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Post by empireoffire on Dec 3, 2014 22:20:36 GMT -6
Hugh subjected himself to Xerosic's tour of his "humble" base of operations. Turns out that he had a large information network, automatically updated with latest information from news outlets, information from his spies, certain viral videos and media, a hacked satellite feed, and at least one intercepted radio frequency from Nova, cracked encryption and all.
"Where did you get all this stuff?" asked Hugh.
"Being the scientific genius that I am, I built most of it from scratch", explained Xerosic. "It took quite some time to get everything operational, though equipment I salvaged from my old occupation proved to make the job easier."
"What was your old job?" inquired Hugh.
"A man of science!" exclaimed Xerosic.
So... scientist.
"Did you quit to pursue the Ultimate Weapon?"
"No", said Xerosic. "I'm a Kalos native, see."
"Oh", said Hugh. "I'm sorry to hear that." He looked around to change the subject. "Is that map over there how you keep track of Nova and resistance movements?"
"Quite right", said Xerosic. "It's always important to know about contested territories, resistance advances, and whether someone's base went up in smoke or not. Plus, I keep track of where legendary Pokemon are or were last seen. Those are what the flags are."
Hugh looked it over. "Unless something's changed in the past week, Manaphy's also in Realgam."
"Is it now? Doubt it will be of much use to us, but better to know such things. At the very least, that's one less Pokemon that Nova might have."
"...Speaking of which, you still haven't told me where in the world we are."
"Ahh yes." He cleared his throat. "It's always the minor details that I overlook. You are currently in Twist Mountain, boy. Think of it: a large mountain whose excavation was cancelled by Nova in order to divert resources elsewhere, with many corridors and secrets still unearthed. A perfect place for a secret laboratory, wouldn't you say?"
Hugh shrugged. "If you say so."
Xerosic proceeded onward with the tour. He gestured toward the large monitors at the end of the hall. "This is where I monitor Essentia's status; vitality, first-person viewpoint, all that stuff. You've no doubt been wondering this, but yes: most of Essentia's capabilities are due to the suit of my creation: The Expansion Suit!"
"...Does it expand?" asked Hugh.
"It expands human potential", explained Xerosic.
Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer.
"After all", explained Xerosic. "The suit is designed for speed, agility, infiltration, coordination, and flexibility. None of which would be suitable of bulky armor befitting a literal interpretation of the suit's name."
Honestly, I thought you were some pervert who liked seeing females in tight clothing.
"I get that, thanks... But now that I think about it, where is she? Essentia, I mean."
"She comes and goes as she's needed, I assure you", replied Xerosic. "Anyway, come. I have something to show you."
Hugh was going to protest until something told him that Xerosic wasn't going to say much more about Essentia. He followed.
---
Xerosic led Hugh to a seemingly innocent corner in the lab, until he pushed a button disguised as part of the wall and a stairway downstairs revealed itself. Xerosic led him downstairs and entered an eleven digit password at a terminal to open the door to a wide room about half the size of the lab above. Xerosic flipped the lightswitch to reveal a large, bulky, metal suit of silver armor in a glass tube in the middle of the room. A shelf of various components stood next to it.
"Here it is", said Xerosic. "The prototype armor I've mentioned; a fantastic product as a result from observations of Nova Power Armor -- such as admin Jay's -- salvaged technology from deceased persons -- often from ruins of a blown up Nova base or three -- reconfigured settings from the expansion suit, and brilliant bursts of genius from yours truly!"
Hugh examined the armor. It looked like it would take some getting used to.
At least it isn't a tight suit.
"What features does it come with?" asked Hugh.
Xerosic cleared his throat. This was going to take a while. "Let's start basic. You will have superhuman strength and running speed... There ends the basics. The suit comes with a latent bio-field that can withstand a multitude of damage before popping, and even then it goes without saying that the suit is heavily armored regardless. Not only that, but I've outfitted a device on its left gauntlet that causes the suit to emulate a Pokemon type of your choosing, gaining their strengths and weaknesses. Essentia has this too, albeit a limited version that I confess to having difficulty upgrading without risk of jeopardizing her suit's functions. Anyway, there is also a arm-cannon on the other arm, firing explosive bursts capable of frying metal with enough effort. That same arm also has a retractable blade for close encounters. The suit's armor is also crafted with an alloy resistant to magnetic pulls -- though you will start to be affected by particularly strong ones -- and has an anti-virus of sorts installed for pesky Rotom and Porygon. I've also begun designing additional attachments -- it's a prototype -- but I confess they're untested at best and unreliable at worse."
"Like?"
"I have this jetpack attachment", said Xerosic, picking up a heavy piece of machinery from the nearby shelf. "It spreads open with bladed wings and can help propel you a great distance in a short amount of time. Keyword: short. I've attempted prolonged flight, and though I have made progress, it is not yet perfected. It may do short bursts, however. Allow me some time, and it shall be complete."
Xerosic put the wings back and showed Hugh what looked like a rifle. "This laser rifle is a thing of beauty; take aim and let the thin laser do the rest; that is, burn through everything in its path. The problem is that the internal components tend to break easily after a shot, and crafting the required ammunition takes quite some effort."
Xerosic held up a helmet next. It had a thin visor compared to what Essentia has. "I've been meaning to design a helmet with most if not all of Essentia's functions such as auto-aim, but I confess I've only recently begun on the project. I still recommend wearing it for protection, however, lest a stray bullet aimed for your head after your bio-fields fail be the end of you."
"Finally, there's this." He held a small pistol. "...Actually, I was mistaken. This device is mostly finished. They fire small devices capable of disabling most forms of electronics, at least for a brief moment. It does not work well against Nova admin-grade armor, however, and due to lack of information regarding their designs and components, it's unlikely that I shall ever be able to construct it as I have envisioned."
Hugh was wide-eyed. "Wow. That's actually more than I expected."
Xerosic smiled. "Never underestimate what my genius is capable of! Although I must tell you, you will probably need to adjust to using the armor. It's like riding a bike, so to speak.
However, I do believe that is for another time", continued Xerosic. "As for right now, I do believe that is all there is for me to show you in my laboratory."
"Is that so?" said Hugh. "...Wait, where do you sleep?"
