Fandom Pokémon: Galar (Roleplay Thread)

[sSoul]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

WILFORD

PINE

August 2nd
WCS Rank: 69,398
Interactions: Cole Forrest(Merciless Medic)
Without much thought, Wilford caught the Trubbish's Pokéball. Thankfully, Cole was a good thrower; perhaps he got some time playing catch with his dad when he wasn't tending the farm or whatever country folk do. Part of him wished Cole handed him the ball, removing any potential fumbling, but he knew to leave well enough alone.

Once again, Cole's input perplexed Wilford. Why pass up the chance to make more money? Plenty of demographics would chomp at the bit for Cole's remaining Pokemon: Dark Type specialists would greatly appreciate an easy Pangoro to beat the mirror matches, Normal-Type specialists would love Stufful's apparent ability to shred through Steel and Rock types, and many aspiring trainers would appreciate a pre-trained Magikarp, hoping for a soon-to-be Gyarados. However, Wilford kept his mouth shut. The Pokemon belong to Cole; he can waste time and throw away money at his leisure.

Before Wilford left, Cole's idle prattling revealed something worthwhile: investing in a trip to Paldea. The region wasn't originally on his radar, certainly not for Glimmora; its typing was strictly inferior to other options, but perhaps Paldea held a more tantalizing teammate candidate.

Wilford scoffed as he went deeper into the hills, seeing more plains than anything else. This was to be expected; despite their lengthened history with the language, Galarians were routinely outperformed by Unovans regarding usage. Putting his complaints aside, Wilford set his suitcase down, grabbed Panpour's Pokéball, and unleashed the Spray Pokemon into the world.

The Water-type glanced at its surroundings, confused, prompting Wilford to pinch the bridge of his nose. This could've been avoided if he had taken Panpour out of his ball more often. Given its performance defects, it's not like he had much of a reason.

"Panpour, you're being replaced. Your Hydro Pump is useless without balance," Wilford stared lifelessly at his increasingly disheartened Pokemon as he explained the situation. The rich young man rolled his eyes at the Water Type's eyes welling up. The premature reaction tempted Wilford into rescinding his generosity, but he steeled himself. Unlike Cole, he wouldn't throw away money at the slightest annoyance.

"Digging your feet into the ground should provide the necessary stability. Impress me," Wilford instructed his Pokemon before folding his arms.

At first, the Water Monkey dried its tears, recognizing its trainer was giving them another chance. It hesitated momentarily, trying to figure out what Wilford meant. Panpour figured it out soon enough, creating tiny craters for its small feet. After choosing a nearby tree as its target, the Panpour finally unleashed its Hydro Pump.

The water geyser erupted from Panpour's mouth, smashing into the targeted tree. Simultaneously, Panpour was slightly pushed back, though, unlike previous attempts, its embedded feet kept it from doubling over. The Panpour stumbled after firing the attack but quickly readjusted itself to look at Wilford, hoping for his approval.

"Good," Wilford nodded as he walked toward Panpour, "You'll have a future with another trainer."

Despite evident confusion, the Panpour forced a smile before returning to its Pokéball. Moving on to the next task, Wilford surveyed the area for a good opponent for Mimikyu. Ideally, it would match her strength and be a neutral matchup, though a slight disadvantage would be acceptable in a pinch.

Spoiler: Current Pokémon Team

Species: Monferno
Ability: Iron Fist
Battle Ready Moves:
Fire Punch(Egg Move)
Mach Punch
Thunder Punch(Egg Move)
Power Up Punch
Fake Out
Ember
Helping Hand(Egg Move)
Taunt
Rusty Moves:
Scratch
Leer

Species: Thwackey
Ability: Grassy Surge
Battle Ready Moves:
Fake Out
Razor Leaf
Growth
Branch Poke
Double Hit
Taunt
Leech Seed(Egg Move)
Rusty Moves:
Scratch
Growl

Species: Panpour
Ability: Torrent
Battle Ready Moves:
Disarming Voice(Egg Move)
Hydro Pump(Egg Move)
Scratch
Play Nice
Leer
Lick
Water Gun

Species: Togepi
Ability: Serene Grace
Battle Ready Moves:
Tackle
Fairy Wind
Extrasensory(Egg move)
Life Dew
Psycho Shift(Egg move)
Sweet Kiss
Growl


Species: Mimikyu
Ability: Disguise
Battle Ready Moves:
Shadow Sneak
Destiny Bond(Egg Move)
Baby Doll Eyes
Double Team
Mimic
Copycat
Wood Hammer
Feint Attack
Rusty Moves:
Splash
Scratch
Astonish

 

[RenzFlintrock]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Roylott

August 1st - Circhester Bay, Galar (Route 9)

Lizzie barely registered what happened around the room as several of the combatants leapt back into action, a flurry of movement and a quick scuffle resulting in the binding of the ringleader and the surrender of several others around the room. Of course, Lizzie really didn't know who these people were or what the fighting was about in the first place. She'd probably ask questions later, but for now she was just relieved that they weren't being blown to smithereens. A sigh of relief escaped her. Her relief quickly shifted back towards irritation, however, as her friend made a comment about the lack of professionalism in not checking bombs. Lizzie was torn between amusement and frustration at the ridiculousness of the notion. In what world would it be standard practice to check for bombs before entering a building?

Her annoyance quickly waned when Freya turned to check on her. "Yeah, I'm-" she started to reply, but the second sentence registered and she stopped in her tracks, sputtering. "Pretending?" she asked, disbelief crossing her features as her friend turned away. Then she heard the murmured sound of her friend's thanks, and once again the emotional roller coaster left Lizzie floundering. Seriously, these emotions are bouncing around like a rubber ball on a cheap wooden paddle. Might wanna get that checked, Lizzie.

Unsurprisingly, Freya quickly returned to her mission of hiring Rodriguez. Lizzie hovered around her friend, keeping most of her attention on her friend's proposal but still throwing glances around the room, from the people being restrained to the restrainers to the trainer who'd come up behind them during the confrontation. "Seriously, what did Freya drag us into? This is right wack... some kind of police sting operation, maybe? It feels like something out of a spy movie..." Her attention snapped back when Freya turned back to her and indicated that she'd continue to be involved. That was what Lizzie had expected to do, of course. She might be having some slight second thoughts at this point, but she still wanted to help Freya find her brother, and surely there wouldn't be any situations as chaotic as this again, right?

"Er- hi. I'm 'lizabeth Roylott, usually go by Lizzie. I, uh, nice to meet you... Rodriguez? And sorry if Freya and I disturbed something important or anything... thanks for stoppin' that guy." Lizzie gave a slightly shaky wave of greeting.

 

[honeysweetest.co]

SAGA KNOX

"You did a great job!" Saga shouted while clapping. She jumped around before pointing forward, looking at Combee determinedly. "Sweet Scent! Then Bug Bite again!" she yelled out, waving her pointer finger forward. Combee flapped it's wings rapidly as a pleasent smelling, pink air surrounds it before it dived back in, revving up for an attack.

Spoiler: Pokemon Team

Combee
Level 70

Klefki
Level 20

POKEMON TRAINER

 

[DragonSlayer57]

Timothy Joy

Location — Spikemuth, Nurse joys office.

“

At this point the battle was very much over, lich having used up the rest of his energy on that final attack. The bug bite was more than likely overkill as lich fell over on the floor, knocked out with swirls in his eyes from the sweet scent. Timothy pumped his fist, picking up lich. "That was awesome!" He'd shout, before realizing what he did and lowering his tone to his more usually refined tone with a pink tint on his face. "Y-yeah, great first experience." He'd snap his fingers, remembering that he had definitely forgot something and he turned to ask saga. "You got a pokeball I can borrow really quickly? I forgot to get one and he isn't registered in my pokedex." He'd rub the back of his neck with a cheeky smile.

”

 

[honeysweetest.co]

SAGA KNOX

Saga cheered as she rushed over to Combee, hugging it as Combee tried to fly away from her grasp. "See see, Combee!" Saga hugged Combee tighter before it flew out of her grasp. Saga's ears perked up when Timothy asked for a pokeball rushed over to to Timothy and Lich with a pokeball and towel in hand. "Here ya go! That was a great battle, by the way! Can't wait to battle with you more!" Saga said as she gave him a thumbs up.

POKEMON TRAINER

 

[DragonSlayer57]

Timothy Joy

Location — Spikemuth, Nurse joys office.

