Pokemon Umbral Theatre 36: We're Alone, We're Very Alone

[Astral Harmony]

Pokemon Astral: Ruinous Generations

Chapter 1 ~ A Day Like Almost Any Other

*An alarm clock rings and a young girl fights against sleepiness to pull herself out of bed and gently deactivate it.*
- Young Girl: "I wonder if mom's up? Otherwise, I'll have to fix my own breakfast."
*She does some quick stretching exercises to banish away the rest of her lethargy and opens her closet, searching for her favorite clothes. After dressing, Moesha checks her face, teeth and hair in her private bathroom and then begins to head downstairs and smells breakfast finishing.*
- Moesha: "Good morning! Hey, where's dad?"
- Lola: "It's our anniversary, Moe-Moe. I imagine he left early to get to New Fainas in order to find something nice for me."
- Moesha: (Impish grin) "Along with something special that he'd like you to wear for him tonight?"
- Lola: "...You need to stop hanging out with Harliette and Catherine so much. I swear they're wrecking your mind. Anyways, please have some breakfast. I forgot that Renny wasn't here and was already cooking so I made way too much."
- Moesha: "Airheaded as usual. Don't mind if I do."
*Moesha sits down and begins eating. It's a delicious western-style breakfast of eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and various other items. But Lola can make even basic food taste like fine dining. As Moesha gets more than her fill, there's a knock at the door.*
- Moesha: "I got it."
*Moesha checks through the peephole in the door and then opens it with a smile.*
- Moesha: "Geez, Baath. Clingy much?"
- Baath: "Don't get the wrong idea, Moesha."
- Lola: "Is that Baath? This is starting to seem like a second home for you. Do you want some breakfast? As usual, I made far too much."
- Baath: "I don't think I could ever turn down your cooking, Lolianne."
- Lola: "How are Matthias and Alice?"
- Baath: "Really, really weird."
- Moesha: "Big surprise there."
- Lola: "Be nice, Moesha."
- Baath: "Would you like to leave soon, Moesha?"
- Moesha: "...Yeah, might as well. I'd like to get to New Fainas before the more dangerous Pokemon start waking up."
- Lola: "That's a good idea. Do you want to take some food or items or anything before you go?"
*Moesha stands up from the dining table and hugs Lola.*
- Moesha: "Relax, mom, I've got everything I need."
- Lola: "Alright, but come back if you think it's going to be too rough to travel today. Take care, sweetie. Don't let her ego make her do anything dumb, Baath."
- Baath: "Why do you think I came here so early?"
- Moesha: "Whatever. You're all jerks."

*Moesha and Baath start walking down the safer main street that leads to New Fainas. The journey would take about two hours on foot, but it's nothing that these hardened teenagers can't handle.*
- Moesha: "I've been watching the news a lot lately. What's up with this Decrier group?"
- Baath: "Just a bunch of idiots complaining about how the government's good work isn't good enough. I for one think the government's doing a lot better than what could be expected from them, considering how much the war changed everything."
- Moesha: "Some people just can't be satisfied and understand how lucky we actually are. All of this could've been smoldering wasteland piled with ashen corpses if it wasn't for what Megumi and Ray did for us."
*Up ahead, a substantial bush rustles violently. Baath steps forward to place himself between the bush and Moesha.*
- Moesha: "Baath, if I couldn't take care of myself, I wouldn't ever leave the house, now would I?"
- Baath: "I'll answer that after we know what the hell it is."
*Just then, a long javelin-like bolt rockets out of the bush. Moesha leaps forward and strikes down the javelin with one swing of her metal striking pole.*
- Moesha: "Careful, Baath! It's a Spinalista."
- Baath: "Above ground? Let's just hope it's by itself."
*Moesha and Baath engage the Spinalista in battle. Moesha, unlike her parents, wasn't a Pokebrid, and instead focused on training both as a Slayer and a Pokemonk, utilizing a metal striking pole. Baath, however, was a Pokebrid, after having been inspired by his father's exploits, and was utilizing a Dullihon's form. Against the two young powerhouses, a single Spinalista wasn't much of a challenge, especially since it no longer had the element of surprise.*
- Moesha: "I see you don't skimp on your daily training, huh?"
- Baath: "Yeah, well. I'd like to be able to do what my parents were capable of back then."
- Moesha: "I hear that. Sometimes, the stories of what my parents were capable of are all I think about."
*The two continue down the road, wary of further blind spots near their path.*
- Baath: "You seem to be thinking pretty hard about something, Moesha. What's up?"
- Moesha: "Nothing. Just feeling a bit melancholy myself these days after remembering many of the things my mom and dad have been through."
- Baath: "Let's just hope Professor Ricewood has a grand adventure waiting for us when we get to Neo Fainas."
- Moesha: "Hey, now. Don't make me have expectations."
*After many more battles against inferior odds, the two young badasses arrive in New Fainas. Despite Ray's best efforts as Honmyr's great leader during the Third Successionary War, Fainas Metropolis was spared no end of troubles. Some buildings were so badly damaged that the city workforce was simply bulldozing many structures over, clearing away all the rubble, and rebuilding something even better in its wake. New Fainas was an odd place with new modern buildings mixed with repurposed old buildings and still quite a few war-wrecked ruins. Still, without Ray and Megumi, it could have been worse. So, so much worse...*
- Moesha: "There sure are a lot of ScarCom units everywhere. Are they on every street corner?"
- Baath: "I think it has something to do with the massive demonstration by the Decriers just yesterday. The way I heard it, when the Police Force intervened and tried to break it up, one of the more overzealous Decriers deployed his Pokemon and attacked the Police Force. I believe over a dozen people ended up dead and dozens more were injured in the subsequent riots."
- Moesha: "Then it's no wonder ScarCom's been deployed, huh."
*Baath and Moesha continued on their way to Ricewood Masterworks.*

