[attr="class","text"]

"I don't like ranking things, my opinion changes too much to lay it all out there like that. But he's definitely a good one." For now. Xenon lets that last part go unspoken as she pets the weird metal nut on his head, absolutely zero fucking idea what he's saying as he blurbles in his weird little Meltan language.
[break][break]
The party reaches its midpoint as gifts begin getting exchanged amongst the various partygoers, she has no idea who her gift is going to nor does she particularly care, but she's definitely interested what kind of free shit she might be getting tonight. So she moves to get up from her seat-
[break][break]
And is immediately interrupted as she spots a little Porygon floating by her head with a drone camera attached to its body, pointing directly at her and Shred recording... something. It takes another second for her to figure out what that something is as she looks around cluelessly at the other Porygone floating around, until finally she spots the large screen up by the DJ booth and both herself and Shred framed by a heart with the words Kiss Cam at the top.
[break][break]
This was... not something she was familiar with. She had never gone to a baseball game or any kind of sporting event, nor had she ever been one to watch TV or romantic movies in her life. The most romantic thing she had ever engaged with was an avant garde Kalosian art project where she was posing nude for a gory murder scene immediately followed by an absurdist monologue on the nature of the moon coming from her dead body. Don't bother trying to find that online, it was almost immediately taken down after two days of circulation on local social media and has been erased from the internet ever since.
[break][break]
What were we talking about? Oh right, kiss cams.
[break][break]
A gentle weight settles on her right shoulder as Shred sets his hand down on her, looking her dead in the eyes as he asks just about the dumbest question you could ever ask a girl in a situation like this. Even she with her disdain of social niceties and protocol knew that was just the worst question you could ever ask a girl as a man.
[break][break]
She's still the first to go in for the kiss as she pushes her face forwards and slams her lips into Shred's, invading his mouth with her tongue and stealing his breath as she entangles with him for a solid ten seconds. Her eyes are half lidded as she finally pulls away and licks her lips, taking in a shallow breath. Xenon licks her lips as she digests Shred's flavor for a brief second, her own mouth tasted like hard whiskey still from her drink, just like his. Not the worst flavor, but nothing new and exciting. "I don't think we have an HR department. But don't worry, I don't bite."
[break][break]
"Unless you want me to~"

Shred mint frost

NOTES

✦

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She clicks her tongue as she takes in Navy's newfound body, time has not been kind to him. But there is no shame in evolving into something new, no matter how that transformation may take hold. She too is a different woman than the one she was when they met in that starless sea beneath Dewford, the delusional madness that drove her in that sea has been sharpened into a steely purpose in her eyes.
[break][break]
"How nice to hear I'm wanted by someone. This happened faster than it usually does." Xenon's body is relaxed, there's no sign of tension, anxiety, fear, anything. She came into this cavern confident she would get her way, whatever that might be, and Navy's presence here doesn't shake her resolve an inch.
[break][break]
"If you don't want to arrest me then don't. You can do whatever you want if you have the strength to, and from what I hear you're mighty strong Navy." She inclines her head forward slightly as she says this, a glint of light hiding her eyes as she lets a hand drop to her belt of Pokeballs. "But I promise you that you're not strong enough to stop me. So whatever you decide on doing next, make sure you have a clear view of the path you're walking down. Cause it could be right off a cliff and into that starless sea we met in last time."

Navy

NOTES

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Xenon looks up at Kouji and nods quietly, analytical eyes prying his shell open and digging around to find the shape of his soul. "Indeed, I've run the gauntlet once before already. I think you'll find the future we see to be very interesting~" She purrs as she stands up and recalls her Pokemon back to their places of rest, only Argon remaining as her ever faithful shadow.
[break][break]
Digitization is fast and painless, once again Xenon finds herself on the back of a speeding Cyclizar as she grips its handlebars tightly and scans the roads ahead. "Welcome to the future Kouji! This is the first glimpse I've ever gotten to show any of you of just what I'm looking for!" Xenon screams with joy as the wheeled lizard leaps over an oncoming hovercar and slams back into the ground, rubber screeching against the asphalt as she takes the lead ahead of Kouji.
[break][break]
She looks left and spots a ramp leading up to the highways, the girl smiles as she leans over and directs the Cyclizar up and over into yet more oncoming traffic, speeding up into Route 314 and away from the pursuing Genesect flying after them.