“

“Same!” He’d answer back happily, before pressing the poke ball to the charmander snout. He was quickly absorbed as the poke ball clicked and shown as a sign of it being successful. “Well, i guess we can leave now. It should be like a 5-10 mile walk from here, the gym. But I’d like to hit a few places before we go there, mainly route 9 for a bit of training! Both for me and little lich in here. He’ll have to up his stamina for battles, and walking is just the way to do it.” He’d walk back inside the building to find an already packed bag for him and nurse joy and a young looking officer Jenny standing there. “What’s all this about?” He’d ask while seeing officer Jenny. He knew why his mom was here, she worked here, but why was his, well, other mom here? Officer Jennie’s didn’t get many breaks, and even if they did it was over an extended period of time. He’d know, he had those days out in his calendar and he didn’t forget stuff. “Well,” Jenny started, putting his hand around his mother and eliciting a nervous blush “ Your mom and i decided that we might as well help you go out on your adventure ya know! I know how long you’ve been looking forward at school. I would know, I’ve got it on my calendar.” He smiled at that one. “We’ve got a couple pokeballs in there, situs berries, potions, whatever you need!” Jenny shouted brazenly. His mother quietly spoke up. “I put some repels in there and some uhh pepper spray for those team yell grunts. I know how noisy and annoying they can get sometimes.” She looked away as she finished, and picked up the poke ball that he held. “Wow, so this is the charmander you hatched! I haven’t seen a genetically engineered pokemon for as long as I’ve lived, especially one as good as yours.” She smiled and placed the poke ball on a tray as chansey arrived to pick it up. Jenny ruffled his hair and he scoffed with a blush on his face. “Oh yeah! and this is saga, my friend of course.” He smiled as he introduced her to his parents

”

 

[honeysweetest.co]

SAGA KNOX

"Yaaay! Gym battles are fun!" Saga cheered as she followed Timothy into the pokemon center. Combee and Klefki followed her, with Klefki seemingly teasing Combee of its battle. Combee didn’t bat an eye for this, playfully using a small gust just to ruffle the keys on Klefki’s hangs. Saga heard the keys ringing in her ears and looked back.

"Hey hey, no fighting you two!" Saga huffed in mock annoyance before grinning, "Now come're!" Combee and Klefki flew over to the pink haired girl as she brought them into a big bear hug. Having much experience with these types of moments, Combee quickly escaped from her grapes while Klefki stayed, hoping that it’ll all be over soon.

When Saga looked back, she had already found Timothy wondering ahead of her. "Ah, shoot!" she cried before she jogged up to catch him. When she got into the pokemon center, Saga saw Timothy with Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy. She immediately rushed up next to them with Klefki in her arm and Combee flying behind her. "Hi Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy! Fancy meeting you two here! Me and Timothy just had a fun battle just now! I reeaaaaallly hope we can battle more in the future!"

POKEMON TRAINER

 

[Merciless Medic]

Cole Forrest​

Date: August 2, 2022
Location: Hammerlocke Hills > Hammerlocke, Galar
Interactions: Wilford Pine
Mentions: N/A
sSoul
WCS Rank: 72,303
Pokémon Team:
Machoke
Croconaw
Morelull
Galarian Meowth
Thwackey
Corvisquire

After getting rid of the dead weight, Cole felt a ton lighter. His steely cat followed alongside him as Cole kept an eye out for the two Pokemon he was interested in. His eyes caught sight of a Morelull a few minutes in, smiling as the mushroom seemed to not be aware of its surroundings, but he was sure the thing knew.

He watched for a bit longer, noticing more Morelull appear in the area. Like a predator stalking prey, his dark eyes picked out which ones he should go for. He wanted to go after the small ones. When he found one he thought was acceptable, he sent out his Meowth and pointed at the one he wanted. With ease, the metal cat launched forward, spooking the glowing mushrooms.

With a hit of his Metal Claw, the chosen Morelull flew towards Cole. With a triumphant smirk, Cole threw his Pokeball. It was an easy capture - almost.

The ball broke. With an impressed nod, he let his Meowth swipe at it again with Metal Claw, the Morelull trying to fight back despite being overwhelmed. It tried to use Strength Sap as it wrapped its spindly roots around the Meowth's arm, but Cole threw another Pokeball again. The mushroom couldn't escape this time, and the Pokeball clicked.

With an easy smirk, Cole let the Meowth follow him again as he tossed the captured Pokemon in the air. "Easy-peasy..." He mumbled.

Walking around a bit more revealed a Machoke to him. This should be a bit more difficult than a mushroom, but when he fought the Machoke - a Karate Chop did so little. He looked concerned, but still threw a Pokeball out, as if giving the Machoke a chance to redeem himself.

The ball clicked.

Cole's disappointment was immeasurable and his day was ruined. How could he use this stupid thing against a Drednaw? It couldn't even hurt the Meowth for as much as he thought.

After a quick assessment when he released the two to check their battle prowess and abilities with his phone's app, he realized that the Machoke must have been the weakest one he'd ever seen. Not only was its nature not anything similar to one desirable of a Machoke who wished for constant physical training, but it was just born weak.

How pathetic...

At least the Morelull was suitable.

He wanted to go back to Wilford, maybe taunt the Machoke a little. Maybe find more battlers to pester and see just how great Morelull was. When he walked back through the gates, he heard of there being a trade party. Interested, Cole walked closer.

The trade party was being hosted by someone from Spikemuth. Punks had enough money to spend on this shit?

He huffed, listening as this particular punk had a Houndour to trade away, boasting at how he wanted a strong Pokemon.

He smirked, walking forward. "A strong Pokemon, you say? What kind you looking for?"

"Anything. A Fighting-Type, a Pokemon with a good bulky physique, any one that looks strong."

Looks strong, huh?

"I got a strong-looking Pokemon. A Machoke. You want 'em?"

The man's eyes practically bugged out of his head like some cartoon idiot. "Hell yeah! You got it on ya right now?"

"Not at the moment, let me go to the Pokemon Center and get it for ya." He lied, giving an easy smile. "You better wait for me." He chuckled as he walked away, the man promising to wait for the potential trade.

Cole walked back around the place, then realized that he couldn't find Wilford. He wasn't here? Maybe he was still out in the Hills.

 

[Grand Overlord Koop]

August 2, Wednesday - Turffield Town, Galar Region
Ken Blake

---

The Max Ooze hit its target, and with it, raised its user’s special attack stat. Following that attack, Ken watched as the Gym leader quickly retaliated with another Max Move of their own. It was no cause for concern, as Ken knew his next move was as clear as the sunlight shining above the battlefield. With the Max-Wyrmwing rapidly approaching, the trainer shouted his command. "Mortar! Use Max Guard!" Bending one of his arms up, the Dynamaxed Magmortar created a barrier in front of him, defending himself from the incoming attack.

Following that, the gym challenger wasted no time before moving on to their next move. "Now, while they're shrinking back! Hit them with a Max power Max Flare!" Extending his arm back out, the Fire type pokemon began charging his attack. Using the boost from the sun over the battlefield and the previous Max Ooze buffing his offensive stat, a massive blast of fire erupted from the giant Magmortar's arm, covering the battlefield in a sea of fire.

 

[godjacob]

The Blazed Heart Crew
Route 9 (Circhester Bay)
August 1st​

"Didn't think thugs for hire would wire a do or die situation, but I trust my team so I was never worried." Rodriguez said as she glanced at Freya and seemed to smile a bit. Maddie rolled her eyes as she tended to the captured Pokemon just thankful that Freya's little outburst didn't end up blowing them all up to kingdom come.

But, the real twist came when Freya seemed to have a request. A new job request.

She raised an eyebrow at this, but at the moment paused her reply as she focused on wrapping up the task at hand. Zeke and Arthur worked with their Pokemon to help restrain the KOed goons and had them bound arms behind their back to the wall. The other girl, Lizzie as she preferred, seemed to be shaken up a little and as the team seemed to regroup a bit Maddie gave the official report. "The Pokemon seem to be generally okay, the effects of the tranquilizer on them are wearing off. Should be good to release to the wild." Maddie explained as Rodriguez seemed to nod at that.

"Good to hear. Wiz, anymore unaccounted for?" Rodriguez asked onto her ear piece as a floating monitor with Penny's face seemed to have her check her other drones before she got the confirmation.

"Nothing cap, seems to be all accounted for. No thanks to the mouthy one there, could've blown the whole crew to kingdom come with her mouth." Penny muttered as she eyed a glare behind her monitor to Freya as Zeke raised a hand up.

"Hey hey easy we ended up okay. You had the fuse on lock so we were always gonna be fine." Zeke mused a bit, eyeing Lizzie in particular as if to help assure her from the stressful situation as Rodriguez picked up on it and smiled to the partner in crime of Freya here.

"No worries, it is what we do." Rodriguez beamed with pride before the turned focus to the new job offer. "Hum, a fortune you say? Well, your description seems a bit vague here, can you attest that this money would come when we bring this person in? I am not in the business of some scam." Rodriguez said, though as Arthur seemed to eye her a bit the woman worked to add on.

"Still, we always are here for a helping hand. So we can discuss details of this possible job once these guys are loaded up and we get payment in order. Shouldn't be too long." Rodriguez mused as indeed local authorities were already contacted by Penny and on route along with the one who hired them for this job. But it did seem they were up to discussing the job with Freya.

 

[Absollover77]

Route 9
Cassius 'Kaz' Aspen

Sovereign seeing that the situation has calmed, scanned everyone and everything in his surroundings. With a soft snort he moved slowly towards the hole in the building and stepped outside. Outside the destruction of the motorized vehicles done by Glory and the Flygon was scattered all over the place.

It was a bit had to tell but after a small time without noise Cassius tilted his head. It got quiet rather quickly, he hoped nothing too bad happened. Spotting Sovereign stepping out of the building and Glory finished with her wanton destruction of the vehicles he stood up from his spot and headed towards Titania. It took him a minute or two to get to the Tyranitar. She looked rather bored keeping watch over her assigned area. "Titania you can drop the storm now. I think what's gone down in there has finished up." Nearly at once the sand storm ceased with a grunt of acknowledgement. The sand remains on the ground in certain places due to how long it was going for. "Thanks girl." Once again Cassius was met with a soft grunt lowering down her head getting Cassius to pet her. Taking out her ball he recalls her and heads to where Glory and Sovereign are.

