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With horn aglow, the uppity goat springs toward the white chicken. “Pull back.” Calpurnia quietly cautions Mel as the goat’s negotiations begin. Unfortunately, it appears he is no salesman. Enjoying his freedom too much to just leave, the Charizard dives directly for the Kyurem’s open mouth. "I said pull back you idiot!" But, before its kamikaze strike finishes, the lizard vanishes in a beam of light.
[break][break]

The Fusion Flare is horrifying. It is the embodiment of heat and other, more primal forces. In an instant, it shatters the ice that her lab had been studying for years. And, yet, it is one of the most beautiful things Kelpiie has ever seen. To be able to wield such destruction? It would enable one to almost rule the world itself. She wants it.
[break][break]

The nonsense of Hoopa is ignored for a moment. Violet eyes drink greedily of the sights before her. But, before she can contemplate further, the first Paradox crests the chasm It appears the little troll is frightened. The woman’s lips curl viciously as her hands drop to a ball at her side. But, as she turns, her eyes catch on a dark figure against the snow—Lugia and Cillian Quinn. It’d be silly not to take advantage!
[break][break]

From her ball, a teal Glimmora emerges. The stone flower spins idly beside its trainer. Beneath its dark petals, its eyes peered like headlights. “Help, Mister Quinn.” With surprising quickness, the rock type zooms toward the hurricane. The earpiece on it buzzes as they near the attacking hoard. “Mortal spin, love.” With the ferocity of a Gatling gun—and surprisingly good aim—poison spikes shoot toward their enemy. Using the edge of the hurricane, the creature launches these into distant opponents.
[break][break]

Made of stone, these projectiles also slam into open joints, crippling their cervine foes with surprising efficiency. Let’s see how they enjoy that. Though made of steel, her imported Pokemon’s poison is undeniable. Soon, it begins to see beneath their armor into the circuitry and vessels beneath. [break][break]


Just like the honeyed words of a toxic lover.
[break][break]

NOTES

✦ Watches as Hoopa unleashes hell. [break]
✦ Swaps Mel for her Glimmora[break]
✦ Fires off Toxic Debris at every Paradox Pokemon she can reach (poison gatling gun ftw)[break]
[break]

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The attack was beautiful. Around her, humanity surged forward in a tsunami of power. Their Pokemon acted in concert to try and take down these interlopers. Through the blood pounding in her ears, Calpurnia could barely make out the prophecy. And, even if she could, the scientist wouldn't care. Like that one crazy bitch had told her, there was no use expecting anything. [break][break]
[break][break]
Humanity deserved the right to craft its own path. And the best way to start was by ignoring whatever this beast wished to say. It didn't get the right to stomp in here, destroy their home, and then lord over them as if it were doing them a favor. As the fire attack began to lick through the wall of ice, the scientist's face turned feral. The Charizard's tail turned almost incandescent.
[break][break]

"Again!" The woman's voice crackled over the dragon's headset. But he didn't need the order this time. He just wanted to see this thing fall.

NOTES

✦ Has Mel attack Reshiram with another fire attack[break]

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The fiery tunnel seemed to do its job. As time went on, the Charizard continued to pump heat into, revealing the grass at the tunnel’s edges. From her perch outside the range of battle, Calpurnia watched with judgmental eyes. The battlefield seemed to be a chaotic mess. Like a little mound of Durants attempting to destroy an elephant by nibbling its feet. She took notes as the prophecy was read, her pen shaking. That sounds like the missing Ruination beast. The chains—I heard a report of something similar on Route 105. More Megalopan nonsense, no doubt.[break][break]


As Hoopa tore the ground in two—the scientist’s real feelings became apparent. Her eyes widened. A hand lifted to her chest as she leaped away from the battlefield. Her normally composed appearance shattered. She was terrified.[break][break]



Images of her hometown flashed across her mind. An angry Steelix’s tail smashed her neighbor’s home to smithereens as she stood next to their gate. It ripped up the sidewalk she stood on. Jules? Tiny Calpurnia calls her friend's name as she races toward the still-standing front door. Silence greets her. With a huff, the steel snake slithered away, gone as quickly as it appeared.[break][break]



And this handy beast and its fiery little peacock would likely do the same.[break][break]



But she was no longer a child. Pokemon were an aberration. Ones that had been allowed to control this world for far too long. And now this bitch dared to prophesize her fate? To try and tell her how things would be? Then, this goat thought it would play hero and come and save the day? Take all the credit for their hard work? “No.” The word itself trembled, but Calpurnia’s voice filled with determination. She tightened her nails against her palm until the latter bled. “Roast that overgrown chicken.”[break][break]



The Charizard hesitated for a moment. The Keldeo raced by, increasing the power of his attack. “Now!” Pulling in all the air he could muster, the old dragon unleashed a Heat Wave at the growing freezing cloud.

