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




Gunner was more noble than his pragmatic older brother. He'd always had this strong sense of justice about him. People were drawn to him, to the protective light he exuded like a calling beacon. As further detail came out about his ties to the HBIC, it made more and more sense to GIDEON GRAVES why this was the route he'd taken in life.[break][break]

Gideon's logic was more rigid in its scope, however. In his mind, he still saw Gunner Graves running with him in the woods behind their house, catching fireflies in the dusk, spending their summers laughing and playing together.[break][break]

But Gunner wasn't a child anymore. Not someone to covet and cherish to the point of stifling his ideals. It was time for Gideon to break from that mindset.[break][break]

"...I suppose," He sighed heavily, expelling the old and allowing the new to sink in. "You're right."[break][break]

Gideon took a big swig of his drink. These were hard topics to breach, after all.[break][break]

"You've already saved my life once. And for that," He placed a meaningful hand on Gunner's forearm, looking for eye contact from his brother. "I'll never be able to thank you enough."[break][break]

"I'm proud of you, Gunner."

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

[attr="class","gideon-words"]
[break][break]


[break]

The townspeople rejoice in the aftermath, bizarrely crowning two of their own as King Raziel Beckett and Queen Summer Atreides. To give power to strangers seemed odd to Gideon, but perhaps his logic didn't entirely apply now, in this new realm. [break][break]

[break]


Necessity bred innovation. Though not a medical doctor by training, Gideon saw a need for a town physician and set the task for himself. His background in genetics and virology lent themselves well to the profession; with time, and the study of texts from the local hospital, he became proficient at the work. [break][break]

Others joined him: Eris Halla volunteered to help in the veterinary section that was created due to the relentless, periodic attacks; Serena Malcolm's BLISSEY was a frequent helper around the clinic; he worked with Rowan Wrynn to reestablish the Pokémon Center as a place of healing; and even Johanna Joy offered aid as a reliable peer and pen pal to bounce ideas off of, despite her being located in another city.[break][break]

In the aftermath of her breakup with Gunner Graves, Summer Atreides lost her pregnancy — and would have likely lost her life, too, without medical intervention on Gideon's part. He would remember the melancholy feeling of burying the child for years to come. A life lost, but at least not born to suffer in this poisoned world.[break][break]

[break]

Once his clinic was established, Gideon's next endeavor was focused on studying the phenomena within and around Circhester proper. After taking time to process and come to terms with Naomi Sato's ROCKET alignment, eventually the two co-create a small research facility that they man together as equals. Their time working alongside one another fosters a comfortable father-daughter relationship between the two — strong enough, in fact, that Gideon gives Nomi away at her wedding to parker jones.[break][break]

Oh, Parker. It was a difficult journey navigating the tensions and apprehensions surrounding the woman who'd nearly beaten him to death. But time, remarkably, healed those lingering wounds. And, of course, parker jones herself. She proved her redemption time and again in the way she treated Naomi Sato with so much love and devotion, in how she helped the likes of Gunner Graves and mikael rosenberg in combat, and by swallowing her pride and apologizing for what she'd done. Gideon forgave her, and the two went on to form a heckling friendship. She even got that dance at the wedding she asked for.[break][break]

Just as he'd always been want to do, romance was set aside in favor of other pursuits. His work was his heart, and he had so, so much to do now. Still, every now and again memories of Elisabeth Fiorelli resurfaced. These recollections waned as the years passed, however.[break][break]

Instead he found the companionship of friends and family to be fulfilling enough. [break][break]

Aidan Hereford and his ZAPDOS were regulars in his clinic, enough so that a friendly rapport developed between Gideon and the birdkeeper. The bracers imbued with the power of HEAL PULSE developed by Naomi Sato after the attack by NECROZMA came in handy when treating him (what felt like) every other day.[break][break]

angelo vestri and skyler dross were two consistent sources of normalcy and respite in an otherwise chaotic world. Gideon looked forward to his early morning training sessions with Skyler, the foraged goodies Angelo would bring back for him from his scouting trips, and all the dinners the two put on inside their cottage home. He came to care for the couple dearly as the years ticked on.[break][break]

Despite the dystopia they'd found themselves in, Gideon considered himself lucky to have at least been trapped with Gunner Graves. As always, his brother was his rock — someone he could lean on in the hard times, of which there were many. The two could often be found patronizing Serena Malcolm's tavern, playing a game of cards and nursing moonshine whenever their schedules aligned. [break][break]

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

[break]
• circhester gang[break]
• becomes the town physician (humans + pokémon)[break]
• creates research lab w/ Naomi Sato and gives her away at her wedding[break]
• him & parker jones are chill now I GUESS 🙄[break]
• trains in combat w/ skyler dross until he earns the right to his lumberjack beard[break]
• thankful to have Gunner Graves throughout all this shit[break]
• forged equipment: bracers of HEAL PULSE

