Setting
Unova is a mixture of urban and rural land. The region features fifteen settlements which reflect the diversity of the region.
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"Huh. That was Burgh. He says he found a clue as to where we can find our little secret weapon that I was talking about earlier. I'm not sure how I feel about possibly having to battle her, though...even in retirement, I'm sure a former Champion like her will be horribly strong, using Pokemon and strategies I've never seen before. Still, I owe you girls a favor...ever been to Alola? It'll be a nice vacation, if nothing else. I might need to get some new clothes...my daisy dukes might rub in ways I don't want 'em to when the weather gets hot."
"I don't need a vacation, Touku, I need this shit to be over with." Her eyes went dark, "As for battling, you are on your own, my pokemon don't battle unless their life is on the line."
Also, Touko had ditched him in a cave, so...
"Actually, one of them does," came the very aggressive response from Liam as he stepped forward, Maxin's sword in hand and fury in his eyes, "I'm coming with you, Skyva."
She quickly spotted a familiar head of red hair and landed. The model champion hopped from her Crobat, pet his head, and started towards them in a professional manner. “Any news?” Margriet asked, “Have you found this Max?” She had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach as she got a good look at their faces. There was anger, and a terrible sadness. “We’re not…” Too late, are we?
How would Radegast handle the news, if the worst had happened? Margriet felt she didn’t need to hear the answer anymore, but she willed herself to wait for their response.
"Have you found this Max?" Sent her fist curling. She didn't need a pokemon to rearrange her face. She took a deep breath and turned to the girl and glared at her. "This Max was indeed found. This Max has been..." She searched around for the words, not really wanting to repeat what was told with her. What could she say? That he died or that he was shot by that stupid cannon.
Sophie looked between Skyva and the other girl who decided to show up. She was going to tell her but Skyva finally spoke. "Why do you have to talk like an arrogant bitch. THIS MAX is...was a person and dear friend. A young boy who had issues, but was so damn happy. THIS MAX was taken from us by some stupid ass Zoroark. THIS MAX will get a revenge, by me if I have to do it by my damn self! You have your information, now get out my way so I can get to a damn lab." Her green eyes went dark, something Sophie had only seen when they were in the woods that night.
Sophie stepped between them and spoke as softly as she could for she was afraid, "Look you got what you need and we are a bit in a hurry, so can you please just go unless you are going to actually be of help?"
Did Radegast deal with such behaviour when he was with her? She wondered to herself. She had half a mind to slap Skyva for such a bitchy response. They were of the same age, but the red-haired one seemed the child. Her Raikou emerged from his pokeball on his own, who then returned the glare to Skyva. Margriet rose a hand to Raikou’s mane to calm him. No, I will not be Mother. she reminded herself.
“I did not know him,” She replied calmly. Though her Reginald blood began to boil at this girl’s insolence, Margriet kept that anger under wraps. “But that doesn’t mean you can vent at me. If my Uncle is to be believed, I am about to go to war, I and the rest of my family, and their friends, and their friends’ friends.” She did not expect this Skyva to understand that Maxin would only be the first in what’s to come. This Skyva did not appear a soldier.
Margriet was everything Radegast was not. Slim, slender, disciplined, and beautiful where Radegast was thick, burly, laid-back, and average. “I feared this news all the same… Come on, Raikou.” With a snort, the Raikou returned to his Pokeball and Margriet flew off with Crobat.
"All right!" Touko was audibly angry by this point. "You two, head to the Dream World research lab in Castelia, it's right across the street from the gym! I'm going to Alola to find Titania! If we're getting ready for war, it's time to marshal the troops!"
The legendary Terrakion came out of its ball by its own accord, as if the two of them were of one mind. "Dweller...I know your allegiance is to your brothers in arms, even before me. Whether you wish to fight with them or come with me, that is your decision." In response, the legendary horned Pokémon raised its head to the sky and let out a long, almost mournful howl that echoed for miles.
Touko bowed her head in respect. "I...I understand. May Victini smile upon you, so that we may meet again. I'm off to Mistralton to contact Skyla. I've got a plane to catch."
These were thoughts running through the back of his mind and for the sake of his personal vendetta against the Psychic Rebellion, he shoved them aside. As the humans conversed and made their plans, he stared off towards Castelia City, where his next destination lie. He was going with Skyva and Sophie. He knew that much. He didn't know what that would mean for him and where his future lie, but he didn't care right now. He heard the mournful cry from the Terrakion and knew that he was gathering allies to aid. It was an event very few individuals got to witness and he passed over it with nary a second though.
