ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Naranja y Uva Academy

-Kai is in the school staff lounge, reading up on lesson plans for future classes. At the moment, they're the only one there.-

-At the next moment, they're not.-

Student: Um, hello? Mx. Kai?

-Kai blinks, and glances up at the student in question. A young boy, [Japanese], probably 10-11ish. Light skin and scruffy black hair stuffed in a blue League cap, and blue-light-filtering glasses that break the otherwise very Champion Red-esque getup he's got.-

Kai: Oh, ah, hello! I recognize you, from Dendra's class! You're, uh...

-Kai searches their brain for the name, only for the kid to answer for them-

Student: I'm Lukas!

Kai: Right! Thank you, sorry, twenty new names can get tough to memorize.

Lukas: Heheh, no worries. Can I ask you something, Mx. Kai?

Kai: Oh...?

Lukas: So, you're like, a Frontier person, right? How'd you do that?

Kai: How did I... become one, you mean?

-Lukas nods his head, and hurriedly pushes his hat back up out of his face as it falls.-

Kai: Well, ah, Spenser — another Frontier Brain — offered me an apprenticeship for a while, until I proved myself worthy of the full position.

Lukas: Ooooh. Can I get one from you?

-Kai blinks.-

-And blinks again.-

Kai: Come again?

Lukas: You're a Frontier Brain now, so you can get an apprentice! I wanna be that!

-Kai blinks again, and gives a quiet chuckle.-

Kai: Heh, it's... not quite that simple, kiddo. I had a few Pokemon League victories under my belt before I even got there.

-Lukas crosses his arms.-

Lukas: Who says I can't get victories? I was made to be the very best. Y'know, like no one ever was!

-Kai laughs.-

Kai: Alright, then, kid. How about this? You've gotta defeat me at my best before I offer you the spot. That's a really high bar, but it sounds like you're a star just waiting to shine.

Lukas: Fine by me! Let's battle now!

Kai: Hwha?

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Jan 20th 2024 at 3:44:49 PM

Levincia, past

Iono: Let's get those numbers up Bellibolt!

Bellibolt: Appears!

Iono: Use Mud Shot!

Bellibolt: -Spits mud at Del Lurra-

Del Lurra: -Is hit-

Iridium: Use Toxic!

Del Lurra: -Spits purple gunk onto Bellibolt-

Bellibolt: <Urgh...>

Iono: Mud Shot again!

Bellibolt: -Spits up more mud on Del Lurra-

Del Lurra: -Is sent down to the red- <This isn't looking good~>

Iridium: Bulldoze one more time!

Del Lurra: -Hits Bellibolt full-on before getting fainted by Bellibolt's next Mud Shot-

Bellibolt: -Hangs on by a thread but is fainted by Del Lurra's poison soon after-

Sushi High Roller, past

-Watching the battle-

Double knockout, taught her that you do your best to make sure your mons faint at least one of the other team's Pokémon in a battle.

-To Lydia-

Attacks from who?

Lydia: I believe the forces of Team Iron.

Chiyo: Team Iron? Sounds... vaguely familiar.

-To Chiyo-

Team Iron is a group who wishes to kill the gods and create a world run solely by Man. Two of us even ended up joining them for a while, but we haven't done much with them since... around this time six years ago when we raided a base of theirs in Alola and they were planning to try killing one of the Tapu. But I was taking a sabbatical from the J-Team at the time so I wasn't directly involved. Their leader used to work for Cipher, so you already know they're bad news.

Chiyo: -Eyes narrow briefly at the mention of the Tapu- The School has no respect for gods either, if what you're saying is true I'm surprised they would be fighting. Competition maybe?

-Shrugs-

Who knows with Teams? But if they're capable of being a serious problem to the School, we've neglected dealing with them for far too long, they're likely far more powerful now than they were back then.

How is this going to affect our efforts? Team Iron isn't exactly inclined to show mercy most of the time.

Lydia: With all that's going on, checking properly on one child is hardly their highest priority, which gives me much more latitude. Consider it a token of goodwill, Team Iron is our common enemy after all.

-To Lydia-

You see the ship sinking but you choose to stay on instead of going for the lifeboats. And I'd say the enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend.

Lydia: As Chiyo so politely put it, I'm looking for survival, and the lifeboats mostly look like they've sunken into the sea.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jan 20th 2024 at 4:44:22 AM

Naranja y Uva Academy

Lukas: C'mon, let's go! I wanna battle you!

Kai: Hang on, hang on! Even if you did, you wouldn't be fighting me at my best, because the rest of my team is out of the region.

Lukas: It's about knowing what I'm up against, right? I gotta train for it.

Kai: ...okay, fair. Just, gimme a bit, okay? Meet me in the courtyard in a bit, we'll battle there.

Lukas: Yessssss!

