ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Battle Academy Campus

Ama's Subconscious

Rowan's desiccated, decomposing corpse is lying next to her.

Oh. This dream again.

Ama rolls over.

The corpse speaks, voice rasping through vocal chords that shouldn't even be functioning anymore.

No matter how many times she has this dream, it's still unsettling.

As ever, the setting is the Entree Forest at night. Somehow the stars are all visible, despite light pollution from the nearby cities.

It'd be pretty if not for the corpse.

Ama sits up and unties her hair. Lying down on top of a ponytail is uncomfortable, and she'd rather minimize her discomfort if this was going to happen again.

You haven't forgotten have you

No, I haven't.

It's your fault, you know

Yes. I'm aware.

You're running. You've left me behind.

...

That's a new one.

Moving on is healthy.

Do you really believe that?

Did she really believe that?

...

She's roused from her thoughts by a rustling from the bushes. Ama frowns.

That's another new one. Usually this dream continues on in circles until she's left with tears upon waking.

Ama gets up and walks over to the bush.

The rustling stops, as if its occupant is trying very badly to avoid detection.

Ama reaches in and pulls back a few branches.

... Lian?

Lian, in her school uniform, hair in a ponytail, and looking as though she just spent the last ten minutes walking through the woods, sits curled up in the bush.

I'm.. not sure how I ended up here.

... Hm. This is unusual. Maybe I need to help you get out so the dream will end..?

Ama reaches for Lian's hand. When the two touch, though, something strange happens.

Ama immediately feels a wave of exhaustion roll over her.

This is-!

It's a familiar sensation. Though... Usually she's the one causing it.

She hasn't been on the receiving end in over 20 years.

What are you doing?!

The world's color runs, like a wet painting being doused in water.

It's almost a pleasant feeling, the accompanying numbness.

Ama looks at Lian. Takes the girl's shoulders in her hands.

What are you doing?!

Lian just looks confused.

I don't know!

You looked troubled, and I-I just wanted to see if you were okay-

Stop it! Stop it now!

I-

Reality

Ama jolts awake. Obscura flares around her, unbidden but harmless.

Lian flinches, but the Obscura just passes around her. Her hand is touching Ama's forehead, as if she was checking for a fever.

Ama: "That was... you?"

Lian doesn't want to answer, but her head is already nodding yes.

Ama: "..."

For the first time, Lian sees a certain emotion cross Ama's face.

Fear.

Ama conceals it quickly, but Lian shrinks back anyway. The numbness clouding Ama's head dissipates.

Ama: "... That is an ability I have not encountered for some time."

Lian: "... I'm sorry."

She pulls her hand back towards herself, cradling it with the other.

Ama: "... Don't be sorry. It's not your fault."

Ama hesitates, then ruffles the girl's hair.

Ama: "Just... try not to use that on me again, okay? You have no reason to be sorry. You were clearly trying to help."

Lian is glad that Ama isn't Psychic. The thoughts of self loathing buzzing in Lian's head would just concern her more.

Ama: "I don't want to tell you to never use it. There will doubtless be times when you have to. But... Don't become reliant on it, alright?"

Lian nods. She's... not totally sure how she'd become reliant on such a thing, but Ama has plenty of experience with these kinds of things right?

Hotel Grand Lake

"I dunno, not my job. Luckily for us, we have enough to lock him away, especially now he's beaten." the staff smiles.

"He was putting chemicals in the pools where Pokemon lived." he sighs sadly. "We knew we couldn't beat him, and we were afraid, so bided our time. Thank you, trainers. Now that he's beaten, he will be locked away for a while, and the Pokemon are free."

Morgan: <So that's why the Pokemon looked lethargic...>

"Now that it's over, I can offer you the night in our luxury suite. I'm sure the higher-ups will agree."

Desmond and Morgan look at each other, eyes glimmering.

Desmond: I dunno 'bout you, Atrin, but I'm beat after that battle!

Morgan: You were unconscious for most of it.

Desmond: Shush! Now, whaddya say we spend the rest of our day here! We're going to Pastoria, might as well, right?

Mezagoza

Lydia: -To Iridium, walking through a crowd- Remember, the perception field is a useful tool, but it has its weaknesses.

Iridium: -Nods-

Lydia: Other Aurics who can use the ability and even properly trained non-Aurics will see right through it, something too out of ordinary will draw attention to yourself. Placement is also important.

