Let's hope that Keira's going to be ok.

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Rolled 76 (1d100)

Rolling for pregnancy!

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>2041239
Was a mastah piece bin Gobble. Hope you're having a good night so far!

>>2041272
rollin too, why not?

>>2041272
I’m assuming that if a birth control is 99% effective, it would take a 100 to mean pregnancy?

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>2041272

Laki is a good dom and should dom all the time.

Hana is a freak.

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You wake up sore, hungry, and thirsty. You don’t know which is stronger, but water is closer so you deal with that first. Of course, getting out of the warm bed with the two cuddly, naked girls makes you cold now, too. You should find your clothes.

You test the little coffee maker in your room. Huh. It is on. Is that tea?

“Hi.” Keira mumbles. “Help yourself, there’s lots.”

“Thanks. I-” You shriek and cover up.

“What’s going in- woah!” Abigail peaks in from the other room. She pins her eyes on the ceiling, but you notice her peak down a few times. You see Gardevoir in the background stop and stare at you now, too.

You’re a mess of limbs trying to cover up as you scooch back towards the bed. “Guys!” You whisper loudly.

“Mrph!” Laki whips a pillow at you and rolls over back to sleep, not very aware of what’s going on but wanting the noise to stop. Hana snores.

“Privacy, right. Come on, Keira.” Abigail says, trying not to try not to look. As Keira goes back to their attached room with a cup of tea in her own sort of daze, Abigail fails a few time and finding the door with her peripheral vision and closes it after a very, very long seeming time.

You sigh. At least Keira seems...okay. As tired as you are, Hana and Laki look moreso. You let yourself have a smug grin.

>Get dressed, chat with Keira alone. She probably needs a talk
>Get dress, hang with Keira and Abigail casually
>The less you accidentally say to Keira, the better. Go train.
>Keep yourself busy by helping one of the groups for the event
>Something else

>>2041331
>Get dress, hang with Keira and Abigail casually

>>2041331
>Get dressed, hang casually.

>>2041331
>>Get dressed, hang with Keira and Abigail casually

>>2041331
>Get dress, hang with Keira and Abigail casually
Voting but also butt please.

>>2041331
>>Get dress, hang with Keira and Abigail casually
Yes, we must get dress.

>>2041331
>Get dressed, chat with Keira alone. She probably needs a talk

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>>2041354
>>2041357

>>2041377
Diives is good stuff.

Heya gobble great bin, remember to archive

>>2041239
Great bin! Fantastic stuff!

I'm actually surprised Laki started thinking about the L-word before Hana did.

>>2041377
Yeah, that bin was great.

Hana is going to be fun when she works up a little more confidence.

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You put on some clothes, grab a cup of tea, and go visit your friends in the other room.

“Look who remembered how pants work.” Abigail leans on the small table they have set up. You pull up a chair and sit with your cup in hand.

“Not his zipper.” Keira sips her tea in a zombie-like state.

You look down in a panic. Wait! It’s up.

Keira smirks without looking at your reaction, and sips some more tea.

She’s still pulling pranks. That makes you feel better for some reason.

“So, what are your plans for the day?” You ask them.

“Getting beautified.” Abigail says.

“It doesn’t matter.” Keira answers. “Getting high again I guess? I don’t know. I don’t have any answers.”

“Keira...” Abigail nudges her.

“I’m not going to see him.” Keira says back. She looks to you. “Oh. Right. I know everything.”

“Uhh...” You freeze up. You feel above all else...

>Guilty. Like you did something wrong in keeping things secret
>Relieved. You could not need that up any more
>Angry you were put in this position in the first place
>Worried. Did you give it away somehow? Is she upset with you?
>Something else

>>2041495
>>Guilty. Like you did something wrong in keeping things secret
>>Relieved. You could not need that up any more
>>Angry you were put in this position in the first place
>>Worried. Did you give it away somehow? Is she upset with you?
>>Something else
ALL OF IT. Also, sad that this situation happened at all.

>>2041495
>Relieved. You could not keep that up any more
and
>annoyed you were put in this position in the first place

At the same time, hands were kind of tied.

Guess we owe Gardevoir.

>>2041495
>Herb.exe had stopped working.....

>>2041495
>>Angry you were put in this position in the first place
But not like a burning anger. A frusteration at being powerless to make people see the value of honesty. Jane won't be honest with Laki, everyone's afraid of Keira, etc.

>>2041495
>>2041509
Also, that should be 'keep' in the relieved option instead of 'need'

Been doing a course on editing lately so while I could keep the thread happy with butts for a lot of it by going through with a fine tooth comb, I'm just going to do it occasionally.

This just bugged me particularly for some reason, so, butt please?

>>2041495
>Guilty. Like you did something wrong in keeping things secret

>>Angry you were put in this position in the first place

>>2041495
>>2041514
I'm adding the dissapointment that we weren't able to just quickly fix everything.

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>>2041516

>>2041495
>Guilty. Like you did something wrong in keeping things secret

>>2041495
>Worried. Did you give it away somehow? Is she upset with you?

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>>2041495
>Angry you were put in this position in the first place
pic related

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You feel a few things. Guilt, in a few different little forms. A little relief. But mostly, above all, anger. Frustration. You’ve been helpless to make this right quick enough and been struggling with being unable to be totally honest. To validate your belief in honesty. It mixes with the guilt and forms a pit in your stomach.

Keira’s eyes don’t fall on you though. She’s looking behind you. You glance back and see Gardevoir, who looks a little unwell at the moment. That makes you feel worse.

“I see. You did what you thought was best for me. You wanted to say something. I know that.” Her tone is still flat. “I’m not judging. I can’t. I don’t know what’s right or wrong any more.” There’s no pain in her voice. It’s just a tired statement. “Some people think the ends justify the means. Others are more absolute. Who knows. Some people think we die and go somewhere. Others don’t. We’re all just people trying to fill in the answers. There are a lot of things to believe in and apparently they’re all just as valid.”

You keep wanting to interject, but there’s no good point to.

Abigail gives you a look. ‘Look what I’ve been dealing with. Got any ideas?’

>Try to cheer her up. Insist things will look better over time
>Press. Does she not believe any more?
>Um, did you guys hear anything last night?
>She should talk to someone about her doubts. Maybe your mom! She’s good at this stuff
>The jig is up, maybe now you can convince the High Priest to chat with her
>Something else

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Just read the bin, it was pretty great, as always. I really like the group dyamic they have going for sex, it's really fun while still being hot. Clair bins were hotter to me since they hit me right in the niche fetish of shared sensations and literal mindfuckery, but so far all of this quest's bins have been on point.
You really are a good writer, Gobble. Working so many emotions and feelings into even the smut takes skill. We probably praise you a little too much, but you do deserve it.

>>2041630
>Something else
Hug.

>>2041630
>>The jig is up, maybe now you can convince the High Priest to chat with her

>>2041630
>The jig is up, maybe now you can convince the High Priest to chat with her

>>2041630
>Try to cheer her up. Insist things will look better over time
>She should talk to someone about her doubts. Maybe your mom! She’s good at this stuff

>>2041642
Also this

>>2041630
>Try to cheer her up. Insist things will look better over time
but
>The jig is up, maybe now you can convince the High Priest to chat with her
He can't blame us if she's the one that confronts him about it. We were tangentially involved in how she found out but we never breathed a word.

Also, privately thank Gardevoir.

>>2041630
>Tell her that you/a person you know has had a cisis of faith as well, and that eventually it passes.

>>2041630
Backing>>2041642
in addition to>>2041653

>>2041630
>hug
>Talk to the High priest and tell him she's figured it out, and that he needs to talk to his not-daughter, even if it's hard for him.

