The portal ripped open and closed just as quickly as the ship came to rest, floating in the sky. The passengers on board wobbled a bit to find their footing, home... they could feel it, they were home.
Roxy and Silas looked to each other, and instantly pulled each other into a big hug, Silas even picking her up and spinning about. "You have no idea how much I missed you!"
Roxy smiled a bit. "Gah, judging by the way you're crushing my bones, I can guess."
Silas set her down, easing up. "We have a lot to talk about."
"We do," Roxy replied. "But for now... we're home, actually home, and all I want to do is relax."
Silas nodded, his knees felt weak. "I felt like I really pushed there."
"I'll say. You came rushing in, what was that thing, when did you get a burst heart?"
"Burst heart?" he asked.
Roxy blinked, and opted to shelve that, she sat down in a chair and smiled. "We're home, that's all that matters for now."
From: Grant Family
Hey we just got back from multidimensional shenanigans, finally home at last and feels good. Hope everyone is doing good.
Edited by EchoingSilence on Apr 28th 2024 at 7:46:15 AM
Trill: <Yeah, just two more, both further north of here by my estimate.>
As they eat from their sandwich, Iridium might see a certain Bombirdier attempting to enter the cave, definitely smaller now, she doesn't look like she can take a fight.
"life is just a series of increasingly canon-eluding ao3 tags" ~ everydunsparce "Keep your hellfruit away from me, tempter" ~ also Every
The Wanderer
West Province Area One, April Fools
Iridium: -To Trill- I think I know where one of them is.
-Notices the Bombirdier out of the corner of her eye but chooses not to say anything-
We got what we came for, fighting would be pointless...
Haina Desert, past
Metagross: -Stomps with a Meteor Mash-
Gabite: -Slashes with Dragon Claw-
Beremices: -Dodges both follow-up attacks, fainting the Gabite with another Play Rough-
Metagross: -Roars-
Castform: -Floats in, transforming into Sunny Form due to the harsh sunlight-
Chiyo: Dig!
Beremices: -Burrows underground, avoiding the flaming Weather Balls that come down next-
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Local idiot who is a sucker for cute 2d boys
Pokèmon League of Paldea - April 27th, 2024
Yukari comes into the room where Rika is.
Yukari: Rev up those fryers, cause I’m ready for the trial before-
Rika: Trial? …Oh, about that. The trial…is an interview.
Yukari: What?
Rika: If you want to challenge the elite four, you have to pass the interview.
Yukari: What is this? A job application? Does every region do that before challenging the elite four?
Despite this, Yukari gets in her seat as Rika begins the interview.
Rika: First things first—let me see how many Gym Badges you have…
Thankfully, Yukari has all of her eight badges, so she might as well thank Arthur if the “fates” lets her.
Rika: Excellent! You have all eight! Next, I'd like to ask you a few questions, if you wouldn't mind, Yukari.
Yukari: Oh, I don’t mind that at all.
Rika: Good. Please think carefully, as you may automatically fail the interview depending on your answers.
Yukari: So, it really is a job interview for battling the elite four…
Rika: Let's begin
Yukari: All right.
Rika: How did you get here today?
Yukari: I walked.
Rika: Very good, very good. Please tell me the name of the school you are enrolled in.
Yukari: Naranja y Uva Academy.
Rika: Ah, that's right. So, what brings you to the Pokémon League today?
Yukari: I came to become a Champion.
Rika: Yes, indeed. Why else would you be here, I suppose. Now, what do you intend to do if and when you become a Champion?
Yukari: I want to remember my past.
Rika: I see. Interesting. Tell me: Which of the eight Gyms have you the most difficulty?
Yukari: Medali Gym.
Rika: I see. And what was the name of the Gym Leader you faced there?
Yukari: Larry.
Rika: I'm glad you seem to remember. But do you remember which type of Pokémon Larry used?
Yukari: Normal.
Rika: Wonderful. Building the skills needed for the Champion Assessment is no small feat. You must have met a lot of Pokémon to get here, Yukari. What was the category of the Pokémon you chose to be your first partner?
Yukari: The Grass Cat Pokémon.
One of Yukari’s pokèball just shakes a little, though Rika doesn’t seem to notice.
Rika: Very good, very good. Now, please forgive me, but I'm going to repeat a previous question. Remind me, what do you intend to do if and when you become a Champion?
Yukari: I want to remember my past.
Rika: Ah, yes, that's right. Next is the final question for this interview. Do you like Pokémon, Yukari?
Yukari: Yes.
…
…
…
…
…
Rika: Good job, kiddo. That about wraps up the interview. And let me be the first to congratulate you, Yukari…You just passed the first part of the Champion Assessment! On your first try too, no less! Don't think anyone's done that since Nemona.
Yukari: Wait, I passed…on my first try?! So everyone until this point wasn’t able to do what Nemoma did on their first try?! If anything, the school should’ve give students some prep before charging right in!
Rika: But anyway, time to switch gears and get ready for the next segment. The second segment is what we call the Elite Test. And you'll be facing the Elite Four in Pokémon battles!
…
Rika: I guess that's pretty obvious from the name of the test, huh.
Yukari: Yes, yes it is.
Rika: Anyway, we're the best the League has to offer. You'll be facing us four in a row—no turning back. This won't be a cakewalk—I promise you that. Make sure you're all ready, then go into the room behind me.
Yukari: Alright, I do that-
Just then, Joker comes out of the pokèball.
Joker: <Oi! Why did you call me the grass cat Pokèmon! Why, I would rather be call Weed Cat of all things!>
Yukari: Look, in my defense, the trial was some kind of interview, so I have to be serious about it. More importantly, are you and the team ready for the four elite battles?
Joker: <Of course I am. And…I hope this will help in regaining your memories, Yukari.>
Yukari: Yeah…but what if it doesn’t…
Joker: <Then…we can both find ways to try and jog your brain to try and regain them. After all, it is a treasure hunt.>
Yukari: -nods at Joker- It sure is.
With that said, Joker gets into the pokèball as Yukari heads inside to battle the elite four.
“You bowl with 3 middle fingers” Oh hey, a troper wall
Not A Lawyer
Paldea, Casseroya Lake - Secret Cave
-Turns out, Lissa's something of an anomaly amongst people who hang out around J-Teamers: she can't understand Monese. Whatever the language or medium, though, any halfway-perceptive person can tell when they're being addressed, and Lissa's at least three-quarters.-
-But that perception works both ways. And as Pippy calls to Lissa, he's likely to notice her eyes flashing over to him, her right foot shifting backwards slightly into combat-readiness - at least until Alice calls out to her too.-
Alice: He's asking if you want food, Lissa.
