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Post by DataNinja on Apr 28, 2020 2:57:19 GMT
After a relaxing (or possibly restless) day of sailing on a large ferry, across the open ocean - with scant but a few small islands that the ship passes for company - the island of Mossdeep looms ahead. And loom it rather does, with the Space Center perched on top of the highest point of the mountain, the rocket scaffolding some distance away, but still visible even from the sea. Houses cling to the side, spreading across the hills, the sprawl mostly concentrated, it seems, to the side of the mountain most directly facing the boat.
"Home..." Rainbow breathes. "It's... so much different, but there's some familiarity to it. There's so much more here now, but I see the underlying parts."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 28, 2020 10:09:54 GMT
"Did you miss it?" Bee asks quietly, a lot on her mind as they neared their final destination though the journey had to continue beyond it in ways she would have never conceived in the beginning. The trainer had been more introverted since leaving Sootopolis, making the boat trip a solitary affair.
For their safety, her Pokemon would become less then what they are. For her safety, she would have to become more than what she was. Sacrifices for a future she would have never known. Sacrifices for a timeless Pokemon and a girl from the future, both of whom she now loved like family. And yet, there was hesitation.
Maybe she was over thinking it. Rainbow had found Yellow, she would help them get home and that would be the end of it. Wish granted, future saved. Right? Wishful thinking.
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 28, 2020 19:16:49 GMT
"Yes and no..." Rainbow says. "Obviously, I want to go back. But also... it was lots of fun just, well, safely exploring all around the land that was. Seeing what existed. Learning about the past, and all the things that may never be again."
"I will be glad to be back, and hope that we can quickly and safely resolve all of this once and for all." She looks at Bea. "You... don't have to come if you don't want to, you know. You've seemed quiet and withdrawn as we go nearer here. If you're having second thoughts about leaving this time, it's fine. I don't want you to feel like you're forced."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 28, 2020 19:35:16 GMT
"I'm going." Bee replies firmly, and offered Rainbow a tired smile. "I'd never be able to forgive myself if I didn't. Especially if I never saw you again for whatever reason." Rubbing her eyes for a moment, she looked to the space center once more. "It's just a lot all at once again, but as long as I take it piecemeal, and you're here with me, I'll get through it."
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 28, 2020 19:55:14 GMT
"Alright, we'll just take it one step at a time. We kind of have to," she laughs. "First step I think, though, is to get you some sleep. Looks like you really need it." Funnily enough, it feels like the roles have reversed now. Rainbow has plenty of energy, not at all like what she was like after arriving here.
"Are you going to... want to head straight to Control - well, what's here in this time - or do something else first? I'm good with whatever you want."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 28, 2020 20:15:31 GMT
"Yeah, we'll get some rest, have a good meal, and head for Control first. I'll have to make introductions, likely do their compatibility test, and go from there. A spot for the history capsule, whatever other preparations need to be made." She takes a deep breath. "Yeah, it all starts in the morning."
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 28, 2020 21:24:12 GMT
The night passes fitfully, the heaviness of the next day weighing in the air. It's as if the world knows that something momentous will happen the next day.
The next day is grey, but warm, as though heralding a summer storm. Breakfast seems to disappear too quickly, Training can't get dragged out any longer... it's time to head towards the lab, after informing Evelyn of that fact.
The Rangers patrolling the place - off, far away from the city, in the mountain range - don't seem particularly happy with letting her through, but it's clear that they do have instructions to do so, and to leave her be once they're in, so they begrudgingly let the trio pass.
The entrance looks to be within a natural cave in the rocks, camouflaged at the back. A keypad code is needed to get in, which the Rangers certainly don't seem to want to actually let the group see... but Rainbow whispers it to Bea anyways, giggling.
And then they're in, the Rangers leaving them behind. The heavy doors shut behind. And they're alone, at last.
It's all very space-age-metal style, with white surfaces everywhere, bright lights, a sterile feel. "Just like I remember," Rainbow says, as they begin wandering. "Although, a little cleaner, and a lot... emptier. All these rooms were used to store stuff that wasn't that important to be stored further in. Clothes, items that anybody might need... a lot of accumulated random bits and bobs. Some places to sit, relax... it's all pretty hollow right now." Indeed, the League probably cleared out most of what was here. Some furniture is left, and, in places, some computer monitors, but certainly any personal possessions or anything in this part of the structure is gone.