>>2041272
Why the fuck do you guys want to get laki pregnant, we're are on a journey with weapons of mass destruction and we're are both teenagers, did everyone decide to take their stupid pills today or something?

>>2041670
Don't look at me, I voted to use condoms.

>>2041630
>If I'm being honest, I have reasons to believe your religion is right in at least several topics, so there's that
Mainly the dragon god we see in dreams or trance or whatever we see while meditating. If they're right about that, there are definitely other things they're right about. As a belief, everything is valid, but there's only one true answer to questions as specific as "what happens to people when they die" and such.

>>2041638
>>2041292
>>2041451
>>2041441
[Thanks! I appreciate it. I worry I sort of baby the mood here and make people afraid to say unkind things, but that makes me feel better. If there are mean things to so I honestly don't mind at all.]

>>2041432
[Done! Thank you!]

>>2041670
I think it's a joke that'll be funny until it turns out Gobble didn't think we were joking.

>>2041675
Then you are one of the smart people, I can only hope laki isn't pregnant cause seriously fuck the anons that voted going in raw. Retardation of that magnitude needs to be punished someway and giving these fucks a baby is actually a reward to them so that won't work.

>>2041690
Laki could go through an emotionally devastating miscarriage. But I don't want that.

>>2041677
Your grammar and spelling have their moments, but mood and execution are top notch.

And if grammar and punctuation were all it took to run quests, I'd probably give it a try myself.

But it's not, so all I'll say is if there was something wrong with your prose, I'd mention it. As it stands, while a second read through later on to fix mistakes wouldn't hurt, the bins are pretty frigging good.

>>2041690
But you can't realistically just hand out a STD in this setting either, considering that medical science can cure poison and burns instantly or give you laser-shooting robo eyes.
So we'd have to think about possible side effects for our magical semen, I guess. Any suggestions?

>>2041716
Pokerus?

Parental disappointment?

UTI?

>>2041716
Also, we can reasonably assume everyone's clean. Maybe our girls will have their auras polluted by our own?

>>2041716
Nothing has to happen just for the sake of something happening.

>>2041700
It's likely to fucking happen, high stress journey on a pregnant teenager where things like poison spores and beams of pure destructive energy are par for the course. Not to mention the amount of walking and climates you would have to go through, the baby would be lucky to make it to month 5, if anything the fact laki got pregnant would be grounds for ending the journey and the quest.

>>2041738
Sure, but discussing something is better than not doing it while waiting for updates.

>>2041732
>Pokerus
That's a good one. Would it have the same effects in humans as in Pokemon? Is Laki going to double her gains when working out this week?

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>>2041670
It's a joke, bruv. Also pregnancy is my fetish.

>>2041762
Well you fetish is fucking retarded in this instance when herb has no job and no house to raise children, some of us like to think past our fetishes so shit like homeless babies don't happen if you honestly think you can just keep going for you fetishes in a quest and not think about consequences without anything bad happening think again.

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>>2041782
Calm down, dude. Once again, it's a fucking running joke. Just because it'd make my peepee tingle doesn't mean I actually want it to happen, it just means I pick that to joke about. Everyone here knows full well that an actual pregnancy would be a quest-ending event. What you need to realize is that whether or not that event actually HAPPENS is 100% Gobble's decision, and I kinda doubt he wants to kill this shit off.

Laki's on birth control anyway, it's a stupid argument.

>>2041807
Gobble had one character lose their eye, you really think they wouldn't have laki get pregnant and end the quest.

>>2041761
Hmm...

Wait, how about something where the girls think they've been turned into poke-girls as a result of the sex?

Like a dreamquest gone wrong or something?

Can't have the pokerus be a positive thing after all.

It's an opportunity to point and laugh at how daft those particular parts of the fanbase are as well.

I mean, Laki's got the legs for a pretty damn fine Blaziken. :P

>>2041814
Gobble failed to properly communicate that the temple was a Serious Shit Zone, and apologized when everyone lost their mind over the Serious Shit. I think she wants to make this a fun quest above all else, and as long as we're clear that we're joking about the pregancy thing she won't actually go through with it. Maybe a scare over a late period, THAT might actually serve the story a bit, force the characters to consider family.

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You glance back at Gardevoir for a second, thinking how thankful you are. She doesn’t seem to react, so you turn back to Keira instead. “Hey.” You pull her in for a hug. She’s limp at first, and you start to worry. But she finally hugs back and you

“It’s okay.” She assures you. Her voice is different from the curious and mischievous girl you know. This is a practiced tone. “All will be well.”

“That’s what they say to dying people.” Abigail informs you.

Your heart races for a minute. Keira laughs weakly. “You’re not dying any more than anyone else. It’s not like I’m rejecting everything from my life. But...”

“But?” Abigail leans back.

“I..things aren’t as clear as they used to be.”

“Maybe you should visit High Priest Hoa. He’s been worried. I know it might be awkward after all this, but since you know everything I bet he’ll be happy to talk openly again.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She says. “But not because I’m mad. I am, but that’s not it.

“Herb. I want to tell you that making this event a success and giving enough prestige back to the other branches so they change the temple back will make me feel better. But I can’t lie to you.” Was that a grudge? “I’m sorry but none of that matters to me any more. If it’s something that matters to you then I hope it works out, but I see now that the temple is just a shell. It’s what’s inside that matters. What’s inside isn’t what I thought it would be, no matter how far up I go. I hope I haven’t ruined your mood or made you feel like your work is for nothing. I never wanted to be a burden. I don’t want him to see me like this.”

>Let it go. Change the subject (write-in/specify)
>Push the issue. Ask her to talk to him as a favor to you.
>Okay. Well, you better get to work with the event
>Oh. You guess you’re done here, then. The event isn’t your business any more
>That’s it! You’re going to go get him and bring him here
>Something else

>>2041826

> I think you need to talk to SOMEONE, and Hoa's the best in easy reach.
> I've gone too far with this event to back out now. I'll see it through.

>>2041826
>>That’s it! You’re going to go get him and bring him here

>>2041826
>Let it go. All will be well
>I actually want the event to work out though, so I'll get to it

>>2041826
>Let it go. Change the subject (write-in/specify)

>Gardevoir told you? What do you think of her?

>>2041826
>>Oh. You guess you’re done here, then. The event isn’t your business any more
>>That’s it! You’re going to go get him and bring him here

The branches can handle things from here.

And
>If Keira's not happy with the leadership then she should do her level best to BECOME the leadership.

>>2041826
>Something else
You need to see this through like I'm seeing the event through. How can you expect the temple to change for the better if you don't put some work into it?

>>2041848
This sounds good to me.

>>2041824
I think Gobble conveyed it pretty well and apologized to shut up prissy players. Just like at the end of the last quest when people lost their shit that Kat could lose a battle.

>>2041826
>Let it go. Change the subject (write-in/specify)
>Ask about how shevs getting along with Gardevoir.

>>2041877
In fairness, those rolls were kind of bullshit on the getaway.

Everything else was alright, but it was those crits and crit fails right at the end that made everyone lose their minds because no one knew how they'd work out.

At the very least we didn't become the regional equivalent of Joan of Arc.

>>2041824
As someone who only read through the archives of that part, I though it offered some great character developement. I only found out there was a shit storm a while after I cought up with the quest.

>>2041937
It did, I was comparing a pregnancy scare to an actual pregnancy.

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“You could always just move on up and lead things your way.” Abigail puts her feet on the table.