Lissa: ...Oh. No, I'm not hungry. I was just the guy who grabbed it. Dogsbody work.
-Lissa relaxes somewhat, whilst Alice looks over Megan's bandaged hands.-
Alice: I've analysed what footage of the Artazon incident I was able to get my hands on. Quite frankly, it's a miracle that nobody was killed. That you weren't killed. Based on that, I believe I have a general understanding of the aggressor's abilities and battle strategy. Though I will defer to you, as the one with first-hand experience.
Lissa: We have a system for Templars, right? The key is catching them off-guard. Headshots, or base of the neck. Pretty much anything that hits the brain or spinal cord. Disrupts their nervous system, and without their fancy mind powers, they're just tubular humans who die as easily as the rest of us.
Alice: ...Congratulations. You can recite my words back to me. That must be why I keep you on the payroll, because I don't enjoy the sound of my own voice enough. And that is not how you use the word "tubular".
Lissa: Hey, I don't know what kinda intel you share in your superhero club. I just figured I oughta fill these two in too.
Alice: We do not have a superhero club. We- urgh.
-She massages her temple before being led aside by Abilene, apparently deciding that further denials would just be an insult to the intelligence of all involved.-
Alice: Are you insinuating what I believe you to be insinuating? That I attempt to split my essence somehow, and offer a partition of myself up for either possession or absorption? I daresay it would bring you some sick amusement to see me so thusly diminished. Just like L-
-She stops, a name dying on her tongue.-
Lissa: You're gonna have to talk to him eventually, you know.
Alice: Silence, peon.
Lissa: Peon? She's rubbing off on you.
-Alice groans.-
Alice: ...It is not an idea without merit. As I understand it, what you are proposing is something similar to the same process that created me. But that was a collaboration between the god of life and the god of death, a wholly unique arrangement that went against both of their usual tenets. Even if we could request that they do the same for Megan, the request would be denied, and there are no other beings in this world with the same power.
-There's a pause, as if she's debating with herself, before she speaks again.-
Alice: ...No, that's not quite true. I... I am aware of individuals with such abilities. Creating homunculii, soul transfer, the like. But it is an imperfect art, and one associated with deep trauma for those who have practiced it. I am not sure I would be comfortable even making the request, let alone entrusting Megan's entire wellbeing to such unproven techniques. She... she deserves better than that.
Edited by Herbert40k on Apr 29th 2024 at 12:38:14 PM
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
The Wanderer
Haina Desert, past
Beremices: -Pops up and rams Castform from below-
Castform: -Fires a Fire Blast while trying to right itself-
Beremices: -Dodges... so that the Fire Blast ends up hitting Metagross instead-
Metagross: -Takes major damage and gets burned- <Argh!>
-And tries going for a Hammer Arm-
Beremices: -Ducks and Castform is fainted instead-
Chiyo: -Claps- Good job Beremices!
Metagross: -Manages to hit Beremices with their next Hammer Arm-
Beremices: -Is brought down to the red-
Chiyo: Come on!
Beremices: -A and B, who took the brunt of the attack, help up C and D-
Chiyo: Use Beat Up!
Beremices: -Summons spectral versions of their other teammates, who proceed to beat on Metagross-
Metagross: -Is on the last quarter of its health and swipes with Hammer Arm again-
Beremices: -Dodges due to Metagross' decreased Speed-
Chiyo: Let's finish this with a Z-Move!
-Proceeds to do the Z-Move dance, finishing with her raising her arms up as if she's a monster-
Beremices: -Glows before summoning a black hole that absorbs Metagross before imploding-
Metagross: -Is barely left standing afterwards... before fainting from the burn-
Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 29th 2024 at 4:58:22 AM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Local idiot who is a sucker for cute 2d boys
Pokèmon League of Paldea, Elite Four Battle Room - April 27th, 2024
Yukari and Rika walk into the room as Yukari gets herself ready for the battle.
Rika: Now then, let's get this started, eh?
Yukari: Yep.
Rika: Let good ol' Rika be the first of the Elite Four to take you on! I'd say I'll go easy on you, but...I'd be lying! Think fast!
Yukari: Oh, I’ll be thinking fast alright. Besides, the battle between you and me should be over within…ten minutes. I suggest you also think fast as well.
Yukari: Ready, Joker?
Joker: <Ready when you are!>
Yukari: All right, go on out Joker!
Yukari’s and Rika’s mons begin battling out as the scene fades to white.
The old house in Kanto. September 13th, 2017
Ten year old Yukari is sleeping in her bed when the alarm rings to wake her up. She yawns as she stretches and gets out of bed. She brushes her teeth, braids her hair, and goes downstairs.
Yukari: Good morning…huh?
There, Yukari saw two old caretakers, wearing party hats with the old man holding a birthday cake for her.
Old lady Caretaker: Happy birthday, Yukari!
Old Man Caretaker: You’re ten years old now!
Yukari: I see.
…
Old lady Caretaker: Anyway, dear will you mind giving Yukari her present?
Old Man Caretaker: Sure.
Yukari: Present? You don’t have to give me anything…
Old lady Caretaker: I know, but we both thought it would be nice.
Old Man Caretaker: Alright, here’s your present!
The present in question is a Pokèball, which causes Yukari to deadpan stare at it.
Old Man Caretaker: It has a pokèmon inside!
Yukari: A…pokèmon?
Old Man Caretaker: Yes, yes!
Yukari: Okay then…
Yukari grabs the pokèball and throws it, revealing the pokèmon inside it being a Sprigatio.
Yukari: …It’s a grass cat?
Sprigatio: <Hey! I’m not a grass cat! I’m a Sprigatio!>
Yukari stares at her Sprigatio while he makes complaints about being called a grass cat.
Old Man Caretaker: Well, now, he seems to not like that.
Yukari: Huh? I see…
Old lady Caretaker: Well, why don’t you go outside and play with him?
Yukari: Sure.
With that, she and her Sprigatio went outside.
Kanto - September 13th, 2017
Yukari and Sprigatio are taking a stroll.
Sprigatio: <Ugh! It's so boring! Hey, aren’t you going to battle?!>
Yukari: So noisy… What? You want to use the bathroom or something?
Sprigatio: <No! I want to battle!>
Yukari: -Picks up Sprigatio- Okay, let’s find a bathroom spot.
