ITT: We Have All Become Pokémon

Holstown, Inn

"I'll make sure we keep him as safe as we can, he'll be okay for now."

Mila doesn't know where that promise came from, much less whether she can keep it, but from the little she knows of what's happened she does believe it to be true, and won't give it much time to be false anyways. For now, though, she gently lowers herself to a seated position, holding on to Autumn and hopefully bringing her to a sit as well, trying her best to assuage the emotional trauma she's had her part in causing.

"I'm sorry, Autumn, it's going to be okay. We'll find another way."

Mila tries to rub the braixen's back as she speaks, though her movements are somewhat limited by her short armspan. Still, she does the best she can, albeit only holding back her own torrent of emotions due to the urgency of the current situation in her mind.

Edited by Cabe_Bedlam on Aug 12th 2018 at 8:46:42 AM

I need to update these things more often

Inn

Well, do you see me as a hero-

Having then definitely weirded out thanks to the invisible Zangoose I finally snap back to reality to realize that...

Phil? How...how are you doing?

I look back over at Marsha, again wondering if she'd want to hear about what happened whilst trying to also find out about Phil..

Edited by Team42Larson on Aug 13th 2018 at 7:58:06 AM

Tell....everyone....

"Heya Marlon, nice to see you again."

He bounces on into the inn. He looks around for the Scyther.

"Hey, any beer on tap?"

He turns back to the group.

"So what's the sitch? Is it more of that Viral Aggression?"

GIVE ME YOUR FACE

Holstown (Inn)

Erm...no, not here. ( I say. I try to explain to Phil as best as I can.) Some of Noriaki's old enemies have arrived with him into this world, and they are giving power to evil Pokémon, turned one of our friends evil, and their leader, L'Arachel, has been transforming Pokémon into her Combee slaves with magic...it sounds ridiculous, I know, but it's true. And it's...a bit frightening...

( Way to act like your usual scaredy self in front of someone who is a complete stranger to you, Dinah. I let go of my tail.)

---

Maybe yas can tell me more once we're done with dis? (Marsha asks Marlon.)

"Lucian, don’t be afraid, we’ll make it through this."

[Holstown, Inigo's Inn]

The Scyther at the reception desk of the inn answers Philly, "None here, sorry. There's a tavern on the other side of town, but I'm not sure if you'd want to go all the way there."

"Oi", Nephenee said to Autumn, "I understand it must be frustrating as all hell having to wait while someone you love is in a bad situation, but rushing in to that manor, alone especially, would be the last mistake any of us here make."

"We have a plan to do this safely", said Soten, pincers crossed, "To throw it all out because of a sudden reaction based on emotion alone would be reckless and prolly devastatin'."

Noriaki re-enters the inn and looks around. He feels like there was some tension...?

---

[L'Arachel's Manor]

"   First you intrude, and then you attempt to insult me? State your name and business before I tire of your presence   ", said L'Arachel.

"Is it truly? It seems to be bothering you, whatever it may be?", said Montresor, tilting his head, "It couldn't be some degree of pity and empathy for your former comrades, could it?"

   "I can care less if any of them get hurt. I've attacked them, too, so it's nothing new."    I sigh. "But… the thought of one of them being dead… especially her… It's… not something I've gotten accustomed to."

If I don't clash, I don't change. The world ends at my borders, and the best moments slip away.

Anastasia does a bit of a sarcastic squee, holding her hands together with a cocky smile. "Awwwww, you think you can handle me! Trust me, wannabe. If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead." She says, her gaze suddenly shifting to menacing.

... And then back to normal.

"Anyway, before you enter a fight you can't handle, my name is Anastasia! Previous attemptee of taking over the world. But I was stopped by those goons you just fought." She says, reclining on the floor. "I just came with a warning to fold now, while you still have the opportunity. If they could handle me? You're dead where you stand!" Anastasia looks to L'Arachel with a cheerful smile.

I'm Huney B now. Okay?

Inn

Yeah. I mean, it's kind of a long story.

I look around the room at the others.

Well that's good Phil...so what should we actually do for the short-term? Through the fest of today at least.

Edited by Team42Larson on Aug 13th 2018 at 7:48:37 AM

Tell....everyone....

Holstown Inn

(As soon as things calmed down, I decided to speak up.) I suppose we could come up with something to send her and her goons packing. I have one, but I'm not sure if that'll work, considering we have little idea of where her place is at.

(Eliza chimed in with a question of her own.) What have you got from the fat 'mon?

