[PTU] Red Pill, I Chose You!

[Grif]

Yuri Fukenia
The entire fight had been a blur between the aura-manipulating Lucario and his own ephemeral Gastly. However when the dust settled, Athlo and his trainer were victorious. After congratulations were lauded upon the conquering trainer and his Pokemon, Maylene awarded Yuri Cobble Badge.

After resting up, our young trainer and his Pokemon began to travel down Route 212 to reach Pastoria City, where they will try to earn their fourth badge in their journey.


As Yuri walks alongside one of the many marshes dotting Route 212, he’d suddenly find a companion walking besides him. “Do you ever wonder why it is always raining here?” his companion, a brown-haired lady dressed in a white jumpsuit, asked casually.

Jared Connolly
Jared smiled at his small team of Pokemon. They were playing with each other on a Idyllic hill overlooking a white sanded beach. He had found a small piece of happiness traveling. He had never gotten along with humans very well, so the solitude suited him. Glint and the others were all he really needed. He had left home seven years ago and had only been back a few times to visit his mother before leaving again. He found his calling out here in the wild.

At the start of his journey, he hadn't caught any pokemon. He was content with Glint, but he could see that the Aron was getting lonely without other pokemon to keep him company and play with. It saddened the teen, to know he wasn't enough, but he knew it was for the best. He couldn't expect Glint to be as content with solitude as he was. So it was no surprise when one day Jared was walking through the second gym's city when Glint spotted a shieldon playing with some other ground and rock types in the local Poke-park and ran over to join in.

Jared's face split into a grin to see how happy the little steel type was. He stayed there for hours as Glint played and played. Eventually, other trainers came and picked up their pokemon one by one, until it was just the shieldon and Glint. Soon enough the shieldon's trainer came to pick up the small pokemon, but Glint wanted none of it. He seemed desperate to stay with the other pokemon. Jared's heart stung watching Glint try and stay with the shieldon until he couldn't anymore. The young trainer, after much haggling, got the other trainer to trade his pokemon for all the money Jared had, granted the other trainer didn't know it was all he had.

Glint had grown a great deal since then, and so did Sebastian, the once shieldon. The two had evolved over the years, Glint only a few months ago became an Aggron and Seb became a Bastiodon. They had picked up one other addition to their team, an unlikely member looking at the other two, but valued none the less. Jared found Shimmer, then a fennekin now a delphox, in a pokemon fighting pit ran by a gang he couldn't remember the name of. He busted the ring and saved the fox-like pokemon.

Jared was finally happy with his life after that. He had always felt this odd discontent when he was at home. Something always felt off, the people were off, his home felt wrong. Once he was out on the open road his unease abated, especially once he found his team. They became his home, the reason for him to keep going and to keep trying to get the the next level. They hadn't gotten far, only to the fourth gym, but they knew they could take it. His pokemon were strong and they knew it, and he knew it. They were a team through and through

It was one of those rare days where the sun was warm and the breeze was cool. The perfect balance off warmth and a breeze. The beach was a small walk away to go swimming if they wanted to, or even just play around in the shallows. Jared could tell today was going to be a fantastic day.

“Nice day to be on the beach, isn’t it?” a feminine voice said behind Jared. Odd, how did she sneak up on him? If he turns, he’d see a brown-haired lady, dressed in a white jumpsuit with silver highlights, looking out towards the ocean.

“Took awhile to find you. You really don’t like company, don’t you?” she continued, as she moved to sit beside Jared.

Oriana Hastings
The girl awoke minutes later after Misty's life-saving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the side of the pool. The battle wasn't an official loss, but the forfeit stung even harder. It was apparent to Oriana that she, not just her pokemon, needed to trainer harder. The defeat was difficult to stomach, her internal battle-ready flame being doused twice, convincingly, by the water trainer to whom she was supposed to have the advantage.

A lost Oriana continued her journey through Kanto and quickly ran into more trouble. Her pikachu could keep the cavernous Mt. Moon lit and the zubats at bay, but the duo was forced to flee from the living boulder who call the mountain their home. Halfway through the cave, with dirty sweat pouring and two scraped knees, Oriana came across a tall boy a few years older than her taking on several geodude at a time with his buizel. The orange weasel pokemon blasted the geodude, one after another, to mud with its water gun attack. Milo wasn't from this region, he claimed, as he and Oriana traversed the rest of Mt. Moon together. The buizel continued to mow down any rocks in their path, while Oriana's pikachu kept the ceiling clear of bats. Soon enough, they found the exit and the bright sun that had forsaken them for far too long.

If she wanted to find that elusive first badge in Vermillion City, Milo told her, she'd need something stronger than her pikachu. He wouldn't be able to help her, as he had business to attend to back in Mt. Moon. Before he left, he handed her a blue-and-red pokeball. "It's a Gible," he said, "Another pokemon from my home region. With him, Lt. Surge will be a breeze." And it was. Oriana marched through that first battle to a stunning victory and started a snowballing pokemon campaign.

City after city, Gym Leader after Gym Leader, badge after badge, Oriana found victories and filled her badge book quickly. A supreme trainer in the Kanto region after not too long, she only needed one more badge to take on the Elite Four and achieve a pokemon trainer's greatest dream.

She stood at the doors of the Gym. It had been months since she was last here but it feels like she never left. Despite all of her successes, the fear and nervousness crept back into her mind. But a confident Cheese at her side, now a tall and bulky orange Raichu, swept all that away as he pushed the doors open himself, ready for battle.

"Misty!" Oriana shouted across the entire Gym, "I'm back!"

“Misty isn’t here, unfortunately,” a voice that isn’t Misty responded. Oriana would see a brown-haired female, dressed in a white jumpsuit standing where Misty should have been waiting. Strangely enough, the gym, normally bustling with trainers and swimmers in the pools nearby, was empty as well.

The mysterious lady smiles, and beckons Oriana closer. “Are you here for the Cerulean Gym badge?”

Tristan Belladine
So this was the desert of Route 111. Of course he had seen it in passing on his way to Lavaridge but up close it almost seemed alive. The grains of sand flitted through the air and tugged at his clothes. Thankfully he could still see due to the generosity of some stranger. Tristan glances at the darting form of Des as she tested out her new wings in the scathing air. He couldn't blame her, she'd been waiting for wings a long time. He envied her at times but here he could almost close his eyes and imagine he was floating beside her. Though the map says to continue Northward, he decides to take a detour. Weren't there supposed to be ruins here or something? Nothing but rocks as far as he could tell. Wait a minute. Two of the rocks had odd features on them. He gets closer trying to get a grip on the two rocks when the sand suddenly shifts and all three start to sink. "Not good, not good, not good," he says in a panic.Tristan thrashes about trying to gain purchase but it is of little use. He starts to despair when he feels a jerk. Twisting around he catches a glimpse of Desiree's frantically beating wings. She's not strong enough. If only I weren't so big. His stomach drops and somehow Des is able to haul him onto more stable sand. Desiree checks him over making sure he's ok while he's trying to catch his breath. "Thanks Des, would've been a goner without ya." Desiree hums softly basking in the praise. Somehow he'd managed to hold onto one of the rocks. It had an odd outcropping that looked like a claw. Tristan shrugs and puts it in his pack. A typical Tuesday.

“Nice catch,” a voice said behind Tristan. He would find a lady, dressed in a white jumpsuit, sitting on a rocky outcropping close by. Odd. She wasn’t there a moment ago. “I hope you’re enjoying the weather.”

Sera Fal
Thankful for the fact that Connecting Cave, unlike some other tunnels, was fairly well lit and could be seen in with just a flashlight rather than needing something more powerful, the young trainer made her way onward, intent upon getting her 3rd badge. She might've waited a few years before getting serious about the league, but her lackadaisical days finally came to an end and it was finally time to become a proper Pokemon Trainer. The task may not've done anything to help her streak of bad luck, but it certainly gave her something to concentrate on and strive toward alongside her Honedge and Ralts. Caves aren't safe places to daydream or reminisce however, and the trainer suddenly found herself under attack by a tiny, green creature with oversized tusks.

Sera couldn't believe her luck, an Axew! Things were finally looking up after the incident in Parfum Palace with those tourists. "Go, Leon! Let's capture this cute little dragon before we get to Cyllage City! The leader there will never know what hit him!" Not that she needed support, Cyllage City's Gym Leader used rock-type Pokemon, Leon would be more than enough to win on his own. Still, she liked to see her other Pokemon improve too, and there's no reason she couldn't save Leon for if things started looking dicey.

The battle wasn't long, Axew may be a dragon, but this one was young and wild, and Leon was already a skilled combatant who was able to resist everything the Axew had. "Great job Leon! Now we've got another friend! ...but maybe we shouldn't stop to celebrate here, I think the battle might've alerted some---" the shrill, annoying and infamous screech of the flock of angry zubats cut her off, "Not good, let's get out of here!"

Try as she might however, a teenager on foot can't outrun a swarm of tiny, blood-sucking bats. Their supersonic screeching wasn't doing anything for her sense of balance either, causing her to trip, her body seeming to sail through the air for a moment as she moved her hands up to brace herself and soften her inevitable crash into the solid rock wall.

Closer, and closer, the rock wall approaches.

Impact. Surprisingly soft and bouncy. Sera finds herself landing on a mattress. Odd. Why is there a mattress here?

“My, you’re quite clumsy, aren’t you?” said the lady who is leaning against the wall next to her. White jumpsuit, long brown hair, golden eyes. She isn’t a local, whoever she is. Surprisingly enough, the zubats seems to have disappeared as well. And the cave has gone silent as well. The lady eases herself off the wall and offers Sera a hand up.

Gabriel Owens
This is it. My final hour. The Last Stand of Gabriel Owens. Bit melodramatic, perhaps. A healthy dose of melodrama seems warranted at the moment. Whatever force has been looming over my entire life, everything is coming to a head now.

A mile behind me, Viridian City burns. No turning back now.

Been over a year since I was pressed into winning eighth and final Gym badge. Tried running as far as possible from the League, but Kanto is a cage - the road to Johto blocked and heavily guarded, the mountains impassible. Attempts to escape further than Cinnabar by sea result in terrible storms that leave me washed back up on Pallet Town's sandy shores. Flying or burrowing Pokemon I catch refuse to go anywhere I haven't already been on foot. Hordes of trainers hound my every step now, nearly indistinguishable bug catchers and schoolkids (and one particularly persistent youngster with a Rattata) in packs of a dozen or more, driving me always towards Indigo Plateau. Bushes that should be easily surmountable grow back instantly no matter how many times Pokemon Cut them, blocking off last escape routes. The world has gone insane - They seem to have completely thrown away any lingering pretenses.

Something really wants me to beat the Elite Four.

I refuse to give them the satisfaction.

Back is to the wall now, literally - have reached the southwest corner of Route 22. North is the only remaining option - the entrance to Victory Road. I turn, releasing the entire team from their Pokeballs. Tell them it won't be long before They catch up. That last Sticky Web barely slowed them down. Not your fault, Webrunner - the Galvantula is reassured by a weary pat. They are just too tenacious. Would say inhuman, but have suspected for a long time now I'm the last real human left in this cracked-up country. I pull the team in for a group hug, but it's a sham, going through the motions. Shouldn't have caught any of them in the first place. Should have just refused to fight from the very beginning. Was so young and naive... so full of dreams, eager to believe the lies... but none of that matters now. Feels like I've been drained of every last drop of emotion.

I tell them to get out of here. Run as far as they can. Releasing them all. They try to dissuade me. Draw my gun, fire six sharp shots, destroy six insidious red and white devices. I reiterate - leave. Before I do the same to you.

Don't know why I let anything surprise me at this point. Five Pokemon just go empty. Disperse into the tall grass without further protest. Webrunner seems satisfied. The spider never got along with the other Pokemon. Should have seen the signs. He's the only one I could ever really trust.

Voice is getting hoarse. Finding it difficult to commit to this final, desperate course of action. Webrunner has to go, too. They can't make me fight if I've got no Pokemon. The tarantula understands. I laugh for the first time in months and don't recognize the harsh, dry sound. Warn him to stay away from people.Don't let Them catch you. Get to the old Power Plant. No one will find him there, plenty of electricity to feed on.

Long awkward silence. Sounds of marching steps approaching in the distance finally break it. Webrunned vanishes into the underbrush. Knew I could count on him not to make this harder. Can't afford to cry. I realize I'm still staring at the pistol. Check the magazine. One shot left. It's time to end this.

They are coming. She is at their head. My hands don't shake. I press the barrel to my temple and wait for Mother to arrive.

“I think you forgot something,” a voice booms through the underbrush. Webrunned sails through the bushes and lands on Gabriel’s feet. Moments later, a curious figure stepped through. A lady, with long brown hair and garbed in a plain white jumpsuit, with silver highlights. She walks towards Gabriel and gently pushes the barrel of the gun down, her unnaturally golden eyes studying the teenage boy. If he pulls the trigger anyway, the gun would click futilely.

“I must say, you done quite a number here. But as you’re probably aware, none of this will be permanent.” She waves a hand towards the direction of Viridian City, the smoke slowly dissipating and the orange glow fading.

[Xunthrae]

“Nice day to be on the beach, isn’t it?” a feminine voice said behind Jared. Odd, how did she sneak up on him? If he turns, he’d see a brown-haired lady, dressed in a white jumpsuit with silver highlights, looking out towards the ocean.

“Took awhile to find you. You really don’t like company, don’t you?” she continued, as she moved to sit beside Jared.


Jared

At the sound of the unexpected woman's voice, Jared jumps a bit, startled. "Oh, not really." He chuckled while his hand went the the back of his neck, rubbing it nervously. "What were you looking for me for?"

[ChaosArchon]

[Yuri]

As the woman speaks, Yuri jumps for a moment. He had been sure he or Athlo would have noticed if someone had been approaching the pair. Somehow this woman had gotten right next to the pair, kind of like some ninja. He quickly calms down as in his eyes he still has the advantage, after all Athlo was hiding in his shadow, so worst come to worst they'd have the first strike. "You know I always figured it was due to how Arceus made the world, but I never really have looked into it." he says as he continues walking.

[Desril]

Sera

A bed? What happened to the rock? Taking the proffered hand, Sera looks confused and tries to figure out what happened to the rock wall and the zubats. "Uhh, I wouldn't say clumsy...but those zubats were really disorienting, right Leon?"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan turns around but the woman's sudden appearance doesn't alarm him. After all, the sand was given to capricious whirls and could certainly hide someones movements. He shrugs off the praise for the moment, "Thanks. Not really sure what it is though. Could be nothing. This sandstorm isn't that bad really. I don't know why so many people were complaining about it. What brings you out here miss?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

A stunned Oriana has a double-take, looking down to her Raichu to confirm if what she's seeing is true. "Wh-what?" She stammers incredulously, "Of course I am! Where is she!?"

[gearHead]

Gabriel quashed a fleeting moment of relieved joy as Webrunner tumbled into his legs. This wasn't his mother. Or a League official. It was no one he'd ever seen before. And he was pretty sure he'd met every person in Kanto (he'd found the population was surprisingly small, though it was difficult to tell some of them apart sometimes). He could only stare numbly as she calmly approached, but the spell broke as she touched his gun. He flinched, almost tripping backwards as he whirled on her and brought her into his sights. Keep a cool head. Don't lose control. Don't panic. He repeated this internal mantra as he took a steadying breath, his eyes not leaving the woman, but he boggled as she quelled the burning city with a gesture.

"You're Them," he whispered almost inaudibly, his aim wavering for a second. "You're the one in control. The intelligence behind the blank eyes and mass-produced personalities and carbon copy scripted lines. The game master puppeteering the soulless NPCs." Without any further hesitation, Gabriel pulled the trigger.

Click.

Click.

Click click click click click click click click click dammit "What do you WANT FROM ME!?" he finally sobbed in confused frustration, flinging the gun impotently at her. Years of pent-up stress and paranoia seemed to have suddenly broken through all at once. Webrunner flipped to his feet, the arachnid unsure what was going on but no less determined to protect its master.

[Grif]

Jared

At the sound of the unexpected woman's voice, Jared jumps a bit, startled. "Oh, not really." He chuckled while his hand went the the back of his neck, rubbing it nervously. "What were you looking for me for?"

"I heard you were a very special person, Jared," the woman replies idly. "The best upcoming Pokemon trainer in the region."


[Yuri]

As the woman speaks, Yuri jumps for a moment. He had been sure he or Athlo would have noticed if someone had been approaching the pair. Somehow this woman had gotten right next to the pair, kind of like some ninja. He quickly calms down as in his eyes he still has the advantage, after all Athlo was hiding in his shadow, so worst come to worst they'd have the first strike. "You know I always figured it was due to how Arceus made the world, but I never really have looked into it." he says as he continues walking.

"It's just so odd. Where does all the rain come from? Where does all the water flow to? How does this place not turn into a swamp? So many questions for Arceus," the woman continued to muse idly, lifting a hand to her lip, keeping a steady pace with Yuri.


Sera

A bed? What happened to the rock? Taking the proffered hand, Sera looks confused and tries to figure out what happened to the rock wall and the zubats. "Uhh, I wouldn't say clumsy...but those zubats were really disorienting, right Leon?"

The Honedge seems to nod with agreement, as much as a psychic sword could, but hovers protectively next to Sera, as if distrustful of this new arrival. The woman simply chuckles, and resumes leaning against the wall. "Well, they won't be bothering us any longer. Sera, do you ever feel that the world seems just a little odd?"


[Tristan]

Tristan turns around but the woman's sudden appearance doesn't alarm him. After all, the sand was given to capricious whirls and could certainly hide someones movements. He shrugs off the praise for the moment, "Thanks. Not really sure what it is though. Could be nothing. This sandstorm isn't that bad really. I don't know why so many people were complaining about it. What brings you out here miss?"

"You, actually. Everyone in Hoenn is talking about you, Tristan. So I came down here to see for myself." The lady eased off her perch and walked towards the teen, heedless of the treacherous sands. "I thought you'd be taller, actually."


Oriana

A stunned Oriana has a double-take, looking down to her Raichu to confirm if what she's seeing is true. "Wh-what?" She stammers incredulously, "Of course I am! Where is she!?"

"Misty's gone on a holiday. I'm afraid she won't be back for a little while. Don't worry, while we're waiting, we can chat a little. Come now, don't just stand at the door." Again, the lady beckons Oriana into the eerily silent gym, the only sounds being the soft bubbling of pool water around them.


Gabriel quashed a fleeting moment of relieved joy as Webrunner tumbled into his legs. This wasn't his mother. Or a League official. It was no one he'd ever seen before. And he was pretty sure he'd met every person in Kanto (he'd found the population was surprisingly small, though it was difficult to tell some of them apart sometimes). He could only stare numbly as she calmly approached, but the spell broke as she touched his gun. He flinched, almost tripping backwards as he whirled on her and brought her into his sights. Keep a cool head. Don't lose control. Don't panic. He repeated this internal mantra as he took a steadying breath, his eyes not leaving the woman, but he boggled as she quelled the burning city with a gesture.

"You're Them," he whispered almost inaudibly, his aim wavering for a second. "You're the one in control. The intelligence behind the blank eyes and mass-produced personalities and carbon copy scripted lines. The game master puppeteering the soulless NPCs." Without any further hesitation, Gabriel pulled the trigger.

Click.

Click.

Click click click click click click click click click dammit "What do you WANT FROM ME!?" he finally sobbed in confused frustration, flinging the gun impotently at her. Years of pent-up stress and paranoia seemed to have suddenly broken through all at once. Webrunner flipped to his feet, the arachnid unsure what was going on but no less determined to protect its master.

The mysterious lady avoided the thrown gun easily and chuckled in response. "What do I want? Easy. I want you to trust me. You seem like a smart person. You know the world is wrong. You try to fight it, but it sucks you back in every time." She leaned closer, still smiling. "What if I told you, that you were right? That everything you see here is a lie? That I am here to help you. Would you believe me?"

[ChaosArchon]

[Yuri]

The white haired young man stops for a second and thinks,"I suppose that would be a similar question to where the water comes from a Water pokemon, or a fireball from a Fire pokemon. But it is odd the area has never flooded..."

He appears deep in thought and says,"oh how rude of me, my name is Yuri and yours is?"

[Xunthrae]

Jared

The young man furrows his brow. 'best upcoming trainer in the region'? He hasn't progressed that far, he didn't even have the regulation team of six pokemon. He honestly wasn't very interested in going on to the elite four anytime soon. "I don't see how, I'm not doing much in terms of the League. I've only collected a few badges since I started."

[Hefty Lefty]

The young girl Oriana walks quickly into the Gym, not because she was invited by this woman, but instead on the hope that Misty might somehow still be here. She cranes her neck and looks around the room and down into the pool as if the Gym Leader was hiding. "No no you don't understand. I want to challenge her right now. I need to." She walks right past this mysterious woman on the deck, past where some trainers are always standing, and up to the back platform where her two previous battles with Misty took place. She walks over the water with arms outstretched at her sides for balance; her raichu exhibits no such caution. "How do you know where she went? Who are you anyway?"

[Desril]

Sera

After looking around again to confirm that the zubats really are gone, she looks back at the newcomer, still confused. "Not...really. Some things are strange sure, but the world never seemed 'odd'. Wait, how do you know my name? Who are you?"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Well he couldn't argue with the woman on either front. He did make a stir wherever he went it seemed and he wasn't exactly tall for his age. "Sorry to to disappoint. Running through a sandstorm might have made your search a bit harder." He glances at Desiree. "So are you here for a battle then?" Tristan asks but isn't really keen on the likely answer, Des had just gotten her wings and he was still worn from struggling with the sandtrap.

[gearHead]

"O-of course I'm right. That's obvious. It doesn't mean I believe you've got my best interests in mind," Gabriel snarled. And yet... there was something unmistakably different about this woman. She seemed so... genuine. "I..." he faltered, looking for Webrunner for help, but the spider was just as confused as he was. "I want to believe you. So, so badly," he admitted desperately. "But if you know the truth about this world, if you know more than I do, how can you expect me to trust anyone?"

Gabriel stared down at his hands. Even his own body didn't feel right. Despite his protests, his options were drastically limited. "Let's say I... entertained the possibility of trusting you. What... what does your 'help' entail?"

[Grif]

[Yuri]

The white haired young man stops for a second and thinks,"I suppose that would be a similar question to where the water comes from a Water pokemon, or a fireball from a Fire pokemon. But it is odd the area has never flooded..."

He appears deep in thought and says,"oh how rude of me, my name is Yuri and yours is?"

The woman pauses, just for the briefest of a second. "You may call me MissingNo." She smiles, her golden eyes suddenly looking directly at Yuri. "And don't worry about me. I know all about you, Yuri Fukunia."


Jared

The young man furrows his brow. 'best upcoming trainer in the region'? He hasn't progressed that far, he didn't even have the regulation team of six pokemon. He honestly wasn't very interested in going on to the elite four anytime soon. "I don't see how, I'm not doing much in terms of the League. I've only collected a few badges since I started."

"That's the thing, isn't it?" the mysterious lady said, lifting her head back, and letting the sea breeze flow into her long brown hair. "Everyone's talking about you, even though you're nothing special. At least if you look at it objectively. Yet, people still treat you like the next League Champion. Curious, no?"


The young girl Oriana walks quickly into the Gym, not because she was invited by this woman, but instead on the hope that Misty might somehow still be here. She cranes her neck and looks around the room and down into the pool as if the Gym Leader was hiding. "No no you don't understand. I want to challenge her right now. I need to." She walks right past this mysterious woman on the deck, past where some trainers are always standing, and up to the back platform where her two previous battles with Misty took place. She walks over the water with arms outstretched at her sides for balance; her raichu exhibits no such caution. "How do you know where she went? Who are you anyway?"

"Me? I'm a friend of Misty. And also your friend, Oriana Hastings." The woman pauses, then tilts her head. "You seem to be quite preoccupied with Misty. Are you out to seek revenge?"


Sera

After looking around again to confirm that the zubats really are gone, she looks back at the newcomer, still confused. "Not...really. Some things are strange sure, but the world never seemed 'odd'. Wait, how do you know my name? Who are you?"

"A friend," the woman replies simply. "One that's here to help you. Or rather, to help you see the truth. Tell me, Sera. Why are you collecting Gym Badges? Are you really that keen on challenging the League, or was it people around you urging you on?"


[Tristan]

Well he couldn't argue with the woman on either front. He did make a stir wherever he went it seemed and he wasn't exactly tall for his age. "Sorry to to disappoint. Running through a sandstorm might have made your search a bit harder." He glances at Desiree. "So are you here for a battle then?" Tristan asks but isn't really keen on the likely answer, Des had just gotten her wings and he was still worn from struggling with the sandtrap.

"Among other things. But I'm just curious about Tristan the trainer. Why are you here? You're clearly not out to best the Pokemon League. But still, people talk like you're the most committed and most talented trainer ever to grace Hoenn." The woman found a seat next to Tristan. "Quite the food for thought, no?"


"O-of course I'm right. That's obvious. It doesn't mean I believe you've got my best interests in mind," Gabriel snarled. And yet... there was something unmistakably different about this woman. She seemed so... genuine. "I..." he faltered, looking for Webrunner for help, but the spider was just as confused as he was. "I want to believe you. So, so badly," he admitted desperately. "But if you know the truth about this world, if you know more than I do, how can you expect me to trust anyone?"

Gabriel stared down at his hands. Even his own body didn't feel right. Despite his protests, his options were drastically limited. "Let's say I... entertained the possibility of trusting you. What... what does your 'help' entail?"

The woman shrugs, and makes an expansive gesture. "The truth," she says simply. "I can promise no more."

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Oriana finally snaps to attention. Oh crap, she talks to herself in her mind, This girl knows Misty - I'd better not piss her off. "Not revenge, I mean, she never wronged me or anything. But she defeated Cheese here as a Pichu and Pikachu. Now he's finally strong enough, and I'm finally strong enough to get to the Pokemon League!" Oriana proudly flashes her badge case with the seven other Kanto seals of victory. "But I'll never get there if I don't defeat Misty!"

Oriana would love to say she isn't preoccupied with Misty, but the truth is she is so much so, that she completely skims over the fact that this woman knows her name already.

[Desril]

Sera

Why? Because...thinking about it for a moment, Sera can't come up with a specific answer, but she does her best to think of one, even though the honest answer is mostly because everyone seemed to claim it's what she wanted and she never really thought about it. "I suppose...because I want to get stronger with my friends. The League is the most straightforward way to do that. I guess you could say that since everyone is training so hard to get stronger, I don't want to get left behind. I want to be the very best."

[Xunthrae]

He nods. "Yea it is, but why'd you come to find me?"

[ChaosArchon]

"MissingNo you say? Curious name." he laughs nervously,"so what brings you here, and how do you know so much about me?"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan shrugs, "It just seemed like an interesting place to be. It's odd how much people miss." he pulls out the fossil to emphasize his point. It also gives him time to think over the other half of her statement. "I really hadn't thought about it..." he says a bit perplexed, "People just exaggerate....

[gearHead]

"Well," Gabriel laughed after a long moment of internal struggle that was plain on his face, sounding a little bit unhinged, "considering I was about to try and off myself, I guess I've got nothing else to lose. Not that they actually let me get away with suicide before." He'd gotten close to attempting it, more than once. He stepped closer to the strange woman. "So. Show me this 'truth.' I won't ever be more ready."