Sprigatio: <No, put me down! Help! My trainer thinks I want to use the bathroom!>
Yukari: So noisy…
Yukari arrives at the bathroom spot as she puts him down.
Yukari: Okay, once you’re done, we can uh…we can uh…be right back!
Yukari quickly heads to the bathroom, as she didn’t use one earlier. This causes the Sprigatio to glance at the readers reading this, who are a bit annoyed by this.
Sprigatio: <I’ve been told great things about her, and yet she forgot to use the bathroom before she heads out.>
While Sprigatio was waiting, a trainer spotted him.
Trainer: Oh, what do we have here?
The scene cuts to Yukari coming out of the bathroom, who sighs in relief.
Yukari: Sorry about that. Anyway have you… -notice that Sprigatio is gone- …where did he go?! Jeez, not only is he so noisy, he ran off to who knows what. Better find before my caretakers gets worried about me.
Thus, Yukari searches for Sprigatio, unaware that he was being kidnapped by a trainer. While she searches for him, she hears a yelp from somewhere. She quietly walks where the sound came from and to her horror, she saw her Sprigatio being abused by the trainer.
Trainer: Come on! I demand you to battle an metapod!
Sprigatio: <No, I don’t wanna!>
Yukari: Shoot! I wasn’t being careful!
The trainer proceeds to kick him into the ground.
Trainer: If I don’t get you to battle, then I’ll force you to battle.
Not wanting to see the trainer abusing her pokèmon, Yukari quietly walks up to the trainer and kicks it where it hurts them the most. Yukari quickly picks up Sprigatio as she runs away from the trainer until she spots the pokèmon center.
Thankfully, her pokèmon got healed up, but Yukari was staring at the floor, realizing her carelessness led to him getting kidnapped in the first place.
Yukari: Why…why did I let this happen?! My caretakers are going to be disappointed in me for letting that happened…it’s all my fault!
Yukari begins to cry as her Sprigatio walks up to her. He notices her tears on her face and starts to lick them, causing Yukari to stop crying.
Yukari: You…what are you…? Are you…trying to cheer me up?
The Sprigaito nods at her. While she doesn’t smile, she is thankful for that.
Yukari: Well…we better go back home. Let me just…huh?
Yukari notices something on Sprigatio’s pokèball; it has the word “Yuji” written on it.
Yukari: Yuji…? Hey, do you know who Yuji is?
The sprigaito hesitated a little before shaking his head, he doesn’t know Yuji.
Yukari: If that’s the case then… Yuji might be a clue to my past. But…I don’t know where to start…
Yukari is a little stumped, but her sprigatio drags her outside as they head home.
Yukari: Right…since I have him with me, starting tomorrow, I’ll do my pokèmon journey. But…since I don’t understand him at all…I can ask my caretakers and see if I can properly understand him and the rest of the pokèmon better.
With that, Yukari and her Sprigatio walked as the sun started to set with the scene fading to white.
Pokèmon League of Paldea, Elite Four Battle Room - April 27th, 2024
The white scene fades back to the battle, where Yukari and Joker won against Rika.
Rika: Not bad, kiddo.
Yukari: Thanks.
Rika: Talk about unfair. No way was I ever gonna win that one.
Yukari: I mean, if you have that stone Xaster used, then chances are that you are able to defeat me…
Rika: Still, though, what a great battle. Felt good even to lose! Not a whole lot of Trainers have the skill to make it past the Elite Test... But who knows? I'm beginning to think you might be one of the few that do, Yukari.
Yukari: Yeah, I suppose so.
Rika: Better stay on your toes, though—the second of the Elite Four is stronger than me! -turns to the elavorter behind her- You're up next, squirt! Come on out!
The elevator door opens and reveals to be Poppy, the youngest member of Elite Four.
“You bowl with 3 middle fingers” Oh hey, a troper wall
The Wanderer
Haina Desert, past
Chloe: That's one way to win I guess.
Chiyo: -Taking a Psychium Z from the pedestal- Let's get back to the Aether House then.
-Stops for a second-
Chloe, did you hear that?
Chloe: Sounds like a... bell?
Tapu Bulu: -Rounds the corner- <Well met, Chiyo of the seven-colored mana, scion of Clan Anuenue. I thought of saying something before, but I didn't wish to interrupt your battle.>
Chiyo: -Nods-
Tapu Bulu: <The Psychium Z is fitting for one of your abilities, now to teach you how to use Psychic Z-Power.>
-Crosses their arms before placing their limbs to their temples, and then stretching their left arm out-
<I shall be heading back to the ruins now, until next time.>
-They leave-
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Local idiot who is a sucker for cute 2d boys
Pokèmon League of Paldea, Elite Four Battle Room - April 27th, 2024
Poppy, the elite four member, walks up to Rika and Yukari.
Poppy: Oh wow! Did you lose, Rika?
Rika: Yeah, I did… She’s no pushover, let me tell you! I'll be watching from the side. Avenge me if you can, eh?
Poppy: You bet I will!
With that, Poppy goes to her position while Yukari prepares before battling.
Yukari: Poppy, the youngest trainer of the elite four, and the only one of all regions. She may be young, but she is definitely the strongest when compared to Rika. Well…not as strong as Larry, but at least I don’t have to deal with him again.
Once Yukari finishes preparing, Yukari goes to her position for the battle.
Poppy: It's so cool you made it this far! But this is where you say bye-bye, miss! All my Pokémon are super tough! Your weak attacks won't work on them at all! They'll bounce right off—you'll see!
Yukari: That is true, but with the right moves and types, I’m able to push them right through and have it bounce it off to your team instead of mine.
Poppy: I can't wait for you to meet my friends, so...here they come!
Poppy: Go on, Rajah! Smush 'em!
Yukari: Forte, dodge!
Yukari: Shit, this isn’t bolding well.
Yukari: It’s a good thing that I change some of Kiel’s moves one last time in case something like this happens
Yukari: Obviously, since Bronzong and Kiel are both psychic types, unless the psychic move is an status effect, it remains not useful towards Bronzong.
Yukari: An flying type huh?
Yukari: Huh…I’ll admit, Poppy is strong. However, that ability doesn’t seem to be useful other than making the trainers who battle here thrown off. Well, guess I’ll be just finishing her off real quick with Kiel.
Yukari: Good job Kiel! Now, we’re just going to switch over to Kokichi, is that alright with you?
Kiel: <Sure!>
Kokichi: <Okay…who am I battling today?>
Yukari: The last one. I figure that you’re the perfect fit for this one.
