#guardiansoftwilight

[thetakenpokemon]

Progria Arc Summarization (Part 4/Final Part)

At this point of the story it would go back in time, changing its focus to the perspective of Dr. Carlos Robertson.

It would show the aftermath of Snakewulf escaping and the ‘removal’ of Felicia, the one responsible for freeing said artificial Pokemon. Although the creation of Snakewulf was a resounding and revolutionary success, the fact said creation has escaped - and the data destroyed - is considered to be an ultimate failure to Dr. Robertson. The fact he didn’t notice any unusual behavior from someone who works directly under him is a grave oversight. This combined with the fact that he wanted to have something under his belt that would make him surpass Dr. Horus - someone who he holds a great amount of jealousy towards ever since Samuel joined the HWDP and quickly gained influence and power.

At this point Dr. Robertson thought that his work is finished and that there would be nothing left, however he would be approached by another official of the HWDP who would offer him another proposition. Although he would have to go back to square one, they desire for him to create another artificial Pokemon.

Not wanting to humiliate himself again, he immediately went to work on creating another. He declared his next project to be Project: Behemoth, where he would create the largest and most powerful creature the world has ever seen. However before he could get started, he discovered that Dr. Horus recruited James away from him and thus lost his only other subordinate. This infuriated Dr. Robertson greatly, however he had little say on the matter due to at this point Dr. Horus has far more say than he does. Infuriated, Dr. Robertson declared to himself that he will do this work himself.

Working tirelessly for weeks he began working on his project, taking various samples of DNA in order to create a new Pokemon. As these weeks turned to months, his results always end in failures. Each of these artificial Pokemon would end up dying or failing to form, the reasoning Dr. Robertson suspects to be the fact that there is DNA from a key Pokemon that is not allowing a creature of such mass to sustain itself.

As the months drag on and word on Dr. Horus’ success on creating Project: Bladesong, Dr. Robertson believed that there is no way that he can come back from his humiliation and thus officially announced that Project: Behemoth has been cancelled. After him officially canning the project, he gets pulled aside by the same HWDP official and is questioned on why he has wasted countless ‘company resources’ with no results. Carlos explains that due to having no sufficient DNA, he is incapable of creating a creature of massive proportions. That and as much as he hated to admit it, creating artificial creatures will have no place when artificial Hybrids and cybernetically augmented humans are being created.

The official asks him what sort of sufficient DNA he requires, and off the top of his head the first thing Carlos says would be ‘DNA of that of a Legendary Pokemon’, something that the HWDP have been incapable of obtaining - except for the fluke of when they obtained DNA of Deoxys for creating a Human/Pokemon hybrid, which ultimately created Chimera.

Hearing this, the official takes Carlos aside and reveals to him that said DNA has been obtained - Groudon DNA specifically. Although they have tried creating a Groudon hybrid with it, the resulting hybrids would usually die due to their bodies being incapable of handling DNA of a Legendary Pokemon.

Hearing this, Carlos demands to know why he wasn’t informed on them possessing Legendary Pokemon DNA since such knowledge would be invaluable to his research and production. In response he is told that this DNA is currently kept in The Cage, a place where even Carlos knows little of due to him not being approved to work on the site. Dr. Robertson is offered a new proposition, in exchange for him utilizing this Groudon DNA he would have to remain completely silent on the project.

Although he would love to flaunt his possible success to Dr. Horus’ face, Dr. Robertson begrudgingly agrees, and thus is sent out to The Cage while his Project: Behemoth is still officially considered cancelled.

After a little while longer, Dr. Robertson utilizes the Groudon DNA and proceeds to try to create his Behemoth again. It took only a few attempts, but he eventually managed to create a creature that can sustain the Legendary genes. While incubating, the creature would continue to grow larger and larger, its size becoming so big that it would eventually require a massive chamber to store it. 

Excited with the current success of creating such massive life, Dr. Robertson would work with Cage officials in incorporating their new ‘Control Collars’ to the Behemoth. These collars were designed to control the artificial Hybrids completely through Psychic signals, and Carlos wanted this collar on the Behemoth so he could control it completely - and not have another incident of rebellion like with Snakewulf.

There were many flaws with this collar however that some personnel pointing out - specifically how much of a glaring weakness they are, where they can be fairly destroyed and cause the controlled Pokemon to go berserk. However due to them still trying to develop a better alternative - such as a microchip, they kept with the idea of the collar for the Behemoth.

Ultimately however due to the glaring weakness and danger of having the Behemoth rampage, they made it clear to Robertson that it is not considered ready to be tested - or deployed even - until such an alternative is designed and field-tested.

At this point the story would go a bit farther into the future during the events of when the facility Dr. Horus resided in was attacked by ‘terrorists’, ultimately ending with the facility detonating and leaving no survivors or traces of what happened.

Although Dr. Horus’ corpse was supposedly found due to finding a DNA match on it, Dr. Robertson refused to believe that Samuel was dead. Due to his growing paranoia and jealousy towards the man, Carlos theorized that Samuel was solely responsible for causing the facility’s destruction and then escaped. However due to him having no proof of this, he kept these thoughts to himself.

The story would go forward more to closer to the present, where The Cage is being attacked. Seeing the cyborgs through the security cameras - as well as members of the GoT, he declares to himself that he knew Dr. Horus was alive. How could he not be? The cyborgs are all of his own creations, James and Felicia both held some form of sympathy for Pokemon and the GoT, and the fact that both forces are attacking this facility - which is hidden completely from both the public eye and from most members of the HWDP - is clear proof to him.

Although having been warned countless times from releasing the Behemoth, Carlos decided to do just that. He would show Dr. Horus the pinnacle of his work, how he has created something that will surpass any measly cyborg that Samuel could make. He would show him and the world!

So he releases the Behemoth and uses the PsyControl - a device made to control specific or multiple hybrids - to unleash destruction upon the invaders with little care of how much of the facility he would destroy in the process.

Dr. Robertson was ecstatic, there was nothing they could do to harm the behemoth. Its armored scales were too tough, its size too great, its strength too oppressive, its pure-energy beam too powerful. There was nothing they could do to it, and they will soon die to his perfect creation...!

...That is until he watched with horror as one of the cyborgs saw the metal-like bands around the Behemoth’s neck and destroyed it, and thus Carlos could feel only panic as he no longer controlled the massive monstrosity.

...

Now back at the present and from the perspective of the cyborgs, they have been trying to find a way to take down the Behemoth but with no avail.

Due to its now erratic and animalistic behavior, they have been finding it practically impossible to predict and respond to its movements. Even with the five cyborgs, Chimera, and the mercenaries who are attacking from the dropship they have been leaving no lasting injuries. Even their attempt at attacking the eyes have had no effect due to said spheres being coated in some form of transparent scales as tough as its hide.

One theory they had of attacking it was from the inside by entering its mouth, but due to the intense heat radiating from it they deemed such a mission suicide since anyone entering it would immediately burn to ash.

As time continues to go by and the Behemoth beings to make its way out of the facility, Chimera comes up with a solution. While doing fly-bys and unleashing beams of energy, he noticed that there is some small bits of exposed skin around the Behemoth’s neck on where the metal bands used to be. If they can reach that area and repeatedly hack at this, they could potentially kill the Behemoth from entering its body from that angle.

Armed with this knowledge and newfound vigor, Chimera and the mercenaries began their objective of distracting the beast so that the cyborgs can scale the Behemoth. This results in the mercenaries nearly being obliderated from the sky after narrowingly dodging its beam attack, however the cyborgs manage to successfully scale the beast - after a great amount of difficulty - and reach its neck.

They immediately began hacking at it, quickly creating a gaping hole and entering inside before the beast could strike them with its claws. Now properly inside the flesh of the beast, they continued to strike at the soft tissue inside, soon creating a giant internal wound that continues to grow larger.

Feeling the intense pain, the beast ceases focusing on the nuisances outside and tries to claw and smash at its neck to rid itself of the cyborgs inside - but with no avail. As the cyborgs make the wound even more massive, the beast grows more desperate due to the extreme pain and begins prying its own hide off from its neck.

As it begins bleeding profusely from both the cyborgs and itself, proceeds to unleash a powerful beam with no target to focus on, causing destruction everywhere around it as it whips its head around. The cyborgs currently inside its neck feel the intense heat and realize that if they don’t kill the Behemoth here, they would most likely melt from the continual heat that it’s generating. So they’ve come to a singular conclusion: sever the Behemoth’s head.

So instead of hacking randomly, they instead focused on a singular level lining the outside of the beast’s skin before working inward. As time passes and their bodies begin to become more and more damaged from the heat, they continue their plan of killing the creature.

After a certain point Torrent ceases cutting and instead stabs his blades into the creature and unleashes as much electricity he could muster, causing the surrounding muscles to spasm and thus cutting off the creature’s beam - albeit temporarily. With its beam cut off, the Behemoth once again resumes clawing at its neck - removing more and more of the surrounding scales to expose the flesh.

With the scales completely removed - and the cyborgs managing to cut a clean ring, the Behemoth jerks its body violently...and thus its head slides off. With it gone, the monstrosity collapses into the earth, now nothing but a giant corpse.

Although the surrounding forest - and base for that matter - are in complete ruins, the group ultimately managed to stop one of the HWDP’s greatest weapons and destroyed their most essential facility. And not only that, but they managed to record everything with the few surviving drones they had left.

Even though they wanted to celebrate this victory, they went back to the remains of The Cage and explored the ruins of said facility for any survivors. Ultimately they found only a few personnel - Dr. Robertson included - and subdued them, so that they can be used as witnesses for when they bring all of the footage and files forward for the inevitable trial that will take place.

Unfortunately they were many brainwashed Hybrids left that had to be killed, however they did find a few survivors that have yet to be converted - and thus will be sent to the GoT to be rehabilitated like the rest of the artificial hybrids.

Knowing that it’s only a matter of time till the rest of the HWDP converges to their location, they quickly teleport back the remaining Pokemon while the mercenaries, cyborgs, and the original GoT group sent here flew off in the dropship with their prisoners.

After this point some time passes, the perspective shifting to Trojan. All footage and files of what the HWDP has been uploaded anonymously to numerous websites and news sites - with his help of course, and it has already taken the internet by storm. With this knowledge all of Progria was in outrage, seeing the incredibly cruel experiments as well as the HWDP’s desire to wage war against their neighboring country. This combined with information leaked on various companies - as well as specific government officials - who sponsored this project, it causes a great amount of chaos in the Human country.

Dr. Horus proceeded to turn himself in - as well as the numerous prisoners they have taken from The Cage - to act as key witnesses. Due to the anger of the citizens - and fear of how Evolutia would react upon hearing of what happened to their abducted citizens, this was a trial that could not be kept on the downlow. Dr. Horus was definitely going to go to prison for the numerous crimes he has committed, however his sentence won’t be nearly as severe compared to the other officials of the HWDP due to his willingness to cooperate and testify.

Focusing to the GoT group specifically, now that their mission is finished - and the HWDP in complete ruins, it was time for them to return back to Evolutia. However Bladesong requested to them that she instead wished to stay with the mercenaries instead of going back, since the other cyborgs have also made their decision to work with the mercenary band from here on out, since they feel much more at-home with the Humans after having working with them for so long.

Chimera tells her that even though she went against orders, she would still be welcomed in the GoT for the work she has done. However Bladesong stays adamant on her decision, saying that in the end as a cyborg she doesn’t quite fit in with fellow Pokemon anymore - that and she feels a sort of companionship with the other cyborgs. In the end Chimera agrees to her leaving, but not before the mercenary group and the GoT form an official alliance. If the GoT were to require their assistance, they would hire the mercenaries and cyborgs - for a price that is.

And so Chimera and Trojan return back to Evolutia with the guidance of Velvett - said Delphox deciding to stay in Progria for a bit longer to see ‘how the dumpster fire will turn out’. With only two left, Chimera inquires to Trojan on what will happen to the two other scientists who worked under Samuel Horus.

Trojan responds saying that the two have also elected to work with the mercenaries, since they’re officially considered dead to the eyes of Progria and thus don’t really have a place - unless they want to be persecuted by the full extent of the law as all of the other members of the HWDP. So instead they have elected to stay with the group and use their knowledge to assist the band of fighters to provide assistance, not to mention the two of them are the only people left in the group that know how to repair and maintain the bodies of the cyborgs.

Satisfied with this knowledge, he instead turns to the topic of how the GoT will handle revealing what happened to the rest of Evolutia, since they have kept knowledge on the HWDP’s activity on the downlow. It’s only a matter of time till Pokemon hear of the outrage in Progria, and this outrage will soon spread as Pokemon realize that their Human neighbors have been kidnapping and experimenting on their own - let alone the fact that said Pokemon were being turned into living weapons to be used to wage war.

At this Trojan merely shrugs and says that ultimately The Lady has the final say, however some sort of announcement will be made. He suspects that the outrage and desire for retaliation could be quelled if worded correctly, since otherwise they could be looking at a potential war between both Progria and Evolutia if the citizens of Evolutia desire blood and vengeance.

Not liking the prospect of war, Chimera says that at this point they can only hope that the situation won’t get worse, only for Trojan to scold him for jinxing it.

...And thus at this point, the Progria would come to an end...and the third Interlude would begin.

[thetakenpokemon-rp]

@ask-nacrenetreasurehunters | Response to here

I stare down at the two of them, waiting impatiently for their answer. I was starting to lose interest in these two Pokemon until I noticed that one of them is openly seething due to my words - specifically the one with the tacky hood.

I watch as her claws become sheathed in ice, giving her a very intimidating appearance - or at least it would’ve been intimidating, but I don’t give the slightest fuck.

What is she even going to do to me? I am far more-

Before I knew it, I was on the ground, my arms pinned under massive ice crystals.

She’s shouting at me now, but the words don’t reach me. I’m simply laying there in absolute shock, trying to wrap my head around the fact that a fucking Pokemon of all things managed to knock me down as if it was nothing. What’s worse is that the in-built enchantments didn’t kick in from the ice, probably due to the fact that ice is not energy-based.

So now I’m laying there as she’s laying into me with spiteful words - still ignoring her. What if she dented me? It’s a massive pain in the ass to repair my body. I can’t do it myself since I’m incapable of that shit, so I have to rely on the other damn Pokemon in the GoT.

My train of thought halts when my mind fully registers the situation.

She...struck me.

The fucking Pokemon...not only struck me, but knocked me on my ass.

And now...she is standing on top of me.

...

Despite my limbs being encased in ice, I feel my fingers slowly beginning to clench. The frozen water could do little to stop the limbs from moving, forcing the giant crystals to crack.

I’m glaring at her now, my face would being showing that of rage if it weren’t for the fact that it’s frozen on that damn frown. Loud hisses and clanking sounds come from my body as the gears and pistons truly start kicking in.

No one...strikes me.

She will PAY for that shit.

The ice encasing my fist shatters as I swing the limb at her and grab her by the scruff of her neck like a vice. Not a second later I fling her to the side in attempt to get her body off of my form.

