(The discussion thread is here
)
Welcome to HGS: Another Side Another Story. It is a roleplay spinoff for the Hunger Games Simulator forum game, akin to both the RP's in the Roleplaying section as well as the ITTs in Forum Games. It tells the story of the Hunger Games in the Arena of Panem, the nominators who sent the tributes, the tributes themselves both in and out of the Arena or even other people relevant to the Games. In addition, it also tells their stories beyond the Arena.
You can jump right in with any character, like your nominator self, your tributes, etc. The structure of this RP will be open-world. Don't worry about not being skilled/experienced enough or being new to RP'ing. Finally, ASAS accepts any skill level or RP style. Other than these, there are some important rules to note, which are:
- No godmodding will be allowed or tolerated here. The offending player will be given punishment depending on the severity.
- Please communicate anything important you plan on another player with the said player first. Don't just execute it without their consent.
- Don't be rude to other players, both out and in-universe. This extends to RP offenses like railroading, guilt-tripping, coercing, or other forms of forcing them.
- This RP is related to the Hunger Games Simulation:Beyond the Possibilities forum game. Thus it will have events based from that game, including the tributes. This means if you want to RP as tributes, please nominate them officially on the thread first, with misses not being counted. This has to be done after an incident with a player who hasn't joined the game itself yet.
- Since this RP is Loose Canon in relation to the main HGS thread, the host's interpretation of events isn't necessarily 100% canon. Every player has the right to deviate from what the host says and go with their own interpretations. If multiple players have their tributes involved in the same event(s), please communicate with each other so that you're on the same page regarding how you see them.
- This RP chronicles the lives of the nominators and their tributes behind the scenes. While dark plots are acceptable, the overall tone of the RP should be light-hearted and comedic. This RP is not a Cosmic Horror Story or action story about defeating evil. It is a Slice of Life comedy with some adventure to it, first and foremost. Our previous RP, Convergence, is not representative of the intended tone, and the grimdark tone of that RP is one of the main reasons it was retooled.
- Nominators and tributes alike can transform into Pokemon whenever they enter a Pokemon Mystery Dungeon World (but they can bypass this with certain items/methods or shapeshifting) or via other means outside it such as a season event, Transformation Trinkets, or shapeshifting. The players are free to choose the Pokéforms that best suit their characters and even give them color schemes outside the standard and Shiny colors, but there is a hard rule for this. If you want your character's Pokéform to be a Legendary, Mythical, or Ultra Beast, please ask the RP mods for approval. Outside the Arena, these Pokéforms are still OP, but we want to give leeway for tributes who theoretically can have them such as deities.
- Other rules are covered in the RP guides: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=13414403220A81433600&page=1#comment-1
Other guides to help you can be found below:
Here's my opening RP post:
Detective Gamechanger's Base
A sharp-dressed man in a green suit and yellow tie is standing by the entrance of the base. He is of average height and has whitish skin, though still a bit darker. He is Billy, one of the nominators and the organizer of the party.
Indeed, after the nominators' returned and settled their problems, they decide to have fun with a party. Billy also sent invites for all the other nominators out there, as well as basically anyone else, including tributes, non associated parties, interested nominators who haven't participate yet, or even those who just wants to hang out.
The place itself in the base is refurbished for party purposes. Fancy chairs and tables are set everywhere for people to relax, as well as put food and other objects for the latter. There's also various collections showcased, including those belonging to the Detective, like his classic cars. Various themes to the base are set too, including detective noir as GC would have preferred.
Billy is now awaiting for other guests to arrive. He is also ready to give them a pleasant surprise during the party pertaining to his nation.
Edited by Billy5545 on Aug 23rd 2023 at 12:18:55 AM
Porky Minch
Dark Sisterhood Fortress
Veran was discussing the planned attack against the Infinite Darkness with some sisters inside her room.
"So their league is ruled by a stupid old man... I can't wait to claim what is ours and dispose of that old trash." Carmilla said with an evil smirk, drinking a glass of blood.
"We should exterminate them all. They will make great sacrifices for the mighty Lavos!" Queen Zeal exclaimed.
"Feeding them to your great parasite is a very interesting idea... But it would not be amusing to not take care of them ourselves. I want to see the terror in their eyes with my owns." Veran said.
"Yes!! Maybe we could capture some of them and timewreck them if they turn out to be useless!" Bellatrix suggested, licking her lips.
"Ah yes... That isn't an available option, alas. Maleficent may have given us the basis about Timewrecker's technology from the time she "served" under him, but we have yet to fully replicate it." the sorceress sighed, disappointing everyone in the room.
"That's too bad. I would have loved to see the look on their faces. After all, respect do come from fear." a voice said as a young girl entered the room with a vicious smirk.
"What is that human brat doing here? We already have one and I hate them." Carmilla asked, already feeking annoyed by the newcomer.
"This is Azula. Princess of the Fire Nation and a little prodigy. She may be only 14, but this girl has proven herself to be... a useful ally. I took care of her recruitment." Veran said.
"I can feel she has powerful magic within her, yes... But we need more than your word, Veran." Queen Zeal said.
"Let me guess. You'll send her on the battlefield with some of our own? It will be fun to watch Sidious and his idiots burn to death." Bellatrix cackled, sadistically licking her lips.
"Well! I see that there are people who are speaking my language here. I knew it was a good idea to team up with you. I'll show them..." Azula said, smirking at the mad witch. Carmilla frowned, disgusted at the idea of having another young human/livestock accepted into the Dark Sisterhood's higher ranks.
"Perfect... I know that Chrysalis's little servant will take care of "befriending" the nominators and their pony friends for us while Chara is already on the move to get their brother on our side. As for Darth Sidious and his jesters, they will learn the true meaning of sorrow." Veran said, narrowing her eyes evilly.
June's house
Lucian wasted no time jumped on the bottom of the bunk bed that wasn't used by June and rubbed himself against a pillow, howling in delight.
"Thanks. It's nice to see you again." Aaron said to August and July before sitting down on Lucian's bed and petting him, leaving June's bunkbed for her and Wednesday.
"Gosh... You really need to rest, huh?"
"You can't blame me... I feel like I overdid myself today." Lucian weakly moaned.
"Well you're right. You went into 2 completely new worlds with us. You watched a breathtaking magic show, braved a roller coaster, kart raced for the first time in your life, tried a funhouse, ate in a restaurant then had fun on a boat. Not only that, you even made new friends, one of which you get along very well! Of course, you and your heart are exhausted." Aaron gently muttered.
"Y-Yeah... I wish we'll be able to do such days again." The Lycanroc sighed.
"I'm sure we will. I'm very proud of you and Oscar. You two were amazing today. I'm glad you all had fun."
"W-Well... I-I learn from the best. A-And I'm sure Oscar has his role model too." Lucian giggled, looking at Aaron and June. The Lucario blushed a bit at the remark and giggled too, hugging Lucian, kissing him on the nose.
Inn
The groups took their keys, thanked Judy, and left to their respective rooms.
Entering room 9, Alex fell on the bed, groaning while Tokage and Proteus studied their room.
"It's small but very pretty. I like it." the Grovyle remarked, sitting on the second bed.
"Nin. Ninja." Proteus agreed, touching the third one in curiosity.
"Don't worry father. I'll help you get inside the bed. Please don't make too much of a mess." Tokage said before looking at Alex.
"Wow... Those gotta be special beds. They don't burn when I touch them." Alex said in awe, waving his fire against his bed.
"That wouldn't surprise me. They must have deal with Fire-Type Pokémons before." Tokage guessed.
"Man... It's rare for me to be tired like that, but I'm done. Best day ever..." Alex sighed, taking off his hat.
"I agree. It's a shame you couldn't have joined us before, but I'm glad you're with us now." Tokage said to his dad. The old Greninja giggled and pulled the two reptiles into a hug.
In room 17, the FBW just finished installing themselves.
"Ah... I say, nothing beats a good cozy bed after a long day..." James sighed, laying down. He raised his eyebrows in confusion when Arthur and Nick pushed their beds right next to his, making a single giant bed.
"You wouldn't think we would sleep separately now?" Arthur snarled.
"R-Right..." James said, blushing.