Glory, after letting her inner dragon rampage freely, was still riding her gleeful high for the wanton destruction she caused. In her euphoria she didn't notice when Cassius arrive near her and began to check her over for any damage. It wasn't every day you get to witness a Garchomp savagely rip a bunch of vehicles into scrap, not that he would complain much about it. Upon seeing no real damage other than a scuffed up scale or two that was normal battle wear and tear he smiled. "I'm proud of you Glory," The sand-shark's attention finally was drawn to her human. The proud posture she took was full of triumph and confidence, as if there could have been any other result other than absolute victory. "Alright you battle junkie get a bit of rest, you earned it." Recalling her as well he moved to Sovereign.

Cassius looked up at Flygon and gave it a small wave heading to Sovereign. "Hey buddy, you get to protect them in there?" The Nidoking nodded, looking generally pleased with himself. "Good, good. Did anyone get hurt?" The Nidoking seemed to think on that for a moment before shaking his head in the negative. "I'd say mission accomplished then. Looks like we did the Warden proud huh?" A sound of agreement came from Sovereign. "Alright, let's head over there and see if there is anything we can do to help clean this mess up." Cassius moved over and hopped up on Nidoking's back grabbing one of the horns along its back, the other on its shoulder the Nidoking headed back to the building. Poking his head inside with Cassius' head over the Nidoking's shoulder he kept his body behind the armored body of the Pokémon. The rather busted up interior and the Pokémon inside seemed to look okay, so did the people aside from the knocked out criminals. "Is everyone okay in here? Hope Sovereign didn't cause any problems when he busted in here to help."
​

 

[sSoul]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

WILFORD

PINE

August 2nd
WCS Rank: 69,398
Interactions: Cole Forrest(Merciless Medic)
Wilford's squinted eyes widened upon seeing a Growlithe on the horizon. Simultaneously, he put Panpour's Pokéball into his suitcase and withdrew Mimikyu's. Smirking, the blond young man walked toward the canine Pokemon. His phone displayed the Pokédex app, showing Wilford the complete list of moves his newly captured Pokemon knew.

The Growlithe rolled in the grass, wagging its tail. Its smile disappeared, and its nose twitched. Picking up the scent of velvet and cologne, the Puppy Pokemon narrowed its gaze. The Growlithe followed a southward trail; its repeated sniff quickened throughout its progression. Turning its head upward, the orange-striped canine met the gaze of a blond, suited young man. True to its name, the Puppy Pokemon growled and barked at the adolescent.

"So, it's ready to fight. Good," Wilford chuckled, pressing the Pokéball's button. A bluish-white light projected onto the ground, morphing into Mimikyu's silhouette before exposing the Disguise Pokemon. The eyes on the bottom enlarged while the top half of the Pikachu costume flinched. Wilford shrugged before pointing at the snarling dog.

"Shadow Sneak!"

The bottom eyes sharpened. Mimikyu's shadow quickly stretched towards Growlithe, her body and disguise melting into her shadow. The striped canine leaped away, but Mimikyu's shadowy claw dug into its chest before it could land. Reemerging from her shadow, Mimikyu retracted her claw, shaking off errant fur from her opponent. The head of her Pikachu disguise tilted back toward Wilford, waiting for her following command.

Once again, the Growlithe rolled through the grass, this time unwillingly. The Puppy Pokemon rose and shook its head. Growling, the Fire-type ignited its fangs and charged toward its opponent with narrowed pupils.

The bottom of Mimikyu's costume twitched, though she was halted by Growlithe's Fire Fang chomping her disguise's neck. The upper half of the disguise grew limp, the Pikachu-eqsue head slumping to the left.

"Feint Attack," Wilford snapped his fingers. Mimikyu's eyes narrowed while Growlithe's head tilted. Mimikyu's claw grabbed the side of Growlithe's face and planted it into the ground, dislodging its fangs from her costume. After throwing the Growlithe deeper into the grassy plain, the costumed Pokemon pointed her eyes upward. A pair of burnt holes gave way to the darkness the costume concealed. At first, her eyes began to water. With Growlithe regaining balance, her eyes sharpened. Without a command from Wilford, she melted into her rushing shadow to swiftly slash the dazed Growlithe, rendering it unconscious.

Wilford watched Mimikyu's attack with an intrigued hum, curling his index finger beneath his lip and thumb beneath his chin. Once Growlithe's limp body hit the floor, the suited trainer clapped and sauntered toward his Pokemon, "Excellent work. You'll have a bright future on my team,"

Though Mimikyu faced Wilford, his words failed to change her expression, her eyes melting into watery blobs. Raising an eyebrow, Wilford pressed her Pokéball's button. A ray of red light engulfed Mimikyu, dragging her back to the spherical domain.

"I've proven my new recruit isn't a dud. I should meet up with Cole again," Wilford mumbled. He placed the Pokéball in his suitcase, closed it, and walked towards Hammerlocke.

Spoiler: Current Pokémon Team

Species: Monferno
Ability: Iron Fist
Battle Ready Moves:
Fire Punch(Egg Move)
Mach Punch
Thunder Punch(Egg Move)
Power Up Punch
Fake Out
Ember
Helping Hand(Egg Move)
Taunt
Rusty Moves:
Scratch
Leer

Species: Thwackey
Ability: Grassy Surge
Battle Ready Moves:
Fake Out
Razor Leaf
Growth
Branch Poke
Double Hit
Taunt
Leech Seed(Egg Move)
Rusty Moves:
Scratch
Growl

Species: Panpour
Ability: Torrent
Battle Ready Moves:
Disarming Voice(Egg Move)
Hydro Pump(Egg Move)
Scratch
Play Nice
Leer
Lick
Water Gun

Species: Togepi
Ability: Serene Grace
Battle Ready Moves:
Tackle
Fairy Wind
Extrasensory(Egg move)
Life Dew
Psycho Shift(Egg move)
Sweet Kiss
Growl


Species: Mimikyu
Ability: Disguise
Battle Ready Moves:
Shadow Sneak
Destiny Bond(Egg Move)
Baby Doll Eyes
Double Team
Mimic
Copycat
Wood Hammer
Feint Attack
Rusty Moves:
Splash
Scratch
Astonish

 

[Hecotoro]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Freya McIntyre

Wondering Elf

Tuesday August 1st, Chirchester Bay, Route 9.

"Scam?" Freya crossed her arms and furrowed her eyebrows. "You think I would risk my life here and my friend's for a scam?" Freya turned away, looking aronud at the mess. "My parents left me a fortune. I have no need for it nor am interested in it. It's yours if you complete the job. Easy. You can run things by my lawyer if you want. I can't keep wasting time trying to convince you to do your job." Freya grabbed Lizzie's hand. "We're going outside so we don't get in the way of your cleaning up. I'll wait a few minutes and then leave, taking your absence as a no."

The Galarian elf dragged her pink friend away. If Freya was a fire Pokemon, she would be using Eruption at the moment. They risked their lives to get to Rodriguez and she still questioned them. A scam. Pathetic. The black haired girl walked through one of the holes left by the attack and stepped into the cold enviroment. She leaned against a wall and adjusted her hoodie to make sure her ears were still hidden.

"I'm going to check the dark web for more possible recruits if this woman doesn't take the job. Let's give her fifteen minutes. Did you eat? I got a few granola bars in my bag if you need any." The elf peeked a bit at her friend's face and then back to her phone.

Spoiler: Pokemon Team

Alucard (Parent Briavery) Has a red streak down her back and is of a darker blue.
Ivy (Parent Ivysaur) Has a more blueish greenish skin color. Her leaves on her head are lighter.
Anabell

 

[RenzFlintrock]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Roylott

August 1st - Circhester Bay, Galar (Route 9)

Lizzie started to calm down a bit by the time they got outside. The danger seemed to be over, and Rodriguez's assurances has assuaged her worries rather effectively. Once they were in the fresh air the adrenaline began to fade, but her mood still wasn't entirely positive. She was getting the sense that Freya was pretty frustrated. She joined her friend in leaning against the wall, adjusting her hat slightly and tucking her hands into her pockets. "I'm not feeling very hungry right now. Thanks, though," she sighed, glancing over at her friend. "You know, though... it seems like they were pretty busy." She looked down at her feet, pushing a bit of snow around with her shoes. "I'm not saying you shouldn't look for other routes in case this doesn't pan out... but wouldn't it be a little unfair to expect them to take up a new job at the drop of a hat right in the middle of cleaning up another job? I assume that's what they're doing. Maybe give them some time to think about it?"

She glanced over at her friend again, seeking to meet her gaze. "They might be our best bet to find your brother. I don't know about you, but I... I don't think we should be hasty about this." She was oddly serious, her tone showing her mix of concern and caution. She genuinely wanted Freya to find her brother, and although she admittedly didn't know much about the group her friend had sought to hire, she knew Freya had to have picked them for a reason. She didn't want her friend's frustration and impatience to make her miss the chance to get the help she had been willing to spend a small fortune on.

