Flying Colors
Mesagoza — Danza de Espadas
Nitrogen: I fucked up on my last job, okay?! Whitt decided that was the time to betray the School, and tried to drag me out with him, but he was still a Templar. I was supposed to kill him for his betrayal, but even after that, Alexa decided it was time to literally plant something in my brain to keep watch.
-She cranes her neck to point out the Leech Vines, but quickly corrects herself and backs her chair up.-
Nitrogen: Gods, now I'm telling you about it, too! I don't— how do you of all people make me get like this?!
Brie: Well, uh…not to be mean about it, but how often do you talk to anyone who isn't trying to kill you?
Nitrogen: Decently often! I usually kill them first in like, five minutes tops!
Brie: Well, I'm still alive. So does that make me different than everyone else you've ever talked to?
Nitrogen: For the love of— yes! We just went over exactly why and how you're a fearless lunatic!
Brie: Yeah, but I'm a fearless lunatic who's not dead yet! Maybe that makes me compelling to talk to! I don't know, I think your whole deal is insane too, I'm not your therapist! This is a theory!
Nitrogen: You're extremely compelling and it's so frustrating!
-Her hands shake in that frustrated "I am this close to strangling you" way, before she slumps back.-
Nitrogen: Fuck, I don't even want to kill you anymore, and I hate that.
Brie: For most people, that's a step forward. Personally I really enjoy not wanting to kill people.
-...-
Brie: Do you want to order?
-Nitrogen gives Brie a strange look.-
Nitrogen: I don't give orders. I carry them out. What kind of question is that?
Brie: Oh, right, you were raised in a military compound. When you're at a restaurant, it's called ordering food. You tell the waiter what you want to eat and they'll bring it to you. Also, you're supposed to be nice about it.
Nitrogen: I know that, Madrigal, I'm—
-She pauses and blinks.-
Nitrogen: ...Whyyyyy are you just inviting me to... eat with you????
Brie: …Well, I'm eating, so it'd be kind of rude otherwise????
-Nitrogen stares, thoroughly baffled, before finally glancing down at the menu in front of her.-
-Almost begrudgingly, she orders the first thing on the menu that she sees with the word "steak" in it.-
No voice to cry suffering
La Academia de Naranja y Uva, Lecture Hall
-by the time she's whittled the cap down to a round, flat shape, most students have made some selection or other-
Abilene: -without looking up- Ms. Garcia, rely more on feel—that is mostly quartz. Mr. Ruiz, the initial shape is less important than the material. Mr. Rhodes, excellent. Ms. Avila…
-she lowers her whittling-
Abilene: …that isn't one of the samples I provided.
Carmen Avila, apparently: Slate's denser luminite veins produce superior capture mechanisms.
Abilene: Sandstone is easier for beginners to grind. If you have experience already, you will be welcome in the advanced workshops.
Carmen: Use a Pokémon to render it down.
Abilene: This method is intended to work with minimal assistance. Now, as Ms. Avila has graciously indicated—
-the girl next to Mitchell makes a sort of grunt, continuing to go well off the lesson plan-
Abilene: Take this stone, which faintly resonates with you so—
-she slides a mortar and pestle before her-
Abilene: And grind it to powder.
No mind to think. No will to break.
Flying Colors
Mesagoza — Danza de Espadas
Nitrogen: ...This is extremely wrong and I don't like it.
Brie: Well, it's better than a fight to the death, right?
Nitrogen: No??? Just because I don't want to kill you doesn't mean it's better that I'm not trying to. It's just... not the right time to fight now. That's all.
-That's clearly not all.-
Brie: …That almost makes sense, I guess. For a certain value of 'sense'.
…Do you even have to kill me? Am I that important to whoever's in charge? I don't even have psychic powers, I just like traveling.
Nitrogen: You're important to me.
Brie: …what
Nitrogen: You're unfinished business, and I've got far too much of that. Half the reason I'm still alive is because everyone else's fuckups toward the J-Team are balancing out my own.
Brie: Oh! Yeah, probably. We're very hard to kill. You shouldn't feel bad about that.
Nitrogen: Clearly. But it's more than that with you. You think I'm fun, for some insane reason. Do you have any idea how humiliating it is for someone you're trying to kill to think you're fun?
Brie: …I can honestly say that I have never had that experience, no.
Nitrogen: Good for you. It sucks. It wouldn't be, if I wasn't planning on killing you, but I am. So I'm gonna keep being mad about it.
Brie: Uh-huh. Cool, you keep doing that, I guess. Eat your steak.
Nitrogen: I don't take orders from you.
-She takes a bite of steak. On her own terms.-
Nitrogen: ...Once we're finished with this... whatever the hell we're doing now, I do still want to fight you.
Brie: Like, a regular fight? Without trying to murder each other?
Nitrogen: I need to at least try, damn it. As much as it's a lost cause.
Brie: Wh-why?
Nitrogen: Because it's my job?? Or are you confused why it's a lost cause? I can succeed if you let me, but we already both decided we don't want that.
Brie: Well, okay. But fair warning, I'm just gonna run away. I died once, it sucked.
Nitrogen: ...after putting up a fight, right?
Brie: (sigh) I will do my best to impress you.
Nitrogen: ...
-Nitrogen slumps.-
Nitrogen: Ugh. Forget it. It's not worth it.
