Rules are simple: Votes are tallied every hour, with whatever course of action being the most popular being the course of action taken. Write ins are encouraged and non-mutually exclusive votes will be combined if possible.When a roll is called for, roll however many D100 are specified. 5- is a 'crit fail' and generally means something bad is about to happen. 95+ is a 'crit success' and generally means something good just happened. a 'crit success' trumps a crit fail. User input on both will be taken into consideration.Inventory, pokemon stats and other links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15i2N08IpWqitoTJujsUMishe4PLbao1lqT-bCAmvPcE/editDiscord: Rules are simple: Votes are tallied every hour, with whatever course of action being the most popular being the course of action taken. Write ins are encouraged and non-mutually exclusive votes will be combined if possible.When a roll is called for, roll however many D100 are specified. 5- is a 'crit fail' and generally means something bad is about to happen. 95+ is a 'crit success' and generally means something good just happened. a 'crit success' trumps a crit fail. User input on both will be taken into consideration.Inventory, pokemon stats and other links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15i2N08IpWqitoTJujsUMishe4PLbao1lqT-bCAmvPcE/editDiscord: https://discord.gg/rZqfMjD5For a short summary for the new and to recap:You are Alex. A newly minted trainer and camping enthusiast just starting out on your journey at the age of seventeen after your father lost his job in order to help pay the bills. On the road, you met Fie, the Fire Gym Leader, Gareth a novice Aura Guardian on pilgrimage and Holly, a runaway heiress using a pseudonym. You've also made enemies of Team Green a group of violent, radical activists looking to abolish pokemon training.Recently, Fie returned to her gym for the time being.Last thread, you beat an ass who was harassing Martha, reflected on your previous battles and cuddled with Nika while you went to sleep.
You're not long in drifting off and shortly thereafter, you blink awake in a field and are immediately tackled by Nika.You wrestle playfully a little then sit up and look around.It seems you’re in the middle of a grassy plain on a bright, sunny day.You can see a forest in the distance, while there’s a beach closer at hand and a city and a mountain occupying the other cardinal directions. Quite which compass points these land marks are occupying is hard to determine, but you’re not sure it matters.This seems to be Nika’s dream.>Go explore the forest.>Go explore the mountain.>Go to the beach.>Go to have a look around the city.>Follow where Nika goes.>Other
>>6259218>>Follow where Nika goes.I'd say she'll go to the beach and train on sand?
>>6259218>Follow where Nika goes.
>>6259218>>Follow where Nika goes.
Wow.Did we... broke the permanent two-player state? I'm moved.
>>6259339i've been here since the start lol
>>6259339>I'm moved.Same here. It's good to see more voters in this quest.>>6259359>i've been here since the start lolWish I could say the same. The earlier threads seemed like fun.
>>6259225>>6259238>>6259289Well, this is Nika's dream, so you feel that she ought to be the one to decide where you go.Nika seems content to just relax with you and you do so for an indeterminable period of time, before she stands, stretches with a yawn, before she grabs your hand and tugs you to your feet before towing you along towards the mountain.When you get there, you're struck by just how big it is.Standing in it's shadow, you feel small and insignificant.This feeling is not helped by the gigantic pokemon you see prowling the mountain's crags - an immense Braviary flies overhead, while a huge Hakamo-o and Luxray prowl and occasionally fight when they cross paths.A Leavanny darts to and fro as well, weaving silken walls, seemingly without rhyme or reason.There're other pokemon about as well, but they seem to be half-remembered shadows.While you're processing what you're seeing, Nika lets go of your hand and heads for a narrow track that leads up the mountain's slope.>Watch what happens>Follow her.>Call her back.>Other
>>6259359Always glad to have people come back, even if it's just to see how stuff's going.
>>6259829>>Follow her.so she's mad impressed by our teammate. Good thing - she'll be receptive to tutoring and sparring with them.
>>6259829>Follow her.
>>6259839>>6259846Roll
Rolled 68 (1d100)>>6260476nat 100 for Rusty Dragontail gameplay
Rolled 43 (1d100)>>6260476
Need one more roll.
Rolled 66 (1d100)>>6261224i'll take it
>>6260485>>6260550>>6261231Nika proceeds carefully, keeping a wary eye on the other pokemon on the slope as she picks her way along the rougher parts of the track.As you follow her, you find yourself tiring as you pick your way through the rough parts of the trail as well.This area seems to be a representation of what Nika perceives as her limits. She can outrun the occasional rock fall with ease and find her way along the more treacherous footing without issue, but she struggles whenever half-remembered pokemon jump out to attack her and often has to stop to rest afterwards.Even when she falls trying to climb sheer cliffs, she picks herself back up and keeps trying. She's actually making pretty good progress, given how rough the path is.She's half way up one when the gigantic Hakamo-o finds you both and lunges at her, picking Nika off the cliff and throwing her back to the path before pinning her under its foot and roaring in victory.>Fight the Hakamo-o yourself.>Give Nika an order>Order the Hakamo-o>Other
>>6261245>>Order the Hakamo-oKay O-o; hold back. Be gentler with her so she can learn, not biting the dust helplessly
Seems we've hit a bit of a lull.Anyone got any questions?
>>6261245>Order the Hakamo-o>>6262532Is there a level cap for pokemon? Is 100 considered the strongest?
>>6261245>>6262543Meant to vote for>Give Nika an orderBut I'm honestly fine with either.
>>6262543No, there isn't *really* a level cap.There's a *functional* cap to how much a given pokemon can grow in a relatively short period of time, but they keep getting experience with age.Which means that some pokemon, like some of Emma's A-Team or prodigies like Red, have some *horrifyingly* powerful pokemon that have some really nasty tricks they can pull with their moves and a constitution which means that, even hitting them with multiple consecutive Super Effective moves isn't necessarily going to be enough to put them out of a fight.Celebi's trick with extending all your buffs, for example. It exhausted her afterwards, but that's because she's not trained that particular trick very much. That was also an extreme scenario, so it was pushing her abilities to their limits. Most battles don't feature an actual hundred-plus pokemon throwing down in a chaotic melee.Trainers and pokemon with that sort of experience are rare though. Cynthia and Red are squarely in this weight bracket, but most E4 trainers and champions have at least one pokemon that falls into this category.And there are wild pokemon that have this sort of experience as well, but they tend to live in remote areas and be quite old.Functionally, all 'Level 100' means in this quest, is that a given pokemon has reached the limit of their growth for the time being, but that doesn't mean that they won't be able to grow more in a year or so.
>>6261269>>6262543"Kay O-o." You say, drawing the Hakamo-o's attention.It snaps to look at you with a cold glint of steel in its eye, challenging you.You feel a chill, even though you've only ever seen Kay O-o look remotely like that at the Imbrium Cape when he attacked Kyle and his henchmen.You realise that this isn't just a representation of what Nika perceives as her limits - this is also a representation of her fears.She's scared of other members of your team.>Roll.
Rolled 15 (1d100)>>6262556Huh, interesting. So is there the potential to have a thousand lvl mon (in the context of this quest)?Would some legendaries would fit into that 'over 100' category, are they comparable to Cynthia's and Red's pokemon?>>6262559Rolling.
>>6262577There is the potential for a 'level 1000' pokemon to exist in the context of this quest.And yes, some legendaries would fit. OG Mewtwo, for instance, or Hoenn's Kyogre and Groudon once they've fully shaken off their torpor from hibernating for god knows how long. They're outliers in that regard, though.Cynthia and Red defintely have pokemon in the Post-100 legendary-busting weight range though, purely because most legendaries don't intensively train themselves.This is also what makes OG Mewtwo a potentially catastrophic problem if anyone pisses that mofo off - he understands the value of training his powers. He knows *how* to train his powers and he's spent nearly twenty years doing just that while pondering philosophy.
>>6262583>This is also what makes OG Mewtwo a potentially catastrophic problem if anyone pisses that mofo off - he understands the value of training his powers. He knows *how* to train his powers and he's spent nearly twenty years doing just that while pondering philosophy.That sounds like a global problem just waiting to happen lmao
Rolled 81 (1d100)>>6262559
Rolled 58 (1d100)>>6262559I'll roll again for the third dice
>>6262577 >>6263383 >>6264844 You don't look away, holding the Hakamo-o's challenging gaze for a long, long moment, before it lets Nika up with a huff and stalks off. Nika sits up and hugs herself, looking at you with admiration as you come kneel beside her and comfort her. "Kayo-o's not like that." You assure. "He'd sooner take a hit for you than hurt you. In fact, none of your team mates would dream of it." You add. She doesn't respond at first, but nods all the same. You help her to her feet and resolve to nip this apprehension in the bud. The very last thing you want is for Nika to be afraid of her team mates. Her family. No, more than that - discord among your team of that nature would be a disaster, if you're ever forced to fight big battles like on South Crescent Island again and you doubt Team Green is just going to fuck off and leave you alone. >Help Nika to where she's trying to go. >Keep following Nika, only intervene if she needs the help. >Explore Nika's mind more. >Other
>>6264962>>Keep following Nika, only intervene if she needs the help.
>>6264972>>6264980Well, it's nearly been an hour and if I have people here, we might as well try and make some progress.Reading 404's Spartan quest in between this. It's good stuff.Anyway, update shortly.
You keep following Nika, first up the cliff, then up another steep path and through a loose field of boulders, watching as she battles shadowy wild pokemon she half-remembers seeing on the road with you or at home.You don't intervene unless she needs it though, normally by giving her warning of a threat that she's not aware of, or else catching her if she falls while climbing or slips on loose scree.You'd help more, but after becoming as tangled up with Holly as you have with her psychic abilities, you're wary of similarly influencing Nika.She's still just a pup after all and even without psychic influence, your help might accidentally do more harm than good.And that asides, she doesn't really need the help more often than not.The Braviary and Leavanny approach and both times, you warn them off like you did the Hakamo-o. They're obviously Syurm and Rascal, but thanks to Nika's relative unfamiliarity with them and this being a dream, they don't seem to recognise you, but they do yield to you, eventually. The same as the Hakamo-o did.Eventually, you reach the summit of the mountain to find Martha's Lucario stood there.So this is the real mountain Nika's set for herself to climb.>See how things play out.>Sit down and just enjoy the view.>Give Nika directions when they inevitably spar.>Other
>>6264985>>Give Nika directions when they inevitably spar.
>>6264988lmao it didn't load for me yet.>>6264985>Give Nika directions when they inevitably spar.>>6264982I was reading it too. It's pretty nice.
>>6265044>lmao it didn't load for me yet.fuck, meant to reply to >>6265042ignore my retarded posting I just woke up.
>>6265045We've all been there. I keep forgetting to toggle my Trip.
>>6264988>>6265044He turns and regards Nika as she approaches.They regard one another for a long moment before Nika squares up and Martha's Lucario, Blue, huffs and follows suit with an easy confidence that you get the sense that Nika admires.It might have been arrogance, in most circumstances, but this *is* Nika's perception. And perception has nothing to do with the fact that dream or reality, this was going to be an exceptionally one-sided spar.Moves:>Ice Punch>Rock Smash>Bulk Up>Drain Punch>High Jump Kick>Power-Up Punch>Agility>Quick Attack>Foresight>Endure>Other
>>6265050>AgilityAlthough I could be convinced to order her to do an attack move instead.
>>6265050>>ForesightLet's dodge that incoming high-jump kick.
>>6265050>>6265054I'll change my vote to support >>6265078
>>6265078>>6265086Okay then. Update tomorrow, it's late on my end and I'm tired.
Rolled 16 (1d100)drill is none
>>6265093*known
>>6265093Yeah, rolling for this is a good call, since you're using Foresight as essentially a replacement for Detect here, now I actually think about this when not half-asleep.
>>6265497My bad - ESL so I thought Foresight was "Détection" [Detect] instead of Clairevoyance
>>6265499Ah, fair enough.I mean, it's not a half-bad idea, but it will require a roll.