*Finally, the two youths arrived at Ricewood Masterworks.*
- Baath: "Hey, Vic. Is that you?"
- Victoria: "Baath, I see you've arrived safely. And this is Moesha Tresserhorn, correct? My name is Victoria Green. It's nice to meet you."
- Moesha: "Ha ha ha, you sound a lot like Baath. Anyways, yeah, that's me. So, your last is Green, huh? I think Baath told me about you. About you being Ray Green's daughter, I mean. I'm still reeling from the fact that Ray was able to breed."
*Baath and Victoria blinked.*
- Moesha: "I-I-I'm so sorry, I totally didn't mean it like that! It's just that all the things I've heard about your dad are... sorta... y'know."
- Victoria (Amused sigh) "I'm sure I've heard a lot worse than you have. Anyways, congratulations on this one, Baath. She's beautiful."
- Baath: "Moesha and I aren't dating."
- Moesha: "That's true, but I wouldn't exactly say 'no' if you bothered to ask, Baath."
- Baath: "Perhaps some other time. Do you know if the professor's in?"
- Victoria: "I'm waiting for Tsubaki to find that out for me, actually."
- Moesha: "Oh, she's here, too? That can't be a coincidence, can it? Just how many people is the professor requesting?"
- Tsubaki: "You mean you don't want me here?"
- Moesha: "You have really sharp ears as usual, Tsubaki. Anyways, that's not what I meant at all. It's so good to see you again."
*Moesha nearly jumps on Tsubaki.*
- Tsubaki: "Geez, Moesha, we're not little kids anymore. Show some discretion."
- Moesha: "Oh right. How're your mothers?"
- Tsubaki: "Everybody says it like that, huh? My two mothers are just fine. A little too lovey-dovey for me to handle, but all is well."
- Moesha: "I know your pain."
- Baath: (To Victoria) "So are you still searching for your father's murderer?"
- Tsubaki: "That was a suddenly dark change of tone, don't you think?"
- Victoria: "It's fine, Tsubaki. In the beginning, I was searching for her. At least, the Police Force believes it to have been a woman. But then I recieved a communication from Megumi. She says she's making every effort to handle that and so I can put all my energy in handling the other big mystery in my life."
- Moesha: "Other mystery?"
- Victoria: "Yes, for there are two. One is to find out who killed my father and then maybe or maybe not exact revenge though I guess I can count on Megumi to handle that for me as well. And the other is to... well, find out just who the hell my mother is."
- Moesha: "Buh?"
- Baath: "Were there seriously no clues at the president's manor?"
- Victoria: "It can easily be years before that Arnold P. Howard guy is done sorting through all that damn paperwork that Ray and his government left behind. I'd be better off just getting a blood sample drawn but I'm sure how I feel about others knowing who she is before I do."
- Moesha: "Why's that?"
- Victoria: "Privacy matters, of course. Also, it could be a big deal."
- Moesha: "Ah. That sounds reasonable enough."
- Victoria: "Tsubaki, did you find out if the professor is in?"
- Tsubaki: "She isn't, but Darcelle is running the counter and I think she said Professor Faynoc was here."
- Moesha: "Darcy's here? I'm gonna go say 'hello'."
- Baath: "Don't trip."
- Moesha: "Piss off, you."

*Moesha walks up to the front desk and meets Darcelle at the window.*
- Moesha: "Hey, Darcy. Where's Professor Ricewood?"
- Darcelle: "Goooooooood mooooooooorning, Moe-Moe! Darcelle's doing great! Oh, but you didn't ask that, did you? Big Sis Myrie is attending a scientific conference."
- Moesha: "Again? She has one, like, every two weeks now, doesn't she? Just what the hell gives?"
- Darcelle: "It's the same thing every time, Moe-Moe. Those Decrier people keep demanding that the government use Heritage technology to magically fix everything for them again."
- Moesha: "Huh... and is that possible?"
- Darcelle: "Probably, but not immediately. Do you remember Project Arsenal?"
- Moesha: "A massive project that involved researching Heritage technology for military purposes, right? It's all over the Internet."
- Darcelle: "Although we have learned so much about weaponizing Heritage technology through Project Arsenal, we've only just scratched the surface about utilizing HeraTech for anything else. And weapons aren't going to help the downtrodden people of Honmyr. It can only be used to keep them safe, not fill their bellies and vaccinate their children. But they simply refuse to understand these simple truths."
- Moesha: "I hope they can understand that and learn some patience one day. ...Oh! Is Labby here?!"
- Darcelle: "Well, it will take Professor Faynoc a little longer to spare some time for you, so go right ahead. The code is 1-4-4-1."
- Moesha: "Thank you! Pass me a message when the professor's ready!"
*Moesha hurries into the elevator.*
- Victoria: "She sure seems excited. What's up?"
- Baath: "...Ah. I guess her favorite pet is here. I wonder if she brought a swimsuit?"
- Victoria: "Huh?"