-Lukas practically skips out of the room.-

Kai: ...did I have that much energy at his age?

NyUA Courtyard

-Lukas is sitting on the ground outside when Kai comes out. In front of him is a Pikachu, who's got a matching blue cap, and between them, a bunch of berries to choose from.-

Kai: ...Heh. Really trying to follow in Red's footsteps, huh?

Lukas: Duh! Pikachu and I both know that's who we've gotta live up to!

Kai: Just Pikachu, no name?

-Lukas gives Kai a strange look.-

Lukas: He's Pikachu. That is his name. Not just a Pikachu, he is Pikachu.

Kai: ...Huh. That's... something I've never thought of.

Lukas: You gotta think of everything! Biggest rule of battling!

Kai: I think the real biggest rule is to be a good sport, but that's definitely up there. So, you and Pikachu ready?

Lukas: Hmmm...

-Lukas glances up at Kai, then at Pikachu. Pikachu nods, and grabs a berry from the pile before Lukas puts the rest away.-

Lukas: We're good! Let's go!

Kai: Heh, all right then. Hope you're ready, kiddo!

Deepest Distortion Realm

Thorn draws back their arm, which grows blades as they channel Bis's power. "It seems you'll die a fool."

<No!> Thorn's arm is caught by a hand that looks like the buds on the end of a tree branch, but is actually made of rock. Sud clings to the rock above Hoops, her face set in a frown.

"Sud," Hoops mutters.

Thorn spins as they sense two figures behind them. Tot and Vul release an Air Slash and Dark Pulse respectively, forcing Thorn to move to avoid taking the attack.

"Tot... Vul... what are you going? You can't battle here without getting hurt."

<You idiot> Vul says. Sweat runs down his brow, but he manages a foxy grin. <You can't fight without us, so we're going to do this with you, even if all of us go down.>

<You know we support your choices> Sud adds. <So let us back you up now.>

Hoops looks shocked by their words, but smiles. "Yeah. I've been an idiot. Come on, guys. Let's get this guy."

Now that the fight is four against one, Thorn finds themself having to retreat in order to avoid being overwhelmed. When they go on the attack, Sud is there to block it. When they try to use their speed, Tot uses wide ranging attacks to hit them anyway. And with Vul providing ranged support, they're lucky if they can even get close.

Hoops grabs them around the waist. "I caught you!" They swing Thorn around and slam them into a rock, dragging them across its surface and almost splitting it in two with the force, as though Thorn was just the tip of a saw.

Thorn floats in space, bleeding from their forehead. Are they... losing? No. no, they won't lose!

Thorn screams, and Hoops and the others begin to feel the force of malevolence that radiates from them.

"What's happening?" Hoops yells.

<I was afraid of this!> Tot warns. <They have a second phase! I should have known this was too easy!>

Thorn manages to find the breath to form words in the middle of their scream. "This is my... Chimeric Form!"

Their face splits open to allow a large pair of pincers to emerge from their face, followed by a gleaming set of eyes, one red and one green. One of their arms doubles in size and becomes muscular, while the other grows dozens of steel blades that split the flesh in two. Meanwhile, a black mane grows from the back of their head, and they get two pairs of wings - one pair small like an insect's, and the other much larger like a... much larger insect. Finally their legs are replaced by a twisting mass of roots, that freeze everything that they touch as they thrash around in open space.

<Um...> Vul is the first one to say anything. <How bad do we think this is?>

A root lashes out and spears Hoops through the chest before rapidly pulling away, leaving a hole in the centre of their torso with edges that are rapidly freezing.

Tot gulps. <I'd say bad.>

NyUA Courtyard

-Kai blinks again as the two Pokemon enter the battlefield-

Kai: ...Hey, uh, did I get demoted to NPC?

Spree: <What???>

Kai: N-nevermind.

Spree: <...why do I bother.>

Pikachu: <Pikapi.>

Spree: <Oh, now you're messing with me.>

Pikachu: <No idea what you're talking about, pika.> 😌

Kai: Okay, let's get down to it. Take status moves out of the picture with a good Taunt!

Spree: <Hah, you hear that? You've gotta come up with something better than, what, a Growl? Maybe a little Tail Whip?>

Pikachu: <Ohhh I can do so much better.>

Lukas: That's okay, we don't need those moves anyway! We've got strong attacks like Zap Cannon!

Kai: You wha??

-The air crackles with static as Pikachu gathers energy. Spree's eyes go wide, and they start to scamper out of the way, only to end up precisely where Pikachu actually aims the massive blast of electricity.-

Spree: <GAH!>

Kai: ...Geez. Lucky shot, kiddo.

Lukas: Hehe, we get that a lot.

-Spree staggers to her feet, twitching...-

Lukas: Let's be quick! Iron Tail!

