Janice Lacroix's Story

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Superior Automated Machines : Experiment Room A1

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Inside a lab, four girls stood talking to each other.

The first was a teenager. She was wearing a white and light-grey collared mini dress that lacked sleeves, black full tights, and light-grey thigh-high platform boots with a respectable heel. She also had white gloves. Her eyelids had a faint application of a bright neon yellow eyeliner, and her eyes were a greenish yellow color. The standout design feature was her hair, however; bright pink in color, it was styled into twintails that were long enough to reach her shins. Cute green gem hair decs held them in place, and she had what looked like a pair of Safety Goggles on her head, colored light-grey with silverish lenses.

The second was also a teenager. She was wearing a fanciful white and light-grey sleeveless gothic dress whose skirt fell to her knees, matching detached sleeves with a dark-blue frill around the wrists, dark-blue full tights, and magenta colored stiletto heels that weren't less than 4-5 inches tall. She also bore magenta colored gloves and a dark-blue neck ribbon with a gem on it. Her eyes were too a yellowish color, though with a bit more brown than green. Her hair was styled into twintails as well, though they fell only to her neck. Her hair was light-green, and held by two hair decs; magenta colored ribbons.

The third was a slim teenaged girl with average height. She wore a plain but stylish cream dress with a black trim under a bulky and large grey jacket with a zipper, magenta full tights, and high-quality boots both brown and heeled with respectable heels. Her arms and hands, if she had any, weren't visible inside the clearly oversized sleeves of her jacket. Her eyes were a murky magenta color with a trend toward pink, and her short hair was eye-catching in just how green and pale it was. She wore a deadpan expression across her face that contrasted the others' smiles.

The last girl was clearly the youngest and shortest of the group. She wore a white open-back dress in a lolita fashion with a fishnet frill and pink trim, pink ankle ribbons, and pink Mary Jane platform shoes with a respectable heel and a white rose dec. Her gloves were pink and short, and she had a pink neck ribbon with a white rose on it as well. Her eyes were blue, but were not as standout as her hair. Almost as the first teenager's hair, it was nearly floor-length twintails, though these were also in a bright pink and bright blue two-tone that turned into drills towards the bottom. A strand of hair also formed a heart-shape atop her head.

You are so joking about that, Janice! I'm like, in disbelief that a Gym Leader would so decide that she had any right to attack other Trainers!

Well, that's just how it is! She was scared, as I stated. Weak people are always scared when they encounter something stronger than they are.

Hee hee! This will be fun; seeing what direction we go now! I like it a lot!

The three turned to the girl in the jacket.

Rachel, you are so quiet. You should so give your opinion. We so all want to hear it from you, as the Kalosian Champion.

After thinking a moment without actually showing such, the girl in the jacket looked aside, sporting a slightly smug expression.

I think you're right. In that, you all so want to hear it. My opinion, though, is more complex. I think you should finish what he started, Lovrina. Not actually finish, though, as in ending it. But the kind of finish that only continues the act indefinitely. Two entirely different finishes. I wonder if the act looks better when it's been finished, like the coating you apply to a surface to make it shiny. Minus the coats and the shiny Pokemon.

The girl with the extravagant hair continued.

That sounds great! Father clearly liked you enough to put you in charge of his work, Lovrina. So you should continue it!

Yeah, we're fine with it. Like, you're really capable if you made something able to defeat the Grand Champion.

Well, then I so won't let you all down. I so mean it! I'll see the rest of the experiment through!

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Driftveil City : Market

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The market was bustling at the current time of day. With the weather calming down, people were returning to their usual activities and business. The patterns of purple clouds that still rolled through the sky kept everyone wary, however. The lady selling the herbs gave an appreciative nod and word of thanks to James for his purchases before turning to express surprise at a crowd of excited people gathering around someone.

At the center of the crowd, James and Shirona would be able to see a slim teenaged girl with average height. She wore a plain but stylish cream dress with a black trim under a bulky and large grey jacket with a zipper, magenta full tights, and high-quality boots both brown and heeled with respectable heels. Her arms and hands, if she had any, weren't visible inside the clearly oversized sleeves of her jacket. Her eyes were a murky magenta color with a trend toward pink, and her short hair was eye-catching in just how green and pale it was. She wore a deadpan, if vaguely smug, expression across her face that contrasted the excitement of those around her.

Wow! Rachel!

Wait, that's Rachel?

Yeah! Rachel is great! She's the Kalosian Champion! She's said to be very tricky to beat!

Yeah, a legendary battler!

Rachel! Can I get an autograph?

Rachel, I'll be rooting for you in the World Tournament!

Where do I buy the merchandise?

Amid all the questions and comments, the girl spoke.

It's okay. I'm not tricky to beat. Just difficult. You need to win. Winning is what is truly difficult. So that is why I'm difficult to beat.

Seeing the book pushed into her face for an autograph, she gave a deadpan smile and replied.

Can you? I've always wondered if you could. I suppose you're like the other people, who are able to. That means you can then, I guess. I don't know. But I will sign your book for you. I can do that.