"Aaaw, there you go again! You're just so cute when you're embarrassed like that... Just like Arthur." Nick giggled, hugging his boyfriend's body.
"Don't compare me to the Sobble over there, alright?" Arthur hissed, joining in the hug as the trio hugged each other.
"Right... I can't compare you because I'm cuter." Nick giggled, showing his puppy eyes. This time, even Arthur visibly blushed and looked away while James groaned. Nick laughed and blushed as well.
"G-Gentlemen... Let us settle this peacefully and just say that every one of us is adorable. At this point, we are becoming even redder than a Cheri Berry." the Inteleon stammered with a nervous smile.
"Of course, sir diplomat." Nick said. Arthur took a deep breath and removed his hood from his head after shivering a bit.
"Oh my gosh, what did I just said Arthur?" James squealed in a high-pitched voice, he and Nick turning crimson.
"You two look s-stupid... Come here and let's have... "fun"." Arthur silently said, opening his beak. The trio kissed each other and started to relax...
Edited by Scipion3 on Sep 13th 2021 at 7:01:28 PM
"With my eternal life, I will see the world through to its end. Until everyone who won't like me is gone."
Nidokings and Nidoqueens
Whispering Pines
(As everyone starts to turn in, June hears Wednesday speaking to her over their link.)
(I don’t want to have to leave again…I know at some point tomorrow, I’m going to have to go back.)
(Hey, don’t worry, Ozzy! You’ll still have me t’ talk to when ya hafta leave. I can fill you in on what everybody else is up to, too! I’m always available!) (June says.)
(I think I’ll see if I can’t find a way out of this sooner rather than later, though. Maybe Veena, Greta, and Sticky could help me.)
(Yeah! Maybe it’s somethin’ y’all can look into when y’all meet back up! And we can probably help, too.)
(Wednesday feels a little bit better now.) (Right…well, good night, June.)
(Night, Ozzy!)
(They bid the others good night and start settling down to go to sleep.)
"Wonder if Lexie's gonna be free after his shift today..."
Porky Minch
June's house
Aaron took off his clothes. He and Lucian noticed Wednesday seeming a bit sad for a moment and remembered he will have to leave eventually.
"O-Oh... It's a good thing Oscar now has a mental link with June but... I wish I... we could do more... I really don't want him to get hurt." Lucian sadly whispered.
"The 'Brijes will help and protect him, I'm sure of it. Well... Everyone except that Knox guy, maybe. We can't really do anything else... For now. I'm sure June will find a way to definitively remove that bracer thing and free him. Maybe we could also help the 'Brijes or anyone that their boss forcefully recruited." Aaron whispered.
"Y-Yeah... But still. It's frustrating. I know what he's been through! He doesn't deserve any of what happened to him! It's unfair! I want to help him so bad..." Lucian growled with a frustrated look, which surprised Aaron a bit.
"Lucian... Listen. You are going to make his costume machine tomorrow. That and you becoming his friend is more than enough to make him happy. And I'm sure he'll be back to see June and us one way or another. He and the 'Brijes managed to go to the carnival with us, surely they can do that again." Aaron reassured. He couldn't help but feel concerned at his best friend's angry look, which reminded him a lot of his mad look when he was turned into a Midnight Lycanroc.
He hoped that Lucian didn't have any dangerous ideas in his mind.
"O... Okay..." Lucian sighed, unconvinced. But he knew he had no choice for now. He still thought about talking with Wednesday about it secretly tomorrow.
"Alright... Rest well, Lucian. I love you." Aaron whispered, hugging Lucian one final time. Lucian shuddered and returned it, regaining his smile.
"Good night, Aaron. L-Love you too..." Lucian groogily answered. The Lycanroc grabbed the blanket and closed his eyes. Aaron petted him in the head one last time before climbing up to his bed. The Lucario then waved at everyone before sleeping too.
Likewise, back at the inn, Alex's party slept after some talk while the FBW did the same after having a... "private moment" together.
Edited by Scipion3 on Sep 13th 2021 at 10:19:43 AM
"With my eternal life, I will see the world through to its end. Until everyone who won't like me is gone."
Love Thy Self
The Arena
After getting himself unstuck from the gum, Baby Mario finds some LEGOS and plays with them. He assembles them into a life-size replica of a moth, but he fumbles and breaks it apart. He breaks down crying again, and he still does the next day, but he doesn't watch his step and falls down the stairs, breaking his head on impact.
Flashback: Power's Art School, post-S151
As the staff promptly took their seats, the curtains rose to reveal Mini-Mettaton in his frilly blue dress. A familiar song started to play as he danced around onstage.
Welcome to
My musical!
I'll teach you
My skills and all!
Blue nodded along while Yellow looked incredulously at him.
"Isn't he wearing the same dress as Steven in the first sea—"
But suddenly, the song sped up, and Mini-Mettaton grabbed a cane from nowhere and yanked the staff onstage. Blue and Yellow looked around in confusion while Paper smirked as the backdrop changed to that of a ballroom and the backup dancer props magically moved to the beat.
You look like
Great actresses!
Come with me
For your dresses!
Mini-Mettaton whisked them backstage and shoved Blue and Yellow into big poofy costumes.
"But we can just shapeshift!"
Here's your script
Practice your lines
Then show them off... on stage!
Paper stomped her hooves for him while Blue and Yellow checked their scripts. The latter furrowed her brows at him.
"You didn't even introduce yourself, rectangle!"
My apologies, dear madam, for it seems that you missed my GREATEST SHOW IN THE ARENA!
"We watched you at June's Valentine's party!" said Blue. "And you made the most out of your Arena time!"
"I know," said Yellow, "but I meant that he didn't introduce himself like the other teachers!"
Because I didn't need to do so again! Now I'm sure that you learned the skills needed here from them, so show me what you've got, darlings!
Rancis may look like a party on the outside, but he's all business on the inside. He has bright eyes and even brighter ideas...
Lucina
Status Update: Bale's School
Pythor was sitting on a chair, watching a small ant colony he'd made to study on his off-time. He looked on with a mix of curiosity and bore over not having anything else interesting to do. He then spotted one ant he had been looking at in particular who was building a structure outside of the underground tunnels, he was actually surprised by this and began to encourage it.
Pythor: Come on, Anthony, make daddy proud and build that statue, make your enemies turn to you as their great leader. If you keep it up, even the queen ant will be your follower soon enough.
He then heard a window break and figured who did it, he annoyedly look as Vexus appeared and smashed her phone into bits. The two had been feuding a bit ever since their last scheme as their personalities and egos had started clashing over and over on who was the better villain, needless to say a breaking point was about to be reached over a petty squabble.
Pythor: What are you doing?
Vexus: I was trying to create a special virus to infect my world's electronics with so I could take it over, but it lagged and ran out of battery.
Pythor then started laughing, causing Vexus' frown to increase.
Pythor: Your idiocy is both frustrating and hilarious, Vexy. I might just laugh out loud to make that clear, gahahaha!
Vexus: That does it, you slimy lizard, it's about time I did this.
She then started attacking him, with the duo destroying Pythor's office in the process. She tried clawing his eyes out, only for Pythor to start crushing her head with his tail.
Pythor: Hey, quit it already, you're going to get us both into trouble with this.
Vexus: Agh! Then I'll just make sure everybody knows you made me do this!
She then bit into the tail, forcing Pythor to let go in pain. As the two prepared to clash once more with their claws, they were interrupted with a familiar voice talking to them, one that watched them closely and had appeared seemingly out of thin air.
???: May I know what the two of you are up to?
Pythor: Hey, don't scare us like that, Zoffy!
Zoffy: Call me by my real name, Pythor P. Chumsworth. Not the name I use to hide from my enemies.
Pythor: And that would be?
Zoffy: Zetsu.
Vexus knew what the name meant, more specifically, what word it was the shortened form of.
Vexus: Hmm, your real name sure fits your behavior, doesn't it Pythor?
Pythor: I've worked with a guy named the Overlord, this is nothing new to me.
Zetsu: I suppose you've kept an eye out on the school in this time that Bale went inactive, and have been increasingly turning against each other, now that would be inconvenient for us because of some new factors that have appeared in our schedule.
Pythor: And what are you implying with all this talk?