-Spree tries to sluggishly evade the attack, but her paralysis leaves her squarely in its path.-

Spree: <Ngh— >

-Spree shudders, and stomps on Pikachu's tail to pin it before he can pull it back.-

Pikachu: <Pi—?>

Spree: <I'm gonna make you hurt so bad, rat.>

-They rake a claw along his tail, causing him to yelp in pain.-

-Pikachu pulls his tail away be force, twitching at the pain, but seems no less resolute.-

Lukas: We've got this! Just keep using Iron Tail again!

-His tail glows silver as he swings it again, but this time, Spree staggers away.-

Spree: <H-heheh...>

-She twitches, falling to a knee as paralysis gives her another tremor.-

Pikachu: <Not easy, huh, pika?>

-He swings again, and this time, Spree can't avoid it.-

-As Spree is sent sprawling, unconscious, Lukas beams.-

Lukas: HAH! See? I'm good! You'll—

Kai:    Hold on.   

Paldea

Magmortar EX: <Ah! There you are!>

-The Magmortar walks over the hill towards a Pawmot that was taller than he was, surrounded by a gang of standard-sized Pawmo. The Pawmot was readily identifiable, aside from his side, by a huge plume of purple hair on the top of his head, mimicking the mane of a Raikou. His gang of Pawmo had attempted to dye their hair in a similar manner. More evocatively, both of the Pawmot's crossed arms were wrapped in broken chains, another detail his gang tried to emulate.-

-As the Magmortar approached, a wall of Pawmo moved to intercede.-

Little Brother Pawmo: <What's your business with the Big Brother?>

Magmortar EX: <My business is with him, not you.>

Little Brother Pawmo: <We're Big Brother's business, so his business is our business, too!>

-The Pawmot was, notably, looking at a nearby copse of trees with intent, rather than the obvious EX Pokemon.-

Magmortar EX: <Fine then - ask him why a Raikou-blessed Alpha is in a distinctly non-Raikou area!>

-One of the Pawmo breaks ranks to deliver the message to the Pawmot. The Pawmot responds with something indiscernible before the messenger returns.-

Pawmo: <He says, "none of your business, dirt-licker.">

-The Magmortar, having no shades of red further to turn, begins to turn purple instead.-

Magmortar EX: <EXCUSE YOU, I happen to have several decades seniority over all of you!>

Little Brother Pawmo: <You send us a complaint from one of the local Great Brothers or Sisters, and we'll do something about it. But this ain't Groudon's turf any more than it's Raikou's, so unless you got some actual authority, move along.>

-Before the Magmortar can respond, a patently massive Hariyama walks out of the copse of trees, knocking one over in the process.-

Titan Hariyama: <What's with all the noise?! I'm trying to get some sleep!>

-The Pawmot gives a sigh.-

Big Brother Pawmot: <Back up, everyone. This is about to get messy.>

-The Magmortar is taken aback by the sheer rotundness of the Hariyama, and so makes no move as the Pawmo scramble back.-

Titan Hariyama: <You! Big rat! You here to pay tribute to my Titanity?>

Big Brother Pawmot: <I'm here to settle an account. You attacked some of my Little Brothers, so I'm here to get an apology out of you.>

-The Hariyama blinks dumbly for a moment before laughing.-

Titan Hariyama: <HAHAHAHAHA! That's a good one! Why would I apologize for my gods-given right to rule those smaller than me?>

-The Pawmot's eye twitches.-

Big Brother Pawmot: <Alright then.>

-The Alpha Pawmot uncrosses his arms as purple electricity dances around his hand.-

Big Brother Pawmot: <You and me.>

Titan Hariyama: <Bring it, rat!>

-The Hariyama charges the, relatively speaking, much smaller Pawmot with an Arm Thrust. The Pawmot directly clashes with it with his own.-

-CRASH!-

-CRASH!-

-CRASH!-

-The Hariyama's aim falters on the fourth thrust, and the Pawmot gets in two good strikes to the chest, forcing the much larger Fighting-Type to lose momentum.-

Big Brother Pawmot: <C'MON!>

-The Pawmot fires a massive, purple Discharge that knocks the Hariyama off-stance, but the massive Pokemon uses its prodigious weight to keep its footing and responding with a Body Press. Once again, the Pawmot clashes with it, this time with a Thunder Punch.-

-CRASHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHING!-

-Due to striking from a lower center of gravity, the Pawmot is able to shift the Hariyama's stance enough to cause his attack to falter first, letting the Pawmot throw the Hariyama off-balance even more, causing him to stagger.-

-Nearby, the Magmortar is hiding behind the hill with the Pawmo gang.-

Magmortar EX: <Y-you're not supposed to hit someone's attacks with your own like that! It's dangerous!>

-Meanwhile, the Hariyama, entirely off-balance, staggers back to try and remain standing.-

