Johanna was surprised by the nuzzling she was offered. But she thanked the canines all the same with pats if they allowed her.

And with that the march began. Angelical quickly grew tired of marching and so sought refuge back in her Pokéball, letting her trainer do all the walking. And walking they did. The Soulmarchers led them to an old battlefield filled with bodies, equipment and even weaponry.

One such thing seemed to catch Ettie’s attention.

When Ettie spoke up Johanna caught on rather quickly. Things hadn’t been what it seemed. The tassels wrapped around the young girl's arms, the seeming change in personality. That was the work of a Doublade or something of that evolutionary-line.

Johanna had a bit of experience with that.

A sigh escaped her. Ettie was a hostage that she was sure the ghastly Pokémon that had taken Possession of her cared woefully little for. Battling the girl with a Pokémon could very easily mean harming her unless the Pokémon was adept at pin-point precision.

Johanna had one such Pokémon. But she knew it would ask much of her. It had yet to submit completely after all.

Johanna released a Doublade from one of her Pokéballs. It looked at her, then to the obvious opponent. The glint of happiness in its eyes appeared as it pointed its blade at Johanna. The meaning is obvious.

She gave the Doublade a nod and it happily began to wrap its tassels around Johanna’s arms, the plague which held the two sheathes floating behind her back. For a brief moment pain shot through her as the power of the Pokémon adjusted to the body it possessed

An almost exact replica of the same thrill seeking smile that adorned Ettie, was to be found on Johanna. “HELLOOOOOOOOO” The Doublade exclaimed, Johanna’s voice strained with excitement. But it was not her excitement, no it was the Doublades. "WHO DARETH CHALLENGE DORIAN THE GREATEST SWORD ARTIST EVER SEEN IN HOENN!"

It charged forward seeing how Josh was already trying to steal HIS opponent much less not leaving time for proper introductions from both sides. The gall of that lad. He’d need to have a stern talking to later.

“THIS…ONE…IS…MINE!” Johanna’s legs applied a strength to each step through the charge that they hadn’t before and perhaps should not continue to do. Johanna feared for her body, as her spirit tried to reign in the power that the Doublade wished to apply through her, though it was hard. Perhaps they ought to have trained this more.

But closing in on ‘Ettie’ a dark malicious energy began to cover the blades. She quickly held both blades together as she began her initial attack. It would be a simple right sided downward going PURSUIT empowered swing aiming to relieve ‘Ettie’ of one of her shoulders.

Horrified, Johanna's spirit gazed from within. Too busy keeping her body from being torn apart by the sheer force the Doublade tried to summon in her.

LOCATION: The Border

@tag

It seemed her words were enough to satisfy Callan. She had no reason not to take his advice. So for the time being she would do it.

Admittedly, she had no reason to trust Callan, save for the fact that he seemed genuine in his wish to help. But as he suggested speaking with PENELOPE LIVY she tensed slightly.

“How can I be sure that she sees me in the same light you do?” If this Penelope was the head of Intelligence, then surely she would look at her like a liability, a leakage from which information could flow. Honestly, her ascend to Gym Leader right after leaving Team Rocket was sure to raise a few red flags.

“I would rather not. But I do not want you to get in trouble for me. So don’t lie if they ask.” Johanna said.

But regardless it seemed their little conversation was reaching their end. She gave Callan a nod agreeing with his little ‘cover story’

OOC: Follow up from STAR PLATINUM

A small chuckle escaped Johanna as Megan’s joke was told. Even someone from a wealthy family had heard the horror stories of retail employment.

No, that would not be a choice she would make.

Johanna pondered for a moment the suggestion that Megan followed up with. Joining Megan on her journey. It sounded appealing. And yet, at the same time she couldn't help to feel that she hadn’t earned the privilege of frivolously traveling about.

No, she needed to think bigger. She had to make up for all the things she had done as a member of Team Rocket. She had to bring some light back into a world besieged by darkness from every corner.

“I’d like to…” She paused. “But I don’t think it would be right for me to not make amends in some way.” She said, not wanting to spell it out just in case.

But then a thought struck her. There was one severe issue she could help with, which, perhaps she even had the skills to do well.

“I think I might try to become a Gym Leader…” She gazed at Megan awaiting her reaction. She remembered vividly the conversation they had previously had. The wait time for gyms were too long. Perhaps Johanna could help with that.

OOC: Mission thread for POST PAAA. Takes place right after.
LOCATION: LILYCOVE CITY

The que to the theme park was long, it was true. The place had been far more enticing to the public than anyone could have possibly thought.

