PTU Team Rocket: Here We Go Again

[Eshkigal]

Welcome to the world of Pokemon! You are in Cinnabar, a land ravaged by a volcano long ago and still rebuilding from the strife around it. Of note is a pair of large buildings supporting a tarp, which after a sharp click, a projector whirrs on and puts a fat, balding man in his sixties on it, sitting on a rather large throne with a scrafty on one side and a spectral raticate on another. A random girl who seems to be there to be in skimpy outfits and serve beers comes onto screen for a moment, giving the long lasting Champion Paul Ticker his drink and receiving a lecherous wink as she walks off screen, the Scrafty giving a well practiced roll of the eyes as the king of Kanto and Johto takes a quick drink, and addresses the public.
"Hello, folks. Today marks the 35th year after the Artificial God was destroyed, signalling an end to the great Kanto-Sinnoh War, a war that caught four out of the then six regions up in a bloodbath of terrifying devices, pokemon, and men. It is at this time each year we remember and honor the losses of the war, and the strength it took to rebuild. It is a time where we remember the cunning and daring of men like the Genesect First Corps, horrors of the Steelupi Swarm in Pewter, stopped by a lone company of crazy bastards led by one insane sumbitch, thank those who were so dedicated to saving lives, and remember the tragedies struck to Sinnoh and Hoenn when the beast Mewtwo was birthed. At least, until yours truly and some others went and kicked it's as-ow!"
He rubs his shin where the raticate has smacked it.
"Anyway, in their memories, we celebrate, so enjoy life! If anything, the lessons of the past have taught it can be fleeting, so may as well make the fun kinda mistakes along the way!"
He begins waving some people over and calling out names that the elder populace just knows has to be stripper names, with the scrafty facepalming and giving the "cut" signal. The recording ends there, with most people just shaking their heads, used to the debauchery of the new champion. But at least he didn't try hiding it, right? However, this isn't where the new story starts, but where the old one ends.

No, the new story starts with each of you waking up on Cinnabar Island, here as travelers, party goers, or people with business to handle, and somehow having a note in your room that couldn't have been there before, right next to your head. You open them, and they all read the same.

We offer you the chance to join an illustrious organization. Go to the gym at noon, tell the receptionist the password "Blast off at the speed of light", and follow her instructions if you are interested.

[Aneurin]

Ran

Morning, and already it's warm. Actually, it'd been warm most of the night - perhaps a better phrase would be 'it's warmer'?

I love the tropics. If finding Team Rocket doesn't work out, maybe I should come back here?

...huh.

Ran rolls over in the cheap hotel bed and blinks at the letter next to her head. Weird. She's sure that wasn't there last night. She rolls over the other way and glances at the door - nope, Ryuuko's still fast asleep in front of it. Lying on her back with her paws in the air and twitching, in fact - so much for the mystique of Ninetales, then.

...which rather means no-one came in through the door, and she's pretty sure the window's been painted over so many times that it doesn't actually open any more, and certainly wouldn't do so quietly.

Eh. Must've missed it when I went to bed, after all, Ran thinks, pulling herself up into a sitting position and flipping the letter open. Probably just a thank-you-for-staying-at-Rattata-Infested-Halls, or whatever this place is called.

Well, isn't that creepily convenient? They must have been watching me for a while, then, the warm glow of the implied compliment banishing the question of just how they'd know she was going to stay here.

"Alright!" Ran pumps her fist in the air. Progress! Only took travelling to Cinnabar to get it. Shame, though, she'd looked forward to visiting the Safari Zone on the way to Celadon. Oh well. There'll be plenty of time for that when she's rich and important. In fact, maybe poaching there will be a mission! That'd be pretty cool.

Cheered, Ran levers herself out of bed and heads for a shower.

Half an hour later, clean and dressed, Ran's trotting down the steps of the hotel with Ryuuko padding at her heels. Waving a hand at the guy on the desk, Ran heads out into the streets until she hits the fork that'll take her to the beach or the gym.

"Hmm. So, decisions, decisions," she muses aloud, looking between the two paths. "I mean, we could get there early and wow them a bit by beating up some trainers or something - or we could head for the beach, and..." her stomach rumbles "...pick up some breakfast, some more spending money and a tan," she finishes, a little mareepishly. "Okay, we'll get breakfast first whatever we do,"

She trails off, glaring at the fork. Why must life have so many difficult choices? Lazing in the sun, or showing everyone how great she and Ryuuko are. So difficult.

[Dragonsage]

Marco rolls over in his bed only to find a tyrunt tail smacking him against his face. Zorah was evidently having some pleasant dreams about chasing something again. The tiny dinosaur's puppy-like behavior made it difficult to remain annoyed with for very long, even for Marco.

"Right, you get them boy!" The tribal Orrean scratched the tyrunt's scales, just below the jaw, before pulling himself out of bed. The morning rays seeping through the blinds tingled against his tan bare torso. He took a second too readjust to the world of the living before opening the blinds and letting the rising sun bathe the room in a near blinding light. The sudden change of lighting was enough to wake Zorah and make him seek cover from the light, by forcing it's head under the blankets.

"Sorry, but if I have to get up then so do you."

The tribesman originally came to Cinnabar because he heard that it had a fossil research facility and he was hoping that he would discover something that would further his research. Alas, spending the better part of the night pouring through books and notes, which he had limited access to, yielded very little information that he already knew or was of no help at all. Still, this wasn't the first time he faced such disappointment. Now was the time to get back out there and try to see how much more information he could milk from this place.

As Marco pulled his vest from the bed post, he finally takes notice of paper that had been placed on the pillow right next to where he had been sleeping. He stared at it while he threw the vest on, wondering how someone could have sneaked in to place it down while he was asleep. Perhaps he was more tired than he thought last night. Regardless, he regretted not letting Turok stand guard.

With this vest half buttoned, he sat on the bed, mouthing the words as read the note whilst his free and idly coaxed the tyrunt out of from under the sheets. "Hmm... Interesting. Seems we're invited." He paused to wonder if he's work had garnered someone's attention. But then again he only bothered keep his true research discrete from his tribesmen.

While the hunter was in thought, Zorah sniffed at the note curiously before trying to take a bite at it but the paper was saved by being yanked away when Marco stood, causing the tiny dino to over extend and fall off the bed. "Very well Zorah. We shall have breakfast and then we shall see what this group has to offer us." It seemed the possibility that this group could have what he needed for his research was too much to pass up.

With that Marco left the hotel room behind to look for place to grab breakfast, followed by a tyrunt who didn't understand anything that was going on except that food was coming soon.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan wakes up, looking around the room at the hotel he checked into a few nights prior. Not a bad place - certainly not one of the top-end resorts, but certainly far better than some cheap motel. Adequate, if not quite suited for a guest of his stature... still, it made more sense to lower his standards somewhat and grace them with his presence for the time being, until he either decided to make more permanent arrangements here or simply move on. Seeing the note, however, he pauses - realizing that none of his Pokemon were even aware of the intruder. They could get in here - and out - without me even noticing... whoever this is, they're good. Yet they went to such trouble just to leave a note, rather than taking anything? Curious, he opens the note, reading it for a moment before smirking. "So..." he muses to himself, "my reputation must have preceded me - clearly, they realize that they can benefit from my own excellence. Hopefully, they aren't just a bunch of thugs with delusions of grandeur like the fools in Snaggem proved to be..." Passing the note to Kyra and ordering, "Burn it," he goes through his own morning routine and heads down for a quick breakfast - having found during his stay that the hotel's chef makes excellent omelettes - before heading out to look around the town a bit. It's probably wise not to risk drawing anyone's ire before this meeting... perhaps I'll find an opponent to hone my skills against, however. That in mind, he heads out to look for another trainer to battle - even if he's not going to pickpocket them, he can simply take their money in a more direct and legal manner, after all.

[Eshkigal]

(Reg joins when he's up for a post)

Ran
You find a nice little cafe to truly start your day at, which is a blessing all its own. Called the Dewgong's Respite, it offers a multitude of options for you and your team. While you eat, you note that not many trainers are currently up and about yet-or better to say, while there are trainers out, most of them seem to be overexcited drunken partygoers, so used to sleeping in the wilds as they travel they passed out on the sidewalks of Cinnabar when they blacked out. While there are sober islanders, notably the cops dragging people off to sleep the night before off in the drunk cell (gotta pad that funding somehow), there seem to be a few that might offer sport, or the unofficial gym on the volcano that started alongside the main gym when the volcano erupted decades before you were born...alternately, there were always wilds, and hey, if it was rare, you could score bonus points with Rocket, right? Or there was sunning.

(Trainer, wilds, or relaxation?)

Marco
You head off into Cinnabar, pausing for a moment as Zorah steals some bacon away from kids not watching their plates at the buffet before continuing out. You actually pass by the gym on your way around town, noticing the land around you has been somewhat despoiled by revelers and tourists without care for anything save liquor and good times. You find a place called Carvanha's Wave to sit down and eat. While you noticed islanders, the pickings are admittedly somewhat limited in terms of potential combatants, though there's rumor that a second, unofficial gym has started in the volcano and is led by the high priest of Moltres. Or there were always wild mon outside town, or the beach. Beach is always good...

(Trainer, wilds, or relaxation?)

Keilan
You wander down to the dining area, and grab enough food for the team and yourself. As you eat, you consider the fact that yesterday was the end of a grand festival night, meaning most of the tourists are likely not awake yet. But wasn't there something about the volcano, an unofficial gym? Or, of course, you could seek out some wilds, or explore the local scene...

(trainer, wilds, or relaxation)

[Aneurin]

Ran

The food here really isn't that bad, and Ran chews it stodlidly as she stares vaguely out of the window and ignores Ryuuko's tendency to filch bits off her plate when she thinks Ran isn't looking.

So, on the one hand there's the beach... but I don't want Rocket to start thinking I'm lazy by picking up a tan. Or I could clean up in the fake gym-thing, which'd show jut how great I am. But it's not the beach. Same with exploring and hunting up new pokemon and stuff, I could go climbing all over the stupid lava flows looking for something, and waste all my beach time, she thinks disconsolately. But... Oh! No, wait. I could go fishing! I've got dad's rod, after all. That way I get to be productive, lie in the sun and scout out the local chumps,

Breaking into a grin, Ran bolts down the rest of her meal, balls Hikari and Kasumi, and tugs one of Ryuuko's tails to get her attention.

"We," Ran says with an air of manic glee. "Are going fishing, so you get to snooze all morning while I work on my tan. What a plan. Best of everything! C'mon!" she calls, as she jogs down to the shore, looking for a good spot to set up.

And she'd had the foresight to stick some swimming things on under her clothes - the bikini's way skimpier than anything her foster family would approve of, but, well, isn't that the whole point?

So, heading beach-bound with Ryuuko out and looking for some Old Rod fishing.

Assuming no incidents on the way down, she'll have Kasumi (the Starmie) out beside her as she fishes.

Old Rod: Catches unevolved pokemon below level 10.

Going to fish for 30 minutes, or until a catch, checks every 5;
[roll0]

If any roll is 15 or over;
[roll1] Athletics vs. 8 to reel pokemon in.

If Athletics failed;
[roll2] on a 10 or lower, pokemon steals the lure.

EDIT: Well, we're off to a promising start :smallyuk:

[Eshkigal]

You cast your line, and for an hour you have an uneventful time. Every now and then you get a nibble, but it disappears before you can get it hooked properly. However, one time you cast out, and are almost immediately rewarded with a yelp and the line going taught. You try and try to reel the wild mon in, but it proves too difficult and breaks the line. However, you can still see the top of it bobbing above the waves, headed your way. With a rather impressive leap, your attempted catch lands on the shore-a seel, you see, and you note your hook is caught in an ear like an amateur piercing, line in it's mouth to keep the hook from tearing into the delicate flesh further. It does not look happy with that.

(Trainer and used mon hp, defenses, and speed please)

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Gah!" she shouts, as the rod nearly goes flying into the water. "What? How did you even do that?!" she glares at the seel. Seriously? How?! And why did it have to throw water all over her, in the process?

Spirits. This is going to be the Magikarp Incident all over again, isn't it? Well, at least she's not wearing an expensive hard-to-dry dress this time.

"Kasumi, just get that wretched thing!" she says, as she grabs for the rod before it can get dragged out to sea. The Starmie waddles into position to fight, ready to send a spray of razor-edged stars at the poor seel.

Ran
62/62
DEF: 10
SDEF: 5
SPD: 12

Kasumi
53/53
DEF: 11
SDEF: 11
SPD: 20

Attakers take -2 AC to hit Kasumi, due to Illuminate.

Kasumi uses Swift regardless of who goes first!
[roll0] auto-hit, rolling for crit.
[roll1] Normal, Blast 2, Friendly

[Aneurin]

Ran

It's not attacking yet, so maybe it's just angry but doesn't want to fight? Novel concept, but it's not like she's trying to train or anything, so why fight it?

"Look, if you just stay still..." Ran says gently, edging forwards slightly. Kasumi whirls, and unleashes a shower of glowing stars on the poor seel. "...Kasumi can attack you," she adds, and sighs. "Oh, this is so the Incident again, isn't it? Fine. We beat it, then we fix it. Go!"

She grabs for an empty pokeball. Might as well try for a fast catch, for less pain.

Swift's damage is above. Ran's going to throw a basic ball, 'cause. Spending 1 AP to boost the roll.

[roll0] vs. AC 6
[roll1]

[Eshkigal]

Welp.

Even as you let the ball fly, you notice the air had already begun growing colder, ice forming on the sand near the seel already as it is absorbed into the ball. It gives a bark as it is struck, and disappears. The ball wobbles once...twice...and clicks. You now have a seel with a bad piercing.
(40 exp for that, 10 can go to a different mon if you wish)

[Dragonsage]

Marco released his pokemon for their breakfast while he ate his own. When he finished up and was waiting for the pokemon to finish up, he thought about his options before heading over to meet with this mysterious summons. It had been sometime since he had last had the pleasure of hunting something down, so perhaps it was a good time to strengthen his team a new pokemon.

After his pokemon are finished eating and he returns them to their balls, with the exception of Zorah, he checks his satchel to make sure the dino hadn't gotten into the bait supply again. Once relieved that Zorah hadn't eaten any of the bait as a midnight snack, the hunter makes his way towards the outside of town, in hopes in finding a suitable addition to his team. Maybe he'd swing pass the volcano and check out rumor while he was out after he was done hunting.

Assuming he got out town without incident, Marco goes to find himself a nice quite spot to set up his bait and does so when he finds a good spot that provides some coverage to hide nearby while waiting for prey. Whilst waiting he kept a hand on Zorah's head to let the dino know that the bait wasn't for him and he had to wait. "Patience."

lure check!
waiting for 45 mins until the bait fizzles or something is attracted on a roll of 15 or higher.

first [roll0]
second [roll1]
third [roll2]

*the plus 2 on each check is from snare feat

damn it...



Marco's stats:
HP:71/71
Def: 5
Sdef: 5
spd: 12

Zorah's stats:
HP:71/71
Def: 15
Sdef: 5
Spd: 5

[Eshkigal]

While your bait doesn't draw anything from the water, you get a flicker of movement before a blur of white and red shoots at Zorah, long and wicked claws intent on cutting into the new predator on its territory. Wait...oh muk, your bait's ekans slices! Right! It attracted a zangoose!
[roll0]-slash, crit on 18-20
[roll1]

[Dragonsage]

Marco was caught off surprise when his ambush plan got flipped around on him but didn't panic. Instead he seemed to welcome the moment. 'Why settle for prey when you could hunt a hunter.' He smiled as a bit of primal rush, that he had only felt while pursuing prey, began to spread through his body. "Zorah, we have our prize before us!" He focused onto the zangoose as he readied a ball for the capture.

Zorah give's a slight cry as the attacker just gets into his rock scale hide before turning to face it's attacker head on with a slam of it's foot against the zangoose.


Marco's stats:
HP:71/71
Def: 5
Sdef: 5
spd: 12
Marco marked the zangoose as his Quarry.
You designate the target as your Quarry until the end of your next extended rest. You and your Pokémon gain a +1 Bonus on Accuracy Rolls and a +2 bonus to Skill Checks when targeting or opposing your Quarry. The frequency of this Feature is refreshed if your Quarry is captured, fainted, or otherwise defeated. You may mark a Quarry that is not present in the Scene if you or your Pokémon have managed to begin successfully tracking the target.


Zorah's stats:
HP:60/71
Def: 15
Sdef: 5
Spd: 5

stomp
rolled a 4 ac in ooc flinches on 15+
[roll0]

[Eshkigal]

The zangoose is far too fast, and dodges the blow easily. With a hiss, it goes into a spinning maneuver, a flurry of fur and claw that makes its claws stronger, deadlier.
(Used Swords Dance)

[Dragonsage]

"Heh, this one's light on it's toes." Marco admired his soon to be prize. "Keep up the attack Zorah!" The dino continued fighting on it's challenger, this time tossing it's weight into the zangoose with a tackle. The attack was followed up with the hunter forcefully chucking his ball at the wild pokemon.

Marco's stats:
HP:71/71
Def: 5
Sdef: 5
spd: 12

pokeball curve ball
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Zorah's stats:
HP:60/71
Def: 15
Sdef: 5
Spd: 5

Tackle: [roll3] vs 3
[roll4]

[Eshkigal]

Both blows hit the zangoose, but the ball doesn't manage to take it. It looks badly off, but passes by Zorah after seeming to notice the rocky hide, headed for Marcus to deliver another slash.
[roll0]-Slash, 2+def, crit on 18-20
[roll1]

[Dragonsage]

Marco easily side steps the zangoose's attack while readying one of his great balls. When noticing how injured the pokemon was now, he tossed the great ball it again. "Hold back Zorah." He commanded the tyrunt to stay, not wanting to push his quarry over the edge.

Marco's stats:
HP:71/71
Def: 5
Sdef: 5
spd: 12

greatball curve ball
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Zorah's stats:
HP:60/71
Def: 15
Sdef: 5
Spd: 5

[Eshkigal]

Two off with injury factored in...close enough.
This time, the zangoose disappears into the ball, and once...twice...*click*. It disappears into the ball, and you are now the proud owner of a vicious little bastard of a zangoose.

