ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Wela Volcano Park, past

Kiawe: With your keen observations, you were able to not only to see the subtle differences in our dances, but even the mighty Totem Pokémon was unable to stand under you and your Pokémon's combined might.

-Getting out a Firium-Z-

This Firium-Z is yours now.

Chiyo: -Takes it and strikes a victory pose- Another Trial down.

And one more to go.

Chloe: Nice job out there Chiyo, you're really getting the hang of this whole League challenge Trainer thing.

Kiawe: As for us, we will be returning to our dance.

-As the Alolan Marowak approach-

The feelings of the Alolan people and our Pokémon, and the true nature of Z-Power. Despite the recent tragedies on our island, our dance must continue on.

-They all continue dancing as Chiyo and Chloe leave-

Alola Route 8, today

-Chiyo and Chloe are currently making their way down the road-

Chloe: It's like this road never ends.

Chiyo: -Amused- Well, it's like they say Chloe, it's not about the journey, it's about the destination.

Chloe: Well this journey's going to make me tear some new holes in my soles if we don't take a rest for a bit, and some of us don't exactly have consistent sources of income.

-She immediately plops on a nearby bench-

Chiyo: -Sits next to her- You know Abe would spot you for it.

Chloe: -Crossing her arms- I don't want him to, he's already doing enough for me. For all of us.

Chiyo: -Arms behind her back- Abe's not going to mind if you lean on him more.

Chloe: -Snorts- Yeah, that's funny coming from you, Ms. "I'll make sure no one can tell how I really feel with a wink and a smile". That whole schtick of yours might work on Louise and other people, like all the truants who look up to you, but not with us, we've known you too long. And unlike a certain... whatever the fuck you have going on with Tagg, no emotion reading required.

Chiyo: -Looking at the ground- Like Curium said, we're supposed to be taking care of each other, aren't we? We both know Abe would be worried if you didn't talk to him.

Chloe: -Changing subjects- Speaking of each other, have you spoken with Ruthenium recently?

Chiyo: I tried seeing if she'd come do this with us, but she didn't want to leave "the tomb" for too long.

Chloe: -Looking up- Beyond me how she can stand living there, and for so long.

Chiyo: Ruthenium said to me, after we revisited that place during May, that she hoped that one day that ruin could be something other than a reminder of a shared horrific experience. A place where we could spite both the School and No Heart by continuing to live free despite their attempts to control and kill us, and make sure they and their apologists don't get to control the record after they've gone defunct.

Chloe: -Cracking a grin- Well I'm always game for spiting the School at any rate.

Chiyo: You think I should try introducing her and Percy?

Chloe: The lich Phantom girl you told me about?

-Shrugs-

They'd probably have something in common I figure.

Mesagoza, today

Iridium: -Annoyed as she sits on the couch- Our field trip to Artazon got canceled because of an "unseasonable snowstorm" or something like that.

Lydia: -With one eye open- I'm well aware, Whitt is an idiot, acting openly like this.

Iridium: -Eyebrow raise- Who?

Lydia: A Templar, one of the most obnoxious people I've ever had the displeasure of observing. Constantly obsessed with proving how "big" he is, only for it to inevitably blow up in his face. This is just his usual pattern, except someone's found a way to play on his ego with those mindless clones he's using.

-Sharply-

We're supposed to act subtly, not go around waving our big sticks everywhere to be compromised, especially in a major city. If he wasn't a Templar and the School didn't need manpower, I'm sure he would've been liquidated long ago. He's not an example to follow, Iridium, only a cautionary tale of what happens when you get too puffed up for your own good.

Iridium: He does sound dumb Ms. Lydia.

-Headtilt-

What are we gonna do then?

Lydia: We are doing nothing, Whitt the Frostbitten will just fall on his own sword the moment the J-Team and its allies catch wind of him. No need for us to interfere with that, his failure won't take too long to happen.

Better Whitt doesn't catch wind of us either.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 8th 2023 at 4:08:56 AM

Roxy and Stylus charged forward, Gabriel on his own move. Roxy raised the buster cannon and opened fire, stun blasts sure but she wasn't too worried about his pain. Gabriel dodged and weaved, Stylus leapt off of her shoulders, metal claw extended, only for Gabriel to block with the psycho blade. Stylus fired an aura pulse and that seemed to knock him off his footing.

