Pokemon Umbral: Renny's Sidequest Part 2

[Astral Harmony]

Front Lawn Battle (Ally Phase)
- Shaymin (Renny's): Shaymin has awoken. Shaymin is fully healed.
- New Rule!: Grass type Pokemon automatically awaken from sleep at the end of the turn during natural daylight or Sunny Day. When it's dark, Grass types must be awakened or they will remain asleep indefinitely.
- Latias (Dominic's): Uses Testament Drive. The Dark has taken severe damage. Latias has been defeated.
- Entei (Kirie's): Ninjask has been defeated.
- Umbreon (Renny's): Helping Hand is used on Kirie.
- Whitney (Mismagius): Whitney is fully healed. Whitney rebuilds stamina.
- Lanturn (Moon's): Armaldo has taken good damage. Ludicolo has taken severe damage. Lambdavolt is fully healed.
- Lambdavolt (Evangaleen's Jolteon): Spiritomb has taken good damage. Ludicolo has been defeated. Lanturn is fully healed.
- Harliette: Spiritomb has been defeated.
- Shannon: Shannon has left combat.
- Kirie: Uses Arsenal Assault. Armaldo has been defeated. The Dark has been defeated.

Shaymin easily woke up and embraced the daylight, then used Synthesis as Renny commanded. The Dark frowned. "How in the hell did it wake up so quickly!?"
Harliette pointed up. "See that?"
"I don't see anything, wench."
"You can see the daylight from Sunny Day, right?"
"Who can't? What's your point, wench?"
"My point is this: because plants are usually photosynthetic, they absorb energy from the sun. It fills them full of energy, so when the sun is out or when Sunny Day is in effect, Grass type Pokemon automatically wake up at the end of turn."

...

"I didn't know that," Shannon admitted.
"Me, neither." The Light said, then looked at Ludicolo. "Ludicolo, you're a Grass type. Did you know this?"
Ludicolo shrugged.
"Just be careful," Harliette warned her allies. "If a Grass type is put to sleep in darkness, don't expect it to wake up on its own. You're going to have to awaken it manually. Keep that in mind."
"You're pretty smart, Harliette." Shannon said. "I could learn a thing or two from you. Wanna be my friend?"
Harliette shrugged. "Eh. Couldn't hurt to build my crew."

Then Latias spun out of control and ripped right into The Dark, sending him reeling. Several serious wounds were left on his body from the dual type Dragon and Flying assault.

Everything else unfolded even better than Renny had hoped, then he had to pray. Kirie's Arsenal Assault hit random targets. But how did it do that? Didn't Kirie know what she was hitting?

Then Renny saw how when he looked at her. Kirie's body was burning like a Dragon Ball Z character. Blind rage was taking control of her. Then Kirie's massive blade transformed into a trident and she shot out like an angel of vengeance. Armaldo was skewered twice in quick succession, and hadn't even fallen over before Kirie was airborne, coming down onto-
"No! Save me! Arrrrrrrgh!"
Kirie, her weapon now transformed into some kind of heavy arm weapon that encased her entire right arm, fell down on The Dark with all the wrath of a freak volcanic eruption. Before The Light's stunned body, Kirie smashed The Dark's face in with two barbaric blows, then retreated back into formation. She morphed her weapon back into a large blade, the morphing process squeezing out the blood and skull fragments onto the lawn like a rag.
The Dark's body was on its back, the feet pointed towards the allies, which saved Renny the horror of having to see what Kirie had done to The Dark's obliterated head.

What the hell kind of angel was Kirie, an angel of death? Shannon whistled. "And I thought Charlotte was frightening when pissed," Shannon breathed.

-----
Front Lawn Battle (Enemy Phase)
- Volbeat, Shedinja, Ledian and Fathocanth have been deployed.
- The Light (Act 1): Paradigm Shift. Uses SyncTech "Dream Gluttony". All enemies are now asleep. The Light automatically uses Dream Eater on all targets. Shaymin has taken good damage. Whitney had taken good damage. Kirie has taken good damage. Entei has taken good damage. Umbreon has taken no damage. Lanturn has taken good damage. Lambdavolt has taken good damage. Harliette has taken good damage.
- The Light (Act 2): Uses Extreme Upgrade on Fathocanth. All statistics have increases by three levels.
- Volbeat (Rogue): Umbreon has taken great damage.
- Shedinja (Rogue): Umbreon has taken critical damage.
- Ledian (Rogue): Umbreon has been defeated.
- Lumineon (The Light's): Shaymin has taken great damage.
- Fathocanth (The Light's): Shaymin has taken critical damage.
- Arbok Pokebrid: Shaymin has been defeated. Arbok's Paradigm Shift is over.
- Shaymin (Renny's): Please aim the Testament Drive. Available targets are The Light, Fathocanth and Lumineon.
- Sableye Pokebrid: Whitney has taken great damage.
- Claydol Pokebrid: Whitney has taken severe damage.
- Espeon (Claydol's): Whitney has been defeated.

"You fucking bitch! I'll kill you for this!" The Light screamed at Kirie, her eyes starting to tear up.
Kirie grinned wolfishly. "Bring it on, cunt. I'll rip out your spine and use it as a tampon."

Ho-oly shit...

The Light realized that she wasn't going to intimidate Kirie. Just them, the other three of The Dark's Pokemon came out. The other three came out as well, but since they were already defeated, they were in no condition to avenge their master's death.

- Volbeat (Bug) [The Dark Pokemon 4 of 6]
Moves: Bug Buzz / Zen Headbutt / Helping Hand / Silver Wind
Ability: Swarm
- Shedinja (Bug/Ghost) [The Dark Pokemon 5 of 6]
Moves: Shadow Ball / Heal Block / X-Scissor / Confuse Ray
Ability: Wonder Guard
- Ledian (Bug/Flying) [The Dark Pokemon 6 of 6]
Moves: Bug Buzz / Silver Wind / Focus Punch / Aerial Ace
Ability: Swarm
- Fathocanth (Rock/Water) [The Light Pokemon 5 of 6]
Moves: Head Smash / Hydro Pump / Rest / Dive
Ability: Rock Head

Whitney suddenly had an idea. "Pokeballs, go!" she shouted, and then captured Ninjask, Masquerain and Armaldo.
"Whitney?" Harliette called her.
"I lost my other Pokemon to Phantomere," Whitney said coldly. "But if these Pokemon remain on the field, they'll just die from their wounds. I'll save them. I'll save them and make them my own."
Harliette understood. "You heard the girl. The Dark's Pokemon no longer have a master. Put 'em down and Whitney'll capture them. She'll be even more unstoppable with a half-dozen Bug Pokemon Alphas at her command."

"Heh. Take The Light's Water Pokemon Alphas when you kick her ass," Shannon suggested. "Moon could start an aquarium by that point."
"Or at the very least, we can rehabilitate them," Moon said. "As they are, they're just mindless killing machines forged through training and drugs. We should try to save them if possible."
"Good idea, Moon! That's why I love you!"
"Whah!? I...uhhh..." Moon faltered, blushing.
Evangaleen smiled. "Dude. You are dead."

"Hey, what's that Pokemon?" Whitney asked suddenly, pointed at the large fish Pokemon that the scouter identified as a Fathocanth. "I've never seen it before."
"It's a Fathocanth," Moon answered. "The evolved form of Relicanth. They were discovered fairly recently so it's not surprising you don't know them. Because you can only find them in the deepest oceanic trenches, they're very difficult to get a hold of. This is great opportunity for me to catch one if we're going to kill The Light."

The Fathocanth didn't look much different from a Relicanth, except for size. A Fathocanth was pretty damn large, and its rock armor was more stylized, like someone took it and forged it into ancient armor.

The counterattack was pretty good. Renny lost both Umbreon and Shaymin. Now he had a Testament Drive to aim.

Whitney fell to her knees from the ghost attacks used against her. "Sorry, Mr. Renny. I...can't keep this up."

-----
Back Lawn Battle (Ally Phase)
- All Y'all Fuckers: Recoilless Cannon (Port) has taken severe damage.
- Lexhur's Heat Level has increased by 6%.

A concentrated assault left the cannon seriously damaged, but still functional. The scouters tracked the heat level just like it checked Morale Integrity.
"Looks like dealing damage, even without destroying something, will put the heat on Lexhur," Rayleen said. She was pretty good at saying obvious things. "Pay attention and we may find other ways to light his fire."

-----
Back Lawn Battle (Enemy Phase)
- Port Recoilless Cannon (Fighting): Missed.
- Starboard Recoilless Cannon (Steel): Nagarai has taken great damage
- Port Missile Rack (Poison): Impact has taken great damage. Nagarai has taken severe damage.
- Starboard Missile Rack (Ground): Impact has taken severe damage. Nagarai has been defeated.
- Topside Artillery Cannon (Rock): Regigigas has taken critical damage. Allegion has been defeated. Registeel has taken critical damage.
- Allegion (Shizuka's): Designate a Testament Drive target.
- Topside Flamethrower (Fire): Registeel has been defeated.
- Registeel (Rachel's): Designate a Testament Drive target.
- Bow Mine Layer (Normal): Mines are laid out. Chance of setting off mines is very high for those who use close range attacks. Use long range attacks on mines to safely detonate them and permit melee close range attacks again. There are currently 8 mines.
- Lexhur (Act 1): Uses Mine Launcher. Buck has taken great damage. There are 7 mines remaining.
- Lexhur (Act 2): Uses Auto Repair. Port Recoilless Cannon has recovered some health.
- Lexhur (Act 3): Mechanical sounds are being heard from within.
- Lexhur's Ability: A Type Absorber is being constructed. By the way, that's not the mechanical sound you're hearing.
- Lexhur's Heat Index has decreased to 0%.

After the attack on the Port Recoilless Cannon, it didn't seem to function right. The shell flew wide and hit nothing but cold ground. "Damaging parts of Lexhur's part will cause them to malfunction, missing us more often," Rayleen guessed. "We can use this to take the heat off of us quicker, but we won't be putting the heat on him unless we destroy those parts."

Lexhur then proceeded to unleash all kinds of hell on them, which what somewhat to their benefit. Registeel was defeated, Allegion was defeated, Regigigas was almost down. A lot of Testament Drives were coming their way. But there was definitely kudos to be given to Lexhur. That british bastard packed a lot of power in a versatile package.

[Dracorion]

"Nagarai!" Pierce called as she returned to her pokeball. With a worried look on his face, he immediately applied a Max Revive and she re-emerged. "Master, you saved me!" She cried, embracing him lovingly. "Now's not the time." He said, pushing her off him softly.

Pierce looked at the battlefield. Lexhur had a lot of weapons. Far too many. Then he saw the Absorbers, and was struck by an idea. The Absorbers were electrical devices. Apply too much electricity, they'd short or malfunction. "Nagarai, Thunder on the Fire Absorber!"
"Right away Master! Thunder!" She cried. There was the crack of thunder, and from the heavens a single bolt of lighting crashed down on the Absorber.

For himself, Pierce considered what to do. If he attacked Lexhur, there was a good chance he'd trip one of the mines. Then again, there wasn't much else he could do. So, throwing self-preservation to hell, he rushed at the starboard missile rack. "Master, what are you doing?"

If this kills me, I swear to God, I am going to be pissed.

[Menarker]

Renny mental state partly shut down from shock as Kirie casually spouted a barrage of expletives as if they were pronouns and cut down the Dark with a brutal onslaught, which he was glad he couldn't fully see. The conversation between the other members however was encouraging as he himself didn't want to see the pokemons perish and that their plan to rehabilitate them was heartwarming. He even smiled broadly as Shannon practically blurted out her affection for Moon.

Then the onslaught came. Everyone but the trainers themselves slumped to the ground with a thud asleep, as the opponent's ganged up on Shaymin, Umbreon and Whitney mercilessly, knocking them all into unconsciousness. Shaymin's tiny body however glowed outrageously as natural energy shot from its body toward the sky before descending from above to bomb the crescent pokemon below.

"Oh no... This situation is perhaps the worst that can happen... We're practically out of items, almost everyone is asleep and those guys seem to be building momentum." Well, I guess I gotta count on you, Magnezone!

As he tried to grab his pokeball on one side of this belt, a beam of light shot out suddenly from the other side, and within seconds, there was a bright glittery sight as the large blue colored turtle styled stone armored tentacle-sprouting pokemon, Mollesk, appeared. Its tentacles kinda squirmed in and out out of the various holes as it slowly looked side to side toward all the new faces. It still looked pretty spaced out, but for some reason, it glared at all their foes as if he instinctively knew they were trouble.

"MOLL!"
It tried to appear intimidating, but it succeded at only being moderately unusual looking and cute especially when it was all shiny and sparkly. Renny was dismayed and frantic at the ill-timed arrival.

"Mollesk, get back in! This isn't a battle for you! There are too many for you to handle with your shell alone and you aren't ready for combat!"
Renny tried to recall the Mollesk, but it remained on the field regardless of the beam that impacted it.

"MOLLLLL-ESK!"

Despite being worried sick about his pokemon, it was at least conscious and could defend himself... marginally at least. Everyone else sleeping however had no such chance. Renny couldn't waste time trying to recall the errant pokemon when his pokeball wouldn't work for some reason. He needed to get everyone back up before they would be murdered in their sleep. The panic was starting to intensify.

"Lola, we all need your help at least once more, please!" Renny ran to her side, carefully spraying her with his last Full Restore. "Mom, use that last item on Whitney! Hurry!"

"Alright dear..."

"Lola, if you can hear me, we need another Heal Bell. I'm sorry, but we need to get people back on their feet before they're done for! Help Kirie and Harriette."

Renny then turned to see Whitney reacting to Maria's treatment. "Whitney, I'm so sorry, but I need your help one more time. Whitney, could you possibly manage to use that black hole thing on Cresselia?"

Renny looked towards the members of the Eevee Enthuasists. Jolteon and Lanturn could still be valuable as a team if they could only get the chance to wake up.

"Moon, Evangaleen, if Harriette manages to get up, take Lanturn and Jolteon aside and see if you can't wake them up! She still has quite a few pokemons, so she'll take over in the meantime." Renny said this with a dry throat, as he had no idea if she would even wake up before it was too late.

"Butterfree, it's your turn!"
Dominic called out another pokemon to replace the fallen Umbreon as well as to ensure that Mollesk wasn't the only pokemon on the field. It fluttered in the air, somewhat disconcerted by the large numbers of foes.

"Use Shadow Ball on that Shedninja. It'll go down in one hit!"
"FREEEE! The feelers from its head glowed dark and jolted with dark ghostly energy that fed into a concentrated orb that spun wildly in an erratic orbit as the butterfly pokemon unerringly used its powerful eyes to accurately send it straight into the heart of the undead bug carcass.

Renny looked at the foes hard, frustrated and worried that even putting up a great fight, they were probably at the end of the line. If Kirie was awake, he could tell her she could hit that Fathocanth so hard that its upgrades would have been nothing. If Harriette was there, he could let her summon her pokemons and shoot electric bullets at the Lumineon. It frustrated him that there were pokemons as strong as these Alphas were, but even more so, that it was achieved by experimentation and base motives that he refused to accept. That and all his companionship, hard work and training didn't seem to add up to enough to save everyone.

"Matthias, I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit stuck here. If you got any ideas, that would be great, otherwise I think it would be a good idea if you could get that Arbok out of the way, somehow."

Mollesk started to move, its tentacles outdrawn when Renny caught sight of its initiative and grabbed it by the hand... or the tentacle's equal of one.

"No! Mollesk, it's too dangerous and you haven't recovered. You can't fight, you can only take so much punishment, they outnumber you, they got pokemons with types strong against you and you want to go in with a handicap? Why are you are so insistant?"

"Moll... MOLL!"
For a moment, the air between them was dead and silence, before it gazed calmly and pointed with limp noodle arms at the others with their frustration and their injuries and it looked back at Renny. It wrapped one of its tendrils around Renny's arm and tugged as if pleading.

"... you want to help despite all that... Alright. Show me the reason why you're so confident! Prove me wrong! I'll watch... and pray for your success."

"MOLLESK!" Its shell glowed purple and shimmered as if with all the cosmic marvels of the universe in its stone armor that sparkled crisply while the turtle braced itself.

----------------------
Results!

Shaymin hits Cresselia with Testament Drive.

Renny uses Full Restore on Lola to wake her up as well as heal her. (No more items on Renny). Lola uses Heal Bell on Harriette and Kirie. (Matthias had prepared Chesto Berry earlier, the clever guy.)

Renny's Mollesk gets Forced-Summoned!

Moon and Evangaleen recall their pokemons, give them a breather, perhaps try to wake them up manually. *SHAKE THEM REAL HARD!* Harriette summons Kangaskhan and Vespiquen to take their place. (Now, Shannon, Moon and Evangaleen aren't fighting)

Maria uses last group item to revive Whitney! Paradigm Shift! Black Hole Cresselia! Heavy damage, she disappears (hopefully) and she won't be able to summon any pokemon if they get knocked out (especially if she would be knocked out by this point, they can't go rogue until she comes back from the black hole next turn if she does disappear.)

Kirie uses Endless Waltz with grass typed weapon on Fathocanth. Either the super powered Quad damage or the OHKO will knock it out. (Or so I hope)
Endless Waltz: Kirie focuses all of her attention on a single opponent, something that said opponent would never wish for. More like a modification of Tsubasa's Wicked Dance using Weapon Shift, Endless Waltz has pretty much the same effects.

Dominic summons Butterfree. Butterfree uses Shadow Ball on Shedninja. ONE HIT KO! (Shedninja is fixed at 1 hitpoint and ghost type is one of the un-guarded weakpoints of the WonderGuard). Helps that Butterfree has an accuracy boost due to its ability.

Kangaskhan use Crunch on Espeon. Super Effective! 10% chance of lowering defence stat 1 stage.

Vespiquen use Attack Order on Espeon. STAB Super Effective. High Critical Hit chance!

Harriette uses Electric type Bullets on Lumineon. Super Effective!

Advised Matthias to do something to stop that Arbok. (I encourage Dante to pokeshift and use your Venomoth's special ability.)

Mollesk uses Cosmic Power! Its defence and special defence is doubled to over 500 if not more!

Entei is asleep. If it wakes up (Doubt it), it'll use focused Lava Plume on Volbeat. STAB Super Effective.

[Geminex]

((Kay, placeholder and orders. The order in which this is written is the order in which the characters should act.

Both testament drives: Hit Mine Layer
Rachel: Retreat
Dormond: Retreat.
Pierce's Nagrai: Thunder on Fire absorber
Charlotte: Shotgun on mines
Mika's Mewthree: Use psycho cut on artillery. Should trigger some mines, but Wonder Guard prevents damage.
Kiyomi's Regigigas: Giga Impact on Mine layer.
Shizuka's Ho-Oh: Sacred Fire on Artillery
Impact: Full restore, attack Artillery
Shizuka personal: Use Signature Technique, Apple... Cutter? The single-target high-damage one, but not applesauce. The weaker one. On Artillery.
Pierce Personal: Hit Starboard Missile Rack
Kiyomi: Use Raging Raider, to hit Artillery, Mine Layer and Port cannon.
Rayleen: Have Rayquaza hit the starboard missile rack
Charlotte: Have Buck hit the starboard missile rack

If anything dies, have any remaining attacks against that target hit the starboard missile rack.))

[DanteFalcon]

As he felt the sleep starting to take hold Matthias bit into the berry, letting the natural remedy fight off the attack and examining the remains of the team. Most were out of the fight from sleep or the after-effect of the massive attack. It seemed of the fighters he was one of the few still standing. And there were a lot of enemies. This would be painful.

On the other hand his target was that irritating Arbok pokebrid who's paradigm shift had just worn off. And given the weather effect he believed he could do some serious damage to the snake.

Pokeshift, Castform. His body shifted into its castform body which immediately adapted to the weather. He drew a star in the air with a hand, a small fireball shooting from his fingertip at each tip before they connected and shot towards the serpentine pokebrid.

Fire Blast.

-----

Switched to Castform and used Fire Blast on Arbok.

STAB bonus from Castform's current fire element and increased power from Sunny Day.

[Bard The 5th LW]

It was raining. That wasn't good. Buck tried desperately to shake the water off his fur, but it was pointless due to the continuing rain. He let out a whine, rain was no good for a fire-type. "Come on back boy," Charlotte sighed as she returned him to his pokeball. He had been out for a while anyways. She fished around in her coat pocket briefly before pulling deploying Pike. He hadn't done anything to recently.

"Pike, use thunder on the starboard missile rack," she commanded, pointing it out for him. The Manetric paused for a moment took a moment to take it all in. Seriously. A fucking train? Pike yearned for the old days when he actually fought other Pokemon. Meanwhile, Charlotte loaded the shotgun and fired at the mines. How was that thing working in the rain?

"Pike, any day now," Charlotte said losing her patience. Pike jumped a little at her voice. After regaining his composure Pike focused at Charlottes selected target. "Manetric," it cried, as it released the thunder onto Lexhur. What with the rain and lightning and metal, it will be a miracle if Pierce survives.

[Astral Harmony]

Front Lawn Battle (Ally Phase)
- The Light has taken great damage.
- Lola is fully healed and awakened.
- Harliette and Kirie are awakened.
- Whitney has been revived.
- The Light is out of play and has taken severe damage.
- Moon and Evangaleen are out of play.
- Fathocanth has been defeated.
- Shedinja has been defeated.
- Whitney has captured Shedinja.
- Espeon has been defeated.
- Lumineon has taken severe damage.
- Arbok Pokebrid has taken severe damage.
- Mollesk's DEF and SPDEF are doubled.
- Entei is still asleep.

Renny's orders unfolded more or less how he planned. There were some interesting things to see happen, though.

Whitney's transformation into Gardevoir was shiny and distracting, then she transformed again into a true Gardevoir. Renny's attention then turned to a large hole opening up behind The Light and swallowing the bitch. The hole closed. "Have a nice ride...wait, I meant 'Garde-gardevoir,'" Whitney said.
"For the last time, stop talking like that," Harliette said. "It doesn't make you cute like you think it does."
"I'm sorry but I can't hear you over the sound of how cute I am," Whitney replied.

Kirie was just amazing once again. With a powerful flap of her angel wings, Kirie was at the Fathocanth in an instantly, striking it quickly and repeatedly with a whip. Apparently, she could alter her sword to become something flexible as well. When Kirie was finished, the Fathocanth flopped to the ground. On impulse, Moon stepped forward and hurled a Pokeball, but it didn't work. "Damn it. It can't return to its Pokeball but it's still a Pokemon with a master. I can't get it this way."
"It shouldn't die in a couple of turns. I'm sure it'll return once that black hole spits the bitch back out."
"I hope so. If it dies..." Moon left it hanging. He didn't want to think about it anymore.
Meanwhile, Shannon was enjoying Moon's serious profile.