Kokichi: <Alright, let’s get this over with.>
Poppy: I'm not scared! My last Pokémon will turn things around!
Kokichi: <That’s a fairy steel type, right?>
Yukari: Yeah, but-
Poppy: It's time to get dressed up all pretty, Tinkie!
Yukari: …See what I mean?
Kokichi: <Okay…that…yeah, I should’ve known that by now.>
Yukari: You have seen me battle all of the gyms and they teralized their mons!
Yukari: Something isn’t right here…normally, Kokichi isn’t that slow to have that move to avoid.
Yukari: This is getting bad! If her mon use a move that’ll ended up fainting him, then…!
Poppy: Steel-hard Pokémon always get a solid victory! So I'm gonna win!
Yukari: Hey, Kokichi! Are you okay? We can just hold it off-
Kokichi: <Yukari…after the battle with the elite four and the champion, I don’t know what else to do…>
Yukari: What do you mean?
Kokichi: <I mean, I always wanted to be useful, but once that’s been said and done, then I’m useless, right?>
Yukari: No, you are not useless. You’re-
Kokichi: <I’m what?! I’m a Raboot who always wanted to be used and having a meer thought of not being used is enough to keep me awake at night!>
Poppy was going to ask them something, but Rika gestured to her to not worry about it and give them some time.
Yukari: Given the fact that the info about his previous trainer, it appears his wants of being used has twisted into something tragic…and messed up if I have to be blunt. Kokichi, why don’t you like not being able to do-
Kokichi: <Because I came from a world where there’s no humans!>
Silence. Poppy was about to cry, but her tinkaton was able to calm her, Rika covered her mouth in surprise, and Yukari looked at Kokichi with disbelief.
Kokichi: <I’m…not from here nor from this “galar” region everyone speaks of. I always thought that humans are just fairy tales until that day, I accidentally stumbled upon some odd hole and I ended up meeting my ex trainer there and he grabbed me, despite the fact he owned a garchomp. I thought to myself “If I am useful to him, that odd hole will show up and I will be able to go back home and see my friends and family again!” So, I did what I could. However, the effects from him are still there. I can’t even move on…>
As it turns out, Kokichi wasn’t from here nor Galar. He came from another dimension where humans don’t exist. He was a misplaced Pokèmon in a world where Pokèmon and Humans coexist. What’s worse is that he dealt with a bad trainer the first time he arrived by accident. While it's true that most of her mons had trouble in the past, they were able to move on from it except for Kokichi.
Yukari: …-Holds Kokichi by his hands- Listen to me Kokichi, if you waste your time being stuck in the past all the time, you're not gonna go anywhere and you're gonna get even more depressed about it.
Kokichi: <Huh?>
Yukari: When I first met Joker, I wasn’t able to understand him at the time and that led him to getting hurt by another bad trainer. I was only ten at the time, but I was too focused on that, I didn’t notice that he was feeling okay until he licked my tears away to cheer me up. It was his way of telling me not to focus too much on the past, otherwise, you won’t move forward and become the best. Now, Kokichi, tell me what do you really want to do that doesn’t involve your wants.
It was quiet. The air was slightly tense given what happened earlier, but there were tears from Kokichi eyes.
Kokichi: <I…I want to do some Pokèmon contests with you!>
Yukari: -hugs Kokichi- I see. Thank you for telling me that.
Yukari is letting him cry it out while Poppy and Rika watch.
Rika: She showed her emotions again.
Poppy: It got everyone excited when Iono’s stream the battle with her, but I prefer seeing it in person.
Rika: That, I agree with, Squirt.
Once Kokichi calms down, the battle continues where it left off.
Yukari: Hey, Poppy! I’ll admit, you’re stronger and should not be understated. But, just because you teralized your pokèmon to boost steel moves, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it to get rid of a weakness!
Yukari: And, now, you’ll see why you shouldn’t get rid of the fairy type and get his health on the brink of him fainting!
During the move that Kokichi is currently using on Tinkaton, something amazing happened…
There is a glow around Kokichi as he heads towards Tinkaton to use the move.
Yukari: Ah fuck! He might become more aloof!
Once he got close to Tinkaton, the light shines as it goes away to show what Kokichi evolved into right as he used that move.
Poppy: Uagh?! Mmmuuuggghhh…
Yukari: Okay, better bring out the rest to let them know what happened.
Yukari brings out the rest of her mons to tell them that Kokichi evolved while Kokichi is looking at the pokèball of his.
Joker: <So, he evolved again?>
Jazzy: <Is there anything wrong with that?>
Yukari: No, it’s just that I’m not great at handling the aloofness of some mons.
Kiel: <Yeah, and we were all worried about it when that happened…>
Forte: <Then, we can check and see if he’s aloof.>
Frey: <But, isn’t asking him that feels wrong?>
Yukari: …Okay, Frey’s right. -crosses her arms- That is wrong of us to ask him. Plus, he came from another dimension, so I don’t think he wants me to reveal that to them yet.
Kokichi: -Is behind Yukari- <Bogos Binted?>
Yukari: GAH! -Turns around and sees Kokichi- Oi! If you’re going to sneak behind me like that, don’t go Bogos Binted on me!
With Yukari’s reaction, Kokichi simply just snickers.
Kokichi: <Oh, so you get scared easily?>
Yukari: No! I- Wait…
Kokichi tilts his head as Yukari and the rest look at him, confused. It took awhile, but he finally gets why they’re confused.
Kokichi: <Is it because you’re that worried over dealing with an aloof pokèmon?>
Yukari: Yes and I’m sorry for that.
Kokichi: <Eh, it’s fine. I wouldn’t blame you for that either.>
Well, it seems everything is fine and dandy. Yukari heals up her Pokèmon as she prepares for the next battle with the elite four.
“You bowl with 3 middle fingers” Oh hey, a troper wall
The Wanderer
Aether House, today
Chiyo: -Is in the midst of battling a Preschooler with a Steenee-
Preschooler Leslie: Steenee, use Magical Leaf!
Steenee: -Sends glowing leaves at Pisaster-
Pisaster: -Is hit-
Chiyo: Pisaster, use Ice Beam!
Pisaster: -Blasts Steenee with a light blue ray fired from its core-
Steenee: -Faints-
Chiyo: -Recalling Pisaster- Good job out there Leslie.
Leslie: But I lost...
Chiyo: -Smiling- Yes, but I think that was the first time Steenee was able to pull off that Magical Leaf. You know Leslie, a dear friend once told me, "Trust in your team, and even though you might not always win, you'll go all the way."