"Err, yes. Actually, this is not what you may call my home. It's more of a workplace. I have a remote home in Route 7. We have a guest room, so I invite you to stay there with us, at least until Zygarde allows us to terraform the mountain or something."
Now that I think of it, we can adopted The Underground's... wait.
"Wait", said Hugh. "'us'?"
"Ahh yes, I've forgotten to mention, haven't I?" said Xerosic. "I have a daughter."
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2014 7:23:11 GMT -6
Gently flowing water , the smell of dew on fresh cut grass. Trees, and some flowers.Fennel hoped these things in Realgam Courtyard would have a sort of calming effect. Fennel knew they wouldn't make him feel like a hippie or Aroma boy, both of which were uncommon, the latter,were usually criticized especially. Fennel knew that dream mist would work better, but she hadn't gone near it since her earlier twenties. She had been an addict, what with Musharna always spouting the stuff out in her house after being saved by that boy. Her new apprentice, Lacey, had been acting strangely. Lacey had given her a report of some rather gruesome events and then scurried off for a hastily scheduled salon appointment. Fennel could only hope the kid would be okay.Both of them. She knew times were tough, but Fennel also knew you needed a pair to survive in this world, war or not. Besides, they would need the kid if only for his Drive. Even so, being needed was pretty amazing nowadays. Fennel scheduled the meeting for sunset.Calming effect, again. The professor made a few final preparations, trying to get as many people to saty away from the courtyard as posiible, then set off and sent the message.
Austin ate a lonely dinner in the cafeteria before heading to his scheduled meeting with the professor.He had a feeling that he was finally going to face the truth, no matter what it was or how ugly it would be. Austin walked beside himself quite literally. At least he believed so.
"Prepare to have your precious and fragile reality shattered. 'Austin you're nothing but a screw-up, incompetent little baby, and worst of all a monster!'I can hear them now talking about you. Ha!Hahahahaahhaahahahahahahahahaha!"
Austin didn't bother arguing. He was angry,confused,tired,and disgusted with himself. Noone he passed could tell,though, as his face was expressionless as always these days.
As people gave him side glances and stares, he smelt blood. The blood of Carlisle, the blood of Nelson, the blood of Wally, the blood of Snorlax and other pokemon, the blood of those dead on the space satellite, the blood of Barry, the blood of Ethan, the blood of Richie, the blood of one island, and of Carlos and All those who'd Austin had met and all those he had lost.
Tears welled up in his eyes, his face struggled to become a look of distraught, vut some force stopped it.
He enetered the quiet courtyard as the sun was setting. Most definetely setting on the life of his old self. He would be reborn. Reborn of the ashes and blood left on him.Reborn through whatever he was about to learn.As what and who, was to be seen.
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 5, 2014 5:21:26 GMT -6
Hugh wondered how Xerosic, being overweight, was going to pass through the crack leading to the base. He felt stupid when it turned out he punched a code in his computer and yet another hidden passageway revealed itself.
"Any other hidden passages I should know about?" asked Hugh.
"Y-Yes, well... You know about my memory and minor details!" said Xerosic. Hugh merely stared at him in silence until he cleared his throat nervously and scurried through the passageway. At the end of the cave it led to was a ladder and a manhole they climbed out of, hidden by a lot of Route 7 vegetation. Hugh closed the manhole as Xerosic dusted himself off.
"Follow me, please."
---
Hugh followed Xerosic to a humble house a ways off the road. Xerosic unlocked the door to the house and stepped inside, Hugh close behind. As Hugh locked the door behind him, Hugh heard a small cry from inside the house and around a corner. Hugh saw an Espurr pop out briefly before noticing Hugh and hiding back in the corner. Xerosic chuckled.
"Hello, Mimi", he said. "Don't be afraid now, he's with me. His name is Hugh."
The Espurr poked its head out of the corner, only to hide back after Hugh awkwardly raised a hand as greeting.
Xerosic followed the Espurr, knelt down, and petted it with his non-glove hand. "I promise you that he will do you no harm. Now Mimi, is Emma home?"
The Espurr cried again, this time smiling at Xerosic, and ran down the hallway. Xerosic chuckled and turned to Hugh. "Apologies. She scares easily towards strangers; particularly those that aren't children."
"You're older than me", said Hugh. "How did you befriend it?"
"Why, I danced a little jig!" exclaimed Xerosic. "It seemed quite fond of it."
...I'm sure it was something special, all right.
Hugh looked as a girl appeared from what he guessed was her bedroom. She had tanned skin (in contrast to the extremely pale Xerosic), blue eyes, black hair cut short, and wore a light blue sweater, a white shirt underneath that, and blue jeans fashionably ripped. She held a portable music player and earphones; probably the reason why she didn't immediately hear them coming in.
"Hi da--" she stopped in her tracks upon seeing the visitor. "Wait... Aren't you..." Her eyes widened. "You are! You're that guy that turned himself into Nova a week ago! The Qwilfish headed one!"
...I think that broke the record.
"Emma", said Xerosic. "Please mind your manners."
Emma backpedaled. "O-Oh, sorry! Really sorry!" she extended her hand out toward Hugh. "I'm Emma. It probably doesn't mean a whole lot, but I really admire what you did. That took courage."
...I suppose I can overlook the Qwilfish comment for that.
"Hugh", he said, shaking her hand. "And thanks. It really does mean a lot."
"I'm just voicing what a lot of people think." Emma let go of her hand. "But... Why are you here?" She hesitated before turning to her father (though Hugh was having trouble believing they were blood related). "Dad, did you...?"
"Not of my doing, I'm afraid", said Xerosic. "I can only wish I had the resources shown on the news, and chances are you would've found out about it if I did. I merely... ran into him by chance. Essentia came back with more baggage than intended. He tackled her at the exact moment she was extracted with the egg."
"The egg? So we've got it?!" exclaimed Emma.
"Wait, she knows?" Hugh asked Xerosic.
"Of course!" said Xerosic. "It's not wise to leave such things hidden from your family! Now granted, I don't share everything, but I still share what I'm doi--" catching himself wandering off the subject, Xerosic cleared his throat. "Yes, Emma. Essentia retrieved Zygarde successfully, although things have... changed. Drastically.