"Let's go," Liam said gruffly to Skyva as he began walking towards Driftveil City, taking the lead.
Sophie kicked dirt at them after they left, "Bitch couldn't fight without her damn pokemon coming out to rescue her. Bitch would have had her face rearranged." Sophie scuffed.
"Let it go. She isn't important. Right now it seems like we are at war? Or going to war. You take care, Touko." She said and waved as she left.
Liam had started the walk toward their destination and any anger or sadness kind of seeped away a little and was replaced with a ting of happiness for a moment. Skyva picked up Liam and held her against her chest. "Right! We have a lab to find." She said a little more enthusiastic than she actually was.
Sophie eyed her and followed. A lot of things had changed in the years that past, had she? Nothing could make up for what she did and telling her could never happen. Fear rose in her as she thought about Banie in his ball. If he came out and spilled everything... she had to get rid of it.
But he couldn't.
And just as quickly as the positive energy swarmed his mind, it went away. Liam accepted the hug, nothing more. His vision stayed focused on the skyline of Castelia as Skyva set him down and he continued to march on. Feelings could come later, he decided.
Margriet landed, and took a deep breath. “We found him.”
Logan read the clenched jaw and the sorrow in Margriet’s eyes, barely being held back out of a sense of duty and pride. “Son of a bitch,” Logan clenched his jaw in turn.
Margriet retrieved her phone from her pocket. She never noticed it before, given that hot-head’s unwarranted reaction, but her hands were trembling. It took two attempts to tap out the correct number.
“Hey Daddy,” Margriet greeted, “Are you with Uncle Tarma? … Yes… We’re on our way.”
The two of them rode their respective flyers back to Kanto. The trip was long and quiet, and the sky turned from orange to red to purple. The sun peeked out from behind far-off clouds before dipping past the horizon. By the time they arrived at the Estate, it was dark out, and the sky was a deep blue-green from the lights of Vermillion City.
Marcus, Celadon, Tarma, and all the rest were there- even Tarma’s twin daughters, Nadine and Cori. It seemed the entire family employment was there as well. Some wore black suits and dresses like all did on the job, while others had thrown together casual, yet presentable attire. Percy in particular wore one of his many turtlenecks.
“So you’ve declared war,” Marcus said. Apprently, Margriet and Logan were the last ones to arrive. Logan sat down next to Percy, while Margriet took an empty seat reserved next to Celadon.
“This Psychic Rebellion attempted to murder Radegast,” Tarma replied. He looked older, shockingly older. His salt-and-pepper hair had lost the rest of the aged brown colour, leaving only shades of grey.
If it’s serious enough that he had to fuse… Margriet was about to speak when Celadon’s icy voice chilled the air.
“And?”
“What do you mean and?” Tarma coughed as he tried to stand- only he stumbled back into his chair.
Too weak to stand?! Margriet was capable of fusing with the Aegislash, but she doubted she’d like to see herself in Tarma’s shoes. What kind of power is worth such damage to oneself?
“He’s your son, Celly,” Tarma blurted, “Your blood, and the only legible heir to boot!”
“Even after six years, he’s still never wanted to claim his birthright,” Celadon replied, “He’s never wanted to accept who he is, or what he’s capable of. It’s a disgrace, an insult to the entire family.”
The employees around them did not murmer, but Margriet had spent time working with most of them. She knew all of them were divided on what they thought about the runaway heir. None dared raise any of those concerns when Celadon was within earshot, however. Though the awkwardness was somewhat readable in most of their faces.
“With this foolishness, it’s no wonder women aren’t legible heirs,” Tarma grunted.
The ice of Celadon turned to fire. Before she could speak, Marcus slammed a palm on the table. “Apologize, Brother.”
“Forgive me, I was mistaken,” Tarma bowed his head as his darkened eyes flared in a mischievous joy. “It’s no wonder you aren’t a legible heir,”
“Do you wish to battle?” Celadon barked.
“Please stop,” Margriet spoke up, but her voice was drowned out.
“I would, only Reggie isn’t with me, and all my friends are too old for battle.”
“Not to mention your composition is shoddy at-best.”