Zetsu: That you two have a new mission. Scout out possible rival groups and make sure to diplomatically settle things down with them. I can take care of this place all by myself, but I've seen some suspicious activity of some individuals so the less secrecy on existence that us and them have, the better.
Vexus: Leave it to me, that foolish legless lizard would screw it all up by himse-
Pythor shoved her out of the way and began talking.
Pythor: You are one to speak, Ms. "My Daughter Threw Me Out in Favor of my Enemy", I am an expert at negotiation this will be a piece of cake.
Vexus: And that's why you lived on the streets.
Pythor: Like you were doing any better.
Before the argument could escalate again, Zetsu summoned two tendrils at them and cornered them both with it, all without losing his calm and with his eye turning a lifeless-looking pitch black color.
Zetsu: Your bumbling is going to delay our effectiveness, get along by force or I will dispose of you here and now. You two are replaceable of course, so think wisely.
The two threatened villains looked at each other and Zetsu with both dread and hatred then sighed and reluctantly did a handshake which convinced the Alien Zetton to let them go.
Zetsu: Now that's the spirit. You may leave tomorrow, I hove you are all well-prepared by then. Do not worry about anything else, once the moment comes you'll be sent out with no issue, just make sure to be ready or else you won't get far.
He then vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving the two villainous managers to sort things out.
Pythor: *sigh* Let's just keep our mouths shut from now on until we find these unknown factors.
Vexus: Al-right, let's get ready for this before he comes back and we get in more trouble.
The Warrior Princess
Nidokings and Nidoqueens
Dark Stanford's Lair
(The other Stanford's lab doesn't seem to have any consistency as far as layout goes; desks, pieces of machinery, and debris are floating in mid-air, the ceiling is able to be walked on as though it were a floor, and bits and pieces seem to be from entirely different universes. In the center of the room is a strange chamber. It's not the tribute summoning chamber that the other Stanford is trying to have repaired, but some other strange kind of chamber with a warped control panel, a blank display, and a glass window that currently can't be seen through.)
(Stanford(?), Liv, and the rest of his lackeys are here. Colby is also present.)
Now why do you want us here? (Colby asks.)
I simply wanted to show you one of the inventions Liv and I have been working on since you all got here. (The other Stanford says.) Have a look.
(The machine whirs to life. A large lever on the control panel starts glowing and a display reading: "Atom Count: 100%" turns on. The frost on the glass fades away and everybody can see into it. A purple and blue Voidland creature resembling a whale is in the middle of it, lazily floating in mid-air as if it were underwater. It doesn't seem to notice or care about those watching it from outside the chamber.)
Okay, ya turned it on, so what does it do? (Harry asks.)
(The other Stanford turns to Liv.) Oliva?
(She salutes with one of her synthetic arms and taps away on the control panel.) Say good-bye to your precious little atoms, Willy! (She chirps.)
Atoms? Wha-?
(She flips the lever. Suddenly a very harsh glow surrounds the creature in the chamber, prompting everyone except Liv and Stanford(?) to shield their eyes. As the glow continues, the display reading "Atom Count" starts ticking downward rapidly. 90%...80%...70%...and so on until it stops at a mere 5%. The glow finally stops and the machine powers down.)
(Looking inside the machine now, the whale-like creature seems to have disappeared. In its place is a round ball-like lump that's about the size of a grapefruit and purple and blue like the whale, sitting unmoving in the middle of the room.)
...Okay, uh, where'd that whale thing go? What is that in there? (Bamboozy asks.)
(Stanford(?) enters the chamber, picks up the ball, and comes back out with it.) This IS the whale thing, ma'am! (He says, sounding a bit triumphant.)
(Colby's eyes widen in horror.)
Wha-? Ew, what'd that thing do to him? (Chip asks.)
Simple: Do you see that display there? (The other Stanford says, pointing at the "Atom Count" display.) By setting the controls so that creature here would only have five percent of the atoms that make up its body...well...I'm sure you can now see the result. It transformed it into a form made up of only 5% of the atoms that normally make up its body whilst still keeping it alive.
(The reactions from the others run the gamut from horror (Colby, Chip, and Marv) to disgust (Bamboozy, Harry, and Grime) to...little reaction at all (Liv, the Shape Shifter, and the Boss of Dark Shadow).)
Y-You mean it's st-still alive l-like that? (Marv says, horrified and gripping Harry's arm in horror.)
...Yeesh. (Harry cringes.) This is some mad scientist level BS right here. Remind me to not get on your bad side, fuzzhead.
Yeah, dude, that is, like, messed up on SO many levels. (Bamboozy agrees.)
(The other Stanford barely notices the others' reactions and puts the lump that used to be the whale back into the chamber. He takes over the controls and activates the machine again. Now, the "Atom Count" display begins counting back up to 100%. Afterward, the whale reappears completely intact like nothing ever happened to it.)
And as you can see, it can completely reintegrate whatever or whomever it is used upon as well. (The other Stanford says.) The creature's missing atoms are simply converted into a liquid form and stored inside a beaker within the machine and can be returned to it in a snap.
BANG!! (The whole room shakes and fluctuates rapidly as the Voidwhale frantically rams its body into the walls of the chamber trying to get out of it, whistling and clicking loudly. Stanford(?) shakes his head and presses a button, opening a portal in the chamber to another part of the Voidlands. The creature hightails it out of the chamber in a matter of seconds.)
S-So...s-suppose you s-set that to z-zero? (Marv asks, an iron grip on Harry's arm.) What happens then?
Well, then the person is entirely converted into a liquid and stored within the machine. (The other Stanford says.) It doesn't KILL them, per say. They'll simply be in a dormant state for however long you intended to keep them there and will be good as new the moment you set their count back to 100%. Unless something were to happen to them in that dormant state, of course, but they're secure within the machine, so that would be highly unlikely.
(Nobody responds for a moment.)
Uh, cool story, bro. I'm just gonna...you know, go back to quarters...as far away from the crazy smoothie death machine as possible. (Chip says, slowly backing out of the room and peeling out as soon as he's out. Grime snarls and goes out as well.)
(Harry and Marv are right behind them. Stanford(?) sighs and shakes his head.) I suppose the rest of you all are dismissed.
(Everyone else also leaves...except for Colby, who does not look happy. The sharp-minded hawk strongly suspects what the greater purpose of this scary device is, given what the other Stanford has had them doing.)
Is this is what you plan to do to the other Stanfords? (Colby asks the other Stanford.)
What makes you ask that? (Stanford(?) asks.)
I know there must be some larger reason you want to have every last alternate version of yourself in one place than simply wanting to meet them. (Colby says.) And there's no other practical purpose for this machine that I can think of. Why do you need a machine like this?
(Stanford(?) raises an eyebrow.) ...Well, I suppose I would have expected a hawk to be perceptive enough to cotton on to what was going on.
(He flips a switch. Suddenly, the machine starts glowing a hellish red. The other Stanford turns to Colby with a much harder expression.)
I have just flipped it over to a more powerful setting. In this state, when the machine starts eating away at your atoms, they don't end up contained somewhere until they're needed again.
(A chair comes out of a hidden compartment in the side of the machine, and the other Stanford goes over to sit in it as a helmet drops down over his head.)
Instead...well, I absorb them. (He says.) But this setting isn't for you or any of your friends. I've reserved this setting for the many, MANY knock-offs of myself that exist across the multiverse.
You're going to...absorb the—S-Stanford, you can't DO that!! (Colby says, horrified.) We know some of your alternate selves out there are still CHILDREN, and this is what you're planning to do?! You're insane! What do you hope to gain by stealing their lives away?
(Stanford gets up and goes over to a window.) Let me ask you something, Colby: How would you feel if you grew up proud of who you were, proud of being you...and then your entire universe is shattered during the Great Destruction, you are mutated beyond belief, and afterward you discover the existence of the multiverse and realize that there are thousands more of you across the multiverse? It really does a number on how you see yourself, doesn't it?
With all due respect sir, that doesn't feel like something that happens to most people. (Colby says.) And I can count the number of these alternate yous that we've found who have been even remotely like you on one wing.
