Druid Dude
Veilstone Gym, Battle Begin!
Desmond immediately strikes with a grin, Morgan's blade humming in the air. He moves to strike Maylene with Morgan's flat, but she kicks it away, and Lucario jumps forward with a punch. Eyes wide, Desmond brings Morgan in front of his face, the Ghost-Type not taking any damage and simply causing them both to slide back to the ring's ropes.
Desmond: Whoa. You're really good at this!
he compliments, and Maylene skids backwards with a smile.
Maylene: Heh, you're pretty good yourself!
she laughs before launching into another flurry of punches and kicks. Desmond ducks and weaves, but the sheer speed and power meant he could not avoid them for long, and he began using Morgan to block more often.
Maylene: Sorry, you're watching the wrong opponent.
she winks, as Morgan's eye widens and she swings herself behind Desmond's head, where Lucario's kick was headed. A small explosion sends both sides backward, but Maylene leaps off the ropes gracefully next to her Lucario, while Desmond and Morgan are sent tumbling. Panting, Desmond grips Morgan tightly.
Morgan: <That's it. I'm going all out. She can handle it anyway.>
Desmond, for once in agreement with her use of force, raises her into the air and plunges her into the ground, creating a claw-like shadow that rams straight into Lucario several times in rapid succession as it tries to predict the next blow, only for it to get hit somewhere else.
Maylene: I was gonna say we could use moves. Lucario, Bone Rush!
she orders, as Lucario roars, creating a wall of spectral bones that break the Shadow Sneak. Grabbing two, he and Maylene dash towards Desmond and Morgan.
Desmond scrapes Morgan against her sheath, causing both Marlene and Lucario to stumble, hands over ears at the horrid screeching noise. Lucario breaks out of it first and begins slashing at the duo with the two bones. Morgan gasps in surprise as she uses Automotize to speed up, but even with that, they can barely keep up, and Desmond finds himself locked in the corner.
Morgan: <FINE THEN! I HOPE YOU SURVIVE! SACRED SWORD!>
Desmond: Morgan, NO!
she roars as she glows with black and red light. Desmond is shocked and tries to steady her, but she takes control, swinging towards Maylene. A wave of destruction tears up the ground of the ring, and the Lucario's eyes widen as it dashes towards its trainer...
Only for Maylene to take a breath, steady herself, and kick upwards. Her foot clashes against the blade, and she sends it upwards, flying into the roof of her gym, causing an explosion and raining debris.
Both Desmond and Morgan are agape, shocked silent. This allows the Lucario to dash behind them and thrust its palm forward, sending a shockwave that knocks Desmond off his feet. He coughs and shakes his head, looking up to see Maylene using a flying kick. Morgan blocks the blow, but they are sent backwards into the ropes.
Morgan: It... can't be...
she murmurs, completely shocked.
Desmond: Morgan! Snap out of it!
Desmond yells telepathically.
Morgan: What's the point? There are always going to be people stronger than us...
Desmond: Then we'll get even stronger! Together! Use Swords Dance!
he cries, and Morgan moves. A wave of swords surrounds them, preventing Lucario or Maylene from advancing, before disappearing and releasing an orange aura. Both fighters stare down, both smiling,
Maylene: Let's finish this.
Desmond: Let's.
Desmond slashes once, the blade turning black as night.
Desmond & Morgan: Let's grow beyond our limits.
They affirm.
Desmond & Morgan: Sacred... Sword!
Desmond slashes suddenly, and both Maylene and Lucario block it, though that doesn't do much against the ensuing explosion. Maylene flies away, nearly out of the ring, but Lucario catches her as they slam into the ropes and slump to the ground, extremely tired.
Maylene: Nice... one...
she smiles. she digs into her pocket and pulls out the Cobble Badge.
Maylene: You definitely deserve this.
she nods as she tosses it towards Desmond. He catches it, he and Morgan staring at it in awe.
Desmond & Morgan: We did it! We got the Cobble Badge! Wooohoo!
they start dancing in joy.
Desmond: Our first badge!
he cheers, and Maylene, standing up and recalling her Lucario, tilts her head.
Maylene: I thought you had two badges?