The nozzles around my cannon-arm lets out multiple jets of super-hot steam, weakening the ice crystals encasing said arm enough for me to yank it out. I let out a loud growl as I pull my head out of its own icy prison and stand up to my full height.

Glancing down at my chest, I discover that she did in fact dent me. That alone is enough to make that fire in my chest intensify to that of a blazing inferno.

“You...have no idea on who you’re fucking with.” I hiss, my voice dripping with malice. “Man-made horror? That is a laughable thing to hear from the mouth of a fucking animal.” I point at her with a finger. “I was calling you creatures for what you are - pathetic and disgusting beasts who have far too much power for your own good.” I lower my hand, its fist clenching again. “You talk about a ‘list’ while having no damn clue on who I am.”

I stomp the ground, causing the stone to crack further. “Come at me, bitch. Find out that you’ve made a BIG mistake.”

[thetakenpokemon]

Progria Arc Summarization (Part 3)

Eventually after Chimera - and the other members of the GoT - have cooled down, the situation is explained to them on what the plan of action is. Kat talks of The Cage and their plan, specifically them raiding the place and attempting to both destroy it and obtain as much evidence of the HWDP’s actions to compile a special ‘package’ that they would leak to the public. They attempt to strike The Cage immediately, to prevent the HWDP to fully realize what information they have obtained and prepare their defenses further - or worse, expunge any evidence of their operations.

Chimera offers reaching out to the GoT in order to assist in this raid, only to be shot down by Kat who continues to stress the fact that they are running on severely limited time. Chimera continues saying that they possess members of the guild who are capable of teleporting various members to specific coordinates, after which the mercenaries reconsider this proposal - and after speaking with Dr. Horus through the comms, agree with it.

Ultimately the plan is for them to head to the obtained coordinates of The Cage - retrieved by analyzing the movements of MasSec - and after reaching it, immediately strike while Chimera sends the coordinates of the location to the GoT so they can send a mobilized team of available Night Wardens.

During the flight in the mercenary’s dropship, the GoT members get more acquainted with the mercenaries as well as the other cyborgs. Bladesong also explains her situation on how she encountered them and the eventual idea of having them all working together since they share a common goal. This conversation eventually ends however when they get close to coordinates, in which the cyborgs, the members of the GoT, and most of the mercenaries lead the dropship after landing in a location nearby. At this point they knew that HWDP would be on edge since they would’ve detected the dropship through radar, so they immediately head out while the dropship flies off.

They eventually find the location of The Cage - said place disguised as a military base. After all of them making their preparations - and Kat setting up numerous drones in order to record footage of as much of everything as possible, they begin their assault.

Although The Cage is severally armed with MasSec security disguised as soldiers and automated machines, the group manages to punch a clean hole through and begin destroying all resistance in their way. As they push deeper, Chimera proceeds to branch off from the group to select a location for the GoT to teleport some of its members to.

After killing most guards on the surface, they discover a hidden entrance that leaders underground. With the assistance of the cyborgs they make quick work of the heavily fortified doors and push inside, revealing the place for what it is - an expansive underground network of metal. They continue to push further, taking out anything that would possibly act as a hinderance. Eventually however they stumble upon something that is different from the armed humans and weaponized machines - Pokemon Hybrids.

These hybrids look like that of the other artificial hybrids that the GoT has encountered and saved in the past, however these are different. They wear unusual metal collars, and the looks in their eyes hold nothing but animalistic fury.

The proceeding battles grow more difficult and intense with the hybrids now involved, since these Pokemon are fighting alongside with the HWDP. These hybrids attack with no self preservation, using all of their abilities and strengths to attempt to kill the invading force.

Due to this the group is left with no choice but to kill any and all hybrids they see, however during this process they learn that by breaking the collars they wear they end up going completely berserk - attacking and killing everything nearby, including members of the HWDP. Although these hybrids were made to be living weapons, power of the cyborgs have proven to be far more superior due to them easily dispatching said hybrids with impressive speed.

The group makes it an effort to comb through the maze-like network of steel tunnels and chambers, making sure to leave nothing to survive.

While the fighting continues, the drones that has been deployed by the group have been recording everything - from the caged brainwashed hybrids to the soldiers to retrieving actual data on the various experiments that the HWDP has done. At this point Chimera has managed to establish a safe zone for the Gardevoir twins to teleport reinforcements, said reinforcements being the other members of his Strike Team as well as multiple members from Purging Light.

At this point an announcement is made through the PA system in The Cage, the voice revealing to be Carlos Robertson - the man behind the creation of Snakewulf, the one who holds a grudge against Dr. Horus, and the one responsible for killing James’ friend. He laughs, saying that although he had no idea on how they managed to find this location, but their efforts are completely in vain. He has an ultimate weapon that he has been preparing for quite some time and although it’s not finished, he plans to release it since he will prove his genius once and for all.

After which the entire facility begins to shake and fall apart, causing the group inside to make their escape since they realized that staying would only cause them to become buried alive. After the group barely manages to escape - and meet the members of the GoT that have been summoned as backup, they notice that the ground ahead of them is caving in.

What follows is a massive fissure forms in the center of the entire facility, followed with hulking claws the size of buildings to grasp both earth and metal in order to hoist itself up to the surface. This reveals to be a creature of titanic size, its body alone dwarfing everything around it. Its body is composed of molten rock, its reptilian form having a humanoid upper-torso with countless claws and a serpentine lower-torso.

This Kaiju-like monster is nothing that the group has ever seen, its form resembling no possible Pokemon. At this point Dr. Horus speaks through the comm system - having witnessed it through several drones within the vicinity. ‘That’s impossible!’ He mutters to himself. ‘This project was scrapped due to the fast quantities of resources it required as well as the necessity for Legendary Pokemon DNA. By the gods, they actually managed to create this thing?’

At this point the hulking titan lets out a massive roar, causing the surroundings to shake. The voice of Carlos radiates from the monstrosity - the specific source unknown, saying that although a little more time to prepare would have been nice...it would still be more than enough for the creature to destroy them completely. And once the creature is finished with them, he will unleash it upon Evolutia to end the Pokemon once and for all.

At this point the mercenaries are told to fall back, however the cyborgs immediately charge in - along with Bladesong after seeing them do so. The following battle became incredibly destructive, the massive arms of the monstrosity causing deep craters and fissures in the earth as it attempts to smash them. However the cyborg’s unnatural agility allows them to easily evade its attacks and scale its massive form, however they soon discover that their enhanced weapons do very little in terms of inflicting any damage to the monstrosity’s armored hide.

At this point the members of the GoT fall back completely, however seeing the cyborgs fight Chimera decides to enter the fray as well due to him being part Deoxys - and thus having a lot more survivability and power compared to the other guildmembers. Ultimately however the group continues to find very little in terms of finding a weakness in the monstrosity, all attacks being absorbed or shrugged off with little more than minor scratches.

At this point Carlos shouts through the unseen speakers to the group, telling them that ‘Project: Behemoth’ was only beginning, that they have yet to witness true power.

At this point the creature opens its many-jawed mouth, causing various crystals lining its neck to glow with red-yellow light. At this point the creature unleashes a power beam of pure energy and heat. Chimera manages to barely dodge this attack - albeit without losing one of his arms in the process, however upon turning to resulting devastation he sees that the beam has left a massive scar in the base itself, leaving nothing but ash and molten rock.

At this point Carlos laughs maniacally, saying that they have no chance in winning against this man-made weapon of mass destruction.

Being near the Behemoth’s head, one of the cyborgs notice the source of the man’s voice - a well-hidden series of speakers attached to various bands of metal and tech, similar to that of the collars worn by the hybrids in the facility.

Realizing that this thing is being controlled, they come to a singular conclusion - destroy the collar. This decision was surprisingly easy due to the fact that the metal is not nearly as durable as the monster’s hide, however upon destroying said collar...they begin to realize that they have made a terrible mistake.

With the collar destroyed, the Behemoth immediately begins rampaging. Its limbs and body thrashes wildly, destroying anything and everything in its wake. It unleashes numerous beams from its maw, quickly converting the surrounding landscape into a hellscape.

On the plus side the group now knows that this monstrosity won’t be targeting Evolutia any longer, however now they have a whole new problem a - an enraged and berserking titan. If this thing were to be left to its own devices, it would eventually make its way to populated cities of Progria and start killing countless innocent people.

During this the view remaining speakers attached to the monster starts eliminating the distorted voice of Carlos - specifically him shouting ‘It’s not listening! Why is it not listening?! What did you do?!’

‘Things have gotten more complicated.’ Mutters Torrent, knowing that although the objective still remains the same... ...the problem has gotten substantially more out of hand.

[thetakenpokemon]

(With the story now being done, I will reveal the references of all characters that I’ve planned for the story. Not all characters have references however, but these are the ones that I do have one and was planning on revealing at one point.

All art by ShadowScarKnight!)

[thetakenpokemon]

Extras - Strike Team Interview

(An old 'interview' sequence that I made to go more in-depth with Chimera's Strike team before scrapping since I couldn't find a place to put it in, but after looking through my binned posts I thought I'd revive this.

It is essentially multiple interviews that have been cut and stuck together at different intervals. I apologize for the lack of anything since I have very little free time to keep up with the summarization, but hopefully you'll enjoy this!)

[Start of recordings]

Today we will have a very special interview with the Guardian of Twilight's most mysterious team of elite hybrids! You are listening to Daytime in Evolutia and this is your host - Orthwin Daylight! Now we'll have the first member of the Strike Team!

Interviewer: Thank you for giving us the time for this interview, our listeners are very interested to learn abut the members of the Guardian of Twilight's most enigmatic team. Please, introduce yourself for our listeners!

Chimera: I am Chimera - the leader of the Strike Team.

Interviewer: Hello Chimera, we've pooled together a multitude of questions from our listeners who are dying to know more about you! Are you ready?

Chimera: Go ahead.

Interviewer: So just to be clear, your team consists entirely of artificial hybrids made by the HWDP?

Chimera: That's correct.

Interviewer: It's clear to see that you are part Deoxys - which is a very rare Pokemon. Most Deoxys that have been found are often Ferals, so a sentient Deoxys hybrid is practically unheard of! Since you are a hybrid, one of our listeners wanted to know what else you are a hybrid of. Can you tell us what it is?

Chimera: That's classified.

Interviewer: I-I'm sorry, that's...classified?

Chimera: Yes.

[Awkward Silence]

Interviewer: (Awkward laugh) I-I see, in that case we will move to the next question. Another viewer was curious since you go by Chimera - and most of the Guardians of Twilight have an alias they go by when they work. You don't have to reveal your true name for your safety, but a viewer wanted to know-

Chimera: That's classified.

---

Paladin: I am a Hybrid of Bisharp, Escavalier, and Rapidash!

Interviewer: I see! That is quite the combo, we can see that it really shows with you having that centaur-like appearance that's depicted in Human mythology.

Paladin: Aha! That is not the first who have said such a thing, but indeed my appearance is very much like that of a centaur!

Interviewer: Concerning your abilities, one of our listeners wanted to know of what special abilities you possess due to your hybrid nature.

Paladin: Well I am a knight of fire! I wield the power of flames to heat my body to great temperatures for scorching foul villains. I can also conjure a shield of flames hot enough to incinerate even Human bullets that strike it!

Interviewer: My that is impressive! The alias of Paladin truly is fitting, you remind me of some chivalric orders that existed in the past!

Paladin: Alas however I will never truly be part of the chivalric orders of old - such as the Order of the Talon. I very much aspire to be like those very crusaders who fought against evil!

Interviewer: I see! Well on that note, another one of our listeners is curious on-

Paladin: Ah! I should tell you of one of the most impressive stories I've read! It is of a fearsome and valiant crusader known as Tapferkeit who fought against an army of darkness whose numbers ranged in the thousands all by himself.

Interviewer: H-Hold on now Paladin, we need to keep on track here-

Paladin: It all started on a dark day with blood soaking in the ground...

---

Snowstorm: I freeze things, is there anything else you need to do?

Interviewer: I-I'm aware, Snowstorm. You see however, the listens are curious on the specifics of your abilities and roles in the tea-

Snowstorm: So you wish to learn the nitty gritty details, hmmm~? Well, very well. Unlike the standard Salazzle who releases pheromones, my Aurorus side allows me to release mist capable of instantly freezing anything in contact. So when I enter into a room filled with targets, I freeze them solid~ After which I take advantage of my Tyrantrum genes to use my claws and teeth to crush them into little frozen bits of meat. That good enough on the details for your listeners?

[Silence]

---

Interviewer: W-What about your abilities? Our listeners want to know about-

Chimera: Also classified.

---

Trojan: -As for how I receive connection? Progria actually has a network of satellites that orbit around our planet that enable faster connection to their internet network, so by using a transmitter we've stolen from one of the HWDP's facilities I am able to establish contact with those satellites and access the internet even from this remote place here.

Interviewer: I-

Trojan: ...Of course normally my access would be barred since I'm not a registered user and they'd realize that the signal is coming from Evolutia, so I also transmit an extension of myself to use a 'digital smokescreen' to make it difficult to decipher where the signal is coming from, effectively making it impossible to track me. With that I can access the internet from the comfort of the Guardian of Twilight's HQ.

Interviewer: ...Trojan, that isn't even the question I asked- What even is the internet?!

Trojan: ...Heh, forgot that you guys live under a rock since you're using radio as the main source of news here. Alright, the internet-

Interviewer: (Frustrated groan) Forget about that question! Let's get back on topic, our listeners wanted to know-

Trojan: Oh come on, this is vital information to know. You guys wanted to know about what I do, right? Well that requires me to tell you exactly what my role is about when it comes to infiltrating Progria's cyberspace.

Interviewer: [Loud growl of exasperation]

---

Paladin: -and with his great hammer he struck down the foul Lady Midnight, and thus Tapferkeit and the Order of the Talon have won against all odds!

Interviewer: Paladin PLEASE, you have just spent TWENTY MINUTES talking about this unrelated story. We are wasting precious interview time for our listeners-

Paladin: Oh! I am very sorry my friend, it appears that I've allowed myself to get sidetracked. Please, continue with the questions!

Interviewer: It's okay, it's okay... It's very much okay, we can at least get some of these questions answered.

[Sounds of throat clearing]

Interviewer: Okay, so! One of our listeners asked this: What is your greatest achievement in the Guardians of Twilight? What daring act did you accomplish that you remember to this day?

Paladin: Aha! I remember it clear as day where I charged straight into the depths of an HWDP facility with my comrades in arms, to free the captive Pokemon within from their evil clutches!

Interviewer: I see! Are you able to go into detail about this? Or...is this also classified?

Paladin: Ah I can speak of it! It was a glorious battle, in fact it reminded me of the Order of the Talon's great charge against-

---

[Awkward silence]

...

[More awkward silence]

...

Snowstorm: Skitty got your tongue, hmm~?

