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War indeed was a horrifying and traumatic experience. This, Serena only came to understand as she witnessed absolute chaos unfold on the battlefield before her. Serena's attacks found purchase against the Toxtricity generals but in exchange it caused more damage as toxic sludge and ooze spilled from where her arrows pierced them damaging those nearby. [break][break]

"S-Sorry!" she shouted before crimson hues caught sight of a familiar figure. She recognized him as 'Old-Man Jenkins' who frequented her tavern, especially on rainy days, which was often. She would always tease him for his stories that he would grumble when drunk. He wasn't much older than her but he talked like he had an ancient soul. [break][break]

At some point he joined in her training sessions saying he needed something to do to occupy the time and they saw each other more that way. She knew he'd be here on the field with her but what she didn't expect was to watch someone she personally knew and spent time with die like that. In such a tragic way. [break][break]

Serena felt her heart lurch before emotions surged within her. She didn't have time to mourn him but she felt sorry for him nonetheless. He had spoken about not having any family members or people who would miss him when he's gone. But that just wasn't true, she'd miss his stories and his dad jokes. So would everyone else that he befriended him. [break][break]

Serena inhaled sharply as she reached for Horus' pokeball. Her Gardevoir had fainted but she'd done her job for now. Her Pidgeot exited his pokeball with a flash of light and a piercing cry. After being together for twenty-plus years they didn't need many words between them, he already knew Serena wanted. With a twist of her mega ring she placed her lips on it as she let her fiery rage boil. Horus began to get enveloped with energy before swiftly Mega Evolving.[break][break]

"If this keeps up that beast will kill us all!" Serena shouted as she pointed at Eternatus. She was furious. It was it's fault in the first place innocent people had to die. "I say we focus our energies on the bigger threat!" she said and with that mounted her Pidgeot and they took to the skies. While Horus channeled rolling gusts in the form of a HURRICANE Serena took aim at Eternatus and fired arrows from her bow.[break][break]

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The Winter Solstice was finally upon them, which meant it was time for to say goodbye to the home that she'd made for the past twenty years. But she'd always known this day would come, it was all a matter of when. She'd done all the preparation she could, constantly training and keeping an eye on the wall with Gunner Graves and other's that were part of the City Watch, and making emergency plans and holding evacuation drills for the civilians in Circhester. [break][break]

The 'Thunder Bird', her tavern, was designated as a safe zone for the people to take shelter in as it had fortified cellars beneath the establishment. Should anything crazy happen they were to bunker down and take cover there. There were other safe zones sprinkled around the city but Serena wanted to make sure that while she was off fighting on the front lines, things were properly taken care of here.[break][break]

Heidi watched as Serena rechecked her bags refitted the leather straps on her clothes and adjusted the pieces of armor she had on as well. "Are you sure you have everything?" she asked softly. Serena could tell by the tone of her voice that she was feeling a little sad. "Yup, you made sure of that last night, remember?" she said with a small smile in her direction. "I'll be fine, Heidi." she said as she walked over and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. [break][break]

"You're strong. I need you to hold down the fort here for me. Protect the tavern and the people here while I'm away. I'm counting on you." she said as she gave her a squeeze on her shoulders. "This is just as important as the battle on the front lines, you know this." she said with one last pat on her shoulder. [break][break]

As Serena gathered the last of her things she grabbed Joker's pokeball. "Sorry old guy, you're gonna need to stay put today. I don't want you getting hurt." The years hadn't been kind to her shadow mime jr, and while he was old, grumpy, and angry he still actively wanted to do his best to help his trainer. But he knew that he would be more of an hinderance to her today so he reluctantly recalled into his pokeball and Serena slipped it into the pouch on her hip. [break][break]

"Come back safe and in one piece." Heidi finally mustered up the courage to say. Serena paused at the door and turned to give her a short but strong embrace. "Will do. You stay on your toes today." With that Serena was off to join the other's on the front line.[break][break]

[break]

Despite all the preparations she'd done before, Serena had never been part of war before. Not on this scale at least. Back in Kanto during the takeover she was just a little grunt handling missions behind the scenes. This would be something else entirely. She felt some anxiety settle in the pit of her stomach as she looked out over the sludge covered fields and the crimson covered skies. [break][break]