(Level 18, male, adamant, immunity. General attitude is a prideful fighter with a mean streak. 60 exp, 10 can be given to another mon.)

[Aneurin]

Ran

Ran dashes over and snatches the ball triumphantly.

"I have..." she trails off slightly, and gives the ball a dubious look. "...an injured seel? Well, great. And the centre is all the way back in town," she grumbles as she starts gathering up her things for the hike back. "Then again, I suppose dewgong are pretty strong, so... win, I guess. Going to be a pain rearing it 'til then, though," she adds, cheering up as she pulls something less... revealing on over her bikini for the walk.

Swinging her satchel over her shoulder, and picking up the rod with a sad look at the broken line, Ran starts trudging along the beach. Fleecing beach bullies for cash'll have to come later, she wants to get rid of the hook first. Maybe get the seel some kind of earring to cover the hole, too. And name it. Ugh. So much to do. Still, maybe she can walk back the pretty way and find something else interesting?

"...and why am I talking to myself?"

Wild Roll!
[roll0]

XP went 10 to Ryuuko (who watched), and 30 to Kasumi. Seel is Hardy, and has Thick Fat. Not going to add Mentor's extra moves until Ran has some time to actually, y'know, train it.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan thinks about his options for a moment, before deciding to case the area around this unofficial gym. It might serve him well later on, since even an unofficial gym is likely to attract trainers with powerful - and rare - Pokemon, so knowing what nearby paths would serve as good escape routes later on would certainly help in case he needs to acquire some new options...

Knowing the local wildlife wouldn't hurt either, since he'd be able to get some idea of what obstacles he'd face in such a scenario. And who knows? There could be something nearby worth catching...

Wild Roll: [roll0]
Stealth Roll to remain unnoticed while hunting: [roll1]

[Dragonsage]

Marco give a pleased exhale as the ball sealed shut on the Zangoose. "Nothing like a successful hunt to start off the day." He strolled over to the the ball before picking it up. "Might be a good omen, eh Zorah?" The hunter looked over to the tyrunt, only to find it finishing off bait that went ignored for some time now.

Marco paused and sighed at the sight but, again, found it difficult to hold anything against the tiny dino. "Well I suppose you earned it this time..." He looked at the Zangoose's ball and began pondering potential names for it before he knelled down and examined where Zorah slashed at earlier. "Just a scratch really..but still let's get that patched up while we get our new companion healed." When Zorah finished off the ekans slices, Marco made his way back into town for the pokemon center. He'd want everyone to be in top shape before checking out the unofficial gym.

assuming nothing happens on the way to center, Marco would then make his way to the unofficial gym after Zorah and his new catch are healed up.

[Eshkigal]

(To the players: there are time restrictions, remember that. Last time lost momentum because of too much combat with wilds, so don't count on everything here...)

Ran
As you head to the center, you hear the sounds of a scuffle in a side street, a hiss, and yipping.
"Kirby, no!"
Lpoking down the alley you see a little girl trying desperately to keep hold on a Lillipup's leash, the small dog barking madly at a Delcatty. The feline mon has its back arched, hissing, before running your way. The Lillipup also runs, leash slipping out of the kid's hands as they desperately try and hold their pet back, causing them to tumble back.
"Ack...Kirby, no! Come back!"
They're headed your way...

Marco
You get to the Center without issue, but there is a line. People rarely think when drunk, so the center is busy enough that it will take a while to see you. You're sure you can get helped with enough time to reach your appointment, but not much else...

Keilan
You prowl the mountainside, until shifting rocks nearby get your attention. Away from cover, you find a sandshrew rooting around, possibly seeking something shiny. It has yet to see you.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"What?"

Ran watches the scene unfold with a vague sense of dissatisfaction at the fact she's going to step in. It's none of her business, after all.

She reaches for Hikari's pokeball.

Honestly, why should she care if some brat lost their pet? They should take better care with it.

She releases the vileplume into the street, and shoots the lillipup a vaguely resentful look.

But, then, there might be tears and she just doesn't want to deal with that. How are you supposed to deal with some crying brat?

"Beddy-byes to the dog," Ran commands, and - as always - wishes she'd picked a better command phrase.

The vileplume shakes it's petals and showers the lillipup with dust.

Hikari uses Sleep Powder on Kirby!

[roll0] AC 6, Target falls Asleep.

[Eshkigal]

Kirby takes a deep lungful of the powder and his eyes droop, legs going out from under him. He arrives at Hikari's feet, snoring. The girl runs up behind him, and picks the dog up.
"I was scared I was gonna lose him. Thank you, lady!"
She slips the leash around her wrist tighter, and gives your leg a hug. After, she pulls back and pulls a...small, strange thing out of her backpack. Looks like some cross between a coin and a microchip, and slips it onto the back of your pokedex.
"Here, it'll help you out later. Grandpa says give them out so nice people don't lose their way too bad."
Checking it out...huh. The device is improving your pokedex's functions, upgrading your map and GPS capabilities far past what the norm is. Also, what's this "tracker" option...

(Extreme difficulty Perception if you choose to try. Ran has gotten her pokedex upgraded. GPS and map are now updated in real time. Tracker option assists perception checks in buildings and wilds barring active protection, acting as radar. Streets tend to be too busy to get an accurate read.)

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Uh, yeah," Ran looks at the small person attatched to her leg, and wonders if it would be rude to try and pry her free... and if she actually cares. "No problem?"

Oh, good. Small One has let go and given her a thing, that.... Oh! That's kinda cool. You get stuff for being nice? Awesome.

"Well, thanks. Thats pretty cool. This thing can show the pokemon centre, right? Might have taken a wrong turn somewhere," Ran says, a little awkwardly as she pokes at a few different settings. Tracker sounds fun. Might as well give it a whirl. As she pokes at buttons to check the new functions, she shoots the girl a curious look. "So, uh, who's your grandpa?" ...and has he got more stuff to give away for free?

Firing it up, just to see how it works and what it actually shows.
[roll0]

[Eshkigal]

"Oh yeah, here."
She shows you how to work the newer functions, and shows that the Center's not too far off from here. To your second question, she looks past you for a second, and smiles a bit mischeviously, like she has a secret that is really big.
"You'll see in a few days. Or won't. Up to you, but consider that help finding Grandpa."
With that, she smiles and runs off, carrying Kirby still. You look behind you, and spot no one at all. Odd...

[Dragonsage]

Marco was only mildly annoyed with the line, since he was accustomed with waiting. Instead he was more annoyed with the drunken idiots. When it became apparent that he wouldn't be able to do much before the appointment, he decided to forget about the volcano for now. Perhaps there would be time to check it out later, but it wasn't too high on his priorities.

While waiting to be serviced, he took the time to come up with a name for the zangoose before settling on calling it Rengar. Name seemed fitting enough for the scrappy bastard. Once Rengar and Zorah had been taken care of, he started to make his way towards the actual gym to meet with whoever invited him. When he got close to his destination, he recalled Zorah into his ball. The hunter may put up with the dino's antics, but that didn't mean it would have been wise to bring him into this meeting.

[Aneurin]

Ran

As the girl runs past, Ran turns to call after her - and then stops, blinks and looks around.

"...I think I need to get my eyes checked," at her side, Ryuuko pads over to glance up and down the street and gives a faint huff. "Oh, hush you. Let's get that seel to the center," with a shrug - things'll work themselves out or not - Ran recalls Hikari, and begins trudging in the direction of the pokecenter once again.

Yup. Definitely took a wrong turn, she thinks as she approaches the center from entirely the wrong direction. Ryuuko lies down by the door, and twitches her tails to suggest she doesn't plan on going inside today, thank you, and that there is no point in arguing. Shaking her head, Ran walks through the doors and peers around the wonderfully dim, air-conditioned interior.

"Hello? I've got a seel that needs a hook removed from it's flipper. Can anyone help?"

[Eshkigal]

Marco
It takes a few hours, and Zorah is returned to you first, being the less injured of the two. Which is about when a girl walks in right next to where you're sitting and shouts about a seel, before noticing the wait and the winces from 90% of the people in the waiting room...Outside, you notice a ninetails lounging, watching her as she goes in. Some possibly strong mon on her maybe, or some cash?

Ran
You walk in, and the first thing you notice is a guy with a tyrunt right by the door. Kalos mon were rare enough in Kanto, but a fossil! It was like seeing someone walking around with a shiny!

The next thing you notice is how the rest of the room winces and slovenly tries covering ears, some still bleeding, some looking dead on their feet. A nurse comes over and takes your seel's pokeball.
"There's a wait time right now, but we'll get it back to you as we are able to."
There's a call on the intercom, and the nurse sighs as she has what sounds like yet another strange object to dislodge.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan observes the Pokemon for a moment before nodding to himself, thinking, This should make for a useful addition to my team... burrowing capability could be useful in a lot of places. Darting out from his cover, he dashes quickly towards the Sandshrew, a smirk on his face as he darts in for a quick jab - barely grazing the Pokemon, but intended more to surprise it than anything.

AC: [roll0] v 2 + Physical Evasion
Added Effect: Flinch on 15-20, Auto-Flinch if target is unaware of user
Damage: [roll1] Ghost Physical
Crit: [roll2] Ghost Physical

[BluesEclipse]

Kelian's smirk grows as a Great Ball appears in his hand with a flick of the wrist, and he allows the momentum from his earlier attack to carry him into a spin - which he uses to slap the Sandshrew's back with the ball in his hand.

AC: [roll0] v 6 + Speed Evasion
Capture Roll: [roll1]

[Dragonsage]

Marco raises a brow when the girl comes in and makes a bit of a commotion about her seel, but that really caught his attention was the ninetales that was resting outside. Didn't take much for him to piece together that the girl was the fox's trainer. 'Maybe there are decent trainers here after all.' The hunter thought while Zorah nuzzled up against his chest.

"May as well have a seat. Wait is going to be a while with all the...party related injuries." He spoke up to the girl while idly scratching some of the tyrunt's scales.

[Aneurin]

Ran]

Is that-? It is, it is! Oh, you are just made of pretty!

And it's probably strong, too. Or will be when it grows up. So - how to get one? Ran's eyes take on a speculative gleam, before the nurse arrives to take the seel and brings her back down with a bump. She glares daggers at the assembled party-casualties, as if it's their fault she's being held up. Which it is. They shouldn't have been stupid, now, should they?

...and now the guy with the pretty thing was talking to her.

"Yeah, well, I kind of have places to be," she tells the tyrunt, maliciously raising her voice on 'be' for the sake of the groans. Serves them right. "That, and I hate wasting a morning," she adds, ignoring the seat offered in favour of leaning against the wall.

[Dragonsage]

Marco shrugs when the girl declines her offer to sit. "Same here. I actually had a few things planned this morning, but then I had to swing by here and it just ate up so much time." He sighed before meeting Zorah's puppy like gaze. "But at least my pokemon are getting patched up." He continued petting the tyrunt.

"So what brings you to Cinnabar? You don't seem like an idiotic party goer."

[Aneurin]

Ran

Running away from home to join a major criminal organisation. How about you? is exactly what Ran doesn't say. Instead, she fidgets slightly, then shrugs.

"Needed a change of pace. Get away from things. Find myself. Maybe make some cash," she tears her gaze away from the tyrunt to run a disparaging eye over the holiday crowds, and shrugs again. "Plenty of money round here, so seemed a good place to start,"

She falls silent for a moment, kicking her heel against the wall, before remembering herself. "So, uh, yeah, how 'bout you? And where'd you get that?"

There's not really a need to specify what 'that' is, given she hasn't actually looked at the tyrunt's trainer yet.

[Eshkigal]

The sandshrew actually ends up flinching out of the way of the pokeball, clutching at its nose. It curls up and launches itself at you, spinning madly.

[roll0]-4+def
[roll1]

[Regalus]

Stillness filled the air as Dawn's morning light filtered through window and veil, illuminating the room more and more with each passing moment until at last the room's guest drifted back to the waking world. The change was subtle at first, easily missed by those who didn't know the young man; his breathing changing as his unspoken words rode upon the wind, soon rousing the rest of the room's inhabitants.

Greetings were groggily exchanged as a spot on the wall began to shift; leaving a tuff of yellow fur to sleepily make it's round across the delicate threads which darted across the room, both for it's ease and all of their safety, as it clicked out an all clear to it's compatriots. It's web was still whole.

Relaxing at the signal the young man finally began to stir from his covers, stretching this way and that with cat-like reluctance while his partner left it's post from just above the window sill to stretch his own wings; a drowzy glance assuring him that his butterfree scale traps were still unsprung. So it was that with the last of his check list done, the young man rolled out of bed; rubbing sleep from his eyes as the third of their number began to crawl out from under the bed far too chipperly for how early it was. "Go~ood morning everyone," he yawned out; finally breaking the thick veil of silence in the room as a small chorus of clicks and cries greeting him in turn while he entered the washroom without a care in the world.

Little did he the surprise that his pokemon would find in their room, or the twists and turns his life would take because of it.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan gracefully sidesteps the attack, before a flick of both his wrists causes a pair of identical balls to fly forward. One opens up to release Odin, while the other flies at the Sandshrew - only giving it enough time to see the smirk on its would-be captor's face before the ball fills his view.

AC: [roll0] v 6 + Speed Evasion
Capture Roll: [roll1]

[Dragonsage]

"Oh this little guy? Found him when he was a just a fossil a couple years back. He was the first fossil I brought back, actually." Zorah's tail really started wagging when he realized how much attention he was getting. "He's part of the reason why I'm here. I'm researching a method to improve the revival process and I thought the Cinnabar labs could help me along." There was a slight delay when he said "improve". "Unfortunately, I have gotten much new information yet, but I might have something later today."

[Eshkigal]

Keilan
Unfortunately, the sandshrew swats the ball in the side, still too strong to catch. It sends a stream of stars at Keilan in response.
[roll0]-swift doesn't miss

Anthony
As your team enters into their own morning routines, you enter the bathroom and get a nasty surprise. Only now do you notice the slim note carefully taped to the back of your head with weak tape. It comes off in your hands readily, and before you read it you hear a panicked chittering from the room. Heading back, you see your team clustered around a tiny box stuck to the bottom of the web in such a way it wouldn't be immediately noticeable.

[Aneurin]

Ran

Huh.

For the first time, she looks at the person with the tyrunt. She hadn't really bothered before, because with no labcoat on she'd just written him off as someone who bought their pokemon. But he - Revived it? Ressurected? Created? How does that work anyway? - made it, so maybe he is worth paying attention to after all.

She puts her head one one side and gives Marco a considering look.

"Is it difficult, then? Bringing them back? ...do you bring them back, or is it sort of, you know, making a new one out of what was left?"

[Regalus]

Confusion flits about his features at first as he grabs hold of the foreign note, wondering briefly if one of his mon had tried to prank him before the started cries of his pokemon pushed such thoughts away. A panic fueled vigor surges through him in short order, scourging away all trace of sleep as he rushed into the main room; leaving only a grim expression as he spotted the box, placed with almost mocking ease within the web. With his mon's worried chattering filling the once quiet morning air, the lad sighs in defeat before ordering them to calm down. Whoever had been responsible for this was already had them at their mercy the night before, so there was little reason to panic now; if whoever this was had wanted them dead their morning would have turned out quite differently.

"Everyone stand back just in case," he ordered somberly as he finally spoke aloud, catching his mon's attention before they all moved several steps back, "Leo, if you'd do the honors," he added while turning the now more sinister seeming note around to read it as his butterfree telekineticly shifted the box so it would face the wall, before carefully opening. If all went well, the group would soon check to see what their mystery guest had left for them.

Anthony didn't know what to expect, but one thing was for certain; it was going to be a long day.

[Eshkigal]

Whatever was expected, it certainly wasn't a second note saying "Paranoia is a survival trait. Here's some help", tiny items that upon closer observation are cameras that would easily fit and stick on your team, even Anna. There are also three tiny spare cameras that are built to stick on other surfaces, with recharge ports on them all. There is also a small disc attached to a booklet, detailing how to attach it to the pokedex so it can pick up the feed from the cameras.

(Paranoia's healthy when being hunted. Six pokemon spy cameras and collars. Three cameras that can be attached to walls, ceilings, or any other surface. Upgrade pokedex to be able to see the feeds from these cameras.)

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan frowns, raising his hand to shield his face as the stars batter his body. "Alright, then... Odin, Arm Thrust." The Pancham nods, stepping up behind the rodent Pokemon as it rolls its shoulder before striking with multiple angry blows. Keilan watches, nodding, before whipping another Pokeball out at the Sandshrew.

AC: [roll0] v 4 + Physical Evasion
Fivestrike: [roll1]
Damage: 37 Fighting Physical (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18342044&postcount=350)
Crit: 22 Fighting Physical (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18342044&postcount=350)

AC: [roll2] v 6 + Speed Evasion
Capture Roll: [roll3]

[Eshkigal]

The sandshrew takes the blows, curling up to go with them, ball tapping on top of the spinning mon and getting flung away. As the last blow hits, the sandshrew bounces off a tree and unrolls, firing off a poison sting at the pancham.
[roll0]-poison sting, 2+def, poisons on 17-20
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan's eyes gleam as the creature not only endures the blows with finesse, but lands a barbed shot in Odin's arm at the same time - and in the same arm that Odin struck it with, no less. "You'll do well..." he says, before ordering, "Odin, knock him off balance with a Tackle!" As the Pancham rushes at the creature shoulder first, Keilan palms another ball - whipping it forward as soon as his own Pokemon is out of the way.

AC: [roll0] v 3 + Physical Evasion
Damage: [roll1] Normal Physical
Crit: [roll2] Normal Physical
Other: Target is Pushed 2 Meters

AC: [roll3] v 6 + Speed Evasion
Capture Rate: [roll4]

[Eshkigal]

This time, the sandshrew disappears into the ball and doesn't escape, as it curls again to shoot up from the force of the tackle.

(Level 15 Male Sandshrew, Proud, Pickup. 65 exp)

[Dragonsage]

Marco shrugs when the girl finally looks at him. "The current process of bringing these fossils back is a bit of a...how should i put it... sloppy." He stopped petting the tyrunt, leaving it to simply rest in his lap. "Some other scientists would tell you that the method is currently one of the best, but I don't believe it. We bring them back, sure, but not at their full potential as they were before they died. Just babies of their former selves." He then points to Zorah. "Take him for example. The fossils I found to revive him where much larger. Meaning he was in all likeliness, he had already evolved before he originally passed. That or they used to be much larger back their time, ether way my point remains. I want to bring them back closer to what they were, memories and all."

