The Pen laughed, taking up a floating reclining position as Gale walked along. Won't be too hard, I noticed that Arthur seems to be capable of generating his own soundtrack by anger alone, not even child's play for us.

A small volume bar appeared in Gale's vision, the Pen smirked, For you. Your own soundtrack, well more mine anyways, but it has a list of songs that incite fight or flight reactions when you enter. The unstoppable Nightingale barges onto an enemy vessel, Megalovania starts playing, or The World Revolving, depends on what you want.

It stopped reclining and faced forward, Now what will do about the parts where you need to go interact with other living things, I doubt you want to go rabbit ears, should I start work on generating a remote avatar for you?

"We rarely ever do," Silas responded, "My first time in one of these situations I became a mercenary for a interstellar war with space fighters, an army of monkey mons, and a giant cybernetic brain that I still have nightmares over."

~You'll get used to it, and in the end we have contact to a good therapist,~ Hacks added.

Ziltoid nodded, ~Until then you're free to explore, I'll alert you all when it is time for your journey to begin.~

Motostoke, Fucking Rich People

Abilene: Oho? Supposedly rivalry's supposed to be rather bracing—ah, where has my sense gone. You'll hardly find a worthy aim among this rabble.

-tapping her cane- A word from an elder—broaden your horizons, Gaspard. Not all rivalries begin in respect, but the finest end in them. You'll know it's true when any thought other than settling it yourself galls you. I met a nightmare woman in the unlikeliest of places—

-she shakes her head- Enough talk. "Fortnite", what even…

-at crimes against collectibles-

Abilene: -grim- Heinous, truly. There is no respect in this list of crimes. The Green Watcher as witness, judgement is at hand.

Lanatus: -trill-

-and she starts forward, her team nowhere in sight-

Abilene: -adopting a creaky "I'm twentysomething and already eat sugar-free oatmeal three times a day" kind of voice- Oh deary, deary me, is this where you said those hooligans were off to, Gaspard?

-not waiting for an answer—tottering forward, pointing in a slightly wrong direction- Now listen, sonny, I'm afraid I'll have to give you what for! Now I, I know you didn't mean any harm, but you had better apologize to my dear, sweet cousin. Your actions affect others, you know! -finger-waggle-

-fidgeting with a Friend Ball- ...or I may need to, er, settle this. In the traditional way.

Motostoke Alley

Terrence: Oh, there's more of you. Figured you'd stoop so low as to have your conflicts settled by women, you green-haired tattle-tale freak.

Gaspard: Like you're the one to talk.

Terrence: You settle conflicts like you settle fistfights.

Gaspard: By clearly accomplishing the objective of actually hitting you?

Terrence: Have your little victory, then. You get so little that I'm being generous. You ruined my pretty face.

Gaspard: I honestly didn't think it could be ruined any more than it actually was when it first came out.

Terrence: Sticks and stones, Gaspard. Inasmuch as I don't think your kind is worth battling, I do enjoy bringing people to heel. Next time, get a real jolteon.

Gaspard turns to Abilene, legitimately embarrassed. This look on his face was not normal.

Gaspard: I only have umbreons.

Lamarck: My siblings will be avenged soon.

Terrence: And here I thought you were completely emotionless. Ohhh, that's not a good look on you.

Gaspard: Too late for flattery.

Terrence: Bugger this. Have the honour of being humiliated by the son of the former champion.

Gaspard: I'm going to go out on a limb and say we Macrauls ride our forebears' coattails more elegantly that the Johnsons ever will.

Terrence releases a Inteleon and drednaw.

Motostoke Alleyway

-it's not like she can see the look on his face, but it's fairly easily inferred-

Abilene: -tossing her Pokéball underhand- O-oh my, the son of a Champion! Gaspard, you didn't tell me you knew—

-click-

Abilene: —someone so charmingly nepotistic.

-out flies what may well be the biggest, most grizzled Chesnaught any of them have ever seen-

-the force of his feet touching ground may well be enough to blow the Drednaw, Inteleon...and Terrence himself out into the open-

Abilene: Why settle this in private? We're all gentlefolk, aren't we?

Castanea: -snort-

Abilene: -striding forward- Repeat what you said about women, Terrence, about "our kind". Say it like you mean it.

-she gestures for Gaspard to follow, and keep his eyes on Terrence- Please, tell me how much I am worth.

Ziltoid's Ship

Well honestly I might be fine keeping the suit on. Beyond the bird aesthetic I can come up with a few cover stories... Ship's android, living stellar plasma in a containment suit...