Big Brother Pawmot: <And now it's time...>

-The Pawmot's body is wreathed in purple lightning.-

Big Brother Pawmot: <For complete...>

-The Pawmo begin cheering.-

Big Brother Pawmot: <And total...>

-He jumps into the air.-

Big Brother Pawmot: <ANNIHILATION!>

-The Pawmot, big by Pawmot standards but small compared to the Hariyama, crashes down onto him with a Supercell Slam that sends dirt and rocks flying in ever direction, cratering the Hariyama and the ground under him.-

-The Pawmot dusts himself off and climbs out of the crater as the Hariyama's size dissipates into floating energy.-

Big Brother Pawmot: <Well, that's that. Debt paid.>

Little Brother Pawmo: <That was awesome!>

Big Brother Pawmot: <Hah, yeah it was. So, where'd the bootlicker go?>

Little Brother Pawmo: <He teleported away when he saw you do your finisher.>

Big Brother Pawmot: <HAH! Figured he might. Anyway, let's go grab some food! I'm starving.>

NyUA Courtyard

-Lukas freezes at the sudden harshness in Kai's voice.-

Lukas: O-oh, um, I'm sorry, Mx. Kai, I didn't mean—

-Kai's glare immediately disappears.-

Kai: No, I mean, hold on, the battle's not over yet. I'm not out of Pokemon.

-Lukas relaxes a bit, but pouts.-

Lukas: Hey, no fair, I've only got Pikachu, it's two on one!

-Kai smiles-

Kai: If you're serious about wanting to be "the very best", that means you've gotta adapt to a numbers disadvantage just as much as a type disadvantage. We never said one-on-one, did we?

Lukas: ...No...

Kai: It's a lesson learned, then! Now...

-Kai unhooks the bead necklace from around their neck, and flames erupt from it to form the body of Chi-Yu once again.-

Chi-Yu:    <Ah, it is wonderful to breathe again!>   

-Lukas goes wide-eyed-

Lukas: Who's that Pokemon?

Kai: That's something I'm also ever-so-curious about. Who, indeed?

Pikachu: <...Okay, but what are you called?>

Chi-Yu:    <Enemy and ally each have called me many things, but my name is Chi-Yu, young one.>   

Kai: Let's not waste time. Incinerate their Berry, if you would?

Chi-Yu:    <Yes, a burnt offering to the divine!>   

-A gout of flame washes over Pikachu, catching his berry on fire. Despite his best efforts to protect it, the berry is soon charred beyond edibility,-

Pikachu: <Piii... I was looking forward to that.>

Lukas: Oh, darn... Oh well! Pikachu, give them another Zap Cannon!

Kai: You can't be lucky hitting all the time, kid—

Chi-Yu:    <INSOLENT— >   

-The flames sputter for a moment, and the bead dips a bit in its idle hover.-

Kai: ...Okay, maybe you can be lucky. Chi-Yu, don't let it hold you back!

-Fire flickers from the bead erratically, still full of life but unable to hold form.-

Lukas: Haha, we've got this after all! Electro Ball!

-Pikachu gathers energy on his tail, and then with an acrobatic spin, hurls it at Chi-Yu-

-It impacts, but it seems to ignite the little fire fish.-

Chi-Yu:    <I-I... will not... be MADE A FOOL!>   

-Its body erupts in what is frankly best described as hellfire.-

-The firestorm clears, leaving a trembling, furious floating bead, and an unconscious electric rodent-

Lukas: ...

Kai: ...

'Lukas: ............that was so COOL!

Team Iron HQ

Red: Cassy! Stop messing with my hair!

Cassandra: Apologies, I just find your hair unique amongst all the worlds.

Red: There you go with the "all the worlds" thing again.

Cassandra: I cannot help that my eyes see across the veil at all times. It makes sleep rather difficult.

-Cid steps into the room, Bison's Pokeball returned to his belt.-

Cid: The field test was an unequivocal success. The Soul of Steel works perfectly.

Cassandra: As I suspected. You learned from the Minds of Glass, and took into account the various other factors that Keening and Sunder might have inflicted on a human soul.

Cid: Thank you, Cassandra.

Red: Wait, so will that mean...?

Cid: Yes, I will create more Souls of Steel. The vetting process is already in place. I'm also looking to return to the Minds of Glass, to prevent the mistakes I made during the original run.

Cassandra: I knew the risks, Doctor.

Cid: I know, Cassandra, and I thank you for it. I've also begun planning for the last of the trio. The Heart of Brass.

Cassandra: If the Minds gain clarity through the dimensional veil, and the Souls reject the manipulations of supernatural forces, then that would mean the Hearts influence those around them. How?

Cid: Tell me, how different do you think a computer would work if you made it think that two plus two always equaled five?

NyUA Courtyard

Kai: ...Wow, uh, you're taking this in stride.

Lukas: I've never seen anything like it! I want a Chi-Yu!

