Gabriel stared at the assembled material, the clones, the vehicles, the weapons. “Good,” he commented, marching over to the loading bays.

Menials ran forward and back, one ran up to Gabriel, “Sir!”

“Yes?”

“We’ve lost Samwise,” the Menial reported.

Gabriel paused, turned to the Menial and just raised a singular eyebrow, “Really now? Lost already?”

“Yes sir, he took his contingent of 100 clones, he has since lost them all, seems our guest is stronger than first anticipated.”

Gabriel smiled, “Oh, that does not matter. We’ll just have to handle that, are the vehicles ready?”

“Yes sir, your personal vessel is also fueled and prepped.”

“Good, ready the troops. I’ll be departing soon,” Gabriel said… he paused, “I do have more than 100 clones ready, correct?”

The menial met his gaze and soon started to feel lightheaded, his lungs felt like they had shut down, he struggled to even get a word out. The gaze of the Templar was withering, the Menial coughed and eventually wheezed out a “yes” before collapsing.

“Good,” Gabriel said, he brushed his hair back and marched forward, leaving the Menial to collect himself.

Gabriel had work to do.

Samwise was tied up, several goons with weapons and very scary looking pokemon around him, and the armored Mando standing before him. Next to the Mando was the leader of the gang, an old woman named June, and the asset, Thorium.

“You’re going to answer our questions, and then we may let you go,” Silas said, staring Samwise in the eye.

Samwise spit upon the helmet, “Fuck you asshole, you ain’t getting shit from me.”

Silas sighed, “Well… you can keep with that attitude if you wish. It may cost you however, June?”

June whistled quietly as she set down a variety of implements and tools, each one getting more absurd than the last. Samwise watched in abject horror as each tool got brought out slowly, it started normally enough… a hammer…

Then a bat, then a crowbar, then a clown nose, a pair of pliars, a blowtorch, a bottle of ginger beer… Samwise started to scream, “Alright alright I’ll talk!”

“Excellent, now tell me, why are you after this kid?” June asked, tweaking her voice into “Sweet old Grandma” tones to really help sell it.

“The kid is an asset, a prototype of a new genetic line of templars! We run some experiments and then liquidate the asset when we’re done!” Samwise screamed, still staring at the bottle of beer.

Silas looked to Thor, who looked terrified, then to Samwise, “Liquidate? Really?”

~That’s pretty fucked up,~ Hacks commented, ~He’s a living being. You made a person, and you are going to kill him once you got done?~

“Well… Thorium is an experiment, not exactly a living thing,” Samwise commented, trying his hardest to not screw up and say something that’d risk the instruments of torture, “he’s not considered alive, just like how you baseliners aren’t exactly people to us.”

Silas tilted his head, Samwise had never thought he’d see sheer rage displayed in an unexpressive T-Visor, “We’re not people to you?”

Samwise shut up, Silas stepped forward, “Alright then. Who else is after this kid, is it only you?”

“There’s another templar, Gabriel, he’s far worse than me… do with me what you will, he’ll end you all anyways.”

Roxy and Bishop looked up from the project, that wasn’t good, Bishop turned back to the parts, “We need to hurry.”

“Silas is gonna need the assistance.”

“And the clones, why them?” Silas continued.

“Effective commanded labor, I’m a Templar who can command things mentally, give me an army of clones and I’m essentially a RTS commander. We’re not super common, a lot of other Templars make use of other things such as wooden puppets, but when you need minions en masse,” Samwise explained.

Silas sighed, “Alright. We’re done…”

Thor in an instant raised his hand up, Samwise started to choke, Silas stepped in, “Whoa whoa whoa! Kid don’t!”

Thor stared at Silas confused, gesturing to Samwise who was now coughing and wheezing for air. Silas lowered Thor’s hands carefully and held onto him, looking right at him, “I know what he did is wrong and he will pay, but what you were about to do isn’t something you should do. I don’t want you walking down that path.”

Hacks nodded, ~We’ve already walked down it. We’ll handle it from here,~ Hacks responded.

“I’m dead anyways… just start the torture…” Samwise commented dejectedly.

“What torture?” June asked with a smile, “I just wanted to empty my bag, so much useless stuff in there!”

Samwise blinked, and turned pale, he looked up, “What?”

“Truth be told I don’t even know what I’d do with most of these!” June said with a laugh, she held up the pliers, grinned and tossed them aside.

Samwise stared at Silas, Silas stared back, he turned to Hacks, “Take the Kid outside.”

Hacks nodded and pulled Thor out, ~Come on, let’s go wait.~

As they stepped out, Silas turned to Samwise, “Okay, what happens now. This Gabriel, what’s his deal?”