Nadine and Cori looked at each other awkwardly. Margriet saw the discomfort in their faces, as well as the faces of those around them. Six years of tension bubbling up, she realised.
“You wanna know the reason why I quit? It wasn’t ‘cause of some nonsense about “spiritual enlightenment,” It was because there was no challenge. I was mopping the floor with the strongest trainers in the world. I could mop the floor with both of-“
“ENOUGH!” Margriet’s voice boomed. Her body seemed to crackle with Raikou’s energy. “If not for my stupid brother, then why not for the people?”
“Margriet-“
“I just got back from a search for a missing child. The Psychic Rebellion… murdered that child, for daring to be a friend to Radegast.”
“What…?” The news washed over everyone like a wave.
“This isn’t the time for feuding and bickering over birthrights and crap,” Margriet continued. It was easy for her because she didn’t have claim to said birthright, ”These monsters will kill more innocents, and they have a weapon capable of doing that.”
Logan brought out his phone. He had taken pictures of the devastation left in the Master Blaster’s wake. When Marcus and Celadon saw them, their faces became unreadable. They never show their sadness.
They were the Reginalds, the Shield of Light, one of the oldest families in Ruulan history. What would the people think of them if they had seen this display?
“Where is the Coat?” Margriet asked.
“With Radegast,” Tarma replied.
“So you know where he is.”
Tarma nodded. “He’s safe, which puts us at the advantage against the Psychic Rebellion.” Tarma and Celadon exchanged glances, but the heat never returned. “The boy has happened upon one of their operations a couple months ago on the PTA. Since then, their leader has had a personal grudge against him.”
The family went on to discuss what they knew about the Psychic Rebellion. The Zoroark Leader, the technology they possessed, and the Master Blaster itself. “Very dangerous, which means I have a couple of theories on how it’s powered. Neither are good, but one sounds especially sickening.”
“All in all, we are at the advantage, because we know their capabilities, a good estimate on their force size, what they’re after, and who they’re after. They do not know us.”
Strategies began to be formulated, and orders passed along to employees- who would then head out in pairs to regroup with their other partners in order to complete their assignments. Many left, until finally there was the Family, and the Three.
“What would you have us do, sir?” Logan asked.
“You’re with Margriet,” Marcus replied, “Arceus knows we can’t afford to be alone when a Champion nearly lost.”
“Percy, you’re to stay with my brother-in-law,” Celadon added, “Since the Coat isn’t here,”
“Yes, ma’am.” Percy returned politely.
Gregory, the driver, left with Marcus and Celadon. When the four remained, Tarma glanced at Margriet. “Even if Radegast took up the mantle, you’d have made a better Reginald leader.”
Margriet flushed. “Well… We all have the voice,” Margriet shrugged.
“Yes, but I’ve never seen Radegast use the voice before that day. You, though… You first barked when you were three. Did I ever tell you that?”
Margriet tilted her head. Tarma chuckled at that. “You told a Pidgey to come to you so you could pet it. Welp, we’ve got our shit to worry about. See you soon.”
Setting
0.00 INK
Wild Pokemon scattered where they could to hide, though some were caught by the crystals that began rising from the earth. Tainting their very surroundings with their dark and shadowy energies, those Wild Pokemon in the area inevitably would become tainted over time, their aggression towards all increasing, as did their hostility and strength. In each area such a crystal rose, the landscape began cracking and collapsing, the land itself becoming tainted, with the cracks closest to each crystal radiating purple and black energy. Each black crystal was an ominous sign for the land itself.
The oppressive atmosphere couldn't be escaped much longer, and only cave interiors, Anville Town, and the League itself were safe from the effects. Everyone would be affected to some degree, no matter their location.
Touko pedalled on her bike, while Radegast kept his feet on the ground, making pace with her thanks to his increased physical capabilities. The weather was oppressive and poisonous, but between his armour and the improvised mouth covering, it didn't bother him too badly. Radegast couldn't imagine how Touko was handling the weather in her getup.
Radegast did look so different now, and he seemed quite different too. He glanced to Touko as he kept pace, with Reggie's blade and shield slung on his back. "You doing alright?" He asked after a good period of silence between the two of them.
