ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Levincia Hospital

-Kai laughs-

Kai: It's not something that the Battle Frontier would especially help with. Apparently the little fire fish is part of a set, if you can believe it. Not only a matching set of beads, but also apparently there's three other fragmented artifacts given life. Two halves of a broken sword, a ritual vessel, a set of matching wooden tablets, all with that spark of life in them. Things you'd more likely find being sold on the black market than in a tournament.

-Their smile fades for a moment-

Kai: ...They're not quite Shadow Pokemon after all, though. Their anger at the world is a bit more... deep-seated. But the same types of people would be interested in them. So we've gotta do our part to help them, right?

The wind whooshed past him, stinging his face, whatever the hell Denali was up to, he was already annoyed with it. Silas looked ahead and saw something load in, it seemed his challenger had finally been decided.

Silas blinked, he hadn't expected a narrator, nor one that excited. He looked at the challenger, Robo-Em cracked "his" neck and got into a fighting pose. Silas knew the only way out was to play along, so... he raised his fists.

Robo-Em was the first, wild jab, Silas stepped back and fished in his pockets for anything... still no weapons, not even his damned darksaber. He needed a new sword, and a good one. Fists it was, one of which was still made of metal.

He ducked and threw an uppercut, Robo-Em staggered a bit, sparking with electric bolts over his body. Silas saw the opening and gripped onto his head with his left hand, something in him instinctively knew what to do.

Robo-Em took the chance however, and broke from the grapple and kicked Silas in the chest. Silas staggered back, grimacing a bit, he hated every moment of this. Why couldn't he just pay in money?

Denali grinned. "Hey Nimbus, look at his expression, probably wondering why he just can't pay in cash."

The train shook, and Silas looked over, seeing the rest of it... the front was a large Revaroom enhanced engine. Great, this thing was trying to be clever. He was too distracted that he took a haymaker from Robo-Em. Down he went, metal fists stung.

Okay... okay, new play. He dashed back, actually dashing, and digging in his pockets. Out came the scarf, time to play something new.

Robo-Em rushed forward and jumped, Silas wrapped the scarf around his neck and darted to the side, tossing an aura sphere into Robo-Em's back. Robo-Em staggered, right before Silas rolled forth with a close-combat. Robo-Em attempted to recover and kicked low, only for Silas to remove the scarf and toss an uppercut with his left fist.

Robo-Em's neck extended in an almost comical nature, before shooting back. Silas put the scarf back on and dashed between his legs, extreme speed carrying him, before he jumped off the boundaries of the stage, and drop kicked Robo-Em.

Denali was frantically mashing buttons. "Cheating! Cheating! Who told him he could use those items!"

Sore loser, they kind of were.

Scarf off, keep the flow going, he felt a tingle run up his spine... things seemed to slow and he darted forward, but he couldn't feel his feet touch the ground. He got close, punch his fist right into Robo-Em's chest, the metal carapace that was its body broke.

Grip the inside, and he let it fry. His fingertips sparked with electricity as he fried Robo-Em.

Denali was split, on the one hand they had wanted to see what was new and different about Silas... however they had still lost. Nobody played fighting games with them for good reason, Denali was a sore loser.

Robo-Em only had a sliver of health left, scarf on.

<Kaaaa-meeee...>

Denali's voice rang out. "Nooooooooooo..."

<Haaaaa-meeeeeeeeee...>

"Nonononoooo..."

<HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!> Silas cried out, firing an aura storm right into Robo-Em.

"NONONONOFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!" Denali screamed, as Robo-Em went flying off the stage.

Levincia Hospital

-Alice's smile slips.-

Alice: ...I suppose. But I also happen to remember another set of four artifacts, also keenly sought after by those lacking in scruples, and the person you became when one was in your possession was not a person I would care to know again.