At this point Zorah starts to curl up in Marco's lap for a nap. "I think he believes that i'm his mother..."

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan smirks as he walks over, picking up the ball containing his newest tool. "Excellent... you'll make a fine weapon, particularly once you've been trained a bit." He looks around for a moment before shrugging, deciding it would be far too much work to find the Pokeballs that rolled down the slope. Recalling Odin, he begins making his way back to the Pokemon Center to have his and Odin's few injuries patched up.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"So... he isn't the same as the fossil, then? Or... he lost his memory?" asks, giving Marco a look that suggests she might not have quite followed his explanation. Then she shrugs. "Glad it's not something I have to worry about much. Although..." she hesitates slightly. "If it ]is the same pokemon from the fossil... does that mean they can bring pokemon... and people... back from the dead, now? I mean, from regular dead. Not fossils,"

She gives him a frank look of unabashed curiousity. If they could've done that a few years ago, then maybe things would be different now. Besides, why can't they? The way they can heal stuff in a center, can't be that much harder to bring someone back, right?

Speaking of centers... she glares off at the desk to see if the nurse is finished with that seel yet. If it weren't for all these party-goers, it'd probably be healed by now!

Entirely Ran being impatient here - I'm fine carrying on the conversation, and also aware that it's only a minute or two at most since she came in.

[Dragonsage]

Marco starts to chuckle when Ran proposes her question. "Now that's the question now, isn't it?" He stopped to think for a moment. "but to answer your question, no. At least not through the means of current technology anyway. But those are the answers I am looking for."

Around this point he started wondering how Rengar was healing up so far and if they'd get done treating him in time to see about this meeting. Marco was a patient man, but he didn't like making others wait.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Oh," she looks disappointed. "But... it's possible, then? Even if you can't do it right now?"

Once again, Ran shoots a glare at the desk, then folds her arms and resumes drumming her heel against the wall. This is taking forever.

"...and I'm Ran, by the way," she adds belatedly, with a sort-of-friendly wiggle of her fingers. Might as well make an introduction, since she's going to be here a while.

[Eshkigal]

(Sorry, lack of sleep and whatnot messed with my timing)
Keilan
With a victorious grin, you set off to get yourself presentable, avoiding most trouble as any drunks still out draw the attention of opportunists of all species. They tend to scatter when you get too close, preventing you from grabbing potentially useful thief mon, but you make it to the Center unmolested after a while. there is a ninetales outside, dozing in the sun...

The two
Unfortunately, the staff still is not done with your pokemon in the few minutes that have passed, as the people in front of you sometimes sport glass in wounds, broken bones, objects forcibly implanted where they should not be, and they are still on the wait list.

(Hey, may as well try uniting the party, right? Reg has had bad luck with testing and whatnot, so it's all odd. With any luck I should be able to push through a fight with Reg with some speed, after which I plan to get you guys moving full tilt to at least getting the plot, which will be in your hands how to handle approaching it.)

[Regalus]

"These guys sure know how to make a first impression," he quipped to himself with a nervous grin, before sitting down for a moment to follow the instructions on how to upgrade his dex; silently ordered Ana and Leo to check the room for anything that might indicate how their visitor got in, and strongly hoping that he wasn't dealing with a warper.

Once he'd left the update running, the young man went about getting himself ready for the day; tossing out his plans for the day in light of this turn of events, while going over where he could go if things went south. Cinnabar was an island sadly, and his contacts in the area would be few and far between; which meant he had few ways out of this mess if it went pear shaped. He supposed the best he could do would be to go, hear them out, and try not to give them a reason to ensure his silence.

With that the young man spent sometime double checking things, before heading out to grab a bite to eat and to scope out what the local trainer population was like; hoping to warm up his mon in case anything went down, and get a feel for what the area was like.

[Eshkigal]

Most of the potential trainers seem to be either in varying degrees of drunken stupor, or have other things to handle at the moment. It's about now that you remember that it's spring break currently, and being a tropical island, it was easily one of the most popular sites for rich kids to hit on break. Then there were the natives, who were cleaning up around them, getting some "tips" off the visitors for crashing at their place, and others calling cops to haul off streets worth of the drunkards, the bills alone likely funding the department all year easily. You note mon and men rifling through pockets as you walk, seeing as there are so many potential targets. Are you going to challenge one of the natives?

[Regalus]

Anthony calmly strolls down the beach-side full of potential marks, though he silently orders Annabelle to stay calm for now; eliciting a few clicks from the small insect hiding on his person. They were still new in town and with someone watching him already, the young man wasn't about to get his hands dirty without knowing the lay of the land. That said he takes his time keeping his eye peeled for any stragglers who weren't consumed by alcohol, or a native that might seem like they'd be willing to make some quick money; or atleast one who might be able to tell him where the local battlers gathered.

This town might was a resort town and also had a gym; he doubted the locals didn't have a battle park or hall, officially or otherwise.

[Eshkigal]

You take an hour to find someonne not busy, a young kid who is sitting near a pond with a drunk being pulled out and tossing some bread to a goldeen until it gets recalled. That's going to be your best shot.

[Regalus]

"Hey there kid, got a minute?" he asked genially as he got off the road, waving in greeting for a moment; but keeping himself at a respectful distance.

[Eshkigal]

The kid looks over at you for a moment before nodding, looking your team over cautiously.
"What's up, mister? If it's somethin' missing, I didn't take nuthin from nobody, got it?"

[Dragonsage]

"I'm Marco." The hunter offered his name after Ran before looking out again to see the ninetales. "So is that beautiful creature out there yours?"

Yeah i think think we're kinda reaching the end of the this conversation here

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan pauses for a moment as he notices the dozing Ninetales, observing it carefully. Now that is a Pokemon that would suit a refined gentleman such as myself... he thinks, admiring the Fire-type. Elegant... mysterious... and rare, as well. Perhaps I'll be able to find out who it belongs to... it might be worth acquiring. Stepping into the center, he frowns as he notices the numerous people there, before making his way towards the counter to have both Odin and Hugh tended to.

[Eshkigal]

Keilan
For all the rarity of that ninetales, the tyrunt you pass inside was even more impressive for the rarity-kalos mon are rare in Kanto, and fossils even moreso. Just think of the price! Or how it would be to ride the king of the wilds in ages long past! You hit the desk and it takes minutes for you to get any service, the room being overcrowded by idiots with no understanding of restraint. It looks like you have a wait to deal with...

[Regalus]

"Chill kid, I ain't looking for nuthin' 'cept a battle," he says with a wry grin, "I'm new 'round here, and I'm hunting for two-on-two to past the time; but I can't seem to find anyone willin' to take me on for a bit. Ya wouldn't happen to know anyone who might interested in match would ya?"

[Eshkigal]

Anthony
"I can give you one."
With that he sends out an elekid.
"Let's get down ta it then. Eh, Crush?"

[Regalus]

"Well, if you're up to it let's do this then," he quips with a wry smile while the pair walk a short distance away to hold their battle. "Annabelle, show'em what you're made of," he quipped happily, the small joltik soon peeking out of her hiding place in his hair, before zipping unto the field on a brilliant silver line. The small bug pokemon blinks adorably as it rests on the grassy field patiently.


Annabelle
*HP: 47/47
*Speed: 15
*Evasion: 3
*Def & SDef: 5

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan's eyes wander towards the Tyrunt as he enters the center, widening slightly. A Tyrunt... hmm... it seems I may have an abundance of potential targets here... he thinks, before frowning as he slips into the line. After a few ardurous minutes, his two Pokemon are taken for healing, and he makes his way over towards the man with the Tyrunt - not particularly close, but close enough that he can listen in on any conversation. Leaning against the wall, he sighs, muttering, "The nerve of these plebians... forcing me to wait..." under his breath as he pulls out four of his Pokeballs - all empty - and begins juggling them absently.

[Regalus]

"Annabelle, Code twenty-three," he ordered coolly, receiving a click in response as the joltik glew radiant gold before launching a focused beam of sun-yellow lightning streaking across the field to strike Crush. The joltik hadn't even let the attack finish before her fur prickled, shifting colors while hidden by her attacks saffron shine; making it seem as if she had all but vanished amid the sea of grass in the wake of her attack.


*HP: 47/47
*Speed: 15
*Evasion: 5, 7 against ranged attacks
*Def & SDef: 5

Charge Beam
*AC 4: [roll0]
*Damage: [roll1] S-Elec damage
*+1 Special combat stage.

Activated Blender capability.

[Eshkigal]

The Elekid takes the blast easily, most of the lightning coursing to its own horns but it still gets hurt. It then closes and shoots a barrage of stars, figuring if it can't see the enemy it would rely on saturating the area with heavy fire.

(Swift doesn't miss.)
[roll0]

[Regalus]

Annabelle is blown out of the blast by the explosion, the emerald color leaving her fluffy form as she glows with a prismatic light before firing a rainbow-like laser at her enemy; knocking her back slightly before she zips back down to the grass.


Anabelle
*HP: 22/47
*Speed: 15
*Evasion: 5
*Def & SDef: 5

Signal Beam
*AC 2: [roll0]
*Damage: 42 S-Bug damage
*On a roll of +18 the target is confused

[Eshkigal]

Even as Anna releases the beam, the elekid dashes in , attempting to land a solid hit before she can fire. It doe so again as she gains energy for her next attack too. However, after the blast it looks pretty badly off.
[roll0]-Quick Attack 1, before the Signal Beam, 2+def
[roll1]
[roll2]-Quick Attack 2, before Ana's next attack
[roll3]

[Regalus]

On it's last legs, and having taken personal offense to her attack being interrupted, Annabelle launches fires a wide net of crackling lightning twice as long as the elekid was tall.


Anabelle
*HP: 3/47
*Speed: 15
*Evasion: 5
*Def & SDef: 5

Electroweb Beam
*AC 2: [roll0]
*Damage: [roll1] S-Elec damage
*-1 Speed combat Stage.

[Eshkigal]

And with that, Crush the Elekid barely falls. It is recalled, and the kid nods.
"Right then, Amber!"
A lopunny takes the elekid's place.
(Swap and withdraw now if you choose to do so)

[Regalus]

"Not bad kid, ya almost had me there; let's see how round two goes," he comments appreciatively, as he draws a pair of pokebalss; one returning Annabelle, while the other one calling forth Alexander to the field. The hermit crab pokemon snaps it's pincirs challengingly at the lopunny as it enters the fray.


Alexander
*HP: 50/50
*Def & SDEF: 10
*Spd: 10
*Evasion: 2

[Eshkigal]

The rabbit rushes forward, bouncing off the dwebble's head.
[roll0]-Return, 2+def
[roll1]

[Regalus]

Alexander weathers the blow, barely shifting its stance at the blow connects, before raising it's pinsir at his attack is it tries to bounce away; the claw turning into a keen blade as it's enveloped in a dark red glow.


Alexander
*HP: 39/50
*Def & SDEF: 10
*Spd: 10
*Evasion: 2

Fury Cutter
*AC3:[roll0]
*Damage: 29 P-Bug Damage

[Eshkigal]

Once again, the enemy bursts forward with unmatched speed, aiming for a kick to the dwebble's face while it's out.
[roll0]-quick attack, 2+def
[roll1]

[Regalus]

Alexander manages to shift his face out of the way, allowing his shell to take the worst of that might blow, before swiping at the rabbit once more with it's opposite pinsir this time; the claw's edge glowing a bright red as the energy seems to lengthen into a sharper blade that moves far swifter than it had before.

Alexander
*HP: 25/50
*Def & SDEF: 10
*Spd: 10
*Evasion: 2

Fury Cutter
*AC3:[roll0]
*Damage: [roll1]+23=61 P-Bug Damage

[Eshkigal]

The blow causes the lopunny to rock on its feet before slowly falling, just barely taking it out. The kid nods, and recalls the rabbit.
"Good fight. See ya 'round, then."
They glance behind you, and eyes a bit wider, they take flight. You look back and see officers roaming the streets still. Guess they're nervous.

(120 exp for the fight)

[Regalus]

"Take care little buddy," he says curtly in parting, patting Alexander for the good fight before returning him and setting off to the pokemon center. In a good mood, the young man planned out his day once more; hoping he'd have enough time to scope out the gym before the meeting once his mon had been healed.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Who, Ryuuko?" she glances out the door as Marco speaks, just to check there isn't something else interesting turned up out there, then turns back and shrugs. "One of us owns the other. Sometimes I'm not so sure which of us is which," Ran says wryly.

Ryuuko

As Keilan approaches, the Ninetales opens her eyes and sneezes before treating him to a deeply appraising gaze. Then, deciding that he lacks anything worthy of stealing, the Thief of Viridian closes her eyes and resumes her siesta. With any luck her human will return with the rest of the term and they can some something interesting - not that lazing in the sun isn't pleasurable, it just isn't amusing.

[Eshkigal]

Group
Unfortunately for Ryuuko, nothing exciting does end up happening for the next two hours, which is when Marco gets his zangoose back, followed by the seel's return to Ran a moment later, and Keilan receiving his pancham and sandshrew a couple minutes after. There's just enough time to get there with enough time to look respectful, or if you push you might be able to buy something beforehand, but another fight would likely leave you late...

Anthony
You head to the overcrowded center, and note the fox outside, the tyrunt, and the sheer number of drunks. It takes hours for your pokemon to be seen to, but they are eventually returned to you. You don't have much time before the meeting, maybe enough to get there respectfully early if you move now.

[Regalus]

Not one to dawdle when a mysterious individual sets an appointment with him, Anthony allows Anna to hide in her usual resting spot for safety before heading out to the gym. If he was lucky he'd have a chance to acquaint himself with the locale before the meeting got under way.

[Aneurin]

Ran

As she finally - finally - gets that blasted Seel back, Ran kicks herself at the wall and half-waves to Marco.

"Well, that didn't take forever at all," she says, scowling at the clock on the wall. "See you around, maybe. Gotta get a move on, or I'm gonna be late," she adds, sweeping through the doors and into the even-hotter-than-earlier mid-day sun with a thoroughly disgusted Ryuuko at her heels.

As she starts walking towards the gym, she takes ut the seel's pokeball and starts talking to it.

"So, not only do I waste all that time, it looks like you ate my lure. Great. Wonderful. Glad you're helping already. You'd better be worth the time," she mutters, as she tucks the ball away again and tries not to sweat in an undignified fashion.

[Dragonsage]

"Pleasure talking with you." Marco returns the wave to Ran as she leaves. He then takes a moment to return Zorah to his ball before getting up from his seat. 'Hope you appreciate the patience we had for you.' He looks at Rengar's ball as he exits the center and makes his way towards the gym.

Along the way over, the hunter pondered the possibilities of his invitation.

[Eshkigal]

Each of you arrives, alone, to a large building that looks like a labratory testing facility. Entering, you see a short, tastefully decorated hallway and a closed door, with a pair of elevators at either side. In this hallway you see a lone desk, and a woman working behind it entering information. As first Anthony, then Ran, Marco, and finally Keilan stand in the doorway, each of you seeing the others in front of you...

(Perception for some odd details)

[Dragonsage]

Marco pauses mid step when he enters the gym to see Ran in front of him. "Well this is a bit of a surprise." He said to announce his presence to the girl before he looked around his surroundings out of habit. "Interesting, that we meet again so soon." When satisfied with his quick look over of the hallway he proceeds up to the counter, not wanting to waste more time.

When he gets up to the receptionist, he waves to her before saying the phrase the note instructed in a bit of a hush voice. "Blast off at the speed of light."

[roll0] perception go!

[BluesEclipse]

Having made his way from the Pokemon Center without much issue, Keilan pauses upon entering his destination - noting that one of the others in the building is, in fact, the same man who he saw in the Center with the Tyrunt. Hmm... he, and the other two there could just work here - but more likely, they're here for similar reasons as he himself is. Still... he steps off to the side of the door and takes a look around, observing both the others in the room and examining the room itself.

[roll0]

[Aneurin]

Ran

She turns, and gives Marco an odd look. Ryuuko treats him to a similar one, as well.

"Uh, yeah. I thought you were going to the labs?" Ran says, with a very sceptical tone. "Y'know, blasting off at the speed of light to get there and make your break-through discovery, and all," she adds, for the benefit of the secretary as she glances around with interest. She's never really bothered with gyms, before. But an office is... well, it's not what she expected. Neither is it what she expected from Team Rocket, either - but that's not so odd. If it did look like a criminal den, then the police would've gotten it years ago.

And what's with all these people? And why does Marco know the password? Hey, maybe he's the one who sent her the note and Rocket was just doing a bit of pre-emptive scouting earlier.

[roll0]

[Eshkigal]

Keilan's eyes are less attuned, but Ran and Marco both notice something off at the hands. The more they look, the more they see the doll like parts, where the body was crafted with care from the ground up to blend in. The intelligence behind those eyes are what hides the nature of the robot in front of you. With a warm yet disturbing smile, she nods to you both. Cameras in her eyes click as they lock on to your faces, and you both feel your phones vibrate. The voice is pretty damn human, which is unsettling when you notice the rest.
"Please head to the elevator on the right and activate the application that has been forwarded to you."

[Aneurin]

Ran

"...okay. That's kinda creepy," she peers at the roboceptionist, and tries not to shudder. "Pretty creepy, actually," she adds, taking a step back, and hurrying into the lift to put just a little more space between here and the freaky robot-lady. Ryuuko, after a puzzled sniff at the desk, pads in behind her and takes a seat, her tails waving around her like a fan.

As Ran steps in, she pulls out her phone and starts flicking through to see what this new app is.

[Eshkigal]

For a brief moment the roboceptionist's face contorts into confusion, then annoyance.
"And that is somewhat rude, but it will be excused this time."
After, it goes back to normal. You enter the elevator and find it roomier than expected, even as you search. You eventually find the application, but will you wait for Marco and the two the receptionist didn't seemed concerned about to try it?

[Aneurin]

Ran

"...okay, feeling scared now..."

She stares at the thing with a look of sick horror, mumbles something that might, possibly, contain an apology and then, in a much louder voice, calls out;

"Hey, Marco. You coming or what?"