Desmond and Morgan freeze with Oh Crap Smiles.
Desmond: Uhhh, yeah. Sorry for lying to you... We wanted a challenge, and we got it.
he chuckles nervously. Maylene, however, grins in response.
Maylene: No problem! You could handle it, anyway! That was a great first gym battle, if I do say so myself.
she puffs out her chest in pride, before wincing and sitting down, checking her burned foot. Desmond quickly drops to his knees to check out the wound in panic.
Desmond: I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to wound you!
he panics, and Morgan bows several times in a panic and in apology as well, but Maylene waves them off.
Maylene: No problem! Guess you're not the only one in the battle who pushed their limit.
she laughs. Suddenly, the gym's doors burst open.
???: Maylene? Are you here?
Maylene's expression immediately sours, and she leans on the ropes as the old man from the Game Corner enters the gym. She sighs and grumbles,
Maylene: Whaddya want, dad?
You piss off the Venom T-Rex. Roll initiative.
Route 13
As the days went by, Poppy continued training under Sophia, as the latter then analysed how the former's Pokemon were performing. Today had been a day where Poppy was training in double battles.
Poppy: So, the results. Donut showed mixed results when paired with Sunrise or Crusher, and poor results when paired with Shroomy. Shroomy and Sunrise showed great results, but Sunrise and Crusher were hesitant to work together at first.
Sophia: I see. I've also noticed your team's interactions with each other after your training, and Donut doesn't seem very friendly to his teammates.
Poppy: Yeah. He's mean towards my other Pokemon, and I don't know why. I was hoping catching more Pokemon would help him change, but from how things are looking, it's just making him worse.
Sophia: Oh. Well, everyone’s personalities are influenced by their past and experiences, right? I think he's got a past he just hasn't told you yet.
Poppy: You could be right. And maybe this Egg could help him warm up at last.
Over the next days, the team continued training, and getting stronger, until it was time for the climax of her training.
Sophia: Alright! Poppy, it is time. Today, I'll be over at the gate that leads to Lumiose City. We're right at the start of Route 13, and you and your Pokemon have each been split up, and you'll try to reach me. Poppy, do you remember the pairings?
Poppy: Sure do! I'm with Shroomy, Donut's with the Egg, and Sunrise and Crusher are together. We'll all have to try and reach you, I know my Pokemon and I can do it!
Sophia: Perfect. But reaching the end gate won't be easy, there's tons of wild Pokemon around.
Sophia then took out her Noivern and flew off to the end gate.
Sophia: See you at the end gate!
Poppy: Alright! Let's do this, Shroomy!
Shroomy: Yes!
Curious Mind
Veilstone Gym
Atrin: Congrats, Desmond. That was a great battle.
Atrin pauses as the man enters.
Atrin: Dad? That explains a bit.
Person, or Idea?
Mitchell: They're on the ropes! Keep firing, Oliver! Aim for a toppling shot!
As another set of stones hover around Oliver, his eyes squint as he focuses on a particular spot on the origami Palkia. One could almost see the equations floating around him.
Oliver: <Calculations complete!>
Suddenly, all the stones held up by Oliver's latest use of Ancient Power aim and fly as one, dead center into the origami Palkia.
After bidding farewell to the Cyclizar taxi service that so kindly brought him to his destination, Mitchell steps into the main area of the academy. He is impressed by the size of this sun-dappled lobby, as well as the moderate levels of student traffic found in there. Before he loses focus, though, he reminds himself that he has to confirm his attendance here before he can relax. Steeling himself, he walks over to the desk between the two large staircases in the lobby, where a queue had formed.
Several minutes later, Mitchell was at the desk proper, where an attendant takes his measure with a relaxed, yet calculated look. "How can I help you, sir?", the attendant says.
"I've got a booking here, I think," Mitchell says, a tad nervously, "for the upcoming term. Uh, it's under Rhodes, Mitchell."
"One moment," the attendant says, before searching on their computer terminal. After a few moments, they get their answer. "Okay, quick security Q. Your date of birth, please."
"January 21st, 2001," Mitchell replies automatically.
