#it would have to be jess rather than jessica it'd HAVE to be

[blujayonthewing]

impossible to imagine myself as an adult named jessica tbqh

[citrus-colored-and-pkmn]

[ Sour Twist: Adults ]

Full Resolution on Patreon I tried to give each adult a different signature when writing their names n to have them sorta show off each characters personality XD

Each of them were a lot of fun to design and I'm so happy with their turn out. Look below for more info on the characters and their designs :3

Updates will be posted on my [ Twitter ] or my [ Tapas ]

Once the story is up for reading, it'll be posted here [ ScViNuzlocke: Party of Three ] which will hopefully be on a coherent schedule QwQ

Other Sour Twist Art [ Sour Twist: Adults ] [ Sour Twist: Party of Three ][ 3 x 3 = <3 ][ more about Sarah ] [ Challenger Sarah ][ A Pair of Brunettes ][ PKMN: Zephyr Haunts ]

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Charlie Citrus: I fucking love how huge Charlie looks compared to them! I love my big Papa oc, hes so fun to draw and so huggable! Especially since Im much more comfortable drawing him too. I was going to give him a new outfit, but I love the very dad look I already gave him, so sadly no outfit change XD

Donna Proper: With Prima's mother I wanted her to look pale, and the cold tones help with that, especially since she's a sickly character, so her outfit ended up being the most plain too, so I thought giving her hair a nice smooth shape with three brighter colors helped make up for that, while also giving her a bright pink shall to add a warmer tone.

Jessica Evelyn Trevithick: Jess is my sister's oc for the RP we're doing together, so she only had the games customization to go off of, but I still tried to give her some flare rather than solely go off the game versions. Since Jess is from Sinnoh as a former champion I thought a little late that it'd be a good idea to give her a scarf like the protags from DP

Prof. Ingo Trevithick: Since Paldea is based on Spain, I like the idea of Ingo getting a tan which looks weird compared to how pale he usually is. I also changed up his teacher design to still keep some old elements with his coat shoes n hat, but still tried to make it look fresh and new. There are alotta good designs for Ingo after he returns, so I wanted mine to not look too similar.

Champion Emmet Trevithick: For Emmets champion outfit, I thought giving his more gray tones would held separate him from when he was a subway boss while still keeping some elements. His coat, while wearing it as a cape, is for more as a dramatic entrance than something he's always wearing now. Also gave him Victini bc they just suit eachother XD

[theriu]

PART 2

Another fun part about your body resetting with each time loop is that the whole "skipping the sleeping hours" part doesn't take a toll. Sometimes I'll take a loop off (after my morning no-coffee latte and Protagonist snoop) and nap the day away, but it isn't necessary. That's the main reason I do it—I'm a little paranoid of what my sleep schedule will be like when the Problem gets solved if I'm out of practice with sleeping. Thank the Lord I wasn't particularly groggy that first Tuesday. It would be miserable going through dozens of days in a mental fog.

When I walk into the cafe and greet Claudia behind the counter, I'm not too surprised to see the Protagonists there earlier than usual. I've noticed they do that sometimes when they've had a particularly frustrating previous loop. It's no problem for me; I follow my routine, ordering the same drink and breakfast sandwich, going to my usual table under the huge painting of an Italian cafe, and setting up my laptop. I don't even have to worry about pretending to ignore them, because they're talking just loud enough that anyone might look over in interest.

"I can't believe we got the cops called on us," the brunette groans over her espresso. I think she's the oldest of the group, maybe early 40's? She has a slight Spanish accent.

"I can," Nasa qips. "We broke a window in broad daylight."

"It's not like we could wait until nightfall!" she rejoins. "What kind of stupid time loop is only twelve hours long?"

"At least it's not the other way," Jessica offers, a grimace creasing her round nose. She's likely the youngest, looks to be in her early 20s. "I don't think I could stand it if we only saw daylight for a couple of hours every time."

The grumbler heaves a sigh. "Stop pointing out the silver lining, Jess, it's ruining my bad mood."

"Nothing could ruin your bad moods, Martina," Nasa says with a grin. "It'd be like snuffing a fusion reactor."

Martina, ha! Got another one!