As a large bipedal humanoid Daunting Pokemon heard this, it turned to grab a small marker that had a shoot attached to the cap. Uncapping the device for Rachel, it held it out to her, allowing her to bite the marker between her teeth. Holding the marker with her teeth, she signed the book for the fan. After handing the marker back to the Daunting Pokemon, she smiled at the fan.

Now you have my autograph. You can do whatever you want with it. It isn't an auto or a graph, but I am sure it fits what you requested.

The fan seemed pleased.

Thank you, Champion Rachel!

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New Eve Palace - New Eve Stadium

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As the Trainers commanded their Pokemon to get moving, Melaine stood her ground identifying what she was up against. Seeing the Aura Sphere headed towards her, she extended her free hand toward it, stopping the sphere before her despite its power and momentum before dissolving it entirely.

O~hoho~! See how weak you are!

Afterward, she let out a dark and taunting giggle, sweeping one of her arms before her as the Sandlash and the Maractus both closed in first, having been following the Aura Sphere closely.

Shadow Rave!

Several spots on the floor glowed with the shadowy purple color as spikes of energy arose in trios, radiating out from her. The Sandslash would avoid the spikes as it burrowed into the ground before they could strike it, though the Maractus was not as lucky. The Maractus attempted to dodge as many of the spikes as it could as it threw tendrils of green energy around the Diancie to sap her energy. Despite the attack's effectiveness, however, Melaine did not seem to be hurt too badly. As the tendrils returned to the Maractus, it found itself getting rather gruesomely skewered by one of the spikes before being unceremoniously dropped to the ground as the spike receded, prompting its Trainer to cry out. Upon landing on the ground, the Maractus would pick itself up weekly, looking up to Melaine as the Diancie advanced forward and then raised a hand toward the cactus.

Don't resist.

Melaine fired a dark and glowing sphere of purple energy about the size of a Moonblast at the Maractus, knocking it back with the direct strike, and explosion that followed. Having been blown back, the Maractus cried weekly as it landed and slid violently along the ground back to its Trainer. The unconscious Maractus was then returned to its Poke Ball by the now clearly incensed Trainer. At this time, the Sandslash emerged from the ground behind the Diancie and struck her with a powerful swipe that struck true, though it too seemed to barely scratch her, despite her minor flinching at the hit.

As the Maractus' Trainer contemplated her next choice, the Trainer with the Sandslash noted her distress.

Sandslash! We're avenging that cactus! That rotten fairy is going to pay!

Without any break in the action, Electivire and Gurdurr jumped in as well, with Electivire firing off its strongest electrical bolts at the Diancie, the wires charged with massive amounts of electrical energy. Gurdurr lumbered forward as he leaped toward the Diancie while bringing his steel beam to bear, intent on swinging at her hard. In response, Melaine would turn to look up at the Gurdurr in full confidence.

Here's a surprise!

Without any warning, Melaine vanished in a pillar of dark light that faded, leaving no trace of her presence. As the Gurdurr's steel beam impacted the ground with astonishing force, the Electivire noticed his bolts miss. After a brief moment, he quickly turned around to face behind his position as he jumped back a short distance. Melaine was right behind him as if she had teleported.

Missed me? Shadow Hold!

Diamond would recognize this attack. A dark purple diamond of chains encased the Electivire, preventing it from moving or escaping. Just as with Charizard, the diamond prison was an eerie omen. The Electivire began discharging more electricity as he tried to escape it, while the Gurdurr took its steel beam in hand again and prepared to do another charge.

The timid girl with the Cofagrigus looked entirely unconfident at seeing what was happening, but nonetheless swallowed the fear and began participating. Cofagrigus would stay off to the side of the battle and would instead begin plotting something. No doubt a plan of attack against the Diancie. Just what nasty strategies were it, and its apparently timid Trainer, planning?

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Superior Automated Machines - Research Briefing Room

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The hallways held little of use for the group, making it easy to progress to the next, which was the Research Briefing Room. This room was built more like a conference room, featuring a table, chairs, plenty of folders and a screen currently showing the fight taking place involving Melaine.

Despite the continuing coverage, the room itself was mostly empty, though some employees were still present, as was a young girl with an athletic figure underneath a gothic lolita inspired getup. Though the employees were scrambling in response to the alarm going off, the girl didn't seem fazed. The fanciful white and light-grey sleeveless gothic dress she wore had a skirt that fell to her knees, matching detached sleeves with a dark-blue frill around the wrists, dark-blue full tights, and magenta colored stiletto heels that weren't less than 4-5 inches tall. She also bore magenta colored gloves and a dark-blue neck ribbon with a gem on it. Her eyes were too a yellowish color, though with a bit more brown than green. Her hair was styled into twintails as well, though they fell only to her neck. Her hair was light-green, and held by two hair decs; magenta colored ribbons.

Turning around to face Touko, Radegast, and James, she seemed annoyed, confident, and quite proud, all at the same time.

