Pokémon Umbral ~ Renny's Sidequest Chapter 1

[Menarker]

Renny listened as much as he was able, but he had to admit that he felt lost over the historical and the political aspects of the conversation, so his mind turned inward to what he did know. Pokemon combat, especially against the ruin types. Having to deal with yet another pokemon with stamina similar to an Omnisroth was not appealing, so the lad tried to think of some way to eliminate them faster. Then Magnezone approached Renny just out of a random fancy. The small trainer sighed with relief at his reliable presence. Against the ruin pokemon, a steel type was useful... And they had an awful lot of steel types to work with.

"...Pierce? I was just thinking of some way to fight against the ruin pokemon, but I need to think over it a little bit. I understand if you're busy or still got questions for the Kimonos, so could I borrow your Metagross for the time being? Ruin types are weak against steel and our team has a large surplus of them, so I thought of something that might be usable."

Renny also went over to Rachel and to Evangaleen after their song, and pretty much asked the same thing, requesting Rachel's steel pokemon and Evanganleen's Magnezone.

--------------------
Doing the PATCAzord thing on the side. Feel free to ask questions, or you can join in the PATCAzord nonsense if you think your character would be curious. The other questions I got for the Kimonos I'll save for a little bit later.

[Geminex]

Impact smiled at Moon's comment. "You flatter me. If the Kimonos managed to take apart the military, they shouldn't have much more difficulty with me. Or any of us, for that matter. Though..." he glanced at Shizuka. "I'd happily be... tested by one of you. Certainly I wouldn't succeed, but it would be... interesting. Nothing personal, of course, just a learning experience, and an opportunity for you to evaluate my strength. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like to fight against a Kimono for once." His eyes flicked back to Mika. "Sadly, you won't be able to evaluate my, or any of our, trustworthiness in a friendly duel... So let us give it time, yes? We'll all keep... proving ourselves. Perhaps one day we'll be allowed access to a Magatama. That would make our job... easier, to say the least. But back to business."

Impact paused, pondered what had been explained. "Right... so, the Fahrngest empire modified humans with the gene of the original pokemon. Hence the connection between Ruin types and Primal Exist. Faynoc's probably trying to get involved to expand his pokebrid empire with Ruinous power, or he's already responsible for producing Ruin-Types. The ruin generals, were they created by Primal Exist directly? That would explain their power. But back to actual questions, because my curiosity takes precedence over self-consciousness and the desire to look handsome to 12-year old girls. If Ruin types have the DNA of the over-pokemon, why do they look that way? I would have imagined they'd look more natural. These look very... haphazard. Badly-made. Have they... degraded, over the centuries? Or would the original ruin types have looked that way as well? And, if so, why?" These questions were primarily rhetorical. The fact that the Ruin types originated from a fusion between humans and the ultimate pokemon explained their ungodliness completely. "But more to the point, if, as you say, Primal Exist is sealed and dormant, and isn't generating the Ruin types, why attack it? I'm all for wiping out the Ruin Threat, but why fight the Ultimate Legendary in the process? I'm just thinking tactics here."

[DanteFalcon]

Matthias listened to the conversation between the Kimonos and the others but was staying completely out of it. Impact would probably cover all the bases though he had a few more questions to look into back at the base. He would be taking some time to relax while they were out here though.

He had decided to wander the area near the conversation, looking out at the scenery and taking in the sunlight. The warmth was very much so appreciated, as was the peace and quiet. Gave him time to think and look more objectively at the situations at hand.

On the one hand, there was a potential traitor at headquarters. On the other, he had no proof or way to easily flush said traitor out. At least not without putting the whole staff at a great deal of risk. And proof would be extremely hard to come by. All of this hinged around the Gendom. The Gendom that had been destroyed and thus the amount of question that came off it were staggering, without any answer being more likely than another. He needed more information before he could tip his hand. It was merely a question of where the information he needed was and how he could get his hands on it.

[Dracorion]

Pierce held the scythe handle awkwardly after Mika handed it to him. It used to be a legendary pokemon that gave it's life, had it's remains desecrated and turned into a weapon for the enemy it gave it's life to defeat. Pierce couldn't help but pity it. "Poor bastard..." He said simply. Still, even if he couldn't help it, maybe he could keep it's sacrifice from being in vain. "Is there any way to channel it's power?" He asked Mika.