Brie: Oh. That's very comforting to hear.
-she very, very cautiously reaches out to pat Nitrogen's shoulder-
-only for Nitrogen to grab it before she makes contact-
Nitrogen: ...Don't touch me.
Brie: …Okay! My bad.
…Are you liking your food?
Nitrogen: ...
...y. yes. It's. Good.
-She looks somewhat pained to say that-
-not that she's lying, just that enjoying anything is something she's reluctant to allow-
-Brie smiles-
Brie: I'm glad to hear it.
-Nitrogen grumbles, and takes another bite.-
No voice to cry suffering
Paldea, Dalizapa Passage
-two sets of eyes pivot, alternating which set of ears take their briefing-
Logan: …it's sounding like an invasive specimen situation. Another Trainer releasing a Pokémon somewhere uncompetitive…?
Ditty: League's implied it's incident-related.
Logan: Down from the hills, then. Sweet.
-they start scanning nearby Pokémon, cataloging their abilities-
Logan: Kirlia calming, Misdreavus seeing, Espathra - fast, stunning, but not the least intimidating…and there's the mountain terrain…maybe Gogoat.
Logan: -scratching their head- Do we bother bringing them in close? If this is such a danger to them?
Addie: <What's the shape of the danger, Ditty?>
Ditty: Got it. You're looking for a Jigglypuff.
-...-
Logan: Like, injured?
Ditty: Invasive specimen.
Logan: Lokix drown out Sing.
Ditty: Three hikers were injured by an avalanche, recalling chewed-on Beartic and a deafening scream.
Addie: <Azelf's earlobes.>
Logan: Maybe…lead with that…?
-the phone rings with the thud of paper against desk-
Logan: Ah, one of those. When'd it come together?
Ditty: "Got it".
Logan: Got it.
Ditty: Call in your J-Team friends?
Logan: "It is essential that news of that situation—"
Ditty: "Extreme circumstances." "Specialist referrals."
Logan: Their opsec really is that terrible. Promise I'm not standing on pride this time?
Ditty: -curious- …summoning the pretty penguin?
Logan: He's running life support. But aside from him, there's…
-twenty seconds of thinking through ecological data pass before remembering how niche the skill they actually want is-
Logan: -texting- …let me ask who else gets silencing moves.
No mind to think. No will to break.
Flying Colors
Mesagoza — Danza de Espadas
Nitrogen: ...I don't... eat decent food often. Nothing's stopping me, but I can't get comfortable.
Brie: Aw. That's terrible. Next time you try and kill me, I'll have to have some soup ready.
-Nitrogen leers at Brie, trying to discern whether she's being patronizing or genuine-
Nitrogen: ...I don't get you. I've done nothing but try to murder you, your partner, and your friends. I neither want nor deserve kindness, Madrigal.
Brie: That is probably true. But honestly, I don't know what else to try. Spending all my time looking over my shoulder for you is getting…really exhausting.
-Nitrogen actually gives a bitter laugh.-
Nitrogen: Hah. I couldn't manage it forever either, when I tried running. The School... is relentless. One individual human is a pursuit predator— so imagine a whole hive mind of them.
Brie: I don't know if I can. It sounds…really awful.
But you know, if you come to the Stormchaser—
Nitrogen: Then I'm trapped with all of my enemies, while I wait for the School to come finish me off for good! I'm not stupid, Madrigal!
-A gust of wind blows through the restaurant, blowing out a few candles and sending napkins scattering.-
Brie: …Okay. Rescinding that offer, then.
Nitrogen: ...
-Nitrogen exhales, and the air calms.-
Nitrogen: ...I'm already caged. If I ever get out of the School's grasp again, it needs to be out.
Brie: Duly noted. But Nitrogen?
Nitrogen: ...yes, Madrigal?
Brie: I'll do what I can to help with that. But when I do, if you're in my way…I'm not going to spare a lot of time trying to save you. I'm not that kind of a diplomat.
Just so we understand each other.
Nitrogen: ...That's the first thing you've said that makes sense. I'd be insulted if you did waste your time on saving me.
Brie: Cool. Good to know.
-she finishes her meal, which is Tatsugiri-based sashimi-
Brie: Come on. You wanted a fight? Let's take it outside.
-Nitrogen blinks, and some of the resolve returns to her eyes.-
Nitrogen: That's more like it. Let's go.
No voice to cry suffering
cw: animal death
Paldea, Dalizapa Passage
-Capture-
Espathra: <...no. I fear neither man nor Pokémon. Mere claws and flames frighten me none. …but that thing was a true—>
-Capture-
Misdreavus: <—monstrous! Oh, never in all my days have I tasted such a trail of mayhem and woe! Not since the fair! Not since the Stars fell! Not least since I—>
-Capture Complete!-
Cubchoo: <—can't hear very well…sorry. Mx. Ranger, can you find my papa? —my papa? He went hunting for the loud sound, but…>
Logan: All of you…we're here to help. If you want to come with us, you can—if not, pointing us in the right direction will be plenty. Clearing the path would be wonderful. More would be very dangerous, you all know—but we'll be there, doing our best to bring things back to
-two hours later, their Misdreavus swarm has them kneeling beside a Beartic corpse-
Addie: ...so, new theory. A rabid Alpha Flygon flew over the lip of the Zero Crater, started hunting with wild abandon, and scared wandering Zorua so badly they generated an image of their natural counterpredator.
