2024-02-09: Synchronicity

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========================<* Princebridge University *>=========================

Princebridge University is Pewter's oldest academic institution, and a leader in many fields of scientific discipline. It is here that the study around fossil restoration first found significant breakthroughs, and the cutting edge of this exciting new discipline is found in the University's very halls. Princebridge University is also the site of the Psynard Breeding Facility, a Symbological flying Pokemon once used by Nedeans for transit, but now an endangered species with very few of their number left in the wild.

BGM: Star Ocean: The Second Story - White the Heart - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVz2nMXBbQA

<Pose Tracker> Giovanni has posed.

The Psynard Breeding Facility is one of many such Pokemon research facilities in Pewter City's Princebridge University. This one, though, has a more mixed reputation. The cloning of a Pokemon -- and its genetic sequencing to be more docile -- is frowned on by the Pokemon League and many others.

Desperate times and desperate measures, though.

Earlier, Rena Lanford and her party visited to gain a Psynard cloned and linked to one of them directly. It was a lengthy process, as a scientist there explained: "You'll each enter the pod ahead, which does a reading of your DNA -- and then we'll adjust several parameters of the resulting Psynard. Now, it will take some time..."

The explanations went on. Then came the time to enter the pod. Those with Rena stepped in, one after another; the tube-shaped pod had many bright blue lights and Symbols on the walls, as Symbology and technology together scanned them.

Then, they emerged.

And they waited.

The scientist, a black-haired man with a beard, taps at a console. "Okay... it looks like the Psynard is created. It's right in here."

He taps at a console -- then a large tube lifts up from the floor in the laboratory, showing a Psynard inside; a blue and silver creature, with great wings of prismatic light. Its head turns, looking right at Rena Lanford.

Then it SHRIEKS. The glass cracks.

"Oh, oh no--" The scientist backs up.

MEANWHILE... OUTSIDE.

People on the Princebridge campus are running, quickly, because no less than a dozen members of Team Rocket have run out from the woodworks. Pokeballs go flying; Pokemon come out, and roars and shrieks send people running from the Psynard Breeding Facility. It is a stone-and-metal, two-story white building with glass windows.

Of course... the doors are thrown open, and several members of Team Rocket have rushed inside. Enterprising visitors might see those open doors -- and an opportunity to run inside.

BACK INSIDE THE FACILITY

The glass of the tube containing the Psynard cracks. Then it SHATTERS, glass shards flying out, and the Psynard lunges out. Its eyes flash a dangerous violet--

--and then it lunges straight for Rena.

Before it can get to her, though, a black and white Pokeball, with golden lines across it, flies out. It opens -- and the Psynard is pulled inside. The ball hits the ground, rattling, before the circle at the center clicks shut.

A man walks down the hallway, leading to the open doors outside. A pair of Team Rocket grunts are beside him, though they back off to let him advance alone. He looks to be in his early forties, by human standards; short black hair, with long Nedian ears, and a slightly squared jaw.

He wears a black sportscoat, black slacks, and wingtips. The coat has a red R emblazoned upon it. He also has a red turtleneck sweater on. His left hand has two rings on it.

"Pardon the interruption," Giovanni says. "I've come to discuss some research you're doing. I think we can reach a... mutually beneficial arrangement."

"Uh--" The scientist backs up again.

Then, one of the Team Rocket grunts calls out: "Boss! We've got people coming in! From the back door!"

"Ah, interruptions," Giovanni says. "Inconvenient."

DC: Giovanni switches forms to Team Rocket Boss Giovanni!
DC: Elaine switches forms to Field Assistant Elaine!
DC: Nina Chiyome switches forms to Kunoichi Wants to Fight!


<Pose Tracker> Jessie and James has posed.

        "To protect the world from devastation...!"

        Amidst the Rockets rushing the Facility are, of course, Jessie and James. And their theme tune is getting -- shall we say -- a touch drowned out by the chaos.

        "Todenouncetheevilsoftruthandlove!" "Toextendourreachtothestarsabove!" They barrage, rapid-fire, between screams.

        "KOFFI," Koffing adds, helpfully, as he spreads smoke across their approach.

        "And -- we're inside!" Jessie crows, victorious, as she slides into the Facility like she's hitting home base in baseball. "SAFE!"

        "Don't forget our job," James adds, as he strides into the Facility behind her. "We've got to keep them distracted!"

        "Then -- Ekans, it's time to waste this waiting room!!" Jessie declares, as Ekans leaps out to start savaging some plush labratory seats. "Hahahaha!! Look at all this destruction...!!!"

        ... well, it's hard to IGNORE them, anyway.

<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.

        Joy's gotten pretty lucky the last couple of excursions she's had with Team Rocket; she's mostly had to stand watch and guard, and fend off anyone who comes to stop them. She has less luck this time, because they're on the offensive...

        She's dressed in her long white coat, with an R emblazoned on the back, along with her Rocket-issue baker boy cap. She watches the Boss -- who she didn't expect to come in person -- effortlessly capture the Psynard, biting her lip.

        Two Honedges are out and hovering beside her -- but it's not a Doublade... it's Honedge and Ditto. A third floating Pokemon is also by her side, which looks like a lilac and black chandelier with little ghostly flames coming out of its head and loops.

        It's a Chandelure.

        "... I'll stop them," Joy quietly remarks, turning towards that back door.

<Pose Tracker> Peace Kishinami has posed.

        Tucked away in Peace's laboratory, several bits of curious eggshell sit in a carefully climate controlled specimen tank. It's not clear yet what she can actually do with the little relics that have been gifted to her - maybe she can figure out some way to reverse engineer a Psynard in the same manner as some of the research around fossils is trying to do - but she can't say that she's particularly helpful.

        (In the meantime, an Eevee has been left exposed to them, which mostly just means it's napping and occasionally bapping them with its tail.)

        But when it comes down to it, those little bits of fragile shell are why she's here today. Peace doesn't exactly condone Team Rocket's more-- overt actions, but it's suddenly become very important to her that she learn more about how to care for a Psynard - what they eat, what health problems they might encounter, what issues might be part of the cloning process, how the cloning process even works in the first place compared to good old breeding and aging. And that kind of research isn't up on the Professor networks for her to simply pull down.

        And that's not the only reason she's here. The scientist isn't the most emotive person in the world, but there's soething furtive about her today, and it must have something to do with the brightly coloured pokeball she's turning over in one hand. It's garish, white and purple with two large pink spots, and she cradles it carefully like it's a terribly precious thing, the only Pokeball even visible on her person given her Eevees are running circles around her feet.

        She spares a glance towards Joy and Damian as they prepare to enter, not hiding the butterflies in her stomach as she tightens a hand around the orb. "... I'm going to go for the computers," she mumbles. "Look after yourselves." Sylveon chirps an all-clear, and she slips inside, peeling off from the others quickly in hopes of disguising herself as one of the base researchers. 

<Pose Tracker> Damian Tamaoka has posed.

Damian couldn't make it today. He's busy taking care of a baby Psynymph and, let's be real, would be kind of out of his depth here.

So instead, meet Marty and Jane, two rocket grunts in the black uniforms following Giovanni into the facility. Marty is a woman in her early 20's with short, spiky green hair sticking out from under her cap, and opting to wear slacks with her uniform. Jane is a woman about the same age, with long orange hair (and wearing the skirt).

"Great, our big shot to prove ourselves in front of the boss and we're about to get upstaged by a couple of kids," grumbles Marty privately to Jane.

"Hey, you're not proving yourself to them, okay? Let's just focus on us," says Jane, patting Marty on the shoulder.

"Fine, fine. But I'm not getting shown up again! We're getting inside that building where all the action is!"

"Right!"

The attack begins, and the two charge their way into the lab, arriving behind the others and panting for breath.

"Alright, bring it on!" declares Marty, tossing out a pokeball. "Nicket! Go!" A foxish pokemon pops out of the ball, tail waving menacingly as it takes up a defensive position.

"Ashound, go!" calls Jane, throwing a pokeball. Out pops a wolfish-looking creature with 2 extra tails to wag, taking up a spot next to Nickit.

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lanford has posed.

Rena couldn't say she didn't feel a little anxious about scanning her DNA. Especially after the concept of what DNA was was explained to her. But, the explanation was sound enough, the people did sound like experts.

Still it doesn't stop her from asking Claude before the procedure starts.

"Can you explain it to me again?" She asks quietly, "What does it mean for someone to have a copy of my... genetic code?" It's not precisely just nerves either, but it's like she's working out the implications.

Ultimately she doesn't object. This was important to their journey to defeat the Ten Wise Men. There's something comforting at least about the fact they're all going into it.

Yet, while they wait, at first Rena is calm, not fidgeting at all, but after a moment, her eyes turn to the Psynard, at about the same moment it looks at her.

It's hard to say what happens. She stares at it, it stares at her. There is a moment of perfect equilibrium. Where Rena feels this strange instinct, to try and communicate.

To try and get her thoughts across to it.

But before she can, it shrieks at her, and she flinches, putting her hands over her ears, "Are you... going berserk!? Why?" The scientist's horror is plain. The glass cracks and-

"GUARD!"

Rena calls out as the glass shatters, the symbological barrier forming, but it feels like a poor defense against the massive Pokemon. Because it lunges at her- and she screams herself.

Even as it vanishes, inside a Pokeball.

Rena startles at the unexpected turn of events, as the man walks inside, and Rena takes a breath, as she looks towards Dias, who was immediately leaping into action right INTO that hail of glass. "Dias! Are... you alright?" Before she then... "Uh- well I appreciate your help but... wait..." She peers at him then startles, "...You're Team Rocket!?"

Perhaps it's something about his strength that he'd simply be able to do that to a Psynard, to capture it, without wearing it down, but- she seems wary right away, especially after Team Rocket, then Dias...

"The Boss?" She looks at Dias, then forward at Giovanni, "So you're the man everyone in Team Rocket respects."

Mutually beneficial arrangement? Rena tries to comprehend what he means, but then unclips a Pokeball from her sash, tossing it out. "Go Buttons!" And what appears is...

A Whelpwisher. A Teddy Bear appearing Fairy/Fighting Pokemon that's infamously Magic Resistant. It's also fairly rare. It appears in a sitting position, but then as if the Teddy Bear were suddenly animated, it toddles upright on its stubby paws, then raises its arms, as layers of shimmering reflective barrier just /form/.

"You can't just take a Psynard, even if it was going berserk." She's not going to just say they need one, even if they do, because for some reason she feels like the Pokemon has... rejected them.

And she's not sure how she feels about that.

"I won't let you just, claim this place as your own!"

<Pose Tracker> Dias Flac has posed.

                EARLIER
        
        Dias eyes the pod with open suspicion. The scientific explanation of what's about to happen is largely over his head, but he does grasp the basics: this facility is a place to make a copy of a living creature and subsume it to someone else's will.
        
        He already doesn't like the concept of capturing an animal and forcing it to get hurt by battling on one's behalf. This seems like more of the same, but even worse. When Rena enters the pod, he makes a low 'tch' noise; then he takes his turn and enters as well.
        
        He doesn't have to like it to acknowledge the necessity of it. If Rena's going to go along with it when she's far softer-hearted than he is, then he's got no grounds to complain. Even if whatever explanation Claude gives about 'genetic code' is unlikely to increase his confidence.
        
                NOW
        
        The Psynard within the tube looks up at them all--no, at Rena--and then SCREAMS. The grass cracks and shatters, and the creature LEAPS at her. Dias is in motion, blade flashing out of its sheath--but before he can strike, a Pokeball hits the Psynard and consumes it in light. Dias's blade still finds use in batting away the hail of glass (or whatever those tubes are made of), but that's the work of an instant. "I'm fine," he tells Rena curtly, but his gaze isn't on her. The one who threw that Pokeball was...
        
        'Boss! We've got people coming in!'
        
        Dias narrows his eyes at Giovanni. "Ah. So you're the boss," he states, echoing Rena's sentiment.
        
        And, true to a crime boss, he's far from alone. Along with several grunts, there's also many other more memorable members (in the sense that Dias has fought or otherwise encountered them before). One of them is bearing a couple of Honedge--or rather, a Honedge and a Ditto mimicking it. Dias levels a flat stare on Joy. This time around, it isn't personal, and so he turns to face her, even as she moves to try to stop whomever is coming in through the back door.
        
        Let the others fight as Pokemon trainers. That's what Rena and Claude (and arguably Ethius, but certainly not Grace or Arle, the rest of their group) came here as, so he'll leave that kind of battling to them, something he communicates with a curt nod. Joy, however, is one person he knows will welcome the sword.
        
        "Air Slash," he intones, which is Joy's only warning before he unsheathes his blade anew to send a torrent of wind ripping along the floor towards her and her Pokemon companions. (Hopefully Joy wasn't actually itching to let her Chandelure get a piece of the action today--not that Dias concerns himself with that.) 

GS: Dias Flac has attacked Arisugawa Joy with Far Air Slash!
GS: Dias Flac has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Dias Flac's stances have changed to Stoic!
GS: Dias Flac gains 23 THP from his Cautious!
GS: Dias Flac has completed his action.
 GS: COUNTER! Arisugawa Joy counterattacks Dias Flac with Honedge - Retaliate!
GS: Arisugawa Joy takes a solid hit from Dias Flac's Far Air Slash for 139 hit points!
GS: Cripple blocked!
GS: Claude C. Kenny used Force Action: Mystic on Rena Lanford! FP up!
GS: Rena Lanford has attacked Rena Lanford with Mirror Coat!
GS: Rena Lanford enters a Counter stance!
GS: Rena Lanford has gained 3 Combo!
GS: Rena Lanford has completed her action.
GS: Rena Lanford heals Rena Lanford! She gains 78 temporary hit points!
GS: Shield and Surge applied to Rena Lanford!



<Pose Tracker> Claude C. Kenny has posed.

"So," Claude explains, "Your genetic code is basically a blueprint of how to make 'you'. With it, someone can make medicine that's more effective for you, for instance. There are a lot of things someone can do with it, but that's the big one people actually do." If they start cloning people around here, that's going to get thorny, but Claude assumes they're not doing that. Hopes.

His DNA scanning is no big deal for him, though. Again, assuming... no clones. Like they're cloning the Psynards. And showing they're already willing to do.

Maybe Claude is having not the best day.

Things get worse soon enough; he was willing to just hang out and learn, but with the Psynard inside, staring at Rena and suddenly--

"W-whoa! "RENA!" Claude calls, and moves to get in the way of the Psynard, but suddenly a Pokeball goes out. Claude skids to a stop before he can finish getting in Giovanni's way. "You...?"

'R'.

"Oh I don't think so. It's YOU two again!"

Claude turns towards Jessie and James. Someone has to take care of them. "Rena!" He calls. "I'll keep these off your back!"

In moments...

"C'mon!" Claude calls. "Cap, go!" A Fusetail emerges from a Pokeball in front of Jessie and James, its powerful legs seeing it lurch forward. "Metal Claw!"

It leaps for Koffing in the air and swings a terrible set of claws down!!!

"Barry, you're on deck! Go!" 

GS: Claude C. Kenny has attacked Jessie and James with Metal Claw!
GS: Claude C. Kenny has gained 3 Combo!
GS: Claude C. Kenny has completed his action.

<Pose Tracker> Grace Harvey has posed.

        Grace is still getting used to working with a group. It's a new experience- and one, frankly, she's not very good at.

        For example, today she brought a plus one without warning anyone ahead of time. That was fun!

        The whole pod process doesn't raise the slightest eyebrow from Grace, even if she's not first in. "So, like, these are kind of like designer pets, right?" She says, summarizing. "Still, I've never seen symbology like this..."

        Another thing Grace turns out to be is impatient. She paces. She messes around on her tablet. She complains. She bothers scientists. She tries to make small talk. She tries to get access to the lab network and is dressed down by a member of staff.

        When the Psynard is finally ready, however, Grace perks up. "Ooh, I wanna see!" She seems excited, too-

        Right up until it starts smashing itself against the glass.

        "...That, uh, that seems-" And then the glass breaks and Grace yelps, jumping back and reaching for her guns, transforming from blank white blocks into pistols in her hands-

        And then someone intervenes. That's good, right...?

        She turns. Stares at Giovanni with all three of her eyes, taking in the rapidly assembling forces. "...oh dang." She says, quietly. "This is a gang. Like a real honest gang-"

        And then she hears it- A motto. A routine. A themesong.

        An entrance.

        Grace wheels around to face Jessie and James. "...oh my gosh. Showmanship!" Grace's eyes sparkle a bit- despite this team clearly working with the guy who stole their psynard. "They've got a gimmick and uniforms and everything..."

        ...if only they weren't stealing from her and her friends and also Dias. "...so, uh, I don't suppose you guys want to take that from the top, do you? It felt a bit rushed!" She calls-

        But it feels like battle is being joined, as Rena . "...ah well, maybe next time." Grace spins her pistols around in her hands before grabbing them back. "Unfortunately for you, you chose the wrong team to steal from! Smash and Grabs are so passe! Besides, it's bad form to steal from a-"

        She pauses. Wait. Crap.

        "I mean, it's bad form to steal a girl's pet! Y'all get ready, you're facing Grace Harvey, cutest gunslinger in seven systems!"

        Another pause. "And her merry band! Yeah!" And then her brain finally processes what Claude said. "...wait, you've already run into these guys?"

        And then she whips up her pistols at the closest enemy, which in this case is Ekans, and fires off a pair of rapid blasts for the large snake pokemon.

        It's almost like she didn't take much of Dias' criticism on board. 

GS: Grace Harvey has attacked Jessie and James with ARMs Akimbo!
GS: Grace Harvey has completed her action.
 GS: Dias Flac takes a glancing hit from Arisugawa Joy's Honedge - Retaliate for 49 hit points!
GS: Hyper applied to Arisugawa Joy!
GS: FP up! Power Burst and Reaction bonus!


<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

        "Ain't this a how-dee-do," drawls a voice which may just be familiar enough to Joy.

        A wild JOSIE has appeared! ...Which is to say that she had been more or less minding her own business in the vicinity (no, really) until the chaos had broken out and she'd rolled on up to find out what was going on. If one tracks the path she'd taken towards the laboratory campus proper, as a matter of fact, they might just find a couple of twitching Rockets (don't worry, she only winged them). But here's the main building with its doors open!

        And a familiar young lady standing guard.

        "So we meet again, kiddo!" she says, all cheerful-like as she extends both hands to either side as if to express a warm welcome towards the girl she'd definitely shot at the last time. Does Josie have an ARM? Where's she keeping her ARMs?!

        "Don't look now, but seems like that fella there's got it in for ya," she remarks, apparently content to just STAND AND WATCH as Dias swings his sword. Hopefully Joy's companions have it covered on that end. Josie, meanwhile--

        Produces a Pokeball. "This's how you lot do it 'round here, eh?" she grins, before casting her newfound friend into the field. "Go! Pidove!"

        It's a very small... dove-like creature that appears in a flash of light. "Piii~" The Pokemon regards Joy with an expression that might be best described as 'dim'. Then it gestures towards itself with a wing, as if to invite her unoccupied Pokemon to 'bring it'! "Pido!"

        A small, dark shape settles onto the eaves of the lab above, equally dark eyes glittering as she settles in to watch her 'counterpart' do battle. Today... Penelope shall watch and learn. 

GS: Josephine Lovelace has attacked Arisugawa Joy with Pidove used TAUNT!!
GS: Josephine Lovelace has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Josephine Lovelace has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Violet Salazar has posed.

Violet is on her way to the Psynard Cloning Facility to apply for a Psynard when she notices suspicious people in black swarming the place. She pauses to press a button on a Pokeball attached to her belt. "Steve, I choose you!" she calls. A Hitmonlee emerges from the Pokeball with a satisfying pop. It looks like there was going to be a fight, and a Fighting Pokemon was a natural choice. She rushes to stand by Ethius, recognizing him from the meeting where he'd outed himself as ExtraFilgaian. True, she didn't know him very well, but she'd need allies! "Mr. Hesiod," she greets. "It's Team Rocket! We need to do something!" The uniforms are unmistakeable. She hastily frees the rest of her 'mons from their Pokeballs -- Mimsy the Clefairy, Kozi the Hearthound, and Bubba the Seel. "Stand ready, y'all!" she instructs. Marty and Jane attract her attention, and she directs Steve to attack thir pokemon. He responds by attempting to deliver a devastating punch! 

GS: Violet Salazar has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Uppercut!
GS: Violet Salazar has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Violet Salazar has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

        Rena and her friends aren't the only people at Princebridge on Psynard business. Ida had an appointment about an hour ago--a facility studying population genetics wanted to take some routine samples from the Psynymph she'd found in the caves. Dr. Aomori recommended that she take him there personally, and to be a comforting presence for him. Ida is still deeply torn about this matter. Does she have any right to claim an endangered alien creature as her ward, Pokemon or no? What if she does something wrong, and he gets sick, or stolen, or worse?

        But the appointment came and went, and the baby Pokemon rested his head in her lab as the Pokemon techs did their work. Once more, the fledgling was given a clean bill of health.

        And then everything went to hell.

        Most of the researchers, quite sensibly, are running away. A few have brought out Pokemon of their own. But someone is running towards the chaos--someone who could be a grad student, in a Princebridge hoodie and leggings and boots. Four Pokeballs rest on a stylish belt around her hips, all of them in the standard style but one--that one has a gold-and-green swirl on the top half. A pair of Eevees run along ahead of her.

        One of the Eevees--Marigold, the one with the golden bandana--skids to a halt, ears pricked. "Evoi!" she shouts, alert and focused... on Peace and Joy, specifically Peace and her Leafeon.

        The second Eevee stops a moment later. Aurora meets eyes with Marigold, her little sister, and then side-eyes the Leafeon. "Evoi...?"

        "Evoi! Evoi!" Marigold drops into a crouch, her fur puffing out. At this point, Ida's taken stock of the situation and gotten clued into her Pokemon identifying something else amiss. She looks at the Professorly-type as she rushes one of the computers...

        "You were at Oak's lab," says Ida, anger building in her voice. "What's your aim, here?" Her right hand drops downwards, towards the sole Nest Ball on her belt--but not to deploy it. She cradles it, protectively, instinctively. Meanwhile, Marigold--who isn't even the more aggressive of the two Eevee Sisters--decides to do a vibe check, and GROWLS at Leafeon (and, let's be real, at Peace, too). Anyone else might be a bit surprised to hear such a BIG, ANGRY sound coming from such a small, fluffy creature. (Not Peace, though. This is her wheelhouse.)

GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has attacked Peace Kishinami with Growl!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Elaine has posed.

        The Princebridge University is a very well known academic insitution. Many a hopeful student goes there to become a better sciencist, engineer, or even just a better trainer or symbology expert. A lot of trainers visit for the Psynard breeding facility too. One hopeful student was exploring the area today even! With a cheerful Vileplume waddling after her and a fluffy, dark brown, larger than normal Eevee hanging from her shoulder. It is in fact, one Elaine of Pallet Town who is a field assistant to none other than Professor Oak! And then her day got wrecked.

        "Aiiiii!" she yells as the streets sudden turn to chaos, and Team Rocket grunts and members swarm from no where into the everywhere! "What is going on!" she yells, the Vileplume beside her also unhappy as it begins to emit a terrible stench. "Bloom!" she says looking down trying to calm the Pokemon down as Veevee on her shoulder moves up to the top of her head trying to point a paw at the University while crying "Ee Ee! Eev!" as if to call out the Team Rocket members as the cause and they're all running into the University!

        "Ugggh, I just wanted to see the newest research! Bloom!" Elaine calls out as she begins to stalk angry towards the doors and the team rocket members following them right in. "Use Sleep Powder Bloom. On. Every. One." and the bluish-black body plant with bright red and white spotted flower lets out a cry of "Plume!" as it seems to puff up, then explode out a faint blue powder that spreads out mostly towards Marty and Jane's Nicket and Ashound.

GS: Elaine has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Sleep Powder!
GS: Elaine has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Elaine has completed her action.
GS: Arisugawa Joy solidly guards Josephine Lovelace's Pidove used TAUNT! for 0 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Arisugawa Joy gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Cripple, Jam, and Weaken applied to Arisugawa Joy!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
 GS: Jessie and James has adjusted their boss level for 4 opponents!

<Pose Tracker> Arle has posed.

Recently joining up with Grace (well, recently from the other travellers' point of view; she's been around Grace for some time) is Arle, who could pass for a native of Energy Nede with extra-long ears in appearance if it wasn't for her decidedly Western-style clothes. She's left the duster off, but she still has a sleeveless waistcoat vest over a sleeveless shirt, and a bolo tie.

Arle - who introduced herself to the others as a travelling gambler and ruin hunter, avoiding talking about any of the possible illegalities of her preferred lifestyle, such as the heists - has been remarkably well-behaved when she was coming along with Grace and the others. She hasn't been involved in any thefts, not even any pickpocketing... or at least no pickpocketing she got caught doing, and really, isn't that good enough?

Something about the whole Psynard pod process has set her on edge, but she's at pains to hide it. Arle's poker face is great, and most of the people here - Grace excepted - haven't been around her long enough to see through it. Anyone can tell that she doesn't have much of an interest in watching the Symbological-technological process, though, and if it came to her to get in the pod, she flat-out refused, backing up quickly: "I'll just ride with Grace." Maybe she's superstitious.

She waits a lot more patiently than Grace does. Arle even breaks out the cards for a game if anyone is interested, and doesn't cheat at it, because it's not for money. But when it's time to look at the results... "You go first," Arle suggests. "I'll stay in the waiting room." Of course, that's just before -

Chaos erupts! Complete with gang!

Arle's first reaction is to dive behind a line of chairs. This isn't cowardice; this is sensibility. She pops back up a moment later, having picked up the deck of cards she'd had out in passing -

"Oh, am I part of your merry gang now?" Arle asks, sounding more amused than she has all day. Arle doesn't have any strong objections to thievery (rather the opposite) but she does object when it's something she wanted being stolen, and while she didn't want a Psynard, that was the whole reason that a bunch of people came all the way out here. "If you're hoping to get me into a uniform, though, I'll pass! They're so restrictive."

She looks over at Giovanni for a long, long moment, then Jessie and James. She does like the style, but didn't Grace tell her to keep the crimes to a dull roar and not bring them up? Arle shuffles the deck absently between her hands, draws one card out and flicks it at the Koffing -

- and it zips, like a thrown knife or a dart, faster and more accurately than a single piece of cardstock really ought to. "Oh well," she says. "Looks like we're going to make a game of it no matter what." 

GS: Arle has attacked Jessie and James with Cutting Cards!
GS: Arle has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Arle has completed her action.



<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.

Pewter City is Chartreuse's home - and, Princebridge University is Chartreuse's school. She might be undergoing a Journey right now, but she does still have to report back in person every now and then.

It's usually a pretty routine event - she checks in, does some paperwork and issues a few reports, catches a few lectures...

Unfortunately, Team Rocket has other plans today.

At the time, Chartreuse was wandering the campus - maybe on her own, or maybe giving others a tour - when, suddenly...

Chaos. Team Rocket erupts out of hiding! Chartreuse frowns, turning her attention toward the sounds of roars and shrieks.

"That's... the Psynard Breeding Facility?" Chartreuse comments, mostly to herself. Didn't the Visitors have an interest in it...? If Team Rocket has an interest in it...

Where others flee from the Psynard Breeding Facility, Chartreuse rushes in, flashing her student ID at the door. It's probably not necessary, given everything, but it's habit, at this point. She follows the trail of devastation, reaching the cloning lab - and is briefly taken aback by the sight.

She recognizes some faces here... and the one who appears to be at the head of things here practically radiates authority.

"Are you alright?" Chartreuse asks, coming up beside Rena. She sends her a glance - and then one for the scientist, too.

She turns her attention to Giovanni.

"As a student here, I'm not exactly thrilled about the idea of my university being in the hands of Team Rocket, either. Somehow, I don't think education's what you had in mind." She comments.

She reaches into her coat, drawing a Pokeball and pressing the button in the center. A beam of red light flashes out, materializing into a leek-wielding duck - who immediately recognizes the severity of the situation, and gets into a fighting stance.

"Farfetch'd." Chartreuse calls out - and it's clear that they're experienced fighting alongside one another, because she doesn't have to call out her first move. Farfetch'd focuses...

...and Chartreuse's team gets pumped up! 

GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has attacked Chartreuse Spinosa with Focus Energy!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa's stances have changed to Hero!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has completed her action.
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa accepts Chartreuse Spinosa's Focus Energy for 0 hit points!
GS: Hyper and Lock state applied to Chartreuse Spinosa!
GS: Quick applied to Chartreuse Spinosa!
GS: Damian Tamaoka partially evades Violet Salazar's Uppercut for 65 hit points!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!