She waited for orders from her King (Razz Kingsman) and Queen (Summer Atreides) while she watched the legion of poisonous sludge pokémon's stand off in front of them. There was no need to be scared when she was surrounded by the people that have been supporting her for the past twenty years. "Please help with clearing the fodder to allow others to aim at the Dynamax pokémon freely," Razz called out to them. "Circhester. Attack with all your might! Show them what we are capable of!" Summer's charge was an encouraging battle cry. [break][break]

With a sharp inhale Serena called out her shiny Gardevoir, Serenity. "Cut a path through the fodder for the rest of them." She ordered. Serenity then began to channel a pulsating pink pool of energy around her. PSYCHIC energy aimed to carve a path through the troops. Serena noticed Summer Atreides leading the charge and attacking the Toxtricity generals. [break][break]

"I've got your back!" Serena shouted as she ran towards Summer kicking one of the sludge pokémon hard away from Summer as they attempted to attack her from behind. Serena took a deep breath as she readied a 'TRIPLE ARROW' of her own from her own weapon. She aimed at the generals as well. Hopefully their combined efforts would serve to help others reach the GMAX RILLABOOM. [break][break]

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Ten more years pass in the blink of an eye. As time continues to be relentless, Serena almost finds herself forgetting about life before all of this completely. Almost. In the back of her mind she wonders about her parents whenever she still meets up with her brother, Adrian Malcolm. It's in those moments that she misses the life she had. [break][break]

She finds it comical almost that the life that she had dreaded and saw no purpose in she would grow to look back and miss. Especially considering troubling times and foreboding futures ahead them here in Circhester. But even if she did miss her old life, she had grown immensely in these past two decades with the people here in Circhester, her new home. [break][break]

The dull hatred for herself had subsided and she'd learned to grow and love again. Even though things looked a little different with her, her trysts with Summer Atreides and Aidan Hereford taught her how to forgive herself. She didn't have to be resigned to the tragic life she had been living, or rather, now that she was trapped here she didn't want to be. Serena actively gave life another shot and she was better for it. [break][break]

The friends that she made here meant the world to her now and she'd do anything and everything in her power to protect them. With that being said, she continued with her work with the City Watch. Always training and staying in shape due to the constant battles that they were having these past two decades. And to prepare for their final bout in the future, according to Calyrex. [break][break]

When she wasn't busy with her post on the City Watch she was taking care of 'The Thunder Bird' her tavern that she'd opened up ten years prior. This place had become the staple romping grounds for the people of Circhester. Every weekend was busy and Serena had no choice but to look for help with staffing the place. [break][break]

In order to continue to keep this place in tip top shape for those in the city she hired and trained her staff herself. At first it was hard for her to ask for help but as time marched forward she quickly swallowed her pride. And the Thunder Bird was better off for it. One particular trusty staff member was Heidi, Serena's fiery red-headed apprentice. [break][break]

She could put a smile on anyone's face but turned into the scariest person in the tavern when potential 'bar fights' threatened the security of the Thunder Bird. She quickly became someone that Serena relied on completely. When Serena needed to be away helping the City Watch protect the city she could trust that Heidi was protecting everyone back home.[break][break]

[break]

"Try this new pot roast recipe I came up with. I'm thinking of adding it to the menu." Heidi exclaimed as she plopped several plates of food down in front of Serena. "And what's this?" Serena asked as she poked at the casserole-style dish. "3-Cheese Potato Gratin! Also a new addition, sure to be a fast favorite."[break][break]

Her confidence was infectious and Serena found herself smiling as she began to dig in. "If you say so." she said with a grin. "Say that again once you taste it." Heidi quipped back. Sure enough the feast sprawled out before her was good enough to be added to the tavern menu. But Serena didn't doubt her abilities at this point. While she was eating she figured now would be the best time to tell Heidi than any.[break][break]

"How do you feel about taking over the bird?" Serena asked as she popped another bit of potato in her mouth. Heidi snorted as she placed some ale in front of her. "Yeah right." she scoffed but Serena shook her head. "I'm serious, I need someone to look after this place. I'll be too busy to take care of her myself soon." she said as she stared at her young apprentice.[break][break]

