(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
Dagded Dujardin
Moving Along
With the whole issue about Stokes not possibly changing his ways, Bale's team wasn't too affected by it but were nonetheless cautious of what to do next.
Bale: Well, if that's the way he wants it.
Pearl: We can handle those other things now.
Kirby: We're more than ready!
"Bingo! If two species hate each other, they will wipe each other out on their own."
The Fourth-Placers' Revenge
ZDR, Ferenia
"We can handle the Mawkin and their machines," said Shepard. "I'll see what we can do about Stokes. If he really is the same person, we can appeal to that."
Rivet shook her head. "He's trying to kill his own dimensional counterparts," she said. "What kind of maniac would do that?"
"Someone who barely escaped death only to find out a doppelganger had taken over their whole life," replied Shepard. "I can see why he'd be pissed off."
"I can see that, but not why it's worth going straight to murder," Rivet argued back. "I don't think someone like that can be reasoned with."
Meanwhile, Ashley took one of the spare bracers and looked at it thoughtfully. "You mentioned Raven Beak's mind powering his suit," she said. "If so, this thing should interfere with it too, right?"
"I don't think it's that simple," said Saheeli. "The Metroids are commanded remotely, but his suit has to be under his direct control. I don't think you could disrupt it unless you got the device inside it somehow."
"Disrupt..." Ashley rubbed her chin for a moment, then smirked. "I think I've got a way."
She got out her guns' disruptor mods, then turned on her omni-tool and began making tweaks. After about a minute, she'd gotten them synched up with the bracer and gave a satisfied nod.
"There. Now he'll get less power with every round I put in him."
Tricky then spoke up. "Say, Quiet Robe, you know where we're supposed to go, right?" he asked. "Could you give us a map? It'd help us avoid trouble on the way."
Science Centre, Outside
At the sight of Tori-Ally, Majel shrank back a bit. "I only have limited countermeasures against this," she said. "I will require support." She diverted some power from her weapons to propulsion, getting ready to dodge the fire blasts and wait for a good opening.
NTC's Lab
"And it looks like the dire wolves are now die-er wolves," said Nine-Tailed Cat, looking over the season results. "Well, they can't all be winners."
"That means that regular wolves will do even better, then!" said Cassandra Beech. "I'll get the next ones ready!" She immediately began loading some samples into the cloning chambers.
"Wait," Nine-Tailed Cat said, "I only agreed to Swift and Blood..."
"But Sun was willing to throw himself at a smilodon for Cricket!" Cassandra pointed out. "And Cricket was brave enough to go into the Rotwood and Rubicund, so she's up for risks too!"
"Well, I can't argue with that," said Nine-Tailed Cat. "Still, we're starting to push it. Next season, I want my tributes to be truly disposable."
"You've got it, boss!" said Cassandra, saluting. "Anyway, I'll make sure they get to the Arena! Give you some time to work on keeping Panem from getting destroyed!"
"Much appreciated, Miss Beech," said Nine-Tailed Cat. "And while you're at it, perhaps you can prepare some extra Xans and Espeons. They should help counteract Raven Beak's use of psychic influence."
"And rewrite his minions' minds to suit our purposes?" asked Nought hopefully.
Nine-Tailed Cat shook his head. "That's not the way I do things," he said. "Free will is kind of a big deal to me. I'm not going to take it from anyone else."
Nought frowned, but then she looked down at her cuffs and her expression softened. "...I suppose you have better ways," she said. "Very well. Let's see how things work out, both in the Arena and outside."
I like cute things. You gotta deal with it.
Niiue
Ferenia
"It's not only where we should go, but also how to find our missing friends. I don't want Scipion, Krystal, or anyone else to exhaust themselves because we have to keep our disguises constantly." Nick said to Tricky with a shrug.
"As I said, they all must likely be imprisoned in Stokes's castle. However, it is possible that he may already sent some of your friends brainwashed or corrupted, or his minions after you. With you having survived this long here, you will likely catch his attention. It is also likely you will come across other Mawkin, but you seem like you can already handle them." Quiet Robe explained. The old bird then gave Tricky another device, which could show a holographic map when needed.
"Oh yeah. We managed to kill quite a few of those assholes back at the surface." Scipion cackled, earning a glare from the FBW.
"Yeah, erm... There were also two Mawkin who were friendly to us. Well, we were all disguised and everything but... we got a recording of everything Fire Eyes told us. If you're right about that tribe, there has to be some of them who would believe us. Nick added. Quiet Robe nodded.
"I understand that you did not come alone. Fire Eyes and the rest of the 'Brijes must be somewhere else."
"Yeah. We split up looking for you, and see if they could learn anything useful."
"I see. But wherever you go, do not get close to Elun." the old Chozo insisted, pointing at the large holographic ball-structure near Ferenia.
"Isn't it the place where the X got locked up? It's been what, 30 years ago, old man. And those things had nothing to eat. Surely those stupid flying jellies are dead by now." Scipion snarled.
"Perhaps... But we cannot afford to take any chances. One single X parasite brought the mighty Mawkin tribe to its knees. There is no telling what horror would happen should one manage to escape and blend into the vastness of the multiverse. We may be talking about hundreds of universe succumbing to the X's hunger without anyone realizing it until it is too late." Quiet Robe sternly answered.
The old Thoha then looked above himself for a moment, in a pensive look. He frowned.
"Quiet Robe? Are you quite alright?" James asked.
