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[KujiUn]

HAHAHAHA. You don't even plan on me spending today playing SKyr-

Oh, wait, that's right, buggy. Um...

Dammit, no way out of this workload. I think I'm going to introduce one of my characters as well. :p

[Weirdsound]

Hmm... I'm going to start on some world building stuff for you soon. I was thinking though, it would increase my options if I knew about some of the other population centers in the region. Otherwise everything I write will have to take place in and around New Haven. Of course, if you want to give us free liscenes to make up locations I'm not gonna object.

[Weirdsound]

The fall of Tobias: Chapter 4

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Location: Azure Region, First Church of Arceus, New Haven City.

George Cain stared into the rows of soldiers before him, frantically scanning the pews for the Lieutenant. In the front row sat Ronald Goodman in his finest suit, sporting the few medals he had earned during his time in the service. Next to him was an empty seat, likely being saved for his twin brother Tobias.

The Chaplin shook his head, he could only delay the funeral so long. With a sigh he began to dig through Ronald's head and with a gasp found the information he was searching for. George drew a deep breath, spared his notes one more look, and nervously launched into the proceedings, now hoping that Tobias would have the good sense to stay away.

"Today we gather the celebrate the life and mourn the loss of our dear friend, devoted son, and fellow soldier Sergeant Bernard Ripshaw. Bernard grew up outdoors, his parents were and still are groundskeepers at the large orchard just outside of town. He developed a powerful physique and an even stronger instinct for survival that would serve him well as both a profeshional trainer and soldier."

Cain sighed. The worst part about his current assignment was pretending to like war and pointless violence. The Sergeant kept a straight face however and launched into a monologue glorifying the many military accomplishments of his late bunk mate.

Several minutes into the speech however George Cain noticed two figures wearing red capes and standing on the other side of the church's main glass doors. Without even pausing his monologue the Chaplin opened a mental connection with the pair.

-What the hell are you doing here? You are gonna blow my cover-

-RELAX JUDAS! WE VISIT ALL THE MIlITARY FUNERALS TO HAND OUT LEAFLETS! WE JUST WANT TO SHOW THE TRUE TERRIFYING NATURE OF THE MILITARY TO THOSE CLOSE TO IT WHILE THEY ARE AT THEIR WEAKEST!- One of the two Ember propagandists thought back as loudly as he could, obviously unaccustomed to psychic communication.

George shook his head, and briefly paused the sermon. -There are three more funerals this week that I have nothing to do with. By all means hand out the literature there.-

-NO CAN DO. WE ARE GETTING ALL THE MILITARY FUNERALS. INCLUDING THIS ONE. JUST DON'T TALK TO US IF YOU DON'T WANT YOUR COVER BLOWN.-

The Chaplin sighed, apologized to those gathered for forgetting his line, and continued the eulogy. He covered the positive aspects of Ripshaw's personal life while skirting around the crippling gambling addiction and handful of lovechildren the man had fathered. Just as he was about to begin the prayer portion of the service, George Cain noticed another person outside, talking with the two Ember agents.

The newcomer's body was bruised and torn. A huge gash reached across the length of his right cheek, and his left arm was in a sling. With a morbid curiosity the Chaplin declared a moment of silence in the church, and focused on the minds of the three individuals outside, so as to overhear the conversation.

"We have rights sir. The right to dislike what you are doing, the right to assemble, and the right to hand out literature." Said one of the two Ember operatives with an air of annoyance. "We ain't going anywhere."

"Indeed you do." replied the injured man in a voice that instantly identified him as Tobias Goodman. "But as a high ranking officer, I believe I can override them."

"Oh." The agent sneered. "Override them how?"

Tobias reached into his pocket and produced a small black object, his radio. "All I need to do is give the word, and a jeepload of my boys will roll down here, beat the crap out of you, plant contraband on your persons, and hand you both over to the cops."

"But you are hurt." the operative says apprehensively. "We would beat the crap out of you and dump you in an alley somewhere before you could raise that thing to your mouth to speak."

Goodman flashed a steely grin. "You could do that, couldn't you? But look into the church. What do you see."

"A funeral. They are burying one of the bullies who died trying to eject innocent natives from there homes." The Ember agent declared. George could tell that his comrade was getting flustered.

Tobias shook his head. "Nah. He was a hero, clearing the way for progress and civilization. But that not what I meant. Notice the preacher is staring right at us?"

Apprehension spread through the agent, as well as George. "Yeah..." The man responded.

"Well, he's one of those mind reader folks. I'd wager he's been listening in to this whole little conversation." Tobias smirked. "Attack me, and he'll raise the alarm. Then you would have to deal with a church load of soldiers as opposed to a truckload."

-Judas. You wouldn't do that, would you?- The so far silent operative asked mentally.

-I'm afraid I would have too.- George replied. -My cover is more important than your leaflets, and he may be another pig headed soldier, but the man you are threatening to attack happens to be my childhood best friend. I'd recommend the both of you make yourselves scarce.-

The rookie operative spoke up for the first time. "Lets get out of here. There are three more of these we can hit up this week. It's not worth getting beat up over."

Tobias nodded. "You should listen to your friend. Brains are a rare commodity for Team Ember, and she at least has some. NOW SCRAM!"