>>6265502Yeah, "not a half-bad idea", right, that was the plan all along, powergame dreamin' like I tried to get Rusty to Dragon-Tail
Rolled 30 (1d100)>>6265088I'll roll too
>>6265602Need one more.
Rolled 51 (1d100)>>6265605Double
Rolled 39 (1d100)>>6265093>>6265602>>6265610
>>6265611Well. No reason you couldn't even things up a little.Nika might learn something out of this."Okay, use Foresight to try and predict what he's going to do." You direct, striving to keep a level head.Nika frowns and her eyes flash before Blue jumps, turns a somersault midair, then drops an axe-kick down on Nika.To her credit, she did seem to predict that and tried to get out of the way, but she wasn't able to react nearly quickly enough to evade the High Jump Kick and gets flattened by it.It seems like Blue's struck Nika as a good sport though, because he doesn't press the attack, just lets Nika recover then helps her up and dusts her off.Nika gives a heavy sigh, before she squares up again.>Let Nika keep practicing with Blue.>Try something else.>That's enough.>Other
>>6265614>>OtherAlmost there buddy! Let's try again!
>>6265614>>6265622+1
Rolled 41 (1d100)>>6265622>>6265819Alright, roll.Hope for something high.
Rolled 50 (1d100)>>6266145>)
Rolled 61 (1d100)>>6266145
>>6266202Your turn to double-roll?
Rolled 50 (1d100)>>6266145
Taking turns for double rolls is one of those internet politeness things that I love lmao
>>6266155>>6266202>>6266219Right. Update tomorrow, I'm off to bed.If we get another roll with a unique ID while I'm sleeping, I'll use that instead, but otherwise, this is all stitched up.
>>6266228me too buddy, me too
>>6266235Have a good one, Busy.
>>6266145>>6266235"Alright, let's try that again." You encourage. "Use Foresight to try and dodge."Once again, Nika frowns and tries to evade Blue's High Jump Kick and to her credit, she does do a better job of avoiding getting hit this time, avoiding the flying axe kick, but she trips over her own feet and winds up pinned by Blue before she can recover.You keep repeating the drill a few more times with varying results, but Nika doesn't successfully manage to evade Blue the whole way through the practice session."It's okay, we can keep practicing. You'll get it eventually." You assure Nika when she finally sits down and gives a sigh of defeat.She beams up at you and you ruffle her ears.***You're jolted awake by your alarm and with an effort, sit up and turn it off. Nika gives a tired huff beside you and curls tighter, nodding off again in record time, apparently content to sleep in further.You return her to her ball before stretching and getting dressed.When you go out to exercise, you're just about ready to start practicing when Martha comes out."What are you doing? It's like six in the morning." She asks incredulously."...Practicing?" You ask, taken aback. " Got to keep my skills sharp as well." You note.She sighs."Well I guess." She concedes. "But your arm's still messed up." She notes.She's got you there."Well...">She's right, just get ready to leave early and get your dressing changed before you go.>She's right, focus on training your team this morning instead.>It'll be fine. You've just got to be careful. (Roll)>Other
>>6266727>It'll be fine. You've just got to be careful. (Roll)99% of gamblers give up before they win.
Rolled 37 (1d100)>>6266727>>It'll be fine. You've just got to be careful. (Roll)We've been rolling bad, time to roll goodAdorable picture QM
>>6267021A group had a whole gallery of really good pics on Facebook, so I copied them all.Ordinarily, I try to figure out who did a given piece to credit them, but reverse google image search is a thing and a hundred pictures was just a little too much for my patience.
>>6266809>>6267021Two more rolls, please.
Rolled 97 (1d100)
Rolled 90 (1d100)>>6267285rollin'>>6267289Sweet.
>>6267021>>6267289>>6267323Update tomorrow again. I'm beat.Historical reenactment is fun as hell, but kite shields suck for how heavy they are.
>>6267324Bouhou, the life-saving equipment is too heavy(JK, I don't know anything about being in full plate under the Australian Sun for 8 hours)
>>6267328Eh, crusades so the heaviest we get is chainmail and this was just a two hour training session. It's also the middle of winter.But it is heavy. Fortunately, Kite shields are worth it.I still prefer Heater shields though.
>>6267021>>6267289>>6267323"I appreciate the concern, but it'll be fine." You assure. "I'll be careful."Martha gives an exasperated sigh and rolls her eyes before she gets started on training her own pokemon while you limber up.Once you're confident you're all warm up, you start on your own katas, keeping in mind not to use your right arm while you do.It's a challenging work out, but a rewarding one and after about half an hour's work, you finish up as the sun's coming up and Martha's watching with her arms crossed."Alright, you haven't messed yourself up and I'll admit, that was pretty impressive seeing you do all that with basically one hand tied behind your back." She admits. "That all you're doing, though? Just working out yourself?"You shake your head."No, of course not." You reply. "I train my team as well." You assure.>Train someone.>But this morning, we should just focus on making some distance.>OtherPresent Team: Rascal (Braviary)Fluffy (Eevee) (Everstone)Rusty (Aron) Nika (Riolu)Piker (Feebas)Volta (Luxray) Out of Team:Blitz (Growlithe)Coolie (Applin)LatiasSyurm (Leavvany)Kay O-o (Hakamo-o)Ayumi (Dratini)Sage (Braixen) (Everstone)Queenie (Cutiefly) (Incapacitated, 1 Day)
Rolled 71 (1d100)>>6267837>>Train someone.Iron Tail/Dragon Tail Aron time!
Rolled 47 (1d100)>>6267837>>6267840Supporting
Rolled 96 (1d100)>>6267863Hey, my turn!>>6267837Did I ever told you your Pokestralia and way to run a realistical Pokemon Adventure was (and is) a great inspiration to my current run of South-Kalos on a french forum? It's a place with more players than down here, I get like 10/12 consistent voters. If you're interrested I can provide a link (google translate might be a great friend)
>>6267868Well, well, Rusty's going to be getting Iron Tail.I do recall that you started that quest up citing this as an inspiration shortly after I started this one, but I wasn't aware that you still held it in such high esteem. Or that you'd iterated(?) on it.Honestly, that's making me blush just thinking about.And you're more than welcome to link it here. I've actually been trying to learn French off and on for a while, so you're doubly welcome.Hella jealous of that player count right now, though, lol.
>>6267870https://www.jeuxvideo.com/forums/42-51-74572247-1-0-1-0-fiction-pokemon-kalos-du-sud.htm
>>6267870>I do recall that you started that quest up citing this as an inspiration shortly after I started this one, but I wasn't aware that you still held it in such high esteem. Or that you'd iterated(?) on it.I love your portrayal of travel, making distances, the requirement of mounts for some roads...In my quest, Rangers maintain the road themselves and there is a public transportation network, so you can go anywhere without being underlevel. You want a stronger Pokemon? Go in the wild - but with Pokémons like TTar or Gyriados changing the geology your map will certainly not be up to date. And how will you deal with the rain? You're wounded in the middle of the woods Because resident schizoretard player convinced the whole thread to assault a Jumpluff empty-handed at a few hours of the closest road, what do?
>>6267887Yeah, uh... Pic related for next time if you don't already have it.I'll be very interested to see how that played out.The fact that guy thought that Air Cutter was the big issue though is mind blowing, when the various Powder moves exist. And in this at least, stack.
>>6268093Incredible PICREL thanks
>>6267840>>6267863>>6267868Martha nods, satisfied, before going back to practicing with her team while you send out Rusty."Alright..." You say, before you outline what exactly you want him to do.Your little bit of subterfuge yesterday put an idea in your head and now, you want to make it happen.Baby steps first though. Dragon Tail might be a bit of an ask, but Iron Tail seems reasonable."Here..." Matha says, releasing her Dragonair. "We'll help." She says.And help they do. Martha's Dragonair knows Iron Tail and with that example and Martha there to help spot and advise you on Rusty's technique, it doesn't take particularly long before Rusty is using Iron Tail and by the time you can hear the breakfast call, he's not only using it consistently, but you've made some good progress on Dragon Tail as well."That wasn't bad for an hour's training. He caught on to that pretty quick." Martha opines."Yeah, I was expecting that to be a bit harder considering he won't have a tail until he evolves." You admit."Sometimes, it's best not to think about these things." Martha says, before she checks her pokedex as you head in, then she frowns, studies it for a bit, then closes it."What is it?" She asked."Might be in for some rough weather later." She says. "We might want to hurry.">Let me have a look...>Well if you say so, I'll take your word for it.>Wait, can't Dragonair change the weather?>We had better get to Redmont today, then.>Otherhttps://youtu.be/JU3dS0K0H3Y?t=391So, how's the weather where you guys are?
>>6268805>Wait, can't Dragonair change the weather?>WeatherHot here; it's been like two week of hot weather alert (35/37 during the day; 24 at the chillest of the night. It's harsh because the house soaked in all the heat and it's already as hot as outside inside in a country without an AC culture
>>6268813Opposite here - damn cold and the east coast is getting slammed by a bomb cyclone.
>>6268805>Wait, can't Dragonair change the weather?>how's the weather where you guys are?Humid, hot, and with constant rain. One of the worst heat waves I've experienced despite the wetness lol>>6268859>Opposite here - damn cold and the east coast is getting slammed by a bomb cyclone.Damn I'd trade for that cold. Probably not the cyclones though lmao
>>6268868Vid related, the bomb cyclone (and the enormous cold front that spawned it) is why it's so cold.
>>6268870Huh it looks a bit worse than I thought after hearing of it. Hope the cyclone doesn't get any worse. Stay safe, Busy.
>>6268813>>6268868You frown."...Can't Dragonair change the weather?" You ask in confusion."That's just a myth. Sure, they can learn stuff like Rain Dance and whatnot and apparently way back when, there were some that could keep those moves going for a long-ass time, but in general? No." Martha replies. "So, if we don't want to freeze, get soaked by rain and get blown away by a gale, we're going to want to get to Redmont today." She says seriously.You nod.What can you even say to that? She has a point and it's one you can agree with.You go and get breakfast for everyone while Martha goes and wakes Holly and Gareth, before wolfing down your own breakfast before going to see the nurse about a fresh dressing.While the nurse is changing said dressing, you mentally review your team.Present Team:Rascal (Braviary)Fluffy (Eevee) (Everstone)Rusty (Aron)Nika (Riolu)Piker (Feebas)Volta (Luxray)Out of Team:Blitz (Growlithe)Coolie (Applin)LatiasSyurm (Leavvany)Kay O-o (Hakamo-o)Ayumi (Dratini)Sage (Braixen) (Everstone)Queenie (Cutiefly)>Swap your team around before you go.>Your team's fine, just go once your dressing is done.>Other
>>6269707>>Your team's fine, just go once your dressing is done.
>>6269707>Swap your team around before you go.>Piker with EuphratesI wanna interact with our mudkip.Also it's been a while since we've spoken to Latias. Do we know how she's been doing?
>>6269726I can get behind that.
>>6269730We didn't spent any time with Piker though
>>6269726You can always ask. Or else bring her back and see what she has to 'say'.
>>6269731That's also fair. Though we haven't really even battled with Euphrates yet either. Though you're right, we should give some love to our fish boy when we get the chance before swapping him out.>>6269732That's fair.>>6269707>>6269726Changing my vote to >Swap your team around before you go.>Volta with Latias
>>6269740Changing my support from >>6269716 to >>6269730 to >>6269740
>>6269740>>6269745Immediately, your mind goes to Latias and how she's getting on at home.Hopefully, she's not gotten bored and wandered off.You resolve to swap Volta out of your team for her before you go.You're sorely tempted to swap Piker for Euphrates as well, but you've not spent enough time with your ugly duckling of a fish.It's not that you hold being dragged across Lake Clarity against Piker either, so much as the fact that you've very much fallen into the trap Fie noted - that of over-committing yourself by catching so many pokemon so quickly.It's still five months until the League, but you've got a lot of work to do.It's just that some of your team need more attention than others - Syurm, Volta and Kay O-o are pretty alright for the time being, you feel.Sure, they could all stand to learn some more moves, but they're all strong and dependable now. You don't need to worry as much about them.Nika and Piker meanwhile, need more of your attention than most of the rest of your team - Nika, because she's a week-old pup and you're her primary caregiver and Piker because Feebas are both high-maintenance as a rule and because he needs to learn more moves.And then on a whole other level, there's Latias.Latias, who has a curious streak and is arguably the strongest member of your team. Latias, who is one of those rare and powerful pokemon that people refer to as a 'Legendary.' Latias, who if people became aware of you having her, would single you out for battles that you and her both are not ready for.It's a weighty responsibility and one not helped in the least by the fact that if she gets too strong too quickly, there's every chance she's going to start challenging you.Hell, to your vague understanding, she should be just about at that point, the same with most of your more experienced pokemon.You resolve to ask Martha more about it as the nurse finishes up, before you go and call home.>Roll.
