The Bedsheets, Interior -> Lucifuge's Office
[Well, at least PJ seems good enough to go in. He does look kinda cute being ferried about by Royal like that. Meanwhile, as I can't help but find myself glaring at the mon as I enter, I still don't think it's a good idea to let Dylan sit in, but whatever, I'm not his dad.]
"W, well," [I start to explain as Samael opens the floor,] "the guild's, um, running out of money, and apparently someone with the guild set up an account here a while back? They, uhh, asked us to get some money from it." [It occurs to me in the worst possible place and time if the money in this account will even be enough. I mean, it's only one person's account, right? I guess whatever it'll take for the guild to get by, but will this really work out?]
Bedsheets
Yes, they told us that you were the person we needed to see. (Delilah says to the Confagrigus. She still is trying to wrap her head around what's going on.)
You can help us, right? (I add after swallowing my nerves.) Since the Guild's running out of funds, they're having trouble helping Silversand recover from their Viral Aggression...uh, incident.
Silversand
Oh, of course not! Our home is your home! (Angelo says to Marlon.) We just cleaned the guest bedroom, anyway.
Thanks, guys! (Marsha says.)
Edited by kablammin45 on Apr 9th 2020 at 6:30:25 AM
"Hey, least I didn't lose all my artistic talent when I crash landed in the arena here."Lucifuge's Office
(I kept quiet while the rest made our problems known. Not much I can really say without it being already said. Here's hoping this will work, because I am not going back empty handed.)
"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, MythraThe Bedsheet's, Lucifuge's office
Mila and Autumn follow the others inside, before filing off to the side and pressing up against a wall half for support and half to allow everyone else who wants to a chance to fit in. Mila can't help but eye the Cofagrigus a little suspiciously, after all while the Swords of Justice apparently had an account with him, they also couldn't find him to contact him on their own, and in the end someone who was dealing with enough money to keep an organization afloat was currently staging his efforts out of ruins. Recent ruins.
"If you don't mind me asking, though, what do you... well... do?"
I need to update these things more oftenPhyllis and Angelo's
I acknowledge the fact that they have the paper I'm looking for with a slight nod of thanks before looking to Marsha.
That's exactly the idea. Can't imagine they've gotten too far into what they're trying to do with the guild money, plus I know they're wanting to find out more about the goings-on here. Oh, are there any more plans for the evening? We did have a long boat trip after all and at least I'm certainly feeling rather exhausted from all that's happened recently, after all.
I start to play out exactly what I'm going to write now in my head.
"Guys,
It's as bad as we suspected. Serris IS involved and financing the rebuilding efforts in town here. On first glance it seems chivalrous enough but obviously that's not what's happening. I don't know if he's directly in town now but tonight Marsha and I took a visit to the town hall and saw some evident signs, hell, even a straight admission from the Mayor himself that Serris was helping. Heard no mention of Ripley but I'm sure he's spun it around to make these townsfolk believe she was the sole reason Hoard fell. Besides that, how are efforts going on your end? Is this financier willing to take us on? I'm going to find out how well my leg has come along tomorrow morning. I will be back with you guys far sooner than you might think.
-Marlon
Also btw Delilah, they've replaced both you and Marsha as lifeguards. We met one of them earlier but the other wasn't present."
Edited by Team42Larson on Apr 12th 2020 at 4:06:25 AM
June 27thThe Bedsheets, Lucifuge's Office
*Two shadowy arms slip out of Lucifuge's coffin as he listens to Eliot and Goobert, and they rest just over his altar, making a little hand triangle that meets at the fingertips.*
Lucifuge: "Ah, so the Swords of Justice do rust after all... Well, if that ain't a predicament, I don't know what is. Samael!"
*Lucifuge manifests another arm, which snaps its fingers to call the young Yamask to attention.*
Samael: "Yes, Master Lucifuge!"
Lucifuge: "Go see if we have any accounts on file that belong to a guildie, if you would be so kind."
Samael: "Right away, sir!"
