That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
In A Dream
Daydre is running.
Someone whose face she can't see is running besides her.
Daydre: ... Oh yeah. This again.
She cranes her neck, trying to get a glance at the woman next to her, but things always transpire that she can never get a good look. Even when there's nothing in the way the woman's face looks blurry.
Daydre: Well. Probably gonna wake up in like two more minutes. Sucks that I can't read a book or something while I wait.
Daydre: ... Actually this is a dream, what would I read that I don't already know about?
Something drips.
Daydre: "... ?"
... Not literally.
No, the color... It looks like it's bleeding out of the sky.
The sky, the trees, the grass...
Everything's bleeding.
Daydre: "What the fuck...?"
When the color runs out, the scenery starts melting.
Like someone's liquefying a photograph, everything goes all on one layer- even as Daydre continues to run, the sound of pursuit behind her.
Everything falls away eventually.
Until there's nothing but darkness.
Pitch black, comforting darkness...
The Waking World
Daydre has no idea how long she slept.
There aren't any windows in the office. Just her and Hiyoko and that oddly comfortable chaise she's lying in.
Hiyoko takes a deep breath.
Hiyoko: "Well, I hope that was restful for you."
It takes a second for Daydre to fully wake.
She feels.... Good. Rested, surprisingly. But... Like something is missing. She tries to stand.
Hiyoko: "Oh no wait-"
Daydre staggers a little, but manages to stay upright.
Hiyoko: "Sorry, I should've mentioned that people sometimes end up a little disoriented after it's over. How do you feel?"
Daydre: "... Surprisingly good. A little lightheaded, but..."
Hiyoko: "Mm. That sounds normal enough. You can rest here for a bit if you'd like before I end our session."
Daydre: "Nah, should be fine.... I've had worse."
Hiyoko nods.
Daydre, who is probably less fine than she lets on, manages to make her way out of the office.
off the shits
Sunyshore Salon
-Eyes dart.-
-The Lock-On connects.-
-Uncanny speed, as if muscles were moving faster than impulse.-
-The man locks the crux of his scythe onto Gale's blade.-
???: Oh no no no, my debut is not scheduled for quite some time... See what you've made me do, Angelica~
-He holds Gale steady for a split second longer before an idea pops into his head.-
???: Perhaps a barter? I leave with my sister, no conflict befalls either party... and I tell you where your next Treasure may be found~?
Cortondo
Poppy and the gang were making a pit stop in Cortondo on their way to Alfornada.
Poppy: I haven't been here in some time! To think just a few months ago we beat Katy, and now look at us! On our way to earn our 7th Badge!
Lila: Yeah! And just think of all we've been through since then!
Poppy: Yep!
Lila: Donut realised that for as long as he lives he'll never be alone, I have a trainer who can give me everything I need, Shroomy... well, to be honest, I don't think he's got any emotional baggage, anyway, Sunrise and Crusher have finally started getting used to each other, Stormwind got to beat Titan Bombirdier, and Nessa... hey, where's Nessa?
Poppy: Oh, shoot, I hadn't noticed! Nessa? Where'd you go? I'm worried about her. And it looks like Donut, Shroomy, and Crusher are gone too! How did I not notice that... Stormwind, do you have any idea where they went?
Stormwind: Nessa said she wanted to show Crusher something, and Donut and Shroomy followed her.
Meanwhile, Nessa was showing Crusher something. That something was an abandoned Maschiff tied to a pole, right behind a restaurant where no one could find it.
Nessa: Do you see this, Crusher?
Crusher: I don't - what is the meaning of this?
Nessa: Don't you get it? In another life, this was Donut. This was you. This was all of us.
Crusher: Yeah, well, Poppy found us all, and she-
Nessa: What she failed to realise is that saving her brother does not matter. He's going to die anyway, sooner or later. So she's put her hopes in silly little herbs that will help as much as a pizza will - it won't help at all.
Shroomy: And what you've failed to realise is that the Herba Mystica are no ordinary herbs - they're the stuff of legends!
Donut and Shroomy pulled them back onto the street.
Donut: Nessa, I don't know what's gotten into you, but if you think you can sit there and wallow in self-pity, then you've got another thing coming, because you're practically my daughter, and-
Nessa: Don't you finish that sentence!
Donut went silent. Nessa may be his adopted daughter, but she wasn't his little girl anymore.
Nessa: Haven't you realised? Even if Poppy found us by some miracle, there are Pokemon out there who she hasn't found. Pokemon who will suffer until the day they die.
Shroomy: So? What's stopping Poppy from finding plenty other Pokemon and giving them a loving home with her?
Nessa: You haven't realised yet, huh? None of this matters. Because we're all going to die anyway, we're going to suffer, so why should we even bother spreading happiness?
Crusher: Death may be inevitable, but that doesn't mean we should just give up! If you ask me, a life should be spent making as much people happy as possible! Death may be coming, but it's not about the destination, it's about the journey, right?
Nessa: Yeah! Journeys filled with trauma and horrible things and storms! The world isn't all sunshine and rainbows, Donut's story taught me that. So why should we bother trying to make the world out as something it's not? Why even bother?!
Poppy: Nessa...
A chill ran through Nessa's body as she turned and saw Poppy, looking absolutely devastated by Nessa's mental state. Frozen with fear for a good several seconds, she saw nothing but everyone's faces at her no longer being the happy and joyful Mon she once was.
Nessa: Forgive me...
For the rest of the day, Nessa was a weeping mess.
Inside the Pokeballs...
IH: Are you there?
BB: Don't message me.
Battle Academy, Courtyard
-Xavier is chilling out, stretched out over a bench underneath the wall/skylight. Her Clefairy, Madeleine, is testing out her new move on empty air, throwing shimmering silver punches. She's also acting as a buffer zone so people give her trainer some distance, at least until a Joltik jumps up and over, landing on Xavier's chest.-
Xavier: Hm?
-She opens an eye as the small Joltik waves a comically out-of-proportion letter in her face.-
Xavier: Hey, you're not Sarge...
-The Joltik slaps the letter down onto the girl's face before hopping away. Xavier sputters indignantly.-
Xavier: Gah! Hey!
-She shakes a fist at the bug as she swings her legs around to sit upright. She catches the letter before it hits the ground.-
Xavier: Okay, who-
-On the corner of the envelop, it says: "From the desk of Deziree Galvani-Morton".-
Xavier: ... Oh.
-Xavier waits as the elevator goes up to the General Admin floor, smooth jazz playing on the speaker.-
Failsafe: Stopping at: Floor of Psychology and Psychiatry!
-Xavier, her body on autopilot, almost stepped out of the elevator before she realized her mistake, looking up just in time to see a very tall woman in a black and gold dress (cloak? Robes?) get onto the elevator. Her brain eventually snaps into place that this was Ms. Binah, the school councilor.-
Binah: Well, good afternoon, Xavier. It has been some time.
-Xavier squirms slightly. Whether she did it on purpose or not, Ms. Binah always had an imposing aura.-
Xavier: I, uh, yeah.
Failsafe: This elevator is currently en route to: General Admin. Is this acceptable, Lady Binah?
-Woah, Lady Binah?-
Binah: Yes.
Failsafe: Continuing travel!
-The elevator gets going again. If an elevator could ever be said to be moving with "intent", then this elevator certain was now.-
Binah: Your grades have improved.
Xavier: U-uh, yeah. Having a good tutor helps.
Binah: Ah yes, the Knight. They do have a way of seeing things from others' perspectives.
-Binah smiles to herself, as if she'd just told a joke she is quite proud of.-
Binah: Tell me, have you found yourself a rival?
Xavier: A rival? Why would I want that?
Binah: It's a natural phenomena that young trainers will find themselves competing against others of similar skill level and interests. Perhaps you will find your own before long.
Xavier: Do, uh...
Binah: Do I have a rival, you mean to ask?
-Xavier nods.-
Binah: Oh, yes. Indeed I do.
-Xavier shuffles as far away from Binah as she can, as the most terrifying smile crosses the older woman's face.-
Binah: It is quite the thrill, facing off as we have in the past...
Failsafe: Stopping at: Floor of General Administration and Cute Robots!
-Both Xavier and Binah blink at the addendum to the floor's proper title.-
Xavier: ... Lemme guess... Ein told you to say that?
Failsafe: Worse! She reprogrammed the designation! I am now physically incapable of redacting unless I truncate the entire name!
Xavier: I'll talk to her about it.
Failsafe: If you would be so kind. Having your code messed with is a horrifying existential nightmare!
Binah: ...
-Xavier and Binah exit the elevator.-
Veronika
Area Zero
-Sombra looked over at Mithos in awe as she saw the boy in front of her transform into a Steelix-
Sombra: "You gotta tell me how you did that."
-She climbed on top of Steelix!Mithos and prepared herself for the journey ahead-
you will seeeeee, that all the people are wonderful~
Local idiot who is a sucker for cute 2d boys
Medali, morning
Yukari has already earned the normal gym badge as she and her team are eating their meal.
Yukari: That’s five gym badges. Just three more to go and then we defeat elite four and La Primma.
Joker: <Sounds great. Also, the next gym is a ghost type, right?>
Yukari: Yep, and it’s a double battle.
Jazzy: <Double battle?>
Yukari:So, a double battle is similar to a Pokèmon battle, but with two Pokèmons.
Kiel: <Oh, so since the ghost type is also weak to itself, it’s also weak to dark, right?>
Yukari: Yep. So, and since Forte and Joker are the perfect setup for this, I-
Forte: <Yukari, do you know how Ceruledges came to be?>
Kokichi: <Is this a rerun?>
Joker: <I wouldn’t be too surprised if that boulder came back with vengeance.>
Forte:<I don’t know what you two are on about, but it’s not that. Also, neither of you are Yukari!>
Yukari: …Well, to answer your question, they touched the grudge armor and they became Ceruledge.
Forte: <That’s the half of it.>
Yukari: Huh?