Gabriel stumbled a bit and then redoubled, charging forward, the blade of his psycho weapon clashed against the armor, but it forced Roxy back. He'd be sore tomorrow, very sore, he hated having to use this technique but it was necessary. He had survived this long because he was clever, willing to use his powers in atypical ways. The nervous system was his to control, hack it and start signals sooner, it allowed him to move faster.

Roxy gave him a kick and raised the cannon, the claw popping out as she fired missiles, Gabriel barely escaping the blast radius. Stylus charging forward with an extreme speed, swiping at him with close combat, Gabriel couldn't keep up with every flying fist and took a few scratches.

Gabriel slid back, 2-3 minutes left... he saw the lucario before him, and saw as the cloak drifted, a metal left arm it had. He blinked, his brain wracking itself for context.

Ancient fae magic and charms were up against the mind of a Templar who prided himself on being clever, the ancient spell was no match. He laughed, seems his target wasn't so human after all.

"Ohahahaha! Impressive! Complete human to pokemon transmutation, should have counted on you having a few tricks up your sleeve."

<Shit!> Stylus exclaimed. <He just had to find out...>

"Why do we even have that charm if our enemies just keep realizing it?" Roxy asked.

<Doesn't matter then, we want him to run scared don't we?>

Roxy nodded, a smile behind the visor of her helmet. She gripped the Mega-stone in hand and let it charge. Stylus was enveloped in a cocoon of energy, before leaping out, Mega-evolved.

Gabriel was not prepared for that, especially when Roxy came running after him. The two had him on the back foot, he could swing and block as much as possible, but he had to turn this around. Stylus got close, with a command to his hand, he shot out and gripped his hand around the lucario's neck. This would do.

Edited by EchoingSilence on Sep 8th 2023 at 10:47:18 AM

Artazon

Xaster opens the door of the hotel, allowing Sno to carry in Hoops' unconscious body. They aren't breathing, and their skin is cold to the touch, but since that's the norm for them it's difficult to tell how bad it actually is. What is clear is that they aren't waking up.

<How bad is it?> Kec asks, entering behind Sno as she lowers Hoops onto a bed.

<No way to know> Led says. <I'll have to keep watch over them.>

<What do wese do about him?> Sno asks, gesturing at Xaster, who is already moving to sit by Hoops' bedside.

RiRi steps forwards and says something to Xaster. He nods, and turns to the pokémon. "Look after them, okay? I'm going to check out what's happening outside."

He leaves the hotel, with RiRi following closely behind him. Now that the snow has settled it isn't draining his strength, but the cold in the air has a bite that makes his breath sharp and painful.

Other people are emerging from their houses. Some of them look okay, others look worse, and some people clearly never made it to safety, despite Hoops' best efforts. That's why Xaster hears crying as he walks through the streets.

In the centre of town, near the large plaza statue, people are gathering. It seems that a temporary first aid station is being set up, though with the nature of the snow's damage unclear not much can be done.

"Come on, BuBu," Xaster says. His Roserade appears and shivers in the cold. "Can you try a Sunny Day?"

BuBu tries her best, but the small sun that she creates is quickly extinguished by the intensity of the cold. Xaster asks her to keep trying, then spots Brassius and jogs over.

"You," Brassius says. "You were with the mummy child. Where are they?"

Xaster's expression is all Brassius needs. He sighs. "From what I hear, they got a lot of people to safety."

"Sir, I think I might know who's behind this," Xaster says. Before he can explain, the crowd shouts in alarm. Three strange men in combat gear have entered the plaza, with eyes that glow white like the snow.

They open their eyes in unison, and speak together, their voices overlapping perfectly and creating a horrifying synchronised sound. "I address the people of Artazon," they say. "My name is Whitt, and I am the emperor of all that is frozen. Be proud, for you have been chosen as the first city to join the Frozen Empire."

"I will explain the situation. This town is surrounded by clones like the ones who speak to you now, and ice type pokémon who are under my control. All electronic signals out of the city are being jammed, and for good measure we will be cutting your power." As if on cue, which it probably was, the street lights flicker out.

"You have until sunset to surrender your pokémon and hand over control of your city," Whitt says. "If you don't, then my clones and pokémon will enter the city and, well, this city is known for its art. I'm sure you can imagine what comes next."

Anger grips Xaster and he steps forwards. "You can't!" he protests.

As one, the three heads turn to face Xaster and smile. "Ah," Whitt says with their mouths. "It's been some time... Xaster, was it? I'm honoured to know that the J-Team will be here to see the beginning of my empire."

Whispers go through the crowd. This twink is part of the J-Team? is the general premise of the whispers. Some of them seem more hopeful, knowing the stories. Others do not.