*With that, Samael hastily exits the room and floats off to some other part of the building.*
Lucifuge: "We can get you all fixed up real soon, once we have everything confirmed. Until then..." *Lucifuge points to Mila.* "...That's a very good question, young lady, I like a little inquisitiveness now and then. To sum things up for you..."
*Lucifuge holds out his arms in a theatrical manner, adding in a fourth arm to the mix as well.*
Lucifuge: "...I just happen to run the foremost underground banking and information-brokering syndicate in this happy little corner of the world! Need to stash some cash? I'm your ghost! Pull some strings? I got just the thing! Taste the forbidden fruits of knowledge? Honey, I got a whole orchard of that, just as long as you can afford it one way or another. Surprisingly lucrative venture, wouldn'cha know!"
PJ: "And, um, if it's my place to ask, what's the legality of all this, exactly?"
*Lucifuge waves one of his hands dismissively.*
Lucifuge: "Ehh, it varies. You know how it is, different places have different laws. Usually, we're a little grey in that regard, but hey! That's business!"
Are you ready? Go live!Bedsheets
(I still don't feel too sure about this, especially since Lucifuge just implied that what he's doing may not be completely legal, but I guess we're already down this Bunnelby-...I mean rabbit hole, and this guy is apparently our only option, so...)
(I can't think of what to say next. What am I supposed to say to a guy like this after hearing that? Delilah doesn't seem to have that problem, though.) Uh...how long have you been doing this? (She asks him.)
Silversand
I did kinda wanna check in with my pals here in town. (Marsha says, shrugging.) Maybe see if Max is around heres. Hope she and her pal Bashmo are doin' alright. I know the last place we saw 'em was at Hoard. You don't hafta go if yas are too tired, though.
"Hey, least I didn't lose all my artistic talent when I crash landed in the arena here."Phyllis and Angelo's
Max and Bash...oh, yeah, I get where you're coming from. I've also been kinda wondering how they've been since we got out of there. I'll let you do that since I know what's what you were wanting to do. I'll be heading off to the guest room..I'll probably be out cold within a couple minutes, heh. Where's your guest room?
I say as I start to get up and look around.
June 27thLucifuge's Office
(No doubt a guy like that would have many connections to keep business running, legal or not. Well, it can't be any worse than what I've done before, hopefully. I'm doubtful he'll do things like this for free, so I might as well ask him.) What's the catch?
"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, MythraSilversand
Just down the hall! (Angelo tells Marlon, motioning toward the mossy hallway on the other side of the living room.) It's the room at the very end.
Ya have a good rest, okay, Marly? (Marsha says, standing up as well and preparing to head out.) I'll probably be back heres soon.
"Hey, least I didn't lose all my artistic talent when I crash landed in the arena here."Phyllis and Angelo's
I orient myself towards the other side of the living room as instructed and before I make the turn to head in I look back towards Marsha, Phyllis, and Angelo.
Yeah, I will. I've been needing a real good rest for quite some time now. Have a good night, guys!
I head over to give Marsha a quick peck on the cheek, then turn to head down that hall, with a bit of an extra spring in my step. But, I'm still showing obvious signs of hobbling ahead as I head into the Guest Room.
The Guest Room
I open the door and close it behind me. The first thing I notice is a decent amount of standing water...but then again, this is the house of two Water-Types, so it shouldn't be weird. It's not high enough to hinder ny movement but enough to feel kinda annoying, but refreshing all at once.
Now where is...
Aha, desk. I limp over and sit down in it in one fell swoop as I grab the paper as I suspected it would be. I quickly write out the letter as I had rehearsed it. Well, almost.
"Guys,
It's as bad as we suspected. Serris IS involved and financing the rebuilding efforts in town here. On first glance it seems chivalrous enough but obviously that's not what's happening. I don't know if he's directly in town now but tonight Marsha and I took a visit to the town hall and saw some evident signs, hell, even a straight admission from the Mayor himself that Serris was helping. Heard no mention of Ripley but I'm sure he's spun it around to make these townsfolk believe she was the sole reason Hoard fell. Besides that, how are efforts going on your end? Is this financier willing to take us on? I'm going to find out how well my leg has come along tomorrow morning. I will be back with you guys far sooner than you might think.