"I treasure every day with you, darling." "No need to be so sappy, love." "You know that's how she is, Nia." - AU!Pyra, Nia, Mythra

Holstown, Talking with Phil

Woodruff gets uncomfortable as Dinah explains the situation to this Phil guy. He does need to know about what's happening, but...there's his thing and Kevin's thing and possibly many, many more other things...

He just shakes his head, try and cast it out. "Phil," he starts with the Electrode, "where'd ya come across that? Looks damn cool..."

---

Blissparce, Her?

"Naaaah," Taylor A laughs off the other's theories as to Bland's character, "she wasn't crazy. In fact, she was, like, the opposite?"

Taylor B steps in. "B-before we go t-too far in s-solving the riddle of why sh-she'd ever be with a m-man like Harvey, I-I-I think we n-need to head t-to the station t-to get more information..."

Taylor A laughs, ribbing Taylor B again. "Aww, come ooon, nothin' so bad about some light gossip."

Holstown (Inn)

What is the idea, if you don't mind me asking? ( I ask Grigori.)

---

(Meanwhile, Marsha looks at the odd vehicle that Philly arrived in for a moment.) So when did ya get a thing like dis, Phil? Ya musta made a blacksmith or someone like dat somewheres really happy...

---

---

Blissparce

Perhaps we could learn more about her on ze way? (Sunny suggests.)

Where around here is the police station anyway? (I ask.)

Oh, it's just by town hall. It's not far from here. (Mia explains.) You all ready to follow us?

I'm ready if th' resta you mateys are. (Rich says, standing up and making sure his gloves are on tight.)

Bzz, yes. (Maran agrees.)

I'm as ready as I'll ever be... (Cortez grunts.)

"Lucian, don’t be afraid, we’ll make it through this."

Blissparce

Dieter nods.

Holstown

Zeb comes over to see what the commotion is.

"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every

[Inigo's Inn]

"If I may, what exactly is the plan you have in mind, Grigori?", Noriaki asked.

Soten answered Eliza, "He basically told us a bit more about whatever hex that Vespiquen put on him, his men, and that Quilava fellow that went missin'. He described it like his "heart was shut" by it on top of the massive power-up. He also said that he gave her a ton of items and money and he saw her come from a side of town that has him thinkin' wherever she's hidin' is more on the western side of Harnicaria."

---

[L'Arachel's Manor, Foyer]

"   You clearly come with provocation   ", said L'Arachel, getting up and flourishing her cloak, "   The condescending way in which you are speaking down to me is irritating, and you seem to imply I am nothing compared to you. You are mistaken, Anastasia. My swarm has collected information on you and your failure already, although it is limited. It is the same group, you say? Then I see they are more than just pebbles in my path to achieving my ambition. I intend to take them seriously, and allow nothing to stand between my ambition and I. I do not need a child to tell me that while simultaneously insulting me.   "

At this point, Notte has silently re-entered the room and stands there silently, hands behind his back.

---

[L'Arachel's Manor, Halls]

"Ah... Understandable", Montresor said to Nyquil, "Yea, it is indeed very difficult to leave your previous kin, even if you hate them with every fiber of your being, acknowledge why you left, and have found a much better place. Serving under Lady L'Arachel is my closest thing to Paradisio in this world... Both where we came from and here. But leaving my family and the eventual falling out with my former companions and allies who simply could not see what I saw still hurt. I even had to kill some of them, as they were but more of the unenlightened masses that would even go as far as to hamper milady's progress... Eventually, I could carry out tasks like that without even hesitating, so long as Lady L'Arachel willed it. She is... Far greater than all of the ignorant masses combined. That is exactly why she deserves to be sitting up top and they all would kneel under her and allow themselves to be controlled if they only knew what was best for them..."

Edited by Konkfan7 on Aug 14th 2018 at 6:34:12 AM

"..."

Anastasia has trouble surpressing her giggles. She was hoping she would say that!

"I was wrong about you, girly. But remember, underestimation can kill even the strongest warrior. Don't get cocky! If you can still un-cock yourself, anyway. Bye now!"

And just like that, she's just... Gone.

---

"I'm just too naive..." Autumn says, standing up.

"Naive, clueless..." Her eyes seem completely empty. "Where are the beds? I need to lay down."

Edited by Beverly on Aug 14th 2018 at 6:45:24 AM

I'm Huney B now. Okay?

After listening to Montresor's story, I mentally backtrack to what he said before all that. "Acknowledge why I left… Well, it's because after a while… none of them seemed to care about me. They'd all be too busy focusing on each other to notice that I was even there.    Bastards almost ditched me while I was asleep. The people I considered 'family' consisted of a weakling with the mental stability of tin foil and a filthy liar! She pretended as if she was a close friend of mine, but no, that bitch is actually the princess of Foxfell or some shit! Does she realize how much infuriating it would've been if she didn't bother lying?!"    I stop ranting, realizing how worked up I've gotten and calm down. "… Sorry."