Iridium: -Attempting to replicate, but it's actually making some people pay attention-

Lydia: -Approaching as her own field makes the people head off- You're trying a little too hard Iridium, it's like you have a giant sign saying "Don't look at me," which is only going to make people look at you. Remember, you're not trying to dominate their will, it's more of a slight nudge.

Iridium: Like a nudge...

-And she starts weaving through the crowd, this time no one taking notice of her-

Lydia: -Watching- That's my girl.

Interesting, it's like she's dodging raindrops. Or maybe she's controlling the storm...

Hotel Grand Lake

Atrin: I'm all for a place to rest. Let's just hope there's no more staff like that.

Mimir looks at Atrin a few moments before getting pet.

Hotel Grand Lake

"Great! And don't worry about the police stopping your trip. We have more than enough eyewitnesses to corroborate that you were simply defending yourselves, not to mention incidents tend to happen often, especially near a battling stop..." murmurs the staff. "So the higher-ups are more than familiar with the police."

Desmond: That's a relief...

he sighs.

Morgan: <At least that guy will face justice. Though that does mean we shouldn't stay long anyway, to avoid media and police contact...>

Morgan hums, slightly worried.

Desmond: We should celebrate this, though. We can leave on the off-chance the paparazzi somehow catch wind of us.

Morgan: <Fair. Let's go enjoy our stay!>

Morgan laughs, and Desmond smiles at Atrin, beckoning him as they enter the hotel.

Hotel Grand Lake

Atrin laughs a bit as he follows.

Atrin: Let's not act like we're the J-Team or something after taking down one weird chef...but I don't mind celebrating. Good to relax before the battles ahead, I imagine.

Atrin sends out Orchard, Ecto, and Hekili.

Orchard: <It seems like you all had an adventure! Are you eating okay?>

Ecto is sniffing Orchard a lot.

Ecto: <Friend smells good!>

Orchard: <I take care of myself, so thank you.>

Hotel Grand Lake

Desmond: Nah, we're not heroes like they are.

Morgan: <Yet. Good seeing ya two!>

Desmond and Morgan chuckle. Skipping the line to the receptionist, the staff member leads Atrin and Desmond up the stairs, where a window suddenly slams open and a water bullet hits Desmond in the face.

Desmond: Hey! What the-

Remoraid: <Forgetting someone, partner?>

grins the Remoraid as Desmond looks out the window.

Morgan: <Hey, it's the sharpshooter fish! What was that for?>

Morgan laughs.

Remoraid: <I suppose you think I owe ya one for you saving me. Nope! In fact, it must be fate that led us to meet and fight!>

Desmond looks at Morgan, who is transmitting this conversation into his head in real-time, with confusion.

Desmond: What is the fish talking about?

Remoraid: <I was the one who saved ya! Back in the Corner! Can't believe ya forgot already!>

Desmond remembers the shots that saved him from being overwhelmed by the angry patrons. He lets out a grin.

Desmond: That was you?! Dang, guess we're even then!

Desmond laughs. Morgan then lightly shoves him, looking from him to the Remoraid, then back again. Even without their telepathic connection, it was clear what she wanted from him. Desmond cups his hands and yells,

Desmond: Hey! Wanna join my team?!

The Remoraid smiles.

Remoraid: <Thought ya'd never ask! My shots shall ring throughout the battlefield!>

Desmond pulls out a Pokeball and drops it. The Remoraid swoops upwards gracefully, intercepting the ball and getting sucked inside it. Morgan flies and catches the ball on her blade, flipping it towards Desmond, who catches it, watching the ball rock once, twice... ding!

Desmond: Welcome to the team. I think I'll call you Billy!

Desmond smiles, and the Pokeball rocks itself, as if the Remoraid liked his name.

Hotel Grand Lake

Atrin: Looks like your team's getting bigger.

Orchard: <Just try to be careful. Need me to clean up these water spills?>

Ecto is wagging his tail at Hekili now as the Vikavolt zips around.

Hekili: <Can'tCatchMe!>

Ecto: <I must chase the moving Vikavolt so I can sniff it!>

Hotel Grand Lake

Morgan: <I'll go ahead and make sure Ecto doesn't knock over anything. We just need to go to the top, right?>

Morgan asks. The staff nods when Desmond translates. "I'll tell the elevator people."