The two operatives returned to their car without another word and Tobias Goodman entered the church. As he walked down the isle to take the seat saved for him in the front row a murmur began to glow. Seeing the lieutenant late was a rarity, and seeing him hurt like this was unheard of.

As Tobias noticed that all eyes were on him, he spoke up to offer a simple explanation. "I know I shouldn't have come like this, but Ripshaw was my friend. I only have one chance to help put him in the ground." The Lieutenant took his seat next to Ronald, without so much as making eye contact with his twin brother. George Cain waited for the comotion to die down, and then continued with the proceedings.

---

Fort Ivysaur, Azure Region

"But wouldn't we get in all sorts of trouble" The commander asked his Lieutenant. "I'm pretty sure poison gas qualifies as a war crime."

"Technically it dose." Tobias admitted. "But we have tried every possible peaceful means to deal with these mountain people. They are well fortified. Further conventioal warfare will take months to finish them off, and cost us five or six hundred men, and more money than we can afford. Just to take out a small tribe of several hundred? You can't be telling me you want to go down that route?"

Commander Leroy Brosky scratched his head. "What about the women and children. Are they not hold up in that fort as well?"

Tobias nods. "That is the bit that I'll lose some sleep over sir. But if we take their fortress our boys will likely release their pent up aggression on them anyways. I'd rather see the women and children suffer several agonizing minutes of poison gas than several agonizing days of being raped, tormented, and executed by a conquering army."

Brosky nodded. "I see where you are coming from. By making war criminals out of ourselves, you spare the troops the opportunity to commit war-crimes. You care for the men under you. Perhaps you should stay in the military. If the press doesn't find out about the gas, I'll give you all the credit for ending the battle quickly."

Lieutenant Goodman smiles. "So I'll take that as the green light then sir. I'll ring up my contact with the Colombo family and can have the sulfide gas ready to go by dawn. I recommend you contact the air base, and have them send us a Dragonite rider. No need to tell him exactly what he will be dropping."

The commander saluted his subordinate and responded with an only half sarcastic "YES SIR!"

---

George Cain pressed the stop button on his recorder. He had heard enough. Tobias and the commander were planning a chemical attack, and he had the evidence. Furthermore Tobias wasn't mentioned by name on the recording, so with any luck his childhood friend would be spared from the fallout. With a slight chuckle Judas returned to his bunk to plan his defection.

XP to Foongus

[Dwarmin]

Spoiler: Dawn of Fire (click to show/hide)

Kathryn was cold. That's all she could feel, anymore.

Spending the winter in Stormstead had seemed like a great idea...especially with a new friend she had met. He was a soldier, and she thought she could trust him.

Well, she shouldn't have. She was set up, and mugged by a half a dozen off-duty soldiers, who were actually just thugs with a nasty collection of street pokemon-voltorbs, meowths and grimers. They had beaten her, stole her money-and threatened to do worse if she told the cops. He strolled away laughing about how stupid Kathryn was, and she could barely walk, her left leg was twisted so badly. She supposed they had done it because they were bored.

A few days later, she was tossed from her flat. She had sold everything, just for a little more time...except her swords. Not those.

...and, there was a moment when Kathryn realized that she wasn't going to get out of this one. It was too cold to think. Too cold to move. Her leg seemed like stone, and she couldn't feel anything when she touched it. Eventually, her teeth stopped chattering-and she just got very tired. Her heart was slowing.

Well, this isn't such a bad way to go, she though...just lay down...and go to sleep. Why not? She laid down, and could feel the snow piling up on her huddled form. Burying her. Pure white Oblivion.

...

Someone was shaking her awake. Couldn't they just leave her alone already? Just let me die in peace, she muttered audibly.

"You don't really want that. Let me help you." It was a mans voice.

The figure picked her up, and then there was darkness. She thought he might be an Angel, at first...or a Demon.

But when Kathryn woke up in an easy chair, wrapped in a blanket and warmed by the fireplace, she knew this was not Heaven or Hell.

As they told her-there were others like her, here-she had been brought was a shelter for the homeless. Which was strange, since there were no such things in the city anymore. The recently crowned mayor had in fact been elected on the premise of cutting benefits to the 'parasitic elements' in the city, in a landslide.

Kathryn didn't care who ran it, but she was thankful all the same. There was warmth, and good food and everyone seemed to be in a nice mood. They even fixed up her leg with a proper cast-they provided medicine and a doctor came around to check them all out and now and again. They called him Doctor North. He asked a lot of strange questions...almost as if he was trying to get to know them.

She survived the Winter-the snow eventually stopped, and it got less and less cold. It was the day before she had decided to leave, and seek work further to the South when He sat beside her.

"You're the man who saved me. I recognize your voice. Tha..." Kathryn said.
"You don't have to thank me...listen, I need to tell you something, do you mind?"  He said
"Go ahead..."

"My name is Jerry West. This place...me...it's all part of Team Ember. We helped you because it was the right thing to do, but...we could also use people, like you.

Don't speak yet-I know what you've heard about us. Just tell me one thing.

Do you want to make the world a better place?"

She thought for a half second. Did she? A world where you could love whoever you wanted-where you were free from fear, of getting beaten, robbed, thrown in the street. A world where everyone could be free.