"I wonder, where's that friend of yours?" Whitt asks. Then all three of the clones laugh at once, in a laugh that's unmistakeably Whitt's. Somehow the synchronised laugh is the creepiest part so far. "Don't tell me my snow got them? Oh, that's delicious. And a little disappointing. Still, you're J-Team as well, aren't you? Then I'm sure you can stand against me, inspire these people enough that they don't fear losing their lives to me. Here, a chance to prove it."

Each of the clones takes out a pokéball, and they release three pokémon at once: a Baxcalibur, a Glalie, and a Weavile.

"Sunset," Whitt says, addressing the rest of the town as the three pokémon approach Xaster. "I know you'll make the right choice."

Snowpoint, Outskirts

-neither Logan nor any of their current companions are Aura-sensitive, funnily enough—not that it matters-

-a sense deeper than Aura—more elemental, in Logan—makes itself known-

-it tells them Dima may be the most dangerous person in Snowpoint-

Logan: I have the sudden, terrible urge to be her friend.

-or more likely their friendly vibes are resonating-

-they step forward with a handshake and unseasonably sunny beam-

Logan: Hi there! That's me, Eira's coworker and/or ex-classmate. Pleasure is mine.

Addie: -puah- <And mine!>

-Logan sheds their coat, freeing their partner-

Logan: I don't remember seeing you at orientation, though - not a Ranger, I take it?

Artazon

Suddenly, a woman on the back of a horse and a small pink thing appear about out of thin air.

...

Alright, not thin air, there's the clear sound of Teleportation before they arrive. The horse (Gaycrus the Galarian Rapidash) lands just as the woman (Aislinn the Human) knocks one of the clones on the head with the butt of a sword, using the speed of the fall to aid in her strike. The pink thing (Blair the Hattrem) is holding onto Gaycrus' fur for dear life.

Aislinn: "... Well this is certainly a situation."

Snowpoint, Outskirts

Dima: "Haha, no I'm not a Ranger. I just kinda... live here. I'm not really that good at helping people."

That feels like some sort of lie or deflection, but it's unclear in what way.

Dima: "What I do for a living is considerably less essential, but it pays the bills!"

... If they're at all familiar with that side of the Internet, they might actually recognize her face from various clickbaity Poketube travelogue thumbnails.

For a second, her face says she wants to respond to what Addie said, but she manages to hold it in. It's so brief that commenting on it is probably more effort than it's worth, but...

Eira: "Yeah, she moved here a few years ago. I think it was... 2016? I know it was a couple years after I came back from training."

Dima: "Oh my gosh, has it been 7 years already? Time flies."

Edited by Daydre on Sep 8th 2023 at 12:22:38 PM

Artazon

Xaster, the two remaining clones, the ice pokémon, and all of the people from the town turn towards Aislinn in unison.

"I know you," Xaster says, dumbfounded, looking at Aislinn. "You're, uh... Ice Cream?"

"Why would it be Ice Cream?" the two clones say together, matching Whitt's frustrated tone.

"I thought you liked ice," Xaster says innocently.

There is a pause for a second. Then the three pokémon charge at Xaster. Weavile gets to him first, reaching out with its claws, but RiRi gets in the way and knocks the attack away with his tail, before BuBu fires poison at it, making it retreat.

"Well, talk after?" Xaster offers.

Edited by theoncominghoop on Sep 8th 2023 at 6:23:57 PM

Artazon

That.. actually earns a confused look from Aislinn.

Aislinn: ".. No my name is Aislinn. I saw something weird going on here and decided to pop in."

Aislinn:-yelling to the surrounding townsfolk- "Also you may want to cover your eyes!"

Blair hops off of Gaycrus and looks back and forth between the Baxcalibur, Weavile, and Glalie.

She then begins to glow, pleasantly at first, then brightly, then eye-searingly. The surroundings become suffused with blinding pink light.

Hotel Grand Lake

As Atrin gets dressed and prepares to get moving, a conversation is going on inside of his Pokeballs.

Hasslemon

doctorsFearme (DF) began hassling zippyZap (ZZ).

DF: We should talk. We're Atrin's best Ccance of winning against Ccrasher Wake, I think.

ZZ: Ohyes!Youthrowtheleavesandibringthesparkyzap!

DF: Just stay foccused and we'll make our trainer happy. We ccan do that mucch.

ZZ: Yes!Soundsfun!doyouknowanythingaboutcrasherwakeandhisteam?