Interviewer: ...Snowstorm, you can't just...go into the details about these things. There are children who are listening to this broadcast-

Snowstorm: Well they should've known better than to ask such questions.

Interviewer: Just...have some restraint, Snowstorm.

Snowstorm: Restraint? Heh. You can't have restraint when dealing with monsters, handsome.

Interviewer: Wait, handsome?!?! What do you mean by-

Snowstorm: Sometimes you need to realize that the world isn't just sunshine and rainbows, that you really need to cut it all away to reveal that blood and death is very, very real. For those listening? People die, and I certainly am responsible for a good deal of death. Don't worry though, at least the ones I kill deserve it~

Interviewer: ...Please don't make that expression when you're talking about this.

Snowstorm: Oh~? What, afraid of a little fangs~? Or are you liking what you're seeing~?

Interviewer: (Audible gulp)

---

Interviewer: What about your...choice of attire? Can we learn about your robes and hood, so that our listeners can-

Chimera: That's also classified.

---

Trojan: -now because I don't need a VPN, I'm able to access some of the most confidential of files that the HWDP have to offer - with really good bandwidth too I might add. With it I can bring up programs, virtual simulations of combat tactics, the nitty-gritty data on their biometric plans for their hybrids, the blueprints on the CCWs and how they operat-

Interviewer: Trojan PLEASE! Our listeners won't know what any of those words mean! I don't even know what half of those words mean!

---

Interviewer: ...Our listeners want to know about how you live about your day-

[Sudden pause]

Interviewer: ...Classified?

Chimera: Classified.

[Audible sigh of frustration]

---

Snowstorm: ...Now why don't we skip the questions about me and go about you, my dear Orthwin? Tell me, what Pokemon tend to catch your fancy~?

Interviewer: T-This isn't about me, Snowstorm. This is about you and the Strike team. Please, I need to salvage what I can from these interviews-

Snowstorm: What's the matter? (Purring sound) Don't want to tangle with a dino~?

Interviewer: P-P-P-P-P-PLEASE DON'T GET ANY CLOSER! STOP GIVING ME THAT LOOK!

---

Paladin: -and thus just like the crusaders at Mt. Eternity, we-

Interviewer: Please just end me...

---

[Awkward silence]

Interviewer: ...Chimera, what can you even tell us about yourself? About your team?! What's NOT classified?!?!

Chimera: ...My favorite color is green.

[Sounds of frustration followed by papers being tossed into the air]

---

Paladin: -and thus the great metal crusader and the dashing rogue worked together to take down the infamous serial killer and thus establishing peace once again in Evolutia! A grand story published by Shadowjack, I highly recommend giving his novels a check!

Interviewer: ...Paladin, we haven't been live for over ten minutes...

Paladin: Oh! How dreadful! Come, let us restart so that your listeners can-

Interviewer: No no no, they are MORE than fine without needing to listen to this!

Paladin: Ah, I see... Well! In that case, I will be more than happy to share more of these tales with you!

Interviewer: That's n-n-not necessary, Paladin! We'll end things her-

Paladin: Now for the great first battle of Tapferkeit when he was a newly constructed Golurk-

Interviewer: For the love of Arceu-

---

Trojan: ...Let me guess, you have no intention on airing these interviews?

[Awkward silence]

Trojan: ...You should stick with just interviewing the Night Hunters, I'm not sure why you even reached out to us - another Night Warden team - after seeing what happened when you interviewed Purging Light.

Interviewer: Oh Arceus, Asmund still gives me night terrors to this day.

[End of recordings]

[thetakenpokemon]

Progria Arc Summarization (Part 2)

The moment after Bladesong’s encounter with the Triskelion Spiral - and specifically Dr. Horus, the story would change its focus back to several days prior. This moment in particular would be back after Torrent first encountered Bladesong and the inevitable discussion that would follow.

It would be revealed that the other cyborgs didn’t know much about Bladesong and her existence, and that Dr. Horus never went into detail about her. This would revolve entirely around them - as well as the mercenaries - inquiring about all the details of her existence.

Dr. Horus would be answering them to the best of his ability, describing how she was the first of the cyborg project and how she was eventually abducted when she was to be transported to the second facility where the rest of the cyborgs were inevitably created. Dr. Horus also eventually admits that he had a sneaking suspicion that information on Bladesong’s transport was leaked to outside forces - specifically the Guardians of Twilight, but he gave the go ahead anyways since he knew that they would most likely take good care of her were they to successfully rescue her.

He also goes into detail of the ‘selection process’ when it comes to choosing candidates. He talks of the Pokemon ‘insiders’ in Evolutia, how they would give Fetch Teams a rundown on various potential targets before luring said target Pokemon near the borders. Usually these targets have no close familial relationships, either being orphaned or going no-contact with parents or siblings. He reveals that Bladesong - or Amelia, her real name - was the prior, having no family at all due to an unfortunate accident that Dr. Horus elected to not go into detail.

He told them that he chose her because she had the strongest will, since his main goal was to secretly go against the HWDP after all. Although he initially planned to have Bladesong transported and then properly trained to help him fight the organization, he decided to ‘let her go’ since she was not given a choice to become a cyborg - unlike the other four. To ask her to help the very same people who abducted her would be cruel, and thus gave her the opportunity to be free after he saw it - regardless of how much resources and time he has invested in her conversion.

After this conversation, it would focus back on when Bladesong first saw Dr. Horus in person. Her reaction would be tense and aggressive, since she associates the doctor to a lot of pain and fear - understandably so.

Although the rest of the mercenaries - and cyborgs for that matter - grow tense and prepare to subdue her, Dr. Horus merely tells them to stand down. He says that her frustrations and behavior is only understandable for what he has done to her, and then he says to her that he is willing to answer any questions she would have about them and what has happened in the past.

This sort of response ends up both confusing Bladesong and making her increasingly more frustrated, Although she did have countless questions, she also greatly despises Dr. Horus for being the person in charge of her forceful conversion.

Eventually Dr. Horus tells the cyborgs to escort her to one of the spare rooms so that she may regather her thoughts, however many of the Triskelion Spiral - especially the mercenaries - object to this due to her being a security risk. After many heated arguments Torrent eventually volunteers to stay with her to keep an eye on her, after which any concerns the others had were immediately settled.

Bladesong did not like the idea of having someone keeping an eye on her, however despite her frustrations even she knew that to leave her be would be a stupid idea. She soon gets escorted to a barren and empty room - in which she makes a comment on how ‘hospitable’ they are.

Torrent responds - in a rather amused tone - about how they were not expecting visitors, so they didn’t have the proper time to ‘prepare a room for guests’. After sitting in silence for a while, Bladesong begins asking Torrent various questions about him and the other cyborgs - as well as what their main goal is.

Torrent does answer her questions - although the more sensitive ones he merely says ‘Dr. Horus will be the one to answer that one’. He does explain the circumstances of himself and his brother before he became a cyborg, specifically how an accidental fire ended up killing his family and leaving both he and his brother with severe lasting injuries.

He tells Bladesong that the both of them owe Dr. Horus everything for what have been done to them, since they were not only given a second chance but also a purpose. The two of them were essentially left to rot in the world since their injuries made it impossible to hold any job, and the various governments of Evolutia could only do so much. The greatest of medicine was only accessible to Progria - something Evolutia could not get except through black markets, and there’s a limit to things like Heal Pulse can do.

After being given Torrent’s perspective on his current stance on Dr. Horus, Bladesong becomes conflicted in her own emotions. Although said doctor did forcefully convert her, he did help others in need and is actively fighting the HWDP from what the Gallade has explained to her. After dealing with this conflicting storm inside her, she eventually asks Torrent to speak to the doctor directly.

After asking the doctor through his intercom, Torrent leads Bladesong to Samuel’s quarters/office. At said office is Inferno - the Gardevoir brother of Torrent, and the two would be keeping an eye on Bladesong throughout the entire conversation.

Dr. Horus would patiently wait for Bladesong to compose herself and sort out her thoughts, and when she speaks the first question she asks is why he did the things he did if he’s ultimately going to turn against the HWDP.

He would tell her that as much as he regrets all of the things he has done, he needed to commit all of these atrocities so that he’d earn the trust of the officials of HWDP. Every decision he made was not made lightly, nor was he not emotionless. He understood that he has heart - and killed - many people and Pokemon, but he needed to move his way to the top so that he’d be able to find some sort of way to get them to grant him access to their resources. Everything he has done was to make them approve the CAP, which then allowed him to create a fighting chance.

The moment he were to do any sort of digging through their files would’ve caused a great amount of suspicion, so he was forced to comply with their methods and requests in order to draw no unnecessary attention. However now that he is considered dead among the officials of the HWDP and he possesses the most knowledge on the workings of the organization, he can strike them at their heart and retrieve all the evidence he will need to take them down.

He continues to answer her questions with utmost honesty, holding no information back. He tells her of how the HWDP has ‘removed’ - or specifically killed - people who grew sympathetic to the Pokemon that were being experimented on, how the HWDP has been taking all of these Pokemon specifically to be used as weapons of war against Evolutia. He explains how deep the corruption of the HWDP is and how their clutches has dug into many powerful companies of Progria - as well as several branches of the government itself.

In the end Samuel admits that after they are successful in revealing all of the atrocities the HWDP has done to the public, Samuel fully intends to turn himself in. Even though he did the things he did to make sure that he can effectively take the organization down in its entirety, he is no exception to the terrible crimes he has committed. If the HWDP is to be punished, he is to share this punishment as well.

This new perspective on the man makes Bladesong rethink her stance on the situation, however her thoughts were broken when Dr. Horus asks her a question this time.

He asks her ‘Although I have already taken so much from you already, I still must ask something you, Amelia. Will you help me in taking down the HWDP in its entirety?’

This is the first time that he has addressed her, since the entire conversation was him avoiding calling her by any name. This makes her realize that after she was saved by the GoT, she ultimately decided to go by the name of Bladesong when they asked her for her name.

This causes her to realize that even though she was forcefully abducted and converted, she technically was given a second chance by Dr. Horus. Previously she was doing nothing but wandering the world, doing odd jobs and trying to make the best of her overall shitty situation. After she was rescued by the GoT they gave her a direction - a direction she eventually ignored to do her own thing that is, but a direction nevertheless.

After much thinking she then answers him to call her ‘Bladesong’, since the name Amelia is tied to someone she’s not anymore. She accepts Dr. Horus’ offer to join him, however she also makes a request for her to contact the members of the GoT that are currently in New Falkhom City so that they may assist them.

Dr. Horus readily accepts these terms - since the GoT have always been a thorn in the HWDP’s side. They will send someone - particularly a mercenary - to contact them, however in the meanwhile they will debrief her on what their next move is.

From the databanks they’ve stolen from MasSec HQ, they’ve managed to find the coordinates - as well as info - on The Cage, their next and final target. They plan to lead an assault on it, to destroy the entire hidden facility. They will do their best to save any Pokemon that could be freed, however they will have no choice but to put the fully brainwashed hybrids out of their misery. The window to strike is getting narrower since the entirety of the HWDP is put on edge, and it will only be a matter of time till they figure out what information has been stolen from MasSec HQ’s servers.

Turning focus to the GoT team still in the city, currently the three of them are in a state of panic due to Bladesong running away. Chimera has been scouring the countryside as quietly as possible but to no avail, Velvett has been reaching out to all of her contacts for anyone who would have seen or heard of Bladesong’s human disguise, and Trojan was using the internet to find any sightings or mention of the cyborg.

As of currently the group hasn’t reported to the GoT of Bladesong’s disappearance and has been holding off, however at this point they’ll have no choice but to do so. After an in-depth discussion before ultimately deciding that they should have Trojan send the message, the group gets an unexpected knock on their front door. When they arrive they find that a package had been delivered, which sparks a great amount of confusion due to the fact that they ordered nothing.

After having Trojan investigate the package for any possible traps or triggers, they eventually open the package - revealing a communication pad. Upon picking it up they are immediately called by Dr. Horus, in which Velvett answers - in her disguise.

She demands to know who the individual in question is, and when the doctor introduces himself Trojan immediately gets within view and exclaims that he is dead. With their cover blown Velvett was about to hang up before the doctor quickly says that Bladesong is with them, and is alive and well.

If him knowing who they were didn’t put them on alert, his mentioning of the cyborg certainly has. However the doctor says that Bladesong personally requested for the group to reach out to them, saying that they ‘hold a common interest in disposing of a common enemy’. He gives them the coordinates of the abandoned city before saying that ‘if you wish to truly destroy the HWDP and all that it stands, then I sincerely request that you meet us at this coordinates as soon as possible. You have one day to arrive and you can no longer use this device to contact us. The decision is yours.’

After which the doctor would hang up, and the group would no longer be able to contact him due to the device possessing no signal.

The three have an in-depth discussion of the risks, talking of if the whole meeting is a trap. Ultimately Chimera points out that even though luring them into an isolated part of Progria would be something the HWDP would have done, they would not have used one of their own officials to do such a thing - especially one who is classified as dead since such information would be too essential to reveal. So against the group’s possible better judgement, they decide to head out to the location immediately.

Going as fast as Velvett’s car can handle, they manage to arrive at the abandoned town with a great amount of time to spare. With the three on edge due to the possibility of being ambushed, they are met with Bladesong waiting in the center of the town - with the four four cyborgs with her.

At this point the mercenary technician - Kat - walks out of the sidelines, saying to them ‘Glad to see you arrived so quickly on short notice. As much as I’d like for all of us to sit down and chat, it’d be best if we do this on the way. Everything will be explained and I’m sure there’s a lot of questions you got for the doc.’

Upon finishing, the mercenary dropship flies into view and lands adjacent to the group. With the bay doors opening, many of the mercenaries inside quickly beckon for them all to get inside. The cyborgs and Bladesong hurry into the ship immediately with the rest of the GoT members begrudgingly following.

Once inside, Bladesong realizes just how tense the air is due to the furious looks from Chimera and Velvett. Unable to do anything but smile sheepishly, she manages to say ‘So...sorry about running away earlier, hope I didn’t make you guys worry too much.’

The resulting yelling from Chimera ends up drowning out any attempt Kat made to try and explain the current circumstances.

(End of Part 2 of the Progria Arc summarization)

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Memories of Hatred

[Location: GoT HQ] [PoV: Asmund]

I loudly trudge through the hall, Pokemon of all kinds immediately stepping aside in order to avoid being in my direct path.

Normally I’d feel some sort of satisfaction when Pokemon dodge my approaching form, how their faces immediately twist into expressions of surprise and fear. But right now? I’m not feeling satisfied. In fact, I’m not feeling much of anything.

After stopping at the Great Oak Memorial, my thoughts have been all over the place. Memories and quashed feelings are threatening to break from their cage, a cage forged from anger.

‘Their judgement is for me to deliver, for THEY are the ones who have committed ATROCITIES against ME!’

My form stops, the words leaking into my mind like the contents of a barrel spilling out from the cracks.

‘ No… They have tormented me, starved me of food, and then…MURDERED me.’

Those words...

