Jory

Checking to make sure: I can have Riv transform, right? Or did you just want me to try out the chant?

Riv Riv scratched her head. "Light, huh?" She asked aloud. Truth be told, after she'd seen Sharp's flame fingers she'd kind of been hoping to control water. She knew it was far fetched to take requests, but she wasn't too mad. The only reason she'd wanted water in the first place was to match her name. She smiled at Lexi nodding. "Right!" she said, pumping her fist. "I'll try first, Sion! Wish me luck!" She remembered the words that Lexi had told her despite only a passing mention by the goddess in disguise. The words stood out to her, floating daintily around her mind. She felt drawn to them as she began to speak. Her voice wavered at first, but grew stronger with each word: "By the light of your heart By the strength of my trust To manipulate every aspect of faith And for the salvation of all humanity Bestow upon me your strength That I may bring light to the world!"

Riv The girl was shaken by the fact that she hadn't even noticed the yellow Laylte carpet. Her first instinct was to recoil. After all, her parents had told her all about the Laylites. How "it wasn't their fault they weren't raised right. Their parents learned from their parents, creating a cycle of disgusting heathens who, no fault of theirs sweetie, just aren't as good as us." Despite all their ranting and raving, however, Riv had never actually met a Laylite to confirm their suspicions or discard them entirely. But now, meeting a Laylite for the first time and even realizing she had to live with one, was a totally different experience. She was about to fly off the handle when she stopped for a moment. But... She's willing to help, just like I am. I didn't even realize she was a Laylite until Lexi... Alexus?... Lexi? Whatever. I didn't even realize until Lexi said something. She's really not that different at all. She was confused as she realized this. If Laylites were just like them, then why were her parents so aggressive toward them? Maybe Sion is just an exception, she thought. Either way, she's a nice girl. I don't see any reason to make a big deal out of it. The other girls probably will anyway. There's no need for it to happen in her dorm, too. Riv then looked over to Lexi, deciding to just let the Laylite comment pass without saying anything about it. After all, her internal monologue had already delayed her response to Lexi's question enough. "Of course I'll help you, Lexi!" she said, smiling genuinely at her roommate. "Of course I'll help you, Lexi! Even though we were all thrown together randomly, we live together now. We're family, and family protect each other!"

Accumula Town- "Rest and Relaxation!"- Brendan As Brendan left the town entrance in a huff traveling North and looking for an information kiosk, he would have seen the bright red roof of a Pokemon Center sitting on one of the hills adjacent to the valley containing the Town Square. It seemed to be a relatively short walk away, simply a few blocks of a pleasant town nestled in the hills across the water from Castelia City followed by a hike up a one-lane road that traversed back and forth across the hill. Instead of sidewalks, this road had two staircases lining either side with long, evenly spaced gray stone steps. The road was lined with houses, the homes housing only a small portion of the couple of thousand people living in the town. Accumula Town- "Rest and Relaxation!"- Jason, Alecks, Mio, & Jack The smaller group traveled to the Town Square, where they expected to find the rally. However, by the time they got there it was too late. The stage was being dismantled, and there was no sign of the woman portrayed in Bianca's message. Fortunately, they hadn't missed Bianca and the group of younger Trainers. Upon seeing them, Bianca strode over to them with a serious expression on her face. She did not look like the bubbly Researcher they knew. This was a person who had a lot on her mind. Her forehead was wrinkled in thought and the hair near her face was out of place from her fidgeting with it. Hugh's expression mirrored his chaperone's, his brow furrowed as he stared intently at the remains of the stage. "Hey, guys," she said, a little of the usual sparkle returning to her eyes. "Did you run into any trouble on the way here?" she asked, sounding more tired than anything else. Bianca looked over the group, noting the two absences. "And what happened to Katie and Brendan?"

I spent all today updating. Gonna hit the hay, but y'all should post tomorrow. If you do we can be into the next battle by Friday latest.

Sorry about the wait, guys. I'm about to post the final part of this colossal update. EDIT: Colossal update finished. This begins the last part of Chapter 1. Let's finish this before May!