...But surely, we can discuss this over a meal. Hugh, you must be famished, yes? I can scarcely imagine the malnutrition your imprisonment caused!"
"...Now that I have time to think about it, I haven't eaten in ages", replied Hugh. "Even then, they barely gave scraps; just enough for us to stay alive."
"Then it's decided", said Xerosic. "Emma, would you mind making some eggs?"
"No problem", she said.
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Post by HHDeception on Dec 9, 2014 2:43:04 GMT -6
Location: Goldenrod Underground Nova Labs
There was pink stuff everywhere. Floors and Ceilings, solid and liquid. Marissa wasn't quite assured that it wasn't in the air. Harry was in full armor, muttering to himself again. The buzzing drone of his mask's vocals filtered his speech into a low ominous growl that was way to intentionally edgy to be taken seriously. Marissa thought Harry might think it's sexy...ew.
Speaking of his armour, it's received a few aesthetic downgrades. There were probably associated upgrades, but the jarring pink crystal juxtaposed against the golden plating were not easy on the eyes. An unfortunate side-effect of drawing on so much of Diancie's power. A mass of mineral energy hovered between his hands, apparently being scanned and modified at the molecular level.
"Structure 42. Griseous-carbon allotopic catalyst. Highly reactive, SS-level molecular conversion. Weapons applications..."
"You're going to work on the colour later right?"
The mineral snapped in on itself like an elastic and reverted into a mass of...something that was probably organic at some point. Harry turned to face his visitor.
"...what are you doing here? I'm upgrading your armor."
"Did you make it pink?"
Harry gestured over to one of those cliche spotlight glass cylinders that typically showcase new suits of armor. If you can pull of theatrics, do the theatrics. Marissa's armor was inside, and didn't look all that different. The body suit maintained its formal black, but the tendrils had a new coating of some sort which shone a deep translucent pink that almost looked blood red.
"...could be worse. Kind of hot. Is that all?"
"It's not done. The software to cancel the Cosmic Drive is present but I am still determining the the materials required to construct the device. The Nova Drive however, is operational. The entire armor is operation if you require it. Now if you excuse me, I have work to do."
Harry turned his back. Marissa looked kind of incredulous.
"I'm guessing you haven't heard the news."
"Celena's problem."
"The jailbreak?"
"Celena's problem."
...
Location: Space
"There's nothing here. Debris. No weapon. Either it was a single use or it can phantom force. There's no signatures. It could have even been terrestrial."
...
"This is space. It's big. Our satellites can look faster than I can, and nothing can reach regions beyond our sensors without our notice."
...
"No, that's your problem. I saw big boom. I make bigger one now, kay?"
Location: Goldenrod Underground Nova Labs
"Galactic headed it. They're being hailed as heroes now."
Something loud, grindy, and overchargey happened inside of Harry's suit. The diamonds jutting off around his suit seemed to melt away and pool over-top the gold plating, tracing out a sort of coat of arms in blood red diamond. Marissa shuddered from cheese overload.
"You have succeeded in bringing me out of my cave."
As he walked calmly..."calmly"...to the exit, Marissa spoke up.
"I'm up for a reunion too. Let me get dressed."
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 9, 2014 5:35:22 GMT -6
The meal involved Xerosic explaining what was going on with Hugh and Zygarde, Emma asking Hugh some questions, and Hugh noticing a small grey ball of fur in the corner of his eye and trying his hardest not to do anything not to spook the shy little creature.
"Those eggs were delicious", said Xerosic. He gazed upon Hugh's empty plate. "And it appears our guest shares the sentiment! Granted, a hungry man would eat just about--"
"They really were good", said Hugh. "And I don't usually care for eggs."
"Why thank you", said Emma. "Glad that my dad wasn't just saying things when he compliments my cooking."
"Perish the thought!" said Xerosic.
Hugh smiled slightly before looking down. Mimi thought he had noticed her, so she scurried away.
Heh... I've forgotten how family meals felt...
Xerosic stood up and took his plate to the kitchen. "At any rate, I'm afraid I must return to the lab; put Zygarde in proper captivity, see. Emma, why don't you show Hugh where he shall be sleeping?"
Emma nodded. "Okay."
Hugh nodded as he stood up to take his plate.
---
Hugh sat in his bed, deep in thought.
Zygarde...I know it can reverse Yveltal's powers, but... Is it possible? Can I really use it to its full potential and crush the weapon?
...Yes. I have to find some way to do it. I'm not quite sure how, but I'll figure something out.
Hugh snapped out of it when he heard knocking on the door.
"Come in."
Emma opened the door and poked her head inside.
"Is everything good?"
"Yeah", said Hugh. "To be honest, I've almost forgotten what it's like to have a proper bedroom."
"Wow", said Emma glumly. "It must've been tough..."
Hugh slowly nodded. "Yeah..."
"...A-anyway", said Emma, "dad says he wants to know your sizes. Believe me when I say that it's always nice to have more than just one set of clothes to wear."
"I'll let him know", said Hugh. "...By the way, if you have time... Want to chat? I'd rather know some more about the people I'm going to be living with."
"Fair enough", said Emma. She sat on the floor across from him. "What do you want to know?"
"...I'll just say it flat-out: are you and Xerosic really related?"
Emma smirked. "What gave it away? My pretty face, or my skin color? You're right. I'm adopted."
"Really?" said Hugh.
"Yeah", said Emma. "I... never really knew my real parents. I'm... well, as far as I'm concerned, I'm an orphan. As far as I could remember, I never really knew any kind of relative or anything... I was picking pockets and picking scraps of food from the ground as far as I could remember."
"You... you were..."
"A street urchin, yeah", said Emma. She brought her knees upward to her chin, crossing her arms over them. "I couldn't even read, much less write or do math. It was just me and Mimi most of the time, though we became friends with some of the kids around town. Their families couldn't take me in, of course, but I appreciate the help they gave me despite it. They were good people, most of the time."
"Then... How did you come across Xerosic?" asked Hugh.
"I got lucky as hell", replied Emma. "The region was being destroyed once Nova took over."
"Kalos?" guessed Hugh.
Emma nodded. "Sure, there were evacuation measures, but there was no way someone like me could've boarded them. I stayed in Lumiose and... I guess I just sort of decided to have one last walk with Mimi, see everything collapse around us before we died too. My mind was a blank, honestly... Probably because I gave up."
