Old Eluant Catacombs

[At first, I'm inclined to look along with the others, but I realize everyone's trying to rubberneck at Nori...]

"Jesus, don't just gawk!" [Aiming straight at the head of the beast, I pull my head back and fire a flaming, green Octozooka round straight for L'Arachel. Already, I'm starting to feel better]

Narcia, Pineco's General Store

Eventually, he stumbles into the aisle of food, finding himself drawn to the many Poffin mixes, the berries each already mixed in and everything made into a concentrate. He picks a couple bags off the shelf, and after looking them over, he cradles them under his arm. Soon enough, he finds a small 3x2 tin for the Puffs, as well as a some kind of folding grill, constructed like a table. Yea, he should have enough for all of this...he carts them over towards the counter.

Blissparce, Mr. Oliveira's House

"Oh, dear...if she decided to lash out..." Taylor mouths out "oh shit", then gives Mr. Oliveira one last squeeze before bolting for the door. "Come on, guys! We gotta get over there before things get feisty!"

Blissparce, Ramona's Garden

Still shaking with fear, Taylor inches closer and closer to the madwoman. How could she enjoy doing that? Yea, Harvey was awful, and maybe he deserved it, but this woman was sick! He kneels down and wraps the chain around Ramona's left pincer, gesturing Mia to get off of her so he can wrap the other pincer and pull the chain tight, finally clamping the chain together with the brass fastener.

[Old Eluant Catacombs]

L'Arachel notices the attack coming at her and calls upon a wall of Combee to guard against it, before they disperse and rush at Eliot.

Zelgius is sniped successfully by the Psychic.

"You little shit...!", the Aerodactyl growled before he launched a Stone Edge at the Gallade... Only for the stones to be suddenly slashed to pieces by a sudden projectile.

Zelgius looked up to the source of the counterattack, seeing the top hat being carried near the top of one of the broken pillars.

As the hat went in to the air, something made itself visible in a cape swing-like motion, appearing to manifest in petal-shaped clots of shadow. From those shadows, a Decidueye was visible, although his hood was worn downwards and looked more like a collar, and the white feather that sat on top of his head dropped downwards, almost looking like a wavy hair fringe.

Placing the top hat on top of his head and adjusting the rim, the Decidueye looked forward with squinted, bright red eyes.

As Notte and Montresor held their limbs and weapons in front of themselves to guard from Nyquil's swift, they simply... Passed through the Decidueye.

"... Do not think such a petty skill can even touch a phantom thief", the Arrow Quill Pokemon said in a voice that sounded like Noriaki's but was somewhat deeper, more mature, and calmer.

He once again vanished in to a flurry of shadowy petals that blew in the wind right behind Zelgius as he delivered a Leaf Blade across the Aerodactyl's back.

"Kya...!", Zelgius coughed as he fell forward, "Didn't even see...."

The Decidueye smiled before he rolled back, closer to the rest of the group recovering.

"I must thank you all for your patience with my previous state", he said to them, speaking in a familiar tone, "I am not that weakling any more. Noriaki Shimada, Pillager of Twilight, at your service."

The Arrow Quill Pokemon adjusted his hood's drawstrings, which were tied in a ribbon-like fashion.

Montresor looked flabbergasted, but he couldn't help but laugh a bit at his old friend's new title he christened himself with.

"Just like Arsene, eh...? Oh Noriaki, how it must be to see the world through your eyes..."

The Noctowl and Bisharp had managed to get up and move back to the Decidueye's side.

"   ... How troubling...   ", L'Arachel murmured, "   Ascended in strength, and seems to have a better grasp on the power of the Spirit World... This place does not stack the odds in our favor...   "

The Vespiquen mumbled to herself before saying, "   I do not think we should stay for too much longer, but I must say, I am curious.   "

She stepped forward with rapiers in hand, Noriaki calling upon two thin Leaf Blades in each wing in response.

"   You have the confidence to dance with me once again, Noriaki? Oh, how nostalgic...!   "

Nephenee galloped forward and took a stance, adding in, "Beat it, lady. Quenching your own morbid curiosity is just gonna bite you in the arse, you know that? Actually, maybe stay, in that case."