‘And they didn’t stop there, no…they imprisoned my soul into this body with the intentions of enslaving me. ‘

That rage...

“Now… I will ask this once, so listen…closely. You will bring your prisoners to me, for I will deliver the fate that they deserve. Fail to do this… …You should have a good idea.”

I remember it all.

...

...

...

The Delphox merely shakes her head, with a soft breath through her nose she takes a bold step towards me. “We will do no such thing.” She says firmly, her face unwavering.

“Then…” I hiss, loading a cannonball with a loud clack. “You shall suffer the same fate as the rest of them.”

The Pokemon before me draw their weapons and channel their power, preparing for the inevitable conflict.

But who are they to think that they can stand in my way? I have already killed so many other Pokemon, they are no different.

They...will fucking die like the rest.

“Wait.” The black and gray Delphox speaks again, her emerald green eyes shining in the torchlight. She extends a hand out to her companions, gesturing for them to back away. “I will handle this.”

The look of conflict in their eyes is almost as laughable as the fact that she thinks that she can take me on her own. The bitch is a Delphox, she can’t do shit to me. Fire and electricity washed harmlessly over my form, psychic power can’t even get a hold of me.

I will fucking crush her for thinking otherwise.

Her companions do as she urges, reluctantly backing away.

Ohhh there’s many ways I can end this. I could just shoot her with the cannonball I have loaded, but...it wouldn’t be as satisfying.

No...

I need to crush her, to have my fist cave in her skull and flatten her into nothing but paste and sharded bones.

I charge.

My vision is a blur, the sheer red from the burning inferno inside me fueling my actions. A loud roaring sound fills the air, and it only took me a moment to realize that this roar is coming from me. I raise my fist into the air before bringing it down upon her form, intending to brutally kill her just as I have killed all the others.

Yet the bitch had the audacity to not accept her fate. Instead she leaps to the side, causing my punch to instead strike the ground, instantly sending debris everywhere as a new crater is formed in the stone.

Upon landing, she lowers her form close to the ground and releases her staff, causing the wood to softly clatter onto the ground. Upon doing so, she stands back up and looks at me calmly. “There is no need to fight.” She says softly.

“Like you fucking have a choice!” I roar. Fuck the most satisfying way to kill, now I want her dead.

In one swift motion I aim my cannon and fire, launching the cannonball straight at her form with a loud clack. Yet again she dodges, this time by throwing herself to the ground, allowing the cannonball to sail over her form and crash into the distant wall of the cavern.

At the edge of my vision I see the other Pokemon beginning to approach me. “Stay back!” The Delphox shouts. “Do not interfere!”

Who does this fucking bitch think she’s doing?! Is she trying to set a message? To show that she can win while doing absolutely nothing?!

Who the fuck does she think she is?

Does she even REALIZE the shit I went through?

I suffered greatly at the hands of fucking Pokemon. They took away EVERYTHING that I am, leaving me in this fucking thing. This isn’t my original body anymore.

Realization is starting to dig its claws into my mind, the shock of all that has happened fading, leaving nothing but despair.

I shove it all back and lock it into a cage, allowing the inferno fueled by hate to contain it.

With a growl I start approaching the Delphox.

She sits up before resting her hands on her dress, her eyes possessing a look that I...can’t figure out.

As I get closer, she speaks up.

“What is your name?”

The words cause my rage to freeze, the desire to murder her being halted due to the sheer confusion I’m feeling.

Did...she seriously just ask me for me name? I’m... I’m trying to fucking kill her!

Fucking Pokemon, not realizing shit even when it’s directly in their face. They are so self-absorbed in their own sense of superiority that they overlook everything that isn’t about them.

They overlook the fact that everything they have came from Humans. They overlook the fact that we made guns as a way to compensate for what we lack. They overlook the fact that we made many things just so we’re not left in the dust.

Pokemon have it all. Strength, speed, stamina, durability, supernatural powers... If a Human were to fight a Pokemon, nearly every case would end with the Human severally beaten or even killed.

And this...fucking Delphox is no different. She is so egotistical that she thinks that she can just choose not to fight?!

It is about fucking time that Pokemon are shown that they’re not at the top anymore. By their own fucking volition they gave a Human the tools to fight them. I am a fucking Pokemon killing machine. Hell, seeing how these ruins were? I wouldn’t be fucking surprised if the people here made this thing SPECIFICALLY to fight and kill Pokemon.

If that’s the case? I intend to put it to full fucking use. My life is gone, but at least I get to avenge what I lost as well as every other Human who suffered at the hands of these freaks.

Upon reaching the Delphox I grab her, my hand easily being large enough to engulf her upper-torso as well as her neck. I effortlessly lift her up to my face, my glowing red eyes growing ever brighter.

“You don’t fucking deserve to know my name.” I hiss at her.

She’s completely at my mercy now. All it takes is one squeeze and she’ll pop like a grape, just like that fucking Gothitelle.

Yet for some fucking reason, she’s still just as calm as she was earlier.

And...it’s...fucking infuriating me to no end.

“I will not ask for it then.” She responds to me, her voice still as soft as it was earlier. Her eyes though still contain that same look as it did, and I still can’t fucking understand what it means.

Her voice becomes even softer. “I will never say that I will know what you’ve through. However I do understand that you have experienced pain and suffering like none other... It is unforgivable what they’ve done to you...”

She closes her eyes. “The damage that’s been done can never be healed, but...at least try to let us make up for what they have done to you, even if it won’t make everything right.” She lets out a breath. “It’s the least we can do.”

I know that look now.

Remorse.

She’s not looking at me with pity or conceit, she’s not trying to fight me because she thinks she’s above me. She...

...

Fuck this.

Fuck Pokemon.

Fuck...everything.

I want to kill her so, so bad. I want to crush her body with my hand and let her crumple into nothing but a pile of flesh and blood. I want her to die. I want her to fucking die!

But now I can’t, because I’d feel fucking GUILTY for doing it.

With a loud growl I release her from my grip, letting her form drop to the ground.

Why did all of this happen to me? What did I possibly do to deserve all of this?! Did I unwittingly do something that turned the whole universe against me? To make me experience pain, hopelessness, and then fucking take away everything that made me Human?

I thought that I was able to get even, to get some satisfaction in killing the ones who did this to me.

But now...? I can’t even finish it, because I’d feel fucking GUILTY.

The universe hates me, because it won’t even let me have that satisfaction.

What is there for me to even do now? I can’t go back to Progria because people will see me as some sort of Pokemon at best, or a dangerous threat at worst. I can’t stay in Evolutia, since I have nothing here to call my own, not including the fact that I fucking hate Pokemon.

So that’s it, huh? To just sit here and do nothing? To see if my body is capable of breaking down? Or will the universe not even let me have that, and I’d be forced to destroy myself until I’m guaranteed a safe passing?

For all I know I might just instead destroy my form enough to not be able to move anymore, yet I’d still be conscious, left to sit in a dark void for the rest of my life.

My...

My life is a living hell.

...

The Delphox is sitting up at this point, looking at me silently as my mind sinks deeper and deeper into a very dark place.

Yet...despite it all, one thing she said manages to prevent me from fulling falling in

“How can you help me?” I finally ask her, bitterness tainting my every word.

“We can give you a place to stay.” She answers immediately. “What you do there however is entirely up to you.”

If my face were capable of movement, I’d be narrowing my eyes. And yet despite what may be my better judgement, another question seeps out.

“What is it you fucking Pokemon do?”

For her credit, she looks completely unphased. “We protect others.” She responds calmly. “We are known as the Guardians of Twilight, a guild who fights dangerous threats to society and protect those who are incapable of protecting themselves.” She bows her head again. “However we don’t intend to push this onto you. If you so desire, you can stay with us until you find your way again.”

Find my way? Find my way?!

There is no direction I can take anymore. There’s no place for me in fucking society. How the fuck does she think that I’d be able to find some purpose for myself?!

Hell, seeing how I am right now? I doubt I can even fucking eat or drink anymore, so what purpose is there even for me?!

...

Yet...

She says they fight shit?

...

My body is a murder machine. After seeing how easily I killed so many Pokemon, I could probably just use it to kill things. I mean, what other purpose is there? It’s not like I can fucking paint with this shit.

...

To fight to protect...?

...

It’s not like I have anything left.

Fucking...Pokemon...

...

With the red glow in my eyes disappearing entirely, I finally speak again.

“...My name...

...is Asmund.”

The faintest of smiles form on her lips. “Greetings, Asmund. I am known as Nightshade, however...” She stands up, bowing to me. “...you may call me Jezebel.”

...

...

...

“Asmund?”

The voice breaks me from my thoughts, making me realize that I’m just staring into space. My body is still standing in the middle of this hallway of the GoT HQ, effectively creating a minor roadblock to all Pokemon trying to pass through.

I turn my gaze to the speaker, only to notice that it’s no other than Jezebel.

The Delphox looks slightly disheveled, her hair sticking in various directions despite the clear effort in trying to make it look decent. Her eyes are baggy and bloodshot, her form slightly sagging due to the result of clear sleep deprivation.

Yet despite it all, she’s looking at me with concern.

...

Fucking Pokemon...

“It’s nothing...” I mutter. “Just reminiscing, that’s all.”

She blinks at me before slowly nodding. “I see.. In that case, I won’t pry..” She simply says.

She’s...an often hard one to read, yet I’ve started to see the hints. She definitely wants to inquire about what’s going on in my head, but by having a sense of decency...she doesn’t. Instead she nods goodbye to me before walking past, making her way down the hall.

“Hey.” I speak up loudly, causing her to stop and look back at me with surprise and confusion.

She quickly got a hold of herself though, the reserved look returning. “Yes, Asmund?”

Honestly? The next words that came from my mouth were...painful, yet it would be even more painful to have them left unsaid.

“You’re pretty alright...for a Pokemon.”

She blinks again and again. Although she’s known for her reservedness, once she registers the words I said? An uncharacteristically wide smile spreads on her face.

Despite the overflowing joy she’s experiencing, she quickly recomposes herself and lets her grin return to a small yet respectful smile. “Thank you, Asmund. That means a lot to me.”

To her credit, she doesn’t look tired anymore.

“Yeah... Just don’t fucking let it go to your head.” I mutter before turning around, walking back the way I came.

I don’t say another word, nor do I look back. I just focus on the path ahead of me.

As I turn a corner, the words slowly leak out of my mouth as a quiet mumble.

“It’s the least I can do...”

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Dread Stirs in the Sands

[Location: Venhara - Venhara Palace] [PoV: Neferhotep, Eleventh Queen of Venhara]

The Venharan Lucario before me bows once more. “Thank you my Queen for taking your precious time to listening to what I have to say, with your word I shall leave presence.”

I nod my head, keeping a small yet gracious smile on my lips. “You have my permission to leave, my subject.” I dismiss. Upon hearing this, he rises to his feet and turns and walks out of the throne room.

As he leaves the entrance, two of my sapphire guards close the giant pair of doors. With no one except them as witnesses, I let myself sigh as a tired frown returns to my face. I slump in my throne, rubbing my forehead.

Although I’ve often been tired of audiences, as of late I’ve actually grown to appreciate them due to the...distraction they provide.  I’ve had a pit in my stomach for the past few weeks, a dread that has been eating me ever since that fateful day of what the Sand Striders have found in the Dunefields of Den.

“I wish you were here, mother.” I whisper to myself. “You would handle this situation far better than I.”

The doors before me open suddenly, making my head perk up. Normally there would be an announcement of who it is that’s having an audience with me, so if there is no declaration being made...

I feel a grin form on my face as Tetishuri strides into the throne room, her signature cool smile on her face - and said smile widens somewhat upon seeing me.

“Teti!” I shout happily, standing up from my throne. Throwing courtesy to the wind, I run up to her and pull her into a hug - yet keeping enough distance so that we don’t impale each other with our chest horns.

“I see that you’re feeling better, Nefi.” She chuckles, returning my hug. Her gaze looks at my eyes, her smirk widening. “I see that your servants have done a great job with your makeup, since those bags under your eyes are barely noticeable.” Her eyes twinkle. “Still staying up late playing that handheld~?”

I pout, giving her a playful shove. “It’s not my fault that the games are addicting!” I say indignantly.

That handheld is a small gaming console from overseas, said device having been gifted to Tetishuri by a small Lopuny, in which Tetishuri then gifted to me. I’ve had such fun playing with it ever since I figured how it worked, and it has been the best form of distraction to keep me dwelling on...recent events.

“You still have your royal duties.” She chuckle at me, giving me a playful shove back. “It would be unfortunate if the Queen of Venhara were to oversleep after staying late playing games.”

This is one of the things I love about Tetishuri, for she treats me like a friend instead of a queen when we’re out of the public eye. She has been one of my strongest pillars in keeping me sane.

“But I haven’t come here for pleasantries, sadly.” Tetishuri then says, her smile turning to a frown.

And all pleasant things have to end, it seems. Can’t help but be unsurprised, as much as I hate to say. With a heavy sigh I turn and walk back to the throne, sitting down on the plush silk cushion and resting my hands on the armrests.

“Guards!” I shout to the Sapphire Warriors standing by the throne doors. “I shall be holding no more audiences for the day.” I glance at Tetishuri, and another thought comes to my mind. “You are all dismissed.”

They nod their head, but I could notice some of their expressions of disappointment. It’s very clear that they wanted to listen to whatever it is that Teti has to say, but they obeyed nevertheless. As the throne doors close behind them, my gaze turns back to Tetishuri.

“What is it that you have to tell me, Teti?” I ask, tiredness filling my voice.

“Sand Striders Abasi and Massika have returned.” The leader of the Sapphire Warriors speaks, straight to the point as always. “They have found more tracks, this time severa morel pairs of them.”

The pit in my stomach grows bigger. “M-More?” I stutter, my eyes widening.

She nods her head grimly. “It seems that whatever caused those tracks after that storm, there is more than just one creature.”

I grab my head. “By the Queens...” I whisper.

“The Sand Striders followed the tracks to the end, however the tracks ended just as suddenly as the first.” She finishes.

I’m not sure if I should be feeling this worried or not, but after being informed by the Guardians of Twilight of what they dealt with recently...

...I feel that I really should be worried.

They fought what seems to be a Scizor whose origins are completely unknown, possessing a power whose likes has never been seen before. On the day of its death, a large storm appears in Venhara followed by the tracks of something completely unknown.

Am I...overreacting? Am I getting incredibly stressed for no reason?

It is...a coincidence, for such events to happen within the same day. Perhaps something else caused that storm, such as a rogue Thundurus or Tornadus.

...Yet that doesn’t quite explain the tracks, and the concept of a rogue Legendary isn’t really that much better...

“...Tetishuri?” I eventually ask after a lengthy silence.

During this period the other Lucario waited patiently, and upon me saying her name she nods her head. “Yes, Nefi?” She responds back.

“I’d...like to ask you a question.” I slowly continue, my voice apprehensive.

“Ask anything, I am here.” She responds again, giving me a comforting smile.