...the others probably have their own arrangements. Or, y'know, aren't here for the same thing at all. Whatever.

Ran will wait for Marco. She'll wait for the others if they ask, too, but won't if they don't.

[Dragonsage]

Marco found himself a little uneasy at the robotic receptionist, which wasn't easy considering what he was trying to achieve. He supposed the uneasiness just came from the effect of the uncanny valley. 'Suppose that hypothesis does have something to it.' He continued examining the doll, somewhat impressed with the work, before having his attention turned to Ran when she called to him.

"Right, be right there." He looked back to the doll for one last glance before boarding the lift and seeing what was installed on his phone. He was curious about the receptionist but he figured it would be explained later if it was important. If it wasn't, then there might be time later to ask.

[Eshkigal]

The two of you enter and hit the application. The elevator begins rising, but with an ominous hum, strange devices activate in the walls of the elevator. You both disappear in a flash, and find yourselves in a strange room behind a set of four chairs, with a desk facing them. The walls seem to be made of steel, with gigantic red lights attached to one wall-wait, they're moving...

As you watch, the back wall moves away, revealing that wall to be part of a massive Steel pokemon as it gets legs the size of 18 wheelers and growing a bizarre mix of organic and mechanical artillery turrets situated beneath it better. You have no idea where you are currently. A small clock on the desk shows that there are still five minutes to your meeting...

Back with the other two, the lift returns to their floor, vacant and perfectly normal looking.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan nods, watching as the others vanish - after providing the same code phrase. Stepping past the other individual - whether he's there for the same thing or not, he doesn't seem to be of too much interest - the juggler approaches the receptionist, and says, "A rather interesting place, this... I bet a career here would help anyone blast off at the speed of light towards success, eh?"

[Eshkigal]

The secretary who got such strange responses from Marcus and Ran nods, and speaks again.
"That it would. You now have the application, sir. Please step into the elevator on the right and run it."
Once Keilan does, the elevator begins rising yet again, and the walls flare up. He finds himself teleported into the same room as Marcus and Ran, who note that the wall behind them begins to glow just before he rematerializes. Keilan also gets to note the impressively large metagross passively watching them, the artillery on it alone probably enough to do away with anyone foolish enough to try something. There is still no one in the room to deal with you lot though.

Once again, the elevator comes back empty. The secretary looks at Anthony expectantly.

[Aneurin]

Ran

She stares at the giant steel thing, and fights the impulse to hide behind Marco. Or, possibly, on another continent.

"Um... um. Do they get angry if you stare them in the eye or is that just infernape?" she whispers to Marco in a voice as tall as an ant.

[Dragonsage]

Marco furrows his brows upon realizing the giant steel type baring down on them. On instinct, his body tensed up to prevent sudden movements. It was something he had learned when hunting with some of his fellow tribesmen when he was a boy. Saved him a few times when an unexpected predator pokemon would show up, though he wasn't sure how well it would play out here. Still, would be best not to antagonize the massive thing.

"I don't think so." He replied to Ran, as he eased up on his muscle tension. "I think it might have been told to just watch us for now. If it wanted to harm us, it would have done so already." His focus then shifts over to the new arrival. "Huh... so there's more of us then."

[Eshkigal]

Ran and Marco are both floored by an unseen force, faces pushed against with an unseen pressure. A voice, definitely inhuman, emotionless and monotone, echoes in your heads.
Agitated statement: Don't cower. It makes you look weak.

Angered question: Is this the best that can be scraped up? Really?

The Metagross lifts a foot, allowing a Beeheeyem to walk past, and stand by the desk. Slowly, the two feel the psychic pressure lift off them.

Angered statement: Get up and look smart, the boss will be here to evaluate you soon.

Behind it, the Metagross lowers its foot, eyes flashing.

.-..---.-..

(Ten damage to you both)

[Regalus]

Having wanted to scope out the area first, the young man had been more than willing to wait for his turn; treating him to a must curious sight as one by one the individuals that had arrived after him approached the desk. He watched with interest and bemusement as each made their approach slightly differently, some saying the password outright while others tried to work it into their speech; commendable for certain, though he found the effect lessened a bit for each person that had said the phrase before them.

Sighing to himself the young man waited briefly to make sure no one else was about to barge in, knowing by now that he was most likely stil being watched; before approaching the desk with a faint smile, "Good afternoon sweetheart; hope you've had a nice day so far," he says warmly to the secretary, "I was hoping you might be able to help me. See, I got a meeting here; but the guy forgot to give me his office number, and I can't seem to reach'em. Think you could lend me a hand? Got the email right here if it'll help," he explained bashfully before pulling out his pokegear, and showing it to the secretary. On it's screen was the simple code phrase 'blast off at the speed of light', the display dim enough so that only someone fairly close to the screen would be able to make it out properly without great difficulty.


Perception: [roll0] I goofed the bonus. The result should be 14

[Eshkigal]

Anthony, being the last, gets a smile from the robot as he shows the message, his eyes picking up on the manifold tells in its form.
"Of course, sir. The application installing on your phone right now will show you the way. Just go into the elevator on the right."
When Anthony brings back his phone, he manages to catch a glimpse of red and blue flitting off the screen. Was this thing using a digital mon as a brain?

[Regalus]

Anthony though surprise flickers through Anthony's eyes, both from her true nature and the realization that a virtual mon had so easily and quickly enterred his system, but the would-be outlaw maintains his demeanor, "Well thank you then miss; I hope you have a lovely day," he ends cordially with a boyish smile, before heading towards the elevator.

Once alone the young man takes a deep slow breath to calm himself faced with just how skilled the people he was dealing with were; it was one thing to know how affluent the Rockets were, but it was another thing entirely to begin to glimpse the reasons why they where a house hold name. Now centered, the young man gives Anna a silent message to be ready and keep her eyes peeled as he pulled out his phone and activated the new app; the pair unsure what to expect next from their hosts.

[Dragonsage]

Marco practically snarls something unpleasant in his native tongue when he picks himself off of the ground. So far, he already didn't like what this whole thing was about. To suffer such insults... and for something he wasn't even doing. But sure, mistake the hunter's actions as a sign of cowardice. Makes it easier to play the game later down the road if needed.

After picking himself up and dusting himself off, he offers a hand to Ran to help her up as well. A courtesy he normally wouldn't have extended to most others, especially how he'd started to become somewhat detached from society as of late, but he figured that she'd no doubt share his annoyance of the situation.

[Aneurin]

Ran

She takes Marco's hand, and allows him to pull her to her feet - likewise growling something unpleasant - and glares at the annoying psychic thing. Such is her wrath that the giant steel thing is temporarily driven from her mind.

"I came here to meet humans. I was not execting to be teleported out of the lift, to spirits-know-where, and come face to leg with a pokemon that could crush this building without noticing! Anyone who isn't alarmed by that has something wrong with them. It could have been wild, or ordered to kill us for all I knew!" she spits out, brushing herself down and tugging at her clothes to resettle them. "This has got to be the worst hazing ever,"

[Eshkigal]

Anthony
You try and be prepared for anything, but find yourself unable to expect the walls lighting up and suddenly getting teleported to a spot you do not know. The other three are there, two snarling at a beeheeyem that looks nonplussed, a gigantic Metagross that looks like it could easily put a foot through the room idly watching the group.

The Clock says 12
Just as the fourth guy who you were waiting on appears, and the tempers flare, a very human, if emotionally detached, voice comes from behind the metagross.
"Then it would pay to stop yelling at your superior officers and learn to behave with some dignity. Leaves a bad impression."
The metagross lifts up while the beeheeyem stands at attention, and a man with graying, dirty blonde hair comes forward, face cool as the steel of his metagross. He wears glasses and a lab coat, white and crisp, as dozens of small tablets darting about him as they are carried by strange engines, and his eyes shine with a cold brilliance more alien to you all than what you have seen so far, but at the same time all too human. He takes a seat behind the desk, conducting other business for a minute on the tablets before looking to you lot, calculating gaze measuring each of you up.
"For the record, please state your name and why you believe you have been invited, then sit down. I have little time to waste right now and would like to get to business. Or if you fancy your luck, spurn the fact that I have seen potential in each of you to become something useful to Rocket, leave, and try to eke out a life worth living. See how well you do at that."

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan can only watch - and begin considering to himself just how valuable something like that massive Metagross would have to be. But when their apparent host makes himself known, Keilan gives the man his attention. "I can respect that," he replies to the man's comment about having little time to waste. "It's always preferable to spend as little time dealing with the common rabble as possible. Anyway... I am Keilan Mathers - you three," he glances at the other would-be recruits in the room, "may have heard of me. I'm quite a talented performer... though I'm sure that I was called here due more to my talents in stealth - and the fact that my sleight of hand skills lend themselves well to acquiring things without being noticed." He sits down after this, not waiting for any response.

[Aneurin]

Ran

She gives the man a look that suggests she's seriously considering yelling some more - being attacked for no apparent reason tends to that that to you - but swalls the urge.

"...Ran Akiyama. Because I can train pokemon better than most people - meaning, I can actually teach them to do things, rather than have them beat on each other 'til they work things out on their own. Because I actually want to join. Because I stole a Dratini egg for Rocket," she hesitates at the end of this grammatical masterpiece, and adds a trifle sulkily; "If it's for my family connections, though, you're out of luck. They probably disowned me for running away again,"

[Regalus]

Anthony's initial surprise at being teleported suddenly is swept away under the wake of the strange man's sudden declarations and orders, and his own disbelief at seeing the enormous pokemon in the room; though he takes some comfort upon spotting the familiar faces, and their relative well being. Despite his own unease about the situation, the young man approaches the rest of the quartet of humans; taking in his surroundings while hearing out his fellow draftees.

"Well, you can call me Anthony Rowan. I think I was invited for my skill at coordinating groups, and handling ornery pokemon; and I'm guessing a fondness for traps, infiltration, and scouting might have something to do with it too. A little healthy paranoia certainly seemed like a welcome bonus as well," commented the young man as he took his own seat along with the bespectacled man's measure. Over the course of the morning Anthony had developed his suspicions about why he'd been contacted. Guessing that they were most likely being round up for the sake of outsourcing a few tasks, or getting a few hands in for a job they couldn't handle directly for whatever reason; formal employment into their major organization had been no where near the top of his list.

[Dragonsage]

Marco quietly stood by and listened to everyone else's introductions, starting to form a clearer picture of why he was invited. "Marco Hietala. I am known to some as Amulya. As for why I believe I was invited, I can only think of two reasons. Among my tribe, I am a great hunter. I am able to track down most prey and I can teach any pokemon to hunt and work together as a single pack to take on most any challenge." He then changes his stance slightly, appearing more serious both in the way he was standing and in the way he spoke. "The other reason is possibly that the nature of my research." He looked among some of the others who were gathered and thought it best not to disclose what his research was actually about. If the ones who invited him knew if his research, then there wouldn't be a need to actually say it. Plus if he ended working with they others, they'd know of his work sooner or later.

[Eshkigal]

As you each introduce yourselves, the man's face betrays little, save for a bit more of his attention on each of you than before.
"Still trying to hide it all, eh? No matter, your group shall find out in time the real reasons for each of you. Each of you has the possibility to be great, your talents expand exponentially, but for now, you are still unrefined, raw. And you have more talents than you know."
He presses something on a screen, and a modest sized steel box is teleported in, easy enough to fit in a bag.
"But before that, you must be tested, like all others. I have an associate, Sergeant Gerald Slate, who is the owner of Joltik Island. Though 'island' may be a bit of a misnomer..."
With the pressing of a few more buttons, four tablets fly into each of your hands, showing an island that looks suspiciously like a Lapras, overlaid with a map. A star shines at where the "neck" meets the body, presumably your location. Then it changes to a satellite image that shows an estimate of the...how is the island getting closer to Cinnabar? As you watch, the area the fins are slowly rise out of the water, crashing against the waves, and a head the size of a small mountain crests the waves, taking in air before rising on a long, sinuous neck to gaze across the sea.
"Zaratan is more fitting, anyway. The island is, in fact, a massive lapras that he has managed to tame, with other unique entities such as it also calling the Zaratan home. He has personally caught enough pokemon, rare and common, to start up his own safari zone on his property, with stable breeding populations. You are to go and deliver this package to him on the island, to show you can handle basic instructions, show initiative, and are worth the effort."
Another screen is tapped, and a waterproof tent large enough for the four of you is teleported in, neatly packed up next to the box.
"Information on how to arrive at the Zaratan has been downloaded to your map applications, as well as a tracker to monitor her predicted course. It is up to you to determine how you arrive, and to make the delivery. With that in mind, hunting is allowed, except for the joltiks and galvantulas that give it the nickname. He is rather adamant on that."
He takes a moment to actually look to each of you.
"Now, any questions?"

[Aneurin]

Ran

After a few moment's thoughtful silence - and more than a few covert glances at the others - Ran raises a hand.

"Um. Other than 'where do I get one of those', I don't think so. Oh, no, wait. How come I haven't heard of Zaratan before? It sounds kind of... hearable-about," she says, fishing for a better phrase and, frankly, giving up. To be honest, you'd have thought she'd have heard about a giant Metagross, too, but there we are. "...And do we just leave here, or is there some other weird, teleport-y thing going to happen for that?"

[Eshkigal]

There's a slight smirk at the last part.
"Because until he found her, Zaratan was considered a myth, a fable of a moving island, as are several of his other acquisitions living there. As for leaving my office, how else would you return to Cinnabar from Johto?"

[Dragonsage]

Marco looks at the information on his tablet, amazed at the sight of the titan sized pokemon that is an island. 'Another myth that turns out to be true.' He reads through the predicted path Zaratan was going to take. "So, say we pass this test of yours. What exactly would we gain after we prove ourselves?"

[Eshkigal]

"Depends on how you do on your second mission. However, I suppose a bit of a demonstration is in order..."
He lazily pulls a pokeball from his belt, heavily customized and sealed. What is sent out of it...oh dear sweet mew. Fifteen feet of steel and fury come out of that pokeball, armor blood red as it brings itself up on its hind legs, wide face regarding you as you come face to face with something you definitely didn't expect-a weapon from the Kanto-Sinnoh War, a Genesect. Artillery and Chaos incarnate on the battlefield, platoons of this pokemon were sent out to lay waste to Sinnohese forces, sheer destructive power dwarfed only by the Artificial Beast, Mewtwo in terms of single combat. Emblazoned on its chest is the insignia of the First Genesect Corps, which had been on old documentaries on TV lately, and by coloration, it was the Captain.
"I made him when I was a bit older than you, with Rocket's help. Him and many more. I assume this answer suffices?"
The genesect looks down at each of you, dull hum of its cannon cycling through minor power up filling the silence.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan thinks slightly, before saying, "A pity that Lapras is likely a one-of-a-kind Pokemon... it would be worth a fortune on its own. Still... you're not intending to give us anything for purposes of approaching this 'island'? Surely if he's gone to the lengths of making that creature his home, he wouldn't exactly be appreciative of unwanted visitors. Or is there something we can use to identify ourselves on approach, to avoid any mishaps?"

[Eshkigal]

And now, your boss frowns.
"Did I not say that you are being tested? Did I not just explain this? If you cannot figure out how to arrive there, if you cannot make it to him, you are worthless to Rocket, do I make myself clear?"

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan raises an eyebrow at the man's frown and replies, "I'm aware that we're being tested. But unless this friend of yours is also aware of this fact - and knows who we are - he has no reason to allow us on that island of his to begin with. And someone capable of taming such a beast is no doubt quite capable of keeping us away - if only by commanding the creature itself to attack us. Which is why I was asking if there's something we'd be given to identify ourselves before that would become an issue." Keilan meets the man's gaze levelly. "Were the circumstances different, I'd also be asking for a means of identifying our contact - in this case, I'd say 'the man living on the overwhelmingly large Lapras' is enough of an identifier for him. However, particularly if he's spent the bulk of his time on that island, I'd doubt that he'd know of any of us on sight or on reputation alone, so having the means to verify for him who we are would be important - wouldn't you think?"

[Eshkigal]

With a sigh, the boss looks at you, even more annoyed.
"Two things. One, information will be omitted as necessary. You are currently more expendable than the secrets to piercing those defenses are to me, as you are not even personnel yet. This is how you earn your briefings. Two, what is the point of constructing a test if it's simple? He knows you're coming. He placed the order himself."
The boss points to the box, looking at you directly, Keilan, leaning on his desk and standing slowly, the metagross and the genesect staring down at you with scorn.
"The Sergeant also has requested to train the survivors. I have granted him permission to do so, from start to finish, so take your first lesson to heart. There will be bad intel, misapplied information, omitted details more valuable to us than you are currently, and undiscovered information your team will be sent to scout out in your career. It's just a part of the job in the information race, but operatives forget that. So the ability to operate under such conditions is important enough to be tested for rather than when it is under greater stakes to Rocket's holdings, especially after the events surrounding the War. Prove yourself and future briefings will be thorough, fail and they won't be your problem any more. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

[Aneurin]

Ran

She stares at the boss for a moment, her mouth hanging open in shock.

We're in Johto?! The power to make that kind of jump is, well, terrifying.

...and then there's a genesect in the room. At least, it's looks like a genesect, probably smells like a genesect and is apparently about to blow Marco up like a genesect. So, on the balance, Ran's not in the mood to ask for a certificate of authenticity. She takes a tactful step away from Marco, and another from... whasisname. Keilan? Whatever. Seems sensible, all things considered.

"Yes, absolutely, um, sir - no problem here," she says, smiling sweetly at the man with enough power to turn everyone in the room into dust, and taking a surreptitious look for the exit. Which, unfortunately, seems to be underneath a giant metagross. "Instructions in the pokedex, right? So... uh. Yes. How do I get back?" Ran adds, going to to pick up the box like an obedient subordinate - quite coincidentally putting more space between her and the others and, with any luck, putting the box at risk if anyone - or thing - tries to splatter her.

Frankly, she's just glad Ryuuko decided to go into a pokeball in the lift after all.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan shrugs, trying to maintain his composure - though not particularly succeeding given the circumstances. "Right... just so long as we're not going to wind up getting attacked by that behemoth... it would still be a bit overkill to make fighting that thing a test of any kind."

