ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Malie City

Chiyo: -Walking down the street- It's been a long time since I've been here, it honestly doesn't seem all that different.

Chloe: -Walking alongside her- The first thing I did after we parted ways all those years ago was ditch this place.

-Hands behind her head-

So the next trial's up by the Observatory right?

Chiyo: -Half-paying attention to Chloe's question- Yeah...

Chloe: -Eyebrow raise-

Chiyo: It's convenient, I would've gone up there anyway but it kills two birds with one stone.

Dactyl: -Orbiting Chiyo- <It's important to us, we met up there.>

Mount Hokulani

Chiyo: -Steps off the bus- Remember how we first met Dactyl, on a night just like this one?

Dactyl: -Floating after Chiyo- <How could I forget? You were smaller.>

Chiyo: Not by that much.

Maybe, when all of this is over, I can...

Chloe: -Looking towards the south at the even larger mountain in the distance- That's Mt. Lanakila, right? Where the League is?

Chiyo: -Leaning over the railing- Well there wasn't a League yet when we escaped, plus the summit's snowy almost all the time so it's much harder to see the sky.

Chloe: -Looking at Chiyo- You think you'll go that far?

Chiyo: It'd be a little silly if I didn't at least try. The island challenge ended there before the League, it ends there after it.

Chloe: -Smirks- Figured you'd say something like that.

Chiyo: -Smirks back- Not like we've known each other for decades or something like that.

-Standing up-

Now let's head inside the Observatory.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 21st 2024 at 11:03:13 AM

Hokulani Observatory

Sophocles: -Gesturing at a machine resembling a metallic Vikavolt as Chiyo moves a number of Charjabug into place on a conveyor and a defeated looking Elekid sits in the corner- It's actually working... The Pinger is getting a good dose of power! Yes! We're getting much more power than on our last try!

-An Electabuzz suddenly comes out of a nearby grate, presumably attracted by the electricity spike, and makes a beeline towards the Conveyor-

Chiyo: -Sighs- Here we go again.

-Sends out Ceres-

A few minutes later

-The Electabuzz has now joined the Elekid in the corner as Chiyo places the Charjabug into position once more-

Sophocles: Okay, one more time!

-He turns on the machine and suddenly a small-child sized Togedemaru breaks into the room-

Togedemaru: -Spots Chiyo and immediately sparks up-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 21st 2024 at 11:59:34 AM

Levincia, Past

Noble Elemental: -points "There! There-s the fea-"

-Oop, -Mid Knight is headed straight for him-

"AAAAAH!"

Catty: <Oh no you don't, noob.>

-She leaps between Mid Knight and the Noble Elemental-

Iris: "Keep 'em occupied while Atrachna-Guy gets that feather!"

Adelle: <On it!>

-Fires a Hydro Pump at Mid Knight's arm, close to where the feather is attached—

Coil: "You too Elvis!"

Elvis: <Now things are lining up!>

-he electrically charges the Hydro Pump with a Thunderbolt-

Mezagioza

Jeanne: <You go... do that.>

Nero: "I see you are also a person of culture, umu! I have an idea! We shall form... an alliance! It will be fantastic! And you can help me with my current quest!

The Outskirts Of Alfornada

-the woman starts then turns to face Chiyo-

-she blinks and then breathes a sigh of relief-

Woman: Oh, nothing. Just... Family troubles.

Artazon

-The Killowatrel is NOT ready for the Flare Blitz-

-It takes them out-

-But the thing is already high in the air-

-it's an art piece-

-And a figure in black is clinging to it-

Sunyshore Building, Past

-Flamel chuckles-

Flamel: <Well well well, how the turn tables... That is how the saying goes right? It's been a while. Gale, do what you will with her.>

Autumn Mountain

-Olivia puts a hand to her.... Chin?-

Bobby: <Hey can I try? I feel bad for missing the shrine and want to make it up to you all.>

-beat-

<Oh. Wait. I can't grab the paddle.>

Olivia:' <Seriously? None of us can paddle the boat? After we went through all that trouble to fill up the lake? There has to be a way! Maybe we can find someone nearby who knows how to row this thing...>

-Someone may notice the monkey from earlier nearby-

Area Zero

~CrobatOfTheStars

Mithos: "Good idea...The one we're looking for probably is deeper in."

-He looks around a bit, then points-

"There! There's a big cave in that waterfall....It's probably in there!"

Edited by Umbramatic on Mar 22nd 2024 at 4:35:37 AM

Autumn Mountain, far past

Ann: -Noticing them monkey- Maybe that mon can help.