-She swaps accents briefly-

Obscure species of immunocompromised shipfarers...

-And then back to normal-

And of course just going 'yeah I'm something called a Human, I was abducted when I was a kid and became a galactic merc'. Yaknow, the Star Lord thing.

NYE Striaton City Battle

(The explosion ultimately fades, and Dio is on the ground, but very quickly gets back up. He turns to face Kim, rather sheepishly.)

Dio: <Okay... that took a lot out of me. Think I should maybe conserve my strength before battling Piku-chan?>

Kim: (holding out Dio's PokeBall) "Indeed. Return, Dio."

(Dio goes back into his PokeBall in a flash of blue light, and Kim takes out another PokeBall.)

Kim: "Well, then. Hanuman's nearly down... which means it's about time!" (She throws it into the air.) "Red alert, Boseman!"

(In a flash, the ball opens and Boseman reappears, staring down Hanuman.)

Boseman: <Ah. I see your Blaze has been activated. That is rather convenient. Shall I?>

Kim: "You may. Boseman, use Night Shade!"

(Boseman nods, hops over to Hanuman, and releases the attack from his eyes.)

Route 7, Galar

(Kim nods, looks straight into Raru's eyes, and takes a deep breath. The Galarian Zigzagoon, meanwhile, is giggling to himself.)

Galarian Zigzagoon: (thinking to himself)    <Oh... now I see what they're doing... this is gonna be GREAT!>   

Meanwhile, on the same route...

(Dave continues to headbutt trees.)

Striaton City, NYE Battle

Me: Hanuman! Use Dig!

-Hanuman burrows quickly into the ground and and charges at Boseman while underground!-

Galar Route 7

-Raru's eyes start to glow a soothing pink as he focuses on Kim.-

Raru: -calmly- <Now... I want you to relax, look into my eyes, and focus only on my voice...>

Striaton City NYE Battle

Kim: "Follow hi—"

Boseman: (raising a "hand") <No! I must stay up here.>

Kim: "Oh? But... you'll surely faint."

Boseman: <If I am to go down...> (He stares down intensely at the ground, before his eyes glow purple.) <Then I am to go down knowing I fought to the best of my ability!>

(And seconds later, purple energy begins to come from his eyes that soon coalesces into a giant ball of glowing purple energy. Kim blinks, recognizing the move.)

Kim: "That... that's Shadow Ball..."

BOSEMAN THE LITWICK

NEW MOVE LEARNED: SHADOW BALL

Boseman: (smirks) <I shall wait for him to come up.>

(Kim stares in shock for a few moments, then nods, realizing what Boseman is trying to do.)

Route 7, Galar

(Kim does so, her eyes still closed. The rest of Kim's Pokemon turn to face each other as this is happening.)

Paul: <Hey! I just realized something. Do you have any idea where Dave went off to?>

Boseman: <He should be tackling down trees by now. I did hear that he just learned Headbutt.>

Dalt: <He learned Headbutt?! That is wonderful!> (He immediately runs off.) <We need to go and congratulate him!>

(Boseman and Paul look at each other before they both shrug and decide to follow the happy doggo.)

Meanwhile, on the same route...

(Dave is still headbutting a bunch of trees down and eventually comes to one very tall, very sturdy tree in the middle of the route. He grins, recognizing his chance, and steps back with his head out. Seconds later:)

Dave: <ALRIGHT YA BLOODY TREE! GET READY FOR—>

Dalt: <Daaaave~!>

(Dave looks up, suddenly interrupted by Dalt calling out to him. He sees Paul, Boseman, and Dalt all running towards him and blinks in confusion.)

Dave: <Paul?! Boseman?! Dalt?! Wot in the bloody 'ell are you lot doing here?!>

Paul: <Well, we heard that you learned Headbutt, so we decided to come over and congratulate you.>

Dalt: <Yeah! That's awesome!>

Boseman: <Your strength is commendable.>

Dave: (laughs) <Ach! Don't mention it, ya flutes! I'm not even gonna use that move in battle at any point!>

Dalt: <You're not? Why not?>

Dave: <Because THIS is what I use it for! Knocking down trees!>

Boseman: <That is a... very unusual method of getting stronger, I must say.>

Dave: <C'MON! It worked fer me!>

Boseman: <I was going to say, if it worked for you, then your method is acceptable.>

Dalt: (excitedly) <Ooh! I know! Can we see you knock down the tree?>

Dave: <Wot, are ya codding me?! Course ya can! Step back!>

(The rest of Kim's Pokemon do exactly that, while Dave looks up— and suddenly notices the Galarian Zigzagoon, Raru, Kim, and the glass of water.)