Catacombs

Jeepers! (Marsha says, rolling over in front of Eliot and attempting to use Protect. Given the current size difference between the two, however, a number of the Combees may still get past it. She's thankful SOMETHING stopped that attack from hitting Marlon, but what was it?)

(Then she gets her answer.) Whoa, Nori!

(I nearly try to attack the wave of Combees myself, but the thought in my mind that these are likely all transformed victims of hers causes me to falter and duck instead. I-Is it bad that I don't want to attack of innocent Pokémon reforged into her minions? Do I need to attack them? I don't have time to think further until the floating hat catches my eye again.)

(...that WAS Noriaki! He did evolve! He seems...slightly different now, but it's certainly a GOOD different. He even seems to be intimidating L'Arachel!)

Incredible... (I breathe.)

Blissparce (Oliveria)

Don't hafta tell me twice, lass! (Rich says, jumping up as well and lumbering out the door as fast as he can, but not before shooting a quick:) Thank ye for yer time, matey! We'll take 'er down! (to David as he does so.)

Blissparce (Ramona)

(Unbeknownst to Taylor A's group, Ramona continues to come along quietly as Mia allows Taylor B to finish chaining the demented Gliscor up. Mia pulls Ramona to her feet, where Ramona continues to look at them with a face that seems both gleeful, yet also angry at once.)

(Something then occurs to Mia as she looks at Ramona.) So...any other murders you want to admit to while you're at it? Did you commit all these other murders around town? Including that of one Izabel Dos Santos?

(Mia tightens her grip on Ramona as she says this last bit. Ramona simply smirks at Mia.) Nnnnnnope! Heeheehee...I don't even really know who Izabel is! She was somebody else's mission. She would be thanking me for eliminating that wretch if she were still alive, though, I bet. I'm sure he went after her, too.

(It takes every ounce of Mia's being to not punch this insane mon's face in at that. All four of her fists visibly tighten even more, though.) Ow! My shoulders!! Watch it!!

Blissparce (Tiff)

(Arriving at the tall wooden fence marking Ramona's property, it's a bit hard to see what's going on through it and the Berry trees and bushes. I can still hear the crazy laughing, though. I look to Tiff.) You want me to heft you over and then I'll follow you? (I ask her, anxiously dancing around in place and pulling on both my antennae.)

Edited by kablammin45 on Oct 16th 2018 at 9:18:54 AM

Catacombs

No time, Autumn, we need to-SHIT-!

I brace for impact of what appears to be a Stone Edge-

Wait, what was that? Hot damn, it was as I figured. Nori's finally gone and evolved. And we just might be home free...! I immediately leap in to provide backup for Marsha and Eliot and use Wide Guard in case the first Protect fails to stop the Combee from executing the (presumed) Attack order.

Blissparce

Yes! Do whatever you need to, I'm ready!

Tiff taps the ground with her feet in anticipation of getting lifted up and over. She starts calling for her sister.

Mia? MIA! What's going on in there?!?!

Narcia

Kevin takes his own item and heads to the front desk as well.

Edited by Team42Larson on Oct 16th 2018 at 9:57:37 AM

Nyquil's eyes narrow a bit, seeming less threatened and more irritated.    "A meaningless transformation. Your evolution does not change my primary advantage over you."    He bends his knees.    "Prepare yourself, 'Pillager of Twilight.'"    Taking off with a running start, his body is wrapped with fire as he tries to ram Noriaki with Flame Charge, keeping Montresor, Notte, and the others in mind.

Dieter rushes out with them.

Catacombs

Despite being fully able to react in time to try to help shield Eliot from the attacks, Autumn simply sits where she is, her head in her paws. It was foolish of her to think that she'd had any part in the successes here, any sway with her speech. She should have just not come, and everything would have been better for it. Who could argue otherwise, with how she'd gotten her companions injured and only caused more anger? Even now, she couldn't even get them to leave, when they'd more than gotten what they wanted.

"Just... go ahead and leave me. "

Narcia, shop

Mila sees the others regrouping at the front of the shop and follows them, taking a first aid kit on her way and digging through her bag to even see if she still has enough poke. There's only a handful left, frustrating her further. It doesn't help that she feels isolated despite being in the group, not knowing what to say and feeling like she's just compensating for all her mistakes, being net neutral at best.