Rolled 51 (1d100)>>6270087
Rolled 36 (1d100)>>6270087
Rolled 1 (1d100)>>6270087My turn again!Also looking at the teams, we really need to get Coolie, Ayumi, and Euphrates some training. Queenie, Rusty, and Fluffy are close seconds.
>>6270191Uh oh.
>>6270193DC was 50, right?
>>6270197Yep.>>6270091>>6270141>>6270191Welp. That's a problem... Update in a bit.
>>6270279The call connects after a few rings to your father looking haggard and exhausted.++"Alex... you're up early."++ He observes."There's some bad weather on the way, so we're trying to beat it to the next town." You reply. "I just wanted to swap Volta out for Latias before we leave." You explain.Your father looks like he just bit down on a Nomel berry.++"...That's... going to be a problem."++ He says. ++"She's gone. Some trainer saw her and tried to catch her, thinking she was wild. She vanished and flew off."++ He adds.All the sound in the pokemon center goes dull and distant as what your father just said echoes in your head and your blood turns to ice."What?" You ask, incredulously.This can't be happening...>Did you get the fucker's number?>Did you tell the police?>Did you ask Daniel at the gym for help?>...This is all my fault...>Other
>>6270325>Please tell me everything that happened.Alright, let's see if there's any details and continue from there.Well at least Team Green didn't get their hands on her haha!
>>6270333I felt like that was a little too mean for a first failure like this. Even a crit fail.It *is* something you should be concerned about, though.
>>6270338>I felt like that was a little too mean for a first failure like this. Even a crit fail.Nice.>It *is* something you should be concerned about, though.Yeah I won't delude myself into thinking we can just put this off lol. Maybe Team Green would become an issue if we do something dumb/keep putting it off or get another crit failI might be coping but at least this crit fail is gonna send us on a side quest to get our jet girl back lmao
>>6270345A key rule of failures in any sort of RP I've observed, is that a failure or crit failure, ideally, shouldn't just and be punitive in nature.Introducing complications is fine, but it shouldn't *just* be 'lol u die', unless someone's put themselves in deep shit or are doing something very risky and the danger has been adequately communicated, or should be so patently obvious from the get go, that players understand the risk anyway.This is a situation where I've not really made clear that there's a risk inherent in Latias being looked after by your family, so this is your warning.A fairly severe warning, sure, but then a Nat 1 should still be a major setback.
>>6270333>Please tell me everything that happenedAlright several possibilities : 1/ She's pissed and flewing back to her home.2/ She's looking for us3/ She's scared, alone and near our parent's place
>>6270333>>6270473You feel sick. And angry.How dare some random fuck hole try and catch Latias.The anger is joined by guilt.She's your responsibility. Your partner. Henry entrusted you with her well being and safety.That she ran away from your home is no fault of your family. It's your fault, as surely as if you'd missed one of your father's 'sure thing' investment schemes.You can't stew though. Details. You need details if there's any prayer of you fixing this. Brutalising the asshole who tried to steal Latias can wait. You need to find her and make sure she's alright, first."Please, tell me everything that happened." You say after taking a deep breath in and letting it out slowly in an effort to abate the guilt and hot rage you feel bubbling up inside you.Your father nods and outlines what happened - Chloe and Tom were out in the back yard, playing with their pokemon when Latias joined in.Your father didn't think anything of it, really - your home is on the outskirts of town and Latias was being careful to avoid hurting Chloe's Vulpix or Tom's Sobble, so he was focused on trying to get some work for the next few weeks around town on the local message boards.According to what Chloe had said, their playfight had been interrupted by a guy about your age crashing into the yard with a Tyranitar which had bodied Latias into the house, before Kay O-o had interposed himself and given Latias the room to escape and disappear.Despite the clear experience gap, Kay O-o actually managed to knock the Tyranitar back, but he was injured in the process.Your mum was looking after him and while he might have a few scars from the encounter, he's otherwise fine.When your father confronted the youth about his actions and the damage, he'd simply shrugged and written a cheque to cover the damage before noting that 'Latias weren't family pets' and that 'it was just a waste to leave one languishing like this one was. so he was going to actually use her properly.'"Did you get this cunt's name?" You ask coldly, your mind filled with thoughts of stepping on some smug rich prick's neck, or caving their skull in with your bare hands until they were an unrecognisable smear on the ground.(Part 1)
>>6270528++"No, but you'd know him if you saw him." Your father replies seriously. "He was very well dressed, blond hair and very haughty. And completely unrepentant. I'd say he's at least somewhat skilled to be able to order a Tyranitar around like that."++ Your father replies. ++"We notified the police of course and he was smart enough not to head for the pokemon center, but we've not been able to find him, or Latias."++ He adds, before he slumps. ++"I'm sorry, Alex. You asked us to do one thing for you and we've failed you."++ He says.You take another deep breath."No, this isn't on you." You reply. "You couldn't have known some brazen asshole would go and try and steal Latias like that." You add, tamping down on that desire to maim and kill.++"Whoever this was..."++ Your father says. ++"He was rich. Very rich. He wrote out a large enough cheque to cover rebuilding the whole house without a second thought. It wouldn't surprise me if he was used to getting away with that sort of behaviour by buying his way out of trouble, or having really expensive lawyers."++ He adds.>That won't matter once I've caved his fucking head in.>That doesn't matter. All that matters is finding Latias before he does.>Maybe ask Daniel at the gym. If there's a trainer like that running around, then the Gym Leaders will know.>Alright, I'll be back just as soon as I can be.>Other
>>6270530>>That doesn't matter. All that matters is finding Latias before he does.
>>6270530>That doesn't matter. All that matters is finding Latias before he does.
>>6270543>>6270553>>6270620"That doesn't matter." You say, reigning your temper in. "All that matters is finding Latias before he does." You add, struggling to keep your voice level.You feel terrible. Wracked by an overwhelming sense of guilt and worry for Latias's well being.This is all my faultYou end the call then dimly make your way over to where your friends are waiting to leave.They take one look at you and their expressions morph from eager smiles to worry and concern."What's wrong?" Holly asks."What happened?" Gareth asks at the same time, alarmed. "You're in pain. And... angry." Enraged went unsaid.You take a deep breath and swallow past a growing knot of hopeless panic growing in your throat."...Someone..." You begin, fighting to keep your voice level. "Someone tried to steal Latias. Attacked my home while she was playing with my brother and sister." You grind out."The fuck?!" Martha exclaims sharply. "Did your family get a description?" She asks.You take another deep breath, then tell the other three what your father tells you.When you're done, Gareth and Holly look horrified, while Martha looks about ready to rip someone's head off.Holly's horror though isn't disbelieving like Gareth's. It almost looks like she knows who the culprit is, based off your description.>Ask Holly what's on her mind.>I'm going back. Don't wait up, I'll see you in Halfway City.>Any idea who that guy is, Martha?>I don't want to keep being a burden Gareth, but do you think you'd be able to help me find Latias?>Other
>>6271128>Holly, you know the fucker?>I'm going back. I'd appreciate if you could be coming guys - although if you prefer going forward I'll understand.
>>6271128>Ask Holly what's on her mind.It's 100% her dad.>I'm going back. I'd appreciate if you could be coming guys - although if you prefer going forward I'll understand.
>>6271156I'm genuinely torn on this guy's identity.I like the idea I have, but while this guy is absolutely *not* Holly's father, there *is* a part of me that wants to do the omega gay, trite and lazy thing and make it Holly's brother.Like an inversion of Gladion and Lillie.
>>6271128>>Ask Holly what's on her mind.
>>6271129>>6271156>>6271247"You look like you've seen a ghost." You note to Holly."...I... I think I know who tried to take Latias." She admits with a nod."I'm listening." You assure, gesturing for her to keep talking."It sounds like the son of a friend of my dads. His name's Lawrence. Lawrence the fourth." She adds. "We've met a couple of times at parties." She says, shaking her head. "He's charming enough but... I never liked him. There was always something about him that didn't sit well with me." She admits. "...He actually invited me to travel with him this year. Before I ran away." She adds. "I turned him down, though. Not because of father, either. I just... had a bad feeling.""Trusting your gut when it comes to guys isn't a sin." Martha assures. "And I think I know this guy as well." She adds. "Pretty sure we've fought at the League a few times. He's a piece of work, if so - selfish, and he treats his pokemon like tools, but he's strong."So, if the girls are right, then you're up against a rich sociopath who's already done the League circuit at least once and who has zero qualms about stealing people's pokemon.You nod."I'm going back." You say at length. "I'd appreciate it if you guys would come with me, but if you'd rather keep going, I'll understand." You add, addressing the last part in particular to Gareth."Alex, you don't have to do this by yourself." Gareth assures. "I do want to get to Genesis Cave, but what sort of friend would I be if I left you in the lurch in an emergency?"You give him a weak smile."Just give me a minute." Martha says, holding up a finger, before hurrying back into the pokemon center.She returns a minute later hefting a poke ball. "Okay, we're good." She says, releasing her Swanna and an Altaria. "If you need to go to the can, I'd do it now. It's a long flight to Greenshoot." She adds drily.Holly giggles, as Martha puts saddles on both pokemon, before helping Holly onto Altaria's back."Who you want to ride with, Alex?" Martha asks.>Ride with Holly.>Ride with Gareth.>Ride with Martha.>Rascal knows Fly, I'll go with him.
>>6271462>Rascal knows Fly, I'll go with him.Bird time.Also, seems like we're gonna be dealing with some more posh jackasses in the future. Well at least it isn't Team Green. Wonder when those bastards are gonna show up again to cause some trouble. I'm just now remembering Alex doesn't know about their attack on our home yet.
>>6271462>>Rascal knows Fly, I'll go with him.
>>6271557>>6271678Okay, roll please.
Rolled 25 (1d100)
Rolled 56 (1d100)>>6271703
Rolled 13 (1d100)double
>>6271705>>6271743>>6272374"Rascal knows Fly, so I'll go with him." You reply, releasing him.You could fly with Martha or one of the others using her pokemon and it'd probably be easier, considering Rascal's and your own inexperience with this sort of long-distance flying, the oncoming cold front and the fact Rascal is probably eyeing up testing just what he can get away with given his experience at this point."Have you ever flown before?" Martha asks.You shake your head."Not any great distance and not with Rascal no, but I'd rather not tire your pokemon out." You explain. "Besides, I have to learn sometime."Martha sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose."Okay, pay attention..." She advises, before she walks you through exactly how to direct Rascal while you're flying as you saddle him up, rug yourself up and buckle on a helmet and goggles.It's fairly simple in concept, the idea of steering him with your knees and shifting your weight, but you're expecting that it'll be tricky in practice."...And whatever you do, don't panic." Martha finishes. "Even if we're in for a rough flight with this cold front coming, Rascal's going to be about as well-equipped to deal with it as Swanna and Altaria are." She adds.You look to Rascal, who caws confidently as you climb onto his back while Martha joins Holly on Altaria."Let's get going, then." You say, before with an awkward lope and a flutter of wings, Rascal is airborne, accompanied by Altaria and Swanna as you begin the long flight back south.Successes to completion: 1 of 4>Roll, DC 60 (+5 for Rascal being Large, +5 for Martha's coaching +5 for Martha's leading and experience -5 for Rascal's inexperienced. Overlevel negated due to Rascal respecting Alex.)Borrowing this system from 404's Spartan II Quest to see how it goes.