Dave: <...wot in the name of Arceus is going on over there?! Is that a Galarian Zigzagoon?!>

Paul: <It is.>

Dave: <Why is Kim asleep?!>

Paul: <They're pulling a prank on her so that the Galarian Zigzagoon will laugh.>

Dave: <Those crazy culchies...>

Dalt: <Oh, no. Do not worry. Kim will be fine. Will you knock down the tree now?>

(Dave just laughs.)

Dave: <HAH! Ya didn't have ta ask me twice!>

Galar Route 7

Raru: -calmly- <Now, just relax... and let go of the troubles that weigh down your heart...>

-Raru then thinks to himself, "She won't know what hit her..."-

Raru: -calmly- <Your body feels light, like a feather... but your consciousness is slipping... You are feeling very calm... and veerryyyy sleeeepyy~...>

-Raru shifts his wrist, as though swinging an invisible pendulum back and forth in front of Kim...-

Striaton City, NYE Battle

Me: NOW!

-Hanuman charges headlong at Boseman, rising out of the ground to meet him and his Shadow Ball attack!-

Striaton City, NYE Battle

(The second that Hanuman rises up from the ground, Boseman smirks, throws out his new Shadow Ball attack directly at Hanuman, and cries out:)

Boseman: <UNOVA FOREVER—!!>

(Seconds later, he is thrown back.)

Route 7 Galar

(Kim's eyes start to flutter, and within seconds she is fast asleep. The Galarian Zigzagoon, meanwhile, grins.)

Galarian Zigzagoon: (to himself)    <Oh, this is gonna be SO GOOD...!>   

Meanwhile, on the same route...

(Dave steps back and aims his head towards the giant tree while the rest of Kim's Pokemon watch in awe.)

Dave: <Alright, here goes nothing!>

(He suddenly rams his head forward, all the while crying out:)

Dave: <ROOT IT YA BLOODY TREE!>

(The tree shakes for a bit and then falls to the ground. Seconds later, Kim's Pokemon all gasp in disbelief.)

Dalt: <Woah...!>

Boseman: <That raw strength was astounding.>

Dave: <'Course it was! I've been training myself for ages ta get that tough!>

Kai's Apartment

-Kai frowns, glancing over at whatever Gale instinctively winced at.-

Kai: ...I suppose I don't have that benefit. Not that I'm expecting any family to show up, but I still have my own very recognizable face. And... admittedly, after the incident at the Macraul estate, I realized how much I can't stand being in a body that isn't my own.

-She lets out a quiet chuckle, though the humor in it is somewhat shallow.-

Kai: Looking back, that's a pretty big change from how I felt back during my first J-Team April Fools, huh?

-She pauses, and shakes her head-

Kai: Okay, Kai, don't get sidetracked.

Mementos, Armory Path

Interesting effect of these outfits, our voices haven't changed, but Kai still doesn't recognize us.

Well it's kinda our job to help the helpless, and you kinda need help right now.

The Pen's grin stretched from metaphorical ear to ear, No matter the answer, they should be ready to face the weirdness that is Nightingale and the Undying Slayer.

Arthur walked by whistling a catchy tune to himself, unsure if he saw the Pen, who had opted to mess with its perception settings for a moment.

They won't know what hit them.

The upgrades completed, PW!Ziltoid walked Silas through the operations and upgrading of his vessel as well as its new reactor to operate all these upgrades. It was simple enough anyways. Bishop recording every moment for the sake of accurate records, as well as assisting his Captain if needed.

Hacks was busy directing the mon members of the teams around, preparing in case of boarding action, Hayden arguing that the presence of Nightingale and the Undying Slayer would handle that. Snakeye not really caring, Amber more concerned with setting up Smash Tourneys, all vital stuff.

And finally Roxy was introducing Upton and Phineas to their cabin, "The ship was originally a luxury yacht prototype, slingshot yourself to the moon and all, so the cabins are a bit more comfortable than what's normal for Asimov's more dedicated vessels. Upgrades have been made and you'll be given access cards to let you walk around the ship," she explained.

"Any major questions? Because we'll be beginning the venture soon."

