Pokémon Umbral ~ Renny's Sidequest Chapter 1

[Astral Harmony]

Sidequest Objective: It's time to party! P-A-R-T-why? 'Cause you jus' gotta, biznitches!

General quarters was called for the Watchmen, which meant everyone had ten minutes to get to the briefing room, but there was no real rush behind it. Must not be an emergency.

Rayleen stood there with two other pretty girls by her side. Whitney in Gardevoir form and Harliette. Rachel and Lola were already there, sitting down.

"Before we begin, I have a few announcements," Rayleen started as though she was never hospitalized. "First off, sorry about the general quarters, but you all know what today is. We're all going to be having a wonderful party at the residence of Renny Tresserhorn. In addition to all of us, there will be three members of that group of demonic kunoichi, the Kimonos. One of them has heard that some of you have more than a passing interest in Magatamas, some kind of otherworldly creature that can grant demonic power to humans, and will be bringing an unusable sample just so you know what you're going to have to swallow as part of your initiation, and when I say 'swallow', I mean that in a very literal sense. The Kimono presense will also help in staving off the assassination attempts that I'm dead certain will be made against us by Reynold Faynoc. After all, you've killed Moera, one of his more talented and expensive experiments. You've retaken two of the legendary Pokémon he's sacrificed powerful allies to retrieve, Latios and Latias. And, to top it all off, you've destroyed Phantomere, a Ruin General who Faynoc likely considers to be some kind of holy prophet that will guide him on his pilgrimage of global conquest and sublimation. If I was Faynoc, I'd take that pretty personally."

Rayleen turned on the 3-D projector which displayed Renny's large house. She researched Renny's house!? "Because Faynoc's got us pretty high up on his 'motherfuckers who need to fucking die' list, this party at Tresserhorn's house will be counted as a mission in preparation for that douchebag sending his cronies to assassinate us when we're isolated from the rest of the agency staff. That means we'll be armed and ready for combat the moment we enter the vans to go there. You may be there to have fun, but be prepared to have a different kind of fun at any time. Rachel, Lola, Shannon, Moon, and Evangaleen will be accompanying us to enforce our defensive measures, as well as these two women. You should know them well enough but we'll let them introduce ourselves, anyways. Whitney?"

The Gardevoir Pokébrid stepped forward, and inclined her head slightly. She seemed a little shy. "Ah...umm...my name is Whitney. Whitney Calnein. I'm a Gardevoir and Mismagius Pokébrid. I lived with my older twin brother Wyatt in an orphanage until we were about twelve, when Professor Faynoc adopted us. Faynoc treated us really well and we volunteered to help him, which is when Wyatt and I became Pokébrids. We...didn't think about it, we were just so glad to have a good life. But losing my brother and speaking with some of you have taught me what I really should have had the intelligence to know all along. I have hurt innocent people in the name of Faynoc and was helping him get ready to conquer the world using Ruin Pokémon."
She raised her head and her pink eyes seemed to harden. "But I do know thing. Saying that I'm sorry and feeling regretful will not make it better, but actions will, and I will take action. I will fight the Ruin Pokémon, I will help is destroying the Ruin Generals, and I will bring Faynoc to justice. My brother, and the victims of our efforts when we worked for that man deserve that much."

"We're glad to have the extra firepower. Harliette?"

Harliette, who wore a decent uniform for a change, stepped forward to stand by Whitney. "I am called Harliette. You can call me Harley or Harle or whatever for short, I don't really care. I'm a Battle Master who specializes in Pokémon that can only exist as a female gender. Anyways, I know I may have fought against you before, but I promise to fight alongside you from now on. I know that doesn't exactly set things right, and I don't expect you to trust me right off the bat, so like my best friend Whitney, I will prove myself through actions and not pointless blathering."

Rayleen turned towards the assembled party. "Renny, you're the leader of the Watchmen from now on. I've left a lot of work on my desk as District Chief, so I won't always be able to work with you from now on. I will try to work with you all as often as I can, though. Now, just let me say that even though Renny will be the leader, you are all in your own way leaders of your own actions. Plus, your whole squad may not always be together, so there are likely to be many times when someone else will have to step up and take command. Anyways, that's all I have to say. Renny, it's up to you now. We stand by, ready to deploy for fun, games, and a possible near-death situation."