Morgan: <Sweet. Enjoy the suite!>

she grins as she zooms after Hekili and Ecto, leaving Atrin, Desmond, Mimir, Orchard and the newly-caught Billy in his Pokeball. The staff smiles at the two Pokemon playing and walks towards the elevator, stepping inside to press the top button. After a little humming from the elevator movement, with a ding the doors slide open, revealing an opulent hotel room with white walls. From the entrance you could see from the glass doors leading to the balcony a private pool with a great view of Valor Lakefront. Inside the main area was a foosball and a pool table, an entire bar, a dining area stocked with the finest ingredients, cooking supplies and food. Four king-sized bedrooms, two massage rooms, and easily adjustable lighting. In short, it was the finest suite money could buy.

Desmond's jaw hits the floor, and he laughs like a kid in a candy store, spinning his arms around.

Desmond: Morgan... I think you'll regret not getting a first look.

he mutters. He pulls out the Pokeball containing Billy, opening the glass door and tossing the ball towards the pool. Billy splashes around, looking very impressed.

Billy: <Guess we should do more heroic stuff. This is a mighty fine reward, Master.>

Of course Desmond couldn't understand him without Morgan, but he smiled anyway, as the respect in Billy's voice was obvious. "If you need anything, the staff will be happy to help. We have butlers on call 24/7 ready to serve your needs. There are several things our hotel may provide. Room service, a massage, personal shoppers. Simply call and ask. Hotel Grand Lake thanks you once again for your services, and we hope you enjoy your free night stay." The staff member bows and leaves. Desmond turns to Atrin slowly, eyes wide and sparkling.

Desmond: So... what do we do first?

Hotel Grand Lake

Atrin: Hard to say. There's a lot to do here. This place is certainly bigger than I was expecting. I didn't think that crazy chef would be worth...well, this.

Orchard approaches Atrin and gets pat on the head.

Orchard: <What's the plan for tonight, Atrin?>

As Orchard speaks, Mimir opens up a telepathic channel so Atrin can understand Orchard.

Atrin: Tonight, we take it easy, Orchard. But when we face Crasher Wake, you'll be my best weapon, I think. You and Hekili can take on the water types easily.

Hekili: <We'llshowhimwhatteamAtrincando!>

Several runs of tests later, everyone had come to a single conclusion.

Roxy was just purple now.

It affected little else beyond being a patent tell that she had gone through something, and truthfully she did not seem that bothered. She stretched a bit and curled up on the couch and looked over everyone. <Really, we've all gone through some changes, and frankly mine is the least anime.>

Everyone shot a look to Silas, who seemed somewhat confused. "What?"

<Your hair has white stripes that outright change how they look depending on hairstyle,> Roxy said.

~Add in the dark underlines under his eyes,~ Hacks said. ~Had those for years and nobody knows how they happen, even when he sleeps enough.~

<Oh! Oh! Don't forget the glowing eye!> Muggy added. <Whenever he starts to feel anything intense the eye starts to glow!>

Everyone was soon muttering in agreement, Silas was just wondering how this had become a roast of him. Roxy grinned and patted the couch with one of her ribbons, Silas quirked a brow and sat down, Roxy soon passing over his green scarf. He complied and let out a sigh, soon a rather odd looking Lucario sat next to her.

Silas didn't even get a word in before he felt her ribbons wrap around him and pull him towards her, Roxy nuzzling her face against him. <Feels so good to be home.>

He smiled. <Welcome home.>

Channah's Mindscape, months ago

The island is engulfed in flames. Everything from the mountains to the grains of sand on the beach are ablaze. It's all outside the Cathedral, but it makes Ira nervous. He is afraid of fire. Truth is the opposite. To her it's refreshing, a cleansing conflagration. He takes her word for it. She likes most things he dislikes, and gloats over his discomfort. Just like Kamon.

His best friend, the last sacrifice. Fading away on the floor. Ira thinks he recognized him, in the split second before their arm connected with his stomach. He hopes he did.

He climbs over the heaving body of Deepest Self and pulls his knife out of her heart. Then he hurries to catch up with Truth, who is striding down the corridor once guarded by the behemoth. Memories play out behind stained glass windows.

Ira: This, uh, this is the end, right?

Truth:    Depends on your definition of the end.   

Ira: I mean. It'll all be okay after this?