One of the flashing lights bonked Touko right on the noggin, making her let out a yelp. "Itai! There's a breeder that always challenges me whenever I take the main road...the fact that they're not here tells me a lot about how bad it already is. So...tell me a little about your folks that we're coming to visit. It's basically been me and Mom the past few years. Not sure what happened to Papa. Ever since I left on that journey with Cheren and Bianca, it's been even lonelier than usual."
She let out a sigh as they rode through the ruins and towards the strip mall. "It's going to be impossible to get through here without someone noticing me. Hope you're ready for your first taste of being famous."
Touko’s conversation moved to the mention of a frequenter of the route who was absent today, and then she asked about his family. Radegast had to think for a bit on his answer.
“I never got along with my family,” Radegast admitted, “They expected me to go on a pokemon journey to get ready for some championship thing, because apparently that was a family requirement… but I ran away before then. I met Elder that night and I’ve been in the wild ever since.”
Radegast stole a glance at the ruins as they passed. “I have two cousins in Driftveil. They never took on a League neither. They own a chain of gardening shops, and opened a new branch in Driftveil recently. I hope they’re alright.”
As they approached, Touko spoke up about the impossibility of not being noticed. Radegast shrugged. “I’m at least covered, so I don’t think there would be any particularly bad rumours.” At-best, they might see the armoured Gallade as a simple bodyguard of some sort.
A quick supply run was certainly not a bad idea.
"Get in front of me! Push 'em out of the way if you have to! No autographs, please!" Touko's commands were largely ignored by those shoving merchandise in her face. The shop keepers were also insistent on having the Champion patronize them.
"Wow. Nice variety. REALLY good prices...ooh, a Nursery! That'll make hatching way less trouble! Hey, buddy, if we're gonna spend any money, better make it quick. I don't know how much longer I can keep them off me. Plus they seem mad that the Big Stadium game today was cancelled." She hoped to use Radegast as her bodyguard, but there was only so much one guy could do. "I have places to be! Get...let go of my leg!"
Finally, a break in the crowd! "Let's go!" No time to stop and assemble her bike, it was just a straight sprint! Years of hiking through the Unovan wilderness were about to pay off!
A lot of them had an eye for celebrity, however. Radegast’s shield did little to stop the throng of people pushing towards and around them. He had no idea what to say neither. Perhaps this is what Touko really meant by “a taste of being famous.”
He was quick, however. With his modest sum of 5,320 Pokke, he purchased four Super Potions and a Revive, which brought him down to 1,020 Pokke.
The crowds got worse, and Radegast’s opinion on fame grew more and more sour. Can I push them away with… no, I haven’t practiced anything like that. I can’t do it.
Fortunately, Touko caught an opening, and Radegast followed close as the two of them broke into a sprint.
"James, I told you to take that right. We're finally here because you figured out that the map was upside down. Ugh."
"Yeah yeah... sorry. This is why we don't let me lead. We'll just get stuck again like in Ilex. So this is the drawbridge, it's kinda rustic compared to Nimbasa..."
They both began walking over the bridge, looking around. Seeing the extent of the weather affliction.
Unova Wilderness : New Eve Island
As the storm intensified over an island off the shore of Castelia, a large castle was erected. Built collectively to Melaine's specific standards by several Durant, Excadril, and Timburr out of crystals and stonework, it looked large and imposing in its majesty, and managed to dwarf the one formerly standing in Castelia. It was also designed to meet her own needs.
The walls were tall and sturdy, designed to be stout castle walls capable of withstanding any attack. Reinforced with Melaine's crystals and linked to the power she possessed, she was ensuring that should enemies manage to break parts of the wall, the crystals would react and rebuild the broken sections. With ample walking room atop them, defenders could also travel their length easily.
In addition to fortifying the walls, Melaine had the walls erected into layers, including the Inner Walls, the Auxiliary Walls, and the Outer Walls, with a focus on clearing the fields in between each, allowing her to carefully place well-supplied defensive siege arrangements built and maintained by loyal Scientists, Workers, and Engineers. Any attackers would face an endless hail of covering fire from the weapons.
Then Melaine focused on the towers placed at key locations around the walls. The shooting towers were built with the help of Claydol; the best of their powers used to help the Workers build the castle's defenses. This allowed the towers to have larger platforms, good visibility angles, and unique firing lines. She would place the finishing touches by erecting crystal-based weapons that would attack opponents who drew within their range, firing bolts of shadowy energy at them.
Observing the finished result, she seemed satisfied.