[Menarker]

This "opening announcements" shocked Renny to the core. The two new recruits was a pleasant and welcome turn of events. It wasn't a sure thing, but if they were as sincere as Shannon was, then it was all good. The house research was more than a little suprising but he took that in strides. Fayoc knowing where he lived was utterly depressing and worrisome. Could he be attacked in the middle of the night? Would his family be living in constant fear of the sudden random trainer from hell? Would they raze his home to the ground? The personal atmosphere that he radiated when he thought of the party shifted a few levels lower.

And now he was promoted to Leader of Watchman on the offset of this third "mission"? While it was true that he wasn't given any particular new responsibilities beyond what he was already expected to perform, the revelation was shocking beyond all compare. He was still only 16 while most of his peers were in their mid 20s! Plus, he couldn't help by feel that this unrequested change in status won't go over well. Some of the other members like Lola have been nothing but supportive at least, but others were more than skeptical or fast to dismiss Renny in the past.

"Ah, well... I'll continue to support PATCA as I always have. Whitney... Harliette... I imagine we all have good expectations from you two." Renny cleared his throat while trying not to focus on the news at all.

"Anyhow, I'll keep this short so we can get going and we can have fun and talk with the Kimonos among other things. Most of the estate is surrounded by plants among which there are several gardens... and the house is mostly made out of wood so a wrong move with fire type attacks might go out of control. But hopefully I can contain that with Swampert, although discretion is a good way to prevent accidents.

The garden has fair supply of berries which are suitable for pokemons, so if supplies run low, I suppose we could use them, such as the ever useful Lum berry to protect against Toxic and paralysis and the likes.

We shouldn't be expecting any wild pokemons there at all, although I should let you there are quite a few pokemons living there, mainly because my father was a pokemon trainer for many years. They are all quite friendly if you're friendly in turn so there shouldn't be any problems. They know there is a party going on so they won't be bothered. Now that I think about it, I should very well for telling you some of the pokemons you would meet, in case Fayoc's minions send out pokemons to attempt to mingle. Snorlax, Butterfree, Electrode as well as quite a few Shuckles, and I left Latias with my father, Dominic.

Anyhow, if you have any questions, I'll be sure to answer since it's my home. Otherwise, we can head to the van and celebrate the successful recovery of Rayleen, Dormond and Moon!"

[Geminex]

Impact's first instinct had been to go for his revolver. Boom, headshot, take out Renny. He could draw within a second, fire off all six shots within 4. He'd hit at this range. Oh yes, he'd hit. So, Renny. Who next? There were far too many individuals here that would attempt to stop him. He could stim up in a second, that'd give him both speed and reflexes, but he'd still have difficulty getting away. This was police headquarters after all. So, eliminate more pursuers. Rayleen would probably be a good second target. Besides, she deserved it. And if her pokemon went rogue (which he wasn't sure of, would they? perhaps he should dispatch Rachel as well, just to make sure) along with Renny's, then the briefing room would be packed with rampaging monsters. Very good for making escapes, a distraction like that. But what then? Even if he got out, the monsters would be on his trail, and he'd be a wanted criminal. So what then? Escape from Homnyr... but where to? Regions cooperated closely. Across the sea? Possibly. There were some not-too-friendly nations over there, he could hide. Of course, that'd mean goodbye to any political aspirations. He could hide out, though probably not rise to political rank. The world wasn't that corrupt yet.

So... was it worth it? Probably not. The indignity, the anger, he knew them well. He'd get revenge eventually. Though, perhaps, just perhaps he could stop this in its tracks. It was... worth a try. He struggled to compose himself, with success. If there ever was a time to stay calm, it was now. He raised a finger, quite politely, even managing to stop himself from making it the middle one.

"District Chief Rayleen? I mean no... insubordination, but your decision to appoint Renny to the rank of leader puzzles me. Certainly he is to some degree... qualified, but, I would imagine, so are many others in this team. He has displayed impressive leadership for his age, but others have shown the same degree of competence, and for all his... enthusiasm, Renny is the least experienced team member. If he were in any way qualified, if he had proven his capacity for leadership before, that'd be acceptable. But this does appear rather arbitrary. Why not simply give the team a choice? We are going to be the ones affected, we are going to be... led into battle by the one chosen for our leader, if he is going to be bearing responsibility for our lives, at the very least the team should be permitted to give some... input, yes? In short, Discrict commisioner Rayleen, I'm saying that, if anything, this should be the team's choice, not yours. This is utterly subverting the chain of command, I am aware, but we are in a... unique situation, yes? I could make a whole list of regulations which were simply ignored in the course of our... adventure, so far, but our team benefits from this tendency. I think our team would certainly benefit if we were to add this occasion to that list. Again, Renny, Rayleen, I am... deeply sorry, but I do not regard this decision as the correct one. And considering that not only my life, but the fate of this world hangs in balance, I must protest... Most Strongly. Follow my heart, if you will."