NOTES

✦ Absolutely terrified[break]
✦ Really hates people trying to tell her what to do[break]
✦ Thinks Keldeo's a little glory hog[break]
✦ Tries to have Mel the Charizard roast Reshiram with a Heat Wave[break]

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The woman noticed the intruder, but she did not call attention to him. Calpurnia knew he would reveal the reason for his visit soon enough. There was certainly no reason to rush it. That just made you look desperate. And, well, no one could ever remember her seeming that way. Except for her silly little lost puppy of a beau, of course. [break][break]

A sharp gesture followed. “That’s enough.” The machine went dormant. Manicured nails typed resolutely at the keyboard. Apparently, this month’s work only resulted in an incremental improvement over last month’s. But—since this wasn’t a circuit—it’d be silly to expect to double the output so soon. “Return 337 to his enclosure.” The word cage gave some of her silly billies indigestion. “Give him extra rations.” This last sentence coincided with Tempest’s cough. “And go enjoy your lunch.” [break][break]


One of the other scientists, a girl, seemed about to protest. An asskisser trying to make herself useful by doing the opposite. “Now.” Once the nosey little bastards left, Calpurnia turned to face Tempest. “Oh, you could never interrupt Mister Quinn. It’s just routine testing.” Prim hands reached for the black drive. “For me?” She cooed. “It’s not even my birthday.” She smirked—the expression wicked and hungry.
[break][break]

Her chair rocked backward as the giant cat at her feet pushed his way out from beneath his desk. His lavender fur stuck up in jagged little clumps. He began to rub himself against Tempest’s leg as the drive was slotted into place. She clicked the file open.

NOTES

✦ Sends the kids away so mommy and daddy can talk[break]

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When she heard tell of the energy spike in the Silent Icelands, Kelpie’s chest filled with diabolical glee. It would be a chance to see her work in action. And, perhaps, see a so-called god brought to heel. After a brief debate between winter jackets, she suits up for the coming battle. Her PC is emptied into the bag on her back. Many of these Pokemon are little more than lab fodder. [break][break]

Calpurnia simply intends to watch. The battlefield is a place for brawn, not beauty nor brains. But, as time goes on, the woman’s irritation begins to rise. The idea that this monster can shake the earth with a step is ridiculous. Unfortunately, it seems things are not going as well as she’d first thought. This is driven home by @howard’s ominous proclamation. Though, there is a quiet little chuckle at @xenon.[break][break]

Deciding that channel will do her no good at the moment, Calpurnia switches the little beeper off.[break][break]

“I suppose we should do what we can.” Calpurnia murmurs to the cat at her feet. A true pragmatist, the feline makes no move to join the fray. He does not have stupid written across his forehead. Use someone else. This thought is further cemented as the first Pokemon is reincarnated as an ice sculpture. So, with a sigh, the woman trades the cat for a common, older Charizard. Signs of a life spent in a lab—including an ID tattoo—separate it from the other dragons on the field.[break][break]

She agrees with MATIAS SILPH. A path must be cleared before they can put this so-called god in its place. “Mel, darling--” Long nails clack irritably together. She waves irritably in Kyurem’s direction. “Clear a path with fire spin.” The direction of her spin made it clear she wanted a horizontal flume instead of a vertical one.[break][break]

With a grunt, the Charizard moved to obey.

NOTES

✦ Grumpy hat she feels a need to help[break]
✦ Tries to have Mel the Charizard clear a path forward with Fire Spin[break]

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Manicured nails clack away at a plastic-covered keyboard. Each keystroke is another step toward expanding upon the theory in front of them. “Hm.” The woman focuses on the graphs in front of her for a moment. It appears the shift isn’t strong enough. [break][break]

Violet eyes lift to the young lab assistant beside her. “Run it again.” A brief breath signaled what might have been a hesitation. “I did not stutter, Darrell.” She waved a hand airily at the stuttering waste of flesh. "The rat will be fine.”[break][break]

A direct reference to the Rattata caged in front of them. A numbered tattoo on its side marked it as number 337. Its plexiglass cube was connected to a strange piece of fabric. Something that those familiar with Sygna suits would have recognized as a swatch of fabric. Something clicked behind them. In its cage, the rodent gritted its teeth, aware of what was to come. “Dial the extractor up to eight. Then, the flip was switched.[break][break]

The boxes began to glow. For a moment, there was nothing. Just a few sparks from the other end. Then, the creature began to squeak. Even through the box, its muted cries were audible. “RATATTATAAAA!” Calpurnia’s eyes dropped back to her computer as she kept track of some readings. The Pkemon’s heart monitor sped up as the time ticked forward.[break][break]

To Number 337, these minutes felt like an eternity. At the scientist’s feet, a Purrugly purred with almost sadistic delight. She drew a high-heeled shoe gently across the feline's back.