Hugh sat in silence.
"...Anyway, I guess I wasn't watching where I was going, so out of nowhere this large man with a lot of electronic equipment runs out of this cafe that was shut down years ago and we slammed into each other. I helped him get the stuff I made him drop until I saw him beginning to struggle with all the stuff he was carrying. I offered to help carry some of his stuff for him. No idea why... Guess I just figured I had nothing to lose. He said sure, so I followed him as we bolted right out of the city to the coast to the northeast. Turns out that this strange guy had a submarine ready and just needed the equipment for a few adjustments before he could use it to get out of the region. Realizing this, I showed him Mimi, got on my knees, and begged him to take her to safety. I didn't care if I died, I just wanted her to live, at the very least."
Hugh saw an Espurr walk in and stop at the doorstep. Emma didn't notice.
"Turns out that there was enough space on the sub for the both of us, and he let us both hop in. I didn't see Kalos behind us as we dove, but then again, I didn't really want to. It was still my home, you know.
...During the trip, I realized that there wasn't much point to me living. I couldn't read, I couldn't write, I couldn't do anything. I would've just continued scrounging for scraps of food, only in a new environment. I voiced my thoughts to Xerosic and he did something I will remember for as long as I live: he offered me a home... Shelter... Food... something resembling an education... To adopt me as his daughter. Sure, he also added 'as long as you act as my helper' at the end, but I was so happy I almost cried. Now, well... here I am."
Mimi walked into the room and nuzzled itself against Emma. She smiled sadly as she began caressing the Pokemon. "Sorry", said Emma. "I've rambled for a long time... What about you? Do you have family?"
"...Not anymore", said Hugh. "Nova, they... I had a Flygon... Knew Draco Meteor..."
Emma filled in the gaps and gasped. "Oh no. I didn't..."
"My best friend also died the same day... at the PWT. I fell in with Yveltal for a time... Did things I regret. Eventually, the admin, a few others, and I tried organizing the team together. I don't know if I was just desperate for companionship, but I felt like I was growing to become friends with them. That is, until Galactic came in and killed them all."
"The same people dad's worried about", muttered Emma. Mimi stood next to her, gazing at Hugh.
"I destroyed one of their bases as soon as I figured out what happened and got imprisoned for my trouble", continued Hugh. "Eventually, Maurice comes on and broadcasts his hostage negotiation with the Sevii Islands. Figuring I should do something about it instead of rot away in my cell, I volunteered as the Yveltal rep, though not without feeling sick to my stomach. A week later, I was busted out, I tackled Essentia at the right moment back at Realgam... Here I am."
"Hugh..." said Emma.
"...I'll be honest, Emma... Before Essentia came in, I was lost. My family is dead, my Pokemon were taken by Galactic, the people who killed my friends were heroes and far better at doing things than we could've dreamed of doing, Mewtwo was far from a giver of sympathy... I had no idea what to do... Practically gave up."
"So then... you..."
"We're a lot alike", said Hugh. "Fell on hard times, been through a lot, lost our home, gave up... Until Xerosic came along."
Emma smiled sadly. "Since you're living here, you're also adopted in a way."
"I think we well understand what the other feels... If we're working for the same side, can I count on you?"
Emma smirked, picked herself up from the floor and held out her hand. "Shake on it, partner?"
Hugh smiled and shook her hand. Mimi cried out happily, standing the closest to Hugh as she's ever been all day.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2014 6:11:12 GMT -6
The air was as clear as Orre air ever was. The courtyard was peaceful. Fennel stood looking out at the sunset. Obviously she'd picked this setting for a reason of some kind.
This is it. Time to discover whatever secrets are worth keeping from me.
"You know you don't want to know. She'll just tell you what you've known all along, that you're A decapitating murderous monster."
Austin didn't listen to the person who spoke to him. It took all his will to ignore such harsh words.
Unbeknownst to Fennel and Austin, Ace, Victini, and Shogun had gathered nearby. They wiated to hear the entire conversation.
"I'm here",Austin said, announcing his presence to the professor.
"Yes, you are."Fennel turned to look at him. Austin had grown taller and wasn't but maybe an inch shorter than Fennel now."I'm gonna give this to you straight, no spoon feeding, you're too old for that now."
"Lay it on me." Austin said this with no emotions at all. His tone matched his ever expressionless face.
Austin concentrated his entire being on the woman in front of him.Austin didn't look at Celena behind her, Lacey, Maurice, Girantina, Snorlax, or any of the monstrous people who were invading Realgam. He didn't care if he died. He had to know this. This crucial information that could be life changing.
"After monitoring your behavior since finding you after the Tavern incident,and even a short time before that,I've come up with a conclusion. You have shown symptoms of repetitive speech patterns, expressionless faces, and--"
Austin wouldn't let this woman die before telling him. Austin walked in front of Fennel as she listed symptoms of whatever he had. He stood fac k ng the sunset now.Austin held out his arms wide. He shielded Fennel from Maurice's sword.
As Maurice drew his blade to slice him in half, Fannel walked around Austin's barricade of body.
"No!He'll Slice you in--"
Fennel silenced him with a sharp look back at Him. "--And the heaviest symptom of all We've noticed", Fennel took her hand and slapped Maurice.
Maurice Recoiled. Girantina came onto her. Austin ran to tackle him, but to his surprise Fennel caught him. She held Austin in her arms for a second. A single tear dropped from her eyes.
Austin was released from her arms took one step back and rubbed his eyes. After rubbing for a bit he looked around again.
There was only the peaceful courtyard.All the monsters had disappeared.
"What happened to--"
"They were never there. " Fennel sighed. "The heaviest symptom is The constant hallucinations. You see what others cannot, because it is not there. You have also experienced Delusions. Delsuions of Persecution, some speech abnormalities, and lack of normal behavior. Some of these are considered negative symptoms."
Austin dug deep and asked,"Symptoms of what."
"Austin", Fennel sighed and held back a tear. "I'm afraid you may have Scizophrenia."
Austin wasn't sure what he was hearing. He was Scizophrenic?
"How?"Was all he could muster.