But I look at them and still just see...I just see ME. The way I used to be before my universe was ruined in the Great Destruction. Full of wonder at everything he saw, wanting to prove he was as capable as his peers, having friends to talk to...days I felt I would never know again. (The other Stanford says.) Sometimes I wonder if I deserve to carry my own name anymore. My bowtie is the only thing keeping me looking as much like the person I once was, and you can clearly see that it isn't perfect. Without it...
(He shakes his head and continues looking out the window at the chaotic landscape outside.) It was when I was prepared to give up that I made a break-through. Or, well, my Eye-Sicle made the break-through. I was the one who actually took advantage of it. We discovered that I could return to looking just as I once was without having to wear this bowtie. All I would need to do is absorb the energy of all of these...these knock-offs of me, and I'll become just as I once was before this all happened. And as a bonus, I'll be the only Stanford that is. Knowing there were so many knock-offs of me never sat well with me, you know.
Look, Stanford, I hate that your world got turned into this whack-a-doo nightmare world, and I hate that it screwed you up too, but these people have lives. They're the Stanfords of their respective universes. (Colby says.) You can't steal their lives away just because you wanna feel better about yourself. Just accept that this all happened and move on, dammit! There has to be SOMETHING else you can do with your life now even in the form you're in now. You don't even have to stay here. Just...DO something with your life and let these other yous go on with theirs.
(Colby stands up.) And if you don't listen to me, then we can call this partnership over. I ain't gonna take part in delivering your alternate selves to you so you can steal their lives away. You can keep the money you were offering us. I'll tell everyone else about what's really going on, too. I'm sure they'll be pleased as punch to know what you're really up to.
(But as he starts for the door, the red light suddenly goes away, and before he can react Colby feels a sharp pain coursing through his entire body.) AGH-!!!
(It goes away as quickly as it came, and afterward, Colby feels much weaker than he did before. He looks up at his reflection in a floating mirror and he sees that he's shrunk about a foot.)
Apologies, Colby, but I've put FAR too much time and effort into my plans at this point to let you stop me just because you no longer believe in them. (The other Stanford says.) But anyways, I've just taken ten percent of your atoms away. How do you feel?
(Colby stares defiantly at the other Stanford.) It's going to take more than that to stop me from getting the truth out. (He says. Then he realizes something:) ...Wait, I wasn't even in the machine. How are you affecting me with that thing?
Oh, well, I have another surprise for you. (Stanford enters a complicated key combination on the machine's control panel and a new display panel appears on its screen.)
(Colby's heart stops. They are pictures of EVERYONE working for the other Stanford, or at least wearing one of his bracers. Chip, the Wet Bandits, Bamboozy...and Wednesday and every one of the 'Brijes, including himself, all with a percent reading "Atom Count" beside them (and he sees that his count is indeed at 90% instead of 100% like the others). But the thing that shocks Colby the most is the listing of the Burgermeister and all of his cronies, whom they had previously worked with. With the exception of the Burgermeister's right-hand-man Grimsley (who is also at 90%), every one of them is at 0%.)
(Colby stumbles backward into a floating desk, too stunned and horrified for words.)
Surprised? Well, this was a feature I had in mind for these bracers from the start. I just hadn't gotten it to function correctly until now. With the patch for your bracers that included the disguising mechanic that you suggested and an environment scanner that I had already been planning to implement, I implemented a new feature that would allow me to remotely reduce your atoms if you ever stepped out of line. All of the technology in this machine is now right there in your bracers. (The other Stanford(?) says.) Lucky for you and your friends, I had more incentive to make those others my first test subjects for it, since they were the ones who went behind my back first and simply roped you into helping them. I suppose you're wondering why Grimsley isn't at 0% percent like the others, however. See, the fellow was lucky enough to escape with his life to some other universe, and I believe he somehow managed to remove his bracer after he did. Quite a determined fellow for him to have done that, wouldn't you think?
(Colby starts desperately trying to take his bracer off, but it now feels glued to his leg, as it was with the others before.)
Oh, don't try to remove them. I'm the only one who can do that now. (Stanford says.) That was another part of the patch.
(Colby glares.) Well, if you're planning to take me down before I can leave this room, then I'm at least going to go down fighting! (He prepares to launch himself at the other Stanford.)
(But before Colby can do so, Stanford(?) quickly pulls up the pictures of the rest of the 'Brijes, as well as Wednesday, up on the screen.) If you take one step closer, you will never see one of your friends ever again. And in case you think I'm bluffing...
(He pulls up his communicator, which now has Veena's picture on it along with another "Atom Count" sign on it with a plus and minus sign beside it. His paw is hovering dangerously close to the minus button.)
(Colby immediately freezes.) Don't you DARE. (He says, his voice dripping with anger...and a little bit of fear for Veena's safety.)
Then you must promise me that you will not tell ANYBODY about this. If I find out that you have, then the first of your little posse goes. (The other Stanford says.) You love all of these fellows dearly, including that Thievul you barely even know. Do you want to be responsible for none of them getting what they want?
(He begins swiping the panels for the other 'Brijes around the screen of his communicator.) The bison who simply wanted more out of life...the cactus who wants to be reunited with the one who brought them to life in the first place...the Thievul who simply wants to go home, be reunited with his best friend, and pursue his passions...the rattlesnake who is finally happy to be back in contact with her own best friend and lover...the coyote you desperately want to see reconcile with his wayward son and not slide farther down the self-destructive path he is already on...
(The other Stanford looks back at Colby.) All of you and your friends' dreams, desires, and aspirations are in my hand, Colby. Do you really wish to risk them to try to stop me? Because if you take one more step toward me, well, things are bound to get pretty ugly, I'd say.
(Colby wants so badly to fly over and tear the wicked fox to pieces, but he cannot bear the thought of this happening to any one of them. He drops to his knees and wings in defeat.)
I didn't think so. You are a good man and a good leader, Colby. (The other Stanford says.) But I cannot help but feel that one of these days, your devotion to your companions and their well-being is going to bite you in the rear. Like it did with this fellow here.
(The other Stanford(?) motions toward another name and picture on the display that's also at 0%. Colby doesn't recognize the name or face, but nevertheless he stares at the other Stanford defiantly, without moving in his direction.)
(Stanford(?) shakes his head before pulling up Colby's picture on his communicator and hitting the plus sign. Colby feels himself immediately returning to full size and strength.)
Go back to tribute quarters...and tell no one else about this. If I ever find out that you have, you and your friends are history. Got it?
(Colby wordlessly nods and trudges out of the room, a furious scowl on his face.)
(Stanford(?) turns to face the machine and shakes his head again.) He won't last a week...
Edited by kablammin45 on Sep 15th 2021 at 8:46:07 AM
"Wonder if Lexie's gonna be free after his shift today..."
Porky Minch
Near Dark Stanford's lair
The Voidwhale that was released unfortunately didn't last long. Not soon after it was released, it was caught by something it should never had come across.
Malice.
Some pools of the sentient substance had been spreading erratically here and there despite the Blight Ganons' imprisonment.
The whale had fallen inside a pool of Malice. It was now covering it and literally feeding on its body and soul. The whale's hatred for the ones who captured it resonated within the sentient liquid. The mouth of the pool emitted a sick growl while the eye slowly looked at where the whale came from, hissing.
The whale moaned and disappeared, forever absorbed in the Malice. It wasn't dead. But its hatred and agony were preserved, strengthening the substance.
The pool of Malice grew powerful enough and turned into purple and started to "boil", turning itself into a cloud of purple wind. The cloud moved on its own and infiltrated the lair through the roof, waiting for its prey to be ready, no matter how long it will take.
Deep inside Xiamos's temple, the Windblight Ganon's eye flashed in red. Its nightmarish laugh echoed through the halls filled with Malice.
"A servant is made to serve or die serving... Their loved ones... Their name... Their emotions... Their memories... Their very identity and self-preservation... They are but obstacles, irrelevant defects... You will show them all... my puppet... What a true monster is..." it weakly grunted.
Edited by Scipion3 on Sep 15th 2021 at 5:48:36 PM
"With my eternal life, I will see the world through to its end. Until everyone who won't like me is gone."
24 times around the sun.
Map's House
"Well, I guess that's that," said Fukuro upon seeing his clone's strange demise.