Leslie: -Thinking pose- Okay Ms. Chiyo.
Chiyo: -Patting Leslie's shoulder- You'll get there one day, don't worry.
Leslie: -Runs off to play-
Chloe: -Reclining in the corner, reading a comic- Playing the wise adult, are we?
Chiyo: -Leaning on the wall next to Chloe- Someone has to.
Chloe: -Smirks- That supposed to be a joke?
Chiyo: It's been nice being here, I think I'll try to visit more often. Unfortunately we can't stay for too long.
Edited by rmctagg09 on Apr 29th 2024 at 12:04:48 PM
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Casseroya Lake
Poppy: Lila! Lila, where'd you go? Lila!
Pancake: You think she's somewhere around here?
Poppy: She has to be. She couldn't have gone far.
Pancake then begun sniffing the air, he smelt something particularly spicy.
Pancake: I don't know why, but I have a feeling that the strange spice in the air is going to lead us to Lila.
Poppy sniffed the air.
Poppy: You're right. Let's follow it.
So they followed their noses, until they reached a peculiar scene.
Pancake: Look! Over there!
The two of then saw Lila battling an enormous Dondozo.
Poppy: What's she doing?
She raced over to Lila.
Poppy: Lila, what's going on?
Lila: There's been a big misunderstanding. This Dondozo thinks I'm trying to hurt its Tatsugiri friend, and I'm only fighting to fend it off!
Dondozo raised its jaw and snatched Lila in its mouth, and swam off with her struggling to get out.
Poppy: We have to go after it!
She chased after Dondozo on Nessa, before reaching a small island in the middle of the lake. She watched as Dondozo spat out Lila, and prepared to use a move on her, but thinking quickly, she stopped it with Magical Leaf, blowing it back.
Poppy: Okay, Lila, if we're fighting this thing, might as well do it together!
Lila: Ha! I expected nothing less from my savior.
Poppy: Oh, savior's pushing it a little. You can just call me Poppy.
Lila: Really? Well then, thanks, Poppy.
Poppy: Right!
To both Poppy and Pancake's shock, Lila then began glowing in a blue light. Her limbs and height grew in notable ways, until the glow disappeared and she looked almost nothing like how she originally was.
Pancake: Lila, what did you do?!
Lila: Don't worry! I just evolved!
Poppy: Hoho, now we're talking!
Lila: And I'm not done yet! Watch this!
Lila leaped into the air, unleashing a new move.
Lila: And that's not all! Wanna see a magic trick?
The attack caused Dondozo to spit Tatsugiri right out of its mouth, with Lila catching it in her arms.
Poppy: You see, Dondozo? This is all a misunderstanding! Lila never meant to hurt Tatsugiri!
Dondozo looked hesitant at first, but was reassured after seeing Tatsugiri unhurt and happy.
Pancake: Well, all's well that ends well!
Tatsugiri then ran back to the group, holding what looked like a strange herb in its mouth.
Poppy: Oh, a recompense gift? Thanks!
Tatsugiri and Dondozo then both left.
Poppy: Hey, wait...
Looking at the herb, she saw it was no ordinary herbs - it was a Herba Mystica. A Spicy Herba Mystica. The only one she didn't know the location of. And it was in her hands.
The final ingredient to her ultimate sandwich had just been obtained.
Lila: Poppy...
Poppy then broke out into contagious smiles and cheers. She immediately set up a picnic again, and sent all her Pokèmon out.
Poppy: Change of plans, guys. We aren't travelling up Glaseado Mountain just yet. We have a brother-saving sandwich to make.
Naranja y Uva Academy, Classroom
Xaster strides into the room with Riri hot on his heels. He walks to the blackboard and writes "Professor De Mille" in big letters. Then he hesitates. It doesn't look right. And he's not technically a professor.
He crosses out "Professor" and writes "Mr." instead.
No, still not right. Too formal. Mr. De Mille is his father.
Finally, he crosses everything out and writes "Xaster". Then he turns to face the waiting students, who have been watching him from awkwardly while he goes through this exercise.
"Hello, and welcome to class one of the special course on pokémon contests," he says. "Who's ready to begin?"
No-one answers. No-one answers that type of question. He clears his throat.
"Well, to start with, does anyone know what a contest is?"
Edited by theoncominghoop on Apr 30th 2024 at 5:12:13 PM
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
Paldea, Casseroya Lake, Secret Cave
Daydre, who's basically been a ghost this entire time (though not a Ghost) pipes up in the middle of being perhaps too saccharine in trying to help Megan eat.
Daydre: -a little too cheerfully- "Oh! Like the thing I did to Vee!"
She grins.
Daydre: "... Yeah, it's probably not a good idea for me to try that without backing from a legendary."
She swings her feet as she sits on the bench.
Daydre: "Though, do we need the god's permission if we're not creating something sentient? Why not just create the veins we need and be done with it?"
Daydre: "Then again, I'm not a doctor."
Naranja y Uva Academy, Classroom
It's been a while since she's been in a normal classroom.
The Battle Academy was somewhat nonstandard in its layout and teaching practices, so...
Lian sits at one of the desks, swinging her feet. She's... actually only vaguely aware what contests are, since her training never really bothered with them (they were irrelevant, after all) so she's not answering. Now that she was free, though, and learning things aside from fighting seemed like a good idea, she decided to participate in this class.
... Even if she is a little distracted.
off the shits
Person, or Idea?
A fellow in biker's attire, wearing a white helmet, stands at a crossroads in the town. Perched on his head is a Staravia. He mostly stands stoically, and somewhat impatiently, but when people in Naranja Y Uva Academy uniforms appear, he beckons them to come closer.
"Listen to this!", the man says. "My Staravia can talk!"
"Talk-a-via! Talk-a-via!", the Staravia squawks, as if on cue.
"Isn't she just the cutest?", the man continues. "And this ain't nothing!"
"No-think! No-think!" the Staravia squawks again. "Meedyum! Meedyum!"
This routine occurrs throughout the day, with little variation.
Except when Mitchell approached as part of his Gym Test. He has a sinking feeling from the clue he got: "Listen really closely to the grey bird Pokemon." His suspicion proves correct, as the Staravia in use for the Test is his very own Esmeralda.
"Oh, wow," Mitchell says. "A talking Pokemon. That's very rare."
Esmeralda gives Mitchell a sharp look, telling him to be quiet and not give the game away.