“It’s not the leadership. It’s the structure. High Priest Hoa’s a temple leader and he can’t get what he wants.” A thought seems to hit her. “But...if there is a way to change that, it would be from the top.”

There’s a break as everyone sits with their thoughts. You decide not to press the issue. “I’m going to see the event through. I don’t want to quit halfway. Plus I’d want to stick around just to see Hana’s hard work with the play.”

“Hana’s helping with the play?” Keira looks up.

You tell her about how Hoa told you she’s been doing great. Keira seems surprised but cheer just a little.

“So, Gardevoir told you, huh? How have you been getting along?”

“She’s too telling.” Abigail says. “Girls need to have secrets. And modesty.” She gives you an emphasizing look. “But I’ll teach her.”

“I like her.” Keira says. “I always feel like I’m talking down to pokemon because I don’t know how to communicate the way they like. But she’s really smart and patient.” They share a smile.

Laki and Hana are waking up now. Before long, they join you at the table. You enjoy a quick breakfast of various toast and baked goods and some fruit.

“Nice waddle, Laki.” Abigail teases.

“Yup.” Laki, instead of being bothered, leans on you. You blush.

“So what will you be doing today, Herb?” Hana asks, just beaming this morning. You don't think you've ever seen her in such a good mood.

You don’t have much time, of Jane and Valerie are on the way. But you still can get something done this morning.

>Go see what’s going on with the agriculture branch
>Train. You still feel the need to be stronger
>Help the play
>Help the fashion show
>Something else

>>2041826
>Something else
I think you should see him. Let him know what you think, and tell him that you need time to figure things out for yourself. I'm sad to see you hurting. We'll be here for you no matter what.

>>2041945
>Train. You still feel the need to be stronger
>>2041946
Shit, I was late.

>>2041945
>Something else
meditate with keira. try and get her head into a better place

>>2041945
>Something else
Check on all three branches, see what's happening, where you'll be most needed.

>>2041945
>Go see what’s going on with the agriculture branch
There is a hole in our knowledge.

>>2041945
>over see the show and troubleshoot bad areas.

>>2041945
>Go see what’s going on with the agriculture branch

>>2041945
>Go see what’s going on with the agriculture branch
If there's time check the others.

>>2041945
>>2041959
Supporting from mtg! FUCK infinite decks!

>>2041945
>Train. You still feel the need to be stronger

The ball is rolling and Keira's learned something. The temples know their stuff and we're not really welcome at the beauty branch.

And we really need to get stronger.

>>2042021
Blanket ban them. Problem solved.

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“I’m going to check out the agriculture branch before Jane and Val get here.”

“Can’t wait for you to meet Jane.” Laki tells Abigail.

You get up, wish Hana luck and ask Laki if she’s fine. She rolls her eyes and says not to worry. She’s walking on air today.

Well, you look over your group of friends, and satisfied that there are no immediate fires to put out, you leave.

Now, where the heck are you going? You take a bit to find the place. It’s much more normal than the other two. At least, to your eyes. It’s a modern office building type of feeling as you enter, and if it weren’t for the religious iconography and things, you’d almost think you weren’t in a temple at all. Nobody stops you, so you assume it’s fine to keep going further in. Bella seems unimpressed compared to the rest of the temple.

You find yourself stumbling through a room full of sacks and sacks of grain with nobody there, either. Finally, you reach a kitchen with people in it.

“Woah! Head’s up!” Someone walks by with a giant pot of what you assume is a soup.

You take it all in. It’s a nice set up. Very expensive looking. But the people staffing it don’t look very experience. They’re busy, acting quickly, and it’s clean, but there’s just a general lack of confidence in it all that jumps out at you. The must be preparing for serving the food for the events.

“Can I help you?” Someone asks.

>Sorry. Just looking around. Bye.
>That baco bread’s flavor will be leached that way. And you need to simmer that sauce at a lower temperature. And there’s a trick to cutting that veggie that’ll save you lots of effort. And...
>Ask as many questions as you can to learn what the branch will be doing, even if that raises eyebrows
>Something else

>>2042076
>That baco bread’s flavor will be leached that way. And you need to simmer that sauce at a lower temperature. And there’s a trick to cutting that veggie that’ll save you lots of effort. And...

>>2042076
>>That baco bread’s flavor will be leached that way. And you need to simmer that sauce at a lower temperature. And there’s a trick to cutting that veggie that’ll save you lots of effort. And...
The call has been heard.

>>2042091
>>2042094
we would be actively sabotaging ourselves.

>>2042076
>>That baco bread’s flavor will be leached that way. And you need to simmer that sauce at a lower temperature. And there’s a trick to cutting that veggie that’ll save you lots of effort. And...

Herb is triggered.

Are we getting a regional equivalent of Gordon Ramsey here?

>>2042076
>That baco bread’s flavor will be leached that way. And you need to simmer that sauce at a lower temperature. And there’s a trick to cutting that veggie that’ll save you lots of effort. And...

>>2042076
>>2042076
>That baco bread’s flavor will be leached that way. And you need to simmer that sauce at a lower temperature. And there’s a trick to cutting that veggie that’ll save you lots of effort. And...

We need to help them get back to their roots.

>>2042103
If the food’s bad, people will be distracted from the show. And if the Agricultural branch is seen as being shown up by the others, it could be seen as an attack. If everything is good, people will instinctively put the branches on equal footing, rather than there needing to be one that’s the best.

>>2042103
Nobody ever pays attention to good service, they just talk shit about bad service. We don't want people talking shit, we want them focusing on the good the other branches are doing. Nobody's going to enjoy the show if they're shitting themselves in the portajohn from eating undercooked shellder.

>>2042179
Or dying from bad clamperl.

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You have what some people might call a problem. You like cooking. You love it. You love teaching, and helping, and being useful and making sure meals come out as best as they can. And that makes it hard for you to ignore a lot of what’s going on here. “That bread...” you begin. You can’t stop yourself. You point out an issue with the bread, the simmering temperature of the sauce, you just go ahead and ask for the knife and show the person cutting how to remove most of the skin and avoid cutting their thumb at the same time. It actually takes a little bit before someone stops you.

“I’m sorry, did someone send you or...?” It’s the oldest acolyte there. A girl maybe a little older than Laki if you had to guess.

“No. I just, well, I thought I’d help.”

“Who cares who he is.” A younger boy says from the back. “We help grow food, not cook it. He knows what he’s doing in the kitchen, which brings us up to one person.”

She seems to take a lot of offense to that. “There’s no separation. Food is prepared when you balance the soil, and done being prepared when it’s in someone’s mouth.”

“Actually, there’s this dish where you actually put it in your mouth, chew, and then add a squirt of lemon juice. It’s served at a really exclusive restaurant in the capital back on the mainland, but I saw it on tv and made my own version.”

They stare at you.

“It’s okay.” You add, not sure what other information you can offer. “A little tart. Personally I think they should use a different citrus beca-...” you trail off.

She narrows her eyes. Despite her age, you’re a few inches taller and she has to look up. “Alright, fine. We need the help.”

“I’m Herb, by the way.”

She laughs. “Is that a joke or...oh. That’s your real name. I thought you were being cute.”

“Nope. None of that here.” You earnestly insist. For some reason that makes her laugh a second time.

You somehow end up unofficially in charge of the kitchen. It’s hard to stop. As one dish gets wrapped up, two more take it’s place.

“Someone needs to knead that dough. I mean, really work it because it’s go to be flawless to avoid weird flour chunks when baking.” Gobble crawls up a stool and starts pounding the dough. That’ll work.

You lose track of time helping out, but it’s doing you a lot of good. You think things should be more set and everyone’s able to handle what they have now. All it took was a little organizing and instructions. You feel proud, like you avoided some serious issues that could have come up.