But by royal decree the waiting time was not allowed to be a tiresome affair. Jesters, clowns and all manner of entertainers performed scenes of acrobatic feats, comedy and for the daring at the back playing with fire!

But amongst the entertainers clad in all their costumes and decorative make-up. There was a singular clown who walked about. Clad in uniform more befitting security personnel. Long blue hair, bright red nose, minimal make-up, save for the painted on X of bones on his face. His aura exuded an authority unlike the others.

And yet, like all the others, he smiled and spoke with employees and visitors alike. And yet in doing so his eyes gazed around, checking for individuals who might seem suspicious.

But he wasn’t alone. By his side a Bewear walked. Gently greeting the guests, and for the daring children even granting a hug, resulting in many concerned gazes from the parents.

Amidst one of such hugs, the Bewear’s eyes befell upon a recognizable scarlet haired woman. Gently sitting down the child it was currently hugging it began to walk toward Ruby Garcia, arms outstretched in greeting hug.

The Clown followed suit, curious eyes aimed toward the person that had caught the Bewear’s attention. “Oh, have you found someone you know?” The Red nosed Clown mused.


LOCATION: Ever Grande City - Joyland

Perhaps Johanna ought to feel more embarrassed by her naming conventions being dragged into the public view in front of one of the self-same reasons for the name. But playing for the audience pushed aside such worries.

Meanwhile the Bewear simply looked at Isaac. A faint shimmering glint of challenge in its gaze. Isaac would win this match, now which one of them was still to be determined.

For a moment it seemed Isaac’s Pokémon were intent on continuing the show. But their trainer reigned them in. Focusing their efforts even when the posing continued.

With Johanna safe in the box. The battle began.

A see-through barrier slid over the audience rows. Protecting them from the rain that Zephyrus summoned.

But Isaac’s Pokémon weren’t the only ones to start moving.

“Ruby, Isaac. Don’t let them just stand there and show off!” Johanna spoke.

Bewear and Tinkaton nodded. Muffled Bewear noises emerged from the expressionless teddy bear, as it began COACHING the Tinkaton.

The Little pink Menace quickly gave a nod and then rushed forward, grabbing the hammer in the process and dragging it along. Running head first towards the Dragonite, making it seem obvious that she might be going for a Hammer based attack.

But in fact she was not. DRAINING KISS would be her attack of choice. As she attempted to jump at the Dragonite and smooch it on the cheek. With its Fairy-kiss of death.




TLDR:
- The Battle Begins
- Isaac USES COACHING on Ruby
- Ruby charges at Zephyrus with a feint hammer attack, but attempts to give the Dragon smoochies (Draining Kiss) instead.

Johanna’s restlessness during the night was eased by the presence of Ettie, Duchess and Princess. Drifblim pondered if that was a part of their plan, to help him as he eased his trainers sleep for moments, before he would drift off in his own dreams.

But night made way for the morning soon enough. Breakfast was shared among the group before they would head out.

But Johanna kept quiet, did not speak unless spoken to, especially when it came to Josh. Though her anger had made way for a simmering resentment. The one that wasn’t strong enough to force her into drastic actions, but still strong enough to make her avoid contact as much as possible.

After the breakfast had finished. They would march out in search of those whom Angelic had conversed with. Luckily for them. Angelica’s sense of direction and memory were superb. The journey went smoothly. Johanna made sure that no other Pokémon decided to have a surprise trip while they walked.

Soon enough they found the Soulmarchers. The archaic weaponry bespeaking spirits of a past long gone. At first they seemed hostile. But then one of them recognized Sableye and its wide toothed grin.

What hostility the spirits had dissipated.

While everyone talked about Weaponry, a subject Johanna couldn’t really help with. She moved to her Sableye, kneeling down to gently pat the Pokémon on its head for a job well done.

If Angelica could blush, it would’ve done so. Instead it scratched the back of its head and made gestures toward the spirit.

The ghosts were surely not about to stand around all day.

LOCATION: The Border

@tag

The hug came as a surprise.

She looked at Callan, baffled by the kindness. Then he offered her a drink. She gratefully accepted, only for her to regret that choice as the whiskey burned through her.

The Shiinotic sighed in relief as Johanna calmed down. It seemed Callan’s promises were enough to avoid what breakdown had been on its way.