[Grif]

Oriana

Oriana finally snaps to attention. Oh crap, she talks to herself in her mind, This girl knows Misty - I'd better not piss her off. "Not revenge, I mean, she never wronged me or anything. But she defeated Cheese here as a Pichu and Pikachu. Now he's finally strong enough, and I'm finally strong enough to get to the Pokemon League!" Oriana proudly flashes her badge case with the seven other Kanto seals of victory. "But I'll never get there if I don't defeat Misty!"

Oriana would love to say she isn't preoccupied with Misty, but the truth is she is so much so, that she completely skims over the fact that this woman knows her name already.

The woman sighs, and then lifts a hand to her ear. "Unfreeze the program in pod 0110," she speaks softly, apparently conversing with another party. "No, not the whole thing, just the leader. Yes, debugged state. No, this isn't a joke." Putting down her hand again, she waves as Misty suddenly reappears in her usual spot in the gym. Oriana might notice a few things off.

The gym leader was standing completely still, staring straight ahead.
She seemed to be shimmering in and out of existence.
She was completely unresponsive.

The woman gestures at Misty. "Here you go. Misty, the Cerulean Gym Leader. Master of water pokemons."


Sera

Why? Because...thinking about it for a moment, Sera can't come up with a specific answer, but she does her best to think of one, even though the honest answer is mostly because everyone seemed to claim it's what she wanted and she never really thought about it. "I suppose...because I want to get stronger with my friends. The League is the most straightforward way to do that. I guess you could say that since everyone is training so hard to get stronger, I don't want to get left behind. I want to be the very best."

The woman simply smirks. "Really, is that what you think you want? I can hear the hesitation in your voice." She leans closer, and stares into Sera. "What if I told you that you have been living a lie all these while?"


He nods. "Yea it is, but why'd you come to find me?"

"Because I think you'd be interested to finding out that the world isn't what it seems. That you have been living a lie all this while," the woman replies nonchalantly. "Would you like a demonstration?"


"MissingNo you say? Curious name." he laughs nervously,"so what brings you here, and how do you know so much about me?"

The woman shrugs. "Maybe because I find you interesting. Maybe because you're the only thing here that is real. Maybe because..." She stops and stares up into the sky. "... I want to help you to see the truth."


[Tristan]

Tristan shrugs, "It just seemed like an interesting place to be. It's odd how much people miss." he pulls out the fossil to emphasize his point. It also gives him time to think over the other half of her statement. "I really hadn't thought about it..." he says a bit perplexed, "People just exaggerate....

The woman just chuckles, and waved a carefully manicured hand. "You think so? Let's see." She taps something on her wrist. A moment later, a floating screen appeared above her forearm, showing the citizens of Mauville City.

"He's the best trainer I seen yet!"
"Wattson never stood a chance."
"Have you heard of Tristan? He's the new League Champion, let me tell you that."

"Unreal, is it not?"


"Well," Gabriel laughed after a long moment of internal struggle that was plain on his face, sounding a little bit unhinged, "considering I was about to try and off myself, I guess I've got nothing else to lose. Not that they actually let me get away with suicide before." He'd gotten close to attempting it, more than once. He stepped closer to the strange woman. "So. Show me this 'truth.' I won't ever be more ready."

The woman smiles. "Very good. The others might need some convincing, but you're quite ready, I think." She lifts her fingers to her ear, reaching for a hidden earpiece. "Freeze the simulation for pod 0129. Yes, he's ready. Good, make it happen." As soon as she finishes, the entire world suddenly seems to stop. Pidgeys floating in mid-air. The sounds of the forest falling completely silent. Even the leaves was frozen in mid-breeze.

"You're lucky, you know," the woman continues. "They have noticed your... errant behaviour. A few days more and you'd been terminated unceremoniously."

[Desril]

Sera

"A lie?" Not sure how to respond to that, Sera only ends up looking more confused and glancing to her Honedge for support. "What do you mean that I've 'been living a lie'? What's been a lie?"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan faces burns at the praise, "People do seem to think a lot of my skills. It does seem....extreme." A second look at the screen piques his curiosity, "How'd you do that?

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"Whoa whoa whoa," escapes Oriana. At first she jumps back at the materialization of Misty out of thin air, then steps up to her curiously, craning her neck up and down and around the statuesque Gym Leader. "What did you do to her!? How did you do that!?" Oriana sounds more impressed and interested than fearful or concerned for Misty's well-being. "Who are you?"

[gearHead]

"Simulation," Gabriel repeated blankly, staring as the woman seemed to break time itself. "As in... a computer program. The entire world is literally counterfeit." Despite how insane it sounded, the whole country was already mad; it was hard not to believe that woman, given her 'demonstration.' It explained so much... the way everything reacted so quickly to his actions, the strange repetition of patterns in people and the world itself, the apparent synchronization of so many events and individuals...

"Who... are they? Why did they do this to me? For that matter, who are you?"

[Xunthrae]

Jared was quiet after what she said. There was a ring of truth to it. He always felt out of place. That he didn't belong here. After several moments he finally nods. "Show me, please."

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri's eyes widen,"Wha... what do you mean real? The trees are real, the rain is, Athlo is too... what are you talking 'bout!" he clearly seems unnerved by the statement and his eyes begin darting around at everything, looking to make sure nothing had changed.

[Grif]

Sera

"A lie?" Not sure how to respond to that, Sera only ends up looking more confused and glancing to her Honedge for support. "What do you mean that I've 'been living a lie'? What's been a lie?"

"I see you need a demonstration. Hm, this could cut into our time..." The woman frowns, then taps her ear. "Pod 0127. Quick teleport to the nearest town. Disengage AI. Yes, now. Yes, I'm aware we're riding our luck. Look, just do it."

The woman barely put down her hand when the environment suddenly changed. Sera would recognise it as Aquacorde Town. What she wouldn't recognise is how all the town citizens seemed to be standing still, unmoving, all in the same standing pose with their head tilted down and eyes closed.


[Tristan]

Tristan faces burns at the praise, "People do seem to think a lot of my skills. It does seem....extreme." A second look at the screen piques his curiosity, "How'd you do that?

The lady simply smiles. "I'm not from around here, in case you haven't guessed already. You can say... I'm not from this world even." She leans in closer. "And I'm here to help you."


Oriana

"Whoa whoa whoa," escapes Oriana. At first she jumps back at the materialization of Misty out of thin air, then steps up to her curiously, craning her neck up and down and around the statuesque Gym Leader. "What did you do to her!? How did you do that!?" Oriana sounds more impressed and interested than fearful or concerned for Misty's well-being. "Who are you?"

"A friend," the lady repeats with a smile, before tapping her ear again. "Dismiss leader." The frozen body of Misty disappeared into the aether, like it never existed. "Now, let's discuss things more freely. I'm here to help you. More specifically, I'm here to free you from this... gilded cage."


"Simulation," Gabriel repeated blankly, staring as the woman seemed to break time itself. "As in... a computer program. The entire world is literally counterfeit." Despite how insane it sounded, the whole country was already mad; it was hard not to believe that woman, given her 'demonstration.' It explained so much... the way everything reacted so quickly to his actions, the strange repetition of patterns in people and the world itself, the apparent synchronization of so many events and individuals...

"Who... are they? Why did they do this to me? For that matter, who are you?"

"They? They go by many names. But you met them before. You might know of them as Team Rocket here." The woman chuckles. "Of course, they're not as incompetent as portrayed here. They're actually very dangerous." She goes silent for just a few seconds, then looks back out at the frozen Viridian City. "As for me... well, I rather not reveal that just yet. You may call me 'MissingNo'. Now..."

MissingNo raises and opens her left hand, a pokeball materialising in her palm. "Strictly a formality, but we must be sure you're able to take care of yourself once... well, we disrupt this simulation in a more permanent manner."


Jared was quiet after what she said. There was a ring of truth to it. He always felt out of place. That he didn't belong here. After several moments he finally nods. "Show me, please."

The woman nods. "Very good." She raises a hand and taps her earpiece. "Pod 0113. Replay history of previous occupant at these coordinates. Yes, just a static image. Yes, I know we're short on time. Just hold them off a little longer." She terminated the conversation testily and looked back at Jared. "Time's always short. Anyway, let's watch."

And lo and behold, the ghostly form of boy, about the age of 16, materialised in front of the two. He appeared to be living his own life, eeriely similar to Jared. The image whirls and flickers, jumping from one scene to the next, all seemingly mirroring Jared's at various points. Right down to the words even, like they were reading from a script. "You're not the first one to live this life, as you can tell."


Yuri's eyes widen,"Wha... what do you mean real? The trees are real, the rain is, Athlo is too... what are you talking 'bout!" he clearly seems unnerved by the statement and his eyes begin darting around at everything, looking to make sure nothing had changed.

"Afraid not. Pod 0120, freeze simulation." The rain abruptly stops in midair, the entire scenery becoming a three dimensional representation of a still painting. Yuri might even be able to see the individual droplets of rain suspended in mid-air. "We need to talk."

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"Whuh what do you mean?" A completely frazzled Oriana gawks. She pats her body up and down as if looking for something - or checking if her matter is still in tact. "What am I trapped in? You are really freaking me out, lady!"

[Desril]

Sera

Looking around in stunned silence, Sera eventually manages to move, rushing over to the nearest frozen not-person, "Hey! What's wrong, wake up!" When she realizes her efforts are in vain, she turns back to the woman who caused this, unleashing a small barrage of confused and frightened questions. "What's going on?! How could this happen? What did you mean about 'disengage AI'?"

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri is freaked. Everyone could see it, that is if anyone other than MissingNo was real. He stared at the water droplets suspended in air as his own sweat began to slide down his previously immaculate face. His eyes are wider than a Snorlax's mouth when it was dinner time and right now he probably seemed as sane as a rabid Pichu.

"Wh...wha..who...why..." he just stammers as he tries to remember how to speak but it is useless, in his mind any information about social niceties or even the basis of language were engulfed in the flames of fear. This was the mind of someone whose who world has just been irrevocably and totally oblierated.

tldr; MissingNo made 1d100 for SAN damage, and Yuri rolled a 100 :smalltongue:

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Not from this world? It would explain the screen that had appeared. Still how does one broach the subject that springs to the top of his mind? Tristan fidgets a moment, taking more care than usual to form his words. "So what would an alien want with a 'Cham in the making'?"

[Xunthrae]

Jared


The young man stared at the image in confusion. Jared felt that the woman was correct, that the world he lived in was wrong, but it was still difficult to accept. "Alright, So i'm an occupant of some.. pod? Like some kind of machine making me experience this? Who put me here, why..." Jared shook his head to throw off that line of thought, "Nevermind that, what do I need to do to get out. A fake life is no life at all."

[gearHead]

"Team Rocket? The idiot 'criminals' that always fought me one-on-one even when they had me surrounded and gave up the second I beat their Pokemon?" Gabriel boggled, apparently finding this revelation more difficult to believe than the fact that his entire life had been nothing but so much data. He arched an incredulous eyebrow as the woman pulled out a Pokeball. "Am I to understand, Ms. Ingno, that now of all times you want to challenge me to a Pokemon battle?"

And he broke into laughter again - but this time a much healthier-sounding giggle, the absurdity of his situation sinking in. "Well I guess - I should be happy - you didn't do so the second - we made eye contact!" he wheezed, trying to catch his breath between chuckles. Webrunner looked concerned, but Gabriel regained his composure quickly enough, and with a sharp hand motion signaled the spider to be ready for battle. "Alright, I'll bite. Let's do it. A farewell battle for this screwed-up plastic world." - and then paused, looking aghast. "What... what about Webrunner? Don't tell me he's... you know..." Gabriel couldn't bring himself to say it.

[Grif]

Oriana

"Whuh what do you mean?" A completely frazzled Oriana gawks. She pats her body up and down as if looking for something - or checking if her matter is still in tact. "What am I trapped in? You are really freaking me out, lady!"

"You're trapped in a lie, my friend. A simulation that mimicks reality." The woman explains, gesturing out towards the door. "Take a look outside. Everything is programmed."

A quick glance at Cerulean City would reveal that everything has stopped. People, pokemons, even the weather seemed to have frozen. "While you're in here, they don't do anything. Of course, my friend already modified this particular instance a little so that the effect can be observed. Normally, it's very well hidden from view." If Oriana steps out the door, everything will resume its normal routine, only to pause again when she steps back into the gym.


Sera

Looking around in stunned silence, Sera eventually manages to move, rushing over to the nearest frozen not-person, "Hey! What's wrong, wake up!" When she realizes her efforts are in vain, she turns back to the woman who caused this, unleashing a small barrage of confused and frightened questions. "What's going on?! How could this happen? What did you mean about 'disengage AI'?"

"They're simply programs. Designed to fool you into thinking this is reality. As you can see..." She walks over to tap on the non-person's head. "They're not actually alive once you turn off the intelligence routine."


Yuri is freaked. Everyone could see it, that is if anyone other than MissingNo was real. He stared at the water droplets suspended in air as his own sweat began to slide down his previously immaculate face. His eyes are wider than a Snorlax's mouth when it was dinner time and right now he probably seemed as sane as a rabid Pichu.

"Wh...wha..who...why..." he just stammers as he tries to remember how to speak but it is useless, in his mind any information about social niceties or even the basis of language were engulfed in the flames of fear. This was the mind of someone whose who world has just been irrevocably and totally oblierated.

tldr; MissingNo made 1d100 for SAN damage, and Yuri rolled a 100 :smalltongue:

MissingNo sighs, and puts a hand on Yuri's shoulder. "Pull yourself toegther. It's not the end of the world. I'm here to help you escape from this gilded cage. If you wish."


[Tristan]

Not from this world? It would explain the screen that had appeared. Still how does one broach the subject that springs to the top of his mind? Tristan fidgets a moment, taking more care than usual to form his words. "So what would an alien want with a 'Cham in the making'?"

The woman laughs. "A very curious choice of word. I'm actually as human as you are. No, no... I'm here to help you. Or rather, free you from this remarkably lifelike prison. You see..." She taps her ear. "Freeze simulation for Pod 0117," she speaks, as if to another person, then glances back at Tristan and waves at the desert, which has now completely frozen in the middle of another sandstorm. "... this is all just a lie."


Jared


The young man stared at the image in confusion. Jared felt that the woman was correct, that the world he lived in was wrong, but it was still difficult to accept. "Alright, So i'm an occupant of some.. pod? Like some kind of machine making me experience this? Who put me here, why..." Jared shook his head to throw off that line of thought, "Nevermind that, what do I need to do to get out. A fake life is no life at all."

"Good boy. You know your priorities. Questions can come later. But first, we'll need to make sure you won't be totally helpless out... there." She grabs a pokeball that materialises from the air. "Thankfully, the ones who made this lie also took pains to include your pokemon in it." She nods at the Aggron. "He won't be quite the same, but he's still yours and very much real."


"Team Rocket? The idiot 'criminals' that always fought me one-on-one even when they had me surrounded and gave up the second I beat their Pokemon?" Gabriel boggled, apparently finding this revelation more difficult to believe than the fact that his entire life had been nothing but so much data. He arched an incredulous eyebrow as the woman pulled out a Pokeball. "Am I to understand, Ms. Ingno, that now of all times you want to challenge me to a Pokemon battle?"

And he broke into laughter again - but this time a much healthier-sounding giggle, the absurdity of his situation sinking in. "Well I guess - I should be happy - you didn't do so the second - we made eye contact!" he wheezed, trying to catch his breath between chuckles. Webrunner looked concerned, but Gabriel regained his composure quickly enough, and with a sharp hand motion signaled the spider to be ready for battle. "Alright, I'll bite. Let's do it. A farewell battle for this screwed-up plastic world." - and then paused, looking aghast. "What... what about Webrunner? Don't tell me he's... you know..." Gabriel couldn't bring himself to say it.

"Trust me on this one, Mr Owens. You'd do well not to underestimate the real Team Rocket." On Gabriel's comment on the absurdity of her challenge, MissingNo laughs. "Oh, I'm aware of how silly this can be. But protocols dictate that I must ascertain that the candidate that's about to be freed should be able to fend for themselves once we hit the big red button. We... learned that the hard way." She pauses for another brief second, then looks at Webrunner. "Oh, and don't worry about the Joltik. He's as real as you. Team Rocket also uses this VR to bond a real life pokemon to the trainer. Killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. So once they finish brainwashing you... they'd have a ready-made trainer with trained pokemons to do their bidding, without needing to waste further time and resources training you up."

"Anyway, let's not waste time. I hope you're as skilled as you look." MissingNo drops her pokeball on the ground, which split open to reveal a Ralts.

One post to get ready, then we'll begin properly.

EDIT: forgot a word

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri's mind is still in a stupor and as she puts a hand on his shoulder he barely even recognizes it. His entire existence, all that he has know, has been a lie. How could he know if anything he has learned was true? Were there really Pokemon, or were their powers to fantastical to exist? Was he even an actual person, or just an combinations of 1s and 0s who thought he was a living being? Perhaps this was just some game, and he was just another character in it, controlled by some cold, careless player who only saw him as a concept and not a real person?

With the look of a broken man he looks at MissingNo and says,"H...how do we leave?"

[Desril]

Sera

"But since we're still talking that means that we're both real, right? And Leon too," she says, looking worriedly at her Honedge to make sure he's still moving and at her side. Though the trainer is doing her best not to freak out too badly, she can barely hold it in and does her best to hide her fear and worry behind a barrage of questions. "And if this is just a fake world what's the real one? Why is there even a fake to begin with?"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

"Oh," Tristan says with a mix of confusion and wonder. The sandy scene was a sight to behold. He reaches a hand out, just to make sure he isn't seeing things, and watch as the grains coalesce into small streams behind his hand.
Tristan turns back to the woman with a questioning look, "A lie? So this whole thing is a, simulation?" It was an awful lot to take in. "Why? And who were you talking too?"

[Xunthrae]

Jared

Jared nods,"I'm ready." He has a serious expression on his face. He is holding back all the memories of this place, the happy ones, the sad ones. He can't think of them right now. He must focus on the now and not be distracted.

[gearHead]

Gabriel sagged visibly in relief. "Alright, Webrunner - time to earn our right to exist." His gaze steeled back to something more akin to his earlier determined expression, with perhaps a bit less desperation. The Galvantula raised its foreclaws, sparks arcing between them - it was ready for battle.

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

The girl can't help but bounce lightly on her feet in the door frame, making the world around her switch between the one she knew and the one she now knows is a lie. People outside start and stop like a faulty recording; their words skip like a broken record. Oriana doubles over with laughter at the sight so much so that she has to prop herself up with on the doorframe. "So, so, but... why? Like why? Why would someone do this? And why me?"

[Grif]

Yuri's mind is still in a stupor and as she puts a hand on his shoulder he barely even recognizes it. His entire existence, all that he has know, has been a lie. How could he know if anything he has learned was true? Were there really Pokemon, or were their powers to fantastical to exist? Was he even an actual person, or just an combinations of 1s and 0s who thought he was a living being? Perhaps this was just some game, and he was just another character in it, controlled by some cold, careless player who only saw him as a concept and not a real person?

With the look of a broken man he looks at MissingNo and says,"H...how do we leave?"

(Like the meta-references :smalltongue: )

"All I need to do is to tell my friend to shut the simulation down. But before we do that... well, we'll need to make sure you're ready for the real world." MissingNo pulls out a pokeball from the air, and grins. "Yuri, I challenge you to a battle. I'm sure your Gastly would appreciate the practice." She drops her pokeball to reveal a Pikachu.


Sera

"But since we're still talking that means that we're both real, right? And Leon too," she says, looking worriedly at her Honedge to make sure he's still moving and at her side. Though the trainer is doing her best not to freak out too badly, she can barely hold it in and does her best to hide her fear and worry behind a barrage of questions. "And if this is just a fake world what's the real one? Why is there even a fake to begin with?"

"Because the bad guys want to brain wash you with this simulation." She waves at the surroundings. "We simply got to you before they could actually start the process."


Jared

Jared nods,"I'm ready." He has a serious expression on his face. He is holding back all the memories of this place, the happy ones, the sad ones. He can't think of them right now. He must focus on the now and not be distracted.

"Very good." The woman fishes out a pokeball from the thin air and drops it on the ground, revealing a Sandshrew. "Let's see if you're truly ready."


Gabriel sagged visibly in relief. "Alright, Webrunner - time to earn our right to exist." His gaze steeled back to something more akin to his earlier determined expression, with perhaps a bit less desperation. The Galvantula raised its foreclaws, sparks arcing between them - it was ready for battle.

MissingNo chuckles, as her Ralts steadies itself and appeared to brace for battle. "Very good. As they used to say: Come at me, bro."

We'll be using your Joltik's stat for this purpose. Ralts has a slower speed, so Joltik gets to go first. If we're counting trainers then, your turn will be after Joltik, while MissingNo is tied with her Ralts.

No map for this one. Assume both start in open grassland 2 metres apart.


Oriana

The girl can't help but bounce lightly on her feet in the door frame, making the world around her switch between the one she knew and the one she now knows is a lie. People outside start and stop like a faulty recording; their words skip like a broken record. Oriana doubles over with laughter at the sight so much so that she has to prop herself up with on the doorframe. "So, so, but... why? Like why? Why would someone do this? And why me?"

"Why you?" The woman laughs. "Maybe because you're talented. Maybe because they wanted to start indoctrinating you early. Maybe because they do it for their own nefarious experiments. But perhaps the real question you should be asking is how; how do you escape, yes?"


[Tristan]

"Oh," Tristan says with a mix of confusion and wonder. The sandy scene was a sight to behold. He reaches a hand out, just to make sure he isn't seeing things, and watch as the grains coalesce into small streams behind his hand.
Tristan turns back to the woman with a questioning look, "A lie? So this whole thing is a, simulation?" It was an awful lot to take in. "Why? And who were you talking too?"

"My friend on the outside. She's quite adamant that we're running out of time." She reached and pressed a finger against her earpiece again. "And we probably are. So I'll need to be blunt. Do you want to leave this prison?"

[ChaosArchon]

[Yuri]

As the Pikachu appears, Athlo slips out of Yuri's shadow and grins as he feels a battle beginning. Upon seeing his friend eager for combat, Yuri seems for a moment to be his old self again, albeit one held together by the grass-thin binding of adrenaline.

"Very well, Athlo and I accept your challenge."

Athlo's speed is 13

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Oriana hadn't actually thought of escaping. "Uh... oh, yeah. I guess this is pretty pointless... argh!" She stamps her foot on the ground. "What a bummer! I almost had all eight badges, too!" She whips out her badge case again, but Missing No.'s disapproving look confirms her new beliefs, and drops Oriana's heart a bit. "But it's all worthless." She takes one out at a time, soaking in the memory of each fight and giving a fond farewell as she flicks them across the Cerulean Gym pool. "They're just fakes. The whole world was programmed for me to win..." Skip. Skip. Goodbye Brock's Onix. "How long was I in here?" Skip. Skip. Goodbye Surge's Voltorb. "How much time did I waste?" Skip. Goodbye Blaine's Rapidash. "What's the real world like?" Skip. Skip. Skip. Skip. Goodbye, Erica's Ivysaur. She pauses for a moment and looks to her own pokemon. "Is Cheese real?"

[Desril]

Sera

Struggling to process everything, a number of questions flash through the trainer's mind, but she doesn't ask them now. It doesn't matter. I can get answers later, for right now..."Well...then how do we leave? I'll figure things out later, but if this place is fake, we want out, right, Leon?"

[gearHead]

"Right, then. Webrunner, focus fire on that Ralts - disable it!" A pulse of static arced towards the Ralts, surging across it as the Galvantula skittered up to engage. Gabriel charged forward after his Pokemon, vaulting over Webrunner's back and delivering a downward kick towards the psychic Pokemon as he landed on its other side.

Swift action - designate Ralts as Quarry (Gabe and Webrunner get +1 Accuracy and +2 to Skill checks vs. Quarry)
Webrunner uses Thunder Wave and moves adjacent to Ralts. Ralts is Paralyzed.
Gabe moves to flank Ralts and uses Struggle. Ralts gets -2 Evasion for being flanked. Webrunner's Teamwork Ability gives Gabe +2 Accuracy.
Struggle attack (AC 4) [roll0]
Physical Normal damage [roll1]

Taking some liberties with Gabe's acrobatic/combat ability for fluff purposes while we're still in the Digital World. :P

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

There was the word prison again. This world didn't really seem like one but, if he took this woman at her word, it was all fake. Even worse he had to make the decision quickly. "Yes. I'll go," he says a tad subdued, still unsure if he was making the right choice. "Didn't you also say you were here for a battle too? Or was that just some pretense?" The thought of the battle brings thought to Desiree at his side, "Wait is Dez a lie too?

[Xunthrae]

Jared whistles and Glint rushes over, footsteps pounding against the grassy hillside. "Alright then, let's get this started. Glint, Iron Defense!"


His speed is abysmal, aka 3 (I think)

Also, If you want to save time, I can just let you know his first few moves cause they will not be very exciting posts, heh.

[Grif]

[Yuri]

As the Pikachu appears, Athlo slips out of Yuri's shadow and grins as he feels a battle beginning. Upon seeing his friend eager for combat, Yuri seems for a moment to be his old self again, albeit one held together by the grass-thin binding of adrenaline.

"Very well, Athlo and I accept your challenge."

Athlo's speed is 13

Unfortunately, Pikachu is faster. :smalltongue:

MissingNo grins, and steps back, letting her Pikachu bound forward and let loose a shocking thundershock on the Gastly.

Pikachu stops two squares in front of Athlo and uses Thunder Shock.
Thunder Shock: (AC 2) [roll0]
Damage (Electric): [roll1]

(Obviously, ignore the damage roll if it's lower than 2. Rolls of 17+ Paralyzes Athlo.)


Oriana

Oriana hadn't actually thought of escaping. "Uh... oh, yeah. I guess this is pretty pointless... argh!" She stamps her foot on the ground. "What a bummer! I almost had all eight badges, too!" She whips out her badge case again, but Missing No.'s disapproving look confirms her new beliefs, and drops Oriana's heart a bit. "But it's all worthless." She takes one out at a time, soaking in the memory of each fight and giving a fond farewell as she flicks them across the Cerulean Gym pool. "They're just fakes. The whole world was programmed for me to win..." Skip. Skip. Goodbye Brock's Onix. "How long was I in here?" Skip. Skip. Goodbye Surge's Voltorb. "How much time did I waste?" Skip. Goodbye Blaine's Rapidash. "What's the real world like?" Skip. Skip. Skip. Skip. Goodbye, Erica's Ivysaur. She pauses for a moment and looks to her own pokemon. "Is Cheese real?"

"Your Raichu? He's real. Team Rocket thought it'll be a good idea to bond you and your pokemon together before starting the indoctrination process... but anyway, let's move on to more pressing matters. Time's running short." A pokeball appeared on her hand, which she let fall on the ground to reveal an Ekans. "Let's see if you're worth saving or not."


Sera

Struggling to process everything, a number of questions flash through the trainer's mind, but she doesn't ask them now. It doesn't matter. I can get answers later, for right now..."Well...then how do we leave? I'll figure things out later, but if this place is fake, we want out, right, Leon?"

The Honedge seems to agree. The woman nods. "Good. Let's not waste time. Now to see if you're actually worth the effort." A pokeball appears in the woman's hand and falls to the ground, revealing a Marill.