>Okay. That’s enough. Go meet Val and Jane
>You know, there are enough spare ingredients here for an extra dish...
>Ah! What did you do? Quick, ruin something!
>Ask them to forget you were here. Hoa might get upset
>Something else

>>2042196
>Okay. That’s enough. Go meet Val and Jane

Our sensibilities are no longer offended.

>>2042196
>>Okay. That’s enough. Go meet Val and Jane

>>2042196
>>Okay. That’s enough. Go meet Val and Jane
>I was never here, capiche?

>>2042196
>Okay. That’s enough. Go meet Val and Jane
>I was never here, capiche?

(I think my last vote got lost in the mail?)

>>2042196
>Okay. That’s enough. Go meet Val and Jane

>>2042196
>Ah! What did you do?
>...but you can't ruin food. :(
>Okay. That’s enough. Go meet Val and Jane

>>2042196
>Okay. That’s enough. Go meet Val and Jane
Herb is so cute.

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“Any more questions?” You stand on your toes and look. Nobody seems to have any. “Okay. Well, it was nice meeting you all. I have to go now though.”

You get a big round of thank yous. It feels good, even if you did it mostly to appease yourself. You rush out to where Valerie and Jane will be coming from. And right on time, too!

“Herb!” Valerie runs over and hugs you. You are extremely impressed at how fast she moves in heels.

“Val!” You pat her on the back.

“So?” She gives you a sly look.

“So...” you’re not following.

“I texted Hana.” She nudges you. “You Arcanine you!”

Oh gosh. You blush. Hana must have told her about last night. You guess that’s fine, but you’re still embarrassed.

“You shiny-headed, noodle armed, pathetic wurmple of a trainer.” Jane comes out of nowhere. “Laki got you giving too many footrubs that you forgot to keep training?”

Is that...is she serious? She comes striding towards you with an arm stretched out like she’s expecting a handshake. But you’ve known Jane long enough that you hesitate for just a second.

She’s wearing a cape now, but somehow it fits. Under it is a slick trainer outfit with pockets and straps everywhere, suitable for camping and travelling and just general adventure, but not exactly low-profile.

>Laugh and keep your hands to yourself. She got you
>Shake it and jokingly dress her down right back (write-ins wanted)
>Wave. Say Hi. Go back to talking to Val
>Angrily tell Jane off! That hurt, and you’re not going to take it!
>Try not to be sad but be sad a little
>Something else

>>2042310
>Laugh and keep your hands to yourself. She got you

No way known we're catching up at this point.

>>2042310
>Shake it and jokingly dress her down right back (write-ins wanted)
You egotistic, overly paranoid, zubatman wannabe of woman

>>2042310
This
>>2042319

>>2042310
>Shake it and jokingly dress her down right back (write-ins wanted)
>I've been training my aura plenty. Clearly you haven't been so busy training that you've forgotten how to make an entrance.

>>2042310
>laugh, shake it and not so jokingly
You Cacnea you! Always trying to poke into people's pies! I AM training! (Tell her about gobbles recipe book and maybe have mace do a little energy blast)

>>2042310
changing>>2042328
to>>2042317

How would Jane react if she found out herb is one of the few humans who can use aura beyond it's sensory abilities?

>>2042382
I'm pretty sure she knows.

>>2042382
Yeah I thought she's seen Herb use his power to heal before. Shoot I think we've used it during our battles with her!

Actually, come to think of it, we also told her exactly how we got our aura powers. Her reply was, like, "interesting...". Gobble, did Jane ever follow up on that, or did she decide it was too risky?

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“Ha! Good one.” You laugh, containing any show of offense. “No way I’m catching up at this point.”

She holds out her hand for a moment, then seems disappointed. “Well, I suppose at least you’re learning to be humble about it.” For some reason, that disappointment hits a lot harder than the banter.

Gobble and Bella look ready to go off on her, but the other three keep them in check. Sorbet is the least involved and watches Jane curiously for a bit, but inds Valerie much more interesting.

“Hello there.” Val leans down. She releases a pokemon. “Herdier, say hello!”

“Congratulations on the evolution!” You pet him. He proudly accepts it. “Oh! Nice fur!”

Valerie gets excited and shared her special pokemon shampoo tips with you. The two of you instantly fall into discussions on fashion, hair products, and her time on the contest circuit.

“Ahem.” Jane coughs.

“Ah. Sorry Jane. You have nice fur too.” Valerie smiles and touches Jane’s arm right where there’s a hair.

You freeze. Jane freezes. Valerie freezes.

Belladonna rolls over laughing. You don’t even think she got it, but she saw Jane’s face and she can get a little spiteful.

“I’m so sorry!” Valerie spurts out. “The contest world is vicious and when you were saying those things to Herb I just-”

Jane grits her teeth and calms herself down. You almost get ready to yank Valerie out of striking range before Jane starts laughing. “You got me.

“R-really?”

“I can dish it out and I can take it.” Jane smiles horrifyingly. “That’s what friends do, right? Give each other a hard time?”

“Um, yes!” Valerie laughs with her.

You laugh along too for some reason. There’s something very unsettling about all this.

“So, the Beauty Branch, how can I help?”

Valerie’s the person you trust most on issues of fashion. Whatever task you ask of her, you’re sure she’ll focus on with laser-like precision.

>Coordinate a flashy opening that sets a good tone for their presentation
>They need help on dress designs
>Help them with poses and general presentation. It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it
>You know what? The play could use your help even more
>Something else

>>2042415
umm gobble. bantzing was wining r at least tying.

>>2042319
>>2042326


>>2042317
>>2042335
not catching up

>>2042334
this guy.

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>>2042410
[She tried something hardcore, but got no success. That could change, though.]

>>2042415
>>Help them with poses and general presentation. It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it

Gotta know how to strut that stuff! Jane continues being terrifying and now I wanna train some more.

>>2042415
>Something else
>They play is probably fine, buy you should help the conservation branch with public speaking.

>>2042415
>They need help on dress designs

>>2042424
Well now that's a story I want to hear the details of. Honestly, I wouldn't mind the next bin being snippets of Jane, Polu, and Val while we've been seperate.

>>2042424
Thing is i am not sure if she would have the patience to train her aura, it doesn't seem as straight forward as training one's body

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>>2042423
[Crap! That's my bad. I miscounted]

>>2042415
>Help them with poses and general presentation. It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it

Also, oof, that disappointment cuts deep.

>>2042433
Well, there are a lot of different kinds of aura and aura powers. I can see her getting aura spheres or other stuff Lucario has in smash brothers.

Also, good job on Jane showing some restraint there. If she had been like this forty threads ago she might very well be our routelock.

Also, Gobble, I haven't forgotten that Jane still owes us the last part of her dare.

Personally, I was thinking we would have Valerie help the conservationists with coming out of their shell and have Jane browbeat a respect for Loanan tradition into the beauty girls. What are you guys thinking Jane should do?

>>2042450
I like the way this guy thinks.

Send Valerie to help the Conservationists and send Jane to browbeat the beauty branch into shape.

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You think. “I need your help with their poses and presentation.”

“Well, I think their issue is more of presentation.”

“What do you mean?”

You hoped she wouldn’t ask. “Well, they’re very pretty.”

“Two girls not enough?” Jane folds her arms.

You ignore the comment and continue. “But they know it. And they think that by itself is presentation. When I was there I noticed a lot of the same poses with most of the focus on dresses and makeup instead.”