Rolled 39 (1d100)>>6272836
>>6272850Oh, you get a +10 by the way. That's what the info in the brackets is for.
>>6272861Still a fail.
>>6272870Just to be clear.
Rolled 71 (1d100)>>6272836Uh wait, should I roll too?
>>6272904Yeah, it's still best of three.
Rolled 36 (1d100)>>6272918In that case it's my turn to roll again please no crit fail
>>6272850>>6272904>>6272941Update in the morning.
>>6272941relax, second roll already passed
>>6272942The land drops away below you and the rush of air past your ears makes it hard to hear anything as you coax Rascal around towards the south west and home.Looking towards the east, you can see the grey bulk of the oncoming cold front and you suddenly feel very small as you stretching from horizon to horizon, the size of a mountain range and the cold wind scudding before it already battering your small party.Fortunately, the winds aren't anything too bad just yet and are actually helping you along your way and cutting down on the amount of effort that Rascal is having to put in as you follow Martha, Holly and Altaria southward, Gareth and Swanna flying beside you and Rascal.Below you, the dense forest looks like a lush green carpet and in the distance, you can see the gleaming silver bulk of Saltcoast City.You see wheeling flocks of Wingull nearby out to sea, fishing before the storm blows in and grounds them.This being your first time actually flying long distance, you were a little nervous about the height, but seeing the land unrolled below you like a map is exhilarating and it's hard to really be scared when you're as hyped up as you are right now.It's hard not to grin, for the first hour as the forest rolls beneath you, gradually changing from lush rainforest to more arid bushland as you pass over the rolling hills that separate Silveridge and Saltcoast.You can see the old mining town in the distance, a tidy looking place surrounded by orange scrubland and framed by the vast bulk of the old mine's spoil heap.You don't need Martha to tell you that you're making good time. You just hope that you can at least get close to you Greenshoot Town before that cold front hits.Successes to completion: 2 of 4>Roll +15, DC 60 (+5 for Rascal being Large, +5 for Martha's coaching +5 for Martha's leading and experience, +5 for riding a tailwind, -5 for Rascal's inexperienced. Overlevel negated due to Rascal respecting Alex.)
Rolled 79 + 15 (1d100 + 15)>>6273293
Rolled 66 + 15 (1d100 + 15)>>6273293
Rolled 53 + 15 (1d100 + 15)>>6273293Time for me to roll again!
>>6273294>>6273312>>6273577You angle a little more towards the south now, keeping the Divide to your right as you fly over the scrub land, the bulk of Lake Clarity glittering to the south east like a dark blue sapphire in the late morning sun.Beneath you, the scrub beneath you looks rough and wild, clearly having been influenced by much stronger pokemon than those you'd encountered closer to the road.The wind is still helping you along, but it's getting stronger now as you're closer to the front and you can see flocks of Mareep and its evolved forms gathering in meadows of fresh winter grass in anticipation of the storm blowing in from the east.It makes the storm you sheltered on once you left Route 1 look like a minor squall up here and you can already see curtains of rain falling underneath it.You're making really good time though, even if you're freezing cold, even with the extra layers and your coat from the freezing wind whipping by you.You can only imagine Holly, Gareth and Martha are as cold as you are.Still, However cold it is right now, it'll get an awful lot worse if you get caught by the storm and the winds are starting to get rough.Rascal seems tireless though, riding the choppy wind seemingly without much effort, despite the fact you've been in the air for about five hours or so now.At this rate, you figure you'll be back in Greenshoot before dark, but insofar as beating the weather is concerned... It's going to be tight.>Roll +5, DC 60 (+5 for Rascal being Large, +5 for Martha's coaching +5 for Martha's leading and experience, +5 for riding a tailwind, -5 for Rascal's inexperienced -5 the wind is starting to get rough. Overlevel negated due to Rascal respecting Alex.)
Rolled 93 + 5 (1d100 + 5)>>6273695
>>6273695Successes to completion: 3 of 4Forgot this. You're almost there.
>>6273696Correction, you're there. And Rascal isn't even going to be tired.
So, update a bit later, got a few things to do.
Rolled 64 + 5 (1d100 + 5)>>6273695
>>6273696>>6273732You keep flying, the front getting closer and the wind getting stronger, choppier and colder as it does, but it doesn't hinder Rascal much, if at all as he rides the air currents after Martha's pokemon.You feel like a block of ice. It wouldn't surprise you in the least if you were hypothermic.Despite never having seen your hometown from the air before, by late afternoon, you're in the lead as the front is looming large and random spatters of rain assail you and the others as you coax Rascal in towards town.Fortunately, the pokemon center is very easy to spot from the air and you guide Rascal in to land in the court around the side, before with some difficulty, you unbuckle yourself from his back and guide him to the side to allow Martha and the others to land while you divest Rascal of his saddle.To your private incredulity, he doesn't seem in the least bit tired.He stands tall and proud, breathing evenly and looking to the looming front as if he intends to challenge it to a fight."Good job, Rascal." You say, patting his shoulder with a hand that's lost most of its feeling, aside from a bitter ache and a rubbery feeling in your fingers, as if you'd sat on your hands for an hour straight.He crows in appreciation before you recall him and hurry to help Martha unsaddle her pokemon and help Gareth and Holly inside the pokemon centre where it's warm.Part 1
>>6273738"Alex!" The startled exclamation comes from your mother behind the counter, before she rounds it and pulls you into a hug. "You're freezing!" She says, surprise turning to alarm in an instant, before she's briskly taking the others' hands in order to check their conditions, her alarm deepening by degrees, before she orders all four of you into the center's showers to warm up while she checks over Rascal, Altaria and Swanna to make sure they've not been exhausted or injured by the flight you just made.Fortunately, Greenshoot Town is a little out of the way for most people, so not a lot of people tend to visit the town this early in the season, so you basically have unlimited hot water and before long, you and Gareth are just about boiling yourselves under the hot spray.After so long in the air, it's pure bliss to just stand there as feeling slowly returns to your extremities."We got lucky."Martha's voice snaps you out of your tired funk."What are you-" Gareth begins from the cubicle next to yours, as taken aback as you are."There's no one else here and I asked the nurse if we could stick together for the time being and talk." Martha explains."I'm here too." Holly calls from the other side of Martha."Do what did you want to talk about?" You ask."The fact we're lucky to have made it here before the front, for one thing." Martha replies. "I was expecting to have to find somewhere to wait the front out." She adds. "You and that Braviary of yours did real well, Alex.""Rascal's as stubborn as they come." You say with a hint of pride, recalling how doggedly he followed you up and down Route 2 and around Lake Clarity.Of course he wasn't going to let something like a massive storm front stop him."Pokemon really do take after their trainers." Martha says with a snort. "So, what's the plan now? Beyond just finding you-know-who?">I'm going to have a look around first and make sure she's not just sticking close.>I know a few good places we could start looking around town.>It's too late to start looking now, but in the morning, we'll start looking in the foothills of the Divide.>First thing's first - I've got a Meowth to find.>Other
>>6273741>First thing's first - I've got a Meowth to find.Meowth? That's right!
>>6273741>>First thing's first - I've got a Meowth to find.
>>6273743>>6273748Alright, give me a roll.
Also, as always, feel free to discuss, theorise and ask questions.
Rolled 31 (1d100)>>6273768Rolling.>>6273773How old is Meowth by this point? Or if he hasn't kept tract of his age, then would he be considered an old man?
>>6273784He's an old man alright. He's not kept track of his age, but he's getting on towards 18-19 at least.
Rolled 51 (1d100)>>6273768Did Meowth discussed with our Latias? Have he any Idea where she might have gone?
>>6273937You don't know, but that's a big part of why you want to find him.
Still need one more roll.
Rolled 39 (1d100)>>6274091Rollin
>>6273784>>6273937>>6274110"First thing's first - I've got a Meowth to find." You say.If anyone would have any inkling where Latias is or the asshole who attacked her, it'd be him."A Meowth?" Martha repeats, taken aback by this seeming non-sequitor."That's right." You confirm. "You'll see."Once you've all dried off and dressed again, you head out to see your mum and check on Kay O-o.He certainly looks banged up after his skirmish, barely cracking an eye to look at you when you call his name to wake him up and only giving you a dejected sounding rumble as he sees you."You did good, Kay O-o." You assure him. "You did good."You stay with him while he drifts off again before your mothers shoos you out of the back to let him rest, before she shakes her head when you explain why you flew all this way with a storm behind you."I can't really say I approve of you taking such a big risk, but I can't really say I'm surprised either." She admits and shakes her head."Do you have any idea where Meowth might be?" You ask, rather than justify the risk you took or ask what she means."If I were to guess, he'll probably be conning an extra meal down at the pub." Your mother replies.You nod.That certainly sounds like Meowth."Alright, thanks." You reply, before pausing. "...Do you mind if my friends come around to stay tonight?" You ask before you forget."The house isn't in a livable state right now. That stupid boy and his Tyranitar compromised the stability of the house with their stunt." She explains. "We're staying with the Fairburns for the time being, or else here at the pokemon center."You grimace.Another reason to hold a grudge against this 'Lawrence' guy, or whoever he is.(Part 1)
>>6274121Armed with this information, you head for the local pub.And sure enough, sat on the bar, talking with some of the local bar flies and stunning a few trainers who were apparently taking a break and having a meal, was Meowth.Not *your family's* Meowth either. Just 'Meowth' is all you've ever known him as.The distinction being, up until you met Kadabra on South Crescent Island, you'd never met another pokemon that could actually talk, nevermind hold a conversation like Meowth could.In your experience, he was a bit of a smart ass, but there was no one better in town if you wanted gossip. Or wanted to make damn sure that the Skwovet understood exactly how much you disliked their getting into the fruit trees.And on occasion, he had some very interesting advice to give on the subjects of digging holes, subterfuge and engineering.Just then though, you were more interested in gossip. After a fashion."...So there." Meowth finished with an air of finality, apparently having settled some argument you missed.Even though it's only been a few weeks, it feels like forever since you heard that Driftveil accent."Eh?" Meowth says, perking up as you walk in. "Ah, Alex!" He says, dropping down off the bar before striding over.If you didn't know any better, you'd take him for much younger than his nearly twenty years of age, given how spry he remains, though it's often a lot more obvious when your mum or dad leave him in charge of the house and your siblings try to push their luck.He's as stern as either of your parents when he wants to be."I thought you were out bein' a trainer and makin' money to keep us solvent." He says."I was." You reply, not in the least bit taken aback by Meowth's attitude while Martha, Holly and Gareth gape."Did that Meowth just..." Martha begins."...Talk?" Holly finishes faintly."Yer darn skippy I did." Meowth replies."Regardless, I didn't backtrack all this way because I got homesick." You say. "We need to talk."Meowth sobers and nods, before waving to the bar flies and saying his goodbyes before you head for your home."Did you-" You begin."Not here." Meowth says, pre-empting you. "Too many ears. It's a bit of an open secret around here at this stage, but no reason to clue in any other out of town twerps about that after that blond tried swiping her."You nod and head to your house.You swallow, your mouth suddenly dry as you see a tarp pulled over the hole in the wall the Tyranitar made and Kay O-o evidently made worse."Your team are with your dad at the Fairburns." Meowth pre-empts before you go in and Meowth lights a candle so you can see. "So. What do you wanna know, Alex?">Do you have any idea where Latias might be hiding.>Did you talk with Latias about anything?>Do you know where the bastard who did this is?>A bit of a detour, it's kind of relevant at this point - what's with the disguise kit and hot air balloon in the cellar?>Other
>>6274130>>A bit of a detour, it's kind of relevant at this point - what's with the disguise kit and hot air balloon in the cellar?Use the balloon as a beacon obviously
>>6274146Wouldn't really work. Beacons tend to be pre-arranged signals.