“He’ll be coming, his powers are far more extensive than mine. Don’t look him in the eyes or else he can shut down your nervous system, other than that, hope you have enough firepower to take on a literal army,” Samwise explained.

“Good, June. You’re free to do whatever with him,” Silas commented walking away.

“We’ll take him to some populated place and drop him off, he’s got nothing and he’s pretty harmless at this point,” June said with a smile, “You?”

“Gotta find another place to hide, get ready,” Silas commented, “By the way… thank you, for your hospitality.”

June smiled, “Long ago I used to watch over kids, just the right thing to do. Get that kid to safety. Take one of our old vans, you’re gonna need it.”

Silas nodded, “Of course, thank you,” he said, finally exiting.

June grinned, her goons now surrounding Samwise, “Alright then rich boy! What will go first? That fancy suit or the mustache?”

---

Silas stepped out, Thor ran over and gripped onto his leg. Silas sighed a bit, “Don’t worry kid. I’m gonna get you to safety… that power of yours.”

He kneeled down and looked Thor in the eye… kind of awkward with a helmet on, “I get that you want to use it, and you should. But your power is like a knife kid, it’s dangerous if not wielded correctly, you’re not a killer. Me? I won’t lie, but I’m not gonna let you go down my path.”

~We’re here to help, and we will.~

Thor blinked, and then smiled a little, soon he had his arms wrapped around Silas’s neck, Silas feeling awkward. Hacks could feel the look behind Silas’s helmet, begging for help, he laughed at him instead.

Snakeye poked his head out from an old van, the one the Landlock Gang were loaning, <Guys load up! We gotta get moving!>

Silas pulled Thor off and set him down, “Right. We’re going to Bismuth town, a town of the future probably connected to some old tunnels for maintenance work. Get through those, we get out.”

“Sir,” One of the clones commented, “We have detected psychic emanations on the move to Bismuth town. The signal matches the Z-12 series of DNA.”

“Good,” Gabriel commented, “Anything notable?”

“They are moving quite fast sir. They may be in a vehicle,” the Clone said.

Gabriel smirked, “Really then? Cut them off near Bismuth, drive them in and box them in. I’ll be there shortly.”

He climbed up the side of the vehicle, it was pod-like, stolen from designs another company had made certainly. It was his however, and the twin cannons on the front would ensure that nothing would escape his wrath, Gabriel smirked as he started it up, Thorium wouldn’t escape the Badlands.

The engines kicked on, and the craft took off, nothing could stop him now. The Clones were on the move and would soon be surrounding the intruder.

The finishing touches were ready, Bishop had run all the calculations, Roxy screwed on the head unit as the new hoverbike hummed to life. She looked over the preparations, “Are you certain this is everything?”

Bishop’s voice echoed through the PRB’s filter; it had been so long since he had properly used a Porygon Robot Body, “Affirmative. The Captain will need all assistance, this is optimized for his situation.”

Roxy nodded, “I definitely need to get him to make me a set of that armor, that way he’s not caught alone.”

“He is not alone, he has his team, and he has me,” Bishop stated, “I will bring him home safe.”

Bishop climbed onto the bike, starting the drive system, and racing off, Roxy sighed, “I need to get more involved.”

Bishop was on his way.

Wild Area

Halcyon: <Your odd relationship to gravity, mostly.>

Brie: Would you believe it's not the first time I've seen an armband like that?

Wedgehurst

Ever: Oh, hey. No wonder the League hasn't written back to me yet about that tournament. I haven't actually completed the circuit. I wonder what type the leader here uses. Maybe...hmm, Steel? or Bug? Or maybe even...

-the sign mounted on the large cardboard facade falls to the ground with a crash. Its blinking, slowly fading lights read out "WEJURST STEYDYUM"-

Ever: -sidestepping some flying glass and taking a good sniff- Yeah, that's neon.

Honestly, I feel like they're going out of their way to spell it wrong at this point.

-...-

Ever: Ah, well, on with the show.

-they take a step forward-

-and Pleth drops from the sky, landing in front of them-

Ever: Oh, hey. Help me out with this Jim— uh, Steydyum.

Pleth: <Wh— no?>

Ever: Why noooot?

Pleth: <I mean, as a plot device, it's honestly getting kinda old, don't you think?>

Ever: I dunno. I think the last one was inspired.

Pleth: <Where they sicced a world-shattering Glitch on you?>

Ever: Yeah. That was unexpected. I was very surprised.

Pleth: <You, uh, nearly died.>

Ever: Like I said! Surprising. Now come on.

-they try to get by Pleth, who stops them with a claw-

-Ever keeps walking, and their feet slide on the ground as Pleth more or less effortlessly holds them back-

Ever: But I really wannaaaaaaaa.....

Pleth: <Why? You know what's going to happen. They're going to try and kill you.>

Ever: And not succeed, to be fair.