-Marlon"
Bingo. Now to find a Carrier Pidgey...
I look out the window and find msyelf observing the night life of Silversand. A few families here, a romantic couple there, friends discussing. I have spent a month in this world and yet things that should still come off as weird just don't anymore. Have I begun to lose my humanity? Obviously I still know that I was human at one point, but, adjusting to this life as a Pokémon and forgetting everything I knew has just become easier with time. But enough of that, I suppose. I have to find a Carrier Pidgey. But although I'm able to flag a carrier down....it's not a Pidgey. I find myself staring at a Mandibuzz.
The fuck.... I thought only Pidgeys could be carriers?
You've thought wrong there, pal. When the Pidgey go home for the day the mail companies send us out for nighttime runs. Ya got somethin' for me?
I quickly fold up the letter and place it in the outstretched talon of the Mandibuzz (who I identify as a female from the name "Stacie" embroidered on her mailbag), where she then asks me a new question.
Where'm I headin'?
I need you to find the Bedsheets. You know where that is?
Yeah, old gang hideout ain't it? Why there?
My friends are likely in the vicinity of the place. Long story but yeah, they'll be nearby.
And if they aren't?
If you find a Goodra, Raichu, Raboot, Decidueye, Helioptile, or a Smeargle that might be in the form of an Inteleon, hand that to them. It's of big importance.
Will do.
She simply nods before flying off. I watch her fly off before leaving the desk and looking over to the bed. As I slog through the water and lumber into the bed...
...I fall asleep within minutes of settling in. Good night.
June 27thThe Bedsheets, Lucifuge's Office
"I... see. Well, let's just hope what you've been doing around my home is legal as far as my parents are concerned."
Autumn keeps an uncertain gaze planted on Lucifuge as they offer a response, her arms crossed in front of her and her eyes narrowing slightly as she considers what their new acquaintance is telling them. Hearing about something like this, an organization of this scale operating unknown to her is unsettling, and their leader still hasn't exactly made clear what their manner of operation even is. Seeing how her companion is faring, Mila tightens her hold on the Braixen a little bit more, pulling her to the side just enough that the Raichu can rest her head against the Braixen's, hoping to defuse some of the tension that she's sensing.
"Let's say you find the account. What then, we ask for the funds and you have enough to give to us right away? Or is the guild going to get a stack of papers with debts owed to you it has to collect for itself?"
I need to update these things more oftenElsewhere on Denalsi
The twins are walking through Gleamscape in an attempt to find the missing Aggron. The efforts aren't exactly working so far.
Ah...c'mon, this is becoming pointless...we gotta find somewhere to sleep for the night.
I...agree with you, brother, none of these folks know where Mr. Madera went.
The two turn down the nearest street and attempt to head into an inn at the end, until they get accosted by...
WAH—
Oh, dear me, are you quite alright sir?
Quite fine, thank you. What are you two kids doing out this late anyway?
Oh, we're trying to find a friend of our dad's. He went missing during the whole Hoard incident and ever since dad has been trying to find him. His name is Madera—
Richard's eyes grow wide as he throws his wings over his mouth.
Madera? Holy shit...you're Tom's kids, aren't you? How come Tom didn't tell me sooner? Shit..
You know our dad?
Of course I do, it's only natural I keep tabs on Guild Members and their families, after all. Come with me, I think I know where Madera might be.
Richard leads the twins to his and Lucille's home.
Edited by Team42Larson on Apr 21st 2020 at 6:18:08 AM
June 27thSilversand
Same ta you, Marly! (Marsha says to Marlon as he heads off. She turns to her parents.) I'm gonna head out for a bit, but ya probably knew that already.
Alright, Marsha. Be careful out there! (Angelo says as Marsha heads out of the house.)
(Although it's getting late in the evening by now, there is still a little bit of activity going on outside, most of it from other Pokémon sitting on the porches or stoops of their houses or walking on the beach. The fact that Serris is now with the town does still weigh a bit on Marsha's mind as she heads out, but maybe this walk and finding one of her friends will get her mind off of it for a while. Marsha begins walking up the street in search of someone she knows.)