"This place weighs heavy on me..." Yellow says. "Things were done here, they linger in the air"
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Post by Robot on Apr 28, 2020 22:12:48 GMT
"I would have loved this sort of space before I started my journey. No contaminants, pristine and clinical. What little I know of that happened in this place though, it makes me uncomfortable too, Yellow." Beatrice moves along to the monitors, testing them for power. "The device that purifies the Dark Aetherstone, you said it is in here somewhere? I suppose that's what we're looking for ultimately. I can't imagine it is in a spot easily accessible, or the League would have tried to utilize it for now." Bee hooked her hair behind an ear. She had worn her researcher finest today, but it felt strange now compared to the weeks of dresses.
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 28, 2020 22:22:31 GMT
"It's not in this section, no," Rainbow says, shaking her head. "There is a more inner sanctum, where everything important is. I suppose... I just wanted to see what this was all like. Before it all. It... definitely does not quite have the same feel as home, though."
She seems to take a last look at what's around, before leading Bea and Yellow through a maze of corridors. At a T-intersection, she stops, and reaches for one panel on the wall. There's no response, before a section of the wall next to it swings open, revealing more corridor. "It has to be a hand. Which is annoying when you're trying to carry things in," Rainbow grumbles.
The group steps through, before the wall swings shut again. Things feel... different on this side. Much more preserved. There's still stuff around - including what looks like a full break room around the corner from the entrance, complete with coffee machine and everything. The League definitely didn't get to here.
"You said that you would have liked this sort of space before," Rainbow asks, looking at Bea. "Ignoring the kind of history here... do you not like this kind of cleanliness anymore? Did things change? Or is it just this place in particular?"
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Post by Robot on Apr 28, 2020 22:29:59 GMT
"After meeting some of the Hybrid, and knowing vaguely what was done to them by force, this place has some pretty strong connotations to the negative." Beatrice considers the space with much more curiosity. "I imagine most of the rest of it is just cleaner, and empty, but you can take us on the tour as we go. It's your home away from home, after all." She moves into the break room and considers the wall. "We should keep this closed when we're in here, just in case." The trainer paused, blinking thoughtfully. "Do you like... own a house, or have a room or...? What are your living arrangements like?"
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 28, 2020 22:59:18 GMT
"No real point in trying to keep the wall open," Rainbow grumbles, as they wander further along, into a bigger area, "it always closes despite all our best efforts. Annoying." "Occasionally I would stay overnight in this facility, if something came up... but mostly I just slept in the same abode as my parents," Rainbow says. "No point in living alone, in case something happens. Usually things're safe in town, but-" she's cut off as a shrill, annoying alarm-y sound begins to sound. "Wha?" Rainbow asks, startled, covering her ears. Faintly audible over the terrible noise is the sounds of clattering, as some mechanical-looking Pokémon begin to enter from a corridor. There's a small green robot with a bulb-shaped thing on its back, a larger blue turtleoid, and then a large red draconic fire robot. "Uhhhh…" Rainbow backs up. "Those are... not something in my time."Map
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Post by Robot on Apr 28, 2020 23:14:31 GMT
"They're not there in your time because I broke them in my time." Bee reassured Rainbow, releasing Limul and Crassi. "I honestly didn't expect there'd be any sort of defenses littered about this place with no personnel, but this could be neat. Maybe I can use the parts for something when we're done. Alright you two, ready up, this one's for keeps." Beatrice binds Iterative Evolution. Crassi goes on 8, and Limul on 5.
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 28, 2020 23:29:44 GMT
"Yeah, sure, neat..." Rainbow says, still covering her ears. "That's one way to look at it..." Yellow just looks on, passively. The fire dragon roars, flames spooling up with itself, as it lunges for Crassi - flames jet from its maw as it crunches on armour with a sizzling bite. The turtle, on the other hand, scuttles around to face Limul, releasing a torrent of dirty water onto the pristine floors. It certainly doesn't look good for the prehistoric 'mon. Mechizard triggers Prime Fury. Crassi takes 27 damage from Fire Fang. Limul takes 58 52 damage from Muddy Water.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 28, 2020 23:39:27 GMT
"Fire and water... alright... the other is probably grass? Crassi, Limul, Aqua Tail and Smack Down on the dragon, fire has always been one of our biggest threats." The pair coordinate with Beatrice's instructions, landing one attack after another, for 46 Water Physical, and then 37 Rock Physical.