Alecks has found Ten Gallon Hat (Key Item)! Route 1- "Routes of Hazzard!": Epilogue- Jason As the Boss Hog admitted defeat and all the Pokemon dropped their fighting stances, Jason's heart skipped a beat. "We... We won?" he asked, almost not believing what was going on around him. After all the Patrats, Boss Hog had seemed an insurmountable obstacle. He had seemed a titan looming over the battlefield, eldritch energies preventing him from the faintest resemblance of harm. And yet after a long and arduous battle, a knock-down drag-out brawl, the group of new Trainers had emerged victorious. In Jason's mind, there was only one reasonable reaction to this. He cheered and raised his fist in the air, running toward his Pokemon. He scooped them up in a big hug, the Minccino and Treecko barely able to react in time to avoid having the air squeezed out of their lungs. They each mounted a shoulder, excited shouts of "Tree-cko!" and "Mincc-Mincc!" echoing through the forest clearing. The new Trainer scratched both on their heads and joined in on the chattering, his voice barely intelligible between his Pokemon's cries and his own enthusiastic babbling about the battle that had just transpired. However, Jason's celebration was interrupted by Jack and Alecks asking what they should do next and where the food was. "Hmm... That's a great question." Jason turned to the Watchog, looking him in the eye as an equal. After fighting off more than five Pokemon on his own, Boss Hog had more than earned the Amateur's respect. "Mr. Hog, sir, we won that battle. I think it's time you returned the food you stole to us. We don't want to fight anymore; we just want the food so we can be on our way," the Trainer pleaded. Boss Hog looked on, his eyes full of reminiscence as he looked around the forest clearing. Had it really been so long that they'd been here? Or did it just seem that way? Whatever the case, the Hog had no more quarrel with these children, these pups that knew yet nothing of the sorrow and cruelty the world had to offer. They would learn soon enough. Boss Hog turned his head and barked loudly into the underbrush, prompting a loud rustling behind him. The two Patrat who had run into the forest had returned with a large crate full of food, obviously the one that had been taken from the truck. Hog watched scornfully as the young Trainers and their Pokemon began to gather up the food, preparing to leave the clearing with it. "Hog!" the large meerkat barked again. The Patrat began to gather themselves up. Those that couldn't move from fatigue were carried by their comrades as they rallied around their leader. "Watchog!" he cried. The Patrat group, led by Boss Hog, turned and vanished into the underbrush. However, Boss Hog could not shake the feeling that this was the last he'd see of these particular Trainers. With strength like theirs even as Amateurs, he was sure they would make it wherever they needed to go. Jason watched the Watchog and his group of Patrat leave. "I can't say I'm sorry to see them go, but I wish there was another way," he said regretfully. "Without this food, some of them are bound to go hungry. But we couldn't let the same thing happen to the Pokemon at Juniper's Lab, either. I guess in some situations, everybody can't leave happy. Especially the losers," he observed. "Either way, we should get this stuff back to the driver. I'm sure she's worried sick! We've been gone a long time!" With that said, Jason turned and led the group of Trainers and their Pokemon out of the forest and back toward the main road. Without losing any team members or chasing after Patrat, it was a much faster trip back to the seaside road. Route 1- Main Road- "Routes of Hazzard!" As the group of Trainers and their Pokemon emerged from the tall grass of the seaside plain and back onto the road, they found themselves greeted by one incredibly enthusiastic driver. "Ah jus' knew it! Ah knew yew kids'd be able t' git rid o' them nasty little varmints!" she exclaimed, her accent becoming noticeably thicker as she grew more excited. She went over to Brendan and Alecks, who were carrying the trunk with the help of Titan, Apollo, and Leo. "Ah'll take that off yer hands," she said with a huge smile on her face. She put one hand under the box and lifted, hoisting it over her head. The people and Pokemon carrying the box were relieved as the heavy weight was lifted, many of them out of breath from the sheer mass of the crate. She then took her hat from Alecks, offering him her thanks. "Now, while y'all were gone I was thinkin' up a way I could thank y'all for yer help. A couple berries weren't enough to cover the trouble y'all went through on my behalf. So Ah figured Ah had somethin' that Juniper wouldn't mind if I gave y'all. Hold tight while I rustle it up for ya." The driver moved the crate to the bed of the truck, putting it down and stretching lightly. After that, she took another crate off the bed. She then closed the gate tightly and made sure it was locked in place before returning to the Trainers. She reached into the crate, procuring five small rectangular boxes. She handed them out to every Trainer but Jason, keeping his