Truth:    Yes. Everything I promised you.   

The corridor stretches on until it doesn't. Now in front of them lies a massive set of double doors, taller than both combined. It is decorated with stylistic interpretations of Pokemon swirling about the edges. On the left is a lengthy, elegant four-legged beast, scattered with and scattering gracideas and other flowers in its path. Its counterpart on the right is a more obtuse creature - or, more accurately, hints of one - surrounded by golden rings and gouts of purple wisps obscuring a ghostly grin. Atop the casing sleeps a triangular ivory thing, smiling peacefully, its head decorated with yellow tags. Its arms stretch out and downward to cradle the other two.

Truth turns and smiles at Ira, fearless and loving.

Truth: Thank you, brother.

Ira: What -

She holds up one hand, cradling aloft a tiny ball of orangey flame. It combusts with a flick of her eyes, and Ira flinches. What’s left of her forearm is now a singed collection of bones, aflame with a putrid smoking blaze.

Ira: ...Oh. Your poor hand.

She shoves this hand into the door, which gives way like a Ditto and not a solid object. The ripples spread outward. Light shines from behind the door.

Then it goes out.

Truth stops. The content look on her face turns hard. She tugs. Her arm won't release. Hairline cracks begin appearing on the door, like a mirror about to shatter.

Truth:    Fucking Wal-Mart piece of shit!   

Something pulls her in harder up to the shoulder. She shouts. Ira runs and grabs her other arm, but he's not strong enough. He stabs the knife through the door. The cracks splinter up through the knife and into his arm, forcing him to let go. He stares at his hand in horror as the cracks wend through his flesh.

The corridor is shuddering, with dust and debris coming down. The stained glass breaks, releasing memories into the hall. They whirl about, enveloping Ira in light and feeling and sensation. Rage, elation, terror, shock, amusement - they run through him like fresh occurrences. The door, opening and collapsing at the same time, sucks them in, leaving him bereft of emotion.

Truth:    HELP ME YOU-   

The entire end of the corridor crumbles, taking the door and Truth with it into the empty void beyond. Ira starts to run, but the floor gives way and he trips. He snags the edge with one hand and it too falls away, taking him into the dark.

Hunter's Dream, everything everywhere at all at once

Maxim: Doing so will be difficult. The Crystal's Mind has become a labyrinth. Even I, bearing insightful eyes on the inside, was not permitted entry. I uncovered many secrets in the Church's remains, but the foreign rites are alien to me. Humans tend toward complex, uncouth sacrileges.

He mechanically strokes Kamon's hair. With a bloody glove.

Maxim: The Nightmare wove a gossamer thread of kinship among the children, in preparation for the rite. Through this we will find our answers. Or perhaps not. It depends on their willingness to cooperate. Doubtless you must be a traveler of minds.

Hunter's Dream, somewhen

-To Maxim-

Plenty of times, in every sense of the word.

-Turning to leave-

Well, let's get this show on the road then.

Mezagoza, today

-Lydia and Iridium are currently eating at a Seafood Fresco-

Lydia: I have to say, I'm surprised they hadn't taught you how to use the Field yet, it's a pretty basic skill.

Iridium: -Staring into her Seafood Pasta They didn't really teach me much at the facility, they just tested me a lot. They were all afraid I'd turn out like... her.

Lydia: They probably made you younger than Chiyo was according to the records because they felt a child would be more controllable than a teenager.

-To Iridium-

Well, I don't think there's not much to be scared of in front of me, the scientists always were... stupid like that.

Iridium: The only people I met that weren't afraid of me were this scientist and this other Templar, but the scientist was... kinda creepy.

Lydia: It wouldn't be that... Dr. Moreau, was it?

Iridium: I don't know, maybe, they never actually introduced themselves.

-Shifting gears-

What was it like for you Ms. Lydia?

Lydia: Well, like you I was decanted, but I was part of a group akin to a Batch rather than the cells you Freshmen are in. I wasn't really suited for combat, but I was bonded to the Unown, so that made me useful rather than being thrown away in a suicide mission against the likes of your primary template. That is my next lesson to you Iridium, to survive in the at times literally cutthroat environment of the School, the important thing is to be seen as useful.

-Seemingly staring away for a moment before snapping back-

As long as tools like ourselves serve their proper purpose, we will never be thrown away, because it would be a waste of our value as parts that serve the School's greater whole.

