[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Hideo Kino was the target, but he didn't go down. It seemed someone else was the unfortunate victim of the killer's onslaught. Sure enough, there seemed no reason not to use the Reaper Cloths to cover the sight of the accident. Nobody needed to see the sight of the crime scene, nobody seemed to really look at them too extensively anyways. This was a game almost entirely of social cues and situations. [break][break]

Sure enough, a corn maze stretches on, and Ruby can't help but smile. Even as the corn maze begins to burn, the end is surely near. And there were only a few last things to do. [break][break]

"Come on Groove, we're managed to survive. We can make our way through." She would slowly walk, making her way through the corn. Her strategy for this entire time was fairly simple. Stick to yourself, speak no names, make no obvious enemies. There was no reason to cause attention to yourself, no reason to stick out. Stay near the back, and surge through at the final moment. Sure enough, Groove's Trick Room would quickly form around him, causing her slow walk to quickly move much faster than would make logical sense. [break][break]

Drinking her final Soda Pop on the quick trek through the burning flames, Ruby let her Oranguru Instruct her on the optimal path to take, he was quite simply smarter than she was, no doubt about it.[break][break]

As soon as they reached the end, the raised stone platform amongst the corn maze, Ruby couldn't help but smile. All those accidental killings by innocents, it was a good thing she had spent a whole round focusing on protecting people. After all, with that encounter, she had absolved herself of any potential guilt. Nobody even suspected her for a second. A good thing indeed. Death by a fellow innocent would, quite honestly, suck. It seems Oranguru's Nasty Plots were definitely working out for the better of them.[break][break]

Rather than waste her time risking another killing, Ruby just pulled out her Eject Button. The only way to win the game was to not play the game at all. Time to get on out of there early, just in case.


[break][break][break]

notes Trick Room, Instruct, and Nasty Plot. Doubling up on Total Defense. Uses Soda Pop, 2 Reaper Cloths on Alexandra, and uses the Eject Button. Kill Number: 1 Portrayal: Dramatic. Target: Trainer

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Everyone wanted this Unown, it seemed. No doubt, many of them probably had the exact same chip that she had found, and wanted to research it for themselves. Nobody would openly share it, but she was certain some higher important members of the League would have some sort of knowledge on the situation.[break][break]

She refused to be left out of the loop, however. She had been researching these god-forsaken letters for over a year, she wouldn't be outdone.[break][break]

Even if she couldn't manage to convince the Unown to join her, she could at the very least scan it. Ruby would quickly reach up her phone, the app open for a split second as she'd attempt to snap a picture of the Unown for the Report.[break][break]




[break][break][break]

notes Ruby takes a picture of the Unown, for the Unown Report. Ref: X

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]It's fine.[break][break]

Those were the first words from Andy Blackadder in response, and she right away knew it wasn't fine. There was no way it could be. And yet, she simply began to smile softly down at him. He wasn't entirely wrong, it didn't seem like something silly did happen that got in the way of a lot of these events. The Aurorus Ball had a landslide of snow, after all. [break][break]

As he began to chew out his Gengar for eating so much, Ruby's eyes drifted over to Hideo Kino who had been handed food by his own Pokemon. "Well, many people bought their own tickets, and it is quite well packed. Pretty much anyone who is anyone is here, tonight. From councilman, the Elite 4, I'm pretty sure."[break][break]

Sure enough, the party did get crashed as expected. However, it was by an Unown. Ruby's head turned so quickly to look at it, one might expect it to be snapped. It just lazily floated in. What was with Unowns just showing up, now? Something was weird, and she intended to find out. She quickly cleared her throat, speaking to the kids around her. "If you guys will excuse me for a moment, I'm gonna go check that out."[break][break]

Sure enough, Ruby would carefully slip away from their side, attempting to follow beneath the Unown in the crowd. Hopefully, her experience with the Pokemon species would allow her some leverage. Unlike everyone else suddenly just chucking balls at the Pokemon, Ruby intended to befriend it instead. Didn't they know those Pokeballs would rain down on people's heads? This was a classy party![break][break]



[break][break][break]

notes Reference Unown. Ref: X

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]The first thing she notices is how dry her throat was as she woke. Ever since she had moved into her apartment, she had slept right indoors. The cabin at the public gardens was honestly the closest thing she had done to get away during the weekdays. Instinctively, Ruby would roll over with a groan, attempting to grab her phone and check the time. [break][break]