Hrm? Well, what have we here? The intruders who set off the alarms? Oh, I hate that so much! Here I was all ready to watch daddy's creation showcase its strength, but instead, I need to gather these panicking good for nothings together to fix the issue here in the labs. Ugh! Who are you guys anyway? You shouldn't even be here! Tours are closed!

As Radegast and James simultaneously burst into the next large chamber, he caught sight of many folders and the like scattered about amidst the evavuation. He had passed by scientists along the way, but they didn’t appear to be combatants. If the two who attempted to slow down Touko were any indicator, security seemed more heavily specialized.

As they passed through the hallway prior, a television screen received a live broadcast from the Diancie, the so-called Princess Melaine. They paused for a moment. Radegast tilted his head with a confused frown as he listened to the speech. He stepped quickly across the lab and searched assorted desks. He didn’t really have a plan, just… find something to the best of the ability of a kid who’s never been in anyplace like this. This lab was very unlike the only one he’d ever been in before.

“It does sound like something that wouldn’t negatively impact anyone,” Reggie admitted, “A lot of promises that wouldn’t really affect most people at all.”

“I don’t buy it at all. Her words don’t match that look on her face.” Radegast glared at Melaine’s face on the TV screen. “She looks like a robot programmed to act. I’m not even sure if she even believed what she came up with.” He had no idea if that was just a thing about the mythical species known as Diancie, or if there was something up with that gross power she held. “There’s also no guarantee that weird acid rain craziness wouldn’t happen again. I don’t like the fact that she can cause that. No one should have that kind of power.”

It was then that the large central screen began broadcasting what appeared to be an immense fight between Melaine herself and a group of trainers. Radegast recognized Diamond among the figurative rough.

Reggie’s single eye looked to Radegast, “And Arceus?”

“Good question,” Radegast smirked, but said nothing more. How could a watch fathom the thoughts of the watchmaker? In truth, the only thing he liked about Arceus is its complete hands-off approach, allowing creatures to develop for themselves. For a moment, Radegast wondered if Lucy Reginald felt the same way. Is that why she was so dedicated to… whatever she’s done?

“So what do you plan to do about it?” Reggie asked.

“Exactly what I’ve been doing: Find out what she is, and at least find out how to get rid of that nasty weather power.” Radegast replied as he started flipping open folders as he searched for anything that could have information. “It hurt us, it’s definitely hurt the wildlife.”

It was then that a woman’s voice called out. Radegast had missed her at-first, but now he saw a girl in a ridiculous, frilly getup. Radegast glanced over to Touko and James, almost unsure if he should ask ‘Who’s this sassy lost child?’

He didn’t really know what to say, but he didn’t let it distract him from his primary objective. Touko and James could handle it, just like Elder and the others handled things… I miss them so much…

"So you're one of Nendal's daughters."

"Oh good. Because this only means good things.... Reason we're here, girl, is because we want some answers. There is an easy way to go about it, a hard way, and a harder way... Take your pick. And for the record, Rachel set off the alarms, not us. One of the windows broke in the lobby during testing."

James was through fooling around. When mentioning the harder way, he cracked his knuckles. He was getting this info one way or another and he didn't care for consequences at this time.

"We shouldn't take things that far, James..."

"Only if it has to."

James would look over to Radegast shuffling through files. "This guy has less subtlety then me," he thought.

Touko stepped forward and put a hand out in front of James, letting her poofy ponytail get in his face. "Hang on. A battle won't solve the matter at hand." She kept her gaze fixed on the other young woman. "I'm here because your dad's star creation is running amok. I'm trying to figure out how to stop her from unleashing a destructive and costly civil war. To do that, I'm going to need access to whatever files you have on her regarding how she was made, the extent of her powers, and how to undo the process. If one of us has to battle you to get that information, then fine. Let's just make sure everyone made it out OK first."

James pushed Emiko's hair out of his face and stood next to her, Shirona to his left. Inside he was seething but he decided to grit his teeth and not lash out at Emiko. He didn't want to let himself go to anger again so he tried to talk calmly through clenched teeth.

"Listen Emiko, watch where your hair goes. Don't go jamming it in people's faces and think it's ok because you're the champ. It's also not cool to snub them either, I didn't ask for your protection."

"We're allies here, there is no need to think less of us because of your prestige. Please do remember that. And James, don't be so harsh on her."

"Yeah, I'll remember next time, sis."

Diamond looked on in horror as the Maractus was quite literally impaled numerous times by the spikes brought on by Melaine, and even more so as Lucy's Aura Sphere was likewise not even an issue for her to tank. Melaine was just toying with the other pokemon and their trainers. Literally playing with the Gurdurr, and decimating the Electivire like she did his Charizard. Seeing this, Diamond's heart ached, and he balled his fists angrily.

"Lucy.... we can't let this continue...." he growled. The Lucario nodded and readied herself. "Double Team, multiple times!" Diamond commanded. With that, Lucy multiplied dozens of times, each one a picture perfect copy. "Now then! Extreme speed! Focus and cause as much damage as possible!"