*Moesha activated the code input function in the elevator and tapped the code that allowed her to access the training sub-basement facility. She couldn't help but smile. It's been nearly three months since she last played with her inhuman friend. The elevator comes to a halt and Moesha exits to find that her friend was definitely there, in the massive pool.*
- Moesha: "Labby, I'm here! It's me! Moe-Moe! Come give me a big hug!"
*A large ripple formed in the center of the pool as something gigantic pushed huge amounts of water out of its way. The giant semi-transparent creature known as Lathiron Theta bursts up from the surface, lurches forward, and draggs its gigantic, soft tongue up Moesha's left arm and cheek as she tries fruitlessly to defend herself.*
- Moesha: (Laughing) "Stop it, Labby! I missed you a lot, too, you silly bastard."
*Try as she might, it was difficult to get her friend under control when they had been separated for so long.*
*It had been nearly thirty minutes before Darcelle called down into the basement through the intercomm system, requesting that Moesha return to the first floor. When the elevator reached the floor, Baath, Victoria and Tsubaki entered so that the elevator can just go up to the top research floors.*
- Tsubaki: "Let me guess. You decided to strip naked and play with Labby in the pool but forgot to have a towel handy."
- Moesha: "I couldn't help it. I really missed him so much."
- Baath: "I think they have towels available down there now."
- Moesha: "Where were they? I couldn't find them."
- Baath: "Did you actually try looking?"
- Moesha: "...Whatever, you're a jerk."
- Baath: "Well that's not very nice."

*The elevator reached its destination and the four young heroes found Professor Faynoc, fast asleep hunched over a desk.*
- Baath: "She was probably half asleep when she told Darcelle to go ahead and send us up."
- Tsubaki: "Should we wake her?"
- Victoria: "Yes. I don't want to stay here if she's just going to be like this for a while."
- Moesha: "I got it. Leave it to Moesha."
*Moesha walks up to the deck and bends over it, stroking Professor Faynoc's cheek with her own.*
- Moesha: "Nuzzle nuzzle nuzzle nuzzle nuzzle nuzzle nuzzle nuzzle..."
- Victoria: "Is... is that supposed to work?"
- Moera: "Alright, alright, I'm up, Moesha. And why is your hair so wet?"
- Baath: "Apparently so."

*Moera staggered up from her chair, grabbed one of the files that was on her desk, and handed it to Victoria while she hastily explained the reason that she had gathered the four of them.*
- Moesha: "All of the Heritage Sites?"
- Moera: "Sometime after the conclusion of the Third Successionary War, authority regarding researching the Heritage Sites had began to transfer from the government over to the poketologist community. We still need to present all of our findings to the government and Police Force while making certain that we never again cross the lines of morality and decency, but we now have the full right to investigate every last Heritage Site in all of Honmyr, both above ground and below it, both dropped here by the Knomere and those that mankind themselves created, both-"
- Victoria: "Yes, but why us? I'm trying to figure out who the hell my mother is, not following up on some idea that Heritage Sites can also be accredited for the creation of all Pokemon."
- Moera: "Hey, don't think me a careless bitch. That's only how I was before the Third Successionary War. I can almost guarantee that entering these Heritage Sites and seeking out the truth can be benefitial to each of you as well. Moesha seeks understanding of the same power that her parents wielded before the Rezonscape was destroyed. Victoria is trying to find out just who her mother is. Baath would surely love to learn things about how Pokemon were created, and Tsubaki... well, I'm sure there'll be something in one of those sites that can open some doors of opportunity for her."
- Tsubaki: "Plus, I don't like the idea of my best friend going into places like that without me there to back her up."
- Moesha: "I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm glad we'll be hanging out a lot more from now on, Tsubaki."
*Tsubaki blushes and gently scratches her cheek.*
- Tsubaki: "Yes. Of course."
- Victoria: "According to these files, we won't be doing this alone, anyways. Seems like there're researchers and detectives conducting investigations all over every single site. Are you really sure we won't be in the way?"
- Moera: "Eh, I'm sure it's alright as long as you don't cause an international incident or something."
- Baath: "Forbo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ode..."
- Moera: "When you get to those sights, please speak with their respective Science Chiefs and Investigation Leaders, alright? That should smooth things over and help you get your bearings. Oh, and there's one more thing before you depart, but this one isn't such a big deal..."

*A little later, the three young ladies and one young gentleman exit the giant building.*
- Victoria: "Should we really accept this assignment?"
- Moesha: "If we're not going to do it, then why did we take that document with us?"
- Tsubaki: "Not to mention these Pokemon."
*Moesha, Baath and Tsubaki produce three very pretty Pokeballs so that all four adventurers may look upon them.*
- Victoria: "Test out the mechanics of Astral Harmony? How? My father couldn't even figure out how it made any sense."
- Moesha: "It's a strange Pokemon to be sure. It comes in three balls that have to be held and deployed by three different people."
- Tsubaki: "If two of the trainers have a strong bond with each other, the Pokemon merge into composite forms with different types, abilities and moves."
- Baath: "And creating the true Astral Harmony is possible only when the three trainers possess these strong bonds. What, like a perfect love triangle or something?"
- Victoria: "Professor Moera believed that these strong bonds were proven by the existence of Union Techniques between two or three people, but that didn't exactly work because having one of those doesn't imply a special or even close relationship. Besides, Union Techniques no longer exist with the Rezonscape gone. Anyways, you three are probably the best we'll ever get to three people who have strong bonds with each other. Maybe that's why Moera is having us figure this out."
- Baath: "That won't be immediately possible, though. I only just met Tsubaki today."
- Tsubaki: "I'm sure we'll become great friends soon, Baath."
- Moesha: "Oh, wait, we forgot something. Victoria, did they take your blood sample?"
- Victoria: "Nein. I'm not holding out much hope, but if it's possible that I can discreetly learn who my mother is through checking out these Heritage Sites, that might be for the best. If it doesn't work out, then I'll just use the scientific method later."
- Moesha: "I guess that's everything, then. Shall we get started?

Moesha Tresserhorn, the cheerful and promising young Pokemonk who seeks to become as legendarily powerful as her loving parents. If the Heritage Site could potentially let her control immeasureable power like her parents, then she couldn't possibly deny this opportunity.

