By now, Eimyrja's powerful flames had thoroughly heated the container and boiled the water within. Michael watched with pride as his arms remained folded over his chest.

"They're very lucky to have a leader like you to look up to," the Cadet commended. "You're stepping up in a time of crisis. I know that if I was a citizen of Galar, I'd be proud to know you were helping us."

The Ranger's smile broadened as his Charmander approached, her task complete. He knelt down onto the ground to grant the fire salamander many deserved head pats.

"What else would you have us do, Princess?" the Ranger asked.

---

Elise Calcifet
[PC: 5]

Wet. Cold. Bruised. Pain.

These were the prominent senses in the forefront of Michael's mind as he and the other prisoners shuffled back to their cells. It all felt like a blur as his consciousness faded in and out. The only details he recalled, despite the memory being hazy, were the ominous tubes that pulsated and writhed.

Finally, back at his cell with Josh Devlin , Michael stared at the single cot. Then, his eyes locked onto the cold cell floor.

"We might both be able to fit on the cot," Michael sighed. "If not, I'll take the floor. They're trying their damndest to test us."

Whatever decision was made, the Cadet of the Rangers somehow drifted off into a slumber after eating a single Mochi to keep up his strength. Maybe his pain would subside by the time he awoke, as sleep would help the body with its repairs.

A bright light blinded Michael's eyes through his closed eyelids. Wincing, he forced himself upright with a grunt. He realized in that moment that the weight of the mask was gone. With his eyes opened, he soon understood that he was not in the prison cell anymore, but in the middle of a street of some sort of city.

Michael spotted his cellmate to his left. Strangely, Josh Devlin was not in his prison garments. A quick self inspection revealed that the Cadet, too, was in his normal Ranger uniform. Were they dreaming?

Michael nudged Josh's shoulder to help him wake up.

"Hey," he urged, "something's going on. I don't think we're in Hoenn anymore."

At that moment, one of the Megalopolan Guards arrived. Michael instantly recognized the mask. A fire of rage roused the Cadet to stand as he glared at his jailer.

"What have you done to us now?" he demanded with a snarl. "Our punishment wasn't enough? You have to give us false hope that we're free?!"

The Megalopolan raised his hands in defense.

"Please," he begged, "we never the Toxic Chains! We don't even know who the Mega-Rot is! You have to believe me!"

Michael fought against every instinct to grab the guard by the collar and hoist him up into the air. Alas, Michael was the kind of person to want to believe that there was sincerity in the guard's voice.

"Okay. Humor us, then," the Cadet relented. "What do you know? If you are prisoners like we are, how do we help you? How do we destroy the Toxic Chains?"

---

TLDR:
-Michael has DISADVANTAGE
-Michael opts to sleep on the floor.
-Upon 'awaking' in the Dream, he realizes he is with Josh Devlin .
-Michael confronts a guard and demands answers: What does the Guard know, how do they help, how do they destroy the Toxic Chains?

Punished Pokemon:

Shock finally began embedding itself into the deep recesses of Michael's mind and body. The image and sound of Eimyrja's Pokeball being crushed looped over and over in his head. His heart, mind, and soul remained on the verge of giving up. Salty tears would have drowned the mask if the Cadet were given the chance to cry and mourn for the loss of his partner.

Memories of the Charmander pushed Michael forward. His vow to escape and find justice against those responsible coaxed the embers of determination and hope. Mourning turned to motivation. He lost his first Pokemon, yes. But what did he still have? The rest of his team. The friends he made on his journey. The goal to make the world a better place by strengthening the harmony between humans and Pokemon. Michael resented being placed in the Weakling Ward. He would prove them wrong. He would remain strong through all of this. If Eimyrja was somehow still alive, he had to survive for her and reunite. And if she wasn't? There would be Hell to pay.

The blood-mixed tears dried beneath the facade that hid Michael's expression from the rest of the prisoners. As one Megalopolan came to retrieve him, he forcibly snapped his hand away and rose on his own. He and the others shuffled onto the platform. He held solace knowing that the prison failed to turn the wards against each other, at least to his knowledge. Once the Dummy Ward joined, Michael attempted to breathe the fires of camaraderie into the others before they descended into the pit below.