He had never felt the thrill of hunt and chase and combat outside of battle before, but now he did. His senses seemed heightened, his weapons on a hair trigger. Only instead of weapons, his mind was going into overdrive. How to reason, what else to add, how to counter their protests? "Follow my heart" had been quite good, he felt, but he'd need to be better. This moment, this decisions, would be... significant. Stakes were high, certainly. But rewards were great also... He may have made a mistake, may have doomed himself here... but really, he had little to lose. And rather a lot to gain. His plans weren't yet far enough to do this, really. But he had to, now or never.

"I propose that the matter be put to a formal vote among the original team members, being Pierce, Matt, Renny, Charlotte and myself. In this matter I nominate..." he paused slightly longer, waiting, thinking. Whom to nominate? Renny and himself would seem obvious, partly because, after himself, he saw Renny as the most competent. Of course, if Pierce disagreed, he might choose Renny purely out of spite, or just sabotage the entire thing, protest against himself not being nominated. He knew Pierce wasn't a fan of Renny's, but he wasn't a fan of Impact's either. He was unknown, along with Matt. Of course, the alternative was to nominate Pierce, alongside himself. But if he did that, again, he didn't know that he'd get the votes he needed. Renny might vote for Pierce out of spite or conviction (more probably conviction, they had fought together), and then he'd be dependent on Matt. And that was an unknown. He didn't like this. He could, of course, nominate Charlotte, he was certain people would choose him over her, but that'd be seen as entirely unreasonable, and the whole idea would be called off. So... decision time. "I would nominate Pierce and myself for the position of leadership." His eyes steely, his jaws clenched slightly. This was it, he felt. The killing blow. Time for eveyrone else to react.

______

Tactical update: BGM is now Sweet Victory, by David Glen Eisley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naoBpagW9rI
Because that song just fits. It's not celebratory, mind you. More "high-stakes battle".

[Menarker]

"I don't understand what you mean by my lack of experience. We both done the same number of missions here in PACTA and experienced the similar degree of fights. And I've done pokemon training for many years as well as first hand experience traveling to special locations. So it's rather a difference of experience rather than lack of. But I do feel being announced as leader is quite beyond what I expect to be assigned to me, although I'm gracious for the confidence, praise and trust that came with it."

Renny then pointed to the picture of his home.

"If I may suggest, I don't want to sour the party or anything. And the mission is in my home where I know the terrain and my family is there among other things. I would personally feel that I should lead for this particular mission. We can all have the chance to talk about this, because I do agree that this should be overall a group choice. We can hold an anonymous vote sometime after the party before the next mission. But it would be nice if we can enjoy today as much as we are able."

[Dracorion]

Pierce was rather annoyed at Rayleen's decision. Taking orders from Renny? He might kill himself. Impact, of course, spoke up, called a vote and nominated himself and Pierce. It made sense. If he nominated Renny, he would likely get most of the votes. Matthias was an unknown, and nominating Charlotte would get the whole thing passed off as a joke. By nominating Pierce, he ensured that the vote would be close enough for him to have a chance at winning.

"I agree that Renny should lead for this mission, given his familiarity with the terrain. But we really should settle the matter of leadership now rather than later."

[Geminex]

Impact sighed. "Your point is well made... But this is a matter of importance, one that will, hopefully, be handled quickly. I would happily let you lead the mission on your own estate, though I doubt there will be much opportunity to give orders. I'm hoping we won't see combat. But the question of overall leadership was brought up here, and I'd like to see it resolved, at least preliminarily, here. The vote won't take long, and we can be... at rest. And I think your lack of experience is, to some degree... noticeable. Not obvious, mind you, and it doesn't show in the orders you give. But some aspects of your behavior, the hugs, the naivete, the boundless optimism. They don't fit. They'd detract from the degree of control you have over the group, from your ability to coordinate many of us.