Kathryn smiled, and nodded.

Spoiler: Termination Order (click to show/hide)

I remember looking down upon the Pichu that would eventually be known as 'Polaris', and grinning. I was thinking...

How Amazing! Wonderful! A perfect combination of the two strongest destructive elements. We just had to work on those...obedience issues. He used to be spirited little fellow, until we started in on him.

When put up against his first combat targets-a caterpie that he should have been able to kill in one hit-the damn thing wouldn't attack. It was trying to be friendly.

Psychic Translation Transcript
"Project PichuOmni says 'I don't know what they want me to do. I don't like to hurt...'
Target Caterpie11 says 'Can we be friends?'
Porject PichuOmni says 'Sure!"

Well, they had worked on that. Hired a professional lasher, who did such a number on him, until the Pichu seemed to be almost more of an automaton. Food was withheld. Emotional contact withheld in every regard.

I had watched through the glass the next combat session.

Psychic Translation Transcript
"Project PichuOmni says 'I have to kill you. They're watching. If I don't they'll put me back in the box.'
Target Caterpie11 says 'Please, I just want to live...please don't hurt me...I am your friend...'
Project PichuOmni says 'I'm sorry."

unidentified female voice: What the Hell are you people doing here?
unidentified male voice:   Remember your place. We asked for translation, not a debate."

The resulting pyrotechnic display destroyed a good part of the testing chamber along with the Caterpie.

A few months later, though-things had gone very wrong. PichuOmni had been broken in more ways than one...but instead of becoming docile, it had developed a feral cunning that had begun to unnerve most of the people working with it.

-Audio Transcript-
'That monster, it's been staring at me, you know?
'These paranoid delusions have us concerned about your state of mind, frankly.'
'You don't understand! It knows what I did to it! It's...'
'Listen-it's on the other side of a reinforced blast shield, what do you have to be afraid of?'

A week later, the man's corpse was found, nearly unrecognizable from the wounds. The blast shield had been shorted out-from the inside of PichuOmnis cage...but when they arrived, it was merely sitting in a corner, looking at me innocently.


Three more reseachers died the following week, after a mysterious power build up in a generator room...though he had no proof, I thought the creature had learned to manipulate electric currents. You know, it could have tried to escape? No-it stayed, because all it knew was how to kill. We wanted a weapon...we got one.


There were more security measures, more punishments-they only made it more determined to hurt us in any way it could. We created a monster.


And, at last-it was too much. The little beast had almost killed me during a feeding session. It had just seemed so innocent...right before it attacked. There was nothing living in those eyes-I was judged, and found guilty. It knows what I did to it. But, it didn't kill me, even though it could have. I don't know why. Maybe it knows I can't forgive myself...and that death would too easy.

They might have signed a termination order after that, but I overrode them...floated the idea to give it to a group of mercenary trainers. I know they all despise me now.  I don't care.

So, I watched on the monitors as the Pichu was introduced to it's new trainer, a pretty red headed girl. I was afraid for her.


The red-headed girl did something I didn't think she would do. She named it-hugged it, for Arceus sake. I could see the look in it's eyes as it realized what was happening. It was the look I remember from before it's training, when it first came out of the egg...but, we had hurt it so bad it might no ever be whole again.


And, now you know why I am happily tending my resignation as of now. I'm not going to hurt Pokemon anymore. Not for you-not for anyone.


I sincerely hope we all rot in Hell for what we are doing here...

Standing orders? What the Hell do we do with this guy? He knows to much...

...Silence him. Money if he'll take it. You'll have to figure it out yourself otherwise.

XP to Polaris!

[KujiUn]

We'll be a little late. Got some stuff planned before we walk. See you all soon.

[Dwarmin]

Yahoo, a session.

I hope it's a good one.

[Haika]

Server is up. Tabulating journal exps now.

[Haika]

Triple EXP times!
Revolver - Nov 25th, Recruiting Officer = 900 exp for Mars & Susie
Weird - Nov 25th, The fall of Tobias: Chapter 4 = 900 exp for Foongus
Dwarmin - Nov 25th, Dawn of Fire = 975 exp exp for Polaris
Dwarmin - Nov 26th, Termination Order = 1000 exp for Polaris
Revolver - Nov 26th, Not-so Secret Base = 900 exp for Mars & Susie
Revolver - Nov 28th, Hostile down = 1125 exp for Mars & Susie

Remember that you can make little stories, or background or whatever for these journal entries. I especially like stories and blurbs that help me flesh out the world. Good stories will most likely make it into the game. The world is huge, and you've only really scraped the surface.

[Weirdsound]

Remember that you can make little stories, or background or whatever for these journal entries. I especially like stories and blurbs that help me flesh out the world. Good stories will most likely make it into the game. The world is huge, and you've only really scraped the surface.

Yeah. I kinda figured.

Hmm... I'm going to start on some world building stuff for you soon. I was thinking though, it would increase my options if I knew about some of the other population centers in the region. Otherwise everything I write will have to take place in and around New Haven. Of course, if you want to give us free liscenes to make up locations I'm not gonna object.

I would have written a bit more if I had some geographical information. I feel fine making up people and events for you, but I didn't want to make up places when you already have a map.