Logan: -sip- ...hey, at least this way I get to gorge on Chesto shakes.
Addie: You would've done that anyway. Gimme.
-a brief scuffle for sweet Poké-caffeine takes place, conveniently resolving in half a second with the straw in Addie's paws-
-and lacking something to ingest, Logan must think:-
Logan: Jigglypuff can hunt anything with ears, yeah—but a meal like this would have one sleeping it off for a week. Maybe more.
-they study the body—indeed, viciously clawed, and bitten, but not chewed-on—intact fur akilter as though scoured by a great wind-
-Beartic blood cools in rivulets on the walls-
Logan: Doesn't this feel almost…territorial?
Addie: -fur bristling- It's giving me the creeps.
Logan: Territorial, then.
Misdreavus: Great rage brewed, here.
Misdreavus: Great fear, too.
Logan: What about confusion?
Misdreavus & Misdreavus: You tell us.
-...Logan exhales-
-taking their Styler, they draw a wide ring in the air, stretched over nothing—and rather than complete it, they hold it still, gleaming-
-until it begins thrumming with empathic echoes trapped within the cave-
Logan: ...hard to distinguish anything with all of us feeling in here.
Misdreavus: Aw, boo.
Misdreavus: I like thinking in unison.
Logan: It's more fun when there's less to be anxious about. Can you follow the trail from here?
Misdreavus: Certainly. Call your 'friend'.
Logan: As a warning, I think he eats hungry Ghosts back.
Misdreavus: Too many Pokémon Bite. :c
-Logan takes three long steps away from the Beartic, drawing an Involith on the wall-
-Addie looks up through the pass, at the light trickling in-
Addie: …hey, at least the sun's out. Hard to hide anything in that.
No mind to think. No will to break.
The Wanderer
Stormchaser, today
Boron: -Serving a steaming miscellaneous meal- Okay, what do you think?
Chiyo: -Takes a bite- Hmm...
Boron: -Looks on in anticipation, fists balled hard enough that her fingernails are slightly digging into her skin-
Chiyo: -Smiles- It's not bad at all.
Edited by rmctagg09 on Feb 25th 2024 at 12:02:01 PM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Flying Colors
Outside Danza de Espadas
-The wind picks up.-
Brie: -cracks her neck- Okay.
I don't usually battle other Flying specialists. That Delta Stream hands her a huge advantage.
I really need to catch a Drifblim or something.
-she sends out Foam-
Foam: <A sky battle! Glorious!>
Brie: You know, you'd normally be right about that.
-Nitrogen lets out Grieve again, and he catches an updraft for a quick ascent.-
Nitrogen: We'll start off clean. Make some noise.
-Grieve hisses, and the sound is amplified by the wind into an ear-splitting whistle.-
Foam: <A dragon! A worthy opponent!>
Brie: Hardly a windmill at all. Let's try something new. Psybeam!
Foam: <Very well!>
-Webster's Pokedex defines a Psybeam as a peculiar ray that may cause confusion-
-Foam is, in fact, a peculiar ray that may cause confusion-
-the precise details are left to the reader-
Grieve: ...???
Nitrogen: ???????
-regardless, Grieve takes damage. Nitrogen is the one who is more confused.-
Nitrogen: ...Ahem. Moving on.
-As if they've done this a million times before, Grieve starts gathering draconic flames on his claws, advancing toward Foam at blinding speed.-
Nitrogen: ...not the wings.
-The winds shift, just enough to blow Grieve's intended directory slightly off course, causing him to rake his claws down Foam's back rather than through a wing. Grieve is disoriented, and glances back at Nitrogen, who says nothing more.-
-Foam squeaks, not especially used to people trying to attack him physically-
Brie: Is she holding back? …I'm not sure I can afford to. Ice Beam!
-the air around Foam starts to cool-
-he opens his gills, and flaps his wings, creating a burst of icy lightning. The air current seems to refract the energy, spreading it lightly across Grieve's body rather than in one focused spot.-
-The chill still slows him down, however.-
Nitrogen: ...He's not flying. Why isn't he flying?
Grieve: <Does it matter?>
-Grieve takes another swoop and another swipe at Foam, this time aiming for his center of mass from the get-go.-
-and that's Foam handled-
Person, or Idea?
Mitchell is disheartened as hears from Abilene that he has to grind to powder the stone he chose. So soon after finding the thing that so perfectly completed him, he would have to agonize himself with the pain of-
Focus, Mitch, he reprimands himself in his mind. This melodrama isn't like you. Just swallow your pride and follow the teacher's instruction.
Begrudgingly, Mitchell takes hold of his stone and waits his turn to use the mortar and pestle. He glances at Carmen, concerned at how rebellious she was acting, but doesn't take further action. He might have considered crushing his stone with his bare hands if he had the strength of a Fighting-type like Edmond, but he is fine with using tools instead. (And it would leave less of a mess afterwards.)
Flying Colors
Outside Danza de Espadas
…So Dragon weaknesses still work.
-she sends out Skyfire-
Brie: Dragonbreath! We need to slow him down!