NOTES

✦ Truly believes the ends justify the means[break]

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The mispronunciation only makes the woman smile brighter. There is pleasure in making him play along. Just as the cat rejoices when its deceased foe receives a second wind. She lifts up a piece of banana bread. “I will certainly give it a try.” It disappears behind perfectly made-up lips. An appreciative hum follows as she turns away from the table. She’d become bored of schuyler tate. “Have a lovely holiday, Mister Tate.” [break][break]

Her red dress swirls as she turns to face the room proper. Like a biologist picking which butterfly to pin, her eyes jump from face to face. Finally, they settle on a scarred, greasy figure behind the bar. “Purrseus, do be a doll and entertain yourself for a moment.” With a nod, the oversized cat disappeared into the crowd. His eyes caught on Shred Zeppelin’s glittering companion. The Kiss Cam silliness earned a few chuckles. Sadly, only a few chickadees played along. Most of them either did not notice or pointedly ignored the cheerful invitation. Tough luck, Minty. It appears no one else finds you refreshing. [break][break]


The next round of entertainment ears a soft, indulgent smile. For once, it's not an act. Magic really is delightful. She wished it was easier to make real people disappear. [break][break]


Just as she neared the bar—stopping on the way to schmooze with a few nobodies from her department—the gifts were called out. Taking the little green package into her arms, Calpurnia continued toward dorian westcliff’s drink station. Once seated on a stool, the woman opened it up. “Oooh~<3!” The woman hums as she brings the first bottle to her face. She takes a sniff. While it smells heavenly, the lack of label makes her pause. Did someone make this? [break][break]



Setting the lotion aside for now, she turns to dorian westcliff. A hand reaches across the counter as if to grab his, swiping the greenish liquid across his skin. “Would you be a love and make me something fruity?” Her smile is dazzling. Her violet eyes shift to Shred Zeppelin and @xenon. “I seem to have fallen behind.” [break][break]


Remembering this long-haired, effeminate man from a previous meeting, Purrsseus weaves his way to toward Shred Zeppelin. Arriving near the end of the kiss, he goes to weave around the stranger’s ankles. This action aims to not only ruin his dark suit—cat fur is sticky—but also to unsteady him enough to hopefully bring the mercurial misfit into range. [break][break]

NOTES

✦ Asks Dorian for a drink[break]
✦ Opens her gift but grows suspicious. May get it chemically analyzed later.[break]
✦ Purrseus bumps into Shred Zeppelin[break]
✦ Says farewell to Troy MacQueen and schuyler tate[break]

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When the balloon man backed down, a sense of peace came over the woman. The tigress had asserted her dominance over her prey. With that done—and her little baby boo properly scolded—Calpurnia forgot the situation entirely. There was little reason to dwell on losers. Time was better spent facing forward. Her figurative hackles lowered as she turned to face Yuina. A little chuckle served as the introductory phrase. “Neither do I, love.” A hand gently traced the outline of a curvy hip. “Have you seen this figure?”[break][break]

The scientist let the ranger ramble on for a moment. With shy, insecure people there was no point in trying to dam them up. That inane muttering did not take long to burst its walls. A manicured hand lifted to gently squeeze the young lady’s shoulder. Yuina reminded her of a shy little sheep. All fluffy and soft with tiny little teeth. Like a wolf, she teases her and nips at her heels. “Hmmmmm.” Calpurnia hums thoughtfully as if the decision is a weight on her shoulders. “Kantonian sounds lovely.”[break][break]

Purrseus just wandered off in the direction of what smelled the best. Humans could follow if they wanted. If not, they could just eat their shitty little food. "What is it you do for a living?"

NOTES

✦ Trying to learn who she is

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The woman’s lips pushed more tightly together. Purple eyes dropped to the muddy marks beneath her feet. A whiff gave her a touch of wet dog mixed with her perfume, an unwelcome combination. She preferred people not to know mess visited her home. Most days, she preferred to seem as if she did not have little rugrats running around. Violet eyes narrowed irritably. [break][break]

It was the look. The one that sent shivers down the Kubrick children’s spine. “I disagree.” While the urge to force a mop into the brat’s hand was overwhelming, Calpurnia pushed the urge aside. Doing so before cleaning up the mutt would only make her do it twice. Her daughter’s excuse earned a snort of derision. Nothing about this mess was faster than putting the problem in the hands of the bleeding hearts who so often craved it. ”You know I despise liars, Cassandra.” She shook her head. “If you want to do something, do it and pay the consequences.”[break][break]

Her voice dropped an octave. Now, it was no louder than a forceful whisper. "But do not insult my intelligence with such a contrived excuse.” At the promise, the older woman shook her head. The laughter was indulgent. “You said that the last three times, Cass.” When had she become so lenient? “Fine.” Maybe her daughter wasn’t the only one lying to herself. “But you will not like the results if you keep trying to make my home an animal shelter.”[break][break]

The woman stares at the shampoo for a moment. With an aggravated sigh, she pushes it toward her. “This will do.” Raising to her feet, Calpurnia moves to grab a handful of towels from the shelf. Certainly not the [good ones. Kicking off her slippers, the woman rolls up her sleeves. “If I see a single flea, I will set the beast on fire myself.”