-----
Back Lawn Battle (Ally Phase)
- Mine Layer has been destroyed.
- Rachel and Dormond are out of play.
- Fire Absorber has taken great damage.
- One of Five Mines has been destroyed.
- Regigigas has been defeated.
- Impact is fully healed and has taken good damage.
- Artillery has been defeated.
- Starboard Missile Rack has been defeated.
- Port Recoilless Cannon has been defeated.

The battle continued to unfold better than Impact had hoped. Those Kimonos were damn deadly and Lexhur's weapons were being annihilated. It wasn't long before Lexhur asked for a ceasefire. He congratulated the group on their individual strength as well as that of their combined force. To say that the group was disappointed with their victory was an understatement. Maybe if they could fight Lexhur later, without the Kimonos?

-----
Mission Complete!

The grueling combat finally saw a conclusion. Everyone was exhausted. The Rogue Pokemon were all successfully taken from The Dark and The Light by Whitney and Moon.

Rayleen felt like real shit. "I'm so terribly sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Tresserhorn. I certainly didn't mean for this to happen. Getting you involved and all. I mean, I know you fought for your son's sake and all, but it still wasn't a good thing to involve innocents."

The Kimonos who were at the party when it started met up with Kirie.
"You weren't supposed to report to PATCA until tomorrow, you know." Shizuka said.
Kirie looked a little apologetic. But only a little. "Well...I mean, look. You guys were talking about helping these guys stop those Ruin Generals and whatnot and I-"
"All you wanted was to soak your blade and body in the entrails of your foes," Shizuka interrupted her. "C'mon, Kirie. We've known each other long enough that I think neither of us are capable of a lie the other would believe."
Kirie lowered her head. "I'm sorry."

Shizuka sighed. "Kirie, please remember that even though we are friends, I am the leader of the Kimonos. How can I guarantee the safety of my girls when you disobey orders?"
Kirie didn't say anything.
Shizuka then embraced Kirie in a hug. "But I am glad that you came when you did. Thank you for your help."
Kirie's cheeks were rosy when they parted.
"Incidentally, Kirie. We need to talk about a change in plans."
"Change in plans? Aww, man! Don't tell me I don't get to fight with them after all."
Shizuka shook her head. "You get to stay with PATCA, but since Lexhur, the Ruin General of Steel, knows a lot about what we been wasting several weeks trying to decipher, then it'll help us more if Mika also stay with PATCA."
Mika's eyes twinkled. "Awesome! I'll get to hear about this world's history from Lexhur himself."
"And Chizuru as well," Shizuka said. "As you discover more, Chizuru can report back to me. She's an superb messenger with very legible handwriting, great artistic skill, and a natural stealth ability despite the fact that her breasts and ass are a little too large for that last task."
"Will you be all right, Lady Shizuka?" Mika asked her master.
"Don't worry," Shizuka assured Mika. "The military isn't attacking in any sizeable force yet. Besides, I've got Tsubasa, Rio, Kiyomi, Nyoka and on very lucky days even Fujiko might help me out. We'll be just fine."

Mika shook her head. "I mean about missing out on Chizuru's cooking."
Shizuka blinked. "Fuck. I forgot about that part."
Mika laughed. "Don't worry, Lady Shizuka. I'll ask Chizuru to have a meal for you everytime she goes to the ruins to report in, which should be fairly often. With Lexhur and us joining PATCA, information should smack us like a tidal wave."
"I appreciate it."
Kirie moved to introduce herself to the rest of the group and give them the good news.

Lexhur had surrendered and remained in the backyard under guard from the Kimonos in shifts. Shizuka took the first watch despite the fact that the night was still young. However, Lexhur was a Ruin General true to his words, and remained stationary and harmless, and more than willing to talk to anyone who talked to him.

[Dracorion]

Pierce was slightly dissappointed when Lexhur ended the battle abruptly: it was just getting to the fun part. I mean, he didn't even fire his giant cannon! Still, Pierce accepted it and recalled Tyranitar.

He went back into the house, grabbed a couple of beers, explained to Nagarai that he wanted to ask Lexhur some questions and she should stay with the party, and returned to the backyard to find Shizuka guarding Lexhur. "Thought I'd keep you some company." He said simply, plopping himself down on the ground cross-legged near Shizuka. "Beer?" He asked, holding one up for her.

Pierce drunk from his own beer as he turned to Lexhur. "So, I figure I'll save the really important questions for when everyone's here. But out of curiosity, what are you going to do now? You said you can't go back to your buddies after this. Where will you go?"

Inside the house, Nagarai was watching Pierce sitting near Shizuka from a window.

[Menarker]

Dominic's text

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

Renny and Dominic's pokemons were all summoned out of their balls, most of them lying on the grass trying to relax and recover, Renny embracing all of them in turn for their assistance, and attending to the battered fighters. Dominic had went to the garden to gather berries to aid in the process while Maria was in the middle of a conversation stemming from Rayleen's apology.

"You can call me Maria. It was for the best anyhow. Those pokebrids were snooping around, and I hate to think what would happen if me or my husband were taken hostage while everyone else was fighting. Plus, it more or less kept the house untouched by the battle..."

"Snorrr...." The large glutton pokemon stratched its head nervously with shame, remembering that he was the one who put a large hole in the wall of the house in his zeal to help Renny.

"Awww, don't worry about it Snorlax. We can always fix it! I'm glad you came when you did." Renny hugged the huge figure whom promptly rubbed his paw messily around the young master's head.

"Moll Moll!" Mollesk slowly dragged its large bulbous blue shell across the yawn, coming close toward Renny.

"Mollesk, thank you for helping out. But I still don't agree with you popping out so suddenly. You weren't feeling well and all."

"...LESK!" The pokemon looked slightly indiginant once the words finally registered in its head. Its tentacles pumped into the air gesturing his limpy limbs as if he was trying to mimic a bodybuilder stance.

"Renny, I know it's not exactly a good idea to encourage pokemon to pop out of their pokeballs unasked, but perhaps Mollesk didn't have a choice."

"I know he was trying to help us..."

"No, aside from that. You told Dominic that legendaries were forced to fight in times likes these..."

Renny blinked with shock from the notion. A common pokemon evolving into a legendary? The unassuming figure possessing power beyond its own understanding was an unexpected idea.

"I never thought of that, mom. I guess I still have lots to learn about my own pokemon. Legendary or not, I'll always worry about them. But I guess I can trust Mollesk to come fight with us for now on."

"MOLLESK!"

"Glad to hear. Anyhow, Mom, Rayleen, if you excuse me, quite a few of us got injuried, so I want to make sure everyone is alright."

Dominic then called out from inside the house.
"Renny, Snorlax can you come over here? Bring Mollesk and Swampert too!"
"Alright father! "

-------------------------
Renny approached from the inside of the house, Snorlax carrying Mollesk and Swampert striding not terribly far from Renny.

"Renny, you know how I raise the various Shuckles around the house to make juice?"

"Yes, they could be used for medicinal purposes and harden into a very healthy candy."

"True, but that's not all."

Dominic pulled out a small blending machine that looked like a Pokeblock machine found in certain pokemon contest halls, abliet a bit modified.

"The juice they make is alcoholic and thus can be made into very nice wine. Tried it a few times. Very nice, although we have to mix it with fresh berries to dilute it. Anyhow, unlike most wines, the juice that Shuckles and assumingly your Mollesk makes is already fermemented. This machine helps finalize the process, although it won't actually turn it into a pokeblock, but keep it liquid."

"That's nice, but do we really need to do this now? I really need to check on my team."

"And you will. But give this to them while you do so. They fought with their lives on the line to help us. We personally don't have much to offer, so I hope this would be a small token of our appreciation."

"That's true... It won't take long, right?"

"Nope. Snorlax, can you fill this up here?"

Snorlax approached slowly as he gently tipped Mollesk to its side so as to let the purple liquid streamed out of the bottom most hole into the machine. It's capacity was filled higher than expected.

"Hmmm, this will require more berries than expected to dilute. Not a problem. I always bring a variety, although I guess this means the wine will have a fruity flavor."
Dominic started to wash the berries in the sink, before tossing in a few Rawst, Lum, Pecha, Oran, Leppa, Pomeg, Aguav and finally a Starf berry all within the device.

"Alright, Renny, you stand on the opposite side of that device, Swampert to your left and Snorlax to your right. Once this machine turns on, it'll activate a light that'll spin around the frame of this machine. Once the light shines right in front of you, press the thick button there and release it as fast and hard as possible. It'll continue to spin around so you'll have to do it repeatably. The better your timing, the better quality the juice will be. It'll be somewhat slow at first, but then it'll speed up and you might have to press just before the light comes up so it'll activate just at the right time. You understand, son?"

"Perfectly. Seems like a timing game though. You ok with that Swampert?"

"BERT!" Its thick hands were hovering over the button, ready to start as soon as possible.

"That's a good way to sum up. Snorlax and I have lots of experience with this, so it'll at least be fairly good, as long as you do your part decently well. Swampert might have to rein in his strength just a tiny bit though. Don't wanna wreck the thing. Normally, it's me, mum, Snorlax and Butterfree who operate the device. Anyhow... Start!"

The device crooned with mechanical humming as Dominic pressed his button, then the light slowly traveled along a ring shaped frame, until it approached Snorlax who then pressed his button, which started a pumping motion, then towards Renny who pressed his button, and then Swampert who pressed his with vigor as it continued to pass to Dominic.

"Hehe, you get excited even over the simplest things."
"SwamPERT!"

Gradually, it gotten faster and faster. Once or twice, Swampert and Renny missed a beat due to the unfamiliar pace or due to the machine starting to rock back and forth and they missed the button they aimed to press. Dominic continued to demostrate his experience and Snorlax's mental state seemed honed by the fact he was working on something he could expect to be DELICIOUS. Finally, the pace started to slow down as the crushed and grinded berries seem to have melded almost perfectly with the rest of the juice.

"Hmmm, seems like a 87% rating. Excellent for a first time. Now for a tiny taste..."

He pulled out one of the plastic disposable party cups, poured a tiny sample and examined the quality. The wine was very dark and mostly murky, but Renny saw that once or twice it gleamed exquisitely. Then Dominic streamed about a quarter of it down his throat.

"... you gotta get these to everyone. Never had a vintage quite like this... I wouldn't say its the best, but a very exotic texture and not harsh at all." Dominic seemed to blush a slight. "Excuse me, but I had quite a bit to drink earlier and this one seem to have pushed me over the top."

"That's ok Dad, you can take a rest. I'll pass it on to everyone else."
"Snor!" The large friendly brute gathered a funnel and poured the entire mixture into several empty wine bottles." Renny looked a slight curious about the readily available presence of these tools.
"Dad, have you done this often?"
Dominic smiled broadly.
"A few times, but they have always been memorable moments. Made some wine when your mother and I got married. Made some more when you were born, and basically we'd celebrate every special milestone of our life in this way, creating something with our own hands dedicated to the memory we wish to always remember."

"Ah. I see. Well, thank you for teaching me this! I'll pass it on."

BERT! The marsh pokemon carried a few of the bottles that Snorlax filled up, with Renny carrying a stack of party cups as. Snorlax came along, holding onto some bottles. Mollesk wrapped its tentacle around the large pokemon's torso, letting himself be carried like a backpack. They left shortly after they had their arms filled with the gifts. Dominic watched with a smile on his face.
"Today, I think Renny grew up just a little bit more. Today is a good memory." He smiled to himself, raising the glass in a mock toast and drained every single drop. "Delicious... *HICK*!"

[Geminex]

Impact stuck the dragon slave into the ground, let himself fall backwards. That had been... interesting. Mostly perilous, but interesting also. Each Ruin General had their own style, it seemed... They'd have to outsmart them all. Or would they? Lexhur had shed doubt on their long-term goals. They'd really have to interrogate him... later. Impact shuddered. Not from fear, or cold, but from coming down from his adrenaline high. He was always mentally... disorganized, when that happened. Though really, it wasn't nearly as bad as the stuff they used to use in the military. He half-chuckled. Yeah, those had been the days. Today, he'd need just a minute or two until he'd be in a fit state to interrogate Lexhur. Back then? The squad would need several hours' worth of sleep, and an hour of running before they could report back. But hell, it was worth it. For all the negative side-effects, adrenaline, and whatever they'd been using back then, really, really helped the body and mind.

He shuddered again, sat up. Probably about time to start walking it off... He stood, stretched, looked around. Renny talking to his father, Pierce... sitting with Shizuka? Impact cocked his head, watched them. Shizuka's skills had been impressive, and they were certainly worth studying further, but beer? Pierce was attempting to be... social. How fascinating. Also, rather over-ambitious, Impact felt. But each to their own. Oh, and speaking of Shizuka's skills...

He walked towards Mika, caught her eye. "Shall we interrogate Lexhur? I'm sure you're as curious as I am... Though before we start that... two things: Firstly..." He drew the scythetip from his pocket, showed it to Mika. "I heard you explain the properties of Pierce's staff to him... does the same apply for this? Secondly... Magatamas. How can I obtain one?"

[Astral Harmony]

Rayleen's High Profile Pal

Lexhur sighed. "That is the million Pokemon Dollar question, isn't it?" he said. "I was thinking of joining your little organization. I know I won't be trusted immediately, especially after any possible emotional trauma Phantomere exacted on you all, but I really don't have anywhere else to go."

"Honestly, I rather enjoy hanging around humans. But, given that I have this immense body, it's kinda difficult to do that. And if you factor in my weapons, then it's doubly impossible to get to live in society."

"Rayleen is a good an honorable person, in my opinion," Shizuka said, draining the beer and crushing it into a small hunk of cheap aluminum. Did she even give herself a chance to taste it?"Though, considering who she'll be providing shelter for, it's likely that she'll end up...y'know...doing something pleasurable to the reproductive anatomy of high profile males."

"Not really."

Shizuka looked towards Rayleen who was working her prosthetic arm around. "I'm a well-connected individual. Regional Chief Shevenston and I are on really good terms, and then there's the Honmyran President."
"You are well acquianted with the president?" Shizuka asked.
"Well acquainted? Shit. Guy owes me twelve bucks."
Rayleen sat down on one of Lexhur's tank treads, apparently not concerned with the fact that Lexhur could easily ground her into the soil in a second. How she always turned out to be right when trusting people was a bizarre thing. "Actually, his son and I were...y'know, kinda seeing each other. Then this and that happened and we ended up waking naked next to each other."

Rayleen had sex with the Honmyran President's son!?

"Even though I don't blame him for it, he still insists that he was to blame for this 'rape' as he calls it and he more or less bends over backwards for me, even though I myself insisted that it wasn't really an issue. Fortunately, I have run into times, like the situation with Lexhur here, where I'll need some serious authority. This was all before I hooked up with Lucifer. I think Lucifer and I were the only two friends he ever had."

-----

Mika Teaches Impact About the Female Body

...No, not really. As if Impact needs lessons in that area.

Anyways, Mika examines the scythetip. "It should work similarly to that stick that Pierce has," she agreed. "Just affix it to a weapon, somehow. It's kinda brittle, so bolting it to a weapon would just shatter it. And welding is impossible as well. May have to use magic."

"As for the Magatama, they can only exist by themselves in the netherworld. Outside of it, they'll need a host like your fine self. The only entrance to our netherworld, or at least the one we used to get here is in that forest directly north of the metropolis, not far from that mystery mansion or whatever Tsubasa and Chizuru met you at. It's impercieveable to the human eye so you can't see it or travel through it. You'll need one of us to get you in. Additionally, be prepared for some rough battles. Pokemon, humans, and even Pokebrids are a farcry from the powers of demons. It's not always that demons are tougher, but they don't follow the same rules as combat in this world does. Plus, there are tough hombres there, like Dinner the Overhuman for instance. You've heard about her, right? She's a good girl, but she's inexhaustably powerful and isn't really good at controlling her strength. Sometimes she annihilates dozens of powerful demons with an attack meant to just frighten one of them away."

Then Mika and Impact arrived outside. "Hiya, Mika." Rayleen said. "Can you drink? I know you have the body of a little girl but how long've you been...y'know, alive?"
"A hundred-two years now?" Mika said uncertainly. "Not sure. We really don't keep track of our own ages. But I don't drink, myself. Now if you're looking for drinking competition, talk to Rio. She'll fuckin' floor you, in more ways than one. Hey, Lexhur. Mind if we talk?"

Rayleen and Shizuka hopped off of Lexhur's treads so he could turn and face the whole group in general. "Ah. About everything I said, correct?"

-----

Lexhur Opens the Floodgates of History

Rayleen and Shizuka remounted Lexhur (aheh heh), but this time they climbed all the way up until they were relaxing on the body. "First, a contradiction," Mika began. "You said that Gaea destroyed Primal Exist the first time."
"That is correct."
"Then you Ruin Generals sealed Primal Exist away."
"Precisely."
"Then why is Gaea helping anyone defeat you? Seems like you're working together."
"We sealed Primal Exist up for the sake of regeneration and additional research."
"Research into what?"
"Evolving the Ruin Pokemon."
"Heh?"
"Our creator, this man named Malcolm Elliot, was the creator of us, the Ruin Pokemon...the whole invasion. The one wild card in it all was Primal Exist."
"Wild card?" Mika blinked.
Lexhur's voice made a noise similar to clearing a throat. "Fahngrest has its own version of history. In it, Primal Exist gave rise to Pokemon. The normal ones at least. Supposedly, it was to stop the rapid spread of humanity some eons ago and control their population growth from destroying the world and its environs."
"So Primal Exist's responsibility to the world is to maintain a balance? What does Gaea do?"
"We don't know," Lexhur said. "However, given Gaea's actions, it's not ridiculous to assume that she's a troubleshooter. To be honest, we're not exactly sure that Gaea and Primal Exist are Pokemon at all."
"Back the train up, so to speak," Mika broke in. "How did Primal Exist create Pokemon? Just sorta...'poof, Pokemon'?"

"That's another contradiction," Rayleen chimed in. "History books state that Mew gave rise to the Pokemon of the world because of how it carried the DNA of every Pokemon that exists today sans those Legendaries which have their origins in the mysterious powers of the Legendary Pokemon Arceus."
"And that is most likely correct," Lexhur said, sure of his unsurety.
"But now Primal Exist is the creator of Pokemon? So which is it?"
"My knowledge of that kind of history in particular is very limited. No writing and no hearsay, you understand."
"Care to wager a guess?" Mika asked hopefully. "You seem to be an intelligent individual."
"Thank you, I appreciate the compliment." Lexhur paused briefly. "Mew may have had the base DNA, and then Primal Exist altered it with the concept of flash evolution when humans started overpowering them as the dominant species."
Rayleen looked thoughtful. "Eh, I'll buy it."
"You said Gaea was some kind of troubleshooter?"
"I do believe that I did."
"Elaborate."
"What we know of Gaea is very limited, Miss Mika," Lexhur said apologetically. "To be honest, I could be mistaken in saying that Gaea is a Pokemon at all. It's more or less an educated guess seeing as how all the ancient beings of this world are Pokemon. At any rate, Gaea first showed up at around the time when the Legendary Pokemon started fighting against the Ruin Pokemon invasion. Gaea was amazing. She had us pushed back to Honmyr in mere months, ripping us from the lands we claimed with fanatical zeal. Then, in what was the most climatic battle, Gaea uses a move we called Tri Scar to destroy Primal Exist, or try to. Primal Exist was reduced to a fragment of her original power and Elliot seals Primal Exist and himself away, then assigns us to guard that seal until he returns with a surefire countermeasure. Well, it's been sixteen-hundred years since then, so most of us pretty much gave up hope and started living for ourselves. Idolus the Dragon Ruin General wasn't happy about that, but what can you do when you're one Ruin General will only a handful of loyalists? The Legendary Pokemon dealt quite thoroughly with the remaining Ruin Pokemon."
Rayleen's eyes sharpened. "Tri Scar? I've heard that name before. Wait, the canyon!"
Mika nodded. "Tri Scar Canyon, located near the northern edge of Honmyr. At the southern end of the central canyon lies the only entrance to the Fahngrest Ruins, where we Kimonos have set up shop."
"A Pokemon move did that?" Rayleen asked breathlessly. "Those three canyons are hundreds of yards across, several kilometers long, and a couple hundred yards deep. Holy dog shit, that's fuckin' insane. No wonder the Ruin Pokemon invasion was halted."

Lexhur's body rocked back and forth slightly to indicate a nodding head. "And that's why the majority of us, myself included, aren't particularly eager to try again what we failed miserably in doing sixteen centuries ago. Idolus hates us for thinking that way. Those rogue Ruin Generals and even myself, we're all dead if Idolus gets a chance to kill us."
"Because of those seals you all power, right?"
"We call them Keys to Ruin," Lexhur continued. "If we're not going to break them voluntarily when he wants us to break them, Idolus would gladly see us dead. His reasoning is sound. Elliot has the power to break that seal by himself, but he hasn't and it's been...well, you know how long it's been since that day. Idolus is getting desperate. The only chance of Ruin Pokemon conquering the world and achieving what we were all created for will undoubtedly stem from what there is to uncover from releasing that seal."
"Where do Ruin Pokemon come from?" Shizuka decided to get her questions in.

"Elliot injected humans with Primal Exist's DNA. He believed that the creatures his test subjects transformed into were some kind of super evolution of mankind."
"So we're going to look like Ruin Pokemon in the future?" Rayleen asked, sounding a little sick. "I don't want my great-times-one-hundred grandson to look like a Narcham."
"More like great-times-one-million. That's one hell of a change from human to Narcham."
"It's more like mutation, actually."

Whitney had joined the group, looking exhausted but coordinated and alert. She apparently didn't drink, either. "The transformation of a human into a Pokebrid involves a lot of physical conditioning. You can't just put Pokemon DNA into a syringe and stick it in a human and WTF-boom, Pokebrid. There's a lot of scientific processing and...well, I don't really know the specifics of the procedure, but it's not nearly as simple as the television commercials would have you believe."
"Mutation, then?"
Whitney nodded. "Yes, most likely. But what about you Ruin Generals?"
Lexhur's body twitched up and then down. A shrug? "We're more or less Legendary Ruin Pokemon. In other words, I imagine we were rare humans who took to Primal Exist's DNA in ways no other human did. As for me specifically, I am to Ruin Generals what Magnezone and Metagross are to Pokemon."
Mika nodded. "I'm satisfied with what I've learned. I think the real question to ask here is 'What now'?"