Skyfire: <What was wrong with just regular fire? This whole dragon thing is such a scam, honestly…>
-she flaps her wings, taking off on the Delta Stream, and exhales a cloud of green flame down at Grieve. As expected, the dragonfire hits its mark without resistance, and Grieve hisses as the energy surges through his body.-
Grieve: <...This is— why.>
-Grieve's wings lock up, but Nitrogen's control over the wind keeps him aloft despite his wingbeats staggering.-
-Nitrogen's hand is already reaching for another Poke Ball.-
Brie: Skyfire! Air Slash, now!
-Skyfire swoops down, heating the air-
-until it explodes-
-and the shockwave sends Grieve plummeting.-
-Nitrogen wastes no time recalling the Noivern.-
Nitrogen: ...Beck.
-She sends out her own Charizard, whose violet scales shine in the streetlights.-
Beck: <Heh... here we are again, eh?>
-The Delta Stream seems to grow more... chaotic, as Nitrogen pulls her Key Stone out of her pocket.-
Brie: Perfect.
-she smiles brightly-
I borrowed something just for this occasion. How strong is that Delta Stream, by the way?
-she touches her scarf, which is flapping intensely in the breeze-
-and only gets more energetic-
Brie: Let's do this.
-Beck snorts, a buff of smoke blowing away in the wind.-
Beck: <Good, I'd hate to make this too easy.>
Nitrogen: ...
-Nitrogen holds the stone out in front of her, and it glows.-
-The wind howls, battering against the combatants.-
-...and nothing happens.-
Beck: <...Nitrogen, any day now?>
-Nitrogen just... stares, at the fading glow between her fingers.-
Brie: …Something wrong?
-Nitrogen stays stock-still for a few seconds, then pulls back her hand and opens her palm, glancing between the stone and Beck.-
Nitrogen: ...Why isn't it...
-She tries again. It glows again, but fades with nothing.-
Beck: <Nitrogen, you're wasting time— >
Nitrogen: Shut it.
-She grips the Key Stone harder, but after no results, she scowls and shoves it back in her pocket.-
Beck: <Ooooookay, then, I guess we're doing this the old fashioned way— >
-Beck disappears into a beam of red light, as Nitrogen just... recalls her. The outstretched hand holding the Poke Ball trembles as she lowers it.-
Brie: …Nitrogen…?
Nitrogen: ...go.
Brie: Wh— why? What's going on?
Nitrogen: Just go. Run like you always do. Leave.
-A gust of wind punctuates the final word, pushing Brie backward.-
Brie: …Well, if you insist.
-she hops on Skyfire and nopes right out. Nitrogen does not give chase.-
-the wind rages and howls.-
The Wanderer
Stormchaser, today
-Talking-
...So the new Boundless Sea is supposed to be coming out this May, which I wasn't expecting since the last game came out back in like, 2009.
Chiyo: -Nodding along- Uh huh.
So maybe I could show it to well, you know.
Chiyo: -Slightly more serious- I know.
-Morosely-
Assuming things are settled by then, which probably won't happen.
Edited by rmctagg09 on Feb 26th 2024 at 12:35:11 PM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
South Province Area Three
The sun was beginning to set. Donut and Sunrise had returned back to camp, but Stormwind still hadn't come back. She checked her Rotom Phone for clues.
Poppy: So, Stormwind has been... moving very slowly the past few hours.
Sunrise: Moving slowly? That's not like Stormwind at all!
Donut: For better or worse... mostly worse.
Poppy: He could be in trouble! Donut, prepare to ride, we have to find him!
Poppy set off on Donut's back, Sunrise riding on her shoulder to find Stormwind. He wasn't having a good time - he was being held captive by the pincers of a Titan Klawf for the past hours.
Stormwind: Look, I'll help you find your 'Mystical Herb' thing, whatever its called, just get me out of these giant pincers!
The Titan Klawf then smelt something in the air, and headed for a giant stone wall. It broke a hole in the wall, revealing a magical-looking pile of herbs that it began to eat.
Stormwind: I have to admit, that does look good... Can I have some?
The Klawf turned its eyes towards him and used Rock Tomb on the ground, placing him in there almost as a prison as it went back to eating the herbs.
Stormwind: I reckon those would taste real good on pizza!
Meanwhile, Poppy was still searching.
Poppy: He has to be around him somewhere...
Donut: Why don't we just wait for him to fly back? Probably spent the last few hours charging up a super-dash, knowing him...
Poppy: He has to be right around here...
Poppy almost immediately noticed the trapped Stormwind.
Poppy: Stormwind! Don't worry, we'll get you out of there!
She tried moving the rocks.
Stormwind: Don't worry! I can break out of here myself! ...Please don't embarrass me.
Sunrise: Poppy... no pun intended, but I think we've got bigger problems to worry about... what is that thing?!
Poppy looked up and saw the Titan Klawf, powered up from the aura surrounding it that it got from eating those mysterious herbs.
Poppy: Hello... just freeing my good friend Stormwind here... nothing to worry about...
She turned back to Donut and Sunrise.
Poppy: I think it wants a battle.
Donut and Sunrise both nodded.
Donut: Mhm.
As Sally looks, the Orthworm dives back down again before diving up again, kicking up a Sandstorm.
Trill: "Agh... this'll be annoying, we need to not let it get away, Sweet Kicks! Try and slow it down"
They throw out a ball, releasing the Flamigo.