-Kai's eyes go wide, and they immediately grab the Poke Ball they snagged Chi-Yu with and recall it instead of returning it to the necklace chain.-

Kai: Sorry, kid, no, you can't. One of a kind.

Lukas: I wasn't gonna take this one...

Kai: ...Sorry. Uh, good job, kid. If not for being outnumbered, you would've won.

Lukas: I totally did win. Chi-Yu's cool, but it doesn't count in that battle.

-Kai opens their mouth to object, but reflects on whether they want to die on the hill of having beaten a ten-year-old and his rat, and decides against.-

Kai: ...Yeah, sure. But remember, that's just a taste of what I've got. You've got a long way before you can defeat me at 100%, kid.

Lukas: We'll see just how long it takes!

Kai: ...Honestly, genuinely eager to find out.

-Kai smiles.-

Kai: Now, don't you have something better to do? Like going to heal Pikachu, for one.

Lukas: Oh, right!

-Lukas recalls Pikachu, and runs off. Once he's out of sight, Kai lets themself slump.-

Kai: ...I really am losing my edge.

East Province Area Three

Cornflower: <...Hmph.>

-she makes a sweeping bow-

-Ever, meanwhile, hops down from their perch, curtsying-

Ever: Good match! Interesting training paradigm for Liliaceae, there.

Paldea, East Province Area Three

-the light fades across the area, returning to sweltering from actively sizzling-

Abilene: Mm.

-she gives a little two-fingered salute and leaves it at that-

Abilene: Can't take all the credit—she picked it out herself.

-Wisp chirps—Abilene bends over, gently scoops Liliaceae into her arms, and presses a Sitrus Berry into her little nubs-

Abilene: I blame the corruptive influence of streamed television. [John Wick] and all that. Cultivating the physique she desires has been...

-she starts recalling the tiny handguns scattered about the battlefield-

Abilene: An interesting exercise.

-she tilts her head-

Abilene: -to Ever and Cornflower both- Your sense for timing is as incisive as ever. You will be happy with them, I think. So long as you're prepared to think outside the box.

-she bobs Liliaceae, absently-

Abilene: So, serotonin, hmm?

Levinicia, past

Iono: -As she recalls Belli- You need to quit hogging the limelight and send some our way, Sally! Loyal fans—I need to hear you cheerin'! Gimme all you got!

-Sending out one last Ball-

Time to turn this around Mismagius!

Mismagius: -Appears-

Iridium: Go Oedi!

Oedi: -Also appears-

Iono: -Gets out her Tera Orb- Come fooorth, shiny li'l lightbulb! Iono power, goooooo!

Mismagius: -Terastalizes to Electric, a Tera Jewel resembling a lightbulb adorning their head-

Iridium: -Getting out her Tera Orb- You too Oedi!

Oedi: -Terastalizes to Bug-

Iono: Danger, high voltage! Sorry if it's TOO shocking, 'eyyy! Now Mismagius, light 'em up with Charge Beam!

Mismagius: -Tera Jewel flashes as she sends electricity at Oedi-

Oedi: -Is hit- <Ack!>

Iridium: Use Bug Bite!

Oedi: -Tera Jewel flashes as she bites Mismagius-

Mismagius: <Get off!>

-She shakes and flings Oedi into midair-

Iono: Kid, you're about to learn what getting flamed is like, use Mystical Fire!

Mismagius: -Sends out multicolored flames-

Oedi: -Manages to dodge while still in midair before Bug Biting Mismagius again-

Mismagius: -Proceeds to blast Oedi with another Mystical Fire at close range-

Oedi: -Is sent sprawling to the ground-

Iono: Looks like your Nymble's D-O-N-E, done!

Iridium: Come on Oedi!

Oedi: -Uses her back legs to flip herself up, surrounded by a light green aura- <I'm not done yet!>

Iridium: Let's show 'em Oedi!

Oedi: -Immediately starts glowing-

Chloe: Ooh, this is getting interesting.

Abe: Let's see how this goes.

Sushi High Roller, past

-Is distracted from the argument by what's going on onscreen-

Alright, show them what you've got kiddo!

Chiyo: -Undergoes a silent agreement with Lydia to stop for this moment-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jan 20th 2024 at 12:00:42 PM

Deepest Distortion World

Hoops slowly knits their torso back together while Thorn continues to stare down them and their team.

<What's the plan, boss?> Vul asks.

Hoops frowns. "For now? Not dying sounds like a great one. I had a thought, but..."

They throw themself to the side quickly to avoid an electrical attack.

<What?> Vul asks. Before Hoops can answer, he starts coughing and a shadowy mist comes out of his mouth.