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



At the mention of Sayori, Gideon's expression soured into one of commiserate sadness. He remembered her, of course, and the void she'd left behind after her tragic passing. It made sense that Gunner would want to fill that emptiness with a larger purpose.[break][break]

Gideon didn't respond right away. It was a lot to process — heavier emotions than he and Gunner had likely ever shared before. He didn't want to fly off the handle as he'd done back at his apartment.[break][break]

"...Have you not destroyed enough?" If Gunner Graves had started his career with the HBIC after Sayori's death, then it had been years of dangerous work. Was his anger and loss not sated?[break][break]

"You're putting yourself at risk every minute that you stay with the HBIC. Why continue?"

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





An expectant silence fell between the two men. It was brief, with GIDEON GRAVES craning his neck around for any signs of... well, not life, but the echoes of it. It didn't take long for Angelo's question to receive an answer. Sounds rose from all around them...[break][break]

The wails of the dead.[break][break]

"I do." Gideon confirmed, his voice slightly apprehensive. They were coming, and he didn't want to be caught unawares as he had been so many times in the past. So, Proteus was released from his Poké Ball to accompany and protect them.[break][break]

"What's next?" They'd need some sort of plan. If the VICTINI fragment did show up, would that leave Gideon to fend off the other spirits? He was prepared to do that if it meant furthering their goals.

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

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



He nodded, taking the offered packet from her hands. The professor then leafed through the contents of the envelope, finding much of it to be... familiar. He'd obtained several similar documents during his own exploits into the Ultra Wilds.[break][break]

Gideon had been worried this was the route she wanted to go down.[break][break]

"... Councilwoman Livy, I'm not sure if your League scientists have informed you, but this type of procedure..." He trailed off for a moment, leveling PENELOPE LIVY with a serious look.[break][break]

"It's not entirely ethical."[break][break]

Synthetic life. Pokémon had been created by human hands before, but it had been a digital construct — PORYGON and its associated line. [break][break]

TYPE: NULL was a completely different beast.

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

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




"Let's just say... it depends on the situation." Gideon replied, a low chuckle rumbling out from deep within his chest as the pair rose from their seats. They left with his arm around her waist.[break][break]

The Insectarium quickly gave way to a cozier setting within Petalburg Woods. From glass dome to earthen cottage, temptation and anticipation grew inside GIDEON GRAVES. A need long suppressed urged him on — all the way to Elisabeth Fiorelli's bed.[break][break]

"Gladly..." Where she withered into the comforter, he followed, but not before unbuttoning his shirt and letting it fall to the floor.[break][break]

"Let's start here..." Gideon was positioned over Elisabeth, arms at either side of her, taking in all of the beautiful woman beneath him. He edged back then, sidling her underwear down her legs as he did so. "And I'll work my way up."[break][break]

To say he'd been starved was an understatement. But he'd slake his hunger at the font of her body and purge her of any restless desires of her own. [break][break]

Theirs was a union unrivaled in Gideon's estimation. God, he hoped he'd never have to want again.

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

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



The fucking bugs.[break][break]

As if all his anger and worry and fear had been caused by Gunner insulting his bugs. God, he really was just like the child Gideon remembered sometimes. [break][break]

But he was trying. And that was important to GIDEON GRAVES.[break][break]

"No, you shouldn't have..." Agreement spoken sternly through the rim of his glass. [break][break]

"But... we were heated. I get it." Gideon had also said things he regretted, like calling his younger brother a fucking idiot. Ugh... what a mess.[break][break]

"I'm sorry, too." Glancing over, he made eye contact with Gunner Graves.[break][break]

"...I gotta know why, Gunner. Why did you choose a life like this?"

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



Tensions and secrets were layered here, it seemed. Gideon tried, but couldn't hold Summer Atreides's eye as she asked about Gunner Graves. He simply shook his head, knowing it wasn't his place to say anything.[break][break]

Meanwhile, a masked Gunner let his temper flare in front of the others. Luckily, Gideon's trigger wasn't so feather-light as his brother's. His anger roiled beneath the surface, building, waiting for a more opportune time to detonate.[break][break]

"... I do, yes. But now isn't the time to address that. We need to—" Suddenly, the power spot was unclogged, and from within a sludge-covered KINGLER emerged. At about the same time, the professor heard angelo vestri's warning over comms and was about to relay the worrying information to the group when—[break][break]

Well, all hell broke loose. The KINGLER underwent a horrifying transformation, growing to an almost unfathomable size.[break][break]