[Weirdsound]

Shock and Awe:

(Hope I'm not stepping on any toes with this...)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Azure Region - Ravage City

Jerome stared menacingly across the table at the woman, placing the large purple clamp that existed in place of his left hand on the flat wooden surface. "Come again bitch? I don't think I heard you correctly."

The female trainer gazed back at the splicer, eyes equally as dangerous. "I am offering the trainers your pathetic and illegal promotion the opportunity to face an actual Azure gym leader. Tonight I fight the main event."

The Gliscizor mutant sneered. "Listen cunt. Neither the name Newman nor the title of gym leader means anything here. Don't you think it is a bit presumptuous to demand a spot in the main event of a fighting ring in which you have no reputation or credibility?"

Sophia smirked. "I didn't say I wanted a 'spot' in the main event. I said I wanted to fight the main event. Both your best trainers. At once."

Jerome spat. "And how much money do you want to extort out of me for this 'honor'?"

"Actualy. I'd like to make a wager out of it." neither party breaks eyecontact as Sophia responds. "I have 100000py with your name on it if your wretched 'trainers' can beat me in a two on one battle. I'm so confident I'm willing to put this money up against only half that amount."

The mutant couldn't help but break into a smile. "So I bet 50k against your 100 on a match that is handicapped in my favor? I'm in."

Newman reached out to shake Jerome's claw, and to offer the mutant a condescending pat on the shoulder. "I knew you would see things my way eventually."

---

Ravage city got its start as Golden Plains, a master plan retirement community built in the heart of the Azure wilds. For several years after it's construction it was one of the nicest places anybody could hope to live in. It all began to fall apart when bandits came to understand that the convoys which supplied the town with food, water, and other vital supplies were easy targets.

The settlement devolved into famine and disease and within a few years of the first attack on a supply convoy, 3/4ths of the original inhabitants had left or died. At this point the bandits moved in on Golden Plains itself, setting up a headquarters and proceeding to drive out or slaughter everybody who chose to remain.

By day Golden Plains is now little more than a ghost town, but as the sun sets fugitives, splicers, displaced tribal people, desperate trainers, and very brave tourists head to the location they now call Ravage City to watch and partake in brutal Pokemon battles that are often fights to the death. Jerome ruled of this abyss of vice and violence with an iron claw, arranging matches, charging admission, and tending to the needs of the crowd.

Tonight the crowd was good Jerome thought to himself. They had consumed so much liquor that he had to cut a few fights from the undercard so that he wouldn't run out before the event finished. They were wild, rowdy, and ready to watch the fight of the evening.

The splicer leaped into the air, soaring on the large flaps of skin under his arms. He flew high above the crowd, circling several times before landing in the makeshift ring with a soft 'swoosh!'. Jerome then gestured to a scantly clad girl at ring side, who tossed him a live microphone.

"Ladies and scumbags, boys and whores! ARE YOU READY FOR TONIGHT'S MAIN EVENT!?!?!?!?" he roared into the microphone.

A roar erupted from the crowd. Jerome paused to let them shriek for a bit before continuing. "Then let us introduce tonight's competitors! Introducing first and fighting out of the red corner; this man man is a doctor of both electrical engineering computer science. He is a five time Ravage City Grand Champion, and the number one contender for the same title! From Fuchsia City all the way in Kanto, please give it up for Dr. Doooooooooownloaaaaaaad!"

Techno music began to ring through the makeshift stadium as an old man with tan wrinkily skin and ghost white hair made his way down from the locker to the ring. The Doctor was clad in a simple white lab-coat and wore a Bluetooth headset: The expression on his face was somewhere between bemusement and anoyance. He entered the large Pokemon battling ring and walked a brisk lap around it before returning to his corner.

"Aaaaaaannnd his tag team partner..." The music stopped as Jerome spoke slowly and deeply for dramatic effect. "From the Darkforest tribe in central Azure... this man has a connection to nature and the supernatural alike. Please give it up for your reigning RAVAGE CITY GRAND CHAMPION, Ooooooooomen!"

Omen began to walk out to a simple tribal drum beat. He wore only a loincloth and his title belt and was covered head to toe in war paint and mystic tattoos. The crowd was stunned. Omen and Dr. Download had been rivals for years, passing the belt back and forth several times in the process. They had both killed several of the others Pokemon in battle and they would at times break into fisticuffs while their Pokemon battled.

Omen climbed into the ring and stared his partner down for a long moment before extending his hand; Dr. Download shook, but it was clear that both men were trying to break the fingers of the other.

"If you look up rivalry in the dictionary you would find a picture of these two men. The hate between them is real. Not an act and not a game." Silence engulfed the usually boisterous Ravage city as the crowd waited to find out exactly what was going on. "But there is something that these men, and indeed all who fight in my ring, hate more than each other. They hate the idea that a person's freedom to battle as he or she pleases can be oppressed in the name of 'human safety' or 'compassion towards Pokemon'. No organization represents the restriction of these freedoms more than the Pokemon league!"

The crowd began to boo at the mention of the league. No authority was popular in Ravage City, and authority over battling was despised at Jerome's arena. The Gliscisor mutant offered the crowd a smirk. "Tonight two of the greatest fighters to ever dirty their hands in my ring join forces against a Pokemon League gym leader! Fighting out of the blue corner is a woman from New Haven city who is best described as a murderer, coward, and a bitch! Please give a rowdy Ravage City welcome to Sophia Newman!"