"Thank you kindly," the attendant says. "And yep, that's your reservation here." They then take a key on a numbered tile from underneath their desk and pass it over to Mitchell. The tile reads "27E"
"That's your dorm room key," the attendant explains. "Follow the signs to the dorm building, then get to the fifth floor. You can't miss it."
"Thank you," Mitchell says, taking the key. Just then, his stomach starts growling. "Sorry, it's been a long trip," he explains.
"Not a bother," the attendant replies. "Why don't you go tuck into something in the cafeteria? The sandwiches are to dine for."
Mitchell smiles at that joke. "I think I will. Thanks, and have a nice day," he says.
"You too, buddy," says the attendant. "And welcome to the academy."
With that, Mitchell heads for the cafeteria, taking a seat at an unoccupied space. Before he sees what's available, though, he observes the mix of students and staff that are currently there.
I need help. I have somebody here who needs something I don't know what to do for. Can I come to you?
Druid Dude
Veilstone Gym
Old Man: Please, Maylene... Give this old, deluded fool another chance.
The old man stutters a bit, pleading.
Maylene: So that you can leave me again? Coming back every time, giving me a sliver of hope that you could be better, and you always step on it!
Maylene huffs and stomps her foot, regretting it immediately as she hisses in pain from stepping using her injured foot. No one could tell whether her watery eyes were because of this situation or her injured foot.
Old Man: But Maylene...
he reaches out to her, only for her to slap his hand away.
Maylene: No, Dad. No more. You can go. I already have enough to deal with.
she turns away. Desmond turns to Atrin and whispers,
Desmond: You... think we should be here for this?
Morgan: <What?! It's just getting good!>
she whines, absorbed in the family drama.
You piss off the Venom T-Rex. Roll initiative.
Curious Mind
Veilstone Gym
Atrin sighs, and clears his throat.
Atrin: Hey, Maylene? It might not be my place to talk, but...even though he's an overconfident, slobby, kind of creepy, no sense of personal space having, moronic, clingy, and just downright weird man...Well, he didn't just let that belt get lost in there, for what it's worth.
Druid Dude
Veilstone Gym
Each time Atrin insults him, a mental arrow strikes the old man's heart, causing him to shrivel up. Maylene walks away, but stops, and sighs.
Maylene: You have a point.
she sighs, turning to Atrin uncertainly. She then turns to her father, who looks up hopefully.
Maylene: I won't forgive you for leaving. But I will at least let you stay. That is... if you can.
she huffs, almost a challenge. Maylene's father then bows several times in excitement.
Old Man: Thank you, thank you!
Maylene: Alright, pipe down. Thank you, Desmond, for the wonderful fight, and thank you Atrin, for helping me give him another chance.
she smiles, ignoring her father's bows.
Desmond: Anytime, Maylene.
Desmond smiles, waving as he turned to leave, before shutting the door again.
Desmond: Atrin... we might need to sneak out of town in case those people are looking for me... Also there's the Corner we trashed... Oops.
he whispers in horror.
You piss off the Venom T-Rex. Roll initiative.
Curious Mind
Veilstone City
Atrin: Yeah, we should try to sneak on out of...what is that?
Atrin looks behind Desmond, and sees something. The same spectral aura he saw before. It moves closer and closer.
Atrin: Desmond...turn around and be careful.
The aura moves even closer, and seems that it's about to manifest. Atrin sends out Mimir, ready for a fight! And when it manifests, it's a Houndstone.
Houndstone: <Want to play?!>
Druid Dude
Outside Veilstone Gym
Desmond slowly turns around, drawing Morgan, but both immediately melt at the little guy.
Desmond & Morgan: *le gasp*
Morgan: <Seems like he wants to play. I don't think we can move now. Atrin you do it!>
You piss off the Venom T-Rex. Roll initiative.
Curious Mind
Veilstone City
Atrin approaches the Houndstone and starts petting it.
Atrin: Hey, buddy. You lost? What are you doing here?
As Atrin bends over, he trips ever so slightly, and drops Mimir's Pokeball he was holding in case of a battle. The Houndstone immediately goes and grabs the ball.
Houndstone: <Yay to playing!>
Atrin: Mimir? What's he saying?