A nervous hand ran through her blue hair as she kept standing. “I can stay at the Joy Manor.” She said, though she had wanted to avoid imposing herself any further than she already had. But perhaps it was unavoidable.

“As for loved ones.” A quick thought went to Megan Whitmore. “I don’t believe they know about her yet. And even if they do, she knows how to defend herself, I'd even consider her a better trainer than me.” Megan was every bit the trainer Johanna was, if not more. “The rest of my family already lives at the Manor…” She trailed off, for a moment pondering if this meant she had to tell her mother what she had been a part of.

OOC: Follow up from STAR PLATINUM

For a moment doubt tried to sneak in as she watched the Mismagius float higher into the air. But she pushed it away.

Typing aside, Gengar was one of her strongest fighters, even if his arsenal was limited.

Shadowbound did the Gengar move quickly on the ground. But unfortunately that did not halt the Blue wisps from finding their target at long last.

Flame licked hungry at his shadow for a brief moment, leaving behind a searing almost supernatural BURN.

The grimace on its face is hidden by the shadowy form. Though it would not stick to the shadows for any longer. Mismagius was out of its reach, and it had to do something about it.

With the dexterousness only befitting its ghastly nature, the Gengar sprang out from the shadows. Eyes teeming red as waves of HYPNOSIS washed into the air, aimed at putting the Mismagius to sleep!

Sableye's antics were not appreciated. Not by its trainer nor by the group. Though Ettie seemed quick to forgive, Josh was another matter entirely.

Josh scolded Johanna in no uncertain terms. And he was right. Johanna agreed, she had failed to account for and control her Pokémon. But he might’ve thought her meek willing to roll over and simply take the lashing.

He was wrong. No longer would she do so. But she knew well enough that picking a fight right now was a bad idea.

Her eyes hardened, her lips turned thin, any hint of a smile faded as annoyance grew. She knew he was right, and yet. She did not appreciate his approach to the critique. It reminded her too much of her younger years, of people demeaning her under the pretense of giving ‘advice’

She did not respond to Josh. Instead glaring at Angelica, who for once seemed to regret her choices. But it was too late. Johanna retrieved Sableye's Pokéball and recalled the tricky ghost.

Completely ignoring Josh’s presence, for now, was the best thing she could do.

She gave a courteous nod to Ettie, agreeing with the suggestion. And then headed to where Drifblim had made a comfortable nest for its trainer.

Johanna would go to sleep. The Drifblim joined her. Noticing Johanna’s restless sleep, it tried to gently bathe Johanna in HYPNOSIS to make the sleep more sound. But anger was a powerful emotion, and Drifblim feared overdoing the HYPNOSIS would be ill-adviced.

LOCATION: The Border

@tag

Johanna watched the display equally as enthralled as the audience. Isaac did not waste this opportunity.

He truly is a showman. The smile on her lips beamed brighter with each second of the performance. It was, honestly, inspiring.

But as with all good things the performance came to an end, with an open invitation for Johanna to join in. She was quick to grab the microphone.

“My oh my, T’is not often we get a challenger who can captivate the audience like this!” Johanna spun around to gaze upon each person sitting at the edge of their seat.

“But as ready to rumble as I might be, it does not behoove me as Monarch to forget to introduce my very own champions!” She made a bit of an exaggerated bow in Isaac’s direction revealing her costume to have a sultry edge to its childishness that only adults would possibly notice. “Thank you, for reminding me.”

Of course her Tinkaton had been quick to latch on, and take on a minorly annoyed expression. Though the Bewear kept looking with its almost soulless gaze.

“Using a hammer which some might describe as weighing a GIGATON, make no mistake she can wield with ease, her BRUTAL SWING will SMASH rocks and Pokémon alike! RUBY THE TINKATON!”

The Tinkaton waved around the hammer, throwing it high into the air and letting it hit the ground by her side causing a small impact crater to form.

“Next up, he may look cuddly, but make no mistake. This teddy bear of justice will defend our lovely QUEENDOM with the BRUTAL SWING of his HAMMER ARM. ISAAC THE BEWEAR!”

The Bewear turned slightly away from Isaac and his friends. It didn’t want to risk their health. A small glowing orb forming in its paw. It slammed the paw into the arena floor below it. Sending a wave of destruction through it.



Oops… The Bewear almost looked surprised at its own strength.

The Audience went wild for a moment, but was quick to quiet down as Johanna continued.

“IT SEEMS MY CHAMPIONS ARE FIRED UP! Perhaps we ought to get this match started before we destroy our battleground completely?” Johanna turned to her challenger, smirking.