And while you may have almost a decade of training experience, I'm near certain that, as far as battles go, you have less experience than both Pierce and myself. I have no doubt that as you grow, you'll become one of the better trainers of the region, but I think for now, this matter has too much... weight, our team is too important than to put it into the hands of one such as yourself. Again, not an insult. Simply an observation. If you object to not being nominated, then that is your right. This is a matter of debate, amongst all of us. Each must get a say, any objections should be voiced, by all of us, arguments should be made before the vote. But truly, regarding you, I think it would be best, for the fate of the world, if you did not yet claim leadership."

[Menarker]

Renny thought for a brief moment. It would have been simple enough to just cast off the leadership and leave it up to someone else, but Rayleen trusted him and something like that was completely unexpected and throughly inspiring. He decided to ignore the comment on hugs and optimism which he felt did not actively detract from being a leader, especially since he never done so during the course of the missions.

"Well... in that case, I can accept dealing with the matter now. I'm withholding my vote for the time being though. If enough people think that I would be the best choice among us all for the task, then I will try best to do the part since I'm confident that with everyone's help, we'll be able to accomplish everything we are setting out to do. We're not fighting this thing alone, so regardless of whom becomes leader, we'll all be counting on everyone's support and respective expertise."

[Astral Harmony]

Rayleen shrugged lightly. "Well, if Mister Tresserhorn is in agreement, then I apologize for taking matters in my own hands. I may be the District Chief, but you're now an official squad. I really should learn to stop babying my own subordinates."

Harliette looked thoughtful. "In urban combat, the role of leadership falls to the one with the best qualities. They've gotta be brave, they've gotta be merciless, they've gotta be the one who fights the hardest. But then again, there's a difference between a tactical unit and an urban gang. In urban gangs, leadership is usually decided with a knife fight. It used to involve guns, but guns make far too much noise, and the fight loses its fairness when the fuzz step up to interfere."

"Faynoc became the leader of his cult mostly through words," Whitney observed aloud. "In my opinion, leadership is usually unconsciously granted. Faynoc did it all with presentation and theatrics. When you saw him, you just knew by the way he dressed, by the way he stood, by the way he walked, by the way he looked you directly in the face...you just knew this guy was the leader. And his voice! He had a voice that would make you listen to every word, no matter what poured out of his mouth, but it did help that he knew exactly what needed to be said, when it needed to be said. He didn't have to show you a single thing about his actual ability. You just knew from the way he presented himself that this guy would get you through the worst of it, and that's what he did...up until now, anyways. Then again, Ruin Generals are a rather new thing, aren't they? Kind of difficult to determine how they behave when first encountering one. After all, they're not human, and you couldn't really call them Pokemon, either."

"In the military, it's always about results," Evangaleen volunteered. "Get it done. Nothing else matters."
"Were you in the military, Miss Evangaleen?" Whitney asked.
"No, but I dated enough doofuses from there to get the gist of the military thought process," Evangaleen groaned. "In other words, never date a guy in the military."
The girls chuckled. Rayleen nodded. "Well, hopefully that defuses that situation before it did something permanent. I guess I did step too far in choosing a leader. Ultimately, it'll fall to the real battles that will determine who should lead, whether it be Renny, Impact, Pierce, Charlotte, Matthias, or hell, even someone like Harliette."
Harliette smirked. "I'll stick to leading my Pokemon, thanks."

The vans were waiting below, one for the team and one for the equipment, both combat necessities and a few items that would go with a party, like a karaoke machine.

[Menarker]

Renny didn't say much but nodded as he descended toward the vans, but entered neither one, although he waved pleasantly to Dormond who may end up driving like he did the first time they met. Taking a pokeball into his own hand, the lad summoned Togekiss, hugging the pokemon as it appeared like the big fluffy cherub it was, and getting ready to hold on for flight.


"I'll be flying ahead to guide the vans along. Once everyone is prepared, I'll lead us there!"

[Dracorion]

Pierce stopped by his room on the way down to the vans after the briefing. He picked up the scythe handle from Phantomere and went down. They'd been told that Mika, the Kimonos' expert on all things mystical would be there, so Pierce thought she might be able to tell him a thing or two about the scythe handle. The chill he felt when he held it just wasn't natural.

He rolled his eyes as Renny summoned Togekiss, and approached him. "I don't think that's really necessary." He said, "You can just ride in front with Dormond and give directions to the other van with a radio. If we get ambushed on the way, you'll just be a great big target if you're flying on Togekiss."