Striaton City, NYE Battle

-The two attacks collide in a massive explosion and when the dust of the explosion settles, both Boseman and Hanuman were knocked unconscious.-

Evelyn: Both Hanuman and Boseman are unable to battle!

Me: You did a great job out there, Hanuman... You deserve a nice, long rest...

-Ian calls Hanuman back to his Poké Ball.-

Me: I gotta say, Kim... You've gotten a lot stronger since the day we started traveling together.

Galar Route 7

-Raru nods to the sleeping Kim as the soothing glow fades from his eyes and he hops down from Ian's shoulder.-

Me: Now that we have our sleeping victim... You just slip their hand in the water like so...

-Ian uses his telekinesis to gently move Kim's hand into the warm water filled cup without waking her from her sleeping trance.-

Motostoke, Damn Rich People things

Abilene inadvertently led the group out of the alley and into a more public square. It was a retail pedestrian street, so there were a lot of people about. Terrence and his team stood up. Nobody does this to the youngest son of Nigel Pevensie-Johnson.

Terrence: I don't have to listen to you!

Okay, that was like the dumbest thing he could've possibly said. The bystanders were aghast. Some were quite appalled by the implication. There were offended gasps aplenty. "Does that young man kiss his mother with that mouth?" "That's certainly no way to treat a lady." "Such disrespect, much misogynist. Wow."

Gaspard smiled sinisterly. Which, if anyone were familiar, is perfectly normal for him in terms of smiles. He doesn't smile often. This was brilliant. Engineering a scenario where humiliation is the only option. The people certainly heard her. The people of Galar maybe unintelligent ru-- ahem, not fear the Macrauls like the people of Kalos do, but that works to their advantage nicely.

Gaspard: My cousin will teach you a what-for.

Terrence: Go lose your own battles, you git. People, you have no idea who they are. Nor do you know who I am.

Gaspard, in a fake scared voice: He stole my toy. That fiend!

Terrence's face soured. The people murmured among themselves, calling him a thief and a misogynist.

Terrence: Fine, have it your way. Parmenion. Dispatch the Chesnaught with body slam. Does your companion have papers ready? That'd certainly be fairly awkward if he was.

The Drednaw complies.

Terrence: My father and his roster beat the ever loving daylights out of people with Rillabooms using only water types.

Gaspard, unimpressed: And yet he never defeated Dr. Kultiman's mother.

Ballonlea Pitch

"Well-fought, Koyasa." He pocketed his third 'mon, the Light Screen distorting the Leader's glare, as well as the glare from her own third.

An Aqua Jet from Helmsman leveled the field.

"Proud o' ya, Akatsuki." The Boltund growled through the pain, fangs bared at the Leader's fourth. As much damage as Crunch could deal he knew that was all he had left, and soon Amy was down to her own fourth.

"I think those two know each other. Those jackets look pretty similar, and their numbers are pretty close as well. You stand out a bit."

"Well, they're pretty distinctly Unovan. Are these live feeds?"

"May~be."

It all happened too fast, the Center was experiencing a slow day, with trainers coming in with their pokemon. People leaving the dorms to check out for the next day of their journeys, people coming in for their next shift, and nurses and doctors setting up for any injured Trainers or mons. Nexus was growing into a notable center itself, a few Med-Students fresh out of university were also joining to work on their internships.

And then they came in, 21 members of a Team Plasma cell swarmed in, they wore heavy paramilitary uniforms and carried heavy mons and weapons. Security didn’t have time to react, Trainers couldn’t get to their mons, many were locked in dorms. Nobody knew what they wanted exactly, only that it involved the center.

Within half an hour they had 13 hostages ready, including the head Nurse, Nina Kensington. The building was sealed off and they awaited authority response and a news broadcast.

The call came in, local authorities had cordoned off the area and were engaged in negotiations. Interpol was on standby due to previous experience with the Team situation, Looker was busy elsewhere but it’d need to come down to someone.

There was uneasy talk, Plasma had always been a bit of a thorn, Ghetis had caused a big problem ever since the team was first formed. Splinter cells like this had been forming ever since, based in his ideals of “Human Pokemon Separation”, targeting institutions they felt diminished the “natural beauty of pokemon”.

Just don’t talk to them about the mons they used.

There was chatter, unease, the situation was a arceus-damned powder keg now, all the Cell had wanted was “The liberation of our brothers and sisters, and the releasing of mons from these institutions meant to hold them down!”