I wait for several more minutes, contemplating my choice of words.

“Am I...making the right choice?” I finally ask, my voice hesitant.

Tetishuri walks over to me and pulls me up from the throne and into a warm embrace, allowing me to rest my head on her shoulder. “You are making the best choice from the information that you know.” She answers into my ear. “You are worried for your kingdom.”

I feel myself relaxing. “I’m not overreacting?”

She pulls away, looking me dead in the eyes. “We both heard what the Guardians of Twilight told us. You are no overreacting. You are acting in response to a possible threat to the kingdom, as a Queen of Venhara should.”

Whatever doubt that clouded my mind vanishes completely after hearing those words. “Thanks, Teti.” I say softly to her, a smile of relief forming on my lips.

“Anything for my Queen.” She simply responds back with a mischievous smile.

I give her a playful shove. “Come on, you know I hate it when you call me that.” I whine. “I have to deal with it enough when we’re under the watchful eye of the public!”

Tetishuri merely laughs in response. “But I enjoy the reactions that it brings!”

I stick my tongue at her.

She blinks at me before crossing her arms. “Sometimes you make me wonder how old you truly are, seeing how often you behave like a pup.”

A blow a raspberry for further measure.

She raises an eyebrow in response. “Yes, I often wonder indeed...”

As a formulate a retort, Tetishuri speaks up again - cutting my train of thought from forming a brilliant response. “Before I forget, I do have one more bit of news - positive this time.”

"Well, that’s a welcome change.” I sigh.

Tetishuri nods. “I’ve received word from the Guardians of Twilight. There has been a slight delay, but the Night Watcher that’s coming to investigate will be arriving in two weeks. They’ve assured me that it’s one of their best for this environment.”

Now this caught me curiosity. “Best for this environment?”

She nods again. “Their skills are considered unparalleled in desert climates among the Guardians of Twilight. If there is a threat in our kingdom, this Night Watcher will surely find it.”

More relief fills me. “That’s...very assuring.”

“I agree, however I feel that some of the Sand Striders will probably have a bone to pick with this Night Watcher.” Tetishuri smirks.

I blink. “Bone to pick...?”

Her smirk grows. “An expression I picked up during my most recent visit to the Guardian of Twilight’s Headquarters.” With that she takes a step back, bowing her head. “As much as I’d like to continue this conversation, I have a few duties left for me to attend. I will see you again later today, Nefi.”

Without another word she turns and walks towards the giant doors.

A scowl forms on my lips. “You still didn’t tell me what that expression means!”

No response came from Tetishuri, who is currently opening the giant pair of doors with a push of her hand.

“Teti! What does it meaaaaan?!” I shout before running after her, my behavior surely being something that would bring great shame to the Venharan Queens before me.

--------------

[Location: Venhara - Dunefields of Den] [PoV: ???¿?¿¿?]

...

<>CONNECTION ESTABLISHED<>

...

<>LOCATION - UNKNOWN|REALM - UNKNOWN|TIMELINE - UNKNOWN<>

<>INFORMATION INCONCLUSIVE<>

<>SCAN KNOWN DATA COLLECTIVES|OBTAIN TRACE INFORMATION<>

<>COLLECTIVE INFLUENCE: 0%<>

<>COLLECTIVE TRACE: 0%<>

<>MATTER CONVERTED: 0%<>

<>CONCLUSION: REALM UNTOUCHED<>

...

<>SETTING OBJECTIVES FOR AESIVE SUBJUGATION COLLECTIVE<>

<>STUDY|LEARN|CONVERT<>

<>SETTING OBJECTIVES TO AXIS MINDS<>

<>OBJECTIVE: MERGE REALITY WITH COLLECTIVE REALITIES|TIMELINES<>

<>OBJECTIVE ASSIGNED TO AXIS MIND: ENKELADOS<>

<>OBJECTIVE: INTEGRATE WORLD INTO COLLECTIVE NETWORK<>

<>OBJECTIVE ASSIGNED TO AXIS MIND: PANAKION<>

<>SUITABLE|PREPARE|RELEASE<>

<>CONVERT MATTER|ESTABLISH FOOTHOLD|CEMENT EXISTENCE<>

...

...

...

<>AESIVE SUBJUGATION COLLECTIVE: DEPLOYED<>

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Contest Winner (or Loser?)

[PoV: Jezebel]

After downing my next shot of rum, I set the small glass back down onto the bar counter - right next to ten other glasses.

Even though that’s a LOT of extremely potent alcohol I’ve consumed within such a short amount of time, the most that I’m feeling is a strong burning in my stomach - as well as a similar feeling on my face. I’m probably blushing really hard from the rum. Thankfully, my fur is there to conceal it.

Elizabeth on the other hand? She’s barely able to sit straight in her seat, she’s currently wobbling all over the place. The only thing keeping her upright is her free hand having a vice-grip on the counter, her other hand holding her eleventh shot glass of rum - said liquid spilling from the uncoordinated movements of her arm.

Honestly? I’m actually very impressed that Elizabeth managed to last this long. Part of the reason why I’m very good at holding my own alcohol is because I’m a Fire-type, so the heat within me helps burn some of the alcohol before it enters my system. That and paired up with a liver of pure steel? I can keep drinking this stuff all throughout the night.

Elizabeth? She’s smaller than I am, so I guess the only thing that’s keeping her going is the fact that she’s used to drinking this much.

“I cannnn keep doooooing tees all...n...” The Lopunny slurs, her expression being that of a goofy smile. She didn’t finish the sentence though, since she practically chucks the rum into her mouth. She smacks her mouth, her tongue lolling out. “Seeeeee...? Steell...going....!”

The bartender gives her a concerned look before looking back at me, obviously rather hesitant on giving us another round of shots.

I roll my eyes before looking at him with a smirk. “Just one more shot for the both of us.” I tell him.

I have a feeling that this’ll be the straw that breaks the Camprupt’s back, since Elizabeth is barely holding on as it is.

He slowly nods his head and grabs two more shot glasses and fills them with the crystal clear yet extremely strong alcohol. He sets them down in front of me and the Lopunny before taking a step back and watching us at our ‘game’.

I grab my glass and look at Elizabeth, raising an eyebrow at her. “Number twelve.” I say before immediately downing it, the burning sensation being the same as the previous eleven.

Elizabeth immediately goes to grab her drink, but in her attempt to do so she immediately starts falling off her stool. I quickly extend an arm and catch her, preventing her from having a rather rough embrace with the wooden floor.

“Noooooo...” She whines. “I can...do eeeeeeeet!” She tries to sit up, yet even with my assistance she can’t get herself fully back onto her stool.

“I’d say that it’s over, Elizabeth.” I say to her,. my smirk widening.

Honestly? Even though I’ve won, it didn’t really feel as satisfying because of how effortless it was. Yeah I get to have her ‘do anything I want’ for an hour since that was the wager that was made, but if anything I don’t have much interest in that.

If anything? Teaching Elizabeth a lesson was the biggest motivator for me since she really needed to not go off the deep end. Right now? Obviously she’s way too drunk to realize her mistake, but at least I get to feel rather smug.

“Nononooooo!” She continues to complain. “I...ammmm...not dooone. Tere ees...steell...” At this point she’s really falling over, in which I now have to use both hands to keep her from stumbling off her stool like a ragdoll.

“It’s over, Elizabeth.” I repeat, trying contain a chuckle. When she doesn’t respond to this I instead give her a stern look, in which she somehow manages to meet with her own gaze before slumping.

“Fiiiine...” She sighs, her cheeks a deep shade of purple from the booze.

With a bit of effort I manage to pull her off her feet and get her to lean against the counter, in which I turn back to face the bartender.

Said individual is looking at the massive spread of empty shot-glasses with a look of immense respect. “Sheesh, ladies.” He exclaims with a shake of his head, chuckling. “You two hold your liquor far better than anyone I’ve ever met.”

I couldn’t help but give my own chuckle, smiling to myself. “We’re not any simple ladies, after all.”

He whistles. “No kidding. If you members of the Guardians of Twilight all have similar alcohol tolerance, this place will be out of drinks in a night if at least twenty of you were to visit at once.”

I fumble with my dress before pulling out my wallet, and after sifting through it I pull out a sizable amount of money that should pay for all of the alcohol - and provide an impressive tip. I set it down on the counter before giving him a nod of thanks.

The bartender grins and takes the money. “Much obliged.” He says before looking at Elizabeth. “Need help, or-?”

I shake my head, still chuckling. “No need, I will take her back.”

I stand up from my stool - the action causes my body to lose its balance slightly.

Hmm, perhaps the alcohol has more of an effect on me than I thought. That’d also explain why I’m also more loose with my emotions. Guess it really has been a while since I last drank...

Grabbing my staff that’s leaning against the counter, I clasp Elizabeth’s arm and pull her to my form.

“Lean on me.” I tell her. “I’ll support you as we head back to the guild HQ.”

She doesn’t respond - verbally at least, and together we slowly begin to make our way out of the club.

The moment we step outside I immediately feel myself get blasted with fresh air, the strong scent of sweat disappearing with the midnight breeze. The city itself is also relatively quieter compared to the club, so my ears feel very thankful as well.

As the two of us slowly make our way back, Elizabeth starts talking again.

“Nooo...” She whines once more. “I...do not waaant...to beee....your slaaaaave!”

The last word causes my body to freeze, the action making Elizabeth stumble forward before falling - and with her grip on her body, she ends up taking her with me.

The two of us fall flat onto the sidewalk, my staff releasing from my grip and clattering the ground. At this point my face is so flushed that people would probably actually see a noticeable shade of pink on my cheeks - despite the dark fur covering them.

“E-Elizabeth!” I shout indignantly. “Not in public!” I blink before immediately following up with: “And forget about the wager, I have no interest in-”

“Buuut eet was a beeeet!” The Lopunny retorts in her drunken stupor. “I ‘ave to do eeeeeeet!”

I grit my teeth. “Elizabeth-” I start to say, but she cuts me off again.

“What weell you ‘ave me...doooo?” She continues her drunken tirade. “Weell you ‘ave me...streep een publeec? Weell you ‘ave meeeee....chained to a bed so youuuu-”

I don’t even let her finish that sentence. “NONE OF THAT!” I shout frantically, my face full on burning now.

At this point we definitely have a lot of onlookers now. Gritting my teeth harder I get back to my feet and grab my staff, and once I have my balance I pull Elizabeth back to her feet.

“Not another word!” I hiss at her. “Let us get back, no more of this nonsense!!”

She looks at me with confusion. “Buuut thee wag-”

“No!” I growl at her. “No no no! No wager! Just stop talking!”

And so we continued the long trek back to the GoT HQ.

...

Where did she get THAT assumption?! 

---------------

Much to my chagrin, the journey back did not go smoothly at all. Elizabeth continued to go on and on about the ‘wager’, shouting and whining about all sorts of obscenities she thinks I will do to her. Even with my best attempts I just...could not...get her...to shut up.

I have half the mind to burn her on the spot and be done with it. And the worst part is that if I drank any more alcohol? I probably would’ve actually done it due to the sheer embarrassment I’m feeling.

I swear, who the FUCK does she think I am? With all of the shit she’s saying, people would think I’m some extremely kinky freak!

At this point we’re navigating the hallways of the HQ, and thank Arceus because there’s barely any people walking around this time of night. The few who do walk by us have expressions of confusion - or worse, smirks.

As we’re navigating, a thought suddenly strikes me.

I have...no idea on where Elizabeth stays. Obviously asking her is out of the question, because of the fact she failed to listen to a SINGLE word I said ever since we left the club.

“Shit.” I say aloud, the uncharacteristic word causing a nearby passerby to flinch. I turn and glare at them, my green eyes blazing. “What are you fucking looking at? Keep moving!” I half-shout at them, causing them to start sprinting off - and nearly tripping while doing so.

“-aaand once you are done weet te strap-on...” Elizabeth continues with her tirade, in which I start cringing even harder.

“BY THE GODS AND GODDESSES ABOVE, ELIZABETH!” I shout at her in anger. “I AM NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING SEXUAL TO YOU! STOP TALKING LIKE I’M ABOUT TO FUCK YOU!”

Okay, normally I would be complimented on having insane composure. How I am the pinnacle of professionalism.

Me right now? A combination of alcohol as well as massive doses of irritation and embarrassment is apparently enough to take said reputation and shatter it completely and utterly.

“Buuut te wag-” Elizabeth starts for the umpteenth time.

“Fuck the wager!” I growl at her, my teeth flaring.

Her eyes widen as her flushed face grows even more red.

It took me a moment to realize my poor choice of words. With an even louder growl I start dragging her stumbling form with me.

You know what? Fuck it. I am not navigating these hallways to find her room, especially since there are many potential witnesses. I’m taking her to my room so she can sleep this whole shit off, and MAYBE I still have a chance to salvage what little I have left of my dignity.

Of course Elizabeth continues to babble as we make our way as quickly as physically possible to my room. My ears are definitely flat against my head now, my jaw clenching so hard that it’s actually hurting.

As we finally take the last turn, I feel relief fill my body as the door to my room comes into view.

FINALLY! My salvation!

As I approach the room with Elizabeth in tow, I rest my staff against the wall as I start fumbling my dress for my room-key.

Elizabeth starts mumbling in a confused tone, her words lost to me. As she watches me pull out my key and put it into the slot in the door, her eyes widen to the point where I swear they’re going to pop up.

Oh no, you little shit. This is NOT what you’re thinking of.

“You are sleeping in my room till you’re back to your normal self.” I growl, doing my best to prevent her from saying a SINGLE word. “Nothing is happening in here except you getting rest. Got it?”

I don’t let her respond. As soon as the door opens, I stash my key, grab my staff, and drag her into the room.

Ignoring the scattered papers around my ‘humble abode’ from my duty as temporary Night Hunter Leader, I pull Elizabeth towards my bed and practically throw her at it. Her body stumbles before falling on top of it, her voice becoming muffled as her face is against the sheets.

With a sigh of relief I walk over to my study and sit down at the chair next to my desk. I rest my elbows onto the paper-covered wooden surface, using my hands to cradle my head.

It’s over, Jezebel. It’s over, no one will hear that dirty rabbit anymore. You’re safe.

You have a plan of action. You can tell everyone who overheard Elizabeth that she was in a drunken stupor, and that you were helping her to her room. If they ask about your outbursts, you can claim that they must be mistaking and it was Elizabeth who was acting in such a way. That or they misheard due to lack of sleep, since it was late at night after all.

I feel myself smile.

Yeah, it’ll all work out. Everything is good, your reputation is-

“I...am ready.” I hear Elizabeth meekly say from the direction of my bed.

My body tenses, my eyes widening.

I don’t dare look behind me to see what the hell she means exactly by that. Ohhhh no. No no no.

Hell. Fucking. No.

I cross my arms onto my desk and let my head flop onto them, and thus I begin to scream in exasperation.