“Say no more.” Valerie nods. “I know exactly what you’re talking about. It’s not enough to just show up and look good. You’ve got to provoke reactions, strike poses that stick in the minds of judges, really grab people’s attention with something they can’t look up online.”

“Yeah!” You think. “Can you help?”

Valerie leans back. “I can try. Uh, if you introduce me. I’m pretty confident when I get into it, but I’m used to directing pokemon, not people.”

“No problem. Laki and Abigail will be there too, so you won’t be alone.”

“Good!” She clasps her hands. “I’ll have some muscle backup.”

“Laki can’t take them all one.” Jane says.

“Oh no. I meant that they’d protect me from her hands.” Valerie jokes again. She’s gotten a lot quicker with an insult. Your first impression of her was someone that wouldn’t ever want to hurt someone’s feelings. Now she seems, well, not fake, but trying pretty hard to be ‘on’. Or maybe she was always reserved and this is the real her under it. You're not so sure.

“So, ‘Herb’.” Jane stretches. “Time’s short, right? Where do you suggest I start?” She emphasizes the word ‘suggest.’

>The play. Hana could probably use some help
>Helping Valerie whip the girls into shape
>Keep an eye on the agriculturalists
>Actually, Keira could use a talk about Loanan beliefs
>Something else

>>2042509
>>Actually, Keira could use a talk about Loanan beliefs

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>>2042509
>Or maybe she was always reserved and this is the real her under it. You're not so sure
I'm seeing a trend here with lot's of people losing their confidence in others.

>>2042509
>Actually, Keira could use a talk about Loanan beliefs

>>2042509
>>Keep an eye on the agriculturalists
>They're the only ones who stand to lose anything from this going well. You didn't get any bad vibes from the ones you've met, but maybe one of them is planning something alone.

>>2042513
That's a weird looking Noivern.

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[I'm going to have to call it here for now, but I'll count up votes and start much earlier tomorrow. Sorry it was a bit slow, I blew my brain-load on the pastebin and felt a bit slow for the rest of the day. I'm really eager to move a lot of those plot threads forward and I hope the pacing isn't too depressing or feeling like character assassination.]

>>2042509
>Actually, Keira could use a talk about Loanan beliefs
I'm voting this more for Jane's sake than Keira's. Asking for her help with this would probably mean a lot to her, both because it's about something she feels strongly about and because it's something personal.

>>2042509
>Actually, Keira could use a talk about Loanan beliefs
Jane is perfect for it.

>>2042509
>>Something else
Actually, I feel like we need to have a talk. Ever since I've met you you're always so ready to insult others. I don't know if you remember, but I dared you to say one genuinely nice thing about yourself and you couldn't answer. What's wrong Jane? Why are you so angry?

>>2042509
>Helping Valerie whip the girls into shape
I want this so much, but...
>Actually, Keira could use a talk about Loanan beliefs
Keira needs someone to talk to. Someone who isn't us about all of this.

>>2042530
thanks for running Gobble!

>>2042530
Thanks for running Gobble!

>>2042535
Suffers from the common overly-wordy write-in. Just ask if she’s thought up the end of that date yet.
Man, I hope Val’ is done some good by getting away from the contest circuit. I’m not sure I like these... catty survival instincts she’s developed.

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>>2042540
>>2042545
[Thanks for coming!]

>>2042546
Yeah, overly wordy. I just want Herb to get openly irritated over her constant jabs.She's been almost nothing but an ass to Herb, even at her best she's still been an overly paranoid, overly competitive, closed off individual who can't be fully honest with herself. I think even Herb would get worried about that considering she's STILL somehow keeping tabs on Herb for some reason.

>>2042530
thanks for running

>>2042553
Yeah, eventually we’re going to have to call her out on something or other. But I feel it works best if we call her out on one thing. If we call her out on a history of behavior, it might be more accurate, but it’s more likely to be received as a personal attack and deflected.

>>2042509
>Actually, Keira could use a talk about Loanan beliefs
"she could really use a friend"

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Jane Pain

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Pokemon%20Island%20Adventure%20Quest
https://twitter.com/GobbleQM
Character info pastebin in progress: http://pastebin.com/iB0tb7rz
Dice odds for best of 3: http://pastebin.com/994WTT3g

General rules:

There is a 10 minute voting period after each post. Non-contradictory votes will be combined as best as possible.

Write-ins for all votes are always welcome and encouraged. They may not all make it into the post or be altered to fit in, but I'll do my best to at least try to address the spirit of the write-in.

Very important or contentious votes may be redone in a stricter voting system as circumstances warrant.

Combat mechanics involve three rolls of 1d100, taking the best, and using the base accuracy and crit ranges of the the PTU system, roughly, but the 'turn order' will be more like the anime, where sometimes you can do a few moves in a row or be hit by a combo of moves yourself, all depending on circumstances. Stronger moves tend to take more time and have more cooldown than weaker moves and also may leave you open to an interrupt, so beware of that timing. Speed is more important for closing ground, intercepting, and other things and doesn't necessarily mean going first.

Pokemon and trainers are unique, and may have certain specializations, skills, or other things that the video-game mechanics might not allow. Some examples: That kung fu Bellsprout in the anime, that crystal Onix, or a Roggenrolla that can fly. Herb's perception skills, pokemon knowledge, context clues in general, and other things will hopefully come into play to avoid completely unfair, unforeseeable bullshit, but expect more bullshit from more advanced trainers.

Call me out on a mistake and receive a suggestive picture, mostly likely a butt.

Pokemon:
Gobble (Munchlax)
Mace (Roggenrola)
Belladonna (Roselia)
Dice (Croconaw)
Sorbet (Vulpix)

Location: Grass temple on Tabo Island.

Yay

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“Actually, there’s something else I think you could do.”

She raises a suspicious eyebrow. “You invited me. You’re not going to send me off just because you’re afraid I’ll show you up, are you?”

“What? No. Nothing like that. It’s about Keira. She’s been having a rough time.” You explain the situation. Keira’s been kept in the dark about the backroom politics of the clergy. She’s been disillusioned. She’s having a crisis of faith.

“How did you let this happen?” She grabs you by the collar. “What did you do? Take her out and just drop her suddenly?”

Herdier barks at her. Valerie steps forward, too. “Jane!”

But Jane’s gaze is enough to make Valerie flinch. You have to admit, it’s pretty intense sometimes. Like she actually has the pokemon ability Intimidate. But there’s something so heart wrenching at seeing Valerie look scared.

Jane lets you go. “I’m...” she digs deep, “I’m sorry. I’ve been under some stress, and hearing about Keira having these problems was,” she coughs, “is uncomfortable for me.”

You’re not sure what to say. On the one hand, you’re really frustrated at her always accusing and lashing out at you. On the other, she apologized, which is a big deal when it comes to her. Still, that had a lot of excuses too. Does she deserve the benefit of some leeway here or are you just done with this sort of behavior?

>It’s fine. Friends can forgive and forget
>It’s fine this one time, but you won’t put up with that any more
>Stop making excuses, Jane!
>Is everything okay? Do you want to talk about it? I can make some comfort food
>Something else

>>2043428
>It’s fine this one time, but you won’t put up with that any more
Herb is a nice guy and has forgiven Jane many times, but I'd imagine his patience is beginning to wear through, especially with the stress of Keira's crisis and the various temple activities.

>>2043428
>It’s fine. Friends can forgive and forget

>>2043428
>It’s fine this one time, but you won’t put up with that any more

>>2043428
>>Is everything okay? Do you want to talk about it? I can make some comfort food

She's legit doing better.