The Imperial March, theme music for many a hated villian, began to play over the speakers but was quickly drowned by boos and heckling from the crowd. The sounds of hatred however quickly gave way to shocked gasps as the Gym Leader swooped down from the sky on a huge black Pokemon. Ignoring the less than adoring crowd she slowly walked to her corner. Omen and Dr. Download exchanged whispers, their faces betraying their fear. They were both wise men, and had a fairly good idea as to what they were up against.

"It looks like the Bitch has chosen her Pokemon already! And its a big fellow!" Jerome announced with a wide grin, blissfully unaware of what his fighters and some of the audience had figured out. "Send out your Pokemon boys, and show Newman how we cut giants down to size here in Ravage City!"

The trainers nodded and deployed their partners. Dr. Download threw his ball first, an ultra ball covered in decorative wires and silicon chips; from the ball emerged a red and blue creature with an unnaturally smooth and rounded body and three limbs. The head of Download's Pokemon floated several inches above it's torso. A few members of the crowd began to chant "Breaker! Breaker! Breaker!"; the name of the Porygon Z.

Omen's Pokemon emerged from a black and sort of ball shaped item crafted by hand out of an Apricorn. The Pokemon itself was black with a gray head and yellow stripes. Its upper body was humanoid but its Torso ended in a tail like one would expect to find on a ghost or genie. The rhythmic pounding of drums and Tambourines erupted from part of the audience. Dusknoir was considered a minor deity in Omen's tribe and was always paid proper respects before it battled.

Jerome nodded his approval. It was clear that his fighters would not be pulling any punches tonight. He tossed the Microphone away and reached his human hand into the pocket of his jacket, producing an air-horn. He gave the can of air a squeeze and it's shrill cry pierced the eardrums of everybody in the vicinity signaling the start of the battle. Jerome quickly took flight once more, leaving the ring while the trainers began to shout orders at their Pokemon over the roar of the crowds.

Breaker acted first, maneuvering into the center of the ring and unleashing the earsplitting sound of dial up internet magnified several thousand times. Sophia's beast staggered back in pain as the soundwaves drilled into its ears.

The black dragon quickly regained its composure however and unleashed a blast of rune-laced magical blue flames. The dragon rage attack connected with the Porygon Z, inflicting a good deal of damage.

Dusknoir meanwhile floated slowly and deliberately towards the great beast, focusing on the cold of death. As it closed the gap between its foe and itself the ghost's hands began to glow with an icy blue light. Dusknoir then fired off a quick icy jab but the dragon quickly took a step back to avoid the blow.

Breaker again let out a burst of the terrible noise, and while the normal type uproar attack had no effect on the Dusknoir it was clear that Sophia's Pokemon was not enjoying the audio assault whatsoever.

The great beast dashed foward, determined to shut the virtual Pokemon up once and for all. It's mouth sparked with electrical energy as it bent down and dug it's teeth into the helpless Breaker. The Dragon shook the Porygon Z around in it's mouth for several seconds before spitting it out unconscious and nearly torn in half.

Dr. Download, eliminated from the battle, recalled his Pokemon contently. Just having the honor to battle a legendary Pokemon made the night worth while to him, and with his hated rival's nearly indestructible Dusknoir still at full health there was a fair chance he could still claim a victory.

Dusknoir unleashed an ominous moan and pointed at the beast before it. Out of nowhere a shadowy fist emerged, striking the massive Pokemon in the snout with uncanny accuracy.

The Dragon loosed a mighty roar as blood drawn by the ghost's attack began to run down it's face. It thrust it's arms foward and bolts of divine lightning flew from it's claws. The powerful thunderbolt scored a direct hit and it was instantly clear that the Dusknoir known for its resilance in the ring was teetering on the edge of unconsciousness from that single blow.

Closer to death than usual the ghost found no trouble channeling the chill of the grave once more into its hands. With a dramatic wind up Dusknoir dashed foward to deliver a mighty ice haymaker. The attack found the torso of the black dragon with such a force the huge beast was thrown from the ring and into bleachers, where it landed on its back.

Seeing as Sophia had no intent to recall her Pokemon and yeild the match, the members of the audience who remained as of yet uncrushable began a ten count to eliminate the dragon. As the count reached five the great beast began to rise to it's feet; by seven it had completed this task and the count stopped.

Launching itself straight up Newman's monster swiftly unleashed a bolt of draconic energy from it's mouth. The attack flew towards the ring, seemingly building energy as it moved. By the time it struck Dusknoir the dragon breath attack had reached the size of a small car and easily knocked the ghost unconscious on contact, ending the fight.

The beast landed in the arena and unleashed an exhausted roar before striking a victory pose. With a nod from its trainer the legendary Pokemon let loose a pulse of weak but focused electricty to fry all nearby electronics and remove any photographic evidence of it's existence. The lights flickered out, plunging the makeshift stadium into near total darkness...

Can I start setting aside EXP for my next egg to hatch? If not all EXP goes to Minun for now.