[thetakenpokemon]

@askiceboundlopunny

Linda@Asmund: On her way to the shore she felt a scowl on her face as she spots a certain bronze giant. “What the hell is he doing here?” she muttered under her breath as smoke rises out of the corners of her mouth. However as soon as she spotted a bucket of water balloons, that seething scowl turned to a mischievous grin.

Taking a few water balloons she approaches the metal giant and calls out at him as she throws one at his back. “Hey tin can!” She then envelops another water balloon in an aura sphere and waits till he turns around to throw it at his face. Striking him with enough force that he stumbles back a step or two. “You didn’t strike me as the type of guy who’d like a day at the beach.” She said in almost a mocking tone as she tosses her last water up and catches it in her palm a few times. Wearing a shit eating smirk as she does so. “Are you out here to see if you can get a tan on that helmet of yours or are you just here to ruin everyone’s fun?” She asks as she surrounds the water balloon with another aura sphere in anticipation.

[PoV: Asmund]

I can only glare at my surroundings, the sheer sight of the countless Pokemon enjoying themselves making me seethe with barely contained anger.

I have absolutely NO desire to be here, yet here I fucking am, standing in the middle of a beach that I can’t even enjoy. Play in the sand? Nope, too fucking big. Go for a swim? No can do, I’d just sink to the bottom of the ocean. Sunbathe? Yeah right, I don’t even have skin to begin with.

So...what is the damn point in being here? Why did I even give in to Minato? Because I felt bad??

That train of thought ended very quickly though, specifically after hearing someone call out the words ‘Hey tin can’ followed by something wet hitting my back.

...

I swear, if that’s who I think it is...

Feeling my grasp on my anger slipping, I slowly turn to see the source of the voice. I didn’t get to see the individual either, since a water balloon encased in a sphere of energy slams into my face, sending me stumbling back.

When I manage to regain my footing without falling over, I place my hand on my face to feel it. No dents, but at the same time it was a water balloon...

...encased in an Aura Sphere.

...

I hear her speaking, but the words don’t reach me.

I raise my cannon at her, loud clacking sounds coming from the interior of the contraption signifying that I’ve loaded a cannonball.

“You have a fucking death wish?” I hiss at her, my voice shaking with rage. “Do you want to fucking die? Because I WILL kill you!”

Oh I want to shoot her so very bad. I want to watch her head get turned into nothing but a crimson mist, leaving her to die a quick yet very painful death.

But the longer I keep my cannon pointed at her, the more I remember that I’m in a public setting. If I shoot her? Things will go VERY bad. I don’t care if I end up fighting any of the guests, but it’ll give the GoT a very bad image. That and I know for a fact Pahaliah would leap at the opportunity to interfere.

Fuck.

With a growl I lower my cannon, muttering every curse word imaginable under my breath.

“Of course you have to be here.” I speak up, my dislike towards her being VERY clear in my tone. “Of course the fucking purple freak is here of all places.” My fist clenches. “You’re lucky. Lucky that we’re here in a place like this. If this were somewhere more secluded? You’d be dead, end of story.”

I should walk away. I should just turn my back on her and walk off. The problem though is I have no desire to give her any satisfaction.

Shit.

[thetakenpokemon]

[PoV: Asmund]

“A what?!” I growl at Minato, still trying to wrap my head around whatever the hell he said.

With the invitation still in the Seviper Hybrid’s claws he turns it so I could read its writing - not that I’ll bother. “It’s a beach party!” He repeats to me, excitement clear in his tone. “Someone in the guild received this invitation. They couldn’t go however, so they passed it around until it came to me.” He looks down and proceeds to read the list of activities on it. “I’ve never been to a beach party however, but the list of events look exciting!” He looks back up, his gaze becoming confused. “What are Tiki Masks and sand castles?”

A beach event. Of course. And I can only assume that Pokemon will be there too.

“Will they be involved?” I continue to growl. “Is this a Pokemon focused event?”

He blinks. “I...think so?” He says uncertainly before rereading the invitation again. “It doesn’t specifically say, but...I think it is?”

Yeah. Me being surrounded completely by Pokemon in a happy-go-lucky place? Hell no. No fucking thanks.

“Not. Fucking. Interested.” I hiss at him before stomping away.

I have to deal with Pokemon too much as it is. To go to a BEACH event of all things? If I had a normal stomach, I would’ve vomited already. There’s NO way they’ll catch me at a place like that, much less convince me.

[One Week Later]

“This is so exciting!” Minato exclaims gleefully, the invitation clasped in his claws. “I can’t wait to participate in all of these activities!” He turns and grins at me. “Thank you for coming, Asmund. I appreciate it.”

My response is to just stare into the space ahead of me. Still processing on how he managed to convince me to even come here.

“Please remember to behave, Asmund.” The voice of Jezebel speaks up. “I understand your dislike for these events, but please...at least try to keep control over your temper.”

I turn and glare at the dark Delphox. “Why are you here again?” I ask her in a clearly annoyed tone.

She coolly matches my gaze with her own. “Which answer do you prefer? The true or the false one?”

I clench my fist angrily. “Out with it.”

Jezebel rolls her eyes. “To keep an eye on you. We are more than aware that you have a history of causing trouble in public events such as these. So my reason here? To keep an eye on you as well as perform damage control if need be.”

Of course, that’s the reason why she’s here of all places. She’s not known to come to ‘beach parties’ as is.

I turn my disdainful glare to Pahaliah - said white Decidueye is currently giving me her own stinkeye. “Mine own reasons art the same, Asmund.” She says snidely. “Prithee behaveth, f'r all of our sakes. And if 't be true not, doth ‘t f'r Minato”

I turn and focus on the road ahead of me, resisting the desire to launch a tirade of insults at her. Sure I have difficulty understanding her as it is, but I can quite clearly make out what she’s saying to me right now.

Yeah...this is gonna be a long month...

As we walk over the last hill, the beach finally comes into view. Everything is visible. From the brightly colored umbrellas, to the sapphire blue sea, to the happy Pokemon who are building sandcastles and painting Tiki masks.

And it all looks absolutely disgusting.

Yup. Gonna be a very long month...

[Asmund, Silence, Nightshade, and Seraph have joined the Poke Beach Camp!]

[thetakenpokemon]

Unavoidable Bar Brawls

[Location: Woodbranch - Small Town located on the edge of Evolutia] [PoV: Grace - Member of Night Warden team: Dark Bane]

I can feel the eyes of many people watching us as we walk through the small town, many of them suspicious.

I’ve heard of many ill things of the town of Woodbranch, how it’s run by aggressive families and gangs who dwell in...unsavory businesses. We’re not here to deal with these people however, since we’re here for...information.

We’ve been searching for an Ultra Beast - specifically a Guzzlord. There’s been reports that some of the people of Woodbranch have seen it, thus the purpose of our visit.

“Aight, I’m gonna go and ask the boss of this place so we can get the hell out of here.” Nina says in a somewhat impatient tone. “Kinda wanting to get this mission over with.”

I glance at the Lycanroc, my eyes slowly drifting down to the giant clawed gauntlets on her hands. The sharp claws glint menacingly in the sunlight, the sight giving hints on what they’re capable of.

I look at another party-member, one I’m a bit more concerned for - Pythia.

The Alakazam is currently looking at the surrounding people anxiously, from the way she’s muttering I can tell that she’s doing some sort of mental exercise to keep her nerves under control. She never does well in crowded areas, especially in places that has a rather...hostile environment.

Seeing the rather unfriendly faces of the townsfolk? Definitely rather...hostile.

I slow my pace to match Pythia. “Are you holding up well?” I ask, knowing the answer that she isn’t really. The point of this question isn’t to point out the obvious though, it’s to show concern - something I hope would at least partially put her at ease.

She glances at me, her muttering stopping. Pythia looks at everything except my eyes, as if avoiding to make eye-contact. After a long time she finally does meet my gaze - only to break it a second late.

“S-Somewhat...” She mutters quietly, her hands burrowing into the pockets of her robes - probably to hold onto her stowed spoons. “I...don’t like this place. Very stressful and....unwelcome.”

I nod my head understandingly. “I agree. Thankfully we won’t be here for very long.”

I try my best to smile reassuringly, but I didn’t do very well. The attempt didn’t go unnoticed at least, seeing the tiniest smile I see on her lips.

More satisfied that she’s calmer, I turn my gaze to the next teammate that I should feel concerned for: Flint.

The Gardevoir is currently glaring at the surrounding townsfolk, his exposed arm currently pulling up his bandanna to cover the lower-half of his face. Despite the shadows that his long-brimmed hat is casting over his eyes, I can tell that he’s looking for something due the way he’s glancing around.

As we continue to walk I notice that we’re passing a sort of bar, and immediately Flint speaks up - albeit quietly. “I need a drink.” He mutters before immediately breaking off from the team, walking straight for the bar.

The second he did this I see my fourth teammate step near me - Shiro.

The Gothitelle hybrid looks at me, the direction of the sun casting a shadow over his pale-white bird-like face. The appearance looks very...menacing, especially with his glowing purple eyes. His vine-like arm clenches, the tendril-like ‘fingers’ twisting and writhing. “Keep an eye on him.” He tells me in a low tone. “Knowing him, he’ll cause trouble. I’ll stay with Nina and Pythia to make sure that everything is in order.”

I nod my head, feeling my eyebrows furrow slightly. “Understood.” I respond before also breaking from the party, following the Gardevoir into the bar.

Upon stepping to the place? A bad feeling started welling in my gut.

A lot of very...questionable figures are around the place, either drinking or gambling. Soft music is playing in the background, but that doesn’t really help with the atmosphere.

I see Flint walking up to the bar, as well as...all of the eyes that are on him. At one point every Pokemon here stopped what they were doing to glare at him, their gazes showing clear hostility.

When he sat down they slowly began to return to whatever it was they were doing, although the tense atmosphere never left.

I knew that approaching Flint at this point would do nothing, so all I could do was ‘wait’.

I quickly walk down the bar, my current destination being an open table in the corner. I can feel several eyes on me as well, although some are suspicious, the emotion from them is definitely ‘different’ due to the lust in their eyes.

My figure seems to attract a lot of looks like that, but thankfully my hybrid appearance tends to make most have second-thoughts on making any advances towards me - specifically the two giant ‘spiked shell-like shields’ that are attached to my arms.

Upon reaching the table I sit down, and...I watch.

Although I can’t hear anything from my current position, I see Flint order a drink. The barkeeper begrudgingly pours an amber liquid into a small glass before sliding it into the Gardevoir’s exposed hand.

The biggest thing about Flint is his attire - and how...much it stands out.

He’s dressed pretty much exactly like a Human cowboy. His long-brimmed brown hat, his dark poncho, his light shirt underneath his dark vest, his dark pants, and his boots. The only thing missing is the gun.

Cowboys are...not very well-received in Evolutia, most especially because of the fact that they’re associated with guns since they’re commonly depicted as...gunslingers in Progrian media.

Guns have a massive negative stigma in Evolutia, nearly every Pokemon dislikes or outright hates them. Although I don’t necessarily share that ideal, I know that countless others do.

And that combined with the fact that we’re in a shady bar where everyone obviously doesn’t want us here? It’s very clear on why Flint wanted to be in this place.

He’s looking for a fight.

Right on queue I see one of the large Pokemon sitting near him - specifically a Pangoro - get up and start talking to Flint. I still don’t hear what they’re saying, but seeing the Pokemon’s expression? It’s very clear that he’s probably saying something along the lines of ‘we don’t want your kind here’ and ‘leave before we hurt you’.

Flint responds to this by taking a sip from his glass, seemingly ignoring him. This only pisses off the Pangoro more, in which he promptly tries to slap the glass out of his hands.

In a flash, Flint catches the Pangoro by the wrist with his other arm - the one that the Gardevoir kept concealed under his poncho.

The dim light of the bar glints off the metallic surface of the arm. Although it seems like a prosthetic, in reality it’s actually an elbow-length gauntlet. With a twist he slams the Pangoro’s face right into the bar, causing a crunching noise that even I can hear.

Flint then throws the Pokemon back, causing them to stumble back before collapsing - blood pouring from their now broken nose.

Immediately several Pokemon around the bar stand up, murder glinting in their eyes.

Yup...

Here we go again...

I watch as a fight breaks out between Flint and the countless Pokemon. As several of them charge, Flint intercepts the first one by grabbing their body. Twisting his waist he uses the Pokemon’s momentum to throw them at another charging individual, sending them both sprawling on the ground.

The battle then quickly turns into a brawl of fists - something that Flint is very accustomed to. He ducks and weaves around the assaulting blows before delivering precise punches of his own, either breaking the nose of attacking Pokemon or knocking their wind out with a blow to their gut. This goes on for a little while before I notice a Bisharp standing up, his blades unsheathing from his arms.

Well...guess it’s time I intervene.

As the Bisharp charges Flint from behind, I leap from my chair. Just as the Pokemon is about to blindside my teammate, I step in front of the blow and turn myself to my side so that the ‘shield’ on my arm blocks it.

A loud ‘clinging’ noise is heard throughout the chaos as metal meets metal, and the Bisharp glares at me.

“So the hybrid whore decides to get involved.” He spits, his eyes narrowing. “Although I thought you were sexy at first, I should’ve known that a Bisharp freak like you will-”

I could’ve let him finish speaking, but I didn’t see a point since he had nothing intelligent or beneficial to say. With a swing of my arm I let my shield smash into his face, sending him crashing into one of the nearby tables.

At this point pretty much every ‘patron’ is standing and charging us, whatever weapons in their possession already drawn.

It quickly descends further into chaos with me and Flint in the center. Despite the overwhelming numbers, our skills in combat laughably dwarfs whatever ‘skills’ these thugs possess.

I easily block any attacks that are aimed towards me with my shields before swiftly responding with a swing of my own, either flattening a Pokemon’s face or leaving deep gash with its spikes. Flint on the other hand continues to rely on his fisticuffs, ducking and weaving before delivering a blow or throw. This seems to go on for several minutes, the count of unconscious bodies of our assailants growing higher and higher.

A loud scream of anger draws both of our attentions. When we both turn we see a Lucario glaring at us with rage, a sphere of swirling energy between her paws. Not a second later she throws it at us.

Without wasting a moment I throw myself into the direction of the sphere before crouching down and having my arms press my sides. This action causes the two shields to clamp together, completely encasing myself in what can only be described as a cocoon of metal.

Although I’m now completely surrounded in darkness, I feel my body shake heavily from recoil as the Aura Sphere explodes upon my frame with a loud booming noise.

With the attack absorbed I unclamp my shields and stand up, prepared to deflect another shot if need be.

The Lucario already has her paws close together to create another Aura Sphere, but she never got the chance to conjure it.

A bright shot of energy streaks past me and hits her straight in the shoulder. As blood starts gushing from the newly created hole, she starts screams in agony before falling to her knees, grasping the wound.

I look to the side to see Flint with his gauntlet arm outstretched, his finger pointing at her with the tip glowing with the same-colored light as the bolt. It’s clear that he was the one that shot her.