to use as an example. "These here are Starter Ball Capsule Kits! Each one comes with one Ball Capsule and basic Seals for each type. They're gettin' real popular among Trainers these days. Originally it was jest a small start-up in Sinnoh, but ever since Cynthia started using'em in the Pokemon World Tournament they've spread to Unova too! Startin' y'all off with these is the best way Ah can think of to thank y'all for all your help. Y'all really saved my neck. Ah woulda gotten fired if all that there food had gone missin'. Y'all don't gotta stick around longer than y'all need, by the way. Ah already called the Pokemon Ranger Station. They're sendin' someone ta help with mah truck. "Oh, by the way, yer friend Katie got picked up by an ambulance. She fell an' hurt herself runnin' after that Watchog. She said to tell y'all not ta worry, she'll be at Professor Juniper's Lab 'till she gets better. But Ah spoke to Juniper on tha XTransceiver. She said that she's sending a Pokemon to another young'un from Accumula Town. She'll meet up with y'all on yer way out to Route 2. Just let Juniper know when yer headed out and she'll contact the new Trainer." Quest completed: "Routes of Hazzard!" Jason nodded, sighing. "That really sucks for her. When I went to leave on my journey when I was younger, I didn't even make it out the door before getting injured. It'll be hard to recover, but at least she has her Pokemon with her!" He smiled, looking hopeful. "She'll make it one day. Plus, now we get to make another new friend! I can't wait!" Rascal nodded in agreement, pumping his fist enthusiastically. "Well guys," Jason said as he looked toward the rest of the group. "I think we're just about done here. How about we get moving on to Accumula Town?" He turned forward and began walking, one foot in front of the other as he continued on his journey. He then looked over his shoulder, smiling at the rest of the group and beckoning them to come with him. Meanwhile... Accumula Town- Town Square- Bianca Bianca practically skipped into the Town Square, a big smile on her face. "We're finally heeeeere!~" she cried in a sing-song voice, excited to be in Accumula Town again. This time, they would be leaving via Route 2 and she'd be leaving to travel Unova again! She was so excited that she began doing a small pirouette, her blonde hair whirling in the breeze behind her. However, she only made it about three-quarters of the way around before tripping over her skirt and falling over. She quickly turned, looking back to see if any of her companions had seen her fall. Sure enough, Hugh was sighing and shaking his head. Bianca had tried soooo hard the whole way here to cheer up the dour teenager, but nothing had worked. She'd even made Tara and Alia laugh, but never Hugh. There was something about the young man that would have concerned Bianca if she weren't going to be with him during his journey. He said he just wanted to be a Trainer to get stronger, but there was a fire in his eyes that made Bianca believe it was more than simple self-betterment that drove this particular Trainer. No, it was something personal. A score to settle, a vendetta. Something left unfinished, and not on his terms. Bianca shook herself out of her reverie and got up, dusting herself off. She turned back toward the Town Square, noticing a large stage being erected and a crowd forming. She tilted her head to the side, confused. I didn't know there was anything planned for today, she thought to herself. Bianca was the type to keep her ear to the ground about the local gossip, and it bothered her that this had eluded her. For the better or worse, it had drawn her attention. The Researcher's curiosity had been piqued and she wasn't about to let this go. "Hey, guys," she said, smiling sunnily at the group of young Trainers. "That looks cool! Maybe they're about to put on a concert or something!" she bubbled. "Let's go, let's go, let's go!" she shouted, grabbing Alia and Tara's hands and dragging them toward the Square. Hugh sighed and shook his head once again, adding in an eyeroll for good measure as he followed the excitable Researcher into the crowd. Accumula Town- Town Square (Backstage)- ??? While Bianca and the Trainers from Nuvema Town entered the crowd, a thin girl with black hair in a bun, glasses, and a white turtleneck and black pencil skirt carried a makeup case and a tray with two large coffees around the crowd and to the back of the stage. Before she could mount the steps to get backstage, two large men in identical gray suits stopped her entrance. Their eyes were masked by dark, high-tech sunglasses that scanned the newcomer's face. As she was recognized, the guards gave her a nod and stood apart to let her through. One of the guards remained by the stairs while the other escorted her backstage. She was led forward about thirty feet before turning to the right and being stopped again at the door to a trailer. The guard knocked several times in a strange pattern, then stood back and gestured for the girl to take a step back. A few tumblers could be heard sliding back behind the trailer door before a hissing sound followed and the door opened. Whatever