This new abode is appropriate. From here, I shall conduct my rule. No doubt we shall have to combat with the elements that still resist me, however. I shall make a speech to all! For that, I shall be returning to Castelia City.
As she began to take her leave, she left orders to a supervisor she assigned in her absence, and, alongside two Starmie, began flying back to Castelia City. The island itself would be bathed under the harsh weather, despite the rest of Unova experiencing less of it.
"It's receding...."
"Guess even she has limits."
Shirona continues to wear the coat James gave her regardless. As they entered Driftveil side of the bridge, she would speak up.
"Well, it was on route 6 which should be a bit north of here."
"Hmm... well you lead then. I'm not thinking straight right now..."
"Right."
They advance cautiously across the drawbridge, in case of ambush.
Unova Wilderness : Driftveil Drawbridge
James would find that with the weather clearing, the bridge was a relatively silent and clear location. It'd be a bit before the wild Pokemon returned, and the status quo resumed. There was no further action to impede his progress.
Unova Wilderness : New Eve Island
It was not long before the castle then came into sight for Diamond and Lucy. The structure was even larger than what was present in Castelia not but a day ago. The weather was also intense as it had been, apparently having been constrained to around the island. The ocean was choppy as well, with waves crashing against the cliffs around the island. Flying over the walls of the castle, Melaine would descend lower to the ground before motioning the Starmie to follow. As she reached ground level within the Inner Walls, she proceeded to have the Starmie drag Diamond and Lucy inside the main hall through a large double door.
I have set the crystal prisons to erode in seconds. Release them inside the hall.
Unova Wilderness : New Eve Palace Gathering Hall
Dragging Diamond inside the hall, the Starmie would both release hold of the crystals once inside. At the same time, the crystals harmlessly vanished, freeing Diamond and Lucy from the temporary prisons. Inside the hall, extravagantly designed as only a castle's hall could be, the purpose was made clear; the hall was designed to be for entertainment. A large table with chairs was present with an arrangement of foods and drinks. There was also a large water feature, among other decorations that caught the eye.
Diamond and Lucy would also notice that there were other Trainers there. No less than five other Trainers, three boys and two girls, each with their own Pokemon present. The Trainers all seemed to be waiting for something, but their Auras were not enveloped in shadow; they were perfectly in control of themselves. Most of them seemed to be relatively comfortable or confident, with their Auras confirming this. The one exception whose Aura showed her as being more afraid, however, also showed the signs physically. Given her pigeon-toed stance and the fact that she stood right in front of her Cofagrigus as if expecting to melt into him and disappear, she was likely a naturally shy and wary type, as opposed to being uneased by the whole affair.
Noticing Diamond and Lucy, one of the Trainers would look up. The young man around Diamond's age smirked and then looked aside.
So, there was another! I'm going to guess you received an invitation from the new 'Champion' as well? I had to admit, the Crystal Writ of Invitation was quite fancy, so I made the trip. Something tells me she's a bad cookie, though. I intend to see for myself, and if needed, put her in her place if she is.
He sounded cocky and arrogant and appeared to be very confident in his own ability. He resembled the typical League Challenger, and had eight Unova badges with him, solidifying his status. With him was an Electivire, enjoying the assortment of fresh Berries and Poffins on offer.
One of the other boys spoke up here, clearly impressed.
You got an invite? Man, wish I received one. I only came out here to meet with a super cute Trainer sporting twintails and curves. She told me that she worked with the new Champion, so she could get me a meeting and a battle if I wanted. I took that up naturally! Gotta impress the girls with my battling prowess after all! Didn't expect to be lead in here by an escort though. I guess with a pad this fancy, you gotta have the security to back it. I don't see the bad though; she looked okay on television.
With his grin and his suave outfit, he was no doubt one of those smooth player types who rarely had a penny to their name, or were otherwise not very successful at landing the girls. With him was a Sandslash that mostly tried to look cool like his Trainer, to the point of mimicking his stance in its best fashion (complete with a jacket).
The other girl and the other boy seemed to be conversing with each other, their Maractus and Gurdurr having a friendly spar.
Aside from the Trainers, there was also what seemed to be a news crew on break, making sure their equipment was ready, and just enjoying the assortments while chatting as if waiting for something.
"Alright then, let's hurry up"
The pair quickened their pace, keen on heading to the north exit of the city. Upon entering the city, James was a little surprised at the difference between it and Nimbasa.