Pleth: <They've come awfully close.>

Ever: I'm not that easy to kill.

Pleth: <Wasn't there a time where they just shot at you?>

Ever: Only a little.

Pleht: <...Find something better to do with your day.>

Ever: Mnyeeeeeeeeh....

-but they don't really have a lot of choice about being dragged away-

Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.

Wild area

Florence: <Ehehe yeah, we don't exactly have the best relationship.>

Florence turns to Brie.

Florence: <Honestly yeah. Normally people act more surprised when I just poof into a Pokémon. Say, if you've seen these armbands before, do you know where I could get one of the ones that turns you into a human?>

I used to plug my deviantart here but turns out the link was too long.

Oblivion Wing - July 4

-Alice gives a brief "what are you doing?" eyebrow raise to Priscilla, but quickly distracts from it with a jovial chuckle.-

Alice: What, do you expect me to just come straight out and ask him if he's single? That's a little forward, even by my standards. No, I think there's certain things that are best left in the world of assumptions. After all, the world would be a terribly boring place if everything were simply clarified for us. My life and history may effectively be public record, but even so I think we're all entitled to a few secrets, if only to keep things interesting.

-She flashes Tommy a knowing smile before her expression returns to something more casual.-

Alice: Anyway, if you would be willing to pick up a plate of steak and salad for me, then I would very much appreciate it. Gale and I are... well, perhaps "friends" might be too strong a word, but I certainly have considerable respect for both her professional and culinary abilities.

Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.

Hammerlocke Alley

Shadow was knocked out. C sent out an Alolan Muk.

"Nightmare, Brutal Swing."

The Muk formed its body into a giant fist and swung it wildly at the Yamask.

Griffon: "That's getting into the swing of things."

GIVE ME YOUR FACE

Defiant Wing, far past

Wisp: <You can't chain a ghooost…> >_<

-nevertheless, she doesn't fight it, allowing the spark of her soul to be grounded to the ship-

(-she's busy reanimating (un)dead systems in any case-)

---

-the Pernicious Poisoner slumps a bit in Rogue's semi-involuntary grasp-

P!Poisoner: ...don't tell them I told you this, but all this— -gestures at self- —was a weird hobby before she got us attacking airships. (Wasn't LARP, though, what the shit?)

-...he wriggles his wrist a bit more before sighing and rummaging in his syringe bandolier-

P!Poisoner: -unserious, proffering one- This is either the perfectly-compounded Antidote...or more poison. Take your pick.

Alkahest: -slithering behind- <Everything is poison in sufficient quantities.>

P!Poisoner: -not responding to this- And sister dear has been getting fucked over for a month by some creep in a leaf hat. Shredding her leads, stealing her shit...the real top-secret stuff, too, the kind she was saving for a rainy day in hell. Finding the whole outfit on your wall was the last straw, to hear her say it.

-shrug- And don't ask me where she gets this info, I've just inherited spite, loyalty, and an appreciation for the finer points of revenge.

-he gets partway through muttering "what even is a Sui—" before Gaia's ghostplant explosion rings through the hull from the direction they're headed, followed shortly by a Roserade's distinctive cry...and a roar that almost knocks him off his feet-

P!Poisoner: -panicked- ABILENE!!

-he claps a hand to the beak on his mask-

---

-the Appalling Apiarist yelps as his Heracross is met with Fire-

A!Apiarist: ...research is so unfashionable, isn't i—cripes cripes silk and fire—

Mega!Heracross: -buzzing, grunt- <Dodge this, you peons—>

-and he grabs Hayon with his oversized horn and attempts to fling him into Brigit with all the force his Mega-sized muscles can muster-

Mega Heracross used Revenge!

A!Apiarist: -finishing extinguishing- ...and you know what they say about a cornered Bug.

-affecting nonchalance, he leans against the heavy, so heavy iron door that just slammed out of the ceiling, and...is promptly thrown out of said nonchalance by the same sequence of sounds as prior-

A!Apiarist: ...fuck.

-he promptly throws out a gigantic Araquanid in the direction of the flames and their bearers-

Totem Araquanid used (Excessively Powerful) Liquidation!

-with a tone of "not fucking around any more"-

---

Rosemaster: -struggling upright- Eye for an eye, Gaia. If you and she are truly friends, then your fate will prove sufficient recompense. Impressive abilities aside, I intend to judge you by the company you keep, and if she who stalked and thieved and tried to kill was any indication, I think I know you as well as I'd like.

Rosemaster: -to the intercom- Depends on the pa—

-and then Rosemaster can't reply, because she's getting exploded to frick u_u-

(Rosa: -stuck in place by the sword in his hand- <...well played, old-timer. Queen takes bishop. Check.>

-snort, helpless- <But here comes the rook with his great glaring eye—>

-and he's blasted to hell-

Rosa fainted!)