Catacombs By the time I realized what was going on, Noriaki had evolved, We met Niles again... but he wasn’t acting like his usual self... and the group was fighting someone again.

Old Eluant Catacombs

[Oh, that was a bad idea, that was a bad—]

[I hear the wave of Combee impact against Marsha's Protect, though a couple sail over. I bring my hands up, and end up catching one. Wait...yea, this is a person! I try and hold onto it tight, using my new size to try and pull it down and more fully wrap my arms around it. Them. They're a person.]

[Looking around, I notice Autumn on the ground. Did she get hit...no, no, she's dejected. I think I get it...she didn't come here to fight, and now she's all wrapped up in it. I mean, I guess I wasn't sure either, but for her, it's...I don't know, I get it, but I don't get it.] "Autumn," [I say to her,] "We're not gonna leave you. I can tell ya that right now, just...get up? Please?"

[I look back to L'Arachel...I think I know what she just did. It's a move, isn't it? I played Pearl, I think it's a move. And if I can't just wrestle control of these people away from her, at least I can exploit it when she tries to rely on them. My tail whips in front of me, and I stare at the ground as I begin Sketching out a crude rendering of the witch...]

Blissparce, Mr. Oliveira's House

Mr. Oliveira waves to them as they leave, then goes to close the door behind them. He lets out a great sigh, heading into the den where a crude drawing of a Gligar and a Spinarak is framed. He picks up the picture, then looks out the window to the forest behind his home, uncertainty in his eyes...

Blissparce, Ramona's Garden

S-s-so y-you were inv-volved with the other m-m-murders..." That's...well, that's good and bad. That's good because it proves the link wasn't just some wild coincidence. That's bad because it isn't diminishing his unease, or his shaking. Stop shaking. This is supposed to get easier to deal with.

Tugging on the chain, he pulls Ramona out of the garden and out onto the street. Some of the citizens are watching, having overheard the Gliscor's crazed screams...

Edited by BlackMageAnolis on Oct 17th 2018 at 8:09:42 AM

[Old Eluant Catacombs]

The Combee that Eliot caught shakes violently, also emitting a weak but painful vibration.

Noriaki swiftly sidestepped Nyquil's attack and delivered a Shadow Claw as he moved, aimed in such a way to hamper the Quilava's trajectory. Nephenee is waiting near the ground to unload a Poison Tail wherever Nyquil may end up stumbling.

Zelgius, Bombax, and Yukari approached the rest of the group.

"Stay on guard", Notte said to Marlon, taking a stance near him, "These ones are formidable still despite two of them being injured."

"Noriaki has his hands full further up, so we shall assist the back line, then", said Montresor, more near Eliot. The Noctowl takes note of the Smeargle having gotten hold of a Combee and Sketching something.

"Be wary, one may be weak, but together they can be quite the bother."

[Narcia Prison]

A lone Heracross sat in a jail cell, his legs crossed as he stared blankly at the wall away from the bars of the cell.

"Hey Hector", the jailer called out, "You got a visitor."

"...?"

The Heracross slowly pulled himself to turn around and see a familiar Pinsir in spiked shoulder pads and leather straps forming an "X" across his abdomen.

"Look, Hector...", Achilles said softly, "... Call me an optimist, an idealist, and idiot or whatever... But I think back to the time before you became such a downer, started thinking that only bastards like that Dorian were going places in the world, when we were BOTH guardians of Holstown that loved and protected our people... Even back then, when it seemed like you were mostly concerned about gloating and your image, I could see deep down that you did care, and that you also loved our duality."

The two beetle Pokemon stared at each other silently before Achilles sighed and continued, "Look, what I'm saying is that there's a much bigger threat at large out there, and it's not just to Holstown, and in the future it'll be a threat to a lot more than this entire damn island, even! We can bail you out of here, and maybe even keep you out of here with your contribution to the effort against that witch, and you and I could... Ugh, I probably am just talking to a wa-"

"Alright", Hector suddenly said.

"... What?"