<Pose Tracker> Chase has posed.

It's been a troubling thought on Chase's mind ever since his battle with Michael: what should a Pokemon become? And he doesn't mean the nature of evolution, but the idea of growth for a purpose. Pokemon are companions. They're friends. They're organisms that share the world with Nedians. The idea of being a Trainer was never a position above them, he thought. It was teamwork.

But seeing weapons in action, and a cloning facility, to make one's purpose a perfect tool... Chase doesn't know a lot about that, but he knows he doesn't like it when he spots Team Rocket active, and he extra does not like it when he sees where they're going.

He follows Pikachu's lead: her instincts on how to weave through a crowd, on how to dart through the explosion of Pokemon and the cascade of Rockets. So, yes, people are interrupting from the back door. Technically Chase was, too. But it's entirely possible no one noted Chase's small presence until, quite suddenly:

"Piii Pikachu!"

...Boy and Pikachu are popping up from behind some of the lab consoles, the latter brimming happily with electricity as she joyously flings herself into action.

Chase stares, almost unsettling for its intensity, with his focus set on Giovanni of Team Rocket. 

GS: Chase has attacked Giovanni with Nuzzle!
GS: Chase has completed his action.

<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.

        EARLIER
 
        "Are you certain that my Symbological tattooing won't cause complications?" Ethius has already wrangled the internal issues about having a DNA scan, but given the problems they're facing will most certainly not stay local to Kepler-186 (and associated locations where Energy Nede resides) and how time isn't on their side to re-establish contact with the Federation... he decides to dwell on the more practical problems at hand.
 
        There are other, more serious ethics concerns at play in terms of creating subservient life that are shared with Dias' own views of the matter. The best he can do given the severity of the issue is make sure that this Psynard will get to live a happy and full life independent of the immediate need presented, but that's more 'a sentiment' than 'a drawn-up bullet point list of things to see this happen.' He's still a person with a heart, despite his presentation and manner.
 
        He takes his turn dutifully to the letter of instruction.
 
        NOW
 
        The Psynard grows berserk, and just as the matter could escalate into violence... it takes a different turn, with Giovanni's arrival and his Team Rocket entourage. That they seem to handle this before Dias' blade can strike is, well. That's noteworthy, and a little alarming.
 
        While everything falls apart around them with opening sequences (that Grace fawns over), grim determination, and maybe a few too many Eevees in a single square kilometer, Ethius turns to the two hapless Grunts that have stumbled upon the present stage of conflict.
 
        "Miss Rena, I'm not certain what I can say to ease your feelings on the matter," he did see where the Psynard's eyes were bearing down, "but I do agree... things cannot stand as they are."
 
        His sentiments are stated just as Violet impresses how they need to do something.
 
        He asides to Claude. "The instruments in this laboratory are too delicate. I'm afraid I'll have to exercise restraint."
 
        He pulls out a Pokeball, taking a moment to consider the danger they might be subjected to... but nods his head.
 
        "Gerel! You're taking point tonight," he declares as he throws the ball, releasing that toothy land barnacle who basks gracefully in the artificial lighting of the beseiged laboratory.
 
        "Gerel~" They call, tongue flicking upwards as it sizes up the enemy Ashound and Nickit. Ethius takes a step back as he considers Violet's team. He's only sending out one at a time, but considering the delicate nature of the situation the precision is probably for the best.
 
        "Gerel," he gestures over to the Nickit, "use Poison Fang on that one."
 
        Gerel slides over, opens up their toothy maw, and goes 'chomp!' Actually they go more 'poison fang!' There's a difference. 

GS: Ethius Hesiod has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Poison Fang!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has completed his action.

<Pose Tracker> Dirk Swordsman has posed.

 
Dirk has actually never been to the Psynard Breeding Facility. Like, yeah, he's had the chance to cross through this campus here, but it was actually in another name... another life...

(Daniel Tsurugi rolled out with his mom once when they delivered the fixin's for a tea reception at the Department of Comparative Pokemon Archeology.)

But there's broken glass - screaming - the Psynard is loose --

-- oh wait, no it's not.

It's been [Caught].

And who by?

Dirk advances, back straight, as he looks slightly-up and towards the Boss himself, face solemn, mouth turned down in a frown. Fortunately, his sunglasses, which he is wearing indoors, like a douche, conceal the tension in his eyes. (Aw man oh god, thinks Dirk.)

Rena identifies him.

"So you're the one these guys all listen to?" Dirk says, his voice quavering but only slightly. "And you been sponsoring all these raids -- you even went to a whole other planet just to jack, I don't know, SOMETHING -- you been stealing POKEMON, and now you're showing up just to grab this Psynard?"

Dirk's finger shifts to make a centimeter of steel glint on the hilt of his sword.

"Gimme a break."

At this point Chartreuse speaks fluidly, simply and eloquently of the objections to Team Rocket muscling in on an educational and research facility. Ah crap, thinks Dirk, I didn't check on Rena! His eyes cut that way, behind his shades. She seems... fine? Okay, good.

"Charcadet," Dirk says, grasping a classical red/white ball. "Run these nerds off." A throw -- and the stout little flame-Pokemon emerges, holding a metal weapon! Flame rises upwards as Charcadet looks up towards Giovanni, before --

                                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSmlRuL6ZvA

A burst of violet force surges out towards Giovanni! Shadowy yet stunning force!

GS: Dirk Swordsman has attacked Giovanni with Charcadet - Astonish!
GS: Dirk Swordsman has completed his action.
 GS: CRITICAL! Peace Kishinami suffers a terrible blow from Ida Everstead-Rey's Growl for 0 hit points!
GS: Delay and Weaken applied to Peace Kishinami!

<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.

        "Please," Joy nods towards Peace as she says she'll go for the computers. She can't defend her at range, but... she can take care of herself.

        There was already an incident with the Psynard -- it'd gone berserk, for some reason unknown. She'd like to add fuel to the fire, but it's not really the time right now; not when who comes to stop her is none other than Dias Flac, the man she'd struck a strange kind of deal on--

        And one of the terms of that deal is that if they meet on the battlefield, when she's participating in Rocket activities, then they'd fight, as if nothing had ever changed.

        Dias' Air Slash comes rippling through the floor in a vacuum swoop, and Joy's instinct is to leap backwards and raise her arms over her chest -- and while that rids her of the worst of it, it still shreds and blasts her back.

        The swordsman can notice the Honedge guarding her as she does so, and with a glint from its one eye--

        "Honedge!"

        --it strikes back, unsheathing itself in one fell swoop as it cuts the air and sends a rippling wave of energy not unlike that of Air Slash in turn.

        Where Honedge was happy to sit back and listen to Joy's commands during their training match, he behaves a little more independently this time; he knows that his master is liable to be much more grievously injured this time.

        "... I've never liked this facility," Joy admits. "I've always felt it wrong to clone Pokemon, especially only for use as transportation. I can fight you at full strength today."

        Which is a bold claim, given that if she were fighting not at full strength, Dias would just flatten her. "I'll show you how far my practice has gotten me."

        What happens next is more remarkable than she's shown in their last practice match, as--

        "Chandelure. Let's fly!"

        The Chandelure floats down behind her, and its thin, spindly arms wrap around her shoulders... and she starts to hover, carried by the chandelier Pokemon.

        Grabbing hold of Honedge and Ditto, her setup is complete, as she starts to circle Dias in a fast hover; suddenly, she darts inwards from his left flank, and then jukes a feint right-- and then left, then--

        "Psycho Cut!"

        Twin strikes come at Dias, one coming down onto his leg, the other onto the upper torso, Honedge and Ditto shimmering faintly with psychic energy.

        However, her troubles don't end there, because a wild JOSIE has appeared! A cold sweat suddenly breaks over her as she immediately scans her for any of those ARMs -- but no, she's not armed with anything right now?

        "Miss Josie..." Joy remarks, cautiously. And then, contrary to expectation, she produces--

        a Pokeball?!

        A Pidove comes out. ... ... ... Pidove gestures at Joy to BRING IT! This, in and out of itself, isn't the most threatening gesture in the world. But when Josephine Lovelace is behind her, and not only that...

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSmlRuL6ZvA (thanks dirk)

        "... I sense a truly evil aura somewhere...?!" Joy whispers out of nowhere, glancing towards the rafters above, but unable to spot Penelope. "What is this unpleasant pressure?"

        All of Joy's current Pokemon are fully occupied as her Main Hand, Off Hand and Backpack, however, so she procures another ball -- this one blue, with lightning bolt-like accents upon it -- and tosses it in Josephine's direction.

        What emerges is....

        A medium-sized spiky dome, perhaps more like starfish legs upon inspection, the first two of which peels out to reveal a teensy tiny little pink creature inside.

        "Toxapex, stall her, please," Joy requests.

        The Pex (tm) lets out a little screech, and responds by... largely hunkering down into her own shell, waiting and watching to see what Pidove will do. 

GS: Damian Tamaoka solidly guards Elaine's Sleep Powder for 12 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Damian Tamaoka gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Drowsy applied to Damian Tamaoka!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Arisugawa Joy spends 3 Combo on Headshot and Poison!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has attacked Dias Flac with Honedge - Psycho Cut!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Arisugawa Joy's stances have changed to Avenger!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has attacked Arisugawa Joy with Our Courage Will Pull Us Through!
GS: Arisugawa Joy enters a Counter stance!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Arisugawa Joy gains 10 FP from her Daredevil!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has completed her action.
GS: Arisugawa Joy heals Arisugawa Joy! She gains 180 temporary hit points!

<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.

Nina has been roaming quite a bit. That steady realization that she's been coasting too much in general kinda is starting to stick.
 
 Probably not as quickly as would be ideal, but she's got room to grow.
 
 She's made her way to Pewter. Doing her homework. Looking for helpful pokemon and just getting a feel for everything. Which is why she's scoping a place out that looks like it's ripe for a bit of spontaneous art. Someone is skulking around though. There's a frown. She drinks the last of her drink (Something fizzy.) and bounces to her feet. Moving wide and following them into the building, clearly doing the wrong thing for the right reasons!
 
 She ducks through the crowd with surprisingly practiced ease. (Probably not surprising actually.)
 
 She doesn't burst into a room. She sneaks in, moving quietly with obvious practiced soft stepping. She'd have popped her shoes off if she didn't think it'd be a mistake in a potential fight even.
 
 Her eyes go wide. There's a bunch of aliens here! She about waves to them until she catches herself. There's other problems and maybe she can help out! That'd be a good thing and it wouldn't be as absolutely confusing as the time with the monster alien even!
 
 It's why she's checking room to room, looking for any surprises they might have brought. No pokemon yet. Her pokemon CAN be sneaky, but why risk the chance of being spotted by adding more bodies to the mix? She does have one hand ready though, a ball already rolling around.
 
 She's totally not thinking something silly like nin nin nin like certain other ninjas might. Nope.
 
 The sound of anger gets her to actually noticeably slow down. Creeping along, peeking around a corner to get an idea of who's who before acting. Who says she can't think two steps ahead!

GS: Jessie and James solidly guards Claude C. Kenny's Metal Claw for 49 hit points!
GS: Disrupt applied to Jessie and James!
GS: Mighty applied to Claude C. Kenny!
GS: CRITICAL! Jessie and James partially evades Grace Harvey's ARMs Akimbo for 146 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Jessie and James gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Hyper applied to Grace Harvey!
 GS: Jessie and James solidly guards Arle's Cutting Cards for 52 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Jessie and James gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Weaken applied to Jessie and James!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Giovanni takes a glancing hit from Chase's Nuzzle for 1 hit points!
GS: Delay and Interrupt applied to Giovanni!
GS: Disrupt blocked!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: CRITICAL! Giovanni solidly guards Dirk Swordsman's Charcadet - Astonish for 49 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Giovanni gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Misery inflicts a random effect! Delay applied to Giovanni!
GS: CRITICAL! Damian Tamaoka fully evades Ethius Hesiod's Poison Fang for 21 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Damian Tamaoka gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Disease and Poison blocked!
GS: FP up! Power Burst and Reaction bonus!

<Pose Tracker> Chisato Madison has posed.

The chaos rattles the building. The chaos rattles the windows!!

"HECK" the chaos dislodges the drop ceiling, and from it, Chisato Madison, who lands like five feet to Claude's left, on her butt. "Jeeze, these carpets suck! What are they spending all that tax money on!" she gripes, and then blinks up at the surrounding Absolute Bedlam. "Oh hey it's YOU GUYS!" she says brightly, and kips smoothly up to her sneakered feet. "Ah, goin' native already, blondie?" she asides to Claude like he has the first clue who she is. Well, they did meet before, of course, but-- "Nice picks," she affirms, and nods, and then spins a business card out of her pocket.

She throws it at Ekans. It explodes into flames halfway there.

"What do you think? I'm thinking... 'Rocket elites attack government laboratory! Harmless experiment snagged!'" she says to herself, miming a photo frame around James. "Ehhhh, kinda basic..."

A girder falls from the lab section amid the fighting.

"Also the harmless part might just be, like, outright false..." 

GS: Chisato Madison has attacked Jessie and James with Burning Cards!
GS: Chisato Madison has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Chisato Madison has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Giovanni has posed.

"Allow me to introduce myself," the black-haired man. He takes another step forward. His eyes flicker to Dias. "He's right about that."

Then, he looks over his shoulder. "Joy, I trust you have my back," he says, before he looks ahead. "And Jessie and James."

He trusts Marty and Jane to do their part, too -- and for Peace to find what she is looking for. So he looks back at Rena. "I'm afraid I can. And will."

Then, he looks at Chartreuse. His eyes flicker to Farfetch'd, for just a moment. "I think you're a little quick to judge," he says. "Team Rocket pursues a kind of 'progress,' too. The same as your beloved university."

Giovanni looks to Chase. He pays Pikachu only a brief glance. Familiar with the type, but not the individual. "You look like you're far from home."

Then, to Dirk Swordsman. "And you..." He is quiet, for just a moment, then, when Dirk speaks to him.

Giovanni looks between both of them. "This is an adult matter," he says. "You kids should run along. Before you get hurt." His eyes meet Chase's, again; intense stare for intense stare.

Violet light explodes out from Charcadet.

"We'll do this, then, hm? Let me introduce myself. I'm the leader of this enterprise..." He smiles, then. It's professional; calm. The sort of smile of a boss in an office, knowing exactly who is in charge.

"...Giovanni!"

Then, he throws out his hand -- and two more Ultra Balls come from his sleeve. He grips them, expertly, between his fingers. Then, he tosses them to the ground. Both open with flashes of light.

From one, a large, violet armored lizard-like creature appears. The underbelly is white, and he has alarge horn, and blue ears. His tail swishes back and forth. Nidoking roars, and then slams down an armored foot.

The metal plating of the lab floor buckles outward, like a cone-shape, and the ground underneath Farfecht'd and Pikachu buckles, some of the steel bending like an accordion, and bolts pop up under them, and the floor shakes hard enough to threaten to send them to the floor.

Giovanni, as it happens, knows what Whelpwisher can do. Because he points for it -- and the second Pokeball opens. A massive, glimmering, metallic rock-like Pokemon bursts from it. Its eyes glow with an ugly, bright crimson.

It has a quadrapedal body. The Barchian descends, slashing down with its claw across Whelpwisher's body. Then, the massive Pokemon turns, and swings the other claw down for Charcadet.

GS: Giovanni has attacked Chartreuse Spinosa with Nidoking - Earth Power!
GS: Giovanni has attacked Chase with Nidoking - Earth Power!
GS: Giovanni has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Interrupt expired!
GS: Delay expired!
GS: Giovanni has attacked Rena Lanford with Barchian - Metal Claw!
GS: Giovanni has attacked Dirk Swordsman with Barchian - Metal Claw!
GS: Giovanni has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Giovanni has completed his action.
GS: COUNTER! Rena Lanford counterattacks Giovanni with Mirror Coat Reflect!
GS: Rena Lanford solidly guards Giovanni's Barchian - Metal Claw for 101 hit points!
GS: Weaken applied to Rena Lanford!
GS: FP up! Power Burst and Reaction bonus!
GS: Delay! Attack greatly weakened!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa suffers a terrible blow from Giovanni's Nidoking - Earth Power for 118 hit points!
GS: Disrupt applied to Chartreuse Spinosa!
GS: Giovanni fully evades Rena Lanford's Mirror Coat Reflect for 0 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Giovanni gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Jessie and James takes a solid hit from Chisato Madison's Burning Cards for 133 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Jessie and James gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Poison applied to Jessie and James!
GS: COUNTER! Chase counterattacks Giovanni with Quick Attack!
GS: Delay! Attack greatly weakened!
GS: Chase takes a solid hit from Giovanni's Nidoking - Earth Power for 122 hit points!
GS: Disrupt applied to Chase!
GS: CRITICAL! Giovanni critically guards Chase's Quick Attack for 31 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Giovanni gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Quick applied to Chase!
GS: Dirk Swordsman solidly guards Giovanni's Barchian - Metal Claw for 67 hit points!
GS: Weaken applied to Dirk Swordsman!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!

<Pose Tracker> Damian Tamaoka has posed.

Violet comes out swinging with a Hitmonlee and Marty mutters under her breath. Just their luck to get someone with a Fighting type pokemon. "Nickit, get out of the way!"

Nicket dodges to the side, growling as the opposing pokemon's punch still clips his shoulder. "Kiiiiit!"

"Hang in there!" shouts Marty. In a low voice, to Jane, she mutters. "She's one of them visitors, right? Could it be possible she knows what she's doing?"

"Maybe some of them catch on fast," Jane asides back to Marty.

Elaine comes in next with a Vileplume and a sleep powder. "My turn!" shouts Jane. "Ashound! Burn off the powder!" The wolfish pokemon starts belching balls of fire, trying to burn off some of the extra powder, but disturbing the air currents still pushes some of it onto Nickit, whoblinks and shakes his head.

"Hey, that's that girl!" exclaims Jane. "I think she works for one of the Professors."

"Great. More kids to show us up," grumbles Marty.

Geral slides up and tries to get a bite on Nickit--but Marty shows, "MOVE!" and Nicket wakes up just enough to spring out of the way cleanly. "Another visitor," comments Marty. "Be careful, Jane."

"Alright! Ashound! Burn those two up with Ember!"

Ashound inhales deeply and wraggles her tails, and spews out flames towards Hitmonlee and Vileplume.

Meanwhile, Marty points at Gerel. "Nickit! Use Quick Attack before it can get another attack off!"

"Nickit!" The fox lunges forward to scratch at Gerel.

It is awfully adorable, but--well, this is business. Sorry! (But only a little.) 

GS: Damian Tamaoka has activated a Boss Action!
GS: Damian Tamaoka spends 1 Combo on Poison!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Elaine with Ember!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Violet Salazar with Ember!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Damian Tamaoka enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Ethius Hesiod with Quick Attack!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Damian Tamaoka enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Damian Tamaoka gains 5 FP from Sufferer!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has completed his action.
GS: COUNTER! Ethius Hesiod counterattacks Damian Tamaoka with Held Item - Powder Grenade!
GS: Ethius Hesiod takes a solid hit from Damian Tamaoka's Quick Attack for 145 hit points!
GS: Riposte applied to Damian Tamaoka!

<Pose Tracker> Jessie and James has posed.

        "Eeeh?! You again?!" Jessie huffs, as she sees Dias and Claude divert from the central chamber. (Of course they're causing trouble outside. You're expected to patiently wait your turn!) She calls out, seeing Dias divert towards the Honedge and !Honedge: "Careful, Joy! Someone like that doesn't fight with their Pokemon!"

        "I'm just glad it's not me," James whines, moments before: "-- Koffing, look out!!" Metal Claw strikes at that poor little pollution cloud, and he goes wildly bouncing off the far wall. "KOFFIIIII?!"

        "Wait, wait, you /like/ our introduction?" Jessie shoves him aside, to exclaim to Grace, a hand to her chest. "Finally! Finally, some /recognition! We work so hard on our choreography, don't we, James?!" Here she rattles her partner, and he makes a rattling noise as he sags back and forth. "S-s-s-so hard!" He manages to choke out. "Y-you and your partner should p-p-p-practice more!!" He is /quite/ rattled.

        "... besides," James adds, a moment later, collecting himself to point a rose (where did he get a rose) at Grace, "this isn't bad form, it's Team Rocket form! And if that's bad... then we're real bad!"

        "The worst!" Jessie adds, as she lifts a hand to her mouth, and laughs like a princess. "Ohohohoho~!"

        "KKKAAANNSSSSS," Ekans hisses, as she slithers away from Grace's bullets. She's a very limber snake, so none of the shots do any shocking damage, but she does have to stop her wreckage of the waiting room to get away. "Ha?!" Jessie gasps, looking at it all. "Well, then! If you're going to attack a Pokemon, we'll just have to be impolite!"

        "Koffing!" James calls, as Koffing braces himself against that card slapping him about. "Ekans!" Jessie adds, pointing to the deep Ocean of their foes.

        This is the exact moment when a fourth combatant drops from the ceiling.

        Koffing and Ekans, who have been called to task, just kind of stare blankly at Chisato alongside their trainers. "Is that..." "... that reporter?" "Who always captures our bad sides!" "Why can't you take better pictures?!" "EKANSSS," but that last one is Ekans getting roasted by a business card that she bites only for it to BURST INTO FLAMES IN HER MOUTH.

        Jessie and James look at each other, and then point at them all. "That's it! Prepare for trouble..." "... and make it double!" And Koffing spreads a terrible, choking smokescreen, as Ekans launches her Poison Sting barbs from her maw in the confusion.

        Meanwhile, Meowth picks up Arle's card, from where Koffing abjured it. "Myaaoooo," he says, as he considers it... and pulls out (FROM WHERE?!) his very own set of cards. "Myowth!" He declares, as he... STARTS SHUFFLING.

        THAT CAT CAN PLAY CARDS!

GS: Jessie and James spends 2 Combo on Poison and Link!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Chisato Madison with Prepare For Trouble!!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Claude C. Kenny with Prepare For Trouble!!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Grace Harvey with Prepare For Trouble!!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Arle with Prepare For Trouble!!
GS: Jessie and James has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Jessie and James has launched an attack Link!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Chisato Madison with And Make It Double!!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Claude C. Kenny with And Make It Double!!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Grace Harvey with And Make It Double!!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Arle with And Make It Double!!
GS: Jessie and James has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Jessie and James takes 37 damage from Poison!
GS: Jessie and James has completed their action.
GS: Violet Salazar solidly guards Damian Tamaoka's Ember for 77 hit points!
GS: Violet Salazar's Poison Ward may block the effect!
GS: Poison blocked!
GS: FP up! Arcane Font!
GS: Damian Tamaoka takes a solid hit from Ethius Hesiod's Held Item - Powder Grenade for 104 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Damian Tamaoka gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Quick applied to Ethius Hesiod!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!
GS: Dias Flac takes a glancing hit from Arisugawa Joy's Honedge - Psycho Cut for 48 hit points!
GS: Poison applied to Dias Flac!
GS: Hyper and Quick applied to Arisugawa Joy!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!
GS: CRITICAL! Arle suffers a terrible blow from Jessie and James's Prepare For Trouble! for 73 hit points!
GS: Blind, Disease, and Poison applied to Arle!
GS: COUNTER! Claude C. Kenny counterattacks Jessie and James with HARDEN!
GS: CRITICAL! Claude C. Kenny partially guards Jessie and James's Prepare For Trouble! for 76 hit points!
GS: Blind, Disease, and Poison applied to Claude C. Kenny!
GS: Claude C. Kenny suffers a terrible blow from Jessie and James's And Make It Double! for 0 hit points!
GS: Cripple, Hex, and Mute applied to Claude C. Kenny!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!
GS: Arle takes a solid hit from Jessie and James's And Make It Double! for 0 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Arle gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Arle's Cripple Ward may block the effect!
GS: Hex and Mute applied to Arle!
GS: Cripple blocked!
GS: FP up! Power Burst and Reaction bonus!
GS: CRITICAL! Grace Harvey partially evades Jessie and James's Prepare For Trouble! for 54 hit points!
GS: Blind, Disease, and Poison applied to Grace Harvey!
GS: Grace Harvey solidly guards Jessie and James's And Make It Double! for 0 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Grace Harvey gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Cripple, Hex, and Mute applied to Grace Harvey!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!

<Pose Tracker> Peace Kishinami has posed.

        Peace does at least hesitate, remembering that Damian is not with them. It feels like he's missing, but she can't deny being quietly relieved that he doesn't have to fight. There's a very real chance that managing to properly raise a Psynymph might be more important than anything she's done for Team Rocket so far. "... that's Professor Kid. Tell me if you need a starter," she notes towards the pair with a tiny smirk before she's slipped out of sight, because she can tell when it's funny to poke people.

        Somewhere to one side, as she slides behind a desk ready to try to pretend she's been here all along, there's a call of 'Air Slash' and a slightly crowing voice. Peace finds herself sparing a tiny moment to really and genuinely hope that Joy will be alright. She's come prepared this time, and one of the smaller pockets of her labcoat - one that doesn't routinely have Eevees sneaking in and out of it - has an inhaler clinking in it.

        Sylveon is still taking the lead as it leaps up onto the top of her head and peeks above the line of the table to check whether the coast is clear - but it suddenly jolts at the sound of a growl, and scampers down and back the way she just came to stand between Peace and the Ida, chirping indignantly at the interruption. Leafeon is slower to join them, the sleepier of the two Eevees who are currently at the scientist's feet - it seems intimidated by the growling, but it also slinks dangerously, as if ready to uncurl at any moment.

        Peace doesn't answer Ida immediately - instead, she slowly straightens up as if she'd just been told to put her hands up, her gaze trained on the two Eevee growling at her as she evaluates them. When her attention does flicker upwards it's at the wording that the Visitor uses. It's definitely a more convenient than asking what Team Rocket is doing here. "... to learn how to care for a Psynard," she says plainly, apparently not trying to hide anything.

        But something flickers across her expresson, some sort of hurt pride. Her hand closes a little tighter around the Pokeball in her hand, as she nearly thumbs its release catch. "... and to test myself. If only Filgaean Visitors can face the Ten Wise Men - then what if we can show we're as strong as you?"

        For all that she's usually rather muted, the Professor suddenly bursts into a flurry of motion. Her free hand dips towards a pocket of her coat, and in a blur several shapes have been thrown forwards into the space between the four Eevees - a veritable minefield of little kibble to distract Ida's pokemon and goad her own onwards. "Leafeon! Take them!"

        With an answering cry, Sylveon bolts forwards in what would usually be a direct rushing attack from several different angles - but it's a bit wobbly this time around, the trajectories of its dashes kind of affected by the bouncing treats. Maybe that wasn't the best plan. But it at least ensures enough chaos for Peace to have time to turn around and slot a thin device into one of the computers, then authoritatively hit one of the keys on the keyboard.

        Between Ida's presence and her business with the computers, there's simply no focus left for her to spot a ninja actually being stealthy; she's essentially wide open on Nina's side, too busy watching as she directs her Pokemon back to her ready for the counterattack.

GS: Elaine solidly guards Damian Tamaoka's Ember for 73 hit points!
GS: Poison applied to Elaine!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Peace Kishinami has attacked Peace Kishinami with The Promise of Treats!!
GS: Peace Kishinami has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Peace Kishinami's stances have changed to Hero!
GS: Delay expired!
GS: Peace Kishinami heals Peace Kishinami! She gains 26 temporary hit points!
GS: Hyper, Quick, and Regen applied to Peace Kishinami!
GS: Peace Kishinami spends 2 Combo on Headshot!
GS: Peace Kishinami has attacked Ida Everstead-Rey with Sylveon!
GS: Peace Kishinami has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Peace Kishinami gains 26 THP from Regen!
GS: Peace Kishinami has completed her action.
GS: CRITICAL! Chisato Madison solidly guards Jessie and James's Prepare For Trouble! for 48 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Chisato Madison gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Blind, Disease, and Poison applied to Chisato Madison!
GS: Chisato Madison takes a solid hit from Jessie and James's And Make It Double! for 0 hit points!
GS: Chisato Madison's Cripple Ward may block the effect!
GS: Cripple, Hex, and Mute applied to Chisato Madison!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!

<Pose Tracker> Claude C. Kenny has posed.

"Well, they say 'When in Rome'," Claude grins at Chisato, and then remembers that nobody here knows what in the fresh hill Rome is. ...It's fine. "They say do things like they do where you are!"