<We won't last out here much longer!> Tot warns. <The good news is that we're reaching the highest bit of tension! The bad news is that doesn't necessarily mean that we'll win.>

"I thought about maybe using a z-move or terastallization," Hoops explains. "But I don't even know if they'd work here. And even if they did, and it didn't work, it would drain most of our stamina, and we'd be sitting Duckletts."

"Funny isn't it!" Thorn yells, in a manner that's far more telepathic now that they are in this form and no longer has lips. Looks like you can't really on your tricks anymore!"

"We still have tricks," they promise. "Vul, Sud!" Vul unleashes a Dark Pulse, which Thorn easily dodges, before counterattacking with a blast that resembles Dragon Pulse. Vul dodges to the side, over towards Sud, who catches him in her hands and throws him towards Thorn.

Once again Thorn dodges, laughing as Vul sails past.

"You're no match for - !" they are interrupted by a Shadow Ball hitting them on the back of the head. They turn and roar at Vul, only to be hit from behind again by Sud's Hammer Arm. Then when they turn to Sud, a scream from Tot knocks them back a few feet.

"I've noticed while we've been fighting that your speed only works in short bursts!" Hoops explains. "You move from one spot to another in short jumps. I think that's because you don't have Jas's reaction time, only her speed! Which means we can take you by surprise!"

Thorn smiles. "You think you're so smart! It's not like these attacks are doing anything to me! And look at your partners!"

It's clear that Vul, Sud, and Tot are all feeling the effects of being in the Distortion World. Even if Hoops' plan was to wear Thorn down slowly, it's clear to everyone that they wouldn't last that long.

Hoops makes a decision. "We'll have to take a risk. Vul!"

Vul jumps over to them. <Are you sure?>

"I'm sure if you are."

Vul nods. <We'll have to give them everything we can.>

"Right. Sud, Tot, how much time can you buy us?"

Sud looks uncertainly towards Tot. Tot laughs. <We can last as long as you need. See, times like this are when miracles are born.> He grabs Sud and they fly off towards the Chimera Thorn.

Hoops looks down at their z-ring, and twists the Darkium Z into place. They feel a rush of z-power, but less than usual. There isn't much here in the Distortion World. But even a little is enough.

"Let's go!" they begin the Z-move, and Hoops and Vul begin concentrating together. There's so little energy in this empty place, but it's there. As they make their way through the dance, they call it slowly towards them. Not enough. So they do the dance again. And again. building up that little bit more every time.

Sud gets dropped on Thorn by Tot. They respond quickly, attacking with both their bladed arm and their muscled one, but Sud holds on and releases Counter. Thorn yells in pain from their own attacks being rebounded and is sent flying through the void. They then release electrical and draconic at once, blasting Sud into a boulder.

Tot flies on the edge of Thorn's vision, flapping his wings erratically to make it harder to predict his movements. Thorn tries to use their speed, but even in conjunction with Ray's vision they just can't seem to predict where the bird is going to be. Tot keeps using Hyper Voice as he sings the J-Show theme song at the top of his lungs, which forces Thorn to cover his ears in pain. Then Tot's focus falters as the Distortion effect reaches his brain, and one of the roots wraps around him and throws him into the darkness.

Thorn turns their attention to Hoops and Vul, who are on their fifth loop of the z-move dance.

"I'll just destroy them now." They extend their hand, and begin to charge energy. But their arm is knocked aside at the last second by... a Dragon Pulse?

On a rock, Sal pumps his fist in the air. <I hit them!>

<That's great, sweetie!> Led adds. She looks especially drained - months of repeated uses of Safeguard and Light Screen to hold off the Distortion effect will do that to you - but she summons the energy to raise her head and look at Hoops. <Beat this creep!> she screams.

Hoops feels tears form in their eyes. "You're both alive." That realisation comes with the final bit of information that they need.

"Let's go, Vul! Use Black Hole Eclipse!" The z-power flows into Vul, who for a moment feels no tiredness. Then he crushes all of that energy into a single point, forming a black hole. He pushes it towards Thorn, and it picks up size and speed until it's more than five times the monster's size.

No!" Thorn screams. They hold up their hands, channelling all of their power into catching the z-move. It starts to slow down, and actually stops moving.

<No!> Sud gasps.

<Do it!> Tot shouts.

<Hoops! Vul!> Led and Sal yell together.

The pair scream as one. Hoops raised this pokémon from an egg. They were there for all of their life (except that part where they weren't but they've all moved past that emotionally). There is no greater source of trust. No greater foundation of a bond. No greater font of power.

The black hole doubles in size. Thorn screams, and even those screams are sucked into the black hole along with him, consuming their being.

Paldea, Casseroya Lakeside

Ama: "That feels like a very 'you' sort of response."

She tries to keep her expression more neutral going forward, but part of her frustration leaks through anyway.

Ama: "I have no idea why they'd pick the genetic sources they did. My abilities are only what they are because of the effects of vampirism. I assume the same is true of her... The other vampire, that is. Was it some omniscient scientist's idea of a funny prank?"