Mimir transmits several images of a children's playground to Atrin's head.
Atrin: Oh, you like to play? Well, if you're lost, you can come with us. You don't have a trainer, do you?
Houndstone: <I do not have a human! I was supposed to be given away at that Game Corner, but there was always these loud sounds from everywhere! I do not like the loud sounds...But luckily, there were other loud sounds that distracted everyone, so I came here!>
Mimir relays that to Atrin with several images of the Casino, a stereo, and the Houndstone running.
Atrin: Well, I could always use another friend. Desmond? Any objections to this guy joining us?
Edited by etran12 on Aug 22nd 2023 at 8:09:28 AM
Druid Dude
Desmond: None... here...
he grunts, still paralyzed by DOGGO CUTENESS
You piss off the Venom T-Rex. Roll initiative.
Curious Mind
Veilstone City
Atrin Well, if there's no objections. Want to join my team, buddy? I'm Atrin, and this is Desmond. I imagine we'll do great things together.
Houndstone: <Oh, I would love to be your friend, human! And I will be by your side forever and ev- is that a Pachirisu?!>
The Houndstone goes running. After a few moments, it runs back.
Houndstone: <It was not a Pachirisu, but someone's shadow.>
Atrin laughs a bit, but holds out a Dusk ball.
Atrin: Catch!
Atrin throws the ball, and the Houndstone catches it, a red light engulfing him and he goes into the ball! Immediately after, Atrin sends it out.
Atrin: I think I'll call you Ecto. How's that sound?
Ecto jumps up and licks Atrin.
Druid Dude
By this point Desmond and Morgan were accustomed enough to Cuteness Proximity that they could move and talk normally.
Desmond: Ecto looks like such a good boy!
Desmond coos, resisting the un-knightly urge to take the dog away for snuggles. Morgan inches closer to Ecto quietly, but a look at her thought process has Desmond yank her away.
Desmond: Now come on, let's get out of this city until things die down!
he whispers, dashing away.
You piss off the Venom T-Rex. Roll initiative.
Curious Mind
Veilstone City
Atrin nods and runs after him.
Atrin: It's been fun, Veilstone.
Textspace
To: Grant Family
I feel as though I may understand the impetus of your reaching out. Please send us the details.
GM House
Dune: Boo!
-...-
Dune: Boo!
Phosphora: Heeheehee...
Dune: Boo!
Phosphora: EE-heeheeheehee!
Dune: Ah-boo!
Phosphora: Heeheeeheehee!
We were hit by a run from a Templar attack, panic move. We got hit with a toxin, nerve agent of some sort. It is shutting down nervous system slowly, think it might have been designed as anti Truant weapon.
We need biolabs and assistance.
Please, I am desperate/
Paldea - Gabriel's Fortress- Infirmary
Whitt wakes up, and takes a moment to realise where he is. Remembering hurts, but the last thing he remembers is Nitrogen getting away as his own body started to melt. He doesn't even want to look down at himself.
"Fuck," he mutters.
Artazon
Kec jumps into Hoops' arms, and lets them spin him around. It's been so long since they were together that they have to prolong the contact for a while, to make up for lost time.
"You have to tell me everything that's been going on," Hoops insists.
<So do you> Kec says. <We have a lot of catching up to do.>
GM House
-Ludmilla looks down at her phone's notification.-
Ludmilla: Dad, you got the baby this evening?
Dune: Ah-boo!
Phosphora: Heeheeheehee...
Dune: Yeah, I'd say so.
Ludmilla: Alright, I got something to take care of.
Textspace
To: Grant Family
My name is Ludmilla, formerly Wolfram. I will handle things from here.
Which Templar specifically, if you happen to know, did you encounter, and are you able to get the patient to Phenac City Hospital?
It was Gabriel, Gabriel was the one. I'm on my way to Phrenac now, I'm violating a few airspace rules but I'll be there soon.
Textspace
To: Grant Family
I keep hearing about him. Never met personally, to his benefit, sadly. I'm on my way, I'll let our local bio-empath know - and have the mechano-empath on call.
The GM House
Ludmilla: Satele?