kind of trailer this was, it was clearly meant to keep out uninvited guests. Another guard stood inside and beckoned for the girl to follow. She left the guard at the foot of the few stairs leading up to the door and entered. The door slammed shut. The guard outside looked to his left and right, then lifted his wrist. "All clear. Returning to post." He then turned and walked back to his original position at the entrance to the backstage area. The guard inside, however, immediately began patting down the new arrival. Satisfied she was no threat, he led her down a short hallway and into the main body of the trailer. It was sparsely appointed save for a colorful wardrobe and a makeup counter. Suddenly, the chair in front of the makeup counter turned to reveal a woman lounging in what appeared to be gray military dress. However, instead of any kind of ranking, only one phrase was printed on her breast: Brighter Future. Above these words was a small square with a simplistic depiction of a sunrise. It showed the sun half-risen from the bottom border of the logo with the rays emanating from the sun to reach the borders of the square. She had a cyan armband with the same words in gray and the same logo on a gray background. "Well? Snap to. I don't have all day," she said sternly, her lips curled in a scowl. Her expression seemed out of place on an otherwise beautiful and friendly face with heavy laughter lines and large, inviting hazel eyes. "Did you get what I needed?" The woman seemed to be in her late thirties, possessing a matronly quality that was underscored by the ambition and drive of someone much younger and with much less to lose. The girl nodded and meekly walked over to the counter, placing the coffee tray down and taking out the makeup tray. The woman turned around as the girl began taking out various tools, powders, and other accoutrements. "A lot is riding on the success of this rally. Without the support of the public, our goals will never be realized," the older woman began. The younger stopped and listened for a moment before continuing her ministrations, attentively fixing blemishes on her boss's face. These speeches weren't for the grunts like her, they were for the boss. She didn't need to inspire others; she just needed to hear herself speak for a quick boost of confidence before these big public appearances. "We've worked too long and too hard for some petty little thing like my age to prevent us from succeeding here." The girl stepped back, allowing the woman to see herself in the mirror. "Perfect," she muttered. "Just perfect." Indeed, she looked several years younger than she had just minutes before. "You're truly a master of your craft, Trish," she said, paying the girl a compliment. The girl beamed. She'd never received a compliment from her boss before. They were notoriously rare and not to be taken lightly. "Thank you, Zwei, I-" she began, cut off by a sharp blow to her right cheek. She flew to the floor from the momentum of the hit, stunned. She turned and looked up before wiping her lip with her hand. Sure enough, she was bleeding. "I will not have this mission compromised by your carelessness, you fool girl," she said furiously, her eyes hard and her expression deadly serious. Suddenly, her expression changed and she was smiling, even appearing nurturing. "Take care not to call me that again or I'll rip that pretty little tongue right out of your head. Alright?" she asked sweetly. Trish nodded, remaining where she was on the floor. "Now then, I believe I have a flock of sheep to lead astray," she said in a singsong voice. Her exit from the trailer was announced by the slam and hiss of the door. Trish was left on the floor, tears in her eyes as she clutched her bruised cheek. A brighter future, she thought to herself as she picked herself up. That's what this is for. Accumula Town- Town Square (15 minutes later)- Bianca The stage was done being built. The crew and their Steel-type Pokemon had made quick work of the roadie construction, putting up a large center stage with a podium with a large monitor on either side of the stage. The monitors currently displayed the podium; however, it was clearly a live feed. Despite the general excitement in the air, Bianca couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. Was it too hot, or was it just her? She pulled at the neckline of her shirt as she observed the area around her. The Nuvema Town kids were, for the most part, standing idly. Tara and Alia were getting along quite well. However, Hugh continued his silence and maintained his serious expression. And for once, Bianca couldn't blame her. Try as she might, she couldn't seem to shake that strange feeling of foreboding. Suddenly, the music that had been playing over the speakers cut out. Lights began to move around the stage as a long tone played. When the lights came on again, there was a woman standing in the middle of the stage at the podium. She wore a large smile, her wide eyes seeming engaging yet assertive. With her gray military garb and hair in a tight bun behind her head, she seemed the model balance of mother and disciplinarian. "Greetings, everyone!" she echoed over the mic, her conversational tone and confident voice drawing in listeners. "And welcome to the first day of what I promise is the beginning of a better tomorrow. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here because my colleagues and I have big plans. And these big plans can involve each and every single one of you." Suddenly, the words "Brighter Future" appeared in large silver letters on the screens while the rising sun logo faded in behind them. "Welcome to the beginning of a Brighter Future." She took the mic out of the podium and walked to her left, making eye contact with many audience members as she swept her gaze around the Town Square. "My name is Zephyr. I come to you all today in a dark time. Criminals run rampant through Unova. Politicians are being caught in all sorts of scandals from prostitution rings to bribery. And what have the proper authorities done about it?" she asked the audience. Her expression began to change from one of warmth and welcoming to one of righteous fury. "Where are the Gym Leaders when businesses and labs suffer theft?" She asked, bending low and speaking to the first rows of the audience. Her voice was low, but stern. "Where is the Elite Four when hostages are taken and killed?" She began to rise, her voice getting louder as she made her presence larger on stage. "Where is our Champion when Pokemon are being stolen from their Trainers and disappearing without a trace?" she cried out, her tone becoming flatly accusatory. "We are tired of inaction. We are tired of ineffectual leaders telling us not to worry, then relying on children, yes mere children to clean up their messes for them! Two years ago, a boy brought down Team Rocket while the International Police were reeling from the largest internal affairs investigation in the history of the organization!" she continued, her passion making her words like honey to the sympathetic audience. "She's right!" one onlooker cried. "My cousin died at Silph Co.! Where was Sabrina when her city needed her?" "How about Hoenn, huh? Steven and Wallace did nothing! It was only Rayquaza that prevented another cataclysm!" another spectator chimed in. Murmurs of approval began to rush through the crowd, confirming Bianca's suspicions. This was no harmless soapbox speech. Bianca took out her XTransceiver and began recording a video message. "We are living in an unsure time. Well, we believe that there needs to be a concrete hope and a way for citizens to take our protection into our own hands! We demand a Brighter Future!" she shouted. "We demand to feel safe!" she yelled. She then appeared to settle down and walked back to the podium, looking out over the crowd. "We need each and every volunteer we can get. Pokemon Trainers, we need you. Even those without Pokemon will be welcomed. We provide education to Trainers and even Pokemon for those who need them. All we ask in exchange," she said, allowing the sentence to hang for maximum impact. "... is for you to care." Scattered applause began to ripple through the crowd slowly as the woman raised her hands. It continued to rise in volume until it became an ovation. Zephyr moved her hand through the air, cutting off the applause much faster than it began. She continued her enrapturing speech with fervor, holding the attention of all the audience save for two Trainers in the back. Bianca had seen all she needed. She hit "Send", messaging the video to the whole group of young Trainers. She wasn't sure what she was seeing, but it was definitely something they all needed to see. Hugh, on the other hand, remained suspicious. He listened to Zephyr and shook his head. Something was fishy about this woman, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Accumula Town- Entrance to Route 1 (10 minutes later)- Jason Jason grinned crookedly as the group passed through the entrance to Accumula Town for the second time that day. He was supremely excited. However, he stopped as they exited the gate to the Route and checked his XTransceiver. Sure enough, he saw that there was a video message. "Hey, guys!" he shouted. "Gather around. Bianca sent us a video message on the XTransceiver!" Everyone gathered around Jason as he opened the message, opening a holographic screen. On it played the recorded footage of the BFI rally. The group continued watching it, each reacting in their own way. Jason, however, was the first to speak. "That was chilling, to say the least. That woman and her 'colleagues' are seriously crazy to think so little of the Pokemon League Officials." He paused for a moment, checking something on his XTransceiver. "Hey, guys, that message is only ten minutes old. If we hurry up, we can catch the tail end of the rally and meet up with Bianca. Otherwise, we should all head to the Pokemon Center. I'm sure we all need to heal our Pokemon after that battle, right? Let's put it to a vote! If you want to check out the rally, raise your hand! I'll be the tiebreaker if we need one since the vote was my idea." Quest added: "Rest and Relaxation!" -(Optional) Check out the Brighter Future rally -Head to the Pokemon Center to get healed up -Proceed to the Pokemon Center