"I have a bad feeling... We must hurry. Follow me." Quiet Robe said, urging the team to follow him to a large Teleportal. He lacked the ability to see the future, but he had a feeling of what was going to happen.
"This should teleport you outside the temple. Once outside, you will be on your own. Reunite with your comrades, and bring an end to all of this madness."
"Hmph. You bet we will." Arthur said, folding his wings. James smirked and did a proud salute to Quiet Robe.
"You should come with us, Quiet Robe. I'm sure Fire Eyes would be happy to see you again. Heck, maybe the guys at the Science Center could learn a thing or two about your tribe's knowledge!" Nick said, holding a hand to the Thoha. The old man looked at him, a bit surprised before smiling sadly.
"I appreciate the thought. But I would only slow you down. I have played my part. I can only hope that you will succeed where we Chozo failed. What matters is that you survive... and live. I pray for your safety."
Before anyone could answer, a golden Atomozoid broke through the ceiling, landing right behind Quiet Robe. It briefly stared at the heroes before looking at Quiet Robe. Arthur, sharp as ever, suddenly realized what was happening.
Now that Dark Stanford was able to create Voidlands Metroids on his own for Raven Beak, the cruel warlord had no more uses for the last Thoha.
"Shit!! This way, Quiet Robe!!"
But the Chozo didn't react. He was ready. He humbly smiled at the group as he activated the Teleportal before it would be too late.
"I am counting on you." he calmly said.
"Wait, Quiet Rob-!" Nick cried out, but it was too late.
The last thing they would see would be the Atomozoid shooting Quiet Robe in the back, and the old Chozo collapsing.
Seconds later, the team found themselves outside, in the opposite direction of the temple's main entrance. They could hear many noises and Chozo caws coming from within, as well as the sound of locked doors.
Quiet Robe got them out of there just in time before Raven Beak's army could trap them within the halls.
Ghavoran
"Pft. That thing asked for it. Good riddance." Freyja said to Cleo.
Aaron and his teammates looked down as CAC summarized what happened.
"Damn it, her too...?" Tokage pondered, also nodding at CAC's comment about the Mawkin chieftain.
"Man... So that leaves the green mean-looking one and Blood Moon left." Alex added.
Aaron sadly turned towards Fire Eyes, but the Chozo did not even look at him.
"The hell do I know? Do I look like a fucking alebrije to you?" Freyja hissed at Bismuth's question.
"Well... We received an update from the surface team. Apparently, they made it, but some of them had been injured. They're with Quiet Robe." Aaron answered Knox. Hearing the Thoha's name managed to get Fire Eyes out of his bad mood, and he looked at the Pokémons with a bit of relief.
"So they found that Quiet Robe guy before us? We shouldn't waste any more time then. Let's meet up, and beat the shit out of the two bastards." Freyja said.
"Yes and... Lucian and Oscar... They've been taken. The Library was under attack, and we don't know if Dark Stanford captured other people or if they... they..." Aaron admitted. The Lucario stopped in his tracks and held June's arm.
"Tsk... We really can't catch a breath." Freyja said.
Fire Eyes turned towards Aaron. The Chozo looked angry and tired. But seeing Aaron and June so worried, he sighed and tried to recompose himself.
"...If what you all say is true, we must hurry. If the others are still around Ferenia, then I think I know where we need to go. Stay close to me and keep quiet." Fire Eyes quietly said.
"Yeah, yeah. Same stuff as usu-" Alex said, only for Fire Eyes to stare at him.
"I mean it. It may not look like it, but Ghavoran is amongst the most dangerous regions of ZDR. It is easy to get lost in, and it is teeming with hostile lifeforms."
"Dude. You're acting as if the trees are dangerous." Alex said in a teasing tone.
And suddenly, some bones fell out from seemingly nowhere just in front of the Rescue Squad and the Zoroark triplets. Alex almost screamed, and the Rescue Squad all turned pale.
"Because they are." Fire Eyes grunted, tilting his head in the direction of one of the nearby Planteater
◊ which just spit the bones before leaving. Fortunately, the large carnivorous plants did not seem attracted to the team.
"Huh." Freyja said, a bit surprised. She shrugged before following Fire Eyes
"O-O-Okay...!! Nice!! Girls, don't freak out..." Alex said to the triplets with a nervous grin.
"Aaron...?" Tokage asked, struggling to keep his cool, while also glancing at July. Aaron was shaking a bit and took a deep breath.
"We... We have to keep going. For Lucian and Oscar's sake. We stay together." he said, pulling June close to reassure her.
Science Center
The shots heated up its faceplate, but the E.M.M.I. hardly cared at this point.
Hearing the Central Unit's command, the former still hiding within the Science Center, protected by the last backup, the E.M.M.I. slowly turned around and put 6k1 and her assistant just in front of its plate to fully protect itself. It started to change into a new color, dark purple. Some Voidlands smoke emanated from the killer droid, likely as a way to enter the portal without being torn into pieces. Granted, the barriers were still protecting 6k1 and her friends from its toxic touch.
Ignoring the dragons, the E.M.M.I. slowly started to make its way toward the portal, and it stopped inches away from it, waiting for it to be big enough to enter.
"And the Central Unit you spoke about must not be too far either. Good luck out there." Absol said to AL. Once she left, the Absol turned toward the monsters.
"Hmm... Maybe I could try to paralyze them with Thunder Wave. But would that be enough...?" she pondered.