With a growl, Lucy darted forward, and soon vanished from normal view, moving altogether too fast for a normal person or pokemon to perceive her, all of her, as the now dozens of Lucario rushed the Diancie, aiming to bring down as much power as they could upon her. While this went down, Diamond focused his energy between his palms, holding them in front of his belly. A glowing orb began to appear in his hands, not an Aura Sphere, but a Focus Blast. It was obvious to see that building it up was strenuous for the human, but he was able to do it. 'Just a little longer....' he thought as he kept a close eye on Lucy, ensuring that she wouldn't get caught in some sort of death-trap of a move like that Exlectivire or Maractus.

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New Eve Palace - New Eve Stadium

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Gurdurr continued to take swings at an effortlessly dodging opponent, Melaine's swift movement proving barely too fast for the Fighting-type Pokemon to keep up with. In the meantime, Electivire began firing bolts of electricity through openings in the prison he had been placed in, these bolts trying to find a mark in the Diancie, though his restricted movement made it harder to aim.

As Sandslash dug back underneath the ground, Melaine swept her sword before her to create a shockwave that threw the Gurdurr back, allowing her to face the oncoming Lucario.

A clever trick!

Melaine made no effort to dodge the multiple Extreme Speed attacks, letting the various clones of Lucy strike with all the effectiveness of a pool noodle with each blow, a small shadowy shimmer reflecting off of Melaine with each blow. She instead generated an aura around her as she turned to face Diamond. Stretching her hands before her, she created two spheres of her own, the purple, shadowy energy focused into two points. She then pulled them together into a single sphere that grew in size to rival the Focus Blast.

You can use such energy too? I admit, I am most impressed, human!

The girl who had the Maractus sent out a Musharna next, intent on trying to use status moves. The order of the moment? Hypnosis. Musharna began floating toward Melaine's position to get into range. As this occurred, the Cofagrigus was told to boost its power once more through further plotting of nasty deeds.

--

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Superior Automated Machines - Research Briefing Room

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Civil war? Destruction? She's doing exactly what he wanted to see happen. Chaos! It's fun to watch weak people like you scramble and run around trying to save everything like the high and mighty types you think yourselves. I guess that means I can't let you continue roaming around though since clearly, you're here to undo it all. Don't say you didn't have a chance!

Turning to an employee, she had him come over.

You! Come here! We're going to chase these weak Trainers out of here!

The first Pokemon were revealed. Janice sent out an 8' tall behemoth; the large and silvery Hex Nut Pokemon, of humanoid build, flexing for a moment before standing ready. It had many dark gray hexagonal nuts embedded in or attached to its body: one around each shoulder, one around the center of each arm, one in each hand, one in each foot, and a small one in the center of its torso. A large, golden hexagonal nut encircled its neck while and a smaller one seemed to be representing its head. Floating within said head was a small, dark gray sphere. It also seemed to have a small red tail resembling an electrical wire.

The Employee's Pokemon was a bipedal, 3' tall pig-like creature that danced a quick jig; the Manipulate Pokemon. It had large ears, a pink snout, and oval eyes. The lower half of its body was black, while the upper half was purple, and there were black markings on its ears and arms, while its hands and feet were purple. Its tail was pink and curly, and there appeared to be three shining black pearls on its body: two small ones on its head, and a larger pearl, nearly flat, on its midsection where the black coloration met the purple.

Janice seemed confident.

Alright, Melmetal! Here's a chance to pick on our pathetic enemies. What fun!"

--

Radegast found notes detailing experiments related to the machine that the Mienshao had destroyed. They involved manually sealing a Pokemon's heart to unlock additional power, though a bright pink glitter scribble in the margins was berating the inefficiencies and wrong methods detailed, using terms such as, "It's so, like, outdated!" However, he soon found himself approached by two of the scientists, each sporting a single Poke Ball they threw as they released a Muk and a Swoobat.

Alright, time for you to leave! That fancy getup won't save you!

You won't be getting any more information out of there!

The two Pokemon present seemed ready to help their Trainers escort Radegast out.

"Shirona, status check please."

"Steel type. I don't know much else about that one. The other one's just a Psychic."

"Alright. You head to support our armoured friend. Emiko and I can handle these jokers."

"James, I can--"

"No, go. We can handle this. Asuka, you're up first. Double Team."

Without tossing a ball, a Staraptor would appear with a glimmering comb on its head. It gave a shrill cry before its image split into two, nearly identical copies of itself.

James though to himself, "Ok... Steel type. Weaknesses would be fighting and fire obviously as well as ground...but if it's a Pokemon even Shirona doesn't know much about, it's likely a Mythical Pokemon... Which means its set is going to be weird and likely cover more ground than a steel type should be able to do... Asuka will be a good tester for this. The Grumpig isn't much of a deal. Emiko might toss out a fire type if she has one, but it might be smart to hold off due to potential checks....Though it's best to play with what she throws. Let's see what this champion has."