The one remaining member whose name I haven't gleaned breaks in, his face as serious as ever. "That's enough, guys. We're drawing attention." He's older than Nasa but younger than Martina. His broody eyes dart towards me, and I pretend to focus back on my computer. "Let's get into today's plan. I still think the Rite Aid is worth investigating..."

His voice lowers until it's hard to make out anymore, and the others follow his lead. Well, that was nice while it lasted! Keeping one ear cocked for any interesting tidbits, I turned my eyes back to my laptop.

Maybe you're wondering why I don't let on to the Protagonists that I'm also aware of the time loop. Well, first of all, it would just be awkward at this point. How do you walk up to people and be like, "Hey, I've been lurking in the background of your sci-fi adventure for the last three weeks, thought I should finally introduce myself"? Great way to out myself as a weirdo.

But there's also the fact that I don't really want to get dragged into their quest. Once you reveal that you're one of a select few who are self-aware in a perpetual time loop, you can't really peace out after that. They'll expect me to help. Especially whats-his-face, the leader guy; I have not seen him crack a single smile since I noticed he was aware. He's like a military commander. He's the one I keep expecting to notice I'm not perfectly duplicating my own actions every day.

I mean, I guess I could just avoid where I know they're going to be, but that seems like a lot of work, and how would I get updates on their progress? Obviously I hope they figure this thing out eventually. But the point is, there's already FOUR of them working the problem, and I doubt I could contribute significantly. I'd much rather continue my established cycle of self-improvement and keep a casual eye out for clues on my own than endure the stress and/or judgemental glares that seem to be the only possible outcomes of revealing myself.

So, yeah. I spend the next hour half-listening to the Protagonists arguing and planning while I binge another serial webcomic. It's really too bad you can't take notes in a time loop; I'm going to have a time of it trying to remember the names of all the good series I've dug up. Knowing that I can't expect any of them to update until a week after the indefinite time loop ends is also a bit of a bummer.

I head out shortly after the Protagonists take their leave. Naturally, my first stop is the Mexican grocery, where I grab a container of candy sticks called Tamarrico. "Hola," I say to Francisco in slightly less halting Spanish. "Estas saben bien?"

"Ah, si, si! Es una de mis favoritas," he replies, a big grin spreading over his face. I grin back as I pay, knowing he says that about any candy I bring to the counter. He's a friendly guy, and what do I know? Maybe they really are all his favorites.

"Gracias! Hasta manana," I reply with a wave. I hurry out the door to hide my grin at the confusion that flits over his face. Okay, so it'll still be Tuesday when I see him again, but hey, it'll be "tomorrow" for me.

The Protagonists are barely visible around the back of the RiteAid, probably trying to jimmy the lock on the fire entrance. I quickly check my watch; shoot, it's half an hour earlier than when I came out yesterday! But none of them are looking my way, not even Jessica, so I hurry on down the street and gamble on her not noticing my no-show at the appointed time.

Every other loop, I try to find a new spot to visit. I've explored all the open shops on Main Street twice over, and even braved walking into the insurance building despite having no need for insurance. I've just always wondered what the interior design looks like. (Blue carpet, boring office pictures, a surprising toy cat.) Today, I wander around in a little hole-in-the-wall thrift store. I end up buying a ridiculous hat that I wear proudly back out into the street.

I take a detour to buy snacks at Mister Maxx, a little store that sells bulk food items that are past their expiration date for cheap. (Don't flip out, it's perfectly safe. Plus you get a lot of variety!) I shove some canned smoke salmon into my satchel alongside the Tamarrico container, then it's on down the street to the library for another afternoon of hitting the books.

I've noticed I can get slightly different responses from the librarians depending on when I come by and what I'm carrying. Maj is my 2:00 librarian, and she starts to beam her usual welcoming smile but stops short at the sight of my neon-yellow sunhat. I think she enters a stare-off with the rubber duck nestled on the front brim. Her lips twitch, and she barely manages a welcoming nod to me before she has to turn away quickly, both hands trying to stifle the laughter shaking her shoulders.

I grin. That was an even better reaction than I'd hoped! I'll have to try this out for Janice at 3:00 next loop.