She'd push the button and then wait. And then wait some more. Was it dead? She'd blink in confusion, slowly moving to stand up as she reached around in the dark to pull the cord on the bedside lamp. [break][break]

Only for that not to work, either.[break][break]

There was an eerie silence that filled the cabin, something she only now realized. Something simply felt, wrong. As if she was still dreaming but had lost all control. And yet, everything felt real. The cold wooden floors could speak to that fact. Instinctively, Ruby's hands flew to her bags to grab Whisper's Pokeball, only for it to fail as well. [break][break]

Regardless, the young woman continued to clutch the witch's Pokeball in her hands as she moved about the room, attempting to find some kind of light source or working tech that would expose something in a very methodical manner. The Light switches failed, the windows exposed pure darkness, and even her Pokedex didn't work. She didn't dare speak, as if her words might attract something in this unnatural silence of the world. [break][break]

And yet, it seemed something had arrived at her door anyways. A bright light began to peer through the keyhole, almost blinding in comparison to the total darkness of everything else. Whatever was going on, the answer was behind that door.[break][break]

And yet, why did it scare her? Was it the unknown? Or was it simply the lack of control that frightened her? Ruby didn't quite know, but she wasn't about to let it stop her. Her hands shakily made their way to the doorknob, almost expecting to find it locked as she pulled and carefully opened the door.[break][break]

Azelf. One of the three Pokemon she had hatched, was floating in front of her. She immediately wanted to speak, to say something to the pokemon she had spent so long caring for. And yet she physically could not move. Her body betrayed her, simply staring at the Pokemon with wide eyes. [break][break]

A message was shared silently, reminding her almost of her vision that she had been granted. A choice will come, something so important that she had to be warned of it beforehand. And just as quick as Azelf came, he vanished with a blink of her eyes. [break][break]

Daytime came almost instantly and the sounds of the waking earth returned to the world. For her part, Ruby simply continued to stare forwards for a few seconds, taking in everything that just happened. [break][break]

"Azelf..." Ruby would whisper to herself, eventually closing her eyes as she let out a deep breath. And despite the normal anxiety or anticipation, she might have felt, instead all she felt was a determination. Whatever would happen, she'll handle it in a way that only she could. The choice will come to her when the time is right, and she will not only do her best but succeed.[break][break]

She will overcome this challenge of fate, there was not a single doubt in her mind.[break][break]

She could not afford to have any doubts.

[break][break][break]

notes 'Defending' the garden.

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]"Oh, that's great news!" Ruby spoke to Cardamom Bliss. Their family was certainly going up in the world if they got to cater at a fancy party like this. "Your family's treats were incredibly delicious, last I ate them! Remind me to actually come over and get some more treats sometime." [break][break]

Sure enough, despite the trainers getting along fairly well, the Pokemon certainly seemed to be in their own little rivalry of a conversation. At the growl from Shin, Whisper only continued to smirk in response. A long tentacle hand from her hat slowly moved over to rest beneath her chin as she chuckled silently, clearly welcoming the challenge. His determination was admirable, at least.[break][break]

"I think-" Ruby began to speak facing Hideo Kino. "That this music change wasn't planned. One of the party-goers overtook the music. But then again, maybe it was planned? At this rate, you never really know."[break][break]

And then, of course, Andy Blackadder spoke and her teasing smile slowly sunk into a soft smile instead. He might be healed enough to walk around, but the pain and struggle he must be going through daily because of that encounter must still be a constant reminder. Nevermind the fact that she was one of the reasons they continued on into the cave, even when they realized how dangerous it was...[break][break]

She quickly finished the rest of her alcoholic drink. [break][break]

Clearing her throat afterward, Ruby eventually spoke back up to the young lad. "Ahem, sorry... You know, uh, balls and other events sort of like this tends to happen yearly. I can take you to the next one myself if you'd like." He certainly didn't seem like a boy who'd accept pity, but there was only so much she could think to do. Guilt paired with her social faux pas really didn't work well together.
[break][break][break]

notes Ref: X

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Upon hearing a voice, Ruby quickly turns around to look at the man. She had been so distracted findng the way down the mountain and looking for other pokemon, that the sound of his footsteps didn't register until he was right upon her. "Oh. Uh, hello. To you too."[break][break]