Joker: <Forte, are you sure you want to talk about it to us now? Besides, there are children walking around.>
Forte: <...Follow me.>
The gang follows Forte while Yukari, Joker, and Kokichi get a bad feeling about whatever Forte is going to say.
Glaseado Mountain, South. Noon
Kokichi: <Forte, not to complain about the route, but we been walking for about…three hours now.>
Jazzy: <Yeah…are we even here yet?>
Forte: <We’re getting close…and here we are.>
Yukari: It’s just stone ruins…
Joker: <...Okay, Forte, you might want to explain to us and the readers at home cause I’m 100% we’re not here to catch a gimnghoul.>
Forte: <It’s where our parents is buried.>
Joker: <I take back my comment…since I now feel like a total jerk…>
Yukari: I mean, I have heard you two talk about your parents, but I always assumed they passed away at old age.
Kiel: <Oh, you see, our mom was an armarouge and our dad was an ceruledge, so despite their differences, they always put that aside and protect those.>
Kokichi: <Huh, the more you know.>
Forte: <13 years ago, while Kiel and mom were simply having a picnic, a few trainers saw worth in Kiel’s eyes, so they tried to capture him. However, our mom saved him, but at the cost of her life. …Kiel, this is going to be the first time you’ll be hearing this, but I made a promise with mom, during her final moments, that I have to protect you, so I did.>
Kiel: <Forte…>
Yukari: I really despise trainers like that. It just makes me riled up. If I met those two from 13 years ago and…oh wait, I can’t even remember anything past April. Though, I could’ve sworn it was February…
Jazzy:<But, what’s that got to do with the whole process of Ceruledge stuff? I mean, it reminds of some media, but I can’t even put a paw on it…>
Forte: <That’s the day…where my father decided to train me…to become an Ceruledge.>
Kiel:<Oh! You haven’t told me that! I always kept asking you about it, but you keep avoiding it.>
Forte:<...Follow me.>
Kokichi:<Well…at least we’re walking.>
Yukari: I mean, at least we’re not dealing with two titans.
Joker:<Yukari, I know you were snarking, but given the fact that Forte attacked us when we first met her, Kokichi’s disgrace trainer try to pull an hostage situation on us, an titan klawf was attacking Kiel and Kokichi, an Bombirdier was rolling boulders, and Kofu’s gym trial was you going through the terrors of bidding, I wouldn’t be too surprised if we do have two titan pokèmons to deal with.>
The gang followed Forte as they kept chatting, despite Joker, Kokichi, and Yukari knowing that this could be worse.
Asado Desert, afternoon
The gang is now in the middle of the desert, much to Yukari’s annoyance.
Yukari: It’s so hot…
Joker: <Should’ve brought a mini fan with you.>
Forte: <...Here we are.>
Kokichi:<Huh…that’s some stone walls…>
Forte:<I was like Kiel once…excited to evolve as I put that armor on…but it didn’t do anything. I asked dad if I did something incorrect, but he told me that it was normal. So, I was going to head home, but he stopped me and suggested that I should stay with him. And, I did. For a few days, it was fine. Maybe the grudges in the armor need to get used to me is what I thought at the time…>
Jazzy: <Then…how did you evolve?>
TW; Child death implications, decomposing
Forte: <...It was when I felt like the fire went out on me. It was all black when that happened, but once I came back, I was…out of my body as I saw my father looking at my body, that is slowly turning into burnt ashes, telling me that’s how Ceruledges evolve. I was in shock, disbelief, and felt like the water was thrown on me. However, it was nothing compared to the fact that I was in rage that he never told me nor Kiel about this. I was thinking how can a father like you do this to your child, why didn’t you tell us, and I wouldn’t allow this to happen to Kiel if he decided to evolve. Unknown to me, once my rage has taken over, my soul, the decomposing body of mine, and the armor merged into one. It’s not as warm as it once was, but it explains why Ceruledges are purple and blue. Once the rage is gone, I notice that I have become one, I also see my father’s face of guilt. It's as if he was too afraid of telling the truth, and given the fact that I haven’t still move on from 12 years ago when the day I became an Ceruledge, I seem to focus on the past than the future.>
Yukari: Holy shit, that just gave some of the ghost pokèmons a run for their money.
Joker:<I know some of the ghost pokèmon used to be human children, but I agree with Yukari on this.>
Kokichi:<...But, isn’t that unfair to Kiel though?>
Jazzy:<What does a…a…yeah, no I don’t have any words that won’t hurt her feelings, but still!>
Kokichi:<I mean, yeah, that’s pretty messed up, but you can’t just assume that Auspicious Armor is going to do the same to Kiel.>
Forte:<But, it might though! I mean, Kiel was doing fine during the battle against Larry!>
Yukari: Larry gave Iono the run for the hardest Gym we all have to endure, Forte! If I didn’t switch over to Kokichi, then we’re just going to lose.
Forte: <You could’ve just a max potion!>
Yukari: His defense stats aren’t great!
Forte:<...Kiel, can you help me out on getting Yukari understand this? I know the promise and the day are the first time you heard this and I’m sorry for not saying all of this sooner as that armor and the performance from yesterday reminded me that I need to tell everyone about it.>
Kiel: <...No, I’m sorry…that I pretend to not know about the promise.>
Forte:<What?>
Kiel:<You see, what you didn’t mention is that I was unconscious when the hostage situation happened. However, when I regain conscious I heard the promise…and I saw dad using bitter blade on one of those stones, although it could be the fact that mom died and he was not having it.>
Yukari: In the end, Kiel knew about the promise prior to us meeting them.
Kiel:<I want you to forgive me…please…>
Forte was staring at Kiel, who feels bad for keeping this as a secret. Forte closes eyes for a moment. The desert sand passes by them as Forte opens her eyes and starts to attack.
Yukari: Who the hell is that and where did it come from?!
Kokichi:<It heard you and Forte arguing earlier, so it’s no brainer that it would try and gang up on Kiel.>
Yukari: Right…I kind of forgot.
Jazzy: <I thought you were going to attack Kiel there for a moment…>
Forte: <I wouldn’t do that!>
Joker: <Well, if that one was an titan pokèmon, then chances are there could be a herba mystica in the den somewhere.>
Yukari: Great, guess we’ll have to cope with the fact that ONE OF US here might start seeing some shit.
Jazzy: <Yeah, I don’t want to see an random pool of water that isn’t there.>
Kokichi: <...Okay, the herba could be this way.>
The gang goes the direction that Kokichi has set. Once they arrive, it’s the den of the titan Iron Treads.
Yukari: You know, instead of having Kokichi go there by himself, how about we all go in there together.
Forte: <That does sound like a good idea.>
Kokichi: I’m pretty sure she wants to cool off.
They all head inside the den as they look around for the herba mystica and spot the sour herba mystica.
Yukari: Well, that was easier said than done. Let’s just grab it and get back with the ghost gym.
Yukari walked towards the herba and was about to grab it…
Forte:<Yukari, look out!>
Yukari: Huh?
Yukari: Oh, for the love of Arceus!
Forte:<I got this cover!>
As Forte and the titan battle, the gang, minus Forte, notice something off…
Jazzy: <Wait, this titan looks different…>
Kiel: <Yeah..it’s not iron like…>
Kokichi: <Then it’s not the titan Forte fought earlier!>
Joker: <Hold up! How come it didn’t show up with the other titan?>
Yukari: Because the writer didn’t get any sleep and they figured that making three separate posts doesn’t sound right, so instead of sleeping, they decided to fuck it, they’ll ballin’.
Kokichi: <Hey, if you’re going to say something like that, at least don’t call the writer out!>
Joker: <Thar she blows!>
Yukari ran towards to catch the Rocky Helmet.
Yukari: Now, I could use Joker. Besides, he doesn’t any held items and-
Kiel: <Yukari, can I grab something?>
Yukari: Yeah…why?
Kiel: <You’ll see what I mean!>
Kiel quickly grabs something as he runs towards Forte.
Forte: <Kiel, you need to stay away!>
Kiel: <No, I refuse!>
Forte: <Kiel, listen, I…>
Kiel: <I know you were trying to protect me over the promise you and mom made, but…it’s stunting both of our growths. Yes…you are the best as I and the others can tell, but you’re overdoing it to the point it’ll actually affect someone’s growth like me. I know you still have some issue with being a Ceruledge, but who cares what others say about Ceruledges; they’re just wrong! I don’t want to be the one that has to be protected all the time, but I can’t find the words that won’t hurt you. If I have to hurt you, then I have to do that. I’m getting tired of being protected, even over the things that can’t pull super effectively. So, please, teach me how to battle. I don’t mind if it takes a long time, as long as we do those baby steps to improve if you have to break that promise with mom.>
Kokichi:So, he kept it there for who knows how long, out of fear of hurting everyone, including Forte. However, he knew that if he doesn’t do anything about it, then he and Forte will never improve.
Yukari:Look out!
Forte: <Kiel…you’re free…to use that armor.>
Kokichi:<Wait, did she just said->
Kiel pulls out the Auspicious Armor as he starts to fall down. He is hesitant to put it on as he nor Forte isn’t sure if it also applies to this armor, but he knew that he’ll take damage from the fall if he doesn’t put it on. As he falls, Kiel quickly puts on the armor right before he hits the ground…
There’s a glow around Kiel as it gets brighter and brighter…
Yukari: Everyone, cover your eyes! His evolution is about to do its shine!
Kokichi covers Jazzy’s eyes while Joker covers his. Yukari quickly uses the pokèball to recall Forte back in as she hurries to run back to where Joker covers his eyes as she closes hers while the titan Great Dusk is charging towards them, only for the glowing lights scattered across the den. Outside of said den, the lights have come out of the den, making any people nearby wondering what was that.
The gang uncover their eyes as the lights fade away…
The Titan Great Tusk roars at Kiel, who has recently evolved. Despite the roar, Kiel gets himself in battle position.
With the battle of the titans now done and over with, Kokichi walks over to the herba mystica and grabs it while Yukari, Joker, and Jazzy walk to Kiel.