>>6274150Well, Latias KNOWS the meowth so a life-size Meowth with meditationMAXXING might do the trick?
>>6274152I'll treat the idea as a write in. If it gets the vote, I'll go with it, but it will require a roll and there may be unforeseen consequences, in addition to the very predictable ones.
>>6274153like drawing aggro of faggot Lawrence? That's a part of the benefits of the plan.
>>6274157Possibly. It may also attract the press. The balloon is also going to get blown away, because its incredibly windy out. Your parents would also be Not Impressed.
>>6274130>Did you talk with Latias about anything?>Did any of my other team members also talk to her?First get info.>Do you have any idea where Latias might be hiding.Then from there we ask the obvious question.>A bit of a detour, it's kind of relevant at this point - what's with the disguise kit and hot air balloon in the cellar?And finally this because it's fun to hear about it.>>6274146>Use the balloon as a beacon obviously>Team Rocket starts blasting off again
Well, if QM + other player tell me it's a bad idea, I'll retract the proposition. supporting >>6274176
>>6274180Well, I've already posted pic related, but just making sure the risks and potential consequences are spelled out with that option.
>>6274176>>6274180There're a few things you want to ask, but first of all, you need information."Have you talked with Latias at all?" You ask."Not since she went into hiding." Meowth admits. "But before that, a couple of times. She's kind of a chatterbox when she gets excited." He adds reflectively."Does she talk with any of my team at all?" You ask, a vague hope forming in your chest."Sure, but the only one who might know where she went is that Hakamo-o of yours at the pokemon center and your ma's keeping him under while he recovers. He got messed up by that Tyranitar, even though he sat that bully on his ass.""Damn." You sigh, shaking your head. "Well do you have any idea where she might've gone to ground?" You ask, a little desperately.Meowth shakes his head."Not really." He replies. "Maybe the old machine shop, but just as likely, she's found somewhere in the Divide to take shelter, or else Origin Cave. She might even have gone back to Lake Clarity where you caught her, if she's not gone looking for you." He adds.You grimace.Those options had occurred to you, but at least with the old machine shop option, there's no way that Lawrence bastard would possibly think to check there. It's the sort of place only a local would think to look or would even know about."I'm sorry I don't have any answers for ya, kid. Or an easy way to fix things." Meowth says.You sigh."It's... it's okay." You assure, before a thought strikes you. "Alright, this isn't related but this has been bugging me for a while - what's with the balloon and the other crap in the cellar?" You ask. "The disguise kit and stuff." You add by way of explanation."Ah."(Part 1)
>>6274189"Well..." Meowth said awkwardly. "Ya see..." He says. "We... That is, your parents, might've gotten themselves into some trouble when we were closer to your age. A lot of trouble. And me as well." He adds. "It's how we got mixed up with your godfather. So, a lot of stuff happened. A lot of it that I... really shouldn't talk about. We did some stuff. Stopped some other stuff. Moved around a lot. And eventually, we all just kind of got sick of it all and just... decided to move on." He explains, shifting uncomfortably as Martha, Gareth and Holly give him suspicious looks. "Your god father helped us do that. Helped us start over here in Arnet after we sort of made Palm Corp really angry."Holly gasps."You were part of Team Rocket." She says."The crime syndicate?" Martha says, taken aback.Holly nods."Yeah. I think it would've been like... twelve, thirteen years ago. Team Rocket got into some sort of dispute with my dad's company and orchestrated a bunch of strikes and industrial sabotage that nearly sank the company." She explains. "He still rants about them to this day when he's had a few drinks.""We might have founded Team Cracker on accident." Meowth admits sheepishly. "We, ah, we helped a few small-time unions get properly organised and did some dirty work for them to force Palm Corp to pay their workers better and give them better conditions." He explained. "And showed some of the shadier members how to do what we did. Then, we retired and they started doing their own thing.""So, my parents-" You begin."Used to be two of the most notorious hatchet men in Team Rocket." Meowth completes. "We even used to have this whole song and dance we did." He adds with a nostalgic sigh. "But, that was a long time ago. These days, your ma's a nurse and your dad sells hardware. Or he did, anyway."Well.You're not sure what you were expecting, but that sure as shit wasn't it."You alright?" Martha asks.>Just peachy.>...I'm going to need a minute to process that.>Okay, putting a pin in that for now, who wants to go check out an old, leaky, rundown machine shop?>Other"You okay, Alex?"
>>6274202>Better than expected. Surprised, for sure.>I have tons of questions I want to ask, but there's still a Latias we got to find. Who wants to go check out an old, leaky, rundown machine shop?>Also thank you Meowth for helping out.Them accidentally creating Team Cracker was unexpected, but also pretty interesting. Team Cracker honestly doesn't sound that bad imo, especially if they're going against Palm Corp lmaoI don't think Alex would hate his parents or Meowth because of this, but I feel like it we'd eventually want some answers from them (though that'd have to be in a more private setting with mom and dad and Meowth).>"You okay, Alex?"Psychic talking in our head?
>Okay, putting a pin in that for now, who wants to go check out an old, leaky, rundown machine shop?>Latias, is that you talking to my head?
>>6274287>>6274326Really tired typo, in all honesty, but I'll roll with it.
>>6274287>>6274326You don't know how to answer the question that just popped into your head.You're too numb with shock."...Surprised." You manage at length. "Really surprised." You shake your head and take a deep breath. "Putting a pin in that for now. There're a lot of questions I want to ask, but Latias is the priority." You say, more to tamp down your shock and surprise and refocus on what's important. "So, who wants to go check out an old, leaky, rundown machine shop?" You ask with forced cheer.Martha snorts."Smart ass." She accuses.You ignore the jibe and look to Meowth."Thanks." You say. "Thanks for your help.""What're you thankin' me for? I haven't done anything." Meowth replies incredulously, then sighs. "I guess I better come with you guys, now I'm here." He reasons.With that, you head out into the rapidly dying light and the strong winds and make your way across town to the old machine shop where you met Fluffy.The rain starts when you get about halfway across town and you wind up pulling out your torch once you reach the old industrial complex and lead the others to the shop.The door's been blown down and it's no trouble to get inside.It's eerie in the light of your torches though and you feel a shiver that has nothing to do with the cold go down your spine."Latias?" You ask aloud, breaking the quiet that hangs in the air under the howl of the wind, the drumming of rain on the roof and the gurgle of water in the downpipes.>Roll.
Rolled 67 (1d100)>>6274514
Rolled 77 (1d100)>>6274514
Rolled 5 (1d100)
>>6274583>>6274611>>6274930Silence, barring the sounds of rain and wind greets your question as you pan your torch around.He's here... The voice from before says inside your head, laced with fear.You hear footsteps behind you and turn with the others to see a young man wearing a haughty expression walking up behind you, holding an umbrella in one hand and a Devon Scope in the other."Hmph. An old ruin? How very droll." He says to himself. "I expect you're here attempting to keep me from my prize?" He asks."You." Martha says coldly.You don't need Meowth to confirm it, just your father's description and that haughty attitude makes it clear that this is the fucker who wrecked your house and tried to steal Latias."Oh? What is a trainer of quality like yourself doing here in this dreary hamlet, Martha Saint Rose?" He asks, turning a vaguely interested look her way."I could ask you the same question, Lawrence." Martha replies. "You're not beating the allegations this time, you fuck." She adds.Lawrence arches an eyebrow."Oh? What allegations?" He asks.>Enough! (Battle)>Walk up and beat the living shit out of this fuck.>Who the hell do you think you are?>What the hell are you trying to pull here?>Other
>>6274943>>Walk up and beat the living shit out of this fuck.
>>6274948>>6274957Roll.This guy's team is jacked, by the by.
Rolled 72 (1d100)>>6274966
Rolled 89 (1d100)Well, we're stronger than teamVegetable but they messed up all good with physical aggression in the past
Rolled 84 (1d100)>>6274966
>>6274969>>6275000>>6275079Well this should settle it.
>>6274969>>6275000>>6275079Whatever Martha might have said, you don't here as you walk out into the rain, dropping your torch in favour of flexing your fingers as you ball them tightly into a fist."Oh? Do you really think you can beat-"The blond fuck is cut off as you roar and throw the hardest haymaker of your life.It's good, hitting him square on the nose and you feel a distinct crunch as it breaks under the impact.What's surprising though is the flare of scarlet that accompanies your punch and washes through the prat's head as he staggers, before he's launched backwards through the air, fetching up out cold on his back some ten feet away, spread eagled and with a look of surprise and fear on his face.You breathe raggedly as blood drips down your knuckles and you see a red-grey aura surround the selfish fuck as you come down from the towering, burning rage you feel.Then Gareth is grabbing your arm and turning you to look at him.He's alarmed, moreso than you've ever seen him before as he reaches out to touch your forehead with two fingers before there's a moment of disorientation before there's suddenly sound in the world again, your hand is throbbing you're cold as ice from the rain and Martha's tying the sobbing heir up.You've seriously fucked up his face with that punch and you're spattered with blood."Arceus Alex, don't scare me like that!" Gareth shouts over the rain and wind, before he hugs you. "I thought we were going to lose you." He says, before he releases you.>...What?>Wait, what just happened?>I'm sorry. I lost my temper there for a minute, that was beneath me.>Serves the cunt right.>Other
>>6275624"Sorry... What type was that? Dragon-punch?"
>>6275624>>Wait, what just happened?
>>6275624>Wait, what just happened?>Serves the cunt right.
>>6275625>>6275630>>6275689Alright leave this one with me, I need to think a bit, because all of these are a slightly different tone to one another.
>>6275625>>6275630>>6275689"...What just happened?" You ask, shaking your head to clear it.It feels... fuzzy after that.Gareth sighs heavily."You threw an aura strike. Using your anger." He explains slowly. "Which... really isn't a good thing." He adds. "I can't blame you, given the circumstance but... if you use your anger to fuel aura like you were just doing, it... changes you." He explains. "I managed to stop it burning you up any further, but..." He trails off.You take a deep, shuddering breath as the aftermath of the adrenaline fades."...Serves the cunt right." You say coldly. "I'm not sorry.""I'm not judging." Gareth assures. "Just... don't do that if you can help it. Losing your temper's not great at the best of times, but for an aura user, it's genuinely dangerous." He adds seriously.You sober as you think about that.You doubt your capoeira instructor would rake you over the coals too much for this. After all, this isn't something minor you lashed out over, this fucker was going to steal Latias off you. Probably over all your dead bodies, if he had to, considering he attacked your family and wrecked your house in his first attempt.But you know he'd have been disappointed.And you've been told often enough as a kid about controlling your temper to know that even without aura, it's easy enough to let it get away from you. And you certainly don't want to be ruled by it.You nod. "Only if it's life or death." You assure.Gareth nods in return. "Only if its life or death." He agrees.He hands you back your torch and then nods meaningfully back to the shed.(Part 1)
>>6276241You head back into the shed and are greeted by a face full of down and strong arms around your back as Latias hugs you fiercely and coos in relief.You return her hug and after a long moment she releases you."Hey, you okay?" You ask gently, scratching her neck gently as your anger evaporates in the face of the overwhelming relief you feel right now.I am now. The voice replies, confirming that you were hearing Latias before.More relief nearly floors you and you have to hug Latias again to keep from falling as your knees buckle."I'm glad." You reply. "And I'm sorry. I never should've let you out of my sight."This earns a reproving bump.You weren't to know. Besides, your family are nice." Latias replies.You don't reply to that as a lump in your throat silences you."Ahhh..." Meowth says, shaking his head. "Well, crisis averted." He says. "So, where're you stayin' the night?" He asks.>The pokemon center.>First, we're handing this fuck over to the police.>The Fairburns with dad, Tom and Chloe.>We're going to find some place dry and make camp.>OtherThird time's the charm.
>>6276251>>First, we're handing this fuck over to the police.