The afternoon slips away between Spanish studies and origami practice. (They don't have the perfectly square papers here, but I make do with cut-up printer paper from the library's copy center.) There's something really peaceful about being in a library. No loud noises, no shouting, no expectations I'll have to buy something. With a library at hand, I could spend years in a time loop without running out of new materials.

Do I want that? Years of the same repeated day? The question niggles at me, making me crease a fold wrong. I shake it off as quickly as I can, though. Surely the Protagonists will figure things out before that becomes an actual question to worry over.

I almost lose track of time, until I hear Librarian George making the rounds to announce closing time is imminent. I bolt to my feet, checking my phone as I abandon my misshapen paper frogs. Crap! I can't be late! Someone calls after me, probably to say not to run in the library, but I skid around the few corners between me and the door and burst out into the lowering sunlight.

I almost don't make it in time. Kevin is two steps onto the crosswalk when I pelt up, grab him by the collar, and dive us both back towards the sidewalk. He yells, I yell, the truck roars by honking loudly, he yells again. There is a mad scramble of limbs as me and the older guy struggle to sort ourselves out. I get up first and help him to his feet. "Are you okay?!" It would be pretty rotten if I broke his hip or something.

He sways shakily, feeling himself over. I pick up his glasses and he ever-so-carefully puts them on, peering at me, then the truck speeding into the distance. His eyes are bright with shock and moisture as he looks at me again. "Young lady, you just saved my life."

I almost blurt an apology for being late, but my better senses catch up and do a similar dive-tackle on my tongue. Instead I smile, a little shaky myself, and put a hand on his arm. "Lets get across this road and you can thank me with a Speedway hot chocolate."

His mouth quirks up, and he barks a laugh. "How did you know my favorite?" That shouldn't have startled me, but I'm off-kilter enough that I actually miss a step. Kevin apologizes profusely, thinking he tripped me somehow.

By the time we make it to our usual spot, I'm feeling much more stable. That had been too close. I need to keep better track of the time in future loops.

Maybe it seems unnecessary, me worrying about stopping an event when it will just be erased barely an hour after the fact. I could just leave the library early, skip the whole thing, right?

Wrong, for two reasons. First, it's easy to joke about being hit by a truck. But have you actually seen what it's like? The damage? I have, after seeing it happen to Kevin. He was still alive when the ambulance came, but by how much, I couldn't have guessed.

The thought of just letting that happen to someone... knowing the exact minute he is being hit and ignoring it because I can't be bothered to save his life...somehow, it just doesn't matter if the whole thing will be undone and forgotten shortly after it happens.

The other reason should be obvious. Since I don't know what's caused the time loop, I don't know what will end it. I can't risk the chance that the loop I decide to skip saving Kevin will be the final one where the Protagonists fix everything. I can't take that gamble with his life.

So I sit with Kevin, and we share bland gas station hot chocolate (seriously, why does he like this stuff), and I make a large mental note with a lot of exclamation points and underlining to make sure I'm out here early in future loops. By the time he's told me about his dogs Rusty and Pogo and their penchant for climbing each other to get over the yard fence like canine escape artists, I'm feeling much calmer. It's okay, I didn't mess up too badly. Everything is as it should be.

Well, as it should be within the scope of an inexplicable infinite time loop, anyway.

Kevin's alarm goes off, and he jumps to his feet. "For Pete’s sake, I’m late! Sorry, Miss Jackie, I have to run. You’re sure I can’t offer you a reward of some kind for what you did?”

I tip my still-half-full cup of hot chocolate to him. "Just knowing you're safe and getting to chat with you like this is plenty enough reward."

"You're a real blessing, miss," he says warmly as he shakes my hand. He says that line sometimes when my rescue efforts cut it a bit too close, and I shoot a prayer up that I won't give him a reason to say it again. But it's still nice to hear.

He hurries away, and I decide to walk down the street towards home this time instead of chilling at the Speedway. The air is pleasantly balmy with the setting sun, cool but not cold, a soft breeze washing away the remnants of the day's heat from the pavement. I drink in that air and let it out again slowly. By the time I reach my front porch, I'm feeling all settled and content, and I wave a hand at the few stars. It feels so refreshing to be able to slow down and really appreciate the beauty of this pleasant evening.