Nagarai was holding onto his arm much harder now. He was having trouble getting away and he was losing patience.
"Masteeerr, please give me a name!"
"You know I'm no good with names."
"I'll love any name you come up with, Master!"
"No."
"But Mast-" She began, but Pierce gave her that look. The look that said she was getting on his nerves and back the hell off. Nagarai seemed to shrink, her wings folded up, and she looked at the ground intently.

Nagarai and Pierce had a longstanding agreement that she would leave him alone whenever he was talking business. Usually this meant being in her pokeball during briefings, but Pierce wasn't going to keep her from enjoying the party. She had one last trick to try, first. "I thought this was supposed to be a party." She said hopefully. Pierce gave her that look again. Nagarai stalked off a little distance away but still well within earshot. She didn't eat, talk to anyone or play with the other pokemon, she just looked intently at Pierce. Then she had a sudden stroke of brilliance and smilled evilly.

Pierce released Kingdra. It was the only one of Pierce's pokemon that would enjoy itself at a party. "DRA!" Kingdra cried gleefully, jumping on Pierce quickly before it bounded off and joined Swampert in shooting weak Water Guns at Shaymin. Pierce listened in on everyone's conversation. He immediately wanted to try his hand against the Gabriel Force. Then Renny came up to him.

"...Pierce? I was just thinking of some way to fight against the ruin pokemon, but I need to think over it a little bit. I understand if you're busy or still got questions for the Kimonos, so could I borrow your Metagross for the time being? Ruin types are weak against steel and our team has a large surplus of them, so I thought of something that might be usable."

Pierce held Metagross' pokeball in his hand but didn't give it to Renny. "What are you thinking of?"

He was distracted by Impact talking about fighting the Kimonos. Screw it, if anyone was going to get the first shot at them, at least at Shizuka, it was going to be Pierce.

Then he was asking more questions, but Pierce thought he could answer the last one. "If I understand correctly, the Primal Exist is what makes the Ruin-types exist. You kill it, they either cease to be or no one can make Ruin-types anymore. Did I get it right?" He asked apprehensively at the Kimonos.

He didn't want to risk Impact getting at Shizuka first, so he addressed her, as respectfully as he could. "'Scuse me. I realize you're a little busy now with the Q&A, but after that's over and we've all got a chance to relax, would you like to spar a little?"

[Menarker]

Renny looked nervous in front of Pierce. His past reaction to Renny's last "theory" did not go well at all.

"Well, Pierce... Several of our steel pokemon have immense strong magnetic properties. In addition, Magnezone and Metagross both seem to possess a body structure and mind that resembles robotics... I was thinking that defeating ruin types might be easier if the pokemons were able to temporaily fuse at will, combining their strengths. Between you, me, Rachel and Evangeleen, we got two Metagrosses and two Magnezones and a host of other steel types. Ruin types are naturally weak to steel types, but even the superiorly effective dragon moves require more than one hit and those are hard to come by. By boosting the effectiveness of our steel type pokemon, we would have more options. I'm sure that Kiyomi might be able to help a bit with my idea, since she is the expert of technology within the Kimonos.

I'm sure that we can think of something useful for them, while you're in the middle of your sparring match..."

[Dracorion]

Pierce looked at Renny quizzically. Fusing Steel pokemon? He'd never thought of that before. Would it work? Even if they could put all the Steel-types together, he didn't think their powers would cumulate. Still, at best he could get a giggle out of it. He smiled, and handed Metagross' pokeball to Renny.

"Take good care of it," he said, "don't let anything happen to it."

[Menarker]

"I understand. I'll give him back to you shortly. Thank you kindly! Come on Magnezone!"
Wow, I didn't expect he would help out. I guess he's not so bad after all. ^^

Renny then focused on Kiyomi, since most of the attention was focused on Shizuka or Mika.

"Kiymoni, can you come with me for a few minutes? I got a theory that I think you might be able to help with."

Renny then went over to Rachel,

"Rachel, could you come with me and Kiyomi for a few minutes? I got an idea regarding the steel pokemon that might come in handy."

and then to Evangaleen as she and her fellow singers were finishing their song. The lad was rounding up the ladies!

"Evangaleen, can you hold on for a few minutes?"

Then, he turned to them and anyone who gathered nearby and continued.

