pmdnightfall

[pmdnightfall]

DAD: vhaz is zhe meaning of zhis? Is my daughzer jusz bringing random szrangers zo our home, nov? OUKA: They're not a stranger, they're Nova!! They're my friend!! DAD: And hov come I've never heard of zhis Espurr before, lez alone seen zhem? OUKA: Well... I just met them yesterday, but it was fate, you see! They're a human, destined to save the world!! DAD: Unbelievable, are you aczually convinced zhis Pokemon is one of zhose folkloric creazures? You should knov bezzer, az your age! The Gligar huffs with a tinge of frustration, it seems not even her own father was on board with her idea. OUKA: Hmph!! Like YOU'RE one to talk, father, what with your silly fake accent in your forties!! DAD: vell, ansver me zhis, Ouka;

VLAD: VHAZ is a human? A miserable lizzle relic of days pasz! OUKA: Darn it, enough talk, I've got things to do!!

OUKA: Ugh, this such a stupid waste of time!! I'll be late for class at this rate... Ouka hands over her HAPPI application paper to her father. OUKA: Do me a favor and send this back to HAPPI, I'll be going now!!

The Gligar quickly storms off out of home with Nova, leaving Vlad to look at her sealed envelope and sigh.

VLAD: If iz really makes my daughzer happy... I suppose I can'z do much abouz iz.

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

NOVA: Whu-- OUKA: GOOD MORNING!!

OUKA: Hi Nova!! NOVA: Hi Ouka OUKA: Come on and let's get going, we got to become an official Exploration Team!! and go to class, that's important too!! Nova blinks incredulously, having just woken up and immediately being bombarded by their new friend's excitement. What even is "class"?

The Espurr barely finishes processing everything before they're once again whisked away by Ouka.

OUKA: We've still got time!!

OUKA: We'll stop by the Post Office first, then go to Treasure Academy right after!! NOVA: Ok

The duo continue into the foyer, preparing to set off for the new day.

OUKA: Actually maybe I should ask father to send the form for me, I'm sure he'll be OK with it!!

DAD: Vho is zhis 'mon, Ouka? OUKA: Hi father.

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

ENVY: wonder card activate ENVY: petrify card!

TYPHLOSION: LIGGGHAAAARGH...!

With a swift strike, the shades-wearing Nidoran shatters the petrified enemy into pieces with ease.

The Wild One is slain. Envy gains more experience out of the ordeal.

The Pokemon keeping their distance stare awestruck at her performance.

RATICATE: Woah... I can't believe I just saw that happen...! PHANTUMP: Is she an Explorer? That was brutal! ENVY: hey, all of you hiding there like wimps PHANTUMP: H-Huh??

ENVY: you better clean the mess up and do something productive instead of cowering in fear ENVY: wouldn't want this entire forest burning to the ground would we? ENVY: or having pokemon chunks just littering the place for everyone to gawk at ENVY: i'm done taking out the trash here. count yourselves lucky that thing didn't do too much damage RATICATE: U-Uh, yes! Don't worry about it!

With a shrug, the Nidoran once again walks off into the night, outwardly stoic as always yet very much looking forward to the next opportunity to show off her strength.

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

ENVY: poison sting! TYPHLOSION: GRRRAARGH... LIGHT...!!!

The small child is spared from a burning end by an unbelievably cool Pokemon.

GIAN: !!!

GIAN: THANK YOU MISS! ENVY: don't bother with thanks kid. i'm just taking care of business ENVY: now go! GIAN: O-OKAY

Gian quickly flees the scene as Envy sizes up her current opponent.

ENVY: so what's your deal

ENVY: typhlosion, volcano pokemon, fire type ENVY: as i expected, nothing to worry about TYPHLOSION: GRRRR!

TYPHLOSION: LIIIGHT! ENVY: even fully evolved, you're nothing more than yet another weak feral!

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

That very same night, the Mystifying Forest enjoys its usual peace and tranquility.

As expected, however, it does not last long.

POKEMON 1: YEAARGH! It's a Wild One! POKEMON 2: Another one?! Run away!

A feral Pokemon encrusted with strange material stands tall within the forest, the onlookers all scrambling for safety.

TYPHLOSION: LIGHT.... LIGHT!!!!!

TRUBBISH: HUFF... HUFF...!

An unfortunate passerby, a tiny Trubbish, is hit by a stroke of bad luck.

GIAN: AAH!!

The Wild One closes in on Gian, intending on incinerating anything that stands in their way.