"At least we had fun, right?" Imori said to him.
"I feel like our ideas of fun are very different," Fukuro snarkily replied to her.
"Okay, looks like you two are alright now, so I'm just gonna take a brief bathroom break," announced Map, before leaving the room.
"I'm sure you'll get this game sometime..." Imori muttered at Fukuro.
Alright, I'm here, so let's get ready for the next season! Map yelled triumphantly as he returned to the living room.
"Ummm, the season has started for a while now," Fukuro told him.
"Oh, huh... I was sure I'd get in on time," an exasperated Map said.
"I mean, you were there for half an hour," added Imori.
"Jeez, guess I'll have to wait," Map said, before sitting and tuning in to Season 179.
The season ended, and Map already nominated his tributes.
"Done! And just in time for a special season too," Map celebrated.
"Hmm, it's getting late," Fukuro mumbled to himself, then turned to Map, "Hey, do you mind if we stay here for the night?" he asked.
"Not at all, I appreciate the company," answered Map.
"Dibs on not sleeping on the couch!" Imori interjected the conversation.
"So it's settled then," sighed Fukuro, looking at the couch, which seemed quite spent at this point.
Big ol' Nintendo and mistery genre nerd. / Just call me Map for short. / Avatar made by me.
Nidokings and Nidoqueens
Dark Stanford’s Lair
(Colby is still reeling from all he just found out as he moves through the lair. So much so that he runs straight into Knox.)
Whoa, watch it, man! (Knox says, regaining his footing.)
I-I’m sorry, Knox. (Colby stammers.)
(Knox wrinkles his face.) Somethin’s botherin’ you, ain’t it? What did the boss just tell ya in there?
It’s nothing you need to worry about right now, Knox. (Colby fibs.) I’ll tell you when the time is right.
Huh? We’re pals! We don’t keep stuff from each other! (Knox says. (Though given his harbored resentment toward Joaquin, he has little room to talk.)) I know something musta happened in there, otherwise you wouldn’t look like somethin’ just freaked you out!
I cannot tell you right now. (Colby says, trying to pass Knox. The coyote blocks his way.) Let me pass, Knox!
Not until you answer me!! (Knox says.)
(Colby’s attempts to get past Knox end up escalating into a scuffle between the two, and they end up wrestling with each other on the floor.)
Let go of me, Knox! (Colby shouts.)
Answer me! (Knox shouts.)
(Finally, Colby enters the coordinates for a random world on his bracer and escapes.)
SONOFA-!! Colby!! (Knox growls, kicking an object on the ground and wondering when Colby started keeping secrets from him.) I’ll find eventually you old coot. Just you wait.
(He stalks off toward tribute quarters, reaching quarters before everyone else and going to his room.)
………..
(Perched atop a highway sign along a highway in a rather normal-looking Earth-like universe and taking the form of a normal hawk, Colby wonders to himself if keeping the info he just found out from Knox was really wise.)
( …No no, it’s better this way. If I told him now, he’d surely attack Stanford and we would all be history. I know how Knox rolls…) (He tells himself. He opts to keep this a secret from Knox as long as he possibly can.)
Edited by kablammin45 on Sep 15th 2021 at 9:12:14 AM
"Wonder if Lexie's gonna be free after his shift today..."
Porky Minch
Dark Stanford's lair
Knox furiously reaching his room triggered the cloud of Malice to search for him. Exiting from a pipe, it became invisible and approached the coyote, attracted by his anger until it entered his body, merging with it.
It was too weak to control his body, his mind, or destroy him. Knox's resentment wasn't strong enough and the link had to build up because "Scattered Brain" had greatly reduced the Malice's powers after locking the Blights.
But even with so little Malice, the Windblight Ganon had now full access to Knox's mind. And it intended to use his hatred to its fullest.
Asriel may have escaped its grasp... But he will not.
June's house
Lucian awoke in a cold sweat, gasping. He just had a nightmare. Fortunately, it wasn't the worst as it only showed him and the other Pokémons at the hands of Larry and his siblings after losing the kart race.
Calming down, he looked beneath him and saw Aaron snoring louder than usual. The Lycanroc giggled as this wasn't the first time this happened. Aaron always snored after an exhausting day.
He's adorable... Sometimes, I wish I could be as strong and brave as him...
He then glanced at June and Wednesday. Lucian silently watched the Thievul and his bracer.
This bracer... I don't know why but I have a bad feeling about it and Oscar's boss... June and Aaron told me they will find a way to remove that thing and get away from his boss... But how? C-Can we really help him? Even the Koopalings failed to get them off... he thought. He quickly had to stop thinking though, as he was still very tired.
The Lycanroc looked at the moon outside and shuddered.
Maybe Aaron is right... I'll just work on the costume machine. Oscar will be fine once he returns to his current home with the 'Brijes... Hopefully...
"With my eternal life, I will see the world through to its end. Until everyone who won't like me is gone."
Nidokings and Nidoqueens
Dark Stanford's Lair
(Not noticing the Malice cloud, Knox sheds his hat and belt and gets into bed. He's asleep in a matter of minutes.)
Edited by kablammin45 on Sep 16th 2021 at 9:12:03 AM
"Wonder if Lexie's gonna be free after his shift today..."
Porky Minch
June's house
Once morning came, Lucian was still sleeping, gripping his pillow.
Aaron was the first one to wake up and discretely got into Lucia's bed. He waited a bit before gently hugging Lucian to make sure he wouldn't panic.
"Good morning." he whispered.
"M-Morning..." Lucian answered, still sleepy. He did a small howl and buried his head on the pillow.
"Don't tell me you are going to sleep through the entire morning." Aaron giggled, carefully petting his friend.
"N-No but... It's so comfy... It feels so good... I want to stay here with June and Oscar..." Lucian muttered.
"Yeah... I would love to as well... I'm sure everyone does." Aaron sighed with a smile.
"I... I thought a bit about Oscar's gift. It shouldn't be long to make. I just have to modify one of those I made for tents." the Lycanroc said.
"That's nice. I'm sure Oscar will love it." Aaron said. He frowned in concern upon detecting that his best friend felt a bit sad.
"It's about Oscar, isn't it?"
"Y-Yeah... I-I mean, we don't know how long it will take for us to meet again... We don't even know if he's going to come back... I still find it's unfair he has to leave June." Lucian sadly muttered.
"You care about him, huh?"
"Don't get me wrong. You're still my best friend and June is very nice to have around but... Oscar is the only one I can relate with. We just... Get each other, you know? I know he really doesn't want to leave. It makes me sick he's forced to because I know exactly how bad he must feel." Lucian admitted, frustrated.
"I know... I know..." Aaron whispered, trying to cheer up Lucian. The two said nothing, just enjoying the hug.
After a while, Lucian then looked at Oscar and June.
"I really want to cheer him up... Do... Do you think I can...?"
"Of course. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. And I'm sure he'll be happier with June around." Aaron chuckled.
The duo discreetly got out of the bed and discreetly approached June and Wednesday's one. Aaron gently woke up the Zoroark and visibly waved his head at Lucian's direction as he was silently getting inside Wednesday's bed before gently hugging him.
"With my eternal life, I will see the world through to its end. Until everyone who won't like me is gone."
Kirby
The Voidlands
In a frigid, tundra-like area of the Voidlands, white snow covered much of the landscape, and light snow is falling from the sky. Large, blue crystals, along with massive fir-like trees, dot the landscape.
In the middle of the frozen waste, near a coast, a row of small, purple, flightless birds waddle through the snow. These are in fact the Chillpens
◊, penguin-like birds native to very cold parts of the Voidlands.
Some of the Chillpens then leave the group and jump into a nearby ocean. Above, a purple seabird
◊ flies overhead. It is a Chiltern, who is also native to the frigid wasteland. The Chillpens who stayed on land look after their chicks, concentrated in the middle of the group. The Chiltern on the other hand is not interested in the flightless birds, instead desiring some fish in the frozen ocean. It then flies out to sea.
Edited by Oggy123 on Sep 17th 2021 at 7:53:23 PM
This is not a Rickroll, i promise
Nidokings and Nidoqueens
Eye-Sicle's Lair (Previous Night)
(It's shortly after the sun has set all the way, and much like last night, Joaquin and Veena are watching the starry sky from the top of a tree as Greta flies up to where they are.)