>>2043428
>>Is everything okay? Do you want to talk about it? I can make some comfort food

>>2043428
>>Is everything okay? Do you want to talk about it? I can make some comfort food
I feel like Herb is just feeling her worry about Keira, just like he is worried.
She's snapping at him because it's so strange for happy priestess Keria to become so disillusioned with Loanan Culture, something Jane is struggling so hard to become accepted in.

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You face her for a moment, figuring out what you want to say. What you feel inside. You like when they’re both the same thing.

“It’s fine. Friends can forgive.” you tell her. “But these baseless accusations need to stop. It’s not okay any more.”

There’s a twitch in her eyes. You keep contact, despite the surge in your heart rate. She breaks a tiny smile on the side of her mouth. “Heh. And you almost had me thinking you were turning into a pushover. You’re just hiding your strength. Smart.”

Well, that sounded a lot more like a compliment than an accusation. That’s good. “Is everything alright though? Do you want to talk about it? I can make some comfort food.”

Gobble jumps back to attention.

“I’m fine.” She isn’t sure how to react to the onslaught of kindness. “I think Gobble there wants some, though.”

Gobble shakes his head and makes some motions. “No. He wants to help cook.”

“Help cook.” Jane repeats. You can already see the cogs turn in her head, trying to figure this out. “Ah. Yes. A joke. A Munchlax cook. Good one.”

Gobble stomps his foot.

Jane looks genuinely regretful at her comment. An actual, honest mistake. She mumbles something you don’t hear and heads off.

“Well,” Valerie takes your arm. “Shall we?”

“Um, right.” You start walking to the Beauty Branch area.

“So what will you be doing? You’re not stealing all the dress design work for yourself, are you?” She playfully teases.

>I’m afraid so
>No, you’ll be helping Hana
>No. You’ll just float between groups until the event
>No. You’ll train and be on standby if any major emergencies happen
>Something else

>>2043505
>No. You’ll just float between groups until the event
It's worked pretty well so far.

>>2043505
>you’ll check on Hana, then do whatever design work needs doing.

>>2043505
>No. You’ll just float between groups until the event

>>2043505
>No. You’ll just float between groups until the event

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“Valerie!” Laki rushes out to greet her.

“Laki, darling!”

“Darling?”

“Oh. Contest culture. Its infectious. Hard to turn off ‘contest mode’ sometimes, you know?”

“Nope!” Laki beams, leaning in to give you a kiss on the cheek. Oh gosh. That sets off the Beauty Branch girls a bit. Laki takes Valerie’s arm and leads her into the swarm, walking a little funny. “Come on. I’ll introduce you.”

“Bye Herb!” Valerie waves as she’s kidnapped in the most friendly fashion.

Huh. Sounds like Laki’s having a great time. It’s a complete contrast from yesterday.

Well, with Valerie escorted and you being off the hook for introductions, you decide to look around a bit. There’s no major issues to tackle here, but you do get assigned a lot of small tasks any time you’re standing around. Moving boxes, finding tape, fetching this or that. Lots of little things. But you feel proud, seeing it all slowly come together. Valerie is being called a contest consultant and inflates a lot of her accomplishments, but it gets people to listen to her.

You end up being grabbed by a mysterious hand and thrust against a wall inside a changeroom you were walking by. It takes you a second to recognize Laki’s mouth being the one on yours. “You made a big mistake last night.”

Your mind races. What did you do?

“There’s no going back. That’s happening every night from now on.” She gives another long kiss and tosses you out, disheveled and confused. She follows a few seconds later, whistling and going on her way.

After a few more small tasks, you float on over to Hana’s side of things. They’re practicing a scene and you sit in and watch. It’s coming together. Hana is biting her nails in stress, but she also looks happy to be there. There’s a mix of things going on there, you’re sure.

But something distracts you. You see Sorbet imitating what’s going on the stage. Bella joins her for some acting play too. They both seem to compete for the same role, neither wanting to play the oaf in the scene. After a bit, Sorbet comes up and nudges you. She’s trying to ask for something.

“She’d like to be in the play.” Gardevoir’s voice in your head scares the starch out of you. You turn to see her behind Hana, staring at you.

Bella kicks up a fuss now, too. She wants in. You look around. It seems like they’ve finished with casting.

>Sorry guys. It’s too late. Let’s help out instead
>You’ll talk to Hana for them. Maybe she can squeeze them in. Both might be a bit much but you’re sure Hana will find a way
>Asking for two is too much. Sorry Bella, but Sorbet asked first
>Something else

>>2043639
>Asking for two is too much. Sorry Bella, but Sorbet asked first

>>2043639
>We’lll do a contest or show of our own sometime.

>>2043671
Seconding this. Also you owe us a butt for mispelling "we'll" anon.

You know, after reading that bit about Jane trying to get aura powers, I definitely want the next bin to be about her adventures instead of lewds. We don't know shit about her journey, but she's already looking like a pretty strong trainer.

>>2043639
>>2043671
Backing this too.

>>2043639
>You’ll talk to Hana for them. Maybe she can squeeze them in. Both might be a bit much but you’re sure Hana will find a way

>>2043639
>>2043671
I'll third this. We can have a contest between the girls and us.

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>>2043682
Closest I have, sorry.

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Sorbet shows a rare enthusiastic side. She really wants in. But reading your face, she already knows the answer. Sorbet looks very disappointed, slowly lowering herself onto the ground as if drained of all energy.

“Hey now. Don’t worry. We’ll have our own contest or show sometime.” You promise.

She looks up.

“Yes. I mean it.”

Sorbet seems happier, but still unsure. Gobble explains something to her and she looks pretty happy, though.

“He said you always keep your word.” Gardevoir’s voice tingles in your mind again.

Bella reaches up for your arms. You pick the cute little Grass pokemon up and let her sit on your shoulder for a better view. She seems to have been wanting attention more than actually being in the play, but she still also did react to the promise of a contest or show. Sorbet climbs up and sits on your head, but finding it uncomfortable, she launches from there up onto a tree to watch. Dice climbs up too, curious, and Bella, not to be outdone, follows.

Gobble isn’t able to make it up, but Mace offers some assistance and the two of them arrive in one piece. You almost have a heart attack watching, despite having seen them take on much worse in battle.

“Alright. 15 minutes.” The boy near Hana proclaims after talking to her. The group goes on a break.

“Hey!” Hana greets you with, what for her is a lot of energy. She’s sweating. “I owe you a huge thanks. This is exhilarating. It’s hard, but, wow!” She almost loses her balance. Her leg didn’t move nearly as fast as she had anticipated. “Guess I forgot to charge. That’s embarrassing. So, what can I do you for?”

You glance to Gardevoir. She's sitting across a small stump, looking like she's going to fall asleep at any moment.

You aren’t sure how to feel. She’s always seemed a bit lost on what she wants to do, and unsure of what she even can do. You thought she was a fine battler but she seems to have given up that for the most part. This looks like it means a lot to her, but she’s pushing herself really hard. Maybe too hard. Would it be right to make her doubt her ability to keep up? Is it right to ignore how worn she looks?

"You seem really busy." You comment.

"Hoo boy." She says. "Yeah. I'll be up pretty late working on some script rewrites too. So um, as much as I don't want to say it, don't wait up for...you know. Stuff."

>You can heal wounds, but can you give energy? Try it!
>Suggest she take a break for the rest of the day. She looks exhausted
>Congratulate her on the work so far. You’re here if she needs anything
>Find an excuse to make her take a break
>Something else

>>2043788
>>You can heal wounds, but can you give energy? Try it!
>Congratulate her on the work so far. You’re here if she needs anything
>Find an excuse to make her take a break
Have you had lunch? I just helped the cooks but I'm always ready to whip up another plate or two!