-Rosemaster screams, and Obscura lances out of her in brittle, thorny spikes—an uncontrolled, reflexive Payback not to attack so much as mitigate the Barrage—-

-in vain, as it (and she) are crushed beneath the assault-

-the Chesnaught far behind her roars in fury, dropping his laser cannon to charge forward, arms extended—catching Rosemaster's body as her armor's shredded, and as she's blasted into unconsciousness or worse-

(-behind him, the cannon withers back to a mere pistol, expended-)

-he holds her close, tucking her beneath layers and layers of shell-armor that burst to ablate the screaming ghosts—-

-but for all Gaia's plainly outmatched Rosemaster, she's only superhuman, and Castanea's pocket-monstrous-

Castanea: -panting, thorns shattered, armor sundered—examining Rosemaster, horribly careful-

-and he howls again, louder, phototrophic muscle creaking as it taps the deepest reserves—shattering monitors and camera lenses across the hall from the shockwave alone-

Castanea used Belly Drum!

Castanea: -pained, desperate- <Lanatus, translate—>

Castanea: -enraged- <—if she dies, I will shatter this ship with everyone on it!>

Overgrow! Castanea's Aura is flaring!

Wisp: -via speaker- <Um, that...does not sound like a good idea,>

Castanea: -snarl- <You were meant to keep us hidden! If you cannot secure our escape—>

-the vines Rosa left through the walls bore their way out near him, now—fruiting with Seed Bombs, as promised-

Castanea: -clenching his fist, fingers grinding- <Then you can die again with us.>

-they absorb the nutrients surging from him, beginning to swell-

---

(-near the Apiarist-)

-the vines emerge here-

---

(-near the Poisoner-)

-and here, as well-

---

(-a little bit everywhere, really-)

Castanea: -voice booming- <You have the edge in direct combat, but our specialty is siege—you cannot outgrow us in anything but regret. Submit.>

(A!Apiarist: ...C...Castor wait the fuck,)

Isle of Armor, July 4

Megan: ^_^

-she...does not awkwardly rub the back of her neck at the praise, because her hands are quite happily occupied, but the sentiment is there-

Pippy: <Oh, all sorts of things—there's volleyball, sandball fights, Sharpedo tipping—>

-he runs out of claws to tally on-

-he frowns at his wing, for a moment viscerally dissatisfied with the number of digits he possesses-

-...then shrugs, grabbing Megan's hand to continue counting-

Megan, who at no point stopped hugging everyone: Uh,

Pippy: <Gimme a moment…>

---

-and some other time-

Megan: ...cario…

-her eyes glitter as Silas describes its properties, preliminary hypotheses to its composition dancing within her gaze-

Megan: I've got...a friend, who's kinda into metallurgy. I'll see if I can borrow a crucible from him. Some test kits.

Megan: -grinning excitedly, for the first time in...awhile- I'll do you proud, Captain.

...and hey, this'd make a much better birthday gift than what I already had in mind, if you don't mind the wait…

Stormchaser, Ranger's Lair

Hiro: -petting a tiny Dunsparce- I'm honestly curious how big that web would be.

-musing- ...snakebee hive…

-he disappears into an Imagine Spot to which the rooms other inhabitants likely aren't privy-

Logan: -to Tagg- Probably, if the Stormchaser's got any perspective on that intrigue.

Addie: <She seems very...helpful.> ^_^;

-Dr. Ironspine stares at the expression on Tagg's face, and the particular node to which he looks-

Dr. Ironspine: <...oh, I know what question you're thinking of. Variety, yeah?>

Deim: <...can you read minds>

Dr. Ironspine: -shrug- <I know vigilance. And I've been mulling over this "School" since I got wind of their paltry ""science"".>

Igor: <Altho thinthe we were controlled into attacking Galar.>

Dr. Ironspine: -dour- <Yes, Igor, also since we were mind-controlled into attacking Galar and our frienemesis here.>

Logan: Aw.

Addie: <What's the question?>

Dr. Ironspine: <Isn't it obvious? If Ghost and Dark are too much trouble—> -pointing at Hiro, still in his ripple effect- <but the lighter half of the human Spectrum isn't, and they're all about their so-called "evolution"—>

Dr. Ironspine: -throwing her stubby little paws up- <Which is best-suited to survival of the fittest? Children with a weakness to half their peers, or children without?>

Addie: <...you didn't. Actually say the question.>

Logan: ...also, they seem the type to value mind and control over body and emotion.

-they walk over to unplug their Styler from the wall and raise it up, setting the whole web aglow with Aura the ties that bind-

(Hiro: -fading back in- Leaving aside soul and unconscious, huh?)