Suffice to say nobody was happy with the current situation. Detective Rameriez sipped another cup of coffee as he watched the feed, 21 members of Team Plasma, some carrying honest weapons, the mon choices were Houndooms, Bisharps, and Krookodiles. A few had belts that contained more notable pokeball choices, meaning they were holding back some others.

“We may need to call it in a few hours,’ Rameriez noted, “Negotiations aren’t going well and who knows what they’ll do to hostages.”

“They’re human pokemon separatists Rameriez, not human haters, give it time,” One of the other officers noted.

Rameriez let out a sigh and stepped aside, he needed to make an important phone call. This situation was rapidly deteriorating, somebody would get seriously hurt. He hated to do this but they needed something more.

It was getting tense, negotiations had gotten nowhere and the Grunts had become restless. Many were stating they’d only give another 24 hours before things started to get unpleasant. Local Authorities had it under lockdown at least, but it was clear action was needed to be taken.

Special Response would be needed, the others turned to Rameriez who gave a light shrug.

The door opened, and in stepped Captain Hudson. Kevin was notable for being a good guy with his heart on his sleeve, effective, and direct. He was followed by 4 others, Seamus, Marshall, Manya, and Aeson. This was Kevin’s designated Gold Team of the SRD.

“Briefing, 5 minutes, we need everything we can get,” Kevin said with a notable iciness.

Rameriez nodded, “Follow me.”

“And that’s the situation,” Rameriez finished.

Kevin nodded and turned to the others, “Hostage Op, Armed Terrorists, Heavy Hitter style mons. Manya, suggestions?”

“The act itself is the end goal, negotiations are to delay for time and keep media attention on them. Standard profile of Plasma Cultists shows that they view Pokemon Centers as some form of brainwashing tool to hold Pokemon back,” Manya noted, her Absol at her side nodding along, “If they actually get more Plasma cultists locked up released that is a bonus.”

“That’s just conjecture right?” Seamus asked, “We can’t be certain.”

Manya noted, “Standard profile yes, don’t have enough evidence to show that they are following it to the letter.”

Kevin nodded, he looked to Marshall, “Suggestions as to action?”

Marshall leaned back and gave it some thought before saying, “Nexus is a large center, there was construction undergoing an underground mall with plans to connect it to the Pokemon Center, the place will be abandoned due to the cordon. We lead in through there and take the element of surprise.”

Kevin nodded, “Right. Aeson, prep your medkit, we may need to stabilize on sight.”

Aeson looked up from their gear, “Got it boss,” they said calmly, fiddling with a suture kit.

Kevin turned to Rameriez, “We play this by the book, we get in, we get out. Rescue every hostage we can and contain the threat. Anything we’re missing?”

Rameriez shook his head, “No notable names popped up, and with the masks they are wearing it is hard to identify them. No notable voices either, probably to prevent easy identification.”

Kevin motioned for the others to follow, “Prep a vehicle, we’ll get our gear and be on site in about 30.”

“You don’t waste time,” Rameriez noted, “No quips or funny comments?”

“Not the time,” Kevin answered.

As they passed, a fresh SRD recruit let out a laugh, “By the book, how cliche. You gotta pay fast and loose with the-”

He was soon greeted by a very displeased looking Kevin, the recruit clammed up staring at the leader of Gold.

“Word of advice, the book exists for a reason, it is there to ensure we follow guidelines to protect people and prevent abuses. We are not lone gunmen on a crusade of vengeance, we are officers of the law meant to protect and serve. Playing a Cowboy Cop will get you killed or worse, get the people you’re supposed to be saving killed, sometimes because you are the one pulling the trigger.”

The Recruit seemed rather small now, and shuffled off quietly.

“Had to read the riot act?” Marshall asked, a smirk on her face.

“Too many idiots played cops and robbers as kids and think that because they wear a badge they are the law and can do whatever they want. No patience for them,” Kevin noted, “Let’s go get geared up. Prep your teams, mons will be vital for situational control.”

The Tac-Van pulled up and out stepped the SRD, Kevin on the scene with Dallas right by his side, he surveyed the area, “Okay. Get a on the scene update of the situation, Marshall, you and Manya get the construction area unlocked.”

Manya and Marshall gave a salute and headed off, Kevin stepped over to the locals, “I’m Captain Hudson with the Interpol Special Response Division. I’ve been given a briefing of the situation, what’s the on site update?” he asked.

Striaton City, NYE Battle

(Kim smiles, returning Boseman back to his PokeBall, before looking down at it.)