Cascarrafa Outskirts, past

Chiyo: -To the woman- Oh? What kind of family problems?

Hokulani Observatory, yesterday

Chiyo: Go Lehua!

Lehua: -Appears-

Chiyo: Let's start with a Stomping Tantrum!

Lehua: -Attempts to stomp on Togedemaru-

Togedemaru: -Lengthens its spines-

Lehua: -Landing feet first on Togedemaru's spines- <Ouch!>

Togedemaru: -Cries out-

Dedenne: -Runs out of a small hole in the wall-

Chiyo: Stomping Tantrum again!

Lehua: -Pissed at his previous failure, he stomps on the Dedenne even harder-

Dedenne: -Takes major damage-

Togedemaru: -Bounces up-

Dedenne: -Attacks with Super Fang-

Togedemaru: -Comes back down-

Lehua: -Is brought down to under half health-

Chiyo: Sunny Day!

Lehua: -Holds his limbs up as a miniature light ball appears above the battlefield-

Togedemaru: -Tries ramming Lehua with Iron Head-

Dedenne: -Jumps at Lehua with Super Fang-

Lehua: -Sidesteps Togedemaru and ducks under Dedenne before Headbutting them while still in midair-

Dedenne: -Is slammed into the the ceiling and drops back down, fainted-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 22nd 2024 at 7:49:51 AM

West Province Area One

Stormwind instantly shot out of Titan Bombirdier's beak with Spark, and began facing it down in the air.

The Titan Pokemon tried sending a barrage of rocks towards Stormwind, which he swiftly dodged. The two Pokemon then began an aerial battle.

Stormwind: Ha! You missed! Missed again! I am so good at this! See, I told you I'd get better!

Poppy and Donut, meanwhile, eventually spotted the entire mid-air clash.

Poppy: Well, look at that. We did not have to look long at all. But we better go and help him!

Stormwind had managed to do good damage on Bombirdier.

Stormwind: See! I knew I could beat you by myself! Promised myself I'd do it ever since you blew me out of the sky-

Poppy: Stormwind! We're here to help!

Stormwind: 'Here to help'? Oh, no, I've got this by myself! Please don't embarrass me in front of-

Bombirdier tool advantage of the distraction Poppy had inadvertently provided.

Stormwind was smacked in the face by this, and sent hurtling, landing right on his back on the mountain.

Poppy: Stormwind! You okay?

Stormwind: I'm not done just yet, Bombirdier! Watch this!

Stormwind then used a combo of Tailwind to give himself a speed boost, and hit Bombirdier square in the face with Spark.

Stormwind: Wanna know the difference between you and me? I look good doing this! You just have this weird meat-feather sack. Ew.

Donut: I've never seen Stormwind this enthusiastic about an opponent. And he's real annoying whenever the mere thought of battle is mentioned.

Stormwind: Whatever, Donut! I think I did a good job showing that Titan Bombirdier who's boss! After all, I did meet it the day I-

And then Bombirdier, unbeknownst to Stormwind, crept up and seemingly ate him in one bite.

Donut: Oh no, Stormwind died. Anyways, you wanna go fetch the Herba Mystica? Gotta be around here somewhere.

Poppy: Donut, can I ask you a favour? I know you don't like him very much, but... Stormwind just got eaten in front of us! Save him! ...Please.

Donut: Let's get this over with. Over here, big bird.

One big leap and Breaking Swipe later, Donut had Bombirdier's head pinned to the ground. Poppy then brought Shroomy out so that he could open its beak and fetch Stormwind.

Shroomy: Good job to you pinning Bombirdier down for me.

Donut: I didn't know you would come out to fetch that annoying bird.

Shroomy: Whatever. We can 'fight to the death' later, for now let's just-

Shroomy opened Bombirdier's beak, and was met with an upwards blast of feathers, and electricity.

The blast sent Bombirdier flying upwards before it regained its flying control. It then stared down its powered up opponent.

Stormwind: What did I tell you? I knew this day would come - and what better day for it to happen than fighting you!

Poppy: Stormwind?! You've-

Stormwind: Heck yeah, I did! Ready for an electrifying finish, Bombirdier! No, you aren't.

The collision did quite the damage to Bombirdier, who looked as if one more move would finish it off.

Stormwind: I've been waiting for this next move for months. Now-

However, Stormwind was suddenly returned to his Pokeball. A confused Bombirdier looked around to see where everyone went.

Truth was, while Stormwind and Bombirdier had their battle, Poppy, Donut and Shroomy took a piece of its Herba Mystica and escaped with it.