 

[Merciless Medic]

Cole Forrest​

Date: August 2, 2022
Location: Hammerlocke > Hammerlocke Hills, Galar
Interactions: Wilford Pine
Mentions: N/A
sSoul
WCS Rank: 72,303
Pokémon Team:
Machoke
Croconaw
Morelull
Galarian Meowth
Thwackey
Corvisquire

He walked out of the gate, looking around for the man in a nice suit. Walking as he went, he was starting to get some level of anticipation making him giddy. He was so close to his Galarian Meowth evolving, he could just feel it. Plus, he was so close to pranking someone who was just excited to get a Machoke. This was going to be great.

He ended up finding Wilford some ways away, coming back from having trained his Pokemon, presumably. Cole smiled, strolling up to him, an easy yet mischievous air coming from him.

"Heyyyyy, how's it going? I got a question. You got any Everstones?" He grinned wickedly, his smirk mirthful. "I got a prank I want to do. I would prefer to get it today."

His expression held a sly narrow of his eyes and a mischievous grin that showed teeth, the glint in his eyes that was normally absent was there now, making him seem more alive.

 

[godjacob]

The Blazed Heart Crew
Route 9 (Circhester Bay)
August 1st​

It was not long before the local authorities and the benefactor who hired the crew for this job had come along, as there were several officers on hand to arrest either the grunts of this operation whether unconscious or having surrendered outright. More important beyond that was in Maddie's eyes the captured Pokemon were out of the cages and seemed to be in well condition as the tranquilizer in their systems seemed to be okay as there thankfully was a fellow nurse on hand to help in this process as the smuggler mess seemed to be cleaned up.

"Well, the Pokemon seem to be okay. A bit spooked, confused at all this but was able to help ease them a bit." Maddie explained to Zeke as her Comfrey certainly put in some good work with that as she returned it in hand.

"Sounds like another job well done~" Zeke said with a smile as Arthur and the monitor that had Penny's face on it moved by the group as the latter rolled her eyes. "Didn't need to be so chaotic, we need a better system to clear civilians so they don't wander in and mess everything up." Penny mused a bit not exactly happy at all the extra company they got.

"Ohehehehe...I say it all worked out, and besides, in their own way they sort of lent a little hand out way." Arthur said the spirited old man was all smiles as Penny seemed less than amused a bit by this. "That's the spirit Arthur~!" Maria said with a pat to his back and a job well done to her team all around.

Someone, who had been outside with Flygon, seemed to come in to check up on the Pokemon who were held captive as Maddie seemed to eye him (Cassius). "The Pokemon should be okay, you provided a bit of an unexpected assist. Thanks." Maddie said before she added on. "If you are still up to help, can make sure there are not anymore ones hidden in cages I missed." Maddie said to him. Soon Flygon seemed to sail inside and Maria returned it though attention for her shifted to the rather vocal yet possible client to be.

"Well, she has spunk I'll give her that." Maria said as Penny stuck her tongue at the girl (Freya) who walked off in a huff but she kept the offer in mind. They soon met with their client who seemed to give them their pay and thanks for a job well done, one of the captured Pokemon what seemed to be a Mareep bounced into his arms and the reunion made the job more than worth it as Maria smiled.
Course, the payment helped in this regard.

With the rest of her crew helping with the clean up and Pokemon care, and the authorities arresting the bits of the smuggler crew, Maria opted to least talk business as she walked outside to the girl and her friend, the latter (Lizzie) who seemed to not exactly be for the other girl's style. It was nice to have sympathy given the mess they were cleaning up but she sensed that the other was the strong spirited type and clearly was in need of their service. She walked to the pair and tried to have a friendly smile as she spoke to them.

"You certainly are not shy in speaking your mind, normally people contact us when we are done with a job not in the middle of one." Maria said bemused a bit but she had her arms folded over her chest. "While my crew is busy making sure the area is secure, I got a couple minutes to chat. So what is on your mind?" Maria asked curious what kind of request this girl had for the Blazed Heart Crew.

Hecotoro RenzFlintrock Absollover77

 

[Hecotoro]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Freya McIntyre

Wondering Elf

Tuesday August 1st, Chirchester Bay, Route 9.

"Hasty?" Freya shot a glare at her friend. "Hey, these kind of people don't wait around. They go after money. If we want the best, we have to assure them big bucks and fast. We can't just hope they will answer our request from the good of their hearts."

The Galarian elf looked at the snow in front of her and kicked at it. "Whatever. If these people can't help, then I'll become a criminal myself and find my brother." As she let her thoughts ran wild with possible futures and consequences, the captain finally showed up. Frey stood straight and looked at Rodriguez with a cold stare. "I can't go into much detail."

Freya crossed her arms over her chest. "The task is pretty simple. A person went missing, I need to find that person. Once we find them, you get paid. This person is sitting on a fortune left behind their parents and they will glady share it with you and your crew if you rescue them. The conditions are that me and my friend here go with you. Once we find said person, you get paid and we all go our separate ways."

Freya stood her ground, ready to bark back at whatever rejection that came her way. The captain had it easy though since Freya was turning herself and Lizzie over to them to guarantee they would get paid. At the same time, if they never found Freya's brother, then they got to know some contacts and places where to continue their search. Either way, Freya saw it all as an absolute win.

Spoiler: Pokemon Team

Alucard (Parent Briavery) Has a red streak down her back and is of a darker blue.
Ivy (Parent Ivysaur) Has a more blueish greenish skin color. Her leaves on her head are lighter.
Anabell

 

[RenzFlintrock]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Roylott

August 1st - Circhester Bay, Galar (Route 9)

Lizzie remained quiet, her friend's response making her feel as if she'd misspoken. Freya's frustration about the situation felt as if it had been turned on her, and Lizzie couldn't say she cared for it. She fiddled with her coat absently as the captain approached and Freya began to explain the outline of the job she wanted the Blazing Hearts to take on. Lizzie wasn't sure why she didn't provide a little more detail, but she chose not to interfere. It was her friend's quest first and foremost, after all.

She held back a sigh, holding her jacket a little closer around herself. She was used to the cold, but that didn't mean she liked just standing here and dealing with it. With a quick and quiet "Excuse me," Lizzie stepped off to the side. She pulled out Bodhi's pokeball, releasing her Darumaka with a brief flash of light. He was full of energy as usual, running in circles and cheering until Lizzie shushed him. Then she picked him up, unzipping her winter coat enough to put him inside before putting one arm beneath his feet and the other around his torso so that he could rest comfortably in her arms. Immediately she felt warmer, his internal heat already staving off the chilly air of Circhester Bay. All the while, though, she kept her ears on the conversation behind her.

 

[sSoul]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

WILFORD

PINE

August 2nd
WCS Rank: 69,398
Interactions: Cole Forrest(Merciless Medic)
Fortunately, it seemed Cole was eager to meet Wilford, intercepting him before he even reached Hammerlocke. Wilford's brow rose upon seeing Cole's smile; between the sudden glint in his eyes and the bared teeth, Cole almost looked like a person. The blond young man narrowed his eyes, lowered his suitcase, and folded his arms.

What's gotten you in such a good mood?

A prank, specifically one involving an everstone.

Wilford pinched the bridge of his nose with a mirthless chuckle, "Sometimes I wonder who the adult is between us." Though the young man bent his knees to grab his suitcase, the ground beneath started sinking. Simultaneous to Wilford swiftly retracting his hand, a Drilbur emerged from the ground, winking during his descent. The Mole Pokemon clenched the suitcase's handle in his mouth before running away

"Well..." Wilford inhaled sharply through his mouth, "Since any Everstones I might have are in that suitcase, I'll be right back..." Groaning, the rich young man sprinted as fast as he could to catch up to the retreating Ground type, the fabric of his pants rubbing against his legs like it was trying to start a fire. Thankfully the Drilbur was more proficient at digging than running. Once the rich young man got close enough, he tackled the Drilbur, causing the suitcase to fall out of his mouth. Eying the suitcase's scattered contents, the rich young man grabbed a Pokéball and threw it at the Drilbur, who was trying to get back on his feet. The ball hit the Mole on the head, enveloping it in a ray of light that streamed back into the ball. After three shakes, it stilled.


Wilford coughed, wiped the dirt from his torso, and started grabbing the contents of his suitcase. Among them was a spare everstone, which Wilford held in his offhand while he finished packing his things. Upon walking back to Cole, the suited young man tossed the everstone to his travelling companion.

"The things I do for you..." Rolling his eyes, Wilford dusted off the sleeves of his suit before moving down to his legs.

Hopefully there's a cleaners nearby, otherwise I'll have to ship this one back home...

Spoiler: Current Pokémon Team

Species: Monferno
Ability: Iron Fist
Battle Ready Moves:
Fire Punch(Egg Move)
Mach Punch
Thunder Punch(Egg Move)
Power Up Punch
Fake Out
Ember
Helping Hand(Egg Move)
Taunt
Rusty Moves:
Scratch
Leer

Species: Thwackey
Ability: Grassy Surge
Battle Ready Moves:
Fake Out
Razor Leaf
Growth
Branch Poke
Double Hit
Taunt
Leech Seed(Egg Move)
Rusty Moves:
Scratch
Growl

Species: Panpour
Ability: Torrent
Battle Ready Moves:
Disarming Voice(Egg Move)
Hydro Pump(Egg Move)
Scratch
Play Nice
Leer
Lick
Water Gun

Species: Togepi
Ability: Serene Grace
Battle Ready Moves:
Tackle
Fairy Wind
Extrasensory(Egg move)
Life Dew
Psycho Shift(Egg move)
Sweet Kiss
Growl


Species: Mimikyu
Ability: Disguise
Battle Ready Moves:
Shadow Sneak
Destiny Bond(Egg Move)
Baby Doll Eyes
Double Team
Mimic
Copycat
Wood Hammer
Feint Attack
Rusty Moves:
Splash
Scratch
Astonish

 

[Merciless Medic]

Cole Forrest​

Date: August 2, 2022
Location: Hammerlocke Hills > Hammerlocke (Pokemon Center > Alleyway), Galar
Interactions: Wilford Pine
Mentions: N/A
sSoul
WCS Rank: 72,303
Pokémon Team:
Machoke Traded for Houndour
Croconaw
Morelull
Galarian Meowth > Perrserker
Thwackey
Corvisquire

Cole can just see the exasperation on Wilford's face form into something beautifully and amusingly ugly, and it was glorious. At the comment, Cole just stood there smugly smiling to himself still. "It'll be a hoot, I guarantee it."