-Her words seem to surprise even her, as she stops and thinks for a moment.-

Alice: ...Perhaps that's too hasty. I apologise. I don't know the situation. I've worked with Shadow Pokemon, and the vulnerable, and I'm all too aware that they need protection from those who would abuse them further. As you say, someone needs to look out for them. Perhaps we are the ones who are best qualified, or maybe we're the only ones who care enough. But... if they are like Shadows, then I know what Shadows are like. They're every dark impulse indulged, every cruel and nagging thought voiced. It isn't always easy to deal with them, knowing that it all comes from somewhere real, albeit distorted beyond any sane measure.

-She shakes her head and sighs.-

Alice: Just... be careful. I have no wish to nanny you, but I also have no wish to see you here in the hospital again.

Edited by Herbert40k on Jan 25th 2024 at 6:52:29 PM

Levincia Hospital

-Kai's expression darkens-

Kai: ...Yeah. I know. We've been in this game for over a decade at this point, and I don't plan on letting those things happen again. We've both quite literally seen who I would become if I fell too far.

-They can't help but scratch at the scabs on their arm, but they soften a bit, and offer another smile.-

Kai: I'll be fine. I've got a goal! I missed having a goal.

Levincia Hospital

-Alice's smile returns.-

Alice: Good. I'll hold you to it. I like seeing you motivated. Beyond the passion itself being somewhat infectious, I happen to find it quite attractive as well.

-She gives Kai another (quicker, less drain-y) kiss.-

Alice: But do try to stay out of the hospital in future. Nobody looks good in a hospital bed, regardless of what Galarian authors from 200 years ago would try and have you believe. And if you plan on intervening in any future homicide attempts, do warn me. One I can let slide. A person tries to do you harm on a second occasion, and there will not be time for them to learn the error of their ways.

Edited by Herbert40k on Jan 25th 2024 at 7:15:46 PM

Levincia Hospital

-Kai grins as they're kissed again-

Kai: I can't promise I won't be in the hospital like this again, you know it's a workplace hazard. But I'll make sure I only get attractive scars. Honestly, you can't go wrong with "I blocked a Dragon Claw with my arm, and lived to tell the tale". Admit it, it's pretty dang cool.

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Jan 25th 2024 at 2:16:49 PM

Stormchaser, Laundry Room

-having spent the last thirty minutes watching damp cloth tumble over itself, Hiro shifts a load from the washer to the dryer-

-he pays no heed to the Minccino as it scurries past, absently minimizing the drip on the floor-

-he only cranks the dial, drops in a mild scent packet, shuts the lid, and settles in to watch the spinning dryer suddenly fill with flame-

Dryer: -FWOooooooooooooo-- -

-...the light plays off his tired, dead expression-

Dryer: - —ooooooooooooooooooo— -

Hiro: ......

Dryer: - —ooooooooooooom...-

-...-

-twenty seconds later, there's a small ding! and he retrieves his dry, unwrinkled clothes to start folding-

Levincia Hospital

-Alice chuckles despite herself.-

Alice: You have me there. I don't think you've ever given me a full accounting of them. Perhaps I'll grade them all when you get home, weigh up how attractive they are versus the jeopardy of the circumstances required to acquire them and debate if they were worth it. I think there might just be an evening's worth of stories in there. In the meantime, though, I ought to get back to work.

-She starts heading towards the door, but stops.-

Alice: ...I'm glad you're well.

-There seems to be more on her mind, but if there is, she leaves it unsaid as she departs.-

Train Top

The world faded to black around Silas rather quickly after his victory, the wind dying down and a light coming in from beneath a closed door.

Ersatz Counter

Nimbus had been looking away, not as familiar with fighting games as Denali was but glad they at least sounded like they were having fun watching Silas' frustration.

<It's called an "install" super,> he remarked as the doors from Halis' and Silas' challenges unlocked in response to their victories.

Stormchaser Arena

"Wow," Kendall breathed at the sight of the interior. "Stormchaser cleans itself up nicely." He grit his teeth in minor annoyance at the dead trail, only for a purple flash in his periphery to earn his ire.

"Back so soon?"

"Th-"^note The Base was planted over, the rubble removed, like it never existed.

"That's lamentable. But I can't be too surprised. They've had far too many years to hone their craft. If we were to publicly air them out, Arceus knows what they could do to bury what we expose."

