The Scizor's eyes narrowed in annoyance as his Bullet Punch only managed to graze the Manectric as it hopped back. He had to admit, it was a fast foe. Still, he was determined to end this in a win.

As the Thunder Wave came, the Scizor's reflexes kicked in, leaping to the left to dodge the oncoming blast. The metallic insect barely avoided the Thunder Wave. In retaliation, the Scizor swung his pincers violently, in an attempt to catch the Manectric with a Brutal Swing. Though the swing was 'weak', the technique employed by the insect enhanced its power.

---

tags: Josh Devlin
notes: Scizor dodged Thunder Wave
Scizor used Brutal Swing (Technician boosted)

Thomas punched in her phone number as she read it off to him. Once her information was saved, he'd send her a simple text reading "test."

The notification of her phone confirmed that he punched it in correctly. Just like her, he just labeled her by her first name.

"So far, I haven't really suffered any negative symptoms, and neither has the Tauros. I'll need to check in with the Rangers later, but it doesn't seem to be spread through being stung.", he'd remark.

"You're right.", Thomas admitted, thinking back on all the corrupt officials he dealt with in his prior career.

"Duty calls?", Thomas asked her. "I'll leave you to it, then. It was good to finally see you again.", he'd tell his cousin warmly.

"And for the love of Xerneas, don't be a stranger! Come by and visit us!", he'd playfully chastise her.

---

tags: Lydia Magnusson
notes: tl;dr

"Thank you. Though I was looking for little details, like if the attacker in question left behind any claw or bite marks. And if said markings line up with known specimens.", the Kalosian addressed Tsubaki.

"She's right, things are looking grim for our missing travelers.", he'd agree with the teenager.

With the group assembled, Thomas and Mordred would carefully navigate the area. Using the light of the Zorua's Will-O-Wisps, Thomas would slowly make his way over. That was, until Kazimir called out to him. Thomas made his way over to the vigilante, taking note of the sludge. Rather than stick his boot in it, Thomas instead grabbed a nearby branch, poking the sludge, only to find that the stick got stuck in it. Like the poison was adhesive.

"Shit.", Thomas blurted out. "Whatever you all do, stay out of the sludge!", he'd warn the group.

When he saw Desiree and Tsubaki examining the severed ear, he'd rush over. Despite the grisly sight before him, Thomas stayed composed. The fact that the bud was still playing music, that the MP3 player still had a charge, meant that the attack couldn't have been that long ago.

"Desiree, we found sticky sludge in the area. The hallmark of the Poipole family of Ultra Beasts. If that's the case, then Megalopolans might be involved. Whatever did this could be acting under the influence of Nihilego's Neurotoxins.", he'd tell the pink-haired woman.

Mordred, looming over the group, would Bulk Up in anticipation for a fight.

F9YkyxsU

---

tags: DESIREE BLOOMS Hyakkaryōran Tsubaki Kazimir Wynter
notes: Thomas responds to Tsubaki
Thomas agrees that the missing people might be fucked
Thomas and Ceruledge carefully navigate the area
Thomas tests the sludge with a nearby branch
Thomas warns everyone to stay out of the sludge
Thomas rushes to join Desiree and Tsubaki under the bridge
Thomas elaborates on the Ultra Beast toxins to Desiree
Ceruledge used Bulk Up

"Two weeks? Any idea what they were planning to do before Rocket forced our hand?", Thomas inquired.

"Right. Truth be told, I'm worried about those who did join us being captured. Would rather not have a repeat of what happened with Elinor.", he'd confide.

His part in the rescue of Elinor Anderson helped contribute to the sweetheart deal he had gotten. That, and the fact that even at his worst, he explicity avoided targeting innocent people.

"Back when the Mossdeep shitshow went down, Rocket attempted to take Fallarbor and Verdanturf while most of us were dealing with that shit. I was there, in Verdanturf, holding the line against the Rockets accompanying Silas.", he'd begin.

To this day, he lamented the fact that he wasn't among those who got to kill SILAS BLACKWELL. After all the pain and suffering that man caused, he wanted a piece of him.

"You think they're planning something similar to that? Attempting to gain more ground in the Region, while we're fighting over all this?", he'd ask, getting to the point.

---

tags: Michael Navidson
notes: +10 (Post)

To the surprise of the disgraced nobleman, she didn't avoid him, or pretend not to know who he was. Despite dying his hair black, and the scar on the left side of his face.

"It's more for my friends here.", Thomas half-joked. The Audino duo, and the Zorua and Zoroark pair seemed to be living it up more than their trainer. Still, it was clear that Thomas was having some measure of fun.

"To be honest, I've been better. But then, I've been worse.", he'd answer her.

The Zorua would hop out of his "mom's" mane, and walk over to the woman and her Flabebe to greet them. Had it not been for the giant teddy bear in his grasp, the fluffy Audino would've greeted them.

"How have you been?", the man inquired.