Poppy: That was close...

She then felt Stormwind shaking inside his ball.

Poppy: Look, Stormwind, I took the Herba Mystica, now let's get to Levincia...

Stormwind remained persistent.

Poppy: ...Fine. You can finish your battle.

And so, Poppy brought a newly-evolved Stormwind out his Ball, and watched from afar as Stormwind earned a victory against Bombirdier. Once the battle was over, Stormwind flew back, positively buzzing.

Stormwind: Can you believe that! I was like, woah, and then Bombirdier was like, huh, and then I was like, in your face!

Poppy: Great to hear, Stormwind. Two Herba Mystica down, three to go.

Stormwind: Hey, you usually aren't this dull...

Poppy returned Stormwind to his Ball, and called a Flying Taxi for Levincia.

Poppy: If I don't get the others in time... Brayden will die because of me. I can't let that happen. I can't let my Pokemon waste time on any 'shenanigans' with the Titans...

Edited by ThunderKitty86 on Mar 23rd 2024 at 2:18:31 AM

Orre, Eastern Wastes

-Coyote is enjoying some peace and quiet.-

-And then... his nose catches something.-

-He bolts upright, ears up. What was that smell?-

-He holds his ear high, his nose flared.-

-A rhythmic thumping can be heard. Too light to be an engine, too heavy to be rain, too rhythmic to be a rock...-

-He looks down from his rocky outcropping.-

-Something fast is making it's way towards him, kicking up a cloud of dust behind it.-

-And then Coyote can see it.-

-A bird. Tall. Brown.-

-Angry.-

-He squints his eyes at the interloper.-

-The interloper, at full tilt, doesn't notice him.-

-Or his rock.-

-The rock is sent shattered and flying in every direction, with Coyote along with it.-

-He land with an indignant yelp as the air is choked in dust and debris as the bird runs past.-

Coyote: HEY! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING, ASSHOLE!

-He dusts himself off, his nose too stopped up with sand to notice the second bird, much more reasonably, land next to him, trying to clear some of the sand in the air.-

???: <I do apologize for my brother's conduct. He is too crass by half.>

Coyote: Oh, hello- *COUGH*. You feel Obscuric, like any reasonable creature.

???: <That I am. My brother is Auric. My sister is also, though of the Psychic persuasion.>

Coyote: Wonderful. May I ask the names of the visitors to my little patch of paradise?

???: <We... had names. Those who knew them have long since passed.>

Coyote: ... C'mon, man.

-Coyote gives the universal eyebrow of disapproval.-

???: <Oh, fine then. We are the birds of Hyperborea.>

-Coyote scoffs, going from disbelieving to offended.-

Coyote: The hidden kingdom in the North Pole?

???: <Dammit. Okay look, I can't tell you where we're from, alright?>

Coyote: You should have lead with that! That wouldn't have made me so damn curious!

???: <Look, I- we are here to take this land into our guardianship.>

Coyote: Your what now.

???: <Our guardianship! This blasted, barren land has enough of a human population nowadays to where there is need for a guardian deity! Or.. three.>

Coyote: Hate to break it to ya, but you're a few years too late for that.

???: <What, are you the guardian?>

Coyote: Nope. Guy in the volcano is.

???: <... the what?>

-Coyote is convinced that this has to be a bit. He slowly raises an arm and points a claw at the singularly massive and looming Mt. Battle in the distance.-

Coyote: The volcano.

-He speaks slowly and deliberately, as if talking to a child.-

Coyote: You know, the mountain with an upset tummy?

???: <... We need to get out of he->

-The ground rumbles as even in the evening light the sight of several lava rocks jettisoning from the top of Mt. Battle can be seen.-

Coyote: Welp. He knows your here.

???: <What? How?>

Coyote: Don't know, don't care, because he's not mad at me this time!

-He smugly takes a couple steps back as the confused bird is suddenly elucidated by the quarter-ton rock suddenly landing on him.-

???: <ow>

Coyote: I'd go and apologize to him before he gets really mad. I'd also go gather your little siblings before the local Champion gets involved.

???: <champion?!>

Coyote: ... You really didn't know, did you?

???: <obviously not, you slimy homoncul-ACK>

-Coyote rolls the rock back and forth a bit out of spite.-

Coyote: Your fault, not mine, bye!

-Coyote slinks off before someone saw him with such an irreputable and devious criminal. It might harm his reputation - as a solo act.-

Hokulani Observatory, past

Togedemaru: -Cries again upon seeing Dedenne faint-

Skarmory: -Flies in from an open window and immediately whips up a Tailwind-

Lehua: -Is almost bowled over by the wind-

Chiyo: Use Stomping Tantrum again!