>>2043788
>You can heal wounds, but can you give energy? Try it!
Herb isn't vital to anything, he can sleep off being drained of energy the rest of the day

>>2043799
And maybe even do some more training or meditation which may or may not turn into a nap.

>>2043788
>You can heal wounds, but can you give energy? Try it!
>Find an excuse to make her take a break
This a good time for a massage I think.

>>2043788
>You can heal wounds, but can you give energy? Try it!

>>2043788
>You can heal wounds, but can you give energy? Try it!

I mean, we did so for Laki before she and Hana challenged the fire gym. Right?

>Get her some lunch.

>>2043788
>Congratulate her on the work so far. You’re here if she needs anything
>You can heal wounds, but can you give energy? Try it!

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[Roll roll roll!]

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>2043820

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>2043820

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>2043820
Come on...

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>2043820

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>2043820

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“Can I take you somewhere private for a bit? I want to try filling you with my essence."

For some reason you expect a weird reaction from her. You’re not sure why. Instead, she yawns. “You do that on purpose, don’t you?”

“Sorry?”

“Huh? Nothing. Sorry.” She smiles. “I like that you’re so sweet. Come on, what is it?” She follows.

You explain you want to try giving her some energy. She insists you really don’t need to, but you insist right back. You take her hand, close your eyes, and concentrate.

And you feel the energy flow from you to her. It’s a little tricky to keep it stable, but you manage and she gets a little boost.

Hana stretches, looking a little better. “You’re too good to me.”

“Nah.” You push yourself up from the cross legged position. “You just aren’t used to good things.”

There’s a pause. You didn’t think about what you were saying because your brain is a bit tired. She nods. “Yeah. That’s, well, really true.” She holds are arm as you walk back. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Fine!” Hoo boy you’re pooped. “Fine enough to make you a nice lunch.”

“Herb!” Hana says. “Stop spoiling me. It’s not that important.”

But you’re already rummaging for sandwich supplies, and Gobble is already eagerly setting things out. The two of you put it together quickly. It’s not your fanciest work, but you like how quickly she scarfs it down after.

You offer to help out with any small tasks that she might need done, but she draws a very firm line that you’re to spend no more energy on her. She promises to make it up to you, and you insist that it doesn’t work that way and she doesn’t owe you anything, and the two of you agree to disagree. You feel a bit like one of those couples that can’t stop doing baby talk with each other.

You stretch and yawn. What else to do before the event tomorrow?

>Medidate
>Train. Sometimes you just need to push a little
>Study
>Sleep. You’ll need to be at 100% tomorrow
>Go float on over to the agriculturalists as your last stop for the day
>Something else

>>2043881
>Medidate

And maybe get Gardevoir in on that. It might help her control that hyperempathy. I mean, it must kinda help to have your own personality automatically muted just by being around people with strong emotions. I get that it's just a general Gardevoir thing, but maybe it can be turned down a little?

>>2043881
>Medidate

Fug stay out.

>>2043881
>Medidate
Backing >>2043890

>>2043881
>>2043890
Supporting

Crazy conspiracy theory time:
The would-be usurper of the agricultural branch is being paid off by Val's dad to make the temple more agreeable to industrial-scale vispum farming.

>>2043915
Nah, he seems cool.

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You decide to spend your time meditating. That’ll be good for you. And it’s got the bonus of not needing to put in a lot of exercise. Your legs are just aching from last night.

You look around for a private spot to sit and meditate. As you do, you have a thought. What about Gardevoir? You rush back to Hana and find Gardevoir there, looking a little flustered at the different emotions shown on the stage but not felt by the actors.

“Hey. Gardevoir. Want to come meditate with me?”

She looks at you, confused. But she comes along without a word.

You go back to that little courtyard. It’s not entirely private because people walking by can see you, but you’re out of the way enough that you doubt they’ll care. You sit down and get ready. Mace sits himself between the two of you.

Mace and Gardevoir have a bit of a staring contest.

“You could not.” She replies to something he said. “No, it’s not different.” There’s no emotion in her voice. She’s just correcting his assertion.

“What’s going on?”

“He says he could beat me in a fair battle.”

You look at Mace. His hearing thing on his face focuses in on you. Could he? He and the entire team had trouble before, but you guess since they were worried about protecting you that complicated things. Still, she is fully evolved and he isn’t.

“I do not believe you’re right.” She states. Again, emotionless.

>It doesn’t matter. Everyone just meditate!
>You two should have a friendly battle later
>Discourage Mace from making statements like that
>Tell Gardevoir he’s probably right. He’s really tough when he wants to be
>Something else

>>2043973
>>You two should have a friendly battle later
>>Discourage Mace from making statements like that
If you're confident about it there's no need to boast. If the both you want to you can try later, I feel like we could all use some more training after all this festival stuff. Maybe even try out another gym?

>>2043973
You two should have a friendly battle later

>>2043973
>You two should have a friendly battle later
>Discourage Mace from making statements like that
>Mace could surprise you Gardevoir. He's a tricky old man.

>>2043973
>>You two should have a friendly battle later

>He's got quite the experience advantage you know.

>>2043973
>>You two should have a friendly battle later

>>2044001
I'm seconding the experience comment, but not the suggestion of a friendly battle.

I think it's better to save his pride without settling it with a battle.

>>2043973
>You two should have a friendly battle later
>It doesn’t matter. Everyone just meditate!

I mean, we should emphasise that it really doesn't matter who wins. Friendly competition encourages people to improve.

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“Mace.” You whisper. “You shouldn’t make statements like that.”

He looks hurt.

“No, I do have confidence in you.” You turn to Gardevoir. “He’s got a lot of experience. He’s really good at reading pokemon.”

“He is psychic?”

“Well, no, but he can still read them. And he’s tricky.” You look back to Mace “but I just meant that if you’re confident about something you don’t need to boast. You two can have a friendly battle later if you’re both up for it. We can all benefit from more practice, right?” You hope you’re not phrasing anything dumbly. You don’t want to hurt any feelings or anything like that.

Mace settles in, satisfied for now. He still stays between you and Gardevoir, though.

“So, ready to try meditating?”

“What is involved in this?”

“You just sort of close your eyes and let your mind settle.”

She cocks her head. “Sleep?”

“No no no. Well, you can fall asleep I’ve heard. But it’s just mostly letting all the noise and distractions fall off and taking a trip inside your own mind.” Is that a good way to say it? Are you even confident about that? Powers aside, you’re not exactly an expert at this sort of thing.

She still doesn’t totally understand.

>Let's find Keira for you
>Just try it out. You’ll be fine
>Invite her to hop into your head and follow along
>Something else

>>2044080
>>Invite her to hop into your head and follow along

>>2044080
>>Invite her to hop into your head and follow along

>>2044080
>Something else
Have her focus on her breathing and clearing her mind. Give her some simple advice on how to meditate.

>>2044080 Yeah, this. >>2044090
We're decent enough at this to give basic advice.

>>2044080
>>2044090
Pretty much this. I'd rather not invite her in since we've already had a visit from Fug, and it's better to keep that to ourselves.

>>2044080
>>2044090
yep this

>>2044080
This
>>2044090

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You think about inviting her into your head for a moment, but decide against it. Instead, you settle in next to her and put a hand on her shoulder. “Okay, now, breath.”

“I am breathing.”

You take a moment to think of how to rephrase it. You inhale sharply. But that’s it! That’s perfect. She imitates you. “Yes. Like that. Focus on your breathing and relax. But don’t try to relax.”

You spend time with her trying to help her out. It’s not easy, but she’s slowly understanding what you’re trying to say. After some time you feel satisfied she’ll be okay without your constant aide.