Sweet Kicks: <You got it!>
She reaches out her legs for a Low Sweep, slowing the Orthworm down.
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
The Wanderer
East Province Area Three, past
Iridium: -Throwing a Poké Ball- Okay, let's go Ammit!
Ammit: -Appears-
Use Flamethrower!
Ammit: -Makes a gutteral cry as she sends out a gout of flames at Orthworm-
Edited by rmctagg09 on Feb 28th 2024 at 6:23:07 AM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
The Orthworm is able to take the kick okay but was not prepared for the flames, they let out a wormy shriek then attempt to Wrap around Ammit as the Sandstorm keeps going and Sweet Kicks goes in for some more kicks.
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
The Wanderer
East Province Area Three, past
Ammit: -Is Wrapped- <The things I do for the mission...>
-She takes the opportunity to blast Orthworm with another Flamethrower at close range-
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
A Marvel nerd who likes to just live his life.
Eterna Forest, Sinnoh (2018)
Nights in the forest are mostly peaceful for the mons who live there. Well, that is when they've gotten used to all the smog around the place and the maze-like paths that make up the landscape. It can be rather hectic for newcomers, but the ones who lived there the most don't mind it that much. At the right time and place though, it's also the ideal setting for a heist to take place, as all that smog makes it harder for others to see, and once mons know what the maze is like, it makes for an overall clean getaway. This was the kind of situation that Saul and his fellow gang of Sneasels were in right now. They were on the run with their newest haul of goodies, a bunch of Razz and Bluk berries, which were taken from a Slaking and his Vigoroth goons who got real pissed and had them on the run. With the other mons on their tail, the gang rushed across the land, trying to get through the endless twists and turns of the forest's maze, while Saul was busy trying to carry all of the berries they had for his team.
Sneasel Gang Leader: <Come on guys, we have to make it to the end of the maze here! If we don't, we're all toast! Saul! How you holdin' up?>
Saul: <-pant pant- Urk…not good…I'm not sure how much longer I can carry our load…>
Sneasel Gang Leader: <Well just hang in there alright? Do your best to keep up! We should be out of the woods in no time!>
Saul: <I'm trying! What else am I gonna do anyway?>
The Sneasels were all running at their best paces, but they soon started to grow weary, and Saul proved to be no different.
Saul: <Urrgh…so tired…can't…go…on…much…longer….GAH!>
At that moment, he failed to notice a twig on the ground in front of him. He promptly tripped over it, sending the berries flying and landing all over the ground. The gang leader was not pleased in the slightest.
Sneasel Gang Leader: <GOD DAMMIT SAUL! You had one job! ONE FRIGGIN JOB!>
Saul: <Oh Arceus…I'm so sorry…I screwed up so bad…>
Sneasel Gang Leader: <Darn right you did! Now come on, help us collect those berries you dropped, or else.>
Saul: <Okay…>
Everyone was irritated that they had to stop to fix a big mistake caused by one of their own, but they persisted anyway. They didn't come all this way to come back to Snowpoint Temple empty handed. But then, more footsteps came from the distance, approaching closer and closer.
Saul: <Aw crap, they found us! What are we gonna do?>
Sneasel Gang Leader: <Simple, we run!>
Gathering up the rest of the berries, the gang goes to make a break for it, but Saul still had some berries to bring back, so he ran back to the group.
Saul: <Hey, you forgot some of these->
Or so he thought, as the moment he got close to them, the gang leader instantly Slashed his face.
Sneasel Gang Leader: <And just where do you think you're going?>
Saul: <What do you mean? I'm going with you!>
Sneasel Gang Leader: <Heh…that's a good one man. No you ain't. You're staying here to deal with that Slaking's men. We'll take the loot and go back home from here.>
Saul: <B-b-but I can't handle those guys all by myself!>
Sneasel Gang Leader: <Too bad. You'll have to, you brought it on yourself anyways. After all sacrifices must be made, sorry Saul, that's just the way things are. The rest of you, follow me to the exit. Chop chop!>
The gang leader gave off one more glare at him, along with the rest of his members, as they ran off without him, leaving him alone. For now, at least.
Saul was devastated. He didn't think his crew would be so unforgiving of his mistake, but then again, it was his own clumsiness that led to him almost jeopardizing his gang's whole mission. He should've known they were always willing to throw one of their own under the bus when they needed to, that was the risk of being a criminal. But he wasn't going to let his sadness get to him if it was a fight those mons wanted, they'd get it. With a hint of fear in his eyes, he reluctantly went into a fighting stance and started down the path where the footsteps were growing nearer and nearer.
Then, the mons finally arrived. Six Vigoroths, all looking tired as heck, carried a big Slaking on their arms as they approached Saul, fierce fury boiling in their eyes. They set the Slaking down on a patch of grass not too far from him, and gathered around in a circle around Saul.
There was silence and some more tense staring, and then the Slaking spoke up.
Slaking: <So, you're one of those blasted Sneasels that stole our beloved stash of berries. You've got some nerve to steal from us.>
The Slaking noticed that Saul was alone and was puzzled.
Slaking: <How come you're by yourself now? Where's the rest of your lackeys, hm?>
Saul regaining his resolve, glared at the Slaking and replied with determination in his tone. Even though he was a little worn out from carrying the berries he wasn't gonna go down with a fight.