With a glance at my phone to note the time, I walk up the front steps and start to reach for the doorknob. Let's see if I can get the timing right this go-round. My hand closes around the knob, and I close my eyes, holding my breath. A few moments pass, longer than I was hoping, and then the popping, fizzling sensation comes and there's a new brightness past my eyelids. I'm opening my eyes from a blink, and it's a bright, sunny morning. My hand is on the knob, having just closed it on my way out before this all began.

Darn! Five seconds off. I'm getting closer to a perfect time loop transition, though! I grin to myself, release the doorknob, and turn around to head back to the cafe for a fresh new Tuesday.

someone should write a story where there’s ppl stuck in a time loop, but the pov is from someone who rlly doesn’t care. there’s a whole ‘protagonist group’ or whatever trying to figure out how to escape the loop but this dude has just kept living their life so no one has noticed that they’re also stuck. they’re just sipping the exact same coffee order for the hundredth time watching the group strategize at an adjacent table and thinkin “man, wonder if they’re gonna figure out how to fix that today.”

[tired-college-student-writing]

More Daredevil stuff, maybe another crossover? I'm not big into Prodigal son but I really liked how you wrote Matt and Foggy in the crossover so I think it'd be fun to see them again

Aw thanks! I’m glad you like my stuff! You didn’t specify what you wanted to see crossovered with Daredevil so I took my own path and chose Lucifer since I’ve been rewatching it. 

I hope you like it!

__________________________

Matt wasn’t coming back. 

Foggy felt numb when he thought that, but the three sullen faces of the other Defenders told him enough. 

Even Jessica wasn’t enough of an asshole to try to pull something like this. 

Midland Circle.

The building had come down on top of him as he stayed back to make sure the others could get away and that Elektra, the overly pretty ex Matt never got over from Law School, the one Froggy could never understand or like, to surrender, but he was too late.

The Defenders had won the battle against the Hand, hopefully ending their reign of terror for good, but it had cost them Daredevil’s life.

Matt’s Life.

“I need to make a call,” He felt himself say, pulling out his phone as he tried to ignore Karen’s sobs next to him. 

The ringing blurred in his head before he heard it shift to pounding club music. 

“-llo? Is someone there?” The voice on the other end finally broke through his muddled brain. 

“Lucifer,” He forced out of his throat, “It’s Foggy.” 

“Ah, Franklin!” Lucifer greeted gleefully as the music grew quieter, “Always good to hear from the Eastern Seaboard! What can Old Scratch do for you?” 

“Matt, he...” His voice cracks as tears finally prickle in his eyes. 

“Franklin,” The club owner's voice shifted, concern echoing through the receiver, “What about Matthew? Has something happened to the little devil?”

“He’s dead, Lucifer,” 

The line was silent for a long moment as Foggy tried to stave off his own tears as Karen’s started to shuffle off behind him, energy-draining from her, “Where are you right now, Foggy?” 

The dark note to his voice made Foggy shiver, “My apartment,”

“Is it the same address as last time I was there?” 

“Yes but-”

“Good, I’ll see you soon.” 

The line went dead. The others were staring at him confused. 

“Who was that?” Luke asked. 

“Matt’s brother,” He answered, earning a watery smile from Karen. 

“Or Uncle,” She added shakily. 

“Or Cousin,” His laughter was on the edge of hysterical. 

“Or we could tell the truth instead of those ludicrous stories Matthew makes up to see if I can keep up while not lying,” A dry voice announced from the bedroom doorway making the room jump, the vigilantes flipping around and dropping into defensive positions. 

Foggy and Karen just smiled at the lean male leaning against the door as he raised an eyebrow at the three in front of him, especially at the Chi swirling around Danny. 

“What on earth is a member of the Order of the Crane Mother doing this far from K’un Lun? Let alone its champion?” The Brit asked in bafflement, as he pushed himself to stand upright

Danny froze, and the others shot him questioning gazes, “You know about K’un Lun and the Iron Fist?” 

“Well of course,” Lucifer grinned, “Who do you think named the bloody role, Fan Fei wanted to call it something that loosely translates to the Fallen One’s Flame. Rather unfortunate how English muddled the name we came up with. Then again the things she and I would get up to...” 