"I was thinking that against the Ruin type pokemons, including the ones with huge stamina like Omnisroth which even rare dragon moves can't put down in one blow, that we'd need more options. Fortunately, not only are they weak to steel, but among the team, we got a large supply of Steel type pokemon. My Magnezone here for one, Pierce's Metagross here, which he was generous enough to loan. Rayleen's steel type which Rachel is holding, and Evangaleen also had a Magnezone when we first met and fought each other."

Renny face changed to that of slight embaressment, hoping she didn't take any offence to that.

"Anyhow, we got two Metagrosses and two Magnezones and the legendary Registeel. All of which are somewhat robotic in their nature and build. They both also have a degree of magnetic force, although Magnezone more so for virtue of being a giant living magnet."

MAGNEZONE!

"Anyhow, I was thinking that their powers could perhaps be amplified if we were to enable them to fuse together. Sorta like how a computer gets more potent as it is attached to other servers and get more space. I'm not the expert at technology to be honest though... Also, it might be possible for the other steel types to still have a strong role... So I guess I'm asking that we summon our steel types and see what we can put together?"

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Somewhat assuming that the ladies don't have any problem following or helping Renny. Let me know if the case is otherwise AB.

[Astral Harmony]

Renny Gets Rachel and Evangaleen's Pokemon

Rachel and Evangaleen looked at each other. "Eh, let's just do what he says. Renny's good to Pokemon so I'm certain he won't hurt 'em."

They did as he asked, but Evangaleen stayed with the party while Rachel joined Renny. For whatever reason, Rachel had decided to transform into her Magnezone form. Two large magnets floated near her head like hair accessories from the future and her skin had a metallic shine to them.

-----

Impact Challenges Shizuka

Shizuka smiled and moved to a clear area on the lawn. Impact was compelled to follow. Here, Shizuka assumed a combat stance, but made no move to draw her katana.
"Our knowledge of the Ruin Pokemon is still very finite," Mika was explaining. "From all the fighting we've done, we've observed differences and similarities between the Narcham series and all other Ruin types, which includes the Ruin Generals. Call me crazy, but I think the Narcham series are separate from Primal Exist's Ruin types. After all, they're the only Pokemon that give off electromagnetic fields. It's a new generation of Ruin Pokemon, all originating from the Progenitor."

Shizuka sized Impact up with her sharp eyes. "The mission of the Progenitor seems to be to free Primal Exist. It's very possible that the Ruin Generals and their Pokemon were freed by the Progenitor working under orders from Primal Exist. But that's just speculation on our part."

The fight was on, but Shizuka still didn't wield her katana. Kiyomi laughed. "Don't be mad, Impact. Shizuka only draws her sword when the fighting gets serious. Even when sparring against Tsubasa and Kirie, Shizuka won't draw it immediately. You've gotta prove something to her."

-----

Pierce Talks to Shizuka

"You can both fight me at once," Shizuka said, keeping her eyes on Impact. "I have a Pokemon myself."
"Ooo, sounds like a challenge," Kiyomi said, watching the building tension.

"We're not certain in destroying Primal Exist will end the reign of Ruin Pokemon for good," Mika answered Pierce's questions. "We do know it'll prevent them from rebuilding when all of us kick their asses this time."

"As for that thing, you may want to somehow get the whole thing together again before you see some results. Not that it's useless by itself but it's more or less just a length of pipe that deals ghost type damage which a unique trait that still lets it hit normal types."

-----

Trying to Give Nagarai a Name, Take One

"Y'know, Nagarai isn't a terrible name," Shannon said, cradling her Leafeon in her arms.
"Yeah, but she wants a nickname, like the ones we've given our favorite Pokemon." Evangaleen said, on her knees and hand-feeding her Jolteon.
Lola looked Nagarai over. "How about Samantha?"
Harliette put out her cigarette. "Just because I don't use my original name, you're going to give it to her? Well, because she's all over her trainer, let's just call her Clingy."
"Clingy? She's not the eighth dwarf, you know."
"How about Miffy?"
"Wasn't that our family dog? I don't think she'll want a dog's name unless she is, in fact, a dog herself."
Shannon yawned. "Hmmm. Do you think she'd like a name like Boko?"

Everyone stared at Shannon for a few seconds. "You came up with a pretty name like Florescence for your Leafeon, but you want to name somebody else's Pokemon after a large yellow bird?"
Then it started getting quite spirited. The names were getting quite good, but since they didn't come from Pierce's own lips, they didn't quite meet Nagarai's standards.