Battle Complete! Rank: A! -Rascal gained 8 EXP! Rascal leveled up! -Gomez gained 8 EXP! Gomez leveled up! -Meena gained 8 EXP! Meena leveled up! -Loam gained 8 EXP! Loam leveled up! -Lara gained 8 EXP! Lara leveled up! -Leonidas gained 8 EXP! Leonidas leveled up! -Apollo gained 8 EXP! Apollo leveled up! -Titan gained 8 EXP! Titan leveled up! Quest updated: "Routes of Hazzard!" -Defeat the Patrat Gang -Find Lara and Leonidas -Defeat Boss Hog -Return the food to the truck driver -Retrieve the Driver's hat (Optional)

Update will be out tomorrow. We'll be wrapping up "Routes of Hazzard!" and moving back on to Accumula Town.

Just waiting on a response from Chim and then we can continue

"Routes of Hazzard!"- Already Awry!- Jason Jason grimaced as Jack proceeded to immediately mess up his carefully thought-out plan. "Jack, what are you doing!?" he asked, incredulous. He thought he'd been pretty clear that Lara was to help Gomez, but the Poochyena was already halfway across the battlefield, speeding toward the golden-shrouded Boss Hog like she had some kind of death wish. "Lara can't come anywhere close to taking an attack from that Watchog and she isn't fast enough to dodge! Get her back here to help, now!" he ordered. "She needs to help Gomez hang onto the vines tightly enough to slow the Boss Hog down!" Meanwhile, Gomez sprang into action without the aid of the Poochyena. Rascal began cheerleading for Gomez, his frantic dance enveloping Jason's team in a rainbow-hued aura. The Treecko thrust his hands forward for an Absorb attack. Thanks to his ally's Helping Hand aura a bunch of creepers sprang forth from each hand, going out to the sides and then back in for a flanking attack against the Watchog. The creepers seemed to be growing extra quickly thanks to the aura, tiny roots attaching each creeper to the others and creating a stronger and more ropelike structure than that of a normal Absorb attack.

None of the Pokemon featured in the Main Quest will be catchable. However, as other (non-player) characters will demonstrate, it is possible to befriend legendaries rather than catch them. Ugh, fine. Twist my arm, why don't you? The Musketeers will be included as will several other gen 5 legendaries. I mixed in a few from older generations because they're awesome and fit for the story. Many of them will provide a shocking plot exposition alongside their featured scene.

Not at all related to what's going on right now, but I just finished figuring out which legendary Pokemon will be appearing in relation to the plot. No spoilers, but there are 13 that will be making it into the main story.

"Routes of Hazzard!"- We're Outmatched! Regroup!- Jason The Amateur Trainer grimaced as Boss Hog gracefully dodged the team's attacks. It's no good, he realized. We're still not working as a team and we're getting our asses handed to us! As the Boss Hog approached the group, Jason acted quickly. If no one else would make the call, then he would. Gomez looked up groggily, shaking his head to clear his vision as he recovered from his and Apollo's second collision. He rose to his feet, remembering their victory over the Captain and steeling his resolve for the coming battle. This wasn't going to be easy, but he trusted Jason completely. It was strange even to Gomez how quickly he had bonded with his new Trainer. After all, they had only just met. But when the pair were battling, they were able to bring out each other's true strength. And that was a bond he would not sully so quickly with a loss, especially not to this Hog. The Grass-type stood up and looked toward his Trainer, ready to battle. "We have to back off and regroup if we want to win this. Brendan, we'll cover you while you heal Titan! Mio, have Meena use Fake Out and draw the Hog's attention and have Loam use Growl! Jack, have Leo and Lara get ready to attack! Next up is me! Gomez can use Absorb to slow the Hog's advance using Meena's distraction to get us a better chance of catching him off guard! Rascal can use Helping Hand to make his trapping ability stronger while Lara helps him keep the vine in place! Then, Alecks and Jack bring it home with a big attack combo of Flame Wheel and Spark!" Jason's Pokemon heard their Trainer and quickly darted nearer to the group of Trainers, preparing to commence the combined onslaught once everyone was ready!