Baath Sona, a confident and somewhat aloof man who has a fanatical but healthy interest in Pokebrid tactics and statistical data. Anything he could learn about Pokemon could only further his understanding and knowledge on the art of Pokemon battling.

Tsubaki Hirasaka, a half-demon samurai warrioress just trying to make friends while coming to terms with her own unique body and powers. She is content with herself, but there is always that niggling concern that maybe she could be happier with a different perspective and approach to relationships. Maybe this journey will help her grow as a person?

And Victoria Green, a courageous yet humourless woman trying to discover the truth of her origins and how she should design her own future. She searches for knowledge about two mysterious women, one that murdered her father and one that is her mother. Hopefully they are not one in the same, but if there's even a remote chance that the Heritage Sites hold clues for her to unravel, then her mind will harbor no further doubt.

They were given a mission to unearth an ancient mystery from before mankind even existed. What is the true origin of Pokemon? What is man's responsibility as those who live in this world with Pokemon? And how can learning any of this actually benefit the world? These four brave souls and many more will join forces and battle a grave new threat in Pokemon Astral: Ruinous Generations.

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Astral Harmony presents...

The Misadventures of Sweet Pierce & Hella Impact Randy Rendy

Chapter II ~ The Call To Kalos

(A privately chartered small plane touches down in a rural airlane just outside of Santalune City in the Kalos Region. Four young individuals, two men and two women, exit the plane and have a look around.)
- Renny: "Is everyone feeling good to go? That was a long flight. I hope we'll get back in time to be available for the Corpsemire Mission."
- Raven: "Dark Pokemon Gym Leader Raven McCullic is ready for battle."
- Pierce: "How'd you get this mission, anyways?"
- Raven: "I'm still registered with the Vorpal Frenzy mercenary guild. They had it available and apparently I'm the only one Guildmaster Raine could ask to take up a job in a different region."
- Renny: "It doesn't happen often, huh?"
- Raven: "People in other regions typically hire more localized muscle or hope to hell that some random yet extremely capable Pokemon Trainer stumbles across handling the problem."
- Renny: "That would never work in Honmyr. Anyways, how are you holding up, Calisto?"
- Calisto: "I'm ready to make heads disappear at 2400 meters."
- Renny: "Let's uhh...hope it doesn't come to that. Anyways, since we're ready, let's go meet this contact. She's supposed to be here in Santalune. I'm hoping she didn't wait too long for us."

(The attack squad of four arrived at the Pokemon Center.)
- Badass Woman: "I waited too long for you."
- Renny: "It would've taken longer if I used my Pokemon."
- Badass Woman's Right Hand Woman: "No worries. Odin just considers her time more valuable than anyone else."
- Odin: "I'm sure Irene trumps me in that category, Sunshine."
- Renny: "Well, it's nice to meet you two regardless. My name is Renny Tresserhorn, of PATCA."
- Pierce: "Pierce Granger. Same."
- Calisto: "Calisto Bellmond. I'm a PATCA sniper specialist."
- Raven: "Raven McCullic. I'm the Dark gym leader from Honmyr, but I was hired for this operation by the Vorpal Frenzy. Charmed, I'm sure."
- Odin: "Those're all respectable careers. Well met. I am Odin Oak, Chief of the Purging Party which answers to the Police Force in Honmyr."
- Sunshine: "And I am Sunshine Moses, her assistant in all Purging Party affairs."
- Renny: "Purging Party? That doesn't sound very happy."
- Odin: "If you think the name is bad enough, then don't ask me what we do. We have enough enemies."
- Calisto: "Do you think you could tell us about this mission while we eat? I skipped dining on the airplane for reasons I myself cannot ascertain."
- Odin: "Sure. We should fill up. And besides, I think we'll have some trouble heading north."
- Renny: "Trouble?"
- Odin: "We'll discuss it shortly. Follow us."

(Now six members strong, our heroes settle into town for a light lunch.)
- Sunshine: "You've only been here half an hour and you're already so popular, Renny."
- Renny: "Sometimes it's a curse, Sunshine."
- Pierce: "It might also have to do with the fact that he's a Pokebrid. He's probably the only one in all of Kalos."
- Renny: "I guess there is that, yeah."
- Odin: "How much do you know about this operation?"
- Pierce: "Something about Mega Evolution Stones and the local Legendary Pokemon. From what we know, the Purging Party, you two ladies, are concerned about the stones. And Poketologists want to know why the Legendary Pokemon here in Kalos are still here in Kalos."
- Odin: "Then you're well informed, but let me go ahead and explain it so you understand completely."
(Odin saturates her throat by emptying a full glass of mineral water.)
- Odin: "The Purging Party has been encountering Pokemon that we have never encountered before. We recognize them, sure enough, and the Inquiry Visors have them on file, but their appearances are different and their statistics are considerably higher than even the most gifted Pokemon of their kind. When news of Mega Evolution came to Honmyr from Kalos, I couldn't volunteer fast enough to get over here and figure it out. All I want to know is about how it all works."
- Pierce: "And the Legendaries?"
- Odin: "You know what the Convergence Event is, right?"
- Calisto: "Yep. Honmyr's Pokemon populace has grown like mad in the past couple of decades. And every Legendary Pokemon is there now. Well, almost every one of them."
(Odin sets a miniature holographic projector on the table which displays...two really snazzy characters that none of the newcomers recognize.)
- Odin: "They call themselves Team Flare. Something about ushering in a revolution of beauty or some stupid shit like that. It's highly suspected that these fools in the red raiments probably have the target Pokemon imprisoned somewhere."
- Renny: "So we bust them out and take them with us, right? Understood."
- Odin: "Correction. We simply release them and make it so that Team Flare can no longer capture them. The Poketologists feel certain that these Pokemon will come to Honmyr of their own accord and would rather not force the issue, lest it get us in trouble with the government of Kalos."
- Calisto: "The government of Kalos is, no offense, a complete joke. If we do steal their Pokemon for Honmyr, the best they can do is shake their feeble fists at us."
(Odin smiles.)
- Odin: "I couldn't agree more, but it's best to depart Kalos on good terms."
- Pierce: "So where do we start?"
- Odin: "We want to go north, to Lumiose City. But there's a problem with that. A slight problem, but a problem nonetheless."
- Renny: "We'll be happy to help, Odin. What shall we do?"
- Odin: "There's a Pokemon gym here in Santalune. A bug-type gym. The sister of the gym leader is blocking the exit from Santalune and insists that she'll only allow us to pass when and only when we have the Bug Badge. I suggested the possibility that I could powderize the bones in her neck with one hand, but she didn't take me seriously and I don't actually want to make murder my method of solving problems. Not right yet, anyways. Unfortunately, neither Sunshine nor I have Pokemon and I am not going through the long fucking process of signing documents and shit just to get the right to start training in Kalos."
- Raven: "Leave that up to us. Or rather, me. I'll handle this one. You five can relax here."
- Renny: "Can I come with you? I don't feel like sitting around."
- Raven: "No problem. Just don't slow me down."
- Pierce: "You two have fun. I'll just be here, expanding on my harem."
- Raven: "Expanding on his what now?"
- Renny: "Don't worry about it. Just know that if we come back and he's severely wounded, then true justice will have been done this day."