DF:: Water types. I think Atrin read something about a Floatzel oncce.

ZZ: Izap!

Hotel Grand Lake

Outside of this conversation, Atrin puts on his jacket and bag, ready to get back out there.

Lush Jungle

Chiyo: -Looks around- I'm kinda reminded of Route 119.

Chloe: Really? It's not as rugged as that place is, and there's no constant rain to deal with.

Mallow: -Noticing Chiyo and Chloe- Hi I'm Mallow, are you two here for the trial?

Chloe: Well, Chiyo here is, I'm just here to watch.

Mallow: -To Chiyo- So you're Chiyo, Lana and Kiawe already told me all about you.

-Hand to chin-

I think you're the first challenger to come here since... the fire.

-She looks noticeably more despondent at the mention-

Chloe: Chiyo...

Chiyo: I know. Konikoni.

-To Mallow-

We'd like to help any way we can, the Trial can wait. We might not seem like it, but Chloe and I were born here in Alola, and though we might've had to leave when we were very young, we've never forgotten where we originally came from.

Chloe: Born? That's a funny way to say, "formed out of a baby extruder."

Chiyo: Better she doesn't know our exact nature, it'll just make her a target.

Mallow: -Perks up slightly- Well, if you want to help, we can help each other. I'm supposed to be gathering ingredients for a big feast in Konikoni, and gathering ingredients would be your Trial anyway. So help me out, and you'll get your Z-Crystal.

Chiyo: Are you sure about that, this is something I'd normally do pro bono-

Mallow: I'm not taking no for a answer here Chiyo.

-Proceeds to start pushing her deeper into the jungle-

Your first task is this way, Chloe can help too.

Chloe: -Following behind- Trial begin, I guess...

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 26th 2023 at 2:13:17 PM

Hotel Grand Lake

The day after Atrin and Desmond get their free hotel night, Desmond yawns and stretches, smiling.

Desmond: Alright Atrin, another day to get some badges!

Morgan: <Hey, someone's more optimistic than usual!>

Billy: <'Course! Y'all doing the Gym Challenge with the best shot this side'a Sinnoh.>

Desmond: Alright, let's go!

Desmond cheers as he recalls Billy and Morgan rests in her sheath as the two trainers go down in the elevator, being bowed to by the hotel staff, who insisted on filling their bags with extra supplies, Pokeballs and Potions. Soon they were out on the road again.

Morgan: <I already miss the hotel.>

she sighs longingly.

Gabriel gripped onto the neck of Stylus, a grin having spread across his face. Command the nerves of this fighting type and he'd get an advantage to push... he met the eyes of the Lucario and stared deep into his soul... only to find nothing.

"What?!" He cried out.

Stylus smiled, and as much as it pained him sent out one telepathic thought. ~Blank.~

Gabriel let go in disgust and backed away, a Lucario that was a blank... the man he had been hunting who had turned himself into a pokemon was a blank. Was an aura slinging blank even possible?

He felt a kick to his back, he went flying, the Templar tumbling only to command his body to stop. Roxy was still on the field, and armored. This wasn't easy, he was on the backfoot.

Roxy marched slowly, Stylus by her side, this is what she had wanted, to see him stumble. She wasn't in the mood to kill him, as many problems as that'd solve. She'd read enough revenge stories to know it rarely worked out, the catch was to do just enough. He had tried to kill her, she wanted him to fear her and never sleep easy.

The way he kept backing up, the look on his face, the smug expression gone. Roxy raised the buster cannon, knocking him out would be good, it'd be a solid victory, they could interrogate-

The ground around them exploded, down swung more pod fighters, a large one landed and out scrambled several clone troopers. Roxy cursed herself for drawing this out, she looked ahead and saw Gabriel clamber into another Pod, before it took off.

"He got away," she grimaced.

<Handle it later, we've got assholes!> Stylus commented tossing an aura sphere ahead.

Roxy shrugged it off, she had gotten back, he knew to play nice, and that they weren't to be trifled with. It'd be enough, more than enough for her to sleep well tonight. The look on his face would keep her warm for a long time.

Artazon

When the Dazzling Gleam (?) goes off, everyone covers their eyes, including the clones and the ice pokémon. RiRi uses the temporary blindness to charge at the three pokémon, using Play Rough. He gets a hit on all three, and they fall down, stunned but not beaten.

Whitt yells in frustration through the clones. "Get them now!"