[Eshkigal]

The bossman gives a dismissive dismissive grunt to that, and waits a couple moments to ensure there is no other questions.
"Yes, instructions are in the pokedex. Since there are no other questions, you are dismissed."
With that, each of you is surrounded by the glow of the teleporter, and you find yourselves in the same elevator again, with the addition of the crate. You lower down to the ground floor, and are let out back into the reception room.

The day still has a good amount of time, so now what?

[Dragonsage]

Needless to say, Marco was was impressed with genesect. Clearly there would be something he could learn from team rocket. He was glad that he kept Zorah in his ball, poor little guy would have freaked out at the sight of the thing.

After everyone was teleported back onto the elevator, he hunter looks around at the others. "So, I guess we're all working together now." He takes a look at the crate before seeing about carrying off the lift. "You guys have any ideas for how to tackle this?"

[Aneurin]

Ran

Looking around the lift, she shivers slightly.

"Okay, that's really, really creepy," she says, as she rubs her bare arms. "Um... next? Give me a sec," she adds fishing out her pokedex and looking for the instructions.

"I guess we find a boat, or... uh. Maybe a helicopter? Depends how far it is, I guess. I can drive a boat, sail a little too, how about you guys?" she asks, still hunting for information. Who knows, though, maybe Rocket's already laid in some kind of boat for them? Probably not, they are kind of expensive.

Oh, oh. Oh dear. That might actually be quite a problem.

"Er... if they haven't laid on transport for us, does anyone have any money for rental?"

[Eshkigal]

Looking in the pokedex, you get a declassified military file including basic information about your potential instructor, including an image. Dear god, that's a person? Arceus damn, it looks like someone fell into a running lawnmower blade face first and then got set on fire, to be polite about his appearance. Alongside age, rank, and general biometrics, there is an odd title, "Kantonese Nightmare". No capabilities or team information is listed.

Flipping past the sergeant, you come across a map of what must be Joltik Island. You notice your target area has a star on it, right behind the colossal lapras' neck. Around it is an area labeled no catch zone, a few miles wide. Outside of that is a more general map, breaking the island down into environmental segments and little other information being provided. It would take four days dedicated hike along the beaches to get from the tail to your goal. Nothing on population of pokemon, or other surprises that may await.

There is a final page after general notes on the Island. This page is simple, a few bullet points with your instructions.

Find transport, none provided to find out ingenuity of the potentials
Make landfall, arrive at Slate's home without dying
Deliver contents of crate successfully
Survive


Well...that could be a lot more useful.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Okay, okay... uh," she stares blankly at the pokedex for a few moments, and thumbs through it again in the hopes she missed the information first time around. Darn. "The first thing we do is ask the receptionist where the freaking place is right now, 'cause I don't feel like picking a direction and heading in it. And asking if there's any money to hire transport, y'know, just in case.

"If they won't tell us where it is, and we don't get any money then we figure out where it is and get some money. Uh," Ran stares at the lift's ceiling for a few moments and nods. "...I think we can work everything else out then. Unless you guys have got any better ideas?" she adds hopefully, seeing as she really doesn't want to antagonise Rocket any more by asking questions right now. Especially ones that probably should have been asked back down there... Er. Back in Johto? Whatever. But checking the pokedex in front of that guy would probably have been pretty rude, and upsetting him more would have been stupid.

[Eshkigal]

(Oh, right. Duh. Sorry, forgot to include the map to get there)

As you thumb through, you hit your map function. It takes a moment to load, but it has been updated with what seems to be a beacon signal at least. It's a few hours by boat west of Cinnabar currently, judging by distances.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"...Or we could follow the GPS beacon, I guess," Ran mumbles as she unearths the location. "Y'know. If that's easier,"

It's cool. Easily done, and it let's Ran be all awkward.

She's not having a great day so far :smalltongue:

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan thinks for a moment, evaluating the group. "Even if they haven't provided us with a boat, acquiring one shouldn't be too difficult... it would likely be a simple matter of me finding someone with a craft and liberating them of the keys, before setting out. If you're insistent on actually PAYING for transport, though, it would make more sense to simply convince someone to wager the use of their craft in lieu of cash."

[Regalus]

Anthony had intended originally keep his peace, and only speak up if it had been necessary; yet most of his plans for the exchange had gone to pot the moment he laid eyes on it. The metagross had been impressive and intimidating to be certain, however rumors regarding experimentation to produce stronger pokemon or outright capturing unique specimens had always hung around team rocket. However, never would he have imagined that a genesect of all things would greet him there; it was by far more impacting on the young man then finding out he was in a different region. Then again he was likely one of the few people there who could "appreciate" sharing a room with the revived Apex Predator, for though awed by it's very existence his instincts made it quite clear that the behemoth would have him for breakfast if given the order.

Needless to say, Anthony was more than happy to join the others as they left their would-be boss; welcoming the genesect free air as readily as man who'd escaped a flaming building. Once in the elevator he takes a while to reorient his bearing and clear his head enough to broach the topic at hand, "Our recruiter wants to test our ingenuity, so we shouldn't get our hopes up too much when it comes to spare funds; though won't hurt to ask I suppose. As far as the boat goes Keilan's right; easiest would be to wager ourselves a trip or bribe someone with a gift though. Trying to pilfer one without getting our faces caught on any cameras will take preparation, and we can't exactly wait 'till nightfall since our targets moving and we can't be sure it won't speed up before we're through. As it is our main worry will be exposure since they're telling us to get ready in broad daylight. Last thing we want is our faces on TV, or to have to deal with the coast guard while trying to catch this thing," he explained with a thoughtful frown.

"As for getting on the island, I have a few good bug pokemon that can help; though how much good they'll be will depend on how close we can get to this thing, and if it's the size of an island the bloody thing will likely have some wicked currents around it,"

[Aneurin]

Ran

Eyeing the older, larger people a touch warily, Ran shuffles slightly, then stops herself. It's important not to look scared, and besides - she's not. Not really. Just a little... intimidated by that show off. Yeah, that's it. Not scared at all. Who'd be scared by pokemon who could probably destroy Cinnabar all on their own, right?

"Doesn't gambling or stealing a boat get too much attention? ...and we can't hire someone to take us, or they'll know where the top-secret island will be, and I don't think we'd like it if we led people to one of Team Rocket's top secret bases. If we just rent a boat for a couple of days, like everyone else, no-one will look at us twice," she looks around at everyone. "If they're testing us to see if we're useful, then not drawing attention to ourselves seems like a great idea, right? If they want us to be sneaky, then there probably won't be any boats around anyway. I can go down the the docks now and ask around before we start planning anything,"

[Regalus]

"Hmm...good call; though it being tourist season they we'll need a spot of luck to find something we can rent at the last minute, but it certainly deals with most of our immediate concerns," he commented approvingly with a smile.

[Dragonsage]

"I have no obejections for renting a boat. With it being tourist season, no doubt people will just take us for random tourist and shouldn't suspect anything of us." Marco nods. "Now to look around to see if there's any boats for rent...provided the drunken public hasn't sunk them all yet..."

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Well, let's at least go have a look around and see if there are any boats. I guess there might not be, with it being the middle of the day and all," she shrugs and pushes the open button on the lift's control panel. "I sorta annoyed the secretary earlier, so one of you guys can ask about the money. Meet at the centre in an hour?"

Okay, in the interest of doing something Ran will go start boat-hunting by the docks to find out if a.) anything's available, and b.) what it will cost. Happy to gloss over or play out the search.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan nods, and says to the woman, "An excellent idea... I'll head to the docks as well, and see what options are there if we do need to use alternative methods of acquiring transport."

[Regalus]

"Guess that leaves you and me on guard duty then," he comments as he turns to Marco

[Dragonsage]

"Right." Marco nodded towards Anthony. "We'll take the crate to my hotel room for now," he then pauses to shrug at Anthony, "or yours. Ether way we can meet up there after you guys find us transport."

[Eshkigal]

Plan in mind, you each take the time the elevator takes to return to the bottom floor to register each other in your phones. Upon your arrival and departure from the elevator, any requests for additional funds are met with a shake of the head and an apology. With that, each group goes it's own way.

Marco and Anthony
The two of you head towards one of the hotels, nothing immediate popping out at either of you. Anthony has the closer, though it is worse for wear.
(Choose location, assume you arrive without issue)

Ran
You and Keilan head towards the docks together, taking about five minutes as most people are approaching from other directions. Once there, you both split, and you begin wandering through stores and stalls to find what you need.
(Guile or Charm and a Perception roll please)

Keilan
While you went off with Ran, you split from her at a road between markets and docks, and are surprised by the fact that a few are in dock. Though they may be private property of islanders admittedly.
(Guile or Charm coupled with a Perception check please)

[Aneurin]

Ran

As she walks into the first bait store, the confident bounce is back in Ran's steps. Sure, that whole thing with Rocket had shaken her, but that was probably the point, right? Y'know, scare the new guys and knock the swagger out of them or something. Or stop them feeling like they could take over the company. Sounds pretty likely.

All musing aside, though, Ran puts on her best smile for the shop assistant.

"Excuse me. My friends and I just heard about a place a school of lapras were spotted not too far from here, and we want to go out to see them. I know it's pretty late in the day and all, but do you know anyone who has a boat to hire?"

Charm
[roll0]

Perception
[roll1]

[Dragonsage]

Marco chooses his own hotel room, figuring the better quality would help a little. Once they reach his room, he carefully places the crate on the bed for now before sending out Turok.

The golet gave a look around at its surroundings and showed no reaction, as usual, even upon looking at the stranger Anthony. The stranger didn't seem like a threat and its master hadn't given him any instructions regarding him yet so it didn't matter to him.

"Turok, we have a job." Marco turned the small golem's attention to the crate. "We're to deliver this to someone. You are to stand guard when no one else is available. Understood?"

The ghostly stone gave an silent nod, conveying its understanding.

"Good." He then takes out Rengar's ball. "For now though, i'll need your assistance to...teach a newcomer how to run with our pack." He sent out the Zangoose he had caught earlier that day. "Now let us begin."


Marco will use this time for an extend action to use pack tactics and apply teamwork on Rengar.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan wanders the docks, scanning the various vessels there for something that would be suitable for the group's needs. This wouldn't be an issue if it were just me... still, I suppose they want to make sure the others are reliable - they can't keep asking me to do everything, after all. As he walks, he keeps a pleasant, amiable smile on his face - the better to approach a possible dupe who can be convinced to part with a craft.

Perception: [roll0] (Someone remind me to bump this up a bit at some point)
Guile: [roll1]

[Regalus]

Anthony agrees with Marco, knowing that his own rather conservative abode would not be able to fit the lot of them as comfterbly; but upon arrival the young man largely stays out of Marco's way as he and his joltik setup a few discrete warning systems just in case. Once the location was reasonably secured, the young man would watch Marco train his mon; keeping an eye out for a chance to speak with Marco without disturbing the delicate process of training his pokemon. Anthony new this sort of job could take quite sometime, and in their line of work the benefits of forming a rappaport with a teammate and fellow guard was never one to be scoffed at.

"So..." he would eventually start once a suitable oppertunity arose, "Where ya from buddy? THat's quite a menagerie of mon you've got with ya; been on the road for a while?" he questioned conversationally as he fished for some safe subject to discuss with the stranger.

[Eshkigal]

Avery
While looking about, you become aware of a tail. Some half starved poochyena runts tailing you, trying to stay out of sight. Seems too cowardly to start something among people, though, but in an isolated space, they'd likely try something. Speaking of people, two surfer dudes come over, bit younger than you but tanned from a life on a tropical island.
"A lapras pod, huh? You could probably get that geezer Kilroy to take you out on his boathouse for cheap. He always loves stuff like that."

Keilan
Blissfully unaware, you wander around the docks. Most boats for rent are prohibitively expensive, 15-17 grand, probably to ward off the too stupidly drunk or make some investment back if something happens to the ship, but there are some privately owned boats that offer to take people off the island for money, generally 2 grand a person, any of which could, with some effort and potential incriminating evidence if you chose to not murder their owners, be stolen with ease.
(Perception again)

Dynamic Duo
As the room gets warded and plans are set, Marco sends out his new zangoose. Once it is out, it backs away from the group of owned mon and humans, ears flat against its head, fur puffed out, and hissing. Any attempt to get near to start is met with bared fangs and raised claws.
(Work your magic, Dragon. Charm, intimidate, or guile to try winning it over/getting it submissive. Bribes or reinforcing behavior may help.)

[Dragonsage]

Turok places itself between its master and the recently caught zangoose, ready to protect it's master. Marco briefly glances over towards Anthony before returning his focus on getting Rengar settled in. "I am from Orre and I have been home in a long time." He spoke rather plainly.

"Careful, Rengar. We are no longer enemies." He spoke in a firm tone. "The way you battled earlier was most impressive. You have strength but you can be so much more. You just to learn to run our pack." He paused to take note of the aggressive behaviors before reaching into his satchel and retrieved some of Zorah's treats. "Now you could learn the easy way," He held out the treats in the palm of his hand for the zangoose to see. "Or we could take the difficult route."

Almost as if on cue, Turok brings one of its fists into the palm of his other hand with the popping sound of rocks crashing against each other.

"Either way, we'd achieve the same result. Just how difficult do you wish to make it on yourself." He then knelled down, continued to hold the treats out, while waiting for the Rengar's response.

[roll0]

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Kilroy, huh? Thanks. You know where I can find him?" Well, it's not quite what she's looking for - especially not if the guy insists on coming with them - but he'll probably know who else has boats of rent. Plus, those guys are kind of cute and it can't possibly hurt to talk to them a little longer, now, can it?

...although she should probably do something about those poocheyena. Sure, Ryuuko could probably take them - she glances down at the ninetales, who flicks an ear dismissively - but why bother? The scrawny little things are barely worth the effort. Way more efficient to just, y'know, give them some food or something. Faster, too, probably.

"And, uh, I think I picked up a tail somewhere," Ran adds, jerking a thumb in the direction she last saw the poocheyena. "You know if there's a food shop or something near-by?"

Oops. Sorry, didn't notice this had updated!

[Eshkigal]

(Okay, bad month is over, and so are the two worst weeks, so let's get this back in motion. Reg and Blues can catch up later.)

Ran
"Ah yeah, I think we can help you on both accounts."
They give the occasional glance, but after leading you to a bait shop first, where you pick up some cheap pokemon food first. Then they guide you down a private pier, to a ship that seems to be an old, refitted military landing craft. A former turret now has smoke and a small chimney rising from it, as walls that were once solid steel have crude holes filled with glass cut in them showing a peculiar interior, and a somewhat bright green paintjob keeps most of the rust away or from showing. At the top of the boat snoozes a graying persian, curled up next to what looks like a lawn gnome with military rank, judging by the attached stripes and awards. One of the surfer dudes pulls himself up to the turret opening, where the persian wakes up long enough to eye them, and then go back to their nap uninterested.
"Oi, Kilroy! Ya got a pretty girl calling, you gonna make her wait?"
There's bit of shuffling from inside, before a slow, mechanical thump comes from inside. A disembarking wall lowers onto the dock, and the man before you looks like more grit and beard than man. Skinny and old, but with some wiry muscle still, a long, unkempt white beard goes down his face to roughly his belly button, but that is not his most striking feature. Nor is it the bad teeth, or bald head, or the rather gaudy tropical shirt or swim shorts. No, it's the mechanical prosthetic leg he limps down the entryway on, and gives a strangely cheerful smile, a deranged and giddy fire still burning in his eyes.
"'Ey, Frank! Julian! How're yer folks, eh? This yer friend?"

Don't shank me, bro
The zangoose growls, hackles raised. With a growl and a flourish, he goes into a stance you unfortunately recognize as the same stance they take when about to fight over hunting grounds, hissing and growling in derision at how you hide behind another, scorn readily evident. You were afraid of this, as among packs the alpha must prove itself. To have another fight would be seen as cowardice, but with luck you may still be able to cow it without bloodshed-either your own or Rengar's.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Uh..." she stares at the floating fortress, or whatever the boat is for a long moment. Then she notices the owner, and tries not to stare - the results are mixed. "Yeah, sorry. I'm Ran. Me and my friends were looking to make a trip out to sea - heard there were some lapras about - and we want to hire a boat. I was hoping you might let us rent yours but, um, it's maybe a bit big?" she says, eyeing the hulking great thing. All she needs is a little motor boat or dinghy! They want to visit the island-lapras-thing, not invade it after all. And... wait. Is that a gnome up there?!

Behind her Ryuuko picks her way carefully along the docks to catch up with Ran, keeping a very firm, very clear distance between her and that water. Treacherous stuff is the sea, it doesn't stay where it should and it'll try to get you if you don't watch it. Every few steps she pauses to growl, just to warn that bad old sea that it'd better not try anything funny.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan frowns slightly, noting that any of the rental options might be difficult to arrange without leaving some indications of who they are. Still, he continues looking around to see if any option in particular stands out.

[roll0]

[Dragonsage]

Marco frowns as Rengar goes into his aggressive stance, though the frown fades rather quickly. "Very well, the difficult way it is." He gave the treats to Turok so that it could but them away. "To be honest, I would have been disappointed had you just submitted without a fight." He then meet the Zangoose's stare with his own, never breaking eye contact and exerting his dominance onto the beast.

While he engaged in this staring contest of dominance, not showing any signs of backing down from the threats, his hand reached back into his bag to produce his ritual dagger. The hunter began whispering a chant in his native tongue whilst waving and toying with the blade just out side the peripheral of both contestants.


[roll0]

[Eshkigal]

Marco
The two of you circle in a pattern you have seen in packs before, each taking measure of the other. The trick is to show confidence, and you realize this. To fix your stare upon them, growling as you casually move the knife in patterns to make it seem harder to predict, and you know another thing. Rengar, after his fight with you and yours before, knows he isn't the strongest predator in the area, and furthermore knows that said predator answers to you already. Who knows what strange abilities you hold, at least from his perspective. He's been shaken once, so you keep your stare. Normally a terrible thing to do, it is a challenge you find this shaken zangoose is unsure he can answer. And so, you slowly cow him, your gaze causing him to lower his face and stance slowly until his front paws touch the floor in submission, held close and defensively in front of himself.
He's yours, now.