Rayleen frowned. "Tell me truthfully, Lexhur: should we break the seal in the Fahngrest Ruins?"
Lexhur paused. "I don't know. Do you want to?"
"I'm the type of person who sees things through until the end. We've got Idolus and his cronies in one group, rogue Ruin Generals in another, then Reynold Faynoc and his Pokebrid cult in a third group. And we've just explored the possibility of these 'Progenitors' and a violent encounter with the Honmyr Prideguard. Once, and only once all of that is settled, I really want to deal with Primal Exist so I can finally say 'Yes. It is done. It is over. I can rest.' when the killing blow is dealt to the final enemy."
"Your determination for justice is as admirable and overwhelming as mine, District Chief."
"I think I was born into this place and time to make life very frustrating for a lot of people, Lady Shizuka."
Mika's eyes brightened. "Oh, yeah! Lexhur, what can you tell us about the current source or sources of Ruin Pokemon?"
"Talk to Idolus."
"Aw, really?"
"Idolus has Twiloch and Marionata going around, looking for foolish humans in powerful positions to do this whole Progenitor thing. Idolus apparently picked up fragments of Primal Exist left in Tri Scar Canyon that, in some way, is capable of turning humans into Ruin Pokemon generators. Primal Exist Pokebrids, in other words. Idolus has obviously found much success in those areas, but he's not a fool so he keeps it to himself and his closest confidants."
"He didn't trust you enough to tell you?"
"Twiloch and Marionata are able to get around quicker and stealthier than my oversized body."
"Who's Marionata?"
"The Psychic Ruin General. Watch yourself around her. She likes to play games and when she does, you're the loser."
"How many Progenitors are we looking at? Care to guess?"
"More than two."
"Ugh. This just seems to get worse and worse, doesn't it?"
"It'll get better, District Chief," Shizuka said confidently. "You've got the Kimonos with you now. We want to resolve these problems just as badly as you do, and we don't even live here."

[Dracorion]

"Eh, I'm not worried." Pierce said, after he came back with another beer and sat back down on the ground. He decided against offering Shizuka another one. "We gotta grab onto whatever's in front of us, kick its ass and go down fightin'. Bring 'em all on."

Pierce stood up now, looking solemn. "I don't know about most of you guys, but here's what I think: these enemies want to grind us down so we won't get up. They want to turn us into puppets and slaves. That kind of injustice I won't tolerate. Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness are unalienable rights of every sentient being. These things I swore to protect, and-" He stopped for a second, his mouth hanging open, realizing his mistake. "...and when I make a promise, I keep that promise no matter what. The Ruin Generals, Rogue Generals, Faynoc, the Progenitors and the Prideguard? I'm going to give them hell." He finished. He had strayed far too close to that subject, so he decided to redirect people's attention.

"I do have a couple of questions, though. Where is Gaea? I mean, is she even still alive? And why are the Ruin Generals working with Faynoc?"

Pierce pondered for a moment. "The Primal Exist's job is to maintain balance, yes?. But it created the Ruin-types, so does that mean the Exist went wrong somewhere? Or did Elliot trap the Exist to make the Ruin-types and it's just an innocent victim?"

It was hard to believe a being like Gaea would try to destroy the Exist if it was innocent, but then again, they didn't know a lot about Gaea.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte was dissapointed. She wanted to beat the Limey Train more! Teach him pain! Unfortunately, they had allocated him to Bitches that can't be killed. Regrettable really. Oh well. In the meantime, she had released all her pokemon, sans Hammond, and let them do whatever the hell they wanted. They went off to their usual activities, Spitz tried to get a fight out of Sol-leks, Buck wandered around looking at the plants, and Pike went to sleep in the shade.

Charlotte put the shotgun away and sighed, she was having fun. Better than whatever else would happen here. It was like she was forbidden from killing anyone, because they all ended up joining their side. She was there under similar circumstances admittedly, bbut she still wasn't happy about.

So idly, she examined the drink Renny had given her while Pierce delivered his rousing speech. "Inspiring really," Charlotte said, "I'll drink to it!' She then proceeded to down the alcoholic beverage of mysterious origins. She wasn't sure what to make of the taste, so she decided to show no visible emotion towards it. "Lightweight," she muttered as she saw Dominic was already drunk. It was just a drink.

"Anyways, I'm confused about things as they are," she said, "so many groups to keep track of. Ruin Generals, rogue Ruin Generals, Feynoc, Progenitor, and even the good ol' Pride Guard. Its a lot to keep track of, and quite lofty for only one task force and a train. Hell, I don't know if we could legally go against the Pride Guard, not that I'd mind to give them a good kick. But it is complicated, and I'm not sure why we are even attacking half of them, I just like the idea of more battles. I guess what I'm saying is, I'm not going to try to think about this too hard. Just point me in the right direction and I'll stick around and raise the body count." She then unceremoniously walked off to see how Spitz was faring against Sol-leks. She could get the exposition from someone later, this was more interesting than hearing the Brit babble.

[Astral Harmony]

Renny's Misadventures 1

Who knew the kid could get into so many misadventures when all he wanted to do was pass some drinks around?

He recruited Lola (Renny clearly had a thing for Lopunny girls) to help him out, and the mismatched duo went on their way.

Renny planned to start right outside, but something interesting caught his eye. Evangaleen was sneaking into the nearby woods. Lola in tow, Renny silently stalked the Jolteon trainer. It didn't take long before Evangaleen stopped, but Evangaleen already knew that she was being followed.
"Hey. Guys. Over here, and be very quiet."
Renny and Lola exchanged looks, then crept closer to Evangaleen. As they drew nearer, they could hear talking and then they saw two young adults in a clearing that dead-ended at a cliff.
Moon and Shannon, eh? This was going to be juicy. Evangaleen took her drink from Renny. "You didn't bring any popcorn, did you? Too bad, this is going to be fuckin' epic?"
"Are they declaring their love for each other?" Lola asked. Renny noticed that Lola was pretty excited. Romance struck the nurse like a ton of bricks.

And thus, the three watched the two. Lola and Evangaleen did something with their scouters, and Renny followed suit. Even though they could hear most of what Moon and Shannon were saying when things were quiet, the scouters amplified the voices and provided clear listening and even subtitles.

The Leafeon and Vaporeon trainers seemed to have trouble looking at each other face-to-face. "So, I've been doing a lot of thinking, Shannon."
"Oh...ah, have you, now?"
Evangaleen sighed. "I hate this 'walking on egg shells' bullshit."
"Hush," Lola said.
Moon then raised his face. "I really hate myself."
Shannon looked cofused. "Huh? Did you do something bad?"
"Yes. I've made some really stupid mistakes. I'm not sure if it was for the best, but I'd like to believe that had I just acted differently and stopped hiding, I...uhh, god, I'm not really sure what I'm getting at here."
Shannon slowly turned towards the night sky. "You never were really good at saying exactly what was on your mind, Moon. Y'know, you really should make it clear. As clear as the night sky."
Moon nodded. "You're right. So I talked to Bretton. I didn't really think the advice he gave me was smart, but right now, I'm going to follow it, because I'm no good at expressing myself in my own way."
"Moon, what're you talking abo-"

It was fucking awesome. Shannon was turning around as she spoke that last line, and Moon was walking forward to do exactly what Bretton told him to do. In one fluid motion, Moon took Shannon by her shoulders and pressed his lips against hers just as she finished her turn. Shannon's eyes widened, but she didn't automatically struggle. Moon then wrapped his arms around her and Shannon couldn't escape, her hands uselessly placed against Moon's chest.
"Hell-to-the-fuck-yeah," Evangaleen said with a smile.
"Oh, wow. He really did it." Lola said, her left hand over her mouth.
For ten seconds, Moon had Shannon on lockdown. Then, slowly, he let her go. Shannon instinctively backed up a few steps. "Muh-...Moon?"
"My mistakes," Moon said with a powerful voice. Shannon was going to hear what he had to say. "I let you fall for Lucifer, and then I let you fall for Darcen. And it all happened because I didn't even tell you how I felt."
Shannon couldn't look at Moon. Her cheeks were red and her eyes were darting between some part of the ground and Moon's handsome face. "What...what're you saying?"
"Rheutorical question of the century," Evangaleen said. "Sorry, Shannon. You've let Moon boil for far too long, and now the pot hath runneth over."

Moon took a deep breath, then approached Shannon and took her by the shoulders again. "Shannon Mordhaus. I love you. I've loved you ever since we were kids!"
"You Go, boy." Evangaleen said softly.
There was quiet between them for about ten more seconds, followed by Shannon's faltering voice. "Could?"
"Could?"
"I mean..." Shannon paused, then looked Moon dead in the face. "Can I trust you?"
Moon nodded and spread his arms slowly. Shannon's body seemed to relax and then she literally threw herself against his chest. "Moon! Moon!"
"Shannon. My Shannon."
It got a little strange after that. Moon started laughing like a fool at finally having his girl. Shannon kept apologizing for not returning his feelings sooner while crying into his tank top. That seemed to go for a half-minute. Then they parted with each other only enough to start kissing again.

"Finally," Evangaleen sighed. "I've been waiting for this for over a decade."
"It's so...beautiful," Lola said breathlessly. Renny figured he scored some points with Lola, and all he did was bring her with him.

Then something really interesting happened.
"Shannon!? What're you-?"
Now Shannon was in control of the situation.
"Moon. Let me do this."
Evangaleen used the scouter's zoom function. Shannon had slowly gotten down onto her knees and her hands were slowly reaching for Moon's pants. Evangaleen's grin broke out into a full-on smile that could scare the darkness of the night sky away.
"Dude! You GO, girl!"
Renny only got to see Shannon's hands finally reach Moon's trousers before a soft, warm object suddenly blocked his vision. Lola had placed her hands in front of his eyes.
"Oh, c'mon. Let the kid grow up a little. I watched my first porn video when I was eleven."
"Well, Renny's not the kind of pervert that you are."
Renny couldn't see anything, just let himself be dragged quietly away from the suddenly adult situation. Renny couldn't feel Evangaleen's presence anymore, indicating that she stayed to see the hot Trainer on Trainer action. When Lola released Renny, they had just exited the woods and were back on the lawn. Lola couldn't look at Renny, and her cheeks were rosy from embarrassment. "Well, uhh...that was pretty sudden, wasn't it?" Lola faltered, trying to get her own mind off of what was happening. Her breathing was rapid. "Let's go get those drinks to the others before they stop being cold."

-----

Lexhur Can't Help Pierce Much

"I don't know where Gaea is. Maybe she's dead." Lexhur guessed. "She might not appear again in person unless the Ruin Pokemon succeed in their takeover. As for why Idolus is working for Reynold Faynoc, it's all Idolus's doing."

"I think I get it," Shizuka said. "With the Primal Exist fragments, Idolus has a lot of power to offer anyone who would throw morality and ethics to the wind for the sake of their own rise to greatness. Faynoc is exactly the kind of person who would do that."
"And judging from what Rayleen said, General Burkmont's the same." Whitney offered.
"Those could be important clues as to who is housing these Progenitors," Shizuka suggested. "If we know who the really messed up, really power hungry people or Pokemon are in this world, we'll have possible suspects for Progenitor guardians."

"As for Primal Exist, I can answer that one," Lexhur said brightly. "Elliot definitely stole DNA from Primal Exist. We're not certain what Primal Exist was attempting to do when it awakened and left the sanctuary, but Gaea struck her down with Tri Scar. Idolus and Elliot were both hoping that Gaea's accident turned Primal Exist against Gaea and the Legendary Pokemon. At least, that's what we generally believe."

-----

Renny's Misadventures 2

Inside the house which Renny and Lola were going to pass through to reach the other yard, there was something else going on. Rayleen, Harliette, Maria, and Kiyomi were playing Twister, and the positions they were in...well...
Rayleen: "If you fart, I swear to God I'm sheathing my gunblade in your vagina, Harliette."
Harliette: "If you want to put something in my vagina, you'll have to get Maria's face away from there first."
Maria: "Little Mika, are you making that spinner land on these spots on purpose?"
Kiyomi: "If this was Strip Twister, I'd be in Heaven and needing new underwear."

Yyyyyyeah. Judging from the coloration of their faces, all four of the participants were beyond the point of tipsy. But apparently they still had the coordination to make a Twister game last long enough for them to get all tangled up like that.

Mika spun the dial again. "Okay, Maria. Left foot on yellow."
"Aw, you've gotta be-" Maria said, then stopped herself and attempted it.
"Wait, if you move like that-!"
"Why did we let the lesbian play with us?"
"Ah hah hah hah hah hah hah! Stop it, that's going to drive me crazy!"
"Relax, she's only being tickled to death."
"Stop tickling me, Maria. I'm going to fall!"
But this was the only way Maria was going to get her foot on yellow. She literally had to turn herself over to do this. But naturally, it wasn't going to work. Maria tumbled and fell, Kiyomi let go and rolled off the mat still laughing, and Rayleen and Harliette stood up and walked away.
"Pretty good game. Let's go get Whitney on this."
"Man, I need another drink. Hey, Renny. Lola, do you want to play?"

Lola shook her head. "With my breasts, it'd never work."
Rayleen looked a little angry. "What, are you calling mine small? I'll have you know I'm almost a D cup."
"And I'm no chicken, either." Harliette butted in. "Don't flatter yourself, sis. I'm not that much smaller than you."
"Ugh. Let's go, Renny. Those drinks will be lukewarm by the time we're done with all this madness."

-----

Mika Asks More

"Lexhur, there is something interesting that Phantomere mentioned."
"I'd take anything you heard from that maniac with a gram of salt, young lady."
"My friend Tsubasa gave a report to Lady Shizuka regarding a 'genetic commander'. We were hoping for some solid information regarding that."

"Hey, that's right, he did say something about that!" Rachel chimed in. She had been hopping around on Lexhur's body for a little while, but stopped suddenly. "Genetic commander, huh? This Malcolm Elliot was the first one, wasn't he?"
Lexhur shook up and down again. "Elliot thought of everything, slightly older young lady. Gransrax was the one who suggested the possibility of that command gene passing down from parent to offspring."
Mika blinked. "Gransrax?"
"The Poison Ruin General. It took him a while to pass this information on to Idolus. It's difficult to be around Gransrax for any length of time without suffering serious health problems."

"It's a very important point," Whitney said. "This genetic commander had absolute authority and control of every Ruin Pokemon, including all of the generals."
"This is true, and Idolus is scared to death of this truth."
"Why?"
"You tell me, talking Gardevoir. Who is the current genetic commander?"
"How could I possibly know that? I'm a Pokebrid, by the way."
"There's the point," Lexhur said. "We don't know who that is, or if there even is one. Elliot never told us about an offspring, but he didn't really spend his every waking moment with us, so it can be suggested that he did reproduce successfully. Now, assuming that the command gene does pass down. It's possible to believe that the current inheritor doesn't possess the same personal objectives and moralty, or lack thereof, of the original."
"That's why Idolus is scared!" Rachel shouted. "If the current inheritor is a good person, that person could stop the entire Ruin Pokemon invasion just by saying something like 'halt!'"
"You are wise beyond your years, young lady." Lexhur concurred. "Finding and securing this inheritor, or neutralizing him or her, will become a big deal."

Suddenly, nearly fifty miles away in a large building, a beautiful brunette sneezed.
"Mommy, that's the third sneeze. Are you sick?"
Jeanette Ricewood turned away from the microscope. "Maybe, sweetie. I have been working extended hours."
"Then we're going home and you're going straight to bed."
"Aww, is that an order?"
"Of course, it is. You listen to your daughter!"
Jeanette bent down and picked up her daughter. "Alright, Myrie. Then let's go home."

-----

Renny's Misadventures 3

Lola parted from Renny to go relax somewhere.

Renny later found Lola in his room.

And a few other girls as well.

Lola had apparently passed out on Renny's bed. She had unbuttoned her clothes some few minutes before nodding off, and at some point she was rolled over and now she was only left with her black t-shirt and unzipped white skirt with black panties and a matching garter belt still connected to the hosiery underneath. One of her boots was still on and the other hung from her foot for dear life. Her breathing was slow and steady and her face was in repose.

Goddamn, she was beautiful.

Whitney was on the floor near the bed, drunk herself and playing a simple game of peek-a-boo with Mollesk. Rayleen was busying herself with Renny's video games.

Rayleen paused the game to look at Renny. "Hey, Renny. Sorry about this, but you wouldn't mind if us four slept in your bed with you, right? It's certainly big enough. Oh, and the fourth is Harliette. She's in the shower now. We figured it'd be all right since you're a small person and we can trust you."

Both sisters at the same time? Wait, what was he thinking!? It was just a sleepover. The fact that four beautiful women were joining Renny in his bed tonight didn't have anything to do with it.

Okay, yes it did. Yes. It. Did.

[Menarker]

*A bit of time ago*
-----------

"Lola, thank you so much for helping me out. We got to pass these around to 17 of us. My dad already had a taste, but there is more to go."

Renny was in a pretty good mood as she walked beside him, holding onto some of the wine bottles, with their glassy necks suggestively sticking up and out in front of her chest.

"Oh, there is Evangaleen..."

They had snuck behind her, wondering what she was up to, but the answer became apparent, as Evangaleen took her drink.

What happened next left Renny more or less breath-taken. It was a romantic and inspiring moment. It was hard to tear his eyes from the sight, although he did catch the reactions between Evangaleen and Lola. He had heard bits and pieces about romance as a whole, but he never thought that it would hit quite as profoundly as it seem.

Then the situation changed in some way, as Shannon started to fumble over the clothing and his eyes suddenly with black and his face felt warm as Lola covered her eyes and she led him away. He tried to follow along with Lola, while still holding onto the stuff he did. Guess Shannon and Moon could get their drinks later.

"Well, uhh...that was pretty sudden, wasn't it?" "Let's go get those drinks to the others before they stop being cold."

"Yeah... Yeah."

*4 / 20 people attended to for drinks*

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

The pair then headed over to where most everyone was gathered. Renny was amazed at the sight of Lexhur, although assured by its passivity and the watch on him.

At the time, he saw Shizuka, Kirie, Pierce, Impact, Charlotte, Rachel, Whitney, Dormond and he could have sworn he might have saw Matthias a bit in the distance.

"Hi everyone! I got something special homebrew here. A little something to add to the evening. Many thanks for all of your help. Especially, Shizuka, Kirie, I want to thank you and the rest of the Kimonos for all their help thus far and in the future. Aside from helping my family, you have been a tremendous support we'd didn't expect to have when we first met Rio. I look forward to all the times we'll work together"

Charlotte speedily got her drink almost as swiftly as he had offered, and he opted to leave an extra bottle with them along with several glasses. He looked once more to the group with a broad smile before the two went into the house.

*13 out of 20 people attended to.*

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

Inside the house, it was a fun chaotic atmosphere as Dominic watched his wife attempt to keep her balance in the unusual position she was caught in, along with Rayleen, Kiyomi and Harriette, with Mika taking total control of the game at the spin of the wheel.

The game looked rather fun, although the coloration and expression on everyone's faces depicted the game as serious business. :3:

"Well, you are all busy at this point, so I'll leave these drinks for when you're done. A little homemade wine to celebrate."

"Man, I need another drink. Hey, Renny. Lola, do you want to play?"

Lola shook her head. "With my breasts, it'd never work."
Rayleen looked a little angry. "What, are you calling mine small? I'll have you know I'm almost a D cup."
"And I'm no chicken, either." Harliette butted in. "Don't flatter yourself, sis. I'm not that much smaller than you."
"Ugh. Let's go, Renny. Those drinks will be lukewarm by the time we're done with all this madness."

"We only have... oh, ok."

Maria then half called out, as her steps were a little wobbly.
"Renny, I pretty much have enough for the evening, so I'm heading off to bed. Enjoy the rest of the evening."
She then looked at her spectator husband. "You coming dear?"
"Yeah. You should try the wine though."
"Oh, but I can't take any more."
"Renny made it."
"Oh... alright, in that case... love."

The couple went up, with a slight click of a locked door. Everyone practically had the house to themselves. :3:
*People attended to. 18 / 20*

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

In a seperate room, Renny poured Lola a glass and then a bit for himself. The private atmosphere, combined with the results of everything he saw tonight made him flustered and nervous. The sexy parties in the last combat, Shannon and Moon's romantic interlude... somehow, even the twister game came to his mind and wouldn't come out.

"Lola..." Renny struggled to think of what to say, but then fell back to his normal gratitude. "Everything you have have done for us all and the help you gave me, it makes me happy to know you're on our side. As far as I'm concerned, you'll always have a place with us. If there is any way I can ever help you, let me know. I'll support you any way I can. Thank you for everything."

He then slowly drained his drink. His face contorted slightly from the alcohol, but gradually became a soothing sensation, although his mind became more or less lighter.

*People attended to. 20 / 20*

Some wine bottles was left over still full. One could be given to Shannon and Moon after their private time... and the rest would be worth saving for a special moment.

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

Shortly after, Renny did a little bit of clean-up, in the attempt to make the next day easier on his parents. He picked up the used up plastic cups, the discarded paper plates, swept up the debris that Snorlax made from the hole in the wall. Snorlax was there, sleeping soundly, having ate every single morsel of food that had fell on the floor, somewhat plugging the hole in the wall with his girth. Renny patted his soft belly reassuringly.

"Good night Snorlax."
"Snoooooooorr..." A peaceful expression on his lighthearted face.

Renny wondered where everyone would sleep. They had a few sofas around the TV and a living room with one too. But even taking his room and his parents room and the fact that there is a guarding watching Lexhur in the evening at all time, finding room for 16 people without forcing them to share the same spot would be tricky. He didn't want to force anyone to sleep on the floor. The lad recalled his sleeping bags and a tent he had during his travels with his pokemons, so he made those ready out in the open for anyone wanting to use them.

Umbreon jumped up playfully on one of the couches, moving with grace and allure. Being a nighttime pokemon, it was more active now than it was earlier when it slept through most of the party. She purred fairly happily as Renny approached and petted her affectionately, rubbing his hand against her forehead.

"Aww, good evening. You're looking much better."
"Ummmmmmm"

"Yaaaahhhnnnnnnnn.... Oh, it's late. I gotta get to bed. Good night! Keep an eye out, will you?"

Walking upstairs, he walked down the hall to his room, getting his shirt unbuttoned when saw quite a scene. Rayleen playing video games, Whitney playing peekaboo with Mollesk, which turned into a variation of a whack a mole game, with his head and tentacles popping out of different holes. The pokemon giggled at the simple pleasure, having a good time. But the most shocking was the sight of Lola, who laid on his bed in a shockingly revealing display which was something beyond anything he seen... since the last two sexy parties technique.

"Hey, Renny. Sorry about this, but you wouldn't mind if us four slept in your bed with you, right? It's certainly big enough. Oh, and the fourth is Harliette. She's in the shower now. We figured it'd be all right since you're a small person and we can trust you."