"Stress. Early loss of Parentals. Many things. "Fennel sighed once again, this time a long one."It can be treated. It is actually a very common thing. 1 in 100 people are Scizophrenic."
Austin clutched his head with his hands. He couldn't believe this.
Ace, Victini, and Shogun walked out from their hiding spot.,They'd heard the entire thing. They looked at their friend with sorrow and pitty. Shogun held Austin's drive.
Austin looked so very distraught. He looked more than a bit crazed.
He rushed over to Shogun and snatched his Cosmic Drive.
Austin slipped on the Cosmic Drive and Activated it. He didn't bother with voice controls and simply set it to fly.
Austin ran forward and jumped into the air. He flew forward like a bullet.
Austin flew away. Away from Realgam, away from everything and Evryone that haunted him.
Fennel looked on at the boy. She'd tried for just a bit to run after him.
She'd stopped knowing she could do nothing, but allow him to cope.
Austin glew into the distance, and he was gone.
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Post by HHDeception on Dec 15, 2014 15:28:00 GMT -6
Location: Lilycove Shore
"Orre it is. This place is about to get messy..."
Yveltal, with Joanna and her pokemon in tow, Phantom Forced away to more hospitable climates. Meanwhile, Molly was undressing for Eusine.
No, he wasn't dreaming.
Freeing herself from his grasp, Molly removed the jacket she wore over her dress, turned, dropped some straps, and exposed her arms, back and shoulders to Eusine. She revealed what looked like faint tattoos that ran all along them. They were similar to ancient script. Eusine was intrigued, but in different ways at different points in time.
"...I thought you were just modest."
"I use make up on my face and hands...they're everywhere."
Eusine put that mental image aside for the sake of more closely examining what he saw.
"They look like Unown...how...how did you get them?"
Molly did herself back up and took a seat on the sand. "Sit. It's a long story."
Eusine took the advice, and soon after Molly began.
"When I was a young girl...my father and I met the Unown. It wasn't very pleasant...but it taught me a lot. My father researched them. And a number of years after, Nova wanted to use that research, but my father resisted. He took me to some ruins and said that the Unown would protect me while he dealt with it. I think they remembered me...because they took me to their world, leaving my father behind...that was the last time I saw him. I escaped the war...but I became trapped...there.
The Unown don't live in a world like ours...according to Blue its "dimensionally transcendant". A human mind shouldn't be able to comprehend it. I had a very difficult time remaining sane. The Unown did their best to help. They attached themselves to my body, which relieved the effects. But even then I could still feel my mind slipping away in that void...I slowly became more a part of their world, and they slowly became a part of me. I'm not sure if the markings on my body are them, or their footprints, but I can sense them still, slightly.
My father said he would come get me when it was safe...but evidently he never came. I still don't know what happened to him but I fear the worst. Instead, I was rescued by Blue. He said it was a mistake...but one he was glad he made. I had no concept of time while in there, but close to five years had passed...and I became an outsider to this world. That was only three months ago...I'm still trying to get my bearings here. Sometimes I get visions...sometimes miracles happen around me..."
Molly drifted off, possibly into her own mind. Eusine thought it sounded like the plot to a sci-fi movie, but tried to ask an intelligent question to bring her back "So...the glowing earlier?"
Molly came back to alertness.
"The Unown still protect me. Hence the tattoos. I don't know how it really works...but they protect me. Without fail. And if I ask nicely...sometimes they grant me some hidden power..."
Eusine digested this new info. Alright...Doctor Celeste or Professor Oak could probably explain it...but for now I'll just leave it at "she's magic". but then another question came to mind.
"And what about Blue? You said that he rescued you by mistake?"
"He has been researching gateways to other dimensions for years now. He used my father's research and accessed the world of the Unown but...it was apparently not the correct world. He was looking for...someone else"
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Post by The Big Cheese on Dec 28, 2014 2:48:21 GMT -6
*THWACK* would be the rough approximation of what Grant's rude awakening sounded like, although to describe it as such would be underselling the ripple effect on his cheek. ...But the target is still motionless. The Abra thinks. This usually works the first time...Better try again.*THWACK*Puzzled by the lack of a response, it tries prying Grant's eyes open, snapping its fingers and even teleporting to grab a wailmer pale and returning to dump water on him. Still nothing? ...Third time's a charm.*THWACK*... *THWACK**THWACKTHWACKTHWACKTHWACK*...I had better just get him out of here.
The Abra teleports away with Grant, bringing him back to Realgam tower's sickbay and then returning to Galactic.
-----
"We've got another one!" A Realgam doctor cries. "Apparent symptoms include unconsciousness, excessive wetness and numerous handprints about the cheek!"
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 28, 2014 15:25:00 GMT -6
(Better if Meridia does something first in terms of the hospital crew)
The Giant Chasm expedition team was teleported in front of the South cave entrance inside. Above the trees, a large metal wall with visible turrets pointing inward on top loomed above. Fortunately, they didn't seem to be calibrated for smaller targets. Since there may or may not still be other wildlife within the isolated area that shouldn't be a bother and would just be a waste of ammunition, it came to no surprise.
"Let's move quickly", said Curtis. "We don't know if they can track teleports within the cave, or if they're even willing to pursue us if they did. Better to not have to find out."
"They likely weren't expecting anything", said Cobalion. "Nor are they probably equipped for mobilization. We have that much time, at least."
"L-Let's go", said Rosa. "Be...alert."
The trek through the cave was surprisingly uneventful. No sign of life at any point of the cave.
It wasn't until they were back outside that they saw life.
Though the winds were calm (if foggy) when they descended the slope outside the cave entrance, a harsh Blizzard suddenly stirred up as distant, difficult-to-describe sounds began to ring out from the cover of the blizzard. Under normal circumstances, the poor humans entering the chasm would be scared out of their minds. In this case, however, two non-starbursted Pokemon with telepathy were able to recognize what the sounds were.
"Pokemon are speaking", said Keldeo.
"What kind?" asked Curtis. "What are they saying? Can you translate?"
"I think..."
Keldeo and Cobalion were about to directly repeat what the unseen Pokemon were saying, but stopped themselves when they realized the kind of things the Pokemon were saying.
"Mmm, what a tasty looking bunch of morsels! Can I take a bite out of them this time?"