Still waiting on an update for riv and sion

Riv Hailey Rivers was at a crossroads. Turn away and leave all these questions unanswered, all these possibilities unexplored. Alternatively, she could go with Alexus and possibly get super awesome magical powers like Sharp had. Yeah, real tough decision! She looked toward Sion, then to Alexus and Sharp. "Well, I have just too much to ask to walk away. I want to know everything about what just happened. Not because I'm mad, but because you've shown me a whole world different from my own. You expect me to just turn tail and run before I know everything there is to know about it?" She giggled, a wide smile lighting up her face. Her blue eyes shone with excitement that reflected in her eyeglasses. "Of course I'll go with you, Alexus! And besides, what kind of friend just abandons a roommate in need?" She asked, her hands clasped behind her back as she leaned forward and closed her eyes with a grin.

I agree wholeheartedly. I can personally assure you that unless Jack is giving orders those Pokemon will not win. They're the functional equivalent of children. Act like it.

"Routes of Hazzard!": Final Stretch- Jason and the Wild Bunch After using his Helping Hand attack, Rascal kept a watchful eye on the other two Patrat. They weren't up to anything yet, but it was worth keep an eye out while his Trainer was busy restoring his teammate to fighting condition. Jason continued to spray the Potion onto Gomez until the bottle was empty. He then rubbed the Grass-type's head, ready to continue if his partner was. "Gomez, bud, the bottle's empty. It looks like you're ready to fight again. What do you think?" Gomez opened his eyes tentatively and rose from the ground, flexing his arms and legs and making sure everything was in working order. Everything appearing to his satisfaction, he gave his Trainer a determined look. "Treecko!" he said curtly, turning toward the Watchog. The only reason he'd gone down was because he'd gotten hit by his ally. He'd just have to be more careful next time. However, he was slightly apprehensive. His mind flashed back to the sight of Apollo barreling toward him cloaked in flame. However, he was able to shake it off. This time would be different. Jason, however, was not deterred. He grinned as he saw that Gomez was doing okay. "You ready, buddy?" he asked his partner. "Treecko!" Gomez replied enthusiastically. Around this time, Apollo's Ember attack was being adroitly dodged by the Watchog. Jason watched with keen interest, making sure to note how quickly his opponent was able to move. "We have to help Titan, even if we can't get there before he takes the hit! Use Absorb on Watchog's legs, then use Quick Attack to pull them out from under him! Rascal, help him out! Use Pound on his legs! Sweep him off his feet!" Gomez extended his hands, once more, firing creepers at the Watchog's legs. He then turned and used Quick Attack, pulling hard on the creepers as he ran hard in an arc going toward his right and along the perimeter of the clearing. At the same time, Rascal darted toward the Watchog, darting from side to seemingly random side in an attempt to throw off a possible counter offensive. He finished the maneuver by skidding in low on all fours and swinging his tail at the Watchog's legs. "Hang in there, Titan!" shouted Jason, encouraging his new friend's little Rock-type to withstand the Hog's vicious onslaught.

Not sure if you noticed or not and not trying to be a pest, but both Sion and Riv have posts up.