If he agreed, she would return to the safety trainer box. From where no Pokémon attack or random rocky projectile could harm her.

Johanna didn’t avert her gaze. Though as Callan’s gaze drilled into her, she regretted not doing so.

Callan knew.

Oh he knew…

The words he spoke, the implications they carried. Almost as if he understood the situation she was in. But how did he know?

Eyes finally broke from Callan’s gaze, seeking the comfort of the flooring they stood upon.

The Shiinotic was quick to jump from its seat, and walk over to reassure its trainer. But for a moment it shot Callan a look that even without words showed that the mushroom was not pleased with his pushing.

“I… Uhm…” And for a moment she could not find the words, stuttering stumbling about the subject as she felt like she was ten years old once again, being scolded by her mother for failing at a simple task.

But this was not her mother that stood before her. This was Callan Young one of the Elite Four. This was a person who very easily could take away all that she had worked so hard on building.

“I just didn’t want to hurt anyone anymore. And maybe even make up for some of the things they forced me to do.” Though no tears left her eyes, her body trembled with the overload of emotions.

Shiinotic kept trying to calm its trainer.

“I… I don’t want to lose all of this.” She finally sniffled. Her eyes were watery as she looked back at Callan. Tears kept back through sheer trained will.

OOC: Follow up from STAR PLATINUM

Seeing how Megan found invigoration in her promise made Johanna ease a bit. She didn’t like how ready and willing Megan was to throw herself at danger for Johanna’s safety. But there was nothing she could do about that. And, honestly it was nice to know someone cared.

“Same, I’ve had my fill of such adventures too.” Johanna replied as Megan reminded her that by doctor's orders she was supposed to rest. “The next one definitely has to be more light-hearted.” She joked.

With Megan back in her seat, Johanna could ease back into the bed. There was little she could do with the watchful gaze of Megan upon her.

“You know, once I am out of that other job, I need to find something else to do. Got any suggestions?” Johanna looked hopefully toward Megan.

OOC: Mission thread for POST PAAA. Takes place right after.
LOCATION: LILYCOVE CITY

The next challenger was a surprise. But who was she to deny him? He had been kind to her during their time on the same side. It was only fair, she would offer him the same kindness as they stood upon opposing sides.

Johanna watched from behind the scenes as rows upon rows of benches were filled to the brim. The show had become increasingly popular after news of the Elite Four coming here to challenge the Gym Leader had somehow become known, private though the matches might have been.

Johanna didn’t complain, meant more onlookers, meant more people would learn the joys that Pokémon battling could bring.

But now was not the time for contemplation; the show was about to begin.

The Jester announcer walked on stage ready and fired up as always. But unlike before he carried something in one of his hands, cue cards.

“HELLO HELLO MY LOVELY AUDIENCE. TONIGHT, WE’VE BEEN GRACED WITH YET ANOTHER CHALLENGE. AND I FOR ONE AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.”

The Jester took a deep breath.

“IN ONE CORNER, YOU KNOW HER, YOU LOVE HER. GIVE A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR NONE OTHER THAN OUR VERY OWN QUEEN OF JESTERS, JOHANNA JOY!”

The Audience cheered loudly as Johanna came running out from the side waving at the audience, bells chiming on her costume as confetti bombs exploded along the way. Once safely inside the trainer box, the Pokémon of choice would be summoned, a Tinkaton and a Bewear appeared on the battlefield.

The Jester moved to continue. He read the cue card clearly for the first time.

“Wait this can’t be right?” The Jester looked toward the entrance that the challenger Isaac Merlo would appear from. “Is he trying to steal my job?” The Audience laughed as if it was a part of the show.

The Jester’s surprise turned into an amusing glint behind the mask. The Jester had found his angle. “Well as long as he knows that the first move goes to the challenger, why shouldn’t we let him introduce himself. AUDIENCE, WHAT DO YOU THINK?”

The Audience replied with a resounding ‘LET HIM!’

“THE AUDIENCE HAVE SPOKEN, EVERYONE PROMISE ME THAT THE APPLAUSES WILL BE AS HUGE FOR HIM AS THEY WERE FOR OUR QUEEN.” The Jester would give one final waving motion towards the Challenger’s corner before he would sneak off to find whoever Isaac had bribed for this little stunt.

And yes whoever Isaac had colluded with had given him access to the playlist and a Microphone of his own.

The Audience now awaited in eager anticipation.