It's been nice to meet Arle. "No uniforms!" Claude supplies helpfully. But indeed, Jessie and James, it's HIM AGAIN.

"Grace," Claude says, "It... might not be the best time to appreciate the enemy..."

Sweatdrop.

They are the worst. "Just make sure you don't underestimate them!"

The terrible, choking smokescreen makes Cap the Fusetail cough and cough, and Claude, too. He has an idea, though. "C'mon back!" Fusetail rushes back from the Koffing and back towards Claude, while he throws another Pokeball, despite the smoke.

"BARRY!"

The first thing Barry does is hover there, a gigantic green bee-like Pokemon, and just absorb some of the smoke. "Beeeeeee..."

Then, "PIN MISSILE!"

It attempts to sting Koffing over and over and over! 

GS: Claude C. Kenny has attacked Jessie and James with Pin Missile!
GS: Claude C. Kenny takes 30 damage from Poison!
GS: Claude C. Kenny has completed his action.

<Pose Tracker> Dias Flac has posed.

        Dias returns Giovanni's glance with a flat stare. Giovanni... He'll remember that name. For now, though, he leaves the Team Rocket boss to Rena. Dias will have her back, just as Joy has the Boss's.
        
        It's Honedge rather than Joy that counters Dias's attack--but that's hardly unexpected. Even that day in the Viridian Woods, she'd met him while wielding said Honedge, and the fact that it is an intelligent creature able to function on its own is part of her strength. He sweeps to one side to avoid the counter, footwork swift and sure--but it shreds through his cloak and blows his long hair in all directions.
        
        "So that's how you plan to fight," he says, low and even. His lips thin as she remarks on the facility itself. It seems like there's a lot of modern Nedian society that Joy doesn't like, but he hardly disagrees with her. "Very well."
        
        She takes to the air atop her Chandelure, wielding Honedge and Ditto as her ride circles around him. This is basic tactics--which is no insult; it means Joy has a grasp of her fundamentals, despite having grown up on Nede. Dias follows her as she circles, not letting her get behind him, and so is ready (or readier than he would otherwise be) when those Psycho Cuts make their own sort of air slash. Shallow cuts land on his leg and torso, partially mitigated by his armor. But they're more than just cuts--it's like they stab a sudden headache into him. A Psychic-type move? Dias narrows his eyes and soldiers through the pain, but his head will continue to throb for a while longer, no doubt. While those blades are still a distance away, he sweeps in with perhaps frightening speed to take the fight over to Joy, Swallowblade gleaming as he rips a flurry of blows not just at the blades but at her ride itself in an attempt to force her down closer to the ground.
        
        As steel sparks, Dias narrows his eyes at Josie as she saunters in to greet Joy like a friend, yet not actually join in on the fight. He recognizes her from the Team Rocket raid on Salva, and Josephine had fought Joy back then. However, he doesn't otherwise know her, and he certainly knows Joy tried to get him to mentor her. If this woman's in a similar position, she might well come to her aid. He's thus prepared to swing an attack at her too--until Josie produces a Pokeball and summons a Pidove that challenges Joy--unlike that bird-like shadow that takes to lurking in the rafters.
        
        "Hmm," he rumbles, and mentally reassigns Josephine to 'erstwhile ally,' particularly as Joy calls up another Pokemon to take her on. Dias will have her back, just as Joy has the Boss's. Because, yes, Jessie: it's him again. (Really, if Dias bothered acknowledging her beyond a brief glance in her and James's direction, he'd say that's *his* line.
        
        Meanwhile, Grace proves herself incapable of reading the room (and by "the room" we mean "that one curt nod Dias made"). Oh well. That's not his problem--and neither is her ignoring his criticism from the other day. Dias is okay with not being counted as one of Grace's friends. (Though in fairness, that's true of most people.) 

GS: Dias Flac has attacked Arisugawa Joy with Iai Strike!
GS: Dias Flac enters a Counter stance!
GS: Dias Flac has gained 3 Combo!
GS: Dias Flac gains 23 THP from his Cautious!
GS: Dias Flac takes 38 damage from Poison!
GS: Dias Flac has completed his action.
GS: Arisugawa Joy suffers a terrible blow from Dias Flac's Iai Strike for 130 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Arisugawa Joy gains 1 additional Combo!

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lanford has posed.

"Think so." Is Rena's answer to Chartreuse, but translation is she's a bit shaken up. She didn't expect the Psynard to go berserk and come right AT HER?

"I mean... yeah?" Is Rena's reply to Grace on everything Team Rocket has. "That's Team Rocket!" Is Grace admiring the criminals? Nah couldn't be! She just has strong opinions on crime standards Rena supposes?

Ethius tries to comfort her, and Rena actually tries to create a thin smile, "Well, if you agree then I think some intervention is in order."

Claude calls out that he's keeping Jessie and James off her back, and she breathes easier, because if ALL of these members of Team Rocket come at them...

"Okay Claude, let's do this! Show them the results of your training!" Rena looks towards Dirk in astonishment as he gives his speech, "Oh it's you! Be careful not to take this guy lightly." Which is when she notices Chase and their Pikachu on the attack, "It's you...! Are you alright with, us working together on this one?"

The Boss of course, rejects that, after all, he's the founder of a group like Team Rocket. So it's not entirely unexpected.

Rena however is shocked when he brings out several Pokemon, including one she doesn't recognize in a Barchian. The Rocket like Pokemon bursts down, it's claw swinging, and the Whelpwisher declares, "Whel-WHELP!"

The claw smashes against it's Mirror Coat, and it's closed eyes abruptly shoot open in surprise, as it's knocked back a step, but the Metal Claw's impact reflects off in a cascade of kinetic energy.

"Giovanni... I'm Rena Lanford, and maybe I'm new to Nede but I've seen no evidence your progress will benefit anyone but yourselves."

Rena quickly assesses the situation through his assortment of Pokemon, and calls out, "Buttons! Go all out! This guy isn't someone we can hold back on!"

The Teddy Bear's limbs abruptly grow, and it's stubby paws suddenly sport five talons which SHINK out, as it suddenly brings both of them down with a certain brutality that tries to smash through it's hide, waves of red battle aura suddenly rising off of it. "WISHWISH!"

"It doesn't matter how strong you are, we won't let you do as you please to these Pokemon!"

GS: Rena Lanford has attacked Giovanni with Brutal Swing!
GS: Rena Lanford has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Rena Lanford gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Rena Lanford has completed her action.
GS: Giovanni solidly guards Rena Lanford's Brutal Swing for 85 hit points!
GS: Strain! Rena Lanford takes 145 damage!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey critically guards Peace Kishinami's Sylveon for 61 hit points!
GS: Hyper and Quick applied to Peace Kishinami!

<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.

        Ethius had a humbling battle at the hands - and blades, and hearts! - of Dirk's team not long ago. Behind him, a beam falls down and the very ground shakes violently at Barchian's entrance. Ethius moves to make sure his back is to something but otherwise doesn't look from what he's doing. The others are counting on him to help hold back some of the unruly guests.
 
        "Move away from that Ember," Ethius calls to Gerel. Gerel wasn't being targeted by it, but he's doing his best to make sure the collective team between the three Trainers aren't easy to keep pinned down with wide-ranged attacks, and he snaps to attention when Marty points to Gerel. 'Quick Attack' means it's fast, so.
 
        Ethius lifts a hand and snaps his fingers.
 
        Gerel takes one upside the softer mid-body (...sideside the mid-body?) as their tongue lolls out with... something.
 
        It looks like a satchel, that gets flicked up in Nickit's direction which explodes into a big ol' cloud of dust and other particulate matter. Is this League sanctioned??? (yes, but they're not happy)
 
        "Good execution," Ethius praises a scuffed Gerel, whom leaps up and down twice in joy of praise. They are a happy barnacle, in the moment, as they slide about the laboratory floor.
 
        He knows that he's being referred to as 'another visitor,' and a part of him makes sure to not try to let on too much more than that. He's 'just' a xenoanthropologist who happens to have been in talks and contact with Mayor Nall and Professor Oak some time ago. It's fine, isn't it?
 
        Some of the localized destruction about the laboratory is a serious test of his decision to restrain his use of Symbology.
 
        He looks over to Elaine and her friends participating in the fight in earnest. He can tell at a glance how close one of them in particular is to her, and the set of friends Violet managed to make and handle so very easily. Nonetheless...
 
        "I would ask you try to stay clear of the floor on their side," he says to Violet and Elaine alike as he looks to Gerel.
 
        "Gerel, let loose with your Toxic Spikes."
 
        Gerel squats down and contracts their mouth, shuddering for a bit before expelling some venomous spikes into where Nickit and Ashound are presently pacing in a high-velocity burst to scatter them out. (This isn't normally how Toxic Spikes are used, usually a Trainer just scatters them around without concern about trying to hit them directly... but, Visitors are strange sometimes.)

GS: Ethius Hesiod has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Toxic Spikes!!
GS: Ethius Hesiod enters a Counter stance!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has completed his action.

<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

        If Josie is ARMed (so to speak) she's done a very good job at keeping the shape of the weapon concealed. It's possible that one of her jackets pockets might still conceal a devious device, or perhaps there's something strapped across the small of her back. But there's certainly no clear or obvious sign of any weapons, particularly not that rifle she'd used the last time...

        Instead, Josie lends herself towards the approach favored by the locals and demonstrates that she's been busy.

        "D'ya like him? He seems a right clever lad," she says as she gestures towards her Pidove, who has the look of a creature that's anything but. "Now, I just gotta think what to name 'im. I'm thinking... hmm, 'Ikaros' seems a pretty smart name," Josie remarks, unaware of the AURA of ABSOLUTE EVIL that cries out to the world from on high. "What do you think, kiddo?"

        Pidove, for his part, tilts his head sharply to one side as he regards Toxapex, putting the positioning of his head at a roughly 90-degree angle to his body. "Pidove," he remarks, jerking his head upright again. Something about Pidove seems more intense than before...!?

        Josie, for her part, notices Dias regarding her. Sizing her up, even, unless she's missed her mark.

        She winks at him. Fortunately, it's not too saucy.

        Returning her attention to the battle at hand, she finds that her Pidove is certainly in need of some guidance. "Hmm... thinking on what to do, eh?" she remarks, crossing her arms over her chest. "Let's make it simple, shall we? Pidove! Give it a Quick Attack!"

        And no sooner is he thus commanded that he races for the Toxapex. ...Would it have been better if it had taken flight? Pidove is pretty swift on his little feets, though... It's definitely going to be quick, though no promises about the attack. 

GS: Josephine Lovelace has attacked Arisugawa Joy with Pidove used QUICK ATTACK!!
GS: Josephine Lovelace has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Josephine Lovelace has completed her action.
GS: COUNTER! Arisugawa Joy counterattacks Josephine Lovelace with Toxapex - Baneful Bunker!
GS: Arisugawa Joy takes a solid hit from Josephine Lovelace's Pidove used QUICK ATTACK! for 104 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Arisugawa Joy gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Cripple and Jam applied to Arisugawa Joy!
GS: Riposte applied to Josephine Lovelace!
GS: Arisugawa Joy enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Josephine Lovelace takes a glancing hit from Arisugawa Joy's Toxapex - Baneful Bunker for 60 hit points!

<Pose Tracker> Dirk Swordsman has posed.

 
"I won't," Dirk answers Rena, gravely.

Giovanni's gaze crosses Dirk's. There is a sense of pressing tension as he speaks of this being an Adult Matter. For a moment, his spirit pulls back, but once again: the sunglasses hide it. He takes a deep breath, which stalls for time.

"Tch," Dirk answers. "This is my world too, dorcus! And I don't want any Pokemon stealin' in my world. Deal with it!"

GIOVANNI IMMEDIATELY DEALS WITH IT.

Dirk rocks back on his heels at the roar of the Barchian. Charcadet throws up his metal skewer, which is what the claw strikes; there is a huge metallic SHING and a ding in the metal skewer as the little Fire-type is forced back, tumbling and bouncing once before regaining his footing.

Charcadet looks at the metal skewer. "Char...!!"

Charcadet got hyped up!
"One blade against a thousand!" Dirk says, which may be nonsensical but sounds heartfelt. "Don't let that size throw you off, Charcadet! You can run circles around 'im! Your blade is in your heart!!"

INSERT THEME OF THE SOUL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwDyjDuGCO4

Charcadet doesn't need to get told twice. The little Pokemon begins to run, making a huge half-circle around the Barchian. As he runs, periodically he does a twist-flip in the air, hurling flame bursts onto the vast Barchian, doing a backflip to repeat his course rather than get TOO close to Giovanni.

Giovanni has bad vibes. Or perhaps Charcadet can hear the cry of stolen Pokemon......... 

GS: Dirk Swordsman has attacked Giovanni with Charcadet - Ember!
GS: Dirk Swordsman has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Dirk Swordsman has completed his action.

<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

        "Normally, both laudable goals," Ida says, with a little tilt of her head. It takes physical effort not to slip into a fighting stance--she clenches her fists and forces them to her sides. She can hear the mayhem elsewhere. Part of her feels like she's letting the enemy stall her when she should be helping elsewhere.

        "But I'm afraid I can only help you with one. Aurora! Marigold! Get--"

        Marigold's ears perk and twitch. Peace showers the floor with delicious treats, and for a moment, the urge to take the nice(?) person's snack wars with her earlier read, which was that the person was not in fact doing a nice thing. Aurora's wariness seals the deal. As Sylveon bounds into the fray, Aurora leaps between the larger Pokemon and her sister, taking the hit side-on. She lets out a sharp "Evoi!" and skids a little when she lands. Her fur is still puffed out.

        "Marigold, leave it!" Ida cries, with the authoritative experience of someone who has taught this command to animals, repeatedly and successfully. Marigold seems to understand the intent. Her eyes focus on Sylveon, and she settles into a crouch. "Quick Attack! Now!" The smaller Eevee launches herself at Sylveon, striking first with a headbutt and then launching herself into more of those rapid, lunging blows!

<Pose Tracker> Violet Salazar has posed.

Jane's Ashound breathes gouts of flame onto Steve the Hitmonlee. He jumps back but is still singed. "Leeeeee!" he protests. "Fight back!" Violet urges, and Steve rallies! He headbutts the Ashound when she stops to take a breath. It just might be enough to knock her silly -- if it hits! "We do know what we're doing -- sometimes!" Violet taunts the pair. There's no denying she knows about Ashounds, at least, if her menagerie is any indication. Bubba the Seel snorts, as if reminding Violet that he's Water type, and a natural against Fire. Maybe she'll send him in next, if Steve is too wounded...She shepherds her team away from Gerel's Toxic Spikes...and is sure to avoid them herself. 

GS: Violet Salazar has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Headbutt!
GS: Violet Salazar has completed her action.
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has attacked Peace Kishinami with Quick Attack!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Grace Harvey has posed.

        Grace is happy to watch Arle play cards with others, but doesn't take part herself.

        She doesn't want to lose dramatically in front of people she's trying to be cool in front of!

        "What about, like, a colour scheme? Would you work with that?" She responds to Arle, a little cheekily. "I mean, you can have a lot of individuality that way..."

        Jessie, however, seems genuinely touched. "Yeah! It's like... there's devotion to your craft and everything, it draws attention, it shows a flagrant disregard for authority by getting your face out there and a willingness to not hide behind masks or let others take the fall for you! Your crimes and yours and you take pride in it!"

        She can feel Rena's eyes on her, and Claude's gentle verbal prodding, and she coughs. "I mean. And that would be. Very admirable if weren't for crime, right?"

        She does cringe a little at James' comment- thought she does applaud a little at the sleight of hand. Well... makes a clapping motion. "I mean... standards, though. Like, you definitely want standards. Stealing living things, that's pretty low!"

        Claude reminds her not to underestimate them, and Grace nods. "Oh yeah. I can tell, don't worry. If they can spare the time to make an entrance like that... they're not messing around."

        She absolutely failed to notice Dias' curt nod. The worst part is, if he'd said something instead of just intimated, she would have stopped! Not for the best reasons, admittedly.

        But then- A New Cool Lady Enters!? Grace's eyes flash across to Chisato, the Combat Office Lady. "...Oh dang..." Is all that comes out, but when she hears the word reporter- "Oooh, ooh, you're doing a story? Get the coolest shots of me, 'kay?"

        And then the Koffing's gas surrounds her, and she's not fast enough to get away, or stop herself inhaling it. She explodes into a coughing fit, before finaslly speaking up. "...eeeeeeeeeugh that's so gross. I'm gonna be sick. Ugh. Rude." She reaches into her jacket and pulls out a pellet.

        "Well, if you- bleeeeeegh ugh oh my god it gets worse-" She retches a few time, before pulling herself back up. "....two can play-" Cough, cough, cough. "TWO can play at that game!"

        She throws the pellet directly for Jessie and James, before swining a pistol up to shoot it. It explodes into gas, aiming to envelop the criminals, laced with a sickening agent and a mild paralytic. It's not powerful enough to drop anyone outright, but it does sure make it harder to fight.

        Meanwhile, Bea- a hot pink quadrupedal robot about the size of a backpack- emerges from under a bench, trundling towards Grace. But it stops... A card playing cat is a creature of interesting, and her optics scan the Meowth. 

GS: Grace Harvey spends 1 Combo on Poison!
GS: Grace Harvey has attacked Jessie and James with Momma Harvey's Special Mix!
GS: Grace Harvey gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Grace Harvey takes 35 damage from Poison!
GS: Grace Harvey has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Elaine has posed.

        Blinking slightly, Elaine looks around at the chaos as the sleep powder from Bloom does little it seems. Then her attention focuses as she watch Violet and Ethius direct their Pokemon into attacking the pair closest to the them and her. "Oh! A Hitmonleee! And a Gerel!" she says exicitedly, forgetting about the chaos for a few seconds. At least, till sudden flames from an ember attack are flying at Bloom and her!

        Elaine doesn't flinch as the embers come at her and Bloom. Bloom does his best to bravely take the attack, but it clearly has an impact on him as the Vileplume runs around in a little circle, one petal burnt and smoking. "Bloom, return!" Elaine calls, using a pokeball to recall him. "Kayou, you're up!" she calls tossing out another pokeball to reveal a blue seal Pokemon! It's a Popplio! "Veevee, Kayou! Combo move, Hazy Yawn!" she calls out point at Marty and Jane and their Pokemon.

        The Popplio lets out a barking cry, perching itself up on its hindfin as it focuses around it releasing a thick, icy haze in an attempt to fill the battlefield. Veevee from her perch on Elaine's head wags her tail several times waiting for the haze to thicken, and then leans forward eyes gleaming exicited as it prepares... And then opens it mouth cutely wide with a little stretch has she lets out a tired little yawn that spawns several bubbles that float out into the haze towards the Nickit and Ashound, following up Ethius Gerel's toxic spikes and Violet's Pokemon as they attack also. 

GS: Elaine has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Hazy Yawn!
GS: Elaine has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Elaine takes 33 damage from Poison!
GS: Elaine has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.

The black-haired man looks toward her. Even with all his people he's outnumbered, but he's got the air of someone who feels perfectly in control...

Chartreuse inhales. She has a lot of battling experience, but this feels like it's on a different level.

"Good. Hang in there, okay?" Chartreuse replies, offering Rena a nod back. And then, there's Dirk and Chase... She's seen what Dirk can do, but she's not as familiar with Chase.

"I'll be counting on you two." She offers them with a nod, then looks back toward Giovanni.

"'Progress'... I'm willing to entertain that idea, but I haven't seen any evidence that it's the kind I'm willing to get behind. When you get up to things like this..." Chartreuse replies. Giovanni introduces himself - and then, he brings out his Pokemon. Two of them - very big, and very dangerous. Nidoking stomps, and...!

"There's not room to fly out of the way! Brace yourself!" Chartreuse calls out. Farfetch'd leaps back, his leek ready in a defensive stance - and then the floor shakes and backs and slams him down! He staggers back up, shaking it off. He sends Chartreuse a nod back - he's alright to keep going. Chartreuse nods.

"Chartreuse Spinosa - archaeology student." Chartreuse introduces herself. ...Even if he's a crime boss, it's only polite to introduce yourself before a fight. That's what their society says. "...Let's go! Farfetch'd, use Slash!"

With a cry Farfetch'd leaps up and dives in toward Nidoking, taking a swipe at other Pokemon as he passes by! 

GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has attacked Giovanni with Close in!!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.

        "... is it really okay to reveal yourself like this?" Joy does wonder to Giovanni, but she trusts that he has a good reason if this is the case. "But... I'll guard you with all my strength."

        Jessie shouts a warning towards her, and she looks relieved to be looked after. "I--I know! I know firsthand just how lethal this guy can be, senpai...!"

        Honedge's counterattack doesn't strike home -- and Joy has to watch for a moment at how deft Dias' evasion technique is. The confidence he has in his step, even letting his hair and cape billow in its wind... the grasp he has in the measure of where a threat lies is immense.

        And though her twin slashes find a bit more purchase, they aren't enough to stop him -- there's armour to guard him against the worst of blows; it's impressive just how fast he is, even when weighed down under the weight of metal. And her thoughts are interrupted as a flash of steel suddenly erupts, first in her mind--

        --then in reality. At that moment, both swords are in a cross formation as she does her level best to deflect the blow, catching the first -- but where she imagined a single attack, Dias' offense is a rain of blows, which catches Chandelure and causes her to screech gently, letting her round form largely deflect the blade away by nature of physics.

        "So fast...!" Joy remarks, though even if she doesn't realise it consciously, the way she moved those arms up in defence even before consciously realising it means that she's grown, in a way.

        Joy knows that the more she lingers around Dias, the more he'll gain an overwhelming advantage against her -- so she presses the attack as Chandelure boosts her forward, and her swords--

        "Shadow Claw!"

        --blend into the darkness, becoming phantasmal; she thrusts her hand forward to seemingly little avail, but then the second of two swords suddenly appears behind Dias, and the twin blades come to attempt a tandem strike from the front and back.

        "... don't look at me for names," Joy admits to Josephine. "I'm the type to name my dog 'Dog', and then people would make fun of me, so I stopped. But..."

        She looks to Pidove for a moment. To Ikaros. "... it looks like Ikaros has taken a liking to you, from what I can hear in his heart."

        Pidove becomes speed itself for a moment, and upon contact, Toxapex suddenly draws into herself. Her light-blue shell bursts in a blast of violet, poisonous energy that threatens to spike Pidove back in one blast!

        She has a little gremlin grin -- which might be hard to see under her shell -- as she follows up with some scalding hot water, which comes straight out of her mouth! 

GS: Arisugawa Joy has attacked Dias Flac with Honedge - Shadow Claw!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has attacked Josephine Lovelace with Toxapex - Scald!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Arisugawa Joy gains 10 FP from her Daredevil!
GS: Arisugawa Joy gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Chase has posed.

Pikachu, far from home? She blinks at Giovannia and points back at Chase. "Chachu." Home's right over there!! Ten feet away!

Chase is unflinching under that stare, but perhaps because he does not know where else he could possibly look in this moment. Run along. Before he gets hurt.

Everyone keeps saying that, like there's going to be anywhere to run to if this keeps happening. But then Rena mentions working together, and Chase breaks his gaze to look to her and nod once, clear and decisive. This isn't a one on one fight.

Giovanni is talking of progress. Progress like this university and its cloning...? Progress that involves taking Pokemon, engineering their wills, and for what? (Rhetorical. He think of a reason. He can think of ten. He can think of how this was immediately what he feared would happen, executed in a way he never conceived.)

A Nidoking emerges, and Chase whistles sharply. Pikachu's ears shoot up, alert as she scrambles to get out of the way of the force from that stomp. "Pikapikapika!?" The tremor kicks her up as the ground distorted from the sheer power of it, gravity smashing her back down without any hope of getting her balance back. All she can do is flip in such a way that her tail clips Nidoking before she's send tumbling across the ruined floor.

One of the balls on Chase's belt trembles. He plucks it off, holding it briefly to his chest before flinging it forward. As if possessed, it lands in a perfect arc right before Pikachu and bursts into a small Nidoran.

Nidoran looks up at Nidoking, large ears droops back and tiny little legs trembling. And then he roars to establish rivalry.

... Okay, he squeaks, bucktoothed mouth as open wide as can be with the effort.

A quick nuzzle is given to Pikachu before Nidoran charges ahead. Chase whistles -- one short, one long, wavering a little toward the end in a way that has Nidoran's alert ears twitching attentively. With the ground displaced in Giovanni's onslaught, Nidoran takes advantage of it with a vulpine leap and plunges in.

Faint tremors underfoot are the only sign of his path as he seeks to get under Nidoking and burst upward, quills first.

GS: Chase has attacked Giovanni with Dig!
GS: Chase has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Chase gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Chase has completed his action.
GS: Giovanni solidly guards Dirk Swordsman's Charcadet - Ember for 47 hit points!
GS: Poison blocked!
GS: Giovanni partially evades Chartreuse Spinosa's Close in! for 108 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Giovanni gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: CRITICAL! Jessie and James solidly guards Claude C. Kenny's HARDEN for 76 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Jessie and James gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: ROU|LET|TE: Low! Jessie and James solidly guards Claude C. Kenny's Pin Missile for 56 hit points!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Jessie and James takes a glancing hit from Grace Harvey's Momma Harvey's Special Mix for 18 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Jessie and James gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Break and Poison applied to Jessie and James!
GS: Quick applied to Grace Harvey!
GS: Sneak! The true nature of Arisugawa Joy's attack becomes clear!
GS: CRITICAL! Josephine Lovelace takes a glancing hit from Arisugawa Joy's The Power That's Inside for 172 hit points!
GS: Peace Kishinami suffers a terrible blow from Ida Everstead-Rey's Quick Attack for 101 hit points!
GS: Riposte applied to Ida Everstead-Rey!
GS: Giovanni solidly guards Chase's Dig for 20 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Giovanni gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Quick and Riposte applied to Chase!
GS: Giovanni enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Damian Tamaoka suffers a terrible blow from Ethius Hesiod's Toxic Spikes! for 129 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Damian Tamaoka gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Poison blocked!
GS: Cover applied to Ethius Hesiod!
GS: COUNTER! Dias Flac counterattacks Arisugawa Joy with Counter Attack!
GS: Sneak! The true nature of Arisugawa Joy's attack becomes clear!
GS: CRITICAL! Dias Flac suffers a terrible blow from Arisugawa Joy's The Power That's Inside for 319 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Dias Flac gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!
GS: Dias Flac enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: CRITICAL! Arisugawa Joy suffers a terrible blow from Dias Flac's Counter Attack for 292 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Arisugawa Joy gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Damian Tamaoka takes a glancing hit from Violet Salazar's Headbutt for 42 hit points!
GS: Break blocked!
GS: FP up! Power Burst and Reaction bonus!

<Pose Tracker> Chisato Madison has posed.

"I'm just a working adult who happened to be passing by!" Chisato, who fell out of the ceiling, replies to sort of everybody. "Oh but now I'm interested, what's this Rome thing?" She reaches into her jacket pocket and pulls out a notebook and quickly jots down some quick, shorthand notes. "That must be a whole big empire if you have to do things their way when they're looking...or am I just thinking of a pokemon? Huh."

She looks to Claude briefly and then disappears into a poisoned cloud. She begins coughing violently, and then groaning as the poison barbs make her all blurgy. "The poison gas doesn't help," she mutters, tucking her equipment away in her suit jacket's inner pocket. "Ugh," she adds, and wipes something she chooses not to contemplate from her lip on a handkerchief she pulls out. "But if you insist, gimme some smiles!" she says, and whips out a GREAT BIG camera, excitedly flashing the bulb over and over as she takes a bunch of pictures in short order while slowly approaching Jessie and James and their team.

"Okay! And the finish! Say...! GALE SOMERSAULT!"

Well that doesn't seem like it'd make very good smiles! It does not. In fact it makes for KICKS, as Chisato lunges forward into a rapid series of forward flipping kicks that makes her briefly appear to be a glowing buzzsaw. 

GS: Chisato Madison has attacked Jessie and James with Gale Somersault!
GS: Chisato Madison has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Chisato Madison's stances have changed to Stoic!
GS: Chisato Madison gains 6 THP from her Cautious!
GS: Chisato Madison takes 31 damage from Poison!
GS: Chisato Madison has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Giovanni has posed.

"I'm not worried about it," Giovanni says to Joy. "I need a sense of what these visitors can do for myself. And besides..."

He isn't going to talk about the bribes here.

"...Things have a way of working themselves out."