"Right, then. Webrunner, focus fire on that Ralts - disable it!" A pulse of static arced towards the Ralts, surging across it as the Galvantula skittered up to engage. Gabriel charged forward after his Pokemon, vaulting over Webrunner's back and delivering a downward kick towards the psychic Pokemon as he landed on its other side.

Swift action - designate Ralts as Quarry (Gabe and Webrunner get +1 Accuracy and +2 to Skill checks vs. Quarry)
Webrunner uses Thunder Wave and moves adjacent to Ralts. Ralts is Paralyzed.
Gabe moves to flank Ralts and uses Struggle. Ralts gets -2 Evasion for being flanked. Webrunner's Teamwork Ability gives Gabe +2 Accuracy.
Struggle attack (AC 4) [roll0]
Physical Normal damage [roll1]

Taking some liberties with Gabe's acrobatic/combat ability for fluff purposes while we're still in the Digital World. :P

The Ralts whirls and recoils from the sudden violence, clearly not expecting the trainer to partake in combat as well. "Oh dear, it looks like I thoroughly misjudged your enthusiasm to escape this world," MissingNo says with a chuckle, stepping back a little, despite her pokemon taking a heavy toll. "Ralts, get away from there and shatter the mind of that Galvantula." She clearly had no intention of intervening, unlike Gabriel.

Ralts moves 3 metre away from the flank and uses Confusion on Webrunner.

Paralysed check: (DC 5) [roll2]
Confusion: (AC 2) [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

Confusion confuses on 19+ rolls. As always ignore if Paralysed or AC check fails.


[Tristan]

There was the word prison again. This world didn't really seem like one but, if he took this woman at her word, it was all fake. Even worse he had to make the decision quickly. "Yes. I'll go," he says a tad subdued, still unsure if he was making the right choice. "Didn't you also say you were here for a battle too? Or was that just some pretense?" The thought of the battle brings thought to Desiree at his side, "Wait is Dez a lie too?

"The Vibaras? He's as real as you are, fortunately for you. You can thank them for this small mercy." The woman smiles, and was suddenly holding up a pokeball as well. "And yes, a battle. Let's see if you can earn the right to live your own life for once." The pokeball falls and pops open to reveal a Charmander.


Jared whistles and Glint rushes over, footsteps pounding against the grassy hillside. "Alright then, let's get this started. Glint, Iron Defense!"


His speed is abysmal, aka 3 (I think)

Also, If you want to save time, I can just let you know his first few moves cause they will not be very exciting posts, heh.


Already have a set move? :smalltongue: And yes, Aron is absurdly slow.

MissingNo simply grins and points at the Aggron. "Blind him." The Sandshrew chitters and obliges, suddenly whirling and kicking up a bout of sand right into the Aggron's face.

Sandshrew runs up to 2 square in front of Aggron/Aron and uses Sand Attack.

Glint is Blinded until the end of its next turn.

One post to react before I post Sandshrew's next turn.

[Xunthrae]

"It'll be alright, just use harden now, get your defenses up!" The Aggron lowers his head and his armor plating seems to get denser as he prepares to take whatever attack the sandshrew can throw at him.


Evasion vs Atk is 6 (Def is 30)
Evasion bs SPatk is 2

And this is what I meant by they wouldn't be too exciting hehe.

[Desril]

Sera

Nodding at MissingNo when the stranger sends out her Marill, Sera instinctively knows what to do. A Trainer can't run from a battle after all.

Smiling earnestly for the first time since she caught the Axew in the cave, Sera skips back a couple of steps to get a better view of the battlefield. Leon's strong, even if he is pretty slow...but in a one on one fight, he's practically unbeatable!

"There's no point in warming up Leon! Just keep slashing until it falls! FURY CUTTER!"


Sera is just using a Shift Action to move back 2 meters and get out of the fight, after that she's just planning to issue orders as if this were a League battle.


Leon (Whose initiative is a measly 3, like Aron's, and probably going last)

Fury Cutter (AC 3+Marill's evasion, I believe? Oh right, No Guard, I don't think Marill's Evasion is taken into account) [roll0]
Damage [roll1] -Marill's Defense, right?

Still working on the mechanics, but I think I've got it.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan lets out a small sigh of relief, at least he wouldn't be completely lost in the real world. The other questions could wait till later. "How 'bout it then Dez. One more battle and then we get to see what the world has in store?" Desiree hums agreeably. "Alight, then show her how prepared we are. Don't hold back."


Yeaaaa so Desiree has a speed of 1 so charmander will get the first hit. I'll put my move up anyway since nothing it can do would change my mind.

Sand Tomb- Physical Ground
Target is put in a vortex.
Damage [roll0]

[gearHead]

"'Enthusiasm' doesn't begin to cover it," Gabriel chuckled darkly. The Ralts struggled to sidestep away, but a jolt of residual electricity surged painfully through its body, freezing it up for a few precious seconds. Gabriel had learned never to waste any advantage. "Let's finish this! Pincer attack!" The two lunged for the Ralts together, trying to crush it between Webrunner's fangs and Gabriel's boot.

Leech Life (AC 2) [roll0] +3 from Compound Eyes, +1 from Quarry, Ralts gets -2 Eva from flanking
Physical Bug damage [roll1] It's super effective!

Struggle (AC 4) [roll2] +1 from Quarry, +2 from Teamwork, Ralts gets -2 Eva from flanking. Team Gabe might not be the most heavy-hitting, but they do not like to miss. :P
Physical Normal damage [roll3]

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"All right, something I'm good at!" Oriana finally focuses on the thing she was programmed to do: battle pokemon! Without needing to be told, the electric mouse bursts forward, yellow cheeks full of energy ready to let loose. "It's not quite the Starmie I promised ya, but let's take it down just as quick! Thundershock!" A crackle of thunder shoots from the pokemon, white-blue sparks bounce across the floor and onto the enemy ekans.

Raichu uses Thundershock!

(I'm assuming Pikachu's 15 speed goes first.)

Attack roll (AC 2)
Paralysis on 17+
Damage roll [2d6+8

[ChaosArchon]

[Yuri]

Yuri grimaces as his friend takes the brunt of the small mouse's attack but is pleased to see that he is not paralyzed. "Alright Athlo, lick that Pikachu til it passes out... damn I need to teach you some new moves after this ok my friend." he says with his energy going from high to low over the course of his small speech.

Upon hearing his trainer's order, the Gastly chuckles a spine-tingling chuckle as it moves towards the Pikachu. Once it reaches it, the spirit opens it's mouth as it's long, ephemeral tongue slides across the Pikachu's face, somehow hurting it.

Lick: (AC 2) [roll0]
Damage (ghost): [roll1]
Roll of 15+ Paralyzes

[Grif]

"It'll be alright, just use harden now, get your defenses up!" The Aggron lowers his head and his armor plating seems to get denser as he prepares to take whatever attack the sandshrew can throw at him.


Evasion vs Atk is 6 (Def is 30)
Evasion bs SPatk is 2

And this is what I meant by they wouldn't be too exciting hehe.


Oh, I know. I just think we should agree on some kind of proper battle protocol or something, to make these smoother :smalltongue:

"Ready or not, here she comes," MissingNo declared, as the Sandshrew curls up into a ball and rolls herself towards the Aggron like a bowling ball.

Sandshrew uses Rollout.

Rollout (AC 4):
Damage: (Physical) [roll1]


Sera

Nodding at MissingNo when the stranger sends out her Marill, Sera instinctively knows what to do. A Trainer can't run from a battle after all.

Smiling earnestly for the first time since she caught the Axew in the cave, Sera skips back a couple of steps to get a better view of the battlefield. Leon's strong, even if he is pretty slow...but in a one on one fight, he's practically unbeatable!

"There's no point in warming up Leon! Just keep slashing until it falls! FURY CUTTER!"


Sera is just using a Shift Action to move back 2 meters and get out of the fight, after that she's just planning to issue orders as if this were a League battle.


Leon (Whose initiative is a measly 3, like Aron's, and probably going last)

Fury Cutter (AC 3+Marill's evasion, I believe? Oh right, No Guard, I don't think Marill's Evasion is taken into account) [roll0]
Damage [roll1] -Marill's Defense, right?

Still working on the mechanics, but I think I've got it.


You guys and your slow pokes. :smalltongue: Although in the future, I'll appreciate letting me declare the battle starting before moving to roll. If only so that I can compile the initiative list. In this case though, Marill goes first, having barely better Spd at 6. :smallredface:

Also yes, No Guard ignores all evasion, and user does not have evasion against melee either. And you have damage correct.

"Not so fast. Water Gun!" MissingNo calmly replies, the Marill immediately springing into action and squirting a strong jet of water at the psychic sword.

Marill uses Water Gun.

Water Gun (AC 2): [roll2]
Damage (Special): [roll3]

Before getting a faceful of sword in the face and getting a couple of scratches. MissingNo shakes her head, and points again at the Honedge. "Once more, go!"

Marill uses Water Gun again.

Water Gun (AC 2): [roll4]
Damage (Special): [roll5]


[Tristan]

Tristan lets out a small sigh of relief, at least he wouldn't be completely lost in the real world. The other questions could wait till later. "How 'bout it then Dez. One more battle and then we get to see what the world has in store?" Desiree hums agreeably. "Alight, then show her how prepared we are. Don't hold back."


Yeaaaa so Desiree has a speed of 1 so charmander will get the first hit. I'll put my move up anyway since nothing it can do would change my mind.

Sand Tomb- Physical Ground
Target is put in a vortex.
Damage [roll0]


Guises. You do realise having slow pokes is a disadvantage, right? :smalltongue: (I'll admit, I didn't realise just how many were so slow.)

"I like your spirit. Charmander, burn the Vibrava!" The Charmander whirls and twirls, dancing towards the insect before letting loose a gout of flame.

Charmander uses Ember.

Ember: (AC 2): [roll6]
Damage: (Special) [roll7]
Burns target on 18+

Then the ground opens up around the Charmander and buries him completely with a surprised squeal. For a moment there, it would seem that the Charmander was doomed, but then the sand ripples and out bursts the spunky fire pokemon, crawling unsteadily to his feet, though he looks very much bruised and bloodied. "Oh dear, that looked like it hurt," MissingNo comments.

Sand Tomb save: (1d20)[15]

MissingNo humphs, and raises her finger to point at the Vibrava again. "Finish him."

Charmander uses Ember again.

Ember: (AC 2): [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]
Burns target on 18+


"'Enthusiasm' doesn't begin to cover it," Gabriel chuckled darkly. The Ralts struggled to sidestep away, but a jolt of residual electricity surged painfully through its body, freezing it up for a few precious seconds. Gabriel had learned never to waste any advantage. "Let's finish this! Pincer attack!" The two lunged for the Ralts together, trying to crush it between Webrunner's fangs and Gabriel's boot.

Leech Life (AC 2) [roll0] +3 from Compound Eyes, +1 from Quarry, Ralts gets -2 Eva from flanking
Physical Bug damage [roll1] It's super effective!

Struggle (AC 4) [roll2] +1 from Quarry, +2 from Teamwork, Ralts gets -2 Eva from flanking. Team Gabe might not be the most heavy-hitting, but they do not like to miss. :P
Physical Normal damage [roll3]


Oh dear. That was a true 1HKO.

The Ralts shrieks and quickly drops to the ground from the combined assault, well and thoroughly beaten. :smalltongue: MissingNo claps, and smirks, striding towards the pair. "Very good. I think you impressed even my colleague. I think you're ready."

She raised her hand to her earpiece. "Right. You know the drill. Begin shutdown of pod 0129." Her eyes locks on Gabriel. "I wish you luck out there."

And that's the last thing Gabriel would hear before the world suddenly dims and fades to nothingness.


Oriana

"All right, something I'm good at!" Oriana finally focuses on the thing she was programmed to do: battle pokemon! Without needing to be told, the electric mouse bursts forward, yellow cheeks full of energy ready to let loose. "It's not quite the Starmie I promised ya, but let's take it down just as quick! Thundershock!" A crackle of thunder shoots from the pokemon, white-blue sparks bounce across the floor and onto the enemy ekans.

Raichu uses Thundershock!

(I'm assuming Pikachu's 15 speed goes first.)

Attack roll (AC 2) [roll0]
Paralysis on 17+
Damage roll [2d6+8

Raichu does indeed go first. I should've made the initiative list clear first though. My bad. :smalltongue: Also, your roll seems to have been broken, so I took the initiative to roll for you.

The Ekans hisses and twitches as the electricity arcs and shocks him, looking slightly dazed from the sheer force of the shock. But still, it lunges and bares its sharp fangs, reaching out to sink its sharp teeth into its foe.

Ekans moves directly towards the Raichu and uses Bite.

Bite (AC 2): [roll10]
Damage: (Physical) [roll11]
Flinches on 15+



[Yuri]

Yuri grimaces as his friend takes the brunt of the small mouse's attack but is pleased to see that he is not paralyzed. "Alright Athlo, lick that Pikachu til it passes out... damn I need to teach you some new moves after this ok my friend." he says with his energy going from high to low over the course of his small speech.

Upon hearing his trainer's order, the Gastly chuckles a spine-tingling chuckle as it moves towards the Pikachu. Once it reaches it, the spirit opens it's mouth as it's long, ephemeral tongue slides across the Pikachu's face, somehow hurting it.

Lick: (AC 2) [roll0]
Damage (ghost): [roll1]
Roll of 15+ Paralyzes

I always wondered how Lick damages pokemons.

The Pikachu looks quite disgusted by the lick. :smalltongue: And not much worse for wear either. Oh dear. MissingNo chuckles a little. "I think your ghostly friend requires some help. Pikachu, another Thunder Shock!"

Pikachu uses Thunder Shock again.

Thunder Shock (AC 2): [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]
Roll of 17+ Paralyzes

[Desril]

Sera

"Keep it up, Leon! There's no way that little blue ball can possibly outlast you!"


Leon
HP 31/56 (Sp.D of 7)
Fury Cutter has hit 1 time

Fury Cutter (AC 3) [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[Xunthrae]

"Great job Glint, one more time, Iron defense!" Glint Focuses and his skin takes on a slightly shinier sheen to it. Afterwards, the Aggron knows what's coming, and flexes his claws in anticipation.


With that his Def is now 45 with a 9 to evasion for Atks.

After this it's time for the offense to begin!

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

The raichu wobbles after the snake bites his hind leg. The chomp was quick and bloody, and the takes the mouse to his hands and knees for a moment. "Cheese get up! Hit it again!"

The pokemon does his best to respond, but turning around alone causes enough pain for him to flinch. Unable to release another attack, the frustrated raichu charges an overload of electricity in his sacs.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Desiree takes both embers but manages to keep her footing if only just. Her carapace is a bit singed but she barrels in for another go. Tristan is a bit concerned for her; she didn't normally lose and that Charmander was tough. "You've got this Dez," Tristan calls out in encouragement, "You can take that lizard. Hit its weak point." Dez dips and feints before striking the lizard as it strains to block its other side.


Meh Trapinch is slow but it gets much faster once it evolves. I really am impressed that the charmander stood up to a SE attack.

Feint Attack- Physical Dark
Can't Miss
AC for crit 1d20
Damage 2d6+28

[ChaosArchon]

[Yuri]

As Athlo falls unconscious from the Pikachu's attack, Yuri's thin vener of sanity breaks once again. "No, this isn't happening, I've never lost." he keeps repeating as he sinks to his knees.

Then a piano begins playing from nowhere and he begins the rise, his head titled to one side as he surveys the small yellow mouse with a gaze normally reserved for ones meal as his limbs bend as he rises back up. "I suppose this is where I black out and reappear in the PokeCenter huh?" he says matter-o-factly. "Alright then, let's go down the bunnery hole. Round and round we go and where we stop only you know." he then says in a sing-songly voice.

[Grif]

Sera

"Keep it up, Leon! There's no way that little blue ball can possibly outlast you!"


Leon
HP 31/56 (Sp.D of 7)
Fury Cutter has hit 1 time

Fury Cutter (AC 3) [roll0]
Damage [roll1]


Looks like the Honedge luck ran out, as it sails past the Marill and into the ground. The water pokemon seems unfazed, and turns to face his opponent again. "Oh dear, that was a woeful miss," the woman comments. "Marill, Water Gun, once more."

Surprise! Marill uses Water Gun! :smalltongue:

Water Gun (AC 2): [roll0]
Damage (Special): [roll1]


"Great job Glint, one more time, Iron defense!" Glint Focuses and his skin takes on a slightly shinier sheen to it. Afterwards, the Aggron knows what's coming, and flexes his claws in anticipation.


With that his Def is now 45 with a 9 to evasion for Atks.

After this it's time for the offense to begin!


"We'll see about that," the lady says in response, simply widening her smile. The Sandshrew curls itself up again, and slams itself towards the Aggron.

Sandshrew continues Rollout. Damage base +4 for the second round. Also properly added evasion this time.

Rollout (AC 4): [roll2]
Damage (Physical): [roll3]


Oriana

The raichu wobbles after the snake bites his hind leg. The chomp was quick and bloody, and the takes the mouse to his hands and knees for a moment. "Cheese get up! Hit it again!"

The pokemon does his best to respond, but turning around alone causes enough pain for him to flinch. Unable to release another attack, the frustrated raichu charges an overload of electricity in his sacs.

The Ekans snarls and lunges forward again, aiming another bloody bite on the pokemon.

Ekans uses Bite again.

Bite (AC 2): [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]
Roll of 15+ flinches.


[Tristan]

Desiree takes both embers but manages to keep her footing if only just. Her carapace is a bit singed but she barrels in for another go. Tristan is a bit concerned for her; she didn't normally lose and that Charmander was tough. "You've got this Dez," Tristan calls out in encouragement, "You can take that lizard. Hit its weak point." Dez dips and feints before striking the lizard as it strains to block its other side.


Meh Trapinch is slow but it gets much faster once it evolves. I really am impressed that the charmander stood up to a SE attack.

Feint Attack- Physical Dark
Can't Miss
AC for crit [roll0]
Damage [roll1]



The Charmander, already wobbling, was quickly sent flying onto the sandy ground, thoroughly knocked out.

"Bravo. You passed my test. Good. I'll see you on the other side then." The woman winks and lifts her fingers to her earpiece. "Pod 0117 is good to go. Disengage simulation—" The world faded.


[Yuri]

As Athlo falls unconscious from the Pikachu's attack, Yuri's thin vener of sanity breaks once again. "No, this isn't happening, I've never lost." he keeps repeating as he sinks to his knees.

Then a piano begins playing from nowhere and he begins the rise, his head titled to one side as he surveys the small yellow mouse with a gaze normally reserved for ones meal as his limbs bend as he rises back up. "I suppose this is where I black out and reappear in the PokeCenter huh?" he says matter-o-factly. "Alright then, let's go down the bunnery hole. Round and round we go and where we stop only you know." he then says in a sing-songly voice.


[Yuri]

MissingNo simply recalls her Pikachu calmly into the pokeball and studies her fallen opponent, looking quite a bit concerned at the apparent mental breakdown. "Well, this isn't what I expected from a trainer." She tightens her lips. "Pull yourself together."

[Desril]

Sera

Suddenly remembering an important fact, Sera silently berates herself and comes up with a plan. I'm an idiot, how could I forget that Marill isn't just a water type like previously believed?! That's such a rookie mistake! I can't let Leon pay for my screwup though, even if it means I look bad because of it!

Concentrating as hard as she can, Sera waits for the Marill to launch it's attack and then erects a psychic barrier around her Honedge and cries out, "Leon! Change of plans, I messed up! Get as strong as you possibly can, we're going to have to give this everything we've got, Swords Dance!"


Sera delays until after Marill acts and uses Barrier, boxing Leon in on all sides.

Leon uses Swords Dance, jumping to Atk stage 2.

Leon
HP 21/56 (Sp.D of 7)
Atk 1.5x

[Xunthrae]

Jared grins as the other pokemon tries to throw itself against his Aggron's defenses. "Now it's time to get serious, use Metal claw!" With that command Glint rushes forward and slashes at the smaller pokemon.


AC 3 [roll0] Raise users atk 1 stage, 2 if 18+

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri stares at the woman,"This isn't what you expected?! Try telling someone that their whole life as they've known it is a lie, all their friends and family, all their accomplishments are part of some game and see how they react?!" he then says in a low voice,"just let me out of here."

[Grif]

Sera

Suddenly remembering an important fact, Sera silently berates herself and comes up with a plan. I'm an idiot, how could I forget that Marill isn't just a water type like previously believed?! That's such a rookie mistake! I can't let Leon pay for my screwup though, even if it means I look bad because of it!

Concentrating as hard as she can, Sera waits for the Marill to launch it's attack and then erects a psychic barrier around her Honedge and cries out, "Leon! Change of plans, I messed up! Get as strong as you possibly can, we're going to have to give this everything we've got, Swords Dance!"


Sera delays until after Marill acts and uses Barrier, boxing Leon in on all sides.

Leon uses Swords Dance, jumping to Atk stage 2.

Leon
HP 21/56 (Sp.D of 7)
Atk 1.5x


The woman simply smirks at Sera's reaction. "Interesting move there, Sera. Marill, bust down that wall."

Marill uses Water Gun!

Water Gun (AC 2): [roll0]
Damage (Special): [roll1]


Jared grins as the other pokemon tries to throw itself against his Aggron's defenses. "Now it's time to get serious, use Metal claw!" With that command Glint rushes forward and slashes at the smaller pokemon.


AC 3 [roll0] Raise users atk 1 stage, 2 if 18+


(Just so I don't misunderstand, you mean raise user Atk 1 stage if 18+ right?)

The metal claw barely glances off the Sandshrews thick hide. MissingNo simply grins as the Sandshrew readies up for yet another followup attack.

Sandshrew uses Rollout (Third time, DB +8)

Rollout (AC 4): [roll2]
Damage (Physical): [roll3]


Yuri stares at the woman,"This isn't what you expected?! Try telling someone that their whole life as they've known it is a lie, all their friends and family, all their accomplishments are part of some game and see how they react?!" he then says in a low voice,"just let me out of here."

MissingNo simply shakes her head, looking quite perturbed. "At your current state, I'm not sure if we should. It's a dangerous world out there." She looks at Yuri, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Let me ask you this. Do you really want to see what's out there? Taste real freedom for once? Face real consequences for your actions?" She leans forward with a sympathetic smile. "Or stay here in this world. You'll be safe and sound, and be taken care of. You won't remember this ever happening. But you'll also be forever beholden to them."


[Oriana]

The Ekans lunges again, sinking its deadly fangs into the helpless Rainchu. Already in pain and reeling from the brutal attack, the electric mouse finally gives in and passes out, slumping to the ground, its electrical discharges fading pitifully. The snake pokemon hisses in delight as it stands gloating over its fallen prey.

MissingNo simply shakes her head and recalls her pokemon into her pokeball. "Tsk, I thought you'd be stronger than this," she says as she walks towards Oriana. "Now whatever should I do with you?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"N-no! No!" Oriana rushes to her pokemon's side. The second attack was just as vicious as the first; her pokemon didn't stand a chance. "Ch-chee..." she runs her hands carefully on his side, looking at his two brutally-injured hind legs only for a moment before recalling him into his pokeball. "I... I..." she slumps onto her behind with her knees in front of her. "Grrr this isn't fair! You - you're... you're ruining everything!" The girl furiously punches her fist into the ground. She opens her mouth to yell again, but instead stands up and tries to steady herself, adding, "I'll go to the 'center, heal Cheese, and be right back for you. This isn't over."

[Desril]

Sera

"Just take a second and get ready Leon!" Turning to her opponent she gives an embarrassed, apologetic look, "Sorry, I don't like interfering, but...I won't let him suffer because of my error."

It'll take some time before he can power up again, but the barrier should be able to hold, hopefully just long enough.


Barrier has 12 HP left, taking 8 damage from the water gun due to its 15 DR.

Leon and Sera aren't doing anything this turn, unless the barrier breaks, but I don't think it can short of a critical.

Question; The attack that breaks the barrier ends with destroying the barrier, right? It doesn't do any excess damage to Honedge, right?

[ChaosArchon]

[Yuri]

He stands still for a moment, takes a deep breath and says to the woman,"Yes, I want to leave. Without struggle life has no meaning, and I don't want to just sit and wait here while whoever has me captive gets away with it." Once again it appears he is lucid, sane in an insane world of 1s and 0s, driven by revenge and a desire to progress.

[Xunthrae]

Jared can see that rollout is getting stronger, but Glint's defenses are still greater. "Glint, use headbut, see how they like it!" Soon after Jared's command was said glint rushed into action, running forward and trying to slam his head into the smaller pokemon.

Headbut AC=2 [roll0] flinches on 15+
damage: [roll1]

[Grif]

Oriana

"N-no! No!" Oriana rushes to her pokemon's side. The second attack was just as vicious as the first; her pokemon didn't stand a chance. "Ch-chee..." she runs her hands carefully on his side, looking at his two brutally-injured hind legs only for a moment before recalling him into his pokeball. "I... I..." she slumps onto her behind with her knees in front of her. "Grrr this isn't fair! You - you're... you're ruining everything!" The girl furiously punches her fist into the ground. She opens her mouth to yell again, but instead stands up and tries to steady herself, adding, "I'll go to the 'center, heal Cheese, and be right back for you. This isn't over."

"Of course not. But you can save yourself the—"


Sera

"Just take a second and get ready Leon!" Turning to her opponent she gives an embarrassed, apologetic look, "Sorry, I don't like interfering, but...I won't let him suffer because of my error."

It'll take some time before he can power up again, but the barrier should be able to hold, hopefully just long enough.


Barrier has 12 HP left, taking 8 damage from the water gun due to its 15 DR.

Leon and Sera aren't doing anything this turn, unless the barrier breaks, but I don't think it can short of a critical.

Question; The attack that breaks the barrier ends with destroying the barrier, right? It doesn't do any excess damage to Honedge, right?


Correct, there'll be no spillover damage. But as you can see, the point is rather moot. :smalltongue:

"Your dedication to your pokemon is quite remarkable, if I may say so myself. Marill—"


[Yuri]

He stands still for a moment, takes a deep breath and says to the woman,"Yes, I want to leave. Without struggle life has no meaning, and I don't want to just sit and wait here while whoever has me captive gets away with it." Once again it appears he is lucid, sane in an insane world of 1s and 0s, driven by revenge and a desire to progress.

"Very well then. Let me consult my—"


Jared can see that rollout is getting stronger, but Glint's defenses are still greater. "Glint, use headbut, see how they like it!" Soon after Jared's command was said glint rushed into action, running forward and trying to slam his head into the smaller pokemon.

Headbut AC=2 [roll0] flinches on 15+
damage: [roll1]


The Sandshrew seems barely phased by the attack, though it did reel back a little. Again, it prepared for its next blow, promising to be more violent than ever. Before it could attack—


[For All Players]
In all realities, MissingNo suddenly disappears in a curious blink, without so much a trace, her pokemon suddenly slumping and disappearing as well.

A tense moment passes, the simulation seemingly freezing in her absence. Then she reappears in her previous position, looking quite worried now. "Okay. Time's up, they're onto us. Looks like we have no choice but to pray that you won't disappoint us. Good luck, fellow." She waves at something, as if to someone outside their view, before the simulation suddenly terminates without warning.