Kouji Matsubara

NOTES

✦

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She shakes her head as he notes how it's made of metal, an easy conclusion to come to but an incorrect one nevertheless. "No, I know what the cold of steel feels like. This is colder than that, like it's actively sucking the heat from me when I touch it."
[break][break]
Water though. Water is a familiar typing, Water and Ice. There were a few Pokemon like that to be compared, Lapras, Walrein, Dewgong, etc etc.
[break][break]
And so the tests would go until Xenon tired of them for the day, finding what moves each Paradox knew, how they compared to other Pokemon using those moves, and other such things that would further her understanding of this fascinating future.

THEO BECKETT

NOTES

✦

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"Yeah, yeah you're right. Just gotta keep walking forwards and things will get better, I like that kind of mindset. Good stuff, good stuff." Xenon mumbles as her breath comes out in short bursts of mist, metal fingers constantly bending and folding to keep the joints from freezing over completely.
[break][break]
A way inside. A way inside. Had she made a plan for that? Xenon has to mentally sort through her catalogue of security plans and break in routes to other buildings before she can definitively nod and say yes to that. "Their security routes focus on the harbor since that's where it would be easiest to get in unseen. But that doesn't take into account the snowstorm, so if we're lucky they'll be so uncomfortable and cold that they'll default to old habits and keep what limited manpower they have on watching the harbor. So basically we can just hop the fence from the other side and we should probably be good." Kouji's plan had merit, maybe if she had put in the time to put together a disposable disguise and persona it would have worked. But there was no point dwelling on what if's and what could have been. "No, we go in quiet and we strike fast. I brought a lot of electric types to overload the grids, if we can get in and out without being seen we can pin all the failing on the local government and open up room for Rocket propaganda to get to work."
[break][break]
They soon arrive at the frosted and frozen fence on the other side of the power plant, no guards to be seen at the moment, but at the same time they could barely see ten feet ahead of them as is. Need to stay alert, need to stay focused. "You know you're the first person in Rocket I think I've actually collaborated with regarding my Lilycove plans. You should be honored, you're getting first dibs on stealing up some of my glory when we finally take this shithole over~"

Kouji Matsubara

NOTES

✦

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His words are hollow and without weight, his eyes are set upon something beyond her as he walks by and faces the second man. She doesn't care, she doesn't need the validation of someone who could only look to the past for guidance. The god of the sea's body undulates as the marks across it glow a violent crimson, the waves pick up and threaten to swallow her team whole as she throws them into the drink.
[break][break]
But she is not one to sacrifice her partners in such a shallow manner. Not without purpose, not unless it would bring her a step closer to the future. "ARSENIC INDIUM PSYCHO CUT, RHODIUM FLASH CANNON, ARGON FOCUS BLAST, CREATE AN OPENING!" All those that can fly through the storm unleash a torrent of elemental energy, clashing against the gargantuan wave and blasting open a hole through which they can fit. But this still leaves the boat vulnerable, they would capsize completely if nobody else could stop this monster of an attack.
[break][break]
The man of the League was a hero at his core, he would not run away and save himself, he would save those in need. Even the most vile of villains was still someone he would stretch a hand out too, this was the kind of man he was. Xenon knew this well, so it is no surprise when his alien beasts shield the boat with their bodies and take the hit for them. Her eyes flicker to Howard and Kazimir, a growl builds in her throat as they speak of such inconsequential things. "NOBODY IS CAPTURING ANYBODY TODAY! NOW EITHER SHUT UP AND GO HIDE IN THE FUCKING HOLD, OR MAKE AN OPENING FOR ME! BISMUTH, DAZZLING GLEAM! BERYLLIUM, SEED BOMB!" The Glimmora shines with crystal energy as it channels fairy magic, blasting through the pouring rain and landing the first hit on the roaring Kyogre, but it is her Carnivine that truly enrages the god of the sea as he soars up high and fires a barrage of hard shelled seeds on the whale, its roar climbing an octave in volume as the waves push up harder against the Celesteela and Nagandel bracing the ship.