Saul: <Away from here. Away from you. You're gonna have to deal with me instead.>
Slaking: <Oh, really? Well, if you want to faint easily, then be my guest.>
Turning to the Vigoroth, he pointed towards Saul with malice.
Slaking: <Now everyone, do me a favor and tear him apart!>
Vigoroths: <Yes, sir!>
They all charged at Saul with their claws unsheathed, with Saul doing the same, running at them with a battle cry.
One Vigoroth tried to Scratch at his tail, but he'd have none of it, doing a backflip over him and Slashing his back twice. Another tried to Fury Swipe his face, but he'd dodge by a bit and Metal Claw him in retaliation. But then, one more went for a Throat Chop, which struck Saul when he wasn't looking, sending him down to the ground in a state of shock.
Slaking: <That's the spirit, now rip him to shreds!>
They followed suit and began to continuously Fury Swipe him over and over again. The pain was outright unbearable, he felt like he was going to die right then and there. It looked like the end for him…
???: <CAW!>
…But suddenly, as luck would have, a bunch of Dark Pulses came out of nowhere blowing away all of the Vigoroth back, sending them flying onto the Slaking and knocking him over.
Slaking: <What the?! What's the meaning of this?! WHO DARES TO DEFY ME?! WHOOOO?!>
It's then when a bunch of Murkrows emerged from the branches of the trees, and flew down to the ground, while a huge Honchkrow swooped his way in front of Saul and the Slaking's crew. It turned out to be quite the dramatic entrance.
The Honchkrow made his way as he approached the Slaking with his Murkrows flanking him.
Honchkrow: <You've got some nerve picking on a member without his crew, such an uneven match. Have you no sense of honor and dignity?>
Slaking: <Who are you to lecture me? You're in the way of me fulfilling my revenge you blasted bird! Now step aside!>
The Honchkrow gave out a stare that made the Slaking and the Vigoroth shiver.
Honchkrow:<Hm. Just as I suspected. Your methods insult me. Crime is a way of life, and I myself have a code. One of those being "all fights should be fair.">
Slaking: <Aaaand…I'm supposed to care?>
That's when the Honchkrow leaned in close to the Slakings face, making him yipe.
Honchkrow: <As a matter of fact, yes. Because you broke those rules, in front of my face.>
At this point, the Slaking and the Vigoroths knew that they were screwed. The Honchkrow turned to his Murkrows and pointed a wing at the other mons.
Honchkrow: <Show them the meaning of pain!>
The Murkrow obliged, and fired so many Dark Pulses at them that they got flung all the way out of the forest, screaming as they all disappeared into the night.
Satisfied with the rulebreakers gone, the Honchkrow walked back to Saul, who was still lying on the group in pain, and held up a wing for him to grab onto.
Honchkrow: <You're welcome. They roughed you up quite a bit there. What got you into this mess?>
Saul grabbed the Honchkrow's wing, and he pulled him up onto his feet.
Saul: <Thanks. I'm part of a gang of other Sneasels, and I work as their con man so to speak. We stole some of those mons' stash of berries, but I ended up tripping up with our haul, and they had to leave me behind to fight off the others as punishment.>
Honchkrow: <Ah, so they left you behind. Cowards.>
Saul: <Yeah…Hey, I never got your name, who are you? …And why did you save me?>
Honchkrow: <Capone. I run one of the world's biggest criminal enterprises with my legions of Murkrows based in regions everywhere. My hideout is in the Lost Tower here in Sinnoh, but I do like to head off to other regions to work with other gangs to help them out, like what I just did with you tonight. You were in need and I helped you out, simple isn't it, eh little friend?>
Saul: <It's…Saul. And I really appreciate you for saving my hide there. I owe you my life. Is there anything I can do to repay you?>
Capone grinned, those were the words he'd been waiting for.
Capone: <Why, yes there is. But not right now, let me explain.>
He'd then pluck out his feather and show it to Saul.
Capone: <View my feather as a sort of symbol, that you have a debt to pay to me. Someday in the future, you'll see this floating down near wherever you are, it doesn't matter where or when. Just know that when the time is right, my feather will appear and one of my underlings will come to greet you, and the details of your debt will be revealed. Get the picture?>
Saul stared at the feather for a few moments, seeing how Capone helped him, he would be delighted in helping him back, after all, he did save his life, so he should help him out too someday.
Saul: <Sure. I see what you're saying.>
Capone: <Good. Now, since you've been beaten up, would you like a ride back to your home?>
Saul: <Oh yeah, that would be nice. Snowpoint Temple is the place I need to be at by the way.>
Capone: <Very well, hop on my back and let's get goin'.>
And so, Saul got on Capone's back and both of them with the Murkrow flew out of the forest and into the clouds, leaving Eterna Forest behind in the dust. Saul was already beginning to forget about the debt he had to pay as he passed out from exhaustion. But little did he know that that'd be a big mistake in the years to come…
Stormchaser, Tony's Office (Present Day)
It's been quite a while since Tony interrogated Igor with Tommy about The School, and in that timeframe, the two have had multiple other gatherings to discuss and discover more School-related matters. As the J-Team proceeded to move to another location though, Tony was advised by his boss, Chief Jones from Jubilife City, to stay with the group to remain in contact with the other members for more intel as Tony was starting to dip his hands into looking into the secrets of the organization. He has now been transferred by Jones to a station in Mesagoza, and Jones' friend, another chief named Ramirez, is now mentoring him every now and then.