Only gearHead and Bowyer shall post replies this round, before the rest of you wake. FYI, Garbiel is Pod 0129, Jared is 0113

[Tristan and Gabriel]

The two of you would awake to the sound of hissing and whirring, along with the unwelcome sense of the world just not quite feeling real. Even your eyes takes awhile to adjust once you open them, darkness swimming in the corners and only fading away reluctantly. You find yourself dressed in a dark grey jumpsuit. As you get up, you'd feel a sharp pain on the back of your neck, and if you're quick enough, to see a lengthy cord retreating into the recesses of the infernal machine. Touching the back of your neck would reveal a sort of metal jack buried on your skin, evidently now a permanent part of your body.

http://i.imgur.com/ujvgenE.jpg

A quick look around would reveal that your pod would just one in a ring of ten, with the pod number previously mentioned displayed prominently on the monitor opposite your pod. Curiously enough, there was also a number of pokeballs set into a slot in the wall, protected by a glass-like cover. Conveniently enough, there was enough slots for six, though for your pod, only one could be found. After a few minutes pass, the pokeball cover for your pod opens, allowing you to grab it if you want.

[Bowyer]

{Tristan}

As the world comes into focus, Tristan quickly sits up and just as quickly regrets it. His head hadn't stopped spinning yet and the sudden stab of pain didn't help matters. Still he wanted to figure out just he had woken into. Clambering out of the pod on still unsteady feet, Tristan takes in the other pods. It looks like he wasn't the only prisoner. "Who did this," he asks more to himself than of anyone.

He goes and retrieves Desiree after a moment more. Releasing her reveals her to be a Trapinch once more. After a could hops and no wings forthcoming, she seems a little petulant. Tristan picks her up and holds her close, "Hey don't worry, Dez. You'll get your wings soon enough." Desiree huffs for a bit but eventually gives a questioning gaze, Now what? "I guess we wait for that lady to show up." Desiree makes a face causing Tristan to smile, "You're right that wouldn't be interesting."

He begins to pace around the room, glancing at the pods as he went full circle. Nobody else seemed to be waking up yet. He goes to try and find his way out, trying one of the doors.

[Grif]

{Tristan}

As the world comes into focus, Tristan quickly sits up and just as quickly regrets it. His head hadn't stopped spinning yet and the sudden stab of pain didn't help matters. Still he wanted to figure out just he had woken into. Clambering out of the pod on still unsteady feet, Tristan takes in the other pods. It looks like he wasn't the only prisoner. "Who did this," he asks more to himself than of anyone.

He goes and retrieves Desiree after a moment more. Releasing her reveals her to be a Trapinch once more. After a could hops and no wings forthcoming, she seems a little petulant. Tristan picks her up and holds her close, "Hey don't worry, Dez. You'll get your wings soon enough." Desiree huffs for a bit but eventually gives a questioning gaze, Now what? "I guess we wait for that lady to show up." Desiree makes a face causing Tristan to smile, "You're right that wouldn't be interesting."

He begins to pace around the room, glancing at the pods as he went full circle. Nobody else seemed to be waking up yet. He goes to try and find his way out, trying one of the doors.

Up on one of the elevated walkways, Tristan would find a metal door. However it was locked securely with no way of opening them. Next to the door, lay a numbered keypad, and palm print biometric device. Tristan can see a similar walkway and door on the opposite site of the room.

At least he wasn't to wait for long though. A peal of shrill ringing echoed through the room, before two of the pods similarly disengaged in a hiss of steam, raising up its cover and revealing its occupants.

[Gabriel] (brief godmodding)

In a similar fashion as to Tristan, Gabriel quickly shakes free of his initial state of confusion and goes to retrieve his Joltik. After ascertaining Webrunner was safe, he'd start looking over the pods in a futile attempt to make sense of Team Rocket's plot.


[The Rest]
As for the four who was rudely disengaged from their virtual world, the awakening isn't as gentle as the first two. For you, it felt like the entire world just dropped off the grid, accompanied by a most disturbing sense of discombobulation. So much so that you might find yourself awakening with an overwhelming sense of nausea and dizziness. The pokeball storage cover pops open after a few seconds of the pod awakening.

No particular posting order for the four. Whoever posts first will be first to wake.

[ChaosArchon]

[Yuri]

The young man awakens after what seemed like a dream that stretched on to the end of eternity. His reality being torn apart code by code, error message after error message. For a short time his entire world was black, as not only did any light vanish, but one by one the stars were swallowed by the corrupt data the surged through the system like the vengeful wrath of a merciless Arceus. Sound had stopped, and time itself became just another word in between this journey between worlds, this voyage between one false reality to a real one.

And just like that the moment passed, and he found himself falling onto the floor of his chamber sick to his stomach and unable to find the strength to move. For a few moments he lays there, unsure whether this was just another game, or whether it was the real world. Perhaps it was both, he thought as he found the strength to get back up.

By some stroke of luck he was clothed but not in the same dress he was in while he resided in the other world. Now he found that his white hair to be held up by a purple bandanna decorated in strange, occult symbols. Furthermore he was sporting a purple scarf wrapped around his neck which featured a similar design to the bandana. He was wrapped in a long purple shirt which, again featured similar runes to the rest of his attire; although it seemed his jeans were standard blue jeans.

As he began to move forward, he noticed a weight pulling on his left ear, and was shocked when he saw his reflection in his pod and saw he was sporting a small earring with a plastic Gastly attached to a chain which connected the figure to a small steel ring which pierced his ear. After looking at his reflection for some time, he grabbed his Pokeball and, directing it at his shadow, silent whispered,"Gastly I choose you, meld with my shadow so that when the time comes we will have the advantage" and then pauses and laughs for a bit,"which likely is whenever we have our next random encounter."

[Desril]

Sera

Doing her best not to immediately vomit as the world seems to drop out beneath her, Sera takes a few seconds to realize that she's suddenly elsewhere again. Neither the cave nor the place where she met MissingNo, nor anywhere else she'd ever seen. Well, at least I'm still dressed, she thinks as her brain tries to process everything and tries to latch on to what it can readily understand. The sound of the Pokeball storage container popping open is enough to give her back enough of her sense to get up and out of the pod however.

Seeing that only a single pokeball sits in the container, Sera feels anxious as she calls out the Pokemon stored inside, "Please be ok, Leon!"

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Oriana wakes up in a sudden jolt of panic. Her entire world blacked out into a spiraling dark confusion and violently threw her into this pod. The girl scrambles out of the vessel and quickly realizes just how dizzying the experience was when she vomits over the side. "Aha... ohh..." she groans. Oriana wipes her mouth with the sleeve of a dull grey jumpsuit someone apparently dressed her in. That's a comforting thought...

Across the large, open, terrifyingly-scientific room, she spots a boy and a girl in the exact same jumpsuits. "Do - do you know what's going on!?" She clambers to her feet and takes the pokeball from the pod. The two others have balls their sides as well. "Who did this to us? And why would they leave us our pokemon?"

[Bowyer]

{Tristan}

Tristan shakes his head, there wasn't anyway out just yet. He was about to try the keypad when a hiss from the pods sounds, causing him to jump. He turns around to the sound of retching. It looks like the girl, for so it was, hadn't made the journey into the real world quite as smoothly as he did. He makes his way down off the catwalk and she speaks before he can. He shakes his head, he still had more questions than answers. "I hadn't got around to asking that lady about it. She came to you too right?" He thinks over it a moment more. "I'm Tristan by the way...at least I think I am...."

[Xunthrae]

Jared

He is the last one to awaken. He lurches up, heart pounding and vomits over the side of the pod. The young man sat there, panting as he adjusts to the real world, his mind still reeling due to the abrupt ending of his connection to the system. It was more jarring than he expected, though he didn't really know what to expect when being taken out of a virtual world.

After catching his breath Jared looks up from the pod, barely hearing the others talk and he sees a pokeball. He can only assume Glint is inside. He picks up the ball. It feels smoother than he remembers, everything feels more vivid. Colors are richer and his senses seem to be remembering lost sensations, but he couldn't place where he knew them from.

He shakily stands, nearly falling when he puts his weight onto his wobbly legs. After a few moments he gains his sense of balance and finally looks up at the others. The tall young man makes his way over to the other two in the same gray jumpsuits as himself. They were already up and next to each other, maybe they knew more than himself "Do either of you know what's going on?"

[Bowyer]

{Tristan}

"No,we don't know anything either," Tristan says to the tall youth. "I checked the doors but they seem to be locked. Hopefully that lady had a plan for getting us out of here. I didn't plan on going from one prison to another," he adds.

[Hefty Lefty]

"You both had the same dream with that 'Miss Igno' lady?" The two boys nod in confirmation. Oriana folds her arms in a huff. "Well this sucks! How are we supposed to know this isn't just another simulation? And what are they testing us for anyway?" She quickly scans the room for any other ways out with little hope. "I'm Ori, by the way."

[Grif]

Jared

He is the last one to awaken. He lurches up, heart pounding and vomits over the side of the pod. The young man sat there, panting as he adjusts to the real world, his mind still reeling due to the abrupt ending of his connection to the system. It was more jarring than he expected, though he didn't really know what to expect when being taken out of a virtual world.

After catching his breath Jared looks up from the pod, barely hearing the others talk and he sees a pokeball. He can only assume Glint is inside. He picks up the ball. It feels smoother than he remembers, everything feels more vivid. Colors are richer and his senses seem to be remembering lost sensations, but he couldn't place where he knew them from.

He shakily stands, nearly falling when he puts his weight onto his wobbly legs. After a few moments he gains his sense of balance and finally looks up at the others. The tall young man makes his way over to the other two in the same gray jumpsuits as himself. They were already up and next to each other, maybe they knew more than himself "Do either of you know what's going on?"


"You both had the same dream with that 'Miss Igno' lady?" The two boys nod in confirmation. Oriana folds her arms in a huff. "Well this sucks! How are we supposed to know this isn't just another simulation? And what are they testing us for anyway?" She quickly scans the room for any other ways out with little hope. "I'm Ori, by the way."


{Tristan}

"No,we don't know anything either," Tristan says to the tall youth. "I checked the doors but they seem to be locked. Hopefully that lady had a plan for getting us out of here. I didn't plan on going from one prison to another," he adds.

[Room 2]

Conversation in the room is soon interrupted by a shrill beep in the ceiling above. Why it's a Rotom, perched high above, apparently having entered the room through one of the many vents that could be seen near the top. The Rotom slowly floats downwards the trio, until it reaches eye-level, before spinning and whirling. It beeps again, and warbled something akin to radio static, almost as if it was searching for something.

Then a familiar voice spoke from the Rotom itself. "Ah good. I trust you three are well? Apologies for the abrupt termination. The sysadmin was starting to sniff out our trail. Looks like we'll have to make this quick. Have all three retrieved your pokemon? Looks like you do. In any case, you need them. Right now, you're deep within Team Rocket's Space Station I7-A, off the moon of Io. Fortunately, a mutual acquaintance has supplied us the security override code that should get you past most doors. Just follow Sparky here and he'll guide the way. Try to keep him alive, he's one of my best. Any questions?"


[Yuri]
As he began to move forward, he noticed a weight pulling on his left ear, and was shocked when he saw his reflection in his pod and saw he was sporting a small earring with a plastic Gastly attached to a chain which connected the figure to a small steel ring which pierced his ear. After looking at his reflection for some time, he grabbed his Pokeball and, directing it at his shadow, silent whispered,"Gastly I choose you, meld with my shadow so that when the time comes we will have the advantage" and then pauses and laughs for a bit,"which likely is whenever we have our next random encounter."


Sera

Doing her best not to immediately vomit as the world seems to drop out beneath her, Sera takes a few seconds to realize that she's suddenly elsewhere again. Neither the cave nor the place where she met MissingNo, nor anywhere else she'd ever seen. Well, at least I'm still dressed, she thinks as her brain tries to process everything and tries to latch on to what it can readily understand. The sound of the Pokeball storage container popping open is enough to give her back enough of her sense to get up and out of the pod however.

Seeing that only a single pokeball sits in the container, Sera feels anxious as she calls out the Pokemon stored inside, "Please be ok, Leon!"

[Room 1]

To Sera's relief, the Honedge seems well, if a little disconcerted by the new environment. As for Yuri, well , he'd also find his Gastly safe and sound.

"So you met the lady too, haven't you?" Gabriel asks, a small Joltik perched on his shoulder.

[Bowyer]

{Tristan}



"Sysadmin? Team Rocket?" Tristan mutters to himself. Io sounded familiar but he couldn't quite place it. He glances around the room once more. "I don't suppose anyone else here is coming with us?" He asks a bit hopefully though fully expecting the response.

[Desril]

Sera

Sighing in relief now that she sees her oldest friend is perfectly safe and sound, Sera finally takes in her new surroundings. "Leon, I don't think we're in Kalos anymore."

Spotting the other two similarly dressed people in the room, she nods at the joltik trainer's question, the idea that they might be enemies never even crossing her mind as she tries to piece everything together. "She said that the world was fake and then we battled and I woke up here. I guess the same thing happened to you two? Does that mean that this is the real world?" Glancing around at the high-tech pods, she can't help but think of a show she used to watch, "It looks like we're in a cartoon villain's secret base. How do we get out of here?"

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri

Yuri looks at the girl as if trying to figure if she was a real person or a trap. After a short time he remarks,"Perhaps we have to pull a secret lever or something of the sort to escape, seems like what would happen if one of those cartoons right?" he laughs,"But yes I met the woman and was told that world was false and Team Rocket was behind it somehow."

[Desril]

Sera

Smiling cheerfully at her companion's reply, despite the situation, Sera nods her head. "Well, it's not that different from some of the weird 'secret' bases I found while in that fake world."

Not seeing anything more useful to do, she examines the room, looking for any doors there might be and makes her way over to them if there are.

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"Nah it's just us three. C'mon!" She pops the release button to her pokeball and takes off in a dash following the Rotom. "These guys're a bunch'a saps. This is just like when I took'em down in their Celadon base. With three of us it'll be a snap!" The red light fades in a smaller shape than she expected, and revealed is an pre-evolved version of her pokemon. "Oh, Cheese..." her face is a confused mix of happy and disappointed. "You're Pikachu again... gah c'mere!" Oriana scoops up the yellow electric mouse and he scrambles up onto her shoulders. "All right now let's get outta here, boys!"

[Grif]

{Tristan}
"Sysadmin? Team Rocket?" Tristan mutters to himself. Io sounded familiar but he couldn't quite place it. He glances around the room once more. "I don't suppose anyone else here is coming with us?" He asks a bit hopefully though fully expecting the response.

The Rotom wobbled. Almost like the person on the other end is laughing. "There is one more group we have to pick up. C'mon, let's go."


Oriana

"Nah it's just us three. C'mon!" She pops the release button to her pokeball and takes off in a dash following the Rotom. "These guys're a bunch'a saps. This is just like when I took'em down in their Celadon base. With three of us it'll be a snap!" The red light fades in a smaller shape than she expected, and revealed is an pre-evolved version of her pokemon. "Oh, Cheese..." her face is a confused mix of happy and disappointed. "You're Pikachu again... gah c'mere!" Oriana scoops up the yellow electric mouse and he scrambles up onto her shoulders. "All right now let's get outta here, boys!"

The Rotom pauses for a bit and turns to look at Ori for just a moment. "I wouldn't say that, dear. These men means business. I'd advise you drop the misconceptions you hold from the simulation." Her tone is now dead serious. "Keep your wits about you, and try not to fall behind."

With that said and done—the Rotom also briefly eyeing the silent Jared, it hovers over to one of the steel doors. The ghost pokemon again pauses, before melting right into the console device next to the door. Then it beeps, and the Rotom reappears just as the door slides open with a heavy thud. Beyond, was a dimly lit corridor stretches on both end. The smell of recycled air hangs heavy, and low thrum of machinery grew stronger. They were most definitely not in Kanto anymore.

It beckons for the trio to follow and starts to drift down the metal corridor.


Yuri

Yuri looks at the girl as if trying to figure if she was a real person or a trap. After a short time he remarks,"Perhaps we have to pull a secret lever or something of the sort to escape, seems like what would happen if one of those cartoons right?" he laughs,"But yes I met the woman and was told that world was false and Team Rocket was behind it somehow."


Sera

Smiling cheerfully at her companion's reply, despite the situation, Sera nods her head. "Well, it's not that different from some of the weird 'secret' bases I found while in that fake world."

Not seeing anything more useful to do, she examines the room, looking for any doors there might be and makes her way over to them if there are.

Gabriel shakes his head. "I looked already. No way out. Whatever the lady does, I hope it's soon. I hate waiting about. If these guys are what she hints they are, I don't want to be sticking around when they find out we escaped."

Similar to the other room, there was several doors, one on each side atop the elevated walkway. All locked and sealed, with no way out.

[Bowyer]

{Tristan}

Tristan merely nods as Oriana suggests they move out. So they were meeting up with one more group? Tristan hurries along the too cramped corridors. He would certainly be glad once they were out of here...but what then? A question springs up almost unbidden. "Is it normal," he asks Spark/MissIngno "That we don't know who we were before...all this happened?" Whatever the answer he still wanted to get out of here as quickly as possible.

[Desril]

Sera

"No way out, huh?" Looking at the doors, Sera gets a dumb idea and makes her way over to one. "Let's see if we can make one then. Leon, Fury Cutter!"

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri

"Unfortunately, Athlo doesn't have the talent to smash down... anything really. Anyway name's Yuri, how about you two?". As he says this, he looks around, still half wondering whether this was just another game.

[Desril]

Sera

Watching as her Honedge cuts with little success at the door, she looks up at her Cellmate, I guess he'd be? and replies with a smile that doesn't seem particularly concerned about being trapped, "I'm Sera. Sera Fal, and this is my best friend, Leon. Or at least I guess I'm Sera...if that world was fake, maybe that isn't the name I was born with...eh, whatever, no point in changing now, right?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Oriana follows the robot pokemon with the others. She hadn't really thought about life before this - life before this was the world she now knows was only a simulation. So now... The pikachu climbs down from her shoulder into her arms. Well I know Cheese is real. That's all I've got. She asks another question before the voice over the pokespeaker can respond to Tristan's. "Why would Team Rocket be so dumb in the simulation if they're real smart here...?"

[Xunthrae]

Jared

Something inside of Jared is stirred awake by Tristan's question. Rage fills the young man. He tries to remember before the simulation, but he couldn't. The tall youth brings up the rear of the group, following just behind Oriana. He thinks on Glint, the Aron he always remembered. That pokemon was his best friend in the simulation, more than any person, more than any other pokemon. Would he remember too? Would they be as in tune as they were back home? Home? That place isn't home. That place was never truly home, that place was a lie. Everything there was a lie, and with that realization he felt something cutting through his rage. A deep ache went through him while the group followed the rotom. He misses a step and nearly fell, but recovers and keeps going.

Jared shoves the emotion down and away, locking it deep inside. He can't deal with that now, he has to focus on getting out of this place alive. He can't go back to the lie, he won't let himself be captured again, he won't let himself be an experiment for others to play with.

[Grif]

{Tristan}

Tristan merely nods as Oriana suggests they move out. So they were meeting up with one more group? Tristan hurries along the too cramped corridors. He would certainly be glad once they were out of here...but what then? A question springs up almost unbidden. "Is it normal," he asks Spark/MissIngno "That we don't know who we were before...all this happened?" Whatever the answer he still wanted to get out of here as quickly as possible.

"Team Rocket made sure the process was thorough. I'm sorry we couldn't do more. If you like, we do have your records on file, so you could use them to piece together your former life."


Oriana

Oriana follows the robot pokemon with the others. She hadn't really thought about life before this - life before this was the world she now knows was only a simulation. So now... The pikachu climbs down from her shoulder into her arms. Well I know Cheese is real. That's all I've got. She asks another question before the voice over the pokespeaker can respond to Tristan's. "Why would Team Rocket be so dumb in the simulation if they're real smart here...?"

"They're devious like that. From what my colleagues tell me, it's only a part of their deception. Apparently they paint themselves as incompetent so that they can later befriend and convince you that they were merely misguided. And the brainwashing starts from that point onward."


Jared

Something inside of Jared is stirred awake by Tristan's question. Rage fills the young man. He tries to remember before the simulation, but he couldn't. The tall youth brings up the rear of the group, following just behind Oriana. He thinks on Glint, the Aron he always remembered. That pokemon was his best friend in the simulation, more than any person, more than any other pokemon. Would he remember too? Would they be as in tune as they were back home? Home? That place isn't home. That place was never truly home, that place was a lie. Everything there was a lie, and with that realization he felt something cutting through his rage. A deep ache went through him while the group followed the rotom. He misses a step and nearly fell, but recovers and keeps going.

Jared shoves the emotion down and away, locking it deep inside. He can't deal with that now, he has to focus on getting out of this place alive. He can't go back to the lie, he won't let himself be captured again, he won't let himself be an experiment for others to play with.

Fortunately for the trio, the Rotom soon stops after only passing by three doors on their left. This one doesn't look much different from the rest, save for the number 120-129 stamped in black on the dull steel grey of the door. The same biometric interface was present beside the door.

Without further ado, the Rotom slips into the console. A moment later, the door slides open to reveal a room that looks exactly like a twin of the one they just left. Save for the fact that there was another two different boy and girl standing just before them...


Sera

"No way out, huh?" Looking at the doors, Sera gets a dumb idea and makes her way over to one. "Let's see if we can make one then. Leon, Fury Cutter!"


Yuri

"Unfortunately, Athlo doesn't have the talent to smash down... anything really. Anyway name's Yuri, how about you two?". As he says this, he looks around, still half wondering whether this was just another game.

The surprisingly average boy stands up from his crouched position near his open pod. "Gabriel Owens. I just hope we're not waking to yet another lie. MissingNo was quite convincing, but I'm starting to..." His words were interrupted as the door slides open, possibly causing the Honedge to tumble out of the door and into the trio beyond.

"... well. We're not alone."

[Bowyer]

{Tristan}

Three and three make six. Six out of 140. Not exactly good odds. Guess that made them all lucky. "You three coming? I don't know about you but this place gives me the creeps." he says to the three awoken youths.

[Desril]

Sera

Surprised by the sudden arrival of three more people as Leon tried to cut through the door, it takes Sera a moment to collect herself before nodding. They don't look like Rocket members to me, so I guess they must be on our side. "Yeah, let's get out of here. I guess you all just got out of that fake world too?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"Yup!" Oriana nods to the only other girl in the group of six. "Let's go do the one thing we know how." Oriana smashes her closed fist into her open one. "Kick Rocket butt!"

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri looks at the small party assembled and wonders why they were the ones chosen to be freed, but that mystery would have to be solved later. "So shall we leave or no? Any ideas on how we do so?"

[Xunthrae]

Jared

Jared stays quiet. He doesn't know what to make of the others yet, but is fine holding back and letting them lead while he observes. He kept his hand on Glint's pokeball, just in case he needed to react quickly and let the Aron out.

[Grif]

[Le Olde Party Reunion]

The Rotom buzzed amidst the conversation, trying to draw the attention of all those involved. "Right. Good to see everyone has made their acquaintances. Now..." The voice stuttered for another moment, the Rotom suddenly wobbling, before clarity returned. "... damn. They're definitely on to us. Anyway, let's make this quick. Here's the plan, quick and dirty."

"Just to recap, for the benefit of our new friends, this is a research station off the moon of Io currently owned and operated by Team Rocket. If you don't know where that is, don't worry, you soon will. Now, the station is built in a classical toroidal configuaration... well, imagine it like a huge donut. You're currently in the Research B sector, on their fourth level. There's a hangar bay at the intersection between this sector and the next one: Hangar E. You need to make your way there. That's where we will be waiting. Sparky here should be able to lead you to the hangar itself, so all you need to do is to follow him, really. If you lose him... well, let's not think about that."

"In case you're wondering why nobody noticed yet, well, a mutual friend has left us with two very cleverly built backdoors into their security system, one into their VR program, and one more into their security mainframe itself. So far, we managed to suppress all their normal security measures, but that wouldn't do much good once someone actually eyeballs the obviously opened pods and raises the alarm. So, it would be best you all get off the station before they notice."

MissingNo sighs. "If none of this is still making sense, then well, you only need to follow the nice Rotom and try not to attract too much attention. Questions before we go?"

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri thinks for a moment, in a daze still, and then says,"Can you close the pods? That should buy us even a bit more time should they choose to check up on us. Perhaps even have the machine pretend to read our vitals if such was a function of it. All to give the appearance that we are still in there."

As he says this he walks over to the Rotom and gently pokes it, ensuring it truly does exist.

[Bowyer]

{Tristan}

"I'm ready to go," Tristan says before hesitating, "uh, which way are we going again?" He had some questions but right now it would be best to wait. It was still a bit disorienting, changing worlds.

[Xunthrae]

Jared

Jared nods. "Let's get going." He is ready to get going and simply waits for the rotom to lead the way.

[Grif]

Yuri thinks for a moment, in a daze still, and then says,"Can you close the pods? That should buy us even a bit more time should they choose to check up on us. Perhaps even have the machine pretend to read our vitals if such was a function of it. All to give the appearance that we are still in there."

As he says this he walks over to the Rotom and gently pokes it, ensuring it truly does exist.

Rotom beeps agitatedly at being poked. Yes, it does exist. :smalltongue: "We could do that. I doubt it'll make much a difference." As she speaks, the pod covers starts to lower.


{Tristan}

"I'm ready to go," Tristan says before hesitating, "uh, which way are we going again?" He had some questions but right now it would be best to wait. It was still a bit disorienting, changing worlds.


Jared

Jared nods. "Let's get going." He is ready to get going and simply waits for the rotom to lead the way.

"Just follow the Rotom." The Rotom bob and turns to leave.

Tristan and Yuri might hear the distant echoes of footsteps ringing on metal. And it's heading their way. Both of you might also be able to tell that there's two person coming down the corridor, and from the opposite direction of where they came from.

Gabriel holds up a hand. "Did you hear that? Someone's coming." he hisses. Looking around, you might find the room offers plenty of hiding places that could serve as a temporary hiding spot. Good thing Jared suggested lowering the pod covers earlier. A quick look outside also reveals whoever that's coming isn't in sight yet.

Whatever the group decides, they need to do it quickly.

[Desril]

Sera

Looking at Gabriel, Sera shakes her head. "I don't hear anything, but if someone is coming, it's probably a Rocket Grunt, right? Let's just battle them and move on."

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri stares at Sera with a blank look on his face,"Why would they agree to a Pokemon battle with us? It's their job to keep us in, not play a game with us and if we win let us go," he pauses,"unless we still are in some game, and I'm just a comic relief character whose advice is never something the party should follow... either way two people are headed this way."

[Bowyer]

{Tristan}

Tristan's brow knits for a moment, "Just two? It wouldn't be too hard to take them out...but it might cause a lot of noise. I guess we should try and hide but we can't wait long for them to pass by. We only have to fight if they notice something fishy." Having spoken, Tristan heads for a hiding spot hoping to stay hidden.

Hide: [roll0]

[Desril]

Sera

Still not seeing why they can't just battle their way out, Sera shrugs follows Tristan's lead anyway, looking for a suitable cranny to crouch down and hide in.


Stealth [roll0]

[Xunthrae]

Jared follows suit, Glint's pokeball in his hand ready to be thrown if any one of them is caught.