Lehua: -Does so-

Togedemaru: -Dodges thanks to Lehua being slowed down by Tailwind before attacking with Iron Head-

Lehua: -Is sent down to the red and retaliates with another Stomping Tantrum-

Togedemaru: -Stumbles-

Skarmory: -Faints Lehua with a Drill Peck-

Chiyo: -Recalling Lehua- Good job.

-Looking between the two mons-

'This'll be risky but-

Go Ceres!

Ceres: -Appears-

Chiyo: Calm Mind into Flamethrower!

Ceres: -Focuses before breathing fire on Skarmory, boosted by the sun-

Skarmory: -Is brought down to the red, but hangs on-

Togedemaru: -Goes for an Iron Head-

Chiyo: Protect into Flamethrower!

Ceres: -Erects a barrier to block both the Iron Head and the Skarmory's Steel Wing, before fainting the latter with her next Flamethrower-

Chiyo: -To the Togedemaru- Now for you.

Togemaru: -Stomps on the ground angrily before launching itself at Ceres with Iron Head]]-

Ceres: -Is sent flying but manages to right herself and land right next to Chiyo-

Chiyo: What do you say Ceres, you want to finish this with a Z-Move?

Ceres: <Yeah!>

Chiyo: Alright!

-Crosses her arms before waving her arms and hands as if they were a roaring flame, Ceres copying her movements, before she points her outstretch palm in Togedemaru's direction-

Ceres: -Generates a massive fireball that she fires at Togedemaru, who gets enveloped despite their use of Spiky Shield to block, as it then explodes-

Togedemaru: -Lies in the middle of the now blackened floor, fainted-

Meanwhile, inside the Pokeballs...

While Poppy was making her way towards Levincia, a chat was going on inside the Pokeballs.

superSparker [SS] started hassling risingFox [RF], ironHeadbutts [IH], battlingBoat [BB] and felonyFeline [FF].

SS: You guys will never guess what just happened!

RF: I heard. You evolved into Kilowattrel.

BB: Congratulations, Stormwind! Wonder when I'll evolve...

SS: You can't evolve, silly!

FF: I have two evolutions! I get to do it twice! Take that, seagull!

IH: Say, Stormwind, you looked awfully excited to battle that Bombirdier, even more so then when you normally battle!

SS: Oh, you haven't heard! Oh, I'm gonna tell you why I wanted to battle Bombirdier so bad. It all started when I was just a little baby Wattrel - I saw that beast, and I knew I just had to battle it!

RF: You battled it as a baby?!

SS: Sure did! I got blown away to another area where no other Wattrel lived, but that didn't stop me! I just simply trained hard until I knew it was time - and look at me! I beat it, and I evolved!

RF: Stormwind, I'm... so sorry that happened to you.

SS: Hm? Jealous of my success, perhaps? I mean, I don't think any other Wattrel could do what I did and look this good while doing it.

RF: No, you... you were totally lost, you never saw your family again. I'm sorry that happened to you.

SS: Now that you say it, I suppose there was some tragedy in my upbringing. But hey, most heroes never got where they are today without a tragic past!

RF: Seriously, Stormwind...

IH: You don't look bothered at all, Stormwind!

SS: Finally, someone gets it. But Poppy, I'm kinda worried about her.

FF: How so?

SS: Well, she wasn't her usual peppy self today. She wouldn't let me finish off Bombirdier at first!

RF: Well, you know these past months have been hard on her, especially concerning her brother...

SS: She sure wasn't like that in front of Brassius! Let's just see how she's like in front of Iono, then to us when she spots the next Titan...

superSparker ceased hassling risingFox, ironHeadbutts, battlingBoat, and felonyFeline.

Autumn Mountain

I mean I just said I could... Nevermind, let's go with the ape.

-Gale gives the monkey of indeterminate species a little wave but remains by the boat-

Levincia City, MidKnight's Last Stand

-It knew what that thread meant if it landed. No. No. It wouldn't go back in. It couldn't. It must be whole. They all must di—-

-MidKnight, reflexively trying to protect the source of power, pulls back her hand... A moment too late. The thread connected, the hand going the opposite way, the feather slides out of the inkforged reflection of the Nightingale suit with a faint fizzle-

-It will not sleep. It-will-not-sleep. Itwillnotsleep-

-That is enough from you.-

-MidKnight collapses backwards, suit fizzling away to reveal Gale's casual garb beneath. The construct bird lasts longer, though every attack against its feathers tears sizzling holes in it until the entire thing burns away in black fire-

Sunyshore Salon

I told you girl, I'm stronger and I stopped playing around.