Such a nice guy, getting him an Everstone-

The ground shifted and a Drilbur popped out, took his suitcase, and ran with it. Already in a good mood, Cole had to stifle giggles as Wilford went running after it. Only to start laughing as Wilford tackle the Drilbur.

A young man in a business suit - acting all prim and proper - tackling a runaway thief of a mole.

This day couldn't get any better.

Cole was doubled over as he just couldn't stop laughing, his laughs turning into wheezes as he struggled for air. He finally managed to rein himself in when Wilford came back dusty, and with a new Pokemon in tow. Cole cleared his throat, trying not to laugh in front of Wilford as he grabbed the Everstone, but a few snickers fell out anyway.

"So, uh, haha, the cleaners are near the Pokemon Center. Though, a simple handheld mini-vacuum should be enough for your uh-... problem. Nice tackle though, that was intense." He couldn't help the giggles as he tried to rein himself in. "From the looks of things at least, that Drilbur's gonna be a good 'mon for ya." He took in a deep breath to tame in his laughter before finally managing a straight face. "Anyway, thank you. If you want to take a break with whatever you're doing, you can see my prank at the Pokemon Center in the trading room."

With that, he was off, proudly toting that Everstone in his pants pocket.

Once he was back in the city, he got out some double-sided sticky tape from his backpack and put two strips of tape in an 'X' shape on the Everstone. He then held it in his hand and kept it in his pocket.

He made his way to the Pokemon Center, that guy still there surrounded by his friends. When the man saw Cole, he smiled wide. "Ahhh, you got that 'mon?"

"Sure did." Cole released the Machoke, showing off the Fighting-Type. The Fighting-Type's ego immediately skyrocketed as the punks all looked at the beast, and the Machoke began flexing and showing off his muscles.

The punk chuckled, stroking his chin. "Daaaamn, that's one hell of a Fighting-Type."

Fools... Can they not see that muscle definition doesn't mean anything? It's working muscle that's what counts...

Cole kept his sneer from looking too prominent. He slapped the Machoke's back with his hand that held the Everstone, doing so quickly so as to not make it look too obvious that he was holding something, and he kept his hand over the stone, making sure no one can see it. "Certainly somethin' alright."

He then returned the Machoke, now able to relax his hand now that the Everstone was stuck to the Machoke from the tape, and no one saw it.

The man released the Houndour, and Cole immediately saw this thing's potential. He hummed, clearly intrigued. "Interesting... I definitely like this one."

The punk smiled and returned the dog, who looked confused.

The punk had Cole follow along inside the Pokemon Center, going to the trading room. They put their information in the system, then the PokeBalls on the teleporter.

"Oh, by the way, nearly forgot. The Machoke's holding an E-"

"Yeah yeah, I got it." They both pressed the buttons on the device, with Cole shrugging. One of the punk's friends looked concerned and he looked at his friend.

"Yo, boss, somethin' smells fishy. What if the Machoke's holdin' somethin' bad?"

"Call it a special surprise!" The man said confidently... and maybe a bit arrogantly.

The Pokeballs teleported over, and Cole smirked as he pocketed the Houndour immediately.

He took a step back as the man went to show off the Machamp only to... Be confused why his Machoke wasn't bathed in blue evolution light. "Huh? What's going on?" Even the Machoke was confused, until it remembered Cole had patted its back with a rather harsh slap. He twisted around, and one of the friends pointed at the strange grey lump.

"Boss, there's an Everstone on the Machoke's back!" The friend pulled it off, showing the double-sided sticky tape.

"WHAT????" His voice boomed.

"Hey, I tried warning you." Cole grinned from ear-to-ear, voice filled with smug.

This was probably a bad idea because now not only were there seven people staring at him with murderous glares, but so were the leader and the Machoke. The boss sneered, mentally kicking himself for not checking and now they can't go to the police about this. "Johnny, stay here and help me evolve Machoke. Brothers, get 'em."

Cole grinned wickedly as he ran off, jumping down the staircase and landing with only a little stumble as he ran out of the Pokemon Center and towards an alleyway down Hammerlocke's northern half, which held the residential area.

However, due to how Hammerlocke was made, there were little to no places to hide. When he did manage to lose the group of five thugs in about five minutes, a Houndoom had appeared at his side. He gave a nervous chuckle. "Ah fu-"

He jumped out of the way as the Houndoom charged at him, and he ran down an alleyway, only to meet face-to-face with the boss and his newly evolved Machamp. Three of his goons flanked around their boss, and four of his goons walked up behind Cole, but gave everyone their space.

"You're not leaving here, not without a fight, you scoundrel."

"I didn't expect a bunch of punk-ass thugs to be organized. My condolences to those poor souls who messed with you." He then grinned. "Did you not teach anything to that Machamp, by the way? It's freshly caught."

The man snarled. "Even so, this Machamp's evolved now, which means it'll be strong enough to beat your tiny whelp of a team."

Cole had some doubts about that, but they didn't get to see how this thing fought as a Machoke. There would only be some level of improvement, of which he was certain there would be none.

The Machamp walked over, each footstep a dull thud against the alleyway street. Cole hummed, feeling over the Pokeballs that were on his belt. He thought about it some before sending out his Galarian Meowth. The Steel-Type cat looked up at the four-armed behemoth, suddenly quite nervous.

Why did his trainer send him out to a fucking FIGHTING-TYPE??? Sure, he proved himself capable, but this was nuts!!

Everyone began laughing, but Cole still stood there with a grin. "Just because I use a disadvantaged 'mon doesn't mean we're cooked." He looked down at his Meowth, signaling for him to get closer and whispered to him as Cole crouched down. "That Machamp just evolved. It doesn't know how to use its body yet for those blinding fast punches, or how to move those burly second pair of arms. I'm sure we can beat it."

Standing back up, the Meowth looked a bit more invigorated and stood tall... As tall as a steely cat with a thorny beard would.

The Machamp stepped forward, its legs glowing. "Machamp, Low Sweep!"

"Fake Out." Cole said calmly.

Before the Machamp could move, the cat slapped his hands together, creating a shockwave that caused the Machamp to flinch.

"Swagger." Cole said quickly. The Meowth taunted with swag, making the Machamp confused and stronger.

"Vital Throw!" The Machamp set its sights on the cat and charged to grab it, only for the cat to jump up and land on the Machamp's head and jumped back, the second pair of arms flailing around uselessly as the Machamp struggled to use its new additions.

"Metal Claw." Cole couldn't help the manic grin that spread across his face, his eyes wide and pupils dilated to pinpricks as he enjoyed the feeble attempts at such a large and burly Pokemon. The cat charged forward with steely claws, slashing at the Fighting-Type's back.

"Low Sweep!" The Machamp whirled around, but did so too fast and hit itself with its fist and tripped. It groaned, the increased physical attack power making its head spin from how hard it punched itself.

Cole smirked. "Metal Claw again." The Galarian Meowth yowled and struck the Machamp's face as it tried to get up, earning a cry of pain and anger.

"Vital Throw!" The Machamp tried grabbing the Meowth again now that he was closer, but it ended up misjudging and slammed its face into the ground with its full forward momentum.

It laid there, unwilling to move. Either out of shame or pain, no one knew.

Not until the Meowth sensed the Machamp was still up, so he went for another Metal Claw. Once the Meowth was about to hit, the Machamp had snapped out of its confusion and had used one of its back arms to grab the Meowth's fist. Eyes dilating from fear, the Meowth struggled to pull his arm back, only for the Machamp to stand back up and grin mercilessly and cruelly at the Meowth, now dangling in the air.

"Finally! Vital Throw!"

"Metal Claw!" Cole knew that one single hit from a boosted Machamp's Vital Throw would knock out his Meowth. His voice held a sense of urgency and the Meowth heard it. He struck out again, aiming for the face and the Machamp couldn't react in time. The Machamp threw the Meowth off to the side as it held its hands to its face, crying out. The Meowth struck the concrete, gasping as he landed upright from flipping around, having a hard time breathing. Despite it not being a move, that still hurt a lot.

The Machamp charged forward at the Meowth, tears streaming down its face and ignoring the punk who tried commanding it. Only for the Meowth, who was damaged by the throw, to use Flail. The Meowth's body glowed with a strange light as the Meowth attacked the Machamp with his flailing body.

