[attr="class","barnaby-words"]





"We're not going to die!" Barnaby assured in a curt tone, even as Howard moaned loudly to himself nearby.[break][break]

Of course, that was a lie. Or, at least, not a guarantee. There was no predicting how the tides of battle would turn. Especially when Paradox Pokémon were involved.[break][break]

"Just keep your wits about you. This mist will play tricks on the mind."[break][break]

Luckily, the creatures born from it were very much flesh and blood. Barnaby's HOUNDOOM — who he immediately Mega Evolved upon calling to the field — was easily able to sink its teeth into the SCREAM TAIL while it was preoccupied with howard slayte's AERODACTYL.[break][break]

The two quickly dispatched the Paradox Pokémon, leaving it dead in the dirt.[break][break]

"Let's keep up the pace. We've got a long way to go."

[attr="class","barnaby-notes"]
[break]

TOTAL: 190 MP[break]
+ 100 MP for supply mission[break]
+ 50 MP for participation in an RT battle/mission[break]
+ 10 MP for interdream mist/paradox pokemon[break]
+ 10 MP use mega evolution in your thread[break]
+ 10 MP assisting another character/pokemon[break]
+ 10 MP per IC post in an RT battle/mission

[attr="class","body"]






"Nothing." Nothing of note, anyway.[break][break]

It was difficult to discern mountain from mist as they continued on. Already, Barnaby could hear groans and wails coming from deeper within the thickening smog, hinting at troubles waiting for them if they dared venture in further.[break][break]

But there was no choice. They had their directive — penetrate the mountain at all costs.[break][break]

"Wait," Admin Bee held up his hand in warning, his body stilling as he tilted his head in concentration.[break][break]

There was a strange sound emanating from the mist. Familiar, but not. Whatever it was, its guttural roar was so intense Barnaby felt as if it was vibrating every bone in his body.[break][break]

Then, a dark, crystalline claw emerged in front of them — a single limb of what was an assuredly enormous monster.









[break][break]

[attr="class","credit1"]

[attr="class","credit2"]

[attr="class","barnaby-words"]




As they traveled through the Safari Zone, the pair decided on a different route today — this time heading for the large lake at its center.[break][break]

Here many Pokémon gathered, making it a perfect spot to hone commands. Already, Barnaby was teaching the TYPE: NULL basic attack directives; instead of verbal direction, however, the admin used various strings of clicks and whistles.[break][break]

When a MUDKIP popped up along the bank, the admin whistled sharply, signaling Lazare to strike.

[attr="class","barnaby-notes"]

[attr="class","barnaby-words"]




There was just something about its eyes. A predatory glint not unlike the way his SHADOW STEELIX regarded him.[break][break]

The TYPE: NULL didn't display the same intrinsic affection shown by most Pokémon to their masters.[break][break]

In time, however, Lazare would learn to submit. Just as they all did.

[attr="class","barnaby-notes"]

[attr="class","barnaby-words"]




Promises were hollow in the criminal world they lived in. Trust was something most knew better than to give.[break][break]

Yet Elisabeth Fiorelli asked both of BARNABY FINCH. [break][break]

He answered her desperation with a kiss; vowed with his lips and not his words. Where she grabbed him, he leaned closer, deepening their embrace to a point where water sloshed around them and wet his thin nightshirt.[break][break]

Her surrender was answer enough. Every stray touch down her body voiced what he did not speak,[break][break]

I can do that for you.[break][break]

Rely on me.[break][break]

Need me.

[attr="class","barnaby-notes"]

[attr="class","bg"]

[attr="class","bg"]

[attr="class","barnaby-words"]




The TYPE: NULL dipped its enormous, caged head toward its master. Recognition for the new name, but with no semblance of affection. [break][break]

Could the creature truly feel emotions anyway? Outside of rage and bloodlust, of course. [break][break]

How much of it was machine versus sentient flesh? BARNABY FINCH was still teasing out this distinction, though it proved difficult.[break][break]

Sometimes, he wondered if the thing was more cunning than it appeared.

[attr="class","barnaby-notes"]

[attr="class","barnaby-words"]



Of course he knew.[break][break]

She'd told him herself, in a letter now tucked away in a safe within his library.[break][break]

There was almost nothing that Elisabeth Fiorelli kept from him now. Her secrets spilled over, one after the other, and Barnaby did little but listen as she divulged some of the most vulnerable parts of herself and her story. He'd incline his head for her to continue, raise a brow in surprise, squeeze the hand he still held softly — but did not speak until she was done.[break][break]

And when he did, it was not to judge or to even comment on the absurdity of it all. Instead, he'd beckon her with a quiet question,[break][break]

"What can I do to help?"[break][break]

In those eyes that regarded him with such sheepish love, all BARNABY FINCH could see was the lamb reflected in their dark depths: meek, complacent, trusting. Again and again she found herself here, offering herself up for slaughter to those who would take advantage. [break][break]

Sacrificial in such a masochistic way.[break][break]

Would she ever learn?[break][break]

BARNABY FINCH hoped not, at least not when it came to him.[break][break]

In the meantime, he went to work, leaning in closer to where she lounged in the bathtub. Barnaby was aware that there was more than one way to shackle someone to him. Caleb Harcourt knew well the sorts of things he was capable of, but Elisabeth Fiorelli required a different touch. [break][break]

"Tell me what you want me to do." He breathed out, trailing kisses down her neck: a collar formed by feigned emotions.

[attr="class","barnaby-notes"]

[attr="class","barnaby-words"]




"Lazare."[break][break]

A new name for an old face. The TYPE: NULL padded beside BARNABY FINCH, considerably more comfortable around the ROCKET admin now after their training sessions this last month. [break][break]

The bionic creature was a quick learner. Not easily melded, mind, but sharp as a tack and coldly ruthless.[break][break]

Barnaby was determined to mold it into his most ruthless killer.

[attr="class","barnaby-notes"]

[attr="class","barnaby-words"]





The PIKACHU stood little chance of getting away. TYPE: NULL was a born exterminator, a pristine killing machine made of metal and flesh and bone. Its entire purpose for being was to combat.[break][break]

And it did it well. It only needed to be honed.[break][break]

The electric rat was flung Barnaby's way after being knocked out cold. Not only that, but it'd seen an EEVEE cowering the bushes nearby and sent it screeching toward the admin, too. Efficient. Merciless.[break][break]

"You're making progress," He remarked, after capturing the two unconscious Pokémon.[break][break]

"Perhaps you've earned a name now."

[attr="class","barnaby-notes"]

[attr="class","barnaby-words"]




Those that are too weak-willed fall to their knees at the VESPIQUEN's behest, but not BARNABY FINCH, in part because of the filtration system built into his mask. He stands firm even as his allies succumb to the pheromones. [break][break]

Turning to face the man who approached — the Queen's commander — the ROCKET admin recognized none other than Elite Four member Greyson Connors. This recognition did not faze him, however.[break][break]

"Make me." [break][break]

Though digitally distorted by the mask her wore, there was no disguising the taunt in his voice.[break][break]

A volleyed Beast Ball soon revealed Barnaby's BLACEPHALON, who hung limply in the air, floating in jarring, haphazard directions. A sharp whistle suddenly caused it to jerk wildly to the side, within range of the VESPIQUEN, before it released a HYPNOSIS toward the bug queen.

[attr="class","barnaby-notes"]
[break]

TOTAL: 185 MP[break]
+ 100 MP for shore mission[break]
+ 50 MP for participation in an RT battle/mission[break]
+ 25 MP for using an ultra beast in your thread[break]
+ 10 MP per IC post in an RT battle/mission