"Angelo, we have a Gigantamax Pokémon at the stadium—!" Gideon's urgent comms message was cut short as he was thrown to the side due to the KINGLER's ground-shattering movements. It was timed, for better or worse, just as Naomi Sato scolded Summer Atreides. Gideon did not hear the ROCKET member's incriminating admonishment. [break][break]

As luck would have it (because it was never on GIDEON GRAVES's side, apparently), he was separated from the group with none other than his almost-murderer, parker jones. The impact from the huge KINGLER had knocked the professor off his feet, but before he could right himself... a hand appeared to help.[break][break]

Gideon hesitated, just for a moment. Something sinister whispered in the back of his mind, his earlier push for a truce momentarily forgotten, as he looked up at Parker. That internal anger from before flashed in his eyes as she made her snide remark. He wanted to hurt her, just as she'd hurt him.[break][break]

But he didn't. Not now. Instead, he took her offered hand and retorted icily, "That won't be happening this time around."[break][break]

He could fight. And so could his Pokémon, though his SLOWKING wasn't the best fit for this kind of opponent. Something faster and more mobile would be better. Returning Proteus, Gideon released his PIDGEOT and then immediately MEGA EVOLVED it.[break][break]

In this more powerful form she had a new ability - NO GUARD - which paired well with her first attack on the KINGLER. The PIDGEOT sped forward, dodging any oncoming assaults, and then released a HURRICANE that could not be avoided.[break][break]

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

[break]
• circhester gang[break]
• angelo vestri - comms gigantamax kingler[break]
• didn't hear Naomi Sato[break]
• BOO HISS parker jones but fine we can hang...[break]
• mega evolves his PIDGEOT [1/3][break]
• NO GUARD ability activated[break]
• mega PIDGEOT uses HURRICANE on KINGLER[break]
• x1 salac berry used

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



A successful placement within the museum's ranks always left the director's chest feeling full. Though it was still early days for memphis evren and time would tell if the young man would rise to his potential, GIDEON GRAVES was pleasantly hopeful.[break][break]

For now, it was time to part ways.[break][break]

"I look forward to seeing your progress." Approaching footsteps momentarily captured Gideon's attention – likely Dr. Dumas here to welcome his new charge – but he soon returned it to Memphis. "Good day, then. Let me know if you ever need anything in the future."

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

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



Ah. Hers was a burgeoning dream, then, still on the edge of becoming complete. To Gideon, it seemed like quite the suitable business for Summer and, given her expertise, something completely within her scope to achieve.[break][break]

"That sounds wonderful, thank you. I'll take all the help I can get, too. I'm afraid my fashion sense is rather lacking." He admitted, chuckling lowly. Gideon recalled how Gunner Graves had even helped him pick out his suit for the Winter Masquerade.[break][break]

"I'm not on museum business today, actually, but attending a conference on Mega Evolution. It ties to some of my current research threads." In particular, his interest in VICTINI and Infinity Energy as sparked by angelo vestri.

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

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



GIDEON GRAVES was looking out of his office window at a small campus courtyard when his door groaned opened. His leather chair creaked as he swiveled to face the guest that entered, finding none other than Naomi Sato hesitating at the threshold to the room.[break][break]

She looked worried. Afraid, even.[break][break]

He'd expected this, of course. His general countenance was anything but welcoming most days – add his injuries on top of this and the professor was practically off-putting. [break][break]

"It's alright, Ms. Sato. Please come in. I'm doing much better now."[break][break]

But no, he wasn't okay. [break][break]

Following over a week of vivid nightmares and ongoing listlessness during the day, he'd finally scheduled a therapy appointment for the following week. His physical wounds were healing, but he wasn't so sure about his mental ones.[break][break]

So, what would any workaholic do? Throw themselves into their job to distract from the pain, obviously.[break][break]

"I see you have something for me," He observed, extending his good arm to take the thesis in her hand. "I've been looking forward to reading the culmination of all your hard work."

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

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



Who the hell was pounding and yelling outside his apartment at such a late hour (in reality it was like 11 PM)??[break][break]

GIDEON GRAVES groggily strode through his small living room and, upon opening his door, he found...[break][break]

"... Zain? What the hell? Is that really you?" It had been ages since he'd seen his old roommate in-person, although they'd recently been texting one another about @zain's move to Slateport.[break][break]

Gideon blinked once, twice, trying to force himself to be more alert. If Zain were to look, he'd notice his friend's hair was unkempt, as if he'd just gotten out of bed, and slipping down the bridge of his nose was a pair of square-rimmed glasses that were rarely see nowadays (he preferred contacts). [break][break]

"Ha. You're drunk. Definitely you, then." The smell of liquor on the man's breath was a dead giveaway. [break][break]

"Come on, before the neighbors hear you." He chided, extending on arm for Zain to balance on if he needed to. Whether he did or not, Gideon would guide him to the couch and dump him onto the central cushion.

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