"Hey, least I didn't lose all my artistic talent when I crash landed in the arena here."The Bedsheets, Lucifuge's Office
Lucifuge: "Ehh, been in the game for a long, long time now. Few centuries, maybe? I did spend a lot of time as one of them wandering soul types before making it big, think I may've been in that gig longer than this. As for any sort of... catch, stipulation, what-have-you, well..."
*Seeming to disregard Autumn's concern, Lucifuge scratches his chin (or something to that effect), likely pondering what favor he should have us fulfill to access the guild's account. While he does so, Samael floats back into the room, with a folder in his hands.*
Samael: "Master Lucifuge, I've got the files!"
Lucifuge: "Excellent work there, Sammy!" *He outstretches a shadowy appendage and plucks the folder from Samael's grasp.* "Now we can get into the real meat of the negotiations."
PJ: "Huh, kinda surprised that you guys'd use manila folders."
Lucifuge: "Manila? No, this is card stock, kid. Never heard of this 'manila' stuff you're talking about."
PJ: "No, Manila's a... y'know, never mind, this isn't important right now."
Lucifuge: "If ya say so, kid."
*Lucifuge then starts rifling through the folder's contents, reading each individual paper within before placing it on the altar before him, treating it like it's a desk.*
Lucifuge: "I see, I see, that seems to be in order... Back to what I was saying before, I think I have my own check I'd like to cash before I can let you into the account."
*I push my forehead into my palm and groan quietly.*
PJ: "Of course, why did I not expect this?"
Are you ready? Go live!Lucifuge's Office
(And there it is. There's the catch. Of course it wouldn't be easy to just walk out with the money. The "check to cash in" raised some questions, but considering he holds the money, I can't really call him out on it. Might as well ask the obvious question.) What's the check?
"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, MythraBedsheets
(Seriously? We have to wait for him to do something else first?) I mean...this is kinda urgent since none of us are getting paid anything right now. Will whatever this is that you need to do be quick?
Silversand
(While walking around Silversand in search of her friends, Marsha happens by her lifeguard chair again. As it's getting very late in the evening, the chair is empty now. Marsha sighs. Even with the knowledge that they would get her back if they needed her, Marsha still can't help but feel unhappy about having lost her job and being replaced, especially since this was the job she always wanted.)
(Feeling a bit peckish, she sees that Malcolm's deli is still open and walks over to it. The shop is mostly empty, though a table has a small half-finished sandwich and two drink cups on it, indicating that some Pokémon are still here. Malcolm sees Marsha walking in and his face lights up.)
Marsha! (The Quilladin says.) Where've ya been? I haven't seen ya on the beach in almost a month.
I've been through the craziest crap, that's what! (Marsha says, plunking herself down at a table.) What a month...
Do ya want to talk about it? (Malcolm asks.)
Eh, it's a really long story. Just get me a Kelpsey sammich. (Marsha says, shrugging.) How've things been around heres?
We've been slowly gettin' back up on our feet after that crazy mess a few weeks ago. Business has picked back up again. (Malcolm says as he fixes Marsha's sandwich.) A few folks who've come in here have said they missed ya. It sure is different seein' someone else up on that lifeguard chair when I look out there.
I still hate that I nevah told anybody what I was doin' all this time... (Marsha sighs.) But anyways, how's the Inteleon who replaced me doin' anyway? Madeline? Are people likin' her?
Well... (Malcolm seems a bit unsure what to say.) From what I've heard of the people who've come in here, they say that she's not as nice as the Garchomp or as fun to be around as you. Been hearin' people call her "Maddy" because it's easy to make her mad.
(Marsha groans and rests her head on her arms.) Wonderful...I leave and they go 'n hire a jerk...
Well...it's not so much that she's a jerk and more that she's gone through a lot of stress. (Malcolm says as he brings out Marsha's sandwich.) She's been through a lot in only a few weeks.
Whaddya mean? (Marsha asks.)
Well, ya see, Madeline lived in Hoard. She was a dojo instructor there. (Malcolm explains, sitting down across from Marsha.) When it collapsed, she lost everything except her son. Like a bunch of other Pokémon who used to live there, she came here to Silversand afterward. She actually started out living in those incomplete Guild buildings up the way.