Edited by Scipion3 on Nov 13th 2023 at 11:23:57 AM
"In this insane place, love is all that stands between us and the great beyond."
Pissed off Sakura
Platinum: (Sees the Planteater spitting out a creature's bones) Ew...
Never watched Naruto, but that face is definitely avatar-worthy.
Space Molly Weasley
The Science Center
Outside
Memories of the failed Voidlands expedition flash in 6k1's mind as she, Dupe, and Mimi are just about to be taken through the portal. The barrier is beginning to fade, but 6k1 and Mimi still try keeping it up.
Last thing I want is to be corrupted beyond comprehension like GC... even before I could enter the Voidlands itself...
6k1 just looks at the dragons trying their best to rescue the three of them, desperately hoping that Jared would wrest them out of the E.M.M.I's grasp and fly them down to safety.
Inside
AL arrives just in time to see Tori-Ally holding her flamethrowers very close to LY's face. The latter just stands there and reluctantly holds her hands out to try stopping her.
OUTTA MY WAY! AL shouts as she tries pushing the others away to reach LY.
Tori-Ally's left flamethrower freezes with a thick layer of ice the moment Sapphire holds it with her right hand, so the former, knowing AL is fireproof, aims her right flamethrower at the others surrounding her and fires a long stream of fire at them.
ZDR
Ferenia
"Thank you for the information." Garnet nods to Quiet Robe.
But with not much time left, the team proceeds to the teleportal at his behest, with Steven and Connie huddling close to the Gems.
"Quiet Robe, I sure wish you could join us—"
But then the Thoha gets shot before Steven can finish, and Steven tries not to cry as everyone is sent out of the temple. Connie comforts him while Garnet and Pearl glow as they transform back to their normal selves.
"Is everything alright?" Pearl asks Steven.
"Of course not," he says.
"I know," says Connie, "but Quiet Robe still helped us in his own way!"
"And we must remain focused!" adds Pearl.
Steven sniffles and smiles a little. "I'm gonna thank him if we manage to survive this all! But Garnet? What do we do now?"
"For one thing, Pearl and I were planning to shed our disguises after we talked with Quiet Robe, but while we wait for the others, we need another plan before we deal with possibly more Mawkin on the way."
Ghavoran
"I'm sorry, I didn't know," Lapis tells Platinum. "She struck me in the back before I could turn around to see her, remember?"
"Technically, she was right when calling her 'they'," says Peridot, "because she didn't know her gender until you told her just now. Was that the same for you?" she asks Elfin.
She hopes for a quick answer, but the team must hurry. As the trio trek through the jungle, they encounter a Planteater that spits out its latest meal at them. They don't flinch as hard as they did deeper underground, but it's still unnerving, yet this time, Peridot shuts herself up before she could scream.
"Reminds me of the Slinker Amethyst told me about!"
Catacombs
Unmarked Light Trilogy spoilers towards the end.
Juan and Bezier continue walking in silence until they see the exit on the other side of the corridor.
"Anyway..." says the latter, "where is the real Ugo? I hope he's out there because I really need to talk to him..."
"Hold on," says Juan, "did your operator tell you anything about him?"
Bezier shakes his head. "Not really, they only said that the real Ugo was unavailable to use VR."
"But do you know who data cloned him?"
"No, and they didn't know either since whoever did so didn't contact them or the Control Room for the cloning arrangements."
"Then I guess they had their own tribute cloning device, like I did back in my world. Too bad it exploded for no reason on the last season before that hiatus, though..."
"I see... but why did they data clone Ugo without his permission? I get that he couldn't volunteer as tribute himself, but what if he was that distressed about his past when his clone was summoned?"
Juan shrugs. "I've been wondering so many things about him too, but I can help you look for the real him."
Bezier smiles. "Really?"
"Yep. Data Dick told me about Ugo's female counterpart, and maybe she has all the answers we're looking for."
"I hope so!" The stallion smiles a little wider. "But I also want to look for Power so I can talk to her too about this..."
Juan raises an eyebrow. "Are you sure that's a good conversation starter? You were so excited about meeting her, but now you just want to vent to her?"
Bezier folds his ears. "Uh... not really? I just wanna know what she thought about that season, whether or not she was watching it..."
"Hmm... okay then, I'll help you look for her, too!"
The stallion's ears perk back up. "Thanks!"
He and Juan then reach the exit, just when the latter gets a call from the operator that the season has ended and Witch has been sent home after her VR session.
"So what do you think of your tributes' performances last season?"
The scientist sighs. "They were terrible. My luck from my past nominator gig was mediocre at best, with only a few HOFers under my belt, so it wasn't surprising that they died early."
"Okay then, we will see if your next ones can do better. Who will you nominate this time?"
He thinks for a moment, then remembers that it's been 10 Earth Prime years since Steven's adventures were made into a cartoon.
"George and Hessonite. Not many people know about them, but Steven encountered them in one of his space adventures and befriended them, too!"
"Interesting. I will arrange for their data cloning right now, and if you are exiting to the surface, be careful out there."
"Alright, thanks."
Edited by TroperNo9001 on Nov 19th 2023 at 11:27:46 PM
"Anemone dear, I know you want to be more independent from me, but... please take care, okay?"
Dagded Dujardin
The Escape
Soon the Atomozoids managed to break through, and everyone knew it was time to run, but Quiet Robe stayed behind despite everyone's attempts to get him to leave being trapped with the murderous soldiers as the team left.