>>6276251>The Fairburns with dad, Tom and Chloe.>But first, we're handing this fuck over to the police.
>>6276251>>The Fairburns with dad, Tom and Chloe.>>But first, we're handing this fuck over to the police.solid update.
>>6276256>>6276333>>6276431"We're going to stay with the Fairburns, if they've got room." You reply. "But first, we're taking that fuck to the police.""That'll be easy enough done." Meowth assures. "They've got the heater in the shed going for all your team and the old gang to keep warm, since it's a bit crowded otherwise.He winks a golden eye at you."Your ol' pal Jacky is home as well." He adds conspiratorially. "Been too busy with being the Champion to come back home lately." He adds wisely, clearly trying to shock you as you help Martha haul Lawrence to his feet."I know. We met her on the road a week or so ago." You reply, feeling a cold flash of vindictive satisfaction as your prisoner stiffens."Yeah, your money's not getting you out of fucking with the regional champion's old friend, now is it asshole?" Martha says as Latias uses Safeguard to buffer you against the rain and wind."I'mb sowwy..." Lawrence says thickly through the broken nose. "I'be godt munney..." He tries."Not nearly enough. Besides, dad would've cashed that cheque by now you stupid fuck." You add as you frog march him down the road.It's a bit of a march to the police station, but that's somewhat helpful, given it gives you a chance to ring Jacky and update her on things, since according to Meowth, she's been hunting Lawrence since she heard about what happened from your dad.When you get there, she's waiting with two officers who take one look at Lawrence then nod."He take a bit of a tumble on the way here, did he?" One of them asks before Lawrence can open his mouth."Yeah, slipped in the mud and broke his nose on a rock." Martha supplies without skipping a beat."I didn't!" Lawrence tries desperately regardless. "That brute punched me in the face!" He adds, nodding to you."After you wrecked his house and tried to steal his pokemon, I think you earned it, myself." Jacky says coldly. "Don't think you're getting a trainer's licence here ever again. Or anywhere else, if I have any say in the matter." She adds and you feel a thrill, both at how cold Jacky sounds and the fact she's clearly angry on your behalf."Ah, the other half of this case." The second officer replies. "Have you located the pokemon the accused allegedly tried to steal?" He asks. "A Latias, wasn't it?" He adds, sounding skeptical, but then it does sound far fetched when you stop and think about it for a moment.You turn to the space in the air where you know she's hovering by your shoulder and pat her shoulder reassuringly."It's okay. You can come out." You assure.And just like that, you're treated to a look of unfiltered surprise break through the carefully neutral expression on the second officer's face as Latias reappears.(Part 1)
>>6276442"...Yeah, that's a Latias." The first officer confirms, having checked a pokedex to match what she looks like with the 'dex's picture. "So that's the motive confirmed and we've taken statements and collected evidence, so we'll just take your statements and we'll let you go." He adds.Taking statements is fortunately a fairly painless process and once the officers are finished, they hand you over to Jacky, who's all but bouncing on her toes.Once you're well away from the station, Jacky sighs heavily."I'm sorry this happened, Alex." She says. "I've been trying to have that creep thrown out for ages, but money talks and his family has a lot of it." She adds."Even if he dodges the charges, I think he'll at least think twice before he tries that again." You say coldly.She nods."Wish I had've seen exactly what you did to him." She admits."Yeah, not happening." Martha replies. "That video got deleted the moment Lawrence hit the ground." She adds. "Figured things would be cleaner if they stayed 'he said, she said'." She adds."It should be." Jacky replies tiredly.By the time you reach Jacky's house, you're chilled to the bone and it's a relief to get inside where it's warm.You leave your bags with your boots by the door and are greeted warmly by Jacky's mum and dad.You make introductions and enjoy a blessedly hot pasta bake dinner with your brother and sister before the subject of sleeping arrangements comes up, at which point it's determined that the shed is indeed the only practical solution to where you'll be able to fit, since your dad has the couch and Chloe and Tom have the guest room, since Jacky has her room at present.Fortunately, the shed is huge and even with your parents' and your pokemon sheltering in there, you've got ample space to set up your bed rolls and it's not even that cold with everyone present.>Time to call it. You're beat.>Spend time with all your team and especially Latias.>Spend some time with Jacky and ask if there's any way you can avoid this ever happening again.>Talk with one of your travelling companions. (Martha, Holly, Gareth)>OtherSorry this last bit is so abrupt. Headache.
>>6276447>>Spend time with all your team and especially Latias.
I really wasn't sure that we'd get through that in one thread.I didn't even have any of that planned, but I hope you enjoyed it.Just goes to show you can plan all you like, the dice will have other ideas.
Also, just to be super-clear, this is what Alex did:https://youtu.be/IX2EfnTc_Eg?t=43
>>6276447>Spend time with all your team and especially Latias.>>6276465I did. It was pretty fun.>>6276474Sweet.
>>6276465with what you said about him it was clear we weren't expected to win that easily lol
>>6276601No, that was very much a battle where you'd need a lot of help to win, so in that sense, punching him in the face was the winning move.
>>6276460>>6276502And given that you have basically everyone present right now, you release the rest of your team, prompting the others to follow your example, which has the effect of making the shed a lot more cramped than it was, but with the storm howling outside and after the heart attack today was, you honestly do not care.Latias is safe. And presently being fussed over by her brother who seems very intent on ensuring she's alright, despite her annoyance at his protectiveness as the rest of your team who were at your house crowd you for comfort.Even Coolie, whom you haven't spent nearly any time with hops up to you before, in a moment of supreme boldness, clambering up to Syurm's old spot on your shoulder, much to her clear irritation.Ayumi follows suit and coils herself around your chest while Sage cuddles in next to you while Rusty claims your lap and Nika huddles in between you and Sage.Rascal meanwhile stands off behind you peering down at the assembly with curiosity while Volta lays herself down behind you, letting you lean on her side for support while Rusty claims the side opposite Sage.Queenie settles on your other shoulder with a sigh so quiet you almost don't hear it while Fluffy, with an air of annoyance sits himself on Rusty's back.Martha and Holly giggle at your predicament as the newest member of your team, Euphrates the Mudkip you caught just yesterday looks on curiously, while Martha's Medicham uses Psychic in conjunction with Swanna using Water Gun in order to fashion a sphere of water for Piker, much to your Feebas's great delight at being able to swim around in the air, choosing to orbit your group as Latias wins free of Latios and joins the rest of your pokemon, shifting Rascal and Volta in order to settle in behind you and leaving them to rearrange themselves as Latias coos expectantly.(Part 1)
>>6277618You chuckle as you bring out your pokedex and open the entry on Bidoof and continue reading about the ecology of what's widely held to be one of the most unremarkable pokemon there is.It has the desired effect of putting most of your team to sleep, Nika being the first to nod off and subsequently being bundled up in a silk hammock by Syurm while the others nod off one after the other after that, the last ones left awake being Syurm - who's busy finding places for the others to sleep that isn't right on top of you - Sage, who's mostly trying to get some practice in reading over your shoulder - and of course, Latias, who is listening with rapt attention and thoroughly enjoying herself despite how dry the subject material is.Eventually, even Sage nods off, snoring on your shoulder as Latias just keeps on listening while you pat her flank and savour the feel of her down between your fingers and the relief that she's safe.Eventually, as you begin to tire and nod yourself as you read, your mind begins to drift.You *never* want a repeat of this situation. The question becomes one of how you can avoid one...>Vow to never swap Latias from your party again.>Entrust one of your family members with the specific task of ensuring Latias is safe while she's at home.>Ask Fie if she could watch Latias for you when you have to swap her out.>Maybe Professor Conifer could get you some sort of dispensation to keep Latias with you, even when she's not a part of your 'active' party...>Other
>>6277619>>Ask Fie if she could watch Latias for you when you have to swap her out.>Our Champion-ex-girlfriend-still-friend might also be an optino
>>6277619>Maybe Professor Conifer could get you some sort of dispensation to keep Latias with you, even when she's not a part of your 'active' party...And/or>Vow to never swap Latias from your party again.
So I want to meta-game with your post in QTGSwitching to >>6277672
>>6280107That's fine.Just one of the hazards of having two consistent players.Anyway, update soon.As usual, I'm quite happy to answer questions and discuss things.
>>6277672>>6280107Your first instinct is to ask Fie or maybe Jacky if they could look after Latias when she's not with you, but that feels a little unfair...You remember how busy Fie was, both with battling at her gym and with all the paperwork associated with running it, not to mention the occasional literal fire that broke out thanks to incautious or simply stupid challengers.It just wouldn't be fair on either her or Latias and you're sure that Jacky is just as busy, if not moreso given she's the regional champion.You're not completely sure of her duties or responsibilities, but you're sure there're a lot of them. Helping squash Team Green is probably one of her them, so that's also not a great solution...Then it hits you as you start to doze off that there is someone you could go talk to tomorrow who might be able to help - Professor Conifer, the local pokemon researcher who processed your trainer application.You remember seeing a form on his desk for a 'Companion' position, apparently for a pokemon that a trainer can't battle with unless it's an emergency, but they're allowed to keep with them for whatever reason, whether that be to assist with a disability or owing to other concerns.Considering that blond fuck tried stealing Latias out from your family, you damn well have 'other concerns'.You resolve to go and see the old man tomorrow as you nod off into a deep and thankfully dreamless sleep.After how dramatic today's been, you didn't want any dreams to potentially leave you exhausted.(Part 1)
>>6280111You wake bright and early the next morning to the sound of rain on the shed roof and the others still sleeping.You get up and dress as quietly as you can before warming up as best as you can.You find Piker made himself at home inside a disused old trough in the shed that you vaguely recall had been leaning against the wall, but the Fairburns clearly set up to provide water for everyone.Looking at him and then glancing towards the sliding door, you ponder what exactly you're going to do this morning until the professor opens his lab...>Spend the next three hours focusing on training Euphrates and Piker in the rain.>Spend the next three hours grooming your team.>Meditate. You still feel prickly after last night.>Go spend the morning with Kay O-o and take Latias with you.>As you learned from Fie, the local Gym is actually part of the League circuit and run by her brother...>Other
>>6280115>>Spend the next three hours focusing on training Euphrates and Piker in the rain.
>>6280115>Spend the next three hours focusing on training Euphrates and Piker in the rain.While I want to visit our boy Kay O-o this is a rare opportunity.
>>6280150>>6280152Okay then, give me two rolls please, first for Piker and second for Euphrates, as well as what precisely you want to train.
Rolled 18, 49 = 67 (2d100)Water Pulse?
Rolled 9, 5 = 14 (2d100)>>6280155Piker's speed and Eurphate's physical attack.But if it's a tie then I'll support >>6280157
>>6280157>>6280159Turns out Piker and Euphrates BOTH can drown
>>6280157>>6280159Still need one more, hope for a crit.
Rolled 60 (1d100)>>6280224Dice, don't fail me now!
Rolled 88 (1d100)>>6280238Dropped the second roll.
>>6280157>>6280159>>6280238>>6280239No update today. Not in a good headspace for it.
>>6280157>>6280159>>6280238>>6280239You look to Piker again, then Euphrates and then towards the door again.Well. You've been neglecting Piker and you need to start getting to know Euphrates, so spending some time training with them is probably the ticket.It doesn't take much for you to encourage them to go out into the rain, either and once you've pulled on your clothes from yesterday, you follow them.It's cold. Icy even, but you're fairly used to it and seeing Piker leaping from puddle to puddle in the broken up yard in front of the shed is worth the discomfort and makes for both good practice for Piker in moving on land and doing so quickly and just general conditioning for Euphrates, who you get the sense hasn't really come out of the water much up until now.Once you're satisfied they're getting the hang of things, you start drilling them in Water Pulse, using the shed door as a target, for lack of other options at present.They're making good progress and things are going well, up until Martha opens the door to see what all the noise is, before she screams in shock as she's drenched by an attempt by Euphrates...>...Shit.>Um... sorry...>That's enough practice for the time being.>...Er... One free shot?>Other
>>6280923>That's enough practice for the time being.>...Shit.