howard slayte Kazimir Wynter

NOTES

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What a beautiful future, what an ideal world. Metal dominates everything in sight with not a spot of earth to be seen, the neon lights cut through the grimy streets as rubber wheels peel across the asphalt. Howard's screams faintly echo in the back of her mind as Xenon strokes the metal carapace of the Cyclizar she's riding, Techno Blasts of all elements pounding into the concrete around and sending shards of stone flying through the air as she weaves through the rows of cars.
[break][break]
Ah, the people! They're so beautiful! Chrome lines their faces as they scream in terror, metal augmentations replacing their body with works of art, the people of the future evolve just like the Pokemon! Howard's voice grows more insistent as he screams louder and clings tightly to his Cyclizar, a tinge of irritation builds at the base of her skull as she turns to look over her shoulder and glare at the archaeologist barking these orders at her. "What, you can't take any initiative of your own? Just speed up and take the lead yourself if you're so scared!" She reaches out and grabs the handlebars mounted to the Cyclizar, revving the engine and injecting pure adrenaline into her mount as it speeds up and bounds over a Techno Blast of pure electricity. "Fine, take the alleys and gather them up. I'll handle this."
[break][break]
Xenon twists right into a dark alleyway, half of their pursuers struggling to slow down and turn around as they zoom right past the opening, weapons trained on Howard now as he follows closely behind the scientist.

howard slayte

NOTES

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The weird little metal thing blurbles and wails at Xenon incoherently for several seconds, bordering on a full minute, mindlessly spouting its own name over and over as it engages in a deep and detailed explanation of its origins. None could understand the esoteric wisdom he speaks as he tells the tale of Meltan village and his eternal quest for strength, a foreign language no human could possibly comprehend, possibly for the best of everyone.
[break][break]
Yet even though they do not share a common language, Xenon feels as though she can truly understand this brave warrior's soul as he flexes his gooey tendrils like arms and enthusiastically exclaims his name for all to hear. The ultramodernist stares blankly at the Meltan as he finishes his speech, little loading screens spinning in her eyes as she struggles to comprehend the words of a being so great and terrible as this mighty Meltan. And then.
[break][break]
"Meltan. Mel mel mel meltan, meltan mel. Melt mel mel melt meltan, Meltan Meltan mel? ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ Melt mel Meltan mel."
[break][break]
Translation: "I do not understand wisely what you are talking about, but I want to pursue the future like your steel body. Truly you are the most ultra-modern being worthy of respect." Or something like that. She then looks up at Shred with a smile and pats him on the shoulder. "I like Meltan, he's very ultramodern, very cool. I would kill you for him."

NOTES

✦ He's Meltan alright

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All Pokemon exist for the glory of Team Rocket of course, and all tools are replaceable. But some tools hold more value than others, if only because they were so much harder to acquire compared to others. Ultramodern Paradoxes were just such a tool, only acquirable within the Interdream, which appeared rather randomly throughout the country, or otherwise was only accessible below Dewford. And making constant expeditions down into Dewford was rather difficult what with it being League territory.
[break][break]
"Wonderful, an Iron Moth and Iron Bundle. I've seen a few Iron Moths from other members, but an Iron Bundle is an entirely new research opportunity! This is becoming quite a productive day!" Xenon cheers as she rushes over to the two robotic Pokemon and crouches down, pulling out a tape measure and beginning to take their measurements with clinical efficiency. "Iron Moth's wingspan and height otherwise matches previous subjects within an acceptable range, Iron Bundle's height and wingspan fall in line with field reports of the creature from other Rocket members. Pardon me one second." The tape measure falls from her hands as she reaches out and grabs the Iron Bundle by the waist, a robotic squawk screeching from its speakers as she throws the robot up in the air and watches it clatter back down to the ground, its head springing from its neck as it struggles to push itself back onto its feet. "Unlike its ancestor Delibird, it would appear the Iron Bundle does not possess the capacity to fly. Hands are quite cold after touching the subject for even a span of a few seconds, suggesting that its retains its Ice typing, secondary type is still unknown. Will need to run further tests." She looks over at Theo as she stands back up, rubbing her hands together to try and get warm again.
[break][break]
"Any clues on that secondary typing? What kinds of moves have you seen it display in battle when you first caught it?"