The attack was enough to knock out the Machamp, with the Meowth standing over it, panting. Blue evolutionary light surrounded the Meowth, evolving into a Perrserker in front of everyone. Cole's eyes widened, and he grinned.

Only for the seven Spikemuth punks surrounding them to inch closer.

"Tch, that wasn't fair..." The boss grumbled, returning his Machamp. "Brothers, get rid of 'em." He said with a glare, the resounding pops all around from the cracking of knuckles and rolling of shoulders had Cole and his Perrserker inching closer to each other. His Croconaw jumped out of her Pokeball, roaring at those who dared threatened her trainer.

"Croconaw, stop it." Cole said with resolute firmness, earning a confused look from her.

Cole didn't want to get into trouble trying to protect himself, but he saw no way out either. This was going to suck...

 

[EnviousWorm]

COBEL VAMON, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR.
HAMMERLOCKE CITY, GALAR. AUGUST 2, 2022.
WCS RANK: N/A​

Jet lagged and running on sludgy airplane coffee, Cobel rubbed at his stubbled jaw in frustrated exhaustion. A long flight in from Kanto with an even longer holdover in Sinnoh left a taste in his mouth more sour than even the worst kids candy. He wanted to find the nearest hotel and sleep it off. He wanted to get straight to work on the case and interview Raihan. He wanted a stiff drink and a harsh cigarette. Cobel wanted the last ten years of his life back and ten million dollars. What he had was a mediocre salt bagel and a new headache surging into his temples.

A small cult of brainless hooligans swarmed the Pokemon Center not long after Cobel had gotten food for him and his team. They caroused and laughed in a menacing jolly, bothering any and all who might enter. Still, they seemed impatient–waiting for something, though it was hard to tell what exactly. The leader of the group bubbled with excitement, proclaiming to his underlings just how “made” they’d all have it in just a little while. Cobel kept toward the front of the P.C, watching and waiting, eating slowly and in a shadowy silence. He watched as a younger, slender boy with a slick grin on his face, hauling a black backpack entered and sidled right on up to the ground, who turned to him like disciples to the returning messiah.

Through the thicket, the leader - physically more intimidating but otherwise not standout from the rest of his little gang - approached the grinning kid.

“Ahhh, you got the ‘mon?” he asked, rubbing his hands together in impatient greed.

“Sure did.” The kid replied, releasing a fit, weary-looking Machoke out of a PokeBall.

He didn’t look much like a grifter, but the boy with the Machoke reeked of it even from afar. His smile never waned, and his eyes never betrayed any kindness. Only a howling pack of fools would fall for the obvious scam–yet howl this pack of fools did.

The leader and his parrots squawked over the strength of the Machoke all the way to the P.C’s trading room. As soon as the crowd were out of sight, Cobel stood up and left, taking his time but walking in his signature long, smooth strides, not betraying his interest in the developing situation. He released Hitmonlee from its ball, and the two looped around to the side of the Pokemon Center, where Cobel pulled a cigarette from a small, rubied case in the pocket of his overcoat. As he lit it, he heard the doors slide open again, and the hurried hammering of fleeing feet trailing off. The detective waited for the goons to sprint off after their quarry, and waited just a bit longer.

“C’mon, boss, they sent that lil scumbag down toward the rowhouses–follow me!”

“Thanks, Johnny, you’re a real one.”

Snickering at the thought of beating up the runaway scammer, the two goons took off in a brisk jog. Like a gust in the wind, Cobel followed their trail. He moved in and out of the Hammerlocke foot traffic in a dance-like sway, watching the two thugs he followed with the eyes of a trained Sweloww as they turned into a series of residential alleyways.

“We gettin’ close?” The boss asked, clearly out of patience and breath.

“Ya-ya, boss!” Johnny replied, trying to play the stoic second. “Any second now–”

“Just send Houndoom, dammit.” The boss growled.

Johnny reached into his pocket and pulled out a PokeBall and hucked it at the ground in rushed obedience. His boss acted quickly too, releasing the freshly-evolved Machamp from its ball.

“Smell Machamp, girl?” Johnny asked, leaning down to pet Houndoom behind the ear. “Follow its scent, the one running away, okay?”

With a dutiful nod, Houndoom ran off toward the Everstone grifter.

“This lil bastid won’t know what hit ‘em.” The boss said, chuckling as he and Johnny ran off after Houndoom.

Still, Cobel took his time. He had a feeling things were going to turn ugly–but the boss was going to try and flex his new muscle first. It seemed the best form of revenge on the wannabe scammer. If it took a bad turn, though…Cobel already resolved himself toward joining the fray, even if the Machoke kid deserved a bit of a beating.

“Hitmon…lee.” Hitmonlee pointed out in a whisper.

“Yeah, seven of them,” Cobel nodded, “Crack the weak eggs first, you got it.”

“Lee?” Hitmonlee asked.

“You know it,” the detective nodded, “Stay up high and hit when the time’s right.”

“Lee.” Hitmonlee replied with a serious nod before jumping up to the top of the tenement that loomed overhead.

Cobel reached into his pocket and held two PokeBalls between his knuckles. Sound of a scuffle one alley over had broken out–the song that Cobel knew he could always dance to. The fight was intense, and from the sounds of thuggish jeering did not sound overall positive for the lone prankster.

‘You pulled a scam you didn’t even know you could weasel your way out of? I’m getting tired of amateur hour.’ Cobel thought to himself.

He inched closer to make the save, but as he did the fight turned around; the boss and his thugs groaned in displeasure, gasped in shock, and eventually growled in furious masculinity. Cobel turned the corner, and saw the scene as it was about to unfold–it was about to be pure, unadulterated assault here in Hammerlocke.

“Tch, that wasn’t fair,” the boss complained, returning an unconscious Machamp back to its PokeBall. “Brothers–get rid of ‘em.”

In a display of protectiveness, the scammer’s Croconaw released itself from its ball and roared in defiance, even as the seven Spikemuth thugs enclosed them. For the first time, Cobel was surprised. This grifting punk had a Pokemon willing to protect him like that? Maybe there was something worthwhile in the kid after all…

“And this is where I think we should leave it today, how’s that?” Cobel said, his low, rasping voice cutting through the tense, pre-beatdown silence.

“Huh?” One thug asked.

“Who the hell’re you?” Another added.

"Just a...concerned party." Cobel said.

“What’s this?” The boss asked, annoyed and humiliated.

The Spikemuth punks hesitated just a second, but the boss didn’t want them to have any of it.

“This guy’s with the scammer! Get ‘em both!” The gang boss roared, slamming another PokeBall down onto the ground like a ninja with a smoke bomb.

Four men turned to Cobel, rushing in at him and brandishing their own PokeBalls now, releasing out a trio of Toxtricity’s and a Toxicroak, trying to encircle Cobel much in the same way they’d tried to close in on the boy with the Machoke. They held their ground against Cole, but at the moment were less focused on torturing the boy than watching the boy’s older accomplice get smashed to bits.

“You helpin’ that wanker?” One of the thugs sneered. “Get outta ‘ere, old man!”

“Ya, wot’s it tew ya!” A second chimed in.

Cobel scoffed at the small talk, slinging his right hand in a sidearm pitch, throwing the two PokeBalls he’d held in his knuckles at the ground as he moved to the right. Him and his Pokemon had fought together a long time–in official, tournament fights and many more in…unofficial fights, without rules. They didn’t need commands–they understood the assignment.

Galarian Weezing let out a thick, smoggy smokescreen, covering the alleyway in unbreathable, purple gas. Cobel ducked low, dodging past one of the Toxtricity’s to deliver a knee to the stomach of its trainer, using his left hand to wrap the thug’s arm behind his back as the detective grappled and slammed the man to the ground with an unceremonious thud.

Excadrill went for the Toxtricity, using Earth Power that caught the electric/poison type completely off-guard through the smokescreen.

A pair of thunderbolts cut through the purple gas, but grounded against Exadrill’s resistant body and dissipated into useless nothingness. For a split second, Cobel wondered how this would be going if these goons had water types or ice types or something. But hey, sometimes luck is just in the cards.

“I can’t bloody see nuffin’!”

“Don’t let either of ‘em scram!” The boss croaked out through the smoke.

Cobel had already released Slaking while the thugs struggled to comprehend what was happening. Slaking grabbed another Toxtricity by its skinny arms and slammed it against an adjacent alley wall, accompanied by the brutal cracking of brick and mortar. Unburdened by his need to Slack Off due to the Weezing’s Neutralizing Gas, Slaking dropped a devastating Mega Kick to the Toxicroak, who withstood the hit only to be finished off by a goopy Sludge attack from Weezing.

As the smokescreen started to clear, Cobel moved on to the second thug - reeling from the shock of his Toxtricity’s swift defeat and reaching for his second Pokemon - and delivered a pair of punches to his ribs before sweeping his legs out from beneath him and sending him to the ground.

“What in the bloody hell–” Shocked by his recent defeat and awed at the random appearance of Cobel, the boss found himself unable to move at the moment.

The final Toxtricity bravely held its ground alone against Cobel’s three, while the two remaining thugs each took out their last Pokemon with unsteady hands. The electric/poison type lunged at Excadrill and landed a decent Poison Jab, sending the mole Pokemon reeling back for a second. Before the Toxtricity could finish smiling, Slaking had pounded its head into the pavement like a goofy cartoon–tweety-birds circling overhead and all.