>>6280936+1
>>6280936>>6281116"...Shit." You manage eloquently."What the [i]hell?![/i]" Martha demands, dripping wet head to toe now and covering her chest as that burst of water just effectively sent it from 'thin' to 'skintight'."Just... filling the time until Professor Conifer's lab opens." You reply sheepishly, shifting from foot to foot where you stand in the rain and mud. "...I think that might be enough practice for the time being." You add awkwardly.Martha scoffs."You think?" She adds. "You owe me big for this." She warns, jabbing a finger at you. "Now come in before you catch a chill. Arceus knows, the last thing we need is you getting sick."You spare a look at Euphrates and Piker."Sorry guys, that's it for this morning." You say as they look up to you hopefully.They both look disappointed by this, but they follow you back into the shed and hop into the trough without complaint, before Martha throws you your towel, already wrapped in her own."The pokemon center ought to be open now." You offer awkwardly.Martha considers this for a moment, before sighing."I hate how reasonable you are." She says darkly as she goes to get changed.You wake Gareth and Holly up and explain your idea and although they grumble, they follow your example and get changed so you can head for the pokemon center.It's a miserable walk, even with Martha's Medicham keeping the rain off you with Psychic, but the hot shower at the end makes it worth it, as does breakfast afterwards.Halfway through, you get a call from Jacky asking where you are, but she readily accepts your explanation of heading to the pokemon center so as not to hold up everyone's morning routines, before informing you she'll meet you there 'in a bit.'You've still got about an hour until the professor's lab opens, though and no real idea when Jacky is going to catch you up or what she wants.>Meditate.>Make some poke blocks for Piker. You've got a pretty healthy supply of Pamtre berries right now.>Groom your team.>Spend time with Kay O-o.>Talk with someone.>Ask Martha what you owe her.>Other
>>6281482>Ask Martha what you owe her.>Spend time with Kay O-o.
>>6281547+1
>>6281547+1Woudl have loved some Pokebloc shenanigans. Alas, such is life
>>6281547>>6281576>>6281643Okay, I was going to finish the update tonight, but I'm dead tired. I might still manage it, but we'll see.I'm sorry this is taking so long. I have a clear idea of what I want to write, I've just been run off my feet lately.
"So... what do I owe you?" You ask Martha cautiously.She pauses thoughtfully."Leave that with me." She says. "Only thing that springs to mind is a bit much to ask for an accident. Even one as uncomfortable as that.""Oh?" You prod, curiously.She waves her good hand vaguely."Just somewhere I want to visit that's a bit out of the way and that I can't really go with a broken arm." She replied. "Like I said - a bit much to ask you to go with me over an accident."You nod, but privately, you're sure that that there're girls out there who'd do exactly that."You'd be surprised." Meowth says wisely, having tagged along to get breakfast with you. "Some people absolutely would ask more for pettier reasons.""I guess Alex was right - you do have stories." Martha concedes."Like you wouldn't believe." Meowth says seriously.You excuse yourself after that and head into the back to see how Kay O-o is doing.As it turns out, the answer is 'much better than yesterday', as he lifts his head when you come in and rumbles a friendly greeting and relaxes noticeably as Latias reappears beside you, evidently having followed you here."Hey, Kay." You say, scratching his chin. "Good job the other day. I hear you punched well above your weight."He nods, once, then settles back onto the bed he's curled up on as you sit down beside him to keep him company.As you move on to scritching behind his crest, you take stop of his injuries as best you can - and while he might have sat the blond prick's Tyranitar on its ass, he got fucked up in the process: A deep gash that will probably scar looks to have come within a millimeter of taking his left eye and his torso is a mass of bandages. You reason that the majority of his injuries are on his left side, given his left arm is also bandaged and the dressings for his injuries are mostly on his left side.How bad these other injuries are, you're not certain and without knowing as much about Hakamo-o anatomy and biology as you do about more commonly seen pokemon, you're not sure whether these other wounds will scar.(Part 1)
>>6282730"How is he?"You look up to see Jacky standing in the doorway, jacket spattered with raindrops and looking concerned."According to mum's notes, he's going to be in bed for another two days." You reply. "What did you want to see me about?" You ask curiously."I wanted to apologise. For this happening." Jacky replies. "If I had've just pushed harder-""Jacky, I can't imagine you've had the time to devote to rooting out one bad apple." You reply frankly. "I might not have paid much attention to the League before today, but I know Champions are kept busy." You add."Even so." She says. "Kay O-o got hurt. I could've kept a closer eye on Lawrence, but I didn't. I'm at least partially responsible for what happened. And I'm sorry for letting you down." She adds.>Apology accepted.>Please stop beating yourself up over this.>If you want to make it up to me somehow, you mind co-signing a dispensation to keep Latias with me in addition to my 'active' party?>You've got something for me, haven't you?>Other
>>6282735>Apology accepted.I really want to go with the third or fourth options, but part of me doesn't want to guilt her into helping us lmaoI'm willing to change my vote if the other anons think it's for the best.
>>6282735>>Apology accepted.>>Please stop beating yourself up over this.
>>6282800+1
>>6282780>>6282800>>6283232"Apology accepted." You reply, without skipping a beat. "Please stop beating yourself up over this."You don't even have to think about it. Jacky has been your best friend since you were in primary school and you know that she'd have stopped that Lawrence guy if she could've.She's beating herself up partly because she does genuinely feel guilty, but if you're right, she's also looking for a pretext for something.It wouldn't be the first time she's made similar excuses to this because she felt too embarrassed to just give you a gift.And she's probably being doubly cautious now because of your relationship with Fie, if you had to hazard a guess.She takes a breath and her shoulders drop, before she nods wordlessly."...How do you intend to stop this happening in future?" She asks at length, sounding dissatisfied to you."I was thinking I'd ask Professor Conifer for an exemption." You reply. "You know, so I can keep her with me, even when she's not actively part of my team."Jacky nods."I'm familiar with those sorts of arrangements." She confirms. "They're a pain in the arse, but nobody's going to make too much of an issue of it when you've got legitimate reason and an incident like this to point at." She assured."That's good to know." You say with a surge of relief at her confirming that you're not grasping at straws."...Anyway..." She says, rising on her toes and then rocking back on her heels restlessly. "I er... I was wondering..." She begins awkwardly. "Do you... want some help training later?" She asks cautiously. "Not a date or anything, just..." She sighs. "...Well, blatant nepotism. Friends." She finishes wryly.>Won't that get you in trouble?>I appreciate the thought, but I'm good.>Are things really so strict you can't help a friend train?>Sure, I could use the help.>Well it can't be nepotism if it's a group thing, right?>Other
>>6283753>>Are things really so strict you can't help a friend train?
>>6283809>>6283820You frown, taken aback at her use of 'nepotism'."Are things really so strict you can't help a friend train?" You ask incredulously."It's not a good look. Champions aren't supposed to play favorites." Jacky explains. "And private training sessions can absolutely be construed as that." She adds. "Gym leaders have a little more leeway, since they're there to test trainers' skills and develop them. But Champions are meant to serve as the ultimate test of trainers' mettle."Well on the face of it, that puts paid to that, but...>Well it can't be nepotism if it's a group thing, right?>I was thinking of challenging Daz at the gym later. Maybe you could drop in...?>Damn. Being Champion is a real hassle, huh?>Other
>>6284333>>Damn. Being Champion is a real hassle, huh?Nepotism of a group or an individual doesn't change much things.
>>6284353Jacky is another take on some things I've not seen Game Freak explore - a Champion that absolutely *doesn't* want the job and the strictures involved with it.So going by the examples of champions in the game, things Champions *can* do:- Give rookies their first pokemon.- Give away TMs and HMs.- Give away Eggs.- Give useful items.- Give dispensation to go to restricted areas.And then a whole other level help in a crisis, although it could be said that the PCs are being deputised in those situations.
>>6284360How about ask our brother/sister about their most desired Rare Pokémon and delegate the hunt of eggs for Jacky?
>>6284333>I was thinking of challenging Daz at the gym later. Maybe you could drop in...?>Damn. Being Champion is a real hassle, huh?
>>6284353>>6284416"Damn. Being Champion is a real hassle, huh?" You say, feeling a little incredulous at what Jacky just said."Arceus, you have no idea." She says heavily. "I've got to be careful of what I say and do, who I associate with... It's a pain. I mean, the gym leaders are good company and so are the Elite Four, but..." She sighs. "I miss just being a normal trainer." She says."Well you didn't *have* to take the title, did you?" You note.Jacky shakes her head."No, I did." She says. "The former Champion, Michael, retired after I beat him." She said. "And Emma did as well, so with the Elite Four short as well, there was a shortage of candidates. And given I'd just won..." She waves her hand helplessly. "I didn't think it'd be anything close to as restrictive as this." She admits. "And nobody's come along who could beat me since." She adds. "Hell, nobody's even gotten to me these past three years - all the hopefuls got cleaned up by the Elite Four."That's... intimidating to think about."So you're stuck." You finish, before you remember something Martha said back in the Route 2 warehouse. "Wait, I thought you'd made Champion three times." You say. "How does that work?""Well, yes." Jacky says. "I have won the championship three times, but Michael retired last year, so I couldn't just let him keep the position this time." She explains."Ah." You say. "So, what was that back at the roadhouse, then?" You ask. "If you're not supposed to help people train?""Me taking a risk because nobody was around, basically everyone was asleep and it was so miserable most sane people would've still been in bed." She replies. "Plus, I hadn't seen my best friend for three years, so I figured it was worth it." She adds, then smiles wryly. "The *really* big thing I shouldn't have done there though, was the kiss. If someone had've seen that, I would've gotten an earful."She pauses."...Thanks for the tip about speaking with Fie's mum, though." She says with a sigh. "...Arceus, I'm an idiot. I should've done that a long time ago."(Part 1)
>>6285412You stop scratching behind Kay O-o's crest as he noses you and gives you a nudge.It seems that he's tired again and wants a rest.Message received, you hop down from his bed and head out, Jacky falling in beside you."Well, I was thinking of challenging Daz - Daniel - at the gym later." You say, wondering if that would be general enough to give her a loophole. "Maybe you could drop in...?" You suggest.Jacky tilts her head, clearly thinking."That might work..." She admits slowly. "My sisters are trainers there too and I can get away with helping them train since they're family." She explains. "Got to give Leon credit for something, I guess."You chuckle.Even not following the League too much, you've heard of the Galar Champion. And how much of a media darling he is."It's also a public venue. If you give an impromptu seminar..." You add."Yeah, that could work." Jacky says with feeling. "And your family just lost your house, too..." She adds, then stops. "...I'll have to make a few calls first, but I'll see you later. Oh, and bring Sarah and Tom along to the Gym with you." She adds, smiling. "It might not be much, but I'll see about getting them something nice as well.""Got it." You assure, giving her a thumbs up.She nods, then hurries off, already dialing a number in her 'dex.Well, that still leaves you with some time until the lab opens...>Meditate.>Make some poke blocks for Piker. You've got a pretty healthy supply of Pamtre berries right now.>Groom your team.>Talk with Gareth.>Talk with Holly.>Talk with Martha.>Other
>>6285417>>Make some poke blocks for Piker. You've got a pretty healthy supply of Pamtre berries right now.
>>6285417>>6285449+1How good are we with making poke blocks again?
>>6285449>>6285610Roll.And not terrible. You just have a shit blender
Rolled 53 (1d100)>>6285641
Rolled 62 (1d100)>>6285641A bad craftman will blame his tools.
>>6285936What's this?A frenchman not taking the chance to rag on the English? (By proxy)Never thought I'd see the day.
>>6285939Why ragging on the english when their little social experiment of open-ground prison of thieves and whores do it for us just a couple century down the road?
>>6285943Touche.
Rolled 76 (1d100)>>6286462I'll roll again.