"I-" ^note I'm a Mind of Crystal and an Obscuric. I could be their worst nightmare.

"Yes, you are," Bismuth allowed. "But how many of us are not? Would they even leave a trace of the ability to educate others on the truth?"

Kendall fell silent.

Edited by AbsentCoder on Jan 25th 2024 at 11:53:00 AM

The GM House

-Deziree heads outside to the outdoors garage to find her measuring tape. No, not the regular measuring tape - she wants the good one. She opens the garage door and gets a blast of a very particular smell to the face.-

Vinegar: Heeeeeeey, booooooooss~ How'y'do'n?

Twitch: We're just enjoying break time with a little... medicinal supplemeeeeents~

Deziree: Laser tape. Where be?

Vinegar: Third drawer from the top, far left column, boss-lady.

Twitch: Yeeeeeeah, even high, you've got that mind like a steel trap.

-Deziree acquires the little metal box with a display on the top of it.-

Deziree: Enjoy your break. Don't bring any of that into the house.

Vinegar: Naaaah, boss, no worries. We wouldn't do anythin' like this near the baby.

Twitch: We're just bein' friends out here. A real friendship moment.

Vinegar: Hey Twitch?

Twitch: Yeah, Vinnie?

Vinegar: Why is it called a friendship if there's no boat?

-Twitch's eyes unfocus.-

-Deziree closes the garage door to give their naval-gazing some privacy.-

Stormchaser, Kitchen

-the air becomes dry and staticky-

Apple-A-Day: Don't.

Percy: ...

Apple-A-Day: I think the ship would make an exception for me throwing you out. Storm-Chan?

Percy: How did you get here?

East Province Area Three

-Ever blushes a bit-

Ever: Sure. Okay. Ice cream sounds great.

Cornflower: <Of course it's not cannibalism. I'm not made of anything even remotely equivalent to this.>

-she reaches for the Sitrus Berry, then stops-

Cornflower: <...I'm not hungry. Thank you for the thought.>

Paldea, East Province Area Three

Abilene: 8)

-Abilene fishes around inside a pocket and sends out a car-

Liliaceae: -quizzical- <But I hit you. Aren't you in excruciating pain?>

-she holds out the Berry half, yet more insistently-

Abilene: -opening up the passenger side- Lilia, don't bother the poor dear.

Liliaceae: -??- <But I should Always Be Polite, so when people Start Something, my Response is Then Vindicated.>

Abilene: -getting in the driver's seat- Attagirl. If I may be your escort for the evening, Memito?

After giving themselves a moment to breathe, Halis unsteadily gets up, slowly walking over to the door that's reappeared...

...and reentering Ersatz proper, taking a deep sigh of relief and readjusting their glasses a bit after getting fully inside.

Halis: <Well, aside from overdoing it a bit, that wasn't too bad. I was hoping for something more peaceful, but I suppose all's fair in love and war... and bartering with entities only slightly beyond my own understanding.>

They can't help but notice that Denali seems slightly... annoyed by something.

Halis: <Was the fight not to your liking? I'm sorry it wasn't more of a spectacle, but unfortunately I've never been known for durability. If anything, that brief bout was the truest expression of my capabilities I could think of, as I'd rather end a fight as soon as possible rather than let it drag on too long.>

East Province Area Three

Cornflower: <...I'm alright.>

-Ever sprays her with a Potion-

Cornflower: <...I'm an obligate carnivore.>

Ever: Get in the car, you weird little creature.

-they hop in, brushing their skirt into place-

Getting in a car with a villain. I've always wanted to try this— I've got a Dunsparce on me, just in case you were thinking of doing anything ill-intentioned.

The GM House

-Deziree is on the couch, lounging with baby Phosphora asleep in her arms, when a call comes through.-

Deziree: Smartest woman in Orre, speaking.

-...-

Deziree: Sure, whatcha got?

-...-

Deziree: I don't think people asking about me's a bad thing...