He looks back at Rena. "Progress has a way of spreading its favor out," Giovanni answers her. "Even if we benefit ourselves, that doesn't happen in a vacuum."

The Barchian's claw bounces off the Mirror Coat. Its red eyes narrow -- a bit funny, given their look -- and then the Teddy Bear Pokemon comes crashing down with both paws, slamming into the metal-and-rock hide of the Barchian.

"Barchian," Giovanni says, calmly. But, with purpose: "Now."

Sparks fly with each of his strikes. Then, the Barchian opens its large mouth and bellows out: "BAAAAARR!!"

And a huge blast of rock and steel dust /explodes/ out from it. All of the damage and force inflicted upon it is /hurled back into Buttons.

"Pokemon are tools," Giovanni explains. And because that is an absolutely horrible statement, he explains. His voice is calm; he sounds at ease. Convinced, even. "And so are people. Can you really say that you, a visitor -- if one from Nede -- aren't a tool of Mayor Nall? Professor Oak?"

A beat.

"All of Energy Nede?"

Blasts of flame slam into the Barchian's side. It turns its head towards Charcadet, seeing the way it stays away -- not getting too close -- and then waits. As Charcadet starts to arc away, it turns.

And its huge, metallic tail slams out, long and and fast, for Charcadet's midsection.

"You'll find the world needs more than 'wants' to change it," Giovanni answers Dirk.

Farfetch'd comes down with his leak, slashing at Nidoking. He raises his purple, armored fist -- and his fist is struck by the leek, armored hide scored across. "An archaeology student," Giovanni says. "So, are you stuck in the past, then?"

Nidoking looks down at Nidoran, quiet for a moment. When the Nidoran roars, the Nidoking roars back -- his shaking the glass tubes, the damaged floor, and everything else.

And then Nidoran jumps down, burrows, and comes back up. The Nidoking loses his footing, falling -- and then shifts, before coming down with the horn.

He smashes it down for the smaller Nidoran, with a bellow.

"He'll grow into it," Giovanni tells Chase, before he throws another Pokeball.

This one bursts open -- and out emerges a large grey-and-brown Pokemon. The Rhydon lands, right in front of Farfetch'd, and then slams both hands down for the leek-wielding Pokemon.

GS: Giovanni has activated Force Action: Lock On!
GS: Giovanni has activated Force Action: Full Clip!
GS: Giovanni has attacked Rena Lanford with Barchian - Pain Release!
GS: Giovanni has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Giovanni has attacked Dirk Swordsman with Barchian - Iron Tail!
GS: Giovanni has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Giovanni spends 3 Combo on Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Formation! Giovanni has attacked Chase with Nidoking - Megahorn!
GS: Giovanni has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Giovanni has attacked Chartreuse Spinosa with Rhydon - Rock Smash!
GS: Giovanni has completed his action.
GS: Rena Lanford suffers a terrible blow from Giovanni's Barchian - Pain Release for 286 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Rena Lanford gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Strain! Giovanni takes 150 damage!
GS: CRITICAL! Dirk Swordsman takes a solid hit from Giovanni's Barchian - Iron Tail for 299 hit points!
GS: Break applied to Dirk Swordsman!
GS: FP up! Power Burst and Reaction bonus!
GS: Chase has activated Force Action: Accelerate!
GS: Chase suffers a terrible blow from Giovanni's Nidoking - Megahorn for 265 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Chase gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa takes a solid hit from Giovanni's Rhydon - Rock Smash for 131 hit points!
GS: Break and Slow applied to Chartreuse Spinosa!
GS: CRITICAL! Damian Tamaoka takes a glancing hit from Elaine's Hazy Yawn for 5 hit points!
GS: Dispel! Riposte removed!
GS: Drowsy and Hex applied to Damian Tamaoka!


<Pose Tracker> Arle has posed.

"No, it's very important to appreciate your enemy," Arle disagrees. "Respect them, even. You can tell a lot about someone by the caliber of enemy they make."

Having someone else 'drop in' like Chisato isn't as surprising as the fact that it's not another Rocket attacker. Arle refrains from tossing a card at her, momentarily appreciative of the fact that someone else can pull that trick, even if hers are magical or something and immediately light themselves on fire.

Behind the line of chairs, Arle doesn't have a lot to worry about from the poison barbs - she ducks down, and the Poison Sting embeds itself in the uncomfortable waiting room chair. (All waiting room chairs are uncomfortable. It is an immutable law of the universe. Even Energy Nede has not solved this problem.)

But hiding behind them doesn't protect her at all from the poison smoke. Coughing, Arle spreads a hand full of cards into a fan, sweeping them to try to clear some air around her face. Her eyes are watering, and she kind of wishes she had a scarf or something. She squints through the haze to try to keep an eye on Jessie and James and their Pokemon; Arle isn't used to working with a team and though she glances toward Grace she doesn't focus on the status of the others as much.

There's one of the Pokemon, a cat. Meowth, not that Arle knows the name. And he's -

Meowth shuffles cards.

Arle doesn't really put much stock in Pokemon battling, but this she understands. Her expression shifts into a smile. "You want to deal up against me? Well, I'm touched," she says, "but it's a bit smoggy in here to play properly. And there's one thing you need to do before we play..."

The hand that isn't holding the fanned cards suddenly has a coin in it. Arle runs it across the back of her knuckles, flicks it upward with her little finger, catches it out of the air and then propels it at Meowth with her thumb. It drills a line through the smoke, which billows outward from the cleared line, and hits with concussive force.

"Ante up!"

GS: Arle has attacked Jessie and James with Pot Splasher!
GS: Arle has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Arle takes 33 damage from Poison!
GS: Arle has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Damian Tamaoka has posed.

'Professor kid.' Marty snaps. "Just hurry up and get whatever it is you're after! Whatever it is, I hope it's important."

"Babe, relax," says Jane, "You know she's like, one of Team Rocket's best researchers, right?"

"Yeah, yeah."

Gerel has a surprise for Nickit--a Powder Grenade lobbed right in his face. He's wholly unprepared for it, and takes a faceful of dust and powder and has to back away, hacking and coughing as he tries to clear his sinuses. Marty turns to point a finger accusingly at Ethius. "H-hey! That's not legal! You could hurt a pokemon with that thing!"

Says the woman in the middle of committing an actual crime.

Gerel applies some Toxic Spikes in a most unorthodox fashion, and Marty and Jane are both unprepared for this application, and both hastily shout,

"Ashound!"

"Nickit!"

"Get outta there!"

The order comes too late as they're pelted with poison spikes, but they both seem to shake off the poison easily enough. Marty lets out a sigh of relief.

Seel would be a natural fit against a fire type--but Ashound is part normal, and is weak to Hitmonlee's fighting type moves--and Nickit's not any better off as a pure dark type.

"Evade that headbut!" shouts Jane. It's Ashound's time to nibly spring out of the way, taking a glancing hit but otherwise avoiding the brunt of the damage.

"We gotta shut that thing down," says Marty. "We're only gonna get lucky for so long."

"I know, just keep an eye on those spikes," says Jane.

Elaine, however, presents a new connundrum. A combo attack. "That can't be good," remarks Jane. "Ashound! Try to melt that haze!"

Ashound is doing her best, spitting out fires, but in the haze they almost miss the bubbles until it's too late--and both Ashound and Nickit try to move out of the way, but there's too much haze for them to just shrug it off completely.

"Well if you wanna do it that way," says Marty with a smirk. "Jane?"

"Got it," says Jane with a nod.

In unison they both shout, "Double Team!" along with a grand, dramatic flourish of pointing at their opponent pokemon.

Okay, so they can't match Jessie and James for choreography (really, who can?) but they have practiced a few things.

Nickit and Ashound both let out their respective growls and suddenly they're bounding back and forth between the pokemon on the field, both using their Quick Attacks in a dizzying display of coordination as they attempt to throw their opponents off balance. 

GS: Damian Tamaoka has activated a Boss Action!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Ethius Hesiod with Quick Attack!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Violet Salazar with Quick Attack!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Elaine with Quick Attack!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Jessie and James solidly guards Chisato Madison's Gale Somersault for 77 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Jessie and James gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Break blocked!
GS: Jessie and James takes a solid hit from Arle's Pot Splasher for 173 hit points!
GS: Break applied to Jessie and James!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has canceled their attack on Ethius Hesiod.
GS: Damian Tamaoka has canceled their attack on Elaine.
GS: Damian Tamaoka has canceled their attack on Violet Salazar.
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Ethius Hesiod with Double Team!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Violet Salazar with Double Team!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Elaine with Double Team!
GS: Damian Tamaoka gains 5 FP from Sufferer!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has completed his action.
GS: Damian Tamaoka gains 5 FP from Sufferer!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has completed his action.
GS: Gamble: Very High! Violet Salazar partially evades Damian Tamaoka's Double Team for 157 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Violet Salazar gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Elaine has activated Force Action: Guard!
GS: Gamble: Moderate! Elaine partially guards Damian Tamaoka's Double Team for 80 hit points!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!

<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.

It's a leafeon, for once it's not ground or rock! There's almost some excitement in not being caught out somehow. While Peace is trying to engage Ida, well, the ninja does what ninjas do and goes for a sneak attack. This isn't a league battle, this isn't a friendly one, this is an attack!
 
 She shuffles her pokeball and lobs it side handed into the room before calling out, "Poppy, Flame Wheel!" as the pokemon snaps out of the pokeball and without any sort of cry, sparks a gout of flame along her back and leaps forward, rolling towards the leafeon! Nina would actually be proud of this kind of an attack! She also feels kinda bad cheating like this even if it's the smart play because leafeon are cute. But.. they are doing a lot of damage and causing a lot of problems!
 
 This kind of sucker punch might actually stop the situation from getting too hairy right? Nevermind that there are a ton of others around. She's helping!
 
 Since she had been listening she calls out, "You could just get online and ask for help, why break it all?" As she bounds around the corner now that she's gotten her 'sneak' attack off.
 
 She takes up a battling pose (AKA Getting ready to move so she's not in the crossfire!) and grins, "Going to stop ya! Got to show them that we aren't just standing behind while they do all the lifting!" Which.. is something she's told a visitor herself. And she's getting amped up to boot! 

GS: Nina Chiyome has attacked Peace Kishinami with Flame Wheel!
GS: Nina Chiyome has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

        "Heh, you and her both," Josie quips, the other target of her comment almost certainly a complete enigma to Joy. "It don't matter me or none. Seems like naming a thing what it is's just a bit of honesty, yeah?" Unhooking her arms, Josie rolls her shoulders in a lazy shrug. "But I'm the sort that likes a little dishonesty! So, what d'ya think, Ikaros?"

        "Piii," replies the newly-christened Ikaros, eager to do battle.

        Before his initial attack upon Toxapex is rewarded with a flash of poisonous energy! But Ikaros certainly has the 'quick' part down: he receives a few scuffed feathers for his effort, but seems not much worse for wear. Still, this isn't the only trick that Toxapex has up her shell: as Ikaros squares up to go for a second round, he receives a blast of scalding hot water for his pains -- even his attempt to dodge comes 'too little, too late', leaving the Pokemon a somewhat sodden mess.

        "Dove," Ikaros says mournfully, stretching out its wet wings.

        "Ikaros! Give that shell of its a Peck!" Josie says, taking the reins once more. But...

        Has Ikaros become a little bit distracted, perhaps? He's focused more on grooming than fighting, and as Josie urges him onwards he regards his opponent dimly only to shuffle to one side, then the other, as if he were doing a little dance. ...It doesn't really affect the Toxapex because it is literally just a little bit of Pokemon soft-shoe. But Dias, perhaps... might be able to feel Ikaros' will to continue to fight! 

GS: Peace Kishinami suffers a terrible blow from Nina Chiyome's Flame Wheel for 124 hit points!
GS: Josephine Lovelace spends 1 Combo on Reload!
GS: Josephine Lovelace has attacked Dias Flac with Ikaros... forgot what he was doing!!
GS: Josephine Lovelace has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Josephine Lovelace has completed her action.
GS: COUNTER! Ethius Hesiod counterattacks Damian Tamaoka with Counter - Toxic Spikes on the Field!
GS: Gamble: Low! Ethius Hesiod takes a solid hit from Damian Tamaoka's Double Team for 140 hit points!
GS: Dias Flac accepts Josephine Lovelace's Ikaros... forgot what he was doing! for 0 hit points!
GS: FP up! Josephine Lovelace's Reload!!

<Pose Tracker> Dias Flac has posed.

        Dias definitely was sizing Josephine up. Her wink is met with a stony lack of expression. (A barrel of laughs, this one.) She commands her Pidove to engage that Toxapex, and Dias is content with leaving her to it. That doesn't mean he doesn't keep an eye on that side of the fight, though--just in case. This comes in handy later when Ikaros starts ignoring the fight--even though he still has the will to continue it.
        
        Joy, meanwhile, exchanges words with Giovanni and Jessie. The implication that Giovanni usually doesn't reveal himself is interesting. It implies that this is just how seriously the Boss of Team Rocket is taking the threat of the Ten Wise Men, just as Joy had said. As for Jessie, well... at least these Rockets look out for their own. But... 'Pokemon are tools, and so are people,' huh. Spoken like a true crime boss. Looks like Rena and the others are having a hard time against him. But Dias isn't in a position to wrap this fight up quickly, either.
        
        Because Joy has improved. He might have his speed, both of his blade and his footwork, but she reacts before he strikes, as though she'd anticipated what he'd do before he'd do it. That's an impressive and deadly ability. Maybe it's a function of her Pokemon than her own latent ability (Dias does not know about Joy's psychic powers), but even so, one day, she might be a better swordfighter than he is.
        
        Case in point: as their blades clash, Joy presses the advantage with Chandelure's mobility and Honedge and Ditto's twin moves, giving her the ability to single-handedly trap Dias in a pincer move. He snarls in pain as a blade materializes in his back and buries its tip deep in his side, spilling his blood. At the same time, though, he sweeps Swallowblade around to catch the other blade and slice up--either tearing into the Pokemon itself, or potentially knocking it out of Joy's grasp and away.
        
        Either way, it's surely not its end, but it is a form of retribution. This is especially so when Dias then shouts, "Chaos Sword!" and brings his sword down in a cloud of demonic violet energy, blazing in a vicious cloud that might engulf Joy or Chandelure--or both. In this moment, Dias isn't picky... but he is getting more aggressive. 

GS: Dias Flac has attacked Arisugawa Joy with Melee Chaos Sword!
GS: Dias Flac has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Dias Flac's stances have changed from Stoic to Avenger!
GS: Dias Flac takes 38 damage from Poison!
GS: Poison expired!
GS: Dias Flac has completed his action.

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lanford has posed.

Meanwhile she sees Claude and Chisato interacting, and she wonders, "Was she really just passing by!?" Because by now Dias has POINTED OUT how SUSPICIOUSLY, she's FOLLOWING THEM AROUND!

"He's getting really fired up..."

Rena asides over Dirk's approach, wondering briefly if this is how Swordsmen are. Her eyes then look at Dias as if to try to imagine Dias getting that fired up over anything, and deciding...

'Nah'

Grace tells her it'd be very admirable if it weren't a crime, and Rena considers before saying, "I guess?" Briefly thinking of Team Rocket as if it were a charity organization.

Jessie and James getting up to the podium, as one of them begins their keynote speech for a gala with...

'To protect the world from devastation!'

Chartreuse tells her to hang in there, and she tells her back, "Likewise." She can at least get behind her reasons for not backing his progress, after all, she feels the same way. Chase nods her way, and Rena smiles in relief. He may be young, but he's a stronger Pokemon trainer than she is.

Rena is shocked, as the Barchian's blast of steel and rock suddenly smashes into Buttons, and through his protections, as the Whelpwisher is just flung away like an actual Ragdoll, it hits the ground, and bounces once, twice, thrice. As Rena calls out in alarm, "BUTTONS!"

She runs to his side, as the Teddy Bear takes its time pushing itself back up, only to fall over, "W...Whel..." "What kind of move even was that!?" Rena says, in shock, because Buttons is a tough cookie, she has never seen him even take a hit like that.

"It's okay. Come back." She murmurs, as she opens his Pokeball, bringing him back in. And all the while she hears Giovanni describe Pokemon as tools. That they are tools. "What a cynical way of looking at life. We come here offering help with the Ten Wise Men - they take us up on it, so we're their tools?"

Another Pokeball is thrown, and this time a Jubjubunny, a Bipedal Pokemon that's not precisely remarkable in any way comes out, as it hops towards the Barchian, "Jub... Jub... Jub..." And Rena tells him, "I feel a sense of responsibility towards the place I came from... even if I don't know why or how, and that makes me a willing tool? ... Nibbles. Hit and run. Use Hyper Fang!"

Abruptly the vibe changes, as the bunny SNARLS and it's adorable widdle eyes turn bloodshot, it's buck teeth growing the length of its body, even as its jaw distends, and it leaps towards the Barchian like a shot out of a gun, trying to pierce it's rocky hide repeatedly as it leaps by.

"JUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

"I feel blessed to have come to this world where I could meet my Pokemon... where they could be valued companions on our journey. I won't let you look down on them as tools!"

GS: Rena Lanford has activated Force Action: Full Clip!
GS: Rena Lanford spends 5 Combo on Headshot and Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Rena Lanford has attacked Giovanni with Hyper Fang!
GS: Rena Lanford has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Rena Lanford gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Rena Lanford has completed her action.
GS: Arisugawa Joy takes a glancing hit from Dias Flac's Melee Chaos Sword for 30 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Arisugawa Joy gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Mighty applied to Dias Flac!

<Pose Tracker> Peace Kishinami has posed.

        For a moment, Peace's strategy appears to have borne fruit - there was reason behind the madness of throwing food everywhere, and she nearly ends up breaking Ida's front line with the confusion of her 'attack'. It's far from anything that would be in an upstanding Professor's playbook, but Peace can't let go of the urge to teach people how to use Pokemon, and part of that is ensuring that their training is up to scratch. She already knows the Ten Wise Men aren't going to play by any rules.

        "... good," she nods with some satisfaction as Ida regains control of her Pokemon with a sharp word. "But you might need to feed them a little more. They'll grow faster under a owner's care than in the wild, especially if you're actively training them. It's unintuitive, but they can have a larger appetite before evolving."

        She says this while watching Sylveon and Eevee dissolve into motion, as Swift meets Quick Attack in a series of blurs she can only just keep up with; Sylveon tumbles out of the aftermath of the clash, sliding to a halt in a bit of a pile before shaking its head as if to clear it. Her free hand hovers over the device she stuck into the computer before, her posture tense. "Sylveon! That's enough. Good job. Leafeon, cover!"

        The two Eevees switch out as smoothly as if they've been trained to do so; Sylveon scampers up onto Peace's shoulders as if recharging, while the pale yellow Pokemon lets out a growl as a fierce wind suddenly kicks up, leaves and branches cutting at the air within it. Peace isn't exactly attacking so much as trying to pressure her opponents backwards - but there's still a glimmer of dissatisfaction across her face.

        A gout of fire cuts through the tornado from an unexpected angle, though, and sends the poor Leafon tumbling to one side as it skitters around the remnants of the flames. Peace jolts upwards, genuinely surprised as she swiftly kneels and does her best to soothe the panicked Leafeon and then whip her head around towards where her other opponent is hidden. She might not have a definite position, but she's at least aware someone's there now. A Vaporeon has already leapt from a pocket to protect the other Pokemon, and with a cry several gouts of water suddenly blanket Nina's hiding spot.

        Looking up, she frowns towards Ida. "... 'laudable' isn't enough. Why did the Mayor just give up? Aren't we allowed to have some pride in ourselves? Even I can understand that," she mutters, before her quiet expression hardens. "So if there's a rule that you need the power of Filgaia to fight back..."

        She grips the Pokeball in her hands once more, takes a deep breath, and throws it forwards towards Ida. 

GS: Peace Kishinami has attacked Nina Chiyome with Vaporeon!
GS: Peace Kishinami has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Peace Kishinami has attacked Ida Everstead-Rey with Who's That Pokemon?!!
GS: Peace Kishinami has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Peace Kishinami gains 31 THP from Regen!
GS: Peace Kishinami has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Jessie and James has posed.

        Barry emerges with a little Shiny sparkle, and Meowth YOWLS, jumping behind Arle. Wait, she's his opponent?! Apparently she's not as scary as the Triple-Hardening Kakuna, though.

        (Meowth chipped a claw...)

        Luckily, Meowth isn't the one getting Pin Missiled. That would be Koffing, who gets poked with a dozen little awful holes. "Koffing!" James declares, pointing, "hit him with your Acid!" And from all of those little Pin Missile impacts pours HORRIBLE POISON! What did you expect when poking holes in the POLLUTION BALLOON, Claude!

        "No one is more devoted to crimecraft than us!" Jessie declares, a hand to her chest. "Jessie!" And James, naturally, completes the call by casting his own hand out and announcing himself: "James! And we're... Team Rocket!!"

        Jessie puts her hands on her hips, as she declares: "And Team Rocket steals Pokemon from the weak and unimaginative! They'll do much better in our hands! As we speak, the Boss is--mmmph!" James covers up her mouth, and adds: "Don't worry about it, don't worry about it!"

        The Boss is counting on them, after all...!

        But to hear that Boss tell it... Team Rocket views Pokemon as tools.

        Jessie and James don't seem at all bothered by Koffing's smokescreen -- but Grace's paralytic isn't Pokemon poison. "Eeeyaaahh?!!" Jessie yelps, as James twitches, locked in place, "It's in my hair..."

        They shake themselves off, though, to answer Chisato: "Haven't you heard that old proverb?" James asks, tapping his rose to his cheek. "When shopping for perfume, do as Aromatisse does!" A beat, and he adds: "I guess 'Rome' is just a nickname for one of those things."

        "Shut up! She's finally going to get a good picture of us!" Jessie says, as she grabs him, and flashes a 'V' to the camera. "Gale Somer--"

        They actually do start to say it, except, of course, that they get interrupted by FLIPKICK TO THE FACE. "My beautiful face!!" "Who cares about that when she hit MY beautiful face!!!" They wail, as they're kicked clear over to the other side of the room.

        Which just leaves Meowth.

        "Mrah?" He asks, as Arle runs that coin across her knuckles. "Myah! Myah!" With little grabby paws, he lunges for the coin --

        Only for it to hit him right in his poor dumb little face. "Mrrrowwwth!!" Meowth yowls, rubbing at his head... before he ducks down to grab the coin.

        "Mwrrrrrr," he purrs, and tosses it up -- only for an entire scattering of coins to somehow fall down around them.

        And, of course, he deals them out a hand of cards, having established the pot. Bea gets a set too! Does she have little robot arms? Hopefully she has little robot arms.

        Meanwhile, Jessie and James pick themselves up, and point at Grace and Chisato respectively: "Ekans! We can't underestimate her, so use your Headbutt!" "Koffing! Don't let her get at us again! Give us a Smokescreen!!" And their choreography might be stellar, but their teamwork is pretty good, too, as Ekans thonks her head towards Grace's shins (she can't quite reach her head) and Koffing spreads a smokey veil around Chisato.

GS: Jessie and James has attacked Claude C. Kenny with Acid!
GS: Jessie and James has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Sneak! The true nature of Peace Kishinami's attack becomes clear!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey takes a glancing hit from Peace Kishinami's Filgaeon for 75 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Ida Everstead-Rey gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Hyper and Quick applied to Peace Kishinami!

<Pose Tracker> Peace Kishinami has posed.

        Rainbow light flickers in all directions as the Pokeball cracks open - and as it starts to resolve, it becomes clear this is no mere Eevee, its silhouette far too large compared to the others. When the light clears--

        --well, it looks like a regular unevolved Eevee, except that the warm golden fur is instead washed out into a dusty brown with flecks of grey at the tips of its ears and limbs. More than that, the bulk of its silhouette turns out to be a large ten-gallon hat sat on top of its head and a holster on its body, both wobbling precariously as the new Pokemon spins in a quick circle to figure out what's going on.

        "... then I'll just have to find a way to work around that rule. Filgaeon! Go!" Peace calls.

        "Pard! Pardner!" it chirps from around a piece of grass sticking out of the corner of its mouth, and the Eevee raises its hackles ready to attack. ... only to rear up onto its hind legs and somehow whip out a miniature six-shooter in its fuzzy paws. It even manages a twirl before one paw fans the hammer, Ida's Pokemon blanketed in gunfire. 

GS: Jessie and James has attacked Arle with Pay Day!

<Pose Tracker> Dirk Swordsman has posed.

 
Dirk's eyes turn towards his allies - Chartreuse, Rena (who is really kinda more the victim here, makes you think) and Chase - as if to estimate where they're at. The Nidoran is standing up to the Nidoking. It may not be paying much fruit.

Wow, Dirk thinks, that feels symbolic somehow.

        Pokemon are tools.

Charcadet is struck in midair. He can't block, he can't dodge. It's pretty much the worst possible place to be hit, with the main benefit being that he isn't like, right in front of a rock or something, nor is he hurled into water. That would've been worse. But a lot of things could have been worse (it could always be raining) and this is bad enough.

        And so are people.

"Charcadet!!" Dirk cries out, in lieu of more back-talk to the leader.

Charcadet smacks against the wall, leaving a black smear, and flops onto the ground. His flame smoulders.

... and...

"Come back!" Dirk commands.

"Charcadet," says the Pokemon, putting one foreleg on the ground. Pushing upwards. Not returning.

(Pain. Sorrow. Despair.)
(Overmatched by the toughest foe.)

"-- Bro you are messed up."

(Height of ten. Mass of a thousand.)

Charcadet grips the blackened handle of the BBQ skewer. His big, kinda-dorkable head, lifts up -- and his eyes are burning blue.

(THIS IS AWESOME.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOpzP33_USs

"Ca," Charcadet says, stabbing the ground with the tip of the skewer and levering himself upwards. He trembles for a few moments. Charcadet doesn't, like, breathe, but it's something analogous.

From a certain perspective, Dirk probably looks like he's distracted or scared or something and is not paying attention to the Barchian.

"DEEEEEET!" squeals Charcadet as he leans forwards. Steadiness regained completely, the blue fire in his eyes erupts around his body, throwing a palpable if subtle impression of heat around the entire battlefield as IR radiation pours out of him. His fighting spirit ignited, his flame rises to match it, no matter the cost!

Run closer as he looks upwards, mouth hanging open before he lets out a wordless scream and leaps upwards, flame surging up and along the BBQ skewer -- burning it hot enough for the metal itself to start glowing a dull red, then a slightly... less dull red -- before coming down as if to CARVE IN HALF --

Descending downwards like a fiery meteor, gravity and determination coming together with this desperation maneuver! 

GS: Jessie and James has attacked Grace Harvey with Headbutt!
GS: Jessie and James has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Chisato Madison with Smokescreen!
GS: Jessie and James has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Jessie and James takes 34 damage from Poison!
GS: Jessie and James has completed their action.
GS: Dirk Swordsman has attacked Giovanni with Charcadet - Flame Charge!
GS: Dirk Swordsman has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Dirk Swordsman has completed his action.
GS: Claude C. Kenny takes a solid hit from Jessie and James's Acid for 107 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Claude C. Kenny gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Break applied to Claude C. Kenny!
GS: CRITICAL! Giovanni solidly guards Rena Lanford's Hyper Fang for 149 hit points!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Gamble: Moderate! Arle takes a solid hit from Jessie and James's Pay Day for 145 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Arle gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!
GS: Grace Harvey partially evades Jessie and James's Headbutt for 72 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Grace Harvey gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Cripple applied to Grace Harvey!
GS: Mighty applied to Jessie and James!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!


<Pose Tracker> Claude C. Kenny has posed.

The fruits of their training!! Rena motivates Claude and Barry both! "Right!" Meanwhile, despite his prodding, Grace gets the most important part--and she can tell how dangerous they are. "For sure," he answers her about their entrance.

What's the Rome thing?? "It used to be!" Claude confirms for Chisato. "Big empire in Earth ancient history!" Well, 'big' for Earth ancient history, anyway. It isn't big compared to Nede. But that's why it's history! James though he-- "...But that's... almost right..."

Arle has a different perspective. Claude lifts an eyebrow. "...Huh," he says. The caliber of enemy they make... It makes sense; it's just a perspective he hadn't considered with these guys. It's hard to 'appreciate' anybody when they're emitting a cloud of poison smoke.

There is... more horrible poison, when Barry drills Koffing. Claude could've expected that, but it seemed like the right plan at the time. As it stands, Beedrill, despite being poisonous itself, gets hit with terrible acid. And this? This makes Barry angry. "Beeeeee!!!"