“Hey why’re youse getting your asses beat,” The boss asked, his voice audibly shaking, “it’s just some old ass–aww screw it, jump the scammer guys, while we got time!”

Johnny, the boss, and the other goon who’d kept their attention on Cole got a last second rush of adrenaline.

Cobel slammed a third thug down onto the ground, twisting his arm in the same way he did the first attacker, this time delivering a brutal kick to the guy’s jaw with a nastier-than-intended crunch. The last of the four who’d turned to the detective gave a little yelp as he released his final Pokemon.

“Y-you ain’t–I ain’t done with y-you yet, you creep!” The thug yelled with little conviction, standing without confidence behind his Morgrem.

Excadrill let out a knowing chirp, telling its trainer all he needed to know. Without looking at the brave underling, Cobel turned his attention to the boss. The three humans and their Pokemon - Johnny’s Houndoom, the boss’s Thievul, and the third’s Golbat - finally broke free from their paralysis to make Cole pay.

Then, leaping down from the cosmos, Hitmonlee struck with a massive Hi-Jump Kick that landed square against the dark-type Thievul’s back. Now between the thugs and Cole and his Croconaw, Hitmonlee let out a battlecry.

“Hitmon-LEEE!” The kicking Pokemon clenched its fist, adrenaline pumping.

“Can you fight, or are you just going to watch all day?” Cobel asked the question aimed at both Cole and the gangsters both, a hint of enthusiasm tingeing his often cold, dry voice.

Then, he charged in for round two, Hitmonlee reaching out to strike at Houndoom in a combination attack.

 

[Merciless Medic]

Cole Forrest​

Date: August 2, 2022
Location: Hammerlocke Alleyway, Galar
Interactions: Cobel Vamon
Mentions: Wilford Pine
EnviousWorm sSoul
WCS Rank: 72,303
Pokémon Team:
Croconaw
Houndour
Morelull
Thwackey
Corvisquire
Perrserker

As Cole began to realize he might have to actually fight his way with his fists out of this one and hoped the cops would believe him, his savior arrived.

Some guy in his early 30s, obviously looking unkempt and with the smell of cigarettes about him, had Cole turning his head. He crouched a little, and watched as the four goons went after the new guy.

Wait, that new guy... Why did he look familiar?

Was he in that Pokemon Center?

It was hard not to remember the man, he looked like he had an intense battle with jetlag and barely won. Why did this guy follow him all the way here?

It left Cole feeling queasy. As Cole always made sure to keep an eye on who was around wherever he went and this guy barely slipped under the radar until now... It bothered him in an uncanny way.

The ensuing fight was a spectacle. Everything happened way too quickly for Cole to process completely. A Galarian Weezing and an Excadrill came out, followed up by a Smokescreen. Cole backed into his Perrserker, who stood his ground to keep Cole from pushing them into the gang leader. Cole crouched further and held a hand over his face, as he watched the Pokemon beat up the gang's Pokemon with ease. A Slaking appeared and-

Wait, that guy... He was beating up the goons under the cover of the smoke!

Why didn't he think of that...?

Cole coughed a bit as the nasty smell got to him, but he managed to keep strong as his frazzled brain tried to figure out what to do. He looked back at the three other goons and the leader, who seemed quite shaken up from this encounter.

But like punks from Spikemuth, they didn't know when to quit. With a huff, Cole held two of his Pokeballs, but was startled as a Hitmonlee fell from the sky and attacked the Thievul.

What the hell was this????

He narrowed his eyes as he glared at the older man for giving that taunt, feeling a little targeted now by the guy who should be saving him. He just gave a huff, a wry smirk on his face. "Can't help a cornered Pokemon from staring when their savior comes in so brutally~." He purred, before focusing his sights on who's left. It wasn't supposed to be a flirt, but it did sound a bit sickeningly sweet in his attempt to show some level of gratitude while defending himself.

Golbat was what was left. The boss and Johnny sent out their Boltunds to add more Pokemon to the fray, the humans keeping their distance from the older man. Another goon who had been startled sent both of his Pokemon in a panic, releasing his Morpeko and Amped Toxtricity.

The Houndoom barked and used Protect, whatever attack Hitmonlee would use being blocked for a moment unless it was Feint.

Meanwhile, the two Boltunds and the Golbat flew in at Cole. Cole released his two other Pokemon - a Thwackey and Corvisquire. He glared down the three Pokemon with a serious look, and then that manic grin came back. The Golbat was going to use Air Cutter while the Boltunds a charged in with a tandem Spark attack.

"Corvisquire, Tailwind. Thwackey, Grass Pledge." He commanded and pointed to direct Thwackey towards the dogs, and turned to the Golbat. "Perrserker, Iron Head the wind. Croconaw, Ice Fang."

Corvisquire blew a helping wind with her wings that blew on the backs of her allies, allowing the Pokemon to move faster. This also affected the Hitmonlee nearby. The Thwackey slammed his stick into the ground, a pillar of thorny vines shooting up and getting in the way of the Boltunds wherein they slammed into it. The Perrserker shot forward and his head glowed shiny with steel energy as he took the brunt of the Air Cutter with his head, most of the damage being mitigated by his offensive attack being used for defense.

Meanwhile, the Croconaw sped forward with surprising speed, her mouth open as it crackled with ice. She jumped up, managing to bite the underside of the Golbat with Ice Fang. Unluckily, it didn't freeze or flinch, but the Golbat cried out from agony and immediately flew back to its trainer. The Croconaw roared, only to forget the Toxtricity and Morpeko coming close.

The Thwackey jumped forward, screeching as his arm glowed with orange energy before slamming down on the unsuspecting Morpeko, swiftly knocking it out with one Hammer Arm.

With Thwackey's slower speed, he was suddenly subjected to the Toxtricity's Poison Tail. The sludge-covered tail swung out and hit the grass monkey, sending him back towards Cole. Thankfully, it didn't poison Thwackey.

Cole sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. This was a shit show... This was supposed to be one harmless prank, this punk leader had so many friends who can help him, and what did he get? An attempt at his life???

"Ugh, you people and your snowflake attitudes." Cole growled, throwing his arms out to the sides, frustrated. "What, you have friends who can help you with the whole trade evo thing. So what if a Machoke was holding an Everstone? It was a harmless prank that was mildly inconvenient. This something to kill me over?"

"You need to mind who you fuck with, boy." The boss glared, and Cole sneered.

"Fine then. I'm done playing. Croconaw."

That's all he needed to say. Croconaw unleashed a Dragon Dance, dancing hypnotically so she was much faster now along with Tailwind and a little stronger. She slapped the ground with her tail and swiped, a flurry of mud hitting the Toxtricity's face and knocking it back. Her fangs glowed with ice and so did her fists, something that surprised Cole, evident by his widened eyes.

Sure, they trained to quick-switch moves, but he hadn't really went all that hard in teaching her how to use two moves at the same time. She ran forward, biting and punching the two Boltund, who weren't sure how to get in on the fight, only for them to find their opportunity with the charging Croconaw.

But it was as if she went blind, vision red as she chomped and punched them, ignoring the electrical blasts coursing over her body. She felt tired, but she also felt too angry to stop.

It got to the point where she beat up one Boltund enough to force it to return. Her jaws nearly enclosed around the head of the other Boltund before Cole immediately returned her.

Scared for its life, the Boltund ran back, tail between its legs as it hid behind the boss.

Thwackey was in a similar state after having a thrashing. He got up, screeching as he slammed the ground with his sticks multiple times, before charging at one of the goons. Cole also had to return him, not wanting to showcase his Pokemon's bloodthirstiness to this new guy, or any potential cameras.

His Corvisquire and Perrserker were a bit more behaved, sticking around Cole's figure to protect him. They really had nothing left to fight Cole or this newcomer with.

Except... Except that one guy, who looked just as deranged as Cole. In fact, this guy reminded Cole of himself a bit too much, but if Cole were an idiot and he let his yandere tendencies get the best of him.

The man sent out his Golurk, yelling. "Boss boss, I'll save youuuu! Make a run for it, now!"

What...

But the fact that this Golurk was here now was a problem. He took a step back, sighing. "Damn, can't catch a break." He grumbled. "My Pokemon's got pledge combo moves." He told the man. "I can slow the Golurk down." He just hoped his Croconaw and Thwackey calmed down for a second enough to heed his commands.

If Wilford saw this now... Arceus, Cole hoped not.

 

[EnviousWorm]

COBEL VAMON, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR.
HAMMERLOCKE CITY, GALAR. AUGUST 2, 2022.
WCS RANK: N/A
​

"Can you fight, or are you just going to watch all day?” Cobel asked.

"Can't help a cornered Pokemon from staring when their savior comes in so brutally~." The scammer boy replied.