Foggy snorted, through his tears, “If someone told Matt that they were the Fallen One, he probably would have kicked their ass on principle alone,” 

“Then complained to Lucifer about how he’s a menace to everything breathing,” Karen added scrubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand, “Thanks for coming so quick, Lucifer,” 

His smile flicked down into a scowling mask, “Yes, about that, Karen. What is this rubbish about the little devil meeting his untimely demise?” 

“What do you mean rubbish,” Jess snapped, “Look asshole, I don’t know who you are, how you got in here, or why you know about Mr. Glowy Fister over here-” 

“Hey!”

She continued as if Danny hadn’t interrupted, “But we all watched Daredevil stay in a collapsing building to give us enough time to escape from the bastards at the Hand. The building came down and Daredevil didn’t make it out. He is dead.” 

Lucifer frowned, and in a blink of an eye, he was in Jess’s face, eyes flaming, bathing her face in an unnatural light, “If Matthew had died I would know. He would be in my domain, the little bugger made sure of that with all of his Catholic Guilt. I never felt his soul leave the earthy plane. He. Is. Not. Dead.” 

Jessica’s fist swung out but he was no longer there. 

“Oh quit it,” Lucifer huffed from behind her, “Matt couldn’t beat me in hand to hand, I doubt even with your powers you’ll be able to land a hit. Nor would you accomplish much since the Detective isn’t here, but never mind that. If Matthew attempted to play the Martyr card, and believe me I’m not at all surprised after raising the stubborn little brat for as long as I did, we simply need to locate him.” 

“What the Fuck are you!” Jessica snarled, attempting to take another swing at the man only for him to easily duck under her arm and continue speaking as if she wasn’t trying to take his head off. Foggy wished Matt was here to witness this. He may grouch at Lucifer’s nonchalant shows of power, but he loved having fun and laughing at Lucifer messing with people. 

“Either way, I’d suggest telling me where Matthew went missing. Maze and I can track him down so that he can be healed because I imagine getting a building dropped on you is quite unpleasant for mortals. Matthew may have a bit of celestial healing, but I doubt it did anything other than stop an unplanned visit from his Auntie Rea-Rea. ” 

“Midland circle, West 44th Street, it’s mostly a smoldering crater now but..,” Foggy told him easily, “Please…” 

Lucifer smiled softly, “You have the devil’s word that I will find him and bring him home, Franklin.” 

“I’m sorry, but I’m lost,” Danny broke in, “who are you?” 

The being smirked widely, “Why I’m Matthew’s family, of course! Lucifer Morningstar at your service.” 

[theangrypokemaniac]

Contests Part 2/2

6. Loser Jessie

Screechy harpie Jessay has even more of a raw deal than Mavis and Dawn of the Dead.

From the outset I knew she'd never be champion, but she ought to rise above the tiresome berks clogging up procedure.

Sufficient popularity at Pokémon Towers ensured the girls were allotted coverage of all their award ceremonies. They had a moment in the sun.

What has Jessie in comparison?

I can't recall Hoenn, but I don't expect it was much.

Sinnoh however carried naught but a single paltry episode.

This for a main character.

This for someone there from the beginning.

This for an ardent fan favourite.

This for a wench who, should we include all her various mutations, has featured in more installments than either of 'em.

But no, treat Jesseee as worthless, even lower than Dawn's groupies. It's not like anyone watches it for her.

Looking back, it's obvious what they were intending to do come Unova.

What's the score then?

• One paltry Contest on screen.

• A couple happen elsewhere, marked by a few seconds per mention when the script oh-so generously moves away from the thrilling main plot.

It's gotta be the small-town concerns for Jessuhleenuh, nothing major. She deserves no better.

• One won by James, so not hers. Press her inadequacy upon us!

• One obtained as a gesture of pity from Kate Middleton.

And how did that work? What's the good of allowing 'Dawn' entry again?

She'd already qualified. If winning here, that gives her six, therefore there aren't enough Co-ordinators for the culmination.

And when Jessie showed up with a Ribbon recorded as belonging to Dawn, how was she taken as fulfilling the quota?