"Eww! They're like, sooooo ugly! Better than those horrible tin cans, but still!"
One began speaking unintelligibly.
"So that's what humans look like under all that metal! How intriguing! I'm going to poke one."
"IDIOTS! Stop this before we do something the master will stomp on us for!"
"...I shall paraphrase", Cobalion told the humans. "...I do believe they are Cryogonal."
A brief moment later, and the fierce blizzard subsided. One Cryogonal approached the group in a hurry, while another Cryogonal that snuck up behind them lazily hovered in front of them to speak to the one approaching them.
"Aww c'mon old timer, why the stopping? You know this is the only thing I can look forward to."
The "old timer" ignored the question and did something no one in the group thought a Cryogonal could do: extend their eyes outward from their main bodies to get a closer look at the group, observing and moving their eyes around various angles to do so; a small, thin "arm" of ice with multiple joints connecting back to their eye sockets helping with the surprising amount of flexibility being demonstrated.
"YOU there!" it said to Cobalion, both eyes now focused on it. "Aren't you Cobalion? And isn't this that one human who did battle with Kyurem some years ago?"
"...Yes on both accounts", said Cobalion.
Before Cobalion could explain what they were here for, the Cryogonal retracted its eyes back into place (the cracks that would be left there easily filled in) and laughed. Other Cryogonal soon appeared to observed the group.
"Haha, yes! Good times! Back when young whippersnappers respected their elders and did none of that 'Starbombing' nonsense or whatever it's called!"
One of the Cryogonal began spinning vertically in a counterclockwise motion.
"Omigosh, what the heck is even happening with that girls hair?! Why?! Just... Why?!"
"My word, this is the closest I've gotten to a human yet! Such fascinating little bags of organs!"
The unintelligible Cryogonal said something that sounded suspiciously like static. Cobalion could see it's right eye was heavily cracked.
"Woah man, what happened to you?"
"I think he's trying to say that someone from the last group punched him so hard that part of his brain got chipped off and now he can only do that annoying KRSSHHHSYLIT noise. Ugghh! It makes my ears cry, you know?"
The spinning Cryogonal began spinning it's whole body horizontally now and was orbiting the group.
Another Cryogonal came up behind Hilbert and bit his hand. "MMM, they taste even more heavenly when they're not crystallized like the rest! You guys have got to try it!"
It was at that point that Keldeo noticed that certain clumps of snow were actually frozen bodies of humans; most of them heavily armored. Indeed, some of them further away were even still standing."
The one who called them a bag of organs was doing the eye trick and shaping up Curtis and Rosa. "Yes, you shall make good specimens. Green one! I command you to have intercourse with the female! I want to observe your mating rituals! Or perhaps the other one over there should do it? Perhaps both of you?"
"SILEEEEEEEEEEEEENCE!!!"
The other Cryogonal stopped their chattering and huddled together in fear, shaking... All except the spinning one, who merely stopped orbiting the group and just spun in place. Curtis -- having no idea what the Crystallizing Pokemon were saying -- stepped in front of Rosa defensively in response.
"Sorry about these youngsters", the Cryogonal said to Cobalion. "Ain't none of them old enough to ever see a human before. Anyway, what brings you here?"
"We seek audience with Kyurem", said Cobalion. "We have something of great interest to him.
Rosa, show him."
Rosa looked through her belongings and held up the Dark Stone and DNA Splicers. The Cryogonal gasped.
"My word, what has happened outside these walls?! Very well then, we shall allow you to pass." He turned to the other Pokemon and began yelling. "They shall see the master now! They have history with him; quarrel with them, you quarrel with HIM!"
The Cryogonal all (minus the spinning one) nodded profusely and parted, allowing the humans to pass. The old Cryogonal escorted them through the chasm without incident... Minus the Cryogonal with the munchies occasionally trying to take another nimble out of Hilbert's hand.
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Post by The Big Cheese on Dec 29, 2014 1:18:31 GMT -6
Hilbert retracts his hand from the Cryogonal after a few nippings, placing it out of reach within his jacket pocket.
"Hey, can someone give this thing a sandwich? If we're having a formal dinner with Kyurem then I'd rather not be served as the first course."
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 29, 2014 1:55:09 GMT -6
The Cryogonal laughed. "Dinner? Youngster, you must be as blind as a deaf Zubat. We're made of ice. We don't eat no food 'round here. Plus, the wildlife here were cleared out long before we decided to have an extended stay here, so don't get no bright ideas about hunting game!"
"He says that Cryogonal don't eat, so there isn't going to be a dinner", said Cobalion.
"Then... why is that one so willing to eat Hilbert?" asked Curtis.
"I dunno, for the taste? Honestly, the nerve of these youngster Cryogonal! Each and every one of them has some sort of mental malfunction or something that cause them to--"
"The taste, probably", said Cobalion, letting the senior Pokemon ramble on with itself.
I dearly hope my mind stays stable when I reach my own senior years. I'd rather death take me than become senile.
"Are... Are you paraphrasing?" asked Rosa. "Those Cryogonal seemed like they had a lot to say."
"Yeah", said Keldeo. "These guys have funky ways of speaking and strange things to say, so we're bearing the torment ourselves to save you from it."
"Come now, it cannot be that bad", said Curtis.
"Really?" said Keldeo, hiding a smirk. "What if I gave you a direct quote right now?" He cleared his throat (even though he was speaking telepathically, but it's probably an involuntary habit that did it) before speaking in a creepy and vaguely feminine tone of telepathic voice. "'Yes, you shall make good specimens. Green one! I command you to have intercourse with the female! I want to observe your mating rituals! Or perhaps the other one over there should do it? Perhaps both of--"
Rosa and Curtis blushed, the latter being the one to interrupt Keldeo. "O-Okay! We understand... it truly is that bad."
The Cryogonal escorting them finally seemed to realize that he was rambling about some other unrelated topic. "Eh? Oh err, right. Listen to me ramble. Anyway, the cave where the master resides is just above this slope. Mind your footing."
"Kyurem dwells up this slope", translated Cobalion. "...Mind your footing."
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Post by The Big Cheese on Dec 29, 2014 3:05:14 GMT -6
Black chuckles.
