where I'm sitting, that doesn't add up. Look back at the autopsy report. There's something about the body that makes me doubt the good - well, semi-adequate, I suppose - prosecutor's argument.

Kwan Resort House - AFD

-Gaia chuckles at Priscilla as Murphy descends down the stairs.-

Gaia: You know me, I always like to go the extra mile. You can call this my own unique spin on the costume. Whilst I certainly wouldn't mind everyone fighting over me, it helps me stand out amongst the ever-growing crowd. And I have to admit, he really does wear it well~

-Her attention is then caught by Baba Yaga - and Neon, as he bursts in.-

Gaia: ...Dear gods. I can't deny the dedication, at least. I'm well-versed in just how long it takes to properly douse oneself in bodypaint.

Edited by Herbert40k on Apr 8th 2023 at 2:33:41 PM

West Province Area One, Paldea

-Pollen...shifts her head, letting more lenses catch whatever's coming off the smoke-

Pollen: <Revered Koko, Trainers are weird.>

-Megan checks her footing, sets her stance-

-and just...watches-

Megan: -smiling widely-

-under other circumstances, she might not be staring so boldly-

-but Daydre's unusual confidence is infectious...and she can't help but stand in awe-

-scientifically, urges a corner of her mind, and she replies that, too-

Fraidy: -stifles a chortle, setting to actually nabbing data-

-Megan settles easily into Daydre's rhythm, matching passion with something barely bound into cool...reverence-

Megan: and two, three, four...

-where Daydre offers, Megan takes; when she asks, Megan gives-

-Megan's—self-described awkward exuberance—yields before incredible physical fitness, affirming each request with a little smile and shifting of her weight, knowing her partner is already there-

Megan: and six, seven, eight...

-perfectly, almost supernaturally reading Daydre's motion, correcting for her own fumbles that she's not making-

-drawing her fingertips from Daydre's shoulder to palm, something not-blood pulsing yet harder-

-tracing her foot back along an arc, setting the ground to shimmer-

-ba-bump-

-ba-bump-

-ba-bump-

-the Z-Ring sparks, then shines between them, drawing forth a nimbus of many-hued, wild-surging light-

-Megan laces their fingers together and backs into one of Daydre's dips-

-the light laces with them, whirling within the confines of the diagram-

-outside, a thin streamer of light—one of eighteen in total—wicks off the dance bubble to a pitch-black Z-Crystal in a metal mounting bracket-

-the shadow surging from this one might be one of the most prolific—is expected to be, the Pokédex set up here with the blue Crystal swaddled in sponges on the opposite side-

-but it's not likely any of them are wholly bereft-

Fraidy: <W-well, the numbers...are there. They can tell me what this means...later...?>

Thespi: <Haha! Can you feel it? The life in the air! I bet they could keep this up for hours, circle or no!>

Pollen: -grounding her needle in the earth- <Hells no. Don't distract me.>

Megan: -tangibly warming- See? It's you!

-she looks like it's one of the most wonderful things she's ever seen-

-and sets into the next step of their improvised dance-