So that's what the [Duolinguo] lessons were for, Mitchell thinks, as he pays attention to the rest of the routine. He mentally marks down the clue at the end and heads of for the rest of the Test.
A Greedent peers around the corner of a nearby building, taking a special interest in Esmeralda.
"Step right up, ladies and gents and all the rest!" declares one of the barkers in the Auction Market. "Feast yer eyes on the main event! I have 'ere the legendary wakame seaweed of the Hoenn region! Do I have any takers?"
Oliver, who was watching the Market stalls on Kofu's behalf, spots the seaweed. His eyes widen in shock.
<Vaulting Veluza!>, Oliver exclaims. <It's real! Mr. Kofu, it's the real thing!>
Kofu, who was in the middle of apologizing to Mitchell for having him bring back the wallet he left behind in Cascarrafa, turns around at Oliver's cry and sees the seaweed himself.
"Vaultin' Veluza!", Kofu exclaims. "I don' even have to touch it- I can see it's got the springy texture of seaweed chock-full o' nutrients!"
"Sounds like a valuable prize," Mitchell comments. "How about I get it for you?"
"Eager, aren't ya?", Kofu slyly says, handing his wallet back to Mitchell. "Here ya are. Fighting funds for the auction! Be smart with it, an' win this ol' man some seaweed!"
<Give it your best, Professor!>, Oliver cheers on.
"That, I'll do," Mitchell responds, before heading off to the auction, ready to do economic battle for the prized seaweed.
High above the Market, a Wingull eyes the crowd with envious eyes.
Mitchell sits at one of the room's desks, in the formal manner he trained to do over his school term here. He's surprised by just who this guest lecturer is.
Xaster?, he thinks to himself. The same guy I met in Sinnoh a year or two ago? He looks kinda different.
Swallowing his discomfort for a moment, he raises his hand. He's prepared to give an answer to Xaster's question about what contests are from his experience in Sinnoh, even though it might be a bit off from the textbook definition.
Edited by AnotherMan on Apr 30th 2024 at 7:55:37 PM
The Wanderer
Naranja y Uva Academy, Classroom
Iridium: -Is also sitting in the classroom- Dr. Tagg said he used to do Contests, maybe this'll help me get one step closer to beating 1.0.
-It's then that she notices that someone else is in the room-
Wait a sec...
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Naranja y Uva Academy, Classroom
Xaster looks over at the raised hand, and blinks a few times to make sure he's right about who that is.
"Mitchell? Oh my Arceus, it is you. Wow, fancy running into you here." He realises that he is teaching a class and composes himself. "Anyway, yes, what's the answer to the question?"
Person, or Idea?
"Fancy seeing you here, too, Xaster," Mitchell responds. "It's been a while for us both." Then, lowering his hand, he answers the question.
"A Pokémon contest is an event where teams of Pokémon compete against each other in tests of performing arts. Unlike with battles, the competitors in contests try to appeal to an audience, a panel of judges, or both, who decide the winners based on which appealed to them most, instead of who is the last one standing."
Mitchell then scratches the back of his head nervously. "Er," he says, "I think that's how it went in Sinnoh?"
The Wanderer
Alola Route 13
-Chiyo and Chloe are hanging by the trailers when they're approached by someone they don't recognize-
???: You two Chiyo and Chloe? Gotta admit, you don't look like much.
Chloe: -Turning around- Who's asking?
-Her hand reaches for under her hoodie-
Plumeria: I'm Plumeria, used to be an admin for Team Skull, before we disbanded, but I still like keeping an eye on them. Bunch of the guys say you fought them, said you were hard as bone. They're kinda numbskulls, as you might've noticed, but they're cute in their dumbness, so I don't like people bullying them.
Chiyo: -Eyebrow raise after sharing a look with Chloe- You wanna battle us then?
Plumeria: Pfft, hardly, they were all really impressed, but I want to see what Chiyo here can do myself, especially after I heard she beat old man Nanu.
Chiyo: -Confused- You wanna test me by... not battling you?
Plumeria: -Pulling out a purple Z-Crystal- See this? This is a Poisonium Z, wanna know where I got it?
Chloe: -Arms crossed- I'm sure you'll tell us anyway, knock yourself out.
Plumeria: Your hair may be fluffy, but that tongue is sharp as a Scyther's blades, I like that. Anyway, I got it from this site called Venom Reef, over to the east of the bay. You get that, and I'll see just as hard as bone you are.
Chloe: -To Chiyo- What do you think?
Chiyo: -To Plumeria- I've got nothing to prove to anyone, but I would like another Z-Crystal.
Plumeria: That look in your eyes... it reminds me of someone I met a while ago. Calm on the surface, but beneath lies a full-force wildfire. Underestimate it at your peril.
Chiyo: Many have, they're not around anymore.
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Casseroya Lake
Poppy cleared out the picnic table. She set out the five Herba Mystica, some bread, and other ingredients, such as a hamburger patty - she knew Brayden couldn't possibly go wrong with a hamburger.
It was time.
She put together the sandwich with as much passion as professional cooks, she was sure. She carefully placed ingredients, seasoned it just right, until just by looking at it, she could tell that no injured soul would eat the sandwich and remain the same way they did as before.
Finally, she placed the sandwich in a little box. Soon, a Rotom delivery drone came to pick it up and take it all the way to Slateport City in Hoenn.
Poppy: ...I'm counting on you.
After the drone flew far away, she called her parents to tell them the good news.
Poppy: Hey Mom, Dad. Guess who finished making that sandwich?
Dad: No way! Is it coming?
Poppy: Yep! Right now.
Mom: Oh, Poppy... you have no idea how proud of you we are.
Poppy: Yeah. And did I mention I'm on my way to earn my final Paldean Gym Badge?
Dad: Did you hear that? My daughter is going to earn her final Gym Badge - she's going to become a Champion trainer, I'm sure of it!
Mom: Yes!
Poppy: I mean, I couldn't have come all this way out here for nothing, one way or another...
Mom: ...Oh, sweetie. Even if Brayden... doesn't recover, I'm sure he'd want you to carry on without him, he'd be proud of you for how far you've come, you know. And know that we are so proud of you regardless.
Poppy: Thanks, mom.
The next morning, Glaseado Mountain...
Poppy stood at the base of Glaseado Mountain, all she needed to do was ascend the mountain and get that final Gym Badge.
Poppy: Alright. I've done this before, I can do it again...
Edited by ThunderKitty86 on May 2nd 2024 at 5:01:42 AM
Local idiot who is a sucker for cute 2d boys
Pokèmon League of Paldea, Elite Four Battle Room - April 27th, 2024
Yukari is ready for the next battle as she heads where Poppy and Rika are at.