You sit back and try yourself. Your mind settles and wanders. You think you’re too tired to overthink anything right now. A few ideas float in here or there, but you settle on...

>Your aura powers
>Thinking about Grandpa
>Rayquaza
>The timeflower, looking into the past
>Something else

>>2044171
>Thinking about Grandpa
I want that funeral flashback

>>2044171
>Rayquaza

>>2044171
>>Your aura powers
>Why haven't we been experimenting with them more? Do they even work on ourself? Does potential unlocking work on humans? How many more powers will you get? Why you? Do you have a responsibility to be a healer now?

>>2044171
> Mace says you always keep your word.
> You broke your promise to Rayquaza.
> You broke your promise to your dad.

>>2044189
Rayquaza's promise was always dumb and we never broke the spirit of the promise. Also Herb's dad knew he'd break that promise. It definitely something Herb's dad did as a kid.

>>2044195
I agree about fug, but not dad.

>>2044171
>>Rayquaza
fug

>>2044171
>>Rayquaza

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Your mind has one thing in particular that it can’t avoid. Rayquaza. What does he want? Where is this going? Are you helping or being used?

You want to do the right thing, but what is it? Is this connected to your aura powers or is that just a coincidence? Why you? Why now?

There are so many questions and not enough answers. There’s got to be something concrete here that you haven’t put together yet.

Should you try to reach out?

Maybe you can think back on that vision it showed you, deconstruct that memory. Maybe there’s something there.

Or maybe you’re just over-analyzing it. You know Rayquaza seems to be able to read your intent. At least, a bit. Wouldn’t it be better if you let yourself trust entirely? It hasn’t done anything wrong so far, besides asking you to keep a secret. That’s hardly a crime.

>Decide you trust Rayquaza
>Try to reach out to it
>You’re full of doubt. Deconstruct the visions it’s shown
>You’re undecided. Let it go for now
>Try to imitate it’s aura
>Something else

>>2044284
>You’re undecided. Let it go for now

>>2044284
>You’re undecided. Let it go for now

>>2044284
>You’re full of doubt. Deconstruct the visions it’s shown
God guys why vote for the space snake if you just want to do nothing with it?

>>2044300
I didn't vote for the space snake.

>>2044284
>>Try to reach out to it

>>2044304
I didn't either but seems like a waste to the meditation not to at least be productive

>>2044284
>Decide you trust Rayquaza

>>2044284
>>Try to reach out to it

>>2044284
>Try to reach out to it

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You sit and concentrate. Focus. Breath. You’re not sure if this is the right thing to do, but you press on. There’s only one way to solve doubts.

You try to reach out to Rayquaza. You think about it’s aura, how it’s presence felt, it’s booming voice. Anything related to it. You relax at first, but strain over time as you push to get something, anything. It’s like operation a radio that might not even exist.

After who knows how long of trying to reach Rayquaza, you’re just about to give up. But then there’s a familiar yet alien feeling.

Rayquaza! But it isn’t focused on you. It’s surrounding someone else. Coiled around their aura like a massive snake. You look in deeper. Why does that other aura seem familiar?

Jane!

>Listen in
>”Hi.”
>Disconnect. Or hang up. Or whatever.
>Wait aside, then try contacting it when it’s done
>Something else

>>2044400
>>Wait aside, then try contacting it when it’s done

>>2044400
>>”Hi.

>>2044400
>”Hi.
Seems interesting

>>2044400
>”Hi.”

>>2044400
>>”Hi.”

>>2044400
>Wave and say ”Hi.”

>familiar yet alien

Sounds like Jane is the Everchosen of ChaosFug. Or we are and she's been tasked with stopping us. Either way, this is coming down to a final climactic battle in the sky between two MRays where we shout romantically at each other how we never wanted any of this.

>>2044400
>”Hi.”
Ayy we're in your dreamscape bitch

No but seriously, gods playing chess with mortals isn't cool. Just because one person doesn't want to be your prophet/chosen one/whatever at the expense of their sense of duty and righteousness doesn't mean you get to go hop on somebody who is even more vulnerable to that sort of thing. It's not okay. Jane doesn't deserve that, she's done a fine job of abusing herself for years without God indirectly coercing her.

>>2044400
>”Hi.”
There's no way for this to go wrong.

>>2044501
Don't forget there's two fugs. We could be on opposite sides of the board here.

>>2044569
Even more reason to reach out to her. That way we can tell them both to fuck off together.

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“Hi.” You wave meekly.

It turns on a dime and focuses in on you. The sheer power and speed and size are all awe-inspiring to feel. The gaze itself is like a powerful gust of wind combined with a warm ray of sunlight on a cold day. It quickly becomes a hot ray.

Jane looks around. She’s not able to see you until you’re suddenly thrust closer.

“What is this?” She asks. “It’s a test, isn’t it. Battling a phantom version of my rival to prove my worth.”

“No.” It booms, examining you. “He is real.”

Jane’s enthusiasm turns to confusion. “I don’t understand.”

“This one was not called by me.”

“I was just trying to uh, call you.” You say to it. “But I wasn’t getting anything for a long time.”

“YOU CANNOT SUMMON ME!” It booms. “YOU DO NOT HAVE WHAT IS REQUIRED.”

Oh. You guess you just caught it while it was out for a stroll in your neighborhood, so to speak.

It looks you over some more, like it’s deciding what to do. You clearly weren’t supposed to be here at the moment.

>Bow and greet it with respect
>Take Jane away. This feels weird.
>So what, I’m being replaced?
>Ask which Rayquaza it is
>Something else

>>2044611
>Bow and greet it with respect
>"Sorry, should I go?"

>>2044611
>>Bow and greet it with respect

>>2044611
>>Ask which Rayquaza it is
>Bow and greet it with respect

>>2044611
>Bow and greet it with respect

>>2044611
>Bow and greet it with respect
>Ask which Rayquaza it is

>>2044611
>Bow and greet it with respect
>Ask which Rayquaza it is

>>2044611
>Bow and greet it with respect
>Ask which Rayquaza it is
"Would you like some pancakes" might be a good question to figure this out

>>2044611
>Bow and greet it with respect

And if we're feeling brave:

>So what, I’m being replaced?
>Ask which Rayquaza it is

Either or both of these.

>>2044400
>"Hi."

Also something I've been meaning to ask - why are anons calling Rayquaza 'Fug'? Is it a joke/meme I'm not aware of?

The I'm being replaced sounds like a really bitchy thing kind of thing to say, like Herb is jealous when I always saw it more like he was trying to help the Pokemon but he still had his principles. So I'm not sure the tone of the choice but it seems off.

>>2044611
>Ask which Rayquaza it is

>Bow and greet it with respect
>Pancakes?

>>2044611
>...You guys look busy. I'll just go.

>>2044645
I figured it was a joke, or we'd be able to find out which Rayquaza this is.

>>2044643
/vp/ meme with corresponding picture

>>2044611
> Before i leave can you tell me your half of the story, I need to know what is going on.

>>2044611
>Ask which Rayquaza it is
>Bow and greet it with respect

I get the feeling that this is what will push herb over the edge and make him legitimately mad, these two supposedly great beings just messing around with human lives and using them as pawns.

>>2044692
I'm just worried because sky dragons don't have the patience of Dialga or the perspective of Palkia. They just have the domineering "weather is canceled" attitude.

>>2044697
In that case fuck em, we use pokemon to to aid in the needs of the isalnd and show them that they aren't needed and if they want human respect and praise they have to do something to earn it, respect is earned not given cause you exist.