Yukari: Nice job, Kiel. To be honest, if you didn’t grab that armor from the bag, then I would opt to use Joker. However, I’m pleased that I didn’t resort to that.
Kiel:<...?>
Yukari: Oh no…please don’t tell I’m dealing with two aloof pokèmon! I can only handle one and said one happened to be Kokichi!
Kokichi:<Can you at least tell us what you’re thinking, Yukari?>
Yukari: You would’ve hated what I was thinking there.
Kokichi: <I-I know you didn’t mean to. It’s just that you have your limits.>
Joker: -Casually heals up Forte- If that’s the case, she would’ve been done with me years ago…
Yukari: …Anyway, we got the sour herba mystica… -Takes a deep breath- …Okay, I admit, I just can’t handle more than one aloof pokèmon and you did mention about risking about hurting someone’s feelings, so yeah, but it’s not Kokichi fault and neither is-
Kiel: -puts his hand on Yukari’s head-<...>
Yukari:...
Kiel:-Slowly headpats her- <Sorry, I was kind of shock for a moment there.>
Yukari: He wasn’t expecting to go all out on that Titan…
Kiel:<Um…did I…improve in battling?>
Yukari: I say so.
Jazzy: <At least it’s better than the battle you and I have.>
Joker:<I didn’t know you have an ability until recently.>
Kokichi:<I wasn’t that interested, but that was clever of you to use calm mind.>
Kiel:<I see, then I’m glad.>
Yukari: Anyway, let me bring out Forte.
Yukari brings out Forte as Joker picks up Jazzy and Kokichi.
Forte: <Did…did we win?>
Kiel: <Yep!>
Forte: <Gah!> -Almost used a Bitter Blade on Kiel before she noticed his blue eyes- <I’m so sorry! I almost didn’t recognize you.>
Kiel:<It’s fine! You were too used to it.>
Yukari: Besides, it’s been twelve years until recently he’s been a Charcadet, so it’s only natural that you’re used to surrounds that look familiar to you when compared to other surrounds that aren’t.
Forte: <Right…>
Yukari: Welp, we should all head back.
Yukari and co were about to head out until Kiel stop in place as he put his hand on his head.
Forte: <Kiel?>
Kiel: <Huh…that’s funny…why is the world spinning…>
Yukari: Shit, I better call the cab!
Naranja y Uva Academy, evening
Yukari and Forte are waiting outside of Jacq’s classroom while Kiel is just sitting on the ground, sleeping.
Yukari: I find it interesting how Ceruledges sleep differently from Charcadets and Armarouges. Given the information, it makes a lot of sense why they sleep while standing while the other two sleep by sitting.
Jacq then opens the door as Kiel wakes up.
Jacq: You three may enter.
The scene cuts to Yukari sitting in front of Jacq while Forte and Kiel are just standing behind her.
Jacq: Now then, what appears to be a problem?
Yukari: So, after Kiel evolved, there was no overworking or anything like that. He was fine for a few minutes, but he just collapsed.
Jacq: Are you sure he didn’t faint?
Yukari: If he did, he wouldn’t be awake right now!
Jacq: Oh, right…well, let’s see…when you were born, Kiel?
Kiel:<Me? Um…I’ll say around Winter 2nd>
Jacq: Okay…that would be December 2nd. So, you were born in 2023 on Dec-
Kiel:<Actually, the year was 2006 when I was hatched.>
Jacq: …Huh?
Yukari:What’s making you surprised?
Jacq: I just need one more question to ask you; have you given Kiel an everstone?
Yukari: No and I would only use it if they wanted to.
Jacq: Huh…normally, Charcadets usually evolve when their age ranges from six to twelve and have chosen an armor of their choice, but I never saw a Pokèmon that took that long to evolve.
Yukari: Does that mean…?
Jacq: No, Kiel can still battle all he wants. It’s just his body didn’t evolve within the age range, so it may take some time for the body to get adjusted.
Yukari: But, what if he collapsed during battle?
Jacq: Now, that’s the Yukari question I’ve been expecting!
Yukari just glares at Jacq, not amused by his joke.
Jacq: Now, I don’t know if you heard about them, but there’s some rare herbs that can cure anything. They can be from sweet to spicy for its flavors, so I recommend grabbing them before you challenge Ryme. Sure, Kiel is not a ghost type, but who knows when you need him.
Yukari: Alright, now what are the herbs called?
Jacq: Herba Mystica.
Yukari just stares at Jacq as she slowly puts her pokèmons in the pokèballs. She then takes a deep breath right as the scene fades into…
West Area Province, Area One. Present.
Yukari is counting all the herba mystica so far and notices that there are no Spicy Herba on hand.
Yukari: At least we need one more before any of us but Forte can make a meal out of this.
Kiel:<Yep! It’s been awhile since we did any camping.>
Yukari: That’s because I was more cautious about encountering some titans in the middle of the night.
Joker: <Well, at least we can take a break of gym battles for now. After all, finding the Spicy Herba Mystica is the last one.>
Yukari: Well, it can’t be in the snowy mountains. Like, all you can do is slope.
Forte: <If that’s the case, then we’ll be traveling around Paldea to find the last Titan.>
Jazzy: <And get that herba!>
Kokichi: <And do some gym battles…>
Kiel: <Hmm…>
Yukari: I’m glad that those two have moved on, even if it’s a little. But, there could be a lot of charcadets out there that might not know about the actual process that Forte went…Wait, maybe if I ask the director and see if he can teach the charcadets about that and other things. If I do that, then no other charcadet won’t go through the same trauma that Forte went through.
Kiel:<So, Forte, what exactly happened to dad?>
Forte: <That’s…>
Kiel: <Actually, if you don’t want to tell me nor any of us, that’s fine. We can all wait until then. …Oh, and I’m sorry.>
Forte: <Sorry for what?>
Kiel: <For asking you about how you…you know. That was insensitive of me.>
Forte: <No need to apologize, it was also my fault for not having the proper discussion with you.>
Yukari: I guess his evolution made him all grown up…
Kiel: <Oh, that reminds me!> -looks around in Yukari’s bag and grabs a poisonous mushroom- <I found this mushroom while we were all walking. It smells funny though.>
Yukari: ...expect it doesn’t change the fact that he’s still naìve to the end.
Kiel may be still naìve, but he is in fact all grown up. Sure, he may not seem like it, but that's the part of Kiel everyone prefers.
“You bowl with 3 middle fingers” Oh hey, a troper wall
The Wanderer
Shady House, past
Chiyo and Chloe: -Standing amongst a number of defeated Grunts-
Chloe: Are you guys ready to pack it in?
Skull Grunt D: -Bursts into the foyer- You might've beaten all my homies, but I'm built different!
-She sends out a Gumshoos-
Chloe: -To Chiyo- I'll let you handle this last one, I need to go heal.
Chiyo: Okay.
-Sends out Stellamaris-
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Day 8192
"Bring it over here. And... that's it!" Hoops guides the wooden beam into place and then steps back to appreciate their handiwork. The barn is coming along nicely, and they'll probably have it done in the next couple of days.
"Thank you, stranger." The farmer comes over to them and pats them on the shoulder. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up."
Hoops nods. It's been years since the Darkest Day, and even now the effects on the people of Galar can still be seen. This farmer was still rebuilding after much of what he owned was trampled by giant pokémon, and now a group of Stonjournr coming through have caused even more damage.
"Happy to help," they say.
The farmer clears his throat. "I was wondering if you'd given any more thought to my offer to stay here permanently," he says. "Weird stuff with your body aside, you're a good worker."
Hoops frowns. "I don't know... I feel like I should be getting on once this job is done."
"And why is that?" the farmer asks. "Be honest, because I can see it in your eyes. You aren't going anywhere at all. Now, I don't need to be knowing about your past - there's probably enough of it that it'd take days to tell - but if you don't have a destination then what's the point in wandering."
"I don't want to stay in one place too long," Hoops admits. "Better that way."
"There someone after you?" A shake of the head. "Is you being here putting my family or me in danger?" Another shake. "Then what's the issue?"
"I..." Hoops can't answer that easily. A Tauros comes over and nuzzles their hand.
"You see? Even Tauros agrees."
"Well..." Hoops has to admit, the the thought of spending a bit longer in a bed and not on the side of the road does sound appealing. "I suppose I can stay a few more weeks."
"Stay for the winter," the farmer insists. "Then help us with the spring work. As long as you keep up the work, you can stay for as long as you like."
Day 90,335
Over time, a farm grows and attracts more workers. More workers need places to live, which leads to a hamlet forming. After a hamlet comes a village, and then a small town. There's even a small castle where the local lord, descended from a farmer, lives. This isn't unique.
What's unique about this town is the person living there whose name no-one actually knows. Most people spend their entire lifespans knowing them, and while they grow up and get old and die, the stranger is still there. Weddings, funerals, coming of age ceremonies, autumn festivals... the stranger is there for all of them. A guardian of this village, never aging, never changing.
When they die, it hurts. But Hoops is comforted by the fact that the town remains. The people that they lose, they see in the faces of their children and siblings, and they commit themselves to this town. Maybe here they can wait out their three thousand years.
And one day, the town burns.
Some other local lord wanting glory sends his men with their torches and their pokémon. And the town burns.
Hoops loads the few children that they can find still alive onto a wagon, and attach it to a Rhyhorn. Their journey from their is long and slow, because the children need lots of rest. They don't fully understand what's happened, or where their parents are, and Hoops doesn't have the words to tell them. But even though they don't understand, Hoops can see that the spirit of the town has been driven from their eyes. And so they take them to a place they found a few years ago, and leave them with a couple who lost their son a few years ago. They'll be happy here, Hoops thinks. And Hoops leaves, knowing not to make the mistake of staying somewhere again. Because this hurts.
This hurts more than anything they've ever felt before.
No voice to cry suffering
Paldea, Casseroya Lake - Secret Cave
-Megan makes a little moue of confusion-
Megan: Aren't you based in like…[Arizona]?