-...-

-Deziree gets a look in her eye. Doomsday notices the change in mood immediately.-

-Deziree motions to Doomsday, who comes over and gently cradles Phosphora to lay her down in her crib. Deziree sits more upright.-

Deziree: You're sure it's the Pinkertons?

-...-

Deziree: This is your area of expertise, Ms. Fowling. Deal with them as you will. And if you get the opportunity, remind them that I own several firearms.

-...-

Deziree: Right. Thanks, Ms. Fowling. Keep up the good work.

Stormchaser Kitchen

Whitt takes a small step closer to Percy and AAD.

"Well, Phosphorous, when it comes to me being here, the how is a long and complex story that involves a series of battles that unfortunately did not go my way, a brief sabbatical in which I was forced into a number of situations which, while amusing in retrospect, did not feel such at the time, before me being granted sanctuary here due to the fact that I, like yourself, have gotten into a little tiff with the School. The differences of course being that I still agree with them on an ideological level, and that I made it out without looking like the halloween decoration of someone who takes the holiday far too seriously."

He then looks to Apple-A-Day. "And as for your own point, strangely dressed person, as I mentioned I have sanctuary. And Storm-chan and I have become rather close in the last few days - we've been watching old seasons of Rupaul's Drag Race together - I personally think Shangela is a shoe-in this season - but that's beside the point. The point is that I doubt she'd take kindly to you throwing me out for no good reason."

Denali straightened themselves out. "It's fine Halis, nothing with you. I handled Silas's little test."

"Speaking of which, can I have my team back?" Silas asked.

Denali sighed and snapped their fingers, Hacks reappeared. The poor Lucario blinked a bit and then asked. ~Where did I go just now?~

"So, you both completed your little tests, you get your hands on the fancy trinkets. Enjoy yourselves!" Denali said, in a bit of a bitter tone.

"You okay?" Silas asked.

Denali shot Silas a look, forced a smile and spoke through gritted teeth. "I'm fine."

~They're not,~ Hacks said. ~They're a sore loser from the looks of it!~

"Yeah strikes me as the type," Silas commented, scratching at his cheek a bit.

Denali's eye twitched.

Edited by EchoingSilence on Jan 27th 2024 at 9:17:48 AM

Levincia, Last Year

In the heat of battle, Tommy's mind raced. He could recognize by the aura that this wasn't just a random victim like he and the other amokitized persons were before. There was now a method to Pavo's choices, one that inched ever closer to the heart of the J-Team and PEFE. Pavo wasn't pulling any punches either, as their command to their enthralled victim was loud and clear even if our eavesdropping young hero could discern very little of it.

"Kill us all, eh?" He said defiantly, "I see we're doing it the hard way."

He could feel where the feather was lodged in MidKnight's person. He was just not properly equipped to deal any blows to it at the moment, and it was increasingly difficult for him and his team to defend themselves in the process.

"So much for Tommy Petersen the citizen hero," he muttered to himself. While he has a full team at his beck and call, they were suddenly preoccupied parrying the increasing number of attacks from both the amokitized villain and the tendrils of the increasingly indeterminate subordinate. Seeing the depths this creature—to sentence innocents to death using an enthralled participant as a borrowed hand—was nothing short of sickening.

"It wasn't me. It was Pavo" resonated in the twenty-something Unovan's mind. Pavo's hollow promise was all it took to enthrall the darker aspects of his mind. The bird-being's mind control, he mused, was based on a lie. A lie that threatened not only both sides of his family, but two others. "This one's for Sara, Aunt April, Miley, Jeff, Ray, and Nick."

He and his team couldn't yet devise any plans, but if calling on his allies to defeat and confound Pavo's schemes would so much as irk this mysterious being, he'd jump at the chance.

And it looks as though he wasn't the only one jumped in. Briefly, his face turned into horror as he saw the trio—the very people who Pavo demanded caught, right in the path of the sentimonster on the opposite side of the square. But before he could turn and try to act, he was suddenly tackled by what appeared to be a muscular cetacean creature with the physique that was similar to his cousin's husband Jeff (or a thicker version of his, had he felt like wisecracking at the time).