However...

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

As her friend passes out, Ouka sits at her desk, pen in claw and paper in front, excited to finally fill it out with the details of her dream Team.

OUKA: (Lessee here... Founding members? Me and Nova, of course!! Leader... Well, maybe it's not such a good idea to make them the leader, what with the amnesia and all... So it'll be me!!) Her smile only grew wider as she continued writing down information. OUKA: (Team name... Huh...) The Gligar pauses, suddenly drawing a blank. She supposed it would take a bit to think up of a good, catchy team name. OUKA: (Alright... They're something involving the team members' traits, like uh... Team EarClaw? Nah, that sounds silly, and I don't want it to just be me and Nova!!) OUKA: (Team NO? Er... Team ON? I'd definitely need more Pokemon if I ever want an acronym to work, too... Hmmm... Wait!!)

OUKA: (Something relating to the crystal!! Of course!! We could be... TEAM PRISM!! Wait, no, someone's taken that already I'm pretty sure...) Ouka wracks her brain for a while to find a cool, sweet and catchy name relating to her precious stone. OUKA: AHA!! I got it!!

OUKA: We're Team Light Fang!! Coming soon to your nearest theater!! Or, uh, maybe not that... As the Gligar's excitement subsides, she writes down all that was left on the paper and promptly keeps it safe and sound.

OUKA: Perfect!! All done!! I'll see if I can get father to send it to HAPPI tomorrow... Ouka crosses her arms, a subtle frown forming on her face. OUKA: Ugh, I HOPE he will actually let me form a Team!! He can be such a pain sometimes...

OUKA: But I'll worry about that tomorrow! For now, I really need some rest...

As she thinks about her near future as part of an Exploration Team, the chiropteran Pokemon slowly falls into a slumber...

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

OUKA: This is the foyer!! Don't worry about the... oppressive decor, father wanted to decorate it and he's got some strange interests... NOVA: Ok OUKA: My room's upstairs. You can stay there, too!!

Ouka, still gripping Nova's hand way too firmly, dragged them to the coziness of her room.

OUKA: I got to decorate this one, so thankfully it's not as much of an eyesore, with all the spooky statues and bones and stuff!! NOVA: Hmm OUKA: This is my bed, by the way!! But you can sleep on it instead. Here, hold on...

Ouka reaches under her bed and pulls out what seemed to be a smaller, very much lower quality bed made of... straw?

OUKA: I'll sleep on this one!! NOVA: Why OUKA: Well, you are the human, right?? You're the one most deserving of the better bed to sleep on!! NOVA: Uh Ok OUKA: You can go ahead and rest for the night, I'll stay awake a little longer. Gotta write an application letter to HAPPI to get us recognized as an official Exploration Team!! NOVA: (Happy?)

Nova tilted their head in confusion. She did seem happy, in any case.

Nova gets up on Ouka's bed... or is it now theirs? Whatever the case, they definitely felt way more comfortable on this than they ever did on any other location they tried to sleep. More cozy and less steel-y. So comfortable in fact, that they very quickly gave in to the drowsiness and fell asleep, happily resting after all the stress from earlier.

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

GRUNT: D-Damn it all...!!

At the coast neighboring Brine Cave, an unfortunate mook struggles to stay afloat, both physically and mentally.

JAGI: Why did this happen now?! Why was I the only one who survived...?!

The lowly Sharp Blade Pokemon's sight began to blur, his cracked carapace stinging more as he tries his hardest to walk forward.

JAGI: I must... get back... to HQ...

With a thud, his body falls unconscious to the rocky floor, unable to go on much longer.

????: Oh no, no! This will not do! Stay alive for now little fella, we got quite a road ahead before we can fix your face up...

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

The streets are quiet at this time of the night. Nova feels the soft breeze of approaching summer in their fur. A familiar feeling somehow stirs within the Espurr; one that signals the start of a grand tale.

The Restraint Pokemon contemplates as they look at the sky. They felt an unusual degree of trust and attachment to this Gligar. It was her hatchday, wasn't it? Not that Nova knows what that even is, or how old they are, for that matter. Their sense of time has been completely diluted by living so many years in darkness.

In the end, Nova decides to go with Ouka. They feel within their heart it's the best course of action. To finally get to live a normal life... Or so they hope.