Heidi, finally realizing she was being serious hesitated. "But...I'm not ready yet. There's still so much I have to learn from you." Serena shook her head. "You run this place practically on your own now. I barely have to do anything because you take care of everything. What more do you need to learn?" Heidi was quiet for a second before continuing. [break][break]

"But I want to stay with you..." So that's what it was. Serena smiled at her and patted her hand. "You and I both know I have to help when the battle starts. I need someone I trust that can keep the people here safe. There's no one I'd give this task to but you." she said with a grin. "I'm proud of you." Heidi sniffed at her words as she nodded, understanding. "That's my girl."[break][break]

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Serena's chest rose and fell rapidly as she attempted to catch her breath. Joker, who had been doing his best to endure this entire time for the sake of saving Serena's friend finally fainted due to the poison. Recalling her Shadow Mime Jr. , Serena offers a soft smile before placing his pokeball back on her belt. "You did well big guy." she whispered.[break][break]

Once Serena caught her breath and saw everything around them was being resolved quite nicely, she decided to check up on Rowan Wrynn and mikael rosenberg. The latter had attempted assisting her with Rowan's rescue only to need to be rescued himself. The process ended up putting more strain on Joker but that was all in the past now. [break][break]

This entire dream they were in was fucking with her nerve and clearly the psyche of those around her. The sooner they could find their way out of this hellscape the better. But for now, they had a job to do. Cheers could be heard as the locals surrounded the heroes of the day. A familiar face, Razz Kingsman, and some fresh ones, Summer Atreides, we're crowned King and Queen respectively, setting the tone for the rest of their time in this dream world.[break][break]

[break]

Time passed by in the blink of an eye.[break][break]

What Serena had expected to be a short expenditure turned out to be a year long endeavor. Suddenly the idea of getting out of here was feeling less and less like a reality to her. It filled her with a sense of dread and anxiety that she couldn't exactly explain. During this time she spent most of her time with those she trusted like her brother Adrian Malcolm and Rowan Wrynn. By extension she also got to know Aidan Hereford as well.[break][break]

She took up residency in the Hotel all the other's seemed to choose and attempted to keep herself busy to past the time. As the months bled into one another she wrestled with the issue of her identity. If they were going to be stuck here she wouldn't be able to keep up this farce for long. Eventually she decided to reveal her true identity to those at Circhester. [break][break]

They would've heard the public reports that 'Serena Malcolm' the influencer had passed a few months before this expedition. Those with ties to Rocket would've been alerted that the Former Rocket Beast lost her life in an altercation with the Elite Four member, Katherine Fairburne. Either way, now they would all know the truth; that Serena was in fact not dead, and instead used that as a way to escape from Rocket's clutches.[break][break]

The decision to reveal her closely guarded secret wasn't made lightly, but if she was going to be trapped here. Rocket and League didn't matter to her any longer. With that in mind, she prepared herself to face backlash, and at first she did, but for the most part the distrusting glares were quickly shifted when Serena showed herself to be committed to her work.[break][break]

Serena didn't sit idly by twiddling her thumbs either. She even put her pokémon to work. Often sending her Blissey, Momo to assist GIDEON GRAVES with the medical endeavors he was in charge of overseeing. Wishing to stay in peak form she decided to align herself with familiar individuals like skyler dross, who she had worked with in the past hunting ghosts. Now it seemed she was undergoing physical training with GIDEON GRAVES to maintain proper performance should anything unexpected arise. Serena always felt her skillsets were more skewed towards the physical things, so training with them served to keep her busy and prepare her for the inevitable.[break][break]

[break]



At some point this stopped being a dream and became Serena's new reality. As the years multiplied and time relentlessly ticked forward, Serena's appearance reflected the time spent here. The thought of leaving this place was no longer a source of anxiety for her. Instead she resigned herself to making this new reality for herself a livable one. [break][break]