Kirby: No, Quiet Robe.
Bale: Quiet Robe, no!
Garnet: Don't stay there, run!
After escaping the commotion Bale felt grief at seeing Quiet Robe's death despite not knowing him for long due to his decency but pressed on since there was nothing else that could be done as the others told him.
Bale: That damned Raven Beak. When I find him I will
Garnet: Bale, don't act on your instincts of vengeance.
Pearl: She's right, don't let that hatred guide your forward, it won't end well.
Kirby: But, what do we do now?
"Bingo! If two species hate each other, they will wipe each other out on their own."
Pissed off Sakura
Elfin: I honestly don't know, Peridot.
Never watched Naruto, but that face is definitely avatar-worthy.
Dusty the Mighty
ZDR (Ferenia)
QUIET ROBE!! (Sticky screams as Quiet Robe is fatally struck down by the Golden Atomozoid.)
(With the group back outside, Sticky can do nothing but drop onto her haunches and quietly weep for Quiet Robe as Greta tries to comfort her. Most don't say a word, while Sidon wordlessly kneels in respect.)
M-Man...he...he sure seemed like such a sweet guy... (Wanda says sadly.) It's not fair. We could have taken him with us.
That machine was clearly sent to destroy him on the spot, rather than Atomize him. Otherwise it wouldn't have... (Colby trails off. Even he seems shaken up by Quiet Robe's fate, given how much Quiet Robe had helped the 'Brijes.) Somehow...I think he knew that him being with us would just be risking our lives.
I...well... (For once, even Henry seems to be at a loss for words.) ...It might be a cliche thing to say, but we cannot let his loss be in vain. He said he is counting on us, so...let's not disappoint him, no?
Si... (Sticky says, getting up to her feet.) I know most of you did not know Quiet Robe well, but...he has been of more help that you could ever know. We are still fighting for every Dreamer in every Waking World, but as of now, we do it for Quiet Robe most of all.
Ja. (Greta says. It's killing her knowing that she'll have to tell Knox, Joaquin, and Veena about Quiet Robe's loss, but she knows that they have to turn their focus back onto moving forward.) So what is our next course of action?
Well, Garnet suggested we get prepared in case we see more Mawkin. (Ball says, trying her best to keep a stiff upper lip despite clearly being dazed by what just happened.) However we go about doing that.
Maybe we could distract 'em? (Wanda suggests.) However we'd do that, anyway. Suppose if push comes to shove, I could turn into something or someone they'd be WAY more interested in catching than the rest of you guys.
You sure about that, Wanda? (Ball asks.) You said so yourself that Raven Beak wants you.
Yeah, but I figure he doesn't expect me to have mastered my powers yet at least. (Wanda says.) I actually know how to use 'em now and I'm not afraid of them. I can thank Cleo and Sides for that.
It was a pleasure to help you, Princess Wanda! (Sidon says, a bit of his enthusiasm coming back.) But it does sound very risky. We cannot lose you.
ZDR (Burenia)
(Cleo wordlessly grips Marina's necklace.)
(Everyone is dismayed to hear that they ultimately couldn't save Wild Sea either.) Oh... (June says sadly. She tries to approach Fire Eyes, but Veena stops her.)
Give him a moment... (Veena says sadly.)
(The gang is filled in on what the other team has been up to.)
Good. Quiet Robe's probably givin' 'em some way to fight back or somethin'. (Knox says.)
Yeah, sorry, Bismuth, we don't know what's going on either. (Joaquin says.) I hope we find out soon though.
(Something is nagging in the back of Veena's mind, though, something she feels like she should remember regarding all of this, but it's not coming to her yet.)
Look, l-let's just keep going already. I'm really starting to hate this place. (July says.) The more time we take, the closer we're probably going to get to... (She trails off before saying "losing Oscar and Lucian".)
(Everyone gets quiet and begins following Fire Eyes.)
(A "tree" suddenly spits out a pile of bones near the group. June immediately scoops Aaron up off the ground into her arms while July, a hysterical expression on her face, stuffs her mane into her face and emits a heavily muffled scream into it.) AAAAAAAAAGH!!!!
(She then looks to Tokage, rather embarrassed that she couldn't hold that scream in.) I'm sorry, but I-...I-...just...UGHHHH!!
Eeeeeeeyuck...! (August cringes.) I hope that isn't anybody we know.
I hope that doesn't end up BEIN' one of us either... (June says.)
You said it, June-y. (August says.) Remember that time when we were at the doctor's for Grandpa's check-up and we pranked Grandpa by illusioning ourselves to look like skeletons because it took so long? I REALLY don't wanna do that for real.
Then shut up! (Knox hisses.)
I only just got over my fear of being eaten by one beast. I do not wish to become afraid of another. (Cleo says.)
Science Center
NO! (In a last ditch effort to rescue 6k1, Dupe, and Mimi, Jared makes a desperate leap toward them to snatch them away from the EMMI.)
Jared! (Melody exclaims.)
Conan! (Spyro shouts at the same time. He's a bit confused by the name Melody shouted; Jared and Conan didn't swap bodies again, did they?)
(Upon seeing the fire Tori-Ally is firing off, Kenny is off like a shot.)
KENNY! COME BACK!! (Heidi shouts, remembering that Kenny is afraid of fire. She hits the dirt to avoid the flames.)