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

OUKA: IT'S GOOD. It'll all be fine. They lost their memory and we have no idea where they are from, for now. MAEDA: Right. OUKA: I'll talk to my father and we'll figure something out!! It will all turn out just dandy. Despite this not-at-all normal conversation, The Wigglytuff still keeps an air of professionalism as he pats the nervous Ouka's head, giving her a reassuring smile. MAEDA: Alright. I trust you and Mr. Yotsuba to get things done. You may be a bit scatterbrained at times, but you're a good student, Ouka. Ouka smiles at the half-compliment, as Mr. Maeda prepares to leave. MAEDA: With that said, I can't be here all night. You kids be good, alright? As he walks away, he gives a wave and a bright smile to the group. MAEDA: And remember, smiles go for miles! TRIP: Later, teach-dude! Trip's face sours as he realizes just how late it is. TRIP: Aww, I guess I gotta jet too. Don't wanna hear my geezers bitching all day because I was out late. The cool Emolga pats Sune on what would be his shoulders as he scurries off, signaling his best friend to follow him. TRIP: C'mon, Sune, gotta go! Hey Ouka, thanks for having us, by the way! SUNE: T-Thank you...! A-And happy hatchday! OUKA: Thanks for all the presents, too!! See ya tomorrow!! Ouka sees her friends off, leaving her and Nova in another awkward silence.

OUKA: So. Uh... I guess you really have nowhere to go right now, huh? NOVA: No OUKA: Then it's decided, you'll stay at my house!! I'm sure father won't mind!! C'mon, it's just around the corner!!

The duo make their way to Ouka's home, Nova trying their best to keep up with the Gligar girl's fast pace. As the moon shines brightly in the sky, they arrive at the Yotsuba residence.

OUKA: Here we are!! It's not much, but it's a roof to live under!!

OUKA: Come on friend!! You'll like it, I promise!!

Ouka is naturally quick to enter her own abode, but Nova is more hesitant. After being bathed in natural light for the first time, after so long, the Espurr isn't sure whether to go back to the confines of four walls. They look back, in thought.

<- First | Prev | (S) Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

It wouldn't be long before the newly-formed duo met up with Ouka's friends in the middle of Treasure Town, clearly concerned with the blast heard earlier.

TRIP: Hey, Ouka, what the hell was that on the beach just now?! You aren't hurt, aren't you?! OUKA: Yeah, don't worry about it, I'm fine!! My new friend here helped me against some of these Team Skull weirdos!! NOVA: Hello TRIP: Huh. Who's this dude? SUNE: T-They don't look to be from town... OUKA: They're a human!! It finally happened!! Trip's expression soured. Had Ouka really gotten so absorbed in her daydreams? TRIP: Oh no sis, you are NOT just picking up random people from the street and claiming they're human now. It is not a thing you are currently doing for real. OUKA: It's true!! They were passed out on the beach and have memory loss!! This is how it all starts, Trip!! SUNE: W-Wouldn't a safer assumption be that they were injured in some way, a-and ended up washed up here...? TRIP: Yeah! This Pokemon might need help, we can't go parading them as some sort of mythical creature! OUKA: Urgh! Have some faith in your good friend Ouka, will you?? Just give it some time; everything will fall into place soon enough!! ????: Now, now, what are you boys and girls doing getting so worked up this late? You should be getting rest. The group turns to the source of an all-too familiar voice.

SUNE: M-Mr. Maeda! W-What are you doing here? MAEDA: I'm a normal Pokemon too, Sune. I was just running some errands over on the shopping district. The teacher's eyes glance over Nova, curious at the gang's new incorporation. MAEDA: Say, who's this new friend of yours?

NOVA: My Name Is Nova OUKA: They're a human I came across on the beach!! MAEDA: Hmm. Aren't you a little too old to believe in these things, Ouka? OUKA: Not you too, teach!! Ouka's mouth forms a pout as she crosses her arms in indignation. MAEDA: In any case, this Espurr seems to have a rather peculiar way of speaking. Were they already enrolled in a school by their parents? NOVA: What Are Parents

... ... ...

TRIP: Oh my god, dude.

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

Everyone involved is taken aback by Nova's sudden outburst.

BENSON: Whoa-ho-ho! What the hell was that?! BOWLHEAD: Kueh! I don't know man, but I refuse to deal with this specific kid! Let's scamper off, Kue-hee-hee!

Team Skull quickly abscond in fear after such a close call, leaving Ouka and Nova in relative peace once again.