NOTES

✦ Uh soft calpurnia is soft?

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The woman leaned forward, as Xenon spoke. There was a hunger in her violet eyes, as if Xenon was a mouse and she a snake. “So, this location is based a real place?” She knew that the simulation was based on real life but had not yet tried to triangulate their exact location. ‘Hmm.” Some things—such as the crystalline tree—seemed more farfetched. “I suppose the DRK Triad are too busy to be original.”[break][break]



At the talk of Unown, Calpurnia shivers. While above most fears, thousands of things staring at her is enough to send shivers up her spine. But the temptation of information would be even more bothersome. It reminds her of how angry she got when adults gatekept her future. “That sounds infuriating.” At the talk of Naomi Sato, the purple-haired woman ummed. “Perhaps this problem is more about technology than Pokemon?” People relied on the capricious, disgusting things far too much in her opinion. An ironic belief when much of her work cycled around putting Pokemon beneath their toes.[break][break]


At the talk of expectations, Calpurnia’s brow rose. “You moved the game state, did you not?” She had read multiple journey notes since her first foray into this realm. “It is only natural to expect what comes next.” It wasn't like they could change this world. Which, in this case, happened to be that uppity, nonsense scientist’s voice came through the speakers. As Xenon turned to leave, the mother behind her would scoop up the radio. With a look of pure rage, she slammed it into the door frame on the way out.[break][break]


Xenon’s next words were the epitome of ballsy. The sort of inane chatter which would get her put in figurative stocks. “Are you not a fan of Mister Walsh?” Then, as they crossed the threshold, the world again faded into black. “I would love to get to know him better.” To put him beneath her heel just like she had many men before her. To enjoy him as so many foul, nasty men did women.[break][break]

[break][break]

schuyler tate Cillian Quinn Elisabeth Fiorelli

NOTES

✦ Trying to learn who she is

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Someone bumps into her with a surprising amount of force. A manicured hand goes down on the table, coming up with a hint of sauce. The mask slips as the scientist’s face turns almost feral. “Excuse me—!” The scold dies on her tongue, however. It seems Miss Fiorelli was the culprit. And, no matter how much of a clumsy drunkard the woman was being, now was not the time to charge in. [break][break]

Especially when her little toy had attracted such handsome company. But, rest assured, she would get back to this later. If Cillian expected any kind of fear, he received none. The smile the cougar turns on him is shining. There was a reason her communications with her mother were as frequent as before the internet age. “Well, no one ever said she was smart.” [break][break]


The cat’s Cheshire grin grows as the dog is scolded into silence. There’s a certain taunt in the way his tongue draws across a plate-sized paw. This game continues as Calpurnia hums. “A standing ovation, Mister Quinn.” The woman chuckled. “Figuratively speaking, of course.” Though she detests egg nog—it is one of the worst drinks ever invented—she accepts it with a pleased smile. “Thank you, love.” She chokes it down with a surprising amount of grace.[break][break]


Yuletide plans? Perhaps cozying up with a bottle of wine by the fire and engaging in self-pity. This is the first year without her little boy toy and she misses him terribly. But she certainly isn’t going to say that. “I’m still shopping for the children, unfortunately.” Unlike her husband, the idea of making this season magical did not come naturally. "It's harder now that they have opinions." Growing up, holidays had brought nothing but drama. “A mother’s work is never done.” Even tonight, her hand kept sliding to her purse as if expecting a vibration.[break][break]

As the pair’s conversation broke off, Calpurnia’s gaze shifted toward Troy. Calpurnia had seen his arm candy, and she certainly approved. She knew that the man had just introduced himself, and she very well remembered his name. Continuing this petty dance would make her look foolish. But rules were rules, were they not? “Ah, Tory, how lovely to see you again.” There was a brief pause. “Those samples have proved quite enlightening.”[break][break]

schuyler tate Cillian Quinn Elisabeth Fiorelli

NOTES

✦ Almost hisses at Elisabeth but restrains herself. She will remember though.[break]
✦ Does a cheer with Schuyler[break]
✦ Greets Troy in her typical fashion[break]