Meanwhile, Shirona hovered over to Radegast to assist him as per James' request. She would unleash a thunderbolt, directed at the Swoobat before standing next to him.

"I'm here to assist you in any way I can! Two on one isn't very fair."

Touko's first reaction to seeing the Melmetal come out was...excitement.

"Oh wow! I've never seen that one before!" And so she dug for her Pokédex instead of her balls, completely lost in the moment as she stood in awe of the size of the steel-clad lad before her. "What an absolute unit," she murmured to herself before finally snapping out of it and fishing out her Volcarona. "You know, you're going to have to tell me where you got that after this. But first things first! Volcarona, use Bug Buzz on Grumpig!"

Radegast’s gaze was caught by the smooth, liquid-like sheen of the creature that the gothic lolita-looking… person… unleashed to take on Touko and James. Despite his worldly travels, he had never seen such a creature before. Then again, he had never seen such oddly slang-laden lab notes before. Then again, he had never seen lab notes before in the first place. One new experience after another. There was that bright side at least.

“It appears to be made of liquid metal,” Reggie spoke up, “I wonder what sort of soul it has. In more favourable circumstances, I would strike conversatio-”

“I would too, but let’s focus, a’ight?” The armoured Gallade asked. He looked through the notes, taking in whatever details he could. There were notes on the Mienshao- obviously the same one in that locked-down laboratory. That purple mist, and the strange energies even he could feel, Radegast managed to properly identify it thanks to the notes. “Shadow power…?” It did resemble the rippling energies he had seen from some of the footage of Diancie’s fight with Touko. “Shadow power… Any idea what it means, Reggie?”

“It is a confusing name, I think,” Reggie replied, “The naming convention resembles Dark power a bit too closely.” He clearly didn’t know, despite his generations of experience.

“Yeah,” Radegast agreed, “I’d have called it "Emotionless Power" or "Soulless Power" or something...” Reggie’s single eye stared at the armoured Gallade. Though the rest of the blade didn't move, there was an emission of some emotion. Shirona and Radegast identified it immediately as "disgust."

“I’ll work on it,”

"Soulless Power can suffice, but does need work, yes."

Radegast then felt the presence of four approaching. He spun around with his shield up to see two security employees with their respective pokemon: A Swoobat and a Muk.

Radegast readied his stance with his shield ready to parry a blow. As he planned out his first moves, a thunderbolt streaked from behind him and slammed into the Swoobat. With a slightly turned head, he saw the Gardevoir that accompanied James.

Though she couldn’t see it, Radegast’s mouth did curl into a friendly smile. As per Shirona's particular psychic sense, she would feel a pang of gratitude from the armoured one. “I appreciate it, thanks!” He then focused psychic energy into one of his elbow blades and rushed against the Muk. With a swing of the elbow, Radegast unleashed a Psycho Cut. "I'm really sorry, guys," he said more to the pokemon than the trainers who commanded them.

Aww, thanks! I'm glad you like him! He truly is absolute, Touko! He's absolutely your end!

As Staraptor and Volcarona carried out their attacks, Janice took the time to use an X-Attack on Melmetal.

A bit of this, your attacks strengthened... Now let's enjoy the show!

Following the application, it seemed to grow more potent.

The Grumpig was distracted by the Double Team and took the Bug Buzz hit straight on, though it stood its ground as it shielded itself with its arm. The attack seemed to have stung it quite a bit.

Alright, Grumpig, don't let that stop you! Let's support Lady Janice! Trick Room!

With a bizarre dance, Grumpig began twisting the dimensions, forcing the entire room to exist in an altered state where the slow was fast and the fast was slow.

With this sudden change, Janice smiled and gave an order for Rock Slide.

The Melmetal moved like a blur, repositioning itself behind Touko, James, the Staraptor and Volcarona with an astonishing speed made possible by the dimensions being as they were. After moving, it raised its arms up and finally brought them down, throwing a rain of rocks on top of Volcarona and the Staraptor with intent to KO.

Grumpig followed up the Melmetal's attack by using Telekinesis on any target still standing after the Rock Slide to lift them into the air and deprive their movement.

--

The Swoobat recoiled from the lightning and seemed to have been left with paralysis from it. Angry, the Scientist turned to face Shirona.

Swoobat! How dare she! Let's show her our power!

The Scientist stretched his arms to his sides before bringing them together in front of him. He then brought them back towards him as he placed a single index finger pointed at each side of his head. Following this, an aura of energy erupted from around him and the wristband he was wearing, and he moved his left hand forward before with his palm open and pointed towards Shirona. He kept his right finger pointed at his head as the energy shot forward and imbued the Swoobat with its Z-Power.

Now, Swoobat! Show her your Z-Move! Psycho Shift!

The Swoobat let out an angry battle cry and utilized an enhanced version of Psycho Shift that encased itself and Shirona in weird psychic energy. Shirona would feel herself become paralyzed, and the Swoobat would begin moving just a little bit better. The remaining energy then powered up the Swoobat.