Meowth better watch out. BETTER WATCH OUT.

"Tools, huh?" Claude wonders. "Using others as tools... it's that kind of thing I wouldn't expect from an 'advanced' society. But people are just people no matter where you find them, huh?"

He's said that to Rena before. But he narrows his eyes. "Our Pokemon will stay in ours, thanks. Hadra! Go!"

Empowered, Claude sends out his Squirtle, and she whirls out in a flash, spinning spinning spinning in her shell for Koffing to buy Barry time to ease back!

When finished with the whirling attack, Hadra the Squirtle stops--and grins at James, preening. "Squir!"

She's proud of that move. 

GS: Claude C. Kenny used Force Action: Mystic on himself!
GS: Hex removed!
GS: Claude C. Kenny has attacked Jessie and James with Rapid Spin!
GS: Claude C. Kenny has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Recover! Blind, Break, Cripple, Mute, and Poison removed from Claude C. Kenny!
GS: Mighty expired!
GS: Claude C. Kenny has completed his action.
GS: Giovanni solidly guards Dirk Swordsman's Charcadet - Flame Charge for 72 hit points!
GS: Quick applied to Giovanni!


<Pose Tracker> Chase has posed.

Nidoran's ears flutter under the force of Nidoking's roar. He has to drive his claws into the ground to keep it from knocking him back as if it had the power of a Gust or a Whirlwind, and only after can he burrow.

Pokemon are tools.

Whatever whistle Chase was about to make veers and sputters off. He is back to staring at Giovanni, but this time in shock. The clarification does not help it all. Pokemon, tools. People, tools. That's...

Chase looks to Nidoking and to Barchian, who carry out Giovanni's commands without hesitation, with all their power, and all their precision.

... What a lonely way of seeing it. Dirk says it's messed up, and Chase nods automatically in agreement.

When Nidoking prepares his horn, Nidoran brandishes his own, practically a stump in comparison. It strikes down, and Nidoran boldly slams back to parry it. This goes exactly as well as anyone could ever expect, which is to say, Nidoran smashes so hard into the ground it dents the floor further.

...

Chase flinches. Pikachu straightens onto two legs. "...Pika?"

Nidoran's leg gives a twitch. His whole body jerks upright.

Nidoran toughed it out so Chase and Pikachu wouldn't feel sad!
Nidoran roars another defiance squeak, and with a whistled command of Chase, runs up a ramp of broken floor to leap into the air and fall on Nidoking with his own horn. It may not be a MEGA horn, but it's still...

A horn attack!! 

GS: Chase has attacked Giovanni with Horn Attack!
GS: Chase has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Chase's stances have changed to Hero!
GS: Chase gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Chase has completed his action.


<Pose Tracker> Elaine has posed.

        Elaine smiles happily has the combination of the moves Haze and Yawn merge well and say cheers on Kayou and Veevee saying "Yes! Good job you too!" as she picks Veevee off her head to hug her. But no sooner is that done than the Nickit and Ashound are taking thier turn as the blitz around the field attacking! "Ugh!" Elaine cries out, a partial barrier of symbology showing up for a brief second to reduce the impact that hits her and Veevee as Kayou takes a hit herself but manages to stay standing. "So far so good, but..." Elaine says as she looks around the interior of the University.

        There's so much fighting going on, in a center of learning. Elaine hugs Veevee tighter for a few moments, getting a concerned "Vee?" from her Eevee. The girl looks down, the brim of her hat hiding her face as she looks at Veevee who looks up at her. "Hey... Do you think you can use that? Should we try it?" she askes softly. Veevee squirms and wriggles in her arms exicitedly trying to get free in response. Elaine smiles, "Alright then. Kayou, swap out with Veevee." she says, watching partially to see what Eithius and Violet do with Marty and Jane next but her attention is more widespread.

        And the reason becomes appearent. "Veevee... Use Sparkly Swirl on as many as you can." Elaine calls out her order. Veevee's response is immediate. She lets out a happy cheerful cry as pink, purple, and yellow lights begin to wrap around her, then swirl around her before they launch outward engulfing the entire building in a shimmering pink-purple hazyness for only a few seconds. Streams of purple, yellow, and pink wrap around various Pokemon and people before vanishing, taking with them various negative effects and imparting new enhancements. 

<Pose Tracker> Elaine has posed.

        Elaine smiles happily has the combination of the moves Haze and Yawn merge well and say cheers on Kayou and Veevee saying "Yes! Good job you too!" as she picks Veevee off her head to hug her. But no sooner is that done than the Nickit and Ashound are taking thier turn as the blitz around the field attacking! "Ugh!" Elaine cries out, a partial barrier of symbology showing up for a brief second to reduce the impact that hits her and Veevee as Kayou takes a hit herself but manages to stay standing. "So far so good, but..." Elaine says as she looks around the interior of the University.

        There's so much fighting going on, in a center of learning. Elaine hugs Veevee tighter for a few moments, getting a concerned "Vee?" from her Eevee. The girl looks down, the brim of her hat hiding her face as she looks at Veevee who looks up at her. "Hey... Do you think you can use that? Should we try it?" she askes softly. Veevee squirms and wriggles in her arms exicitedly trying to get free in response. Elaine smiles, "Alright then. Kayou, swap out with Veevee." she says, watching partially to see what Eithius and Violet do with Marty and Jane next but her attention is more widespread.

        And the reason becomes appearent. "Veevee... Use Sparkly Swirl on as many as you can." Elaine calls out her order. Veevee's response is immediate. She lets out a happy cheerful cry as pink, purple, and yellow lights begin to wrap around her, then swirl around her before they launch outward engulfing the entire building in a shimmering pink-purple hazyness for only a few seconds. Streams of purple, yellow, and pink wrap around various Pokemon and people before vanishing, taking with them various negative effects and imparting new enhancements. 

<Pose Tracker> Elaine has posed.

        Elaine smiles happily has the combination of the moves Haze and Yawn merge well and say cheers on Kayou and Veevee saying "Yes! Good job you too!" as she picks Veevee off her head to hug her. But no sooner is that done than the Nickit and Ashound are taking thier turn as the blitz around the field attacking! "Ugh!" Elaine cries out, a partial barrier of symbology showing up for a brief second to reduce the impact that hits her and Veevee as Kayou takes a hit herself but manages to stay standing. "So far so good, but..." Elaine says as she looks around the interior of the University.

        There's so much fighting going on, in a center of learning. Elaine hugs Veevee tighter for a few moments, getting a concerned "Vee?" from her Eevee. The girl looks down, the brim of her hat hiding her face as she looks at Veevee who looks up at her. "Hey... Do you think you can use that? Should we try it?" she askes softly. Veevee squirms and wriggles in her arms exicitedly trying to get free in response. Elaine smiles, "Alright then. Kayou, swap out with Veevee." she says, watching partially to see what Eithius and Violet do with Marty and Jane next but her attention is more widespread.

        And the reason becomes appearent. "Veevee... Use Sparkly Swirl on as many as you can." Elaine calls out her order. Veevee's response is immediate. She lets out a happy cheerful cry as pink, purple, and yellow lights begin to wrap around her, then swirl around her before they launch outward engulfing the entire building in a shimmering pink-purple hazyness for only a few seconds. Streams of purple, yellow, and pink wrap around various Pokemon and people before vanishing, taking with them various negative effects and imparting new enhancements. 

GS: Elaine spends 2 Combo on Inspire and Reload!
GS: Elaine has attacked Claude C. Kenny with Sparkly Swirl!
GS: Elaine has attacked Arle with Sparkly Swirl!
GS: Elaine has attacked Chisato Madison with Sparkly Swirl!
GS: Elaine has attacked Chartreuse Spinosa with Sparkly Swirl!
GS: Elaine has attacked Grace Harvey with Sparkly Swirl!
GS: Elaine takes 43 damage from Poison!
GS: Elaine has completed her action.
GS: CRITICAL! Nina Chiyome takes a glancing hit from Peace Kishinami's Vaporeon for 114 hit points!
GS: Hyper and Quick applied to Peace Kishinami!
GS: Giovanni partially guards Chase's Horn Attack for 56 hit points!
GS: Quick applied to Chase!
GS: Claude C. Kenny accepts Elaine's Sparkly Swirl for 0 hit points!
GS: Restore! Disease removed!
GS: Pray grants a random effect! Quick applied to Claude C. Kenny!
GS: FP up! Elaine's Reload!!
GS: Claude C. Kenny gains 2 Combo from Inspire!
GS: Chisato Madison takes a glancing hit from Jessie and James's Smokescreen for 22 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Chisato Madison gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Infect! Debuff durations extended!!
GS: Chisato Madison's Cripple Ward may block the effect!
GS: Blind and Jam applied to Chisato Madison!
GS: Cripple blocked!
GS: Cover applied to Jessie and James!
GS: Chisato Madison accepts Elaine's Sparkly Swirl for 0 hit points!
GS: Restore! Hex removed!
GS: Pray grants a random effect! Burst applied to Chisato Madison!
GS: FP up! Elaine's Reload!!
GS: Chisato Madison gains 2 Combo from Inspire!


<Pose Tracker> Violet Salazar has posed.

Marty and Jane's Pokemon Double Team Violet's team, jumping in and attacking and dodging nimbly out of the way. Her Pokemon are bruised and battered. "Bubba!" she calls. "QUENCH her!" indicating the Ashound. She needs to win this battle before her 'mons take any more damage! The Seel obligingly galumphs closer and spews a cascade of ice water at the Ashound. It may or may not hit her, but at the very least it'll soothe Steve's burns.

                                If it doesn't drown him! 

GS: Violet Salazar has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Torrent!
GS: Violet Salazar has completed her action.


<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.

        Josephine's comment is an enigma to Joy. There's someone else with that kind of habit? "... maybe I'll meet them one day," she says. "... it's true. I sometimes feel that imposing a name I came up myself on another feels... selfish. Not that I blame others for doing so."

        Ikaros has done well to withstand Toxapex's barrage, but when Josephine orders her to Peck...

        The Pidove seems distracted, grooming himself and primly doing a little dance. ... it's pretty cute. In fact--

        Toxapex starts to lift her arms and make a little flexing motion, as if to do a little dance in turn. ... has she also gotten distracted? It's terribly cute. She's doing the Thinker pose! The fake muscles she's mustered up looks kinda cursed.

        Such is the way of The Pex.

        Joy doesn't look like she outwardsly agrees with Giovanni's sentiment, but... it's clear that this girl looks up to him in other measures, that she's probably busy logicking that disagreement into something she doesn't understand as a child, yet.

        The pincer attack works, but where Joy's improvement shows, there's one thing she doesn't have:

        Experience.

        And when Dias snarls in pain, and she sees blood come out of his back, there's a moment of real hesitation and terror as her bones chill and her spine freezes up at the violent action that she's done--

        And that moment of hesitation costs her dearly, because Swallowblade is a terrifically fast flash of steel that strikes Honedge square and sends it flying -- and continues to cut and slash Joy's upper arm, drawing blood in turn. That pure-white coat has another stain of red on it: first the 'R' on its back... and now, the blood drawn from her arm.

        It's clear that Joy is rattled; she's not used to real-world injuries, and it's clearly disrupted her rhythm, and without Honedge to defend, she's suddenly in a world of danger.

        Chaos Sword!

        An explosion of demonic violet energy swarms both combatants, and there's a clipped cry from the girl--

        --but Dias can sense something fast moving in that cloud of energy. And when the cloud fades, Joy's a fair distance away; Chandelure's taken initiative to yank her clear back, withering and scuffed from taking the brunt of the blast.

        "... that's enough, Chandelure. Come back."

        Joy recalls the chandelier Pokemon, and she's back on the ground -- a great disadvantage from where she was before. Honedge hovers back at this point, as does Ditto. Her breathing's getting erratic as well; she knows she won't be able to last terribly long, as Dias has once identified -- endurance is a problem with her.

        "Okay. Since you showed me a powerful move... I'll offer one in turn," Joy remarks, as she holds Honedge -- and only Honedge -- with both hands and raises the sword to the air, where it starts to gather with a shimmering... somehow, sacred energy, despite no evidence of religion or a divine being being part of Nedian culture.

        Inside her brain, she recalls the awe of seeing this powerful move... ...while she and Mia and Peace were playing a particular videogame and the protagonist, nearly beaten, chooses to confront the darkness by taking up a sacred sword in hand.

        The charge of sacred energy fulminates around the laboratory, and she darts forward -- much less agile than with Chandelure, but with reasonable fitness nonetheless -- and adroitly feints, this time juking to the right, and then leaping high into the air--

        "Beneath the light..."

        --she SLASHES, and an eruption of pale yellow light flares from Honedge, contrasting against the violet demonic energies Dias has conjured earlier, upon which dances Darkness and Light in contrast to one another.

        "...comes judgement!!"

        It's a good thing Damian isn't here. Joy'll shrivel if she admits she's doing it just like the protagonist in their Video Games.

<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.

        Josephine's comment is an enigma to Joy. There's someone else with that kind of habit? "... maybe I'll meet them one day," she says. "... it's true. I sometimes feel that imposing a name I came up myself on another feels... selfish. Not that I blame others for doing so."

        Ikaros has done well to withstand Toxapex's barrage, but when Josephine orders her to Peck...

        The Pidove seems distracted, grooming himself and primly doing a little dance. ... it's pretty cute. In fact--

        Toxapex starts to lift her arms and make a little flexing motion, as if to do a little dance in turn. ... has she also gotten distracted? It's terribly cute. She's doing the Thinker pose! The fake muscles she's mustered up looks kinda cursed.

        Such is the way of The Pex.

        Joy doesn't look like she outwardsly agrees with Giovanni's sentiment, but... it's clear that this girl looks up to him in other measures, that she's probably busy logicking that disagreement into something she doesn't understand as a child, yet.

        The pincer attack works, but where Joy's improvement shows, there's one thing she doesn't have:

        Experience.

        And when Dias snarls in pain, and she sees blood come out of his back, there's a moment of real hesitation and terror as her bones chill and her spine freezes up at the violent action that she's done--

        And that moment of hesitation costs her dearly, because Swallowblade is a terrifically fast flash of steel that strikes Honedge square and sends it flying -- and continues to cut and slash Joy's upper arm, drawing blood in turn. That pure-white coat has another stain of red on it: first the 'R' on its back... and now, the blood drawn from her arm.

        It's clear that Joy is rattled; she's not used to real-world injuries, and it's clearly disrupted her rhythm, and without Honedge to defend, she's suddenly in a world of danger.

        Chaos Sword!

        An explosion of demonic violet energy swarms both combatants, and there's a clipped cry from the girl--

        --but Dias can sense something fast moving in that cloud of energy. And when the cloud fades, Joy's a fair distance away; Chandelure's taken initiative to yank her clear back, withering and scuffed from taking the brunt of the blast.

        "... that's enough, Chandelure. Come back."

        Joy recalls the chandelier Pokemon, and she's back on the ground -- a great disadvantage from where she was before. Honedge hovers back at this point, as does Ditto. Her breathing's getting erratic as well; she knows she won't be able to last terribly long, as Dias has once identified -- endurance is a problem with her.

        "Okay. Since you showed me a powerful move... I'll offer one in turn," Joy remarks, as she holds Honedge -- and only Honedge -- with both hands and raises the sword to the air, where it starts to gather with a shimmering... somehow, sacred energy, despite no evidence of religion or a divine being being part of Nedian culture.

        Inside her brain, she recalls the awe of seeing this powerful move... ...while she and Mia and Peace were playing a particular videogame and the protagonist, nearly beaten, chooses to confront the darkness by taking up a sacred sword in hand.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKNoHCLI-TM BGM (in joy's head)

        The charge of sacred energy fulminates around the laboratory, and she darts forward -- much less agile than with Chandelure, but with reasonable fitness nonetheless -- and adroitly feints, this time juking to the right, and then leaping high into the air--

        "Beneath the light..."

        --she SLASHES, and an eruption of pale yellow light flares from Honedge, contrasting against the violet demonic energies Dias has conjured earlier, upon which dances Darkness and Light in contrast to one another.

        "...comes judgement!!"

        It's a good thing Damian isn't here. Joy'll shrivel if she admits she's doing it just like the protagonist in their Video Games. 

[OOC] Arisugawa Joy says, "*blu-ray use this one"

GS: Arisugawa Joy has attacked Josephine Lovelace with Flex! And! Pex!!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has activated Force Action: Full Clip!
GS: Arisugawa Joy spends 5 Combo on Headshot and Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has attacked Dias Flac with Honedge - Sacred Sword!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Arisugawa Joy gains 10 FP from her Daredevil!
GS: Arisugawa Joy gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.

        "I assure you it was sanctioned by the Pokemon League." Ethius is telling the truth, but also leaving out the stink-eye and some fervent, angry muttering by some people who seem really infatuated with Koffing as the name of their institute. Something about tears? Crying? Underused tears? Overused tears? He couldn't make it out, and he figures it's for the best.
 
        As he says this, some dust from Barchain does blow a little too close for comfort. He raises a hand, but stops himself from casting a Symbological spell in the moment because... there's no good, safe place to fling all the excess dust in this lab, and also, a flimsy cover to maintain.
 
        "Your sense of teamwork is something to behold," he asides to Elaine and Violet alike. Gerel looks a little lonely on the field, by himself, but that's the trick - he's not. His Trainer's there.
 
        'Just keep an eye on those spikes,' Ethius overhears Jane say. Ethius taps a foot a few times in some subtle communication, and Gerel leans over to one side...
 
        Then, there's a Double Team. They bounce back and forth, back and forth, and it's a little too much for Gerel to keep up with. Even Ethius' eyes have some trouble following, but--
 
        "Now!" He calls, as Gerel /whirls/ forward, tongue out, scooping up and spinning some of the Toxic Spikes to try and tag Nickit and Ashound as they both pass back and forth, but in the end of it, the bludgeoning, burning, scratching, and/or biting of the rapid choreography is too much, and Gerel's stature starts to flatten.
 
        "...That's far enough, Gerel, return," Ethius holds out the ball to call back the fainted Gerel in a traveling stream of light back into their ball.
 
        He considers the next one.
 
        EARLIER
 
        Ethius was in the vicinity when (unknown to him) Ida brought in a Psynymph to be checked on and ensured it's of good health.
 
        Given recent events in their natural habitat, someone put up a poster detailing specific Pokemon that should not be around any Psynymphs in the facility's care, Arcmene (and especially their evolution, Arachnovia) being listed as one of them.
 
        Both wild and cloned Psynards can be especially emotionally sensitive to their presence, as they've been known to prey on nests.
 
        NOW
 
        Ethius looks to the various vats that still have young Psynymphs yet to see life in whatever form it will take for them. Were it a matter of life and death for an entire sector of the galaxy, perhaps... there might be cause to risk.
 
        He decides against.
 
        "Miliza," he determines, switching to their ball as he throws it out. The Axe Lizard Pokemon's wooden armaments have been given a loving tape-and-glue-over pending any time they'd have to carve themselves new ones, as she nonetheless dutifully takes point and eyes--
 
        "Miii!!" An angry yell as she realizes there's a Fire-type on the field. Ethius steps forth to place a hand on top of her head to calm her.
 
        "Focus on that one, the... not the Arcanine." Ashound is not Arcanine. He's mixing up their names, gesturing over to Nickit. "Use Cut."
 
        "Mili..." Miliza steps forth, draws their wooden pole-axe low, and then sweeps wide in an iaijutsu-like cut towards Nickit! 

GS: CRITICAL! Dias Flac takes a glancing hit from Arisugawa Joy's Honedge - Sacred Sword for 219 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Dias Flac gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Hyper and Quick applied to Arisugawa Joy!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!
GS: Strain! Arisugawa Joy takes 139 damage!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Cut!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has completed his action.
GS: CRITICAL! Josephine Lovelace takes a glancing hit from Arisugawa Joy's Flex! And! Pex! for 0 hit points!
GS: Weaken applied to Josephine Lovelace!
GS: Josephine Lovelace enters CONDITION GREEN!!


<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.

See, that's the genius of always wearing a see-through coat. It's water proof. The rest of the ninja isn't though. And while she's quick, she didn't get out of the way so much as she tried to recall Poppy before she was hurt instead. The ninja was about knocked on her feet and is now drenched. "Really?" She asks. She can't talk about that being a dirty play though. She did just sneak attack someone.
 
 Shaking her head to at least get her bangs out of her eyes, she's swapped the quilava out and already thrown another ball with her free hand. The sneasel that appears bounces once it lands in that flash of light before bolting off to try and knock into the nearest of the eevee..lutions? There's a non one and-
 
 "Mavs, Thief, clear the area." As she shakes her hands to clear the water away.
 
 The sneasel is dutiful! In that it does try to steal anything that might be useful to the eevees! It's a quick little thing, a dark blur with one short red ear!
 
 "I don't know why he gave up or if he did, but if you want to make a stand make it!" She shakes one last bit of water and gets ready to get out of the way again (Though this time since she's not hiding it probably won't catch her on accident!)
 
 "That's what I'm going to do!" As in, she hasn't done it yet. She's trying though. Really! She even has plans to make a real weapon of out space bits!
 
 There is a baffled look at the uh, Filgaeon though. Especially it's cries. "Uh-" she starts, temporarily stunned. That's definitely a new one.
 
 "Wait I thought they didn't have any pokemon over there?" She named it, she can put the pieces together. With a hammer. She might be entirely wrong..
 
 She regains some composure though! 

<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.

Pokemon are tools... and so are people. Chartreuse frowns.

"That's... awful." She replies, shaking her head. "And lonely. I feel sorry for your 'tools'."

She shakes her head, then.

"Far from it. I there's there's a lot to be gained from looking to the past to improve the future." She replies.

Giovanni sends out another Pokemon. Rhydon lands, with a double-handed strike! Farfetch'd tries to leap back, but he's not quick enough - he's struck, and sent tumbling back. With a glare he gets back to his feet, with some effort - but Chartreuse shakes her head.

"Time for a breather, Farfetch'd." She replies. With a nod, the duck leaps back as Chartreuse draws out another Pokeball. "Dunsparce, you're up."

The winged snake appears! She takes a second to recognize the situation - then puts on her game face.

(It is, admittedly, not that much different from its usual face. She has a pretty relaxed attitude even on a day like this.)

"We need to put the pressure on - go for a Drill Run." Chartreuse calls out. Dunsparce's little wings flutter, managing with some effort to lift herself off the ground - but before one gets a chance, she hurls herself spinning through the air toward Rhydon, drill-tail-first! 

GS: Nina Chiyome has attacked Peace Kishinami with Thief!
GS: Nina Chiyome has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Nina Chiyome has completed her action.
GS: Elaine heals Chartreuse Spinosa! She gains 29 temporary hit points!
GS: Restore! Break, Disrupt, and Slow removed!
GS: Pray grants a random effect! Regen applied to Chartreuse Spinosa!
GS: FP up! Elaine's Reload!!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa gains 2 Combo from Inspire!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has activated Force Action: Full Clip!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa spends 3 Combo on Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has attacked Giovanni with Time to get a little rough.!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa gains 26 THP from Regen!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has completed her action.
GS: Giovanni solidly guards Chartreuse Spinosa's Time to get a little rough. for 110 hit points!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Peace Kishinami suffers a terrible blow from Nina Chiyome's Thief for 82 hit points!
GS: Dispel! Hyper, Quick, and Regen removed!
GS: Interrupt blocked!
GS: Peace Kishinami enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has activated Force Action: Accelerate!
GS: Damian Tamaoka suffers a terrible blow from Ethius Hesiod's Counter - Toxic Spikes on the Field for 96 hit points!

<Pose Tracker> Arle has posed.

"Depends on the colour, I suppose," Arle shoots back toward Grace. "We can talk about it."

She's got something else to focus on right now, though.

Arle vaults over the chair, rolling forward, into the swarm of coins. She can't help herself; she pulls her hat off and tries to catch some of them in it. "Right," she says, "we'll count that as your share, won't we?"

But she rolls right up to the table, coming to a kneeling stop. "Just one hand, I think. Winner take all, or at least most." Because she really can be distracted by the prospect of a card game; Arle is a poker fiend, and as she sees it, her job is to keep these people busy so they can't assist with the robbery.

Arle, however, has one trick up her (nonexistent, since her vest is sleeveless) sleeve. It's one Meowth has too, if he cares to use it, but she's a rounder - a traveling high-stakes gambler - and she's been doing this for years. Also, she has opposable thumbs and he doesn't, though that doesn't actually seem to stop him from handling the cards, so maybe it's irrelevant.

That trick: Arle cheats. And she's really good at it.

And so the game isn't entirely legitimate, so when Arle shows her hand, it's with a triumphant grin. "Read 'em and weep," she says, more casual than her previous phrasing. There's two queens and an ace showing, and her hand is another queen and ace; the only thing that could possibly beat it would be a king and ace, since there's no way to make a four of a kind or a straight flush with what's on the table.

Without even double-checking if she actually won, Arle swings the hat back on her head with an audible clink and jingle afterwards. Arle's back is still very sore from getting coins rained down on it, and now her neck is going to be sore from the extra weight, but the hat now looks suspiciously lumpy and she seems pretty happy about that.

Even if it is really uncomfortable to wear now. 

GS: Arle has activated Force Action: Full Clip!
GS: Arle accepts Elaine's Sparkly Swirl for 0 hit points!
GS: Restore! Hex removed!
GS: Pray grants a random effect! Lock state applied to Arle!
GS: FP up! Elaine's Reload!!
GS: Arle gains 2 Combo from Inspire!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has activated Force Action: Guard!
GS: Damian Tamaoka partially guards Violet Salazar's Torrent for 80 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Damian Tamaoka gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Cripple blocked!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Arle has attacked Jessie and James with Final Showdown!
GS: Arle has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Arle takes 35 damage from Poison!
GS: Arle has completed her action.


<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

        "Thank you," Ida says, with a little nod. "I've noticed a little of that, yes--I've had them both for about a month, now. Come on, girls, that's it!"

        Aurora and Marigold fall out of the melee as Sylveon flees for the safety of her Trainer. "Voi," says Aurora, as she shoots ferocious sideeye at the pink, ribboned menace. But Leafeon's still on the field, and--

        "Brace!" Ida commands, setting her feet and raising her fists before her. Both of her Eevees set their feet, and prepare to weather Leafeon's gale...

        Fire roars out from an unexpected quarter. "Evoi!" Marigold shouts, her head snapping to the side--but her fear turns to delight as she sees Poppy. It's Poppy!!! Poppy's here!!

        "Evoi," says Aurora, as she shakes her head and settles in to wait for her Trainer's next command.

        "I think your mayor is used to a status quo," Ida says. "This world has been like this for... longer than Filgaia's had civilization, perhaps. Maybe he sees the dynamism, and envies it, and not--" Out comes the next Pokeball. "Look alive!"

        Who's that Pokemon, indeed...?

         Marigold's ears twitch. Her eyes sparkle with curiosity. "Evoi...?" (Is... that another Eevee?)

        Aurora puffs out like a cat that just saw a cucumber. "EVOI!" (IT'S GOT A GUN!)

        'PARD-PARDNER!' BANG BANG.

        Ida instinctively throws herself to the side, curling into a tuck and roll. Aurora all but shoves Marigold behind their Trainer's body as the adorable gunfire thunders downrange, getting her to safety at the cost of being clipped herself! Ida's eyes open, and she stares at the behatted, aggressively Badlands Eevee(?) sitting before her.

        "We don't," she says to Nina, shock and bewilderment in her voice. "How...?"

        The third normal Poke Ball on Ida's belt rattles, shakes, and POPS OPEN. In a beam of light, something appears, a Pokemon that's... distinctly crescent-shaped. She has big, narrowed eyes, and a bright green chitin shell, and a teardrop-shaped Eviolite gleams on that shell like a tiny Sheriff Star.

        "METAPOD," says Catastrophe Sal, as she stares down her foe.

        BGM - Ennio Morricone - For A Few Dollars More - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLXQltR7vUQ&ab_channel=DustyGrooveRecords

        "Pod, pod," says Sal, and a faint shudder runs through the chrysalis that is her body. Less than a second later, she takes this challenge head-on, spraying String Shot downrange--trying to entangle Filgaeon and (most importantly), its inexplicable revolver. SAL is the fastest draw here!!

GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has attacked Peace Kishinami with String Shot!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has completed her action.


<Pose Tracker> Giovanni has posed.

"One of the most important things a Trainer can have is information," Giovanni says to Rena. "How can you expect to win, if you don't even know what your opponent can do?"