-she beams-
Megan: You're not responsible for me in my 'off hours', Alice. Or for every bad thing in the world - it's sweet that you're checking in at all!
-and hugs Alice, slightly chilly-
Megan: …don't feel bad.
Abilene: -dragged along- I was here, watering leeks, when this one went out for a grocery run and came back on a gurney. Take advice from one more selfish than thee - don't be so quick to accept blame not your own.
-Megan's eyes widen-
Megan: Your…condition?
-that is not the horrified concern of one aware-
Vee: <She's, uh, like me, Meg.>
-or quite the right delight-
Megan: -gasp- You're a vampire?
Vee: <Gods, I hope not.>
-Megan frowns-
-she steps back, cogitating now - less concerned and more trying to stare through Alice's head-
Megan: -tilting her head- You're a Pokémon…?
Abilene: -coughs-
Megan: I mean, I should've guessed, with the Roserade outfit…and how you show up out of grass to punch people, and then the monologuing…shoot, am I being insensitive? Are you human now? I hope you know I don't think of you any diff—
Abilene: She died, Megan.
Megan: ...Oh.
Abilene: Was killed, to be precise.
-something dark and terrible flashes across Megan's face-
- —did it? The light's pretty low in here-
Megan: -strained smile-
Abilene: -squeezing her shoulder- Whoever that was, I hope they rot.
Megan: -low growl-
-and she moves toward Alice-
Abilene: An Obscuric construct given sapience and soul - a blasphemy against the gods of my land. Whom I won't tell if you won't. Excuse me.
-she extends a hand toward Alice, and—hesitates-
Abilene: Do you mind if I—what are your capabilities?
No mind to think. No will to break.
Not A Lawyer
Paldea, Casseroya Lake - Secret Cave
-Alice... well, "accepts" is probably the wrong word, but she doesn't resist as Megan gloms onto her with an Abilene attached.-
Alice: It is not Artazon where I wish I had been present. Granted, I should have been there - with so many people in danger, it was exactly the sort of situation our group is supposed to deal with - but I accept reasonable limitations on my time and travel abilities. By the time I was aware of the situation, it was almost certainly too late for me to have any meaningful impact. No, I wish I had been here sooner.
-She gets up, starts pacing.-
Alice: ...I am not a vampire, at least not as far as I understand the term. If we're being technical, then I am for all intents and purposes a Misdreavus mode-locked into a human form, using an Obscuric construct body that mimics most of the functions of human biology. I still require food, water, oxygen, and if you prick me, I will bleed. That said, as far as I can tell I no longer age biologically - though the difference between twenty and twenty-six is slight enough that I'm not confident saying so for certain - and... using my own Obscuric abilities, I can exert a limited amount of control over my own form. It's not an ability I am keen to overuse. I suspect it would be entirely too easy to end up with my organs in all the wrong places and die another horrible, painful death.
-There's a brief pause, her eyes gazing a thousand miles into the middle distance.-
Alice: As for the people responsible for my murder... they're gone now. Not worth worrying about.
-She looks up at Abilene with a sharp glare.-
Alice: Incidentally, you have your god to thank for bringing me back as the abomination I am today. So I'd thank you to keep your hands off of-
Lissa: Seriously? You're gonna be a hardass now?
-Alice looks over at Lissa in surprise.-
Lissa: I've only just met this girl, I dunno what kinda toxic yuri thing you have going on, but she's offering to help. The exact same thing you're trying to do for Megan. And she's actually been here doing it, unlike you. I know you like to be overly dramatic and keep up the act, but I've heard how you talk about Abilene here. If you didn't trust her to some degree, you would've told me to give her a sleeper hold rather than a casual greeting.
-Alice flushes red, glancing sideways at Abilene.-
Alice: ...I don't talk about you.
Lissa: Bullshit. You talk about her all the time. It's like... therapeutic seething or some shit. Either way, you always seem to think you're the only adult in the room, so least you can do is act like it.
-For a moment, it looks like Alice is ready to retort, but instead, she just hangs her head and sighs.-
Alice: ...You're right. I'm sorry.
-She turns to Abilene, holding her hands up.-
Alice: Do whatever you wish. If there is any way my body's own unique properties can help alleviate Megan's condition, then I put it at your full disposal.
Edited by Herbert40k on Apr 20th 2024 at 2:13:39 PM
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
The Wanderer
Shady House, past - One Battle Later
Chiyo: Stellamaris, let's finish this!
Stellamaris: Okay!
-Faints the Gumshoos with a Freeze-Dry-
<Okay, I feel funny...>
-Starts glowing, and when the glow subsides the now Aurorus Stellamaris cranes down her neck in the confines in the foyer-
Skull Grunt A: Guess ya'll are hard as bone after all...
-To the other Grunts-
Do we give 'em something?
Skull Grunt D: Of course we do, ya numbskull!
-To another Grunt-
She's got that island challenge amulet, go look inside the chest!
Skull Grunt A: Yeah, yeah yeah...
-The Grunt comes back holding a Bugnium Z and hands it to Chiyo-
We don't have any Z-Power Rings, so they're no good for us.
Chiyo: -Takes the Z-Crystal- Now are you guys going to behave?
Skull Grunt A: Behave? We're Team Skull, behaving's not a thing we do.
Chiyo: -Eyebrow raise, Stellamaris looming behind her-
Skull Grunt A: ...But I guess we could chill for a bit.
Chiyo: -Smiling- Great.
Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 21st 2024 at 3:42:04 PM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Person, or Idea?
Two groups of people and Pokemon assemble here, preparing to take on the Emotional Spectrum Practice challenge.
One group, led by Dendra and her Medicham, consists of those who are attempting the Gym Test. Mitchell and Angela among this group.
The other group, facing the opposite side of the area, consists of those who are attempting the knockout version of the practice. Christine and Dendra's Quaxley lead this group.
"Osu!", Dendra calls out to her group. "Are we all ready to give it all we've got?"
"Osu!", Mitchell replies. "Ready when you are!" Angela meows in assent.
<Osu!>, Christine calls out to her group. <On your marks, everyone! Aaaaand.....GO!>
With that, the joint ESP sessions go into full swing. The instructors call out and pose their emotions at the speed of thought, and the groups try to match them time and time again.
An hour later, the sessions end, with all of Dendra's group having successfully passed the Gym Trial. Mitchell rests a moment, with Christine taking a swig of water for her exhausted throat.
"That was really fun," Mitchell says. "It feels like Ms. Dendra's workouts at the Academy, but for the brain."
<Glad you liked it,> Christine replies. <Some days, though, it gets tough. You should hear about Mr. 222 some time.>
"Oh, do tell," Mitchell says.
Meanwhile, a Gothorita lurking in a corner of the area places a phone call to an unknown party. It looks especially suspicious.
Mitchell exits the registration building for the Gym Test, prepared to find the place where the official Test starts. However, he gets surprised by a Magnemite camera crew, followed by the distinctive voice of Levincia's hometown hero.
"Your eyeballs are MINE - caught in my Electroweb! Whositwhatsit? Iono! 'Ello, 'ello, hola! Ciao and bonjour! Welcome to the Iono Zone!"
Several billboards switch to live feeds of the Iono Zone, currently showing Mitchell's shocked face.
"Today's stream," Iono continues, "is yet another Gym Test, with the right to challenge me for my Badge at stake. Introduce yourself, contestant!"
"'ELLO 'ELLO HOLA CHAO AND BONJOUR!" Mitchell yells, running on autopilot out of sheer panic. "MY NAME IS MITCHELL RHODES 'CAUSE ALL ROADS HAVE A MIDDLE NICE TO BE CAUGHT IN YOUR ELECTROWEB IONOOOOOOO!"
Iono's chat immediately erupts into emojis and comments claiming to have seen Mitchell on TV before. Some claim they saw him getting clobbered in a TV studio, others claim to have seen him on a J-Team TV show, and still others lambast the second group for thinking "Mordecai" is anything like the young man on Iono's stream.
"Ooh, looks like we've got stream nerves here, fans," Iono breezily continues. "How about a drink, Mitch?"
Mitchell notices that his right hand is suddenly holding a branded bottle of water. He realizes what to do.
One refreshment and sponsor plug later, Iono reveals the meat of the challenge. "Mitch, I've got three feeds for cameras somewhere in Levincia. Your job is to find a certain someone in all three of them. After each one, you'll have to beat one of my superfans in a Pokemon battle. Sound good?"
"Sounds great!", Mitchell replies. "So, who am I searching for?"
As if in response to Mitchell's question, a Pokemon leaps off the top of a nearby skyscraper and cartwheels to right in front of Mitchell. The camera points at the Pokemon, which appears to be a Clefairy marked with black moon and star tattoos across its fur.
<Falling from above with a smile, it's me, Bec*Star!>, the Clefairy declares. <That's right, we're collabing with the Iono Zone once again!> She then poses in a one-handed handstand.
Rebecca!?, Mitchell thinks to himself. THIS is what she's doing with the Rotom Phone?
"Hey, hey, welcome back, Bec*Star!", Iono sardonically continues. "Just remember not to take the spotlight off me, capiche?"
<Wouldn't dream of it.>, Bec*Star quips back, certain that the closed captions on the Iono Zone stream will have her say something funnier than that. <Well then, time to hide this star where only the sharp-eyed can see it. Ta ta!> With that, she bounds off elsewhere, only sparing a brief and knowing look in Mitchell's direction.
"Right, let's get this going," Mitchell says. "I'm ready when you are, Iono."
"And away we go!", Iono responds. "It's time for Bec*Star Search! And yes, legal cleared that name.
As the streamed Gym Test went underway, an elderly Clefable happened to be watching it with her trainer in a restaurant in Medali. Her eyes grow wide in shock, as she sees something she long thought was impossible.