The Muk took the full power swing from the Psycho Cut, and thanks to a stellar aim, it struck critically. The Muk fainted before it could even react, causing its Trainer to recall it, the Lab Aide fumbling for another Poke Ball in a minor panic.

Seeing the Muk dematerialize into red energy and shoot back into the pokeball, Radegast didn’t hesitate to rush forward, past the Swoobat. He released the Aegislash blade, which clung close to him in mid-air, as he rose a fist and directed a Limiter-clad blow at the security employee. Radegast aimed to knock out the trainer before a second combatant could be unleashed. Hopefully it would lend Radegast and Shirona the advantage.

He had punched humans before. This was nothing particularly new to him, but he felt a pang of guilt all the same- dulled by the years of previous times, as well as the Marine’s awful laugh that was seared into his mind.

Lucy and her duplicates all landed with an annoyed growl. Her attacks were doing nothing to this cursed pokemon calling herself Melaine. Her frustration turned into a mild panic as Melaine spotted Diamond, and began to charge up her own attack, praising his strength. The Panic was shared by Diamond, whose eyes widened.

"Diamond! Dodge it!" Lucy's original body called out before she darted towards him, hoping to be able to reach him in time and push him out of the way. The other Lucy clones also began to run around, trying to disorient Melaine in any way. A few initiated a Bone Rush or another Extreme Speed attack to try and stop her attack.

"No.... No I can do this!" Diamond's Aura radiated around his body, clothes beginning to flutter as if in a gentle wind while his Focus Blast suddenly grew once more, and he then released it towards Melaine with a war-cry. "Take this!"

The Focus Blast rocketed towards the Shadow Pokemon at breakneck speeds, glowing with all of Diamond's righteous emotions and hopes for victory. Couple it with the Hypnosis coming from the shy girl's Musharna, and Diamond believed that this combination might just do some damage to Melaine! If she could be damaged, she could be dethroned. And then Ruula would be free from her corrupting Aura.

"A Z-Move!? Here?"

She would suddenly find herself unable to move well at all.

"N-Ngh... I can... Work through this!"

Through willpower, she let loose a Shadow Ball and sent it careening for the Swoobat. She could feel Asuka's fear from where she stood and lowered her head. Shirona did take a knee from the paralysis, she needed time to break it and she does not have that time right now.

James on the other hand gave a smile, despite Asuka about to faint. The Staraptor nodded back to him as well just before the rocks connected and she was returned to her ball, unconscious.

"I figured you had a move like that. Thanks Asuka for baiting it. Trick Room is a bit of a problem, see if you can't draw some fire, alright Fafnir?"

Again, without tossing it, the Dusk Ball on his belt would open and a dark void would appear in front of James. From it fell a 6 foot monster who gave an earsplitting roar.

"Not much longer. Just hold out, alright Faf?"

The Garchomp would nod as it kept its gaze on the Melmetal, sizing its new challenger and delighting in the idea of fighting it. James knew that if it outsped his Garchomp under Trick Room, there was nothing he could do. "I'll just have to wait it out...maybe create a few openings for Emiko... I hope she picks up on it."

Touko's excitement at seeing a new Pokémon soon gave way to barely contained horror as the behemoth blob was suddenly all over the place before she could order another Bug Buzz. It was like time and space itself were warped...she couldn't seem to get her mouth to shout out the command before it was buried under a pile of rocks. There was nowhere to go for that poor Staraptor against a spread move like Rock Slide, Grumpig survived, and now she had to figure out what to do next in this terrible spot. Her face wore an expression of worry as she thumbed through the rest of her lineup. Then, like a thunderbolt, the answer hit her, and she stood back up like she was hit with one!

"That was just a Lucky Punch! Let's go, Unfezant!" To her delight, she had forgotten to put it back in the box after flying to Driftveil, and now it was going to be her unlikeliest of saviors in this terrible position.

"Use Quick Attack on Grumpig!"

The Quick Attack went off without a hitch, Grumpig being unable to react before it found itself falling onto the ground face first and being recalled to its Poke Ball. The scientist bowed his head.

My apologies, Lady Janice!

The girl seemed to lose it.

How weak are you, losing to that stupid weak bird?! That isn't cool at all! Fine, I'll finish this up! Show that shark dragon your Ice Punch, Melmetal!

Melmetal charged with blinding speed as it reared a fist back and threw an icy punch at the Garchomp with great power and great force, attempting to knock the dragon out with a single blow from its empowered fist.

--

Radegast's punch landed with all the force expected, knocking the scientist back into a table behind him. As he collapsed after striking the table, he collapsed to the floor, hitting his head on a chair as he did so. He seemed to be unconscious from the impact.

His partner recalled their now fainting Swoobat, the bat-like Pokemon having eaten a Shadow Ball directly that caused it to faint, and proceeded to run to his side.

Hey, are you okay?! Wake up!

Somehow, he seemed particularly concerned and turned to look at Radegast.