Weavile prepares to use Night Slash on Blair, while Baxcalibur targets RiRi with Ice Fang. Glalie fires off an Ice Beam at the two trainers. RiRi is distracted looking to make sure Xaster is okay and is hit by ice fang, being grabbed and held in place by Baxcalibur. BuBu fires off a Sludge Bomb and hits it in the side, making it drop him.

Snowpoint, Outskirts

Logan: -hum- ♪ The Ranger's life isn't for everyone ♪ None of our worth is determined by function or efficacy.

-Logan, glancing around, makes a judgement-

Logan: We've only just met, but I'd say paying the bills is pretty helpful! :) And if Eira likes being around you that you've been together for this long, that's more than enough in my book.

-Addie perks up, watching Dima-

Addie: -wry- Darn, I was looking forward to gossiping with Lana.

Logan: -empathically poking her- Again? Have you always been chatting under our noses?

Addie: That's highly confidential.

-Logan has an ongoing moratorium against MewTube on pain of not getting sucked down more internet Buneary holes, but...-

Eric: ...hold on, I...might recognize you? From the channel that uh...

-he "snaps his fingers", trying to remember the username-

Edited by Asterisk395 on Sep 9th 2023 at 11:42:59 AM

Crown City

-Risky doesn't check her phone at first. Just kind of silently seethes-

-Jade extends a hand to pat at first but then quickly decides against it and retracts it-

Paldea Base

Victor: "Ooh, looks like we got some good results!"

-He is rapidly typing notes on some sort of smart device in the corner-

The Chiyo Zone

Maurice: "Maybe a little. Anyway Chloe is the horrible rich brat from this one Kalosian superhero slash magical girl cartoon. Again Victor's obsessed with it. "

Artazon

-Suddenly near the Sholto and Lisa there is a noise-

-it's not a very loud noise, to be fair-

-But it is a noise noticeable to their Special Bird Ears-

Levincia

-The pingback Gale receives seems... flummoxed.-

Pavo: ~Wait, you aren't - Who are you? What do you want?~

Sunyshore Building, Past

-Flamel blinks at Gale under his goggles-

Flamel: <I'll, uh, keep her occupied.>

-He swings a Fire Punch - but carefully, as if testing to see what will happen.-

Water Vellumental Temple

-The Origami Palkia reels before firing more galaxy whirlpools But it is clearly on its last legs-

Mezagoza

-Locke is wandering around here with Miidas-

Locke: "Place is bigger than I thought it'd be..."

Midas: <It's been a long time since I've been here, but it's definitely GOTTEN bigger...>

-Locke dug inhis pockets and took out the strange orb-

Locke: "Apparently the origins of this thing is around here..."

???: "Hey, you!"

-Locke turned to find he was being addressed by a small schoolchild. Not the capital S kind just a run of the mill kid in an Actual School uniform-

Locke: "Me?"

Child: You need school authorization to use that Tera Orb!"

Locke: Oh,that's what it'sd called. Whait, what do you mean auth-"

-He is promptly dogpiled, screaming, by several other children and their Pokemon-

Midas: <...Oh dear.>

Edited by Umbramatic on Sep 9th 2023 at 1:41:31 PM

Artazon, the hotel

Kec looks down at Hoops's unconscious form. Led sits on the head of the bed, also watching them.

<When was the last time they were this peaceful> she asks.

Kec shrugs. <Probably when they were dead. And we aren't letting that happen again.>

Led looks at him. <But what are we supposed to do? We don't know how this whole state works. Or what Whitt did.>

Kec shakes his head. <But Cof might be able to help. You said he disappeared?>

<It was after we battled Whitt in Alola> Led clarifies. <Something about the fight with...> she trails off.

<What?> Kec asks.

<We need Cof back> Led says. <And I think I know someone who might be able to help us find him.>

Kec narrows his eyes. <Who?>

<If I tell you, then you won't let me go> Led says. She flies over to Kec and takes his paws. <We've known one another for years - longer than anyone else on this team. I'm asking you to trust me.>

They hear the sound of a pokéball opening. Sal appears, still looking exhausted, but he joins the other two. <You aren't going without me> he insists.

<But you need to rest->

He cuts off her protest. <Kec might let you go alone, but I won't. If you're thinking what I think you are, then I can't let you do it on your own.> He stares at her. <I was the third, but for a long time it was just the three of us. Let me do my part to protect them.>

Led nods. Then they both look at Kec. It's funny - he was gone for months, but as soon as he's back they see him a their leader again.