Ama: "... But yes, We're keeping Hinageshi Sessho far, far away from the me of this timeline."

She looks off into the distance in that way that people who're thinking do, before responding to Vee's last question.

Ama: "I can't say that name is all that familiar."

Paldea, Schrodinger's Area

Nanaka: "Oh! I'm R- Nanaka!"

She smiles politely.

Nanaka: "It's nice to meet you, Red."

While she's talking she leans over Apple Slice and starts treating his (admittedly somewhat minimal) wounds.

Paldea, Casseroya Lakeside

Vee: <Mm…>

-Vee, mirroring, looks off into the distance the same direction as Ama…before the energy builds and she just licks her-

Vee: <'ll be honest, never really got the whole org fixation on lineage. But I'm an Eevee, so…li'l biased?>

-she shrugs-

Vee: <Forget people ain't so malleable, lotta the time. Or maybe people forget they are. Who knows?>

-she looks around for a writing implement, then remembers she does not have thumbs-

-she just resolves to remember the name. she probably won't forget-

Megan: -drowsy- …could y' bring it up to me? Can't pick it up.

Tatsugiri: <I do not have hands!>

Fraidy: <I've got it.>

-Fraidy reaches over and takes Megan's phone from small fish to picnic table, where Megan blinks at it blearily-

Megan: …who's "Hinageshi…"?

-Vee, rolling over, perks up-

Vee: <Oh!! She's the other member of the Megdre polycule.>

-yes, somehow the ship name comes through the weird purr-

Vee: <Y—Daydre ain't datin' her? Metamour hours.>

-she wiggles a paw-

Vee: <Abilene Macraul. Kinda rich. Kind of a dick. Amazin' emotional constipation, like ya don't even know. Thin' she's part of organized crime?>

-she has at no point dipped below "wildly enthusiastic"-

Vee: <An' yeah, vampire slayer. Aspirin', really.>

Paldea

-Red is enjoying a break.-

-Well, a more involved break than him just kicking his feet up and letting his Pokemon run around to beat things up.-

-He looks over his team as they seem to chat and play.-

-His Oshawott, Kojiro. Boss said he was a special breed of Oshawott, but he didn't know what that meant.-

-His Kirlia, Astalfo. Boss said that he'd get a Dawn Stone for them later.-

-His Charcadet, Darmid. A little spitfire and his first actual catch.-

-His Veluza, Lancelot. Strange fish guy. Real quiet.-

-His Honedge, Fragarach, or just Frag. A gift from the Boss for the test being so successful. Still not too sure about him, but he's kinda shy.-

-His sixth slot sat empty. Boss said that Dr. Previa had sighted a good addition to his team down in Area Zero, but he needed to train up a bit before he'd stand a chance against anything down there.-

-He smiled as everyone enjoyed the Six Meat Special Sandwich he'd made. This was nice.

Paldea, Casseroya Lakeside

Ama, in response, squishes Vee's cheeks.

Ama: "People like to try to find "concrete" evidence some people are superior to others. Pretty much always founded in some kind of racism."

She shrugs.

Ama: "Emotionally constipated?... Hm. Makes sense she'd get along with Megan and the other me, then."

Ama: "I don't know whether to be excited or dismayed at the proximity to an aspiring vampire hunter. On the one hand, I probably could've averted vampirism if I'd actually gotten help from someone. On the other... Dunno, "thing that you are" hunters are usually things to be wary of."

Ama: "But yeah. Unless she's changed her look in this timeline, avoid anyone with long white hair in a white and red kimono. Red eyes, too."

Ama: "... I've found that a lot of vampires end up with red eyes and I've never quite been sure why."

Levincia Backstreets

There is a man here. 40s, black hair, slight stubble on his chin. His skin is a light brown and he's stocky- decently muscular but with a bit of paunch.

He is currently running for his life.

Occasionally he looks over his shoulder at the shadow chasing him.

Intervene?

East Province Area Three

Cornflower: <What's wrong with the box? I like the box.>

-Ever pets Cornflower's head absentmindedly. She seems to not mind, though is maybe a bit perturbed since Ever is only a few inches taller-

Ever: So much serotonin. It's wild. Look! I have muscles!

-they flex-

-their left arm specifically, so it's more like a weird pulsing vine-

Levincia

-Kai is doing their Kai thing when a man suddenly passes them, running for his life from a shadow.-

Kai: Huhwha?

-[S] Intervene-

-Kai immediately rushes to assist. They reach for one of the Pokeballs they'd normally use for this situation, only to remember once again that they started from scratch in Paldea, and thus send out Spree.-

Kai: Spree, chase that, uh thing!