That's not proper battling rules! Who the hell do you think you are, kid?

The scientist, having rushed to the side of his unconscious ally, would know that as soon as he turned to Radegast, that the armoured figure was already up close, with the tip of the Aegislash blade uncomfortably close to the scientist.

Radegast tilted his head, and a psychically projected voice would fill the scientist’s mind. “Battling rules? You think this is some kind of game? You guys are turning pokemon into soulless war machines. That’s just sick and wrong, dude.” The tip would press threateningly if the scientist tried to discreetly reach for a second ball, but Radegast didn’t dare pierce anything. He’d be no different if he delivered actual harm to this scientist… but the scientist didn’t know that. The tip of the blade gently picked up the scientist’s chin. “Talk. Tell me everything you know about that Diancie- how her shadow power works- how to weaken her.”

Under the cover of his visor, his expression was unreadable. Beneath, he was sweating, and keeping an eye on the battle that continued across the lab. He felt sick to his stomach about threatening a person like this, but… this was not unlike the Regicide Crew. Think of the innocent...

“If you won’t talk, I’ll just read your mind. That would be very uncomfortable for you, so I'm just giving fair warning, man.”

"Radegast, please. I ask that you don't take such lengths for information, it isn't right to use excessive force. Even if what they are doing is against morals, that doesn't mean you should go against morals either. That makes you no better than them. Besides, he's likely not going to have the information you want considering he has no special ID, he is likely not even involved any farther than the surface level."

Shirona would walk up to the scientist, she would look over the other Scientist.

"I'm sorry for hurting your pokemon, sir, but I can't have you attacking my allies. As for your friend there, he is alright, he's is just unconscious. You'll have to carry him out, please be careful as you evacuate, ok?"

After she spoke to the man aloud, she would hurry back to James' side, only to see something that happens rarely. The Garchomp had fallen over, unconscious. He had tried to take the ice punch and keep standing but his types betrayed him. He didn't fall over from the punch but instead from his own weakness as he tried to grit his teeth and failed. He had hit the ground before James could take out his pokeball to return him. Even though it went down, it still held what seemed to be a smile, happy that he could fight something so powerful. James was surprised that this Pokemon held an ice move, as if predicting to be set upon by a dragon type. The actual realization hit him then, "Of course it had an Ice type move! It was to check any ground types! Dammit! I should have seen that coming! I'm sorry Fafnir, I lead you into a trap... Play it off, James. Don't look fazed."

"I figured you'd go for him. You did good, Fafnir. You drew the fire to create some breathing room. Without that Grumpig, we don't have to deal with another Trick Room. Raijin, you're up now! I know this is going to hurt but try your best, alright! Let's outlast that trick room!"

The Quick ball on his belt opened and out sprung a Luxray who gave it's signature roar and flash. It would look back to James in understanding, just as Fafnir did. They knew the situation and what their roles were.

"You can do this, Raijin!"

Shirona stood beside James and he gave her a glance before focusing back on the battle.

"Good to see ya. You best get ready as well. I'm already down two and he could easily take a third so you will likely have to fight soon, sis"

"Understood."

Radegast shot Shirona a look. The purple glow of his eyes behind the visor suddenly surged in emotional restraint. He directed a psychic message to Shirona so the scientist wouldn’t hear. “If it were James instead of that Meinshao who was in that lab, would you be saying that?” Radegast asked, “Would you forgive these people for corrupting his mind, send him off to kill people? That's what that purple stuff does! But no, go ahead and patronize me. Go ahead and think you know me.”

Reggie’s eye looked to Radegast, easily sensing the brewing frustration within the boy. More sparks emerged from the gauntlet, but still nothing happened.

Perhaps you should simply read the scientist’s mind regardless, Reggie suggested in interruption.

The sparks vanished, and Radegast grit his teeth. No matter how much he put on that threatening facade, even if Shirona didn’t interject and deflate his presence, he just couldn’t follow through. With a huff he barely forced to sound annoyed, Radegast deep-down gratefully withdrew the blade. Once more, he projected a psychic message to Shirona specifically. “If you know so much better, then why don’t you read their minds? You never had to ask me.”

Radegast then stepped away. He squeezed the smoke bomb, which emitted a puff of opaque pink-grey smoke. Under the cover of the smoke and with Janine's ninja training, Radegast's mind cleared in order to make his presence vanish. With eyes off from him, Radegast headed down the hallway to the East. He continued his search for any other documents that could be relevant.

What the...an Ice Punch? Of course. This thing seemed to be really happy to punch things. Rock Slide on top of this...maybe it had Thunder Punch too. She had several options, none of them looking good. Fifty percent was the best she could do...and that was just with this one Pokemon, never mind the ones she had in the back, though the Intimidate helped a lot.