"Our Jailers want to break us," he reminded. "We can never let them win. Even if we don't win a battle of strength, we must win the battle of wits and survival. They tried to turn us on each other, and we proved them wrong. No matter what happens, no matter what they promise, we're stronger together."

Whether his speech would inspire or fall on deaf ears, the crowded platform ground to a halt. Okidogi, in all of his brilliant brawn and glory, chose Michael as one of the prisoners to violently throw off of the platform and into the pit below. Even with such a short fall, the impact on his left shoulder bruised the muscle and bone. In defiance, he grit his teeth in a refusal to show any signs of agony through pained cries. Like an obedient prisoner, he got right to work. He did his best to not let his squeamishness get in the way of the task, whether he was grasping old mochi or dead bodies.

Then, the Punishment of Dummy Ward commenced. Fighting masked menace outright could lead to punishment. Diverting its attention could lead to punishment. The only viable option? Double—No, triple his efforts. The sooner the Prisoners cleaned the pit, the sooner the punishment would end. When Dummy Ward's chains fastened them and made movement nigh impossible, Michael took it upon himself to clean in their stead.

A sudden force smacked against Michael's head. His ears rang, his vision blurred. Fresh iron whetted his tongue and gums. The world was spinning as Michael fell to his hands and knees from the Ogrepon's attack.

uFfgeWzD

---

TLDR:
-Michael attemptts to instill hope
-The Cadet attempts to quicken the pace of the cleaning by helping others
-He gets his beatings from Okidogi, then from Ogrepon

Punished Pokemon:

"Oh, cool!" Michael chimed. "A Turtonator!"

The Ranger Cadet wasn't even upset that the Pokemon had sniffed out a meal from his berry tree. Pokemon had to eat, after all. He approached with a smile, offering a Pokeball to them.

"Hey, how'd you like to join me in my adventures?"

Josh Devlin 's words left a permanent, chilling awe in the back of his mind after the initial shock subsided. Now he understood what had his superior so upset; to have a Legendary Pokemon taken away after such trials could leave anyone broken up over their loss. Before being forced to work, Michael gave an understanding nod to his cellmate and made a quiet vow.

"We will escape," Michael assured through a whisper to Josh who worked beside him. "We have to hold on to Hope. It might be the only thing that will help us in the end. Hold it tight, never let go."

The Okidogi's resounding howl echoed throughout the Weakling Ward. A signal to cease their labor. At least, that's the impression Michael got as he witnessed the other prisoners bringing their work to a halt. Silently, he prayed no one noticed the smuggled shard. He sought to keep it for nothing other than protection. Sure, a stray rock might have been better, but in the throes of his stress and survival instincts, Michael didn't think things through. He didn't realize how closely the Warden and guards watched the other prisoners. It would be a misjudgment he'd come to regret.

The TOXIC CHAINS forced Michael and the other thieves to produce the SHARDS they attempted to hide. Beatings commenced on all of them. Michael simply did his best to curl up defensively. Despite this, the Okidogi's brute strength sent shockwaves of pain through each connecting blow. The Cadet could swear that he felt his insides being torn to shreds by each concussive force. A spasm in Michael's diaphragm forced blood-coated saliva to spill into his mask with a cough. It seemed like this would go on forever.

The chains then hoisted the thieves up into the air like abused marionettes. Blood trickled down Michael's clothes and down to the ground below as crimson rain while a soft hint of iron wafted within his mask. He and others were on display for all to see as a reminder of the gaol's lack of tolerance for misbehavior.

Michael watched the crystalline screen through weary eyes. Tied up and suspended in the air, he remained powerless to stop the horror that would transpire. Each smashed Pokeball sent pangs of guilt and sorrow that felt like railroad ties being driven into his mind.

"No, stop this! They're innocent!" he begged.

Then, through tears that misted his visor, he saw the silhouette of a CHARMANDER; Eimyrja. A deep pit grew in his guts. His mind raced as he tried to struggle against the chains that bound him, damning the pain that tried to restrict his movements.

"Eimyrja, no...NO!"

Smash!

A raging storm of anger and resentment rolled into Michael's mind, washing away the fear and sorrow that plagued it before. He could not remember the last time he felt this deadly combination of emotions. He couldn't recall ever being truly this angered and rage-filled in his life. Most of all, he felt guilt. His actions led to his very first Pokemon, the Charmander who began this journey alongside him, being murdered. But despite what he saw, he refused to believe it was true. Be it out of hope or willful ignorance, the Ranger Cadet refused to take what he witnessed as the gospel. And yet, doubt remained.