[roll0]

[Grif]

[Virtual Reality Chambers, Pod 120-129]

MissingNo snorted on the other end. "Fine, we'll go with your plan." The Rotom floats out of sight, and with everyone else already scrambling to hide, the room was soon empty. Just in time too, as the two mysterious figures soon opens the door to the room. There they stood, for some time. For those who cared to look, they may notice that they're garbed in all-black uniforms. Those from Kanto realities might recognise them as the signature uniforms of Team Rocket, complete with a stylised R on their cap. Some things just never change.

The more astute may also notice that they each have two pokeballs tucked away in their belt.

"I swear, the administrator is paranoid," one of the figure grumbled.

"Orders are orders. She thinks someone's been tampering with our VR systems. I don't see how, but she insists we check anyway," the second answers.

The first one glances around, looking very much bored. "Well, do you see anything here? I sure don't."

"Let's just do a quick diagnostic check like we're told to, and then we can go back to your game, okay?"

"Hell yeah, it's the Lugians against the Entei Flamers. Wouldn't miss it for the world."

It would seem to take forever, but the two seems oblivious to the teenagers hiding all around them. The diagnostics seems to have satisfied their curiosity. Just as they were about to leave, however, a sudden thud resounded from where Jared was hiding.

Uh oh.

The two stops in their tracks, and drew their pokeball. "Who's there?" the first one snarls.

[Bowyer]

{Tristan}

Tristan hides quietly, hoping the Rockets don't find anything out of the ordinary. He thinks they might almost get away without a fight when someone shifts in their cramped confines, making a resounding noise. Tristan winces; it looks like they couldn't avoid a fight after all. Well, two wouldn't be too hard for the lot of them. They could take down the grunts Pokémon with ease. He extracts himself from his hiding spot. "Well I'm here," he calls out, "I don't suppose you could let us go without a fight?" He wouldn't strike from the shadows, that wouldn't be sporting.

[Desril]

Sera

Not quite able to see what's going on, but hearing Tristan move from his hiding spot, Sera decides to wait and listen rather than jumping out. It's not exactly fair to ambush them, but if they won't settle this with a fair battle against him, there's no sense in playing fair.


Staying hidden for now, waiting to see how the Rockets react before doing anything.

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri's heart stops for a moment as the guy known as Tristan leaps out to speak with the grunts. He was more insane than he was! As he talks to the grunts, Yuri remains hidden and asks Athlo to be ready to use Hypnosis as soon as Yuri himself does so.

readied action for both Athlo and Yuri, Hypnosis, will trigger if the guards attempt to call for help or turn hostile.

[Xunthrae]

Jared winces when he hears himself make the noise that alerts the guards. He waits, ready to let Glint out on a moments notice. They would need all the advantages as they could get.

[Grif]

{Tristan}

Tristan hides quietly, hoping the Rockets don't find anything out of the ordinary. He thinks they might almost get away without a fight when someone shifts in their cramped confines, making a resounding noise. Tristan winces; it looks like they couldn't avoid a fight after all. Well, two wouldn't be too hard for the lot of them. They could take down the grunts Pokémon with ease. He extracts himself from his hiding spot. "Well I'm here," he calls out, "I don't suppose you could let us go without a fight?" He wouldn't strike from the shadows, that wouldn't be sporting.


Sera

Not quite able to see what's going on, but hearing Tristan move from his hiding spot, Sera decides to wait and listen rather than jumping out. It's not exactly fair to ambush them, but if they won't settle this with a fair battle against him, there's no sense in playing fair.


Staying hidden for now, waiting to see how the Rockets react before doing anything.


Yuri's heart stops for a moment as the guy known as Tristan leaps out to speak with the grunts. He was more insane than he was! As he talks to the grunts, Yuri remains hidden and asks Athlo to be ready to use Hypnosis as soon as Yuri himself does so.

readied action for both Athlo and Yuri, Hypnosis, will trigger if the guards attempt to call for help or turn hostile.

I just looked this up in the PTU forum and the core book. You cannot ready actions in PTU, sorry to say.


Jared winces when he hears himself make the noise that alerts the guards. He waits, ready to let Glint out on a moments notice. They would need all the advantages as they could get.

"Ohoho. Looks like the sysadmin was right." The first one laughed. "Come on out, and we promise not to hurt you." The grunt continued, his voice entirely insincere. His partner was already reaching for his belt, as he continued to approach where Jared was. "That goes for all of you!"

Already, Gabriel was shaking his head and gesturing at Sera, and holding up his pokeball and mouthing, "Ready."

If they wanted to spring their trap, they better do so quickly!

[Desril]

Sera

Nodding at Gabriel, Sera reaches for the pokeball at her side before suddenly leaping out of her hiding place and tossing the orb in the direction of the Rocket member moving toward Jared. Issuing her command before the Honedge even has time to fully appear, she calls out to her Pokemon while rushing forward herself, "Leon, push him out of the way with Tackle! Everyone else, get ready!"

Deciding to take the threat posed by the Rocket's seriously, Sera charges at the grunt with the intention of hitting him before he has a chance to call out his Pokemon.


Somewhat preoccupied so I can't double check, but I'm hoping that sending out a Pokemon doesn't use up one of the trainer actions so I can still move and Struggle.

We can either use the brief potential distance gain to run, or we can keep up the fight, you guys' call.

Actions
Leon - Move and Tackle Grunt moving toward Jared
Attack [roll0] (AC 3)
Damage [roll1]
Pushes the target 2 meters.

Sera - Move and Struggle against the other Grunt
Attack [roll2] (AC 4)
Damage [roll3]

[Bowyer]

{Tristan}

Sera's leaping out startles Tristan but he hadn't missed the insincerity in the grunts' eyes. It looks like a fight was inevitable if they wanted to get out. "We don't want trouble....", Tristan says weakly before letting out Desiree next to him. A breeze blows lightly throughout the room.
When the Rocket in front of him inevitably releases his Pokémon, Tristan looks to Desiree, "Try and keep it away". The Trapinch nods and throws a vortex of sand at whatever it was.


Hopefully this'll help you a bit so you don't have to wait for Dez's abysmal speed.

Desiree- Spd 1
Sand Tomb- Ground, Physical

Target is put in a vortex.

[roll0] AC
[roll1] Damage

[ChaosArchon]

As soon as the guards begin to walk towards them, both Yuri and Athlo work in concert to try and bring the pair down, hopefully before they unleash their own Pokemon. "Nighty, night Rocket Grunt 1 and 2." Yuri giggles as he unleashes a ray of ethereal waves from his forehead, just as Athlo does as well.

both Yuri and Athlo using Hypnosis on guard 1 and 2

Yuri-Hypnosis (AC 6):[roll0]
Athlo-Hypnosis (AC 6):[roll1] dang two 18s... there have got to be super low odds of that happening right? :smalleek:

[Grif]

(Right, here we go.)

Their escape wasn't easy. Although they managed to subdue the two guards that had mistakenly wandered into the pod room, their absence was soon noted by the more competent Team Rocket's security staff. The radio crackled with reports that more search teams were sent out. At least they haven't provoked a full-scale lockdown just yet.

MissingNo's Rotom led the group through a bewildering and circuitous route around the station, chosen for their security blindspots and low traffic. They stopped only to pilfer a supply room, grabbing a few items of interest before the Rotom drove them on again. Unfortunately, just as they were about to leave, the group blundered into a trio of Rocket Grunts. The ensuing battle forced the group to split up, with Orianna, Yuri, Sera and Tristan quickly making good their escape into the next section of the station, where escape was promised.

Here, our heroes pause to catch their breath and they contemplate their next move...

Section D Intersection, Level 3

The Rotom waits patiently for the group to regain their breath, managing to look both apologetic and annoyed at the same time.

"That was unfortunate," MissingNo says evenly, an undercurrent of frustration hidden in her voice. "I'm sorry we had to leave them behind, but those Grunts are too well trained to take down on our own. Now..." She paused for a few moment. "... the hangar should be just around the corner. We better hurry."

Roll Perception with your post, if you please.

[Desril]

Sera

Struggling to catch her breath, Sera fumes about how out of shape she is, "This should've...been easy...I ran more than this...daily...back hom---no, in that fake world."


Perception [roll0]

Sorry for short post, I couldn't think of anything to add but wanted to say something and try and help get this rolling again.

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"So let's keep going!" Oriana says to the Rotom after a few short steps. "C'mon Sera, don't tell me you're tired already!" The little girl zips to the corner to give a closer look, but in her excitement, really isn't the best scout for this job. A disheveled pikachu climbs onto her shoulders and peers around the bend as well.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

The flight had been an arduous one. That second group of Rockets had caught them off guard, Tristan shuddered as he thought about what might lay in store for the two that got caught. He tries to shake it off, "Well to be fair, we've been asleep for a long time. I know I'm still a bit winded."


[roll0]

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri

The young man laments in between his gasps for air,"I even had a bike in the game...."

Perception: [roll0]

[Grif]

Section D Intersection, Level 3

Satisfied that at least these four would remain with her, the Rotom pushed on head, wheeling around the corner into yet another metal corridor, will multiple alcoves set into the wall. There! At the end of the passage, a blast door that marked the entrance to the hangar. The ghostly pokemon gestures towards the door and wobbles down the passage towards it. Oddly enough, there isn't any guards here...

The more observant will notice additional shadows, spilling out of the alcoves on both sides on the far side. Seems like there might be a surprise ahead.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

As the group moves down the hallway, something catches Tristan's eye. Were those shadows...moving? "Miss. Ingno are you sure there isn't anyone else ahead?" he asks still not sure if he imagined the movements.

[Desril]

Sera

Completely oblivious to the shadows Tristan noticed, Sera continues on ahead unworried, though turns her head back to Tristan as she walks. "Why? Did you hear something?"

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri nods to Athlo, currently hiding in his shadow, not unlike whatever was up ahead of them,"Check it out will you Athlo, stick to the shadows."

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

The little pikachu leaps off Oriana's shoulders and zips ahead of the group to investigate the shadows underneath Athlo.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

"Well I thought I saw something in those shadows," he says reluctantly but with a couple of the others noticing something, there might be something to it.

[Grif]

Just as Cheese the Pikachu nears the door, a cloud of sickly gas suddenly spews from the alcoves, enveloping both Cheese and the unfortunate Athlo who had lurked behind him! Even Sparky, who had been trailing behind managed to get herself caught in the brewing cloud.

Cheese, Sparky and Athlo are Poisoned!

The two pokemon coughs and retreat quickly. Sparky seems mildly confused by this new state of affair.

"Blast! You didn't get all of them!"

"Not my fault, you imbecile. It's either I let loose now, or they escape."

"Well, shut it. We need to capture them or boss will have our heads." A pair of shadows emerged from the alcoves from either side, the outline of a Koffing and Sandshrew in tow behind them.

Now. A battle! Handy, isn't it? Let's practice some group battling now.

Have a crudely drawn map that isn't cobbled together because I have no talent. (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16N7J1Vy8JgK8vMCDkZKrxHH4C3_I1Qsd4b7-b8oTIFU/edit#gid=0)

According to my list, the initiative list goes like this:

Cheese (Pikachu)
Sparky (Rotom)
Sera
Athlo (Ghastly)
Tristan
Orianna
Yuri
Rocket Grunt 1
Rocket Grunt 2
Koffing
Sandshrew
Leon (Honedge)
Desiree (Trapinch)

EDIT: Changed to reflect the actual SPD.

Unfortunately, Chaos, it looks like your character sheet had been altered and all of Athlo's stats seem to be missing. I'm guessing he has a Spd of 9 for now, but it'll be appreciated if you can reupload it back as soon as you can.

Okay, now posting order is enforced. Well, less enforced, more encouraged. You may post out of order, but note that I'll still process it by turn order.

[Hefty Lefty]

Cheese

The electric mouse falls to all fours in a squeaky coughing fit. It lets out a high-pitched squeal of pain before darting back towards his owner.


Cheese uses Charm on the Sandshrew!
[roll0], DC 2

Cheese shifts to space L21.

[Grif]

The Sandshrew looks extremely confused by the Pikachu's actions. He lets out a confused whine, only to be silenced by a kick from his master.

Sparky, in the meantime, wobbled back, still in mild confusion, and looking a little in pain as well. "Sparky? What's going on?"

Sparky moves back to L22. No further action.

[Desril]

Sera

Seeing the Rockets step into the light, Sera dashes forward, releasing her Honedge as close as she can to the group. "Leon, focus on that Sandshrew, but be careful!"


If I'm not misunderstanding this, Sera can move 4 squares up to K21 and then release Leon 8 squares away at K13.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Well it looked like he wasn't mistaken, not that it is much comfort. "Come on out Dez. They need some help," Tristan says moving up before throwing Desiree's ball forward as well.

Moving Tristan to K20, Releasing Desiree to J16

[ChaosArchon]

Athlo

As the poisonous gas swirls around Athlo, he breathes in it and relishes every particle of it. It tasted a bit like apple pie, except less pie and more mortal peril. Nevertheless, as the Pikachu flees down the hallway, the Gastly melds into the shadows of the walls, waiting for just the right time to strike.

Athlo remains where he is, invisible and literally hiding in the shadows

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"Cheesie!" Oriana hustles to meet her pokemon, both of them acting like it was the first time either has seen real pain. "C'mere c'mere let's see if," she reaches into pocket of her jumpsuit for the antidote syringe, "if these work like they did in, the -uh, hold still!" Ori's pikachu, in its queasy fit, struggles in her arms but eventually submits to the injection.

Oriana moves to M21.

Oriana uses an Antidote on Cheese.

[ChaosArchon]

[Yuri]

As Athlo slinks to the shadows to lie in wait for the right moment, Yuri focuses on his teachings. The energy of the spirits surrounded everything, and with the proper focus the right person can shape that energy into a weapon against his foes. The young man points his finger at the grunt who seems to be partners with the Sandshrew and focuses his mental energy on lulling his foe to sleep.

using Hypnosis on Rocket Grunt 2 I think

Hypnosis (AC 6):[roll0]

[Grif]

Sera

Seeing the Rockets step into the light, Sera dashes forward, releasing her Honedge as close as she can to the group. "Leon, focus on that Sandshrew, but be careful!"


If I'm not misunderstanding this, Sera can move 4 squares up to K21 and then release Leon 8 squares away at K13.


Throwing Range is 4 + Atheletic Rank. Your rank is two, so you can only throw six squares. That means Leon gets released at K15 instead.

The thrown pokemon springs out in a flash, and Leon stands ready!


[Tristan]

Well it looked like he wasn't mistaken, not that it is much comfort. "Come on out Dez. They need some help," Tristan says moving up before throwing Desiree's ball forward as well.

Moving Tristan to K20, Releasing Desiree to J16

And Dez soon joins Leon!


Athlo

As the poisonous gas swirls around Athlo, he breathes in it and relishes every particle of it. It tasted a bit like apple pie, except less pie and more mortal peril. Nevertheless, as the Pikachu flees down the hallway, the Gastly melds into the shadows of the walls, waiting for just the right time to strike.

Athlo remains where he is, invisible and literally hiding in the shadows


Oriana

"Cheesie!" Oriana hustles to meet her pokemon, both of them acting like it was the first time either has seen real pain. "C'mere c'mere let's see if," she reaches into pocket of her jumpsuit for the antidote syringe, "if these work like they did in, the -uh, hold still!" Ori's pikachu, in its queasy fit, struggles in her arms but eventually submits to the injection.

Oriana moves to M21.

Oriana uses an Antidote on Cheese.

Cheese seems remarkably less in pain after the injection. A good thing too.

Cheese recovers from its Poison!


[Yuri]

As Athlo slinks to the shadows to lie in wait for the right moment, Yuri focuses on his teachings. The energy of the spirits surrounded everything, and with the proper focus the right person can shape that energy into a weapon against his foes. The young man points his finger at the grunt who seems to be partners with the Sandshrew and focuses his mental energy on lulling his foe to sleep.

using Hypnosis on Rocket Grunt 2 I think

Hypnosis (AC 6):[roll0]

The Grunt merely stared back at Yuri. Then laughs. "Boy, is that supposed to do something?" he bellows.

Hypnosis fails.

The two Rocket Grunts look at each other, then at the rabble that stood before them. Then they both stepped forward and stared down the two pokemons that barred their way. "You ain't goin' anywhere kids. Give it up."

The two Grunts shifts to J10 and M10 and use Intimidate on Leon and Desiree, lowering their Atk by one stage.

Then with a gesture, both Koffing and Sandshrew attacks in a fury of smoke and armoured ball.

Sandshrew shifts to K13, then uses Rollout, and Passes through K14-K17, attacking Leon.

Rollout (AC 4+3) (Leon): [roll0]
Ignore this: [roll1]

Damage: [roll2]

Koffing shifts to K12 and uses Smokescreen on K16.

[Desril]

Sera and Leon

Shrugging off the Sandshrew's attack like it was no more irritating than a fly, Leon unsheathes itself as it lunges toward the Sandshrew.


After reducing the damage from Def and it being Not Very Effective, ((20-12)/2) Leon takes 4 damage.

Leon moves to K16 and uses Tackle on Sandshrew to try and push it down to K19 and out of the smoke.

Attack [roll0] (AC 3)
Damage [roll1]

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

"Dez take out that ball of gas!" Tristan calls out. Desiree goes her best, scooting forward and bringing her jaws together with a clack.


Shifting to K 13
Bite @ Koffing
Dark- Physical
Flinches 15+


AC 2 vs [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[Hefty Lefty]

Cheese

Ori's tiny pikachu wrestles out of his trainer's arms, uncomfortably readjusting to the world. No pain, but certainly still in discomfort. "Chee stay back," Ori starts to whisper sanctuary back in her grasp, but the electric mouse is having none of it! He leaps to he ground on his hind legs, and revs up his electric sacs. "Piiiiiii"

Due to Oriana's use of the Antidote last turn, Cheese may take no standard or shift action this turn.

[Desril]

Sera

Suddenly, inspiration strikes, and Sera moves forward to stand next to Tristan as the Sandshrew flies out of the smoke. I hope this works and I'm not just about to look like an idiot, but...I wouldn't have had any powers in that fake world if I didn't have them here, right? "Everyone, take care of the Koffing and the Rockets first!"

Holding her hands out toward the Sandshrew that Leon sent their way, she concentrates on it, mentally building walls around it to trap it in place. I can do this, I know I can, just focus! "You're not going anywhere!"


Moving to L20, which should be adjacent to Sandshrew after the tackle, but if not, I'll move to wherever is.

Using Barrier, boxing the 'shrew inside. It won't hurt him, but it'll take him out of the fight if we're lucky.

[ChaosArchon]

Athlo

Following his partner's example, Athlo focuses its energies on lulling the partner of the Sandshrew. "For now it would only be a temporary sleep, but one day it will be a final sleep." thinks the macabre Gastly.

Hypnosis on the same target (AC 6):[roll0]

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan stays out of the fight for now, not really discerning that the others had already interfered.


Moving to J19

[Grif]

(A little delayed, but here goes. Bad combination of PC dying and getting sick.)


Sera and Leon

Shrugging off the Sandshrew's attack like it was no more irritating than a fly, Leon unsheathes itself as it lunges toward the Sandshrew.


After reducing the damage from Def and it being Not Very Effective, ((20-12)/2) Leon takes 4 damage.

Leon moves to K16 and uses Tackle on Sandshrew to try and push it down to K19 and out of the smoke.

Attack [roll0] (AC 3)
Damage [roll1]


The Sandshrew is pushed aside by the Tackle, but seems otherwise little hurt. Its thick shell made it rather resistant to physical attacks!

Sandshrew pushed to L19.


[Tristan]

"Dez take out that ball of gas!" Tristan calls out. Desiree goes her best, scooting forward and bringing her jaws together with a clack.


Shifting to K 13
Bite @ Koffing
Dark- Physical
Flinches 15+


AC 2 vs [roll0]
Damage [roll1]



The Koffing howls in pain and seems quite out of it after that nasty bite.

Koffing is flinched!


Sera

Suddenly, inspiration strikes, and Sera moves forward to stand next to Tristan as the Sandshrew flies out of the smoke. I hope this works and I'm not just about to look like an idiot, but...I wouldn't have had any powers in that fake world if I didn't have them here, right? "Everyone, take care of the Koffing and the Rockets first!"

Holding her hands out toward the Sandshrew that Leon sent their way, she concentrates on it, mentally building walls around it to trap it in place. I can do this, I know I can, just focus! "You're not going anywhere!"


Moving to L20, which should be adjacent to Sandshrew after the tackle, but if not, I'll move to wherever is.

Using Barrier, boxing the 'shrew inside. It won't hurt him, but it'll take him out of the fight if we're lucky.


The Sandshrew now finds itself boxed in by a series of invisible barriers. It seems rather confused by this turn of event.

For reference, Barriers have 20 HP, are Psychic-type, and have 15 Damage Reduction.


Athlo

Following his partner's example, Athlo focuses its energies on lulling the partner of the Sandshrew. "For now it would only be a temporary sleep, but one day it will be a final sleep." thinks the macabre Gastly.

Hypnosis on the same target (AC 6):[roll0]

The first rocket grunt yawns, and totters, before falling to the floor, sleeping soundly. His partner blinks and looks at the sleeping man with a panicked look. "Hey you idiot! This is no time to sleep!"

Meanwhile, the Rotom seems to be content to be warbling away at its trainer, and saving it's strength. "Yes? What? More Rocket Grunts? You're poisoned? Damnit. Sparky, don't move. Let your new friends take care of them."

Rotom skips its actions.

[Desril]

Sera

"Leon, I had an idea!" Leaving the Sandshrew to its fate, Sera runs into the smokescreen with a hand over her mouth to try and make breathing a little easier in the cloud and calls out to her honedge again. "We're fighting for our lives, right? So let's fight together, come here!"

Reaching out for the sword Pokemon, she takes it in hand, wielding him like an actual weapon while he presents a determined face.


Moving to L17 and using my standard action to Equip Leon. If I'm reading the Living Weapon and Weapons sections right, that ups Sera's Struggle to DB5 and lets Leon use Sera's overland movement on his turn at the cost of his No-Guard ability.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Desiree isn't quite satisfied with her still standing opponent. She fakes another bite before slamming into the unsuspecting Koffing.


Feint Attack @ koffing
Dark Physical
Can't miss
Crit check [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Oriana seems as confused as the sandshrew when the prismatic box appears and traps it. After a flinching reaction to cover Cheese and realizing the sand mouse can't escape, Ori moves forward to investigate the box. In quick, soft, fluid motions, she outlines the edges of the box, conveying to the sandshrew its cage.

Oriana moves to L19.

Oriana uses FeatherDance.

[Grif]

Cheese (Pikachu)
Sparky (Rotom)
Sera
Athlo (Ghastly)
Tristan
Orianna
Yuri
Rocket Grunt 1
Rocket Grunt 2
Koffing
Sandshrew
Leon (Honedge)
Desiree (Trapinch)


Yes, I know, slightly out of order, but nothing too significant yet.


Oriana

Oriana seems as confused as the sandshrew when the prismatic box appears and traps it. After a flinching reaction to cover Cheese and realizing the sand mouse can't escape, Ori moves forward to investigate the box. In quick, soft, fluid motions, she outlines the edges of the box, conveying to the sandshrew its cage.

Oriana moves to L19.

Oriana uses FeatherDance.

The Sandshrew seems to be further confused by this. But he understands that this is a prison he should be breaking out.

Attack further lowered by 2 stages.

Watching the sudden reversal of fortune with a somewhat concerned expression, the first Rocket Grunt growls. "Kids glove comes off then." Oh dear, the grunt now pulls out a menacing futuristic pistol out of his belt. They definitely aren't fooling around! He aims the gun at the Trapinch and fires!

Rocket Grunt uses Flash Cannon on Desiree.

Attack (AC 2): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

In the meantime, the other grunt rolls over, murmuring in his sleep.

Sleep Save (DC 16): [roll2]

In the meantime, the Koffing seems paralysed by Desiree's vicious attack and floats about with swirly eyes.

The Sandshrew however, tries its best to break free of its prison, curling up into a ball and smashing into the nearest wall.

Sandshrew attacks the Barrier to its north. Rollout continues.

Attack (AC 4): [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]



[Tristan]

Desiree isn't quite satisfied with her still standing opponent. She fakes another bite before slamming into the unsuspecting Koffing.


Feint Attack @ koffing
Dark Physical
Can't miss
Crit check [roll0]
Damage [roll1]



The Koffing recoils from the relentless attacks, looking somewhat pained now.


Sera

"Leon, I had an idea!" Leaving the Sandshrew to its fate, Sera runs into the smokescreen with a hand over her mouth to try and make breathing a little easier in the cloud and calls out to her honedge again. "We're fighting for our lives, right? So let's fight together, come here!"

Reaching out for the sword Pokemon, she takes it in hand, wielding him like an actual weapon while he presents a determined face.


Moving to L17 and using my standard action to Equip Leon. If I'm reading the Living Weapon and Weapons sections right, that ups Sera's Struggle to DB5 and lets Leon use Sera's overland movement on his turn at the cost of his No-Guard ability.


I'll just assume Leon flies to Sera and equips himself to her. Please restate your action for the next round.

[Hefty Lefty]

Cheese
The tiny pikachu joins along in Ori's dance, happily hopping and skipping to an internal beat. The strange dance does its job as the sandshrew certainly seems subdued and distracted. "C'mon Cheese," Oriana orders after their duet is complete, "Let's go find out what the others are up to!" She beckons the creature forward. Cheese dashes away with a few quick lunges and is swallowed by the smokescreen.

Cheese uses Charm on Sandshrew!

Cheese shifts to K15.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Desiree grunts as the round hits, she was fine for the moment but it still stung. Tristan hears the grunt's retort and further the guns report. It looked like the rules here really were "Hey! Stop that! Can't you just give it up? You're already outnumbered."


Moving Tristan to J14 just out of range from being able to do anything.

[Grif]

Cheese

The tiny pikachu joins along in Ori's dance, happily hopping and skipping to an internal beat. The strange dance does its job as the sandshrew certainly seems subdued and distracted. "C'mon Cheese," Oriana orders after their duet is complete, "Let's go find out what the others are up to!" She beckons the creature forward. Cheese dashes away with a few quick lunges and is swallowed by the smokescreen.

Cheese uses Charm on Sandshrew!

Cheese shifts to K15.

Goodness, that's a lot of lowered Atk Stages for Sandshrew. :smalltongue:

In the meantime, the Rotom finally got its act together, and with a precise strike, struck the Koffing with dazzling touch of lightning.

Rotom shifts to L18 and uses Thunder Wave on Koffing. And takes a further damage of 1/8th of its hit points.



[Tristan]

Desiree grunts as the round hits, she was fine for the moment but it still stung. Tristan hears the grunt's retort and further the guns report. It looked like the rules here really were "Hey! Stop that! Can't you just give it up? You're already outnumbered."


Moving Tristan to J14 just out of range from being able to do anything.


I think you accidentally a word there.

The grunt just grins. "What? You think I can't handle kids like you?" And worse news, his friend appear to be waking up from his temporary loss of consciousness.

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Following right behind her pokemon, Ori dashes into the smoke, cartwheeling through the fumes like only a little ball of energy would. She nimbly avoids running into walls (and through Athlo!) with a few well-timed tumbles. She rises from the floor side-by-side with pikachu, spying out from the walls of the smokescreen ready to make moves on their next target.

Ori shifts to L15!

Ori uses Swords Dance!