Logan: ...I really need to ask where whoever made this ship got our Stylers' empathy circuitry, but damn if it hasn't come in handy since.

No mind to think. No will to break.

Circhester Stadium Stands

Jubilife City, The Fox's Wedding

Pirika: Achoo!

-Pirika takes a tissue and blows her nose.-

Pirika: <I feel like someone said the same thing I said a few years ago...>

Circhester Stadium Stands

Saffron City, Vali Hospital

Salem: ACHOO!

-Salem looks over at Kitbash and the other Hunters as he follows close behind.-

Salem: Does anyone else get the feeling that someone is talking about them?

Circhester Stadium Stands

Skies over Galar - with Ferrum

-Radon couldn't hear what Ferrum was saying, but looked to the region below, searching for the elusive Aurelia. However, as he searches, a thought runs through his mind.-

Radon: -thinks to self- Do I really want to do this? I mean, from what I gathered, the old woman Aurelia saved from getting hit by a truck was really nice... Do I really want to take away their hero?

-Radon shakes his head in an attempt to get the thought out of his mind. Hopefully Ferrum didn't hear that... Radon muses to himself as he continues his search.-

Half a mile away from Hammerlocke

-Evelyn gestures to two of the Poké Balls and lifts them into the air with her mind.-

Evelyn: Ready when you are, Hoops.

Wild Area

-Evelyn flies her broom over the Wild Area with Ian in tow. Ian's looking down for something, or someone. He then points down at the people he is looking for.-

Me: There they are!

Evelyn: Copy that, Ian. I'm bringing her in for a landing.

-Evelyn brings the broom in for a landing... a little too fast.-

CRASH!

Wyndon

-A girl with raven hair and deep blue eyes wearing a T-shirt and sweatpants with a pink tutu and ballet shoes treks through the city of Wyndon with a sparkle in her eye. It's clear that this is her first time here. She is open for interaction.-

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...

Defiant Wing

A cloud of smoke that swiftly turned to steam was all of Lamb that Araquanid was able to strike. Her Drought still in the corner she gestured with a couple of fingers, a Fire Blast channeling before firing off.

Wyndon

"You here for the League, too?" A voice asks, descending from the skies and landing beside her. The Togekiss she flew in on hovers beside her, smiling warmly.

[Insert Unoriginal Stinger Here]

Wyndon

-Emilie turns to face the girl who just landed beside her.-

Emilie: Um... No...? Where can I sign up?

-Emilie's heart skips a beat. "Who is she and why is she so cute?" Emilie thinks to herself.-

Emilie: -blushing faintly- My name's Emilie... Nice to meet you.

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...

Skies over Galar - With Radon

-As he flies alongside Ferrum, Radon may in fact feel a tap on his shoulder and a voice in his head - if said voice did happen to hear the treasonous thoughts that preceded it, there's no indication of such.-

Ferrum: ~Hey, kid. We're over the Wild Area now. Probably wanna put down there so we don't draw too much attention, rather than making a scene like you did back in Castelia.~

Defiant Wing - With Rosemaster, far past

-Already weakened and bleeding from Rosa's blows, Arsenic is in no position to dodge Rosemaster's Payback strike of Obscuric spikes, which on impact end up slamming her against the bulkhead.-

Arsenic: <Hurk... man down...>

Arsenic fainted!

-Gaia, though, remains resolutely standing, staring down Castanea and letting out a weak cough-stroke-laugh.-

Gaia: ...Submit? Heh... you should know... better by now... and yet you keep asking... when we'd never...

-She takes a stumbling, defiant step forwards...-

-...-

-...and then collapses, unconscious and utterly drained, her motionless body hitting the floor with a dull thud.-

Gaia fainted!

Edited by Herbert40k on Jul 14th 2021 at 8:14:05 PM

Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.

Outside of Hammerlocke

Hoops: Come out! Rav! Bis!

They throw their two pokeballs in the air, and Vibrava and Bisharp are released from them. Bisharp looks at her trainer in confusion.

Bisharp: Bis? Rav?

Hoops: Uh, yeah. I thought it was about time that I give you guys nicknames, after all.

Rav: Huh. I like it.

Wyndon

"Gail," she says simply. "And the Togekiss is Pandora."

She smiles a bit wider, wavering in the air in some approximation of a nod. "And, you're not in the League? Huh. Guess I just expect most everyone to be. It's not an unsafe bet," she chuckled. "But, what are you doing here, if not the League?"

[Insert Unoriginal Stinger Here]

Wyndon

Emilie: Nice to meet you, Gail. Pandora. I wish I knew what I was here for... Then again, I could be here for the League. Is it too late to sign up?

Outside of Hammerlocke

Evelyn: Sal, Sud. Please come out.