(Renny and Raven place themselves in front of the Pokemon gym. Inside, they happen across a guy who they assume is basically like a receptionist.)
- Man: "Young lady, we don't allow weapons inside the Pokemon gym."
- Raven: "You can have these weapons when you pry them from my cold, dead hands."
- Renny: "The rule is kinda silly, when you think about it. I mean, sure, Pokemon are living things with emotions and whatnot, but just about all of them have the power of kill someone if the trainer is irresponsible."
- Man: "Now wait just a-"
- Raven: "Listen, Fatty McFourchins. I understand that you, being the guy who sees a lotta children coming in here to earn these stupid badges, don't come across anyone who is a serious Pokemon trainer dedicated to the art."
- Renny: "Raven, don't you think you're being a little too-"
- Raven: "But the young lad here and I hail from Honmyr. Your gym leader wouldn't last one day in our hood. So kindly step off. I promise that I won't hurt anyone."
- Man: "Well, I never-"
- Raven: "Uh huh, and if you don't put down the double baconators, you never will."
(Without waiting for another retort, Raven sidesteps the man and slides down the rope that leads into the gym proper.)
- Man: "Young man, your girlfriend is really crude."
- Renny: "It's the cross I must bear..."

(Five minutes and three Pokemon battles later.)
- Raven: "How did any of these kids get to be defending trainers in a Pokemon gym? None of them look remotely serious about Pokemon training. I miss Honmyr already."
- Renny: "While I'm not one to put down any effort made by my opponents, I will admit that these trainers couldn't possibly stand up to veteran trainers from Honmyr."
(With those little annoyances out of the way, Renny and Raven walk up to meet the gym leader.)
- Viola: "Well, don't you two just look fantastic!"
- Raven: "I prefer to be thought of as 'cool', actually."
- Renny: "I'll take 'cute' as an option. It's what seems to get me motorboat'd the most."
- Viola: "I...see. Well, welcome to the Santalune City Pokemon Gym. I'm the gym's leader, Viola. Here at this Pokemon gym, we like to-"
- Raven: "I'm deploying my Pokemon. Zoroark, prepare for battle!"
- Viola: "Huh? Wait!"
- Raven: "I am Raven McCullic, Gym Leader of the Obsidian Dome dark type Pokemon Gym in Honmyr. Consider it an honor to be able to fight me at all, Viola. Now deploy your Pokemon or just hand over a badge already."
- Viola: "...Very well. I've always wondered just how powerful the gym leaders in Honmyr actually are. I will give my all to this battle."
(Despite giving it her all, there wasn't a whole lot that Viola's two level-forty bug Pokemon could do to Raven's Zoroark. It's clear that Raven's put far more attention into a single Pokemon than Viola had put into hers.)
- Raven: "That wasn't much of anything, but good job anyways, Zoroark. I'll see if I can cook up some of your favorite poffins tonight."
- Viola: "I've read all of the rumors and I knew that I didn't stand much of a chance to begin with, but to see the power of a gym leader from Honmyr firsthand..."
- Raven: "Honmyr is a land that demands the very best of anyone who sets foot upon it. For many, the best they can do isn't good enough to begin with. But that's what makes it so much more epic. A trainer who defeats you isn't going to be as proud or respect his Pokemon's strength nearly as much as a trainer who at least lasts a few rounds with me."
- Viola: "That's harsh, but you're right. Anyways, here, let me present you with this Bug Badge. At least try to wear it with some sense of accomplishment."
- Raven: "No promises."