Kec nods. <Okay. But be safe.>

They nod. Led looks over at Hoops, and tries to ignore the sinking feeling that says this could be the last time she ever sees them. Then the two pokémon depart.

Water Vellumental Temple, far past

Ann: -Noticing- It's almost done, let's finish it!

Chiyo Zone, past

Chloe: -To Maurice- Well I don't think I'm any of those things. Money isn't something I have a lot of, for one.

Chiyo: Anyway...

-As she gets close up to the Templar in question, her back to Chloe-

I think Maurice and I have certain business to attend to, unless you'd like to watch or join in.

Chloe: -Eyebrow raise- Yeah I'm sure you do, but I think I'll pass. See you around.

-She proceeds to give Maurice a "If You Ever Do Anything to Hurt Her..."-type look before dissipating into wind-

Chiyo: -To Maurice after Chloe leaves, letting out a sigh- She'll warm up to you... eventually, she's not normally that grouchy. But anyway...

-As she traces two fingers down his chest with one of her trademark Chiyo smiles on her face-

So was there anything else you wanted to mention to me before we start?

Lush Jungle, today

Chloe: -Climbing a tree- Chiyo, catch!

-She drops a Mago Berry-

Chiyo: -Catches it with a barrier and adds it to a very large pile of Berries and other miscellaneous foodstuffs in bags- Okay, I think we're almost done here.

Chloe: -Dissipates and reappears next to Chiyo- Good, I'm getting tired.

Chiyo: Let's just get these back to Mallow.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 26th 2023 at 2:16:00 PM

Mitchell: You heard Ann! One more volley, Oliver!

Oliver fires another Ancient Power barrage at the origami Palkia.

Underneath the shade of a tree, Mitchell takes some time to check the news on his Poketch while his Pokemon were enjoying themselves. Something troubling catches his eye.

"Breaking: Abnormal Cold Weather in Artazon?", Mitchell reads off the Poketch's alert. He reads some connected news pieces from that, becoming increasingly worried. Thinking quickly, he posts a message to the contact address with the J-Team he had previously received.

Satisfied with this, he then calls over the team. "Okay," he says, "sorry to interrupt, but I need a favor from you guys."

<Fire away, Boss,> Gavroche says. <We're your team, y'know.>

"True," Mitchell says. "Now, I might get called away to Artazon in a bit. There's some kind of cold weather showing up there, which I suspect is caused by some Ice-type miscreant."

<Ugh, ice,> Auguste groans. <I hate that, maybe more than fire now.>

"So," Mitchell continues, "if I get called away, I want some of you to come with me, and some of you to stay behind to keep our stuff secure. Who here's okay going in unnatural cold weather?"

Christine, Vasilissa, Edmond, and Oliver indicate that they are okay. Gavroche, Rebecca, Auguste, and Esmeralda did not.

"Okay," Mitchell says, clapping his hands together, "that's our team division decided. Now, we just have to wait." He then turns back to his Poketch and checks if anyone responded to his message.

Central Square, Artazon

A wealthy looking old man—likely an academic on a sinecure—looks on from his limousine. He opens his car window, eager to yell at the crowds and drivers, only to get his arm stung by an oddly dangerous snowflake.

Sinecure Academic: Diaz, get me out of this city. Now.

"Diaz": Yes, Dr. Valdés.

He pulls his window up and shakes his head as he nurses his hand. "The fuck is he doing," Valdés thought to himself.

Porygon: Snow banks have covered most of the city's roads, sir.

Valdés: Look for the shortest route from here to the outskirts.

"Diaz": Internet across the city is slowing down, likely due to Whitt's actions.

Valdés: Gah, I have no time for this nonsense. If he wants to be theatrical, I want no part of it. Whose scheme is it this time?

Diaz: But sir—

Valdés: Find a way or make one, Neon.

Diaz... I mean Neon: Yes sir.

And with that, they revv the limo's engines and shone the full beam headlights at the snowed-in road ahead.

Artazon outskirts, It's Whittling Time

Dr. Valdés and his tall chauffeur are trapped inside a car in a road on the outskirts of Artazon. Snow—of a very toxic sort—fell everywhere as far as the eye could see. The doctor chose to remain indoors while his driver attached several large flashlights onto the surface of the vehicle. The driver walked under an umbrella.

Inside their vehicle, a Revavroom rumbled.

Valdés opened his video phone. Fortunately, there was still some cell signal at this part of the outskirts for him to make a call that hogs a lot of bandwidth.

He called up an old friend.