A Double Battle is ongoing on the performance stage, acting as an opening show for the crowd awaiting the evening's performance from the MC of R.I.P., Rhyme. This battle pits Mitchell, who has Gavroche and Angela out, against a male Gym Trainer, who has a Misdraevus and Greavard out.
Edmond is off the stage, acting as the security detail to keep unruly fans from storming the stage. He wears the gym uniform and a government agent style pair of sunglasses.
"My name is Jimmy and I'm here to say,/" the Gym Trainer raps, "You don't have a chance, come back another day!/ With Gravy's Helping Hand and Missy D's Psybeam,/ Your plan's up in smoke just like a moonbeam!"
The Misdraevus' Helping Hand-boosted Psybeam lands on Gavroche, taking enough out of him that he quickly eats his Sitrus Berry to recover. Meanwhile, the crowd is grumbling about the quality of "Jimmy"'s rhymes.
Mitchell had done a bit of research on Rhyme's discography and career, so he was prepared for a rap battle in addition to a Pokemon battle. Something about "Jimmy"'s rap ticks him off, though. Like a man possessed, he launches his counterattack.
"You call that a rap? Shame on you, punk!/ Is that your best? Give it a rest! Switch to disco or funk!/ Even a wimp like me, with a buttload of courage,/ can wreck your Gravy schemes with a Crunch and Leafage!"
On cue, Angela and Gavroche perform a synchronized attack on the Greavard, with Gavroche pinning the Greavard with a Crunch and leaving it open to getting peppered by Angela's Leafage. This was enough to take it down in a flash.
As "Jimmy" looks on stunned, the crowd gets a bit rowdier, causing some wild Greavard to wake up and see what's going on. They're dissuaded by Edmond, who raises his hand and says <Talk to this. No wild Pokemon on stage.>
In the distance, a Pawniard observes the battle concert from a mountaintop. He makes a special note on Edmond, and then departs as the battle rages on.
Vasilissa paces up the slope, carefully heating the path for the Gym Test to ensure that the slopes had as few potholes or uneven textures as possible. At the top of the slope, Grusha, Mitchell, and a Cyclizar look on.
"So this is what you've been having Vas do?" Mitchell asks. "I mean, it makes sense, having a Fire-type in a cold environment."
Grusha gives Mitchell an icy glare. "You're dancing around that," he says.
Mitchell realizes what Grusha means: the accident that took away his snowboarding career. "Oh," he says. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Grusha says. "This is so what happened to me doesn't happen to you. Besides," he adds, "your Rapidash is a special girl."
"She is, isn't she?" Mitchell says.
"Yep," Grusha says. "Brassius was talking my ear off about her for days after that freak snowstorm in Artazon."
"And the others that were there, I hope," Mitchell adds.
Before they could continue, Vasilissa arrives at the top of the slope. <All done, Mr. Grusha,> she says. <Smooth as a river now, I reckon.>
"Right then," Grusha concludes. "Mitchell Rhodes, please mount this Cyclizar and descend the mountain from here. Pass through every gate as you descend. You have 90 seconds from when I next say 'go'. If you succeed, you will get the right to battle me. Any questions?"
"I don't think so," Mitchell says, as he mounts the noticeably docile Cyclizar. "I just have to take this safely, right?"
"Right," Grusha says. "Now, on your mark. Get set."
As Mitchell and the Cyclizar get into position, a Gimmighoul looks on from a short distance away. Something in Vasilissa's eyes gives it a spark of hope, as it runs off a short time later.
"This way, come on!" Mitchell calls out to the five Sunflora following him. He is currently in the middle of his Gym Test, where he has to find a total of ten Sunflora hidden throughout Artazon.
He now sees a suspiciously lifelike Sunflora sculpture on one of the plinths behind the windmill. It could be one of Brassius' Surrendering Sunflora sculptures, but Mitchell takes a closer look anyway.
As he approaches, Mitchell notices that the "Sunflora" was not only slightly moving, but it's leaf arms seemed way too bulky. It almost as if they were flower bouquets.
Realizing what was going on, Mitchell slapped his hand against his head. "Okay, Gus," he says. "You got me good."
<Aw, no,> Auguste says, his Sunflora disguise blown. <I should have known you see through this disguise.> He then grins, Lycanroc-like. <But the real Sunflora, though. Are you sure they haven't moved while we're talking?>
Mitchell immediately spins his head around. To his relief, the five Sunflora he'd already found were still behind him. Sighing in relief, he turns back to Auguste.
Except, there is only a genuine Surrendering Sunflora statue there.
Dragons, he's quick, Mitchell thinks. What is he, Crobatman now?
Brassius and his Pokemon team covertly watches Mitchell take on the Gym Test. His Sudowoodo sees what Auguste did to vanish from Mitchell's sight, and starts to wonder if a certain tale was connected to him.
Local idiot who is a sucker for cute 2d boys
Naranja y Uva Academy
Yukari is already at the library, reading some books to pass some time before heading out. After all, until she could find a spicy herba mystica, she couldn't do any gyms runs. Not to mention that she is quite studious, though it could be her being serious.
Student 1: Hey…is that Yukari san?
Student 2: Yeah! She’s been hitting the books as of late, did she miss any homework?
Student 3: Nah, she’s too serious to do that.
Student 1: By the way, there’s something I found out about her.
Student 2: Oh, tell me tell me!
Student 1: Well, as it turns out, she has in-depth knowledge about the league in Sinnoh.
Student 2: Wow! She’s really that studious!
Student 3: That’s one way to put it. But, wasn’t she from Kanto though?
Student 1: I bet she was lying about having amnesia.
Student 3: Of course she would! There’s no way someone like her could easily know that!
Student 2: I think she’s not lying about it. You should never judge the book by its cover.
Student 1: -sighs- Remind me not to bring you along.
Student 3: Anyway, let’s eat out.
Student 2: Oh, can we go to that place again? I wasn’t able to try them…
Student 1: Oh..sorry…it’s just me and her going out. Maybe next time, okay Yuna?
Yuna: -sounded a bit sad- …okay.
With that, the duo went off while Yuna headed to the cafeteria. While Yukari may seem like she didn’t hear them, she actually did.
Yukari: I swear…those two girls always seem to find something to gossip about all while they treat Yuna as some friend they don’t like. I don’t get why they think I’m lying about having memory loss. Just because I know about the League from Sinnoh, that doesn’t mean you should’ve accused me of lying about it. While I’m glad that some students like Yuna defended me, it’s not going to stop anytime soon. If only Tagg was here…wait a second…
Yukari recalls from March, she attended the assembly about Shadow Pokèmon and realized that Tagg was the one that not only saved her, Scorbunny, and Kiel, he was also the one that taught them all about Shadow Pokèmon.
Yukari: -Gets up from her seat- That’s right! I haven’t got his info nor the bug badge from him! Besides, he did mention about not being able to go out due to being busy as a teacher or something like that in the lines. If I’m right about this, then he should be here!
“You bowl with 3 middle fingers” Oh hey, a troper wall
Local idiot who is a sucker for cute 2d boys
Spagposted with theoncominghoop
Naranja y Uva Academy, Library
Elsewhere in the library, a young Kalosian man with well-groomed blonde hair is wondering around the stacks. An Azumarill walks next to him, looking just as confused as he is. A visitor lanyard is pinned to his sweater vest.
Xaster: I know that the office is supposed to be around here somewhere. I’m just glad we left with plenty of time to spare, we don’t want to be late to meet Director Clavell.
Riri: <Maybe it’s a hidden office, and if you pull on the right book then a door will open and he’ll be there.>
Xaster: Oh, that’s smart.
He starts grabbing random books and pulling on them. Passing students look at him, confused, and no secret doorway or passage opens. Eventually he calls out to a passing student.
Xaster: Excuse me, miss. Do you know which of these books I need to pull to get to the headmaster’s office?
Yukari: Okay, not what I have in mind- wait…
Yukari looks at him, baffled and confused at his question. This school isn’t some kind of superhero academy or something like that! Also, why does he need to pull the books to get to the headmaster’s office? He could’ve asked a teacher! But, then again, Yukari isn’t the type to not help him out, so…
Yukari: …First off, none of the books here won’t lead you to a shortcut to the headmaster’s office. Secondly, why do you need to head to the headmaster’s office?
Xaster flushes.
Xaster: Oh, sorry. I kind of got the idea in my head that an old building like this would have a bunch of secret passages and stuff. I guess that was kind of stupid of me, huh?
He laughs for a few seconds before clearing his throat.
Xaster: Anyway, my name is Xaster De Mille, and this is my partner Riri. I have a meeting with your principal about trialling a course on pokémon contests at this school, but I kind of got lost on the way.
He then frowns and squints, examining Yukari more closely.
Xaster: Wait… didn’t I see you battle Iono on a stream a few days ago?
Well, at least she got his and his pokèmon partner’s name. She might as well introduce herself, but before she was able to, he reminded her that not only she battled Iono, she also forgot that her battle against Iono is also live to everyone that watches her.
Yukari: Crap! He must’ve seen Joker pull a Leory Jenkins live! He’s probably some kind of Pokèbattle police! …No, wait, calm down Yukari, even if he saw that, he’s not the type that would go out and tell everyone about it nor he’s an pokèbattle police and those don’t even exists….
Xaster: Man, that stream was crazy. I think something like a hundred thousand people watched it live, according to Iono’s Chatter.
Yukari: I wonder what cause that live stream to go crazy… Yes, yes you did. I suppose that based on that stream alone, I don’t need to introduce myself, do I? But, in case you don’t remember, I’m Yukari Kanase.
Xaster: It’s nice to meet you, Yukari Kanase. I was going to ask if you’d show me to the headmaster’s office, but now that I know who you are, I have a different question instead. Would you be willing to have a quick battle with me?
Yukari: What the hell happened to going to the headmaster’s office?! But, if I don’t battle, not only it would be considered rude, I would be slacking off. Sure. Just let me get my pokèmon and I’ll be ready to battle.
Yukari heads off to get her pokèmon for the battle. Besides, she figures that pokèmon do need some battles every now and then.