Ran
He gives a hearty laugh at the stare, apparently not bothered. At the same time, the sea sneaks up on Ryuuko, a splash of water coming from behind her and getting on a tail. With emphasis, Kilroy slaps a hand against the ship.
"If there's a pod, ya ain't gonna see it without seeing me an' Gertrude followin' behind'em anyway. A lapras saved my life when m'leg was torn off by shrapnel in the sinking of the Oyusha, ferrying me all th' way to Cinnabar when I was bleedin' out, been rather fond of them ever since. 'Sides, while you could rent some tiny floating chunksa wood, can you say any'd have anythin' like a working kitchen aboard? Mebbe even get some close if ya share some food with'em."

Keilan
As you become engrossed in the etails of a few potential ships, a few speed boats, a few modified tugboats, and one junk, you feel someone brush by you. A pocket feels a bit lighter, an...oh son of a bitch, they stole your pokedex and phone!

[Aneurin]

Ran

Well, in hindsight it'd been too much to hope for a response of "Oh! So you're joining Rocket, eh? Here, have a free ride on my boat!", but this could get a little bit awkward to deal with. Although the kitchen does sound pretty nice. And heck, maybe she just didn't dropping enough hints - or any, really - so, maybe a few more would help? Assuming, of course, the guy'll get them, which he probably won't, because he's not Rocket.

Why does this subterfuge stuff have to be so hard?

"Yeah? That's kinda cool. Heard the leader of the pod's a big one, got a nickname... Z-something? Ever heard of it?" Ran asks, eyeing the boat again. That kitchen would be really cool, and she wouldn't have to remember how to pilot a boat. "Anyway, I gotta get back to my friends soon. How much would you charge for the trip?"

Ryuuko, feeling the slap of that sneaky, sneaky sea, whirls on the spot, snarls, and snaps at what's left of the wavelet - and then frantically starts pawing at her mouth. Ack! Salty! Salty! Ick!

Ran had a plan, see? She may not have thought it through, but it was a plan, gosh darnit!

...I remember when our old dog did something similar to Ryuuko. The faces she pulled were quite impressive.

[Dragonsage]

Marco's lips curls into a smirk at his success in taming the zangoose. "Rise, Rengar." He spoke in a pleased tone as he stood up and sheathed away his dagger. "And welcome to our pack. I will provide for you, but know that you are expected to earn your keep." He then nods to Turok, who moves over to offer the treats to Rengar. "And in time, all in our pack will share in the splendor of true power. For now let us begin your training."

Marco and Turok waited for Rengar to eat the treats before the ghostly golem, began showing the newcomer the ways of teamwork. Meanwhile, Marco supervises the training while passively looking around the room, stealing glances at the other human in the room. The tribesman Mildly curious of how Anthony reacted to the display of dominance.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan's expression darkens as his eyes dart about, seeking out the upstart who dared to try and steal from him.

[roll0]

[Eshkigal]

Ran
Kilroy taps his chin thoughtfully, apparently oblivious to the difficulties he has created in your plan.
"No, can't say I have heard of a pod starting with Z. Anyway, you lot cover gas, and $2000 apiece for the full service work for you? Meals, allowance to fish on the boat on the way, the like?Probably the cheapeat you're gonna get on this island."
As Ryuuko paws at her mouth, a second wavelet splashes her in the face! The ocean is a relentless foe!

Keilan
You find the thief easily enough-scrawny kid, looks maybe nine, underfed and in dirty clothes. Looks like a stray.
What you don't see, however, is any other members of a gang. A kid that young tends to end up running in a gang for safety, so there should be someone else...but where?

Marco and Anthony
Slow to rise, the zangoose pads over to the treats, taking his fill as you out him through the paces.
(How do you fluff pack training, by the way? Go with what feels right)

[Aneurin]

Ran

Well, it's not surprising - but still a little disappointing. Darn.

"Okay," Ran nods thoughtfully. "I've gotta go take care of a pack of stray mutts I picked up and call my friends, then I'll let you know. Sound good?" she glances at Ryuuko as the ninetales spits sparks - quite literally - at the sea. "... I should probably go take care of that, too, before we go anywhere," Ran adds with a sigh.

She gives the boys who guided her a quick nod of thanks and retreats down the docks a short way, followed by a sulky Ryuuko. She takes a quick look around for her tail as she fishes in her bag for the food. If the blasted poochyena have gone and vanished on her, she's going to feel like a complete idiot.

Should be quiet enough that they'll be bold. Fingers crossed that they won't be bold enough to attack. Ran lays out a few pieces of food and backs off, quickly, taking the majority of the icky thing she bought with her.

[Eshkigal]

"Alright lass, take care now!"
He waves you off, as the boys nod and wave before talking to Kilroy about some of their own stuff. Meanwhile, you go to a nearby alley, place the food, and after backing off a bit see one of the poochyena make his way towards it cautiously, unsure if it's about to fall into some cruel trap, you have to guess.
(Knowledge Pokemon for a little surprise)

[Aneurin]

Ran

Eyeing the poochyena to show she's not impressed, Ran takes a deliberate step back and leans against the wall with her arms folded.

"Ryuuko, sit," she says, as she carefully doesn't stare at the hungry pokemon. "Well, go on. It's for you,"

Go, go, PokeKnowledge!

[roll0]

[Eshkigal]

As it sniffs about, it's mouth looks a bit odd, like the fur has been bleached. A bit of drool from hunger drips down, and the ground hit by said drool begins to hiss and smoke. When the poochyena takes the first bite, prompting more to come out too, you notice the front fangs are designed to inject something, and realize that it was born knowing poison fang. As the second opens its mouth, you note the odd musculature, reminiscent of that around a pikachu's electric sacs, coursing down the muzzle, meaning it likely knows thunder fang. The third has black marks and soot around its muzzle, teeth also stained black. It's a trait most common with fire pokemon that don't have easy access to routine grooming, especially those who breathe or channel heat to their fangs. It likely knows fire fang, judging from the sizzling of the food given.
Three poochyena, three highly likely egg moves. Huh.

[Aneurin]

Ran

Huh. That's... well. Huh. Guess they're not worthless strays after all. Not bad.

Ran breaks into a slow grin as she watches them.

"Well, well, well. That's kind of unexpected," she tilts her head to one side as she considers pooches. Then she tears off another chunk and throws it to them - this time, a little closer to herself. "Like it? Want some more?"

[Dragonsage]

Rengar's training starts slow at first with Turok teaching via body language, showing some basic stances. With Marco occasionally stepping in to help the lessons go smoothly, they eventually thought the zangoose how to position himself so that it would be beneficial for others to press the attack. At points, Marco and Turok used themselves at examples to help see the effectiveness of flanking around so it would be easier for others to exploit weak points, but they had reach the peak of that they could accomplish in a practice environment. The chance to make use of the practice should arise soon.

[BluesEclipse]

Hmm... a bold little stray... Keilan thinks as he scans the area coolly, making note of the area carefully - putting himself in the poor fool's position. A mongrel like that wouldn't work alone... he'd get eaten alive by the bigger dogs out here. So, little mongrel... who do you pay tribute to... where's the hand that holds your leash? He scans the area - less to find the specific individuals than to locate the places where they'd be - where he'd wait if he were the little thief, as well as watching the kid himself for any possible tells.

[roll0]

[Eshkigal]

Ran
It seems a little baiting is all the poochyena need, cautiously making their way forward. However, an unexpected surprise, a fourth that seems bigger than its peers and with an icy rime around its jaws that tell you easily what this one has, pads out. One eye is apparently badly off, but the other three give deference as the apparent alpha takes the first bite.

Keilan
From how the kid runs, bouncing about without care and able to pull off some rather bizarre parkour stunts off things in the way to lose you, it seems to be that you are chasing one of the Skidds. Low on the food chain around here, they are opportunists, scavengers. However, they are noted for being the fleetest and fastest gang about, occasionally being hired out by the stronger gangs for breaking and entering. Few have pokemon, though, and their normal MO is to pawn items off through the other gangs, which is problematic.

[Aneurin]

Ran

Well, what do we have here? Aren't you all interesting-looking.

Ran grins, and throws a little more food out again - even closer to herself.

"Enjoying it? I can see that you eat this well every day if you like," she glances at the icky cheap thing in her hands, and gives a little shrug. "Better, probably,"

Trying not to touch anything else she owns with icky thing juice, Ran carefully reaches into her bag for a pokeball and drops it to the floor. She gives it a little nudge towards the poochyena with her foot. Ryuuko makes no attempt to conceal her disdain for the scrounging mutts.

Another Charm, I'd imagine.

[roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan frowns. The Skidds... thugs, incapable of even claiming a part of the city for themselves... scavengers and parasites who think something of themselves even when they bow to the other gangs... He continues tracking the thief, slipping a couple of his small chakrams into his hands silently and weaving through the streets with practiced finesse, working to make the little thief think he got away. And then, once the boy stops and lets his guard down... I suppose I can at least take the time to teach the boy a valuable lesson... don't strike at your superiors.

Skill Stunt: Sleight of Hand - For hiding the Chakrams in his hands. [roll0]
Skill: Stealth - To drop out of the boy's sight while still keeping him in sight. [roll1]
Skill: Acrobatics - To keep up with the thief. [roll2]

[Eshkigal]

Ran
The hounds eye you warily, two approaching the ball for a moment, before the lame eyed one growls to the other three. They snap back behind him, tails drooping, but standing in deference to One Eye as he measures you and Ryuuko up. Judging by the fur coloration, size, and tone, this one seems about halfway through naturally evolving into Mightyena. It looks to Ryuuko, and gives a growl that would shake hounds twice its size in an effort to cow her.
(Ryuuko is being challenged to a show of dominance for her sass! I require intimidate rolls from her to get him to back down)

Keilan
Though the chase is difficult, even going through a construction zone that you nearly lose him in as he scrabbles his way through drywall and i-beams, and again as he loops back through the docks, you barely manage to keep your tail. Eventually, you see him make his way to a door, sure that he has finally lost you, about ready to enter what you can only assume is the lair.

[Regalus]

Though eager for conversation, the rogue grows quiet as the dual of wills commences; locking his eyes with the shifting figure of the zangoose in case things got out of hand, for while he respected the man's authority it just wouldn't do for him to get injured in such a way. When all was said and done the young man had to resist the urge to applaud his compatriot, lest he startle the newly tamed pokemon in the room, yet he makes his approval known through a wry grin as the man steals glances his way.

When it seemed as if the zigzagoon would no longer be a flight risk he finally speaks up, "Bravo! My good sir!" he began with a single clap of his hand, "I never thought I'd see the day someone would cow a zigzagoon with but a stare, but you my friend do your homeland proud. I shouldn't be surprised that a child of Orre could manage such a feat without so much as a scratch on them; well done," he praised with a toothy smile as his Joltik returns from setting up it's alarms.

[Aneurin]

Ran

Infuriating things. She might have to do this the hard way after all.

Ran glances down at Ryuuko, and gives a slight sigh. "Well?"

Ryuuko

Ignoring her human, the ninetales fixes the poochyena with a pointed stare as her tales fan out around her and then calmly, deliberately, looks away. A half-starved, beaten up thing like that is of no concern to her or her human. It's a puzzle why Ran even bothers with scrawny, scruffy disreputable things like that.

Intimidate test in the OOC, rolled a 6 and, I think, that gains a +2 Body modifier (guessed at from Ninetales default skill modifiers) for an 8.

[Eshkigal]

Ran
The battle of pride goes for a few minutes, until Ryoko fans her tails and flames kick and curl around her. Slowly, the poochyena stands down, tail lowered between its legs as it looks away. There is a hurried rush to your and Ryoko's side after, as the ice fang poochyena goes in the ball offered in a final sign of submission.
(Level 17, male, proud, forget ability because I cannot access notes. Three injuries: bad eye gives a minus to accuracy, mange is -1 defense cs, starved is -1 attack cs. Knows ice fang)

Duo
The zangoose growls at that comment, but stays with the group. Seems it doesn't like the fact it isn't top of the foodchain, now, but is going along.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan chuckles to himself as he moves forward, sticking to the shadows. Be grateful, little stray... you get to learn something from a true master today.

[roll0]

[Aneurin]

Ran

Well, Ran smirks as she stoops to retrieve the pokeball, one down and three to go. Today's definitely a good day,

She fishes out another two pokeballs and - blast it - a great ball, because she's short of the basic balls, and puts them on the ground.

"Well, does anyone else want some food?" she asks, eyeing the remaining poochyena. At her side, Ryuuko flicks an ear dismissively - maybe later they'll do something challenging.

So... Charm, right?

[roll0]

Ran does intend to share the poochyena around, don't worry :smallwink:

Also; are we restricted to carrying six pokemon? Now seems a prudent time to ask, seeing as Ran's now at six. Also, what's the ability of the pooch?

[Eshkigal]

Keilan
He doesn't even notice as you drift by, not even tapping him as you take back what is rightfully yours. However, this stray seems to have just gotten the door unlocked-one is simple. Could be more in there...

Ran
The hounds gather around, slowly disappearing into the balls as they follow their former leader, though each eats up what treat has been left behind before going in.

Poison Fang: 13, male, run away, lonely
Fire Fang: 14, female, teamwork, rash
Thunder Fang: 12, female, teamwork, jolly
All have 2 injuries, Mange and Starved

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Alright!" Ran scoops up the remaining pokeballs. Now just to... uh... go back to the pokemon center to get them treated. Again.

Yeah, okay. Maybe picking up mangy strays wasn't the best of ideas. She should probably pick up some preventative treatment for Ryuuko, too, while she's there. No sense in spreading it around.

Anyway. Probably time to call the others and let them know about the boat. Wandering back out into the street, Ran dials Marco's number on her pokedex on the balance that Keilan's probably busy, and Anthony's with Marco anyway.

"Hey, it's Ran. I might have found a boat, but the guy wants to go with us. Two thousand each, plus gas, and we get meals and free fishing,"

[Dragonsage]

Marco shrugged at Anthony's praises as he finished up Rengar's training. "Most of the young of my tribe are thought to hunt and survive. This is nothing special. Only a display of dominance." He commented before hearing this phone go off.

He answered it and placed it on speaker so that Anthony could hear the conversation. "Well, that's not too bad. The Guy wanting to come along might be problematic, but it might be out best bet on such sort notice."

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Yeah, I was thinking of maybe going for a swim and never coming back. 'Course we couldn't get too close to the island, or he'd see it. Maybe find it if he comes looking for us, too," Ran replies as she finds a nice crate to sit on while she talks. "How water-proof does the package look, and how are you off for cash?"

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan nods, deciding to add injury to insult. A swift movement places him right behind the kid, where he lashes out with a swift kick. "A lesson for you, little stray... when picking a mark, make sure they aren't better than you are at this."

AC: [roll0] v 2 + Physical Evasion
Added Effect: Flinches on 15-20, or if target is unaware of user's presence.
Damage: [roll1] Ghost Physical
Crit: [roll2] Ghost Physical

HP: 61/61
DEF: 5
SDEF: 5
SPD: 15

[Dragonsage]

Marco checks his wallet before giving the package a proper inspection to see if it looked water sealed. "I'm just short of two thousand, though earning quick cash shouldn't prove too difficult around here." He answered her second question while verifying the former one.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"We'll need some more for the gas, too. I guess I could go clean out the beach bullies, though, so that's not too much of a problem," Ran replies as she sits awkwardly o her crate, trying not to feel utterly conspicuous and foolhardy as she speaks on the phone. "I've got a starmie who can help with the swimming part. Wouldn't trust the new seel yet, though. Haven't had a chance to train him yet. You guys want to call Keilan about this and talk things over while I see if there's any quick cash to be made around here?"

She pauses as a thought strikes her. It certainly beats looking after a whole mangy pack on her own, after all...

"Oh, and I've got a present for everyone when we meet up,"

Not avoiding talking to you or anything, just wanted to let the guys in the hotel have something to do.

[Eshkigal]

Keilan
As you get greedy, the Skidd leaps away as you speak, instinct seeming to take over.
"Ah, ****! Crap! Help!"
There's a scramble from the other side of the door, and the telltale click of a rather large gun before the door disintegrates into a hundred pieces just behind you. A man closer to your own age steps out, but one who doesn't seem to want a fight judging by the nervous look he gives you. Behind him is a quilava, looking a whole lot less scared and far more irate.

[Dragonsage]

Marco finishes up inspecting the crate. "Sounds good. The package looks fairly water sealed. So it should be safe to carry underwater if needed." He then moves back towards the wall and leans against it before continuing. "So where should we meet up when we're ready?" He didn't sound too interested in the 'presents' and thus didn't ask. It would be revealed when time time comes.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"The Center," she replies, hopping off her own crate. "I need to visit before we go anywhere, and we all know where it is. Call me when you've talked things over; I'm going money-hunting, 'kay?" she says, hanging up. A bored-looking Ryuuko twitches aa tail to indicate that she is, in fact, bored and would like to do something interesting now.

"Fine, fine," Ran rolls her eyes as she picks a direction to walk in. Now, where would the local trainers hang out? Beating on beach bullies could be a laugh, but there's probably some kind of fight space for higher-stakes battling. There's the gym-thing, too, but that's a bit far away. Fleecing drunk tourists might work, too, but they'll be pretty hard to find right now. Or Ryuuko's larcenous tendencies could come in handy. Hmm...

Ah, the hell with it. Beach is going to be closest, and there'll be idiots trying to show off for the objects of their affections - or, at least, the objects of their attraction.

Provided it's pretty close, Ran's going to go hunting for battlers down on the beach.

[Eshkigal]

The two of our bored girls head down to the beach, which now that the day is growing later is getting more populated by party goers and tourists. However, several in expensive looking swimsuits seem to be playing with small teams of pokemon in the water, or trying to impress ladies, or men, though frankly there were drunken unfezants who could probably do a better job of wooing people on this beach line...
(perception to find a good mark-team looks easy and looks wealthy)

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan raises an eyebrow at the man who comes out the door, before smiling amicably. "I take it you're the man in charge here? If so, I'd like to file a complaint... you see, I can't stand sloppiness in our line of work, and this little pup here has made several grievous errors."