(Back at the local dining establishment...)
- Odin: "You didn't take long."
- Raven: "I was in a bad mood. I hate wasting time on needless diversions."
- Renny: "So what should we do when we get to Lumiose City?"
- Odin: "There's going to be a Pokemon Professor there by the name of Sycamore. Kind of a foppish moron, by my understanding. But, he should know at least something about the Mega Evolution stones."
- Pierce: "How far is the city?"
- Odin: "If we leave now, we'll make it by nightfall. We can shack up somewhere and then go see this professor when we're better rested. I'm sure you could use a good rest after the flight."
(Our six heroes make their north out of Santalune City, but they don't leave unseen.)
- Young Male Trainer: "Are you alright? You seem a little distracted."
- Young Female Trainer: "Pay attention. Don't you see them?"
- Young Male Trainer: "Do you happen to mean that group of people? I can see what you mean. They look...dangerous."
- Young Female Trainer: "I'm going to the gym."
- Young Male Trainer: "Huh? Hey, what's the rush?"
- Young Female Trainer: "I can't immediately explain it very well, but...for some reason, I just don't wanna lose track of that group."

[Menarker]

- Raven: "People in other regions typically hire more localized muscle or hope to hell that some random yet extremely capable Pokemon Trainer stumbles across handling the problem."
- Renny: "That would never work in Honmyr. Anyways, how are you holding up, Calisto?"

Hehe, it's hypocritically ironic that statement being said when it could be argued that a lot of PATCA's agents were essentially a bunch of trainers/pokebrids who just happened to be at the right place and time to be hired. Renny in particular had only recently moved to Honmyr when he joined PACTA. It's either that or hiring a former convict or so. =3

[Astral Harmony]

Took some time off from going insane to do a major update on the sidequests. Have yo'selves a gander while I work on the posts, yo.

Sidequest Chains With Conditions

Recruitable Characters Available: 30
Legendary Pokemon Available: 13
Other Pokemon Available: Spectreon, Rezoneon & Plasmeon
Other Rewards
- 4 special lenses for Mechagon.
- An upgrade for Aster.
- A new body for Lexhur in the sequel.
- Weapon modifications for Slayer weapons.
- 2 acquired Arkments.
- 7 Ruin Generals defeated.
- 4 Gabriel Force Automechs defeated.
- A couple big stories.

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

Astral Harmony Quest Chain

* Orchestraea GET!!
- Acquire: Orchestraea [Legendary / Heritage / Steel].
- Unlock: Astral Harmony GET!!

* Astral Harmony GET!!
- Acquire: Astral Harmony [Legendary / Astral / Dragon].

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Buried Alive Quest Chain
- Note: Must be completed in order to unlock Haunting Hell & Cardinal Beach.

* Grandeur’s Crevice
- Recruit: Rayne [Slayer / Enforcer / Scout].
- Unlock: So Very Lonely.

* So Very Lonely
- Acquire: Buried Alive [Legendary / Ghost / Time].

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

Creepy Black Quest Chain
- Note: Must be completed in order to unlock Haunting Hell & Cardinal Beach.

* Old Pirate Fortress
- Recruit: Misa [Slayer / Trainer (Rock) / Shock Trooper].
- Unlock: Shipwreck Graveyard.

* Shipwreck Graveyard
- Recruit: Lathiron [Destroyer (Water)].
- Acquire: Sapphire Lens [Requires Doktor Absol to equip on Mechagon].
- Unlock: Death & Darkness

* Death & Darkness
- Acquire: Creepy Black [Legendary / Ghost / Shadow].

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

Haunting Hell & Cardinal Beach Quest Chain
- Note: Neither sidequest can be initiated until you have completed the Buried Alive, Creepy Black, Lost Silver and Strangled Red quest chains.
- Note: You do not need to complete one in order to unlock the other. Completing the four required quest chains unlocks both quests.

* Cardinal Beach
- Recruit: Ein [Destroyer (Normal)]
- Acquire: MissingNo [Legendary / Ruin / Shadow].

* Haunting Hell
- Recruit #1: Charlotte [Destroyer (Shadow)].
- Recruit #2: Astarte [Troop Master / Shock Trooper].
- Recruit #3: Crow [Slayer / Enforcer].
- Acquire: Black Diamond Lens [Requires Doktor Absol to equip on Mechagon].

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

Honmyr Prideguard Quest Chain
- Note: To acquire Cerbellows, you must complete both Wingswept Desert and Mt Cerberus. The order does not matter.
- Note: This quest chain is unavailable after the assault on the Prideguard HQ.

* Wingswept Desert
- Recruit: Shirley [Slayer / Sniper].
- Acquire: Cerbellow [Legendary / Fire / Ghost].
- Defeat: Walthair [Flying Ruin General].
- Unlock: Tri-Scar Canyon.

* Tri-Scar Canyon
- Recruit: Barbara [Destroyer].
- Acquire: Amethyst Lens [Requires Doktor Absol to equip on Mechagon].
- Defeat: Indigo Barrage [Gabriel Force Automechs].
- Learn: The History of the Fahngrest Empire and the Great Seal.

~ Notes on failing to complete the quest chain
- Recruits: Shirley and Barbara cannot be recruited until well into the sequel.
- Acquire #1: Cerbellows can be acquired by completing Mt Cerberus alone.
- Acquire #2: The Amethyst Lens will be acquired after the Prideguard HQ mission.
- Defeat: Walthair and Indigo Barrage will be boss fights during the Prideguard HQ mission.

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

Lost Silver Quest Chain
- Note: Must be completed in order to unlock Haunting Hell & Cardinal Beach.

* Moonlight Cove
- Recruit: Lorraine [Slayer / Engineer].
- Unlock: N-O-M-O-R-E.

* N-O-M-O-R-E
- Acquire: Lost Silver [Legendary / Ghost / Ruin].

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

Mt. Cerberus Quest Chain
- Notes: In order to acquire Cerbellows, you must complete Wingswept Desert and Mt Cerberus. In order to acquire Garmrghest, you must complete White Wastelands and Mt Cerberus. The order of completing the sidequests does not matter.