"I said alright, Achilles", the Heracross repeated, standing up and coming closer to the bars and grabbing hold of them, "... Your display out there when we fought and you still managed to beat my sorry hide unconscious was... Eye-opening to say the least. I guess you... Reminded me what a hero was and that they do in fact exist and have a place in this world, and maybe there are things more important than fancy living space, fancy big meals, all that..."

Hector smiled and continued, "... Thanks for that, old pal."

Through the bars, the two guardians clasped their claws together firmly.

"Let's go teach this witch what happens when she messes with our people."

He's nicked by Noriaki's Shadow Claw and is rather annoyed that he missed. However, he sees Nephenee incoming and hops to avoid her Poision Tail, using his forward momentum to vault over her. Nyquil lands on the ground and swivels himself around. With gritted teeth and a narrowed glare, Nyquil spits,    "I suggest you stay out of the way."    He takes a deep breath and turns his head directly at her.    "BURNING ATTACK!"    An Inferno shoots out of his mouth.

Catacombs

Yeah, like heck we are, Foxy! (Marsha also says to Autumn, lifting Autumn up to her feet once the wave of Combees subsides.) We leave ya heres and you'll probably end up like dat poor guy and all dese otha bees! (Marsha motions to the Combee that Eliot is currently holding. She feels a little chill thinking about how this Combee is somebody who fell victim to L'Arachel. Upon seeing the Combee using Bug Buzz, she tries to wave him off.) Hey, lay off before I take back what I said about yas bein' a "poor guy"! We're tryin' ta save yas!

Oh no... (A bunch of the other vassals are approaching us. I feel myself getting nervous again.)

Look alive, Bookworm! Look alive all of yas! (Marsha says. She fires a Scald in the Aerodactyl's direction, not leaving Autumn's side yet and continuing to try and pacify the Combee Eliot is holding.)

(I swallow nervously as I turn to face the three. I only have a few moves to my name, but I don't even know which one to use or who to use it on! I clench my eyes shut tight. "Earth Power...to any one of the three!" I stomp my foot and I hear my Earth Power get used on...somebody.) It was Yukari.

Catacombs

"okay. "

Autumn pushes to keep herself on her feet, struggling not against her wounds (as they've started to disappear thanks to the healing effects Eliot has generated) but against her own lethargy and emotions. She wants to believe Eliot, but when was the last time things actually went her way? The recent events hardly counted, with how everyone was still apparently so willing to throw their lives away for this. Dejected, Autumn begins shuffling slowly towards the back of the room where they'd entered, away from everyone else and the chaos she had no business trying to untangle.

Boat to Harnicara

"So, about that payment you said you'd discuss later. Now's "later"."

"Hmm? Ah, right. How much are ya askin'?"

"Not really the wisest decision to be asking that when you're already on board, you know. Let's say 5000— nah, 6000 poke, because of the sudden addition."

"Ah c'n handle that, sure. Though thinkin' on it now ah've got a suggestion fer ya, if ya want more from the guild."

"I hope you're not trying to bargain for a lower price."

"Nothin' of the sort. It's more an additional offer, ya see. The guild's gonna be organizin' an expedition up in Dejana soon, an' it needs some way ta get supplies up there fer when they're ready ta kick it off. Ah can put ya in contact wit' some members if yer interested in takin' some supplies up there from the guild offices."

"I see, well I'll take it up with them when we reach landfall, the crew will need some time to gather our supplies anyways. I'll leave you to your brooding, then."

Having carried the entire conversation without turning to face the ostensible captain of the ship, Koss closes his eyes when he hears the sound of steps moving back below deck. He's half soaked and shivering now, but at least it keeps his mind off of other matters; the expedition did too, for a while, but unsurprisingly its circumstances meant that his mind was wont to wander off into the exact matters he was trying to stop thinking about.

Narcia

(I eyed at the scrolls as they were talking. Specifically, I looked at the one called Swords Dance and pulled it towards me. Then, I pried it open and scanned each word carefully to not miss something. "Focus your mind on dealing as much damage to the opponent. Keep in mind that this move can only increase your power from physical sources." Above those words is a picture of a Honedge pointing itself to the sky as multiple swords hover above it. I think I got it down, but I should try it out whenever I have the time. I put the scroll back to where it was with the new knowledge in tow.)