The Barchian is struck, as the Jubjubunny rushes in -- eyes bloodshot, teeth elongated and sharp, and it strikes into the hide of the Barchian -- and Barchian yelps loudly.

Giovanni's eyes narrow. "I don't look down on them," he says. "I'm just more honest." He considers her, for a moment. "But don't talk about Energy Nede like you know what's best for it. I don't think you really know it, Miss Lanford!"

His head turns, as he catches a glint of blue. The Barchian looks, too; its eyes still burn red. Charcadet comes crashing down, heat pouring off him, and slams into Barchian -- knocking him backward.

Giovanni holds up an Ultra Ball, which opens. "Barchian, return," he commands. And he is absorbed back into it, with a flash.

"You've got spirit," he tells Dirk Swordsman. "But that won't get you all of the way there."

The Nidoran, somehow, doesn't fall. Nidoking makes a surprised noise at that -- and then turns, larger body moving and turning as the Nidoran leaps up broken floor, and kicks off it.

Then he crosses both arms, before the Nidoran kicks off the wall. The horn slams into the Nidoking, knocking him backward.

"Stubborn, aren't you?" Giovanni asks. He looks at Chase, then, and frowns. "You really shouldn't be here. This isn't something that concerns you. Are you going to insist on getting in my way?"

Rhydon slams both feet into the ground, and stands that very ground as Dunsparce gets ready to block it. He gets slammed into -- Dunsparce managing to push him back, causing the wall that he hits to buckle.

"Hm," Giovanni muses. "I can't disagree with that," he tells Chartreuse. "Rhydon, use Earthquake!"

Rhydon roars -- and then leaps up, and SLAMS down. The ground rattles and shakes underneath Dunsparce -- before the shockwave rolls onward, towards Pikachu, Nidoran, Charcadet, and Jubjubunny.

GS: Giovanni has activated Force Action: Lock On!
GS: Giovanni has activated Force Action: Full Clip!
GS: Giovanni has attacked Chartreuse Spinosa with Rhydon - Earthquake!
GS: Giovanni has attacked Dirk Swordsman with Rhydon - Earthquake!
GS: Giovanni has attacked Chase with Rhydon - Earthquake!
GS: Giovanni has attacked Rena Lanford with Rhydon - Earthquake!
GS: Giovanni has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Giovanni gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Giovanni has completed his action.
GS: Rena Lanford partially evades Giovanni's Rhydon - Earthquake for 231 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Rena Lanford gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!

<Pose Tracker> Grace Harvey has posed.

        "Definite marks down for the MO," Grace says. She also frowns a bit as James stops Jessie saying anything more. "Ugh, she was just about to spill, too." Grace sighs. "Let her gloat, buddy!"

        Claude seems way more into the cool guy vibe than she expected for a military type. Huh. Well, she can work with that.

        "What about a cool accessory? Maybe that'll work?" She calls back to Arle, before hmming. "...Hey, Claude, what sounds cooler to you: an earring or a necklace?" Oh no, she's getting ideas.

        Unfortunately, she is caught up by an Ekans charging for her legs! Grace tries to leap aside, but it's not a clean escape, and she suffers a nasty hit to the shins. "Owowowowow, the heck is your head made of, a blast door?? Jeeeeez..."

        She pulls the guns together into a more rifle like form and aims for-

        A sparking, broken computer "Hey, just borrowing a little power, don't mind me!" Grace calls, as a wire shoots from the gun into the machine, draining electricity straight into the gun, and the tiny meter on the side fills up to green- and then starts filling up again in yellow. "Okay, there we go! Let's get serious, shall we?" She looks toward Jessie and James. "What can I say, no amount of cool choreography makes up for stealing someone's weird battle pets. That's just, like... so uncool." 

GS: Dirk Swordsman partially evades Giovanni's Rhydon - Earthquake for 231 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Dirk Swordsman gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!
GS: Chase suffers a terrible blow from Giovanni's Rhydon - Earthquake for 287 hit points!
GS: CRITICAL! Peace Kishinami takes a glancing hit from Ida Everstead-Rey's String Shot for 0 hit points!
GS: Entangle and Slow applied to Peace Kishinami!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa partially evades Giovanni's Rhydon - Earthquake for 168 hit points!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Elaine heals Grace Harvey! She gains 8 temporary hit points!
GS: Restore! Hex removed!
GS: Pray grants a random effect! Regen applied to Grace Harvey!
GS: FP up! Elaine's Reload!!
GS: Grace Harvey enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Grace Harvey gains 2 Combo from Inspire!

<Pose Tracker> Grace Harvey has posed.

        "Definite marks down for the MO," Grace says. She also frowns a bit as James stops Jessie saying anything more. "Ugh, she was just about to spill, too." Grace sighs. "Let her gloat, buddy!"

        Claude seems way more into the cool guy vibe than she expected for a military type. Huh. Well, she can work with that.

        "What about a cool accessory? Maybe that'll work?" She calls back to Arle, before hmming. "...Hey, Claude, what sounds cooler to you: an earring or a necklace?" Oh no, she's getting ideas.

        Unfortunately, she is caught up by an Ekans charging for her legs! Grace tries to leap aside, but it's not a clean escape, and she suffers a nasty hit to the shins. "Owowowowow, the heck is your head made of, a blast door?? Jeeeeez..."

        Suddenly, Grace is caught up in a burst of sparkles and- she feels better? "Okay, that's rad actually. I don't feel like puking anymore." She pulls the guns together into a more rifle like form and aims for-

        A sparking, broken computer "Hey, just borrowing a little power, don't mind me!" Grace calls, as a wire shoots from the gun into the machine, draining electricity straight into the gun, and the tiny meter on the side fills up to green- and then starts filling up again in yellow. "Okay, there we go! Let's get serious, shall we?" She looks toward Jessie and James. "What can I say, no amount of cool choreography makes up for stealing someone's weird battle pets. That's just, like... so uncool." 

GS: Grace Harvey has attacked Grace Harvey with Reoverload!
GS: Grace Harvey has gained 3 Combo!
GS: Grace Harvey gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Grace Harvey gains 8 THP from Regen!
GS: Grace Harvey has completed her action.
GS: CRITICAL! Grace Harvey accepts Grace Harvey's Reoverload for 0 hit points!
GS: Amplify applied to Grace Harvey!
GS: Hyper and Mighty applied to Grace Harvey!

<Pose Tracker> Chisato Madison has posed.

James explains interstellar history rather well for someone talking about something else completely! "Heck yeah, that's good wisdom! I'll write that down in a minute!"

ONE MINUTE LATER:

James has now been spin kicked (jessie also has but this isn't about her) and Chisato has tucked her camera back away. The reporter Nedian grins. "Those probably turned out OK! I'll get my intern to try, next time~"

Then Koffing rolls up. "Oh," she says, and gets another faithful of The Stank. She coughs violently, staggering backward. Even the wonderful shining sparkles of a magical Eevee can quite get it right under control, and she has to punch her chest a few times to get her breathing right again.

"I am getting REAL SICK OF YOU," she declares at Koffing, and then the edges of her form blur and distort, chi surging through her. She rushes forward, toward the midpoint of Jessie and James and their pokemon's formation. She skips up into the air into another forward flip kick, but this time there's no sawing repetition. Her foot's just glowing.

"CRESCENT LOCUS!"

Then her foot hits the ground and there's a massive explosion of blue-white light! 

GS: Chisato Madison has attacked Jessie and James with Crescent Locus!
GS: Chisato Madison has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Chisato Madison gains 7 THP from her Cautious!
GS: Chisato Madison takes 31 damage from Poison!
GS: Chisato Madison has completed her action.
GS: Jessie and James critically guards Claude C. Kenny's Rapid Spin for 66 hit points!
GS: Jessie and James enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Disrupt and Weaken expired!
GS: ROU|LET|TE: Low! Gamble: Very High! Jessie and James takes a glancing hit from Arle's Final Showdown for 93 hit
points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Jessie and James gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Arle drains Jessie and James! Arle gains 12 temporary hit points!
GS: CRITICAL! Jessie and James takes a solid hit from Chisato Madison's Crescent Locus for 256 hit points!
GS: Chisato Madison enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Damian Tamaoka solidly guards Ethius Hesiod's Cut for 52 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Damian Tamaoka gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Quick applied to Ethius Hesiod!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!


<Pose Tracker> Damian Tamaoka has posed.

Whatever Ethius has been teaching Gerel, the Toxic Spikes do ahve their intended effect afterwards, even if they were targetted in an odd way--both Ashound and Nickit are both so absorbed in their Double Team that they can't really pay any attention to the spikes, stepping on plenty as they surge around the battlefield.

Elaine has more teamwork of a sort up her sleeve, as her Eevee does something to try and bring aid and comfort to as many people in the building as she can.

"W-whoa, that's some Eevee," utters Marty as it douses the entire building with that move. She looks to Jane.

Jane catches her eye and nods. Powerful pokemon... are just what Team Rocket is after!

Meanwhile, Seel is advanced on Ashound to unleash a torrent of water--but it is Marty's voice that cuts in. "Cover her!"

Nickit jumps in front of Ashound to ward off the worst of the deluge, shivering and shaking out his fur with a growl. "Kiiiit."

"Thanks, babe!" shouts Jane to Marty. Ashound also lets out a pleased "Houu~" towards Nickit.

Marty winks to Jane. "Don't worry, I got your back."

But Ethius has seemingly had enough, and calls forth... Miliza? (They don't know, they can't possibly know that Ethius, in this moment, is trying to prevent some greater tragedy than whatever caused the newly-emerged Psynard to go berserk at the start of this misadventure. So for Marty and Jane...)

"Ha! That's an Ashound, thankyouverymuch," insists Jane. A moment later she relents. "Though Arcanine can be kind of cute."

But Ethius at least has Miliza attack Nickit, who is still shivering a bit from the icy torrent--but this time it's Jane's shout of "Ashound!" that cuses the fire Pokemon to jump in the way of the attack, growling with a loud, "Asssshhhh" as flames start to lick from her mouth.

"Thanks!" calls Marty.

"You got it!" returns Jane. With a flourish she calls out, "Flamethrower! Now!"

At the same time, Marty is pointing at Seel. "Nickit! Hone claws!"

Ashound lets out a continuous stream of flames from her mouth, focused right on Miliza and then slowly turning towards Veevee. Nickit, on the other hand, grows and pounces, claws glinting menacingly in the light as it slashes at Seel.

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lanford has posed.

She can't even refute that first point, after all - this fight is evidence enough of her inexperience as a trainer, with how easily he's dominating her Pokemon.
 
A hand simply clenches at her side, like she just wants to hit him, but it's not that type of fight.
 
And even if she tried, it's doubtful that she could get close enough.
 
"Maybe I don't. I hardly know anything about it. For as long as I can remember, Filgaia was my home." Her eyes move up to him, "But I don't think someone who says looking at people and Pokemon like tools is 'more honest' knows what's best for it either."
 
Rena cuts a hand down, "'To denounce the evils of truth and love' in the name of ambition." She quotes Jessie and James, "I'll NEVER believe those ideals are what's best for anyone!"
 
It's perhaps a relief, that he recalls the Barchian, but it's only result is Rhydon SLAMMING the ground in a shockwave. "Nibbles! Dodge!" The Jubjubunny abruptly leaps to hide behind lab equipment, but finds itself showered in glass, and shards of metal.
 
When the Bunny reemerges, it's fur is a mess of debris and crimson, barely upright and on it's feet. And yet-
 
"Nibbles! That's enough! Retur-"
 
Perhaps it really is her inexperience as a trainer, because this bunny, isn't listening, as despite how shaky it is, barely able to stay on its feet, it leaps towards the Rhydon.
 
"JUUUUUUUUUUUU!"
 
It's not a hit and run, it simply tries to bite down right at Rhydon's neck with it's far too long fangs, and remain latched on.
 
It's hard to say whether it is pure bloodlust, or a desire to protect his trainer despite this one-sided fight, but this bunny isn't fleeing the battlefield.

GS: Damian Tamaoka has activated a Boss Action!
GS: Damian Tamaoka spends 3 Combo on Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Ethius Hesiod with Go All Out!!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Elaine with Go All Out!!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Violet Salazar with Hone Claws!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Damian Tamaoka gains 5 FP from Sufferer!
GS: Hex expired!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has completed his action.
GS: Rena Lanford has attacked Giovanni with The Jaws That BITE!
GS: Rena Lanford has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Rena Lanford gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Shield, Surge, and Weaken expired!
GS: Rena Lanford has completed her action.
GS: Elaine has activated Force Action: Guard!
GS: Elaine critically guards Damian Tamaoka's Go All Out! for 79 hit points!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: CRITICAL! Violet Salazar solidly guards Damian Tamaoka's Hone Claws for 126 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Violet Salazar gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Mighty and Riposte applied to Damian Tamaoka!
GS: Giovanni solidly guards Rena Lanford's The Jaws That BITE for 56 hit points!
GS: Rena Lanford drains Giovanni! Rena Lanford gains 31 temporary hit points!


<Pose Tracker> Peace Kishinami has posed.

        Peace's Eevees seem to be mostly able to work together without even any input from her - she's doing nothing but standing in the midst of her collected Pokemon, covering the computer she's targeted and downloading data from. Despite her lack of commands, her Pokemon move together with caution, covering each other and switching out when at a disadvantage. If there's an odd-one-out here it's the new Pokemon she just pulled out, because there's clearly some wariness about it from the other Eevees who haven't yet figured out what to make of it.

        So much so that it's left unprotected from Nina's sneasel, who bashes into it with a colliding attack. With most of Peace's Eevees acting on their own there's only so many things to steal from them. And the most obvious of all:

        Filgaeon's hat.

        Silence rocks across the battle for a moment. Even Peace is not exactly sure if the hat is strictly part of Filgaeon. Quietly, desperately, she hopes not, or that's going to offer some serious questions about the new Pokemon's anatomy that she's not sure she wants to broach just yet. Either way, there's a sudden terrible looming from the Filgaeon, a flame of pure spirit that springs up around it as its attention completely diverts in the poor sneasel's direction.

        Even Catastrophe Sal cannot slow its pace for long; the Pokemon is nearly disarmed by the tangling strings, before a sudden explosion of miniature gunpowder ignites many of the strands and burns them away, leaving only an indignant fluffball in its wake.

        Peace watches all of this, documenting it quietly in her mind as she spares a glance at the monitor next to her. "... good," she nods towards Nina. "... do so. Show me there are Nedeans who want to save Nede. I don't want to leave it up to someone else."

        Pride flickers across her expression as confusion over the new Pokemon reigns. "Eevees are particularly malleable to the forces of evolution. All it takes is a sufficiently charged elemental rock or an emotional impulse. So why not materials from another planet? ... it's not that simple, but that's the root of my research. A Pokemon with the power of Filgaea."

        She does not comment on why Filgaia's power manifests as a surly guneevee. Maybe we should just be thankful we didn't end up with Janus Cascadeon.

        "... it meets the Mayor's requirements. He can't argue with this." That came out a little more catty than Peace would like, but she shakes it away and looks again to the screen - then pulls the device out of its slot, tucking it away in a pocket. "Time to go. Sylveon!" she calls to the Pokemon draped across her shoulders.

        In response, the Sylveon springs up to her head, power coalescing around it. Whatever it might be building up to, it must be something big--

        --well, sort of. Because what actually happens is that a Jolteon and Flareon peek out of her coat pockets to flare a tiny little lightning bolt and flame upwards, the two powers combining into a sudden backlight as the Sylveon squeaks and preens and - suddenly looks as cute as can be in the spotlight! It's weapons-grade cute! It's so cute! (Or at least, that's what the Sylveon is clearly thinking. Peace has not figured out how to stop it being so damn vain.)

        Filgaeon, at least, does not care - because it evidently wants its damn hat back, and it is single-mindedly pursuing Nina's pokemon with a hail of bullets to that end. The thing doesn't even offer a mechanical benefit! It's just a hat!! 

GS: Peace Kishinami has attacked Ida Everstead-Rey with Baby-Doll Eyes, Max Power!
GS: Peace Kishinami has attacked Nina Chiyome with Baby-Doll Eyes, Max Power!
GS: Peace Kishinami has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Peace Kishinami has activated Force Action: Fury Shot!
GS: Peace Kishinami has attacked Nina Chiyome with Who's That Pokemon?!!
GS: Peace Kishinami has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Peace Kishinami has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Dias Flac has posed.

        It is clear that Joy looks up to Giovanni--and that Giovanni may well be taking advantage of that. Dias doesn't know the circumstances of how they met, but he does know that she claimed he taught her how to relate to her Pokemon, and how she relates to hers doesn't seem to be as tools at all. Either Giovanni is lying, or Joy is being deceived.
        
        Dias knows which of those he thinks is more likely. Still, the middle of the battlefield is no time to try to convince someone they're being used. He doubts she'd listen to him even off the battlefield.
        
        Likewise, he sees that fear in her eyes when her blow lands. Her lack of experience is clear, and it comes across in how she hesitates at a very bad moment for her. Fortunately, Chandelure is there to back her up and gets her out of the way, taking the blow on her behalf. Joy in turn calls her Pokemon back. Dias frowns as he regards her, sword held at the ready. He recognizes the hitch in her breathing--understands, thanks to her explanation from before, what that must mean.
        
        Good thing he didn't agree to mentor her, or he might actually have to worry.
        
        "That so," Dias replies as Joy explains her intended next move. He doesn't doubt her. He doesn't think that's good tactics, but he is interested in seeing what she has to offer. As she grips Honedge's hilt and raises it, energy begins to gather, and she charges in to strike. He sees through her feint and raises his blade to meet hers as she leaps up--but it's not just her Honedge but also a MASSIVE blast of brilliant energy that rush down to meet him. He grits his teeth beneath the torrent, but holds fast as the searing energy tear down at him, shredding at his armor and whipping his hair in all directions.
        
        When the light dims, their blades are locked together. Dias looks significantly worse for the wear, and he's had to grip his own hilt with both hands--but he's still standing.
        
        "...Hm. That was pretty powerful," he assesses. "Try this, then."
        
        With a downward swing, Dias attempts to force Joy back to create a bit of distance between them. On the backswing, chi energy surges up around him and Swallowblade, as it does with many of his other maneuvers. Rather than a formless shockwave or a blast of simple force, though, it takes a specific form. The edges of feathers gleam around him, and a beak opens as wings stretch outward...
        
        "Phoenix Drive!!" he snarls, just before the firebird-shaped shockwave erupts and soars forward towards Joy, aiming to engulf her in a different sort of light. 

GS: Dias Flac has activated Force Action: Full Clip!
GS: Dias Flac spends 2 Combo on Headshot!
GS: Dias Flac enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Dias Flac has attacked Arisugawa Joy with Phoenix Drive!
GS: Dias Flac has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Dias Flac enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Dias Flac has completed his action.
GS: CRITICAL! Arisugawa Joy suffers a terrible blow from Dias Flac's Phoenix Drive for 308 hit points!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has activated Force Action: Guard!
GS: Ethius Hesiod takes a solid hit from Damian Tamaoka's Go All Out! for 240 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Ethius Hesiod gains 1 additional Combo!

<Pose Tracker> Dirk Swordsman has posed.

 
Charcadet's heart burns -- he lands, defiant -- and Dirk looks at Giovanni for a moment as he... compliments... him...?

Dirk is unsure how to feel about that, so he goes with "uhhhhhh" before suddenly, Giovanni's turning his attention to -- Chase? "Hey! Leave him alone!" he shouts with the reflex of the older boy, gripping the hilt of his sword tighter before

THOOM!

The ground shakes -- Charcadet stumbles, falling into a powdery heap of charcoal Pokemon. Don't worry -- most of it is dust. Most of it.

"Gh! Get back!" Dirk says, and this time Charcadet doesn't resist.

He grits his teeth. "... Spirit's what you need," he says. "Maybe if you had more spirit you wouldn't be talking like people and Pokemon are just -- things! The hell did you even want that Psynard for, anyway!? You can't get your own with your -- block smuggling operation!?"

NOTE: DIRK KNOWS VERY LITTLE ABOUT TEAM ROCKET. Primarily: 'they've got tudes,' 'they steal Pokemon (at least in some situations)' and 'they seem evil-ish' at best.'

"I've had enough of this," Dirk says, before throwing out another Pokeball. "It's up to you--"

The Sword appears.

"Honedge!!"

Honedge's single eye flicks around the battlefield, encompassing the situation. He sweeps around towards the Rhydon, swerving in a bobble path and aiming to trail that long ribbonlike strand across part of the rocky Pokemon -- to SIPHON ITS SOUL. Or at least life energy.

"You guys alright?!" Dirk calls, looking back towards Chase, Chartreuse, Rena -- Honedge, it seems, he has faith in. But how far can faith and spirit carry you against the sheer might of evil--? 

DC: Dirk Swordsman switches forms to The Deadly Haunted Blade -- HONEDGE!

GS: Dirk Swordsman has attacked Giovanni with Wicked Life Steal of the Cursed Fabric!
GS: Weaken expired!
GS: Dirk Swordsman has completed his action.

<Pose Tracker> Violet Salazar has posed.

The Nicket's claws slash into the Seel, but can't penetrate all the blubber. Bubba is injured, but it's not as bad as it looks. He backs away, "eeeeeeeing" in distress. "Steve! All in!" Violet cries, and the Hitmonlee reacts by trying to land a flurry of blows. He's wet and shivering, and won't be able to continue for much longer. Violet is keeping a close eye on Steve and Bubba, to make sure they're not too bad off. She's about to recall Steve, though, as soon as he finishes this last attack! She is gradually learning how to make her medical training apply to Pokemon... 

GS: Violet Salazar has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Pulling No Punches!
GS: Violet Salazar has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Chase has posed.

More honest. Chase makes a face at that -- exactly the kind of face a teenager makes when they are disrespecting authority with every fiber of their being and possess none of the good sense to control their expression about it.

But there's more important things to focus on, like directing Nidoran through the outclasses battle he's participating in. Chase could have pulled him out, but Chase didn't -- because Nidoran wanted to fight. So Chase supports him, watching the flow of battle, trying to give the commands he can, pushing back, in whatever tiny ways they can manage.

This isn't something that concerns you.

Chase looks back up at Giovanni, clear eyed and unrelenting. Isn't it?

Are you going to insist on getting in my way?

Chase nods. He refuses to allow himself to waver, even as Dirk, perhaps more wisely, comes to his vocal defense.

Rhydon leaps into the air. Chase whistles in urgency. Pikachu and Nidoran bolt in retreat, their paths converging together. But there's not enough speed, and not enough space, to keep from getting caught in the powerful shockwave of it. Nidoran whines out amongst a "Pika piiiiiiika!" before both tumble to Chase's fit. Pikachu manages to sit up, but Nidoran has swirls for eyes as Chase scoops him from the ground.

He gives the valiant Pokemon a nuzzle. Pikachu tugs at his shorts. "Chachu. Chaaachu." With a deep breath, Chase subtly nods. He looks to Pikachu, and he holds out his hand. She smacks her paw to it in a high five, smiling bright. "Piii Pikachu pi Chachu~."

And then she frolics out into battle, among the larger Pokemon with severe type advantage. Pikachu sparks at her cheeks idly, and then, as if from nowhere, pulls out a flat plank to bap Rhydon on the nose with.

GS: Chase enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Disrupt expired!
GS: Chase has attacked Giovanni with Is that a surfboard...?!
GS: Chase enters a Counter stance!
GS: Chase has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Chase enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Chase gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Chase has completed his action.

<Pose Tracker> Elaine has posed.

        Elaine smiles as Veevee's attack goes off. It didn't reach as far as they wanted, but for the first time using it in a fight of any sort it succeeded! "Well done Veevee." she praises her Eevee who croons happily. And then Veevee braces herself, taking the attacks from Marty and Jane's Pokemon head on and coming out the other side with a shake and singed and damaged fur.

        "Veevee, withdraw. Kayou you're up again. Bubblebeam on that Ashound!" she calls out. Veevee turns and races back to sit at Elaine's feet while Kayou claps her flippers and hops forward back into the fight cheerfully. No sooner is she in place than she blowing gleaming bluish transculent bubbles in a beam at the Ashound with an almost musical like note of cheerfulness.

        As the Bubblebeam ends, Kayou gathers some of the last bubbles and creates... A Bubble Eevee! Kayou bows to whoever notices, bouncing the bubble structure on her head for several seconds before it disappears as she shows off. Elaine facepalms at the sight, sighing softly.

GS: Elaine has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Bubblebeam!
GS: Elaine has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Elaine's stances have changed to Sage!
GS: Elaine takes 36 damage from Poison!
GS: Poison expired!
GS: Elaine has completed her action.
GS: Giovanni critically guards Dirk Swordsman's Wicked Life Steal of the Cursed Fabric for 30 hit points!
GS: Cripple blocked!
GS: Dirk Swordsman drains Giovanni! Dirk Swordsman gains 20 temporary hit points!

<Pose Tracker> Jessie and James has posed.

        "Huuuh? An empire?" James fixes Claude with a quizzical expression. "I've never read about any place like that." And he's very well-read.

        Meowth feels a sense of terrible dread, hearing that BEEEEEE. But he's protected by his card-playing gang, right?! Right?!

        "I guess you're not exactly weak," Jessie sighs, to Claude, shrugging with upturned palms. "But we insist on taking your Pokemon, anyway!"

        "KOF," Koffing gets spun by a proud little Squirtle, and James huffs. "Koffing! Sludge Bomb that Squirtle's smug look off her face!" How rude! She was just proud, you monster!!

        He considers Arle and Grace, though, and proposes: "You know, if you went with some nice shades of green, it would really bring out your natural hair colours. It sounds like you like making a statement," he gestures to Grace, "and you seem like the kind of person who wants a plan to come together," here to Arle. "Just be sure to get both light and dark shades in there -- since you've got that darker hair, and yours is so light." That's Grace and Arle, again, respectively. "Oh, and go for a combination of wave cuts and straight lines. The structure is as important as the colour!"

        Jessie grabs him by the ear, and snaps: "James! Stop theorycrafting the enemy outfits! We're in the middle of a fight!"

        "Ow ow ow ow ow!!!"

        Meanwhile: Meowth plays a high-stakes game of poker with Arle. And he does read them, and he does weep, "Myaaaaaaoooowth!!!", because he only has... a pair of Jacks.

        Tearfully, he scatters more coins at Arle. They might land a little heavily, but he at least admits his defeat.

        "Ekans!" Ekans rattles her tail, with her own kind of pride, when Grace calls her thickheaded. (It's a compliment.)

        "Team Rocket is here to shake things up, and we don't care if we're uncool! Koffing, show her what we're about with your Toxic attack!!" James declares, and Jessie shoves him. "Idiot! It's totally cool to steal Pokemon! Besides," she turns to Grace, "the Boss would tell you right now that Pokemon are tools to get the job done! Everything's at our disposal in Team Rocket -- just as we're at the Boss's disposal! And we're going to --"

        This is when Chisato puts her foot in it. Which is to say: Crescent Lotus. Which is to say: "WHY DO YOU ALWAYS KICK US YOU ARE THE WORST REPORTER I SWEAR TO ARCEUS"

        Jessie recovers first, and points at Chisato, demanding: "Ekans, Dig attack!!" And Ekans disappears into the floor, before she thunders out RIGHT UNDER CHISATO, flying upwards to knock her off her feet!

GS: Jessie and James spends 4 Combo on Poison and Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Claude C. Kenny with Sludge Bomb!
GS: Jessie and James has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Arle with Pay Day!
GS: Jessie and James has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Jessie and James spends 3 Combo on Headshot and Poison!
GS: Jessie and James enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Grace Harvey with Toxic!
GS: Jessie and James has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Jessie and James has attacked Chisato Madison with Dig!
GS: Jessie and James takes 35 damage from Poison!
GS: Jessie and James has completed their action. 
GS: Claude C. Kenny has activated Force Action: Accelerate!
GS: Claude C. Kenny fully evades Jessie and James's Sludge Bomb for 0 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Claude C. Kenny gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Poison blocked!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey takes a glancing hit from Peace Kishinami's Baby-Doll Eyes, Max Power for 0 hit points!
GS: Break, Cripple, Jam, Mute, Slow, and Weaken applied to Ida Everstead-Rey!
GS: Giovanni solidly guards Chase's Is that a surfboard...? for 14 hit points!
GS: Infect! Debuff durations extended!!
GS: Blind applied to Giovanni!
GS: Damian Tamaoka suffers a terrible blow from Violet Salazar's Pulling No Punches for 155 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Damian Tamaoka gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!
GS: Gamble: Very High! Arle solidly guards Jessie and James's Pay Day for 92 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Arle gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Infect! Debuff durations extended!!
GS: Arle's Cripple Ward may block the effect!
GS: Jam applied to Arle!
GS: Cripple blocked!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!
GS: Damian Tamaoka suffers a terrible blow from Elaine's Bubblebeam for 77 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Damian Tamaoka gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Damian Tamaoka enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: CRITICAL! Grace Harvey takes a glancing hit from Jessie and James's Toxic for 31 hit points!
GS: Infect! Debuff durations extended!!
GS: Cripple, Disease, Drowsy, Hex, Jam, and Poison applied to Grace Harvey!
GS: Chisato Madison solidly guards Jessie and James's Dig for 48 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Chisato Madison gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!
GS: Stagger removed from Jessie and James!
GS: Nina Chiyome partially guards Peace Kishinami's Baby-Doll Eyes, Max Power for 0 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Nina Chiyome gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Nina Chiyome's Cripple Ward may block the effect!
GS: Break, Jam, Mute, Slow, and Weaken applied to Nina Chiyome!
GS: Cripple blocked!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!