"Routes of Hazzard!": Final Stretch- Jason Jason cheered as the attack broke through Bingo's guard. Rascal began to cheer, dropping his Helping Hand attack. Then, Jason realized that Apollo's Flame Wheel couldn't be stopped. He stood rooted in fear as he watched his new partner about to take a brutal super-effective Fire-type attack. To add insult to would-be injury, it was one from an ally. I can't believe I didn't consider this possibility! Jason lamented, feeling utterly helpless as he began to shout for Gomez to get out of the way. It was futile, though. There simply was not enough time. Rascal stood stock still, eyes full of joy rapidly changing to fear as his teammate risked becoming collateral damage. However, true to his nature Gomez was the first to react. Time seemed to slow for the small gecko as he felt adrenaline pumping through his veins, flinging his hands toward his Trainer as the flaming Chimchar came barreling toward him. His Absorb vines latched onto Jason, the surprised Trainer unable to do anything. He made eye contact with Gomez, his green eyes meeting the deep yellow of his Grass-types. An understanding passed between them as Gomez gave Jason a nod and sprang toward him, pulling himself in like a fish on a reel as the Fire-type attack hit him. "Gomez!" Jason shouted. The Chimchar hit Gomez along his trajectory, sending him flying into his Trainer. The tied up, unprepared Amateur was knocked off his feet. Despite this he'd managed to catch his Pokemon, preventing further harm from coming to the badly injured gecko. He began picking the vines off him, looking back up at the battlefield and seeing that Gomez wasn't the only Pokemon in need of medical attention. "Rascal, now's not the time to be rubbernecking!" The Minccino looked suitably admonished, blushing lightly as he snapped out of his reverie. "Use Helping Hand again, this time on Leo!" The small Normal-type once again began his cheerleading dance, cloaking himself and Jack's Shinx in a rainbow-hued aura. Jason then looked down at Gomez, guilt washing over him. I failed you, he thought sadly. It was my job to be strong for us and make sure things like this didn't happen! I'm so sorry, Gomez. He blinked back tears, wiping his eye with the back of his hand. As Jason's vision cleared, he saw Gomez's eyes flutter open. The little Grass-type croaked a cry of defiance, his message clear: Get me back in the fight. Now's no time for a pity party, Jason realized. Everyone else is counting on us to get back in this fight! Resolute and once again full of purpose, Jason took off his backpack and began rifling through it. He raised his arm triumphantly, having found a Potion. He quickly looked at the back of the bottle and read the instructions. Okay, seems simple enough. Spray on affected areas until wound is treated or bottle is empty. The new Trainer began applying it to the Treecko's wounds, watching in amazement as they seemed to close on their own with the help of the advanced medicine. This stuff is amazing! No wonder the Trainer's Guide recommends it! Jason continued applying it, looking up nervously to check on Rascal every couple of seconds. BAG: - Potion (x2) - Poke Ball (x5) - Repel (x1)

Riv Riv shook her head in disbelief, still processing everything that had happened before speaking. That was... It defied all logic, she thought to herself. Magic? Here, at school? She looked around, noticing that their location had changed. Riv was not a hard person to shock, but this was enough. A sudden teleportation followed by the appearance and subsequent destruction of the centipedes. A girl who was definitely not who she'd said she was at orientation. And, to top it all off, Sharp could apparently shoot fireballs from her hands. Not a normal student? she remembered, reflecting on Lexi's choice of words.And what's a Fire Adept? Riv wondered. It must have something to do with her powers. She also mentioned a Blade, so maybe there are different ways to wield magic? All the questions and possibilities raced through her head. And the only person who had the answers seemed to be the person responsible for their situation. Suddenly, Lexi had the audacity to ask where "the other two" were, as though they'd been an afterthought. Good to know she doesn't care who she drags into her drama, she judged tiredly. She could imagine a little "-1" with a broken heart hovering over the other girl. "Like, I get that you clearly have some supernatural metaphysical shit going on here, but I'd at least appreciate you taking a head count or something after you teleport us to another plane of reality," she joked in a deadpan, choosing not to confront the obviously irresponsible... whatever she was.

Riv The blue-haired girl looked quizzically through her glasses at Lexi, tilting her head to the side. Up until that moment, the other girl had been acting so normally. Weird, she thought to herself. It was things like that that were best left unsaid. I've got to be careful of what I say. New school, new girls. And you never know what will set off a teenage girl next, she noted. It wasn't like she was exempt from the rule. Obviously she'd had drama in her life before, but Riv had a particular distaste for it. Careless words could turn the best of friends into the most bitter enemies. Before Lexi began acting so strangely, Riv had not been doing well in the game. Her keen analytical skills were useless next to Lexi's seemingly unlimited good fortune. And so, when Lexi finally had her little outburst, Riv was more than happy for a distraction from her losing efforts. Although Lexi's voice had been unnerving, Riv's curiosity was piqued. Obviously Lexi was scared of something. No one should face that kind of fear alone, she noted solemnly. However badly she'd been doing earlier, it was just a game. She smiled warmly at Lexi, standing up and making eye contact with her. "I know you want us to leave, but maybe we can help you. You seem scared," she said. "You were just winning, after all! There's no need to stop the game if we don't have to."

I responded to Shadow's post as if Apollo were still locked in the clash.