From there, a ballet of senseless violence played out in the Hammerlocke alley, ice shards and gaseous smog and electricity mixing with the air. The Spikemuth thugs were uncoordinated as a group and sloppy trainers, but like any good gangsters they at least knew how to throw their weight around a little bit. Two of the three Cobel had just taken down managed back to their feet, sending out a Shuckle and a Croagunk to support the Morgrem facing down Excadrill. Slaking and Weezing moved to the drilling mole's side, making it a clean 3v3. An even 3v3 it was not, however. Morgrem started out strong with a Fake Out, causing Slaking to flinch, but Excadrill replied in kind with a devastating Metal Claw backhand that sent the dark Fairy-type flying out of the alley and into a pair of metal garbage bins. Croagunk fired a Gunk Shot at Slaking, trying to pile on the damage, but the Normal-type monstrosity bore the brunt of the damage with his chest proudly puffed out. Towering over the Croagunk as if he were dynamaxed, Slaking dropped down on the unsuspecting Poison-type with a thunderous Body Press, almost squishing the poor Croagunk into a thin paper. Shuckle had protected itself and offered a Helping Hand to its allies, but it did little use. All alone now, it looked around to its trainers for any help and found none at all, choosing simply to retreat into its shell. More annoyed than anything, Excadrill grabbed the little bug by its shell and held it for a moment. Then, as if tossing a crumpled piece of paper without care, the mole Pokemon flicked the Shuckle behind him, the fearful bug landing on the unconscious Morgrem with a harmless plop!

At the same time, the humans made a full bum rush at the private detective, trying to take revenge for his making them look silly. Two of the bruised Spikemuth goons charged, heads down to make a tackle, while the one who hadn't been hit yet tried to move around them to attack Cobel from the side; Cobel instead side-stepped to the opposite side, grabbing the same goon by the same arm as he had earlier, this time pulling on the arm to reverse the hooligan's momentum and sending him onto his back for a second time. The other two got in each others' way, the encircling thug bumping into the still-charging tackler, sending them both off-balance. On offense now, Cobel kicked out with his right leg into one stumbling bum, which sent the younger man hurtling into the back of his compatriot and into the already-damaged brick wall. From the ground, the third thug grabbed the detective's left ankle, but Cobel maintained his balance and brought the heel of his foot into a reverse kick, cracking another jaw in a short matter of seconds.

Hitmonlee fought off Johnny's Houndoom, clearly the best-trained of the thugs' several Pokemon; the fiery dog managed to dodge two of the Fighting-type's furious kicks, finding an opening to bite down on Hitmonlee's arm. The well-trained Pokemon managed not to flinch, bearing the pain with stoicism. With the Houndoom clamped on his wrist, Hitmonlee brought his leg in for a swift, point blank kick to the dog's belly, knocking it out due to the attack's super effectiveness. Still, the Houndoom held its grip for another second, again showing that even a dumb thug from Spikemuth could train a good Pokemon.

The Machoke boy held his own as well, managing several Pokemon at once with some small amount of capability and employing passable strategy. As the Spikemuth gangs' numbers started to dwindle, their boss stumbled back in frustration.

"Ugh, you people and your snowflake attitudes." Cole growled, throwing his arms out to the sides, frustrated. "What, you have friends who can help you with the whole trade evo thing. So what if a Machoke was holding an Everstone? It was a harmless prank that was mildly inconvenient. This something to kill me over?"

'So that's what this was all about.' Cobel thought, his mouth twitching involuntarily into a half-frown at the scam's revelation. 'What a brat...'

"You need to mind who you fuck with, boy." Boss Thug said, trying to find his bullying confidence.

"Fine then. I'm done playing. Croconaw."

In a rageful delirium, the grifter boy's Croconaw and Thwackey got particularly violent with the remaining goons' Pokemon. Rejoined at his side by his four Pokemon, the private detective watched on in knowing silence. The way the boy's Pokemon clawed and gnarled and smashed felt all-too-familiar to Cobel, whose eyes winced slightly in the harsh light of old memories resurfacing. It was less of a fight and more of a slaughter, but who was Cobel to talk there? He'd left a trail of bruises and dislocated jaws in his wake in the very same alley anyway.
Just about down and out, the thugs who could move started to back away. Except for the smallest one, bespectacled and with one long, greased patch of hair on an otherwise bald head, who stepped forward in an unexpected display of loyalty.

"Boss boss, I'll save youuuu! Make a run for it, now!" The shrimpy punk squeaked, limply tossing a PokeBall at his boss's feet.

A large, menacing Golurk entered the battlefield, hulking and menacing, and clearly a much higher level than the rest of the Pokemon the rest of the gang had been using to that point. Cobel paused in confusion, wondering how the hell that kid gangster got his hands on such a serious 'mon. The boss, for his part, took his underling's advice and turned heel to run like the rest of his entourage. The detective considered stopping the man, but ultimately decided against it. He had been scammed after all.

"Damn, can't catch a break," Cole muttered to himself before addressing Cobel, "My Pokemon's got pledge combo moves. I can slow the Golurk down."

"Then why are you talking and not fighting?" Cobel responded with an unforgiving harshness.

Excadrill slammed into the Golurk's back with another Metal Claw, knocking the massive Ground/Ghost-type off-balance. With one hand, Cobel returned Hitmonlee, Slaking, and Weezing to their PokeBalls. His current team had a glaring weakness to Ground-types, but that was a risk trainers had to make sometimes in the teambuilding process. Using his other hand, Cobel released Lanturn, who shared that weakness but could hit back effectively at the same time. Still, with his Pokemon on one side of the Golurk, and the scammer's on the opposite, they had the lone remaining goon pinned in.

"Aw, geez..." The Spikemuth thug whined, looking between the two trainers as if he just then realized what he'd gotten himself into. He froze, not giving any commands to his Pokemon.

Golurk responded to Excadrill's attack on its own with a close-up, super-effective High Horsepower, which sent the mole slamming painfully down to the ground. It sprung back to its feet, swaying and swerving with loss of equilibrium and dizziness from the pain, though ultimately gathering itself, standing beside Lanturn for the next assault.

 

[Merciless Medic]

Cole Forrest​

Date: August 2, 2022
Location: Hammerlocke Alleyway, Galar
Interactions: Cobel Vamon
Mentions: Wilford Pine
EnviousWorm sSoul
WCS Rank: 72,303
Pokémon Team:
Croconaw
Houndour
Morelull
Thwackey
Corvisquire
Perrserker

-Battle Stats:
Ally Field - Tailwind (Perrserker, Croconaw, Thwackey, Corvisquire, Excadrill, Lanturn)
Enemy Field - Swamp, 4 rounds, quarters Speed (Golurk)

It was actually unnerving how good this guy was. The remaining Pokemon from the goons who were knocked down by this middle-aged man were taken out by the Slaking, Excadrill, and Galarian Weezing, along with their trainers as they tried to bum rush the man once again, failing miserably.

As the Golurk appeared though and Cole went to try and establish some form of communication between them, it was shut down. He just gave an irritated huff, releasing his Thwackey and Croconaw once again. They were sort of seeing red, but they were capable of taking orders now.

"Swamp!"

As the Golurk was struggling to fend off the Excadrill, Cole's Thwackey's sticks glowed with green energy while Croconaw's fist glowed with blue. They both smashed into the ground, sending torrents of water and pillars of vines towards the Golurk. While the increased damage barely made a dent, the vines suddenly landed messily over the ground around Golurk, the water making the vines a thick mess of sludge, lowering its speed.

He wished Thwackey had Grassy Terrain right about now. None of his Pokemon knew Magnet Rise either, but that Lanturn might. He just hoped...

He noticed that the backwind from Corvisquire's Tailwind had petered out. "Perrserker, Night Slash. Corvisquire, Tailwind." He then looked over at that Lanturn... Wondering if it would be best to send the Lanturn on a flight...

As his Perrserker charged forward with dark claws, slashing at the Golurk, and Corvisquire created that helpful backdrop of wind for not just Cole's Pokemon, but Cobel's as well, Cole looked back at Cobel. "You want your Lanturn to fly?" It would at least keep Lanturn from being hit by any Ground-Type moves.

 

[EnviousWorm]

COBEL VAMON, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR.
HAMMERLOCKE CITY, GALAR. AUGUST 2, 2022.
WCS RANK: N/A​

"You want your Lanturn to fly?" Whatever the scammer seemed to be cooking in that brain of his,

"Go for it, kid, I'll keep the Golurk busy," Cobel gave an affirmative nod before turning to his Pokemon, "Lanturn, use Confuse Ray! Excadrill–Iron Defense, try and hold on a bit longer!"

Moving in unison, the two Pokemon acted within split-seconds of their trainer's command. The Golurk leaned back to make some attempted attack on Excadrill, but found itself doubled over in confusion, instead reaching out to strike itself across the body in a lucky turn for Cole and Cobel. With extra time, Excadrill honed his claws, sharpening them for his next attack. Cobel knew his aggressive little mole, and if Excadrill had any say in the matter, Lanturn and Corvisquire wouldn't even have time to launch their coordinated attack. Confused and slowed down, Golurk was a far less frightening sight to behold.

Excadrill leapt in for another Metal Claw this time, slashing the Golurk with another powerful attack. Off-centered again, the ghastly golem refused to fall. Cobel was almost impressed with how resilient it was, despite its pitiful owner and lack of actual training. Feeling frustrated, Excadrill attempted to hone its claws again when:

RRRRRRRRRRMMMMMMMM! The ground shivered like a child waiting in the rain, pavement and brick and concrete cracking from the sudden, immense pressure of the Golurk's shattering earthquake. Cobel returned Excadrill to its ball while grabbing Cole by the elbow, pulling him out of the alleyway as the brick apartment buildings on either side of the alley began to crumble and collapse on top of where they'd been fighting. Golurk roared a rageful battlecry as dust and rubble crashed overhead.

The detective only hoped the grifter had had enough time to (literally) get his idea off the ground.