Ouka sweats nervously. OUKA: W... What was that?! Nova's obscured eyes shift to a more concerned look as they frown, worried that their momentary loss of control scared the friendly Pokemon they just met. NOVA: I Am Sorry... NOVA: I Did Not Expect To Get So Overwhelmed The Espurr puts their hand on Ouka's shoulder. OUKA: It's... It's okay. I just got caught off guard. That... That was actually pretty awesome!! Ouka's face lights up as she quickly sits up and grabs Nova's hands, excited. OUKA: You know what this means?? The cosmos have gifted you awesome power to help with whatever crisis we'll face soon!! NOVA: What OUKA: We'll be invincible together!!

Before Nova could say anything, the excited Gligar drags them by hand to the town. OUKA: Come on!! I'll show you around town!! Wait, I guess you don't have a place to live, huh? We'll figure something out!! NOVA: Ok

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

This young Espurr's name is Nova. Most of their life has been a blur so far, only seeing darkness when they try to think back. Due to this, they're a Pokemon of few words. Waking up in an unfamiliar place and with limited knowledge of the world, Nova wonders if this could be a new opportunity at life?

NOVA: I Like It NOVA: Thank You Nova's mouth curls into a slight smile. Seeing this, Ouka is overjoyed. OUKA: YAY!! I'm glad you liked it, I'm sure we'll be the bestest of friends!! Ouka takes Nova's hand, squeezing it harder than it would be comfortable out of excitement, but the two wouldn't have the opportunity to go anywhere before two Pokemon approached them. ????: Not so fast, whoa-ho-ho...

Two sketchy-looking fellows interrupt Ouka and Nova's meeting. They seem to have their eyes on the Gligar's crystal.

BOWLHEAD: You have something interesting over there, girlie! Hee-hee-hee!

OUKA: Huh?? Wait, I know you!! You're Team Skull!! NOVA: Who OUKA: Some team of no-lifes that do nothing but bother people, no one you should pay any mind to. BENSON: Now that's just rude, isn't it? We just want to take a closer look at that shiny thing you have 'round your neck... Whoa-ho-ho...! BOWLHEAD: That thing looks like it'd sell for a hefty price! If ya aren't using it for anything, we'll take better care of it! Kueh-hee-hee! Ouka quickly clutches the crystal in one pincer, fully intending on defending it from the two Team Skull goons. OUKA: Like hell!! This is a gift from a good friend, I'll never let any of you hooligans get your filthy appendages on it!! BENSON: We were just trying to be nice, girl... Benson's expression turns more menacing. BENSON: If you insist on being so mean, we'll have to teach you that our requests are non-negotiable... Whoa-ho-ho. NOVA: You Give Me Bad Vibes Benson and Bowlhead turn towards Nova with curiosity, a face they didn't recognize from around these parts.

BENSON: And who's this kid, whoa-ho-ho? BOWLHEAD: Kueh! Some new weakling around the block. Nothing to fret over, Kueh-hee-hee! NOVA: You Are Annoying NOVA: Shut Up BENSON: Huh?! What'd you say, vermin?! Whoa-ho-ho!

NOVA: I SAID SHUT UP! BENSON: Oh shit

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

That day, OUKA witnessed an unexpected sight at the Treasure Town beach; an unconscious figure lying on the sand. OUKA: O-Oh my god...

OUKA: It can't be!! It's just like one of the stories I wrote!! A a mysterious Pokemon, suddenly appearing before their future partner in crime, claiming to be a human...!! Ouka poked at the Espurr's unconscious body. This Pokemon could be dead, but she was too excited about her fantasies to care about silly things such as death. OUKA: Hey!! Wake up, friend!! Are you a human?? You must be!! Ouka was so excited, she was just punching the poor thing awake by now.

????: Hnghgrh The downed Espurr groggily reenters the waking world, getting up slowly and clutching their head as if they suffered from a headache not long ago.

????: Where... Where Am I? ????: It Is So Bright OUKA: Good afternoon, silly!! Welcome to the World of Pokemon!! I'm assuming you're a human sent on a mission?? ????: Uh I Knew That, I Think, The World Of Pokemon Part ????: But What Is A Human? OUKA: Sheesh, amnesia hit you hard huh?? ????: What Is Amnesia?