[Aneurin]

Ran

Running her eyes carelessly over the beach, Ran begins mentally checking off people as potential marks. They're going to have to be good ones; can't take too long, or the boat guy might get upset and up his prices because she didn't come back. On the other hand, if she can't actually pay - ir at least leave a deposit - there's going to be a whole different problem.

Boring. Poor. No pokemon. Way too clever-looking...

Perception!

[roll0]

[Dragonsage]

Marco shrugs when he call ended before dialing up Keilan's number to relay the information on to the other member of the group.

Guess i'll phone Keilan first before seeing about looking a battle for money.

[Eshkigal]

(I knew I was forgetting something! Sorry, got distracted statting and getting ready for a coming test)

Keilan
The man shakes his head at that, still looking scared but trying to be tough looking. Which is easy when you are holding a shotgun, at least.
"I jus' make sure that any creeps they bring home sod off. Bossman'd tan your hide raw for what you tried. You got what was yours back, so get out 'fore this gets messy."
Where the man is a bundle of nerves, the quilava steps forward with not a trace of fear, standing between you and the kid. It begins flaring up and growling at you. Meanwhile, your phone begins ringing.

Ran
Looking about, you eventually spot someone with a ledian, which is a good start. Looking closer, you can see it even has some custom wear, a straw hat and pair of sunglasses designed to fit it's head, implying some wealth at least since custom clothing can be expensive. The owner happens to look like a skinny rich kid-lots of known expensive brand swimwear, as he is trying to get a volleyball match going with a pair of girls near your age, him and the ledian versus them.
He is failing. Badly. So, so badly.

(Dragon, just staying in the room then?)

[Aneurin]

Ran

Aw. Why do people insist on making their pokemon? It's just pitiful, really. Makes them look stupid. And man, just look at that guy - it'd almost be embarrassing to take his money, she eyes his gear for a moment. ...on the other hand, he's not going to miss it, is he?

Ugh. This'd be easier if Ryuuko would condescend to going into a pokemon. Walking around with a ninetales in tow doesn't exactly make you look like a soft target. Still, it's not going to be that hard.

Okay, so... looks naive and gormless, and all vulnerable and weak. And remember that smacking someone for patronising you is a bad idea. Oh, and hide the extra pokemon in her bag - just keep Hikari and Kasumi to hand. And Ryuuko, of course.

With a broad, sweet - and utterly fake - smile on her face and an artificial bounce in her step she practically skips across the beach to the mark.

"Hi!" she coos. "What a cute ledian! Say, do you know where I could do some battling? I just evolved my ninetales and I want to see if she's improved! Poor dear's never been much good at battling," she adds in a conspiratorial whisper.

[roll0]

...unless, of course, charm would work instead! (Or, better yet, intuition)

[Eshkigal]

The skinny rich kid takes a moment to look at the two of you, him and his ledian seeming to consider the odds as the ledian begins buzzing about Ryuuko quickly before giving a scoff and an upturned nose. Did...did it just snub her? Jerk.
"...Eh, yeah, we can show you how to do it. Two on two okay? I'll even throw in the Kanto Standard Rules, no flight over 5 meters up, no digging or diving more than five down."

[Aneurin]

Ran

I'm not allowed to feed them their own damn faces, am I? That'd break the act. No matter how much I want to. Must get them to bet money first,

"...of course!" Ran simpers, and tries to ignore the fact that something inside her is screaming in inarticulate rage at the nitwit in front of her. She also tries to shuffle in front of Ryuuko, before Ryuuko can crisp the bug. "Betting's part of things, right? That's what the last person who helped me out said - that we had to always bet money. Is... five hundred okay? Though that doesn't sound very fair on me..."

Ah, that moment when you realise that you need money to make money.

[Eshkigal]

"Eh, money's fine...though there's another bet you can make."
He pulls out a luxury ball and sends out what may be the most pompous, and surprisingly well groomed umbreon you have ever seen comes out, seeming to judge Ryuuko as the ledian pulls out three brushes and a pair of scissors, buzzing closer and trying to groom Ryuuko.
"See, Cheval here can set the contest scene on fire as he sees fit, but I have been thinking that I could aim higher in the League and contests with a father and child team. Vulpix would work a lot better than flareon, so what do you say? If I win, will you let me try getting an egg from them?"

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Hmm. Am I willing to pimp out my pokemon...? No. No, I don't think I am," she says, with a flicker of anger that she doesn't bother trying to hide. "And keep your Ledian away from Ryuuko," Ran adds with a glare at the buzzing bug, as Ryuuko lets out a warning growl.

[Eshkigal]

"There you are. There's the honest you."
He looks at you again, appraising as he calls back his ledian.
"Such an ugly anger in you, it betrays you at such inopportune times. Very well, though, let's begin. Leopold, care to start this off?"
The ledian tosses away both the hat and the sunglasses, revealing a device you recognize as a type brace, though the quick glance you see doesn't let you take a good measure (perception to tell what type). Especially as it shoots forth to start the fight, both fists raised to slam into Ryuuko.

[roll0]-mach punch, 2+def; it is actually speed tied with Ryuuko though. Mach punch just gives priority, otherwise Ryuuko will be allowed to go first.
[roll1] (pure power)

(Would you like a map?)

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Shyeah. Like it was really getting me anywhere," Ran snorts. "Ryuuko, give it a tornado and then back up,"

Snarling at the impertinent creature that had dared attack her, Ryuuko spits out a burning cloud of embers that seem to swirl around the ledian before skipping backwards, her paws dancing across the sand. As she halts for a moment, she fixes the ledian with an ancient and evil eye as her tails fan around her in a bizarre, mystifying way that leaves the impression that they pass through one another and bend and shift in ways that nothing ever should.

With a satisfied snort, Ryuuko puts a little more distance between herself and the Ledian.


If you don't mind. This'll probably involve Ryuuko trying to stay the hell out of melee range, so tracking that would be nice.

Fire Spin!
[roll0] vs. AC 4
[roll1] Special, Fire. Ledian is trapped in a Vortex if it hits.

After using Fire Spin, Ryuuko moves back 6m.

And... Ryuuko goes first the next turn, too, right? So I've put her next action in here as well.

Ryuuko uses Confuse Ray! Confuse Ray cannot miss! Ledian is Confused! Ryuuko runs away another 6m because she can.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan shrugs, and nods, stepping back a bit as he pulls out the phone. "Very well... but please do at least inform whoever is in charge that it's wise to teach the young ones how to recognize superiors in their chosen craft, at least. Just because I can be magnanimous about this, doesn't mean others would, after all." Backing away carefully - only a fool would turn their back on the guy with the shotgun - he answers his phone after a glance at who's calling, and says, "Yes? I take it you have something interesting for me?"

[Dragonsage]

"Yes." Marco answered plainly. "Ran seemed to have been able to get a boat for us to use. Unfortunately, the guy wants to comes to come with us but Ran's already thinking of away around that. Other than that it's going to cost us each two grand for passage."

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan frowns for a moment, eyeing the man with the shotgun - and his Pokemon. With a sudden burst of inspiration, he says, "I see... once we meet back at the hotel, we can discuss options for that. The funds won't be a problem, however. We'll talk more once we've regrouped then... if you'll excuse me, though, I'm in the middle of handling another matter." Without waiting for a reply, he ends the call and slips the phone back into his pocket.

Stopping his slow retreat, he looks up at the man with the shotgun, and says, "Hmm... your Quilava looks like it's more interested in a fight than you are. Would you be interested in a match, perhaps - two Pokemon each?"

[Eshkigal]

Keilan
As a response, the man shoots at your stomach before pumping another round into place. The quilava fires some light embers at you as well, though seems to be heating up to dish out worse.
"I said piss off, so piss off dammit! Not talk on an' on, or go for a match! Last warning!"
Behind him, more kids are peeking out. Kids with shivs and pipes, two by fours and hammers.
[roll0]-struggle on Keilan, 5+def
[roll1]-shotguns hurt.
[roll2]-ember on Keilan, 4+special def
[roll3]
(Please don't assume the DM won't shoot you in this scenario.)

Ran
Though trapped by the fires, the ledian seems lightly singe for a bug type, and easily shakes off the confusion before trying to escape the vortex.
"Well, it certainly won't help when job hunting."
(Ran again)

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan frowns as he quickly rolls to the side, dodging away from the shotgun blast and grimacing slightly as the burst of flame catches him as he comes out of the roll. Standing, he says, "Very well, then... though you might try being just a bit more personable. It doesn't reflect well on your... organization." The last word is said in a disdainful tone. Moving away from the area, he mutters to himself, "I suppose I'll just have to find another opponent - or perhaps just bypass the battle entirely."

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Working out for me okay, so far," she hesitates to squint at the bug for a moment trying to guess how healthy it is. Then shrugs. "...eh, you can take it. Ryuuko, make it dark,"

Circling in, Ryuuko's eyes flash black for a second before the Ledian's swallowed by a pulse of pure darkness.

Dark Pulse on bugsy, since I don't want to kill it by accident (on purpose, maybe). Ryuuko moves 4m closer and 2m sideways because why not? Should put her 8m away from the Ledian's wild ride.

[roll0] AC 2, Flinch 17+
[roll1] Dark, Special, Range 8


EDIT: Man, that Ledian's not having much luck. Starting to wish I'd bet more.

I may have just jinxed myself, though.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Humph," Ran shoots the stubborn thing a resentful glare as the cloud of super-heated embers are whisked away by an errant breeze. "Right. Burn it this time, Ryuuko,"

Skipping in closer again, Ryuuko spits out a blast of searing flame at the Ledian.

Another 2m forward and 4 sideways, putting Ryuuko 6m away (sigh - all that distance, gone!)
Flame Burst
[roll0] AC 2
[roll1] Fire, Special. Anything cardinally adjacent to the target loses 1/16th HP, in the unlikely event something's that close.

[Eshkigal]

Ran
It took far too long for the ledian to go down, but it finally does after more time than you expected from a bug against Ryuuko. With a somewhat annoyed sigh, the guy calls him back and the umbreon takes the stage, moving forward quickly as Ryuuko feels an intense disgust smothering her ability to move.
[roll0]-quick attack, 2+def
[roll1]
(Under the effects of Pressure)

Keilan
You depart as you begin to feel your skills underappreciated here. Especially before you get lit on fire more as more shots and fire follows after you, apparently tired of talking with you as they, and about twenty kids armed with a mishmash of improvised weaponry chase you with intent to kneecap you, though they stop once you get about a block away. Are all criminals so uncivil here?
(Sorry, but at the rate Keilan was going he was going to get himself killed or have to kill some people. So, what are you planning to do next?)

[Aneurin]

Ran

Ryuuko skips back across the sand, before turning to bathe the Umbreon in a torrent of flame.

Ran, on the other hand, hesitates with her mouth open on the verge of giving an order, then shrugs. "Well, that works too,"

Move back to 4m (outside the range of Pressure), and open up with Flamethrower.
[roll0] AC2, Burn 19-20
[roll1] Fire, Special

[BluesEclipse]

Quickly moving away from the brutish rabble, Keilan makes his way back towards the beach - that stray at least recognized that it's a good place to relieve the less deserving of their valuables. It wouldn't be hard to draw a crowd, either with an impromptu performance or with a battle (or maybe both) - and he and Kyra could easily pick up 'donations' from those who stop to observe.

[Eshkigal]

Ran
The umbreon throws a glop of viscous and burning toxins from its fur, giving an enraged howl at being singed as it closes again.
[roll0]-toxic, 4+evasion

Keilan
You look around and as you look around...yeah, yeah this could work. This could work well. There should be plenty of marks here...
(Give me Perception, and either Acrobatics or Stealth, or Acrobatics and Stealth)

[Aneurin]

Ran

Ran glowers at the umbreon as Ryuuko hacks, spits and lets out a long, rumbling snarl.

"Right. Give it another tornado," Ran says, folding her arms as Ryuuko prepares for another whirlwind of burning embers.

Move to 3m, use Fire Spin (no uses left)

[roll0] AC 4+S.Def
[roll1] Fire, Special, Target is put in a Vortex

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan scans the area cautiously, making sure to remain inconspicuous - not unseen, necessarily, but certainly unnoticed as anything beyond an average tourist walking the beach.

Perception: [roll0]
Stealth: [roll1]

[Eshkigal]

Marcus and Anthony
(right, let's try and get you guys more involved then)
Just as Marcus hangs up, a knock comes from the door! (PERCEPTION!)

Ran
Even as the fires shoot out, Cheval is already on the move, closing the gap in a burst of speed even as Ryuuko reaims, catching him in the vortex much closer than originally expected. (quick attack)
[roll0]-quick attack, 2+def
[roll1]
[roll2]-see if the fire spin breaks

Keilan
You slip about the area unseen, but unfortunately your eyes seem to be watering in pain at the big old burn in your side, and you have trouble spotting a damn thing. However, you do find a nice, shiny coin in a stumble!
(Add 1 poke to your total)

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Alright, Ryuuko - come back now," Ran calls out to the battered and bedraggled ninetales, who is a heartbeat away from incinerating the impudent Cheval. "Now," she says again, in a far more commanding tone as Ryuuko looks rebellious.

With a contemptuous flick of her tails, Ryuuko slinks back towards Ran and a newly released Hikari - weet scents waft from Hikari's enormous flower, and engulf the battered ninetales in a healing cloud.

Not sure if I can technically do this (if not, going to just use an Antidote with Ran's trainer action), but switching Ryuuko and Hikari and using Hikari's Aromatherapy on Ryuuko before the poison knocks her out.

Wasn't expecting that quick attack - Ryuuko's down to her last hitpoint, and will not be in use again this match. She is, however, going to sit next to Ran and watch.

Cheval is undoubtedly faster the Hikari's might Speed of 3.

[Dragonsage]

Marco paused when he heard the knock at the door and signaled to Turok and Rengar to be on alert as he slowly approached the door in silence trying with his senses on edge.

Marco's perception [roll0]

Turok's [roll1]

Rengar's [roll2]

disregard mon rolls if not applicable

[Eshkigal]

Marcus and Anthony
As you quietly approach the doorway, the knocking comes again, followed by what sounds like the drunken slurring of some tourist.
"Hey, Freddie! Freddie, c'mon, we're gonna be late fer tha show man!"

Ran
(You can, though it eats up your turn during the swap.)
As Cheval strains against the fire spin, the mark upon his forehead shines for a moment before shooting a dancing, wicked looking purple bolt at Hikari, disorienting her just as the burning blaze around him dissipitates.
(Confuse Ray, the eternal bastard move, on Hikari. Does not miss.)

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan grimaces, before ducking out of sight and pulling out one of his Super Potions. Tending to the wound quickly, he then resumes his efforts to find a decent mark.

Perception: [roll0]
Stealth: [roll1]

[Dragonsage]

Marco's eye brow twitched with a hint of annoyance at the drunk idiot just on the other side of the door. "Freddie's not here, man! You've got the wrong room..."

[Regalus]

Anthony silently motioned to Annabell, ordering the little Joltik to stealthily get a look at their visitors as he brought out his pokedex to try out his boss' gift; all the while wondering if this was just a fluke, or another test on behalf of their bosses.


Anthony:
*Perception: [roll0]
**Activating pokedex spy cams

Ana
*Stealth: [roll1]
**Activating Blender capability to help her blend in with her surroundings.

[Aneurin]

Ran

As Hikari manages to trip over her own feet, and the heat-swirl around the Umbreon dies down Ran lets out a wearied sigh. This really isn't her day. Still, Hikari can win this without breaking a sweat if she can get over the sudden fit of clumsiness.

Confusion damage;
[roll0]

[Eshkigal]

Duo
As Marcus heads for the door, both he and Anthong hear the distinct click of a gun's safety coming off, managing to dive to the sides just as a hole is blown in the doorway, then several more tearing through the doorway cause you to scatter. An armored fist holding a Pokeball busts through the weakened wood, sending out...something. A modified sphere, gleaming with chrome as it floats in midair, spewing toxic clouds around it. Meanwhile, the voice becomes a lot more coherent, the slur apparently an act.
"No, I do believe Freddie just joined you."
(HP, defenses, and speed in your next posts, you got to avoid the surprise round)

Keilan
Well, you got the stealth down, but really most of what you see seem to be the picked over fools from last night. People lamenting the loss of wallets and watches, trying to find phones to call things in before too much damage is done. Seems the local crime was busy!

Ran
Cheval simply surges forward, slamming into Hikari.
[roll0]-quick attack!
[roll1]

[Dragonsage]

Marco ducks to the side, recognizing the sound of a readying gun. He mutters a curse under his breath when the fist punches through the door and releases a pokemon into the room. "Turok, Rengar, protect the package!" He then whipped out his pokedex to identify the mon that was trusted into the room.


Marco's stats
71/71 HP
5 def
5 sdef
13 spd

Turok stats:
68/68 HP
14 Def
9 Sdef
2 Spd

Rengar's Stats:
76/76 HP
10 Def
6 Sdef
17 Spd

[Regalus]

Anthony scanned the newcommer's strange pokemon with his pokedex once the dust was settled; his body tensed for the coming battle even as Ana eyed the enemy from her hiding place.


Anthony
*HP:59/59
*DEF+SDEF:5
*Speed: 20
*Evasion: 6

Annabelle
*Currently hidden from enemies due to her stealth check.
*HP:52/52
*DEF+SDEF:5
*Speed: 15
*Melee Evasion: 5
*Ranged Evasion: 7

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan frowns, before deciding to move away towards the hotel. It's rather obvious that he wouldn't find anything here.

[Aneurin]

Ran

As Cheval smacks into Hikari, the Vileplume sort of... squishes and lets out a burst of glittering pollen in the air as Ran laughs out loud.

"Not so clever now, huh?" she grins as the umbreon topples over and has a quick nap on the nice, warm sunny beach. "Right. Hikari, drain it. Drain it good!"

Hikari shuffles backwards a few steps to get a more comfortable distance from the nasty biting thing, and then plunges... something that look like roots into the sand, where they race towards the umbreon to get a good grip on the sleeping form.

Effect Spore sends Cheval to sleep.

Hikari uses Mega Drain and moves 5m backwards.
[roll0] vs. 2+Evasion
[roll1]

Regenerates HP equal to the damage dealt thanks to Big Root.