Hey, uh, Veena? We...we probably need to go. (Greta says.)
(Joaquin and Veena's hearts both sink.) We have to go now?
You can stay a little longer, right? (Joaquin asks.)
Believe me, I don't want to go back yet, either. But we've stayed way longer than we were supposed to already, and I don't want that hot-headed fox to get too upset with us. (Greta says.) I'll give you two another minute...
(Greta climbs down a bit. Veena wraps her coils around Joaquin's shoulders and puts her face close to his.) I don't want to have to leave...we're finally back together, had one of the best days we've ever had aside from that huge fight, and it's great!
Man, I want you guys to stay, too, but I don't want you to get hurt 'cause you stayed longer than you were supposed to. (Joaquin says.) But this isn't gonna be good-bye for another two years, right? He'll let you guys come again soon, right?
Oh, absolutely! Now that we know where to find you, we can come visit all the time. (Veena says.) I just hope he DOES let us. The Stanford we've been working with is kind of a hot-head like Greta said, and I'm worried he's going to be mad at how long we were gone...
Hey, just give me a call if he gives ya any trouble and I'll kick his butt! (Joaquin says.) You know where I'll be.
Right...
(They take one more look at the sky before sharing a quick kiss as Veena starts going down the tree.)
G-Good-bye, Joaquin...love you. (Veena says sadly.)
Love you too, Veen. 'Til next time.... (Joaquin says.)
(A moment later, Joaquin hears the sound of a portal opening up on the ground as the 'Brijes leave. He continues to watch the starry sky with a forlorn expression on his face.)
(The next morning, the gang at Eye-Sicle's lair wake up to the sound of someone singing.) Huh...? (Jared mumbles as he sits up in his bed.)
(Kay peeks in through his bedroom door.) Oh, morning, Jared! I was just coming to see if you and your sister were up.
Well, we are now! (Ball says, rolling off her bed and gathering up her jumpsuit.) Who's singing, by the way?
Oh, it's that Lapras Eye-Sicle brought in last night! (Kay says.) Listen to him! His voice is like liquid gold!!
(Once they're ready, Miss Ball and Jared leave their bedroom and into the main room with everyone else, and sure enough they can hear a baritone voice coming from the showers.) 🎵 ...and 'neath that starry sky-as the Pidgey fly softly by-it is right there and you will find-You and I... 🎵
This feller a professional singer or somethin'? (Kenny asks.)
Oh, according to what Kelby told me, all Lapras are capable of singing in such a way. (Tay explains.) They used to sing to find other members of their species as there was a time where they were critically endangered. But since their populations have recovered, I suppose they simply sing for fun now.
Guess if I had a singing voice like that, I wouldn't waste it either. (Wanda says.)
(Just then, she notices something.) ...Hey, did Joaquin ever come in last night? (She asks, looking around the room.)
(It occurs to everyone that Joaquin is not in tribute quarters with everyone else.)
Reckon he never came in last night. (Kenny says.) You fellers wanna go look for him real quick?
Of course. Let us go find him. (Cleo nods.)
(Everyone except Vincent and Flea (given the former has to participate next season) moves out.)
Whispering Pines
(Wednesday is startled awake when he feels what felt to him like someone grabbing him until he realize it was just Lucian giving him a hug.) Wha-? Oh, thank goodness, it's just you guys. Good morning.
(June is sleeping in an absolutely ridiculous position (face-flat in her own mane and one leg hanging off the side of her bunk) when Aaron moves to wake her up.) Mmf?? (She grunts, sitting up.) Oh, it's morning already!
(She smooths her mane out and jumps straight from her bunk to the floor.) Mornin', guys! Mornin', Ozzy! (She chirps.) You guys still plannin' t' make the costume machine today?
The what?? (July asks as she and August also wake up.)
Dark Stanford's Lair
(Activity in the other Stanford's lair is starting to pick up, and the 'Brijes are starting to meet up in the main room.)
Morning... (Veena says as she joins Colby, Greta, and Sticky. She still seems to be feeling a little bit down after having to leave yesterday.) Did Stanford-...*our* Stanford say anything to you guys yet?
Not yet. (Greta says. She turns to Colby.) Is Knox doing alright? He hasn't come out yet.
He's...probably still kind of sore over a fight we had yesterday. (Colby says.)
Really? What about? (Greta asks.)
(Colby is a bit nervous about bringing up what he discovered yesterday, especially since he feels he still would have to fib for their own safety, but before he can say anything, Knox finally shows up. His fur is disheveled and he hasn't put his hat or belt back on.)
Knox, are you alright? You look terrible. (Greta asks.)
(Knox inaudibly grumbles something about not sleeping well last night and has a seat...pointedly as far away from Colby as possible.)
What happened to Knox? (Veena asks.)
Like I said, we had a fight yesterday and he's still upset with me about it. (Colby says.)
(Just then, the door to quarters opens and Dark Stanford enters.) 'Brijes, I would like to have a word with you. Mostly the girls and the cactus, but I'd like all of you to be present. (He says.)
(Colby's heart starts racing, worried that this is going to lead to Greta, Veena, and Sticky getting reduced to either a lesser version of themselves or the contents of one of the beakers in that confounded machine from yesterday. He nervously stands up and goes with them out of quarters. Knox does so as well (still keeping his distance between himself and Colby).)
"Wonder if Lexie's gonna be free after his shift today..."
Porky Minch
June's house
Aaron followed June on the floor, a bit taken aback by how quickly she jumped away from her bed. Lucian let go of Wednesday and said hello too.
"Yes. I think I'll start right away. It should be quick to build... or modify, in that case." Lucian answered June, stretching.
"Oh right... I think it's better to show you rather than explaining it." Aaron sighed at July and August.
Lucian grabbed Tokage's bag that the Grovyle left for him and got a small sewing machine with a small screen and a small keyboard on one of its sides out of it, putting it on the desk. He sighed and his face became more confident since technology was his domain.
"This is something I originally created for rescuers and travelers. It can sew and create tents in just a few seconds." Lucian explained, writing something on the keyboard, selecting a red tent for 3 people on the screen.
After validating the operation, the sewing machine got to work and sewed the said tent with impressive speed.
"So that's how it work... I never had to test that myself." Aaron gasped, impressed.
"Seriously? You know I make them for free for every rescuer. I'm a bit disappointed in you, Aaron." Lucian chuckled.
"Seriously though... I just have to modify its main setting so that it can produce costumes instead of tents. But if everything goes right, you will be able to custom them however you like." Lucian said to Wednesday, going into the machine's settings before writing some complicated codes only he (and everyone with a high level with Maths) could understand on it.
Edited by Scipion3 on Sep 16th 2021 at 10:17:48 AM
"With my eternal life, I will see the world through to its end. Until everyone who won't like me is gone."
Nidokings and Nidoqueens
Eye-Sicle's Lair
(Outside, the gang goes around the outside of the lair to find Joaquin.)
(At one point, Jared goes around the backside of the lair and, as he looks around, hears something in the garbage dumpster some distance away from him.)
Joaquin? (Jared wonders why Joaquin would be asleep in the dumpster and peeks into it.)
(Suddenly, a goblin-like creature covered in black and white stripes and with multiple eyes springs out at him.) BRRRRRRGHHH!!
(Jared screams at a hysterically high pitch and books it away as quickly as he can.)
(Ickis and Krumm pop out of the dumpster as Oblina shrinks back down to normal form.) It's nice to see there are SOME humans in this world. (She says.)
Think the Gromble will still give us extra credit for scaring humans in another world? (Ickis asks.)
Sure...probably after he's done yelling at us for going to another world in the first place, anyway. (Krumm says.)
(Jared bowls Miss Ball over as he rounds back to the front of the building.) Whoa, Jer, slow down! You okay?
Th-The freaking-...monsters...I forget the candy cane-looking one's name... (Jared stammers before throwing his hands up in the air.) Oh forget it, I doubt if you'd believe me.
Bro, we fought the Koopalings as ponies yesterday. Nothing sounds too crazy to me anymore. (Ball says.)