-----

Renny Talks to the Ladies

Kiyomi frowned as she looked at Renny's setup. Evangaleen and Rachel weren't exactly sure what to think. "Hmmm. Well, it's an original idea at least. Let's experiment, shall we? Rachel, step over there."

Rachel glanced at Kiyomi, then walked over and stood where Kiyomi told her to. "Now what?"
"Expand a magnetic field."
"Huh?"
Kiyomi just nodded. Rachel clenched her body together a bit and then a sizeable magnetic field grew from her small body. The steel Pokemon felt compelled to enter it and help in the expansion. Kiyomi poked at her own right cheek. "Try dancing."
"Dancing?" Rachel asked.
"C'mon, give it a try."

Rachel started to shake her groove thang. It was decidedly like an aerobic exercise program. Chances were that Rachel got her dance moves from exercise videos and whatnot. No wonder she was just 3% body fat. Almost like magic, the steel Pokemon began to follow into her spirited groove. Who knew that Registeel could pull off dance moves like that? Rayleen was sure to be weirded out. "Whoa, they're dancing with me!"
"It's not quite the same as what you might have been expecting," Kiyomi said to Renny, still lost in thought. "But at the least it's a step in the right direction. The only way it could truely work is if the Pokemon were modified, like they were created to be one combined piece from the get-go."

A moment passed. "Rachel, thank you, we're done. You can stop dancing."
"But the magnetic energy feels so tingly and good!"
"You're going to exhaust yourself if you keep it up though. Remember that you're sending lightning through your own body to maintain that magnetic field."
Rachel unwillingly stopped dancing. The magnetic field vanished and the steel Pokemon parted. "Like that, they could probably unleash some powerful lightning type attacks, but there wouldn't be anything defensive wise. An enemy would be able to pick them apart piece by piece and if they hit Magnet Girl directly, then-" Kiyomi spread her hands helplessly.
"My name is Rachel. Oh, I'll call this the Thunderdome! All steel Pokemon enter. Nobody leaves!"

[Menarker]

"Wow, that was impressive! That was a great dance Rachel! I'm glad you enjoyed it!" Renny was pleased at this overall minor success even if Kiyomi didn't rate its usefulness very high... and he didn't either. But the dance was something else, and Rachel really struted her stuff.

"But yes Kiyomi, this wasn't exactly what I was thinking of. While the option for more powerful lightning attacks is good to have, it wouldn't exactly serve the purpose again ruin types. Maybe if we had some sort of protective barrier to defend against attacks, then it would be damn useful against the specific ruin generals that are weak to lightning, but ruin pokemon aren't weak to electric types... What was I thinking of would more emphasize their steel attribute."

Renny then approached all the steel pokemon, whispering in what Renny would consider their ears. His own Magnezone was perflexed and one could imagine that all the other steel types were peering at it as if demanding an explaination for his master's madness.

"Alright... You two Metagrosses, come over here. I need you to stand side by side about an arm's length apart. Your arm's length I mean. Registeel, I'll have you stand behind the Metagrosses for now. Bastidon, you stand beside Registeel's right arm. Bronzong, you stand beside Registeel's left arm and Empoleon stands besides you. Both you Magnezones, attach yourselves to Registeel's shoulders. Mine will take the left one... Metaleon, you stand on Registeel's head. Rachel, if you want to you can join Metaleon."

By this point, a certain pattern could be seen... Registeel had both Magnezones attached like shoulderpad and battery packs, the Magnezone's antennas almost like shoulder spikes. The tiny Metaleon looked out of place sitting on the massive Registeel.

"Alright, Magnezones, start surging the magnetic energy! We're going to start attracting the pieces!"

Zone... The two magnet pokemons started surging the energy inside Registeel, turning the titan into a giant magnet of sort.

"Registeel, lightly grab hold of Bastidon with your right hand. The magnetic energy will help connect the two of you! Do the same with Bronzong with your left hand! Empoleon, you fit youself inside Bronzong, and hold your arms so they are like extended blades!"

By this point, Registeel already looked like a knight and his tiny animal companion! It was starting to look very interesting to Renny at least... But the load was starting to make it difficult to move.

"Alright! Take your step on the Metagrosses. They are both immensely powerful pokemon and they got magnetic energies too so they can lighten the load. Their minds have been compared to super computers, so they can co-ordinate the steps!"