Poppy: Waaaaaah! Waaaaaah! I wanted to take revenge on you, Rika!
Rika: Pretty sure you mean "take revenge FOR" me, squirt. Don't think I did anything wrong by you.
Yukari: Yeah…the only “wrong” thing I did was battling Rika and winning. …I was being sarcastic in case you’re confused.
Rika: Hate to say it, but you lost, Poppy. Better call the next guy!
Poppy: Oh, that's right! I haven't had to do this in a long time!
Yukari: Okay, I’m ready for this. What could easily get me thrown off my groove?
Poppy: It's your turn, Mr. Larry!
The elevator door opens to reveal Larry. This caused Yukari to turn white as a ghost as she didn’t know that Larry was a part of the elite four.
Larry: Hello there... It's me, Larry. So, you made it this far. I serve as a member of the Elite Four too, yes...Unfortunately for me.
Yukari: What do you mean unfortunately for you?! It’s unfortunate for me to battle you again!
Larry: At my Gym, I use Normal-type Pokémon, since I feel they have a lot in common with me. But, well, the boss told me to use a different type here. So if you have any complaints, please take them up with La Primera.
Yukari: Hmm…actually, I can handle this. As long as it’s not a normal type, then we’re good.
Larry: Anyway, time to get to work.
With that, a jump cut later and Yukari and Jazzy already won the battle against Larry.
Jazzy: <To be honest, I didn’t expect Larry of all gym leaders to be apart of Elite Four.>
Yukari: Neither did I, but if the next member of the elite four is what I think it is, then chances are we can use a move that not only is their weakness, but also a bit of a whammy.
Jazzy: <I see what you’re implying and I like that kind of idea.>
And so, Yukari and co get ready for the next battle.
“You bowl with 3 middle fingers” Oh hey, a troper wall
Naranja y Uva Academy, Classroom
Xaster nods at Mitchell. "You're right. There's a bit more to it than that, but nothing that you said is actually wrong."
He holds up one of those clicker things and presses a button. A projector turns on and shows a picture of a Lechonk being measured.
"Most historians think that pokémon contests in regions like Kalos originate from local farm shows. Farmers would show off their animals, and local lords or audiences would declare a winner. Over time, farmers began to teach their show pokémon moves and tricks that would make them more appealing to crowds." He clicks the button and the slideshow changes to a Lechonk in the middle of a backflip.
A third slide shows an illustration of a person in Hisuian clothing, standing in step with a Hisuian Liligant. "Meanwhile, contests from Sinnoh, Hoenn and other regions in that area are thought to descend from cultural rituals that brought harmony between the worlds of human and pokémon. As time passed and Sinnoh was born out of Hisui, the traditions remained even though the original meaning was no longer there."
He ends the power point and surveys the class. "Global trade and communication brought the traditions together into something that became our modern contests. Though there are differences in the exact practice by region - for example, Kalos calls their contests performance showcases and cuts the battle round - the basic premise is the same. Show the appeal of a pokémon, beyond its ability to battle."
Xaster smiles. "Any questions?"
Meet The New Boss
Levincia, Past
Iris: "It's working! That... Thing is dead!"
Coil: "Finally... And it lost control of Gale!"
-The Noble Elemental rushes over to Gale-
Noble Elemental: "Are you all right?"
Pavo's Lair
'Pavo: ~NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You may have killed two birds with one stone, J-Team... But this early bird will still get the worm!~
'Melia: -chirp-
Ikuchi: <Yeah we'll show 'em!>
Mezagioza
Nero: "Ohoho! Yes, a marvelous quest indeed, umu! You'll be helping me with an important task... Helping me find the J-Team!"
Jeanne: <She's been at this for awhile now.>
The Outskirts Of Alfornada
Woman: "Well, you see...My - well, for simplicity's sake, my grandma hasn't been treating me well. She's more concerned about doing something with... my grandpa we'll say and their weird Haunter friend. I have to do all the work for them while they talk about stuff I don't understand and I can never interrupt them even when I need them.
-she blinks-
"...Sorry if I'm traumadumping on a stranger, it's just been. A lot."
Artazon
-The Thief notices the two Birds flying up at them-
Karasutengu: "...We'll have to do this the hard way."
-They take out a strange device and start drilling into the art piece, feeling around for... somethiing-
Sunyshore Building, Past
-Flamel arches his brow then starts backing away slowly-
Flamel: <And who, exactly, are you? We aren't exactly keen on entertaining more company. We were just minding our own business when she showed up.>
-he looks over to Gale-
<My companion here can confi->
-Then Gale rushes for The Guy-
<Gale, wait!>
-Too late. The blades are locked.-
<...I don't care if you want our opponent. Though... What DO you know about the Treasure, and how?>
Autumn Mountain
Olivia: <Oh? That strange monkey mon? Yes, let's ask them!>
-she goes up to the Monkey™-
<Ee ee! That's monkey for 'do you know any oarsmen little guy?'>
-The Monkey™ screeches and throws a can of some fish Pokemon's meat at Olivia-
Olivia: <Ow! Hey is that monkey for hello? What a tough language!>
-The Monkey™ starts running off... in Pent's direction-
Edited by Umbramatic on May 1st 2024 at 6:28:40 AM
Contact Me!
The Wanderer
Cascarrafa Outskirts, far past
Chiyo: -To the woman- It's fine, what's your name?
Naranja y Uva Classroom, yesterday
Iridium: -To Xaster- How long have you been a Coordinator?
Venom Reef, today
Chiyo: -Stepping onto the rocky shore of the barren reef, noting a broken looking Trial Gate- I guess this place must've been a Trial site, but no one's used it in a while.
Chloe: There's probably gonna be a Totem, what do you think it'll be?
Chiyo: I've got my suspicions.
Chloe: -Looking up- The sky's getting dark, and there's basically no shelter, let's not stay here too long.
A few minutes later
Chiyo: -Spotting a Z-Crystal pedestal as it begins to rain- Okay, there it is.
Chloe: -Stops- We're being watched.
-A shadow appears by the water-
Chiyo: You haven't had a challenger in a long time, haven't you?
-The shadow comes onto shore, revealing itself to be a very large Toxapex-
Totem Toxapex: -Glows as it lifts its frontmost arms to reveal the body underneath-
Chiyo: Okay Pisaster, let's go!