"Uh, buh... ok..." There was barely any place for them to sleep in the house downstairs. He would never suggest this situation himself but if they felt happy enough here, then he would manage.
He removed Lola's boots and delicately moved her body to a more comfortable position on the bed, covering her up with a blanket in concern that she would catch a cold. He then blushed as he entered the closet, closed the door and dressed himself in his pajamas in the dark, before coming out changed. He then sat on the bed by Lola, as he chatted with Whitney and Rayleen.

"Whitney, I hope you're feeling alright? You gotten hurt quite a bit in that fight. Those guys really had a grudge against you... But I'm glad you decided to help us despite that especially since they tried to attack my family and home. If there is any way I can be of help, please tell me. I'll do whatever I can."

"Rayleen, as much as those uninvited guests caused some trouble, I'm glad that all of you could make it to this party and I hope you've all enjoyed it, especially since I was hoping this party would be a nice relaxing moment for you, Dormond and also for Moon... but I have a question. Why did you select me as the Watchmen's leader? Mind you, I'm touched by your confidence and trust, but it seemed like some of the others would have been more natural choice as leader, and I imagine a few people feel that way. Being a leader sure was hard, although I felt I did whatever I could. I hope I didn't do too badly today."

Renny absently stroked Lola's hair as he tried to make her night stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

[Dracorion]

Pierce was coming back to the back yard with another beer after convincing Nagarai to turn in for the night in her pokeball, when he noticed Impact's Dragon Slave on the ground. He picked it up and approched Impact. "Here, you forgot this." He said, offering it back.

He then approached Mika. "Have you seen anything that might suggest the Primal Exist is innocent? I mean, show me a bad guy and I'll beat the crap out of them, but I like to be sure that the guy I'm beating up is bad."

He turned to Lexhur. "Can you tell us who the other Ruin Generals are? And who's gone rogue and who hasn't?" He inquired.

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

Pierce now had a glass of Renny's wine as he sat on the ground with a sigh. He hadn't realized until now how tired he was. Sparring with Shizuka, in particular, took a lot out of him. "You know, I don't think Lexhur needs watching." He told Shizuka. "But if you insist on it, then we-" then he noticed that almost everyone had gone off for the night. "... well, I, can take a shift."

He took a sip of wine and found he liked the fruity taste. He'd have to try more. Tomorrow. For now, he just took another sip.

Pierce played with his drink for a while, trying to figure out how to tell Shizuka what he wanted to say. "Look..." He blurted out. "I'm... not really very good at thank yous, so I usually leave them to everyone else. But without you and your Kimonos, we probably would've died thrice over by now. So... thank you." It didn't come out perfectly, but considering his record, Pierce thought it came out well enough.

[DanteFalcon]

After the battle Matthias had checked on everyone to make sure there weren't any casualties and then resorted to wandering randomly around the house, letting his thoughts wander to see if he had any flashes of inspiration or an answer hit him from the sky. No such luck this time around. He noticed Renny had been handing out drinks but politely declined. When your wings give off heavy doses of poison, being drunk rarely ends well.

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


Later that night Matthias stopped by the giant train that was apparently a ruin general, gave a nod to it as well as Shizuka and Pierce before walking off again. With the house as crowded as it was he would probably find some path of grass to sleep in. It was a nice night anyway.

[Astral Harmony]

The night was still pretty young, and the women of Pokemon Umbral decided to commit more acts of abstract zaniness before the alcohol and weariness consumed them one by one.

-----

A Classic Dusted Off That Most Like Shouldn't've Been

Some of the girls decided that they still had some energy that they just couldn't let go away, so they decided to entertain themselves with a classic activity.

Good lord, Armored Bishoujo, grow up.

Rayleen cleared her throat and began. "Whitneria, you have entered the door to the north. You are now by yourself, standing alone in a dark room. The pungent stench of mildew emanates from the wet dungeon walls."
Kiyomi turned towards the table from where she stood in the kitchen. "Where're the Cheetos?"
Rayleen glanced over. "They're right next to you."
Whitney leaned forward a bit. "I cast a spell."
"Where's the Mountain Dew?" Kiyomi demanded.
Rayleen groaned. "In the fridge! Duh!"
"I wanna cast a spell!" Whitney insisted.
"Can I have a Mountain Dew?" Kiyomi asked.
"Yes, you can have a Mountain Dew, just go get it."

Whitney scanned her character sheet. "I can cast any of these, right? On the list?"
Rayleen nodded. "Yes, any of the first level ones."
Kiyomi was getting increasingly annoying. "I'm gonna grab a soda, anyone want one? Hey, Ray! I'm not in the room, right?"
"What room?" Rayleen asked.
"I want to cast Magic Missile."
"The room where she's casting all these spells from."
"She hasn't cast anything yet."
Whitney leaned forward some more. "I am, though, if you'd listen. I'm casting Magic Missile!"
Rayleen frowned. "Why're you casting Magic Missile? There's nothing to attack here."
Whitney paused for a couple of seconds. "Ah...I'm attacking the darkness!"

The four girls yucked it up like the drunken idiots they were.
Rayleen's good mood returned. "Fine. Fine. You attack the darkness. There's an elf in front of you."
Whitney leaned back again. "Whooooa!"
"That's me, right?" Harliette asked.
"Umm...she's wearing a brown tunic and she has grey hair and blue eyes."
Harliette shook her head. "No I don't. I have gray eyes."
Rayleen frowned. "Lemme see that sheet."
Harliette fumbled for it. "Well, it says here...well, it says here that I have blue but I decided I wanted gray eyes."
Rayleen shrugged. "Whatever. Okay, you girls can talk to each other now, if you want."

Whitney and Harliette faced each other.
"Hello," Whitney said.
"Hello," Harliette said.
"I am Whitneria, Sorceress of Light."
Harliette grinned. "Then how come you had to cast Magic Missile?"
More undeserved chuckles.
Rayleen decided to shake things up. "You guys are being attacked!"
"Do I see that happening?" Kiyomi asked annoyingly.
"No! You're outside, by the tavern."
"Cool, I get drunk!"
Rayleen looked downward. "There are seven Ogres surrounding you."
Whitney gestured to her character sheet. "How could they surround us? I had Mordenkainen's Magical Watchdog cast."
"No, you didn't."
Kiyomi wasn't paying attention. "I'm getting drunk, are there any girls there?"
Whitney was getting pissed. "I totally did! You asked me if I wanted any equipment for this adventure and I said 'no', but I needed material components for all my spells, so I cast Mordenkainen's Faithful Watchdog."
Rayleen shook her head. "But you never actually cast it."

Kiyomi broke in again. "Roll the dice to see if I'm getting drunk!"
Rayleen groaned and rolled the dice. "Yeah, you are!"
"Are there any girls there?"
"Yeah!"
Whitney was about to stand up. "I did, though! I completely said when you asked me-"
Rayleen did stand up. "No, you didn't! You didn't actually say that you were casting the spell so now there's Ogres, okay!?"
"Ogres!?" Kiyomi shrieked. "Man, I got an Ogre Slaying Knife! It's got a plus-nine against Ogres!"
Rayleen threw her hands in the air. "YOU'RE NOT THERE!! YOU'RE GETTING DRUNK!!"
"Okay, but if there's any girls there, I wanna do them!"

-----

Pierce Pierces Shizuka...This One Is Actually True

Mika shrugged lightly. "Gaea. Primal Exist. The Genetic Commander. All three could be our greatest allies or most dangerous foes yet. We cannot assume that Gaea is an ally because of that Second Wind. We cannot assume that Primal Exist is an enemy just because she's the reason Ruin Pokemon exist in the first place. And the Genetic Commander? How the hell is that person?"

Some distance, at a drive-thru to McPoke's, both Jeanette and Myrie Ricewood sneezed at the same time.
"Aww! Now you gave it to me, Mommy!"
"You know, I think someone must be talking about us."

Then Pierce asked Lexhur about the other Ruin Generals. Lexhur spoke back with a nostalgic voice. "As you know, Idolus the Dragon Ruin General runs the current group of loyalists. He's the strongest of us all, actually. Under his command are Twiloch the Dark General, Marionata the Psychic General, Gransrax the Poison General, and then there was also me, but I guess I've done and defected then, haven't I?"
"He only has three subordinates now?" Mika asked. "Yeah, I'd be desperate, too."
"It was a big test of time," Lexhur said. "If humanity would have accepted me, even given the form I possess, I would definitely have been rogue for a long time. After the Ruin Pokemon invasion was crushed, there really wasn't a whole lot of motivation to dust ourselves off and try again."

So, about those Rogue Generals...?

Lexhur then remember and went on. "I haven't kept up with the ones who went rogue, but there's a lot of them. Now, you've defeated Phantomere the Ghost General, so scratch that one off of your list. The others, if they are still alive after all these eons, would be Helghran the Bug General, Amplaive the Electric General, Wrek the Fighting General, Fiernarog the Fire General, Walthair the Flying General, Asteria the Grass General, Krunder the Ground General, Syndell the Ice General, Ein the Normal General, Grokest the Rock General, and Lathiron the Water General."
"Ten Rogue Ruin Generals..." Mika said after Lexhur finished.

This was going to be one loooooong adventure.

Eventually, only Pierce, Shizuka, and Lexhur were the only ones outside.

Pierce gave his thanks to Shizuka for the help provided by the Kimonos. Shizuka smiled warmly at him and looked towards the stars.
"This actually happens quite often in the other worlds we've traveled to," Shizuka said. "Like it or not, you are called, Pierce. You, and everyone else in that agency for that matter. You will be the eye of the storm. A storm that may literally tear asunder everything you love and hate about this world you live in and the people you live with. One day that storm will subside, but for now, we must all be strong, and we must help each other. Helping each other is what makes the world go round. By helping each other, you progress."

Rayleen and Mika entered the yard. Rayleen looked to have had one or two, but she still wielded her gunblade with all the skill of a trained killer. "We'll take the watch, now." Rayleen said. Despite her blushed face, her words weren't the least bit slurred. "Go get some sleep. I want to return to the agency in the early afternoon, at least."

Shizuka and Pierce entered the house to find the main room empty. Shizuka stopped for a brief moment while Pierce walked further in, then suddenly, Pierce felt Shizuka's softness against his back.
"This...may just be the wine talking but-"
A million different ending segments to that statement bounced around in Pierce's mind, but he was more than a little shocked to get the one he wanted to hear the most.
"Could we...I dunno...continue to be together...tonight?"

Halleluyah, wine! Pierce would have to thank Renny for this stuff later. Shizuka may have been a demon. Shizuka may have been a trained killer. Shizuka may have been centuries old.
But in Pierce's arms, Shizuka was heart-breakingly lovely. Shizuka was light. Shizuka was very much like a normal young woman who just gave herself to the throws of passion. She was a demon, but...at least for now, she was suddenly so human. She moaned. She moved. She never broke eye contact with him. And just so Pierce would know he wasn't having a really awesome dream, she even called out his name during it all.

Pierce woke up peacefully the following morning. Shizuka wasn't there and he was fully dressed. He almost thought it to be a dream again, but then he detected the scent of her presense. And there was a kunai dagger laying where she had fallen asleep after the deed was repeatedly done.

-----

Renny Chats Up His Lady Friends

"Relaaaaaax, Wenny..." Whitney slurred. Good lord, she was drunk to the point of retardation. "I'm...uhhh...I'm jus' fahn, but-"
Whitney started to rise from her feet, and then promptly stumbled into Renny's arms. She kept her face against his chest for a moment. "Mmm...you smell weally gud," Whitney said, then giggled. "Kind uhhh...cold in here, eh? I...I need blanket. Blanket!"
So keep Whitney from waking Lola up, Renny helped her into his bed without thinking. Whitney seemed to be asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

Rayleen then turned off the video game and helped Renny put Lola into bed as well. "I nominated you because I believe in you. I actually believe in all of you. I think you all need a chance to prove to yourselves just how great you all can really be, y'know? I'm sorry if the whole thing causes any trouble."

After Lola was undressed in some areas and redressed in others and then blanketed, Rayleen stretched. "Anyways, I'm going to go talk to Lexhur. Probably about time for a switch in the sentry. Don't do anything funny to the girls while you're alone with them, okay?"

Renny wasn't sure what to do in this situation, and then the shower stopped. There were noises coming from the bathroom and then out stepped the sexy Harliette in a sexier black nightgown. Apparently the half-sisters loved black lingerie. "Here's how it goes, buddy," Harliette said quite firmly. "You're next to Lola. I'm next to Whitney. I won't have you touching her unless she wants you to. Capiche?"

So it's all right to touch your half-sister and not your best friend? Then again, Lola and Harliette still weren't on the best of terms.

-----

Meet Some of the New Recruits In the Form of Moon's Unwanted Harem!


With that nightmare out of the way, it came time to return to the agency. Evangaleen had been smiling since last night, and the closer they got to the agency, the more her smile grew.

Lola was looking out the back window. Lexhur was following them from behind, no chains or nothing. This made them all a little nervous. "It's nice of Shizuka to stay with us until we got Lexhur to the underground storage shed."

Lola turned around and saw Evangaleen. "Y'know, Evangaleen. I've been dying to know what's got you in such high spirits. It's like you've got this monumental joke that you're keeping to yourself."
Evangaleen looked up. "Yeah, I guess so. Remember last night when you joined me in the forest?"
Moon and Shannon suddenly sat upright and looked at Lola and Evangaleen. Lola now felt pretty self-conscious. "Y-yeah."
"There was a fourth person with us."
Lola blinked. "Seriously? I couldn't see anyone else."
Evangaleen had difficulty keeping her good humor under control. "She didn't stay long, but oh man, the significance of her presense! When we get back to the agency, oooooooooooooh man! Get a camcorder, Lola! We'll want this shit on YouTube!"
Lola asked for an explanation, but Evangaleen kept what had to be the ultimate punchline on lockdown.

There were two limosines sitting outside the agency's main entrance. Rayleen frowned. "High profile clients?" she asked, then exited the van. "Shizuka. Mika. Kiyomi. Dormond. Please come with me. We're escorting Lexhur below ground. Could the rest of you find out what's going on with those limos?"
"Don't worry, I already know what's going on," Evangaleen said, on the brink of hysteria.
"Then please take care of it," Rayleen said as she, her butler, and the three Kimonos left with Lexhur to go around the building. Lexhur's immense body was drawing quite a few stares. Even more than the two limosines.
"Is this it?" Lola asked Evangaleen. "Is this what has got you in such a tizzy?"
"Whatever crazy shit happened last night...it's nothing compared to what we're going to see just inside!"

This "ultimate punchline" came in the form of three beautiful women. Apparently, the agency just generated them inside itself during moments of idleness.
"Moon!" the brunette shouted.
"Brother!" the raven-haired girl shouted.
"You'd better explain this!" they then shouted at the same time, both pointing at Shannon.
Shannon placed a hand on her chest. "Huh? Did I do something?"
Evangaleen got in between Moon and the girls. "Now, now, now. Let's take this somewhere so we can talk in private. Shouting and whatnot in the receptionist area doesn't set a very professional image. Follow me, everyone. Let's have a nice, long discussion."

Things were tense, but Evangaleen was beside herself with good humor. You weren't certain if Moon was going to be okay or if he was just sentenced to death.
Evangaleen lead them all into a strategy room. Unlike the briefing room with all the desks, this room had a large table in the center of it with chairs around the table and dozens more on the far sides of the room. Evangaleen took the seat at the far end. Moon, Shannon, and two of the three girls all took seats near her. The platinum blonde woman wearing a maid uniform remained standing. Evangaleen waited until everyone else was seated. "Okay, allow me to explain everything."
"You explain everything?" Moon broke in. "How do you even know what's going on?"
Evangaleen puffed herself up. "I've been following the relationship, or lack thereof, between you and Shannon for a good, long time, Moon. I knew you two were destined for each other. And I found out some interesting tidbits that got me very curious about you specifically. You had to make some interesting decisions under some interesting circumstances, and I've kept track of it all."
"You were stalking me, then?"
"Of course. And it was well worth it. Well worth it."
"Well, if you really know everything, feel free to tell it all. I'll correct you if you happen to have something wrong."
Evangaleen nodded. "Great, then I'll get started. Once upon a time when Moon was ten years old-"
"When he was only ten?" Rachel interrupted. "This is going to be a long explanation, huh?"
Evangaleen frowned. "Yes, and it'll take much longer if you don't shut the hell up."
Rachel shrank back and closed her mouth. Evangaleen cleared her throat. "As I was saying, once upon a time when Moon was ten years old, his happy and comfortable life was shattered when both of his parents were killed by a drunk driver. Tragic and senseless deaths, to be sure."
"Somehow it doesn't sound tragic and senseless given the tone you say it in," Shannon said.

"Fate decided to play a very lucky hand for our suddenly orphaned Moon," Evangaleen continued, leaning back and staring at the ceiling. "For just a few days after that horrible incident, he was adopted."
"That goes without saying," Lola said.
"By the Veldyne Family."
"Veldyne?" Shannon asked. "Isn't that the large shipping company?"
"Veldyne does more than shipping, dear Shannon," Evangaleen corrected. "Veldyne Vessels. Shipping. Transport. Fishing. Offshore oil refining. There's even a dedicated submarine that safely and stealthily transports valuable items that absolutely cannot fall in the wrong hands. Anyways, Veldyne Vessels' president and CEO, Marvin Veldyne, adopted Moon into his family as heir of Veldyne Vessels. He already had a daughter, but feared that if his daughter was to take over the company, she wouldn't be treated with the same respect and admiration as he was...y'know, 'cause she's a female...with girly parts."
The girl with jet black hair who called Moon 'brother' raised her hand. "That would be me that she's referring to. My name is Cecilia. Cecilia Veldyne. I am Moon's younger foster sister."

Evangaleen nodded. "Moon was brought up to learn the business and run it after Marvin retired and, and here's the big one, he was then to be married to Cecilia Veldyne, who I believe you all now know."
"What!?" Shannon squeeled. "Married!?"
Evangaleen held up one hand. "Hang on, Shannon. It gets much better. When Moon is thirteen, his foster father allows him to go out into the world as he wanted. Moon gets his first Pokemon, Vaporeon, names him Fathom, and shortly joins the group that becomes the Thirteen Eevee Threat. All because of his love for a certain Leafeon trainer from his own hometown."
Shannon blushed and looked downcast.
"During this time, Marvin Veldyne and Harvey Brisholm discuss a merger of their immense businesses."
"Brisholm..." Shannon says. "Brisholm Transports?"
Evangaleen nodded. "Ding ding, Shannon. Brisholm Transports has courier jets, mail trucks, mail men, package deliverers, yadda-yadda-yadda. Good news for both companies, with a hitch. I suppose they could've done it all with hundreds of signatures on contracts 'n' stuff, but Marvin and Harvey decided that the best way to make it official was for Marvin's adopted son to marry Harvey's biological daughter."

Now the brunette raised her hand. "I am that aforementioned biological daughter. My name is Mirror. Mirror Brisholm."
"I guess that leaves Mirror's maid. Her name, I don't know."
The maid bowed politely. "I am Wilhelmina Rustfield. An honor and pleasure it is to meet all of you."
"And that's what brings us to this point," Evangaleen said. "Moon, you know all this. But I don't think Shannon did until now."
"And he's about to tell me why," Shannon said dangerously.
Moon sighed. "I thought I could...just, y'know, run away from it all. Shannon, you know how I told you about my own business?"
Shannon nodded. "Moonspark MRU, right? Of course I remember."
"MRU?" Mirror asked.
"Maintenance, Repair, and Upgrade," Evangaleen answered. "You wouldn't believe the cool things they can do for a vibrator."
Everyone looked at Evangaleen. "What? Girl's gotta have her toys."

"Be that as it may," Mirror started. "I'm very agitated. Moon didn't tell me anything about Shannon, and just as I was settling into a nice bubble bath last night, Wilhelmina tells me that he and this girl had started a relationship in a very intimate way."
Shannon was really blushing now.
"Mirror knew about my previous engagement to Moon," Cecilia said. "She calls me up last night and we talk to our respective fathers. They spoke amongst themselves and we've agreed on...this!"
Suddenly, both Cecilia and Mirror stood up and directed an index finger each at Moon.
"Moon Travorian, know this!" Cecilia shouted. "When you are to be married to Miss Shannon Mordhaus-!"
"Thou shalt be wed to us as well!" Mirror declared.

...If Moon and Shannon's eyebrows from separate from their faces.
Evangaleen collapsed into helpless laughter.
"Y'know, there's a law against polygamy."
Rayleen was at the door with Kirie and Mika in tow.
Mirror shrugged. "When you have international, billion-dollar monopolies at your fingertips, the law is more or less thrown out the window. Our fathers decided that Moon will have us both as wives in addition to Shannon, and that's what we've agreed upon."
Moon stood up. "Good lord, are you listening to what you're saying, Mirror!? Have you even thought to take your own feelings into account? I have! That's why I broke away from my father and started my own business. And I paid back the money I borrowed to get my own business started. I owe my father much, but I won't inherit either of your companies and I won't take either of you as wives!"

Then Moon's strong arguement was shattered. Both girls started to cry.
"But brother, I love you so much!" Cecilia wailed. "I never would've agreed to this if I didn't feel about you the way I do!"
"You're so mean!" Mirror bawled. "I have taken my feelings into account, and all my feelings point directly to you, Moon! You're perfect for me and I can't do without you!"
Moon stumbled back, then looked to Rayleen for advice. "Chief? A little help, here?"
"Yeah, I'm going to need to talk to you, Moon."
Rayleen exited, leaving Kirie and Mika in the room. Moon, Cecilia, and Mirror started to leave. Rayleen returned. "And ONLY Moon! Actually. Shannon, you too. C'mon."

There was a somewhat quiet atmosphere after Rayleen left with Moon and Shannon in tow.
"I am very sorry about all of this," Wilhelmina apologized for the other two girls.
Evangaleen stopped laughing and sat up again. "Sorry? About what? This is the best thing EVER! And to top it all off, I didn't even know about the triple marriage part. Man, I could've died right there."
"You seem to know an awful lot about everything," Cecilia said.
"I could put this into a novel and make millions," Evangaleen declared. "To be honest, I really did all this because I was sort of in love with Moon, too. Then stalking him became a hobby. It's come along so very well."
"You love him, too?" Lola asked her.
"I did, but that was a long time ago. He's one of the most handsome and kindhearted guys I know, and that's saying a lot."

[Bard The 5th LW]

"Is any of this really relevant," Charlotte dropped in suddenly. She had listened to the whole thing with an annoyed and impatient look plastered on her face. "We're a law enforcement agency, we beat people and things up," she said, "we aren't marrige counselors. Frankly, I hope Rayleen is out their dealing some, preferably painful, punishment on Moon for romance with a co-worker. This doesn't matter to us at all, can't you have these discussions in the privacy of your own homes." Charlotte was being unusually logical. She hated romance to be frank, the only good thing that may arise from this is that Moon is liable to get beat up by his Harem.