-Evelyn telekinetically throws the Poké Balls and from them, jump Sal and Sud.-

Sal: <Whoa... We're battling now?>

Galar Air

Radon: Yeah, I think you're right.

-Radon feels uneasy about the mission (and about Ferrum), but begins his descent to the Wild Area.-

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...

Wyndon

"If it is, I wasn't paying attention," she dismissed. "Do you have a sponsorship lined up? Apparently you need one of those to get in," she shrugged.

"I'm kinda hoping that I can meet my… I guess, rival, at the League," she said. "If not him, his partner."

[Insert Unoriginal Stinger Here]

Wyndon

-Emilie looks down almost in shame. She didn't think about that. But there is still hope for her, as she then remembers that she could call Rosie and ask her for a sponsorship.-

Emilie: No, but I know someone who can sponsor me. Un moment, s'il vous plaît.^* One moment, please.

-Emilie then takes out her phone and dials Rosie's number.-

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...

The ship was stabilized and continued, over Galar and on its way to the ocean. Well this would be bad news... especially with the vines returning.

---

Hayon got tossed into Brigit and they both flew into a wall. The two got up slowly, Jackal raised an arm, "Venom, Thunderbolt. Mercer, Sunny Day."

A Luxio stepped forward and let out a roar, a bolt of lightning flying from his body at the Araquanid, followed by the air in the room drying as a Cacturne stepped forward. Jackal continued his slow march forward.

"You did poor research. I am more than prepared for your attacks."

A Golisopod stepped forward, Jackal clicked his tongue, "Yasuke. Leech life. Target the Apiarist."

<Gladly,> Yasuke responded, leaping for the Apiarist.

---

The left Nacelle seemed to be stabilized... but another blowout from the sudden intrusion of yet more vines took it out completely, the damn thing was on fire. The Wing was stable but it was clear the more damage it took, the sooner it'd be going down despite any efforts of the Rotom currently possessing it.

Bishop loomed over Wisp, "Now... how did the intruders get on board?"

In the Ambigious Timeframe

Silas smiled, "I'm always good for the wait... honestly. When my ship finally gets repaired fully. I'll be upgrading my workshop again... care to help me make some crazy shit? I've just realized how far behind I am, some Noivernman I'd be if I'm not prepping for inevitable J-Betrayal."

He laughed, actually laughed, "I've got some notes that I'd love to share with you on the tech on board. You think Beskar is crazy, the gravity tech I have is powered by some exotic element that only exists at the edge of our solar system!"

---

In the Gio Timeframe

"A powerful and useful move. This is the stuff the Crimson Revolution sub was based on... only real," Silas noted, "Wait... supercarrier. Gio you said something about a super carrier?"

"Mhm, one of the most advanced submarine designs ever made, capable of not only acting as a mobile base, missile platform, and more, but also a carrier vessel for flying types and fighter jets. Imagine being able to deploy to anywhere in the world," Gio responded.

"There were only ever two... one is scrap metal," Silas commented.

"At the bottom of the ocean," Gio said.

"What about the other one?"

"Dunno, word is that it was already bought."

Circhester Stadium- Stands

(And Walter suddenly sneezes.)

Braker: "Bless you."

Walter: <Thank you, Braker. I... honestly don't know what that was.>

Cuddles: <Everyone~! Look!>

(Braker, Walter, and Cuddles turn back to the stadium.)

Braker: "Oh, is it happening?"

Cuddles: <It's HAPPENING~!>

Circhester Stadium- Gym Battle

(And sure enough, as Kim, Melony, and the Galarian Darmanitan look on...)

Post-Evolution Sequence

(Seconds later, Elton kicks up a rock that is on the ground, igniting it in flame, and creating a flaming soccer ball that he kicks towards the Galarian Zen Mode Darmanitan.)

Elton: <'Ow was that for a well-fought battle, eh?>

ELTON THE CINDERACE

NEW MOVE LEARNED: PYRO BALL

(Seconds later, the Galarian Zen Mode Darmanitan is thrown against the wall of the stadium, and another cloud of smoke— and a flash of light— go up. Seconds later, the Galarian Darmanitan— now back to his regular form— is on his side, with swirls in his eyes.)

Galarian Darmanitan: (weakly) <Not bad, kid...>

(Elton promptly lands on the ground, and turns to face his Trainer. Kim stands there in shock for a few moments— then breaks out into a smile upon seeing Elton in his new form.)

Kim: "Elton! You evolved! That was incredible!"

(She runs over to him, and the two of them promptly hug each other, with Elton grinning with delight over at Melony. She simply smiles and nods in return.)

Circhester Stadium— Stands

(Meanwhile, back in the stands, Cuddles is overjoyed.)