Spree: <Real descriptive!>

-Nonetheless, he Quickly Attacks the shadow to make it stumble.-

Levincia

The shadow- looks to be a human(?) in a black trenchcoat and a motorcycle helmet- is forced to dodge and halt their pursuit. They do indeed stumble to a stop, raise their hand, and press the release on a pokeball.

The man stops behind Kai, seeing that they're at least somewhat handling the situation, and catches his breath.

Man: "That... That thing... It's trying to kill me!"

The pokeball releases...

A Garchomp.

Which immediately slams down on Spree with a Dragon Claw.

Paldea, Casseroya Lakeside

Vee: <Haha, wow!>

-unmitigated glee at Ama apparently setting fire to the dignity house with herself still inside-

Vee: -waving a paw- <Eh, don't worry, she's really bad at it. Like I thin' we've killed more vampires with her stuff 'n she has.>

Vee: <...inconspicuous.>

Vee: Man, this's a lot t' remember.

Megan: …who's been browsing [Picrew]? :?

-Vee's squinting up into Ama's face-

Vee: <...huh, never noticed that. 's pretty cool.>

-she beams-

Vee: <Hey, did it happen to mine?>

-Vee opens her remaining eye wia void like the dark of night, a single impossible star blooming in its depths; yet not one, but a dozen—a hundred—and each one both tooth and tongue, ravening-

Vee: <...guessin' that's a no?>

-she curls up, biscuits, and…yawns, her prior (and ongoing) fatigue setting in-

Paldea, East Province Area Three

Abilene: Undepressed you may be.

-she taps the side of her glasses-

Abilene: Still blind, Memito.

Phone!Wisp: <Whatever they're displaying, it's not muscle. Frankly, I don't know what it is, and it kind of scares me.>

-Abilene whaps Ever's arm once, with her cane, and listens to the click-

Abilene: Mm. Ensorcelled ivory. Court of Life. With the improved emotional health, its luminosity increases by…oh, a couple lumens.

Phone!Wisp: <Wow.>

Abilene: I am totally bullshitting you.

Phone!Wisp: <Wow.>

Liliaceae: -yawn- <The box…is to be kicked! Bam! Pow! Right to…ka-zow.>

-she totters a bit, before Abilene stabilizes her with a gentle push right to the Sitrus Berry-

-she takes a little nibble-

Levincia

-Yeah, uh, Spree is nowhere near on par with a Garchomp yet.-

-He's slashed hard, and screeches, both to a halt and in pain.-

Spree: <Kai, I-I don't think we're qualified for this!>

Kai: I know! Trying to come up with a plan!

-They wrack their brain, and clasp their hand around Chi-Yu's bead.-

Kai: Is any of the Snack Pack usually around these parts? We could use the help!

Spree: <I'll— I'll go check around! Anything to get away from this freak!>

-Spree drops a Shed Tail as he runs off, and Kai grits their teeth.-

Kai: ...Guess we don't have a choice.

-The bead draws the attention of everyone around as Kai tosses it up in the air, catching fire midflight. The body of Chi-Yu forms quickly, but takes a moment yet to process consciousness.-

Paldea, Casseroya Lakeside

Ama looks at Vee's eye, unblinking.

Ama: "... Nah, didn't happen to you."

She pets Vee as she falls asleep, and when she's sure the latter is unconscious— slips away.

Levincia

The Garchomp aims another Dragon Claw but Spree is already gone- the attack hits the Tail instead.

???: -with a voice clearly altered by a voice filter- "Aww, how mean. I'm not a freak! That guy behind you, though..."

... She pauses for a second as she seems to recognize Kai.

???: "... Hm, that's a bit of a wrinkle isn't it? I can't really hide from you, can I?"

It might quickly become apparent the reason she said that— she can hide her face and voice, but Aura is another thing. That's Daydre.

???: "I'll be nice. Give me that man and we don't have to do this. For both our sakes."

The man hiding behind Kai shivers and shakes his head, looking to Kai with pleading eyes.

Edited by Daydre on Jan 21st 2024 at 10:32:28 AM

East Province Area Three

Ever: If you can track a battle, you can track a flex.

-whap-

(inflection unchanged) Ow.

-Lace sniffs curiously at Liliaceae-

Lace: <Hey, wouldn't that be cannibalism?>

Ever: Is it cannibalism when I eat Torchic?

Lace: <...Is it?>

Ever: -shrug-

-they rub their arm-

But yeah, things are...good. It's weird.

Levincia

-Kai blinks, and blinks again. The Shed Tail is sliced like butter with a hot knife, but the moment of pause allows Kai to process what's going on.-

Kai: ...Maybe I want to do this! What's a little deadly combat between friends, really?

-Chi-Yu wakes up properly just in time to be confused by this.-

Chi-Yu:    <...What?>   

Kai: But seriously, though, what did this guy do? You don't just get this much murderous rage out of nowhere.