"Seriously," she complained, "I mean we are already listening to Moon's life story and relationship issues. Are we going to be perusing Impact's f***ing stamp collection next?" This whole situation could seriously have been avoided if Moon had the decency to die when Charlotte shot him with Impact's revolver. "In fact," she continued, " why would there still be marriage plans. You do realize Moon was recruited her after being arrested for a bank heist. Is that seriously the person you want an arranged marriage with? Is it really good for company publicity?"

[Dracorion]

"This actually happens quite often in the other worlds we've traveled to," Shizuka said. "Like it or not, you are called, Pierce. You, and everyone else in that agency for that matter. You will be the eye of the storm. A storm that may literally tear asunder everything you love and hate about this world you live in and the people you live with. One day that storm will subside, but for now, we must all be strong, and we must help each other. Helping each other is what makes the world go round. By helping each other, you progress."

Pierce laid back and looked at the stars like Shizuka. "I won't let that happen. I won't let this storm destroy the world. There's still things I have to do... Someone I have to see."

"... I'm-... we're really lucky to have your help, Shizuka."

Soon after, Rayleen and Mika came to relieve them of guard duty. Shizuka and Pierce entered the house to find the main room empty. Pierce walked further in, not noticing that Shizuka had stopped until he felt something soft against his back.
"This...may just be the wine talking but-"
Pierce's mind went numb as he tried to process what was happening. He was vaguely aware of a small voice in the back of his mind yelling out a million different ending segments to that statement.
"Could we...I dunno...continue to be together...tonight?"
The small voice burst into a loud "FUCK YEAH" as Shizuka said the one it wanted to hear the most.

By now, Pierce would've gotten nervous, clumsy and awkward. He would've said something stupid. None of that happened. Instead, he just gave himself into the deed. All throughout he couldn't stop staring into her beautiful red eyes. If she hadn't kept calling out his name he would've thought it was a dream.

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

Pierce woke up peacefully the following morning. Shizuka wasn't there and he was fully dressed. He almost thought it to be a dream again, but then he detected the scent of her presense. And there was a kunai dagger laying where she had fallen asleep after the deed was repeatedly done.

Pierce smiled as he picked up the dagger, put it in his jacket pocket, and got up. It was early in the morning, and it seemed like no one else was up yet. He went out to the backyard and released all his pokemon. "Sorry I was too tired to do this last night. Kingdra, Metagross, Nagarai, you all did great. Tyranitar, Blaziken, sorry you didn't get to join in." Kingdra cried happily in response, Metagross looked as it always did, and Nagarai said "Thank you Master!" happily, bouncing up and down.

Minutes later, Pierce's pokemon had left to enjoy themselves. Metagross simply sat on the ground, not doing anything in particular. Kingdra left to find a pond to play in. After making it absolutely clear that no one was to use any fire attacks, Pierce let Blaziken and Tyranitar go into the trees to do God knows what. Nagarai stayed near Pierce as he went back into the house and found three leftover bottles of Renny's wine. Pierce was still smiling as he grabbed one, uncorked it, and took a swig.

Not five minutes later, all three bottles were empty and Pierce felt considerably light-headed. He looked around for more, but didn't find any. Then he stumbled upon the Tresserhorn's wine cellar. The wine there wasn't the same one Renny made, but Pierce figured it should still be good.

Ten minutes later, Pierce was sitting in a corner of the main room, five empty wine bottles around him and a sixth half-empty in his hand, finishing a song:
"And Odo the hero, they bore him back home
To the place that he'd known as a lad,
They laid him to rest with his hat inside out
And his wand snapped in two, which was sad."

He drunk the rest of the wine in one go and got up. Nagarai, who had been hiding nearby, waiting for Pierce to get drunk enough, decided it was time to pounce.
"Master!" She said, jumping in front of him and pressing herself against him. "Wanna do something naughty?"
"Sure, Aria." He responded happily.
"Wha- Aria? What's that Master?"
"Your nickname. I just came up with it, like it?"
"Master, I love it!" She cried, kissing him full in the lips. Surprisingly, Pierce was returning the kiss.
He broke off the kiss and held her close, his hands at her hips. "Wanna take this to the bedroom?" He said seductively, nibbling her ear.
Nagarai couldn't believe this was finally happening. "Of- of course Master!"
"Tough cookies." He said, pulling away and strolling happily toward the front lawn, singing Odo the Hero again and leaving a dumbfounded Nagarai. Note to self: never get Master drunk. He turns into an asshole.

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

The ride back to headquarters was an awkward one for Pierce. He barely registered what Evangaleen and Lola were talking about. Still considerably buzzed as he was, he didn't really know what to do, sitting in the same van as Shizuka.

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

Pierce's mood lightened considerably once the team was in the strategy Moon, discussing Moon's love life.

Then Charlotte piped up her dissapproval of the whole thing, and Pierce got off his chair and went 'round to Charlotte's. He put his arms around her tightly, pinning her to the chair. "Awww, c'mon. Don't be such a fuddy-duddy, Charlo! You could use something to cheer you up. Wanna go out sometime?" He said, kissing Charlotte on the cheek.

[Bard The 5th LW]

STRIFE! (http://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/dissension-original)

Charlotte's eyes flared the moment Pierce touched her. Literally, an onlooker could almost swear that they turned red for for a moment. Then Pierce took things a step further and had the audacity to kiss her in his drunken stupor. In a flash, a list of option blazed through her mind.


Send out Spitz. Use super-fang and proceed to attack to leave him battered.

Send out Pike. Use Thunder to leave Pierce in a wheel chair.

Use Sol-Leks, have him tear Pierce apart with crunch and smack him around with Iron Tail.

Use Buck. Immolate Pierce and break him with Extreme Speed.

Use Hammond. Plaster him to the wall with Stone edge

>Use fist. Resort to fisticuffs, maybe find a heavy object


"I've personally known more tolerable serial killers, but thank you for giving me an excuse," Charlotte said before getting up from her chair and delivering a patented BEAUFORT BITCH SMACK on his face. She then took a brief step back to establish some distance between the two. "Haven't properly broken someone in a long time."

"Taking all bets," Charlotte announced as she raised her fist again, "personally suggest myself." Charlotte then moved in towards Pierce, a confident smirk across her face.She then took a sucker punch at the drunk bastard's stomach, "and don't call me Charlo!"

[Dracorion]

Pierce stumbled back after Charlotte's Atomic Bitchslap. "Ow. That hurt!" He said, rubbing his cheek. "Fine, I'll call you Charlotte. But, see, this is what I'm talking about. You don't have to be so grumpy all the time! Go out! Have some fun that doesn't involve homicide or raping a Narcham. Find yourself a good guy, or girl if that's how you roll, and go crazy. Y'know, reasonably crazy."

He swiftly backhanded away her punch. Pierce was hammered, but the only signs he showed, aside from his radical personality shift, were red cheeks and a slight stagger to his step. It was going to take a lot more than Superwine to get Pierce disoriented. "And don't ruin anyone else's happiness. That's not cool."

[Bard The 5th LW]

The is was seriously getting stupid. Pierce was making a horse's ass of himself, it was almost not fun beating up a drunk guy. Almost. "You are digging your own grave boy," Charlotte said, "you're going to be having more than a hangover soon enough."

It was obvious to Charlotte that punches weren't going to instill fear in Pierce. This was a game of one upping him now. At this point, Charlotte showed more determination than anger on her face. She was pissed at him however, no one gets away with saying the things he said to her.

She calmly strode over to the dumbass, not making any sudden movements, but not moving too slowly, and swung her arms forward. She then made grab for Pierce's neck. A little suffocation and a kick to the crotch should be enough to teach him a lesson. If it wasn't however, she was certainly willing to bring this little game into overtime.

[Dracorion]

Pierce's eyes went watery when Charlotte kicked him in the groin. "Cheap... shot..." He managed to utter despite the fact that she was choking him.

Pierce wasn't giving up. He took a minute to fight through the pain building up in his jewels. Then he grabbed Charlotte's hands around his neck, and pushed her back fiercely, slamming her against the wall. This loosened her grip on him, and he pried her hands off his neck. Then he kissed her while raising his left leg to cover his groin.

[Geminex]

(( Menarker wants to post first, I'll repost this stuff later))

[Menarker]

Renny laid between Lola and Whitney with Harriette on the far side on the other side of Whitney. His breath was short and rapid, his thoughts completely disjointed from wine and shock. Flashes of very recent and moving memory of Moon's confession to Shannon, the sexy parties with every lady disrobed into lingerie, Whitney blurting out how he smelled good as she pressed against his chest, being put smack dab in between the two, and Harriette's intimidating demand shaking him to the core, even as Whitney laid inebriated. Rayleen said they all trusted him, and for something as private as this, it meant a tremendous deal to him.

Rayleen's answer to his question didn't help either, since he didn't feel any bit assured. He always suspected that she trusted him, but he was seeking the reason why. He could understand wanting everyone to have the chance to prove themselves, but it still didn't feel right. Impact didn't trust him. Pierce had not been receptive to Renny suggestions most of the time, and Charlotte and Matthias just went along with things. Harriette spoke of leaders needing power and Whitney advocated the need for sheer charisma. While he felt pride as a pokemon trainer, he wasn't exactly distinguished from the other trainers in the group... so what did Rayleen see in him that was so valuable?

"How can I sleep like this!?"

Fully intent on keeping to the line drawn by Harriette, Renny tried to sleep on his side without touching either of them although the pressure got harder. It was a draining experience, although as his stamina slipped away, his mind drifted off as their scent became alluring and calming, Lola's divinely created appearance slowly engraved into his mind as time passed with the lad gazing at her. Gradually, it slowly managed to find a proper position to get some rest.

...

Until Rayleen came back from her night shift and squished them even closer together being on the other side of Lola to make room for herself on the bed. Alarms mentally rang everywhere as he was practically pressed between Lola and Whitney, and he could only hope that Harriette did not notice or take offense. However, his wearied state gave him little room to resist, and the decreased distance between himself and Lola face to face made him forget his worries.

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

Renny woke up early, and found his arms wrapped around Lola's body and his face pressed against her chest, his body probably responding to uncomfortable sleeping position and her soft body as he dozed into unconsciousness. It somehow felt different. He had hugged Lola several times in the past, but this one felt more intimate and rewarding. He practically glowed with affection, although he secretly hoped that she never learned about it lest she take serious offense. He slowly shifted his arms away although the warmth and softness seemed to linger as he removed them. He then tried to wiggle his way out without disturbing their rest.

Renny looked at the corner of his room where he kept 3 wine bottles ready for Moon, Shizuka and Jeanette, separate from the others in the kitchen to share with the others. He stuffed them in his backpack carefully, and changed out of his pajamas into new clothing for the day, hoping that none of the ladies would wake up exactly at that moment. After having breakfast, he helped everyone get ready for the trip back.

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

Renny rode in the van instead of flying this time, so he rode with everyone else in pretty good spirits although he was still nervous when he looked at the girls he went to bed with.

"Well, despite those battles, I hope you had all enjoyed yourselves yesturday. I really appreciate your support."

Renny then pulled out one of his bottles from the backpack he was carrying and passed it to Shizuka warmly.

"Shizuka, could I impose on you for a moment? It would be so much appreciated if you could give this wine bottle to the other members of the Kimonos who couldn't make it to the party last night. I would like to personally give it to them, but I imagine things will get busy and I want to pass on my gratitude to every one of them, Tsubasa, Rio and any of them whom we haven't met yet."

Renny handed her one large bottle of Renny's first batch of Mollesk Wine, unavailable anywhere else!

"Oh, and Shannon... Moon... I couldn't get these to you last night, so I want to give this to the two of you to share. I really hope you'll find this to your statisfaction."

Renny handed yet another one, although he blushed slightly as he handed it to them, given that the memory of last night was fresh on his mind. He had a much higher degree of respect for Moon since yesturday though.

He then glimpsed to everyone else.

"As for everyone else, I hoped you all enjoyed it. Pretty much made it myself with a little help. In time, I might be able to make more as a side business or something special." ^_^


Lola turned around and saw Evangaleen. "Y'know, Evangaleen. I've been dying to know what's got you in such high spirits. It's like you've got this monumental joke that you're keeping to yourself."
Evangaleen looked up. "Yeah, I guess so. Remember last night when you joined me in the forest?"
Moon and Shannon suddenly sat upright and looked at Lola and Evangaleen. Lola now felt pretty self-conscious. "Y-yeah."
"There was a fourth person with us."

Renny became very much startled by this revelation. Someone uninvited was on his property? He started to fidget as he took his cell-phone and called home in case they were hostiles who waited for PATCA to leave before attacking again. Given the recent beatings they gave yet again to Faynoc, it wouldn't be farfetched that they would try to play dirty.

"Mom, Dad? I just heard that someone might have sneaked into our backyard or home last night who wasn't invited. I just wanted to call so you can check Can you check that... what? Oh no... But... Alright... See you later."

Renny sighed deeply, but said nothing.

-----------

As they arrived at PATCA, some limos were waiting, and Renny allowed himself to be dragged into the conversation regarding Moon and those ladies who claimed him even as the group got relocated to the reception location by Evangaleen.

Renny watched the entire conversation between Moon and the three ladies from the limos inside the reception area. As the conversation unfolded and they continued talking, he shifted from neutral to warm when they heard that they adopted Moon but soon became very much offended by them and the entire politically originated motives.

Then Charlotte started speaking, and Renny nodded approvingly. He himself wouldn't have approached it exactly the way she did it, but speaking in terms of politics to someone practically raised in it sounded like a good idea.

Then Pierce decimated the entire proceedings, and Renny was doubly shocked. The utterly unprofessional behavior was one thing... but the other was very personal. The fighting proceeded and when Pierce kissed Charlotte, Renny have had enough.

"THAT IS ENOUGH!"

Renny slapped all his pokeballs in one sequence, summoning them all there on the spot.

"That is quite enough from all of you. If I see any more, I'll take further direct action. As this incident partly stems from last night, and I'm the official group leader at the time for that event, I'm stepping in. Charlotte, let go of him."

Renny held Pierce by the arm, beckoning Swampert and Magnezone to go with him. He whispered to Pierce so the rest wouldn't hear.

"I need to talk about something very urgent afterwards. It's really important to me and my family, so please wait outside by the door for a few minutes."

Renny then turned to the ladies. His entire morning had evidently been spoiled and it showed. He could only hope his pokemons made it clear he meant business. Because his childish age and frame certainly wasn't going to cut it.

"Ladies, I apologize if I seem rude... I'm going to make this plain and simple because Charlotte is absolutely right. This is a law enforcement office and not a place to solve interpersonal dispute, although you DID confess to tresspassing on private property which also is owned and in residence of said law enforcement agent. I'd say more about my thoughts, but I am technically only involved in such a minor scale, it doesn't merit mentioning. Moon and Shannon are both being debriefed by our chief commander, so I advise that you wait until it is finished. More details might be available then and if she feels the need is required, we'll hear your case. Charlotte, Impact, I'll be briefing Pierce for a moment before I bring him back in."

Renny then recalled all his pokemons that were still in the room and went back out to talk to Pierce. He felt embarressed to have done this, and he was shaken by what he would have to directly demand to know.

"Your behavior is a stark change from how you normally behave and while many of us might be feeling tipsy, none of them even come close to you. It doesn't need mentioning that it is totally unprofessional and inappropriate. Now there is a reason why I brought you out here. Someone broke into our wine cellar and drank several wine bottles, including some of Mom and Dad's favorite ones they had been letting age for 15 years. Mom is heartbroken and crying and Dad is almost ready to put whoever did it in the hospital if he ever saw him or her at my place. As a result, they don't want anyone from PATCA to come back to my place anymore, unless I get answers. It's really quite shocking and disappointing. I didn't want to think about it, since Evangaleen said someone entered my home without permission and I hoped it might have been that person. But after seeing what you started there, I have to ask. Did you do it? "

Renny hoped he could get something coherent out of him before deciding whether to bring Pierce back inside.

[Dracorion]

"Balls!"

Pierce's frustrated yell could probably be heard all the way in the parking lot. He rubbed his temple as he gathered his thoughts, trying to clear his head to give Renny a coherent answer.

"Hell, I don't even know how it happened. I remember I liked the wine last night, and this morning I was in a good mood so I decided to celebrate. And somehow one drink became three bottles. I was pretty buzzed then, so I went around looking for more and found this different-looking wine. So I grabbed a bunch of bottles and downed them all."

"I'm..." Pierce now looked ashamed, and couldn't bear to make eye contact with Renny so he stared intently at the wall over his head instead. "I'm sorry, Renny. There's no excuse. I swear, first thing tomorrow, if you'll let me, I'll go back to your parents' house and apologize in person. After I apologize to Charlotte and hope she decides not to hold it against me for long, that is. I'll reimburse your parents and gather twice as many berries as it took to make the wine I drunk and anything else it takes. I'm really sorry."

"Look, coffee isn't going to help me. Let me just go to bed, I'll wake up tomorrow early and go to apologize. I'll have the mother of all hangovers, if that makes you feel any better."

Pierce went straight to his room after that. The "de-briefing", if it could be called that, wasn't that important. He could get the story from someone else later anyway. But not tomorrow. He was going to be busy tomorrow.

[Menarker]

Renny nodded, still upset but at least understanding what has happened. And the offer of reimbusement was at least promising.

"You might wanna wait a week or so before actually talking with my parents. It wasn't just rarity. They made the wine during special events such as when they married or when I was born. Memories in them and all. Special meaning. But yeah, that sounds nice. Anyhow, you go take some time off."

Renny recalled Swampert and Magnezone as he waved good bye. He then entered the room he had just left.

"Well, I sent Pierce for time off at his request. Ladies, if you please, could I have you all wait outside the room? We'll need to conduct our business. I'm sure Chief Commander Rayleen will attend to you once everything on her side is finished."

Renny waited for them all to depart, before turning to Impact, seeking his input.

"Impact, you spent more time with this Lexhur and the Kimonos regarding the recent events than I have. Can you sum up what you learned by far?"

[Bard The 5th LW]

"BLARGH!"

That was the noise that resounded in the room in the agency once Renny returned. Charlotte had quickly made her way over to the nearby waste basket and puked. Kissing Pierce was gross enough, but damn his breath was awful! "I feel sorry for whoever cleans that basket," Charlotte said as she took her seat again, acting as though it hadn't happened.

Pierce was fortunate that Renny intervened when he did. Charlotte was less than an inch away from calling out Spitz and having the dog tear him up. In fact, she had her hand at the ready in her coat pocket, she was ready to sick Spitz on Pierce the moment he walked through the door.

"How about we wait for Bachelorettes #1 and #2 to leave the room before further discussion," Charlotte said pointing at Moon's two future wives, "secret information and whatnot." She didn't actually care, she just wanted to get rid of them.

"And do you think its possible that I could pull some legal thing on Pierce," she inquired of Impact. He probably knew something about it. "I don't know, get him labeled a sex offender or something, or does my retaliation make that too difficult? Either way, I don't think being drunk during debriefing will look good. Then again, PATCA has little in the way of employment standards."

[Geminex]

Impact stood. "Firstly, as much as I loved seeing Charlotte and Pierce beat each other up thanks to Menarker for breaking them up, this isn't the time for it. I have a headache, I'm tired, so I want to get this discussion over with and then get back to running my hangover off. Besides Pierce was making an ass of himself, Charlotte's a big girl. She can rape all the Narcham she wants. Have him registered as a sex offender? I don't think so... but hey, I'm sure there's some way you can get back at him. Tell his Nagrai 'bout the kiss, maybe. Go from there.

Secondly, I am extremely proud of my extensive stamp collection and I will not have it belittled. Apart from that point, I mostly agree with what Charlotte said. If we could get a TV crew here and make a reality show about Moon's tumultous love life, this might be worth discussing, but, failing that, with apologies to Moon and his various fiances, I think it might be worth getting back to saving the world. Though when we're done with that, we should really get back to the Reality Show. I'm thinking we could call it "Rising Moon" or "Moonstruck". Some pun on the name. PATCA could make some serious money, we could use it. Until then? Please, leave us voluntarily. Don't make us remove you from the premises." He waited for Moon's harem to leave before continuing.

"So... how shall we proceed? Last evening..." He paused for a minute, rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Sorry, hungover. Last evening... Pierce helpfully summarized our motivation. I'm glad we now all know what we're fighting for. And I certainly hope our foes were listening, so they now know they're up against Pierce and he will beat them up and give them all wedgies. But now we should be making a game plan...

We have a couple of priorities. We want to prevent the Ruin invasion, of course... And that, in turn, means we want to keep Primal Exist locked away. Assuming that Primal Exist won't escape on its own, that narrows our task down to keeping at least one rogue ruin general alive, and unwilling to break their own seal. I think that, as long as we protect Lexhur, we should be able to achieve that goal fairly easily. As such, the situation should probably remain stable unless something drastically powerful appears. So what's our second priority? The Ruin Generals, and the general Ruin presence, I'd say. The Ruin presence shouldn't be too... difficult to destroy. We need to find any and all progenitors, discover and break up any existing groups and nests, wipe out all Gendoms. This'll take time and effort, of course, but to begin with, we don't need to be all that thorough, I think. If we just destroy the progenitors, wipe out their human allies, we'll massively decrease the amount of resources the generals have at their disposal. And that's why I think we should focus on the Ruin mooks, and the pro-Ruin humans first. While we're committing combat forces to that endeavor, we should be trying to scout out the generals.

They're our third priority. Yes, third, because I want to deprive them of allies and forces before I attack them directly. Though perhaps we won't need to attack. The Rogues have already renounced Primal Exist, it seems... We won't know what they'll be like, of course, but I don't think they'll all be like Phantomere. By scouting, we can get some info on where they're located, what their general behavior is. With any luck, we can find out who's more likely to become an ally, and convert them. We wouldn't just get their assistance, but they'd represent yet another seal that wouldn't be broken. If we destroy them all, we'd have only one seal stopping Primal Exist from being released. If we manage to convert just one or two, the seal'd be significantly less fragile. And even if they won't listen to diplomacy, perhaps we can find a way to cripple and capture them. They won't break their portion of the seal intentionally, and as long as they aren't dead, it won't break by accident. Let's keep as many of the rogues alive as possible. We can utterly wipe out the loyalists, though. Once the Ruin Generals are no longer a presence, we can focus on the heirs to the command gene. I'm not sure how to best deal with them, but we can burn that bridge when we reach it. In any case we'd need to find a way to locate them... Preferrably without them realizing their identity. And then... then what? Consolidate? There'll still be a Ruin presence, at that point, but fragmented. In disorder. I'd imagine that Homnyr's military would be enough to wipe them out. The situation would certainly be secure. What then? I don't know. We don't know who's going to be friend or foe from that point one, Gaea, Primal Exist, the Legendaries, for all we know, Elliot might simply be misunderstood. We don't know enough. We need more information. That'll be another priority. Ask questions first, shoot later. We can distill truth from lies, if we need to, stop ourselves from being misled. But this is big, and to effectively deal with it, we need to know everything we can. Keep our enemies talking, interrogate every prisoner we take, use... unconventional methods. Information is survival, here, because every decision will have a wide-reaching impact.