"This rustic.... construction town right next to some high tech neon hub of entertainment... Pretty stark contrast if you ask me."
"Buuuut nobody did"
"I was waiting for that sass. That jacket comfortable?"
"Actually, yes. It fits rather well despite it being for a human. I think I'll keep it for a while."
"Nice. But what if I catch a cold without it?"
"Oh you'll be fine. You wear it open anyway."
"Touche."
The pair start laughing as they walk. It's nice to get away from the doom and gloom once in a while. They continued through the city, aiming for the exit to Route 6, but the market catches James' eye.
"Maybe a small restock on some herbs..."
While Shirona disliked how bitter they were, she couldn't deny their usefulness. They went to the market to buy some more herbs and a few other supplies while they were at it.
One of the Trainers approached, asking if they were invited. Lucy rolled her eyes, clearly he hadn't seen those Crystal prisons quite literally dump them into the room like garbage. She let Diamond Answer while she tended to Charizard and Torterra from within their pokeballs, rifling through Diamond's bag and finding a couple of revives, and some super potions before handing him back his wounded pokemon. He responded with a smile and a pat on her shoulder before returning to the trainer.
"No, we weren't invited... we were captured..." Diamond answered in the meantime. Their auras were all clean, and besides the girl who was scared, they all wanted to be here in some way, shape, or form. "I'm Diamond, an Aura Guardian. I was trying to cleanse the world of Castelia City when ... her majesty captured me and my partner Lucy... and nearly killed my Charizard..." he explained, gently running a finger over the shrunken pokeball at his hip once it was replaced by Lucy.
"I suggest everyone leave, or fight her with me - I can't beat her alone..." he said. Lucy huffed, and he shot her a glance, frowning and shaking his head. Even with her Mega Evolution, they wouldn't be able to beat Melaine alone, not if she was able to completely destroy his Charizard like that. Lucy was even more of a Glass Cannon than Charizard was, and that was even doubled in her Mega-Form.
He didn't bother mentioning the possible Corruption that these people were going to be exposed to, but then, he didn't really know how well he could resist it, even with his command of Aura being so strong. At this point, he was just going to begin to hope for the best.
Setting
-
Is Driftveil City a thing that should exist? Maybe ping the owner of Unova Wilderness?
by Remæus
0.00 INK
Superior Automated Machines : Experiment Room A1
Inside a lab, four girls stood talking to each other.
The first was a teenager. She was wearing a white and light-grey collared mini dress that lacked sleeves, black full tights, and light-grey thigh-high platform boots with a respectable heel. She also had white gloves. Her eyelids had a faint application of a bright neon yellow eyeliner, and her eyes were a greenish yellow color. The standout design feature was her hair, however; bright pink in color, it was styled into twintails that were long enough to reach her shins. Cute green gem hair decs held them in place, and she had what looked like a pair of Safety Goggles on her head, colored light-grey with silverish lenses.
The second was also a teenager. She was wearing a fanciful white and light-grey sleeveless gothic dress whose skirt fell to her knees, matching detached sleeves with a dark-blue frill around the wrists, dark-blue full tights, and magenta colored stiletto heels that weren't less than 4-5 inches tall. She also bore magenta colored gloves and a dark-blue neck ribbon with a gem on it. Her eyes were too a yellowish color, though with a bit more brown than green. Her hair was styled into twintails as well, though they fell only to her neck. Her hair was light-green, and held by two hair decs; magenta colored ribbons.
The third was a slim teenaged girl with average height. She wore a plain but stylish cream dress with a black trim under a bulky and large grey jacket with a zipper, magenta full tights, and high-quality boots both brown and heeled with respectable heels. Her arms and hands, if she had any, weren't visible inside the clearly oversized sleeves of her jacket. Her eyes were a murky magenta color with a trend toward pink, and her short hair was eye-catching in just how green and pale it was. She wore a deadpan expression across her face that contrasted the others' smiles.
The last girl was clearly the youngest and shortest of the group. She wore a white open-back dress in a lolita fashion with a fishnet frill and pink trim, pink ankle ribbons, and pink Mary Jane platform shoes with a respectable heel and a white rose dec. Her gloves were pink and short, and she had a pink neck ribbon with a white rose on it as well. Her eyes were blue, but were not as standout as her hair. Almost as the first teenager's hair, it was nearly floor-length twintails, though these were also in a bright pink and bright blue two-tone that turned into drills towards the bottom. A strand of hair also formed a heart-shape atop her head.