Edited by kablammin45 on Nov 14th 2023 at 12:13:17 PM
"Hey, gimme a minute to get to know everyone, 'kay, Brainy?" "Of course, but please allow me to get a word in, too, bzz."
Niiue
Ghavoran
"No. I get it. You don't have to apologize." Tokage reassured July.
"Hey, we won't end like that poor alien, June. Trust me." Aaron said.
"Really? I hoped you didn't spook your grandpa too much. He's a sweet guy." Alex said to August.
The Rescue Squad then hurried up to join Freyja and Fire Eyes (once June would put back Aaron on the ground, of course). The Chozo had them move carefully around the area to avoid confrontation with other aliens. The area was very rugged and sometimes, they also had to climb large alien trees in order to progress
◊. Of course, Tokage had no problems doing that, and he tried to help his friends as much as he could.
Eventually, they came across a very large group of Quetzoas
◊ was in the way. The noises of their wings were almost unbearable. It seems they were feeding on a large alien, but the corpse could not even be seen because of the sheer number of the large insects. At least, none of them noticed the heroes.
"I'm glad James isn't here. He wouldn't have like all of those bug things." Alex whispered.
"Let me guess. We shouldn't get close." Freyja said to Fire Eyes.
"If they were only a dozen, it would be manageable. But it is too risky, we would be outnumbered." the Chozo answered, deciding to bypass them.
But before they could, in an instant, someone appeared in the middle of the group, dropping off a nearby plant.
Lightning Claws.
The Pokémons and Fire Eyes barely had the time to realize he was here that the Chozo immediately struck at Bismuth's gem with his electrical claws.
Science Center
Still waiting for the portal to be complete, the E.M.M.I. didn't look at Jared leaping towards it. It only did when he managed to grab 6k1's barriers, but the robot was stronger than it looked and it didn't let go.
Still holding on, the E.M.M.I. tried to grab Jared with one of its talons to infuse him with its corruptive energy.
"In this insane place, love is all that stands between us and the great beyond."
Pissed off Sakura
Platinum: Bismuth!
(Rushing Beat universe)
Norton: Okay, I don't know how CAC is doing, but he needs psychological help after he's back. But we still need to nominate tributes.
(Norton and M-Frame data clone Jamie and Kimberly and send them to the Arena)
Norton: (Sees that the sun is a tribute) Damn, another one of those seasons...
Never watched Naruto, but that face is definitely avatar-worthy.
Space Molly Weasley
Ghavoran
"What do you mean, you don't know?" Peridot asks Elfin, sighing. "Couldn't you have at least recalled their tone of voice? Hopefully it was an honest mistake like with Lapis a while ago!"
The blue Gem glowers at Peridot. "We have more dire things to worry about. Let's go."
"Ugh, fine..."
The trio continue trekking, with Lapis flying Peridot up the trees and Bismuth climbing one of them with her arms-turned-harness. On the way, they encounter some Quetzoas, and Lapis prepares to fly Peridot above them while Bismuth follows Fire Eyes around them.
But suddenly, Lightning Claws drops down and strikes Bismuth right in the crack in her armor. Lapis and Peridot freeze and gasp as see her poof into a big cloud of smoke, leaving behind her scratched gemstone. Peridot rushes to her and holds her hands out to bubble her gemstone while Lapis looks back and forth between Platinum and Lightning Claws.
"You'll pay for this!" she coldly tells the latter as she shakes her fists.
"Anemone dear, I know you want to be more independent from me, but... please take care, okay?"
Dusty the Mighty
ZDR (Ghavoran)
Nah, he wasn't fooled one bit. The first thing he said upon seeing us was that we would skip going out for ice cream like we were going to do afterward since skeletons can't eat ice cream. (August laughs.) I don't think the three of us had ever dropped illusions so quickly.
Oh yeah, and he sorta asked us not to do an illusion like that again, too. He was afraid we'd legitimately scare people. (June adds.)
I didn't like doing that illusion anyway. (July says.)
(The group heads on.)
(It doesn't take long for them to spot an absolutely massive swarm of bug-like creatures eating...something.)
I really hope they stay over there... (Veena says.)
(But everyone scarcely has time to say or do anything else when Lightning Claws quite literally drops in, and wastes no time before striking at Bismuth with enough force to poof her.)
HEY!! (Knox yells, immediately summoning his swords.)
Lightning Claws, don't move! We know what Raven Beak's done to you. Sorta. (Joaquin says.) So stand down, man!!
Yes, let us help you. (Cleo says.)
Science Center
(Jared cries out and swings his body around to avoid being struck, just managing to avoid the talon. He sure as heck doesn't want to return to Michigan turned into some incomprehensible creature.)
You guys, we gotta help! (Melody calls out to Jake and Spyro.)
Yo, Spyro, c'mon!
Right behind you!
(Melody grows a pair of wings and flies over with the other two. Melody secures them to the nearest sturdy object with her tail, and then they all grab onto Jared and pull with all their might to get Jared and the EMMI's three captives away from the EMMI.)
(The portal is growing bigger.)
"Hey, gimme a minute to get to know everyone, 'kay, Brainy?" "Of course, but please allow me to get a word in, too, bzz."
Niiue
Ghavoran
Unlike Wild Sea, who had taunted her opponents by keeping Lapis's gem with her, Lightning Claws was not interested in playing around. Ignoring Lapis and the 'Brijes, only coldly staring at them, he immediately rushed for Peridot to slash her aside and destroy Bismuth for good.