Naranja y Uva Academy, Courtyard
Somehow, despite getting lost before, it takes no time for Xaster to find the courtyard with the battlefield. He waits for Yukari to arrive, and then when she does takes the position opposite to her.
Xaster: How about we go with a one-on-one battle this time. I only have fifteen minutes before my meeting, and I don’t want to be late. Oh, and I’ll give you the advantage of seeing what pokémon I’ll be using.
He takes a sticker covered pokéball from his pocket and clicks the button to enlarge it.
Xaster: Lulu, let’s go!
He throws the ball up into the air, and it opens at the apex of the throw. The stickers that covered it do their work, showering the Lucario that emerges in pink smoke as she lands perfectly on the battlefield.
She was expecting a normal battle that should be finished within 5 to 10 minutes. Besides, she has a few tricks up her sleeves when it comes to battling. That is until the pink smoke came out of the sticker pokèball that was showering Lucario.
Yukari: He just gave Neoma a run for the money…
Regardless of whether or not if his pokèmons is going to shower with smokes of the rainbow, she throws out her pokèball and sends out Forte.
Yukari: The battle should be over within five to ten minutes and I can lead you to where the headmaster's office is.
Xaster: I guess that’s fair enough. Make sure you don’t go easy on me, okay?
With that being said, the battle begins!
Forte creates several orbs of purple light which fly across the battlefield towards Lulu, who makes no effort to dodge and gets hit by them. She begins to sway slightly as the confusion sets in.
The small number of students that have gathered to watch the battle look at each other, confused about why Xaster didn’t do anything.
Xaster: Bummer, that was a direct hit. Well, Yukari, it seems you have the upper hand in this battle.
Yukari is simply waiting for his next move. However, for some odd reason, he’s not choosing the next move. But, then again, he told her not to go easy on him.
Yukari: I have seen some trainers order their pokèmon to do a move despite the confused ray on them. But, this guy, he thinks I’m going to win. Also, the way he said it seems to be a trap. It’s a good thing I bought some battle items in case I encounter a trap of some sort. Even if it’s not, better be safe than sorry.
Once again, Xaster doesn’t give Lulu any commands, and she continues gently swaying.
Xaster: So I heard you’d earned five gym badges in just a few days. That’s really impressive, you know.
He seems to be waiting for Yukari and Forte to make a move. One of the watching students makes a comment about this battle being boring.
Yukari: -To the student who made a comment about the battle being boring- Oi! He’s just sitting there doing nothing! I have seen trainers order a move even if their mons are confused! Sure, they may hit themselves, but at least it lasted a few turns! I don’t know what he’s talking about, but hey, might as well do small talk while I’m at it. -To Xaster- I mean, it’s apart of the treasure hunt stuff, so any students here will naturally try and aim to get all the badges to defeat the Elite Four. But, I haven’t got the bug badge from Tagg yet! I can’t just tell everyone about that!
Forte strikes Lulu with her flaming blades, and once again Xaster doesn’t give any instructions. She flies back and is knocked to the ground, before she gradually gets to her feet.
Xaster: Whatever your reasons are for challenging the gym leaders, the fact is you’re doing it much quicker than most people do. Though, if I’m being honest, I’m kind of disappointed to hear that that’s all there is to it.
Yukari: Huh? Why am I the only person actually battling here?! He should be commanding his pokèmon by now! What do you mean you're disappointed by that? Sure, I may have done it faster than anyone else here, but that doesn’t mean I was blessed with battling talent. I just simply read and study on pokèmon battles, type advantages and weaknesses, battle items, etc. If I lose in a pokèbattle, I usually analyse what caused the battle that led to my loss and make sure not to let that happen again. Though, I’m rather curious about what he is getting from me.
Xaster: It’s not your battling skills that I’m disappointed by.
Lulu suddenly leans to the side, causing Forte’s ball of darkness to fly harmlessly through the space where her head was a few seconds earlier.
Xaster: It’s why you battle. What, because everyone else is doing it? Bone Rush!
Lulu summons two short staffs of bone and rushes towards Forte with her head down. It seems the confusion must have worn off at some point without Yukari and Forte noticing.
Forte: Oh, that explains why he isn’t doing anything until now!
Yukari: Forte, dodge!
Yukari: Why I battle…?
Xaster: I thought the same thing watching Iono’s live stream as I think right now. I’m not feeling any of your passion for battling. Dragon Pulse!
Lulu backs up and gather purple energy in her hands, which she unleashes in the direction of Forte in a twisting dragon-shaped vortex.
Forte: If she doesn’t feel any passion, then she wouldn’t take any notes about the gym’s type nor go so far in buying some battle items for us.
Xaster: If you’re not doing something for a real reason, then why even do it at all? Meteor Mash!
Lulu runs towards Forte again, raising one fist as she does.
Despite the x speed Yukari used, Forte got hit, though it’s not very effective and Lulu got hurt by Forte’s Rocky Helmet.
Forte: <Yukari! We need to finish this battle or else he’s->
Yukari: No passion for battling? Do you actually think I can’t feel? Just because I’m always so serious, that doesn’t mean you should accuse me of not feeling any passion. I may not seem like it, but I actually do enjoy battle.
Yukari tried to keep it at the tranquil fury levels of anger, however…
Yukari: But, what’s with you wanting to know the real reason why I ended up getting five badges quickly?! That’s none of your business!
Lulu watches the Fire Blast come, and makes no effort to dodge it. She is enveloped in flames. Xaster talks to Yukari as the flames die down and Lulu falls to one knee.
Xaster: First of all, don’t assume any malicious intent. I just wanted to know more about you. To be honest, there are parts of you that remind me of someone I care about very much. Someone who’s strong, who worked every day of their life to get that strength.
Xaster: Second, I’ve noticed that your battle style is technically perfect, according to how my partner taught me. But there’s more that goes into passion than just practising it.
Xaster: And third, I really do have to wrap this battle up quickly. So for you, because I know you can take it, I’ll stop holding back.
He holds up one hand, which has a bracelet around the wrist. Something gleams - a small stone filled with many colours. Lulu holds up her arm, which has a small bracer housing a similar item.
Xaster: Lulu, it’s time for the show stopping event! Surpass our limits and mega evolve!
Rainbow light spills from the two stones. Tendrils of colour snake out and meet one another, and Lulu is enveloped in a brightly coloured cocoon. It breaks open, and Lulu, now mega-evolved, roars.
Xaster: Let me introduce myself again. I’m Xaster De Mille. J-Team member, Co-ordinator, and Conqueror of the Sinnoh League.
As it turns out, Xaster is not really a bad guy that Yukari at first thought during the whole battle. If anything, he just wants to get to know her better.
Yukari: As much as I prefer having him saying that to me than doing this, he’s right. There’s more to passion than just practising. And since he was reminded of someone he know due to some parts of myself, then I suppose that I still have ways to go.
Now, what Yukari was expecting is an terastallized Lucario since that’s a thing here. However, the moment that Xaster uses a stone that she has never seen before, she realises that this Lucario has mega evolved. Oh, and it turns out that Xaster is an Co-ordinator and Conqueror of the Sinnoh league.
Yukari: You have got to be kidding me! I was interacting with the conqueror of the Sinnoh league this whole damn time?! Wel, might as well this over with so he won’t be late. I’m Yukari Kanase…
Yukari: and the real reason why I battle and got those badges quickly…
Yukari:...was to try and remember my past.
Xaster grins.
Xaster: Now this battle can really get started. Use Bone Rush!
Lulu summons her bones again and uses them to block the Bitter Blade strike. She then pushes Forte back.
Xaster: And now you’ll see why losing the ghost type was a bad idea! Use Aura Sphere!
Lulu raises her hands and starts gathering aura in her hands. Very soon she is holding an Aura Sphere that’s twice her size.
Xaster: I hope you know, there’s no way for you to dodge this!
Lulu fires the giant Aura Sphere at Forte.
And he’s right! There’s no way for Forte to dodge this, no matter what!
Yukari: Huh…if I knew about the stone he has there, I would’ve brought up Kiel. That was a nice battle…and a change of pace. Thanks, Xaster.
Lulu returns to her normal form. Xaster recalls her and walks over to Yukari and Forte. He grabs a berry from his bag.
Xaster: Here, you should give this to your pokémon, it should restore her strength.
Xaster: Now, thank you for battling with me, Yukari. You’re definitely strong, if I hadn’t used my mega evolution you might have beaten me.
He extends a hand for her to shake.
Xaster: I don’t know what your situation is with your memories, but I hope that getting stronger lets you get them back somehow. And I also hope you’ll take the contests course, if I can get your headmaster to implement it.
Yukari uses the berry that Xaster gave her to restore Forte’s strength. She then shakes Xaster’s hand since he was holding out his hand.
Yukari: Yes, that’s what I’m hoping for as well. ...Wait, didn’t he said something about contests? Um, as much I would like to ask you about the contests, but I suggest that I should lead you to where my headmaster’s office is located.
Xaster decides to explain as they walk.
Xaster: Contests are like another way of competing with your pokémon besides battling. They’re all about showing off the appeal of your pokémon - doing cool tricks with their moves, pulling off combos, and showing off to everyone! There’s also a battle round, where you have to show off your pokémon’s appeal while also fighting your opponent. It’s totally heart pumping and awesome!
Yukari: I see. I have heard some bits of info about contests, but never thought about having them being a part of the school here. …Well, since the contests are interesting, I suppose it won't hurt to try them out. After all, I got long ways to go. Well, I hope the headmaster approves it. It would’ve be ashamed if it wasn’t.
Xaster: Definitely. And it would help with that stiff and emotionless thing you’ve got going on. No room for stoicism in contests. Oh, is this the office?
They’ve come to Clavell’s door by now.
Yukari: Yes, this is the office. Maybe I wouldn’t be this stiff and emotionless if you befriended me a lot sooner than you think. Well, I suppose I’ll be going now…unless there’s something else you need from me.