"Uh huh. Those two make a cute couple, but I don't think it's practical to have them jump each other's bones here and now." He says. "And I barely even know 'em, so count me out. Cobalion, can you help Rosa up the slope?"
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 29, 2014 3:44:56 GMT -6
Rosa almost slipped and fell, but regained her footing before anyone could offer some support. Making sure not to lose her footing once more, she continued trudging her way up the slippery slope.
"She appears to be capable" said Cobalion.
Both Cobalion and Keldeo merely used rocks alongside the slope to leap to the top, skipping the slope.
---
Hugh was able to retrace his steps back down the manhole into Xerosic's lab. He had cleared away some notes and unplugged a seemingly inconsequential computer terminal to clear up space. The Zygarde egg was under a blanket on top of a pillow.
"I was going to set up proper monitoring equipment", explained Xerosic, "but I miscalculated how much time it would take me. This will have to do."
"Can you say anything about when it'll hatch?" asked Hugh.
"Soon, I'd wager", said Xerosic. "I suppose I must be grateful the Zygarde seems to take an unholy amount of time to hatch."
"...So what did you call me here for?" asked Hugh. "I doubt I had to come all this way to tell you what size clothes I wear."
"There's a Nova airship docking over by Nimbasa in a few hours time", said Xerosic. "Their cargo is Pokemon, and these ones are particularly important: they carry Kalos native Pokemon. They claim to be protecting endangered species, but we both know they mean to breed them as weapons. If we're making an army, it's best to have support in the way of resources others have little of."
"And if these endangered Pokemon go extinct in battle?"
"Relax", said Xerosic dismissively. "Nova no doubt has more Kalos natives, and I imagine Mewtwo has a few themselves. Even if they have the misfortune of being starbursted, the hard truth is that they can still breed, and thus repopulate."
"I don't like seeing them as tools and lifestock, but I suppose you've got a point", replied Hugh. "Anyway, what's the plan of attack?"
"Just to let you test run your suit. Nova airships come and go through Nimbasa all the time; they'll be on the lookout of thieves and smugglers rather than anything resembling a frontal assault. Go in, blow stuff up, extract the cargo -- as much as you can is enough -- and come back here while they're left wondering which of the 3 resistances they know about did it. I'll also be sending out Essentia as support."
"I assume you have a plan for extraction", said Hugh, "so can you explain that to me as you walk me through how the armor I'm going to wear works?"
"We have time", said Xerosic. "Follow me downstairs."
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Post by The Big Cheese on Dec 29, 2014 4:29:17 GMT -6
"No offers for me, then?" Black muses, feigning hurt. "Some people..."
He casually starts walking up the slope, with his hands still in his pockets to avoid getting bit.
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Post by HHDeception on Dec 29, 2014 5:13:23 GMT -6
Location: Below Agate Village
A portal opened up in an empty cave and a sleeping girl with some pokemon fell through. A Death Turkey poked her head through to meet a Shuckle's glare.
"That look is insulting. I'm only saving your lives because the little one is cute. This isn't going to be a regular thing."
Disco chittered something about "Yeah, I am adorable aren't I?" while Shoegaze grumbled a more serious "Right. Charming location."
"If I showed my face above ground I'd probably give half the population a heart attack, but you lot are cute enough to fit in. Good luck with the tomb thing. Toodles.
...no, no, I'll never be using that word again..."
The Phantom Force portal shut. The noise seemed to rouse Joanna, who bolted upright calling out "IT WAS SUSAN'S IDEA!"
The young girl looked around. It was dark, but she could still see Disco, Shoegaze, and Boogie around her. There was some light coming from these glowing round things embedded into the wall, which are common in mining work, but none of the people currently in the room knew that.
"Um...where are we?"
The girl and the Shuckle looked around perplexed. Disco jumped up and squeaked in recognition of where they were. She immediately began running towards another part of the cavern, and the others had good enough sense to follow her into an adjacent room. They found her looking slightly disappointed. See, there used to be this pretty electrically-glowy crystal thing that she and her old Dedenne friends liked to dance around at night. Now there was nobody here, and nothing on that slightly raised part at the front except some boring old normal rocks.
What Disco couldn't see though, was that the rocks definitely weren't boring normal rocks. Shoegaze jumped back at the sight, losing his nearly constant cool composure out of the sheer number of questions in his head. Meanwhile, Joanna was more intrigued at why there was a stone statue of a man with a star-shaped pokemon standing there among a bunch of decorated coffins.
Location: Somewhere in the skies around Orre
Yveltal knew she was being followed. She decided to see what they wanted. A man with Pidgeot wings sprouting out of his back soon dropped out of the cloud cover and into view.
"...what do you want?"
"Rebuild its family. Would you be so kind as to elaborate?"
"Kawkawkaw! I thought you bailed on your allies again."
"...you're one to talk. And I have ears everywhere."
Blue hovered in front of Yveltal, hair blowing in the wind, arms crossed, finger tapping in impatience.
"Entertain me and I might divulge."
Blue smirked.
"High and mighty aren't you?"
"I eat souls bub."
"I've sent people to their deaths too. The only difference is that I get an aftertaste of regret. When was the last time you took responsibility for someone's life?"
"Contracts."
"One of which you're very eager to terminate," Blue said as he drifted closer, "You called me a deserter, and that's true. But you're a crow calling a raven black."
"Kawkaw! You're comparing yourself to me?"
"No. I'm above that. Because you dodge responsibility. I left when I realized I couldn't hold them any longer."
Yveltal made a growling noise at the back of her throat.
"You're a Magikarp who hunts down a Pidgeot and believes it can survive by arguing that it has the moral high ground."
"You haven't proven me wrong. You saved civilians when the Academy was falling. You saved that girl. But you aren't fooling anyone. I'm onto you."
Yveltal snapped at Blue, but he hastily shot backwards out of the way.
"...so you left because the weight of the world got too heavy. That's no excuse, but it's enough of one for you. And when you've recovered, you'll do things to make up for that. Only now you're a quitter. You've already bailed once, bailing again just gets so much easier. Everything dies except regret. Keep that conscience clear kid. You're going to need it."
"....Have I ruffled your feathers?"