[KujiUn]

Spoiler: Lies Within Lies (click to show/hide)

Ban appeared in a garden, filled with roses and forget-me-nots, arranged in two halves. One half, to his left, stood the red roses. On the other half, to his right, stood the blue forget-me-nots. It was a sight to see, as the bushes surrounding the flowers and the flowers themselves looked well kept. And it was all thanks to the groundskeeper, who was sitting in the center of it all, plunking away at a laptop. “Yo, Tom, if you keep getting on that computer, you’re going to lose the other one.”
“And so what?” The man known as Tom sighed and looked at Ban. He was a scrawny man in his late tees, wearing a T-shirt and some sweatpants. Other than that, he was wearing glasses and an eyepatch over his right eye, and had messed up hair. “It’s going to happen anyways.”
“No need to be so down all the time.” Ban had walked up to the table with barely a roof and sat down on a chair to the other side. Looking at the table, it had a particular emblem on it. A white jagged half-circle and a black curved half-circle was painted on the tabletop, with Ban sitting on the black end and Tom on the white. “So, have you been enjoying the show?”
“Shouldn’t get involved, ‘Ban.’” Tom replied matter-of-factly, because scratching his scalp. “If he finds out who we are, he’s going to be pissed at us. Ah, I knew we shouldn’t have interfered in the first place! Idiot!”

Reeling back from the sudden action, Ban snapped back. “See! This is your problem! You never try anything new! You sit there, hammering away at god-knows-what, keeping your lies and patch to yourselves, not getting any sleep, keeping your ha-“
“ENOUGH!” Tom screamed, as a strong gale went through the garden. He then sighed and then took a sip out of a teaset that just recently appeared. “How I live my life is my thing. Your life is different.”
“And you keep ignoring my advice.” Ban grabbed the other cup of tea and sipped it. “…heh. Why am I not surprised. Although… this has something different.”
“Like a spice? Yeah, I have to agree with that.” Tom grunted, a little sour from the rant Ban gave him. Tom took one more sip before finishing the cup and hammering away at the keyboard again.

Nine minutes past, with Tom plunking away and Ban trying to figure out what the secret ingredient was, before one of them spoke up. “Anyways, what brings you here?”
“Ah, can’t a man like me come over to meet his favorite guy?” Ban chuckled, with angered Tom a bit more.’
“Maybe I should lock you out of here sometime.” Tom said without any expression, as his typed something quickly and hit Enter. “You really are starting to bother me.”
“Everyone knows you won’t do that.” Ban said, putting his cup down. “Anyways, you know what the real reason for me coming here is.”

“…I still can’t believe you’re asking me for help.” Tom said, plucking something off the keyboard, as he grabbed a chip from a bag in front of him and ate it. “You really should just go on without me.”
“Sorry, too hard.” Ban said, exaggerating lifting his shoulders. “Plus, I can’t leave you alone. You’ll get fat here.”

Keeping his right hand on the keyboard, he stood up. “I’m going to go water the plants.” Tom said, hitting the Enter key one last time before walking out towards the way Ban came in.
“Understand that we can’t run any more.” Ban stated, a little quietly so Tom could barely hear it. “By the way… was the ingredient”
“Juice? No.” Tom interrupted, frowning. “It’s rose petals.” In his hand was a hose and he was watering the forget-me-not section of the garden.
“…I… was about to say that.” Ban stammered, before disappearing off.

Tom sighed and said one thing to himself. "...lumen gigno lumen."

All EXP to Siren.

[Dwarmin]

Spoiler: Duel of Mirrors (click to show/hide)

15 Years ago...

Angelique laughed in an unkind way when she mentioned her full name. Little Kathryn had just wanted to sit with the rest of the girls at lunch on her first day in school...

"Jones? That sounds like such a...mundane name. Can't say I've heard of your family, sorry."

Kathryn clenched her fists. "Better than a Talatiri-every ones heard of you, but not for anything good."

Angelique stepped a bit closer, a fierce smile on her face.

"You'd best watch your tounge amongst your bet..."

Kathryn broke Angeliques jaw.

9 Years ago...

The announcer cleared her throat, and spoke in a quiet, educated voice-conveying a sense of culture to what had turned out to be a brutal contest. 50 young women from around the country had gathered here for the Duelists Regional championship-to test sword on sword, and any pretense of decency had been long thrown away. The wounded and defeated were watching from a nearby bench-eyes betraying their shame, but interest in who might win...

"Final bout. Kathryn Jones versus...Angelique Talatiri. Let the match commence. First to three blows is declared winner, and moves on to the Grand Championship..."

Kathryn was good, but Angelique was better, faster, more disciplined. She broke Kathryns arm in four places. As she lay on the floor of the arena, wincing in pain, Kathryn heard one thing before she passed out. "Well, I suppose a Jones belongs down there, don't you think?"

6 Years ago...

She was almost to the docks-and freedom. With him. All she needed was the tickets...

Angelique was sitting at the nearby table, waiting for her. She was smiling nastily, and was dressed in her most sumptuous finery-a deliberate insult, considered the roughly improvised clothes Kathryn was wearing to blend in with the crowd at the docks.

"Really, Kathryn-you haven't been writing. Here I was, thinking we might have have another round...oh, but you lost your head over that silly boy, didn't you? Burned down that shabby excuse for a mansion...even knocked your own father out cold. A pity."