Cuddles: <DID YOU SEE THAT?! HE EVOLVED! That was amazing~!>

Braker: (lightly smirking) "Well, would you look at that..."

Walter: <I believe that's your second time seeing an evolution, is it not?>

Braker: "It is indeed. And it was amazing."

Half a mile away from Hammerlocke

(Kim nods at the two trainers, then:)

Kim: "Let the battle commence!"

The Wild Area (BOB)

(Braker and Kim promptly notice that Ian and Evelyn have crashed— and soon afterwards, Elton emerges from his PokeBall and goes over to them.)

Elton: <Ian! Evelyn!> (He extends out a paw to help them up.) <A-are you alright?>

Edited by OPALGARNET16 on Jul 14th 2021 at 6:17:30 AM

Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅

Battle Outside Hammerlocke

Hoops: Rav, use Sandstorm!

Rav beats her wings furiously, whipping up a large tornado of sand that covers much of the battlefield.

Hoops: Now Bis, use Metal Claw!

Bis stretches her claws and charges towards Sud.

Hoops: I've never seen you go down before, Sud, but if anyone is going to do it, it's going to be me!

Ranger's Lair, past

-Slightly annoyed-

...I would describe us more as life energy and connections.

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

Galar Mountains

Alyesha noticed that flutter, giving a thumbs up and a warm laugh.

Alyesha: "Haha, alright, I'll be doing my best then~"

She was about to say more when the trees gave way to open ground, thus giving the two what could only be described as a stunning view. At Emer's comment then, Alyesha smiled and nodded, looking around happily.

Alyesha: "Nope, never. and that's only at the foot of the mountain - I'm already dying to see how awesome it will look from the top."

Alyesha looked over to Emer after saying that, genuine awe in her eyes.

Alyesha: "No matter how hard the climb, those views always make it worth, right~?"

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

The Van rumbled along the desert, Silas getting pretty tired of constantly having to switch vehicles at this point. Bismuth town was ahead, just had to get through that and he’d be out, home free. Silas rolled his head a bit, “Snakeye… What do you think our chances of being attacked are?” he asked.

<Pretty damn likely Hoss,> Snakeye responded.

“Why?”

<We got hovertanks drifting our way.>

“What?”

There was a heavy slam, and the Van went careening, Thor raised his hands and a green glow enveloped the van. It stabilized, “Good work kid!” Silas called out, a little out of character.

A hatch opened up one of the armored vehicles, out popped a clone in white body armor, Silas stared at it… he’d comment on the literal stormtrooper were he not wearing Mando armor. The Clone raised a rifle and opened fire, bright red bolts of energy flew from it and riddled the engine block of the van.

With the Van now on fire, Silas kicked the door open, grabbed Thor, “Everyone out, now!” he shouted, running out. His mon team close behind him.

~More clones… always more clones!~ Hacks groaned.

They rushed into town, dilapidated buildings all around, a town of the future had met today. Old speakers hung from buildings, clearly as part of a tour that had been made long ago. Silas rushed the team into the only building still properly standing, a bar.

He set Thor down and looked out the window, his visor observing everything, “What I wouldn’t give for some strong backup right now.”

~We’re what you have, and we’re enough,~ Hacks noted, ~Mega me.~

“In a moment,” Silas commented, “We got something.”

The clones rushed out, filling the streets, over 200 of them, standing at attention, blaster rifles drawn. Clearly more advanced than the others they had handled, two sets of 4 Clones stood out in black imposing body armor. The Hover vehicles parked and had large barrels pointed.

“I went from modern army to facing the future,” Silas commented.

There was a sonic boom, and then landing before the bar was a vehicle… a pod ship. Silas balked, those were Asimov designed vessels meant to serve as easily modifiable multipurpose vessels, and somebody had weaponized it into a fighter. It landed and the top opened, out stepped a man with black hair, black clothes, and a thick cape. He smiled, “You have something I want. It means more to me than you can possibly imagine.”

~Well we had to hit this point eventually…~ Hacks muttered.

“You may wonder, who I am,” the man continued to speak, his voice echoing across the abandoned town thanks to the old Loudspeakers, “You may call me Gabriel. You may wonder if you can trust me, you can’t. Give me the asset, and I will let you walk away.”

“His name is Thor, and he’s a kid, not an asset,” Silas responded, drawing his blaster.

“You have given the asset a name?” Gabriel asked bemused.

“It’s his name you bastard.”

Gabriel laughed, “Clever. Tell me, have you see what the asset can do-”

Silas saw an opportunity and popped up drawing his blaster and firing, Gabriel ducked out of the way, a wild grin appeared on his face, “Oh…”

The clones raised their arms and opened fire, Silas ducked down as countless blaster bolts flew over his head. That was a bad idea, and the looks he got from Tae and Oliver said it all.