* Infernal Island
- Recruit: Leplunira [Slayer / Pokebrid (Crimblaze)].
- Gain: Mega Evolutions for Hyacinth.
- Unlock: Mt. Cerberus

* Mt. Cerberus
- Recruit: Ciel [Kunoichi / Slayer].
- Acquire #1: Phantorch [Legendary / Dragon / Ghost].
- Acquire #2: Cerbellows [Legendary / Fire / Ghost].
- Acquire #3: Garmrghest [Legendary / Ice / Dark].
- Defeat: Fiernarog [Fire Ruin General].

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

Rapturous Depths Quest Chain

* Gaea’s Naval
- Acquire: Malboreal [Legendary / Grass / Water].
- Defeat: Grokest [Rock Ruin General].
- Unlock: Rapturous Depths.

* Rapturous Depths
- Gain: Sexcalibur Arkment [UnionTech Amplifier].

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

Strangled Red Quest Chain
- Note: Must be completed in order to unlock Haunting Hell & Cardinal Beach.

* Submerged Maw
- Recruit: Joanne [Scout].
- Acquire: Sanzanura [Legendary / Water / Dragon].
- Unlock: Sometimes Dead Is Best.

* Sometimes Dead Is Best
- Acquire: Strangled Red [Legendary / Ghost / Heritage].

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

Independant Sidequests With Character & Pokemon Rewards

* Bandit Jungle
- Recruit: Andora [Slayer / Trainer (Battleon & Fighting) / Shock Trooper].
- Defeat: Asteria [Grass Ruin General].

* Celestial Mausoleum
- Acquire: Plasmeon [Astral Eeveelution] & Spectreon [Ghost Eeveelution].

* Clawed Delta
- Recruit: Cassus [Pokebrid (Astral) / Pokemonk / Medic].

* Clenched Forest
- Recruit: Anastalia [Rider / Ranger / Shock Trooper].
- Defeat: Helghran [Bug Ruin General].

* Colonized Beach
- Recruit: Pierre [Slayer / Ranger / Enforcer].

* Doktor Absol's Laboratory
- Recruit: Doktor Absol [Pokemon / Troop Master / Engineer].
- Acquire: Mechagon [Legendary / Dragon / Steel].
- Gain: Doktor Absol can swap special lenses that Mechagon needs to use special attacks.

* Eternal Engine
- Recruit: Kaguya [Slayer / Engineer / Medic / Scout / Sniper].

* Everstone Glade
- Recruit: Milky [Slayer / Troop Master / Shock Trooper].

* Fossil Cliffs
- Recruit: Jenny [Slayer / Trainer (Dogs) / Shock Trooper].

* Liviglyph Temple
- Recruit: Eldys [Slayer / Enforcer / Destroyer].
- Acquire: Taboo Brandings Arkment.

* Metal Hell
- Recruit: Charlie [Slayer / Troop Master / Shock Trooper].
- Defeat: Crimson Beowulf [Gabriel Force Automechs].

* Miasma Mountain Range
- Recruit: Terrence [Trainer (Toxeon & Poison) / Medic].
- Defeat: Diamond Gunscissor [Gabriel Force Automechs].

* No Man’s Land
- Recruit: Ash/Red [Trainer / Enforcer].
- Acquire: Ruby Lens [Requires Doktor Absol to equip on Mechagon].

* “Offlands”
- Recruit: Esmerelda [Slayer / Sniper / Trainer (Time)].
- Acquire: Rezoneon [Ruin Eeveelution].

* Prototype Defense Platform
- Recruit: Amplaive [Destroyer (Electric)].

* Sparta Arena
- Recruit: Spartina [Slayer / Trainer (Heatran) / Shock Trooper].
- Defeat: Wrek [Fighting Ruin General].

* Sunken Commonwealth
- Recruit: Morrigan [Slayer / Pokebrid (Water)].

* White Wastelands
- Note: To acquire Garmrghest, you must complete both White Wastelands and Mt Cerberus. The order does not matter.
- Recruit: Natalya [Slayer / Engineer].
- Acquire: Garmrghest [Legendary / Ice / Dark].
- Defeat #1: Emerald Fortress [Gabriel Force Automechs].
- Defeat #2: Syndell [Ice Ruin General].

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

Independent Sidequests With Miscellaneous Rewards

* Devouring Catacombs
- Gain: Aster can create Psyshades and gains the Engineer specialty.
- Learn: Past between Irene Crosswald and Bezelain Bernasse.

* Weapons Graveyard
- Gain #1: Lexhur will have a more powerful body in the sequel.
- Gain #2: PC Slayer weapons can have their statistics modified.

[Menarker]

Interesting additional quests (Although I question how fast we can get them done, unless we just attempt to free-form most of them).

I question the sanity of the parents of "Milky". I half suspect the name to be given to a daughter of a very well-endowed mother (and possibly a breast-loving father). And it would be ironic if said daughter happened to grow up flat-chested. Of course, I could be wrong and she have big tits! (Not that that is a rare thing in Honmyr though.)
>_> Reminds of me Miu from History's Greatest Disciple Kenichi, who is a martial artist with a big chest and is a bit self-conscious about it, especially when her opponents start mocking her with names like "Dairy Cow".

[Astral Harmony]

I think we're freeforming all but a very few of them. And don't be mean to Milky. She's a nice girl underneath her love of her fat nerdy otaku boyfriend Bobby Bill and oddball cheerleader fighting style.

Donovan's post would've been finished tonight but I lost connectivity. Still, I guess I should be glad to have it back. I thought I would have had to wait until tomorrow to get reconnected because of this wonderful thing called Independence Day. Also, the fireworks going on outside is making me think this small town went to war. It's the perfect kind of neighborhood for a zombie apocalypse outbreak.