Tommy recognized his rescuer. This was a hero form Palafin, known for largely living up to their name. On top of being distinctive among cetaceans, this particular Palafin was wearing something distinctly and quite unmistakably over-the-top superheroic, if still a touch slapdash.

The creature, a female as he could sense, spoke in Monese as she gently placed him even further away from the action.

"<You've done your duty, civilian. Continue it by recalling your team and seeking safety. We'll cover you.>"

Tommy was at once surprised, relieved, and ever so slightly offended. Joining his now-scattered Pokémon was an also costumed pair of primates—a rillaboom and an annihilape—who have turned their attention to the Sentimonster.

"Tell your trainer to attack the left hand." Tommy said. "Guys, fall back. We need to regroup."

"<Now he tells us.>" Said an exasperated Shinji.

"I just hope this new guy knows what he's doing."

Meanwhile, a new figure drops in dramatically next to the group of young people sought by the Sentimonster. He looked like a lean, somewhat muscular guy wearing a slapdash outfit full of what appeared to be duct-taped gadgets and compartments that, when taken together, made him look like a bad Annihilape cosplayer by way of the Ninja Squirtles' ally [Casey Jones].

"Por favor, niñno y niñas" He said with a polite, if still bombastic, tone. "It appears that this indeterminate monstrosity and its eldritch human-like handler are trying to capture you, no doubt for some dark purpose I am not yet privy to. May you be so kind as to fill the Night Mankey the details of this creature's assault on the innocents of Levincia."

Night Mankey, an unusual name for an unusual man. Especially in broad daylight. The silly-named superhero(?) turned his attention to the villain.

"Forgive me if I appear to have dropped in uninvited, but it felt wrong to simply leave you and your unusual pet the run of the city unopposed by anyone other than the heroic bystanders you see here. The Night Mankey does not take kindly to those who harm the innocent."

The Palafin rejoins the Night Mankey, who appeared to be her trainer. It mutters something next to him.

"<That dude over there says we should go for the left.>"

Edited by MasterJayAM on Feb 29th 2024 at 6:55:27 PM

Levincia, Past

Coil: "Shit! It's coming for us!"

The Noble Elemental: "What do we do?"

Iris: "Find where the amuk is and crush it, duh!"

Coil: "And where, exactly, is the amuk?"

Noble Elemental: "Good question!"

Iris: "Look, just keep holding off until we find it!"

-to everyone-

"Keep hitting different parts of it until you find it!"

-they and their Pokemon continue doing so-

Elvis: -to the newcomers- <Aye, you folks may be on to something. Get to what my trainer's sis said but with that in mind, hmm?>

Adelle: <Elvis, focus on the giant monster!>

Artazon

Kay: <Well see we're trying to bide time for our Trainer who's->

Murray: "QUIET YOU!"

-The Killowatrel is buffeted by the flames. But it endures and starts beating its wings for a Hurricane-

-Meanwhile something in the background starts rising-

Mezagioza

Nero: Ohoho, I am very busy, yes VERY busy,umu. But what's most important is that my team is ADORABLE! Look at this one!"

-She sends out a rather strange looking Growlithe. She has a thick mane of hair and a horn with almost rocky qualities to it. Said Growlithe briefly stiffens at the sight of another doggo then attempts to sniff said other doggo-

Growlithe: <Now who are you...?>

Sunyshore Building, Past

-Flamel grins-

Flamel: <Bring the fire? I can certainly handle that much.>

-He started charging a Fire Blast fireball. A very big Fire Blast fireball.-

<Is this enough fire for you?>

Autumn Mountain

-The gang is now back at the dried-up river-

-Bobby raises an eyebrow at Oliver and Gale-

Bobby: <...I'm fine. Really.>

'Olivia: -to Mitchell- <Yes! That's exactly what we'll do!>

-She turns to the Water Vellumental circle. It glows bright blue-

<Alright, step right up and I'll do the rest!>

Naranja Y Uva Academy

Lovcke: "Oh. Um. Er. Ah. Steelix are weak to Water so.... Go Anchor Arms!"