-Intimidation, that was the goal behind Gale getting her wings out. It's a cover for whatever mystery force has allowed victory, an attempt to claim the victory was all her own-

You really picked a fight with the wrong girl here. You really should have taken the offer for a fair magical girl duel when you could, little mirror-girl... Oh! I wonder...

-Her mind races at the implication. So many questions to add to a potential interrogation... The fact that it sounds like monster-hunting thoughts does cause Gale to shiver in repulsion...-

Sunyshore Salon

Angelica: B-but-

-A low thrum envelops the building.-

???: Sister. That is enough.

-A young, intensely pale man teleports into the room. At his side, as casually as a handbag, is a long, tall, blue scythe.-

???: I apologize on my sister's behalf, but she isn't in a state to hold a conversation, and I must step in and be the responsible party.

-Most would not see, yet the eyes of a Contractor are not like most. Blue reverberations emanate from both the scythe and man, echoing across the room, filling it with sound. Not as a threat, but a deterrent.-

???: If you would be so kind, I would like to take her home. Both to let her rest... and give her a stern talking-to.

-It's then you notice his face has not changed from the same smile the entire time. A smile that's just a little too wide...-

Hokulani Observatory, past

Chiyo: -Exits, carrying both an Electrium-Z and a Steelium-Z- Well that's one trial down.

Chloe: So what do we do now?

Chiyo: -Looking out at the sky- Let's just look at the stars a little longer.

Malie City, today

Chloe: -Walking out of the Kantonian Gym with a Surge Badge in her hand- Doesn't this kinda look like a Thunder Badge?

Chiyo: -Holding her own- I guess imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery.

Chloe: We got in there cheap because we're girls.... You don't think there was something skeevy going on there do you?

Chiyo: Nothing I could sense, apart from the usual reasons someone might do that.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 23rd 2024 at 9:59:40 AM

Malie Library

Chiyo: -Sitting at a table- I still can't believe we can't get Ruthenium to join us.

Chloe: -Sitting across from her- What do you think she's even doing right now? Polishing the memorial or something?

Seafolk Village

Ruthenium: -Is currently loading food into a motorboat- Okay, that should be everything.

Cyndaquil: -Pokes her head out of Ruthenium's cloak-

Ruthenium: -To the Cyndaquil, rubbing her head- You know it probably wouldn't be great for me if you flamed up in there. These runes don't exactly work for fire resistance.

Mt. Battle Summit

-Dune rarely had cause to have both himself and Grandpa Mountain on the summit in an official capacity, yet here he was.-

-Before him sat three Legendary birds. A Zapdos, indignant but refusing to meet either Dune's or Grandpa Mountain's gaze. A Moltres, who looks rather depressed and small. An Articuno, who looks the most downcast of all three, especially as Ludmilla watches her from a nearby rock. After a very pregnant silence, Dune decides to get to the heart of the matter.-

Dune: Now, I expect both brevity and honesty when I ask: Why is a set of Galarian-type Legendary Birds here in Orre?

-The Zapdos decides the best brevity is silence.-

Galarian Moltres: <We do not answer to you.>

Grandpa Mountain: <Yes, you do.>

-The summit gives a barely perceptible shake.-

Galarian Moltres: <W-we do not! Th-the only one we answer to is...>

Dune: Ho-oh? Oh please tell me you were going to say Ho-oh. Oh, or Lugia. Either or, really. Because if we need to get them involved, it's not unprecedented for them to take an interest in the goings-on in Orre.

-The Moltres closes its curved beak with vigor.-

Dune: But back on topic - why are you here?

-He turns to the Articuno this time.-

Dune: You. Why are you here?

-The Articuno glances at Ludmilla, who pulls down her sunglasses to shoot the bird with a purple-eyed glare.-

Galarian Articuno: <W-we were kicked out of our old home! We thought Orre was a wasteland with an absentee guardian!>

Dune: You were... kicked out. From where?

Galarian Zapdos: <Tell him nothing!>

-Dune gives a tired look at the Zapdos.-

Dune: Really? Not even gonna tell me where it happened?

-The three have completely clammed up, so Dune rolls his eyes.-

Dune: Look, I don't want to be the guy to have to deport three refugee Legendaries, but I'm also not gonna let a trio of birds come in and destroy parts of the desert-

-The Zapdos scoffs.-

Dune: -claim dominion over the region like some imperialist-

-The Moltres gives an indignant harumph.-

Dune: -or try and prey on Aurics.