With some of these quests, you might be able to get 'em done in anywhere from 40 to 50 freeform posts, tops.

By the way, about Customizing Slayer Weaponry...

Eventually, I'll assign Weaponry Slots to Slayers. You'll need those to equip Slayer weapons and, obviously, higher ranked Slayers will have more Weaponry Slots to equip more Slayer weapons at once.

Lighter weapons will require fewer slots while heavier weapons will require more slots, and the weight of a Slayer weapon will be determined by how much Customize Points you put into the weapon itself.

When I can find the time, I'm going to assign statistics and options to Slayer weapons, each of which will add Customize Points to the weapon. You can remove or add Customize Points to Slayer weapons which will result in making the weapon lighter/weaker or heavier/stronger. Feel free to discuss balance issues and min/max as you please when I can actually create the Slayer Customization System. But here's a rough draft...

Light Weapons [0 - 35 Customize Points]
Medium Weapons [36 - 70 Customize Points]
Heavy Weapons [71 - 100 Customize Points]

List of Customizable Functions I've Thought Up So Far (point requirements still going through the thought process)
- Having Both Physical & Special Attacks
- Bonuses to Power and standard offensive statistical boosts (Atk, SpAtk, Acc%, Crt%, etc...)
- Increasing the chance of a secondary effect
- Upgrading the secondary effect (like Burn into Plasmaburn or Enflamed)
- Adding other secondary effects (like Piercing or Eject)

[Aldurin]

I noticed that the Mystery Manor isn't listed in the reorganized sidequest chains, just overlooked or are there different plans for that?

[Astral Harmony]

I changed the name to Haunting Hell...y'know, 'cause I'm all wacky like that.

I also figured it was slightly more appropriate since you have to fight four legendary ghost Pokemon in four different quest chains to unlock it. Charlotte's gonna make you work for it, boy.

[Aldurin]

Ok. Also Strangled Red sounds like a hardcore ghost legendary.

[Menarker]

Originally Posted by Astral Harmony

I think we're freeforming all but a very few of them. And don't be mean to Milky. She's a nice girl underneath her love of her fat nerdy otaku boyfriend Bobby Bill and oddball cheerleader fighting style.

Wasn't trying to be mean to the girl. It's not her fault that she has a very unusual name like that. =3

Donovan's post would've been finished tonight but I lost connectivity. Still, I guess I should be glad to have it back. I thought I would have had to wait until tomorrow to get reconnected because of this wonderful thing called Independence Day. Also, the fireworks going on outside is making me think this small town went to war. It's the perfect kind of neighborhood for a zombie apocalypse outbreak.

The losing connection bit is why I save the post in a separate document at least briefly before attempt to submit any large posts I make. Especially since you have had a long history of losing posts to a unfortunate disconnect after hours of working on it. (As far back as Mystery Manor, when you had to abbreviate the second half of the Phantomere fight where the Kimonos supposably unleashed a powerful fusion attack that we just had to assume was super awesome.)

By the way, about Customizing Slayer Weaponry...

Eventually, I'll assign Weaponry Slots to Slayers. You'll need those to equip Slayer weapons and, obviously, higher ranked Slayers will have more Weaponry Slots to equip more Slayer weapons at once.

Lighter weapons will require fewer slots while heavier weapons will require more slots, and the weight of a Slayer weapon will be determined by how much Customize Points you put into the weapon itself.

When I can find the time, I'm going to assign statistics and options to Slayer weapons, each of which will add Customize Points to the weapon. You can remove or add Customize Points to Slayer weapons which will result in making the weapon lighter/weaker or heavier/stronger. Feel free to discuss balance issues and min/max as you please when I can actually create the Slayer Customization System. But here's a rough draft...

Light Weapons [0 - 35 Customize Points]
Medium Weapons [36 - 70 Customize Points]
Heavy Weapons [71 - 100 Customize Points]

List of Customizable Functions I've Thought Up So Far (point requirements still going through the thought process)
- Having Both Physical & Special Attacks
- Bonuses to Power and standard offensive statistical boosts (Atk, SpAtk, Acc%, Crt%, etc...)
- Increasing the chance of a secondary effect
- Upgrading the secondary effect (like Burn into Plasmaburn or Enflamed)
- Adding other secondary effects (like Piercing or Eject)

That sounds neat, although my character might need a somewhat modified version since he doesn't use Slayer weapons, but rather uses specific pokebrid moves that are empowered to the potency of Slayer Weapons. Although perhaps something like power gloves and leggings that enhance his Pokebrid-Slayer typed attacks would suffice. That sort of stuff can wait until much later though.

EDIT: Also, Strangled Red sounds cool, but it also sounds symbolic in a Japanese sense, via the Red String (Which happens to be a pokemon item as well which affects the move Attract). I could see the ghost as being the symbolic representation of a jilted or star-crossed lover. Either that or I've been reading TVtropes for too long and I just remembered the trope name "Strangled by the Red String".

[Astral Harmony]

Buried Alive, Creepy Black, Lost Silver, and Strangled Red are all directly based on Pokemon creepypastas (frightening and disturbing stories originating on the Internet) and I strongly suggest you give them a read in your spare time. Those aren't the only Pokemon-themed creepypastas there are, though. There are plenty of others like a game that has a unique BGM for Lavendar Town that killed players in real life or Hypno's Lullaby. Suddenly, Pokemon Umbral doesn't seem quite so dark, does it?

EDIT: I'm hoping that these sidequests will be the only sidequests I feel I need to create. As long as logic can possibly dictate it, a good number of these sidequests could actually be worked in the sequel by either side.