“Recommend stayin’ down, girl.” He says, loud enough for the Lucario to hear. “I don’t intend ta’ shoot three times, after all.”

At this point there’s no more people standing - except for the barkeeper, who is looking at both of us with a mixture of anger and fear. The entire bar is a wreck now, most tables and chairs being shattered as well as the floor being scorched black from the explosion of the Aura Sphere.

Flint turns and walks over to the mostly damaged bar and grabs his still intact drink. With one motion he downs the rest of the liquid and sets it down. Pulling a few dollars from his belt he places them beside the empty glass and then tips his hat at the barkeeper. “Thanks for tha’ drink.” He says to them.

“Get the hell out of here.” They respond back, their teeth grinding. It’s obvious that he wants to wring Flint’s throat, but they know better.

Flint responds with a snort before turning and walking towards the door.

I follow after him - taking care to not step on anyone. After we fully leave the place, I glance at him with clear irritation.

“I hope you’re happy.” I say quietly, making it clear that I am not in fact happy with occurrence of recent events

He merely smirks at me before pulling up his bandanna to cover his face. “Yep.” He responds back. “Sure am.”

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Deserved Break

[PoV: Jezebel]

I impassively watch my surroundings of the club, from the constantly changing colors of the flashing lights to the countless dancing party-goers - fueled on both adrenaline and alcohol.

With a flashy smile the bartender gives me my drink - a bright orange and red cocktail in a tall glass with thin straw. After tasting it, I give him a nod before focusing back on my surroundings.

I’m not very big on clubs. In fact...I find them rather distasteful. However this place serves the best cocktails, thus why I’m even here to begin with.

Glancing back at my drink I start stirring it absentmindedly with the straw, watching the ice swirl around.

I don’t drink alcohol much either, but this is more of a special occasion. Kaiser’s healthy enough to continue working as Night Hunter Branch leader, which means that I’m no longer needed to work in her stead.

I’m fine with working on paperwork, I’m very good at it after all. But managing the countless Night Hunter teams as well as assigning missions? No thank you, that’s a giant responsibility I have no interest in having. Keeping track of my own teammates is difficult enough already.

With my jaw clenching I immediately take a long drink from my cocktail, effectively draining half of it in one go. I feel the cool liquid flow into my stomach, the sugar from the mixers as well as the alcohol giving me a pleasant feeling.

It’s almost as if I’m trying to get myself drunk so that I can bang my head hard onto something, thus making me bed-ridden and forcing a lower-ranked person to take my job for me.

Who would even do that, I wonder?

“Oh? Do my own eyes fool me?” I hear a peculiar yet familiar voice speak to me, just barely audible over the loud music. “Ees tees Jezebel in a nightclub of all places?”

Hopping onto the empty stool beside me is no other than Elisabeth, in which said Lopunny/Vaporeon hybrid is grinning widely at me.

“I deed not tink you would be te type to be ‘ere, renard chéri~” She purrs. “What a pleasant surprise eendeed~”

Stirring my now half-empty glass, I look at her with a clearly unamused expression. “Elisabeth.” I say curtly before looking back at my drink.

From the corner of my eye I see her take her tri-corn hat off her head and set it down onto the bar counter. “I ‘ave been ‘ere many times, yet never ‘ave seen you ‘ere. I assume that tees ees a special occasion, no?” She nudges me with an elbow. “Hmm? Am I wrong?”

Feeling tempted to just take my drink and walk away, I instead let out a heavy breath through my nose.

‘Just answer her, Jezebel.’ I mentally tell myself. ‘You’re not here to be stressed out. Yes, Elisabeth of all people had to show up, but answering her will most likely make her stop bothering you.’

“Kaiser has now returned to her position as Night Hunter Branch leader.” I say in an almost bored tone. “So that means I’m no longer needed to work in her place.”

Looking at her, I see that her playful grin has turned to a small smile. “Was eet tat bad?” She asks.

I rub my temples. “Very.” I say lowly. “I have very little experience in working such a position, so managing all of you was...very stressful to say the least.” Letting out a sigh I rest my head in my arms. “I’m used to filing after-mission reports involving my team as well as the occasional interrogation, but keeping track of tens of dozens of teams all the while making sure they’re all okay? It’s...something else completely...”

I feel her pat my shoulder, in which I look up at her. “For what eet ees wort’, you deed a great job.” She assures me, still smiling. “You deed do tings rater deefferently compared to Kaiser, but you steell deed well!” She starts to laugh. “Een fact, tees does explain your rater grumpy atteetude whenever we needed to speak to you, renard chéri~”

I roll my eyes at this, but I found my irritation towards her fading away. “Yeah, I was...not in a good mood throughout the entire time I was in that position.” I focus on my drink again, letting out another sigh. “I do apologize however, it was very rude of me to act that way towards all of you.”

She shrugs her shoulders. “No ‘arm done, Jezebel! No ‘arm done at all!” The Lopunny nudges my shoulder, giving me a cheeky grin. “Eef you want to make tings even ‘owever, ‘ow about a keess on the leeps~?”

I don’t even miss a beat. “I’ll pass.” I say before draining the rest of my drink. With the cocktail glass empty I push it away, letting out a contented sigh of relief.

Elisabeth watched the whole thing, in which her cheeky grin becomes something more devilish. “Say...” She starts in a singsong tone. “I am feeling rater competeeteeve, so ‘ow about I challenge you to a leettle game~?”

I glance at her, once again unamused. “I assume this involves alcohol?” I ask, although I already knew the answer.

She nods slyly. “Oui, Jezebel~ ‘ow about you and I ‘ave a contest? To see who ‘as te strongest stomach~?”

I rest my cheek on my hand, letting out another breath through my nose. “So you’re requesting me participate in a drinking contest with you.” I state.

She nods her head. “Oui~”

My flat look intensifies. “You’re challenging a co-worker to a drinking contest.”

Elisabeth waggles her finger. “Ah ah! We do not work togeter, Jezebel! We are on deefferent teams, so we are not co-workers!”

I blink.

“We...both work for the Guardians of Twilight.” I say slowly, looking at her with bewilderment. “That means that we are co-workers. In fact, I was technically your boss at one point.”

She shrugs her shoulders. “Back when I was into piracy, te capitaine would drink wit te crew all te time! Een tees case, I see eet to be no deefferent~”

At this point I’ve decided to humor her. “Alright, so a drinking contest. Let’s say if I were to accept, what do you and I get out of this?”

Elisabeth leans towards me, her grin widening further. “To prove who ‘as te strongest stomach, deed I not already say tat~?” The Lopunny straightens herself, her grin turning into a smirk. “Altough...’ow about we...’up te stakes’, as one would say?” She starts tracing the brim of her hat with a finger. “Whoever weens not only shows tat tey ‘ave te strongest stomach, but also ‘as to do whatever te oter wishes for te next hour~?” A low purr comes from her. “Are you up to it? Or are you too afraid~?”

Heh, I should’ve expected as much. Elisabeth has a reputation of pulling stunts like this. This usually tends to involve her teammates, so it’s a little surprising to see that she’s trying to involve me of all people.

Although when I think about it, she’s probably just saying all of this just because she’s playing around. She tends to go overboard when it comes to messing with people, so this is something I wouldn’t put it past her.

...

Actually... This could provide me with an excellent opportunity...

I look at Elisabeth, the Lopunny still smirking at me. With a completely straight face I respond. “Very well, I accept.”

She lets out a laugh. “Ho ho ho! I knew you would not- WHA?!” At this point she’s realizing what I said, and all of her bravado turned into incoherent sputtering.

My face is still straight. “Did I stutter?” I say, this time leaning towards her. “You did challenge me after all. As leader of Purging Light, I need to represent my teammates.” I wave at the bartender. “Tender! Please bring the both of us a shot train of a strong rum.”

Elisabeth is looking at me uncertainly now. “A-Are you sure? I do not believe you are up to tees.” She starts grinning, albeit still looking confused. “I ‘ave outdrank all who contested wit me, after all!”

I watch as the bartender starts placing shot after shot before us. “I would never participate in something if I’m unsure about it.” I answer in a matter-of-fact tone. “There’s a reason why I’m where I am.” I grab the shot glass, looking her straight in the eyes. “You have one chance to back out, Elisabeth.”

She immediately grabs her shot, now smirking. “Ho! Me, Elisabeth Brasseur, te Fearsome Sapphire Beauty, back out from a drinking challenge? Vous devez faire erreur, Jezebel.” With that she immediately downs the shot, grinning like mad. “Te deed is done! Now let us see who weell last!”

Without hesitating I down my own, the burning liquid flowing down my throat. I can tell that this stuff is very potent, the bartender made an excellent choice. I never faltered from this and upon setting my shot down I grab another, holding it towards her. “The challenge is on.” I say.

Little does this Lopunny know that she already lost, since I have a secret weapon that no one knows about.

That weapon? It’s my insanely high alcohol tolerance~

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Illusion Charms

[PoV: Velvett]

I look at the two necklaces in my hands, feeling accomplished with the result of the illusion charms. Such work may be slow, but it’s never hard for me. I’ve created enough of them to truly master the craft.

And of course I don’t know if they truly work yet since they haven’t been put to the test, but I’m that confident in my skills to know that they’ll work just fine~

“I’m finished~!” I singsong, gaining the attention of my three newest companions.

The trio of them were pretty much lounging around while I worked, giving me space to create these charms. I didn’t really need the space though since I’m no amateur, but the thought behind it is appreciated nonetheless.

The first to approach me is Bladesong, the cyborg looking at the necklaces curiously. “So those are the charms you were making?” She asks before wincing, probably realizing how obvious the question is.

I snicker. “Indeed! And of course admiring them won’t do us any good, we need to see how well the illusion fits on you after all~” I offer one of them to her, the necklace possessing a smooth metal sphere inscribed with numerous runes on its surface.

She eagerly takes the necklace and immediately puts it around her neck.

Turning my gaze to Chimera, I see him standing with crossed arms. “I haven’t forgotten about you~” I say to him, winking. I extend the other necklace to him, in which he carefully accepts.

“So...” Bladesong speaks up. “How does this work?”

I look back to see that she’s poking at the necklace uncertainly, clearly confused.

“Simply putting it on won’t activate the enchantment, my dear!” I laugh. “I always make sure that these charms have a verbal activation, so you can throw it on whenever without worrying of the illusion immediately taking effect.” I lightly scratch my cheek with one of my claws. “Simply cup the metal sphere of the necklace in one of your hands and say ‘Star’, it’ll activate right after~”

I’ve never seen someone grasp a necklace so quick. Bladesong immediately did just that and says the word.

“Star?” She says uncertainly, as if doubting it’ll actually work.

And the second she said the word while clutching the necklace, the black fire immediately surrounded her form, causing her to yelp in surprise. The fire only lasted for a second though, since it dissipates immediately.

Now I get to see the result of my expertly crafted illusion~

Standing in place is a cyborg Pokemon no more, for in her steed is a more ‘normal’ Human.

Her body-shape and hair-style remain the same, but that’s all where the similarities stop. She now has light fair skin, her eyes a nice shade of green, and each of her fingers end with bright pink nails - as if she recently visited a nail salon. The two bladed tentacles on the back of her head have been changed to a pair of long black braids of hair, their length being the same as said tendrils. Her body sports a simple white t-shirt with jeans, and on her feet is a pair of red sneakers.

The only thing that truly stands out from her are her abnormally long braids, but between that and her simply waltzing around Progria in her full glory? We’d much rather take the former.

Upon looking at her hands Bladesong’s eyes widen instantly. “Whoa!” She exclaims, her gaze rapidly shifting from her hands to her own body.

“There’s the nearby spring if you want to properly look at yourself.” I remind her, in which she immediately dashes towards said pool of water.

As I watch her run off, I hear the quiet mutter of Chimera, saying the activation word ‘Star’.

After another burst of black flame, the result of his transformation is also quite different.

Now he is a man of dark brown skin, with rich blue eyes and not an ounce of hair on his head - an excellent fit for him. His attire consists of a black hoodie, jeans, and brown boots. His appearance was far more easy to work with since his form is shaped exactly like a Human, so he’ll blend into Progria just fine~

He glances down at his hands, taking note of his changed appearance. “Brown skin huh?” He mutters, turning the appendages around so he can see the palms. “Never thought I’d see myself switching skin colors three times in my lifetime. From white to orange to brown.” He shrugs his shoulders. “Then again, back then I never expected it to change to begin with.”

I blink, not quite understanding on what he meant. “Switching skin colors?” I say, tilting my head slightly.

He waves me off. “Just me muttering, forget it.” He dismisses before making his way over to the spring, most likely to check his own reflection.

I’m not necessarily sure on what he meant by that, but it wouldn’t do me well to pry, or at least for now~

As for the spring, so far Bladesong looks to be fawning over herself, turning her face and body so she can see every last detail of her newfound disguise.

“Even though you do have a reputation for your illusions, it’s still quite impressive to see them firsthand.” Trojan comments, floating over beside me.

I grin at this. “What can I say? I’m good at what I do~”

He crosses his floating arms. “I can’t even discern if it’s real or not, the fact that it’s fooling even my digital feed is quite outstanding.”

“That’s due to the sheer complexity of the illusion. It holds enough ‘realness’ to fool things like cameras, which I presume is how you’re seeing.” I say, looking at his digital eyes. “And vision is not the only thing my illusions fool. If one were to touch them, their senses will give them the texture they’re expecting~” My smile falters somewhat. “Although...it does have its limits. Extended physical contact is not recommended, since that’s where the illusion will begin to falter. If they touch something for longer than fifteen seconds, the faux-sensation will give way to what they’re actually feeling.”

“Such as for Bladesong’s case, the feeling of fabric would be replaced with metal?” Trojan asks.

I nod. “Indeed. My illusions are quite powerful, although they’re considerably weaker when placed into charms.” A frown fully takes my face. “I also say that they should avoid combat at all costs while under the illusion. If anything were to strike their forms while the illusion is in-effect, it’ll disrupt the magic field to the point where it’ll break down completely, thus causing the illusion to disappear.”

“And we don’t want that.” He says with his own nod. “This information will definitely need to be relayed to them so that they’ll keep these precautions in mind.”

“Of course, I don’t plan to leave them without it after all.” I chuckle, my smile returning. I turn my head slightly to look at him more, one of my eyebrows raising. “Are you sure you don’t want a charm like them? I’m quite sure I can whip up something for your unique form~”

He shakes his head. “The offer is most appreciated, however it would ultimately be useless for me. Not only do I intend to not go out in public, I don’t even intend to use this body for most of the mission.”

This makes me pause. “Body?” I repeat, my eyebrows raising. “Are you saying that this isn’t your actual form?”

He laughs at this. “Oh definitely not! My true form is made of pure energy! Throughout this mission I intend to inhabit the electronics at our base of operations, so that I may effectively communicate with them while they’re out in the field. That and effectively gather information through the web the moment they need it.” He taps his body with a metal finger. “This body is merely something for me to efficiently travel around, that and manipulate objects.” He waggles his fingers for emphasis. “But regardless, although the offer is appreciated, your efforts would ultimately be wasted.”