<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

        It's entirely possible that Joy just might cross paths with that 'someone'.

        "Heh. Selfish, huh?" Josie's mouth splits into a wide grin. "Well, I sure am the selfish type! And a liar, to boot," she adds, thumbing at her own chest with her left hand. "But at least I'm an honest liar, eh?" The sort of sense that sort of statement makes will be left up to the listener to interpret.

        But alas, Ikaros, discombobulated by his sudden hot shower (not that discombobulating the Pidove appears to be... hard, judging from the display up to this point) opts instead to do a little dance, as if he's not certain what venue this is again, precisely. Still, as Dias can attest, Ikaros is hot-blooded and raring to go! ...He just has to figure out what it is that he's doing again, precisely.

        "Uh," Josie remarks, apparently trying to figure out what's going on with her Pokemon. She might meet Dias' gaze the one time, as if he'd have any better idea than she.

        (From on high the PRESENCE in the DARKNESS watches. Judges.)

        But what's this? Is Toxapex joining in? What's she doing? Those muscles are...

        truly cursed.

        "...Pido," Ikaros remarks lamentingly, now the one to stare at his once-and-future opponent. Even Ikaros is gobsmacked!

        "You back with us, Ikaros?" Josie chimes in, taking the break in their crazy dance move showdown to try to break through to her new partner. "Pidove!" Ikaros chirps, bouncing the once into the air before racing at his opponent to finally do what Josie asked him to do last turn.

        IKAROS used PECK!

GS: Josephine Lovelace spends 3 Combo on Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Josephine Lovelace has attacked Arisugawa Joy with Ikaros used PECK!!
GS: Josephine Lovelace has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Josephine Lovelace has completed her action.
GS: Arisugawa Joy suffers a terrible blow from Josephine Lovelace's Ikaros used PECK! for 192 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Arisugawa Joy gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Arisugawa Joy has Fallen! She is no longer able to fight!

<Pose Tracker> Claude C. Kenny has posed.

Claude and his Pkemon get the benefit of Sparkly Swirl, and Veevee's cheerful cry engulfs Claude, Hadra, Barry, and Cap all at once. "Hey, thanks!" he calls to Elaine and Veevee, and feels... better. Much better.

He apprecaties Grace's standards, anyway. A cool acessory? "Definitely a necklace," Claude says, because of course he does, that's what Rena has.

Chisato is pretty good at this. It's no wonder she's been able to keep up with following them around...

James--hasn't heard of an empire. Hmm.

Meowth is safe for now, because Barry is still dealing with all the ACID. It's very inconvenient. But Jessie's shrug gets a frown from Claude. "I'll show you how 'not weak' we are!"

Koffing attempts to sludge bomb the smug Squirtle. "Hadra! Look out!"

Hadra the Squirtle spins out of the way again, repeating the trick that got her out here in the first place thanks to Claude's warning, and is unharmed! But Barry and Cap both get sludged, unfortunately, and Cap sways on its huge feet.

"...Fashion advice aside," Claude says to Jessie and James, "This is it for you toay! I don't care if you're cool or not!"

"Because 'disposal' is exactly right! Hadra! Put them on ice!"

Hadra nods firmly, putting up her big, bulky tail and leaning forward, opening her mouth, and--

ICE BEAM!!! A frigid, supercooled column of air erupts for Koffing! But not just Koffing!! 

GS: Claude C. Kenny has activated Force Action: Lock On!
GS: Claude C. Kenny has attacked Jessie and James with Ice Beam!
GS: Claude C. Kenny has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Claude C. Kenny has completed his action.

<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

        The power of Filgaia.

        Ida thinks of her encounter with the Guardians, resplendent and mighty even in their greatly-weakened state. She thinks of the pulse of the Ley, of Mariel's power to coax life from barren earth. She thinks of the Primarchs, and even the Clysmians.

        "What did you feed it," Ida asks Peace, from where she's lying on her side on the floor, doing her best impression of hard cover. Marigold peeks up over her shoulder for a moment, but Aurora puts a paw on her head and pushes her back to safety. Overprotective or not, she doesn't want to see her sister shot at again!

        "I--you've distilled a certain Filgaian archetype, yes," Ida says, as she takes advantage of Filgaeon's distraction to kip upright. She's as agile as those Eevees she trains, and they hop behind her ankles to keep their cover bonus!

        Sal is still out in the open, but Sal can use Harden now. Sal is fine.

        From elsewhere in the lab, a distressed 'Pika piiiiiika!'

        Sal shoots bolt upright. "Meta! Metapod!" It's... encouragement! But then Sylveon, vain creature that she is, decides to play dirty...!

        Ida likes animals. This wasn't a secret even before she got to Energy Nede. She bawled when she was reunited with Grey Lady, and with Lola, and she doted on Sterling as she raised him from a tiny hatchling. Sylveon's doe eyes and perfect ribbons and fluffy fur are like an arrow in her heart.

        "Girls," Ida says, but there's little spirit in it. "Go--I. Stop the Professor, please."

        "Evoi," says Aurora, with a little shake of her head. She leaps to the side, her body blurring as she hops back and forth, too fast to be seen. A barrage of Symbological stars erupt from above her, racing at her Evolved opponent, to explode in a brilliant shower of light! Is Aurora jealous?! Is she self-conscious?

        Marigold paws Ida's leg and makes sad baby eyes of her own until Ida caves, picks her up, and cuddles her like a baby.

<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.

Courtesy of Elaine and Veevee, pink-purple lights surround Chartreuse and her team! She feels refreshed - which is good, because they're all soon going to need it.

As much as she disagrees with Giovanni's methods... it seems like there are some things they are on the same wavelength on.

"I-" She starts - and then she's interrupted, forcing her to brace herself as Rhydon slams down with an Earthquake! The massive shockwave shakes violently beneath Dunsparce, sending her flying end over end with a dazed expression until she's caught in Chartreuse's arms, who stumbles back a bit from the weight.

"You did good - take a good rest." Chartreuse entreats, drawing out her Pokeball and returning Dunsparce. Knocked out in one attack - that was serious. It's no wonder he's the boss...

"I'm hanging in there, but I'd be lying if I said this wasn't looking a little grim..." Chartreuse admits to Dirk. With a confident cry, Farfetch'd steps forward.

"...Alright, I'll leave it to you. Farfetch'd, use Brave Bird!" She calls out. And with a nod, Farfetch'd leaps up! Inside, he can't exactly reach the sky - but there's still enough room to spread his wings. There's a flash in his eye as he fixates on Rhydon and then he dives, hurtling straight toward the larger Pokemon! He tucks his leek under his wing in a manner much like a quickdraw artist sheathing their sword in preparation - and then draws his sword in an instant as he passes. It's powerful - but by necessity, leaves him vulnerable. 

GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has activated Force Action: Lock On!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa spends 2 Combo on Headshot!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has attacked Giovanni with Brave Bird!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa gains 32 THP from Regen!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has completed her action.
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has activated Force Action: Snipe!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey spends 3 Combo on Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has attacked Peace Kishinami with Aurora Expresses Her Disapproval!
GS: Riposte expired!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey has completed her action.
GS: CRITICAL! Giovanni solidly guards Chartreuse Spinosa's Brave Bird for 125 hit points!
GS: Quick applied to Chartreuse Spinosa!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Strain! Chartreuse Spinosa takes 67 damage!


<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.

        On the one hand, Giovanni is a stern man who views Pokemon and people as tools -- and on the other, Joy appears to be an empathetic young girl who values her Pokemon close and dear, able to read the songs in their hearts. On the surface, they could not be more dissonant in how they view Pokemon than each other.

        How, then, was Giovanni able to reach her, and make her look up to him such? There's a mystery there, and whether it takes the form of deception or something more nuanced and complex... remains to be seen.

        "... not knowing how to be selfish in the slightest... can create so many more problems," Joy mumbles, though what context she's talking about is unclear.

        Joy actively despises her weakness; it frustrates her when her body starts to shut down on her, even though she wants to keep going -- and when their blades clash in light and darkness, Dias has held still, despite everything else; this man's endurance is also remarkable! From speed to lasting power, there's no clear weakness for her to be able to exploit...

        And though he acknowledges her power -- he, too, has another trump card in his sleeve.

        The downward swing has Joy behaving like how he wants -- the leap back is on autopilot, another sign of inexperience as she realises just in time that the chi energy he creates is suited to be where she's just drawn back towards.

        Phoenix Drive!!

        The Firebird Shockwave thrashes outward, beautiful in its form as it is deadly; Joy grimaces as she draws her arms up in a block, the most she's able to in this withered state, and it's not enough. She's blasted clear off her feet, landing with a hard thud and rolling against the ground until she stops against the wall.

        "Aagh... not yet... I can still... ... ... ..."

        Then, Ikaros finally snaps out of it, and then races towards Toxapex and--

        PECKS the PEX!

        Toxapex takes this square in the shell, and skids a few metres back; she's still raring to go, but then stares towards her master with concern. And then looks back towards Ikaros and Josephine.

        Two seconds pass.

        And then suddenly, the Pex's arms lift up, and she feigns a dramatic, swooning motion with them! Oh dear, she's adopted a case of the soaps! And then, full of dramatic overacting, she becomes flat on the ground, waving a little white flag with it. (The white flag has two dots and a line on it. Upon closer inspection, Ditto has become part of the act.)

        ...

        ...

        Unfortunately, Joy's still floored, and The Pex peeks up for a moment, then sighs as she lifts herself up again and starts to wander over to her master, scooping her up by four arms. Waving towards Dias and Josephine both, the little and yet strangely muscular creature flees at high speeds with the semi-conscious youth in tow!! 

<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.

        "...Ah, I see," does he? Ethius puts a hand to his forehead as Jane corrects his mislabeling, but nonetheless, matters escalate - such as a nearby foundation-shaking earthquake where he does have to plant a hand on a terminal. (Miliza herself is fine! Grass-types are resistant to Ground-types. Is this a bit of foresight on Ethius' part regarding the nature of what's been going on over there with Giovanni, or... no, probably happy coincidence.)
 
        In Miliza's eyes, she is praying that Ashound is pointing their mouth towards anyone but her. Her little Axe Lizard heart starts to sink when she sees how Marty's pointing towards Violet's Seel. Then it's about ready to jump out of her throat when the Flamethrower bears down upon her.
 
        "Shield up!" Ethius calls.
 
        Dutifully, Miliza does so - if it does her any good, it's that she doesn't flop over and faint on the spot. It's faint praise, at best, for what is without debate a clean, solid hit as flame wreathes up and down upon her.
 
        There's been talk over there about how Giovanni sees Pokemon as tools. The Visitors here haven't been raised in the culture, and arguably that was going to be the fate of the artificial Psynard that just got snagged - in their own way, a Tool of necessity.
 
        "Miliza," Ethius calls, firm, because the sight is distressing even for someone of his oft stoic nature. "Your Leaf Blade."
 
        He recognizes hesitating now would be worse off for everyone.
 
        "Liiiiii," Miliza grunts as she points her burning wooden pole-axe that appears to have speared a marshmallow that might have been blown there by some of the collateral damage. With a thrust, somewhat glittery leafy matter trails behind the lunging strike as she tries to strike through the Ashound before they can retract from their assault.
 
        A half-effective attack is enough if the enemy is already weak. 

GS: Ethius Hesiod spends 2 Combo on Headshot!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Leaf Blade!!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Cover expired!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has completed his action.
GS: CRITICAL! Peace Kishinami solidly guards Ida Everstead-Rey's Aurora Expresses Her Disapproval for 173 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Peace Kishinami gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Peace Kishinami enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: CRITICAL! Damian Tamaoka suffers a terrible blow from Ethius Hesiod's Leaf Blade! for 168 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Damian Tamaoka gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Mighty, Quick, and Shield applied to Ethius Hesiod!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!

<Pose Tracker> Grace Harvey has posed.

        "Green, huh..." Grace muses, quietly. "Hmm, could work, you know. Bea, you getting this?" The robot lets out a trill of confirmation, and Grace nods. "Great! You're the best!"

        And then Jessie interrupts him and Grace huffs. "God, you two just interrupt each other right when you're getting to the good bits, you really need to get more in sync on that." That's rich, coming from someone as bad at teamwork as Grace.

        Necklace, huh? "Okay, that's one for necklace. We'll have to poll everyone once this is done." Wait, really...? "Yeah, you could def pull that off."

        The toxic goo comes for her, and Grace dives to one side- but it hits the side of her jacket and eats through, just barely missing a patch and mildly going through her shirt and burning her skin. "Auuugh, that's gonna take like... ages to fix! I like this jacket! This sucks! For someone who cares about fashion, you sure don't respect the look, dude."

        She frowns at the duo of expert pokemon thieves. "If you don't care if you're uncool, why do you have the introduction, huh? If you don't care about being uncool you just walk in with no pizazz, take what you want, and leave without a calling card." She narrows all three eyes. "Admit it- you two desperately want to be cool." And then everything's at her disposal and Grace shakes her head. "Jeez, listen to yourself. Tools don't get the cool bounty posters, they get taken out by their boss the second they're not useful. Ugh. I was expecting something better for real with that getup, but... eesh. Pass."

         
        "...So, how about I show you something cool? Bea, ready?" Another trill, and the robot's energy port opens and a cable shoots from the grip of the rifle into Bea, and the partially yellow bar on the side shoots up to fully red- then fully purple. A green ball of energy forms at the end of the gun's barrel- and starts getting bigger and bigger, glowing brighter and brighter.

        Grace grins brightly. "I hope you and your pals like flying, cause you're boarding right now! Sorry, no safety demo, I figure you can work it out on your own. Bon voyage!"

        And Grace pulls the trigger, and the beam launches up toward at Jessie, James, her pokemon- and even if it misses them, it goes through the ceiling, the ceiling in the room above, the roof the facility...

        Weren't they supposed to be avoiding collateral? 

GS: Grace Harvey has activated Force Action: Full Clip!
GS: Grace Harvey has activated Force Action: Lock On!

<Pose Tracker> Giovanni has posed.

"I've lived here my entire life. And you might disagree with my methods -- and my goals. But my loyalty to my home is second to none!" Giovanni answers Rena, and with a hint of heatedness in his voice.

Then, his eyes widen. He's seen this before -- a Trainer who loses control of their Pokemon. He mutters under his breath, then calls out: "Rhydon! Guard!"

The berserk Jubjubunny bites into Rhydon. Rhydon bellows, then slams hard to the side -- pitching Nibbles away from his neck after that nasty bite, and hurtling for the wall.

"A cloned Pokemon, made to be bonded to a person. It's fascinating," Giovanni says to Dirk. "And it's very interesting technology, besides. Something like that could be a great benefit... in the right hands."

In his.

The Rhydon is caught by the ribbon of Dirk's Honedge. He growls, a flash of light erupting from the ribbon -- and he stumbles backward. Pikachu frolics up towards him, bouncing up as he recovers.

And bops his nose.

"Grr--"

Farfetch'd flies in -- leek-blade swinging out, and strikes into Rhydon. The large Pokemon stumbles forward, then roars loudly--

"Rhydon!" Giovanni interjects. "Return!"

The Rhydon leaps back -- and into the open Ultra Ball in his hand. He slides it into his things, before producing another. "It's time," Giovanni says, then shouts: "DYNAMAX!"

The black, white, and gold Ultra Ball has a flash of pink light erupt over it, before it swells in size. The ball opens, and a positively titanic Persian steps out. His head nearly touches the roof.

Giovanni and Nidoking bolt behind the Dynamax Persian. Persian rears back -- and then a beam of golden energy explodes from its mouth. It slashes across the lab -- across the Pokemon battling Giovanni -- and leaves the floor, walls, and equipment of the lab shattered and smoking where the beam strikes.

GS: Giovanni has activated Force Action: Lock On!
GS: Giovanni has activated Force Action: Full Clip!
GS: Giovanni spends 5 Combo on Headshot and Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: MYSTIC ARTE! Giovanni has attacked Rena Lanford with Dynamax Persian - Hyper Beam!
GS: MYSTIC ARTE! Giovanni has attacked Chase with Dynamax Persian - Hyper Beam!
GS: MYSTIC ARTE! Giovanni has attacked Chartreuse Spinosa with Dynamax Persian - Hyper Beam!
GS: MYSTIC ARTE! Giovanni has attacked Dirk Swordsman with Dynamax Persian - Hyper Beam!
GS: Giovanni has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Grace Harvey spends 3 Combo on Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Grace Harvey has attacked Jessie and James with B3AM Rifle!
GS: Grace Harvey has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Grace Harvey gains 5 FP from Gleam!
GS: Grace Harvey takes 29 damage from Poison!
GS: Grace Harvey has completed her action.
GS: CRITICAL! Chartreuse Spinosa suffers a terrible blow from Giovanni's Dynamax Persian - Hyper Beam for 464 hit
points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Chartreuse Spinosa gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Chartreuse Spinosa has Fallen! She is no longer able to fight!
GS: Chase has activated Force Action: Full Clip!
GS: COUNTER! Chase counterattacks Giovanni with SURPRISE! SPLISHY SPLASH!!
GS: Chase partially guards Giovanni's Dynamax Persian - Hyper Beam for 303 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Chase gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Chase enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Chase has Fallen! He is no longer able to fight!
GS: Giovanni solidly guards Chase's SURPRISE! SPLISHY SPLASH! for 69 hit points!
GS: Quick applied to Chase!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Chase has Fallen! He is no longer able to fight!
GS: CRITICAL! Rena Lanford solidly guards Giovanni's Dynamax Persian - Hyper Beam for 336 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Rena Lanford gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Rena Lanford enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Rena Lanford has Fallen! She is no longer able to fight!
GS: CRITICAL! Dirk Swordsman partially guards Giovanni's Dynamax Persian - Hyper Beam for 338 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Dirk Swordsman gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Dirk Swordsman has Fallen! He is no longer able to fight!

<Pose Tracker> Damian Tamaoka has posed.

This is a chaotic mess, they're outnumbered, and even though Jane and Marty are trying their best to cover for each other, Marty called it earlier. Their luck won't hold out forever.

Case in point, Nickit expended so much energy trying to pierce Seel's blubber he needs a moment to catch his breath, and that's when Hitmonlee comes in with a flurry of punches. Nickit tries to stand his ground but too many of them strike home--and the type disadvantage is strong, sending Nickit flying backwards to land at Marty's feet. "Nickit!" she shouts, and kneels down to check on her pokemon. "Up you go, boy. Just a little bit longer."

Meanwhile, Ashound is catching her breath after spewing all of that flame, and is perfectly placed for Kayou to unleash its fearsome Bubblebeam. All those bubbles pop again and again and again, driving her back with a number of soft cries. And Miliza's leaf blade may be half-effective, but it strikes Ashound just as she's distracted, scoring a critical blow as Ashound is flung back. "Oh no!" cries Jane, kneeling down to check on her pokemon.

They're both going for potions but Marty is quicker on the draw this time, and Nickit pulls himself up to his feet with a determined snarl. "Attayboy," she Marty with a triumphant grin. She stands and makes a sweeping gesture with her hand. "Alright! Night Slash 'em all!"

"Nickit!" He growls softly, a dark glow starting to overtake him as he stares intently at the opponents still on the field--and then he winks out and appears in front of Miliza, Kayou, and Hitmonlee in turn, unleashing a terrible slash that trails dark energy before he reappears in front of Marty.

And in the meantime, Jane has tended to Ashound and gotten her back on her feet, though she's looking worse for the wear.

Both of the pokemon are.

GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Hyper Potion!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has gained 2 Combo!
GS: Damian Tamaoka heals Damian Tamaoka! He gains 185 temporary hit points!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has activated a Boss Action!
GS: Damian Tamaoka spends 3 Combo on Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Ethius Hesiod with Go All Out!!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Elaine with Go All Out!!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has attacked Violet Salazar with Go All Out!!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Damian Tamaoka gains 5 FP from Sufferer!
GS: Damian Tamaoka has completed his action.
GS: Elaine partially guards Damian Tamaoka's Go All Out! for 175 hit points!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!

<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.

There's a brief waterlogged grin from Nina as she gives a thumbs up to Ida, "I've got you covered." While she's trying to keep some semblance of order to the chaos!
 
 There's a pointed look to Peace, "See, not hiding." At least she didn't stick her tongue out. "Not.. hiding behin. Whatever." She heard the contradiction in her head again.
 
 As for Mavs. Mavs is a gremlin like most sneasels seem to be and she's bounding around waving the hat and acting as a distraction as much as anything else. At one point it even puts the hat on after climbing one of the desks near Peace, striking a pose. Nina snaps, "Wait don't cause further damage-" as the Sneasel realizes that.. it's a good/bad idea and hops down. Darting off now still wearing said hat.
 
 She won't lie, she finds the eevees adorable just like everyone else. As do her pokemon, who aren't quite as ready to try and slam them around.
 
 "I.. yeah I know they can change a lot, but-" she tries to figure out. "You didn't feed it gunpowder did you?" That's the logical idea at least. There's a pause and she side eyes the pokemon. Really hope it's not gunpowder or her next few actions might get shaky.
 
 Two pokeballs are released again. With her sneasel keeping the gunslinger eevee distracted and Ida keeping the others.. her froslass is released with a low almost mournful, 'Frooos' complete with a dainty flourish alongside Poppy. "Keep on your tows" Which gets a curious glance from the ghost, "You know what I mean."
 
 "Come on you two, just like we practiced!" She calls out to the two pokemon who have spread out. Poppy arched and ready, looking for different than the usual lazy critter!
 
 "I have no intentions of letting someone do all the heavy lifting, but this isn't the right way to prove it." She means the attack. "We shouldn't be fighting each other if you're trying to prove a point like that!"
 
 Not that she's going to let Peace go if she's trying to steal and break things. She hopes she's clear..
 
 Korukiri in the meantime is conjuring icy wind, clinging ghostly cold aimed at the eevees. Something to slow them down for a moment as Poppy buffs and suddenly twists, the flame along her back flaring out in a gout of flame! Something of a crude team up! Sure it could have more synergy, but you can't always be choosy and sometimes buying time for another is all you need!
 
 "I'll stop you here and now and prove we can do it on our own two feet. No shame in asking for help though!" This is undercut by the fact that she's still soaking wet. And shouting at someone that isn't even watching the fight. She might deflate a little.
 
 She does glance to Ida and her pokemon again though, her little thing done! "Uh.. I'm here to help by the way." Sure. That should have been her starter. Especially with Ida's earlier reaction. "And thanks for the help." That's quieter. Earnest though! 

GS: Sneak! The true nature of Peace Kishinami's attack becomes clear!
GS: Nina Chiyome takes a glancing hit from Peace Kishinami's Filgaeon for 115 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Nina Chiyome gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Misery inflicts a random effect! Break applied to Nina Chiyome!
GS: Hyper and Quick applied to Peace Kishinami!
GS: Nina Chiyome spends 1 Combo on Poison!
GS: Nina Chiyome has attacked Peace Kishinami with Antipodal Arts!
GS: Nina Chiyome has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Nina Chiyome has completed her action.
GS: Violet Salazar takes a solid hit from Damian Tamaoka's Go All Out! for 262 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Violet Salazar gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: FP up! Arcane Font, Reaction bonus, and SOS Overdrive!
GS: Violet Salazar enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Peace Kishinami solidly guards Nina Chiyome's Antipodal Arts for 67 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Peace Kishinami gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Poison and Weaken blocked!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!

<Pose Tracker> Chisato Madison has posed.

"A good reporter knows how to get to the heart of the story!" Chisato laughs back at Jessie. "Also, because I keep finding you stealing pokemon and disrupting the citizenry, and there's nowhere closer to the scoop than ankle deep!" She puffs up with pride, hands on her hips. "In this day and age, a reporter's got to know how to defend herself, ya know!"

Ekans is doing Dig Attack...this time, she's ready, and despite her exhaustion, she jumps back, managing to avoid the worst of that leap, and keep her feet. She huffs a breath after. That toxin is still slowing her down. She's really got to...

Her phone rings. "Oh," she says, and straightens up, pulling out her phone. "It's me. Bit busy."

Her gaze cuts to James.

"Yeah. Take the shot."

A gleam of light flickers through the window, the whole several kilometers down the road toward the main university building. On the roof. Wait, on the--

A streak of light, pencil thin, sparks out from that firing point, piercing down through the window, intense enough to punch a tiny hole rather than shatter it, aimed to blast through Koffing's center mass!!

Though on second thought, that's not light, that was...water? 

GS: Chisato Madison spends 2 Combo on Headshot!
GS: MYSTIC ARTE! Chisato Madison has attacked Jessie and James with Preparation!
GS: Chisato Madison has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Chisato Madison gains 7 THP from her Cautious!
GS: Chisato Madison takes 28 damage from Poison!
GS: Disease, Jam, Mute, and Poison expired!
GS: Chisato Madison has completed her action.


<Pose Tracker> Violet Salazar has posed.

"Bubba, Steve, to me!" Violet calls as she watches Marty and Jane descend into chaos. Her Pokemon obey, clustering around her. "Let's try Synergy Gambit!" she encourages, and her Pokemon circle her, directing their energies onto the Clefairy, Mimsy. Mimsy raises her little arms and begins to dance. Energies swirl and circle around her until, with a final grand gesture in the Nickit and Ashound's direction, they converge!

GS: Violet Salazar enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Violet Salazar has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Synergy Gambit!
GS: Violet Salazar has gained 4 Combo!
GS: Violet Salazar enters CONDITION GREEN!!
GS: Violet Salazar has completed her action.



<Pose Tracker> Dias Flac has posed.

        Joy mumbles about selfishness or a lack thereof. Dias doesn't know what she's talking about, so he doesn't respond. (He doesn't think much of Josie's claim that she's an "honest" liar, though he gets why she says it. She did just openly admit to being a liar, after all.) Joy, too, manages to take his blow without getting knocked out. Given that her lungs are actively starting to work against her, it's honestly impressive that she still has the will to fight--even if her body may or may not let her continue. Dias stands up straight as he sheathes his sword--which, for someone whose style leans heavily on iaijutsu, is not in any way a sign that he's done fighting--and regards Joy with a slight frown for a moment.
        
        During this time, the battle between Ikaros and Toxapex resolves. Toxapex's muscles might be ghastly, but the would-be water Pokemon beefing up only serves Ikaros all the better. After all, as the ancient proverb goes: have you ever tried to punch a bird?
        
        He looks over that way, catching Josie's befuddled stare. Dias can only shrug. Ikaros's fighting will might have been clear to him, but he's hardly a Pokemon trainer.
        
        And so Toxapex raises the white flag (that is actually a Ditto) and runs off with their trainer. Dias watches them go without chasing after them. (He doesn't return the wave. He's just not that friendly.)
        
        He raises his chin to give a long stare into the shadows of the rafters.
        
        Then he gives Josie a curt nod. "Thanks," he says, just as curtly. (He doesn't say as much, but it's less for her help just now and more for her help back at Salva. Whether Josie picks up on that or not--and why would she--it's still... some gratitude.)
        
        Before he can say anything else, though, Giovanni's Persian, massive by anyone's standards, unleashes a golden beam of overwhelming power. It rocks the building as it scores a scorching line across the building, and Dias turns his head in time to see-- 

GS: CRITICAL! Ethius Hesiod takes a solid hit from Damian Tamaoka's Go All Out! for 326 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Ethius Hesiod gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Ethius Hesiod has Fallen! He is no longer able to fight!

<Pose Tracker> Elaine has posed.