The slapdash way these Contests are run!

God forbid Jess should be shown as excelling at anything. It must be scraping into the final undeservedly.

Bitch gotta know her place.

7. Bumpkin Jessie

...

Ain't no description I can give that don't rhyme with 'hit', or variations of the theme.

You thought the shafting Jessica got coverage wise was bad enough? Yer ain't heard the 'alf of it.

Sinnoh was a period of peak Moron Team Rocket, where the one surprise was how stupid they could be.

You may remember an early episode when James designed her clothes for the catwalk. She thought it'd complement his work by applying lipstick all across her mug.

Obviously Jessie would do that, clueless as to how make-up functions.

Come on kids, she's thick!

Even at that numskull nadir it's difficult to comprehend anyone choosing this get up without severe duress.

Picture the scene: you debut on stage, before an audience of thousands and television cameras, in an event preoccupied with superficiality.

What do you wear?

• Giant, oversized glasses out of fashion since the Seventies.

• Bootlace tie last worn in the nineteenth century Wild West by a barman serving sarsaparillas.

• Colour scheme of brown and orange, the nation's favourite hues.

• A man's old shirt fraying at the cuffs.

• Voluminous apron dress.

• Massive yellow bows last seen decorating an Easter Egg. Always a winner.

• Heavy, clod-hopping boots.

• PIGTAILS!!!

Even the name is unattractive.

Ah yes, very common for those under six. Unheard of later.

You have reached puberty haven't yer Jessie? I can't tell anymore.

They couldn't get enough of that combination in Cosmo, which is why it's no longer in print.

Not only is Jessie denied success, she's deprived of the chance to be pretty in a realm where nothing but that carries weight.

Worse, given how her face disintegrated, this is the best she's been for five generations.

Yeah, because the inbred milkmaid style is such a good look, eh?

SEXAY!!!

8. So Long, Tsundere

Remember tsunderes? What happened to 'em?

The curse of Pokémon was draining the well of inspiration too quickly, throwing away interesting characters as mere guests.

This is particularly noticeable regarding the ladies. Back then, we got Misty, Jessie, Jessibelle, Cassidy, Aya, Giselle, Tyra, Sabrina, assorted crones Brutella, Nastina and Lacy, plus Joy, Jenny and Dame Ketchum provided parental authority.

How did a series that began with ball-breaking birds like that end up with insipid, glassy-eyed dullards like Zuhreena, Banana Lana, Marsh Mallow and Lilliput?

Ooh, Zuhreena is a pwincess!

Ooh, Banana Lana bwows big bwubbles!

Ooh, Marsh Mallow wuvs phallic waddishes!

Ooh, Lilliput won't pwet wanimals bwecause of Secwet Pain!

Can you imagine such weak specimens finding any place in the anarchic atmosphere of the classics?

It's SO boring!

Where's the punch? Where's the human spirit?

Where's the entertainment gone?

This squishy attitude began in Hoenn. Misty left, Jessie's hair symbolically changed from volcanic red to pink, and Contests introduced a cuddly theme where glitter glue and sequins are top priority.

Every sharp corner, every jagged point has been filed smooth. Now its substance hasn't the hardness to even develop edges, not when it's all cushions and candyfloss, where catching Pokémon rests on them deigning to grant permission, rather than 'avin it out.

Tsunderes, exuding untamed charisma and independence, besides a soupçon of danger, simply don't fit the cardboard box we habit now.

Nor do yanderes, kuuderes, tsuntsuns, or even derederes. It's just nothing but smiley-smiley creeps.

I wouldn't mind any of these tropes as long as there was some sign of colour to be had.

9. The Sacrifice of Misty

Misty bid farewell under the feeble justification that the lack of a longterm goal made her vulnerable to sacking.

Such a line uttered as if her own choice, being beyond them as writers to invent a purpose.

This implied her replacement would have an exciting quest aiming for excellence, something just beyond Misty's capabilities.

What did we get?

Dressing up and collecting Ribbons!

Is that...is that it? Is that the great idea? Is that all the girls are worth?

I lost Misty for THIS?!

Perhaps it makes no difference. By Hoenn they'd rendered her a leaden blandness sucked dry of all that made her special.