Xaster: The only thing I need from you is that you keep working hard to get stronger, Yukari Kanase. And when you get your memories back, I want to meet you again so you can tell me who you are. Toodles.
Then he goes through the door.
Yukari: Huh, I guess I have to keep getting stronger until not only I remember who I was, but meet him again. But, I suppose that’s for the best.
Yukari walks away from the door, hoping that, maybe someday, the strength will bring her memories back.
Edited by Xabbynip09 on Apr 21st 2024 at 9:51:08 AM
“You bowl with 3 middle fingers” Oh hey, a troper wall
Trill and Quack Parade follow along as the Bombirdier knocks open the route to the Herba Mystica and then takes a sprig.
Bombirdier: <Oh yeah, that woke me up!>
And with that she tries to attack Struthie with a Rock Throw
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
Local idiot who is a sucker for cute 2d boys
Casseroya Lake, afternoon
Yukari and co are simply relaxing along the lake of Casseroya.
Yukari: I gotta admit…the lake is nice to look at.
Joker: <So, if it goes well, the headmaster will allow contest trials.>
Yukari: Yep, and there’s also a battle round.
Jazzy: <Something tells me that Joker will get a kick of that.>
Joker: <I’m usually the showy type when it comes to battling. More importantly, didn’t that Xaster guy say that you got to be less stiff and emotionless for contests?>
Yukari: Don’t look at me and act like I'm the only stoic here; look at Kokichi.
Kokichi: <Hah? Why are you dragging me into this?>
Yukari: Obviously, if I have to be less stiff and be more emotion wise, then you also need to be open about your emotions.
Kokichi: <It’s not like that’s going to be easy!>
Joker: <And neither is getting Yukari to open up her emotions. But, that’s only if the school gets the contest trials.>
Yukari: Out of everyone, you guys are the only ones I can open my emotions to.
Jazzy: <Meh, I’m not a contest type. But, I don’t mind if you do them.>
While everyone else is chatting, Kiel and Forte are taking a stroll.
Kiel: <Really? There was another powerful thing?>
Forte: <Yep. Though, I honestly doubt that it’s available in Paldea.>
Kiel: <I see.> ...Now that I think about it, Yukari doesn’t have any water type pokèmon at hand…and if the contest was approved…then maybe I should help her in finding water type Pokèmon that is perfect for battling and contest!
Kiel quickly dashes off as Forte follows him.
Forte: <Kiel, you need to slow down, or you’ll collapse!>
Kiel looked around and noticed a rather large Tatsugiri. He walks up to the large pokèmon.
Kiel: <Hi! What are you doing here? Need a new trainer?>
Tatsugiri: <Make way for king Tatsugiri!>
Kiel: <Huh?>
Just then, a Dondozo showed up and put the Tatsugiri in the mouth.
Kiel: <I don’t think my psychic moves will even do anything.>
Meanwhile, Yukari is playing charades with her pokèmon when Forte walks to them.
Forte:<Hey, have any of you seen Kiel walk by?>
Jazzy:<No.>
Kokichi:<We’re just playing charades with Yukari. Why?>
Forte:<Well, it’s more due to the fact he might collapse again. I’m not worry about him, but considering the fact->
Just then, behind Yukari, a wild Dondozo picks up Yukari and co and puts them on its back.
Yukari: What the hell is going on?!
Joker: <I don’t know!>
Once the dondozo arrives at its denistation, it puts Yukari and co back onto the ground…with Kiel simply waving at it.
Kiel: <Okay! Thank you for getting them for me before we start the battle.>
Yukari: Kiel…what the fuck did you-
Kiel: <Long story short is that I was trying to find a water pokèmon, but then I got dragged into this, so I ask nicely to it since I know I’m outmatch.>
Yukari: -sighs- …Joker, you mind if you-
Joker: <Yeah, this one should be easy.>
Yukari: Okay…Kiel, why do I need a water pokèmon?
Kiel: <Well, I notice that all of us here aren’t water types. So, I figure why not and help on getting that. Plus, it would be nice bonus if the pokèmon contests do start up.>
Yukari: Kiel’s right. No one here isn’t a water type, regardless if they learn a water move or not. Not to mention that if I want to pass the pokèmon contest, then I have to gather pokèmon that really enjoy doing them as Jazzy is more of a battle kind of rockruff and Forte is only good at battling. Joker is definitely going to enjoy the contests and maybe Kiel, but for Kokichi…it’s hard for me to know if he wants to do battling only, or do contests as well. But… Alright, I suppose I can go and find-
Tatsugiri: <Make way for king Tatsugiri!>
Yukari: Huh?
Yukari and the team look at the large Tatsugiri, who is ready to battle them.
Kiel: <...Now I taken a good look at it, isn’t Tatsugiri usually smaller?>
Kokichi & Jazzy: <Yes.>
Yukari: If that’s the case…then that’s the last titan pokèmon we need to defeat and get that spicy herba mystica! Joker, you’ll be on the offensive while Kiel is on the support side.
Joker: <Sounds simple enough.>
Kiel: <I’ll do my best!>
Yukari: Joker, dodge!
Yukari: Nice job you two! Now, let’s go and get that herba!
Yukari and co run towards the den to get the Spicy Herba Mystica.
South Provinace, area one, evening.
Kiel is making something with all the herba mystica's they all gather together while Yukari and co are waiting.
Joker: <Well, I guess that tomorrow we’ll be back to doing the gym battles.>
Yukari: Yep. Also, the gym trial requires you to hype up the crowd until Ryme gets herself ready.
Joker: <Well, if you somehow made Iono’s battle stream with you crazy enough to gather thousands of viewers, then surely you can hype up the audience.>
Yukari: Just don’t pull what you did there.
Joker: <Hey, you and I both know that there’s no way that Forte can win against that!>
Yukari: Fair enough. Once the gym battles and elite four is done, we can look around for pokèmon that not only have the types we need, but also those that want to do Pokèmon contests.
Jazzy: <Hmm, then wouldn’t that require you to have two teambox? One for battles and the other for contests?>
Yukari: Yes, but I’m willing to try new things. Besides, I’m not a five stars pokèmon trainer since there are a lot of things I need to learn.
Kiel: <Okay, food is ready! Come and get it!>
Yukari and co eat the food that Kiel made. Naturally, it tasted great.
Kokichi: <Huh, I guess the herba mystica really did make it good.>
Kiel: <Yep!>
Forte: <Do you feel any difference, Kiel?>
Kiel: <Um, not really. At least, I don’t feel like my head was hurting from using psychic moves.>
Joker: <Then, that means we can continue the gym battles without any worries!>
Yukari: That sounds about right. And, once we’re done with all of that, we can go and find pokèmon that wants to stay with us forever.
Joker: While it may seem she still remain the same, she’s has changed her views about keeping pokèmons.
After finishing their meal, Yukari and co went back to the academy to sleep.
“You bowl with 3 middle fingers” Oh hey, a troper wall
The Wanderer
West Province Area One, April Fools
Struthie: -Manages to dodge most of the rocks, but one manages to graze her side and nearly hits Iridium- <You'll pay for that.>
-She unleashes a Dazzling Gleam-
Alola Route 17, past
Nanu: -To Chiyo and Chloe- Well, it seems that thanks to you Team Skull will calm down for a bit.
Chloe: -Aside- Right, doing cops dirty work...
Nanu: I'm not much for ceremony, so let's get your grand trial underway.
Chiyo: -Nods-
Nanu: -Sends out a Sableye-
Chiyo: -Sends out Ceres-
Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 21st 2024 at 10:45:08 AM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
The Bombirdier is struck by the flash.
Bombirdier: <Gack! Well that's sure a blast from you...>
And then gets hit in turn by an Aqua Cutter from Quack Parade.
<How about this then?>
She swings forth to strike Struthie with a Thief.
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
Meet The New Boss
Area Zero
Steelix!Mithos: <I'll explain later! Just hang on!>
-Once Sombra is on top he starts burrowing into the hard rock with ease-
Contact Me!
Big Stadium, Nimbasa City
Announcer: Antonio's at bat.
Commentator: Tony's a dependable hitter, Annie, but speed has never been his forte. The Icirrus Elgyem will surely be on the lookout for a chance to punish that.
Announcer: We'll soon see, Cohen. And here's the pitch- CLEAN HIT BY TONY TO CENTER FIELD! It's going-
Commentator: Going-
Announcer: Not over the fence.
Commentator: Here's the chance for the new Nimbasa Zoroark center-fielder to prove himself.
Announcer: Because's going for the catch! And-
Commentator: Ooooo, tough luck, dropping the ball like that. And out of the ball comes the umpire's Wigglytuff!
Announcer: Its debut this season. And Because sends out-
Commentator: Ooh, Magmar, you don't see those every day. But wait! At first base, Who has met Tony's eyes!
Announcer: Unusually early in the inning, Cohen.
Commentator: This is not the time to be going for the stall. But Tony's the one choosing Wobuffet against Who's Zebstrika.
Announcer: This won't end fast. But in the outfield-
Commentator: Because throws the Pokéball early and- it's a catch Annie!
Announcer: What are the odds? Because throwing the ball to Who and-
Commentator: DESTINY BOND! WOBUFFET AND ZEBSTRIKA ARE BOTH DOWN AND WHO'S SAFE!
Seafoam Islands
Radio: -credible. Both teams have lost more material than I think they wanted to this early. And next up, it's-
click!
Basket/Tropius: <I thought you were listening to that.>
Rufus/Krokorok: <I was! That game's going to be a disaster. The memes'll be more fun than the broadcast.>
-They turn to look at the shore, where a shiny swarm of bubbles float above the beach-
Pankaja/Wooper: <I like this research!>
Rosary/Scyther: <Because you get to flex your creative muscles?>
Pankaja/Wooper: <If bubbles didn't pop, every museum on the planet would be full of them.>
-nods sagely-
Do you highlight everything looking for secret messages?