But having a feeling about what the fast Chozo was trying to do, Aaron rushed in front of Peridot and managed to block Lightning Claws with an aura bone.
"Tch! The Lucario's Aura..." Lightning Claws hissed in frustration. He viciously kicked Aaron's head and immediately retreated before he could be attacked, disappearing into the forest.
"Ungh..." Aaron grunted, his head bleeding a bit.
"Aaron? Are you alright?" Tokage cried out, rushing to help his friend back up.
"Damn it!! Where did he go??" Alex exclaimed. He got interrupted by many screeches.
Lightning Claws's ambush had caught the attention of the massive swarm of Quetzoas.
"Oh crap." Alex said.
"They are going to outnumber us!" Fire Eyes warned.
Immediately, the large insects all flew toward the heroes, ganging up on them and trying to capture them.
Science Center
Despite the four dragons teaming up, the E.M.M.I. didn't let go of 6k1 and her assistants. It's grip was too solid. Seeing the portal growing bigger, it turned towards it and resumed it's walk.
At least, the dragons pulling with all of their might forced it to go extremely slowly, step by step.
Edited by Scipion3 on Nov 15th 2023 at 11:29:20 AM
"In this insane place, love is all that stands between us and the great beyond."
10,000 grams of pure caffeine
Science Center
"Restrain?" Lily mutters, still a little heated in the head.
"Dammit...there's nothing I have to chain them in...Huff...I dunno what could restrain them, my head feels like it needs a freeze right now..."
"...freeze? FREEZE! That's it! Freezing them might do the trick!" Lily realises.
Quickly, Lily runs towards the center of the area where the immobilised monsters are at, preparing a spell.
"I've got an idea, I'll restrain them by freezing them. Don't worry, they'll be fine inside. How about that?" Lily tells the others nearby of what she plans to do.
[Hong Lu] -> [Guard] -> Charge Barrier Erected!
"Tch, this is sad, rude enough to forgo even greeting back..." Hong Lu snidely remarks whilst erecting his Charge Barrier to use as a shield against the fire.
[Ryoshu] -> [D.D.E.D.R.]
"Just like the rascals I'm forced to teach, yanno? A rowdy bunch." Ryoshu follows up, before proceeding to charge past the flames, and jump over Tori-Ally, inflicting four vigorous slashes behind her.
"Uh, god dammit, is anyone gonna help those guys over there?" Riley yells, taking notice of the E.M.M.I., the ones its abducting, as well as the dragons trying to help. "I can tell someone's browning their pants over there!" She quickly makes haste, running towards them.
"...Riley, I don't smell anything-"
"Figure of speech, Cass! You know!"
[Flower System] -> [Dimensional Hammer Slit]
Riley rips open a small WARP portal with one quick swing of her hammer.
"We're gonna WHOA WHAT-"
"GERONIMOOOOOOOO!-" Riley jumps into the portal, ready to teleport.
A WARP portal rips open spontaneously near the E.M.M.I., and out comes Riley, charging at high speed with her hammer overhead.
"STOP!!!" Riley swipes her hammer at the E.M.M.I., inflicting a brutal Portal Cut upon it in addition to the blunt hammer strike.
"AY GOD DAMMIT I KNOW IT LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE THE PORTAL THAT WENT TO W CORP BUT. YEESH THAT WAS HARROWING!" Cassie yells in her mind, feeling winded.
Cassie | he/they | But will it stop the pain forever? / I just can't be sure
Route 86 service to Reservoir
Science Center
Ord comes in his police costume.
Cassie: What’s that you have, Ord?
Ord: This is my police costume from that old PBS ad with Bert & Ernie. Did I hear someone say Emmy?
Cassie: Yes.
Edited by PokecaptorSean on Nov 15th 2023 at 1:29:51 PM
Pissed off Sakura
(Platinum summons light swords and shields for Dick and Elfin, and the three of them try their best to take out the Quetzoas)
Never watched Naruto, but that face is definitely avatar-worthy.
Route 86 service to Reservoir
![[up]](https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/smiles/arrow_up.png "[up]"){kind=icon}
Ord: What might you be doing, Platinum?
Edited by PokecaptorSean on Nov 15th 2023 at 1:30:56 PM
Space Molly Weasley
Outside the Science Center
6k1, Dupe, and Mimi gasp at Riley suddenly teleporting herself behind the E.M.M.I. and attempting to slam it with her hammer, but they're still too shocked and scared of this whole situation to say anything at the moment.
Ghavoran
"Nonononononono!" says Peridot as Lightning Claws lunges at her, but luckily, Aaron goes between them and fends off the Mawkin. She dodge rolls and bubbles Bismuth's gemstone, just when the Quetzoas gang up on the team.
"Quick! Take my hand! NOW!" Lapis shouts from above.
Peridot grabs her on one hand and holds the bubble in the other as Lapis flies away from the Quetzoas.
Outside the Arena
Again, unmarked Light Trilogy spoilers follow.
Bezier and Juan step out of the Catacombs and look around. They can see the Arena Forcefield some distance away, but they also notice that the sky is still shrouded by ominous purple clouds since they first arrived for the Nom Games.
"I thought those were just some super-realistic special effects!"
"If the sky's still like this outside the Arena border, then they're certainly real."