Valdés: Cassander. We need to talk. Are you aware of what's going on in Artazon right now? Right now, we are snowed in since the roads are all blocked and can't even go any further.

Dr. Circhester answered from the other line. The look on his face indicated that he was not happy.

Circhester: If snow is a problem for you, send for Bren the Scorcher to deal with it. He'll be there in no time to clear it out. And isn't Neon with you?

Valdés: Why yes. Yes he is. Numero Diez is currently doing what you think he's doing. But the snow on the road is barely half the problem. His lamps are blasting lasers at the snow itself. You can't let it touch you.

Neon entered the vehicle as the lamps started firing lasers at the snow banks on the road.

Neon: All done, Dr. Valdés.

Valdés: Splendid. Keep focusing the heat onto the road. I want to leave this city within my lifetime. Arceus, fuck.

Neon nodded. They strapped themselves onto the driver's seat and just stared, concentrating their mental effort at melting the potentially dangerous snow. On the other line, Cassander Circhester remains bemused.

Circhester: So you're stranded. Is this really a good reason to interrupt me right now because—

Valdés: Are you kidding me right now, Cassander? Really? Crick, show Dr. Circhester exactly what I mean.

Crick the Porygon: Yes, doctor. Bringing up news reports on an in-progress takeover of the Paldean city of Artazon by Whitt.

Circhester: Whitt, huh. Hmmmm... Curious. And a bit ambitious for a field test.

Valdés: Is that really all you're saying about this? He's going full supervillain. I brought it up with the council so, so many times already that going full supervillain is a bad idea!I don't know what kind of psychoactive concoction anyone was taking when they greenlit whatever plot Moreau and the Synaptic have been brewing. Another waste of resources with nothing to show for it except a risk of compromising what we've worked on for millennia.

Circhester: Valdés, listen. Supervillainy is common. A plebeian exercise that we occasionally must resort to time and again. It attracts attention, sure, and lures vigilante do-gooders like venomoths to a flame. They can be a nuisance if they backfire. But it has never exposed us to the public before, and you know why? Because as far as anyone is concerned, this is an isolated incident, just one supervillain event out of many.

Valdés: Of course, we must be pretty desperate to have to greenlight so many in the past year. Just what does anyone in the council think they could achieve by taking over a city we practically already own? And the only thing I detest more than having to resort to wasting resources on supervillain showboating is when that starts impeding the operations that actually further our agenda.

Circhester: You say this as though you think Whitt's success or failure in this endeavor is of any concern for us. This has all the earmarks of one of the Synaptic's field tests, with my old errand boy being the unfortunate Morpeko. Centrally controlled clone constructs used as an army to achieve goals. If you think what he's doing is sloppy, leaving him to his fate will save us the trouble of sending the liquidation order.

Valdés: I do recall us evaluating Whitt's performance rather poorly.

Circhester: Perhaps, if this irks you so much, we can use this little endeavour as a learning experience. Show the Nobles what happens when bravado, theatricality, and overconfidence coalesce.

Valdés: Suppose you're onto something. Very well. Alert Mister Tenor at once. It'll be entertaining to see this play out.

Neon: Uh, doctor...

Valdés: Mierda. Neon, what is it now? Don't you have a snow bank to melt?

Neon remained speechless as they saw the silhouette of something just beyond the snow banks and the effective range of their flashlight lasers.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Sep 10th 2023 at 11:24:55 PM

The Hamlet, The Weald

The quiet creak of fungal matter in accelerated but still slow continues unabated. What's the play, where does the clearance begin?

Battle Academy

The Girl: Alright, let's do this thing!

-She spins in place and then strikes her best attempt at a confident battler pose-

The Girl: Ecological repair combat, let's go!

Levincia City, Inside A Mind

-The Fool stirs. The Fool. Awakenings and rejoinings. The concepts well up like a splintered water main or blood vessel. Grant the one wish. Be whole. Assist?-

Hotel Grand Lake

Atrin: It was sure fun, but I'm ready to get back to it.

Mimir is following behind Atrin happily.

Atrin: Here we come, Pastoria.

Hamlet, Past

With a flick of her wrist and a gout of flame, Kamui wards away the fungus as she makes her way to her destination, gesturing for Silas and Roxy to follow her with a gesture from her tails.

"I haven't played a [Res-E] game before. Do either of you know anything?" She asked.

Lush Jungle, one ingredient collection later

Mallow: -To Chiyo and Chloe- I'm sure you're both starving, so today we'll be having the Super Mallow Special. Any particular allergies?