(At this point, though, Kenny speeds up to everyone.) Heya, fellas, good news is that I found him. (He says.)
What's the bad news? (Kay asks.)
He's at the top of a really tall tree without his wings. (Kenny says.) I think he might have fallen asleep up there.
Ah, let me go over there and lower him down. (Cleo says.) Can you take us to him?
Sure thing. (Kenny leads everyone into the woods outside the lair.)
Whispering Pines
(July and August watch Wednesday set set up the tent with the sewing machine and the computer, awestruck.) Wow, you guys' universe sounds cool if you have this sort of stuff there.
Yeah, I'm impressed, too. (Wednesday agrees.) How soon will it be ready?
Dark Stanford's Lair
You certainly took a very long time to come back here after I allowed you to leave. (The other Stanford says, sternly.)
Sorry, Stan, things got a little crazy while we were out there and we were exhausted. (Greta explains.)
(He scans the group and notices something else.) And where might Wednesday be? I know he always hangs around you now.
He's spending some time with his friends in his homeworld. (Veena says.)
(The fox's eyes narrow.) Now THAT was something I definitely didn't sanction. You not coming back until last night is one thing, but this-?
Please don't hurt Wednesday! He's been through even more than we have the past couple of days! He needs this! (Veena pleads. Sticky nods in agreement. Knox just rolls his eyes (still having little sympathy for the Thievul).)
Ja, a friend of his promised Wednesday that he would make something for him to make what he actually wants to do with his life a little easier. (Greta adds.) Cut him a little slack, would you?
(The other Stanford doesn't quit frowning, but shakes his head.) I'll consider it, but I don't want this to happen again. Since you all are some of my most valuable assets right now, I'll just let you all off with a warning this time. Now go get ready to find more of my knock-offs already.
(The 'Brijes disperse, but everyone except Knox is still very, very worried (especially Colby).)
(Once the 'Brijes are out of earshot, the other Stanford turns and starts going back up the warped hallway, a dark expression on his face.)
"Wonder if Lexie's gonna be free after his shift today..."
Porky Minch
June's house
"If you are impressed by that, just wait until you visit worlds like Panem! It's here June and the rest of Eye-Sicle's gang currently are. It's because of that land I'm able to do things like this." Lucian said to July and August.
"Which makes me wonder... What would you do if we didn't have technology in our world?" Aaron asked.
"Well that's an interesting question... Maybe I'll just create some gadget using whatever I can? That's what I've been doing before." Lucian giggled.
"Don't worry. It should be a matter of minutes." he reassured Wednesday.
Lucian's tongue stuck out as the focused Lycanroc kept rapidly writing on the keyboard. Eventually, the machine restarted.
"Oof... I think it's done." Lucian sighed leaning his back against his seat to catch his breath.
The screen of the machine was now showing a basic Buneary costume. Several options were present, including the color, the size, and many more things...
"Oscar? Do you want to try it out now? All you have to do is to customize your costume and press the green button to confirm the operation." Lucian said to Wednesday.
"With my eternal life, I will see the world through to its end. Until everyone who won't like me is gone."
Love Thy Self
Power's Home, Previous Night
Before the Pearls could finish their story, Power's crystal ball fluctuates.
"Will you excuse me for a moment? I think Twilight's calling..."
She answers it, but to her surprise, it's Ralsei instead.
"Hey there! How's the carnival? Did I miss anything after that Thwomp literally crashed it?"
"Well... let's just say that the ensuing fight was like fighting Jevil seven times over..."
He tells her about the Koopaling battle, and how he and Susie were KO'd while Kris was screaming while going horseback riding on Mr. Ramon.
"And not only that, Twilight surrendered her magic to Ludwig, and it was a game of catch for the wand until he got it back! And then he summoned a giant fireball that almost crashed into Las Pegasus, but Larry's stray fireball knocked him over, redirecting the giant fireball and saving the carnival! In the end, the Koopalings accepted their ban from there and returned Twilight's magic to her before leaving."
Power's jaw drops. "Oh Celestia... I'm so glad Ichi and I made it out on time! That would've been waaay too chaotic for us to handle after we rode the rollercoaster!"
"Yeah... but is Psyche alright? Because Morton grabbed her while she was stuck there..."
"I'm sure she is after Miranda told Ichi to teleport her home, but I doubt if she'd want to go out again after this..."
Ralsei smiles. "Don't worry about her, Power. Everyone needs a break from social gatherings sometimes!"
"You're right, Ral! Besides, I don't have plans for tomorrow, either!"
"But I do have plans... in a few days here. That's why I called you."
"Really?"
"Yeah! Remember that 'next big adventure' I told you before? It's finally happening!"
"Where will you go?"
"No idea, but it'll prolly be in a new place in the Dark World!"
"Oooh!"
"But I'll wait for Kris and Susie to come here since they need to rest, too. However, I don't know how long our adventure will be, so we won't be able to go on missions or attend whatever anniversary party the Underground's having."
"Fair enough, and don't forget to tell me everything when you come back!"
But before Power could say goodbye, Paylor makes an announcement that Season 185 will require everyone to nominate one main tribute and one reserve as a trial phase for a revised rule due to increasing nominator demand. The unicorn folds her ears.
"Ralsei... it'll take me a while to get used to this, but what's 6k1 gonna think?"
He pats her remotely.
"Don't worry, she'll adjust well to it, I know she could!"
"How so? I don't wanna call her out again when she goes home..."
"Remember my first season under her? She sent me there at the last moment because Dave gave up one tribute spot for her, and after the first Death Battle, she decided to nominate only Ralphie. I didn't know him back then, but for some reason, I knew that she nominated him that time."
"So you also watched S36?"
"Yep, because C. and K. Round were somehow in the Arena at the same time." Ralsei shrugs. "But what I mean is... if 6k1 adjusted herself in those two seasons, then why not this?"
Power nods. "You're right, Ral. And speaking of change... what if some big twist happens to you while you're out?"
"Again, it'll take a while to get used to, but I'm sure you'll accept it! And if that ever happens to me, just remember that I'll never forget all the fun times we've had! Remember this?"
He shows her her fanart of him that was on his bedside table. Power squees.
"I sent that to you in your first season under 6k1!"
"Awww!" He blushes. "And when I went home, I wrote you a thank-you letter, and we became best friends ever since!"
Power hugs him remotely.
"Anyway, I have to finish talking with the Art School staff, so goodnight, Ral!"
"Goodnight, Power!"
Edited by TroperNo9001 on Sep 17th 2021 at 3:26:40 AM
Rancis may look like a party on the outside, but he's all business on the inside. He has bright eyes and even brighter ideas...
Nidokings and Nidoqueens
Eye-Sicle's Lair (Outside)
(Sure enough, at the top of one of the tallest trees in the woods is Joaquin.)
Hey, Joaquin! What are you doing up there? (Wanda calls.)
(Joaquin's so far away that his response in inaudible to everyone still on the ground.)
Well, Joaquin's a great flier, but not a great climber. His species isn't exactly made for tall trees you know. (Kenny says.) Cleo?
(Cleo nods and starts floating herself up toward the top of the tree.)
(When she gets there, it doesn't take her long to find Joaquin.) There you are, Joaquin. Why are you up here?
Well...I sorta fell asleep up here after Veena, Greta, and Sticky left and by the time I woke up, I was already normal. (Joaquin chuckles.) Could you help me down?
Why else do you think I came up here? (Cleo says, floating close enough to Joaquin that he can grab onto her.) Grab a hold of me and I shall bring you back down.
(Joaquin springs from the tree limb he is sitting on and grabs onto Cleo.) Ouch! Please be careful.
Sorry!
(They start coming back down.)
Whispering Pines
Alright... (Wednesday goes up to the controls and starts fiddling around with it. He presses buttons randomly, and by the time he's done, the Buneary costume looks like it'll come out way too big for any of them to wear and its cottony puffs are green.)
Oh, uh, let me make it smaller... (Wednesday says. He shrinks the size down a few notches and goes ahead and changes the green colors to pink.) There! I think this is good.
Well whatcha waitin' for, Ozzy? Let 'er rip! (June says.)
(Wednesday confidently pushes the green button. June and her sisters look on to see what happens.)