Michael collapsed on the ground soon after the diabolical display. Still, he forced hismelf to his hands and knees. Tears continued to roll as his body shook with rage. When it came time to vote, Michael answered firmly and without hesitation. In his heart of hearts, he knew Eimyrja would make the same choice.

"You may try to break us, you may beat us until we can no longer move...I refuse to let you believe we are as horrible as you say. I will not condemn my fellow prisoners, no matter what you promise us with your honeyed words. I choose TRUST!"

Michael so desperately wished to collapse and wail a plaint of his sadness. But he knew he had to stay strong. Eimyrja would want him to stay strong no matter what. If she did truly perish, he needed to live. He refused to let her death be in vain.

---

Josh Devlin
TLDR:
-Micahel is beaten to a pulp
-Michael is forced to watch in horror the death of his STARTER Pokemon
-Despite everything, he chooses TRUST

Punished Pokemon:

HARVESTING

be sure to visit the pretty petal flower shop near rustboro!

3X Tamato Berries from Michael's Garden (Purchase date: April 2nd 2024)

TOTAL

do come again!

0 PD

The whirring of machinery calls to Michael like a Siren's song. Through his visor he bears witness to the Pokemon with uncanny resemblances to the statues of Lavaridge; A muscular bipedal dog, a dark, mischievous monkey, and a graceful pheasant. All three Pokemon sported the Toxic chains, as did the humans who patrolled the ward.

If Michael remembered anything during the past month, it was that the Toxic Chains both empowered and enthralled their hosts. This very thought sent chills of fear down his spine. He couldn't help but wonder if he, too, like the others imprisoned in the gaol, would eventually succumb to the Toxic Chains. He feared that he, too, would unwittingly submit.

The tray of Mochi slid into his dingy cell. A look of disgust fell on the Mochi. Survival instincts and common sense raged war within the Cadet's mind. If he ate the Mochi, he might eventually turn into a zombie just like in Lavaridge Town. If he refused, he may very well suffer the same terrible fate of a slow, painful death. Or worse.

The story from the guards of the Three Day War did not ring any bells with the Cadet. But it was as clear as day; those imprisoned here were being punished for Hoenn's supposed actions. Michael wanted to scream in defiance. He wished to refute their methods and logic of the punishment of those who shared no blame for the events of the past.

The sudden gruesome act committed by the Okidogi pushed aside these dark and foreboding thoughts. Even in such an expansive space, the squelching and snapping of tearing sinew and breaking bones echoed for all hear. Michael could not tear his eyes away. Despite his brain screaming to not look on, he continued to do so in horror. The Cadet's stomach dropped and twisted more with each passing second until the screams finally stopped.

"We need to keep up our strength," he finally lamented in a call to Josh Devlin and others in the Weakling Ward. "I can't remember the last time we had food. If we don't eat, we get punished. So we eat. Disobedience will lead to death. We have to comply if we want any chance of survival. We need to survive not only for us, but for our loved ones."

Just one Mochi, Michael reasoned. Just one and the effects of its toxins would have little effect on his mind and body. Just one to keep up his strength, no more. With a frown, he took an experimental nibble before chewing and swallowing. It was genuinely pleasant, with a flavor of peach. The Cadet then consumed the rest of the Mochi he held in his hand.

A Toxic Chain tethered itself to the collar on Michael's neck. How fitting it was that even in prison, there would be no fantasies of freedom. Michael's stomach turned again at the thought of obeying the Wardens and guards. He refused to believe himself as some obedient dog with a collar and chain keeping him in line. On the surface, he'd submit. But underneath, he strategized.

Choosing to comply tore Michael up inside. But what choice did he have? He would not die as a Martyr when he could bolster the survival of the others. The promise of the rewards went against his training. Yet again, he had no choice but to comply. So to work he went, using his bare hands to smash the rocks embedded with crystals. A wince and gasp would escape him every time he'd catch his fingers against the concrete. Bruises formed and crimson streaks stained the rocks from the cuts he would endure.