"...Kaw! Regigigas sculpted his children in his own image. As far as he knows, his children are dead at the hands of man. You better act fast. You wont want to crash his family reunion."
And with that, Yveltal fell through a portal and vanished.
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 29, 2014 18:30:41 GMT -6
Once everyone got up the slope, the elderly Cryogonal escorted them down the cave, the fog within once again obscured their vision. Once they ventured into a particularly large chamber, the distant walls ceased being visible. A deep, booming, chilling voice resonated in their head once a frozen Nova soldier crumpled on the floor and missing a leg came into view.
"So... Another bunch of cowardly lambs come to the slaughter. Maybe you'll go with some dignity and not beg for mercy like the rest. The faces they leave as they realize their frozen carcasses will be another decoration here are, quite frankly... ugly."
"W-Wait, master", said the Cryogonal. "These humans, they want to speak with you!"
"Is that so?" said the voice, clearly belonging to Kyurem. "And why in hell's name should I give them the time of day? Actually, the better question is why you appeased them!"
"Kyurem!' called out Rosa. "It's me!"
"You recall who we are", said Cobalion. "...Don't you?"
Dead silence, and then the sound of loud footsteps as Kyurem walked into their limited field of vision. Small stalagmites of ice formed around his feet whenever he took a step. It's golden eyes glowed as he leered over the group; Rosa and Cobalion in particular. They went on guard as Kyurem made a sound akin to growling.
He then moved his head back and laughed. He wasn't growling, that's just how he began to laugh. Honest mistake.
"Hahaha! Hot damn, you two were the last two people I expected to see! FINALLY someone I can get a decent conversation with! Honestly, these 'Nova' guys I get as visitors are always on about the same things: 'Don't hurt me', 'I surrender', 'I was just following orders', 'Please not me, I have a kid in whatever City'. SO BORING!"
Kyurem turned to the Cryogonal that escorted them. "Leave us!"
"What... are you doing here?" asked Rosa as the Cryogonal scurried away.
"Sitting here bored out of my mind while killing the occasional poor schmuck who wants an early death. No contact with the outside world or anything, so I don't even know how powerful these 'Nova' guys are and whether breaking out of this dump is worth it or not. The last thing I want is to venture into their home turf and get my ass beat in some way. The guys that come here may be chumps, but even I can tell they're packing heat. I break that big-ass wall outside, and there might be only so much machine gun I can take from all sides. Speaking of which, I'm basically living under a rock here. Mind telling me what's going on out there? Who these Nova guys are?" Kyurem looked at Rosa briefly. "And perhaps why you look like crap compared you how you were when we fought?"
Rosa winced at Kyurem's comment. Curtis replied next, though not without distaste. "Kyurem... The people outside, Nova? They've basically taken over human government using something called Starburst that turns Pokemon -- save legendary Pokemon like yourself -- into obedient, mindless slaves for them to use and have conquered most of the world. However, there are resistance armies who at war against Nova: Xerneas, Mewtwo, and Yveltal; though Xerneas has integrated into Mewtwo. We ourselves work under Mewtwo."
Kyurem leered at Curtis. "Hmm. Strangers. I recognize the little colt over there, but these other two humans?"
"M-My name is Curtis. I'm a corporal."
Kyurem chuckled. "A soldier? You're looking pretty damn scrawny there, though. You sure you ain't biting off more than you can chew? I see you being snapped like a twig in ten seconds against--"
"Don't talk to him like that", retorted Rosa.
"Defensive. What is he, your boyfriend?"
No one in the group responded. Kyurem got the hint.
"...Eh. Whatever floats your boat, I guess." He then stepped forward and leered over Hilbert. "And who's this ass****?"
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Post by The Big Cheese on Dec 29, 2014 23:57:05 GMT -6
"I'm the ass**** Mewtwo sent to keep Rosa and Curtis here from getting in over their heads, I guess." Hilbert replies. "I'm no more suited to be talking about Nova then you are, though. I was... well..."
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 30, 2014 19:26:05 GMT -6
"Sounds boring", said Kyurem. "Anyway, I know that look you're all giving me: you want something from me. What is it?"
"Kyurem", said Cobalion, "I trust you know what these two items are?"
Curtis held up the DNA Splicers and the Dark Stone. Kyurem growled again... or was it a chuckle? Difficult to say.
"Of course I remember", said Kyurem. "You think I liked getting ambushed by humans while out on a stroll to become their little puppet? Though seeing the Herald of Ideals in that state again is a bit of a surprise."
"...We want you to fuse with Zekrom and re-awake it", said Rosa. "In exchange... Cobalion I will have a rematch with you... while fused.... Without whatever it was Team Plasma was using to control you holding you back."
"Awaken him?" echoed Kyurem. "That's not usually how that's done."
"Dragonspiral's collapsed", said Keldeo. "Not like we have a choice."
"Calm down, colt", replied Kyurem. "I never said I really gave a damn about traditions, and I haven't had a good battle in ages. Hell, to be able to feel more... 'complete', I guess you could say... Feel that great power again... And to fight against two of the ones I've always longed to rematch against... Sign me up!"
"The battle is decided upon a forfeit, or if one side is incapable of battling further" stated Cobalion. "Rosa will fight in Pokemon Battle terms. You may not directly target her."
"Very well. I'm already trembling in excitement." Kyurem turned to Curtis, Hilbert, and Keldeo. "Leave us! I don't want any interruptions as we battle!"
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Post by The Big Cheese on Dec 30, 2014 19:58:35 GMT -6
Hilbert nods. "I wouldn't dream of interrupting this." He says, patting Curtis on the shoulder as he steps back. "I know I'd be pissed! C'mon, let's give them some room."
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2014 20:34:52 GMT -6
Location: Unknown,???
A lone cloaked figure stands atop an old building. A pokemon shadowed by the dawn sky's shining brilliance stands bside the figure. A projection, clear as crystal is in front of them blocking the view of the Sun and Sky. Instead, on the projection a lone island sits waiting for companionship. At least, that's what most would think, but he knew better.
The projection faded away as the pokemon was recalled.
A faint sob filled the air. The cloaked figure turned.
His face shadowed in the Sunrise's loght, he strode forward, to the stairwell. If anyone were to watch, the only identifiaction the figure could be given was his jt black hair.
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