Going by the greasy-toothed bastardisation that swanned up in Alola, Misty was simply too wild for the safe, stifling atmosphere of today.

Her departure ensued she remains frozen as a funny, beloved presence, unlike those she left behind.

Now there was a lucky escape, as once the fanny-flapping starts, the bints have it on the brain.

May had Max to beat on the side, but Dawn developed monomania.

Hardly an episode went by without some reference to Contests, or how today's plot spurred her on to the next opportunity.

Yer need help, love!

Rather than Ash's new friend being a fascinating person who so happened to enter vanity projects, the competition defined them to the exclusion of life.

It is but moths drawn to the candle flame waiting to engulf them.

Contests are this world's version of Tom Riddle's diary: they promise sympathy and validation, but they eat your soul.

Like Tumblr.

10. Completely Unoriginal

Seems to me it wasn't so much Misty had no goal, it was more that Contests were the supposedly hot concept wedged into an existing property.

If earlier aspects failed to accommodate the invader, the onus certainly wasn't on the new kid to change. Oh no, stuff it in and chop off whatever gets in the way.

In the eyes of the post-Shudo regime, Misty was too volatile to last, and so had to go.

What idiots.

She's a tsundere. The softer, more feminine side is a defining component.

Would it really have been so problematic to retain her as an entrant? If Jessie can, why not?

Even if failing to fit, so what? Since when was established characterisation a barrier?

Isn't twisting likeable folk into unrecognisable pods the modus operandi of the writers?

That canon is immaterial, and must always give in to whatever fancy they currently have?

Well then, what's the big deal in infantilising Misty to promote it rather than pensioning her off?

Viewers will be more invested in the challenges awaiting a familiar face rather than a stranger.

What reduces the above to the risible is the original Misty and Jessie both participated in the Princess Festival.

All Contests are is that very scenario on repeat and robbed of all meaning.

Think about it:

• Beauty round

• Battle round

• Jessie loses

Same bloody thing.

Not only have I got to suffer this draining spectacle, it's got the nerve to possess not one iota of fresh ideas!

Contests are a low rent rip-off. The Princess Festival had a worthy reward in the shape of one-of-a-kind Dolls.

It'd already been revealed that ordinary Princess Dolls were ruinously expensive, therefore the special Pokémon edition have to be priceless.

What d'yer get for the trouble of a Contest but a bit of plastic tat taped to bargain basement frippery?

And they demand you get five of 'em!

Contests themselves were then resurrected as Showcases, although mercifully slimmed down to only three, with the emptiness ramped up in compensation.

Perhaps ironically, Princess Versus Princess is one of my favourite episodes. I love its critique of female avarice and accurate portrayal of clothing sales as reminiscent of the zombie apocalypse.

I don't mind the Festival as a single adventure, but I may have felt less favourable had it been a constant presence.

Except it isn't the competition at stake. This is a framework to explore Jessie and Misty as people.

Through its device we learn their history and therefore how they came to develop as the girls we know.

The setting serves as an opportunity for both to confront the misery and isolation of their childhoods, with the promise of overcoming that old torment with the balm of victory.

In the final, they aren't so much battling an opponent as fighting to be free of the past.

The tragedy is only one can be granted that reprieve. The other must remain unhappy in the ruins of memory.

It matters, unlike vapid Contests, where posturing is king. What depth can they provide in comparison?

Despite identical content, they are inverse counterparts, with the Festival presented as merely a light affair concealing a rather dark tale of neglect.

Contests however are paraded as this worthy nourishment for body and mind, a major point in one's journey towards enlightenment, when all they really amount to is an organ grinder and his monkey arsing about for the slack-gobbed plebs.

Bread and circuses.

Best of all, Misty won, not some side twat, as it should be.

Note how Jessie dressed: in delicate, vivid robes and golden decoration. The boys thought her beautiful.

Not as a gormless dweeb you'd cross the street to avoid!

And why the need to disguise herself anyway?

The Twerps had no issue with Jessie of Team Rocket joining the fun back then, so what happened?

At least she received the consolation of gaining Lickitung as a friend, with James and Meowth desperate to comfort her.

What do Contests bring? Sod all!