-The Articuno is the only one that seems genuinely remorseful, though Ludmilla's presence may be playing an active part in that.-

Dune: And if you're not going to respect him, I'm not afraid to call up Amaterasu.

-There's a moment of silence as all three birds process that name.-

Galarian Zapdos: <Bullshit.>

-Dune rolls his eyes and walks to his office. The birds all look at each other in confusion.-

-The confusion turns into abject horror as he returns with a massive sword with an eight-spoked wheel for a handle.-

Dune: This is the last time I'm going to ask politely. Are we going to play nice?

-The Articuno preemptively blasts her brother Zapdos with an Extrasensory before rushing up and nodding.-

Galarian Articuno: <Yes! Yes yes yes we will! Please don't call the boss lady please don't please please please we saw what happened to Orochi please please please don't call her...>

-The Moltres gives a defeated sigh as the Zapdos twitches, his head lodged in a nearby rock while his legs twitch sporadically.-

Area Zero

-Sombra nods her head as she starts moving towards the waterfall, then pauses-

Sombra: "Wait, what mind of Pokemon specifically should we be looking for? ‘Cause I’ve heard that there are some… odd looking ones here, to say the least."

Sombra: "Or maybe I’m just really too gullible."

East Province Area Two

Ginny: -Going at full gallop-

-To Iridium-

Okay kiddo, how are you guys holding up so far?

Iridium: -Riding a now evolved Struthie, the Espathra easily keeping stride- Fine!

-To Iridium-

Trust in your mons, and they'll trust in you. Now it's time for a new lesson, but this is more for Struthie.

-Picking up speed-

Ginny, now!

Ginny: -Leaps onto a cliff before galloping up at a 90 degree angle-

-Dismounting from Ginny upon reaching the top-

Focus your Aura into your feet, and you and Struthie can do this too. Remember, the key is to focus enough Aura to cling, but not enough that you start destroying the structure.

Struthie: <Yeah I can totally do that!>

-Feet glow as she also makes the 90 degree climb with Iridium riding on her back-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 30th 2024 at 10:49:25 AM

Team Iron Base

-Cid flips through the memos on his desk.-

Cid: ... And you're sure these are authentic?

Thrawn: The remaining members of Dr. Orlandeau's team swear they are.

Cid: Do you know how big this is? This project started in the '50s. The fact that someone of his age is even capable of being involved in it either means he was brought in far earlier than his educational history would back up, or the project continued on far further than it should have. Orlandeau was easily one of the youngest researchers involved in it when it was... well, I was going to say when it was "active", but I suppose at this point you could say it was "officially active" instead. Which would mean Dr. Morton would need to have been either in his teens, or the project was just swept under proxy names.

Thrawn: I have already reached out to him to ascertain his willingness to join our cause, but he has refused any response. He is deliberately ignoring us.

Cid: I cannot blame him considering the circumstances, as well as the fact that the man's son is one of the biggest potential hurdles we have in the region, but still...

-He tosses the memos onto the desk.-

Cid: Is there anything else I should know about the late Dr. Orlandeau that he didn't share with me?

Thrawn: Nothing else as of yet. I will say, however, this is quite the unusual name for an off-the-books intelligence research project.

Cid: The '50s and '60s were like that.

-On the memos, under the deep red TOP SECRET stamps, one can make out a single acronym tucked away in the header in deceptively unimpressive font size.-

-MKNAOMI.-

East Province Area Two, yesterday

Iridium: -To me while eating a sandwich- So how'd you learn that trick anyway Dr. Tagg?

-To Iridium-

Ginny and I participated in a most unusual horse race.

Iridium: What kind of horse race has you do that?

The kind involving a pale horse.

Naranja y Uva Academy, today

-To the assorted students who've gathered into the lecture hall-

Good evening everyone, I'm Dr. Tagg of the Pokédex Extended Fileshare Endeavor, some of you may know of me for other reasons, but they're for the most part not relevant right now. I was given special permission by the Chairwoman to give you all this lesson on non-standard typings, and a certain one in particular.

Doc: -Is out-

-To the crowd-

This is Doc, he's half Togekiss and about 13, but apart from that he's a fairly standard example of an Audino. The thing about him is less about what he is now, and more about what he used to be.

-Switching slides to a picture of a normal Audino and one surrounded by a purple Aura-

You see, Doc here used to be a Shadow Pokémon.