Iridium: The scientist and the Templar said something like that, that I'd make a good asset, even a better one than her.

-Goes back to eating-

Lydia: The School will undoubtedly figure out the "error" eventually, but if all goes well, it won't even matter...

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 21st 2023 at 3:21:08 PM

Trill is on the steps with a blue Squawkabilly perched nearby and preening when she notices "Sally" and Lydia parting ways, she gives a wave.

A man in a Honchkrow themed suit is hanging around with a Talonflame, former blissfully unaware of such things as they admire the sculptures.

Lisa: <This admittedly is rather interesting craftsmanship. If I were still in my thieving days I wouldn't mind seeing one of these back at our place.>

Sholto: "Hey, I mean, we can always see if he's willing to buy it or do it on commission or something."

Lisa: <That implies that our money's good here.>

Sholto: "I suppose you're right there..."

Kaisei shakes himself off and adjusts while Tale attacks with a Sludge Bomb.

Hotel Grand Lake

Desmond crosses his arms and looks thoughtful when Atrin mentions Crasher Wake.

Desmond: Right, I forgot about that.

he mutters. Another gym battle so soon...

Desmond: Why don't we get something to eat first? It's only the afternoon, we have time for lunch and dinner. Heya, Morgan. Don't drop your sheath.

he says as the elevator doors open and Morgan flies out. She drops her sheath in surprise, the sound clanging off the spacious room.

Morgan: Holy Arceus... We should do heroics more often!

she squeals as she zips around, looking at the different amenities. She particularly dives into the bar.

Desmond: Exactly what Billy thought. Anyway, we still got a lotta time to kill. Wanna go for a swim? Order room service, a massage, etc.?

Desmond muses.

Mezagoza

Iridium: -Notices Trill and waves back- Hey Trill.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 3rd 2023 at 8:20:23 AM

Hotel Grand Lake

Atrin: We won't have to pay for all that stuff, right? Either way, I'd say I could use some food right about now.

At the word food, Ecto is very close to Atrin, wagging his tail.

Ecto: <Food?!>

Trill: "Hey, Sally. Who's that you were with? She didn't look like one of the older students."

Mezagoza

Iridium: -To Trill- Oh yeah, that's Lydia, she's... my guardian. She's staying in Mezagoza for a bit so we were catching up.

Trill: "Ahh, gotcha. Well, hopefully that's going well. My parents are nice enough but glad they're not staying in Mesagoza or anything like that."

Around this time, a group comes out of the school, most of which are wearing white helmets with star goggles and star markers on them. One of them looks like he's in his early 20s, light brown skin, with long black hair, red lipstick, a jacket, sports gloves, and... at first glance doesn't seem to have a lower body yet has a Kecleon patterned belt.

Stylish Student(?): "I mean, yeah, I came back since Giacomo did, things are mostly fine, but it still feels weird..."

Mesagoza

Iridium: -To Trill- We meet like once a week or more so-

-Sees the people in question and does a headtilt-

Who are they?

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 3rd 2023 at 10:55:30 AM

Squawkabilly: <Ah, Team Star. Respect the game but that base uniform could use some work.>

Trill: "Oh, yeah, they're Team Star. Sort of a student Team. Apparently they formed a few years ago because students were getting bullied but there was a lot of miscommunication about it? They've got their own training thing as part of the school, apparently."

Edited by CorvusAtrox on Sep 3rd 2023 at 8:41:25 AM

Mesagoza

Iridium: -To Trill- Oh, I see.

-Iridium looks, in a word, starstruck while observing them-

So cool...

Hotel Grand Lake

Desmond: They said it was free, so...

Desmond shrugs.

Desmond: Let's have a look at the room service menu.

he goes into the living room and sits on the couch, grabbing the menu on the table.

Desmond: I'll have one of this... one of that... two of these...

Morgan: <Mmm, gimme three of those!>

Desmond: How ya doing, Billy?!

he calls, and in answer Billy jumps out, does a backflip, and sprays water into the air happily.

Squawkabilly: <Well, guess someone thinks it's cool at least, eh, toots?>

Trill: -looking at Iridium then the passing Team Star, then back at Iridium- "Interesting, you like their style eh? Well, don't think I wanna go that route myself but if you do, you can probably find them around here. Think they've got bases on the West and East sides..."