[ChaosArchon]

Yuri

As the grunt wakes up from his slumber, Yuri grins and simply says to the man, his words laced with occult energy"How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a wood chuck would chuck wood?"

activating Confuse Ray which cannot miss. Again sorry for slowing down the game :smallfrown:

[Grif]

Oriana

Following right behind her pokemon, Ori dashes into the smoke, cartwheeling through the fumes like only a little ball of energy would. She nimbly avoids running into walls (and through Athlo!) with a few well-timed tumbles. She rises from the floor side-by-side with pikachu, spying out from the walls of the smokescreen ready to make moves on their next target.

Ori shifts to L15!

Ori uses Swords Dance!


Yuri

As the grunt wakes up from his slumber, Yuri grins and simply says to the man, his words laced with occult energy"How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a wood chuck would chuck wood?"

activating Confuse Ray which cannot miss. Again sorry for slowing down the game :smallfrown:

New Year celebrations finally dying down. Time for a post!

The Rocket Grunt cringes on hearing Yuri speak, his eyes clouding just a little as his vision begins to swim.

Rocket Grunt #2 is Confused.

Meanwhile, his companion fired his laspistol again, aiming to bring Desiree down, and gesturing for his companion to retrieve his gun and shoot the same target.

Rocket Grunt uses Flash Cannon on Desiree again.

Attack (AC 2): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

His companion soon follows suit, though his aim looks unsteady! But alas for Yuri, it wasn't enough to prevent him from firing the gun at Desiree!

Rocket Grunt #2 is no longer Confused! Rocket Grunt #2 uses Flash Cannon on Desiree.

Attack (AC 2): [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

The Sandshrew meanwhile, continues to batter somewhat futilely at the invisible prison!

Sandshrew attacks the Barrier to its north. Rollout continues, 3rd attack.

Attack (AC 4): [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

To its surprise, the barrier breaks!

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]
Desiree takes the first hit and manages to stay standing but the second is just too much and she falls to the ground defeated. Tristan is shocked cries out, "Dez no!"

[Desril]

Sera and Leon

Hearing the odd noise of her barrier actually shattering was the sound Sera was waiting for. "Now our chance, Leon! Let's show these Rockets that nobody can mess with us!"

As fast as she can, Sera dashes past the still-standing walls of her barrier, moving to stand just in front of the Sandshrew as she swings Leon at the ground-type Pokemon. She doesn't aim to cut it with the steel blade of her Honedge, however, instead doing her best to focus her psychic energies just past the blade, using Leon as a focus to form a psychic sword to slash with.


Shift to K18

Leon is equipped raising her Struggle to DB 5. Using Sera's Telekinetic Capability to use Struggle as a Special Attack rather than Physical.

AC (4+Sandshrew's Eva) [roll0]
Sp. Damage [roll1]


After his trainer's attempt to harness her own power using him as a conduit, Leon acts on his own, dragging his master's body along with him as he strikes at the annoying little sand-rat before retreating into the smoke to protect both himself and his master.


Leon uses Tackle!

AC (Evasion applies while equipped, so 3+Eva) [roll2]
Damage [roll3]

Leon (and thus Sera as they move as one while equipped) take a step back into the smoke in K17

[Grif]

Sera and Leon

Hearing the odd noise of her barrier actually shattering was the sound Sera was waiting for. "Now our chance, Leon! Let's show these Rockets that nobody can mess with us!"

As fast as she can, Sera dashes past the still-standing walls of her barrier, moving to stand just in front of the Sandshrew as she swings Leon at the ground-type Pokemon. She doesn't aim to cut it with the steel blade of her Honedge, however, instead doing her best to focus her psychic energies just past the blade, using Leon as a focus to form a psychic sword to slash with.


Shift to K18

Leon is equipped raising her Struggle to DB 5. Using Sera's Telekinetic Capability to use Struggle as a Special Attack rather than Physical.

AC (4+Sandshrew's Eva) [roll0]
Sp. Damage [roll1]


After his trainer's attempt to harness her own power using him as a conduit, Leon acts on his own, dragging his master's body along with him as he strikes at the annoying little sand-rat before retreating into the smoke to protect both himself and his master.


Leon uses Tackle!

AC (Evasion applies while equipped, so 3+Eva) [roll2]
Damage [roll3]

Leon (and thus Sera as they move as one while equipped) take a step back into the smoke in K17


Och, Tackle didn't really hurt, unfortunately.

The Sandshrew took twin blows with both mind and matter, staggering from the Psychic attack, but seemingly able to shrug off Leon's follow-up with little issue. Still it looked hurt, so Sera's doing something right.

The Koffing, having managing to shrug off being grounded by electricity, belched out an unhealthy billow of smog on the poor Trapinch.

Koffing passes the Paralyze save.

Koffing uses Smog on K13-K14 (Line 2). Even numbered rolls poison target.

Attack (AC 7): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Hefty Lefty]

Cheese

Ori hears the cry of Desiree as she falls but can't see well through the smoke. It appears the fog works both ways. "Chee, we're too late..." she starts, but is interrupted by Tristan's lament. "No. We gotta go bail him out! Whatever's out there, we can take!" The little mouse at her feet nods and sprints into the fray.

Cheese emerges from the black cloud in a purple and white ball of electrical energy. He surges down the hallway in search of a target and sends a spark at the only threatening pokemon he finds.

Cheese shifts to M12!

Cheese uses ThunderShock on Koffing!
AC 2: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

About time I used an attack. We're only on turn 4... :smallamused:

[Grif]

Cheese

Ori hears the cry of Desiree as she falls but can't see well through the smoke. It appears the fog works both ways. "Chee, we're too late..." she starts, but is interrupted by Tristan's lament. "No. We gotta go bail him out! Whatever's out there, we can take!" The little mouse at her feet nods and sprints into the fray.

Cheese emerges from the black cloud in a purple and white ball of electrical energy. He surges down the hallway in search of a target and sends a spark at the only threatening pokemon he finds.

Cheese shifts to M12!

Cheese uses ThunderShock on Koffing!
AC 2: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

About time I used an attack. We're only on turn 4... :smallamused:

That we are. :smalltongue: (Sorry, I was actually expecting Bowyer to make a comment about Des falling but I guess I didn't make that clear) And here we go!

The Koffing shrieks as the lightning bolt impacts its body, looking rather singed. The poison pokemon wobbles, then slowly deflates to the ground, thoroughly knocked out of the fight.

In the meantime, the Rotom lets out a warbled cry of its own as the poison continues to wreck its havoc. "Hang in there, Sparky. Looks like there's only a few more left. Save your strength."

Koffing faints.

Rotom does not move and takes a further 1/8 hp in damage.

[Hefty Lefty]

Ori

"Drop 'em, boys." The pipsqueak of a girl commands as her figure forms from the smoke. She saunters towards the grunts and their guns aimed on her person. "Good fight though. I'll take my prize money now." Ori pleasantly holds forward her hand to receive the credits, rising to her tiptoes in anticipation.

Ori shifts to L12.
[roll0]

[Bowyer]

Tristan

Tristan is nearly speechless, caught somewhere between anger and fear. He gives the grunt who last spoke a dirty look but refrains from doing anything more than recalling Desiree.

[Grif]

Ori

"Drop 'em, boys." The pipsqueak of a girl commands as her figure forms from the smoke. She saunters towards the grunts and their guns aimed on her person. "Good fight though. I'll take my prize money now." Ori pleasantly holds forward her hand to receive the credits, rising to her tiptoes in anticipation.

Ori shifts to L12.
[roll0]

"You think this is a game?" the grunt says in disbelief.

"Wow, they're more naive than I thought," his partner added.


Tristan

Tristan is nearly speechless, caught somewhere between anger and fear. He gives the grunt who last spoke a dirty look but refrains from doing anything more than recalling Desiree.

At least the grunts allow that.

Yuri and his Gastly stops to see how the grunts respond to Orianna as well. The two didn't need to wait long.

The first grunt grins and raises his gun, along with his partner. "Thanks, for making it easy, pipsqueak. I'm sure the boss wouldn't mind a broken leg or two." They fire without hesitation.

Hefty, please roll Acrobatics. This counts as the combat round for both grunts.

Meanwhile, behind the smoke cloud, the Sandshrew dogged tries to run down Sera and Leon.

Sandshrew attacks the Sera/Leon. Rollout continues, 4th attack.

Attack (AC 4+3): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Desril]

Sera and Leon

After nimbly side-stepping the Sandshrew this time as it blindly rolls into the smokescreen, Sera emerges from the cloud and once again draws on her blooming psychic powers to strike the sturdy little shrew with another telekinetic slash. "Sorry about this little guy, it's not really fair, but I'm not going to lose to some stupid Rockets!"


Shift to K18

Telekinetic Struggle! (AC 4+Eva) [roll0]
Sp. Damage [roll1]


Narrowing his eye mischievously, almost as if it's grinning from having figured out its master's plan, Leon forces Sera's arms into position to perform an uppercut slash against the boxed in Sandshrew before dragging his trainer back into the relative safety of the smokescreen.


Tackle (AC 3+Eva) [roll2]
Ph. Damage [roll3]

If possible, use the Push to send the Sandshrew up and cause a bit of falling damage. Alternatively, if that's not possible bounce it off the back barrier.

Shift back to K17

[Grif]

Sera and Leon

After nimbly side-stepping the Sandshrew this time as it blindly rolls into the smokescreen, Sera emerges from the cloud and once again draws on her blooming psychic powers to strike the sturdy little shrew with another telekinetic slash. "Sorry about this little guy, it's not really fair, but I'm not going to lose to some stupid Rockets!"


Shift to K18

Telekinetic Struggle! (AC 4+Eva) [roll0]
Sp. Damage [roll1]


Narrowing his eye mischievously, almost as if it's grinning from having figured out its master's plan, Leon forces Sera's arms into position to perform an uppercut slash against the boxed in Sandshrew before dragging his trainer back into the relative safety of the smokescreen.


Tackle (AC 3+Eva) [roll2]
Ph. Damage [roll3]

If possible, use the Push to send the Sandshrew up and cause a bit of falling damage. Alternatively, if that's not possible bounce it off the back barrier.

Shift back to K17


The Sandshrew found itself reeling from the telekinetic blast and knocked back onto its back onto the floor. Its weak squeals and feeble movements indicated it was definitely out of the fight as well.


Here's the Acrobatics roll. I'll let you tell me what happens before I craft any sort of response.


Basically the grunts fire, and Oriana manages to dance/jump out of the way, in a rather elaborate manner, if you like. You may describe the scene.

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana and Cheese

Faster than a laser - faster than two lasers! - Oriana leaps into the air in an airy backflip over the deadly beams. She lands just as gracefully as she tosses herself up, wipes her hair from her face, and boils at the guards, "What the heck!?" She clenches her hands in fury, "You- you- you- can't do that!? You tried to- to-... AAAAHHH!!" The girl, incredulous in the Rockets' actions and unable to keep a steady breath after skirting death, literally bursts into flame around her arms and fists. She charges at one of the men before he has time to fire his gun a second time. Cheese doesn't need a command to follow his trainer into battle, sending a quick jolt of electricity that actually hits the grunt before Ori does.

Cheese uses ThunderShock on Rocket Grunt 2!
Attack Roll: [roll0] AC: 2
Damage Roll: [roll1]

Oriana uses Flame Charge on Rocket Grunt 2!
Attack Roll: [roll2] AC: 2
Damage Roll: [roll3]

Oriana shifts to M11.

[Grif]

Oriana and Cheese

Faster than a laser - faster than two lasers! - Oriana leaps into the air in an airy backflip over the deadly beams. She lands just as gracefully as she tosses herself up, wipes her hair from her face, and boils at the guards, "What the heck!?" She clenches her hands in fury, "You- you- you- can't do that!? You tried to- to-... AAAAHHH!!" The girl, incredulous in the Rockets' actions and unable to keep a steady breath after skirting death, literally bursts into flame around her arms and fists. She charges at one of the men before he has time to fire his gun a second time. Cheese doesn't need a command to follow his trainer into battle, sending a quick jolt of electricity that actually hits the grunt before Ori does.

Cheese uses ThunderShock on Rocket Grunt 2!
Attack Roll: [roll0] AC: 2
Damage Roll: [roll1]

Oriana uses Flame Charge on Rocket Grunt 2!
Attack Roll: [roll2] AC: 2
Damage Roll: [roll3]

Oriana shifts to M11.

"Why you little bi-" the first rocket grunt yells, slapping his lasgun with annoyance, before his eyes widens as Ori burst into flames. "She's one of them witches!"

"Not witches you dumb-" His companion barely dodged Cheese's electric blasts, before finding himself seared by the flaming girl. "Owwwww!" the grunt yelps, scrambling back, dropping his gun, his arm now featuring a nasty burn. "Do something, you idiot! Shoot her!"

In the meantime, Sparky beeps sadly in a corner, looking like it's trying to conserve it's energy.

Rotom skips its turn. Waiting for Tristan to post, then posting the actions of the two grunts.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan is almost as surprised as the grunt when Orianna bursts into flames. He's still on tilt from Desiree going down and the grunts' subsequent fire on Orianna herself. They didn't play by the rules, so why should he. Well he couldn't leave Orianna standing alone, time to pay back these two for Desiree. He hurries over and sends a rending gust of his wind at the grunt. It still felt odd to control the air.



Tristan to L11

Air Cutter hitting Grunt 2
Special- Flying
Crits on 18+
AC 2 vs
Damage [Roll]2d6+17z

[Desril]

Sera and Leon

Unable to see Oriana's arms burst into flame, or Tristan channel the air like it was a blade, Sera instead suppresses the urge to do a victory pose and start humming at the Sandshrew's defeat, remembering that, even without Pokemon, the Rockets may not give in. Taking a moment, some of the more...embarrassing moments of her life, or what she'd thought was her life, flash before her. Cheeks reddening in rage and shame, enhanced by the adrenaline of combat, she grips the Honedge tightly in her hand and turns to the opposite end of the smoke cloud.

Charging through the smokescreen, past the fallen Pokemon, she swings Leon again, this time shouting as she does, "This is for all those times wild Pokemon stole my things!"


Move to J13

Telekinetic Struggle [roll0] (AC 4) on Grunt 1
Sp. Damage [roll1]


If it were possible, Leon would've grinned in response, having been responsible for those little pranks more often than not. But still, the enemy was the enemy, and a fight was time to attack, not smile! Dragging his master forward with him, he does his best to slice through the Rocket's chest, not particularly concerned about his safety.


Move to J11 (If I'm not mistaken, Leon and Sera can move Sera's Overland, as long as neither of them exceed going over it on their turn, but if I am misreading this and he can't move further, change this move to Sword Dance)

Fury Cutter [roll2] (AC 3)
Damage [roll3]

[Grif]

[Tristan]

Tristan is almost as surprised as the grunt when Orianna bursts into flames. He's still on tilt from Desiree going down and the grunts' subsequent fire on Orianna herself. They didn't play by the rules, so why should he. Well he couldn't leave Orianna standing alone, time to pay back these two for Desiree. He hurries over and sends a rending gust of his wind at the grunt. It still felt odd to control the air.



Tristan to L11

Air Cutter hitting Grunt 2
Special- Flying
Crits on 18+
AC 2 vs
Damage [Roll]2d6+17z




"Agh!" the grunt yells as the gust of wind slams him against the wall. A trickle of blood dripped out of his black beret.

"Damn you all." His partner growls, firing his gun again at the Tristan, while the fallen grunt picks himself up and tries to aim a punch at Orianna.

Rocket Grunt #1 uses Flash Cannon on Tristan.

Flash Cannon (AC 4): [roll0]
Damage (Special): [roll1]

Rocket Grunt #2 uses Struggle (Physical) on Orianna.

Struggle (AC 2): [roll2]
Damage (Physical): [roll3]


Sera and Leon

Unable to see Oriana's arms burst into flame, or Tristan channel the air like it was a blade, Sera instead suppresses the urge to do a victory pose and start humming at the Sandshrew's defeat, remembering that, even without Pokemon, the Rockets may not give in. Taking a moment, some of the more...embarrassing moments of her life, or what she'd thought was her life, flash before her. Cheeks reddening in rage and shame, enhanced by the adrenaline of combat, she grips the Honedge tightly in her hand and turns to the opposite end of the smoke cloud.

Charging through the smokescreen, past the fallen Pokemon, she swings Leon again, this time shouting as she does, "This is for all those times wild Pokemon stole my things!"


Move to J13

Telekinetic Struggle [roll0] (AC 4) on Grunt 1
Sp. Damage [roll1]


If it were possible, Leon would've grinned in response, having been responsible for those little pranks more often than not. But still, the enemy was the enemy, and a fight was time to attack, not smile! Dragging his master forward with him, he does his best to slice through the Rocket's chest, not particularly concerned about his safety.


Move to J11 (If I'm not mistaken, Leon and Sera can move Sera's Overland, as long as neither of them exceed going over it on their turn, but if I am misreading this and he can't move further, change this move to Sword Dance)

Fury Cutter [roll2] (AC 3)
Damage [roll3]



If the Living Weapon is also being used as an active Pokémon, the Wielder and the Living Weapon use the Wielder’s Movement Speed to shift during each of their turns, and the total amount Shifted during the round cannot exceed the Wielder’s Movement Speed.

Since Sera's movement speed is 4, she can only move 4 squares. (I actually misread the last portion and thought it meant the Speed of the trainer. This makes more sense.

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana and Cheese

Struggle actually has an AC of 4 (unless the Grunt has some edge or feature I don't know). With a roll of 6, Oriana dodges (AC 4 + 2 Speed Evasion). Nice try Hefty. Take your damage like a man. Or, apparently, a little girl. Nope. No damage. See OOC.

Oriana simply dodges the ugly punches with a fluid left shoulder movement. Fortunately due to his awkward positioning on the ground, it isn't delivered with much force. The girl fights on remaining entangled in the fiery grapple. She pins him to the ground and leaps into the air with one burning leg stiffly extended, tracing a perfect orange circle in the air before driving down onto the grunt with all her force.

Meanwhile, Cheese feels the presence of others in the room and sprints to the other side of the hall to flank his trainer's target. The mouse pokemon lets loose another charge of electricity before Oriana's kick lands.



I'm not sure where Cheese is since he isn't on the map, but I believe we last saw him in M13. Either way, he has plenty of Overland to dart around the board.

Cheese shifts to M9.
Cheese uses Thundershock on Rocket Grunt 2!
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]

Oriana uses Flame Wheel on Rocket Grunt 2!
Attack Roll: [roll2]
Damage Roll: [roll3]

Note: Rocket Grunt 2 has -2 evasion due to being flanked.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan is surprised by the shot. Well he definitely knew how Desiree felt now. The wound burned but it could have been worse. With little thought he has the wind rip at the man in response.



Air Cutter @ Grunt 1
Special-Flying
Crits on 18+

AC 2 vs [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[Grif]

Oriana and Cheese

Struggle actually has an AC of 4 (unless the Grunt has some edge or feature I don't know). With a roll of 6, Oriana dodges (AC 4 + 2 Speed Evasion).

Oriana swiftly jolts her head left to dodge the grunt's struggling punch, remaining entangled in the fiery grapple. She pins him to the ground and leaps into the air with one burning leg stiffly extended, tracing a perfect orange circle in the air before driving down onto the grunt with all her force.

Meanwhile, Cheese feels the presence of others in the room and sprints to the other side of the hall to flank his trainer's target. The mouse pokemon lets loose another charge of electricity before Oriana's kick lands.

I'm not sure where Cheese is since he isn't on the map, but I believe we last saw him in M13. Either way, he has plenty of Overland to dart around the board.

Cheese shifts to M9.
Cheese uses Thundershock on Rocket Grunt 2!
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]

Oriana uses Flame Wheel on Rocket Grunt 2!
Attack Roll: [roll2]
Damage Roll: [roll3]

Note: Rocket Grunt 2 has -2 evasion due to being flanked.

Psh. Turns out I read the figures in the opposite way. Flash Cannon has a AC of 2, and Struggle has a AC of 4, as you said. That'll teach me not to do these when tired. :smallredface: That makes it a miss on Ori. Bad news for the grunt, either way. :smalltongue:

The double blow was enough to send the grunt slumping to the floor, clearly unconscious by the time his head hit the ground, beret tumbling to the ground.


[Tristan]

Tristan is surprised by the shot. Well he definitely knew how Desiree felt now. The wound burned but it could have been worse. With little thought he has the wind rip at the man in response.


Air Cutter @ Grunt 1
Special-Flying
Crits on 18+

AC 2 vs [roll0]
Damage [roll1]



And now the Grunt was on the business end of the same merciless attack that felled his friend. Thrown back by the attack, he lands on his back heavily, groaning in pain. The grunt struggles to sit up, holding up a hand. "Enough. We surrender." He spat out the words, as if he couldn't believe what he was just saying.

Would the group accept?

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan is still hurting but manages to keep enough presence of mind to not attack again. He glances past the grunt before turning to everyone else, "We need to get moving, who knows how close another group might be." He winces before going on, "We don't have much time. Right?" He asks, the question more to Miss Igno than anyone but left hanging more than anything.

[Desril]

Sera

With the Rocket's surrender, Sera isn't entirely sure what to do. On the one hand, he was at their mercy, and they should show it...but on the other, he was one of the people who stole her childhood and were messing with her mind. Conflicted, it was Tristan's question to Miss Igno that spurred her into action. Walking past the grunt, she stops just once she gets behind him.

Talking more to Leon than the other people around her, she mutters "Whenever we lost, as rare as it was, I always seemed to just go blank and wake up at a Pokemon Center..."

Before anyone has a chance to register what she just said, she turns and bashes the grunt on the back of the head with her Honedge's hilt and added assistance in an effort to knock the grunt out with one swift blow.


....Do I roll an attack here, or can we just call it good since he's effectively helpless?



Once the Grunt is out, she turns to look at the others, slightly apologetic. "Sorry, we're in a hurry, but we can't just leave him here to go tell everyone where we are, right?"

[Grif]

[Tristan]

Tristan is still hurting but manages to keep enough presence of mind to not attack again. He glances past the grunt before turning to everyone else, "We need to get moving, who knows how close another group might be." He winces before going on, "We don't have much time. Right?" He asks, the question more to Miss Igno than anyone but left hanging more than anything.

"You don't have much time, no." MissingNo finally speaks, her voice seemingly a little distorted as it passes through the Rotom. Speaking of which, Sparky bobbles ahead, towards the door, looking rather pained. "The entire base is already on alert, and more will be arriving within minutes."


Sera

With the Rocket's surrender, Sera isn't entirely sure what to do. On the one hand, he was at their mercy, and they should show it...but on the other, he was one of the people who stole her childhood and were messing with her mind. Conflicted, it was Tristan's question to Miss Igno that spurred her into action. Walking past the grunt, she stops just once she gets behind him.

Talking more to Leon than the other people around her, she mutters "Whenever we lost, as rare as it was, I always seemed to just go blank and wake up at a Pokemon Center..."

Before anyone has a chance to register what she just said, she turns and bashes the grunt on the back of the head with her Honedge's hilt and added assistance in an effort to knock the grunt out with one swift blow.


....Do I roll an attack here, or can we just call it good since he's effectively helpless?



Once the Grunt is out, she turns to look at the others, slightly apologetic. "Sorry, we're in a hurry, but we can't just leave him here to go tell everyone where we are, right?"

Nah, it's good.

The grunt goes out like a light, slumping to the door with a soft thump.

MissingNo sighs, her Rotom letting out a whine. "I'm afraid Sparky is a little too injured to open the door now. See if you can find anything."

[Desril]

Sera

At the news that the whole base is already on alert, Sera doesn't bother to return Leon to his pokeball, instead telling him to stay ready as he sheathes himself and uses the cloth-like appendage to wrap himself around his trainer's waist like a belt.

Moving over to the door, Sera looks for some way to open it...by randomly pressing any buttons she can find. "Come on...come on, open up!"


I don't know what to roll here. Edu. Tech? [roll0] Intuition? [roll1]

Can I use my Probability Control ability to say she gets lucky and hits the right button? :smallamused:

(Someone should probably use a potion on Sparky, Sera's just too caught up in the moment to think things through very well.)

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan almost says something about Orianna punching out the grunt but since he's still nursing his own wound, he'll let it pass.

Having Miss Ingno confirm the base was swarming didn't make him feel any better. But the door was the more immediate problem and, with Sera pressing buttons haphazardly, Tristan tries a different approach. "Maybe one of them has something that might help?" he says gesturing towards the grunts. Tristan heads over and does a quick check of their pockets, it was a long shot but he'd gotten lucky so far.



Perception for searching [roll0]

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

As the man falls limp in her arms, Oriana realizes her work is done; far past that, in fact. A swing in mood to a calmer state cools her both emotionally and physically; the flames disappear from her body and, somehow, have left no trace on her skin or clothes. The grunt, still hot from his burns, is a different story. "Whoa..." she remarks, standing up and dropping the grunt, aghast at the powers she apparently has in this world.

Pikachu, too, descends from his combat mindset, and starts investigating for a way out with Oriana and the others. The wires and panels and beeping and lights are all gibberish to her, but she hopes testing enough combinations will give the team the right result. "Uhh, Sera," she asks off-handedly while playing around with buttons, "You think you coulda asked him for the way out before ya knocked him out?"

Oriana's Intuition roll: [roll0]

[Grif]

Sera

At the news that the whole base is already on alert, Sera doesn't bother to return Leon to his pokeball, instead telling him to stay ready as he sheathes himself and uses the cloth-like appendage to wrap himself around his trainer's waist like a belt.

Moving over to the door, Sera looks for some way to open it...by randomly pressing any buttons she can find. "Come on...come on, open up!"


I don't know what to roll here. Edu. Tech? [roll0] Intuition? [roll1]

Can I use my Probability Control ability to say she gets lucky and hits the right button? :smallamused:

(Someone should probably use a potion on Sparky, Sera's just too caught up in the moment to think things through very well.)


Intuition, actually, since you're merely guessing how the control is.


[Tristan]

Tristan almost says something about Orianna punching out the grunt but since he's still nursing his own wound, he'll let it pass.

Having Miss Ingno confirm the base was swarming didn't make him feel any better. But the door was the more immediate problem and, with Sera pressing buttons haphazardly, Tristan tries a different approach. "Maybe one of them has something that might help?" he says gesturing towards the grunts. Tristan heads over and does a quick check of their pockets, it was a long shot but he'd gotten lucky so far.


Perception for searching [roll0]




Oriana

As the man falls limp in her arms, Oriana realizes her work is done; far past that, in fact. A swing in mood to a calmer state cools her both emotionally and physically; the flames disappear from her body and, somehow, have left no trace on her skin or clothes. The grunt, still hot from his burns, is a different story. "Whoa..." she remarks, standing up and dropping the grunt, aghast at the powers she apparently has in this world.

Pikachu, too, descends from his combat mindset, and starts investigating for a way out with Oriana and the others. The wires and panels and beeping and lights are all gibberish to her, but she hopes testing enough combinations will give the team the right result. "Uhh, Sera," she asks off-handedly while playing around with buttons, "You think you coulda asked him for the way out before ya knocked him out?"

Oriana's Intuition roll: [roll0]

Unfortunately for Orianna and Sera, it seems like their wild guessing isn't quite as fruitful as it seems. It seems like they'd need a key or some sort to get past this door.