Bezier gulps. "But why? What's going on out here? You think some bad guy just dropped in here somewhere and gave the sky a bad makeover?"
Juan looks at the mountains in the distance and squints at what seems to be a giant bug perched atop one of them.
"Is that what I think it is?"
"Wh-What is it?" asks Bezier.
"I believe it's a Metroid, but I'm not really sure. They certainly don't grow that big while still in their larval forms, though."
"Oh Solaris..." The stallion folds his ears.
"Whatever reason it's over there, this doesn't bode well for us, so we need to hurry. Let me search my Maps app to see where we can find Power and Fem CAC..."
Suddenly, Hessonite lands in front of them with a loud THUD! and swings her sword around.
"TASTE MY BLADE!!!"
Juan and Bezier jump backwards in surprise, but Hessonite just laughs and leans against her sword.
"Just practicing my dramatic entrance for this coming season, you know?"
"Ah, of course," says Juan as he and Bezier regain their bearings.
"But who's this blue horse with you?" asks Hessonite.
"I'm Bezier Curve!" he says. "I'm Power's male counterpart!"
"While I'm that of 6k1," adds Juan.
Hessonite gasps. "6k1, as in the TRP-6001?"
"Yes," he says.
The orange Garnet-type Gem chuckles. "I know that she nominated some of those Crystal Gems before, and I was just waiting for MY TIME TO SHINE! And finally, I can go try out that Vee-Are system just deep below the Arena! But before I head down there, I must ask... why are you the one who nominated me instead? I haven't heard anything from 6001 or any of the Crystal Gems for a long time!"
Juan frowns. "I heard that she recently got severely injured, and while she's not aware of me, I decided to nominate in her stead. You and George are still registered under my name, but I hope she doesn't mind it."
"Huh?" asks Hessonite. "But nominating someone is as easy as calling them and asking if they wish to enter the Arena! Or so I heard from Peridot."
The scientist feels a spark in his mind. "Then someone or something else must be preventing her from doing her job!"
"Oh no!" says Bezier, "if that's true, then I really hope she's alright!"
"I understand your concerns, but I must be going!"
"But what about George?" asks Juan.
Hessonite takes out the Light Prism from her gemstone, and a small, pudgy light creature with a star-shaped head jumps out and sits on it. He looks at Hessonite, Juan, and Bezier and emits some electronic chirps in confusion.
"What's he saying?" asks Bezier.
"He's just as confused as I am as to why Juan nominated him instead of 6001," says Hessonite.
She relays to him what Juan just told her, and George chirps sadly and cries.
"No, I don't know where the Crystal Gems are either, and while I know you want to heal 6001 with your powers, we better get going!"
"And we're in a hurry, too!" says Bezier, "so good luck!"
"But George," says Juan, "are you going to use VR also?"
He thinks about it for a moment, and then nods and chirps cautiously but excitedly.
"Are you sure? Even after what Demantoid and Pyrope did to you and the other Prisms?"
George nods and chirps again.
"After all that adventuring with Steven and the Gems, he knows what to expect!" says Hessonite. "As long as he knows that he doesn't have to be a weapon, he should be fine!"
The Prism being chirps affirmatively.
The Gem then salutes to Juan and Bezier and tells them, "I wish you the best of luck in your Are-Pee-Gee quest! Goodbye!"
George retreats into his Prism and then into her gemstone before she leaps out of their sight.
"Anemone dear, I know you want to be more independent from me, but... please take care, okay?"
Dusty the Mighty
ZDR (Ghavoran)
AUGH! AARON!! (June cries, quickly running to attend to him as well.) Aaron, lookit me! Lookit me!
(But it's too late, the commotion ended up setting off the Quetzoas.)
We must leave this place immediately! (Cleo exclaims.)
Everyone grab onto one of us, man! (Joaquin shouts.)
(June, now carrying Aaron, climbs onto Cleo while July runs for Joaquin, with August (and presumably Tokage and Alex) right behind her.)
Science Center
GOOD TO SEE YOU! HELP US!! (Melody exclaims to Riley.)
(Luckily, Riley is already in the process of doing so.)
If they will not be harmed, then do it. (Caedia nods.)
(She notices the commotion going on up on the roof.) There is still trouble!
(Kenny only gets a little ways from the Science Center when he stops.)
...What am I DOING? I just left everybody back there, includin' Heidi. (Kenny says, mentally kicking himself.)
(He immediately turns tail and goes thundering back into the Science Center, readying himself to do a flying leap with his foot out toward the Ally-Bot.)
"Hey, gimme a minute to get to know everyone, 'kay, Brainy?" "Of course, but please allow me to get a word in, too, bzz."
Niiue
Ghavoran
Though Platinium, Dick, and Elfin tried to defend themselves alongside Freyja, it became clear that the Quetzoas were far too many, and the team was forced to retreat, much to the latter's frustration.
Tokage left the dazed Aaron in June's care before rushing with Alex to join July and August. Freyja herself ran towards Knox.
Though Fire Eyes could not fly, he was agile enough to keep up with the group, occasionally slashing his spear to keep the closest Quetzoas away from the group. But as they fled, the Chozo widened his remaining eye.
"HE IS AFTER US! DODGE!!" he warned the others.
And indeed, Lightning Claws had retreated only to use his Speed Booster without interruption. Once he had accumulated enough speed, he threw himself in the air with a Shinespark, propelling himself toward the group at insane speed, enough to obliterate anything in his path.