-A shiny Gardevoir suddenly appears in front of her.-
Satele: <Yeah, whatcha need, Sharps?>
Ludmilla: Don't call me that. Anyway, I need to get to Phenac Hospital.
Satele: <What, again? Didn't Deziree already handle everything there?>
Ludmilla: New problem, and I can't find Selene.
Satele: <I swear that girl... probably still trying to make her "belated Valentine's Day" present perfect... Alright, hold on.>
The Wanderer
South Province, Area One
Lydia: -Smiling, but the smile's not quite reaching her eyes- Maybe we could try finding another Pokémon you could use? One that won't track slime everywhere...
Iridium: -Adamant- No way, I want Del Lurra!
Del Lurra the Paldean Wooper♀️: -Dripping toxic slime, as Paldean Wooper do, dangerously close to Lydia's dress and boots, seemingly oblivious to the conversation had over her as she wags her tail-
Lydia: -Grimaces-
Oedi the Nymble♀️: -Just watches-
Edited by rmctagg09 on Aug 23rd 2023 at 11:53:04 AM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
From: Silas
He's trouble to say the least. I'll meet you there.
One rough emergency deposit and a few air zone violations later, Silas was rushing through the doors, carrying Roxy in hand. An unfamiliar look across his normally stoic face, it was panic, pure panic.
Roxy however, despite being the one in trouble, was keeping up. "Damn, could get used to you carrying me around like this," she said with a cough.
Silas said nothing, just started moving forward, thoughts burning in his head. "We got this, project paldea should work, I did some reading and while I'm no expert-" Roxy began, pausing as she let out another cough, her lungs still fighting on against the nerve agent. "-I did at least look up actual theories on genetic therapies and repair."
Silas set her down on a stretcher, and turned to go talk to the staff, only to stop as he felt Roxy's hand grip around his tight. She pulled a bit and he stopped, the look on her face had shifted from bemused to worry...
Stupid... she needs you. He thought, before getting close to her. "I'm not going anywhere," he promised.
"Good..." Roxy said, the amused expression returning. "I don't want you kicking that asshole's butt before I get the chance, he poisoned me, I get the revenge."
Silas couldn't help but crack a sad smile, he stayed close to her. She wasn't going out just yet.
Edited by EchoingSilence on Aug 24th 2023 at 8:57:29 AM
Phenac City Hospital
-Roxy is taken to an ICU - this time, it has a nameplate on it. The "Kidney Room".-
-Inside, a large and noticeably old Slowking is inside, along with Ludmilla and... oh hey, it's that girl that needed the almost-full-body prosthetic. She's just sitting on an O2 compressor in her medical gown, apparently given a good enough bill of health to wander around but not enough to leave yet.-
Ludmilla: You must be the Grants. Ludmilla Galvani-Morton.
-She holds a hand out to shake as Code Talker's eyes start to glow slightly.-
Maylene takes the belt and examines it, her face softening.
Maylene: Thanks. This was my first belt. When I first started learning how to fight, my parents treasured my first belt. I wasn't even truly qualified to fight yet.
she chuckles softly.
Maylene: I thought this was lost when my father...
she shakes her head rapidly to clear her mind.
Maylene: Anyway, let's get to the point. Desmond, you haven't fought me yet, right?
she tries for a smile. Desmond looks slightly put off by this mode of challenge, but nods.
Maylene: Alright, you know how to fight?
Desmond: I can only sword fight with Morgan, here.
he replies, holding up the Pokemon in question. Maylene's eyes light up.
Maylene: Alright! I've never fought someone like you before. I'll have you skip the Gym Challenge. A two-on-two battle, you and me, your Morgan and my Lucario.
Desmond and Morgan's eyes light up, and, the previous adventure out of their mind, they leap into one of the boxing rings, Desmond drawing Morgan in a fluid motion.
Desmond: Arceus has blessed us with this battle!
he crows, Morgan vibrating with excitement.
Maylene looks to her Lucario, both smile and nod before jumping into the ring and starting in their fighting stance.
Maylene: I hope you're ready for us, because here we come!
Maylene shouts as she and her Lucario rush towards Morgan and Desmond.
You piss off the Venom T-Rex. Roll initiative.