“That...makes more sense now.” I say slowly, my mind processing this newfound information.

Glad that I’m understanding, Trojan turns his floating head to look at the two disguised individuals - who are still examining their forms through the reflection of the spring. “So...” He starts again. “...Should we be leaving now?”

I cross my arms, smirking. “I’d say give them a few more minutes to admire themselves~” And most importantly, admire my work~

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Other Wardens

//RETRIEVING FILES// ... //FILES RETRIEVED//

FOLDER IDENTIFICATION: Night Warden Team - Shadow Bane

[TEAM INFORMATION BELOW]

Warden Team Identification: Shadow Bane

Team Members: 5

Specialization: Well-rounded - preference towards elimination of dangerous targets

[INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION BELOW]

Name: Nina Darkclaw

Alias: Fenrir

Gender: Female

Species: Lycanroc (Midnight)

Bio Below

An unparalleled brawler. Her talents in close-quarters combat has proven to be essential to the Guardians of Twilight countless times. Nina Darkclaw’s favored weapons are her clawed gauntlets, the exceptional strength and speed of her body combined with her skill in these weapons allow her to rend through both rock and foe with ease.

Her personality is carefree and brash - bordering on reckless. Although she has a strong lust for combat, she at least has enough restraint to ask questions before striking. There are times where she has difficulty on taking things seriously, resulting on her having trouble evaluating the intensity of some situations. These situations require her teammates to put her in line. 

Nina Darkclaw is the official leader of team Shadow Bane.

Additional Notes: GoT Branch Leader Officials are reconsidering her position as team leader.

Name: Grace (Self-Given)

Alias: Barricade

Gender: Female

Species: Bisharp/Forretress/Ferrothorn Hybrid (Artificial)

Bio Below

Self-imposed ‘tank’ of Shadow Bane. Her strongest assets revolve around the two giant shells on her arms. Although capable of being used as weapons, their use as shields is her greatest advantage. Their length is large enough to enclose around her whole body if she were to crouch down - acting as a portable bunker. Spikes lining these shells can be launched as projectiles, giving her a form of retaliation to those who strike her while enclosed. These shells combined with her exceptional strength makes up for her lack of mobility.

Her personality is strong-willed and steadfast. She’s known to be straight to the point and unafraid to voice her thoughts, often focusing on the task at hand. Although having difficulty expressing emotions, she does show concern for her teammates and does her best to look after them.

Additional Notes: The HWDP Identification code on her body reads BNK-01

Name: Flint McCoy (Possibly Self-Given)

Alias: Deadlock

Gender: Male

Species: Gardevoir

Bio Below

A ‘gun-less gunslinger’. Flint McCoy specializes in ranged combat, however has an unusual amount of strength and muscle mass for his species. He possesses an arm-length gauntlet on his left arm that channels and concentrates his psychic energy, allowing him to unleash ‘solidified’ bolts of psychokinetic power from his fingers - similar that of bullets fired from guns. His precision and speed with these shots is very remarkable.

His personality is noted to resemble that of main character cowboys from Human western films. Broody, overconfident, likes to show off, tends to speak few words - mostly an attempt to come off as intimidating. He has been known to instigate fights and is considered a troublemaker. It is a necessity that he is to be accompanied by at least one team member at all times in public areas, especially places where brawls tend to occur.

Additional Notes: Despite his brown coloration being unusual, it is the result of his heredity on where his ancestors lived.

His interest in Human old western culture is noted to be obsessive, due to his behavior and how he dresses himself.

Name: Pythia Noma

Alias: Psybreak

Gender: Female

Species: Alakazam

Bio Below

A powerful psychokinetic wielder. Pythia Noma’s sheer psychic power is acknowledged and respected by all Psychic-types in the Guardians of twilight. Her greatest strengths lies in her telekinetic power over inanimate solid objects. She is capable of lifting objects of extreme weight or numerous smaller items with ease. However she has shown numerous signs of concentration issues when it comes to living entities, making it difficult for her to restrain more than one individual with her power at a time.

Her personality is normally calm and collected, although rather self-absorbed. She’s very analytical of various scenarios and looks at the finer details, yet she has also shown difficulty in taking the emotions of others into consideration. She is also easily stressed when it comes to situations she is uncomfortable with. The severity of her reactions vary.

Additional Notes: List of a few situations that causes Pythia extreme stress:

1. Being touched by those she’s not close with, most especially strangers.

2. Being unable to find an answer to what she feels is an obvious question.

3. Being exposed to loud noise for extensive periods of time.

She however has shown great amounts of improvement ever since she joined the Guardians of Twilight, especially the handling of her stress during combat.

Name: Shiro (Self-Given)

Alias: Affliction

Gender: Male

Species: Gothitelle/Aromatisse/Tangrowth Hybrid (Artificial)

Bio Below

Field medic and bio weapons master. Despite being part Gothitelle, his psychokinetic power is almost nonexistent. Yet in the end his greatest strengths result from his Aromatisse and Tangrowth traits. His right arm is composed entirely of plant matter - mostly vines, and he is capable of instantly growing numerous seedpods of varying effects. His most known seedpod is a unique variation of Leech Seed that imbues healing energy to those it’s attached to. He is also capable of generating weaponized seedpods, containing deadly gas or other dangerous effects

His personality is that of professionalism and courtesy, holding himself with an air of dignity. He has shown extreme tolerance to stress, rarely angered or upset regardless of the situation. Although aware of societal norms, he seems to personally care little if others abide by it - unless it jeopardizes the current mission at hand. Although reluctant to admit it, he has grown attached to his teammates and desires to see that they’ll always be well.

Additional Notes: He has shown to have a disturbing fascination on the effects of what his seedpods do to the living body.

The HWDP Identification code on his body reads GTH-05

//CLOSING FOLDER//

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - Unexpected Consequences

[PoV: Chevalier]

My hands clench tightly as I stare at the thick metal door. Beyond it is the cell that contains Miasma: the Hybrid that me, Elisabeth, and Alicia detained.

Although I want to...see her for myself, that sense of self-doubt has reformed into a swallowing abyss.

“It’s not too late to back out, lad.” Godfrey says to me, the centaur-like hybrid looking at me through the visor of his helmet. “If you’re having second thoughts, I recommend leaving her be.”

“Quiet.” Honora hushes him. The Infernape looking back at me, smiling a reassuring smile. “This is your choice, Chevalier. But I do must ask. Are you ready?”

“T-Truthfully?” I say quietly, my fangs threatening to grind against one another. “N-Not really, but...” I swallow a growing lump in my throat. “...I still want to do this.”

Honora nods her head slowly. “Alright...” She approaches the cell door, pulling out her keycard. She brings it towards the electric lock, only to pause just before she swipes it. “Just...” She starts, her gaze drifting to me once more. “...Keep in mind again, she’s not in a good mental state. If she reacts badly, don’t take it personally...”

Godrey raises his lance-arm, the sharp weapon glinting in the artificial light. “And if the situation escalates beyond our control, I must escort you out.” He warns me, but his tone softens. “However...I do hope you know what you’re doing, lad.”

I wish I did too...

“I u-understand.” I say to them both, my gaze unable to meet their eyes.

“Well, now that’s out of the way...” Honora shakes her head before swiping the card, the lock makes an audible beep upon recognizing the keycard and thus unlocks said door. After stashing the card she pulls the door open and gestures for me to walk inside.

Alright...here it goes...

Tucking my wings in I walk into the room, my mind focusing entirely on keeping whatever composure I have left secured. The...last thing I need is to have another breakdown...

Once inside, the room itself I see is...not too large. The first thing I notice is a small table and chair in front of me, but beyond that is a wall of what looks to be incredibly thick metal. There is a large pane of glass in said wall to grant vision to the interior of the cell, and there’s a solid metal door off to the side that acts as the entrance to and from said cell.

But when I look at the one who’s currently contained, I feel my breath catch.

Miasma...

The four legs on her back each have what looks like large blocks of metal covering her blades, each with a chain that’s attached to the walls of the chamber. Her wrists and ankles are also bound together with metal cuffs, ultimately showing to me that every limb of hers is prevented from moving. Her hood and mask is gone as well as...pretty much any clothing for that matter.

Her cell does have things like a toilet in a corner, but I see no bed or chairs. In fact...it looks like she has no furnishing of any kind, and even if she did...she wouldn’t be able to reach it to begin with since her bonds keep her tight in place. This ultimately forces her to do nothing else but sit in the center of her cell, since...well...she’s incapable of doing anything else.

Honora noticed my horrified expression, seeing how quickly spoke up. “We were left no choice.” She whispers to me. “She was way too dangerous to even roam her cell, so we’re forced to keep her chained until things like...restroom breaks.” She rubs her sides with her free hand. “But even then that requires complete supervision...”

But...that’s still...horrible...

Hearing quiet whispering, Miasma looks up. “Back so soon?” She hisses angrily, her dark blue eyes burning with anger. “How quaint, are you now starting to take pity in m-” Her voice cuts out the second she notices me.

In that moment, I see a mass of emotions fluctuate on her face.

Surprise.

Confusion.

Anger.

...

Lots...and lots of anger...

“YOU!” She shrieks at me, her body immediately lurching towards my direction. However her bonds hold strong, preventing her from even moving an inch.

I flinch at this, taking a step back. Already I’m regretting this entire thing tenfold, regretting every single decision I’ve made that lead up to this point.

“YOU DARE SHOW YOURSELF TO ME?! TO ME?!?!” She screams, thrashing violently against her chains. “WHAT PURPOSE DO YOU POSSIBLY HAVE TO BE HERE?!” She thrashes even harder, her teeth biting so hard that I can almost hear the grinding noise over the chains. “TO GLOAT?! TO LORD OVER ME?! TO TELL ME HOW YOU BESTED ME?!” Her eyes narrow to slits. “TO TELL ME TO CEASE FIGHTING?! I WILL TEAR YOU TO SHREDS!”

The entire time my body has been rapidly backpedaling, but before I knew it my back hits the wall behind me. My eyes are completely wide, my breathing becoming rapid as panic starts to set in.

I didn’t mean for this to happen! I didn’t think she’d react this way! This was a mistake! I shouldn’t have come here at all! Stupid stupid stupid stupid STUPID!

“SPEAK!” She continues to scream at me. “ANSWER ME!”

Godfrey steps into the room, his lance starting to glow as he channels heat into it. “That is enough!” He shouts. “Miasma, silence yourself immediately!”

“ANSWER ME!” She screams again at me, spittle flying from her mouth. “ANSWER ME RIGHT NOW!”

Everything is closing in on me. My insecurities, my regrets, everything. The hopeless feeling that all of my fears are coming true.

Tears start to stream down my face. “I-I-I-” I try to speak, but my voice starts cutting out before the words could even form.

“THEN IT IS TO LORD OVER ME!” Miasma continues, her thrashing causing the areas around her legs to bruise. “YOU FILTHY CREATURE, I WILL REND YOU!”

“THAT IS ENOUGH!” Godfrey yells, raising his now white-hot lance. He turns his head to me, his eyes hardening. “Chevalier, you must leave immediately!”

No! No no no no no! This isn’t what’s supposed to happen! Everything is going so wrong! I just wanted to check to see if she’s okay and ask how she’s feeling and see if I can do anything to help her and-

Gritting my teeth so hard I turn and smash my fist into the wall beside me so hard that I feel the bones in my knuckles break, causing an agonizingly sharp pain to course through it.

“I WANTED TO SEE IF YOU WERE OKAY!” I scream back, the power in my voice fueled by the terror my mind is experiencing and the pain my fist is feeling.

Suddenly...everything falls quiet. Miasma’s rage-filled screams are gone,  the thrashing chains are still, it all stopped.

Trying my best to not break down from the pain in my fist I look at the cell, only for the flowing tears to make my vision blurry. I can’t wipe them away because my free hand is clenching my broken fist tightly, leaving me to do nothing but stand there hopelessly.

“See...if I’m okay?” I hear Miasma’s voice say. Although her tone is quiet, I can hear the disbelief and anger in it. “You.... You fucking fool, what do you obviously think?!” I hear the sharp rattle of chains again, but only briefly. “You took everything away from me. You took my home, my family, my daughter. You took it all...AWAY! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I AM OKAY?!”

I breathe in deeply through my mouth as I crumple to my knees from the pain, holding my broken fist close to my chest. “They...were not yours to begin with.” I say to her, doing everything I can to not let my voice choke. “That town was not your home. Those spiders were not your family. That Riolu was not your daughter.” The pain forces me to reel over, my body writhing as I’m finding it more and more difficult to tolerate it. “They were not yours. But that’s not...why...I’m here.”

I clench my eyes shut, baring my teeth. “When we...beat you, you were dying. I wanted to save you because...you were like me when the GoT found me. You looked like you were alone. You looked like you had no one to be with you. You looked like you had no idea on what to do. You looked...lost” My body bends down, writhing from the torture of my self-afflicted agony. “I-I wanted t-to help y-you. You didn’t d-deserve w-w-what happened t-to you. E-e-everything w-was taken a-away from y-y-you. T-the HWDP t-took your i-i-identity. They t-t-took it a-all a-away. I j-j-just c-couldn’t-” My voice cuts out, replaced with pained breathes as I can’t focus anymore.

It hurts so much. Why did I do it?! I broke my own fist by punching a solid metal wall.

Stupid stupid stu-

My breathing catches as I feel something metal slide under my head as well as a hand under my body. The sensation of being lifted up immediately follows, as well as the firm voice of Godrey speaking. “He needs immediate medical attention!” He says, presumably to Honora. All I know is that due to the close proximity of his voice, he’s...the one carrying me.

A rushed sense of movement follows as well as the loud clops of his footstep, signifying that he’s quickly carrying me out.

N-no! I’m not d-done! I don’t want to end it this way!!

I didn’t want for this to end...like this...at all...

But I couldn’t say anything, I just...couldn’t...

I could only lay helplessly in his grip as he carries me out to the medical ward...

[PoV: Miasma]

When the Infernape closes the door behind her, the entire room is empty once more.

I continue to glare at the door, my fangs gritting together. That Hybrid’s words continue to repeat in my mind, and they make me angrier all the while.

I pull at my chains, despite knowing how futile the action is.

“We are nothing alike.” I hiss. “To hell with his damn claims, he knows absolutely NOTHING!”

My glare turns to my bonds, the shiny metal holding just as fast as it did when they first clasped them upon me.

“I was rebuilding everything, to take what I rightfully DESERVE.” I continue to seethe. “It belonged to me, ALL of it did! He ruined it, he took it all away from me!”

My breathing grows heavy as I feel tears well in my eyes.

“I...was starting to recover, I had a safe place. I was in control, I had everything I wanted...only for it all to be taken away.”

My body slumps, yet the bonds keep it upright.

“Who is he to make such accusations...?” I say quietly, unable to do anything to the small trickles on my face.