-The Golisipod is sent out-

Anchor Arms: <AW YEAH! I'M READY TO ROLL! I'M READY TO ROCK! YOU'RE GOING DOWN!>

-Clarence giggles as he holds up his Tera orb and it glows- The Steelix is enveloped in crystals and emerges with a crystalline sheen and.... Balloons on its head?

Locke: "What the-"

Anchor Arms: <What in the name of->

'Clarence: "Tera Blast!"

-The Steelix opens its maw, and out comes a white orb of energy that turns into a gust of wind. The gust hits Anchor Arms and sends him sprawling.-

Locke: Oh. It changes type. Oh no.

Clavell: "It CAN change type. I estimate yours will probably be the same type. But you should still give it a shot."

Locke: "...Right!"

-He sends out Andvari the Alolan Graveller-

Andvari: <Well what manner of beast do we have here?>

Locke: "Just hang in there and TERASTALIZE!"

-He holds up his own Tera Orb as it glows. Andvari is coated in a crystal sheen as a literal lightbulb appears on his head-

Andvari: <Now this? This is pow- OOF!>

-He is met by an Earthquake from the Steelix, sending him reeling-

Clavell: "Oh right, they can still use their old types too."

Locke:' "Shit. Andvari quick, Wild Charge!"

Andvari: <CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGE>

-He slams into the Steelix...-

-and does heavy damage-

-But the Steelix still SLAMS him into the ground with an Earthquake, knocking him out-

Locke: "D... Damn it."

-He suddenly hears Clavell clapping and turns to him in confusion-

Clavell: "Congratulations. You passed."

Locke: "...Huh?"

Clavell: "The Terastilization classes are a formality to make sure you can wield Tera power safely. You... need practice but showed appropriate conduct from what little I saw and at the very least did not blow up the courtyard."

Locke: "Oh. Uh, thank you."

"..."

"...Can I go now? My Pokemon took a beating and I need to make sure they're tended to-"

'Clavell: -sighs- "Yes. you can go."

-Locke leaves. Clarence stares after him-

Clarence: -to Clavell- "You were just messing with him, weren't you?"

Clavell: -grins- "I've still got it. Don't tell Tyme."

Edited by Umbramatic on Jan 26th 2024 at 1:38:40 PM

Mesagoza

Ecto sniffs the growlithe a bit. Then his tail wags.

Ecto: <Friend!? Hello, friend! Wanna go destroy a carpet with me!?>

Edited by etran12 on Jan 26th 2024 at 12:16:13 PM

Sunyshore Salon, Past

-As each move is used, different parts of the list provided become marked out. When Flamel gathers the fire together, the last one is crossed out and a loud, metallic *SNAP* can be heard.-

Angelica: ... What?

-For once, the strange girl's tone wavers.-

Angelica: HOW DID YOU DO THAT?! That isn't how this is supposed to work! Approximations were tested for!

-Her focus broken, the surroundings begin to waver and look solid again, but with a reflective sheen, as if seen through multiple mirrors.-

-The scratches return.-

NOW MAKE NOIZE

BREAK THE MIRRORZ

FAZT LIKE

South Province Area Three, past

Iridium: -To Trill- That might be it.

Paldea, Campsite

-Out of the blue, Red grabs Fragarach's handle.-

-The Honedge, who was minding his own business, is taken aback for a second before he starts flailing his tassel in distress.-

Red: Hm? Oh, don't worry. You can't do anything to me, even if you wanted to.

-He swings Fragarach around a bit, causing Frag to switch from panic to a more confused distress.-

Red: You know, you're really well balanced, even with all the shaking.

-Astolfo, Darmid, and Lancelot look at each other in confusion while Kojiro steals their sandwiches while they're not looking.-

Stormchaser Kitchen

Apple-A-Day: The good reason is that you're being rude to my friend. If you want to be here, you should apologize.

Stormchaser Kitchen

Whitt sighs. "Now now, strange fruit child. Phosphorous is a big girl, maybe let her speak for herself."