-The students start murmuring amongst themselves-

For those who don't know, Shadow Pokémon have had their metaphysical hearts closed by a process that La Primera would be unhappy if I told but I wouldn't tell you anyway. I can say it takes more than simply standard Pokémon abuse to create a Shadow, otherwise we'd be running into a lot more of them.

Not that the average person can tell on appearance alone, what you see on the slide before you is an artistic rendition of an aura that requires either a special sight or special machinery to detect. While most Shadow Pokémon look no different from a regular member of their species, they will often exhibit aberrant behaviors from a regular member of their species, most often in the form of increased aggression.

Student A: Is it true that Shadow Pokémon are stronger than regular Pokémon?

-To Student A-

In the sense that a person high on adrenaline is stronger, perhaps. Including the resultant self-harm and crash. A Shadow Pokémon will just keep going in battle until subdued, even if it means tearing itself apart. Something no responsible Trainer would want in a mon. They also will stay about as strong as they were prior to Shadowfication, and trying to induce evolution on them will fail.

Student B: Seems like a waste then, why do people want them?

-To Student B-

They are shortsighted and want an easy path to power, no matter how much it harms their Pokémon and stunts their growth.

Student C: Wait so, what do we do if we ever come across one of them?

-To Student C-

Unless you've made a habit of tangling with those involved the darkest aspects of the Pokémon underworld, outside of Orre the chances of you running into one is very low. If you do happen to be so unlucky and running isn't an option, an important thing to remember is that a Shadow Pokémon will share all the weaknesses of its regular counterpart, so whatever works on say, a regular Gyarados will work on its Shadow counterpart.

On the flip side, their so-called Shadow moves seem to be super-effective on any non-Shadow Pokémon, and the Vow isn't even a suggestion to them, so they will not hesitate to attack you directly if they can spot an opening. The first generation Shadow Pokémon seen during the First Cipher Crisis 20 years ago only had one move, Shadow Rush, but the second generation first observed five years later have a lot more variety in their moves.

In most cases I would suggest leaving the handling of Shadows to the proper authorities whenever possible, such as the Rangers. If you are facing a Trainer using a Shadow who is aware of what they have, primarily a Cipher operative, or certain cells of Team Rocket, they will likely be playing for keeps, and the cost of losing may be more than your pocket change. It's important you all understand that, there are reasons why this stuff isn't commonly taught.

Student C: What if there are no proper authorities?

And you want to try your hand at fixing one? Admirable, but as I've observed, it can be tough. Good care will reveal the true nature of the Pokémon suffering Shadowfication, but they still have a chance of going berserk. Remember that while they may seem like heartless monsters, in reality they're victims that just need the right person to open up.

Which then leads to purification. The most reliable methods we have are a trip to Agate Village in Orre and visiting its Relic Stone, a monolith closely associated with Celebi, or access to the Pokémon HQ Lab's Purification Chamber also in Orre.

Now does anyone have any more questions?

Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 25th 2024 at 11:11:24 AM

Another student raises their hand.

Student D: "This is more for the Audino, Doc, but you had to face any of those other Shadow Pokemon after getting out of it yourself? Sure wouldn't seem enviable to deal with that."

Naranja y Uva Academy

-Doc and I share a look-

Doc: <Twice, but I don't like talking about them. It wasn't.>

-To Student D-

I didn't catch your name Mx.?

Edited by rmctagg09 on Mar 25th 2024 at 12:48:52 PM

Trill: "Yeah, don't blame you. And Trill is fine."

Naranja y Uva Academy

-To Trill-

Trill, huh? I'll remember that.

Student A: Wait so then, what happens when they're purified?

The mon is back to normal, physically at least, mentally there can still be aftereffects. While it is true that a Shadow Pokémon's strength remains static, it seems that they still accumulate experience from battles during their time as a Shadow, so it's not unusual for a purified Pokémon to fully evolve on the spot.

It's also not unusual for them to gain moves that they normally wouldn't be able to learn as part of the experience. One such example I can name from personal experience is a Sneasel gaining Teleport upon purification.

-Switching slides to an artist's rendition of a purple Lugia with red eyes-

Of course while I said most Shadow Pokémon look indistinguishable from regular members of their species, that's not true for all of them. This was XD-001, a Lugia Shadowed by Cipher shortly before the Second Cipher Crisis around 14 years ago. It's unknown how exactly Cipher managed to pull it off, but they corrupted Shadow Lugia so thoroughly that not even the Relic Stone would work, necessitating the Chamber.

Malie Outskirts

Chiyo: -Staring at a house- ...

Chloe: -From behind- ...Chiyo if you stare over there for any longer without doing anything someone's going to look outside and think we're trying to case the joint.