Kim: "You were excellent, Boseman. You deserve a rest, too."

(She puts it away, before looking back up at Ian.)

Kim: "Don't mention it, Ian." (she takes out another PokeBall) "I hope Dio's ready for this."

Route 7, Galar

(Kim is still fast asleep. The Galarian Zigzagoon starts snickering to himself.)

Galarian Zizagoon:    <This is gonna be GREAT—!>   

Meanwhile, on the same route...

Boseman: <Well, I must say, your training has definitely paid off.>

Dalt: <Can you knock down one more of the trees? That would be fun!>

Paul: <I don't know, the rest of the trees here look pretty sturdy.>

Dave: <Oh, relax! I can knock down one of those no problem!>

(And as if to show them, he runs towards another tree and headbutts it... and it only barely moves.)

Dave: <Oh come on, why don't cha?! Maybe THIS'LL HELP!>

(He headbutts it again, and it barely moves again. Dave growls, rolling towards the tree.)

Dave: <YA BLOODY TREE! WOT, DO I HAFTA LEARN ANOTHER MOVE IN ORDER TA GET YA TA GO DOWN?! GRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH—!!!>

(He hits it again— and seconds later, he starts to glow in a bright blue light. The tree starts to become derooted, and Dave steps back, looking at himself in confusion. When he realizes what is happening to him, he grins.)

Dave: <BANG ON! IT'S ABOUT BLOODY TIME!>

(Dalt, Paul, and Boseman, meanwhile, all look on in disbelieving shock.)

Boseman: <Incredible!>

Paul: <Dalt... d'ya think that maybe...>

Dalt: <Yeah! Dave is evolving!>

Paul:(looking back towards Kim) <Looks like Kim's asleep...>

Dalt: <Oh no! She will miss the evolution!>

Dave: <HEY! KIM! WAKE UP, WHY DONTCHA?! IT'S A SHAME YER GON' MISS THIS!>

Meanwhile...

(Kim doesn't hear Dave, and is still fast asleep. The Galarian Zigzagoon, meanwhile, does, and when he sees what is happening, his eyes bug out of his skull. Seconds later, he runs over to Ian and Evelyn, tapping them both on the shoulder.)

Galarian Zigzagoon:    <Uh... hey, guys?>    (He points ahead at Dave.)    <That glowing, soon-to-be Dubwool belong to that sleeping Trainer?>   

Nexus Medical Center

The CCPD are massed around the building. Their weapons and pokémon are on standby, and

Sgt. Jeffrey Sanchez was there. He was not happy. The hostage situation was going nowhere. The people in the tower are in danger from a bunch of radicals. Plasma remnant grunts were a dime a dozen in this town, of course, but there hasn't been a hostage crisis this bad since N disbanded the group.

He pets Norville, his furfrou in the head. The noble hound wore his police dog vest with pride. He wasn't just a search dog; he was moral support.

Officer Jenny appeared.

Jeff: Jenny. Thank Arceus you're here. Any word from Rameriez?

Officer Jenny: I do. He's made contact with Interpol. They should be on their way soon.

Jeff: That's... well, it's not bad. And what of the situation uptown?

Officer Jenny: We've sent what little officers we could to evacuate any affected civilians. And Arachna-Guy seems to be struggling enough with his new adversary as it is.

Beat.

Jeff: Terrific.

Officer Jenny: It's gonna be one of those days.

Jeff: Mierda, I know. He was our last chance at ending this standoff quietly.

Officer Jenny: It's okay, sir. Nobody expected Malacostra to be back in Castelia so soon.

Jeff: Though given their numbers and heavy hitters, I don't think one superhero is enough for this job. Heck, I'm starting to worry about him and Malacostra.

Officer Jenny: We can trust him to at least handle the Malacostra situation, though. Think we can call the Aurabolts?

Jeff: I considered it; there's no time.

Officer Jenny: At least we'll still have some heavy hitters when Interpol gets here.

Oblivion Wing, newbie quarters

Phineas: Thank you, Frau Roxy. This is certainly most kind. If you need reinforcements, my trainer and I are at your beck and call.

Upton: Yeah, thanks. When's dinner?

Phineas: Shouldn't you be going back to Torpor, young man?

While the Brauns are checking out the quarters, Shutter remains outside, some distance away in a corner. All the while, he tossed the apricorn ball up and down. He had excused himself from entering the quarters as he needed space to think. He had been ruminating on Silas' words. They were meant to be comforting, that much he understood. But how could it be? Besides Upton—who was more coworker than friend—and his team, he was alone.