(Now that she has the chance, Eliza talked to Philo.) I'm sorry that I didn't get the chance to finish our conversation. I do believe we were talking about Victoria Margolis.

(Arsene looked at the selection of items available and responded to the Pineco.) How much will that be?

Catacombs

Autumn is-

No time. Need to keep aware.

Roger that..

I respond to both Notte and Montresor.

Step. Step. Step.

Three vassals, including the very one that I have a bone to pick with, and presumably they've been sent against us.

I flash my eyes purple and send a Psyshock wave at Zelgius once more...

Edited by Team42Larson on Oct 18th 2018 at 8:54:30 AM

Narcia (Shop)

(The Pineco hops over toward everyone and examines the items.) Hm...between the first aid kits, the tents, the food items, the protective gear your Blastoise companion is carrying...

(He takes a moment to calculate the prices in his head.) It'll be about 7000 Poké all together.

Blissparce (Ramona)

(Just as I'm about to lift Tiff up and over the fence, I spot a small crowd gathering around another part of Ramona's property and see Mia and Taylor B leaving the garden with a chained up Gliscor who I can only assume to be Ramona in tow.)

Wait a minute, there they are! (I point out to Tiff.)

Yep! And nope! (Ramona laughs.) The wretch was the only one I did in! Haha! And if y' think I'm gonna tell ya who else is involved, you've got another thing comin'! If y' value everything and everyone you hold dear, you won't ask me anythin' else about it!

At least tell me who is responsible for my sister's death! (Mia says, looking at Ramona threateningly.) And you're going to jail where you're hopefully going to be chained up really tight, so how can you even threaten me anymore?!

Ooh, you think this is about me doing something else to you? (Ramona taunts, breaking out in guffaws again.) ME?!! Lady, if you stop us, you and everyone else are just gonna look like that pest I murdered! Mark my words!

What are you even talking about?! (Mia asks.)

I me- (Before she can say anything else, Ramona's eye catches a member of the small crowd surrounding her, Mia, and Barley as they leave her house: Another Heliolisk resident of Blissparce named Fergus. His physical appearance looks nothing like that of Harvey's (being a bit on the chubby side and having a large scar on his frills from an accident on his farm), but the mere sight of another male Heliolisk causes Ramona to suddenly lurch in his direction with a bloodthirsty expression on her face and slashing in the air with her restrained pincers in his direction.) LET ME AT HIM! LET ME AT HIIIIIIM!!!

EEEP!! (The Heliolisk tears off as fast as he can.)

RAAAAGH!! HRRRGHH!! (Ramona lets out furious screeches and growls as she continues clawing in the direction that Fergus ran off in like an angry guard dog.)

(Mia is angry that they got no answers as to who killed Izabel, even if they got some other information. What exactly are Ramona and whoever is working with planning to accomplish here?)

(At this point, though, Mia's immediate concern is now that Ramona will end up hurting her, Barley, or an innocent bystander as they haul her to jail. She glances over to Taylor B.) Permission to knock this maluco out so she doesn't hurt anybody, Barley?

Narcia

After hearing the approximate price for everything Kevin rummages around his pockets and hands over 2000 poké.

Anyone wanna help cover the rest of this?

Blissparce

Tiff races over, albeit very cautiously, to her sister's side, making damn sure she takes note of what she is presently hearing. A particularly large needle shoots out of her arm.

I can be of some assistance...

Edited by Team42Larson on Oct 18th 2018 at 8:58:22 AM

Narcia

I have about 1500 Poké. (Cole says, taking off his small green hat and taking a fistful of Poké out of it.)

Blissparce (Ramona)

Hey! Wait up! (I yell, trying to catch up as best as I can.)

What happ...ened...? (I trail off as I gape in horror at who I can only assume to be Ramona as she flails around like an animal. Oh...man...she's...she's kind of scary. I take a few steps back.)

Edited by kablammin45 on Oct 20th 2018 at 3:21:44 PM

Narcia

Rock: I'll help pay.