Today, Both Chief Ramirez and Tony are scheduled to have a meeting together at the nearest Barato's about a new case that brought a hefty amount of attention to them. Tony stands in front of a mirror, buttons up his tropical shirt with a bunch of berries and flowers on it, puts on some sunglasses, a pair of black shorts, and some blue Kroks. Then he turns to his mons who are all on top of Tony's desk.
Tony: Alrighty guys, now I know it's been a while since we've gotten our hands on a new case, but I want to remind you that this meeting with the new Chief and I is very important, so I want you all to be on your absolute best behavior.
Autumn would then roll her eyes at him and he immediately gave her a stern look for it. Even though his sunglasses obscured his eyes, he still looked pretty intimidating.
Tony: …That means less sassiness from you, Autumn.
Autumn: <Uggghhhh, fine. I'll try to tone it down for him.>
He'd then smile and then reach for his Pokeball belt and suitcase sitting on a nearby table.
Tony: Now then, is everyone all set to go?
Stephen: <All set here!>
Saul: <I'm ready when you are!>
Autumn: <I've been ready this whole time, Tony. Are we gonna go or what?>
Tony: Yep, right now as a matter of fact! Let's head out!
And so, Tony and his mons left his office, heading off to Barato's to start their first new case in Paldea.
Fun isn't something one considers when I watch or read stuff with people with costumes and capes, but that does bring a smile to my face.
Fwomph
Autumn Mountain
And if the trend continues, there's probably at least two more Vellumentals out there to fill out the fire-water-earth-and-air set. Plenty to see!
-Gale hums a little bit and smiles at Olivia-
I've got a submarine license, a boat's probably not that difficult. Just need to keep it above water!
Levincia City, MidKnight's Last Stand
-The monster refuses to burn-
-It emits rhythmic gasps, some vain attempt at laughter. It raises its spike-arms to prepare for another charge... As the ink-constructs, gaster skulls and arm-spikes both, slough off them due to the heat. There, embedded in the palm of one hand, is the Pavo feather-
... Hands will suffice to choke life...
-Haunches raised, MidKnight lets loose a feral roar and leaps towards whoever looks the most vulnerable-
Sakura Genetics Raid
Hm. Cheaped out a bit. This... Doesn't feel right.
-The Nightingale frowned a little inside the helmet. This was a mistake, surely? They had the wrong place, this was wasting time... Gale had no other leads-
-She paused for a moment, breathed and then steeled her resolve. They'd come too far to bug out just because the security was lighter than expected, whatever the case Sakura Genetics was a part of this, there had to be something. She headed deeper, looking for any sign of a server room-
Good work so far.
-Somewhere in the back of her head, she idly mused that even if there wasn't any information on their captured friend, the data scraped from the servers would probably be worth something to the right people...-
It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.
Meet The New Boss
Outskirts Of Medali
Mithos: "I'm from Rota! It's this place a bit north of Kanto and Johto but south of Sinnoh. Right near it is this huge living rock and crystal structure from the Tree Of Beginning! It's huge and pretty and has all sorts of things inside! Even a Mew!"
-He looks back toward the crater-
"What I'm wondering... Is there a Pokemon like that in Area Zero? What are they like? What are they feeling? Are they content? Or are they... lonely?"
Edited by Umbramatic on Feb 29th 2024 at 10:11:07 AM
Contact Me!
The Orthworm squirms at the Flamethrower and with another kick, they drop Ammit and start seeming to head for a cave.
Trill: "Follow them!"
And they and Sweet Kicks dash off following the big Orthworm.
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
The Wanderer
East Province Area Three, past
Ammit: -Goes flying- <Ahh!>
Iridium: -Recalls Ammit before she can hit the ground as the Orthworm starts retreating- We're not letting you get away!
-She sends out Bulbal and tears after it, possibly picking up Trill and Sweet Kicks-
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
South Province Area Three
Poppy: Okay, Donut, Sunrise, I'll leave you two to deal with Klawf! In the meantime...
Poppy brought Shroomy out of his Pokeball.
Poppy: ...I'll bust Stormwind out of his rocky prison!
Donut: Okay, you big crab. Prepare to face a dragon's power!
Sunrise: I've heard crab cakes are delicious!
The Flamethrower, powered up by Drought, did good damage to Klawf, who retaliated by grabbing Sunrise in its pincers.
Sunrise: Smells like herbs... Hey, don't just stand there, Donut! Get me out!
Donut: What's the magic word?
Sunrise: Ugh. Please get me out of these giant pincers.
Donut: That's more like it. About time one of you treated me with respect, like a proper dragon should be.
Sunrise: Maybe we barely show you any respect because you barely treat us with respect!
Donut: Want me to free you or not?
Sunrise: I do, dummy! Just take what I just said into consideration sometime, will you?
Meanwhile, Poppy had Shroomy continuously use Force Palm to break each of the rocks trapping Stormwind. Eventually, it was done.
Stormwind: Whew! I can finally stretch my wings again! Now to take care of that crustacean bully!