<How did you miss?> Oliver asked.

Silas said nothing, the fire of blasters died down. “Okay so he has superior numbers… big deal. I’ve fought that before,” Silas muttered.

<How did you win?> Tae asked.

“By being better and dirtier than the other guy,” Silas responded, “Also I had a high tech space fighter… and an advanced airship… and Gale.”

<Gale would help,> Blyeth noted, <The numbers and weapons here are better than ours.>

Gabriel sighed, “Not coming out? I’ll give you some time to think about it,” he said.

Several clones marched out and set up a heavy blaster, methodically putting it together. Gabriel only tilting his head every so often, sending mental commands to his army, he sat down on the pod-fighter and looked at the bar.

“Get comfortable, I will give you until sundown to decide… and then, my heavy blaster here will rip through you.”

~That armor is blaster proof right?~ Hacks asked.

“It is to a point, eventually enough damage will get through this,” Silas explained.

There was a bit of static and feedback in his helmet, Silas grunted a bit, “Yes?”

“Do not worry Captain,” a distorted voice came through, “I am on my way.”

“Bishop?” Silas asked.

“Affirmative, I will be providing backup soon. Hacking into the town’s speakers now… listen for the music.”

The Hoverbike roared, and Bishop kicked it into a higher gear. Deep within the PRB’s control core, he sat, directing every action, every motion. Bishop was originally just a regular Porygon-Z, now he was very much an irregular porygon.

All the experiences he had undergone, all the upgrades, all the technologies he had interacted with…

Now it was time to showcase what he was capable of, and for that, he had a proper demonstration coming soon.

Hammerlocke Alley

Another three Yamask, unprepared for the attack, go down to the Brutal Swing.

Ahead of C, Harry is knocked out and recalled. Aislinn mutters a curse that somewhat conflicts with her unbothered expression. While she's distracted with that Blair Brutal Swings another couple Yamask into unconsciousness.

Aislinn: ".. Hm. This is looking kind of bad, but I at least have an idea of who's behind this..."

16/35

A line of Will o' Wisps appear around Nightmare as the Yamasks try to burn them too.

Sunny and Roy receive no answers but the distant sounds of battle. They may also see another Yamask floating around a corner up ahead, heading in the direction of the noises.

Edited by Daydre on Jul 15th 2021 at 5:47:23 AM

off the shits

Wyndon

Pandora and Gail looked on in curiosity. "Who are ya callin'?" She asked.

Hammerlocke

Following the sound of combat, Sunny and Roy left to join in on the larger fight, the former teleporting in with a blast of concussive psychic power and Roy landing with intent to strike some Yamask on the way down.

[Insert Unoriginal Stinger Here]

Circhester Stadium Stands

Me: -calmly- There there, Evelyn. It'll be alright... I'm sure they won't hate you... I mean, you did help free them from Surtr's enthrallment, so you have that working in your favor...

-Evelyn raises her head and looks at Ian with tears in her eyes.-

Evelyn: Thank you...

-Ian comforts Evelyn as she cries, taking solace in his listening skills.-

In that moment, a warm feeling filled my heart...

Evelyn Sapphira Promeneau

Confidant Rank Up!

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Battle outside Hammerlocke

Battle! Witch Girl Evelyn VS Pokémon Trainer Hoops!
Evelyn: Sud, use Iron Defense! Sal, use Toxic!

-Sud nods, then raises her arms to guard. Her body tenses up as a metallic aura surrounds her, buffing her defenses.-

Sud used Iron Defense! Her Defense Increased Sharply!

-Sal then jumps between Sud and Bis, as a friend would to protect another friend from attack, then spits in Bis' face with a poisonous fluid.-
Sal used Toxic!

Wild Area

-The dust from the crash settles, showing a swirly-eyed Ian and Evelyn, clearly stunned by the crash.-

Me: -dizzily- Don't worry... This happens a lot.

Evelyn: -dizzily- Yeah, hahaha... Nothing to worry about...

Wyndon

Emilie: -to Gail- Rosie. She's my best shot at a sponsor for the Galar Gym Challenge. I know because I did a little work for her in the past. Though the point in time between then and me waking up in a hospital covered in ashes and soot is kind of a blur...

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...

Battle Outside Hammerlocke [TS]

Bis makes no move to avoid the Toxic and slashes at Sal, who has jumped in the way of her strike. An instant later, she is forced to her knees by the poison coursing through her body.

Bis: What... is... this feeling?

Hoops grimaces.

Hoops: Rav, move the Sandstorm to hide Bis! Bis, as soon as you're able use Swords Dance!

Rav beats her wings and directs the storm so that it forms a veil around Bis. Bis struggles to her feet and strikes her arm blades together, raising her attack.