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 28, 2020 23:57:49 GMT
The fire dragon collapses, utterly blown apart by the combined attacks, as the light in its eyes dies. The other bots are still up, though, and the Bulbasaur one lashes out with an energised metallic tendril, smacking Limul around. The Wartortle tries to finish the job with a jet of water, but the bug's carapace is thankfully too thick. "I admire your tenacity, intruders," a female voice abruptly says as the alarm dies down, apparently emerging from speakers on the walls, like a PA system, "and I wish more data, but I cannot allow you in my sanctum here. This will be your grave."There's a louder stomping noise heard now that the wailing has ceased... with a large mechanical version of the Dragonites that Bea rode in on emerging from a corridor. Mechazard takes 2 injuries from Aqua Tail. It's super effective! Mechazard Faints from Smack Down. It's super effective!
Limul takes 32 damage from Power Whip. Mechatortle misses with Water Pulse.
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Post by Robot on Apr 29, 2020 0:17:43 GMT
"I came well prepared, you'll find it easier to talk to me. Crassi, Pin Missile and fall back, Limul, Bug Bite on her target." Beatrice watches her pair move to the second target and thumbs at a few objects in her coat pockets, considering. (Beatrice Issues focused orders, Wartortle takes 50 and 51 Bug Physical respectively. Crassi gains 10 Temp Hp and 5 DR, Limul gains 10 DR.)
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 29, 2020 0:41:20 GMT
The turtle-bot, at Crassi's attack, curls up into a tough shell, the exterior helping to deflect some of the attacks. It looks like it's out of commission for a short period of time, though... even if the others aren't. The Bulbasaur moves up, and opens the bulb, unleashing a razor sharp hair of metal discs at the surrounding foes, overloading some of the circuitry. It's too much for Limul, but Crassi's able to weather the assault, and dodges the beam of energy the dragon bot unleashes at her. Wartortle triggers Shell Shield as an Interrupt to use Withdraw and gain DR. Wartortle is hit by Pin Missile. Wartortle is hit by Bug Bite.
Armaldo takes 75 52 damage, takes 2 injuries and Faints from Petal Dance. A critical hit! Drapion takes 41 damage from Petal Dance. A critical hit! Bulbabot is Enraged and Confused.
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Post by Robot on Apr 29, 2020 1:01:18 GMT
"You did your best Limul, take a rest." Beatrice recalled her armored shrimp, and sent out Bylii as Crassi chomped down on the robotic Bulbasaur. "Bylii, a bug buzz, we're going to disrupt if necessary too." (49 Poison Physical to Bulbasaur, then 54 Bug Special to both Bulbasaur and Wartortle. If either target remains up, Beatrice will apply Disruption Order. Bylii gains 5 DR, Crassi gains 10 Temp Hp).
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 29, 2020 1:21:17 GMT
The Bulbabot shudders after being bitten, before being shaken violently apart by Bylli's vibrations. The Wartortle is still holding itself together somewhat, but it unleashes another torrent of water that swamps both the Pokémon, before it moves aside to the let the Dragonite pass. And pass it does, as it careens towards the back ranks, slicing through both of the bugs with aquatic power. "Uh... are you sure about this, Bee?" Rainbow asks, nervously. "I didn't expect there to be people here..."Bulbasaur is hit by Poison Fang. Bulbasaur Faints from Bug Buzz. Wartortle takes an injury.
Dragonite delays until after Wartortle. Bylli takes 32 damage from Muddy Water. Crassi takes 26 damage and -1 Accuracy from Muddy Water.
Crassi takes 51 damage and 2 injuries from Aqua Tail. A critical hit! Bylli takes 62 damage and 2 injuries from Aqua Tail. A critical hit!
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Post by Robot on Apr 29, 2020 1:40:58 GMT
"I'm not hurting any people, that aside, I find it suspect that a human could live down here and not be found out for two decades, unless this place doubled as some form of fallout shelter. Crassi, Pin Missile the dragon, Bylii, Dazzling gleam, the two of you disengage." (45 Bug Physical, Neutral because of IE, and 47 Fairy Special, SFE presumably. Crassi gains 10 DR and 10 Temp Hp)
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