THEO BECKETT

NOTES

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"No, to acknowledge the past in any way would skew the results of the future you want, you can't go in with any preconceptions." Words alone would change no one's mind, only actions and results could prove anything. Even if nobody could see the beauty in the future she pursued, it was only because words alone could not paint the picture. It only meant that her actions would have to form the basis of her thesis, each deed another cut in the sculpture until she could present something so magnificent that none could deny her vision. This was but one more cut for her, one more shave, another angle drawn in her piece de resistance.
[break][break]
Xenon picks up an electric saw and flips the switch, the metal blade taken from an Aegislash's corpse and forged into the sharpest steel purely for the purpose of dissection. The saw whines to life as she slowly brings it to the Iron Thorns's hide, deciding to begin cutting right at the belly. The moment saw meets steel a harsh screeching noise echoes through the lab, Xenon's arms jolting as she struggles to hold steady and continue cutting through the corpse's incredibly tough hide. Her lips purse tightly as the edge of the saw's blade begins to glow orange and radiate waves of heat through her gloves, she slowly pushes up towards its neck, tracing a red hot line through its body as she cuts through the metal body. Once she's made that one straight line through she flips the saw off and sets it aside, letting out a deep sigh as she takes a second to massage her trembling arms. "An incredibly tough hide as expected. The saw didn't cut through any dormant power lines either it looks like, meaning its power source is likely held deeper within its chest cavity, or perhaps the cranium. Lets try and peel it open to see what this thing looks like on the inside."
[break][break]
She motions for Tempest to grab a set of large pliers as she grabs a crowbar, wrenching it into the slight gap she's created in the corpse's body with a huff of exertion. "On three. One, two, three!" Xenon's body lurches forwards as she throws all her weight into pushing the gap open further, creating just enough space for Tempest to thrust the pliers in and clamp down on the fold of steel, after which he'd have the hard job of peeling the steel plate back to expose the Iron Thorns's inner workings.

Tempest Quinn

NOTES

✦

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The wind howls through the night as snow falls upon Lilycove City, all throughout stay huddled within their homes as they struggle to fend off the cold. The spatial distortion phenomenon rocks all of Hoenn without mercy or discrimination, even the coast line is battered by blizzards for the first time in recorded history as the storm sweeps through the country.
[break][break]
Yet two lone members of Rocket trudge through the cold despite all this, mischief and mayhem on their minds as they huddle up close to their only source of warmth, the Camerupt whose internal furnace fights back the cold. Xenon clings tightly to her partner as she narrows her eyes to peer through the blizzard, the hot pack on her metal shoulder staves off frostbite from the rest of her fleshy body, but it certainly doesn't mean she's comfortable as she presses up harder against the volcanic camel. "Fuck me running this sucks, can't believe every fucking Rocket avatar is buddied up with a fucking ice cube. Not a single fucking asshole thought to steal the power of fire for themselves, nooooooo, gotta partner up with the fucking walking ice golem. Fucking hate Legendaries, hate this fucking cold. Fuck."
[break][break]
And so this complaining has been going for the past half an hour since they dropped outside of Lilycove, slowly making their way towards the power plant keeping the lights on in this city. As much as she would have liked for this to be a fast mission, they needed to move in quiet so they could sabotage the power supply to the city, pin the blame on the local government and stir up discontent in this historically bad time. It made the most logical sense if they wanted the civilians to come around to Rocket's side like they did in Sootopolis, break faith in the local government, set yourself up as a savior.

Kouji Matsubara

NOTES

✦

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She waits for him patiently outside of the Rocket laboratories, Paradox Pokemon of the future surround her as she polishes their metal plates and helps to sharpen their blades. A few of them were Pokemon that he helped her find, the very first was an experience shared by the two of them that not even she could deny. The lab technicians inside were currently doing a dive with another pair of Rocket members into the Violet Book, so she had time to wait for Kouji, to ponder upon what she might find within those pages. She had actually taken a read through of the thing before it was inserted into the RKS System as an artificial core. Didn't find all too much interesting in those pages, just old tales of a kingdom she once inhabited as another person, the legend of two heroic pokemon and their fight against a black knight, all ancient history she had already lived through. The only thing truly worthy of note to her was the strange depiction of a Cyclizar on the front cover, a puzzling inclusion with seemingly no link to that Goodbye to Galar, but otherwise nothing that interested her greatly.
[break][break]
But there was more to those pages, codes hidden between the lines that paved a path to the future. And if there was anyone she could trust to walk with her on the path to the future, it would have to be the person to take those first steps alongside her.

Kouji Matsubara

NOTES

✦

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[attr="class","itemcolname"]pokemon event

[attr="class","lgdcol"]

[attr="class","itemcoltexttit"]FUTURE CYCLIZAR 1

[attr="class","itemcoltext"]You find yourself far into the future. You are unsure whether you are in Hoenn or some other region, but you do know you are on the back of a Cyclizar fitted with a jet seat. Around you, neon-lit skyscrapers tower amongst blinding holographic billboards.[break][break]

Suddenly, a sirens ring behind you. For whatever reason, the law is after you. And they are after you on Genesect. They fire TECHNO BLASTS toward you as you jet past cars and augmented passersby.[break][break]

There are two routes you can take:[break][break]