Dark Stanford's Lair
(The other Stanford hops into his lab chair in the lab and pulls out his communicator.)
Of course I don't want this to happen again...but perhaps I should give Wednesday a bit of a scare to ensure that he won't... (He mutters, opening the app for the atom machine on his communicator and pulling up Wednesday's panel.)
"Wonder if Lexie's gonna be free after his shift today..."
Porky Minch
Persephone's castle
Before he could go outside to kill some Pokémons after failing to get in the season, Scipion checked his e-mails and raised a curious eyebrow at Paylor's one.
He opened it and grinned upon reading its content.
"Finally that bitch is starting to be useful." he growled. The Zoroark waved his mane and took a good look at it.
"I admit that sucks I'm limited to one single spot now. It'll decrease my chances of winning... But on the other hand, maybe there won't be enough assholes anymore to steal my spots right under my nose... Or more like my spot in that case." he shrugged, before exiting the castle to hunt by himself.
June's house
"That's... an interesting choice." Aaron chuckled at the costume being way too big and green on the screen.
"Hey. We can't judge until we see how it looks. And it's Oscar's first time too." Lucian reprimanded.
Fortunately, Wednesday improved the costume's design before pressing the green button. The sewing machine emitted some working noises and made the costume, dropping it on the floor once finished.
"It worked!" Lucian exclaimed while Aaron proudly patted his friend's head.
"With my eternal life, I will see the world through to its end. Until everyone who won't like me is gone."
Nidokings and Nidoqueens
Whispering Pines
Woohoo! It worked! (June cheers.)
Yeah, that’s…that’s really amazing, actually. (July agrees.)
Hey, can I try it on? (August asks, picking the costume up.)
Sure! (Wednesday says, beaming.) I think I’ll go ahead and start another one.
(But as Wednesday starts to move toward the controls again, there’s a brief harsh glow around him, a zapping noise and a loud yelp from Wednesday.)
Ozzy? You alright? (June asks.)
I-I don’t know- (Wednesday stammers before it happens again. This time he looks way smaller that he’s supposed to and his legs, face, and tail are much shorter and stumpier. Then it happens again, longer this time, and when it clears, where Wednesday was standing there is what looks like a small furry red and black ball with only a pair of terrified Thievul eyes starring back at everyone else.)
…okay, uh, this is the part where one of you guys say you just did that with your illusions. (July says to her sisters, but they’re as clueless as she is for what’s going on.)
O-Ozzy…? (June asks, sounding audibly scared.)
…………….
Dark Stanford’s Lair
(Wednesday’s panel currently reads 10%.)
And now to leave him like that a moment… (The other Stanford mutters.)
Edited by kablammin45 on Sep 16th 2021 at 2:02:49 AM
"Wonder if Lexie's gonna be free after his shift today..."
Porky Minch
June's house
"Yes. Like that, Oscar can focus on the designs!" Lucian said to July, more than happy.
But just as Wednesday moved to try again, he got engulfed in a blinding light.
"O-Oscar...?!" Lucian stammered before it happened again. This time Aaron and Lucian barely had the time to see he had become smaller.
Eventually, the Thievul got turned into a furry ball. Lucian was just as scared at Wednesday, staring at him with pure horror.
Upon the Zoroarks confirming that this wasn't an illusion, Aaron immediately focused on his aura. To his confusion, he didn't detect anyone suspicious inside the house or even outside.
What?? B-But how? Who? W-What is even going on?? he alarmingly thought. He glanced at Lucian, who was still petrified.
I know it isn't Lucian's machine. Even he couldn't just shrink down people. Unless...
Aaron quickly interrupted his thoughts. Wednesday looked terrified right now.
The Lucario ran towards the tiny Thievul, grabbed him, and handed him over to June, figuring out she would at least know how to reassure him. He then gripped Lucian who was now hyperventilating and tried to calm him down while still keeping an eye on Wednesday.
"With my eternal life, I will see the world through to its end. Until everyone who won't like me is gone."
Nidokings and Nidoqueens
Eye-Sicle's Lair
(Cleo and Joaquin land safely back onto the ground.)
Are you alright, Joaquin? (Tay asks.)
Yeah, we got worried when we realized you never came in last night. (Wanda says.)
Sorry for scaring you guys. It's just... (Joaquin says.) Gosh, I hated to have to say good-bye to 'em again. This time on way better terms. After they left I just...stayed up there watching the sky until I fell asleep.
It will be alright, Joaquin. I am certain we haven't seen the last of them. (Cleo says.)
Hope you're right... (Joaquin says.) You guys eat breakfast yet?
Nah, we were just getting up when we noticed you were still out here. (Ball says.) Speaking of, how about we rustle up some grub before the next season or misadventure starts?
(Everyone starts heading back toward Eye-Sicle's Lair.)
Whispering Pines/Dark Stanford's Lair
(June is startled when Aaron picks up the still tiny and ball-shaped Wednesday and hands him off to her.)
O-Ozzy?! Speak to me! (She cries.)
(But Wednesday can do nothing but simply stare back up at her in terror. It doesn't appear that he can even move that well in his current form, let alone speak.)
Ozzy, w-we'll fix whatever's happenin' to you, I promise! (June says.)
(The other Stanford then presses the plus button on Wednesday's panel until it reads 100% again.)
(Wednesday suddenly explodes back into his normal shape and size in June's arms. Once he confirms that he's back to normal, he gets an iron grip around June with all four legs and just holds on to her, visibly trembling and with his fur standing up on end.)
Ozzy! (June says in relief, hugging her trembling friend tightly.)
Okay, WHAT just happened? (July asks.)
(Just then, a voice that sounds exactly like Stanford's comes in through Wednesday's bracer.) Wednesday Pactolus, please return to me at your earliest possible convenience, or next time I won't be quite so merciful.
(Wednesday tries to articulate a response, but he's in such terrified shock that he can't spit out a single coherent syllable.)
For Arceus' sake, give him a minute, he's terrified! (August shouts into the bracer before placing a claw on the Thievul's shoulder to try to help comfort him.)
(There's silence on the other end, but finally Stanford(?)'s voice speaks again.) Fine, two minutes, but that's it. I need to have a word with your little friend here. (There's the sound of communication ending on the bracer.)
(Wednesday finally starts speaking coherently again:) I don't wanna go...I don't want to go! I DON'T WANT TO GO! I DON'T WANT-... (But that's all he can manage to say before breaking down into tears and hugging June tighter.)
Oh, Ozzy...! (June says, hugging him tight.)
Edited by kablammin45 on Sep 16th 2021 at 3:55:40 AM
"Wonder if Lexie's gonna be free after his shift today..."
Porky Minch
June's house
Wednesday soon came back to normal but completely broke down. Just as Aaron thought, the other Stanford's bracer was responsible for the transformation.
Just as Wednesday burst into tears, Lucian got on his back legs and hugged the Thievul tight from behind. Aaron sighed and put his paw on Wednesday's other shoulder too.
The Lucario glanced at Lucian and was surprised by his look. He was crying too, but he had a furious frown, something that Aaron rarely saw before.
"Oscar... Where is your boss keeping you?" the Lycanroc asked after a while, his voice shaking in anger.
"With my eternal life, I will see the world through to its end. Until everyone who won't like me is gone."
Whispering Pines
Lemme know if any of you need anything! (Lilac says as everyone heads up to the bedrooms.)
Our folks go over t' visit here all the time, so Lilac made sure t' always have plenty of beds available. (June says.)
(The bunkbeds are in a fairly large guest bedroom, each sitting against one wall of the room. July and August are already on the top and bottom of one of them, and the top bunk of one of the other bunk beds shows signs of having been slept in (suggesting that this is where June had been sleeping). June's sisters both wave at the others when they come in.)
Hey, guys! You have a good rest of the evening? (August chirps.)
You betcha! (June says.) Aaron and Lucian are gonna stay with us tonight!
Oh, great! Glad to have you fellas! (August says.)
Yeah, welcome. (July says.)
Thank you very much, fellers! (Judy says. She picks up two keys from beneath the front desk in her mouth and puts them on top of the desk for the group to take.) Your rooms are 9 and 14! Hope you enjoy your stay!
"Wonder if Lexie's gonna be free after his shift today..."