Whether he hit anybody or not, Lightning Claws easily got ahead and collided with some large trees ahead. The impact was powerful enough to blow them, causing very large trunks to fall towards the team.
"SHIT! INCOMING!!" Tokage cried out.
Science Center
Though the hammer itself was ineffective, the E.M.M.I. was cut in half after Riley's attack.
But it was still perfectly working. The heroes could see intangible Voidland threads keeping the upper and lower parts of the body together. A testimony of Dark Stanford's genius.
The E.M.M.I. used that to its advantage, as it was radiating more Voidlands energy than usual.
"In this insane place, love is all that stands between us and the great beyond."
Dagded Dujardin
The Next Move
Once outside, the teams had to regroup and think their next move through. Bale heard about Wanda's situation and also told his own thoughts about it.
Bale: I too, am a target of Raven Beak, Wanda. So we could try and see how we can like.. Split or keep the attention of his forces between us. Can we? That way we can make sure we all have something to fall back on.
Pearl: I don't think either of you should risk an early capture.
Garnet: Not with our current situation, yes.
"Bingo! If two species hate each other, they will wipe each other out on their own."
Space Molly Weasley
Outside the Arena
Forgot to Gender Flip the pony names again, so I fixed them.
As Juan and Bezier go around the Forcefield, they hear the horn.
"I don't see any coin-operated binoculars nearby; they must be on those bleachers, but we don't have time to reach them."
"I can draw up some binocs for you!" Bezier takes out his brush.
"Really? Thanks!"
Just like his female counterpart, the stallion also takes out his canvas and gets to work. After painting the binoculars, he does his art magic on it to bring it to life, and then gives it to Juan. He looks through them and finds his tributes, but groans at George exploding from eating the Cornucopia, and Hessonite making her dramatic entrance as she said a while ago, only for Cricket to poof and shatter her.
"Aw man... your tributes bombed again?" asks Bezier.
"Yeeeeep," says Juan. "But wait... do I spy a Jolteon running off its podium?"
The stallion grins. "Hey, lemme see!"
He borrows the binoculars for a while, but he goes "Huh?" at what seems to be Apple Jack running off instead.
"That wasn't a Jolteon..."
"What do you mean, it wasn't?"
Juan takes back the binocs, but this time he sees a Hololive girl interviewing Lilac in her talk show.
"Wait, hold on... something seems off about this tribute..."
He passes the binocs back to Bezier, and he sees what's apparently a male version of Snappy Scoop
◊ (aka Caught on CameraOOC ) interviewing her instead.
"Are they some kind of Changeling who's really fast at shapeshifting?"
He and Juan continue passing the binocs back and forth for the coming Arena days. They see Mabel/Human Bubble Berrynote doing a "bro (or rather sib) hug bump" with Pyra, then Suzy/a young Human Artemisnote taking literal Sweet Dreams Fuel to cure herself from taking Nightmare Fuel, and finally Baby Peach/a young Human Elusivenote being Trampled Underfoot by a giant Fizzarolli.
"That Changeling sure is talented!" says Bezier.
"Not sure if they are one since I didn't see any green flames engulfing them with every form change," says Juan. "But last season, there was a similar tribute who kept transforming into scary beings with every event they got themselves into..."
Juan adds that "adorable" shapeshifter to the list of tributes to investigate, and he also wonders about this "Ichi" whom Gojo thanked for nominating him this season. However, he doesn't have time to dwell on this for now, so he and Bezier continue searching around the Forcefield for clues on where to find the people they're looking for.
The Database Library, Day 3
Infinite, who somehow was turned into a human after the Knight murdered Frozone, finds the mostly ruined Library and enters one of its blasted walls. He combs through the pile of books for anything that can help him achieve world domination. Once finds the tome, he looks around if there's anyone watching him, but he shrugs and runs out through the entrance.
Little does he know that he just passed by a small brown ball sitting by Timothy's desk.
Outside the Science Center
6k1, Dupe, and Mimi grimace at the E.M.M.I's Voidlands-infected wires, but the barrier is thinning out fast. The others must hurry in rescuing them before they're exposed to the radiation.
Ghavoran
Lapis crosses her wings above herself to shield herself and Peridot from the blast. They both fall down a little, and Peridot yelps as she nearly drops the bubble, but Lapis quickly starts flapping again to steer away from the falling trunks.
Edited by TroperNo9001 on Nov 18th 2023 at 4:50:05 AM
"Anemone dear, I know you want to be more independent from me, but... please take care, okay?"
Route 86 service to Reservoir
How come no one is continuing my parts?
Pissed off Sakura
(Ghavoran)
Platinum: Gahhhh! (Platinum grabs Dick and Elfin's hands, then tries to avoid the falling trunks with his own Super-Speed)
(The falling trunks make Platinum's canine ears ring, though)
Never watched Naruto, but that face is definitely avatar-worthy.
Platinum: Uh... just a correction, Lapis, but Wild Sea was a her, not a them.
Elfin: By the way, I remember being referred to as "they", don't remember who did, but I also use she/her pronouns. None of you seem to do it maliciously, but my pronouns are not they/them.
Platinum: By the way... I knew Dark Stanford was bad, but Raven Beak seems pretty messed up too, eh?
Edited by CosmosAndChaos on Nov 12th 2023 at 10:22:11 AM
Never watched Naruto, but that face is definitely avatar-worthy.