Oh...oh wow, that's awful... (Marsha says. Then looks at Malcolm quizzically.) Hey, how do ya know about this? Did she pour out her life story ta ya while gettin' lunch?
Well, not exactly. It's because- (Malcolm starts to say.)
(A door in the back of the building opens, and who should come out from around the corner but Madeline. Marsha immediately notices that Madeline is carrying a small and very slightly sea-green Sobble with her who couldn't be much older than two. Madeline pauses as she walks back toward her table upon seeing Marsha.)
Oh...it's you. (She says to Marsha.) What are you doing here?
Gettin' a snack. I'nt that what most people walk inta restaurants for? (Marsha says.)
(Madeline looks unamused at that as she sits the Sobble and herself back down at their table.)
Would ya like to move down here? (Malcolm asks her.) Perhaps you and Marsha could have some interesting conversations.
(Madeline sits in thought for a moment, but then moves herself and her son down closer to Marsha and Malcolm.)
We can't be down here for too much longer since it's almost Josh's bedtime. (Madeline says as she moves the young Sobble's food down to the table adjacent to theirs.)
Oh, I understand. (Malcolm nods. He stands up.) I'm going to do some cleaning. If either of you need anything, just let me know.
(Malcolm heads back to the deli kitchen, leaving the Swampert and the Inteleon and Sobble to discuss things.)
Edited by kablammin45 on Apr 24th 2020 at 12:08:52 PM
"Hey, least I didn't lose all my artistic talent when I crash landed in the arena here."Richard and Lucille's
Richard leads the two boys inside, much to Lucille's surprise, given mostly that she's right there at the front door.
Richie, who are these boys?
Linda and Tom's kids. Tom and the kids agreed to head out and try to find a missing friend of theirs. It's uh...by the way, it's Madera they're looking for.
Lucille's expression contort into one of abject shock as her husband mentions the name of the missing mon.
But who is Madera?
Richard leads the kids into the kitchen and prepares a few files for them while Lucille fixes up some tea for the four of them.
By the way, who is who?
Oh, I'm Timmy. Fraxure is my brother.
Charmed. Saw you and your parents working at the good stand from time to time but never wanted to eat there.
She sits down with the boys and Richard as he brings out three files.
Madera. Once a career criminal, he reformed and became one of the best agents I'd have ever seen. He went up to Hoard to do some investigate work. Then...he went missing. Reports suggest he fell under the spell of the Viral Aggression and somehow found his way out of town...to do what, who knows.
No way. How did Mister Madera even slip out of there? I thought they blocked off nearly every way in...
That's what we don't know. I'd take on this case but uh...heh heh...the little lady had been kinda missing me lately. Let's just put it at that.
Lucille gives her husband a slight side-eye but then turns her attention back to the matters at hand.
So, you boys really think you can take this on? Madera might still be very dangerous under the influence of the VA, you know.
Uh...I think we can...? We were trying to get those guys that came by our food stand to help us before we went back home to catch a boat here.
Wait...guys? Richard quickly puts two and two together.
Those kids are back on Denalsi? What kind of mission did the guild send them on now?
Erm, actually, we overheard that the Guild was running low on funds.
Richard and Lucille look between themselves as they try to formulate how they'll exactly respond to this.
June 27th

The Bedsheets, Lucifuge's Office
*I jump onto Royal's head at Goobert's suggestion as the group begins to file in. I would've jumped on Eliot, but that... fin? sail? That thing on his head would make it a bit difficult to stay on. Plus, I dunno if the other Eliot(?) would be too happy with me if they suddenly switched while I'm on their head.*
PJ: "Strictly speaking, I don't know if I need to, but at this point I don't care. It's comfy up here."
*Lucifuge scratches his chin (or makes a gesture like that) as we enter, giving us all a look-over.*
Lucifuge: "Bit of a ragtag bunch we got here, eh? Charming, I like it. You all are guildies, is that right?"
Samael: "That they are, sir. I'll let them explain what brings them here."
Are you ready? Go live!