True, life was hardly stable back on Earth. But in each of those times he had someone dear to lean on. The teammate he was closest to, Gimbal, was left at home. As were all his human friends. And the one person who could've made this turn of events anywhere remotely okay.

"It just doesn't seem like a space adventure without you." He muttered.

He was adrift in space, a culmination of everything that has broken his sense of "normal" since the incident with Lawrence III. It had always been about losing his sense of normal. But when was the last time things were? Not since the delta invasion. Not since the zombies. Not since the moon nearly made impact. Not since the rifts. Had he really been clinging to an imaginary normal that only existed in his head when he was seven?

There was something about this time, though, that made things profound. He was about to be part of a conflict whose sides he was not completely aware of. Even if he were among those fighting a greater evil as that mustachio'd Ziltoid suggested, he remained entirely suspicious that they were on the right side of a conflict. And more importantly, he was not even sure he could get back home.

A wild Upton appeared.

Upton: Hey. I know you just want to be left alone in your thoughts and everything, but I just want you to know that dad and I are there if you want to talk. And so is Mr. Grant and his Uncle—I think. I'm pretty sure they're related.

Shutter: I appreciate the offer, man. Thanks.

Upton: Hey, I know it's hard to be stuck in a different world. Hits you like a truck, right? Well, if you need help adapting to your isekai woes, I'm your bird... man... thing.

Nexus Medical Center

Jeff: Sgt. Jeffrey Sanchez, Castelia City Police Department. A pleasure. Officer Jenny here had informed me of your arrival, sir.

Officer Jenny: We have heard of your coordination of a similar situation in Wyndon. When Rameriez mentioned your name, we knew we had someone who can turn the tide in our favor.

Jeff escorts them to the CCPD's nerve center in the area.

Jeff: Up to this point there has been no success in even negotiating with the hostage-takers. They kept harping something about the center being some sort of evil. I'd have expected something along the lines of overturning our many charges against Ghetsis, but no.

He points at a map.

Jeff: Our forces are spread thin because of a different incident further uptown. Fortunately, we have someone out there taking care of that situation and our fellows there will have the area secure soon enough. With what little resources we had, we've managed to secure the area. Nobody goes in or out without our clearance. They at least have nothing in the way of reinforcements. But the trapped rattata are often the most dangerous. Word so far is that they've made vague yet clear threats of drastic action in the next 24 hours.

Edited by MasterJayAM on Jan 24th 2021 at 3:33:23 AM

Striaton City, NYE Battle

Me: Piku-chan, are you ready?

Piku-chan: <Ready when you are, Ian!>

Me: Then let's go! Piku-chan, I choose you!

-Piku-chan jumps off of Ian's shoulder and into battle.-

Galar Route 7

-Ian and Evelyn turn around to watch Dave's evolution, with Ian recording the sight with his Xtransceiver.-

Evelyn: Dave's evolving?!

Me: Twincool!

-Ian releases his telekinetic grip on Kim's hand, leaving her hand in the water.-

Straiton City, NYE Battle

(Kim grins, and seconds later, she throws the PokeBall into the air.)

Kim: "Red alert, Dio!"

(It opens, and within seconds, Dio emerges from the ball. As soon as he sees who his opponent is, he grins.)

Dio: <Ooh, this should be fun!>

Route 7, Galar

(The Galarian Zigzagoon climbs down from the tree, eager to watch the evolution.)

Galarian Zigzagoon:    <Aw man, I gotta get a look at this!>   

Meanwhile, on the same route...

(Dave smirks, and seconds later, the transformation begins, with the rest of Kim's Pokemon eagerly watching.)

Post-Evolution Sequence

(Within minutes, the light snaps off of Dave's body, revealing a newly-evolved Dubwool standing there. He confidently slams his hoof onto the ground after it ends, while Paul, Dalt, and Boseman watch in awe.)

Dave: <HAHA!! This is bloody incredible! A real shame Kim had ta miss this FIERCE evolution!>

Paul: <Whoa...>

Dalt: <This is AMAZING! You evolved into a Dubwool!>

Dave: (with pride) <YOU'RE BLOODY RIGHT I DID!>

(He celebrates by ramming down the tree with his new powerful horns, and seconds later it falls to the ground. Boseman looks up at Dave's new form in utter disbelief, before smiling.)