Chiyo: -Turning her head towards Chloe- I'm not ready to go there yet, not while the School's still around.

Chloe: Then let's go if you're not ready to meet them yet, no point in sticking around here and looking "suspicious". We might be from Alola, but we're still just gonna like like two haoles.

Chiyo: Yeah, I guess you're right.

-The two quickly depart from the area-

Oliver: <I could give it a push. Seeing as I'm an all right swimmer.>

Mitchell: -to the monkey Ann points out- Ahoy there! Would you help a few strangers out? We've got Poffins!

"NOT AGAIN!", Mitchell cries out in frustration. Once again, he'd misjudged the angle for rolling the giant olive and knocked it out of bounds.

<Don't give up, Boss!>, Gavroche says. Dressed in a smart-looking uniform for the Cortondo Gym, he rolls the giant olive back to the start of the maze, as part of his duties there.

"I know, I know!", Mitchell protests. "Just gotta focus, and not lose my nerve."

<Remember your M&A,> Gavroche reminds Mitchell. <Momentum And Angles>

"Right," Mitchell says, back at the start of the maze. "One more time. Ready when you are, sir."

The attendant gives a weird look, then readies his air horn. "Prepare to roll in 3...2...1....GO!"

With the sound of the horn, Mitchell goes again. This time, though the use of an unlikely bounce sending the olive further into the maze, Mitchell manages to reach the end in fairly good time.

"Congratulations!", the course greeter at the end says. "You've cleared the Gym Trial! Now you have the right to face Katy in a Leader Battle. Just say the word when you're ready, and we'll fit your match in her schedule."

"Thanks!" Mitchell says. "Man, I'm beat. Now, which Trial are we doing next?"

A student with a bowl-hair cut raises his hand.

Student E: Have any more Pokemon like this Shadow Lugia been sighted between then and now.... that we're allowed to know about?

Levincia

With the polymer thread latched onto it, the only thing Arachna-Guy needed to do is start pulling. And pull he did.

"This feels familiar," he muttered to himself rather softly. Of course, the last time this happened, he was fighting in unfamiliar territory. The polymer, at least, gave him some distance and leverage, and with MidKnight's own will finally rejecting Pavo's power (or so he feels like it) it at least feels like it's giving in a bit more.

"Put your back into it," Night Mankey snarked. "Really wished you went with a more powerlifter build, huh?"

"No, this is pretty normal for these feathers." Arachna-Guy retorted. "Mystical Obscura energy keeps it attached. It needs a lot of force to take it out from outsiders and the possessed to take it out. And I don't see you pulling."

"I thought you could handle it. Unless the Geographic Society was doing its old camera tricks to make you look good like it did with the Pyramids."

Arachna-Guy mumbled in a complain-y tone after hearing that. Meanwhile, Vybrashun decided that he's heard enough bellyaching from his trainer and grabbed hold of the polymer unprompted. Arachna-Guy stared at him briefly and nodded. The big Rillaboom nodded in turn. The little feather was deceptively difficult to take out.

"<You were not kidding.> " He muttered in Monese, knowing full well that the man in the bodysuit can understand him. "<This is incredibly difficult to pull.>"

"Told you! Once it attaches to an object worn by someone, it's hard to take it out even if it was just something they were wearing. But if we can yank it fast and hard enough, it just might budge, especially if they're actively refusing the power."

Vybrashun nodded in response. Some things didn't need words.

"On three. THREE."

And they pulled as hard as they could.

"I certainly hope you know what you're doing, Unovan."

"Trust me on this. I've a bone to pick with MidKnight's patron."

The feather at last came loose, the polymer thread carrying it upwards as the erstwhile villainess and her savage Swellow-esque construct began to dissolve in fading Obscura.

"Whatever you do, stay away from that feather. It must be destroyed. If you hear a voice in your head telling you to grab it, tell them to step off."

"You heard him!" Yelled Night Mankey in response to everyone else. "Everyone, direct any and all attack toward it. Pulverize it until it is no more!"

Aranos and Night Mankey's Pokémon do as they're told, directing any and all projectile attacks in the direction of the feather.

"Going for overkill. Smart."

"If it's still as dangerous as we've seen, we can't take any chances."

Area Zero

~CrobatOfTheStars

Mithos: -snickers- "You've read the magazines, huh? Yeah there's some weird stuff down here but I'm looking for one in particular - this lady named Briar just only recently proved to humanity it exists. He's called Terapagos, have you heard of him?"

Edited by Umbramatic on Mar 26th 2024 at 9:53:14 AM