She found herself befriending those around her, letting go of the aggressive an untrusting nature that she had developed due to the hardships she endured in Hoenn. Wanting to do her part for her newfound friends and the people around them, Serena assigned herself to assist with the City Watch which was run by Gunner Graves, mikael rosenberg, skyler dross, and angelo vestri. Whenever the city was attacked she was right there with them on the front lines assisting. [break][break]

In her downtime she had quickly decided that the people needed a source of entertainment and a place to relax. As someone who found entertainment second nature due to her previous vocation, it was no surprise that Serena had come up with a plan to erect a tavern in the city center. Dubbed 'The Thunder Bird', the tavern was the location for many social gatherings and events for the locals to throw their cares away and enjoy one another. [break][break]

As tension among her peers became nonexistent over the years Serena found herself making the most of her time here. Never one to shy away from the throes of passion, Serena found herself in countless flings between her peers. While some things might have changed with time, Serena's hesitance towards committing to a relationship hadn't. Thus did she find herself in a revolving door of entanglements between Gunner Graves, Summer Atreides, and even Aidan Hereford.[break][break]

Nonetheless the time of bliss spent with her peers was some of the best of her life, if she was being honest. The fact that she could count on all of them to have her back, despite her muddied past, was a great relief indeed. The annual Christmas feast hosted by skyler dross and angelo vestri was one of the moments she looked too all year long.[break][break]

Maintaining her training, and post on the City Watch was a given as attacks had been getting more and more agressive as they all prepared for the prophecy Calyrex had given them. Like many others, Serena had sought the assistance of Naomi Sato and the other blacksmiths in forging a weapon out of material from their encounters. Serena already had swords she was comfortable wielding but the BOW AND ARROW Naomi Sato and the blacksmiths had fashioned her with quickly became one of her favorite tools.[break][break]

It took some practice before she was able to have her aim become second nature to her, but sure enough even that didn't present itself as a problem for her. She could only hope that all of her preparations for the coming battle would pay off. She'd worked her ass off for the past ten years after all.[break][break]

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Serena's chest rose and fell rapidly as she attempted to catch her breath. Joker, who had been doing his beast to endure this entire time for the sake of saving Serena's friend finally fainted due to the poison. Recalling her Shadow Mime Jr. , Serena offers a soft smile before placing his pokeball back on her belt. "You did well big guy." she whispered.

Once Serena caught her breath and saw everything around them was being resolved quite nicely, she decided to check up on and . The latter had attempted assisting her with Rowan's rescue only to need to be rescued himself. The process ended up putting more strain on Joker but that was all in the past now.

This entire dream they were in was fucking with her nerve and clearly the psyche of those around her. The sooner they could find their way out of this hellscape the better. But for now, they had a job to do. Cheers could be heard as the locals surrounded the heroes of the day. A familiar face, , and some fresh ones, , we're crowned King and Queen respectively

[break]

They lost the baby.[break][break]

After their abrupt breakup on the day the Galarian Zapdos had attacked, Gunner had avoided Summer, stubbornly refusing to speak with her if he had to be in her presence. He'd made an exception when he heard news she was at the hospital. That she had miscarried.[break][break]

Their conversation had not gone well. Gunner's first reaction had not been horror or concern for her safety, but relief that he didn't have to be a father. The guilt was enough for him to drive them further apart from each other.[break][break]

Months passed. Gigantic Pokémon continued to appear and assault the city. Gunner ended up organizing and running the city watch with . Working together with , who scouted the area outside Circhester, and , who helped repair and reinforce the ice walls with Kyogre, they kept themselves busy.[break][break]

[break]



Gunner eventually got to know everyone who'd also come to this false Galar through Zacian's Sword, including other members of Team Rocket. He'd even had a fleeting dalliance with , but it ended when he realized nothing could repair the hole in his heart.[break][break]

He spent the next decade commanding the city guard, catching moments of normalcy with his friends or brother , and wondering what mischief was up to. The peasant woman who spent nights with him looked a little bit like her, but she didn't know him like Mila did. It made him miss her even more.[break][break]

On one overcast day, Gunner stood on the city wall overlooking the destruction Necrozma had left in its wake. His men were still tallying the body count, but it was already tremendous. Frustration built up inside him, but ten years had taught him how to keep his head cool despite whatever anger brewed beneath the surface.[break][break]