Boseman: <I must congratulate you on your evolution. This is the third time I have seen one of these up close, but never before have I gotten this close to one, and it is... beautiful.>

Route 7, Galar, Near the Tree

(Meanwhile, Kim is still fast asleep, having missed the whole thing. The Galarian Zigzagoon, meanwhile, laughs, pointing over at Dave and playfully nudging Ian and Evelyn in the shoulder.)

Galarian Zigzagoon: (happily)    <He-e-eyyyyy! Would ya look at that! Brand new Dubwool!>    (then, to Ian and Evelyn)    <Reeeeeal shame she had to miss it, huh? But the payoff's gonna be totally worth it!>   

(He smirks, climbing back up to the tree.)

Kai's Apartment

Right, yeah. It's the risk you run when doing crimes eh?

-Gale shoots a confident wink and goes back to the plans-

Regardless, if this goes well they won't have a chance to unmask us. We just need to strike the boat in-transit, locate the shipment, shove it into a hyperspace bag and then flee the scene. Simple grab job.

Oblivion Wing, Later

-Gale had taken up position in the ship's galley, spending the time before the first jump working on a little introduction video for what would be an informative series on ration prep for future Asimov missions. Compared to most of her cooking content it is terse and serious and refrains from giving any details of why Gale is going to be cooking for several people for 43 days because that is likely highly classified information-

Striaton City, NYE Battle

-Piku-chan takes a deep breath, as though attempting to channel a mysterious power through him, but mostly to psych himself up for the battle against Dio!-

Piku-chan: <Let's do this!>

Galar Route 7

-After watching in awe, Evelyn uses her telekinesis to check her Pokédex.-

Evelyn's Pokédex: Dubwool, the Sheep Pokémon and the evolved form of Wooloo. A Normal type. Its majestic horns are meant only to impress the opposite gender. They never see use in battle. Weave a carpet from its springy wool, and you end up with something closer to a trampoline. You'll start to bounce the moment you set foot on it.

-Ian checks his Xtransceiver for the time, and then snaps his fingers, weakening the hypnosis and allowing the sleeping Kim to react to external stimuli.-

Kai's Apartment

-Kai grins, cheeks tinting ever so slightly as she's winked at.-

Kai: Heh. The dramatic part of my soul, whatever's left of it, almost wishes it wasn't that simple. But it's probably best if we leave the complications for another time, yeah? Don't wanna get too carried away my first time around.

-Beat-

Kai: Well, second. No, third. Maybe fourth. Honestly Mason did all the work that time though.

Kevin looked over the map, "Hm. My profiler should be able to give us an estimate onto what they want."

Manya stepped in, "Yes?"

"Profile of Plasma Cells, standard demands, compared to the recordings of our terrorists here?"

"Standard profile suggests actions are done with the end goal being destruction, any form of demands are usually a smokescreen to delay for time or grab attention onto them to spread their message. The end goal here may be to get attention onto them so when they start doing serious harm it is broadcast to the world."

Kevin nodded, "She's good at what she does."

"That said keeping the broadcast on them is also the only thing keeping them contained now, they have made their statement and if the fact that the world is paying attention to them were to disappear, the Hostages would lose any promise of safety. Keep in mind this is just an estimate," Manya added.

Kevin sighed, "This is also true."

Marshall stepped in and gave a thumbs up, "Construction site is open. We can enter."

Kevin motioned for her to get the others ready, he turned back to the Officers, "I'll be taking my team in through the construction site and in through a wing undergoing renovations, we'll infiltrate the building and clear out as needed. If we're lucky, nobody dies tonight."

He then turned to Officer Sanchez, "Keep them talking, keep them distracted, and close up the Construction site once my team is in."

Silas adjusted the settings on his ship, "Okay and we need a new name?"

~For these upgrades, yes.~

"Why?"

~Identification of differences, also don't want people shooting you for having Death Wing as a name. That's more a pirate title.~

Ziltoid had a point, Silas sighed and entered in a new name, "Bishop register us as Defiant Wing."

"Of course Captain."

Ziltoid smiled, ~Excellent. We're in Sector 1 now, good luck, and good travels!~

He teleported off and the sensors reported that his UFO was leaving, Silas smirked a bit and booted up the Ship's nav systems. He turned on the intercom and raised the shield, "Alright everyone. Our adventure begins, to brave new worlds, and to boldly go where no one has gone before."

Jump was engaged, and everyone would feel the ship shift out of realspace. The long journey ahead had begun.