When he was sure no one was looking, he would attempt to sneak a sharp shard of crystal into his robes. Having protection may prove useful.

cleiGdtz

---

Josh Devlin
TLDR:
-Michael attempts to bolster the confidence of the others in the prison
-Michael eats ONE Mochi
-Michael attempts to smuggle a shard

Adult or no; Michael was always up for Holiday activities. Egg painting remained no egg-ception to the rule! The Cadet ultimately decided to paint his egg with the likeness of Eggsecute!

---

=DON'T COUNT YOUR EGGS=
Eggs In One Basket

---

A mission to transport Pokemon eggs from one destination to another seemed like an easy enough job. At least, Michael felt this way when comparing it to the chaos of the Toxic Chains plaguing Hoenn. Still, the strange goings-on meant that the roads might be more dangerous than usual. This led the Ranger Station to assign Michael and his superior, Josh Devlin, to an otherwise rudimentary escort mission.

Michael promptly arrived at the rendezvous where Josh would likely wait for him. Two of his Pokemon, Eimyrja and Dusty, were in tow. The Cadet silently lamented that he could not have his Water-Types wander outside of their balls with him. Cobalt and Jaws both required some form of water to travel unhindered. If only there were some way for them to swim in the air via floating orbs made of liquid.

---

Josh Devlin
Notes: None

[nospaces]

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PURCHASING

welcome to the poké mart!

1X  Wailmer Pail (200 PD)
3X  Tamato Berry (30 PD)

REDEEMING

welcome to the poké mart!

2X Gachapon Ticket (PP2, PASSERBY HQ ANALYTICS #6) (0 PD)
Michael's Grand Gachas

TOTAL

do come again!

230 PD

PASSERBY ANALYTICS HQ #6

Answered In-Character

Survey #1
"What is your favorite way to travel?"

• By Pokemon, of course, if not by train!

Survey #2
"What have been your missed opportunities in life so far?"

• I did have a chance to join the Military, but my parents relied on me to help them with the Ranch. Now, I feel like my work as a Ranger is fulfilling, so I don't regret it that often.

Survey #5
"Have you told your loved ones that you care about them recently? If not, why?"

• Almost every chance I get!

Survey #6
"What is your go to karaoke song?"

• Danger Zone!

The dirge of screams and wails jolted Michael awake with a massive hypnic jerk. Multiple sensations drowned his thoughts in the moments his consciousness arose. The first feeling he recognized came from an uncomfortable metal mask that obstructed his vision and embraced his visage. Next, he felt the Toxic Chain that wrapped around his neck like an Arbok's coils. Then came the aching burn on the back of his skull that lingered with the mask's hold. The Cadet's surroundings became clear with the help of the dim moonlight that shone into the complex. Michael understood now that he was held in a single stone cell, its surface damp with moisture.

A raspy scream that echoed in the gaol caught Michael by more surprise. The clouds of overwhelming emotions parted enough for the Cadet to recognize the notes. Michael fought back the drake of fear and dismay just enough to push hismelf to help comfort his cellmate.

"Josh, Josh!" Michael shouted, scrambling to get to his colleague's side. His hands went to clasp firmly on the other's shoulders. "Hey, relax! It's going to be okay!"

Talking led Michael to grasp that his lips and mouth were incredibly dry. A sharp pang in his stomach revealed that he was also starving. When did he last have food or water?

Michael's mind reeled as the gravity of the situation continued to loom over him. A quick self inspection revealed he had no Pokeballs, nor equipment. His heart raced faster while his thoughts went to the safety of his Pokemon. Eimyrja, Cobalt, Jaws, Dusty...They were nowhere to be found.

The Ranger Cadet tried to calm himself down.

"Josh, listen. Let's focus on the positives. Remember our Prisoners of War training! Panicking and screaming won't help. We have to save our strength and strategize how we'll survive, and eventually, escape."

His voice remained harsh yet hushed. The guards did not need to hear the planning that would ensue.

"What matters more than ever is that we remain strong. People are counting on us. Our Pokemon are counting on us."

Though he did his best to show a brave face, deep down, he, too, remained doubtful. One could tell by the shakiness of his words as Michael battled against his inner demons.

---

Josh Devlin
TLDR:
-Michael awakes from the screams of the others in the prison.
-Keeping the details of his capture vague.