[Eshkigal]

Marcus and Anthony
(Enemy is tied with Turok for speed, everyone else can go get 'em!)
As you scan what seems to be a steel shifted koffing, the door breaks down. Behind it is someone in a suit of body armor, heavy duty looking stuff and with a machine pistol in one hand, a machete strapped to his waist at the other. Well, things just got real interesting for you guys...
(Sic him)

Keilan
While you head towards the hotel, nothing of interest seems to pop out immediately.
(Four rounds to make the fight)

Ran
The umbreon slowly tips over, snoring. The man looks rather annoyed at that.
"Damnation."
He pulls out a whistle, and gives a sharp blow into it that you can't hear, but has Ryuuko shoot up and whine.
[roll0]-c'mon, wake up!
However, nothing. The umbreon just keeps snoozing on.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Hey, stop that! It's annoying!" Ran glares at the man as Ryuuko flinches. "Awright, let's finish this before he annoys us any more," she mumbles. Cupping her hands around her mouth, Ran leans forward and shouts "A-choo,"

On the sandy battlefield, Hikari immediately copies her - screwing up her face and letting out a huge sneeze. It'd be cute if it hadn't just sprayed the recumbent Umbreon with something caustic.

Oh. How much HP did Hikari recover from the Absorb? If it hit.

Acid!
[roll0] AC 2, Cone 2, lowers targets Def. one CS on an 18+
[roll1] Special, Poison.

[Dragonsage]

Marco lets out a primal growl at the intruders, marking the metal koffing as the quarry before lunging at it with his dagger. Marco's attack was followed up with Turok charging forward with a fist glowing with a ghostly aura about it before landing a punch right on the koffing's face.


Marco's attack
[roll0] vs 4 (plus 3 is from quarry and teamwork)
[roll1]


Turok's shadow punch
[roll2] crit chance roll can't miss
[roll3]
[roll4] if crit

[Regalus]

Ana clicks to herself, slightly miffed at the metal sheathed jerk who ruined her spy game by going in jsut after she was sent out; didn't this idiot know how this sort of thing worked! NO matter though, she'd teach him and the hunk of junk he brought out how things were done! So camouflaged against the hotel, the tiny spider unleashed a live wire net from behind the invader; catching him by surprise even as it rained on both him and his koffing.

So it was, with subtlety blown to bits by their unwanted guest stomping into their room in full armor and armed to the teeth; that Tony reluctantly paid him in kind. The joke hoped to the side of the koffing; flanking it with his fellows before swiping at the Koffing, his hand wreathed in a wicked claw from crimson light.


Anthony
*HP:59/59
*DEF+SDEF:5
*Speed: 20
*Evasion: 6

-Fury Cutter
*AC 3: [roll0], paid 1 AP, +2 From Teamwork,Enemy suffers a -2 penalty to their Evasion due to Flanking.
*Damage: [roll1] P-Bug

Annabelle
*HP:52/52
*DEF+SDEF:5
*Speed: 15
*Melee Evasion: 5
*Ranged Evasion: 7

-ElectroWeb; at both the Koffing and it's trainer
*AC3: [roll2]; surprise attack since she was undetected, enemies don't apply their Evasion. If they somehow do, -2 from Flanking.
*Damage: [roll3] S-Elec + 21 due to Crit (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19124538&postcount=72)= 59 S-Elec damage to both the Koffing and his Trainer.
*Enemies lose 1 Speed CS/

Holy cow! Seems Ana was really pissed!

[Eshkigal]

Ran
Between the two attacks, he tries the whistle one more time, but then notices that the umbreon has stopped snoring. The other guy cautiously goes over to check, before cursing lightly. He recalls his mon with a sigh, and shakes his head.
"Well, you have won. Five hundred, right?"
He pulls out his dex, and transfers the funds over to you.

(200 exp to split between Ryuuko and Hikari, 500 poke)

Duo
The koffing takes the blow and the knife simply scrapes against the body armor, but it isn't until Tony shoves a claw into his side, then Ana lets loose the lightning. It arcs over both, before the koffing slowly tips back. With a snarl, the man tries to recall the shifted mon before slicing at him with a blade extending from the armor, then fall back.
[roll0]-Metal Claw, 3+def on Tony
[roll1]

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Unless you want to give me more for being fabulous," Ran grins, as the 'transaction completed' ping, well, pings.

"Good fight. You actually had me worried for a moment there," she adds, ruffling Ryuuko's ears - to the ninetales' rather pointed displeasure, and trying to pat Hikari without stirring up too much pollen.

Okay, so, now she needs to find another mark... If she can pull off enough for her passage, that should do as a deposit while she rustles up some more cash. With the others pooling their resources, that means she can do the big-money bets that'll get the money they need fast, rather than messing around with penny antes like this.

Ryuuko's out until Ran can get her to a pokemon center - which would take far too long right now - but that's alright; Hikari's healthy enough, and there's always Kasumi as a back-up.

Even as she congratulates her team on their victory, she's raking the beach with her gaze for another mark - preferably one who hasn't just seen what happened. Which is probably most people, so another little walk down the beach might be in order...

140 experience to Ryuuko, leaving her at level 20 and 60 for Hikari leaving her at level 14.

Ryuuko forgets Quick Attack to learn Dig off her Egg Move list. Ryuuko gains the Cursed Body advanced ability.

Perception for another mark;
[roll0]

In hindsight, I should've just bet big the first time rather than faffing around like this. Ran's looking for something that's a bit less of a fair fight this time :smalltongue:

[Dragonsage]

With the koffing out of the way, Marco switches his focus to the trainer before slashing at him with another primal growl. "Rengar, go!" He barked the order before the Zangoose lunged at the man with eagerly ready claws.


Marco's attack
[roll0]
[roll1]

Rengar's slash
[roll2] Crits on 18+
[roll3]

if crits [roll4]

Renger's Pursuit

(1d20)[7]
(2d8+31)[46]

if crit (2d8+10)[21]
(http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19162321&postcount=76)

[Eshkigal]

Hotel Duo
The stranger takes the blows in stride, staggering before running down the hall, leaping through a window.
(150 exp for handling the thief. Pursue or protect?)

Ran
"Yeah, good fight. Good luck with finding what you're looking for."
As you head off, there are a few kids that you could run rampant over, a couple people you might have a chance with if they don't have something to compliment those water types-golduck and wartortle-they have out. Still, no good odds you can be completely sure of that will be able to win...

[Aneurin]

Ran

Okay. How to do this next one, then? Tackling the kids seems the surest way. Chump change fights, certainly, but there's not much of a risk of losing - and she'd rather steer clear of a golduck for now. Far too much like a fair fight.

In fact, the advantage is probably with the golduck - a fair fight is one thing, but a fight where the odds are against you? Pass.

With victory being the greater part of profit, Ran homes in on the kids. Hikari's safely hidden in her pokeball and Ryuuko is still out, which is an old irritation - but sadly unavoidable.

"Hey, there," Ran calls out cheerfully, waving broadly at the kids. "You guys battle at all? 'Cause if you do, I've got a challenge for you,"


I doubt Hikari could take a Golduck with (probably) twice her levels, and Kasumi definitely can't, so I'll be giving that one a miss :smalltongue:

Let's roll some Intuition here to spot any sneaky, sneaky people who might try to scam Ran right back;
[roll0]

[Dragonsage]

Marco scowls as the stranger books it. "Judge it... let him go for now." He resisted the impulse to continue the hunt. "We can't risk someone else coming by to take the package." He turned towards Antony.

He then whips out his phone and messages the other two members of the group.


We were just attacked in the room. Package is safe but the attacker got away.

[BluesEclipse]

Hearing his phone ring, Keilan pulls it out and quickly scans the message. He curses mentally before replying, I'm outside now. Which way did he go?

[Dragonsage]

Marco gives the direction he last saw the man going as best he could in his reply. "He jumped through the window in part of his escape."

[Eshkigal]

Ran
The twins you approach look to you, then to Ryuuko, one's eyes going wide at your starter.
"We tend to do double battles, actually. Our pokemon are really strong!"
The kid tries to make muscles for emphasis, but fails. Meanwhile, the other lets out a vulpix.
"Look Annie! That's what you'll look like when you grow up! She's so pretty, isn't she?"

Hotel Duo
People are curiously looking into your room, beginning to wonder what all the noise was about.

Keilan
Once you arrive, you begin looking around the hotel. Eventually, you spot a broken window. (Perception please)

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Oh," Ran looks nonplussed for a second, and then her pokedex starts to chirp. "Er... hang on a sec," she adds, as Ryuuko glowers at the vulpix with the ill-concealed disdain she treats, well, everything with.

She thumbs through the messages, swears under her breath, and taps a quick message back.

Srsly? U k? im on the beach by docks. U want 2 *** here? Gttng money 4 boat still cld use ur help

...of course, the idea that they come to her has nothing at all to do with the sudden nasty realisation that she's rather exposed out here, and one of her pokemon is already out of fighting condition. Nope. Not a thing. Why whould she ever be worried about that?

"...sorry," she says, looking back at the kids. "Needed to answer that. So, um, double battle? Like both of you at once?" Ran hesitates a moment, calculating furiously. Hikari's at a bit of a disadvantage... well, quite a lot of a disadvantage... against that vulpix, but Kasumi can pick up the slack there. All depends on what else they've got. "Sure, I can do that. Thousand bet sound good?" she adds, with forced casualness.

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan looks around cautiously, trying to find any trace of the man. Releasing Kyra, he says, "Someone attempted to steal from our acquaintances, Kyra - they fled through this window. Let's try to locate them..." The Braixen gives a cry of assent, before beginning to sniff around the area in hopes of finding the scent.

Keilan: [roll0]
Kyra: [roll1], has Tracker

[Dragonsage]

Marco hides his scowl from the gathering crowd as he checks his phone and replies to Ran.


We're fine. We managed to fight off the attacker. Moving the package, obviously not safe here. We'll try to make some extra cash along the way.

He then looked to Antony before ordering Turok to help carry the package. "Nothing to see here. Drunken brawl." He said to the curious crowd as he tried to step pass them.

[Aneurin]

Ran

She glances down at her 'Dex as it bleeps again, flips it open and taps back quickly;

K. Will let u no wen im coming and u can say where 2 go. Nd 2k each

[Eshkigal]

Keilan
It takes some time, but Kyra points out a path of blood, raising her wands and causing it to glow. Could be a good chase, or could be dangerous...

Marcus
Regardless of what you say, the strangers keep looking about. Might be time to move...

Ran
Ryuuko gives the dismissive chuff, only to have her nose licked by the smaller vulpix.
"Yeah, we should be able to swing that!"
He sends out a small amaura that stretches and yawns, before looking up at you, curious at the strange lady.

[Dragonsage]

Marco tried not to be annoyed with the curiousity of the people and just ignored them before recalling Rengar and helping Turok carry the package out of the room. Once he leaves the hotel he tries to get out of view of the crowd as soon as able before searching for a trainer to battle for some quick cash.

[Aneurin]

Ran

...another rare fossil, huh? And pretty pet Vulpix don't exactly come cheap. Ran eyes the Amaura speculatively. Maybe she should have tried a larger bet, but, then there's always the (faint) chance she might actually lose, and not be able to pay up - which would be a trifle awkward.

Ryuuko glares at the vulpix for its impertinence.

"Well, let's get this thing started..." Ran grins, as she sends out Kasumi and Hijari with an expert flick of her wrist. "Alright, Kasumi - drench," she shouts, pointing towards the vulpix. "Hikari... at-choo,"

Darn it, this is starting to look horribly, horribly fair again!

1.04 or 1.05 for this fight? I don't think it makes much, if any difference, though.

Hikari - 60/64
DEF 15
SDEF 15
SPD 3

Kasumi - 51/51 (-2 to attack rolls to hit her due to Illuminate)
DEF 12
SDEF 12
SPD 20

Sleep Powder on the vulpix from Hikari
[roll0] vs. AC 6, Status. Target falls Asleep.

Watergun on the vulpix from Kasumi.
[roll1] vs. AC 2, Range 4
[roll2] Special, Water

[Regalus]

Anthony followed Marcus as they made their way out of the public eye, having Nia keep an eye out for anyone trying to tail the pair.

[Eshkigal]

Ran
Even as the fight begins, the amaura shimmers, shades of ice forming between the two forces, even as the vulpix forms three glowing flickers of fire around her as the twin smile, interrupting the attack on her and diminishing the force behind the blow.
"Yeah, let's get started!"
The fox fire around the vulpix shoots off once at Hikari, burning away the powder but leaving two embers behind.

Amaura uses ability-ice shield
Anne the vulpix uses ability-Fox Fire, acts as ember on interrupt when attacked
[roll0]-2+sp. def, burns on 18-20, has 6 m range, on Hikari
[roll1]


Marc and Anthony
You work your way through, getting out of the building before unfortunate questions had to be answered to people in blue uniforms. However, that doesn't lead to a spot to begin hunting for fights...

[BluesEclipse]

Keilan nods, and says, "Excellent - lead on, but stay close." The Braixen nods, and the two slip into the shadows as they begin moving forward. Keilan quickly flips out his phone and sends a brief message to Marcus and Anthony - I have the trail. Following now. - before slipping his phone away as he follows his Pokemon, and the trail that the attacker left.

Keilan: [roll0]
Kyra: [roll1]

[Dragonsage]

Marcus stops to think for a place to lay low for a while and potentially earn some money. "Hmm.." His eyes wandered towards the volcano. "Right... that seemed like a place worth checking out."

He then nodded to Antony before making us way to the volcano to check out that cult gym.

[Aneurin]

Ran

Hikari lets out a pained trill as the flecks of heat brush across her, wilting her leaves.

Ran scowls for a moment, then starts shouting.

"Hikari, drain the one on the left! Kasumi, drench again!"

I'm assuimg we're using 1.05, but if that's wrong I'll fiddle with the stats.

Hikari - 34/64
DEF 15
SDEF 15
SPD 3

Kasumi - 51/51 (-2 to attack rolls to hit her due to Illuminate)
DEF 12
SDEF 12
SPD 20

Kasumi uses Water Gun on the Vulpix;
[roll0] AC 2+S.Def
[roll1] Special, Water

Hikari uses Absorb on the Amaura;
[roll2] AC 2+S.Def
[roll3] Special, Grass. Gain any damage dealt as HP (should only be half, but Big Root doubles that so she gets the full lots back).

[Eshkigal]

(We are using 1.05)
Ran
The vulpix yelps in pain at the water, foxfire lashing out at Kasumi before she follows it up with a confusing blast at the Starmie. Stupid Confuse Ray! Meanwhile, the amaura looks rather injured by the draining, but launches an aurora beam at the recovering Hikari (recovers 33 HP)
[roll0]-fox fire still acts like Ember, this time Kasumi (c'mon burn), 2+sp def
[roll1]
Confuse Ray Cannot Miss! Kasumi is Confused!
[roll2]-Aurora Beam at Hikari, 2+sp def
[roll3]lowers Attack on 18-20

Keilan
You follow the trail, and for a brief moment it seems to go cold at a dumpster, before you check inside, then up the wall. Apparently this guy has some tricks...

Marc and (Presumably) Anthony
Deciding that the gym is the best place to get some cash, you begin heading up the mountain. However, it may not be alone...
[roll4]

[Dragonsage]

Heading up the mountain, Marco felt a paranoid twitch so he kept his ears open and glances around the area from time to time.

[roll0]

[Aneurin]

Ran

Ran watches in quiet astonishment as the ice-ray completely misses the ambulatory flower.

"Okay, Hikari, go rub against Kasumi!" she shouts, daring the kids to say anything about it with her eyes. "Kasumi, drench it again!"

Hikari uses Aromatherapy on Kasumi, to cure it of the burn.

Kasumi uses Water Gun on the Vulpix some more, because why not?
[roll0] AC2+S.Def
[roll1] Special, Water

[Eshkigal]

Just as the next blows were about to be struck, a man and woman come through, aurorus and ninetales behind them.
"Kids, time to go!"
"Aw, but dad, we just got started-"
"The boat leaves to see the waillords soon! Come on!"
The two kids perk up, recalling their pokemon and tossing the money to you. Seem to be so caught up that they pay you twice, one each as they run off. Or they were expecting you to pay them twice, too...

Marco feels the paranoid twinge, but Anthony feels the pain. A watchog, running from a group of spearow, scurries at him and slams into his gut, sending both skidding downhill in a flurry of curses and rocks as they fall down the mountain. Finding him at the bottom, he doesn't seem like he'll be going anywhere.

[Dragonsage]

"Ah judge it all..." Marco adds a curse under his breath as he proceeds down to check on his companion. "Hope he's not dead...can't do anything for him of he is...yet." He continued to talk to himself while coming up on Tony.

[Aneurin]

Ran

"Uhm?" she blinks in bewilderment at the retreating kids, as she clutches at the money the handed her. "Buh?" she adds, eloquently as she tries to catch up with current events.

And then, giving herself a little shrug, she grins at Ryuuko.

"Well, that's the money sorted, right? Let's..." she hesitates, glancing at the battered Ryuuko, the singed Hikari and scorched Kasumi. And remembering the pack of Poochyena she needs to get cleared up. "...Go to the center first. I'm sure that Old Guy will be fine waiting. Probably. Maybe,"

Oh well. What happens happens. Que sera sera and all that. Recalling Kasumi and Hikari, Ran sets off towards the pokemon center whistling softly to herself under her breath, Ryuuko prowling along behind her.

[Eshkigal]

Marco finds Anthony at the very base of the mountain, watchog gone but him clutching his arm in pain. A quick check confirms that it was broken (bones should not be poking out of skin!) That meant that, unfortunately, he would be dead weight on the island. Least that could be done is help him back to the center, though.

The walk to the center is uneventful for Ran. As she waits, though, chances are she sees Marco help Anthony in. Hooefully.

[Dragonsage]

"Well.. you're not much use to me like this." Marco sighed and added another curse in his native tongue, looking at the bones sticking out of the arm before carefully picking Tony up and bracing him against himself to carry him to the center. "Doubt you'll be in any shape to continue being part of the team, but i'm not going to leave you for dead."

Later at the center, Ran can see Marco carrying Antony into the center. "We've got an emergency here!" He called out upon entering the center, showing the broken arm to hopefully hasten to service.

After the nurses have Antony taken care of, Marco turns towards Ran. "We've..had some complications."