So, to sum up: First we kill the progenitors, wipe out the Loyalist's human allies. Then we scout out the Ruin Generals. We try to convert or capture the rogues, we destroy the loyalists. Then we consolidate, destroy the remaining Ruin types, and... wait and see. In the process, make allies where we can, and for god's sake, try to find out." Impact took a deep breath, looked around. "Your thoughts?"

[Menarker]

Renny smiled as Impact relayed the plan.

"That sounds like a great idea, Impact. I pretty much agree. In the meantime, we've also been capturing pokemons that belonged to our enemies. Legendaries and otherwise. Aside from being a good deed in itself, not only can we possibly distribute them to our friends as needed be, but we can perhaps run Faynoc low on resources to make new legendary pokebrid forces, since they need the genetic materials to do so... But there is one thing I think you might need to think over... you mention that the Honmyr military might be able to deal with the Ruin pokemon once we scattered their forces and put them in disorder. The Kimonos and Rayleen said they are part of the problem. The military have been attacking the Kimonos at the ruins. Also Vladier Burkmont, Supreme General of the Honmyr Prideguard is not our ally from what Rayleen said. She also said that if things escalates, especially at the ruins the Kimonos are defending, the Gabriel Force might get involved as well. So we should probably assume that the military is not on our side."


Then Renny stopped to think for a moment as if he forgot something...

"Oh. One thing more. Remember when I made that hypothesis on the notion that the bank heist may have been planned to occur from the start? Excuse me for bringing up again, since you thought I was blowing things out of proportions, but I talked with Shannon about it, or rather about their clients and motives when they did the deed. Back when Darcen and everyone under his leadership of the "Evil Eevee Eight" robbed the bank, they were promised riches to deliver it to someone else. A different gang with large red Rs on their black or white shirts. Team Rocket, a pokemon gang that had operated in many other locations, including a few I traveled in the past during my pokemon trainer journey. She said they looked like retarded cosplayers, but I digress. Anyhow, I think now that maybe this gang was used as a middle-man between the real interested party and the Evil Eevee Eight? The Evil Eevee Eight supposably was to recover the Gendom, turns it over to Team Rocket, and they in turn give it to the real people pulling the strings. The costumed gang would probably then be eliminated to keep the secrecy. If I'm right and that's how it was done, then whoever the real enemies are, they knew how to cover their tracks really good. It's entirely possible that whomever was the actual client of the egg actually knew about the Gendom, but used Darcen and Team Rocket to hide their identity while transfering it to either a more secure location or as a gift to an ally, whomever they are. For all we know, it's Faynoc or Burkmont for the Prideguard. The worst situation would be if they were actually working together... but then again, I'm just pointing out possible issues from what we know.

Hopefully that might give us a lead for where to look for information."

[DanteFalcon]

Matthias had stayed away from the crowd and enjoyed sleeping outside at the end of the party. The evening was relaxing for him and with a distinct lack of alchohol. Though it probably left him with the most boring evening, he was extremely comfortable under the open sky. Probably the Venomoth genes.


He returned with the rest to headquarters and to his surprise found himself agreeing with Charlotte's assessment. Shortly after the fight broke out he half considered stepping in. However it seemed Renny beat him to it which was probably for the best. Matthias would actually have to attack one of them to end the fight given he wasn't a very threatening figure. Renny had a full line-up of pokemon to threaten with.

Finally came Impact's long winded if not necessary speech. As per his usual tactic he elected not to speak at this point, letting others speak first and interjecting if he believed it was necessary.

[Astral Harmony]

Cecilia, Mirror, and Wilhelmina Joined the Party!

It was approaching noon when Rayleen was done talking to Moon and Shannon.
"We're going with Plan A," Rayleen said out loud just before entering the room where everyone was at. "We've got some time off to get set up for our future operations, so I'd like to begin by settling the unimportant issues right now if I can."
Shannon and Moon stood near the doorway. Rayleen stopped near Cecilia, Mirror, and Wilhemina. "Miss Veldyne. Miss Brisholm. Miss Rustfield. I'd appreciate it if you three came with me. Dormond, please empty that. Everybody else is on standby. Take it easy, today. Dismissed."
Rayleen indicated the trash can that Charlotte puked into as she left with the three new girls in tow. Dormond showed no hesitation in picking up the can and exiting the room.
"I wonder if she'll be able to convince them to go away?" Shannon asked Moon.
"Just don't be surprised when they end up on the roster," Moon said. "Ugh. This really sucks. They'll try to join no matter what Rayleen tells them. We've got the Ruin Generals trying to take over the world. We've got this Faynoc bastard trying to take over the world. It seems like General Burkmont wants to take over the world. What next? We turn a corner and now guys like Impact and Pierce want to take over the world?"

Impact and Pierce didn't trust themselves to retort to that.

Two hours later, all four women returned and went straight into Rayleen's office. Both Moon and Shannon knocked on the door almost right after the door was closed. Rayleen bid them enter, though she hadn't summoned them.
Moon and Shannon observed that Rayleen's methods of solving the problem had left them all looking rather beat up.
"Good lord, what happened to all of you?"
"Pra-...practical exam," Mirror said, still panting from what must have been a great deal of exertion.
"I fought them one to three," Rayleen said. "Moon, I apologize to you in advance for this, but-"
Rayleen then pushed three pieces of paper across the desk. "Sign these and I'll begin the paperwork and security background checks immediately."
Before Moon and Shannon's stunned faces Cecilia, Mirror, and Wilhelmina signed themselves up to join PATCA.

Rayleen stood up and shook hands with each new member. "Welcome to the Pokemon Advanced Tactics and Counterterrorism Agency, or PATCA. Remember everything I said before and don't be afraid to tell me if you change your minds. You may go, now."
The three woman started to exit, but stopped when they got near Shannon.
"We're not going to lose to you!" Cecilia and Mirror both declared before leaving.
The door had barely just shut before Shannon began. "Chief, what just happened?"
Rayleen put on a pair of glasses, opened some applications and began typing on the keyboard will simultaneously booting up the fax machine. "Why, I do believe that Miss Veldyne, Miss Brisholm, and Miss Rustfield just joined the Pokemon Advanced Tactics and Counterterrorism Agency."
"I kinda wanted a different answer than what was blatantly obvious."
"Right," Rayleen sighed, still typing. "I've talked to them just like I've talked to you. I told them pretty much everything I could at an unclassified level to dissuade them from this. I called their parents. I indicated Moon's crimnal record. I told them about what Moon wanted to do. Despite all of this, those men are clearly as crazy as they are wealthy and both have agreed that polygamy is still the best course. Having failed at all of those, I then put them to a real test."

Rayleen shrugged and leaned back. "I'm out of options for now. Plan B, it is, then."
"Plan B?" Moon asked.
"Real world testing," Rayleen said, working again. "Nothing's stopping them from joining PATCA, that much is certain. Now all we can do is hope that an actual mission will give them second thoughts."
"And if it doesn't?"
Rayleen smiled. "Enjoy your three wives, I guess."
"Chief!"
"Please, Moon. I have a headache and a lot of paperwork. And honestly, is this really something to complain about? They're really cute. If I was you and was in a position to have three beautiful wives and own three businesses, two of them making tens of millions of dollars in profit each year, I'd probably be looking mighty suspicious from all the giggling I'd be doing all the time."

Moon and Shannon looked at each other. Rayleen sighed again and leaned on her desk. "Relax. Just focus on PATCA and take everything else as it comes. You may think I'm stupid for thinking the way I do, but I've often believed that things tend to work themselves out."
Moon and Shannon could only stare at each other. Then Moon broke his gaze and resigned himself to his bizarre fate. "I hope so."
"Talk to those two girls later, Moon. I've talked to them. Probably everyone else has. And I highly doubt that they'd listen to their rival for your affections. That leaves you."

-----

And the Next Day...

General quarters was called. Rayleen patiently waited while everyone was seated back in the briefing room which they were more familiar with. There was a large number of pretty girls at the front of the room, waiting to be introduced, although three of them already were pretty well known.

"Here's what's going down," Rayleen began. "The Watchmen will now head the forefront in the Ruin Pokemon investigation. All information Ruin Pokemon-wise comes directly to us as fast as it possibly can and we're increasing our numbers greatly to meet the demands of this clandestine operation."

"Our objectives are as such: Neutralize the threat of all Ruin Pokemon, including the Ruin Generals. Destroy the Ruin Pokemon Progenitors. That is all."

Wait, just two objectives?

"Accomplishing these two objectives is the primary focus of the Watchmen. They are fairly large objectives, so we can expect this to take some time and a great deal of manpower. We'll have a large amount of authority and assistance from both the police and the Prideguard, but we may have to actually expect trouble from the Prideguard instead of help. Investigations have already begun in the possibility of two suspected Progenitor guardians. The first one is Reynold Faynoc, leader of the Pokebrid cultists called the Harbingers of Ascension. Their main base of operations is Millenium House, a hidden underground facility where inethical experimentation is being conducted on willing humans and unwilling Pokemon. The second suspect in Progenitor safeguarding is General Vladier Burkmont of the Honmyr Prideguard. The Honmyran President himself has demanded an investigation into Burkmont, so hopefully we can know where the Progenitor is and deal with it in relatively short order. General Burkmont's Headquarters is located in the southern portion of the northern area of this region called The Great Galdeus Desert. As information comes in, we'll designate missions to deal with targets of opportunity, such as reports of strange occurances that could lead to a Ruin General, or the possibility of tracking down Faynoc and Burkmont and finding out if and where they're storing Progenitors."

Rayleen then indicated the rank of girls next to her. "Now let us move on to introductions. You already know Cecilia Veldyne, Mirror Brisholm, and Wilhelmina Rustfield, yes? They seem to be hellbent on staying by Moon's side regardless of the Watchmen's extraordinary situation. You can talk to them later if you so choose, but I'll provide useful data on them that Impact will use in deciding the best mission parties during future sorties. From now on, we're going to be altering our usual tactics and taking more direct control of how we conduct sorties. We needed to transfer over some potential specialists from other units. We actually have a good number of specialists ourselves, but there's only so much fine-tuning one can do with only one specialist."

They got a better look at the group before them. Cecilia Veldyne actually didn't look much different than her non-biological older brother Moon. She was a refined beauty with long shiny black hair and deep blue eyes with a slim figure. Cecilia was an obvious fan of the color blue and her clothes indicated as such. Her frame was packed with lean muscle and one could see the ends of a long staff attached at the back.
Mirror Brisholm was more or less than same except with shoulder-length red-brown hair, pale green eyes, and nicer curves. She wore the suit of an engineer and her hair was put up to keep from getting anything loose in her mechanical creations. She also wore square-rimmed glasses which made her look intelligent. Hopefully that was the case.
Wilhelmina was a flawless beauty. Her beautiful silver hair shined like a river of pure water, she wore her maid outfit well, and the portable weapons rack next to her indicated that she was no slouch in protecting her mistress. A sniper rifle, a rapier, a shotgun, and two magnums? Bitch was packin'.

After those three, Rayleen stopped next to another Sniper. She was a cool beauty, with a tall, limber body and bangs that covered her right eye. She wore a long dark blue trenchcoat over a reinforced bodysuit. "This is Calisto Bellmond, a Slayer from the main PATCA building. According to records, she's one of the most successful snipers PATCA has and this experience stems from her years of service in the Prideguard."
"Fortunately, I'm not a Prideguard lackey anymore," Calisto chuckled. Her cute voice was surprising compared to her cold beauty. "Otherwise, it'd be you guys that would have the misfortune of being in my crosshair."
Somehow, that didn't instill comfort in anyone.

Next up was a woman with blond hair in a ponytail and blue eyes. She had a great body as well, but damn, she was really stacked in the muscle department, even more than Impact. She was also taller than Calisto. She wore a white cap with blue overalls and a white bellyshirt. She also wore leather gloves and steeltoe boots.
"This is Heidi Knoman. She's a Machoke Pokebrid who also has that DNA of Heracross and Infernape, and is also a master Engineer. Actually, before today, Moon Travorian was the only one who could make for an effective Engineer. Now we have Mirror and Heidi, which will give you some versatility in that speciality."
"You can count on me," Heidi said with a powerful voice. "I've done engineering work even on active battlefields, so I won't buckle under pressure."

The next girl's signature blue hair bonnet practically screamed "raised on the countryside". Her brown hair was also in a ponytail. She wore strong armor and used a sword that was only a third the size of Kirie's, but that was still quite big. It didn't take a sharp eye to tell that the sword is technologically advanced, even more so that Rayleen's gunblade.
"This is-"
"I'm Misha Mathers!" the girl interrupted excitedly. "Easy name t'member, ain't it? Darn pleased to meet'cha! I sure do hope we kin get along real good!"
"She's an Enforcer, which means that she doesn't have a specialty like the Snipers or Engineers. But she's still a very effective soldier and can help out when your formation is all split up by this or that circumstance. Her swordsmanship style is self taught, and augmented by the devices in her sword, she could reasonably stand toe-to-toe with Impact and live to talk about it."
"Aw shucks, Chief lady, yer makin' me blush!"

"Next up, we have Aster Lloyd."
Aster was a really cute girl. She looked rather androgynous, but her obvious skin care and her style of clothes was definitely indicative of her being a girl.
"Surprisingly, Aster is a man."
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?
"Aster is another Enforcer. He's a Lumineon Pokebrid with the DNA of Lucario and Gastrodon. He's also a powerful psychic, despite his lack of Psychic Pokemon DNA. He's been reassigned here in the hopes that we might detect problems and be prepared to deal with them before they become an issue. His actual battle experience is particularly limited, but I'm certain he won't let you down if you need his assistance."
"I am Aster Lloyd."
Good God, even his voice sounds like a girl.
"I shall do all in my power to assist you. As of right now, I cannot predict any troubles in the near future."

"Which means you'll have plenty of time to get well acquainted," Rayleen said. "Last but not least is Kurika Jungo."
Kuriko was definitely built for lethal combat. Her forearms, hands, forelegs and feet were all strapped up in white. Her body was muscular and foreboding. She wore a tight fitting dark green kickboxing uniform. Her hair was dark violet and flowed down to the waist.
"She's a Muy Thai kickboxing champion who has aspirations of being a hero. And with her martial arts skills, she is very likely to accomplish just that."
Kurika delivered two fast, powerful kicks into the air. "I believe like all people should that martial arts are meant to protect oneself and the defenseless."
She lowered her leg and placed her hands upon her chest as though trying to convey her feelings by ripping out her own heart and showing them to everyone. "I love using my martial arts for sport, but when my nation demands it, I will not run from the call to use my skills to their full and lethal potential. Now my skills shall be used to protect the world I love. Plus, I really do want to see how far using my full power will take me."

"That should take care of introductions," Rayleen said. "There's still some downtime before the investigations turn up any results, so take the time to recover from the previous fight should you still need to and get to know each other. This is a great time to build comraderie. Incidentally, there will be a somewhat large welcoming party for everyone who has joined us since the very first mission tonight. A good chance to mingle and get to know who you'll be entrusting your lives to. Dismissed."

And that was it. Six girls and one girly guy had just joined the Watchmen. The estrogen level was over nine-thousand by this point. Still, no harm if these girls could fight as good as they looked. Well, maybe no harm.

[Dracorion]

"Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow." Every step he took as he arrived late to the meeting was like a nail in Pierce's head.

"Ow. Ow. Ow." He took his seat and buried his head in his hands, praying to God to make Rayleen stop yelling. He barely payed attention as the newcomers introduced themselves. Then he realized he was sitting next to Charlotte. He thought about waiting until the welcoming party to apologize, but there was going to be alcohol there. Charlotte might fail to realize that she couldn't try to kill him in the middle of a crowded room if he waited until the party.

Pierce leaned over to her and whispered slowly "Look, Charlotte. I'm sorry for the very, very stupid things I said and did yesterday." Then he hesitated. "Err... if there's anything, within reason, that I can do..."

[Menarker]

"We're going with Plan A," Rayleen said out loud just before entering the room where everyone was at. "We've got some time off to get set up for our future operations, so I'd like to begin by settling the unimportant issues right now if I can."
Shannon and Moon stood near the doorway. Rayleen stopped near Cecilia, Mirror, and Wilhemina. "Miss Veldyne. Miss Brisholm. Miss Rustfield. I'd appreciate it if you three came with me. Dormond, please empty that. Everybody else is on standby. Take it easy, today. Dismissed."

Renny nodded to Rayleen.

"Alright, I'll leave those three in your care, Rayleen. I'll see you all tomorrow."

With this time off, Renny decided to pay a visit to Jeanette over at Ricewood's Masterworks. Once Renny reached PATCA's parking lot, he summoned Togekiss, hugging it warmly before mounting it and taking flight.

Shortly, he arrived at the building, and he entered enthuastically as he approached the receptionist desk.

"Hello there. I'm Renny Tresserhorn. I was here several days ago. Is Mrs. Ricewood presently busy? I have a few things to present to her if she could spare a few minutes of her time? It shouldn't take fairly long."

If he could get sent up, he would like to present the bottle of Mollesk Wine that he made as a present since she couldn't make it to the party, as well as present Mollesk himself. Renny still wanted to check up on his health and wellbeing, although his mood regarding him was no longer as dark and worried as before. Plus, she'd probably be interested in examining a previously unseen pokemon.

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

*The next day*

Renny was shocked at the three ladies who had all returned the next day, but this time as employees of PATCA. In all honesty, he didn't care for how any of them had behaved, whether it was Wilhemia's spying and tresspassing, or the other two who used their fathers as a sort of cohersive leverage for Moon's affection.

Renny listened, however, to Rayleen's bringing everyone up to speed, noticing that she indeed also brought up the point of the Prideguard potentially being a hinderance. Then she introduced several other members one by one. Renny felt a shiver down his spine as Calisto joked openly about her having them in her sights. He smiled as Heidi was introduced in more details. She seemed downright reliable and responsible. He smirked as Misha introduced herself boldly, although he felt right at home with her personality. Aster's gender revelation practically made his head hurt, but his ability sounded downright useful, if not a little omnious. As for Kurika... he had mixed reactions. He really admired her spirit and she clearly looked dedicated and driven to make the world a better place, but he worried about her actual success and wellbeing. The ruin types were superiorly built to withstand mundane combat, and the foes they'll be fighting had abilities that more or less run on magic and perhaps high technology if Rayleen's thoughts on the Prideguard be correct...

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte simply rolled her eyes at all the new recruits. Sure, more cannon fodder, but it was also more names to remember, and that was terrible. And freaking Joseph Smith A.K.A Moon also had his two new wives hanging around with him. Perhaps it would do him good to have several, one or two of them were bound to get chopped in half by an Omnisroth sooner or later. They also had girly man, manly-girl, and pride-guard person. This team was soon going to be made of people Charlotte didn't give a fuck about.

Speaking of people Charlotte didn't give a fuck about, Pierce had stumbled into the room and taken a seat next to her. Annoyance flashed in her eyes. They better get a good mission soon, her patience was running out.

"Look, Charlotte. I'm sorry for the very, very stupid things I said and did yesterday."

"I threw up shortly afterward," she stated blandly. Unfortunately, Rayleen was in the room, and she was the responsible authority figure, so Charlotte couldn't do to much damage to Pierce at the moment.

"Err... if there's anything, within reason, that I can do..."

"That's a pretty restricted offer," she replied to him. "I suppose you can just keep future harassment away from me, and get some mouth wash." Without another word, Charlotte returned focus to the briefing.

'Personal Note to self: find a way to hurt Pierce covertly.'

List of Bitches Charlotte shouldn't kill but might anyways
Pierce

[Dracorion]

"That was the wine, I swear." Pierce whispered in response to Charlotte's comment on his breath. And he probably still had some Nagarai in his mouth. "But yeah, no more getting drunk and harrassing you." Then he too turned his attention back to the briefing. Or rather, buried his face in his hands again, trying to stamp out the pain in his head.

All in all, could've been worse. He was right to pick now to apologize, since Charlotte couldn't do anything to him with Rayleen in the room. Though he was sure that she was already thinking about how to get back at him.

[Geminex]

Impact's eyes gleamed as he surveyed the ranks of the new recruits. This was... interesting. Humans, many humans, but a few pokebrids as well... Gain one group's trust, exclude the other. He could use this... His mind wandered back to the night of the party... He had sat on the side, uninvolved. He disliked social events, alcohol, mindless interaction.
...
Ok, the alcohol was pretty good. He had sipped at some wine as he watched them from the shadows, out of earshot, but not out of sight. And he had... considered. What did he know about them? What could he learn? How... could he fight them? It was the Slayer's mantra, learn what you could, apply your mind, destroy your foes. It was... simple. But the more he sat and brooded, the more he drank. And the more he drank, the more he... reconsidered. His... intention so far had been just as simple as the mantra. Fight with the good guys, gain rank, gain power. Prepare to fight his former allies, because he'd have to fight eventually.
...
But did he? That morning -god, it seemed so far off- that morning he'd thought of power... but not of the power of the individual, but of control. Control over mind and control over will. Why fight? Why not... manipulate? Those arrayed before him... Charlotte, Pierce, Renny, even Matt! The Kimonos, Rayleen, every single fighter... They could be foes. And they could be destroyed. But why not make them allies? Control them, make their power your own, make their will your own.

He had seen the potential, back then. Not just the potential inherent in himself, but in those around him. He had decided then, fuelled by alcohol and adrenaline and bitterness and the cold aura of the scythetip... he would control them. He would lead them, to their doom and his glory. And here, before him? This was the first wave. The first rank of his army.
Potential...

He stood, a smile playing across his face. "Excuse those two, they have... history. Welcome to PATCA. Our method of operation is... unorthodox, as Rayleen will probably have mentioned, but we are... effective. You've been briefed, I hope, you know what's been going on. We've faced some strange problems and powerful enemies, but we've succeeded, so far. With your assistance, we'll hopefull keep succeeding. I'm known as Impact, here. I talk a lot and give many orders, but I am... more than competent in combat as well. I hope one makes up for the other."

[DanteFalcon]

Matthias nodded to the group of newcomers.
Matthias Sona. Most call me Matt. If your really into codenames I go by Oberon.

With that he was done for the moment. Impact was going off on a speech, with little doubt that both Renny and Pierce would interject. Charlotte would probably pipe up if they were taking too long, the bloodthirsty bitch. Which left all the newcomers as unknowns. However he had one more thing he needed to say. Just not yet. It was time to draw his hand after all and enter this game of intrigue. He may not have the base of allies that others were undoubtedly building but he didn't want allies. He wanted people who would do exactly what he needed them to, when he told them to. And for that he needed his method of choice.

