ITT: We Have All Become Pokémon

Mila nods on hearing this, though she seems worried by this proposition.

"I'll let Voxno know. Personally, I'm not sure what it is. The Plague seems to have different effects based on the pokemon, and I do remember that one of the guild members mentioned a possible spread of the plague to Hoard. The current theory is that if we can find the initial patient who spread it to the others and cure them, everything will fix itself. Of course, finding that patient might be difficult..."

Mila trails off, but her eyes brighten and a devious grin appears on her face as she leans in to make her last point.

"But, since you've got the records for everyone entering and exiting with that security force, that should make things easier. I'll let Vox know about this."

*Belladonna is unimpressed by Jani's display and makes her way to the tournament sign-ups, bumping into the group (and me as well) as she arrives.*

Belladonna: "Good to see you all again. You especially, Paddy. Signing up for the tournament, I see?"

PJ: "Yeah. I take it you've signed me up already?"

Belladonna: "Not yet, I actually just arrived. On my way, I was confronted by some ruffian who spouted baseless accusations at me. This did not erupt into conflict, fortunately, though I doubtlessly would have trounced her if it did. Quite a bother, but nonetheless, that detour's ended. Now then, have you decided? Will you be taking part in the singles tournament with me?"

PJ: "I... I suppose so. It'll be a decent place to let out some of my VA rage, right? Or wait, would it intensify that? Hm..."

Belladonna: "I won't object too strongly if you wish to abstain, you know."

PJ: "Nah, you know what? Count me in."

*Belladonna lets out a little squee as she takes my hand and guides me to the sign-ups. taking a pencil that's half her height, she scribbles down her full name. Belladonna Buttercup Clematis. There's a section next to it for titles, and she writes "Pixie Lust" there. Odd choice, but I don't think it over for long before she hands the pencil over to me. I put down the simple the initials I've been going by since I've arrived here and write down "Mystic Whirlwind" for my title. After doing so, I take a look at the list of entrants, hoping there's some off chance I may see a name I recognize outside of our group. I see Maxine and Bash... Those are the mercs that were with Lars the first time he popped up, right? Funny seeing them on here. Who else, who else... I go through the list, not seeing anything that really stands out until I'm just about done looking. I pause a moment, looking at the only other name I recognize. It's one I had almost forgotten about, belonging to someone I haven't seen in a while*

*The name is that of the first Pokemon we've met here, Yalta.*

(I notice Belladonna, and figuring that we haven't had a proper interaction yet, I decide to introduce myself.)

Oh, I don't think that we've had a proper introduction yet, my name is Marlon.

Finley nods. "Of course we'll be safe. I'm just worried for you guys."

She looks over at Bella... something about her was creeping Finley out.

Whatever, she shouldn't judge who she barely knows. "I'm really sorry to hear that. What were they saying?"

Ripley frowns, gazing towards the ground. "Indeed. I fear that, if Merqury has the plague, we will be forced to resort to... drastic action."

Having said that, she tries to appear a bit more upbeat, smiling and nodding. "But that is true. I thank you for your assistance. Remember, we never spoke out here, and if anyone says you were talking to me, I was only one of the higher-than-average number of Noiverns in this dragon city. Now, I'm afraid I must once again absorb the sound rather than emit it; biological karma. Thank you again."

With that, she clasped her wings together and bowed before making her way back inside the councilhouse.

Cyk signs up under the name "Psychic Psycho"

I decide to just stay and Pokewatch. If that's what they call Peoplewatching here...

After this, I say we go to that singing club. Say, where's Mila?

Talking to someone over near the hall, I guess.

retcon note: Changed "vending machine" to "ice mon selling", due to technology concerns.

*Voxno-V is patiently waiting for a reply from the Malamar merchant, regarding getting a cheaper model of notebook*

*meanwhile, Jani surfaces in the correct location this time — the lobby of the library* (I've gotten pretty lucky with the basements, or lack thereof, so far.) *she thinks to herself, as she gets a good view of the lobby. A Vanillice selling Serris-brand sodas is hard to miss, while advertisements for various products adorn the walls, indicating that this is not a municipally funded public library*

*she is greeted somewhat coldly by a stuffy Noctowl librarian, who flaps over to Jani, priming himself to eject her from the premises* I apologize, madam, but such vulgar displays will not be tolerated. I must ask you to leave.

*realizing the awkward situation she put herself in, she tries to quickly cover it up* I'm so...I humbly apologize, sir! There were stairs outside, and... *she looks down* um...you know... *technically true, as there are stairs outside*

*however...* Ahem, there IS also a ramp for those with...special concerns regarding locomotion. However, I am referring to your well...everything! *the Noctowl looks at the cuts on Jani, not to mention the notched beret*

*Jani looks confused, and mentions* W...what? Did I...am I under-dressed? *while the Noctowl simply ignores the odd statement and directs Jani to a mirror in the lobby. Jani heads over and sees the injuries from some random incursion she got into last night*

Oh my Groudon! *she proclaims* When could this have... *she thinks up a lie while pretending to dredge up the past* Oh, I remember. I tried to squeeze in with a large group at that deli nearby, and I remember brushing up against some wood. I knew it stung but...geez!