Pisaster: -Appears-
-The rain starts to turn to a downpour (Much to Chloe's chagrin as Chiyo creates a barrier over both of their heads)-
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Glaseado Mountain
Poppy was making the trek up Glaseado Mountain for the final Gym Badge. Pancake held on tight to her shoulder as they travelled upwards.
Poppy: Sweet Arceus, it's cold out here... I reckon something to warm me up would go really great right about now.
Pancake: Well, this isn't the highest peak in Paldea for nothing. Ironically, the closer you get to the sun, the colder it gets.
Poppy: Yeah, well, we just need to tough this out, and we'll be at the Gym in no time.
They were then stopped in their tracks by a Sneasel.
Poppy: Oh! A Sneasel! Wonder what it's doing out here?
Poppy soon got her answer when the Sneasel snatched her purse, which contained her Pokeballs and Rotom Phone.
Poppy: Hey! That's my bag! Give it here!
Poppy chased after Sneasel up the mountain, with Sneasel tripping over a rock, but refusing to slow down. What no one realised, however, were four Pokeballs flying out her purse when this happened.
Pancake: Poppy! I've got an idea. Let me try something!
Poppy: Sure thing!
He dug underground, soon reappearing in front of Sneasel.
Sneasel dropped the purse, and ran off.
Poppy: Nice work, Pancake! Here's my purse... It's got my phone, Donut's Pokeball, Pancake's Pokeball, Stormwind's Pokeball, Lila's Pokeball and - wait. Where are Shroomy, Sunrise, Crusher and Nessa's Pokeballs?
Pancake: Oh no, they must have dropped out of your purse and neither of us noticed!
Poppy: Okay, we'll just follow our footsteps the way we came from until we find the others.
As Poppy and Pancake literally retraced their steps, Crusher popped out of his Ball near a cave, noticing the others' Balls next to him.
Crusher: Oh no... what happened?
Sunrise burst out of her Ball.
Sunrise: Do you know what's going on?
Crusher: I don't know, but I know Poppy would never abandon us!
Shroomy then popped out of his Ball.
Shroomy: I saw what happened. A Sneasel tried stealing her purse, and we got lost in the scuffle.
Sunrise: Ah. So let's go and follow these footprints until we reach her, then.
Crusher: Alright, let's - ah! What is that?!
Sunrise turned around and saw a Frigibax.
Sunrise: Aw, it's just a Frigibax. Nothing to be scared of, Crusher!
Frigibax then noticed Nessa's Pokeball, and grabbed it, bringing it inside the cave.
Sunrise: Hey! Nessa's in there!
As the three Pokemon chased after Frigibax, they eventually reached a part of the cave that was full of not only Frigibax, but Arctibax, and a leader Baxcalibur, but failed to notice this.
Shroomy appeared again in front of Frigibax.
Shroomy: Surprise, Frigibax!
Shroomy whacked it with his tail, causing Nessa's ball to fly in the air, before she came out and made landfall right on top of the food the Frigibax clan had gathered.
They all turned at the four Pokemon, angry and looking for a fight.
Nessa: Look at that. All that food, and it was all for nothing. Like life!
Sunrise: Now's not the time, Nessa!
Suddenly, the clan leaped into battle, with Shroomy and Sunrise prepared, Crusher quivering, and Nessa not really caring all that much.
Paldea, Casseroya Lake - Secret Cave
-Megan huffs, breath misting-
Megan: In case you've forgotten, I'm a J-Teamer! My group handles this too…or it's supposed to…I think.
-she can't maintain the stern expression for long—she shakes her head-
Megan: -smiling- …again, you're sweet.
-and as Alice expounds on her own…specifications, for lack of a better term, light creeps back into Megan's eyes-
Megan: So that's what Obscura is capable of…
-she's giggling-
Megan: Do you have the capabilities of a Misdreavus? The strength? Do you need to remember what you look like, or—oh, is it a spirit thing? I'm not great at spirit th—
Pippy: <Ah, Meg. Personal space?>
Megan: …!
-she takes two quick steps back, holding up her bandaged hands-
Megan: Sorry.
-she bites her lip-
Megan: It was Psychic power that did this, ostensibly. And I think drugs. I couldn't tell…if it was telekinetically stilling the air, or draining the energy from it or what - a misstep, I know. He didn't look like he was expelling it anywhere - it just got colder and colder, and his attack names just got more ostentatious.
-for a moment, she loses herself in the middle distance, coming back a little more aged-
Megan: -miserable- It was really cool.
-perhaps inadvisably, she uses one of said bandaged hands (handages) to rub her noggin-
Megan: I tried using water as…a reverse heat sink? A bunch of seawater, super pressurized. He just froze all of it, all the way back to my hands.
-the cavern trembles with a soul-rattling growl-
Vee: <Little fuck.>
Megan: -grinning- …once we got my hands out from around it, your Pokéball was fine!
Vee: -clipped- <I do not care about my Pokéball.>
Megan: ah,
-...she turns back to Alice-
Megan: SO uh, TL;DR, my hands are not connected to my heart, but we're using a specialized combination of Aqua Ring and Dive's biosphere replication capacity to oxygenate and sustain the isolated—that's not how you use TL;DR. Hm.
-she rubs her chin-
Megan: I don't think we could manage…a homunculus body to house a soul?? Abilene, what do you th—
-Abilene sets down her cup-
Megan: —aaaaah.
Abilene: Pardon me, your hoity-toityness.
Megan: Oh no.
Vee: <Oh gods yes.>
Abilene: I didn't realize "must be something I can do" must be tailored to your specifications! Heavens forfend that I might know a thing or two of the condition I"ve been tending. Who am I to stand between a hero and the help she prefers to give—
-Lissa starts talking,-
Abilene: Why is she the only one permitted to be—
-and keeps talking-
Abilene: …
-and even in the cave's less-than-stellar lighting, it's easy to see how red her face becomes-
Megan: -audibly grinning- You're that, apparently.
-Abilene very subtly tries to pull Megan in front of her-
Megan: -fond, to Alice- She talks ab—
Abilene: Do not tell her.
-Megan somehow audibly silently radiates mild disapproval-
Abilene: Permit me, first. Please.
Megan: -murmur- ...alright.
Abilene: -to Alice, nodding- Give me a moment.
Pippy: -calling- <The food's laid out if you wanted to eat, Lissa.>
Megan: Curry!
-she flounces over to a stone bench around a big stone table, and eventually Abilene draws Alice over to an area nearby - her workshop, from the look of it-
No mind to think. No will to break.