Some lead by charisma. Some lead by manipulating people's emotions and fooling them. These methods were foolish and always ended the same way.

Information Control was always a far safer business with much better results if one was careful.

[Menarker]

Renny likewise followed suit in his introduction toward all new recruits.

"It is a pleasure to have your all your support. I'm Renny Tresserhorn, a pokemon trainer. If you need any advice or questions, feel free to ask me or one of us. I might look quite young for this job, but I'm one of the earliest members of this group, so I should be able to assist you if you feel the need."

[Dracorion]

Pierce stood up groggily after Renny's introduction, his eyes closed and rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Pierce." He muttered. "Currently hungover, so if you all could please stop yelling that would be great."

He sat back down. Pierce had a half a mind to shoot Impact down, but decided against it. In his current state, he would just end up saying something very stupid.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, a small voice was shouting about how it couldn't believe they found a guy gayer than Renny, and how its faith in humanity had been destroyed.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte briefly scanned the others in the room after Piece had stood up. "What," she asked with an incredulous look on her face, "I'm next? Fine whatever."

She then rose out of her seat and faced the new members. "I'm Charlotte Beaufort. I dropped my codename once I learned it wasn't actually mandatory. Nothing else interesting to say."

She then took her seat once again next to Pierce. Hopefully that was the last introduction. She had heard too many life stories working here.

[Astral Harmony]

Renny Gives Mollesk a Physical ("No, it's not like that at all!")

Renny was admitted in to see Jeanette Ricewood after a brief over-intercomm dialogue.

What Renny came to be surprised about was that Jeanette made no move to hide certain inventions that probably shouldn't be exposed to the eyes of nonemployees. But damn, what he saw was pretty slick.

It was some kind of powered mecha suit, at least three meters tall, with shiny black armor and some fearsome weaponry. Then he noticed the logo for the Pokemon Advanced Tactics and Counterterrorism Agency on the left pauldron and the word "IMPACT" just below. That lucky sonuva-!

Jeanette identified it as the Rapid Deployable Powered Suit that would really be a boon to a certain Slayer in the future, and left it at that. Surprisingly, the medical examination of Mollesk took less than ten minutes. "It's his nature," Jeanette explained. "He just has that kind of personality. If you want, I could recommend a perscription to up its attitude, but I think you love Pokemon too much to administer drugs they don't actually need. A safer method would be to just hang around with it, see if it actually has a problem to begin with."

And that was it. Well, if that was all...

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

Meanwhile, Deep Underground...

"Still brainstorming, Doctor Faynoc?"

Reynold Faynoc turned with a start, nearly knocking his favorite microscope over. He quickly caught it and set it back up.
"You idiot, I almost lost the sample! This is important!"
The visitor shrugged. "Why do you need sample analysis? Primal Exist is extremely compatible. Any lifeform you merge that fragment with will end with excellent results."
Faynoc turned away from the visitor and peered back into his microscope. "Excellent? A true scientist...nay, a true MAN would never settle for just 'excellent'! I want OUTSTANDING!! I want PERFECTION!! That, simple girl, is the Faynoc way!"

The visitor sighed. "You are not going to find perfection down here in your little sciencey rathole."
Faynoc sighed and turned off the microscope. "All that all you came here to do? Annoy me with you silly prattling?"
The visitor shook her head. "No, I have some information to pass along to you that I'm certain you'll find very interesting."
"Then give it to me and leave me to my research. My time has become exceedingly precious ever since those heretical fools in the agency killed some of my best experiments."

The visitor put her hands on her hips. "Jeanette Ricewood. You are familiar with her?"
Faynoc could feel his blood boiling. "I would have you silenced for uttering that name in my presense and in my sanctuary, but something makes me pause. What would you say about that whore?"
"She is the genetic commander."
This time, Faynoc did knock his microscope off of the counter. "That whore, are you absolutely certain!?"
"Idolus wants her dead."
Faynoc slowly picked his microscope up off the floor. "That is an impossible demand. I have no physical means by which to kill her."

The visitor sighed and walked over to him, then passed him a photograph. "My, what a charming little girl," Faynoc said with obvious intention.
The visitor sighed. Apparently anyone who so much as thought of himself as a priest contracted a sickening case of pedophilia. "That is Myrie Ricewood, the ten year old daughter of Jeanette. Just lure your real prey to you with that. You're good at luring people to their doom with things they desire most."
Faynoc was too completely absorbed by the picture to retort. The visitor folded her arms. Her plan was in motion. "Well, you know what to do. I'm certain you'll do fine."

The visitor vanished while a touch of Faynoc's saliva spattered on the photograph. "'Welcome to my lair', said the Ariados to the Yanma," he said, and then his classic villain maniacal laughter filled the room.

-----

The Return of the Hotness

The party began, and there was much feasting.

"This food is incredible!" Kurika marveled. "This is the best thing I've ever tasted! In fact, nothing else I taste will ever be as good as this!"
"That's f'true," Milsha agreed. "Durn, an' here ah thought ma cookin' wuz downright th' bes'. 'Guess ah wuz onlah th' bes' 'n ma hometown."
"By the way, your swordfighting is very good. It seems like you actually apply some Muy Thai in it."
"Well, ah found tha'puttin' ma whole body inta it made ma strokes much pow'ful," Milsha said. "Bein' a Pok'mon hunt'r is pertty ser'ous bus'ness."
"Pokemon hunter, you said?" Kurika was curious.
"Wah do supp'rt usselves on veg't'bles like you love, Kur'ka, but wah also do a lot 'f huntin'. Tauros steak, Ampharos mutton, Lopunny jerky. But we're alwuhs right thankful for those Pok'mons tha' we hunt, so we make right sure tha' wah don't waste anah'f it. An' wah have thi' semi-annual fair t' thank Pok'mons for th' food the' bring to th' table. We invite Pok'mons to th'hamlet an' all wah eat is veg't'bles. Normal veg't'bles, not Grass type Pok'mons, mind you."

Kurika looked thoughtful, then nodded. "I've never fought a Pokemon before, which is why I'm kind of nervous about being in PATCA. I know I'm going to be fighting a lot of them now, right?"
Milsha smiled. "Aw, don' worrah 'bout nothin', Kur'ka. Pok'mons an' people, they's all gots th' same weaknisses. Th' head. Take off th' head. Crush th' skull. Destroy th' eyes. Lotsa the same weaknisses. I maself ne'er fought no human folks, though. So ah hope ah'm right 'bout ma theoruh."
"Some competitors tend to get really mad that a girl is stronger than them, so they get really down and dirty and illegal about the sport and then I have to do something I don't really care for. I find a human opponent is much easier to manage when you start making their arms and legs bend the way that they're are not supposed to. I've never had it happen to me, so I can only imagine how much I'm really hurting them."

Damn. Slayer chicks were just as violent as the male ones. Well, Rayleen and Harliette were Slayers themselves. They were just Pokemon Trainers, too.
"This dining is exquisite," Aster said after trying a cocktail weinie. That left some undesired mental images in one's mind. "The chef must be beyond five star. Who may I ask made these?"
"That would be Chizuru Suzuki," Rayleen answered. "She's kind of a new recruit herself, but she insisted vehemently on cooking. I hope she's done soon. She belongs in this party as much as everyone else does and she's already piled these tables high enough as is. There's gonna be loads of leftovers."

Chizuru's back? There is a god!

Like Milsha and Kurika, Calisto and Wilhelmina were talking between themselves. Their topic? Sniping, of course.
"A warning shot? I don't give those," Calisto said. "Face it. That fucktard crossed my fuckin' line and my boss told me that no fucktard crosses my fuckin' line. I do what I'm told, y'see? I get shit done. It's always been my motto and that's why people know they can count on me. They tell me that I shoot, I shoot and I don't care who it is."
"I wish I could be that way for all those guys who come to my lady's house to try and court her," Wilhelmina sighed. "Just sit on the roof, waiting for hours and hours, and then that snide little bastard is driven up in some limosine. He steps out in his stupid tuxedo with his bouquet and some retarded heart-shaped box of chocolates and when he's about to start strutting to the front door like he actually belongs there, I give his limo a new brains-colored paintjob. Serves the imbecile right. My lady chooses who is allowed to court her, not the other way around."

...Yep, definitely had a little too much of the good punch.

Heidi didn't join the party. She wasn't a party person. Oh well, nobody was forcing her to.

As for Cecilia and Mirror, they were more or less politely holding Moon and Shannon on lockdown. Good riddance, I guess.

Chizuru's arrival meant that Shizuka was gone. Pierce probably regretted not talking to her about that night of pure, uncensored awesome, but he'd see her again.

[Menarker]

*At Ricewood Center*

"Ah, I see. I'm glad to hear that. Well, as long as it's not anything life threatening, I think it'll be ok. Now I think about it, many bug pokemons evolve rather oddly. Shedninja is born when a Nincada evolves and there is a spare pokeball in the trainer's inventory. Yanma evolves when it knows Ancientpower. Burmy evolves differently based on gender. This one... well, a Moon Stone was involved, although it was mixed into its berry juice. Guess what happened is natural... Oh, by the way, I got a little something for you!"

Renny reached into his backpack and pulled out the last bottle of his Mollesk wine he made the night of his party. He slowly thrusted the light purple drink toward her.

"I made this wine during the party which was held for Rayleen and Dormond. You couldn't make it, so I made a little extra for you. I'm sure everyone at PATCA appreciates your support, and I wished you could have come too. It was well recieved by just about everyone, so I think you'll like it too. Mollesk helped make it. You see, Shuckles are capable of making fermented juice from the berries they consume. Mollesk is an evolved form of Shuckle. The wine was produced using the juice he made. Anyhow, Mrs. Ricewood, I hope you enjoy it."

Renny handed Jeanette the bottle, then petted Mollesk fondly while he looked with amazement at the large mecha suit that was supposably custom made to Impact's designs for a moment or two.

"Well, that's everything I came here for. Thank you so much for your time! I really appreciate it! Have a good day!"

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

Renny mingled within the party, dressed in something slightly more formal, a black shirt with a stylish crest on one side, black pants and clean shoes. He had finished several small plates of fruits and sweets and bits of meat and potatos laden generously with spice and butter and even some melted cream cheese wafers which were absolutely mouth-watering. He listened to the conversations of various new members, although he paid most attention to the one between Kirika and Misha. He waited a short bit after they finished before he interjected.

"Well, you won't be fighting alone so you'll always have support. We'll help protect you as well as explain what tactics work and what don't. But I believe both of you are here because you have talent which is backed by experience," he looked toward Misha, "and by a personal policy which guides your actions." he looked toward Kirika as he said this. "However, things will be different from what you know. There are pokemons which do not follow the same biological rules and require different tactics, and there will be pokebrids and perhaps normal humans who will not yield or share our feelings. Even when they hurt others or they are on the brink of death themselves, several of them have shown that they will fight to the death for their cause. I myself found it having to adjust to putting them down, but we won't all have the chance to adjust to every single situation which falls outside our expectations. Part of my role and the role of everyone else who has been in PATCA for as long as I have, is to supplement your personal life experiences with the specific insights that the situation has revealed to us, so you will be prepared for any curveballs that come your way. To prepare ourselves for whatever we'll go against before someone comes and tries to break us. I hope that if we team up together, we'll learn from each other and succeed in making the world a better place.

[Dracorion]

Pierce wasn't quite sure what he was doing at the welcoming party. He simply stood leaning against a wall. A full glass of wine had been sitting in his hand since the party started. But he had to agree with the general consensus: the food was great.

He had thought about seeing Shizuka before she left, but he didn't know what he would've said. What happened that night had been great, but what did it mean? Besides, he'd spent most of yesterday drunk off his ass, so he probably would've ended up saying something stupid.

Aster Lloyd and Rayleen were conversing nearby. Aster asked who the chef was.
"That would be Chizuru Suzuki," Rayleen answered. "She's kind of a new recruit herself, but she insisted vehemently on cooking. I hope she's done soon. She belongs in this party as much as everyone else does and she's already piled these tables high enough as is. There's gonna be loads of leftovers."

Pierce was beyond amazed. Chizuru was here. Without so much as a second thought, he set down the glass and headed for the kitchen. Sure enough, there was the Black Kimono, working diligently. Pierce couldn't help but stare as he tried to think of what to say. She had a certain grace about her, or maybe that was just him, but he thought her every action redefined beauty. Finally, he gathered up the courage to speak up.

"Um... hi." Pierce's face was dangerously close to spontaneously combusting. For Chrissakes say something else you moron! Make conversation!

"I, ah..." GET IT TOGETHER MAN. "... never- never got to thank you for your help back at the mansion."

[DanteFalcon]

Matthias mingled as best he could. He had switched to his Castform form to avoid accidentally poisoning people and meandered about the room, smiling slightly and nodding to people. He never was good at these social functions but he was managing better than usual. He tended to avoid them altogether and at least he looked slightly less awkward than usual. However he had a purpose.

He made his way towards Rayleen just as her glass was emptying Matthias handed her another of the same drink. I noticed you were low and it seems I'm becoming a waiter at our party. As he made his way past her he spoke out of the corner of his mouth, loud enough for her to hear.

After the party if your sober and have a moment I need to talk in private. Enjoy the banquet. With that simple statement he walked off and continued with his previous routine, making small talk and trying to blend in with the crowd, as much as a Castform pokebrid can blend in.

[Geminex]

Another party... Impact didn't know how much funding they got, but he couldn't believe that the money paying for this party coudn't have bought some better weapons, or more potions, instead. But oh well, if they were going to spend their budget catering, they might as well enjoy it. He was torn between learning about their new recruits and finding out how to use them, or just spending some well-earned social time in the company of humans (after all, he'd done his plotting last evening, he should be allowed to have some fun). Then he realized that the two didn't have to be mutually exclusive. He could show an interest in them, as long as he didn't let them find out what motivated this interest. Why not have fun, enjoy himself, and further his goals in the process. And besides... they were all female, here. Perhaps he could finally find someone to his taste... He spotted a knot of Slayers talking, approached them.

Milsha... simple, but she'd be effective, certainly. She seemed very confident, and pragmatic too. A less bloodthirsty Charlotte. And he liked her worldview... Hunt pokemon for food? Sure, fine. Even that bit about the feast was... acceptable. Very symbolic, romantic, but didn't change the fact that, for once, humans were the hunters, instead of the hunted. This one could be indoctrinated. Kurika... also, interesting. He could learn from her, he was sure. But first he'd have to learn about her. She seemed pragmatic as well, proud... Had only fought humans, so far, but if she was indifferent to pokemon at the moment, then she, too, could probably be persuaded. He didn't think much of Wilhelmina. Heavily armed, and apparently, she had stood Rayleen's test, but he'd need to see what she could do before he credited her with competence. Still, politically, even as a maid she had influence over aspects of her master's business. That could be used, if he couldn't persuade her "lady". And finally, Calisto... He smiled as he approached further. Someone to his taste? Possibly. He felt that this one was of... higher caliber than the rest. And that pun had been horrible, but that didn't change the fact that it would be much more fun to socialize with this one, than to analyze her. He approached further.

"Good evening... Regarding sniping, I always valued the sniper's ability to hit any target much more than their direct value. A competent soldier has, I think, more value in direct combat than an equally competent sniper. It's the "any target" part of the sniper's method of operation, the psychological element that makes snipers effective. That, and C&C. Kill the enemy commander, and you've killed their cohesion. But Ruin types don't have commanders... at least, not ones that go down with just a headshot. Stil, snipers will be useful in battle, and the two present here" his eyes flicked to Wilhelmina, before coming to rest again on Calisto "will almost certainly get an opportunity to prove me wrong. I'll be looking forwards to that... Though, Calisto, one question. You used to be part of Prideguard. Later, could I... debrief you, regarding that time? I'd be interested in finding out more about their organization and operations... And that information would, I think, be best received first hand."

[Astral Harmony]

Renny's Hitting On More Chicks?

Apparently Lola isn't enough woman for him despite his small body.

"You speak well," Kurika said. "I have heard troubling things, myself. About Rogue Pokemon and...I'm not certain about the other word. Like the Pokebrid but...it's something else."
"Pokesapiens."
Cecilia had just walked up on the group. "Yes, that is the term," Kurika said. "Thank you for helping me. I admit that I am not very smart."
Cecilia smiled. "Don't worry about that, Miss Jungo. There's plenty of places for everyone in this world despite any negligible personal failings. Take Miss Mathers, for example."
Milsha pointed at herself. "Me, ma'am?"

Cecilia nodded. "I couldn't help but notice that sword you're carrying. The Veldyne Viper, correct?"
Milsha proudly displayed the large sword. "Indeed, it is! I saws it on th' televis'on an' I knew I jus' had ta have 'un! So I went an' done sent in all those lett'rs ta that there compunny 'cause tha' commershul done said it was offering it to someone outside the corperashun th' oppertunitah to test th' prototype."
Cecila chuckled at Milsha's folksy charm. "Yes. Actually, you have my efforts to thank for that."
"Yers, ma'am?"
"That prototype was made by my company. We usually don't dabble in weapons technology, but we have this "invention fund" for such out-of-the-way pursuits. Anyways, you may think it silly, but we decided to go outside the company security forces for actual testing of the first model, which is the same sword you're holding like a newfound love."

Then she started poking at her cheek. "To be honest, Miss Mathers, the executives tried everything in their power to deny me the right to send out that weapon to you. In my opinion, you were the best qualified of all the people who requested the honor, but to them you were just some country bumpkin...and a female. With girly parts."
"Gosh," was all Milsha could say.
"I'm glad that you managed to get it in the end, and I find it amazing that we met in the first place. Don't worry about it being faulty. I can almost guarantee that thorough forethought and superb craftsmanship went into the creation of that weapons system."
Milsha smiled. "That's absolutely true. Thank you so very much, Miss Veldyne. I promise that this Veldyne Viper is in the best of hands."

Cecilia, Kurika, and Renny exchanged glances. Kurika decided to voice their opinion. "Umm...Milsha? What has happened to the way you talk?"
Milsha chuckled. "Yes, I'm sorry about that. I used to talk like that one time, then I went to school. I'm a much better speaker now, though I still tend to talk like I used to since people say it makes me more charming and friendly. It does tend to dislocate the jaw some, though."
Cecilia blinked. "It's really quite amazing, Miss Mathers. You could disarm people into believing you're simple-minded and naive, but you're actually really smart."
"Calisto's a lot like that, too. Except in her case, it seems to be the other way around. I didn't speak to her much, but I think she's into really cute things like kittens. I bet any guy could give her a kitten as a present and would have her heart in the palm of his hand."

So Milsha was actually not as folksy as one would think her to be and Calisto was much more warm-hearted than she appeared. Quite amazing girls.

...Wait, back the truck up.

"So whut's this nonsense 'bout Pok'sapeens?" Milsha drifted back into her country drawl. "They's gettin' all tough 'n' whutnot?"
Cecilia looked thoughtful. "A lot of Rogue Pokemon are going through gene therapy and splicing. A lot of them are coming out with frightening abilities. Some of them aren't affected by attack types that they used to be affected by. Others are able to use weapons like us Slayers. It's going to be tough controlling all these rougher changes to life in Honmyr."

Tougher Rogue Pokemon, eh? Renny knew that they weren't going to be as easy as they were to fight in the bank mission, but weakness immunity and weapons use? PATCA was in for some tough times.

-----

Wow...That Was Easy...

Chizuru stopped what she was doing and turned around.

Pierce had just barely finished what he was saying before Chizuru enfolded him with her arms in a big, friendly hug that made his heart melt. "Mister Pierce! I'm so glad to see you again!"

Then Pierce realized it as he was careful not the spill his drink. She wasn't attracted to him. Not yet, anyways. This very friendly "hugs instead of handshakes and whatnot" was simply the result of Chizuru's big, wonderful heart. "How are you doing? Have you been well? I was so terribly worried about all of you when Shizuka told me about what was going on. I mean, Shizuka, Kiyomi, Mika and even Kirie were all with you so I was sure you were all fine but..."

Then Chizuru burried her face into Pierce's chest and cried out of relief. "I was just so terribly worried for you all."

-----

Rayleen's Open To Private Chat

"I'm ready to talk at any time, Mister Sona. It doesn't seem like anyone needs me, so let me know when you want to talk."

Rayleen wasn't really drinking at the party. An introduction was all she had given, after all. Someone may have wanted to discuss something with her, like Matthias did.

-----

Calisto Debriefs Impact

"Truth be told, we're getting phased out, man." Calisto said. Her wine-laden breath wasn't intolerable, but Impact did feel himself stepping back, something Calisto didn't notice.

"Actually, I left them...oh, about two months back. We've actually had to fight Ruin Pokemon around that time. That's right, you're not the only ones facing them, though that Rayleen chick would like to think PATCA has 'em on a leash. Anyways, Snipers are having some tough times. Not only do you have the Ruin Pokemon that you don't really know the killspots of, but nowadays Evoliths are getting pretty damn popular, and they definitely don't have weak points, not even types weaknesses."

Type weaknesses? What exactly did that mean?

"Y'see...actually, hold on. Let's go talk to Moon."

Impact, curious to find out what Calisto was going on about, followed her over to see Moon. Shannon and Mirror were still nearby, but Calisto didn't regard them. "Hey, handsome. Could you create an Evolith?"
"Right here in the party?" Moon asked. "Well, I guess if you really want to see one. Hold on, let me go get some materials."
Moon started to leave. "By myself," he said quite firmly as Shannon and Mirror began to follow him.

It took several minutes, but Moon returned and then rapidly got to work. He had a Water Stone, used for making various Pokemon evolve. Additionally, he had a large amount of some kind of mineral. It was a little transparent with a deep brown color, kind of like beer, and where the mineral was thicker, it blackened until Impact couldn't see through anymore.
"You know Evolution Stones, right?" Calisto asked rheutorically. "Well, that other stuff is called Evolite. Kind of like Evolution Stones, except it lacks the power of an Evolution Stone. It's just a useless rock, but it can be given power if you magnify the energy of an Evolution Stone. Basically, by using the Evolution Stone like a battery, you can create a formidible fighter on the spot."
"Okay, finished." Moon said. He stepped aside as the Evolith came to life.

It resembled a curvaceous mermaid, with orbs of pulsing blue light at various points of the body, particularly the joints and torso. The Evolite mineral also shined, but only a little. "This is a Water Evolith," Moon said. "They can use Water type attacks like Hydro Pump, Rain Dance and Water Sport with all the benefits of a Water type Pokemon. But there's no type weaknesses like Grass and Electric, and they're even immune to all status effects. Evoliths may be very limited in the moves they can use, but they make up for it with strong defenses."