Chiyo: None that I know of.

Chloe: Ditto.

Chiyo: Could you imagine though, the School engineering some sort of allergy into us on purpose?

Chloe: They've already got a chemical leash, I wouldn't be surprised if they put something like that in us on purpose.

Chiyo: Another reason to put down for making a cure for the Curse.

-As Mallow cooks, an aroma starts filling the air-

Chloe: After Boron I've gotten a bit leery of people calling their food a "Special".

Chiyo: I'm sure it'll be fine Chloe. Can't be worse than your cooking, or lack thereof.

Chloe: Yeah well-

-Gets a chill that puts her on edge-

Chiyo, did you feel that?

Chiyo: -Twitches slightly- Yeah, something's coming.

Mallow: -Finishing up- Thanks for all the help you two, now enjoy-

Chloe: -Pointing- Chiyo, behind you!

Chiyo: -Turns around to see a far larger than usual Lurantis appear as if from nowhere behind her-

Totem Lurantis: <Gimme that grub now, or I'll just take it by force!>

-Glows with a Totem aura-

Chiyo: -Reaching for her belt- Figures this wouldn't be that easy.

Ceres: -Is sent out-

Chiyo: Ceres, let's take out this meal crasher!

Ceres: <Right!>

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 9th 2023 at 12:10:02 PM

Artazon

Being that Aislinn is still on her back, Gaycrus decides she doesn't want to freeze any further and uses Protect to shield the both of them.

Aislinn squints and presses the release on another pokeball.

Blair is busy firing a retaliatory Psychic at the Glalie and would've taken the hit.. If not for the wall of hair that appears between her and her attacker. The Night Slash cuts through a couple layers, but stops before it reaches anywhere close to flesh.

Harry: <OI!>

... There is a Grimmsnarl here now! Blair huddles behind him, looking a bit grumpy.

Blair:-singsongy passive aggressively- <I could've handled that~>

Harry: <Yea, but were you going to?>

Harry gets into a power stance- limiting his ability to move quickly but boosting the force he can put into his blows- and swings down on the Weavile with a Hammer Arm.

Snowpoint, Outskirts

Dima: "Oh, I only moved in recently. We've known each other longer but-"

She realizes the other implications of Logan's words halfway through her sentence, flushes a little, and goes quiet.

Eira: "Aw, are you that embarrassed of liking me?"

Dima: "Shush! No I am not!!!"

At Eric's recognition of her, her expression goes from lightly embarrassed to mortified.

Dima: "I know I should take more pride in my work, but I can't help but feel weird when people recognize me from that."

Dima: "It's Eterna1DistortionTravel. I picked the name when I was like, 17 but by the time I wanted to change it it had traction so I didn't want to destroy my branding and change it too much. The most I could do was add 'Travel' to the end."

Snowpoint, Outskirts

Logan: -curiously- :?

Eric: Oh, she runs a series documenting experiences in places. It's nice.

Logan: You can fly wherever you want!

Eric: And how will I know where I want to travel, hmm?

Logan: Fahaha! I can get making people happy through entertainment, actually!

-their glitter, muted, somehow intensifies-

Logan: -hum, conspiratorial- I tried playing guitar for people once, myself. Not for me, but that was more who I had to work with than the nature of the work.

-they wink, moving in out of the doorway-

Logan: -brightening- Don't stop on my account! We hardly ever see each other these days, I'm curious how you two met...

Addie: <Gossiiiip>

-Logan pokes her, cheerfully taking her poky reprisal-

Edited by Asterisk395 on Sep 9th 2023 at 12:33:47 PM

Artazon Outskirts

A clone, flanked by a Beartic and Dewgong, step out onto the road in front of Valdés's car.

"None will be allowed to leave," the clone says. The Beartic steps forwards and buries its claws into the bonnet, while the clone walks around the side to look in the windows. When it does, its mannerisms change and Whitt's voice comes through.

"Dr Valdés! I had no idea you were in town, you should have called. We could have done lunch, been to the local museums, I could have stabbed you multiple times and laughed as you choked on your own blood."

Artazon Square

The force of a Hammer Arm against Weavile is too much for it to take and it collapses. At about the same time, Baxcalibur is also knocked out. From there, it doesn't take long for everyone to bring down the sole remaining Glalie. But in the chaos of the battle, the two remaining clones have vanished.

Xaster turns to Aislinn. "So, glad to have you here, Ais. But... what exactly are you doing here?"