The Shiny Hawlucha digs up some Poke from the backpack he's wearing.

Jack: Anything else we need to get? Besides a vacation after all is said and done?

Blissparce

Tiff pulls her needle back just a bit as she begins to find out hust what's happened here.

Okay, what has this...madwoman...said? Did she admit to anything else?

Narcia

(Arsene decides to chip in as well.) 3500 from me. I believe that covers everything.

Narcia

All right! (The Pineco says. He hops over to his small check-out counter and tips his hat over onto it.) Just put it in my hat, okay?

(Cole gathers the cash from everyone and sticks it in the hat.)

Thank you all so much for shopping at Poco's Picks! (The Pineco says as he tugs the hat below the counter. Getting slightly more somber, he adds:) I wish you all the best in stopping that L'Arachel. And please be on the lookout for a younger, slightly brownish-colored Pineco when you do. That's my nephew.

Old Eluant Catacombs

[I nod to Monty...no shit, right? Meanwhile, this guy is not letting the fuck up with trying to shake me off It's like I'm using an edger or a weed wacker or something, the kind of thing that just turns your arm to jelly...my grip's getting worse, this fucker better not slip through. I guess I get it; I'm not sure this guy's in exactly a state to want me to help him out here...does he even know that's what I'm doing?]

[Without any further interruptions, I finish the crude Sketch on the floor and look to the Combee around us. Loosening my grip on the Combee a little, I take my hand to my mouth and whistle a sharp, loud tone, I guess a commanding tone? The kind of tone your dad would whistle if he was trying to recollect you and his siblings, something like that. It echoes throughout the catacombs, bounding against the walls and floor...]

Narcia

"Well, thank you, guys." He slips the two bags of Poffin mix, the tray, and the grill into his tote before moving back over to Mila. "Ya don't think we need anythin' else? Ya didn't get anythin'..."

Blissparce

Ramona about yanks Taylor B to the ground, but he manages to keep himself standing. Trying to pull her back, he yells at Mia, PERMISSION GRANTED, PERMISSION GRANTED"

Edited by BlackMageAnolis on Oct 20th 2018 at 10:09:31 AM

[Catacombs]

Nephenee is hit dead-on by the Inferno, but something connects in her mind as she burns.

... I think that's it. That's how...

The Scolipede slammed her tail down, creating a sudden water vapor surrounding before lunging out of it and attempting to unleash an Aqua Tail on Nyquil.

"Soten taught me that one...!", she snapped, regardless of the turnout of her attack.

Zelgius jumps away from the Psyhock, still getting nicked by it's edges, but is hit directly by the incoming Scald.

"Gyah...!", he coughed, stumbling back, "Yeah, this is looking bad for me...!"

Bombax looked to his hit comrade before and unexpected Earth Power hit him hard.

Yukari preened her sickles and asked, "My fair lady, shall I heal them up? It may take a lot out of me, but..."

L'Arachel doesn't respond as she seems more interested in what Eliot seems to be trying.

Eliot's Attack Order takes a few seconds before something happens from it. The Combee he had held on to shook before flying up and charging at L'Arachel, a few others from the surrounding swarm joining.

L'Arachel glared at them. As they were within a few feet of her, they suddenly grinded to a halt, shaking feverishly as their master looked down on them.

"   ... Well then   ", the Vespiquen said to herself, her voice beginning to drip with annoyance and anger.

Noriaki had managed to slip by and tried to slash L'Arachel, but the Vespiquen had managed to parry and lock blades just in time.

As their weapons grinded against each other, L'arachel could not help but look in to the Arrow Quill Pokemon's eyes.

Red and aglow with a... Deep, smoldering passion, but also a degree of mysticism and the signs of deep emotion within their depths.

She had always despised when eyes like that looked at her with disgust and anger.

Pushing her opponent away, L'Arachel contemplated all she had just witnessed as well as everything transpiring in front of herself and sighed.

"   Well then...   ", she huffed out before calling to her servants, "   This situation has run its course and I grow irritated by it. No use in further damage to ourselves. Nyquil! Zelgius! Bombax! Yukari! We are regrouping to gather our bearings and rewrite our plans for ahead!   "

On cue, Yukari and Bombax swiftly jumped back to be closer to their master, Zelgius scrambling backwards in synch with them.