Well, they all say you've gone mad-but not me. I know."
Kathryn clenched her firsts.

"You've always been...beneath me. Scum. You're true colors had to come out eventually...don't worry about me-I'd much rather you go and get yourself killed in the wilderness, or die in some foreign prison than let them try to apprehend you here."

She motioned to the boat.

"Boats leaving. Wouldn't want to be too late...good luck, Kathryn. I suppose money might be a problem,...I would cut you a cheque, but-oh dear me-I seem to have misplaced it somewhere...well you can always prosti..."

Kathryn broke Angeliques jaw. Again.

Some weeks ago...

Angelique was bored. There were hardly any decent duelists in Azure-at least, ones that didn't want to impress her so they could get in her pants.

Ho-Hum. She opened yet another gift-this one, some sort of..peacock pokemon? Eww, she hated birds. Angelique summoned her butler to remove it-donate it to the local pokemon center...or the soup kitchens.

It seemed as if this vacation would be wasted after all, she thought, rubbing her beloved pet Persian on the head. She was not much of a trainer, but her pokemon "Rapier" was the best money could buy-well trained, disciplined, attended to by the finest breeders and move tutors.

She liked sharp, beautiful pokemon...they were like her, of course. Beauty with a razors edge-immaculate form and posture, with a subtle, murderous grace.

Then, Angelique saw something-the local paper...it was opened to a certain page, probably by accident. Her sixth sense told her to look

"Move, Rapier-let me see..." The Persian growled lazily, and strutted off slowly.

There was a certain story.

Arson in Haven City? Yes...and who else was that in the picture? The one with the red hair...the red mouse pokemon burning down the hut...and that stupid hat...

Angelique smiled coldly to herself. Even after all these years-she knew. It was her. Well, the vacation just got more interesting, didn't it? Oh, how far you have fallen, my old friend. Maybe I will track you down again, she thought...and they had drawn blood on each before-it was likely going to be to the death this time. She was no longer a young woman that could easily forgive insults-and not held back by those certain people, that had done so before. They were gone now.

Yes. Humiliated, beaten...maybe dead. Her-and anybody she was travelling with. She almost gagged when she saw the other picture, of the hairy barbarian that was no doubt one of her travelling companions-what a brute!

She wouldn't feel any guilt at doing this, to any of them-if it was one thing the Talatiri family knew how to do, it was how to act without conscience-to win, at all costs.

EXP to Aquila!

Go go Super Rival Creation

[Weirdsound]

EXP to the next egg to hatch if allowed. Otherwise to Foongus.

Azure Micro Stories:

1: Moment of Truth

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"I don't get it..." The caller whined. "How can you allow a POKEMON of all beings airtime on a radio show to express it's clearly incorrect world view?"

Randal Goodman laughed. "Madam, the term you are looking for is respect. I respect Rascal though I may not agree with everything the bird has to say. He says crap I can't stand all the time, and you don't see me throwing a fit about it."

"HOW CAN YOU RESPECT SOMEBODY WHO BELIE-"

"Look lady." The Chattot chimes in, interrupting the angry caller. "I understand where you are coming from. There are many splicers involved in shadowy conspiracies all around the Azure region. I think those criminals should be hunted down and punished, perhaps even with slavery."

The bird shuffles around on it's perch a bit before continuing. "We can't let a few bad apples ruin life for the whole orchard however. Look at it this way. I'm a Pokemon. I have the same rights as any other Pokemon - none at all. I'm fine with my lot in life and don't expect it to change just because I'm more 'human-like' than the average Pokemon caught in wild. Why should a human's world be turned upsidedown just because he wakes up one morning and finds himself a bit more like a Pokemon?"

Randal nods. "You pose a decent argument friend, but we are souposed to be talking about the contest hall that up and drove away the other day."

"Right then I'll drop the topic after reminding the viewers that not every splicer you meet is plotting to bring down society as we know it. Quit making their lives miserable, especially the cute ones with feathers!" The bird punctuated its statement with a flirtatious wolf whistle before Randal changed the topic.

2: Good Medicine

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"The humans played a game with their Pokemon, and the stakes were high." The old medicine man pointed out shapes in the smoke as he spoke. "But the game they played is not like any you have ever seen children."

"What was it like then wise one?" One of the many young boys gathered around the campfire dared to ask.

"Like a battle... sort of. Each Pokemon would perform a move in turn, but instead of trying to harm each other the competitors attempted to impress a panel of chiefs called 'judges' by employing their combat moves in intelligent and creative ways." The old man paused for a second to count the sparks the leaped from the flames. "Each competitor used 4... no... 5! They used five moves a piece to impress these judges."

"Who did the 'judge' chiefs decide won?" asked the boy. "Was it the terrible war criminal?"

"No..." The medicine man said, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "That man was the third best."

"What about the one impersonating a ranger?" interrupted another kid, a girl this time.

"Her placement was too trivial for the fire to say, so I doubt she did good Quaila."

"Well then who won sir?" the boy followed up, eager to hear more of the story.

"A strange girl." the old mystic said with a faint smile. "Our story dose not concern her however, whats important is what happens next."