Fortunately for them, Tristan's little intuition paid off. In the first grunt's pockets, he'd find a bunch of key cards. Of these, one in particular stood out: a silvery one with HANGAR marked on it. The rest seems to be access cards to the other parts of the base. Not only did he manage to scourge a couple of key cards off the two grunts, the second grunt seems to be also carrying another potion in his pockets.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

He doesn't relish taking the potion but Desiree would certainly need it. "Bingo!" Tristan exclaims, holding aloft the key, "Lets get out of here." He hurries over to the girls' fruitless efforts and swipes the key card. With the subsequent opening door he gestures them ahead before heading through himself.




Whoops missed the post yesterday

[Desril]

Sera

Not one to worry herself overly much about ambushes, Sera takes Tristan up on his offer and heads into the next room.


....yeah, really not much to say here lol

[Grif]

[Tristan]

He doesn't relish taking the potion but Desiree would certainly need it. "Bingo!" Tristan exclaims, holding aloft the key, "Lets get out of here." He hurries over to the girls' fruitless efforts and swipes the key card. With the subsequent opening door he gestures them ahead before heading through himself.


Whoops missed the post yesterday


Sera

Not one to worry herself overly much about ambushes, Sera takes Tristan up on his offer and heads into the next room.


....yeah, really not much to say here lol

Don't sweat it.

The door lets out an approving chirp at the keyswipe. Looks they were in the clear. Or almost. Beyond the door was a small room, followed by yet another locked door, barred by the same mechanism. An airlock it would seem. Fortunately for them, the same keycard would also open this one, but not before warning that the first door would be closed first before the second would open.

Once they were through, they would find themselves in a corner of a large, cavernous room, approximately three stories high. A series of metal walkways crisscrossed the room, with several more entrances to other parts of the base. At various point, they would could see several staircases leading down, as well as a few elevators, seeming used for heavy storage. Below, they could see various containers and crates piled up at the edges and corners, but the centre of the room seemed purposefully empty.

Sparky warbled and gestured towards the ground floor. MissingNo's voice was tight with tension. "Alright. We got this far. Now time to bring you guys in. Head to the ground floor. Do not stop for anything. The entire base is now on full alert, and our efforts at confusing them can only go so far. Move. Go!"

[Desril]

Sera

Not needing to be told twice, the young trainer nods at Sparky before glancing at the others, surprisingly full of cheer in spite of the situation. "You heard her, right? RUN!"

Without pausing to wait for a response, Sera makes her way to the nearest staircase, wanting to be on the ground floor with access to cover in case more Rocket Grunts with lasers showed up. Suddenly thinking of something, she calls back as she runs, "Hey, this whole place is pretty sci-fi, right? You don't think they have a cloaked ship there in that empty space, do you?!"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan scurries after after Sera. He'd spent enough time in this base for a lifetime. He responds to Sera's question quickly "Maybe. I don't see any ships in here"

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"Let's go, guys!" Ori hustles to follow the group down the nearest stairwell. "This place is, like, crazy huge. Full of those Rocket creeps I bet."

[Grif]

Sera

Not needing to be told twice, the young trainer nods at Sparky before glancing at the others, surprisingly full of cheer in spite of the situation. "You heard her, right? RUN!"

Without pausing to wait for a response, Sera makes her way to the nearest staircase, wanting to be on the ground floor with access to cover in case more Rocket Grunts with lasers showed up. Suddenly thinking of something, she calls back as she runs, "Hey, this whole place is pretty sci-fi, right? You don't think they have a cloaked ship there in that empty space, do you?!"


[Tristan]

Tristan scurries after after Sera. He'd spent enough time in this base for a lifetime. He responds to Sera's question quickly "Maybe. I don't see any ships in here"


Oriana

"Let's go, guys!" Ori hustles to follow the group down the nearest stairwell. "This place is, like, crazy huge. Full of those Rocket creeps I bet."

If they were to look again, they would be disappointed by the lack of a ship suddenly appearing in the middle of the hangar bay. Guess Sera's theory was wrong. :smalltongue: And behind the trio, Yuri followed along silently, looking a little shaken but otherwise well. Their Rotom guide took the high way, and simply floated down to the floor. While they were huffing and puffing, they could see a small ship gliding in from space, heading for the open hangar. Its sleek white frame reflected its modern nature, and to our prisoner, resembled what they would know as the Space Shuttle, if the Space Shuttle was smaller, and had much smoother curves.

Just as Sera leaps from the last of the staircase, the entrance from which they came burst open, shouts filling the room. "Don't let them escape!" an angry voice yelled, and the boot steps of several men followed behind. At the same time, they could hear the ship coming in for a landing not far away.

"Hey! Where did that ship come from?"

"It's the stupid hackers. They must be blanking our sensors too!"

"Well don't just stand there. Close the bay doors!"

A small door lowered itself from the side of the ship. The trio could see a young lady, in her late 20s, stepping out and waving at them. "Over here! Get in before the goons get here!"

[Desril]

Sera

Disappointed by the lack of a cloaking device, but inspired to run faster at the sound of the Grunts' arrival, Sera swiftly swears as she sprints toward the shuttle as fast as her legs can carry her. "We're almost out of here, Leon!"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan wasn't in a particularly picky mood. As long as that craft got them out of here, it didn't matter how plain it was. All this running was taking its toll but he put on another burst hoping to make it to the ship before the Rockets got there.

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Ori darts towards the shuttle and keeps low (which is easy for the little girl) to get out of sight on the way to the woman. Cheese is several bounds ahead waiting for his trainer at the woman's feet.

[Grif]

Sera

Disappointed by the lack of a cloaking device, but inspired to run faster at the sound of the Grunts' arrival, Sera swiftly swears as she sprints toward the shuttle as fast as her legs can carry her. "We're almost out of here, Leon!"


[Tristan]

Tristan wasn't in a particularly picky mood. As long as that craft got them out of here, it didn't matter how plain it was. All this running was taking its toll but he put on another burst hoping to make it to the ship before the Rockets got there.


Oriana

Ori darts towards the shuttle and keeps low (which is easy for the little girl) to get out of sight on the way to the woman. Cheese is several bounds ahead waiting for his trainer at the woman's feet.

The lady helps them up into the shuttle one by one, keeping a close eye out for the ever-approaching Rocket Grunts. Inside they'd find themselves in a small, cramped cabin; barely enough to seat eight person comfortably. In one corner, they could see a girl, wearing a black bomber jacket, and sporting outrageous short neon pink hair that fell messily around her face tapping furiously into what looks to be an improbably slim laptop. She barely acknowledged the group as they filed in and took their seats. Sparky the Rotom was the last to go, and he seems to be happy to be sent back to his pokeball.

As soon as they were all inside, MissingNo quickly shut the door, and turned towards the front. "Okay, Rocko. Take us away," she called out.

"Yes, ma'am," a male voice answered. "Strap in, boys and girls. This is going to be wild!"

MissingNo grins, and takes a seat beside the group, helping anyone who might have had trouble with the pilot's instructions. "Hold on tight," she says, as she sinks back into her seat.

The trio would feel the ship beginning its takeout, amidst soft metal sounds rattling off the hull. Then the feeling of intense acceleration would send them reeling into their seat (or into their restraints), as the noisy hum of the engines filled the cabin. It would be several moments before the engines quietened down into something of a dull, distant thrum and feeling of extra-gravity subsided...

[Desril]

Sera

To excited to say anything more than compliment MissingNo on her "Nice hair," as they enter the rocket, Sera looks practically giddy. As the group rockets away from the Rocket Base, she eagerly cheers, "THIS IS AWESOME!" before finally calming down enough to speak mostly normally as the engines quieted down and the gravity of the situation finally started to get to her.

"Thanks, for saving us, by the way. But...now what do we do?"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan stumbles aboard the vessel. All to eager to be gone. He straps in when told but wonders just who else was on the ship. The jump was exciting but it aggravated his wound.
"Is there a Center or something nearby? That last group of Grunts we ran into didn't play nice," he says wincing. Sera brings up another concern he had, "That's a good question Sera."

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Oriana presses against her restraints as hard as she can to get a better view out the window. "Wow!" She plasters her face against the glass and watches with amazed eyes at the lights flying by. "Where are we going!?"

[Grif]

Sera

To excited to say anything more than compliment MissingNo on her "Nice hair," as they enter the rocket, Sera looks practically giddy. As the group rockets away from the Rocket Base, she eagerly cheers, "THIS IS AWESOME!" before finally calming down enough to speak mostly normally as the engines quieted down and the gravity of the situation finally started to get to her.

"Thanks, for saving us, by the way. But...now what do we do?"

"Now? Now, we see if we can help you... to help us." MissingNo smiles a cryptic smile.


[Tristan]

Tristan stumbles aboard the vessel. All to eager to be gone. He straps in when told but wonders just who else was on the ship. The jump was exciting but it aggravated his wound.
"Is there a Center or something nearby? That last group of Grunts we ran into didn't play nice," he says wincing. Sera brings up another concern he had, "That's a good question Sera."

MissingNo seems to finally notice Tristan's injury. "Let me take a look at that," he says, gently unbuckling his restraints and looking at it more closely. She pulls a box from a hidden compartment above her, and starts to clean the wound with special gel and gauze.


Oriana

Oriana presses against her restraints as hard as she can to get a better view out the window. "Wow!" She plasters her face against the glass and watches with amazed eyes at the lights flying by. "Where are we going!?"

"To our base on Europa. We have a hideout there. You'd love it. Oh, Midna. Say hello. Be polite."

The pink haired girl's head bobbed up. "Hello!" she says in a cheery voice, waving a hand, before going right back to what she was doing.

"Midna here was the one who infiltrated the Rocket's system and allowed me to speak with you all. If there's anyone to thank, it'll be her. Oh and I probably should tell you my real name. Selina Templar. Pleased to meet you all in the real."

[Desril]

Sera

"Pleased to meet you too, Selina. And you Midna," looking toward the cockpit she also calls out, "And you, Rocko, right?"

While "But what do you mean 'help us help you'? Help you what? And how are we supposed to help, we don't even know what's going on!"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan sighs with relief, "Thanks a bundle."

He returns Midna's wave and introduces himself after Sera, "You did a great job hacking, Midna. I'm Tristan and uh, thanks for getting us out of there and stuff"

"Help you out? What could you guys need help with? And aren't there people who are better qualified for this? I mean we did spend...a while in those pods." he asks, adding to Sera's questions

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"Guys, chillax!" Oriana jumps in, turning from the window. As she talks, she kicks her feet excitedly inches above the floor. "We only know one thing! They need our help with this!" She holds up her pokeball. "They need us to help with," she reaches down and plops her pokemon on her lap, "this!" A several-shades-greener pikachu doesn't seem to be as excited as Oriana to ride in a spaceship. "Oop, sorry Cheese." As soon as she lets go of the electric mouse it scrambles onto the floor to sit under her chair, clutching a bar on the ship wall.

[Grif]

Sera

"Pleased to meet you too, Selina. And you Midna," looking toward the cockpit she also calls out, "And you, Rocko, right?"

While "But what do you mean 'help us help you'? Help you what? And how are we supposed to help, we don't even know what's going on!"


[Tristan]

Tristan sighs with relief, "Thanks a bundle."

He returns Midna's wave and introduces himself after Sera, "You did a great job hacking, Midna. I'm Tristan and uh, thanks for getting us out of there and stuff"

"Help you out? What could you guys need help with? And aren't there people who are better qualified for this? I mean we did spend...a while in those pods." he asks, adding to Sera's questions


Oriana

"Guys, chillax!" Oriana jumps in, turning from the window. As she talks, she kicks her feet excitedly inches above the floor. "We only know one thing! They need our help with this!" She holds up her pokeball. "They need us to help with," she reaches down and plops her pokemon on her lap, "this!" A several-shades-greener pikachu doesn't seem to be as excited as Oriana to ride in a spaceship. "Oop, sorry Cheese." As soon as she lets go of the electric mouse it scrambles onto the floor to sit under her chair, clutching a bar on the ship wall.

Selena chuckles. "Well, your friend Orianna here have the right idea at least. You see, there's a reason why you all ended up in there." She looks out the viewport. "You are found to be the best and brightest talents that Team Rocket have identified from all across the Federation. The simulation you were in were... well, they were designed to train you up into a formidable member of Team Rocket. You may notice that even out here, some things remain the same. Like your pokemon abilities and how to use them. Those you already know well." Her lips curls up in a smile. "If you were to take the local Pokemon league challenge, I'm sure you could give most gym leaders a run for their creds."

"Team Rocket sure did a great job with their VR!" Midna exclaims from behind her laptop. "State-of-the-art, hm hm! Wish I could get my hands on the system."

"Maybe some other time, Midna."

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan is still a tad confused, "So there's a Pokemon League out here too.... why haven't they stopped Team Rocket's operation?" His own league hadn't been able to stop the Teams of his region but surely that was just Team Rocket propaganda right?

[Desril]

Sera

Silently wondering if, since her powers were real, if maybe her bad luck might have been real too and not just a result of a bored programmer, the young trainer doesn't speak up again for a moment.

Sera raises her eyebrow at Tristan's comment however. "You must've had a different virtual world than I did. The League in mine were pretty strong trainers, but they usually didn't do anything. Oh sure, they'd investigate things, but whenever I saw them they usually just worked with another trainer who did all the work."

"Though...I do want to try to take them on. Since they really exist, there's no point in changing my dream, right?" Putting that aside, she focuses on more immediate concerns and takes on a more serious tone that doesn't suit her very well. "But that doesn't explain how we can help you. I mean, I get why Team Rocket would want us, since it seems like we all have some sort of ability that's pretty rare, even if we can't totally control it yet, but what about you? Are you trying to bring them down or something?"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan scuffs his foot on the floor, "Well no...but Team Magma and Team Aqua were never really a threat. I'm sure if they got out of line the Leauge would have stepped up." He doesn't sound entirely sure though, "I mean nothing big happened..."

"But there's nothing...." He starts to argue that there wasn't anything special about himself but relents, "I guess you're right. I mean I hardly ever lost in the simulation and I do have a 'talent' but...Yea what do you want us to do?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"Team What?" She gives Tristan a strange look, shakes her head, and continues, "Wait I don't get it. Team Rocket was the bad guys in my world. All I did was beat 'em up. How does that make me want to join them?"

[Grif]

Sera

Silently wondering if, since her powers were real, if maybe her bad luck might have been real too and not just a result of a bored programmer, the young trainer doesn't speak up again for a moment.

Sera raises her eyebrow at Tristan's comment however. "You must've had a different virtual world than I did. The League in mine were pretty strong trainers, but they usually didn't do anything. Oh sure, they'd investigate things, but whenever I saw them they usually just worked with another trainer who did all the work."

"Though...I do want to try to take them on. Since they really exist, there's no point in changing my dream, right?" Putting that aside, she focuses on more immediate concerns and takes on a more serious tone that doesn't suit her very well. "But that doesn't explain how we can help you. I mean, I get why Team Rocket would want us, since it seems like we all have some sort of ability that's pretty rare, even if we can't totally control it yet, but what about you? Are you trying to bring them down or something?"

"In a manner of speaking. Suffice to say they're very powerful, and have a formidable legal presence that... ah... justifies their current position."


[Tristan]

Tristan scuffs his foot on the floor, "Well no...but Team Magma and Team Aqua were never really a threat. I'm sure if they got out of line the Leauge would have stepped up." He doesn't sound entirely sure though, "I mean nothing big happened..."

"But there's nothing...." He starts to argue that there wasn't anything special about himself but relents, "I guess you're right. I mean I hardly ever lost in the simulation and I do have a 'talent' but...Yea what do you want us to do?"


Oriana

"Team What?" She gives Tristan a strange look, shakes her head, and continues, "Wait I don't get it. Team Rocket was the bad guys in my world. All I did was beat 'em up. How does that make me want to join them?"

Selena shook her head. "Midna here tells me you're barely halfway through the simulation. Apparently, once you become the Pokemon Champion, Team Rocket will now try to win your affection. By what means, we are not certain. What we do know is that once the program completes, the subject will now be thoroughly indoctrinated and will be a loyal servant of the gang."

"Welllllll, they are leaders in neurological sciences. Maybe they do something to scramble your brains!" Midna exclaims.

Selena looks at Tristan. "You ask what you could do to help? It's simple really. We, the Noctowl Initiative, are committed to stopping Team Rocket's nefarious plans. We know they perform many illegal activities out here in the frontier, under the guise of pioneering research. Kidnapping and brainwashing young recruits to join their gang is only one of their many crimes. Unfortunately, our attempts to bring these to light has been met with considerable opposition from Team Rocket. You see, Team Rocket is known as Rocket Inc for most people. The respectable mega-conglomerate that is third in size behind Silph Co and Devon Corporation. Most planetary governments and moon colonies consider us as terrorists and have orders to arrest or kill us on the spot. All fabrication of course, but it's scary what money can buy you. Only out here, amidst the frontier colonies and the small mining stations, are we safe." She looks away. "We have our sympathisers, and supporters, but most of populace are indifferent to Team Rocket. Some supportive, even. It made conducting any form of resistance extremely risky. This operation was only possible because we had an insider who kindly leaked a lot of information."

"That's where you four come in. While Team Rocket may have our faces on every government databases, but... they don't have you. Midna already data-bombed the servers they have storing your information, so you'll be sorta like a ghost for the meantime until they manage to track down alternative sources of information. Which will be quite some time. Enough time for you to do serious damage to their organisation." Selena's eyes lit up with hope, as she stared at each one of them.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

"A ghost huh...I guess haunting Team Rocket would only be fair," Tristan says reclaiming a bit of his humor. "What did you have in mind?"

[Desril]

Sera

Hearing what Team Rocket apparently had planned for them, Sera puts a hand on Leon's pokeball to help calm her nerves. So everyone thinks they're a legitimate business, and no one would've even tried to rescue us? I was stuck there, I wouldn't have been able to do anything about it...I mean, I'm in a spaceship right now, they probably could've just lasered my brain or something to make me do whatever they wanted...shuddering briefly, she resolves to get even.

"Anything we can do to help take them down, I'm in. Just tell me what I need to do. I don't really care if I get found out, as long as we take down their organization. They're going to wish they'd been disbanded by a 10 year old when I'm through with them."

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"How long were we brainwashed? How long ago were we kidnapped?" The girl questions, hung up for an answer.

"Wait, so we're gonna break into a super-mega corporation, reveal all their dirty secrets and become wanted criminals across the galaxy!?" Oriana stops struggling against her seatbelt for a second to let the task sink in. "Coooooool!"

[Grif]

Oriana
"How long were we brainwashed? How long ago were we kidnapped?" The girl questions, hung up for an answer.

"Since you were ten. As far as we can tell. Unfortunately, all that was recorded besides your personal abilities was your date of 'enrollment' and your family name. We probably can look more into that once we land."



"Anything we can do to help take them down, I'm in. Just tell me what I need to do. I don't really care if I get found out, as long as we take down their organization. They're going to wish they'd been disbanded by a 10 year old when I'm through with them."



"Wait, so we're gonna break into a super-mega corporation, reveal all their dirty secrets and become wanted criminals across the galaxy!?" Oriana stops struggling against her seatbelt for a second to let the task sink in. "Coooooool!"


[Tristan]

"A ghost huh...I guess haunting Team Rocket would only be fair," Tristan says reclaiming a bit of his humor. "What did you have in mind?"

Selena smiles and looks up. "Rocko, how close are we to our Europa base?"

"Just five more minutes, Sel."

"Good. We have a couple of targets in mind. But that can come later. For now, we should get you all looked over by a proper doctor, and get you up to speed with the modern world. After that, I think you guys could use an introduction to the 24th century." Her smile widens lazily.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

"The 24th century...ugh it was way in the past in there...at least I think it was," Tristan says brow furrowed in confusion. He runs a hand over the now healed gun wound, "Uh...my Pokémon was in pretty bad shape after the fight. Did you have any more of that healing gel?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"Since I was 10... wait, so... wait how old am I?" Ori tries to stomach the information a second or two behind the conversation. "Hey so can everyone shoot fire in the 24th century!?"

[Desril]

Sera

"The 24th century, huh? Well, I've already seen laser guns and space ships and digital worlds, I bet everything else is gonna be pretty awesome too!" Distracted by trying to think of every sci-fi trope she knows, Sera can't help but grin. "Oh, are there flying cars? Poke-people? What about teleportation!?"

[Grif]

[Tristan]

"The 24th century...ugh it was way in the past in there...at least I think it was," Tristan says brow furrowed in confusion. He runs a hand over the now healed gun wound, "Uh...my Pokémon was in pretty bad shape after the fight. Did you have any more of that healing gel?"

"Of course. Let me have a look." She takes Desiree's pokeball when offered (or the pokemon itself), and began applying the same treatment.


Oriana

"Since I was 10... wait, so... wait how old am I?" Ori tries to stomach the information a second or two behind the conversation. "Hey so can everyone shoot fire in the 24th century!?"

"You're... 16 now. Sera's 17, and Tristan here is 18. And no, not everyone can shoot fire in the 24th century. Unless you mean guns, in which case, yes, we do have fire."


Sera

"The 24th century, huh? Well, I've already seen laser guns and space ships and digital worlds, I bet everything else is gonna be pretty awesome too!" Distracted by trying to think of every sci-fi trope she knows, Sera can't help but grin. "Oh, are there flying cars? Poke-people? What about teleportation!?"

Selena hums thoughtfully. "Yes to the first, no to the second and third. Though I heard Silph is experimenting with teleportation technology back in their HQ."

On their viewports on either side, they'll see that they're rapidly approaching a brownish ice ball, dwarfed by a huge gas giant looming in the distance.The more savvy would recognise it the former as the moon Europa, and the latter, Jupiter itself.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

"Thanks," Tristan says to Selena as she begins to heal Desiree. The wounds still looked harsh but already seemed to be fading. At least she would always be a constant, even after that false world.
"Eight whole years huh?" He says weakly. "That would explain why Dez looked so much smaller," patting the still downed bug's head.
He glances out the port as they get closer. Something about the variegated orb seems familiar but being unable to place it he tries to shake it off, "We certainly got here fast. Do all ships fly so fast? Cause that would be awesome."

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Ori laughs nervously and whips her hands behind the seat to hide them as if they were actively red and burning. Maybe I'm some sort of experiment! She imagines as she watches the planet approach from the window.

[Desril]

Hearing Sel's answer to Oriana's question, Sera assumes that her own telekinetic powers are some form of mutation or innate gift, but not a particularly common one, a thought that makes her smile. Pity we can't teleport though, that'd be cool.

Seeing the gas giant out of the viewport, Sera can't help but be amazed. "Woaaaah...this is so awesome!"

[Grif]

[Tristan]

"Thanks," Tristan says to Selena as she begins to heal Desiree. The wounds still looked harsh but already seemed to be fading. At least she would always be a constant, even after that false world.
"Eight whole years huh?" He says weakly. "That would explain why Dez looked so much smaller," patting the still downed bug's head.
He glances out the port as they get closer. Something about the variegated orb seems familiar but being unable to place it he tries to shake it off, "We certainly got here fast. Do all ships fly so fast? Cause that would be awesome."

"Kinda? A trip from Earth to the outer planets would take about two weeks, so it's pretty fast. Paradoxically, reaching the outer colonies like Alpha Centauri only takes months, despite being orders of magnitude further away. But that's science for you." Selena laughs.


Oriana

Ori laughs nervously and whips her hands behind the seat to hide them as if they were actively red and burning. Maybe I'm some sort of experiment! She imagines as she watches the planet approach from the window.


Hearing Sel's answer to Oriana's question, Sera assumes that her own telekinetic powers are some form of mutation or innate gift, but not a particularly common one, a thought that makes her smile. Pity we can't teleport though, that'd be cool.

Seeing the gas giant out of the viewport, Sera can't help but be amazed. "Woaaaah...this is so awesome!"

Ori is now officially part of the X-Men. :smalltongue:

Selena shoots both Ori and Sera a grin. "Wait till you see our secret base."

I'll allow one more round of questions, then we get to do fun stuff. Like handing out xp and character advancement. (Because I can't do it while I'm in 'straylia.) Yay levelups. :smalltongue:

[Desril]

Sera

Unable to hold back a grin at the words 'secret base', Sera responds with an energetic "I can't wait!"

But when she goes back to looking out the window, a thought strikes her suddenly and she bites her lip in concentration, trying to figure it out before giving up and turning to Selena. "So...we were kidnapped when we were about 10, and that was 7 years ago, more or less, right? ...but we're not on Earth. How long is a year?"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

The whole talk of time was interesting but not one that he really knew much about. For now it was enough to watch the dirty orb grow closer in the viewport.

[Grif]

Sera

Unable to hold back a grin at the words 'secret base', Sera responds with an energetic "I can't wait!"

But when she goes back to looking out the window, a thought strikes her suddenly and she bites her lip in concentration, trying to figure it out before giving up and turning to Selena. "So...we were kidnapped when we were about 10, and that was 7 years ago, more or less, right? ...but we're not on Earth. How long is a year?"

"We're still using Terran Standard Calendar for most part. So a year will still be a year even out here in the colonies." Selena laughs for a bit, then sobers. "But yes, you four probably have a lot to catch up on..."

With all talk done, Rocko finally pipes up. "Approaching Europa's orbit." One could almost imagine the grin on his face from his jovial tone. "Buckle up, we're heading home." Selena would help any of the group to do just that, before settling down for the descent herself.

The ship dove down onto the icy surface, speeding through the non-existant atmosphere with almost terrifying speed. The group could probably hear Rocko exchanging a few words on his radio, most seems to be similar to what one would say to an air traffic controller. As they continued their descent, the white surface of the moon soon resolved into a desolate landscape of endless ice and snow, broken here and there by towering pillars of more ice.

Here and there, one might glimpse herds of Mamoswine trundling through the ice, and along with the occasional Seels.

After several more minutes of endless ice, the ship approached what seemed to be a tall building, half-buried in the ice. It looks abandoned from the first glance, the windows dark and the surroundings looking like no one has passed by for a long time. Weird.

The more canny of the group may spot a cluster of buildings in the distance as they neared the abandoned building. Unlike the building they were approaching, these ones had brightly lit interiors. A town, it would seem.

Then they could hear Rocko speaking again, this time sounding like a set of complicated code. The ship slowed just a bit, and began circling the building. Then something in the side of the building shifted, and a large section of the icy ground began to part, light spilling out of the widening portal to reveal a metal pad rising up. "We're in." Rocko announced, as he started to guide the ship in gently to land on the metal pad that had appeared. When they were parked, the ship shook and began descending again. Overhead, they could also hear the entrance starting to close, rumbling gently back into position.

"This used to be a hotel parking lot," Selina offered helpfully. "But the place was abandoned some years ago. Took some months to restore the automatic mechanisms. Sparky here was a great help." She patted her Rotom carefully, smiling.

The descent took another ten minutes, before the noises outside finally ceased. Selina nodded and unbuckled herself, gesturing for the others to do the same. "Friends, welcome to our secret base, Outpost Jovian." She opened the shuttle door to reveal what appeared to be a wide open hangar, not dissimilar to the one they just escaped from earlier.

Phew, this was definitely a long one. But it marks an end to what I hope is a fun arc.

Okay, so what happens here? First off, I need to hand out experience points. For each player, you may allocate 50 experience points total to your pokemons. Since you all only have one at the moment, that basically means you can level your pokemon to level 12.

Furthermore, each trainer also gains one (1) level as a Milestone for escaping the Rocket Base, as well as five (5) Trainer experience. This means that each should have two (2) new Edges (one from level up, one more from unlocking the Adept skill rank).