"   Noriaki, you have made even more of an enemy out of me today. But it seems you have made peace with that and your place in the world to dare raise a blade against me. I suppose I can say I am at least... Happy for you, in some regard   ", said L'Arachel to the Decidueye that simply scoffed at her and adjusted his ribbon-tie, "   And Montresor... Notte... Two of my finest, turning coat against me for some frivolous "brotherhood" you share with that one? I hope you realize that your decision leaves you no longer welcome in my world, and all my gifts and protections will cease in your lives. I hope for your own sake of dying without regrets that you learn to make peace with that like Noriaki.   "

Montresor slowly looked down and closed his eyes. Notte came over to the Noctowl and pulled him closer.

"Believe us, L'Arachel, we will make peace with the decision that allows us to live instead of simply survive."

L'Arachel shrugged and cocked her head at the Bisharp's response.

"   Oh, also... You bunch. Come here   ", she called out, looking at the swarm of Combee that filled the room, "   No use in hiding, I know who and where you are.   "

A small group of Combee fluttered down in front of the Vespiquen, some shaking, all looking ashamed and slightly confused.

"   You nearly attacked me on the Smeargle's call. Do you have sudden doubts one me? Do you not feel in sync with the swarm?   "

The Combee shook even more nervously, some fervently denying with shaking "no", some sheepishly nodding in honest affirmation.

"   Well then...   "

L'Arachel stared them down for a second before suddenly unsheathing her rapiers and cleaving straight through the Combee in front of herself with one wide swing. Broken shells tapped to the floor.

"   They were tainted, or perhaps they always were not entirely supplicant...   ", the Vespiquen justified before speaking in a more commanding and announcement-worthy tone, "   Let this be a lesson to you all: I am your one and only leader, your one and only empress who has your endless loyalty. Treason is punished with death. And my swarm... Absolutely can not have weak links. Am I clear?   "

For the first time for likely most of the party's ears, the swarm of Combee speaks out in a monotone, synchronized voice, "   YES LADY L'ARACHEL. WE ARE NOBODY. WE ARE YOUR MIASMA. AT YOUR DISPOSAL. TREASON SHALL NOT BE TOLERATED, WE SHALL IMPROVE DETECTION AND PURGING OF INSURGENTS AND STRAYS.   "

"That's... Beyond fucked up...!", Nephenee sputtered in disgust.

"My life is yours, as it has been since we met, my fair lady", said Yukari, holding her sickles over her chest.

"Unlike some others, I got a sense of sort of integrity that I feel the need to keep up with me owing you a lot", said Zelgius, "I'll stick with you until I feel like I've repayed that."

"... I am nobody. I have nothing to run away to, you and only you make me feel less hollow, Mistress", said Bombax.

Noriaki looked over all of L'Arachel's loyalists. He didn't even seem angry. He seemed... A bit sad? But not personally. Sad for someone else.

"   Well then, I am glad we could re-establish that, with all these lecherous ones before me...   ", the master of the slaves said somewhat softly before taking a more rigid tone and gaze, "   Know who you have made an enemy out of...   "

"Do not think you have any sort of right to call us lecherous, wench", Noriaki beamed back at L'Arachel, unblinking with his red, shadowy gaze.

L'Arachel simply scoffed as she turned around and flipped her cloak, the Combee surrounding the Vespiquen and her vassals, also leaving room for Nyquil to come back as well should he be behind, before dispersing.

[Narcia]

"We should be good now, I think", said Gerome as he crossed his arms before responding to the Pineco, "Ah, yet another missing one... We'll try our best to get him back, I assure you."

The Nidoking police chief pulled out a notepad and flipped to a page full of missing reports as he underlined one indicating a brownish Pineco.

Nyquil is struck by the Aqua Tail and is knocked backwards. Before he crashes into the ground, he manages to recover and catch himself.    ”A Water Type move…”    However, before he can advance again, he hears L’Arachel’s order and immediately turns his focus on that. Using Quick Attack to close the distance between himself and the horde of Combees, he spins around and glares at the two deserters before being whisked away.