        Elaine lets out a little eek as Kayou comes under fierce attack by the pair o fNickit and Ashound! "Kayou, withstand it!" she calls out as the Popplio takes the hits. And then staggers, wilts, but then catches herself and straightens up still standing. Veevee cheers and Elaine clasps her hands to her chest with a sigh of relief. One that stops midway as she watches Giovanna call forth a Dynamax'd Persian, which uses hyperbeam at Pikachu and Chase! "Oh no..." Elaine whimpers.

        "Bloom! Kayou! We're finishing this." the teenager says in a cold voice, her eyes flashing in anger after the attack she witnessed on her brother. "Toxic Blizzard." she states. Bloom emerges from the tossed pokeball pulled of her pack strap with a cry of "Plume!" as Kayou responds with "Popplio!". Kayou raises her finds and opens her mouth the air around her turning cold and chilly as she begins to create a stormy blizzard. Bloom shivers, but manages to focus as it puffs up its body, and then shrinks as it launches a glop of toxic poison into the midst of Kayou's blizzard. The pure white snow turns purple as the pair continue the cycle several times as Violet's Pokemon move in to attack and get their strikes in before the vicious, toxic snowstorm engulfs the battlefield playing itself out in seconds. 

GS: Elaine spends 1 Combo on Poison!
GS: Elaine has attacked Damian Tamaoka with Toxic Blizzard!
GS: Elaine has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Elaine has completed her action.

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lanford has posed.

"Then why are you trying to get in our way!? The Ten Wise Men would be bad for you too! They don't care about doing business! They just want to rule the universe!"
 
However, Giovanni soon becomes second on her list of concerns, not because he shouldn't be first. In terms of threat, he is, but Rena is abruptly charging onto the battlefield, to call out-
 
"Nibbles! RETURN!" She shouts, as the bloodied Pokemon looks around, as if slightly crazed when the Rhydon vanishes.
 
However, Giovanni shouts something... and...
 
"Dynamax?"
 
Abruptly an enormous Persian has taken the field, opening it's maw for a gleaming beam, and Rena suddenly raises her gauntlets in a desperate attempt to defend against it.
 
The Beam descends and-
 
"JUUUU!"
 
The seemingly out of control Jubjubunny leaps in the way of the Beam, as it strikes it's two front teeth, the hardest point in it's entire body.
 
"NIBBLES!"
 
The enormous fangs however, begin to crack, then shatter, and the Pokemon crashes down to Rena's feet, where the open Pokeball receives it's unconscious form, the gleam of light on it's Pokeball telling her he's still alive.
 
"T-Thank goodness... you're... don't scare me like that..."
 
Rena utters softly, but just because her Jubjubunny defended her, it doesn't mean she came away from the Hyperbeam unscathed.
 
Perhaps it's more the mental stress than the physical stress, but she topples over onto the ground of the laboratory.
 
Rena Lanford was Overwhelmed by her Defeat and Passed Out
 
From the Psynard's rejection... to Nedians like them... to even Magilou's words... some part of her wonders does she truly not understand the people of Nede?

GS: Damian Tamaoka has activated Force Action: Accelerate!
GS: CRITICAL! Damian Tamaoka takes a solid hit from Violet Salazar's Synergy Gambit for 184 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Damian Tamaoka gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Blitz applied to Damian Tamaoka!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Damian Tamaoka takes a glancing hit from Elaine's Toxic Blizzard for 0 hit points!
GS: Entangle, Poison, and Shieldbreak applied to Damian Tamaoka!
GS: FP up! Power Burst!


<Pose Tracker> Peace Kishinami has posed.

        Peace pauses for long enough to make absolutely sure that the little device in her pocket is secure, and looks up as Sylveon blares out her presence as loud as possible. "... I haven't stolen anything. I've just copied it," she makes sure to note, accidentally starting up several thousand wars on Nedean forums in the process. "I'm not here to stop the cloning of Psynards - even if I disagree with the approach."

        "I can't tell you what I did," she replies almost on impulse to Ida's question, her voice clear and stern towards the both of them. Of course, Team Rocket wouldn't give away any of its-- "The procedure hasn't been replicated. I can't be sure the evolution is even stable. And it's going to need full documentation and a peer review before I risk publishing anything. It could easily go wrong," she says with distinct certainty and concern. "Don't try to replicate it yet, for your Pokemon's safety. Wait for the report."

        Oh. Well, then.

        "... thank you for your input," she adds, apparently genuine about that comment as she glances to Filgaeon still rushing madly after its hat. "I'm aware it's only one facet of Filgaia. Maybe I should update the taxonomy. ... there's no documentation on how to register a new Pokemon anymore." It says something that she can say that so calmly and easily, for someone who just apparently made something entirely new.

        There's no time to think any more on that, because Ida is calling for her Pokemon to stop her, and now that she doesn't have to focus on the monitor, she can look over it to see Joy starting to struggle and the sudden and significant degree of collateral damage that's being inflicted on the place - by one of the Filgaian visitors, no less. Given that she has her own objective safe in her pocket, it suddenly seems very prudent to get out of here. She spares a glance towards their boss, in the midst of his own battle, as people and Pokemon alike simply fall away from him.

        There's a quiet, thoughtful frown on Peace's face.

        Sylveon's vain beauty cannot be stopped by mere mortals or Pokemon, though a head-on charge certainly does a pretty good job at trying; Peace has to duck under the assault which unfortunately leaves the poor Pokemon free to get hit mid-preen, and then the white Eevee is howling almost as long as Filgaeon, in a full-on fussy baby mode at its fur getting ruffled.

        Nina makes the point that they shouldn't fight each other, and it's-- something that Peace has to concede. She knows, ultimately, that being at odds with the Visitors is going to be counter-intuitive. But it's not like there are many other paths that would lead to a welcome conclusion. All she can do is show her power and hope that forces a change. Besides--

        --well, Peace is not immune to a bit of a sulk. "You sneak attacked me from a blind spot," she grumbles. "... and if you fight me here, what will happen? Will the Mayor suddenly say 'alright, we'll let you help'?" She doesn't press the point any further, but it's clear what she thinks of that possibility.

        She ducks past the flames, thanks mostly to Vaporeon and Glaceon coming together to try to build a defensive wall against it; they're blown away from Nina's pokemon by the sudden combination of ice and fire as Peace nods her approval towards the team-up. "Good," she adds, scooping up Glaceon in a hug as Vaporean scrabbles for purchase against her coat. "Work on that. Don't just act out a duel, back and forth. Being chained to that the Pokemon League's weakness."

        You can see when she decides to break, because she suddenly turns tail and starts to run; for a quiet scientist she's remarkably agile when she wants to be, especially as many of her Eevees vacate her coat to form a little squad around her. As the scientist leaps onto a row of desks to try to race past Ida towards the exit, there's a cacophony of different attacks around her, perhaps underlining her thoughts about Pokemon duels - this is no duel so much as a free-for-all, a rolling wave of overeager furballs trying to show off in service of letting her escape.

        Somewhere in the midst of that, she recalls the Filgaeon - and not only the Eevee itself but also its hat shimmer with light and then return to the Pokeball, stolen straight off of the sneasel's head.

        This only raises further questions, really. But there's no-one left to answer them. 

GS: Peace Kishinami spends 3 Combo on Gatling, loading 3 into Gatling!
GS: Peace Kishinami has attacked Ida Everstead-Rey with Outright Cheating!
GS: Peace Kishinami has attacked Nina Chiyome with Outright Cheating!
GS: Peace Kishinami has gained 1 Combo!
GS: MYSTIC ARTE! Peace Kishinami has attacked Ida Everstead-Rey with The Eeveelution of Battle!
GS: Peace Kishinami has gained 1 Combo!
GS: Entangle and Slow expired!
GS: Peace Kishinami has completed her action.


<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

        It's getting to be a bit of a rough situation as Joy and her Pokemon manage the pincher threat from both ends. Still, by Josie's estimation, she's really giving them a run for their money.

        Or at least she's giving Ikaros a run for his money. Josie's just here to try to organize things, work moral support for her Pokemon, and try to get into the building. What's in there that's got Team Rocket all hot and bothered?

        Still though, as Joy struggles against Dias' sword--

        Toxapex appears to have been in a situation like this before and opts to raise the white Ditto (even a newbie like Josie knows flags don't have mouths, usually). Yes, Toxapex has Definitely been Defeated by the brave Pidove...

        "Right on! Great work, Ikaros!" Josie cheers, because while she's damn well aware that Toxapex is raising the white flag on purpose, a little well-placed praise never hurt a growing bird in her experience. Ikaros, oblivious to the actual ploy at hand, puffs out his chest in pride. Josie, for her part, is definitely pretending that she's not seeing Joy's own departure from the field and finally gets her foot in the literal door.

        She glances over at Dias. "No probl--"

        This is the point where Josie sees the biggest damn kitty she's ever seen. Her brain, unhelpfully, supplies another word, but even Josie can't crack a grin about that as things are. Not when the cat in question is busy spitting lasers at the... well, it's going to be everything before long at this rate.

        "Ikaros, come on back," she says instead, returning her Pokemon to the ball from which he came. Then, to Dias, she remarks, "Ain't got an ARM big enough for that."

        Not... with her, anyway. 

GS: Ida Everstead-Rey partially guards Peace Kishinami's Outright Cheating for 265 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Ida Everstead-Rey gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: FP up! Reaction bonus!
GS: Ida Everstead-Rey takes a glancing hit from Peace Kishinami's The Eeveelution of Battle for 162 hit points!
GS: Reaction switch bonus! Ida Everstead-Rey gains 1 additional Combo!
GS: Cripple, Delay, and Drowsy blocked!


<Pose Tracker> Dirk Swordsman has posed.

 
"-- And you're the one with those right hands?!" Dirk counters to Giovanni as he speaks hypothetically about the utility of a cloning device capable of bonding a Pokemon with a human being. "This stuff ain't for your personal profit!!"

Obviously they're just out to rip people off.

They're making progress. They might get this guy, Dirk thinks - "Alright! Honedge, don't stay in close, he's gonna pull some schizz!" Dirk calls, and Honedge turns around, but is also drawing out of his scabbard. IT'S ON, PERHAPS -

Or so Dirk would have thought.

"Yeah see," Dirk says, when Giovanni calls on Dynamax, but while the smart remark comes out, it sounds defeated - dismal - even as the enormous Persian appears, looking above them in massive feline glory.

"Hey kid!" Dirk calls to Chase. "Don't give up, it --"


t SHHHHHNNKKKKKKKKKK

The Hyper Beam fills the world with light. Honedge throws himself forwards, sliding back into the scabbard at the last moment -- which means that in the aftermath, the sprawled-out ghost-sword Pokemon is, barely, conscious, eye struggling to focus. Dirk, on his part, is knocked on his ass, visibly stunned; he has at least not managed to stab himself with his own sword.

"Wh-- dang it --" he groans. He might get up, but it's gonna be like five minutes.

<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.

Farfetch'd straightens up. He eyes Rhydon carefully as the larger Pokemon roars -

- and then, is returned, with a call of 'Dynamax'. Chartreuse's eyes open wide - and then, the Persian, magnified in size, appears.

"LOOK OUT!" Chartreuse shouts - to Farfetch'd, as well as to everyone else fighting alongside them. Farfetch'd braces himself - but against an attack of that magnitude, is there really any defense? He's consumed by the beam - and the shockwave catches Chartreuse as well, sending her flying back into a wall. She slides down it into a sitting position - finding herself grateful it was there to prevent her from getting blown away completely.

Farfetch'd, unconscious, lands next to her, and she gathers him into her lap.

All of them, wiped out in a single attack. The last time she faced a defeat this crushing was...

...Was...

She shuts her eyes for a second against the onrushing headache.

<Pose Tracker> Chase has posed.

A Pokemon made to be bonded. The words make Chase sick enough that he's looking a little green.

Pikachu -- and Chase -- look upward with widening eyes as Persian emerges in its unusually colossal size. "Chachu?" Chase only nods at whatever sentiment is being conveyed here, which is probably: oh, that's a big cat.

But Pikachu is not alone. Pikachu has Chase and Nidoran. Pikachu has allies in Dirk and Rena and Chartreuse. And Pikachu has encouragement from Sal.

Don't give up, Dirk says, and Chase whistles with defiance in his eyes as Nidoran is returned to his ball.

"Pika!"

Pikachu readies that surf board even as the Persian glows with Hyper Beam. With sparking cheeks, a swell of water is summoned at Pikachu's feet. It swells upward, and Pikachu calls a massive wave of her own making to help her rival Persian's height. She can do nothing for her small size, but she can make this last stand.

"Pika... CHUUUU!" she cries out, surging forward to make her bid to outsurf the beam, and then kickflips, board and all, off of Persian's face. However that manages to work out for her, she's still left sailing through the air as Hyper Beam fires. There's no getting out of its range at this size.

Hyper Beam carves through the lab, and an explosion knocks Chase off of his feet. "Chachu...?" Chase coughs and wavers, struggling to push himself back up to his knees. He covers his ears with a wince from the din of the destruction, but with a deep, shaken breath, forces himself to drop them so he can listen for Pikachu's tiny voice. He pulls her up against him and rolls behind a piece of lab equipment to huddle and hide from the rest of it as the lab detonates around them.

<Pose Tracker> Jessie and James has posed.

        "I'm just interrupting him when he's helping you!" Jessie insists to Grace, before James whines: "But I was interrupting you when you were helping them!"

        And James goes on to add, when Grace bemoans Toxic: "You have to make fashion that can survive all kinds of Pokemon if you want to survive here!!"

        "We are cool," Jessie huffs, flipping her pointy-curly hair. (It doesn't do much, because it's pointified.) "James is just a moron. And anyway -- we have cool bounty posters! And the Boss would never take us out! Unless we started working with the Ten Wise Men, or something, but come on!!"

        Speaking of the Boss: Persian Dynamaxes. "Myaaaooooo..." Meowth meows, as he looks up at the massive cat, clasping his little paws together with devastation written on his dumb little cat face. "Mrrrooooooowwww..." If Giovanni's Persian can become THAT big, how will he EVER become Top Cat?! He wants to be big! He'd be so much bigger than Persian! He'd be-- he'd be --

        The Longest Cat.

        Having lost his poker game and the team's earnings for the month, he trudges back to his fellows. He is defeated.

        And: "Ing?!" Koffing can't really say 'ice', but he does his best, and then he becomes a Koffsicle -- who gets blasted RIGHT back into James. (James, to his bare credit, at least catches his Pokemon.) He's frozen solid, and that means...

        ... and that means...

        ... he shows up nicely on a scope.

        Ekans, at this moment, slithers and LEAPS in front of that beam which launches towards Jessie -- but it's too powerful! "Kkkaannsssss!" She hisses, as she's blasted back into Jessie, at just the same moment as Chisato suggests someone take the shot --

        -- and thanks to the power of sniping and juiced-up beam weaponry, Jessie, James, and their Pokemon are LAUNCHED out the side of the building.

        In related news, there's now a hole in the side of the building.

        And they can be heard, screaming, as they sail off into the distance:

        "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off agaiiiin...!!!"

        ping

<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.

        Marty and Jane aren't going down without a fight, turns out, as Nickit takes the point to unleash a well-honed Night Slash among the gathered, and there's not much standing Miliza has left to defend against it as she's sent sprawling, tumbling, and flopping over on her belly with a leg sticking up.
 
        "...You did well," he says to Miliza as he calls her back. Well then... it's Ghark's turn, he surmises, grabbing their Pokeball. The Grunts can see he's about to throw at least one more into the fray--
 
        Until he stops, looking up as something truly eye-catching happens.
 
        'DYNAMAX!'
 
        An immense Persian appears, and golden energy slashes a ways away. It's far too close to where he's battling for comfort. Ethius swings his forearm inward and slurs something but it trails off like... was it some sort of weird Foreign Filgaian Swear?
 
        He is not going to even subject Ghark or Arcmene to the potential risk of whatever just happened over there. It is, in intellectual terms, effectively conceding a surrender on the spot in Pokemon League fighting terms.
 
        "...You don't want to be caught anywhere near that," he says to Marty, Jane, Elaine, and Violet alike. "This location might not be safe for much longer."
 
        He crouches low behind some cover when something bursts.
 
        ...
 
                ...
 
                        ...
 
        A handful of FOL coins are thrown in the Grunts' direction, because he's trying to observe custom. (This time it's like 300 FOL short of a polite and proper amount, though.) 

<Pose Tracker> Giovanni has posed.

"I've got a plan to handle them," Giovanni says to Rena. "I'm not about to give the world over to them."

Then, he looks to Dirk. "Of course," he says. "I wouldn't be trying if I didn't think if I was up to the task."

The Hyper Beam tears through them. He watches for a moment -- to be sure none of them rise back up immediately.

And Pikachu surfs up to be eye-level with the Persian. Which blinks, in surprise, before she is blown backward.

With the Dynamax Persian in the way, Giovanni and the Nidoking walk ahead. They step past the cowering, bearded scientist; he hides behind a fallen piece of machinery. Giovanni stops before the very first Ultra Ball that he threw.

The one with the Psynard that went berserk. The one with Rena's data. He picks it up. "Well," he says. "This may be worth it. And we can grab--"

The door to the lab bursts open, as a Gardevoir and a Wartortle burst in. A blast of blue-white light hurtles into the Persian, before exploding into a pink star. That blast throws the Persian backward.

The Wartortle roars, loudly. And, next to him, an unassuming man with brown hair steps up. He looks around, with half-closed eyes; his ears have, like some Nedians, some brown hair on the tops. His brown hair is a little messy.

And his brown garb is like what a gardener might wear. But this is a former Top Champion, a legendary researcher at the Safari Zone...

Noel Chandler.

Giovanni's eyes widen, then he calls out: "Time to go!"

Nidoking turns to the nearby wall -- lowers his shoulder -- and does a football tackle through it, that breaks a hole in the wall. Giovanni holds up a Pokeball -- and then the Persian is pulled back into it. Then, Giovanni turns, running through the hole punched into the wall.

  

<Pose Tracker> Dias Flac has posed.

        Josie does what's probably the sensible thing to do: call back her Pokemon and express that the giant Persian is not a foe one should try fighting. Once upon a time, Dias would've done more or less the same thing. Maybe right now he would've done the same thing. But as Josie speaks, Dias sees Rena, protected by her Jubjubunny that soon returns to its Pokeball, only to pass out as the beam of golden light fades. She isn't the only one--the rest of Giovanni's opponents are knocked down or out by the Dynamaxed Persian, including Chase and his socially savvy Pikachu--but it's always going to be Rena that Dias focuses on.
        
        "...Go ahead and run, then," he tells Josie. There is a murderous look in his red eyes as his hand goes for the hilt of his sword. As battered as he is after that battle with Joy, it's clear he intends on taking Giovanni on next. In direct contradiction to his combat philosophy, even.
        
        He doesn't get the chance. A Gardevoir and a Wartortle appear to beat the Persian back, and a trainer Dias doesn't know steps onto the scene. Whoever he is, his presence is enough to convince Giovanni to call for a hasty retreat. Dias gives Noel an assessing frown.
        
        Then he strides over to Rena's side, his long legs eating up the distance between them. As severe as his expression and his mannerisms have been this whole time, there is an unmistakable gentleness as he kneels down on one knee and lifts her in his arms.

<Pose Tracker> Damian Tamaoka has posed.

Mimsy dances and gatheres energy from all of Violet's pokemon, and thyen suddenly sends that energy crashing right for Ashound and Nickit. They both try to spring out of the way but are tired from carrying the fight for so long, and both Pokemon let out pained growls as the energies land solid hits, forcing them back several steps.

Next, Elaine continues to demonstrate her own brand of teamwork, following Violet's, as Bloom and Kayou work together to create a flurry of poisonous snow that ensnares both Ashound and Nickit. They scramble to get out of the worst of it, but even that brief exposure was quite a lot. They're both looking queasy and unsteady on their feet.

But after a moment they both work to steady themselves, growling with fangs bared at their opponents.

And Ethius--

Seems to be calling it quits.

This location won't be safe much longer. "What's it to you? You can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!" shouts Marty.

"I don't know," says Jane, a tad more reasonably. "He might have a point--"

"Hey, the Boss knows what he's doing. He's not about to bring the house down around himself."

Both trainers are a bit stunned to see the FOL thrown out, and also confused. But Marty shrugs and reaches down to snatch it up. "Finder's keepers," she mutters.

A wartotle's attack blasts in and takes on Dynamax Persian head-on--

And both Marty and Jane freeze as they recognize just who it is.

"Marty! Go! Ashound, with me!" shouts Jane.

Marty nods, and holds out her pokeball. "Nickit, return!" Nickit vanishes in a flash of red light and she's heading for the exit that Giovanni just made. Jane and Ashound are following after, but Jane stops right at the impromptu exit. There's only a single crucial moment to make sure no other rockets are being left behind, and she gestures. "Ashound! Cover us!"

"Ash!" The wolf-life pokemon inhales sharply and then spews out several large fireballs all around herself, creating a firewall, and then a few more deeper into the lab, a distraction for the others to worry about.

Then in a flash of red light Ashound is recalled, and Jane flees out the exit after Marty.

<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

        'Don't try to replicate it yet, for your Pokemon's safety.'

        Aurora gives Ida a flat stare. Marigold doubles down on the baby eyes, her ears drooping. Sal looks offended at the mere thought, letting out an indignant "Pod!". She spits string onto the lab floor. Ida, meanwhile, takes a moment to process what Peace just said. Would she even think of doing that?

        "Of course not!" Ida says. "The girls will be in charge of that, not me!" Aurora's stony expression melts, and she headbutts Ida's leg affectionately. Marigold nuzzles against her chest.

        Peace is getting away!

        "Pod!" shouts Sal, and she starts inching after her with little hops, stretching and straining within her chrysalis! Aurora leaps forwards, bounding off a desk--

        And then, the deluge. The Eeveluge.

        Sal's chitin hardens with an audible 'SHING!' as she stands her ground. Aurora and Marigold leap into her arms, trusting themselves to their Trainer. Ida grimaces, sets her feet, and does as her Starter did. Something with the color of quicksilver and the consistency of gummy flesh surges up to cover her skin, letting her be a pillar of safety for Marigold. The horrible shaking from the other room seems to reach a crescendo, as bright heat SLAMS into the wall and SEARS through it. Debris falls.

        When the dust clears--literally--there are Eevee pawprints everywhere. The last of Peace's Eevees makes their escape. A fallen chunk of ceiling shifts, revealing Ida--covered in broken exoskeleton of her own, coughing violently, two of her Pokemon clasped to her chest. Safe beneath the arch of her torso, neither suffered more than scrapes. Ida blinks.

        "...Sal?" Ida croaks. A smaller piece of debris shifts, revealing a glossy green chrysalis. Sal is scraped up--some of them are clearly Eevee claw marks--but in one piece.

        "Pod," Sal says, pointing (leaning) in the direction of the main lab. Ida's jaw drops. Armor falls away from her hand as she reaches for her cellphone, and hits the Emergency Line autodial.

<Pose Tracker> Chisato Madison has posed.

Jessie and James are sent careening into the stratosphere, and Chisato huffs, patting down her spats as she turns and sees...Noel Chandler. Oh. Ah-hah. The big-time big shot! Top Champion extroardinaire! Lives in the woods and possibly talks to trees more than people! EXTRA rare interview! Should definitely get right over there!

Dias and Rena are also over there.

Chisato immediately makes for the front door, waving behind herself like, "Well that was neat, gotta go walk my taxes bye bye~~" 

<Pose Tracker> Grace Harvey has posed.

        With the immediate threat dealt with, Grace turns her attention to the rest of the battle-

        And the giant nightmare cat unleashing hell everywhere. "Oh that's... really not good..."

        Her initial instinct is to run, honestly...

        But she'd be the only who did, wouldn't she? The rest of them are brave enough to stick around, no matter what, right? And Rena, the girl who invited her to come along, is on the floor.

        Her moment of indecision is interrupted by a new arrival. Someone who seems to put the fear of... something into Team Rocket, and those who haven't blasted off run.

        "Wait, h-hang on, what the heck is going on here...?"

        She surveys the aftermath. At least people won't notice one more hole.

        Her eyes instead settle on Dias. The look in his eyes freezes her.

        'Gracie... If you ever see someone with eyes like that, you better pray they're never looking at you.'

        Maybe her first assessment of Dias was a little too soft...

        She walks toward the least frazzled member of staff she can find. "Hey, you got a medical bay or something here? Do me a favour and go lead that guy to it, 'kay? Just, like... give him and Rena a wide berth."

        Grace will probably be more useful helping out with whoever is left.

        She missed her opportunity to run away... she may as well stay and do something. 

<Pose Tracker> Violet Salazar has posed.

Team Rocket is on the run, so Violet starts tending the wounded, starting with Ethius and Elaine, who are closest to her. She recalls her Pokemon into their Pokeballs and gets to work! She still doesn't know exactly how her Medipak works, but it should at least stabilize them...

<Pose Tracker> Elaine has posed.

        Elaine glares through the dying purplish toxic blizzard as the various members of Team Rocket begin to make their escapes. She doesn't chase them through. For a few reason. Bloom collasping is a good one! The poor flower Pokemon exhausted. Another reason is Kayou. No sooner has the fighting ended than Kayou begins bouncing in place, glowing a bright blue-white light. Her form begins to change, shifting as she becomes a bit longer, more narrow. Her flippers become slightly longer, more arm like as her ears gain a rounded section to them and her nose shrinks. The frill around her neck vanishes, but three knew ones appear around her body almost like a dress as the glow vanishes to reveal: "Brionne, the Pop Star Pokemon. It cares deeply for its companions. When its Trainer is feeling down, it performs a cheery dance to try and help." Elaine's pokedex rattles off from its spot strapped to her pack. "Brion!" Kayou says cheerfully, before starting to sing to Veevee and Bloom performing on the spot.

        "Oh, Kayou." Elaine smiles at her Pokemon, but quickly shakes her head and turns to run across to Chase and Pikachu! She's pulling medical equipment from her pack without hestiation as she sprays Pikachu with a potion and checking Chase over to make sure he's not seriously harmed.

<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.

Nina Chiyome gives Peace a flat look, "You snuck attack a building." Huffing briefly. "Besides, that's what we're supposed to do. Family arts and all that-" She grins. Sneak attacks are fine right? Of course the sulk is met with a grin. That's the kind of person she is! "No, but I think wrecking the place isn't going to help either." She adds in a wry undertone, "And the mayor's probably like all people in charge, far too stuck up to be worth talking to anyway-" Which probably isn't a surprise from miss graffiti artist.
 
 "I only play by their rules when it's appropriate!" Pulling a face, "I'm not that new." And you know, she's also a sneaky sort herself!
 
 The dust flies, causing her to duck and cover her head briefly before realizing something else was up. She smooths her coat out. Not that it needs it and tries to not look awkward.
 
 Then Peace is on the way out and the fact that she has a gaggle of eevees gets a quiet little 'aww' from her for what that's worth!
 
 Then she looks to Poppy, "Don't get ideas, you're too big for pockets." Which gets an utterly confused look. Then a pause from the Ninja too, "HEY, GET BACK HERE WE'RE NOT DONE TALKING!" Huffing a little herself. Mavs DOES in fact offer the hat back (Sort of. She goes to throw it to the pokemon) And then pulls a face at the eevee when the hat is stolen right back out of her little claws. Making one last taunt before hopping back to the ground proper and walking up to Nina. Face up. Staring.
 
 "Not yet." Is Nina's response. Though the sneasel keeps staring and she sighs, "We have to help the others then you get a treat." The staring continues for a moment before the gremlin huffs and joins her other two pokemon as they go to check first with Ida, "You guys okay too?" Looking to her, then the pokemon, clearly asking the group of them. She's already got a potion out just in case.
 
 She shakes the bottle, then catches herself and adds, "We.. should probably find out what happened." Pointing out towards where she thinks the sound was. "Because she's a bit too quick." That is, she had a good head start!

<Pose Tracker> Chase has posed.

Chase blinks dizzily as the events in the aftermath of Hyper Beam unfold. People are shouting. Rocket is leaving, even though they lost. No, there's someone else here. Other Pokemon. He can't focus very well. He's barely conscious, maybe, like Rena, overwhelmed mentally as much as physically with the powers at play and the questions they present.

It's Elaine's voice that cuts through the haze. His Pikachu's ears twitch at the touch of the potion. "Chaaaa..." she offers weakly, looking up at Elaine and pawing at her in affection.

Chase manages to lift his head long enough to look to his sister before it droops to lean on her shoulder. He won't be needing any hospitalization, thankfully, but he does need a minute or ten.

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