Ouka pauses for a second. OUKA: Uh... It's when you lose memories, forget about large parts or your life, things like that... OUKA: But er, enough about that!! My name is Ouka. Ouka Yotsuba!! What's yours?? ????: My What? OUKA: ...Your name? ????: I Do Not Have One Ouka raises an eyebrow. They don't have one? She thought that's something they'd be able to remember! OUKA: Um... I guess that complicates things... Ouka's face lights up as she gets an idea. OUKA: Oh! I know!! How about we give you a new name, right now!! Let's see, are you a boy, a girl, or...?? ????: I Do Not Know

This was more complicated than Ouka thought it would be. OUKA: ...Okay, we can work with this... Ouka lifts a hand up to her chin, lost in thought for a moment as she scrambles for cool names this Espurr could have. What could this gift from the stars be named? OUKA: Oh, I got it!! How about...

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

Ouka, frustrated, makes her leave to unwind. OUKA: I'm leaving for the beach, don't make too much of a mess on my room. With that, the Gligar closes the door, leaving her two friends behind.

SUNE: N-Nice one man, and on her h-hatchday too. TRIP: Ah, shut it!

Ouka steps outside her modest residence. It is a relatively quiet afternoon on her home of Treasure Town, a port town off of the west coast of Hadas where travelers and Exploration Teams often wound up at to rest. The nearby beach, with its scenic sights, is her comfort place she liked to stay at whenever her emotions overwhelmed her, which happens quite often.

On particular days like these, the air surrounding the town is filled with a coat of beautiful bubbles, which was her favorite time to lay down and admire the distant ocean and skies.

As Ouka watches the setting sun, a sense of melancholy washes over her. She sighs. OUKA: One day...

OUKA: Huh??

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

OUKA: Huh!! What's this supposed to be??

Hours later, that afternoon, a young Gligar named Ouka sits on her humble Treasure Town home. Today seems to be her sixteenth hatchday, and is spending it with two of her friends.

After she finishes admiring her last present for the day, Ouka puts the shining crystal around her neck.

OUKA: It's so pretty though, thank you Trip!!

TRIP: Slow down dudette, this ain't mine. Ruby was the one who found it, but she couldn't make it today... She wanted me to give it to you, y'know? SUNE: S-She needed to go back home quickly, to take care of a little injured Pokemon. W-Was being attacked by one of these W-Wild Ones. OUKA: Ugh!! They're such a pain. Things were going so well before these weirdos started showing up... Ouka raises her fists in the air in a bout of confidence. OUKA: If I had a D-Nexus to use with my Wonder Cards, all of these fools would be on the ground!! TRIP: Hey now, don't get too pumped up... You know these things cost a fortune and are usually reserved for professional Explorers, right? Trip scratches his chin, looking over Ouka and not very impressed. TRIP: Besides, sis, I'm not sure if you'd be up to the task... No offense. OUKA: Some taken!! Ouka pouts for a moment. OUKA: And hey, I wouldn't be alone, ideally!! All of the great Explorers have partners, and only the GREATEST had a human partner!! TRIP: Oh no sis, you are NOT dumping your fanfiction on us again! OUKA: Hey, it's not fanfiction if it really happened!! SUNE: W-Well she's got kind of a point there...

OUKA: Remember that Meteorite crisis all those decades ago?? TRIP: We weren't even born yet! OUKA: A human, straight from a fairy-tale, being summoned here to save the world with their trusty Pokemon partner!! Isn't that the most fascinating story?? The daydreaming Gligar sighs contentedly. OUKA: One day, that'll be me... TRIP: I think you should keep that as writing on yourbooks, dudette... Ya shouldn't get so ahead of yourself. OUKA: You guys are no fun!! Trip holds out his arms, defensively. TRIP: I'm just being realistic! What are the chances of another world-ending catastrophe for that to happen again? That kind of stuff can't happen more than once in a lifetime, can it? OUKA: Urgh!! You're insufferable when you're like this!!

<- First | Prev | Next ->

[pmdnightfall]

At the early hours of dawn, a vessel bearing a familiar symbol sails the oceans. Would be just another calm day at work, if it were not for what they were currently carrying at the time.

GRUNT: C-CAPTAIN!!

A lowly Pawniard yells as he scurries off to the deck, soon joined by more screams and muffled sounds of destruction.

CAPTAIN: The hell do you want, runt? What's with all the ruckus going on over there?! GRUNT: It's... It's Megiddo! It woke up!! CAPTAIN: What do you mean it woke up?!

Their conversation would not have time to continue, as the specimen they were housing, a creature of both light and dark, made its final move.

Thus sealing their fates.

GRUNT: !!!

A vessel and its inhabitants, destroyed by a blinding flash of light.

<- First | Prev | Next ->