"How do you kill one?" Wilhelmina asked. "In all my years of service to my lady, I've never actually seen one."
"Really?" Mirror asked her maid. "I'm an Engineer, I can create one myself."
"You see that the Evolith has a head," Calisto said. "However, unlike living creatures, shooting it in the head is no more effective than shooting it in the arm or the ass. That large sphere where the stomach should be is where the stone is powering the rest of the body, but it can take multiple shots to penetrate that hard shell. In other words, there's no one-hit kill on these things. It's frustrating for a Sniper. We always like to see a target drop dead for every bullet. A target that doesn't die on the first shot is as disappointing as a target that you miss completely."

"Anyways, these things are becoming damn popular. The Prideguard, criminal syndicates, even civilians with the right amount of moolah have Evoliths. They're starting to phase Pokemon out."
"They'd never truely phase Pokemon out here, though." Wilhelmina noted. "Pokemon are very powerful here. I don't use them myself but I've seen them in combat. Evoliths still have a way to go before they overpower Pokemon."
"They're getting there, though." Calisto countered. "I hear scientists at least throughout Honmyr are working on some kind of multiple stone core. If they can accomplish that, just imagine how utterly powerful and destructive Evoliths can become."

Huh. Suddenly, the sexy mermaid Evolith didn't seem so majestic and harmless.

"So, that's your little fetish, isn't it?" Shannon asked Moon.
"I'm sorry?"
"Got a little thing for fantasy creatures?"
"You mean the mermaid?" Moon asked, then smirked. "Maybe I might. Tell you what, Shannon. Wrap your legs up in a plush fish tail costume and put on a seashell bra and we'll see if I pounce on you or not."

Shannon could no longer continue this conversation out of Moon's flirting having embarrassed her. But from several viewpoints, it seemed like Shannon was seriously considering Moon's offer.

[Dracorion]

Pierce couldn't help but smile. Chizuru's hug was like being wrapped in pure bliss. Her embrace had cleared away the steady buzz that was the last of his hangover.

"Just call me Pierce." He said, hugging her back. He realized that Chizuru had no feelings for him and this was just a friendly hug, but he wanted more. But he couldn't. Chizuru deserved better than him.

"I'm fine. I was worried about you too... that something might have happened to you after the mansion... I- I was really glad when I heard you made it back alright." He placed a hand on her head as she cried into his chest. He held her close, not wanting to break away from her heavenly embrace.

[Menarker]

Renny smiled as he departed from Kurika, Misha and Cecilia. They seemed to be nice enough and at least they were probably more assured or confident than they were before his arrival. He continue to mingle with people as he passed through, saying hi to Rachel, Whitney, Dormond, and a short chat with Mika as he headed toward the kitchen to put away his dishes instead of leaving them in everyone's way. Upon reaching the doorway, he jumped back a bit when he saw Pierce and Chizuru in an affectionate embrace. Renny slightly blushed but smirked wildly as he left the plate on top of a garbage can to be dealt with later. Very adorable sight. Renny would come back later to thank her for her help and the food. He'd probably had to make more wine though, since Shizuka took hers back to give to the others, but Chizuru was now here and wouldn't get to try it. Maybe he could get Pierce to help with berry gathering and the two of them could present it to her.

Then he saw Impact talking with Moon and several others.

"Hi everyone. Moon, Shannon, I hope that wine I gave you was to your liking? Impact, can I have your ear for a sec?"

Renny tugged on Impact's sleeve as if pulling his head down to Renny's height.

"I was just over at Riceworks for a pokemon examination and to give her one of my wine bottles, and while I was there, I saw something awesome! Jeanette was working on a large mechanized armor and it had your name on it! It was like... almost 10 feet tall and had weapons on it! I think she's still working on it, but it was unbelievable!"

Renny then released Impact, his smile still possessing the leftover enthusiasm about the mechanical armor. His eyes caught by the sight of the mermaid figure. "Wow, that's neat. What is that?"

He then listened to the lecture of the Evolith reiterated for his benefit as he listened attentively, although his enthusiasm dampened somewhat by the fact that more often than not, they will be a thorn in PATCA's path.

He then left to mingle again, catching sight of Lola. Renny caught up to her, eager to chat.

"Good evening, Lola." Renny was in a jublient mood "I took Mollesk over to Jeanette at Ricewood and she said everything is just fine, it's all natural. Your advice really helped me, thank you... Are you enjoying yourself?"

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte was once again bored at a party. She wasn't sure what made her want to go, but she supposed it was the food. Even if it wasn't the reason she went, it was the reason she stayed. It was great! Apparently that Chizuru Kimono from the mansion was the chef. Kimonos are damn lucky to have her around.

Bitches Charlotte probably would decide not to kill (at time of writing)
Chizuru

Deciding she needed something to do, she went and listened to Moon's explanation of the Evolith's. "Hmm something I haven't killed yet," she muttered, "got to be sure to do that sometime."

But it did strike her as odd about how easily Moon made it. "That seemed incredibly simple though," she said, "it didn't seem to require much. In fact, you had all of the materials literally just hanging around at a party. If it is really as simple as you have just displayed, why aren't they more common? You make it sound like they are stronger than Pokemon, so why aren't they more numerous and in use?"

[Geminex]

Impact aknowleged Renny's information with a nod and a smile. "Power armor, eh? I might need it, considering..." He nodded towards the evolith. "All of this. Very interesting, that. Very interesting indeed..." He heard the discussion, considered for a moment.

"I'd agree in saying that evoliths won't overpower pokemon any time soon, at least in terms of a military force. Two reasons for this really... First, evoliths aren't self-replicating. Pokemon, on the other hand, are. Big advantage there.
Secondly, pokemon are diverse. There's evoliths in all different types, but they function by way of the same mechanic. Counter this mechanic, and you'll be able to counter however many evoliths your enemy throws at you.
As such, a standing army of evoliths is just begging to be countered by way of some other weapon, and when your standing army's gone, you're in rather serious trouble. So evoliths as a support force to infantry-based operations? Sure. But not as a major fighting force..."

He didn't actually have much of a problem with the concept of evoliths, he realized. They were a weapon, to be used specifically for combat. Beyond that, they require manufacturing techniques to produce, and, most importantly, they had little autonomy. He'd have to observe their development, but at the moment, the only harm they were causing to society was that they put power in the hands of those who'd abuse it and that... that wasn't unique.

[Astral Harmony]

Chizuru had to break up the closeness to check up on the cooking. "Well, don't you worry anymore. Now I'm going to be figthing right alongside the rest of you. I wish I had Tsubasa with me as well, but I'll still do my best."

Pierce couldn't looking at the backside of her. Then he caught himself just as Rayleen entered the kitchen. "I think that's enough, Chizuru. Anymore food and even Heidi will end up stuffed off of what we couldn't eat."

"Understood," Chizuru said. "Just this last pot."

-----

"Yeah, I'm good," Lola said. She didn't look like she was drinking. "Seems like this party is finally dying down. Which just means that soon we'll be risking our lives again."
Lola sighed. "Damn it...how can I possible hope to match that?"

Huh?

"She's prettier than me, she cooks like a dream, and everybody almost instantly likes her. It just kinda sucks that there's someone better at being the kind of person I am."

Ah, the melancholy of Lola Phelps. So she's jealous of Chizuru, eh?

Then she clenched her fists. "No! I'm going to be even better at being a likeable woman than she is! I just need more battlefield experience, I'm sure. Yeah, then I'll be so girly that I'll knock Chizuru out of the park. It'll be so awesome. Pretty soon I'll have attacks that involve stuffed animals and everybody will want me to do the cooking!"

-----

"Good questions, Madama Ursaring," Moon used Charlotte's callsign. "The main reason seems to be the popularity of Pokemon."

Moon walked over to the mermaid Evolith and ran his fingers through her wealth of hair. The Evolith didn't do anything. "Despite that Evoliths may be the better choice at times, Pokemon are generally more friendly and fun to be around. Take the Tresserhorn boy for example. Even if Evoliths were powerful enough to defeat two Pokemon each, I highly doubt he would switch over and become an Evolith fan anytime soon. A lot of people are like that."

"That's true," Harliette said, walking into the conversation. "There's this bullshit I once read. I guess it's a census? I'm not certain. Anyways, a grand total of 89% of Honmyr's population has at least six months of Pokemon training under their belts. This includes those people who weren't really enthusiastic about training to begin with and did it just to see what the whole fuss was all about."

"Even things that have been here for a good while aren't seeing the popularity that they should," Moon continued. "While there are a lot of Slayers around, you rarely see pure Slayers like Ray."

Ray? Oh, Impact's real name.

"It's pretty rare to have any Slayers who aren't actually Battle Masters like Rayleen and Harliette, but we actually have a lot of them now."

-----

"He makes a very good point," Moon agreed with Impact. "Evoliths end up with only six moves. Sure, more than a standard Pokemon, but that's all they get. Hell, watch this."

Moon deployed Fathom, his Vaporeon. "Fathom, remain there. Water Evolith, attack Fathom with Hydro Cannon!"

The Evolith attacked the Vaporeon. This, given Fathom's Water Absorb ability, accomplished all of jack shit. "And since a Water Evolith has no other types of moves, a Vaporeon is essentially invincible against Evoliths."

[Dracorion]

For a split second after Chizuru broke off the hug, Pierce wanted nothing more than to grab her and never let go. Okay, it was getting creepy how attached he was to Chizuru. He only met her the one time, but goddamn he couldn't stop thinking about her. She was just... perfect. He couldn't really explain it.

And, as much as he wanted to, he could not. Stop. Staring. At. Her. Ass. Until Rayleen came into the kitchen and informed Chizuru that there was enough food. Pierce immediately shifted his attention to the opposite wall, blushing.

After Rayleen left, Pierce moved toward the dishwasher. "Let me help you clean up." He said.

[Bard The 5th LW]

"I suppose I can see your logic," Charlotte said to Moon indifferently. "Sentimentality beats out efficiency in scenarios, but it still looks incredibly too easy."

"And I go by Charlotte so you know, I don't use my callsign anymore. And 'Ray' here is the one who uses his callsign, Impact. You should really get this kind of thing straightened out," she said, with mostly false exasperation.

"And speaking of Impact," Charlotte said, "I wanted to ask you something. As you know Impact, I happened upon a Latios during the mansion. I haven't really made any use of it since. Since everyone else mostly has full teams, I wanted to know if you could consider putting it to some use. Moon has a point about you being the only pure slayer." It does have your personality," she said. Which was to say, no personality at all.

She paused for a moment to let this sink in on Impact. Who would refuse a Legendary after all? Charlotte was still a bit curious about Impact's comments on Renny's 'monster'. He couldn't give her any shit about 'lack of commanding experience.' Charlotte knew for a fact that Impact loved to boss people around, and what better to command than a pokemon?

[Menarker]

Renny became conflicted as he listened to Lola. He wanted to reassure her, but the way Lola was going, he couldn't imagine she would take his compliments seriously. But he felt that saying nothing would probably would hurt more. She had opened herself up a little bit more as she confessed this bit of insecurity. He had to acknowledge it in some way...

"Lola... Chizuru just has it easier because everyone has tried her cooking and likes her for it. You are a nurse, which is an amazing thing, but it's not something you get to show off at a party like she can with cooking. She's special for sure, but you got something amazing yourself. You just haven't got the chance to show the unique things you can do to everyone else. But I seen it, and I think that is just one of the wonderful parts of you. But if you want stuffed animals attacks and a chance to show everyone your cooking, that sounds great too! I would love to have a chance to try it myself."

He then decided to switch to another topic which wasn't terribly important, but had nagged at his mind for a while. Hopefully it would keep her spirits high if she wasn't focused on Chizuru.

"Lola, I am curious about how you became a pokebrid. Was there any special reason for choosing to be one or the specific pokemons you chosen? What was the procedure like and how does it feel being part pokemon? It seems quite a magical thing being able to do the things they can... hehe, and I wonder what you looked like before then. You must have been absolutely cute!"

Renny smiled as he wondered what it was like to live life the way a pokemon lived and the thought of Lola prior to her transformation.

[Astral Harmony]

Chizuru Amazes Yet Again

Chizuru stepped aside to let Pierce help her, but Pierce discovered that so far, she didn't need help. All the dirty dishes so far were spotless. "You can help me later, when the party is over." Chizuru offered, patting Pierce on the shoulder and leaving.

-----

Lola's Confessions

"Well, to be honest...I kinda like bunny girls."

Yeah, baby, yeah!

Lola suddenly wagged her hands around as though trying to correct the wording as it came out of her mouth. "Wait, that's not right. I just think girls in bunny suits are really pretty, you know? And girls that wear cat ears and tails. I think Rachel and I are similar in that aspect. Truely, I didn't look much different than I do now, just with a little less fur and no big, floppy ears. Oh, and the director told me something else. It's pretty embarrassing, but I think I can trust you with this kind of stuff, Renny. Y'see, there's a mating season aspect that tends to pass over. Like, three months out of the year, pretty much every Pokebrid almost goes crazy with lust. I agreed to undergo the operation despite this, figuring it would kind of force me to get out there and find true love or something, knowing that eventually, I wouldn't have a choice but to find someone to be with when my body loses control of itself. I won't stay young and beautiful forever, right? I really should start thinking seriously about love."

-----

Party's Over

Eventually, the party ended. Chizuru set aside a great deal of leftovers and worked with Pierce on the dishes, which was done really quickly. The other partiers kind of spread out throughout the agency to continue discussions and build friendships.

Rayleen wasted no time in finding Matthias. "So, Mister Sona. What did you want to see me about?"

Her voice was fairly soft and patient, indicating that she had nothing better to do with her time.

[DanteFalcon]

Matthias had found a nearby hallway that wasn't travelled often for this conversation. It helped to set an informal atmosphere and wouldn't give away the gravity of what he wanted.

Cutting right to the chase since I'm sure your just as tired as I am. I want access to the names of everyone who can give you the missions for the Watchmen. Preferably their backgrounds and expense reports too but that might be classified information. Before you ask, my innate sense of paranoia is under the impression there is a traitor in the organization above you. If I'm right then I'll find a way to bring them into the open. If I'm wrong then I'm merely a paranoid freak under your command.

His face and tone looked and sounded happy through his question, making it extremely easy to change the topic of conversation to something much more lighthearted, should someone pass by.

[Geminex]

Impact had frozen, upon hearing Charlotte's offer. That had been extremely, extremely unexpected. Certainly, he hadn't trusted himself to reply. He'd tried to smile, said he'd have to think it over, and had retreated, waiting for the celebration to end. He'd spent the time trying to chat up some of the female Slayers, but been curiously unsucessful. Strange... But there were going to be other parties. Other opportunities to interact sucessfully. And now the party was breaking up, and there was Charlotte. He smiled as he approached her. He'd been unprepared before. Not so now.

"I have had opportunity to think your offer over. It mystifies me, to be honest. I am a Slayer, good at what I do. I'd certainly be more effective in combat than if I used a... pokemon, even a legendary one. You, on the other hand, are a trainer, who could certainly use some extra firepower, and knows how to effectively employ it. More to the point, I understand that you took Latios off a pokebrid, yes? I heard about your battle with Moera. Very nice performance, that. And while I don't know you all that well, it seems odd, even to me, that you'd offer up a trophy you earned in combat."

[Astral Harmony]

Rayleen sighed. What in the fuck was Matthias going to be able to investigate? It's not like he could carry out any kind of soul searching in the middle of this operation. Well, what the hell could it hurt?

"Missions for our branch come from the headquarters," Rayleen explained. "That means Antonio Shevenston, Regional Chief. Now, he has his investigative bureau in that headquarters, and they investigate all of us, you and me, everybody. On top of him, there's another investigative bureau who investigates people like Shevenston, Burkmont, Police Chief Jenny, all those people at the top of the ladders. And that bureau answers to the Honmyran President, Andricksen. That's more or less it in a nutshell. I can't give you any more information because I don't know anymore information. That's simply not what they pay me to do. They pay me to put my sword into people and pull the trigger."

She shrugged. "Our missions focus on a central goal, now. Ruin Pokemon. Ruin Generals. Progenitors. We have jurisdiction on taking out those bastards. Doesn't really matter who signs the paychecks now when we can't do anything but earn them by fighting the most dangerous lifeforms in this region, hell, perhaps the entire world. You'd almost think that if there was a traitor in PATCA, then this is exactly the kind of thing he or she would do to snuff us out."

[Dracorion]

Pierce and Chizuru were just finishing with the dishes, and Pierce was just picking up the few dirty plates left in the party room when he overheard Impact's and Charlotte's conversation. He gathered from what Impact was saying that Charlotte was offering him the Latios she got from the mansion.

"Well, for one, you may be a Slayer, but you're pretty good at giving orders and knowledgeable about pokemon. That's most of the job, right there, so you'd be pretty effective with it. And besides you wouldn't have to use it all the time." He interjected, approaching while holding a few dishes. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but Charlotte's giving it away because she's a murderous bitch and Latios doesn't really suit her style. No offense." He added toward Charlotte.

"And you're smart enough that you know all this, so why are you really turning it down? You afraid of Pokemon or something? I asked you the same question back at the party, but you probably forgot about it because we were in the middle of a battle."

[Menarker]

Renny was struck dumb. He never realized such a huge side effect was present within the procedure. He felt a pang inside his chest as he thought of her potentially throwing herself at the wrong person because her body said yes when her mind said no... Jealously welled up, but also fear for her being taken advantaged of. There was a preganant silence...

"I never knew there was something like that. Lola, can we share our phone numbers? If you ever end up needing help, or if you get caught in this situation and you're not ready, I want to be able to do whatever I can to help you during those months. When I think of the possibility of someone taking advantage of you, I get worried... and feel angry. If you find someone whom you really care for, that would be amazing, but if someone would try to hurt you... no, I won't let them. I'll help you, so you won't have to worry about that... if you let me."

Renny pulled out his cell phone, having it at the ready to share his number. While thinking what he could possibly promise. A hiding place? Do her outdoor errands? She would have to come to work still and somehow, keeping her locked up didn't sit well with him. He felt twisted inside, as if this sort of situation should never have to happen and he felt powerless...

[DanteFalcon]

Alright then it gives me a starting point. One more favor Rayleen. If you could make it a rumor among the higher ups that we had this conversation that would be fantastic. Thank you.

With that he walked off towards his room. The next course of action would be to see if that rumor made anyone nervous but he doubted it. Then he'd have to do some background checking. Things could become a lot more interesting rather quickly.

Or he could be wrong. Either way was a victory in his book.

[Astral Harmony]

Lola shrugged and took out her scouter. "You can use these pretty much like Instant Messengers and cellphones. They even save dialogue and video, of course."

She pressed a few buttons on the scouter and Renny's cellphone picked up her phone number and her scouter ID, which allowed them to have a dedicated and private line. "Don't worry about mating season. We're not helpless when it happens, it's just...well, it's difficult to think about anything else."

Lola looked thoughtful. "Y'know, I'll bet Evangaleen has the whole Moon and Shannon exchange from the start to the finish. She must've gone ahead and put it on a computer or something by now."

Why was Lola talking about that? Wait, did she want to see it?

-----

Rayleen left Matthias to himself and went about her way. Now there was just going to be a whole bunch of waiting until someone came up that they would want to look into.

[Bard The 5th LW]

"Accusations aside," Charlotte said, referring to Pierce's astonishing accurate use of the term 'murderous bitch', "Pierce makes many a valid point. I have no use or interest in Latios. It would be much better for someone to carry it around though, and you would be lying if you said you wouldn't be any good as a trainer. The thing is practically trained as it stands, it just needs someone to shout commands."

"In fact," Charlotte said as she reached into her coat pocket, "I have it with me. All it would take is some paperwork to make it yours. Nothing wrong about carrying it around on your belt or whatever, it would be just like having another gun with you. Remember when you were injured at Renny's party and were briefly out of the battle? If you had a pokemon with you, you could have called him out and have him take your place while you waited to be healed. It can hve 4 attacks, thus offering you more variety in firepower."

"Besides," Charlotte said with a bit of a grin. "Do you really want the 'murderous bitch', as Pierce puts it, to carry around a legendary? What if I happened to just snap someday? That would offer a bit of danger."

[Geminex]

Impact paused for a moment, cocked his head, staring into the middle distance. Time seemed to slow, again... This moment was crucial, he realized. Make-it-or-break-it. Whatever his response, it would have... consequences. Far-reaching consequences. Beneficial? Detrimental? No way to tell ahead of time. So what to do? How to react? He'd been cornered, whether by luck or by intention, he was aware. It was up to him to get out of it...
So how to react? However he wanted to, of course.

Impact's hand flicked out, grasped the proffered pokeball. He spun away from Charlotte, pressed the ball's release button, barely managed to avoid flinching as the legendary monster appeared in front of him, its head on a level with his, regarding him with calm, blue eyes. Its head was about two feet away, and, stepping minutely closer, he raised a hand (it seemed ever-so-slow to him, but was it really? Time was still... strange), raised it, until his fingertips touched Latios' snout. He spoke, the words coming slowly. "Scared, Pierce? No. No fear. Question my motives as much as you want, but fear? No... none."

And, he realized, right now there really was no fear. He was acutely aware of the power that rested beneath those calm, blue eyes, those soft feathers. Power to break minds and flood continents and rule the skies. And was aware of his own power as well, not enough to, but possibly, possibly, just enough to kill this legendary monster. They were... close. Equal, in fact. And no amount of fear could help him now. Powerless, really. Not in the sense that he was incapable of surviving, should conflict erupt, but powerless to control the result of that conflict. Victory, defeat, it'd be up to training and instinct and primal strength. Slaying could only bring him so far, and here he was, at its limit.

But there was something else, wasn't there? An alcohol-inspired dream suffused by deathly cold. Of not destroying, but controlling? Not learning of opponent's weakpoints, but of their uses? The path of control... it seemed an easy jump, from here. Make enemies your tools, make their potential yours. Make their will yours. Gain Control.

So... how to react?
A grin spread across his face. This was it. Whatever decision he made now, it would have consequences. Far-reaching consequences. And possibly harmful ones, at that. But he had considered control, and in a second of consideration, he had seen so much potential. Potential for power, for destruction. But above all for control. Consequences, possibly harmful, but far more likely to be beneficial. And he liked those odds.

"In fact... y'know, what, you're both right. I'd be a fool to pass up this opportunity. I may not be able to use pokemon that well, but I can still learn, yes? And perhaps the two of you can help me. And even if I don't use this... magnificent beast in battle, it's sure to be useful elsewhere. So thank you, Pierce, Charlotte. You've helped me a lot. Good night to you."
And with a few quick motions, he tossed the ball, recalled the pokemon, pocketed it, and made his way off, into the night. He'd need to do some thinking, now...