A likely story. *the Noctowl states, neck turned a bit and nose held high, but he then relents* Very well. So long as you can act civilized, you may partake in personal edification. However, *the Noctowl does that 360 degree head turn to state he means business* I will be watching you... *and with that, his body matches up with his head as he turns around and flaps back to his desk*

*worried about angering the Noctowl more, Jani heads toward the main hall of the library like a normal Pokemon*

edited 5th Aug '17 9:43:01 AM by sarysa

Jack signs up under the name Pirate Lord Jack Spearow, aka Jack the Ripper

edited 4th Aug '17 6:57:42 PM by TheGamechanger

Andy notices Jack's prefix. Oh my god. Jack, you realize the closest you are to pirating is stealing movies online.

*Belladonna goes over to greet Marlon first.*

Belladonna: "A pleasure! I'm Belladonna, nothing more than a humble cook, but all the same it's nice to meet another friend of Paddy's."

*She then flutters by Finley.*

Belladonna: "You wouldn't mind if I rambled, would you? Because this woman's accusations were simply bizarre, certainly not helped by how she looked like she had gotten into a bar fight not long ago. I certainly wouldn't doubt it if that were the case. Anyhow, she went on about how I'm some danger to my friends, having no idea why I'm even here, things like that. She even called me a... Stepford? I'm not familiar with this term personally, but then, she did seem rather out of it, claiming that she hailed from a land with technology beyond what the old humans of lore were capable of. And she blamed her rabid state on me! Why, I've never even met her! What gall she had! Like I said though, we broke off our conversation before a fight could erupt, and given her demeanor, I wouldn't be surprised if one did. Not that a cur like her would stand a chance."

*Belladonna giggled a little.*

Belladonna: "Heh, cur like her... I didn't even intend for that, it just happened."

Jack: Well, I don't see myself as an evil pirate, so no stealing or thieving for me. I'm more of a crime-fighting pirate.

edited 4th Aug '17 8:33:49 PM by TheGamechanger

Well, you're going for a flair aren't you, Jack?

(I say noting of what he put down on the signup.)

"..."

No way did she just meet...

"So you're telling me she came in looking like she was in a bar fight, accused you of crazy things, rattled off a bunch of things only humans might be capable of, and screwed off?"

Finley looks at PJ and the others, then back at Bella.

"Can you tell us where she went?"

edited 4th Aug '17 7:09:28 PM by BaconZorp

(Huh, Bella sure did just describe someone who coincidentally sounds like- wait.)

Where'd she go after your discussion?

Mila leaves a few moments after Ripley, and makes her way back over to the group.

"Hey, guys. Do you know where Voxno might be? I just have something to tell him before we go off looking for Jani. Hey, Finley. You seem a bit worried. Everything okay?"

She looks Mila in the eyes, a look of surprise and joy on her face. "I think Bella just met Jani."

*Belladonna shrugged.*

Belladonna: "Can't say, the lowlife dug underground to make her escape. I wouldn't advise looking for her, though. Someone like her who constantly gets wrapped up in fights is not a fellow you should associate with."

PJ: "Hey, Bella? This is gonna sound weird, but what species was she?"

Belladonna: "Diglett, why?"

*I connect the dots rather quickly and whisper to Finley:*

PJ: "It's totally Jani."

But she may have gone even more senile since she disappeared from us, Mila.

Oh my God.

"Thank you so much for telling us this, Bella! You just helped immensely! We've been looking for that girl for days now! Are you absolutely positive you don't know where she is now?" Finley holds herself back from jumping with joy.

Jack, pirates don't fight crime. Narcs fight crime. Piracy is a crime, and pirates are criminals. You can't have your cake and eat it too, Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

*Belladonna is perplexed by Finley's reaction.*

Belladonna: "No, I have no idea where she may have gone. Why would you be looking for a wreck of a person like her? Unless... Oh! I get it, she has a bounty on her and you wish to bring her to justice, is that it?"

PJ: "Bounty? What? No, no no no, she's our friend, she's not a criminal or anything. At least, I hope not..."

Belladonna: "So she wasn't kidding about knowing you... But, may I ask why? Why would you associate with someone of her ilk?"

PJ: "Look, it's a long story, she wasn't always like that."

Belladonna: "Well, we have time, don't we? What's the story? What's her deal?"

(I decide to pitch in and tell of what happened to Jani.)

Back while we were in Silversand, she was attacked by a cat. After she was allowed to leave the hospital she...changed. She seemed to suddenly became a lot more...mean-spirited, as if something deeper down was wrong.

edited 4th Aug '17 7:37:47 PM by Team42Larson