---

tags: Galayne Valois
notes: tl;dr

Thomas watched as she rolled up her sleeve, to demonstrate the prosthetic arm she had. His family's business, Benoit Armaments, was responsible for the creation and production of many prosthetic limbs. He had no doubt if he ever lost a limb, he'd be getting one.

As she spoke to the tactician, Thomas took advantage of the moment. His Beheeyem would reposition himself, while the Nidorino and Primeape duo held the Scolipede's attention.

Thomas was not fazed by the woman's words, his expression stern, his stance unfaltering. As she lunged for his throat, Thomas waited until the opportune moment to sidestep the attack, attempting to pivot around and strike towards the back of her head with his baton.

The Primeape winced in irritation as droplets splashed into his eyes. The Megahorn caused him to cry out in more anger and pain, positioning himself to prevent the jab from hitting a vital organ. The Rage Fist that came out would only be empowered by the pain and anger he felt.

The Nidiorino would join in by giving the Primeape a Helping Hand. From the distance, the Beheeyem would attempt to blast the Scolipede with a Psychic Terrain-enhanced Psychic blast.

---

tags: Xenon Antheil
notes: +10 (Post)

As Yuina instructed him, Thomas would drive northwest, taking the path for a couple of miles, before she would inevitably tell him which landmarks to look out for.

The quiet drive would be interrupted by the arrival of Rockets. There were a few in a truck behind them. Though most pressingly, they would be joined by other Rockets mounted to Pokemon, both on land, and in the skies above.

Cobalt would begin to fire off weaker Aura Spheres towards their pursers, attempting to knock the riders off their mounts. An Electrode that stowed away on the truck would join the Lucario, putting up a Light Screen at the rear of the jeep, in an effort to protect it from attacks.

"Here comes the fun part.", Thomas remarked, preparing to duck, and driving in a more defensive manner.

---

tags: Yuina Higashi
notes: +10 (Post)

Truth be told, Thomas didn't expect to be let off so easily. Perhaps it was his pessimism at play, but he was still grateful for the mercy that dahlia goode granted him. It was a second chance that he didn't plan to squander.

"I understand where you're coming from. I'd have gone with a more - covert approach myself. Keep the discovery under wraps, as best as possible, and keep quiet about the expedition team. But seeing as Rocket seemingly found this potential resource at the same time, and they're willing to fight, it has to be something. Let's just hope whatever it is, it's worth all the trouble and bloodshed.", he'd respond to the sheriff.

---

tags: Michael Navidson
notes: +10 (Post)

Thankfully for Eris, the skirmish that broke out between the two factions distracted both sides from her presence in the cave.

The Rockets were largely more willing to kill those on the opposing faction. The viciousness and brutality of the Rockets allowed them to get the upper hand on the League forces. Had it not been for the presence of Thomas, it would've been an easy win for them. Rallying together the survivors to cover him, Thomas made his move, attempting to turn the tides of the battle.

Thanks to the cover provided by the survivors, and their Pokemon, Thomas was able to maneuver himself, and his Pokemon into an advantageous position. Just in time to turn the tides on the battle, as his own Pokemon got the jump on the Rocket-controlled Pokemon, and Thomas sprung on the Rockets.

---

tags: Eris Halla
notes: +10 (Post)

When Thomas realized that the man close to him couldn't be saved, all he could do was shut the man's eyelids, and take his dog tags. It wouldn't be the last death, either, as the Totodile's Hydro Pump eventually petered out. The angered Great Tusk stared down the small Water-type, coming at the young creature in a Headlong Rush. The Water Pulse it'd take would not sway it from its course, as it collided with the crocodile, killing it on impact.

"Fuck!"

Thankfully, he wouldn't be alone for long, as Johanna landed nearby. "Thank Xerneas you're here. This one spawned from the Mist, and wiped out the entire squad.", he'd tell her.

While the Great Tusk would no doubt be occupied by the Flutter Mane, Thomas reached for another Pokeball.

---

tags: Johanna Joy
notes: +200 (Death)
+10 (Post)

Upon making it through the hatch, Elliot would find the tunnel to be cool, and well-lit. The walls of the tunnel were lined with lights, to allow them to see.

Thomas would take a coat off of the rack near the entrance. "Feel free to take one as well. It's only gonna get colder, where we're going.", he'd inform the student, as he slipped on his coat.

If Elliot were to look up, he'd notice signs with a snowflake symbol above the path they were going down. Eventually, they would reach a mock-up ice cavern, with several Ice-type Pokemon happily inhabiting the area. A Sneasel and Weavile pair skated along a slick section of the floor.

The Snom on top of the Blissey's head would feel herself being invigorated by the environment around them, bouncing excitedly as she felt the cold.

"This is what separates Duvet Ranch from the competition. Underground biomes for Pokemon of differing needs. Many either don't do well in Hoenn's climate, or could negatively impact the natural climate of the Ranch above. So we carved out underground tunnels, created different chambers to imitate different terrains, to home them in the best possible way.", he'd explain to Elliot.

---

tags: @elliot
notes: tl;dr