[Desril]

Sera

The trainer shrugs at Selena's information that everyone still uses the standard Earth calendar, too busy staring out at the alien planet. She can barely contain her giddy excitement all through the landing, rocking back and forth, doing her best to not squeal when the doors to the landing bay finally open. "This is so awesome! I mean I know it's just like the one we left, but I didn't get to look at that one! Guys! We just got here on a space ship! I mean...come on! Leon, why don't you come on out and see for yourself," she says, letting the Honedge out of his ball. Though, the blade seems to take things more stoically.

Eventually, she shakes her head and turns to Selena, "So, what'd we do?"


Perceptions rolled and failed in the OOC

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan looks out expectantly at the bleak landscape and even as the planet rapidly comes into, he can spot some of the local wildlife. It looks like the slushball wasn't so inhospitable after all. He couldn't wait to get a better look once they'd set down. The twinkling lights in the distance gives another point of interest, "What're those buildings over there? Some sort of town?"

Once they finally get to the rebel base, Tristan hops out along with a slightly slower Desiree. They try and get a gauge on the extent on this...respite, "How big is this place? And yea, what happens now?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Ori

"This... this..." the girl glues her face to the window but struggles to see anything out of the fogged glass she's breathing on. After a few seconds of not seeing what the others see, she wretches a hand from the web of seatbelt and clears a small circle. "This sucks! It's gonna be freezing out there!"

Ori can't possibly make either check. :smallfrown:

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan frowns and shrugs at Orianna's comment, "Well yea. But if those Seel can survive it can't be too bad."

[Grif]

[Tristan]

Tristan looks out expectantly at the bleak landscape and even as the planet rapidly comes into, he can spot some of the local wildlife. It looks like the slushball wasn't so inhospitable after all. He couldn't wait to get a better look once they'd set down. The twinkling lights in the distance gives another point of interest, "What're those buildings over there? Some sort of town?"

"Hm? Oh, that's Mos Eis, a small town not far from here. The locals are friendly enough, and we sneak in there to buy supplies every once in a while."


Sera

The trainer shrugs at Selena's information that everyone still uses the standard Earth calendar, too busy staring out at the alien planet. She can barely contain her giddy excitement all through the landing, rocking back and forth, doing her best to not squeal when the doors to the landing bay finally open. "This is so awesome! I mean I know it's just like the one we left, but I didn't get to look at that one! Guys! We just got here on a space ship! I mean...come on! Leon, why don't you come on out and see for yourself," she says, letting the Honedge out of his ball. Though, the blade seems to take things more stoically.

Eventually, she shakes her head and turns to Selena, "So, what'd we do?"


Perceptions rolled and failed in the OOC



Once they finally get to the rebel base, Tristan hops out along with a slightly slower Desiree. They try and get a gauge on the extent on this...respite, "How big is this place? And yea, what happens now?"

"Big enough for our needs. Too big. We're only using like a small part of the hotel."


Ori

"This... this..." the girl glues her face to the window but struggles to see anything out of the fogged glass she's breathing on. After a few seconds of not seeing what the others see, she wretches a hand from the web of seatbelt and clears a small circle. "This sucks! It's gonna be freezing out there!"

Ori can't possibly make either check. :smallfrown:

That's what you get for creating a scatter-brained character. :smalltongue:

"Yep. Below a hundred degrees most of the time," Selena remarked casually.


[Tristan]

Tristan frowns and shrugs at Orianna's comment, "Well yea. But if those Seel can survive it can't be too bad."

I take it everyone has updated to 1.05! Very good. Now let us be off.

"Well, first, I'll show you around!" Selena laughs. Behind her, Midna and Rocko finally disembarks, where the group might finally get a proper look at the pilot that flew them out of danger. He was a tall, thin teenage boy, looking about twenty, with long, slick, jet-black hair. He waves a gloved hand at them as he walks up, smiling easily.

"Welcome to the club, friends," he greets, shaking hands with each of them. "I'll stick around, but I need to help fix another ship we have. I'm sure Selena will give you a good tour of our secret base." He winks at the taller woman, and then walks off.

In the meantime, Midna yawns and slithers up to drape herself on Selena's arm. "I'm tiiiiiiiiiiired."

"I'm sure we can get you coffee or something down at the cafeteria. Come on." Selena drags the smaller girl along, and gestures for the group to follow.

"First stop, the pokecentre we have. You can leave your pokemons there to rest while we show the rest of the base." Selena glances up at her Rotom, who had floated over. "Yes, Sparky, you too. That Poison isn't going away without help, y'know." Sparky warbles sadly.

The group would be led quickly through the cavernous hangar, passing by what appears to be piles disused junk covered in tarps, along with more recent metal crates that appears to be holding more useful stuff. The air was chilly, and tasted faintly of salt. "We should get you better clothes suited for the cold later," Selena remarks as they passed through one of the metal door that lay open at the end of the hangar.

Here, they entered a dimly lit stairwell, metal stairs leading upwards. It seemed endless! The woman began to climb slowly, her Rotom trailing slowly behind. "If you're wondering how far down we are, we're approximately one kilometre below the surface of the ice. This part of the hotel was used mainly for storage and maintenance purposes." She jerked a thumb at the door they just passed through. "That there was the cargo bay and entrance."

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan shakes the young man's hand vigorously, "Thanks for getting us out of there. How'd you learn to fly like that anyway?"

He tries to take it all in as Selena begins to explain the surroundings. He gawks at how far underground they were; this place must be huge. "So is there anyone else aboard?" he asks scratching Dez's head absentmindedly.

[Hefty Lefty]

Ori

Cheese scrambles up Oriana's leg, back, and around one shoulder to the other. His fur stands on end in the cold as nuzzles around his trainer's neck. "Piii...." he moans. Normally the pokemon retracts his claws outside of combat but the temperature seems to be putting him on edge. "It's okay Cheesie..." the girl scoops up her mouse, lifts him from her back (his claws clinging to her jumpsuit for as long as they can), and holds him on his back in one arm like a baby. A wrinkled faces expresses some embarrassment from the pikachu, but a few seconds of belly scratches wipes it away.


"First stop, the pokecentre we have. You can leave your pokemons there to rest while we show the rest of the base." Selena glances up at her Rotom, who had floated over. "Yes, Sparky, you too. That Poison isn't going away without help, y'know." Sparky warbles sadly.

"Do we have to? I mean, Cheese is fine." After the words leave her mouth she remembers his coughing fit and the poison trap. "I mean, pretty much..."

[Desril]

Sera

Answering Orianna's question with a rare moment of good insight, Sera speaks up, "Well, it's probably for the best. Besides, they've probably never been to a real Pokecenter before, it might be a good idea to get all of our friends looked at to make sure those jerks didn't do anything to them."

Too distracted by all the new sights and the offer of food, she mostly stays quiet though, save for when they were offered a change of clothes and she comes to another realization. "Actually, about a change of clothes, before that is there anywhere we can take a bath or something?" Blushing and looking away in embarrassment she continues, "I apparently haven't taken one in a loooong while."

[Grif]

[Tristan]

Tristan shakes the young man's hand vigorously, "Thanks for getting us out of there. How'd you learn to fly like that anyway?"



Rocko walked off before he heard Tristan's question, so it was kind of went unnoticed. Selena helpfully answered in his absence. "He aced flight school at the age of eighteen. Unfortunately, trouble at home ensured he never got to test his skills out in the real world. Long story short, he agreed to fly us for the meantime while things cools down, and he gets to keep his skills sharp."




He tries to take it all in as Selena begins to explain the surroundings. He gawks at how far underground they were; this place must be huge. "So is there anyone else aboard?" he asks scratching Dez's head absentmindedly.


Ori

Cheese scrambles up Oriana's leg, back, and around one shoulder to the other. His fur stands on end in the cold as nuzzles around his trainer's neck. "Piii...." he moans. Normally the pokemon retracts his claws outside of combat but the temperature seems to be putting him on edge. "It's okay Cheesie..." the girl scoops up her mouse, lifts him from her back (his claws clinging to her jumpsuit for as long as they can), and holds him on his back in one arm like a baby. A wrinkled faces expresses some embarrassment from the pikachu, but a few seconds of belly scratches wipes it away.

"Do we have to? I mean, Cheese is fine." After the words leave her mouth she remembers his coughing fit and the poison trap. "I mean, pretty much..."


Sera

Answering Orianna's question with a rare moment of good insight, Sera speaks up, "Well, it's probably for the best. Besides, they've probably never been to a real Pokecenter before, it might be a good idea to get all of our friends looked at to make sure those jerks didn't do anything to them."

Too distracted by all the new sights and the offer of food, she mostly stays quiet though, save for when they were offered a change of clothes and she comes to another realization. "Actually, about a change of clothes, before that is there anywhere we can take a bath or something?" Blushing and looking away in embarrassment she continues, "I apparently haven't taken one in a loooong while."

The group stopped about after what seemed to be dozens flights of stairs up, though it was really no more than six floors above. A rusted sign indicated they were on Floor 45. Selena paused as she tapped at a keypad, which stood out in the dilapidated surroundings due to its newness. A beep and the door creaks open. Selena gestured for them to follow her through. Though the interior was more metal drab corridors, it felt warmer, and there were more signs of habitation: garbage neatly stacked to one side, a lost sock, and a message board filled with various notes and messages. Along the way, she answered the group's questions.

"Well, the base can house about thirty people comfortably, but we usually have about twenty most of the time. Some don't actually live here," Selena says in response to Tristan.

And to Oriana, she laughs. "I think Ms Cross will have a thing or two to say about that. She's very insistent we keep our pokemons in tip top shape."

Finally to Sera, she nods. "Yes, we have showers. You're going to have to share, but we have separate ones for ladies and gentlemen."

Round another corner they went and finally into a large room that was clearly meant to be a communal living room of a sort, with two more doorways leading deeper into the base. In one corner, a group of people, dressed in various sort of clothes ranging from drab jumpsuits to warmer winter wear sitting around what seemed to be the 24th century equivalent of a TV, except it was in 3D. Others were busy going about with their business, or socialising. And all over they could see different sorts of pokemons tagging along with their owners: some merely hitching a ride, while others helping out with the owner's task. Most looks up when they enter the room, before shrugging and going back to whatever they're doing. Looks like they were used to newcomers coming in all the time.

"Here we are. We call this the rec room. Now, over there—" She points at one of the doorways. "—is the living quarters and all the comforts you can find in a secret base. Don't worry, we have hot showers." She smiles and points in the opposite direction. "And on that side, we have the pokecentre and the store, as well as all the necessary support machinery required to keep us alive down here. Don't worry about the last bit, we have plenty of qualified people taking care of that." Selena gestures again and heads towards the doorway that leads to the pokecentre.

[Desril]

Sera

Seeing the 'TV' Sera lets out a brief "Woah," as she shifts her head around to look at it from different angles. "That's awesome. Are all TV shows and movies like this now? What about games? Actually, tell me later, I want to keep being surprised," she says with a grin.

Releasing Leon from his Pokeball, "Figure you'll want to look around a bit too before we get you checked out," she tells the Honedge. "Just don't be mean to our hosts."

[Bowyer]

There certainly were an awful lot of floors that were blocked off if this place could only house thirty...or maybe it had something to do with the life support systems. The TV was an oddity as well. He'd never really watched too much when he was at...in the simulation but even the Centers hadn't had anything that advanced. He mimics the, "Wow," of Sera equally impressed. He was a little disappointed that no one was excited to see them but doesn't bring it up. He'd get the chance to meet them in time, Desiree was his concern right now.
"Don't worry Dez. I'm sure the doc will have you right as grit soon enough." Desiree nods, seeming to understand. She gives Leon a glance before staring off at the rapidly approaching medbay.

[Hefty Lefty]

Ori

Oriana uses her hand not cradling her pokemon to give a hearty wave to the folks in the corner. She, too, joins the others in gawking around the room. The girl nudges Tristan. "Let's go meet the crew!" She yanks him by the elbow and flicks her head at Sera for her to join. She senses their apprehension. "C'mon guys, we gotta introduce ourselves. Can't be the weird new kids when the inevitable madness kicks in and everyone accuses us of Space Mutiny."

[Grif]

Sera

Seeing the 'TV' Sera lets out a brief "Woah," as she shifts her head around to look at it from different angles. "That's awesome. Are all TV shows and movies like this now? What about games? Actually, tell me later, I want to keep being surprised," she says with a grin.

Releasing Leon from his Pokeball, "Figure you'll want to look around a bit too before we get you checked out," she tells the Honedge. "Just don't be mean to our hosts."

"You'll have plenty of time later to goof around, I'm sure," Selena says with a laugh.


Ori

Oriana uses her hand not cradling her pokemon to give a hearty wave to the folks in the corner. She, too, joins the others in gawking around the room. The girl nudges Tristan. "Let's go meet the crew!" She yanks him by the elbow and flicks her head at Sera for her to join. She senses their apprehension. "C'mon guys, we gotta introduce ourselves. Can't be the weird new kids when the inevitable madness kicks in and everyone accuses us of Space Mutiny."

Selena yoinked Ori back before she got too far. "Now, now. Let's at least get your pokemon checked up before meeting the crew, okay?" But still, her cheery attitude didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the room. Some waved back, while others smiled and shook their head.


There certainly were an awful lot of floors that were blocked off if this place could only house thirty...or maybe it had something to do with the life support systems. The TV was an oddity as well. He'd never really watched too much when he was at...in the simulation but even the Centers hadn't had anything that advanced. He mimics the, "Wow," of Sera equally impressed. He was a little disappointed that no one was excited to see them but doesn't bring it up. He'd get the chance to meet them in time, Desiree was his concern right now.
"Don't worry Dez. I'm sure the doc will have you right as grit soon enough." Desiree nods, seeming to understand. She gives Leon a glance before staring off at the rapidly approaching medbay.

"Speaking of doc..." Selena began before a plump woman, dressed in a dark blue jumpsuit appeared at the doorway, and wrapped the suprised Selena in a big bear hug.

"Selena! You're back!" the woman boomed.

Selena let out a chuckle, and gently pries herself away from the hug. "Ah, yes, I am. Nice to see you too, Mrs Cross."

"As am I." Mrs Cross straightened. The group could see the woman easily taller than Selena by a head or so. Not to mention broader by some degree. "You have been taking care of Sparky, haven't you?" she says with a raised eyebrow.

Selena shakes her head. "Actually, he got hurt. Some sort of poison gas. I don't think he's feeling good."

"Tsk, come here, let me look at him..." Mrs Cross gestures for the Rotom to float over. Surprisingly, despite her somewhat stern demeanor, she starts fussing over the pokemon, looking it over carefully. For his part, Sparky seems to be enjoying it quite a bit!

"Oh! And we picked up a few new members for the team!" The woman looks up from her pampering, and blinks as Selena steps aside to allow Mrs Cross to properly see the team for the first time. Her expression changes to one of amusement. "Ah, you should have told me earlier, Selena! Hello there, dearies. Name's Hera Cross. I run the pokecentre here for these young'uns. So, how can I help you?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Oriana slouches in conceding protest when pulled away from the others, and again when asked to give her pokemon to the nurse. "Selena said we need you to check out our pokemon," the girl says matter-of-factly. She stretches out her hands to present her pikachu, who flips up into an upright stance and begins vigorously scratching behind his right ear with his leg. "Say hi, Cheese!" She cooes to the pokemon.

[Desril]

Sera

Seeing Oriana slump over, Sera pats her on the back, "Oh come on, cheer up, we're on an alien planet in the future! Or, the present, whatever, we can meet everyone later! Everything's so cool here, we should probably take a little bit to do something familiar so we don't have a newness overload," she says teasingly.

As Cheese goes up to Mrs. Cross, Sera motions for Leon to do the same. "This is Leon. He's not very talkative, but he's nice and playful. Just don't take your eye off him, or he'll probably try and prank you somehow."

[Bowyer]

Tristan

Tristan is startled by Oriana trying to drag him off but Selena quickly set them back towards the office. "Later then," he says to Oriana.

"Right," Tristan pipes up, "We ran into some trouble with the Rockets. They didn't pull any punches, well gun fire." He shifts his arms bringing attention to the Trapinch trying to lounge with some dignity, "Dez took the worst of it."

[Grif]

Shoot! For some reason I thought Hefty haven't responded. Sorry for the delay!


Oriana

Oriana slouches in conceding protest when pulled away from the others, and again when asked to give her pokemon to the nurse. "Selena said we need you to check out our pokemon," the girl says matter-of-factly. She stretches out her hands to present her pikachu, who flips up into an upright stance and begins vigorously scratching behind his right ear with his leg. "Say hi, Cheese!" She cooes to the pokemon.

The electric mouse blinks up at Mrs. Cross and says nothing, as it is unaware of the human language.

Unaware as in he doesn't understand, or doesn't speak? Because I think so far we shown them as at least being able to follow orders.

"Now, aren't you a cute Pikachu? Come here!" Mrs Cross swoops the pokemon up without hesitation, and starts to check him over. "He has some scratches and bruises, but otherwise he's fine. Same fight as what Sparky here got into, huh?" He sets the Pikachu on the table on turns her attention to the other pokemons.


Sera

Seeing Oriana slump over, Sera pats her on the back, "Oh come on, cheer up, we're on an alien planet in the future! Or, the present, whatever, we can meet everyone later! Everything's so cool here, we should probably take a little bit to do something familiar so we don't have a newness overload," she says teasingly.

As Cheese goes up to Mrs. Cross, Sera motions for Leon to do the same. "This is Leon. He's not very talkative, but he's nice and playful. Just don't take your eye off him, or he'll probably try and prank you somehow."

"Why hello there. I don't see many Honedges around here." Mrs Cross carefully picks up Leon and inspects him. "Aha, he looks healthy. Though that's a nasty dent there." She motions at an injured part.


Tristan

Tristan is startled by Oriana trying to drag him off but Selena quickly set them back towards the office. "Later then," he says to Oriana.

"Right," Tristan pipes up, "We ran into some trouble with the Rockets. They didn't pull any punches, well gun fire." He shifts his arms bringing attention to the Trapinch trying to lounge with some dignity, "Dez took the worst of it."

The plump nurse clicks her tongue sympathetically. "Oh, you poor dear! You look like you just went through hell— oh, pardon my language. We better get you fixed up." Mrs Cross hefts up the Trapinch quickly and carries him into a side room. After a few moments, her voice wafts through the doorway. "Oh and you can leave the rest here. They all could use some rest. I don't want them running around until they're properly rested, you hear me?"

Selena shrugs and looks at the group. "Best not argue with Mrs Cross there. Wanna go see the rest of the base?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Oriana wrinkles her forehead with another curious look. If Cheese is fine, why does he need to rest? Regardless, if dropping him off for a few minutes means she can go, she isn't going to argue. The girl cradles her pokemon one more time and presents to him his pokeball. "Okay Chee, I gotta go for a bit. I know you hate this but I gotta put you away."

In her alternate reality, Oriana had only put her Pikachu into his pokeball once - to store him via PC - and his sour attitude after recalling him convinced her not to do it again. However now, real-world Pikachu looks at the ball with interest - neither anxiety nor disgust. Maybe this pikachu is different? With a hug and a click, the pikachu evaporates into red light. His trainer sets the pokeball on a table next to Mrs. Cross.

"All right, let's get moving!"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Desiree squeaks as the nurse whisks her away, squirming weakly. She wasn't opposed to the healing but a little warning would have been nice.

Tristan tries to hide a smile but Desiree couldn't see it anyway. He was just glad that she was being properly seen to. "Try and behave yourself, Dez," he calls out as she is hurried into the office, "I'll let you know what you miss."

Tristan is all for getting the lay of the land. He nods enthusiastically, "Yea! Where do we go first?"

[Desril]

Sera

Leon already figured that he was going to be taken to get healed and didn't object when Cross took them and instead turned his attention to trying to get to know his companions.

Sera, meanwhile, piped up, "I don't know about all of you, but I want to hit the baths or showers or whatever they have here first. We've been in pods for, like, ever, and every time I think about it, I just don't feel clean."

[Grif]

Oriana

Oriana wrinkles her forehead with another curious look. If Cheese is fine, why does he need to rest? Regardless, if dropping him off for a few minutes means she can go, she isn't going to argue. The girl cradles her pokemon one more time and presents to him his pokeball. "Okay Chee, I gotta go for a bit. I know you hate this but I gotta put you away."

In her alternate reality, Oriana had only put her Pikachu into his pokeball once - to store him via PC - and his sour attitude after recalling him convinced her not to do it again. However now, real-world Pikachu looks at the ball with interest - neither anxiety nor disgust. Maybe this pikachu is different? With a hug and a click, the pikachu evaporates into red light. His trainer sets the pokeball on a table next to Mrs. Cross.

"All right, let's get moving!"


[Tristan]

Desiree squeaks as the nurse whisks her away, squirming weakly. She wasn't opposed to the healing but a little warning would have been nice.

Tristan tries to hide a smile but Desiree couldn't see it anyway. He was just glad that she was being properly seen to. "Try and behave yourself, Dez," he calls out as she is hurried into the office, "I'll let you know what you miss."

Tristan is all for getting the lay of the land. He nods enthusiastically, "Yea! Where do we go first?"


Sera

Leon already figured that he was going to be taken to get healed and didn't object when Cross took them and instead turned his attention to trying to get to know his companions.

Sera, meanwhile, piped up, "I don't know about all of you, but I want to hit the baths or showers or whatever they have here first. We've been in pods for, like, ever, and every time I think about it, I just don't feel clean."

"Well, that's a sentiment I can appreciate," Selena says in response to Sera, chuckling lightly. "I'll show you the quarters and the showers first, in that case. You can freshen up there." Without further hesitation, Selena walked out of the door, pausing only to glance and nod at her Rotom as it followed Mrs Cross into the room.

Again, they crossed the big living room they had passed by earlier, but this time heading towards the opposite doorway. Here, the air seemed noticably warmer, the harsh metal of the outer rooms now giving way to corridors lined with linoleum and cheap plaster. The redecoration was definitely new, and was indeed probably to provide a more comfortable environment for the occupants.

"Here's where we sleep. We have enough rooms here to let everyone have their own room, though that may change if we actually recruit more people. But for now, there's your rooms." She points to a series of doors as they walk past. They came to a stop at the junction at the end of the corridor. "To the left is the boys bathroom and showers. To the right is the girls. If you're lost, just follow the signs. Oh, and if you need clothes, you can find some in the changing rooms. They're old, but clean enough. Mainly leftovers we get from time to time, but you're going to have to make do until we make a supply stop at a town."

"So, what's the plan? Want to continue the tour, or do you want to rest up first? There's still the workshop, the labs, and parts of the old hotel which we converted as a training area, but you can easily visit those later." Selena looked at each intently.

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan doesn't need to rest; any lethargy from the trip out had vanished once they'd set down. He was simply too excited! "I'm not tired. Let's keep going! We've been sleeping for years, resting can wait a few more hours."

[Desril]

Sera

"Yeah, I agree, I mean I want to take a bath but it's waaaaay to early to call it a day! I don't really feel like being alone though, so I'll put off my bath if the rest of you want to keep going on the tour."

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

Oriana follows along two steps behind, making a point to stare into each room as long as she can without losing track of the tour. She catches up a bit later after Selena asks her question. "Yeah, let's check the rest out."

[Grif]

[Tristan]

Tristan doesn't need to rest; any lethargy from the trip out had vanished once they'd set down. He was simply too excited! "I'm not tired. Let's keep going! We've been sleeping for years, resting can wait a few more hours."


Sera

"Yeah, I agree, I mean I want to take a bath but it's waaaaay to early to call it a day! I don't really feel like being alone though, so I'll put off my bath if the rest of you want to keep going on the tour."


Oriana

Oriana follows along two steps behind, making a point to stare into each room as long as she can without losing track of the tour. She catches up a bit later after Selena asks her question. "Yeah, let's check the rest out."

"Right, I guess we continue the tour then!" Selena says, clapping her hands together. "Now, then, where should we go next... ah, of course, the labs." She waves at them to follow, backtracking yet again.

This time however, they go all the way back to the previous stairwell, and ascends a few more flights of stairs. "Took us a bit of work to clear this section up, but with a few Machokes, it went pretty well." Selena stopped at the 43rd Floor, and unlocked the metal door that barred their way. When they entered the floor proper, they'd find the environment not unlike the various laboratories that they had gone through in their virtual worlds. Various scientific machinery stood haphazardly all around, seemingly at random. There was even a fold-able bed in a corner. However, the lab itself was empty, and mostly dark, save for a few lights here and there. "Unfortunately, the Doctor is currently away at Mos Eis, so you probably won't get to meet him today. This is where he usually work, and sleep most of the time. Don't touch anything! He's very particular about that."

Selena indicated an adjacent doorway that led further inside. Beyond, the interior was just as dim as the labs proper. "That way leads to the workshops. The Doctor also runs that place, though mostly as a guide. The real work is done by Sam and Max. What the doctor dreams up, these two would be the ones making it a reality. But since Doc is away, well, those two are taking the time off as well. You probably can meet them downstairs."

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

Tristan quickly pulls back his hand at Selena's warning. He'd have to remember that he couldn't just mess with everything he saw. "So what's the Doctor working on now?" He didn't ask of Sam and Max, assuming they would be featured later in the tour.

[Desril]

Sera

Disappointed that the Doctor wasn't there, and thus the odds of a demonstration of a cool future gadget (I should stop thinking of it like that. I'm stuck in the past, this stuff is all present, it's not like I traveled through time.) were low, Sera kept her mouth shut for a change and followed along, eager to get to the next part of their tour.

[Grif]

[Tristan]

Tristan quickly pulls back his hand at Selena's warning. He'd have to remember that he couldn't just mess with everything he saw. "So what's the Doctor working on now?" He didn't ask of Sam and Max, assuming they would be featured later in the tour.


Sera

Disappointed that the Doctor wasn't there, and thus the odds of a demonstration of a cool future gadget (I should stop thinking of it like that. I'm stuck in the past, this stuff is all present, it's not like I traveled through time.) were low, Sera kept her mouth shut for a change and followed along, eager to get to the next part of their tour.

Selena simply grinned. "He works on a lot of things. But lately he's been obsessed with inventing a device to change a pokemon's natural elements. I'm sure you know by nature, a pokemon will always have two elements as its base, whether it's steel, ice, or even psychic! So the good doctor think he found a way to actually change that base elements to something else entirely. Think a water Sandshrew... or maybe a Fire/Psychic Honedge. Pretty cool, huh? Unfortunately, it seems like he hit a hitch with his research, as he requires certain rare minerals which he could only obtain from Titan, which is a whole planet away, and then some." Selena sighs and gestures for them to move on.

She then led the intrepid group further into the workshops, where they can see the machining equipments, the small, modern furnace set against the far end of the wall and of course all the robotics that Sam and Max apparently used to help them. "No true AI, unfortunately. Can't afford the power and equipment. Maybe one day."

[Hefty Lefty]

Oriana

"So Titan, huh?" The girl rubs her hands together with a sudden spark, "You should send us there... as long as we get first dibs on the freaky new pokemon!"

[Bowyer]

[Tristan]

"Whoa that's cool," Tristan gasps, trying to imagine Dez as a different type but failing. SHe was pretty much perfect as she was. "I wouldn't mind a trip to Titan. What's it like there?"