"Unfezant, use Protect." An overly safe play, possibly, but she had to get a better idea of what this Melmetal could do in order to better guess what lurked in the back of the enemy's lineup...and to silently challenge James to take the lead. As a field of energy went up around the oversized pigeon, Touko cast her mind two or three turns ahead, charting a course to victory as if trying to use Future Sight...coincidentally right as the shiny Gardevoir re-entered the room. Two turns left for Trick Room...double protect...who comes in if the second one fails? Should Unfezant be preserved? What might Janice do in response to this plan, and how would it need to be adjusted? What happens if James doesn't take the hint?

This was the kind of strategic thinking that was the hallmark of a Champion, after all. Raw power was good and all, but any kid fresh out of Trainer school knew that brute force would lose to something as simple as a Rattata with the right setup every time in a straight fight. Maybe I should train a Conkeldurr for moments like this, she thought to herself loudly enough for Shirona to pick up.

"Protect, gonna draw it out, good move. Save yourself a turn."

"James, I need to speak with you privately."

"Again, sis... You don't need my permission"

The Gardevoir would close her eyes and spoke within his mind.

"What is the plan if Raijin survives a hit? With the power it has shown, using a move like charge is a bad idea."

"The plan I have is split. I could go for a chance at paralyze with Thunder Fang, all out damage and hope to dent it with Wild Charge, or try for a long con and go for Iron Tail to lower the defense and have Vasuman take it out with a Fire Punch. Two of those rely on some severe luck though."

"Those are the only options, huh? Best outcome I can think of is going for Wild Charge. If Raijin survives a hit, he won't have enough HP left to take another so it is best to take the opportunity to do as much as you can"

"I was figuring that myself, I just wanted your opinion. Alright, that is our plan of attack should things go mildly smooth. Emiko seems to have caught on to the idea of outlasting this Trick Room, which is good."

While Shirona gives James an affirmation, she happens to 'overhear' Emiko's thought process and decides to respond to her aloud, not wanting to invade her mind.

"A Conkeldurr is not a bad choice Emiko, but how will you know when to bring it with you? Would it not be a waste of your time and its if you just stored it away, never knowing when to bring it back out? From what I can tell, your team is very well put together for a variety of situations. This kind of situation was indeed one of them, it is just that Trick Room took away an advantage from you. You still have a few you can use. Think about those before you think about swapping your team out."

The scientist heeded Shirona's words and carried his friend out of the building.

--

Janice smirked as she observed the talking and the combo of a Luxray and Unfezant.

Still strategizing? It won't matter! Not when I'm so much stronger than you are!

Looking aside with a smug smirk and a striking heel tap, Janice flipped a twintail to the side and fetched an Ultra Ball.

They aren't worth your time, Melmetal!

Returning the sphere to her side, she traded it for another Ultra Ball, one which she then threw out immediately.

Our foe poses no challenge, Swampert!

Emerging from the Ultra Ball, a large amphibian-like creature with a primarily cobalt-blue body and four limbs stood. It boasted two long forelimbs and short, but thickly set, back legs. It had orange conical gills that protruded from round patches on both sides of its face. Two large fan-like black fins extended from the top of its orange eyes toward the back of its head. Similarly, a black fan-like tail fin extended upward from its tail-end. It had a white underside, as well as orange ridged padding on its forearms and thighs. It seemed to be about 5' tall itself.

Adopting a posture on all fours, it prepared to fight as it watched the Unfezant shield itself and looked to the Luxray to see what it was about to do.

Isn't this fun?

"An old favourite, water and ground... Raijin! Listen up, boy. You're staying out. I want you to put everything into this move like it's your last, alright?"

The Pokemon flashed yellow again as it readied itself for the command. It seemed more focused than it should be, facing down an enemy. As if he held a deep hatred or grudge against it, despite never meeting this Swampert before.

"Raijin, follow through with Crunch!"

"Grrroaaa!!!"

With a roar, the Luxray leaped towards the Swampert to sink it's teeth into it for a solid hit before jumping back in front of James, who would be thinking to himself. "If I switch now, trick room is still up and it'll just get a free bash to whoever is next. Best option is to fight until Raijin falls. Hopefully this creates an opening in his defense."

"And lady.... Shut your yap. I've had enough of hotheads for today, alright? Quit your yappin' like we're some inferior beings. Or, you just saying it out of hollow attempts to boost your self esteem because you know the outcome of this battle results in your loss?"

The only one about to lose is you!

As Swampert recovered from being bitten, Janice ran up to the Mud Fish Pokemon as she had done for Melmetal, applying an X-Speed to it.

Our foes are so weak this isn't fair. But who cares?!

Standing up, she did a backflip to return to where she was standing before, sticking the landing even in her heels. Adopting her usual power stance, she considered her next orders as she observed the actions of the Unfezant and the Luxray. Luxray would likely do something first unless Unfezant tried to Protect itself, or exploit the chance for a Quick Attack.

--

Radegast would encounter another scientist in the hallway.

Hey! Who let you in here?! This place isn't safe for the public to access right now! I'll have to ask you to leave!

Fetching a Poke Ball, the scientist prepared to release a Pokemon, giving Radegast a window to deliver another punch to this man.