Renny had to bend backwards a slight to fully comprehend the pokemon's full stature! It was totally huge and menacing. Like it could easily squish him. To him, it was the most recently most awesome thing he ever seen. Renny then started boasting about what this brain child was envisioned to do!

"Wow, you all look incredible! Majestic even! Registeel wields the awesome defensive hardness of Bastidon with all the awesome power of an Iron Fist. Empoleon acts as the blade arm, with its reach extended thanks to being attached to Bronzong! Magnezone holds them all together plus grants powerful electric attacks and utility like Thunder Wave! Metagross can use Magnet Rise to make Registeel lighter and Registeel's movement faster as a whole and can use psychic attacks in a pinch. Metaleon and Rachel can move along the body without falling off, thanks to be magnetically attached and can distribute healing items to help with stamina, and act as seperate artillery! In addition, Empoleon can detach himself and join them to do the same, use water attacks against fire pokemon that might try to hurt them, and Registeel can use Bronzong as an enhanced Flash Cannon! Bullet Punch with Bastidon! Metal Claw with Empoleon! Flash Cannon with Bronzong and Magnezones! Electric attacks with the Magnezones and Rachel! Psychic attacks by the Metagrosses! Support to last longer by Metaleon! The ruin types would find themselve hard pressed against one of their natural weaknesses further empowered!"

Renny took a deep breath, and looked to see what the others would say.

Shaymin flew around and around getting a good look at it, while Swampert chuckled. As much as he admitted it was damn cool, he was happy he wasn't part of it. Togekiss looked marveled by the novelty, and Shaymin was just downright jealous.

Umbreon from some distance away saw the spectacle over the noisy clanging of metal bodies, chuckled a little and went back to sleep. Snorlax realized what it was like to be much smaller... Dominic and Maria were... perplexed by the behemoth that came to be created.

"PATCA looks a strange place to work in." Dominic remarked while helping himself to some caramel candies with chocolate chewy centers.
"Yup. Renny seem to be having the time of his life though."

"Try moving around! Swing your arms a little!"

[Geminex]

Impact was watching Shizuka, his head cocked, thinking. There were a few ways he could do this... None of them likely to succeed, but at the very least he'd get to observe the much-vaunted leader of the kimonos in combat. Maybe he'd learn a trick or two, before getting humiliated. Pierce'd be useful as well... In fact...

Impact drew the Dragon Slave from his belt, held it combat-ready... Then dropped his stance, replaced the blade in its sheath, and tossed both sheath and blade over to Pierce. He resented disarming himself in favor of a trainer, but this was probably the best way to do it. And besides, perhaps Pierce would hurt himself with it. That thought cheered him up, but he didn't let it show as he turned to the trainer. "You can use that... you might need it." A quick nod, an expression that could easily be mistaken for a smile, and back to Shizuka. He approached the demon slowly, adopting a combat stance similar to hers. "Hand to hand it is..."

He approached her until he was only just out of her range, took a breath, focused. He wasn't excellent at hand-to-hand, but he was good at deception, at feints and misdirection. He'd go with that. He found himself wishing he had used adrenaline or stamina boosts, but he took too many of those as it was. And besides, he wanted to see how well he'd do against her without chemicals in his system. But enough doubt. Focus... focus...
...
Go.

He moved quickly, faked a step to her right, moved to her left, let loose a strike at her neck with the flat of his right palm, turned that into a jab at her stomach in the last second, while his left hand came up in a slashing motion, ready to follow up with an actual strike to the neck. Fairly basic, really, nothing too complex. Well executed, but certainly nothing Impact would expect success from. What he did have hopes for was deception. The early feints had been done with skill, but again, they weren't very advanced. As feints went, they were predictable.

What was less predictable was, what was hidden by his shirt-sleeves. He had given the Dragon Slave to Pierce, but in the time since the last mission he'd done some endurance training, and further familiarized himself with the Slayer's arsenal. He was now capable of carrying four weapons, and he was putting that ability to the test. Halfway though his attack, he flicked his wrists, minutely, but just strong enough to trigger the claws of twilight, and cause six wrist-mounted blades to extend. His attacks were now less "basic strikes" and more "attempted murder", particularly since the additional length of the blades wouldn't give her much time to react. It wasn't nice, not at all, but at the very least he'd see whether Shizuka was good enough at planning to foresee something like this, or whether she had enough combat skill. And if neither... first blood was good, even if she was likely to beat him mercilessly if this worked.