>>6285661>>6285936>>6286642You decide that, all things being equal, you might as well use the time to make some pokeblocks.You've been growing Pamtre berries this whole time for that express purpose and you've got a healthy supply of them now. And better yet - enough people to use all the ports on your blender.When you pull it out and set it up on the table, Holly and Gareth both perk up."How's your stock of berries doing?" Gareth asks curiously."I've got enough Pamtre berries for all of us to use one." You reply."These'll be some damn high-grade blocks, then." Martha says. "I'd help, but... I'm no good at this." She says."That's fine."You look around to see your mother approaching with a gleam in her eyes."It's quiet this time of morning, so I'll help." She says, taking the fourth port as you, Holly and Gareth take the others.Getting things set up doesn't take long and on your mother's mark, you start blending.Fortunately, the blender apparently feels like working today and with your mother's help you soon have the blender whirring like a turbine engine and you manage to keep it working thus for the majority of its operation.When it finally dings it's finished and dispenses the finished blocks, they come out iridescent blue, looking almost like cubes of turquoise, rather than the royal blue you've managed previously."Oh, now these came out well." Your mother said, examining one with a look of satisfaction. "Your pokemon are going to love these." She adds seriously, taking five of the twenty your session produced, presumably for her own pokemon while you divvy the rest up with Holly and Gareth."They probably will." Holly agrees."Do you do Contests in your spare time?" Gareth asks politely.Your mother smiles wisely."I used to, but I don't have the time these days." She adds. "I take it you managed to catch Feebas of your own at Lake Clarity?" She asks.(Part 1)
Peak pokebloc Gameplay
>>6287041Holly and Gareth nod in confirmation."Well in that case, let me give you all some advice..." She begins, before she gives you all a comprehensive diet plan for your Feebas to encourage them to develop Prism Scales of their own.Apparently, if you space out the poke blocks you just made properly and supplement with Chesto and Bluk berries, you should be able to have all three ready to evolve soon."Feeding Blue Blocks like these in bulk upfront isn't a good idea." Your mother continues. "It causes irregular scale growth and can lead to health complications in the future. It'll ensure you have a Milotic quickly, certainly, but it'll also mean that you're going to be spending a fortune on ongoing health issues. Milotic that evolve like that also tend not to live as long as Milotic that have had more measured diets." She adds."Huh. Never knew that." Martha admits, resting her chin on her hand as she listens, as attentive as Holly and Gareth are. You already have the gist of this, thanks to having less been taught it than having absorbed it through the skin.Your mother might not be a great cook, but she damn well knows nutrition.You all feed your respective Feebas one of the pokeblocks now, to their clear delight, before you go and clean out the blender. Since it actually cooperated this time, it's a relatively quick and easy process and there's far less berry mash to clean out this time.(Part 2)
>>6287066This minor chore taken care of, you check the time and find that the lab should be just about to open.You set out, waving goodbye to your mum before you hurry across town through the rain to Professor Conifer's lab.You get there just as he's opening the lab and he gives a start, looking very taken aback to be seeing you."Alex..." He says cautiously. "You're here bright and early. And far sooner than I thought you'd be, considering how you took off like a Golbat out of hell the other week." He adds."Yes, well..." You begin then clear your throat. "You heard what happened the other day, right?" You ask awkwardly."My boy, the whole town knows." Professor Conifer replies. "And what that young thug was after." He adds, producing a Bluk berry, which Latias takes from his hand with evident relish, appearing beside you to accept a chin scratch from the Professor.You feel a little miffed at Latias's wandering, but given her evident people watching at the lake, you're not too surprised that she's been conning snacks off of other people around town. Especially if she's been talking with Meowth.You give Latias a reproving look.She at the very least has the grace to pretend to be contrite, but considering that her face is currently splattered with Bluk berry juice, it rings a little hollow."Well, I'd like to talk to you with regards to avoiding another incident. I'd like to apply for dispensation for a companion pokemon." You explain."Ah, I see." The professor says, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Normally, that's quite a fiddly process, but given the circumstances..." He trails off and looks over your shoulder.You turn and see Jacky hurrying up the path to the lab."Well. The Champion's signature is certainly not going to hurt." Professor Conifer says wryly."Sorry I'm late." Jacky says, abashed as if she were actually late to an appointment and you hadn't told her your plan not forty-five five minutes ago."Regardless, come on in out of the rain." The Professor says, stepping aside and allowing you in, before you head to his office.(Part 3)
Don't know how long this one's going to be, but I never did properly characterise the Professor or make him at all relevant. And considering going to see him was the plan, I didn't think it was worthwhile voting for something you were going to do anyway.
>>6287107You’ve only rarely visited the professor’s lab and last time, you were so excited at the prospect of starting your journey that you didn’t take the opportunity to look around.What strikes you the most is that, contraire to your preconceptions, Conifer’s lab isn’t filled with advanced analysis equipment or stacks of paper.It’s full of rocks, plant samples, soil samples and photos of various vistas around the region.You realise you never actually asked what he studied.Before you can, he pushes a sheaf of papers towards you and wordlessly, you start filling out boxes.Once you're done, he quickly and efficiently fills out several more, before passing the papers for Jacky, who fills out the remainder, before the three of you sign and date the last page, before the professor turns to Holly, Martha and Gareth."This document requires two witnesses." He says.The three trade looks, before Martha shrugs and signs her name, before Gareth takes the pen and does likewise, before Conifer takes the sheaf of papers, scans them, shoots off an e-mail and then, ten minutes later, your pokedex pings and alerts you to approval for a companion slot having been granted.The professor chuckles."I wish that that was this easy all the time." He says darkly."I made some calls to fast track things." Jacky explains."Thanks Jacky. I appreciate it." You say with feeling.She practically beams in response.>Ask the professor what he studies.>Ask the professor if he needs any help with anything.>Thank the professor and go challenge Daniel at the gym.>Thank the professor and go train.>Thank the professor and get moving. You've got a lot of ground to make up.>Other
>>6287109And now, the more accurate picture.
>>6287109>>Ask the professor what he studies.Thanks for the mega-update QM
>>6287113This wouldn't be a realistic quest if there wasn't a depressing amount of paperwork involved somewhere.
>>6287109>Ask the professor what he studies.>Ask the professor if he needs any help with anything.I smell a side quest. And then we can challenge Daz, like we said we were gonna do.Also agree with what the other anon said, I appreciate the big update.
>>6287113>>6287122"Say, I never did ask what you study, Professor." You say before the thought escapes you again."Pokemon habitat, my boy." The professor replies. "And more specifically, how pokemon adapt the environment to suit themselves." He adds. "I've actually been rather busy on Route 2 as of late-""Ah, that would be my Leavanny's handiwork." You say apologetically. "We got caught out by a storm and had to make camp in a hurry. She was just a Sewaddle at the time, but-""How much direction did you actually give her for that?" Conifer asks pointedly."...Not a lot." You admit. "I was a little busy getting stitched up after a Rufflet shredded my arm.""Then her handiwork is still a valid example, though I do have to ask how much help she did have." He adds."Well, Fie did ask her Blaziken to help, but she didn't really give her any directions beyond that." You recount."So that pavillion was the work of two pokemon with next to no input from their trainers." He completes. "You can see why habitat is of interest in research circles." He adds. "All those photos in the lab proper, are of sites I've been monitoring for years now - specifically, of the last time I surveyed them last year." He adds. "I'm about due to go and survey them again, but..." He sighed. "Age seems to be catching up to me. I couldn't do anything for a week last year after I got back, so I'll need to look into commissioning someone to go and survey the sites for me." He adds."Where are these sites?" You ask."Most of them tend towards being around the lakes and mountains, though there are a few in the Barrier Islands and in the Southern Isles." He adds reflectively. "The rest are spots along the major routes - your campsite at Route 2 was one, there's another along Route 5 near Redmont, another a little off the middle of Route 7 on Victory Road and the last is along Route 13." He adds. "So, even flying direct to all of them, it's quite the task."That sounds like quite the understatement to you, considering the flight from Route 4 you had yesterday.>Well, I could do it while we're travelling.>Martha, do you think your friends would want to help with this?>...I think we're going to be a bit too busy to help with this.>Other
>>6287508>Well, I could do it while we're travelling.>Martha, do you think your friends would want to help with this?
>>6287508>>Well, I could do it while we're travelling.
>>6287587>>6287601You have to stop and think about this for a minute.You already have quite a lot on your plate, but you'd likely be going past these survey sites one way or another and it's not like taking photos and samples would take long."Do you think your friends would want to help?" You ask Martha."Yeah, Jean would absolutely be down." She confirms with a nod. "I doubt Kathryn or Judy would object either, since we were going to check those places out anyway." She adds."Then I can count on two groups of trainers to survey these sites?" Conifer asks.>Well, you can count us in, at least.>Sure thing.>Well, you'll have one. I think we're going to be a bit busy.>Other
>>6288086>Sure thing.
>>6288086>Sure thingWe got a companion slot, let's pull our weight.
>>6288146>>6288263Well, considering what the Professor just did for you, refusing just strikes you as bad form.Besides, this isn't exactly an imposition."You can." You confirm with a nod.Conifer nods."Excellent. As for your payment..." He leans in. "If I place the orders now, I think it ought to be in by the time you're done. How does a Master Ball each sound?" He asks.>That sounds awesome.>What do you guys think?>Sounds good, but how about... (Write in)>All good for my part.>Other
>>6288690>>That sounds awesome.
>>6288690>>That sounds awesome.>>What do you guys think?
>>6288694>>6288751'Master Ball'.The words echo in your ears.And well they might.You don't need to be a trainer to have heard of the pinnacle of poke ball technology, so effective that their manufacture is strictly regulated, controlled and monitored to ensure that they're not misused and never produced en masse, lest they cause something akin to the Lapras Collapse.The strict control and regulation aside, they're also difficult to manufacture - they require rare elements in their construction and are produced artisanally. Their rarity engendering a sort of luxury attitude towards them - details like lacquer finishes, satin-lined interiors or more personal customisation of the exterior for owners being common.Conifer's offer sounds more than reasonable, in your view, for something that you were going to be doing anyway.But this isn't just about you."What do you guys think?" You ask, looking to the others."Yeah, that's more than reasonable." Martha says.Holly nods her agreement and Gareth... Gareth shakes his head."I appreciate the offer." He assures. "But I can't in good conscience accept. Removing a pokemon's agency with regards to whether they join a trainer or not is something I find distasteful." He explains.Considering Gareth's opinion on trading, you can't really say you're surprised to hear this from him, but you have to admit, you respect him for sticking by his principles on this.Conifer looks quite taken aback by it."Well... hm." He trails off, looking thoughtful. "I can't in good conscience just give you nothing when I'm going to be ordering Master Balls for all your friends." He says. "Is there anything you'd like instead?" He asks."Well... Could you organise a trip overseas? I'd love to see more of the world." He asks, before looking to you and Holly. "How about it?" He asks. "Instead of Master Balls, we go traveling abroad.">That's not a bad idea, actually.>That's tempting, but I'd rather the Master Ball and pay for the trip.>...Oh man, that's a hard choice. I'm going to have to think on this.>Other
>>6289222>>...Oh man, that's a hard choice. I'm going to have to think on this.
>>6289222>"I'm fine with either.">See what Holly thinks of it.Pretty tough choice. Though if we do go on the trip we should at least invite Fie.
And archived.Now, just need to wait for SouthKalosQM to break this tie and we can get a new thread going.Ordinarily, I'd go to page 10, but the way we've been going lately, feel like trying to keep the momentum.
>>6289222>That's tempting, but I'd rather the Master Ball and pay for the trip.I wanna be a Master Baller
Wait this doesn't help in ANYTHING....I'm still voting that.
Rolled 2 (1d3)1>>62893232>>62894873>>6289739Me and my big mouth...Okay, looks like we're rolling then.
>>6289741Okay, so you're presently neutral on which option to go with and want to see what Holly says.Update will be in a new thread, up shortly.
>>6289751>>6289751>>6289751New Thread.