The Wanderer
West Province Area One, April Fools
Struthie: -Manages to dodge the Thief-
Iridium: <Use Feather Dance!>
Struthie: -Shakes as Bombirdier may find herself covered in a mass of down-
Outside Po Town, past
Nanu: Sableye, use Poison Jab.
Sableye: -Rushes at Ceres with fingertips glowing purple-
Chiyo: Ceres, dodge and use Moonblast!
Ceres: -Twirls out of the way before firing a beam of light at Sableye-
Sableye: -Takes major damage-
Nanu: Use Disable.
Sableye: -Eyes glow red briefly-
Chiyo: Drat. We still have plenty of other tricks.
-To Ceres-
Use Dazzling Gleam!
Ceres: -Flashes-
Nanu: Detect.
Sableye: -Dodges-
Nanu: Poison Jab again.
Sableye: -Manages to nail Ceres this time-
Ceres: -Falls over from the strike-
Chiyo: Calm Mind into Dazzling Gleam!
Ceres: -Focuses before unleashing another flash that faints Sableye-
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Roxy kicked a goon out of the way as Amber spat a jet of flame, holding further authority guards off, they were in front of a door. "Okay, so you're the expert."
"Expert is a bit of a stretch," Cylus muttered, before kicking the door down. "What do you want?"
"These authority idiots, their entire thing is just monitoring time travel?"
Cylus shrugged. "Pretty much. They have some tie to the IDPD or something or other, I don't know I try not to think about them. Pisses them off!"
Roxy shook her head, they really had nothing better to do? They weren't even legendaries, they were just people with access to fancy tech. From what she saw of that Helena girl, they weren't above abusing it themselves.
Inside the room was a control panel. "Here we go," Cylus said with a smile flipping a switch.
<What?> Amber asked. <What is it?>
"Your way out," was his answer, as with another switch flip, a window opened, and below was the Defiant Wing.
A Helena drew her tonfa and let it shock, before charging at Silas. He took a deep breath and let the reflex booster kick, time slowed for him. He had numerous ways to deal with this, but the faster the better. He threw a punch right into the dupe and clicked the booster off. The Helena went flying, hit a wall and vanished.
The other dupes came in, Hacks kicked them off. The two working back to back fighting off an army of duplicates, though Helena Prime stood at the back smiling all the way.
~She's not moving.~
"Noticed that," Silas responded kicking away another dupe. "Theories?"
~She's the only one that matters.~
"Well we'd need to get through these dupes faster than she can make them."
~Got an idea, scarves.~
"Scarves?"
Hacks nodded, holding up a deep blue scarf. Silas grabbed his in response and tossed Hacks the keystone. Helena tilted her head a bit and shrugged. "Really? Got something in mind?"
~Enh, not like they got something to handle the alternates,~ Juliana responded. ~And even if they got close, you got me.~
Helena watched with a smile as Silas transformed into a Lucario, standing dead center in the hallway. <Guys... cover me.>
Blackquil, Tae, Snakeye, and Conroy set about forming a defensive perimeter, pressing back against any dupe as Hacks became human, and struck the Keystone. Silas was cocooned in energy and mega-evolved, he let out a deep huff, feeling the energy flow through him. <Okay... let's handle this.>
He drew his paws together. <Kaaaaa...>
Helena blinked, and saw a ball of aura form... no...
<Meeee...>
Helena began to panic a little, there was no way. She sent her Alternatives after him, Hacks having resumed pokemon form to supply backup.
<Haaaaaaa...>
Blackquil backhanded a duplicate which got struck by Pin Missile by Snakeye. <Mighty kind of ya samurai.>
<Meeeeee...>
Helena herself had started to rush forward, her Alternatives weren't as stable due to their nature of time travel duplicates, she needed to intervene, before.
<HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!>
A giant blue beam shot from Silas as he shoved his paws forward, aura storm engulfing the entire hallway, Helena had to call her Duplicates in to protect her, form a shield, something was wrong. This wasn't like any usual aura, there was a strong current in it. What was this... why did it feel so wrong?
The aura storm passed and she heard. ~Get in there quick!~
Helena looked up quickly and saw Silas had taken the scarf off, and was already at her. In that instance, she saw a trail of white flame engulf him, and out came something else... it was like a burst heart.
What was this thing?!
Curious Mind
Mesagoza
Atrin: "Quest? What kind of quest?"
Ecto: <And will there be treats?!>
Lisa: <..Art theft, eh?>
Sholto: <We've got to get it back!>
Lisa: <And claim it for ourselves, eh?~>
Sholto: <...No, dear.>
Lisa: <Just teasing, dear. Let's go for it.>
The two then attempt to fly up and grab on to the art piece themselves as it is being stolen.
The Bombirdier is indeed covered by down and gets struck by another Aqua Cutter.
Bombirdier: <Ngh... You really are persistent, but I won't give up my herbs yet!>
This time she goes for a Pluck on Quack Parade, who doesn't take as much damage as a result of the down limiting her.
Quack Parade: <Thanks for the save there, Struthie dear~>
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
Cascarrafa
Yukari and co have arrived at the place. Sure, it was in the middle of the desert, but hey, it is habitable nonetheless.
Yukari: Okay, the gym trial test is simply a water gun battle. Should be easier said than done.
Jazzy: <So, once that’s done, you’ll be dropping some of us off to see a performance?>
Yukari: Yep, and we’ll eat at the restaurant for the victory.
???: I’m late!
Yukari: Huh?
Yukari sees the guy coming out of the gym as he heads towards somewhere while the gym receptionist tries to catch up to him, but fails.
Gym Receptionist: Wait! Kofu! You forgot your wallet! -sigh- What am I going to do…
Kokichi:<So much for gym trial…>
Gym Receptionist: -Turns to Yukari- Oh, I’m sorry, but are you here for the gym trial?
Yukari: Yeeees, I am here for that.
Gym Receptionist: My apologies, but can you give Kofu his wallet? He should be at Porto Marinada.
Yukari: Understood.
Forte: <Guess we should head over there and see what’s going on.>
Yukari and co head towards where Kofu is located.
Porto Marinada
Yukari and the team walk around, looking for Kofu.
Kiel:<The fish here is smelly…>
Joker:<I’m pretty sure we’re looking for Kofu…>
As they’re walking, they spot Kofu, so they walk up to him.
Kofu: Okay…I made it…huh?! Where’s my wallet?!
Yukari: Um…Hello, but you forgot your wallet from the gym.
Kofu: Hm? HM?! Oh, thank you so much for getting that for me! But, how did you get my wallet?
Yukari: Well, the gym receptionist lady gave it to me and told me to give it to you.
Kofu: Ah, I see…in that case, you’re here for the gym badge, aren’t you?
Yukari: Yep.
Kofu: Well, normally this wouldn’t be a gym trial test, but see that ingredient over there?
Yukari: Hm? -Looks at what Kofu is referring to- Yeah, what about it?
Kofu: Well, as you see, that ingredient is going to get auctioned off to the highest bidder. I need you to bid the highest amount of money to get it for me.
Yukari: …What?
Kofu: Oh, and in trade, I’ll let you battle me in the gym for the water badge.
Yukari: …What?
Kofu: It looks like it’s starting. Best of luck to you, lass!
With that, Kofu walk off while Yukari slowly put all of her mons in their pokèballs as she takes a deep breath.
Yukari: SON OF A-
Yukari walks up to Kofu and gives him the ingredient she got from the auction.
Kofu: Well, it looks like you got it!
Yukari: Does that mean I…?
Kofu: Yep! Come and talk with the lady there once you’re ready.
With that, Kofu left. Yukari’s mons come out of the ball as Yukari groans at the fact she has wasted most of her money on the auction.
Joker:<Well, at least we get to challenge him.>
Yukari: Yeah…I hope he repaids me back besides letting us eat for free.
With that, Yukari and co head towards where the performance is taking place so Kiel, Kokichi, Forte, and Jazzy can watch while Yukari and Joker battles Kofu.
Cascarrafa, Kofu’s restaurant
Yukari and co is eating at his restaurant due to the fact that Yukari won and got the badge.
Kokichi:<Okay, so who’s the next one after Kofu?>
Yukari: That I’ll be getting to. Besides, I want to know how the performance went.
Kiel:<Oh, it was fun! I like how the magic witch and the dark knight put their differences aside and work together to save their home.>
Yukari: I see. I gotta thank that old woman later for the tickets.
Jazzy: <Hey, you can’t forget about thanking that old man!>
Yukari: Don’t worry, I’ll thank him later…Anyway, the next gym. The gym’s type is normal.
Jazzy: <Oh, that’s going to be so hard to defeat though…>
Yukari: Yeah…if we don’t have a fighting move and/or fighting tera type.
Kokichi: <Hmm..?>
Yukari: I suppose I got your interest, huh?
Kokichi: <Not really…I’m just curious is all.>
Yukari: Whatever you say. But, since none of you are weak to normal type, I guess we can go all out on it.
Joker:<So, what’s the trial this time around?>
Yukari: From what I heard from my fellow classmates, in order to complete the trial, you have to order a secret item menu in the famous restaurant, which is apparently what the gym leader ordered.
Jazzy: <Perfect! Just where is it?>
Yukari: Oh, it’s in Medali. …Wait.
And that’s where Yukari realizes; almost all of her mons have gone where the gym is located.
Kiel:<Well, guess we have to go back to Medali again!>
Kokichi: <Yeah. Besides, I saw something intriguing at the performance.>
Kiel: <Oh, is it the sword?>
Kokichi: <No, it’s not…>
As they kept talking, Joker notice Forte being odd. He’s sure that it’s something related to that armor Forte quickly put away, but he can’t ask her outright.
Joker: <Hey, Forte. You feeling good?>
Forte: <O-oh! I’m fine… just don’t mind me.>
Her answer saddened Joker a little bit. He doesn’t know much details about her and Kiel’s past, but whatever it is, now's not the time to ask.
“You bowl with 3 middle fingers” Oh hey, a troper wall