Shroomy then stretched his arms and grabbed Stormwind as he was flying off.
Shroomy: Stormwind, I understand your enthusiasm at wanting revenge on that Klawf, but I think you should rest. You got kidnapped and then trapped by a super effective move.
Stormwind: Fine.
Stormwind was then returned to his Pokeball by Poppy.
Poppy: Now, let's go give Donut and Sunrise a hand!
They arrived to see Donut trying to pry Sunrise out of Klawf's pincers, only to get shaken about like a rag doll.
Poppy: Donut, Sunrise, we're here!
Klawf soon found itself drifting off to sleep.
The explosive seeds not only freed Donut and Sunrise, but caused Klawf to stagger back and crash into a rock wall, waking it up.
However, there was one thing contained in that rock wall that was now falling, and was about to give Sunrise a bonk on the head.
Donut: That was rough... and that Klawf is still standing.
Sunrise: And a chunk of rock's about to hit me on the head.
Donut: Haha, very funny... wait. There is a small chunk of rock falling out of the sky, and it's indeed about to hit you!
Sunrise: Wait, that's no rock... that's a-!
The 'rock' made contact with Sunrise's head, but did not hurt her. Instead, Sunrise began glowing!
Sunrise: What did I tell you! I knew we'd find a Fire Stone! I gotta go help Poppy, see you later!
Sunrise, still glowing, ran off to help Poppy and Shroomy, who were about to face Titan Klawf.
Sunrise: Guys! You don't have to fight alone. Check this out!
Landing before Titan Klawf, was a much different Sunrise. Longer legs, yellow body, nine tails.
Shroomy: Sunrise! You've-
Sunrise: Eh, it was bound to happen.
Poppy: Awesome! With this new power... what's say we finish off this giant crab? And I have a little idea in mind. Ready to hear it?
Shroomy: Agreed!
Sunrise: Alright!
Poppy then pulled her Tera Orb out of her pocket, as it gathered energy. Poppy then threw it over Shroomy's head, and he soon found himself seemingly covered in crystals, with crystalline flowers on his head.
Shroomy: So this is it... the power of Terastallization!
Poppy: You'll get your Tera turn soon, Sunrise! Don't worry!
Sunrise: I was gonna say, how come he gets to be turned into a crystal, but I think I know what you have planned for my first Tera experience. But enough talk, let's turn this Klawf into crab cakes!
Donut was watching the whole thing from afar.
Donut: Come to think of it... how did that Klawf get so powerful and huge?
Trill does indeed get picked up along with Sweet Kicks as the Orthworm buries into a nearby Tunnel.
Trill: "Haha, thanks, Sally, will be even easier to catch up this way!"
Sweet Kicks hangs on herself while perched on Bulbal.
Sweet Kicks: <Haha, you're a sweet ride man, you good carrying all three of us, though?>
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
Veronika
Outskirts of Medali
Sombra: “Rota sounds amazing! I wish I could go there!”
-For a moment, she seems slightly wistful, but she quickly shakes it off-
Sombra: “I wonder what’s in there too. Part of me wants to sneak in and see what’s inside, but… it’d probably be a bad idea.”
Sombra: “Wouldn’t be the last one either.”
you will seeeeee, that all the people are wonderful~
Paldea, Dalizapa Passage
-a certain Ranger creeps beneath breeze-driven Drifloon-
Logan: What am I looking at, Ditty?
Ditty: "Paldea's Pokémon League humbly requests assistance from the Ranger Union regarding the developing situation in the Area Zero Crater."
Logan: Conscientious of them.
Ditty: Surprised as you are. "It is essential that news of that situation is kept to essential personnel only, for risk of undue attention—"
Logan: Wildly lucrative—
Ditty: "—but we would welcome any specialist referrals you could care to name."
Logan: —and they're strapped for monpower.
Ditty: Hush. "Assistance must" —bold, italicized, underscored, incidentally— "be prepared for extreme circumstances, hostile Pokémon, outside-scope scenarios…likely involving combat."
Logan: …
Ditty: "Details will be provided to applicants following vetting. Please respond at your earliest convenience," et cetera, et cetera.
-...-
Logan: Ditty, why are we hearing this from the chairwoman of the Pokémon League?
Ditty: Area Ranger Martínez has not reported abnormal activity or submitted requests for aid in the past several months.
Logan: Martínez—
-Logan stops, looking their Operator in the eyes-
Logan: Paz Martínez?
Ditty: Gods, hold it further from your face—
Logan: Was it…graduation? No, second reunion. Then the transfer to Oblivia…
Ditty: Ha hah. Missed you.
Logan: She was…yeah, nearly reported second-years for Starly-catching, then nearly won. She's gone bad?
Ditty: Are you kidding? Naranja y Uva's criminal element is a bunch of depressed kids squatting in the woods. Moral code's Gallade-straight.
Unless something's drastically changed in the last year.
Logan: ...I'm meeting her for lunch, huh?
Ditty: Soon as you've had the right accident.
Logan: Please don't let me have a real accident.
Ditty: Don't charge in. Addie, don't let them charge in.
Addie: <Hanging on, Op.>
Logan: Ball and chain. Go on?
Ditty: Zapapicans have called in big fauna—Sawsbuck and similar—with great claw wounds, and loud sounds at night…
No mind to think. No will to break.