You are so joking about that, Janice! I'm like, in disbelief that a Gym Leader would so decide that she had any right to attack other Trainers!
Well, that's just how it is! She was scared, as I stated. Weak people are always scared when they encounter something stronger than they are.
Hee hee! This will be fun; seeing what direction we go now! I like it a lot!
The three turned to the girl in the jacket.
Rachel, you are so quiet. You should so give your opinion. We so all want to hear it from you, as the Kalosian Champion.
After thinking a moment without actually showing such, the girl in the jacket looked aside, sporting a slightly smug expression.
I think you're right. In that, you all so want to hear it. My opinion, though, is more complex. I think you should finish what he started, Lovrina. Not actually finish, though, as in ending it. But the kind of finish that only continues the act indefinitely. Two entirely different finishes. I wonder if the act looks better when it's been finished, like the coating you apply to a surface to make it shiny. Minus the coats and the shiny Pokemon.
The girl with the extravagant hair continued.
That sounds great! Father clearly liked you enough to put you in charge of his work, Lovrina. So you should continue it!
Yeah, we're fine with it. Like, you're really capable if you made something able to defeat the Grand Champion.
Well, then I so won't let you all down. I so mean it! I'll see the rest of the experiment through!
Driftveil City : Market
The market was bustling at the current time of day. With the weather calming down, people were returning to their usual activities and business. The patterns of purple clouds that still rolled through the sky kept everyone wary, however. The lady selling the herbs gave an appreciative nod and word of thanks to James for his purchases before turning to express surprise at a crowd of excited people gathering around someone.
At the center of the crowd, James and Shirona would be able to see a slim teenaged girl with average height. She wore a plain but stylish cream dress with a black trim under a bulky and large grey jacket with a zipper, magenta full tights, and high-quality boots both brown and heeled with respectable heels. Her arms and hands, if she had any, weren't visible inside the clearly oversized sleeves of her jacket. Her eyes were a murky magenta color with a trend toward pink, and her short hair was eye-catching in just how green and pale it was. She wore a deadpan, if vaguely smug, expression across her face that contrasted the excitement of those around her.
Wow! Rachel!
Wait, that's Rachel?
Yeah! Rachel is great! She's the Kalosian Champion! She's said to be very tricky to beat!
Yeah, a legendary battler!
Rachel! Can I get an autograph?
Rachel, I'll be rooting for you in the World Tournament!
Where do I buy the merchandise?
Amid all the questions and comments, the girl spoke.
It's okay. I'm not tricky to beat. Just difficult. You need to win. Winning is what is truly difficult. So that is why I'm difficult to beat.
Seeing the book pushed into her face for an autograph, she gave a deadpan smile and replied.
Can you? I've always wondered if you could. I suppose you're like the other people, who are able to. That means you can then, I guess. I don't know. But I will sign your book for you. I can do that.
As a large bipedal humanoid Daunting Pokemon heard this, it turned to grab a small marker that had a shoot attached to the cap. Uncapping the device for Rachel, it held it out to her, allowing her to bite the marker between her teeth. Holding the marker with her teeth, she signed the book for the fan. After handing the marker back to the Daunting Pokemon, she smiled at the fan.
Now you have my autograph. You can do whatever you want with it. It isn't an auto or a graph, but I am sure it fits what you requested.
The fan seemed pleased.
Thank you, Champion Rachel!
James just pocketed the herbs he bought as Shirona munches on a Custap berry they purchased as well.
"Yes. She's the Champion. She has a tricky battle style to boot. Main thing is though... She shares the last name with Nendal..."
"Great. So we have to worry about her siding with the Diance... Not good. Best thing to do is to play it cool. I doubt we could beat a champion out of the blue..."
"Are we all restocked?"
"We are indeed. Potions, berries, snacks and herbs. We're good for a while."
"Hm... If we leave now, there likely won't be too much resistance considering the crowd now. Also a lack of anybody at the gates of the place. We should avoid mentioning anything we've seen and our motives as well."
"Yes, Ma'am. But why not a casual pace instead of a rushed one? I'm a little hungry..."
Shirona nods as she finishes her berry. They do take a seat at a table to eat some food they bought.