Edited by shrubBird on Aug 14th 2018 at 6:50:53 AM

If I don't clash, I don't change. The world ends at my borders, and the best moments slip away.

Holstown Inn

(Here goes. I look to Noriaki as I start.) You said that she wants those who are "weak willed" to be in her personal army, right? I can pretend to join up with her and act as a Troj... sleeper agent. (I stopped myself, considering plenty of people here aren't aware of the Greek story.) Now, one might say that we have no idea where her palace is at. However, neither did our Quilava buddy and look where he's at. If things go right, we can get him back and send her and her "friends" back from where they came. Or six feet under, whichever comes first.

(Eliza noted the information given to her by both Soten and the Decidueye. As for the former, it would make sense for her to ally herself with a parasite like him, especially since said parasite would have plenty of resources. However, for the latter, she couldn't help but sense some familiarity, but not without some revulsion. There was another among the crab's little "company" that did jobs like this, jobs like hers. One who had seemingly no qualms or regrets about what he does. To her, whatever she does in her jobs is necessary to gain Umberto's trust, but whatever he does is motivated by his own selfish gains. She didn't want to think about him any further and hoped that this owl would not end up like him.)

"I treasure every day with you, darling." "No need to be so sappy, love." "You know that's how she is, Nia." - AU!Pyra, Nia, Mythra

Holstown (Inn)

( That mention of her seeking "weak-willed" Pokémon again...I feel like I fall under that. I can't face her by myself, or else I'll end up evil like Niles. Or worse...transformed into a Combee slave...I just have to make sure I don't get caught by L'Arachel all by myself, or I'll never see Lucy or Benji again.)

I...I suppose that's a good plan. ( I tell Grigori.) Just be careful that you don't give yourself away, or who knows what she'll do to you...

---

(Marsha hears Autumn and looks toward her. She's a bit perplexed given that she hadn't really noticed Autumn and Mila's heated discussion over Nyquil.) Uh, Squeaky could probably lead yas to her room. You okay, Foxy?

"Lucian, don’t be afraid, we’ll make it through this."

Holstown Inn

Mila can recognize why Autumn's upset, having felt at least some of the own emotions herself only recently during the fights at Narcia and on the way back. That doesn't make her feel any better that Autumn is suffering through them the same way, though, and she nearly jumps up and towards Autumn when she hears Marsha's comment.

"Right, right, sorry about that..."

"Please, sweetheart, don't beat yourself up over it, I know you just wanted to help, I wanted to too. We'll find a way, alright?"

Mila just barely holds on to the braixen while she speaks, attempting to guide her with slightly nudges towards the stairs and up to the room they'd been in last night. However, if Autumn should stop or slow down, Mila would follow suit and keep pace with her.

I need to update these things more often

Disappointed, Philly goes back to the group around his vehicle.

"I was hoping to get a buzz on...anyways this is my Ball^TM and I commissioned a blacksmith in Silversand to do it. I can manipulate it using magnetic fields to roll around right fast. It also has grappling hooks so I can come in like a wrecking ball."

GIVE ME YOUR FACE

Inn

Wow, that’s pretty interesting, pal. I should hit that guy up next time I’m home..

———————

I put my hand to my chin.

A sleeper agent...the Trojan horse...The Nova 6 Plot...that’s almost too dumb to work but yet I think it just might work, if the Greeks can sneak a horse into Troy then you can slip in to her manor. How are you gonna beat the emotional manipulations?

Blissparce

Tiff nods and gets ready to go.

Edited by Team42Larson on Aug 14th 2018 at 8:25:37 AM

Tell....everyone....

[Inigo's Inn]

"I am... Not very confident in how that plan may work, Grigori", said Noriaki, "L'Arachel is such a master manipulator and magister, I fear the possibility that her sheer charisma and silver tongue may just convince you to bona fide betray us, and she may use some sort of hex to ensure you do not come back to us. Reminder that she has done that very thing with Niles, and if Dorian's testimony is to be believed, it would shut your heart and make your negative emotions run rampant. There is also the fact that I know L'Arachel to be highly intelligent and cunning herself, so deceiving her is no simple feat. She deceived me for several years and Montresor to this day."