He turned to . Over the last ten years, they had adapted well to being the city's leaders. And as captain of the city watch, Gunner reported to them. Thankfully, the rift between him and Summer had mended, at least to the point where they could converse amicably.[break][break]

"It will take some time to rebuild. We lost a lot of good men and women in the attack," he told them, bitterness in his tone. "I'll be reworking shifts and wall coverage today while patches up the holes in our defenses."[break][break]

After delivering the rest of his report, he excused himself. A short walk to the city's market square brought him to the forges where blacksmiths worked tirelessly to create new weapons and armor to replace what had been lost or damaged. There, stood among them.[break][break]

The woman had once been his worst enemy as a Head Scientist for Team Rocket, but circumstances had forced both sides to put aside their animosities. Her recent work designing special weapons and defensive equipment had proven valuable.[break][break]

Gunner smiled at her as he approached, but before he could say anything, one of the blacksmiths interrupted, carrying a shield. Large enough to protect his entire torso, it was styled like the shield of a knight from legend.[break][break]

"It's done, sir, as you requested," the older man said, handing it to Gunner.[break][break]

He took the shield and strapped it to his arm. It was strangely light but seemed sturdy. "Thank you," Gunner said. He smashed his fist against the front of it, and a WIDE GUARD activated, shimmering briefly around everyone present.[break][break]

Gunner smiled. "It's perfect."[break][break]

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Rowan Wrynn[break][break]

NOTES

💀 Serena Aisha's open for interaction! | x1 salac[break]
💀 TL;DR - [CIRCHESTER] Serena makes note that her shadow mime jr. is now poisoned but doesn't have a chance to do anything about it before realizing her best friend (Rowan) is fighting his demons in the corner. She attempts to help him along with her shadow mime jr before he falls into the baths. Serena and a stranger (mikael rosenberg) attempt to rescue Rowan from drowning while her shadow mime jr continues to pump out psychic energy to subdue the poisons effects.[break]
💀 outfit | disguise 'ranger aisha lennox'

MADE BY GUNSMILE

Rowan Wrynn, Aidan Hereford[break][break]

NOTES

💀 Serena Aisha's open for interaction! | x1 Salac[break]
💀 TL;DR - [CIRCHESTER: ATTACK POISON HANDS] Serena swaps out her Blissey for her Shadow Mime Jr. Assists with the poison hands and wonders if using psychic energy could assist with the poison Rowan was exposed to. [break]
💀 outfit | disguise 'ranger aisha lennox'

MADE BY GUNSMILE

Rowan Wrynn, Aidan Hereford[break][break]

NOTES

💀 Serena Aisha's open for interaction![break]
💀 TL;DR - [GOING TO CIRCHESTER] Resists the urge to tell this stranger (Aidan Hereford) to back away from her friend, before realizing he clearly must know Rowan. Notices the poison that's seeped into Rowan's shoe. Attempts to warn Rowan of it but is interrupted by Calyrex appearing. Doesn't have any questions for now but agrees that she'll be tagging along to keep an eye on Rowan Wrynn and Aidan Hereford.[break]
💀 outfit | disguise 'ranger aisha lennox'

MADE BY GUNSMILE

Rowan Wrynn[break][break]

NOTES

💀 I made it, happy? xD[break]
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MADE BY GUNSMILE

Adrian Malcolm[break][break]

NOTES

💀 sorry for the wait[break]
💀 outfit

MADE BY GUNSMILE

Rowan Wrynn & @rustedsword[break][break]

NOTES

💀 Serena Aisha's open for interaction! Used Salac x3[break]
💀 TL;DR - Serena get's injured by Ting-Lu's attack, Her Blissey heals her and her Shadow Mime Jr. (Used LIFE DEW), Recognizes Wyndon Stadium, Notices she's close to Rowan Wrynn who seems to be struggling, Drops everything and goes to assist him, Looks for other's that could help too like Elise Calcifet & Remiel Calcifet who are also nearby[break]
💀 outfit | disguise 'ranger aisha lennox'

MADE BY GUNSMILE