The small pack of children around the fire all speak up, almost as one. "What happens next?"

The medicine man glares long and hard into the fire before bursting into laughter. "The fire says the concrete and metal tent where this game happened got up and walked away with everybody still inside."

"Walked away?" Asked another boy. "Not even concrete city tents can walk away."

The seer nods. "Indeed, the don't walk away. I think my mystic herbs were stronger than I counted on is all. We will come back to this story tomorrow night, and then I'll say what happens next."

3: Respect

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"HOW MUCH DID SHE PAY YOU TO THROW THAT BATTLE!" Jerome roared, causing both Dr. Download and the usualy stoic Omen to flinch.

"I-I assure you we were not paid off" The engineer said hesitantly. "I hate omen enough so that If I even had the slightest suspision that he was cheating, I'd rat him out. Further more I know the feeling is mutual and he'd do the same for m-"

"BULLSHIT!" the splicer roared. "You are my number 1 and number 2 ranked fighters, and you both used your strongest Pokemon. On a Team. WITH A HANDICAP IN YOUR FAVOR! There is no other possible explanation for your defeat! YOU TWO THREW THE ARCEUSFORSAKEN MATCH!"

"Sir. I did my best in that battle, and I know and respect Dowload enough to believe him when he says the same." Omen speaks softly. "The Pokemon Newman used was not an ordinary Pokemon."

"Pray tell then you cheating fuck, what was it?" Jerome's shouting ceased. His voice was now softer, but no less dangerous.

"What we fought was a divine concept in the form of a Pokemon." The old Shaman explained. "Or a fragment of one. In the legends of my people it is called 'Zekryan', which translates roughly to 'ideal'. It has been fortold that Zekryan would one day return to the mortal plain in search of a chosen one to serv-"

"Please excuse my worthy and respected rival." Dr. Download hastily butted in. "What he is trying to say... in so many words... is that the Pokemon we fought was one of the several species known only from myth and a few sightings. Pokemon like this are said to be extrodairly powerful sir, and often have ability's that lesser Pocket Monsters could only dream about."

Jerome takes a deep breath. "So what you knuckleheads are trying to tell me is that Newman used a legendary Pokemon?"

Both trainers nodded quietly.

The Gliscizor-like man turns to his champion. "If this is true, dose that make the bitch Sophia some kind of Messiah?"

"Newman is a respectable trainer. She could indeed be the chosen one. It is said that the one Zekryan chooses to fight alongside is to be a champion of an ideal." Omen shrugs. "There is a very real chance that it is simply using the gym leader in it's search for said Messiah."

4: Selected Entries from an Old Journal

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Day 1: It has been a month since Newman brought me over to tame these lands and already I am frustrated. It is like they warned me; Azure seems to actively resist the advance of civilazation. Dirt roads vanish overnight. Large construction projects are plagued with structural problems and Pokemon attacks. Population centers that grow too big suffer from plauge and unexplained famine - Food just up and vanishes when not observed!

I am up to the challenge. If this land wants to fight, I will beat it.

Day 5: I think Azure has taken a personal dislike to yours truly. Yesterday my son Killroy, only three years old, was gored by a Tauros while out exploring with his older siblings. Doctors say his chances of survival are about a coin flip. Seeming to compound my suffering we found out today that the tainted fruit that almost killed my wife last month has rendered her sterile. Should my boy die he will not be replaced.

Day 8: Killroy died. Funeral is Thursday. I swear to Arceus that his death will not be in vain. I swear to Arceus that I will avenge his death, and snuff out the wild spirt of these lands.

Day 18: I talked to a Mystic from a tribe just outside the New Haven settlement. He seems quite adamant that Azure is under some sort of divine protection. I am told that failure, misery, and suffering will come to those who try and force change upon it. I told him I already kinda knew that...

Day 34: Azure hates modern transportation more than anything. The planes I sent for were all ruined. A fog set in as they were set to arrive; they all got lost and crashed into the peaks of the Steelix Moutains. We lost several close friends who were piloting the planes, including my cousin Jeffery and Newman's sister Sophia. I kinda expected something like this to happen so I had insured the planes against acts of Arceus.

Day 36: This land will not let us even bury our dead heroes in peace. We had a funural for my cousin at the airstrip where he was supposed to land. Halfway through the proceedings we were attacked by a pair of Tyranitar. Two were killed and several more were hurt. The goodish news is that they took my bait and destroyed the airstrip which I had insured for much more than it was worth. I am starting to get wise to the ways of these lands.

I will continue the good fight. I will see this land subjected to civilization like all the others, or die trying. That said I think I'm gonna give up on powered flight. Airplanes, as it seems, are not worth the trouble here in Azure.

[freeformschooler]

<freeformschooler> wish i was in haika's game
<Taricus> Well, you can join it...
<freeformschooler> what really?
<Taricus> Yeah.
<freeformschooler> open spots?
<Taricus> Well, you'd just have to check with him.

Is this true Haika? You think it would be possible for me to join? I've barely played much D&D at all, but it wouldn't take much for me to learn this system.

[Dwarmin]

Oh yeah, we got space for more players, I think. Haika can fill you in.

And, pokemon information overload aside, this system is much easier to learn than D&D.

Anyway, session tonight looking good, right?