"There's also the fact that we pretty much know a general area for this manor", said Soten, "We can start lookin' tomorrow, I'd say. But there's still the whole thing about them comin' to us, maybe if one of 'em is reckless enough to try and engage us by 'emself, we could restrain 'em for questionin' or try and follow 'em back without bein' noticed."

---

[L'Arachel's Manor, Foyer]

"   ... What a nuisance   ", said L'Arachel with a sigh.

"That was Anastasia, correct?", said Notte, "I recall the reports of her from your swarm, she sounds like a strong magister herself. Entirely self-taught without your intervention as well. Impressive, but her childish personality still makes her pale in comparison to you, my liege."

"   Yes, but her insults aside, she did raise an understandable point   ", said L'Arachel, crossing her arms, "   I may need to bolster our numbers a bit more... The miasma may already be ready, but more additions would not hurt... But even then, perhaps more actual competent combatants may be necessary for us. Mayhap we should look in to some of the artifacts we have gathered, I keep forgetting to actually use them.   "

"That would sound like the best course of action, my lady. Perhaps some more... Immediate action for the growing resistance against your eventual reign may be in order as well."

---

[L'Arachel's Manor, Foyer]

Montresor scoffs, not towards Niles, but to who he describes, "So it is as we feared... The magical creatures that populate this world, free of mankind, have become nothing short of what mankind was now that they have advanced as a society and culture... Your being ignored is certainly somewhat of a testament to one of the many things that plagued mankind as well: Selfishness. My own parents cared more about each other than me, I could tell although they had never stated it... I was "different", and undesirable child. But not to L'Arachel. I have a feeling Noriaki was also like that, and he saw in L'Arachel something I too see."

The Noctowl seems to be recollecting as his expression sours a bit and he continues, "But of course, that leads in to yet another sin of humanity that those of this world are no strangers to: Falsehood and deception. Noriaki concocted some extravagant lies about our liege... Speaking of her weaving falsehoods and not truly caring for any of us, and having some sort of vile ambition she was hiding. I was a fool and believed him for a short time, stood against Lady L'Arachel. But I realized that I was mistaken and once again stood by her side, leaving that wretch in the dust to be alone and forgotten. Such is a fate deserved by any that tries to tear me from Lady L- I mean, stands in the way of my liege's goals."

I dismiss Montresor's little stutter and instead take in everything he said. "… I see. Thanks, Monty. I suppose… that I shouldn't need them anymore. After all, they certainly don't need me."

If I don't clash, I don't change. The world ends at my borders, and the best moments slip away.

Holstown Inn

(Nori brings up a few good points. Yet, I responded to them, with some confidence.) Oh, I think the Armaldo's speech had made me... aware of that certain power I have. And I believe I found a means of controlling it. I can search for any weaknesses of her men, get a layout of the palace, and relay that info to you. And who said something about outsmarting her? All I need to do is find just one flaw and capitalize on it. (I then got closer to Noriaki, kneeling to his level.) And if I do fall for her tricks, just remind me of what brought me back after that fight. (I looked to Eliza as I finished my sentence. I won't betray her, no matter what. I'll never let it end like Jenna. With that, I stood up and made my way to the door. I turned to the rest of them and spoke to them.) Anything else you got for me?

(Eliza looked on as she sees the Decidueye head for the door. She couldn't tell if that owl was brave or foolish. But one thing sprinted forth from her mind.) I don't believe I caught your name earlier.

(I returned to respond, an earnest smile from my face.) It's Grigori. Grigori Strel.

"I treasure every day with you, darling." "No need to be so sappy, love." "You know that's how she is, Nia." - AU!Pyra, Nia, Mythra

Holstown

( Now that Noriaki has said so, I can't help but feel that he has raised some good points.) Shouldn't we not underestimate her power, though? L'Arachel can turn Pokémon into her Combee slaves, remember? ( I remind Grigori.)

"Lucian, don’t be afraid, we’ll make it through this."

Holstown Inn

(I stopped to give it another thought. Maybe they're right, and maybe I should listen to them.) Okay, changed my mind. It's a stupid plan after all. (I move back to the inn.) I guess my stubborn ass got me overconfident. Sorry to get you all worried. (Great, come up with an idiotic idea and back out. Way to embarrass yourself, dipshit.)

(Eliza decided that he was indeed a bit... impulsive. Just like Waylon, she thought. Still, at least he knew when to quit while he can. No need for any more bodies on her conscious. She figured maybe Arsene was right, he looks more trouble than he's worth.)

Edited by Ore-O on Aug 14th 2018 at 10:33:41 AM

"I treasure every day with you, darling." "No need to be so sappy, love." "You know that's how she is, Nia." - AU!Pyra, Nia, Mythra