Boy was this awkward.[break][break]

Clearing her throat, Ruby continued to speak. "Sorry, I wasn't prepared to meet anyone else up here. I've kind of been hunting alone for a while." [break][break]

Her Unown would swarm around the two of them, eyes curiously examining every single inch of the stranger before Ruby waved her hand to try and dismiss them. "Relax, guys. I get that you're eager to find more, but let's not get into a stranger's personal space, alright?" [break][break]

Suddenly, a Drakloak flying with incredible speeds began to zoom by, investigating the mass of Pokemon. Deciding that it would make it a good fight, it suddenly began to strike. Flinging a powerful Hex down at the Unowns.[break][break]

Ruby's own swarm would immediately respond as Ruby suddenly shifted her entire attitude, prepared for a fight. Her nervous and apologetic tone quickly vanished as a confident voice replaced her own. "Arr, Queue, Hidden Power, now."[break][break]

Energy built up, before being launched straight at the Pokemon. Sure enough, the combined strength of their Dark and Dragon based Hidden Powers were enough to knock it out of the sky, like a crashing plane. As soon as it slammed into the ground, Ruby quickly retrieved an empty Pokeball and tossed it.[break][break]

"Uh... Sorry about that. You didn't get hit, did you?" Just like that, back to her soft-spoken self.
[break][break][break]

notes Psychic/Ghost Spawn! Capturing Drakloak!

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]
Ruby simply blinked in surprise at the stranger approaching her. He seemed familiar, but not in the personal experience sort of way. At this pace, she simply presumes that she's at least seen everyone in Hoenn once upon a time even if she didn't speak with them. Regardless, he seemed friendly enough. Ruby would smile softly in response as she spoke up. "As did I, but I guess it wasn't meant to be."[break][break]

Her Unown swarm slowly begins to turn to look at Matias, their curiosity growing as their unblinking eyes faced him. Ruby simply ignored their actions for now, they never made sense anyway.[break][break]

"I'm Ruby. Don't mean to bother you. I take it, you're here on business Mr...?"[break][break]

Her Unown suddenly swirled around, facing a pair of Pokemon fighting one another in the distance. A Cofagrigus and a Grumpig. However, it seemed as if they were simply forming a wall with their letter-like forms, protecting their trainer from stray blows.
[break][break][break]

notes Psychic/Ghost Spawn!

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Gruesome. The killer failed, but it seemed one of their fellow contestants had another goal in mind. To end a fellow competitor for good. Or at least, for the rest of the game, anyways. It felt morbid, almost, but she'd felt like perhaps it was right to lay down the cloths over where they vanished. And yet, it seemed others have already done so. Perhaps, another victim...[break][break]

Moving on forwards, Ruby clenched her teeth as they actually entered the tower. This place was in shambles, it only seemed proper to begin to clean up the place and make a way up. "Groove," Ruby spoke out again, facing her Oranguru by her side. "Future Sight, will you? Precisely strike pieces of rubble that won't cause the place to collapse. We need to be careful."[break][break]

Sure enough, Groove would focus his energies, psychically striking rocks that seemed safe to damage.
[break][break]
CzVNo8vv

[break][break][break]

notes Future Sight Rubble Rouser. Kill Number: 1 Portrayal: Dramatic. Target: Trainer

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]One killer down, apparently. The Champion himself, who could have imagined that? Certainly was an interesting turn of events. Who all was even left? John Sullivan and Hideo Kino remained, as well as Eris Halla . But they were truly the only people she knew better than just acquaintances. Perhaps it was a good idea to keep an eye on them anyway, never knew what might happen.[break][break]

Grabbing two cans of Soda Pop, Ruby simply continued forward on their quest to find a way out of this place. Perhaps, the strange Eject Button that Groove found while searching around would be of some assistance in the future? Regardless, Ruby takes a position in the middle of the group as they make their way towards the stone tower in the distance.[break][break]

Deciding to take the overgrown path, Ruby looked down at her Oranguru as she spoke. "Let's get through here, alright? Faster, the better." Sure enough, Groove would begin to use Psychic, flinging blasts of energy at the underbrush to attempt to strip the plants of their bite. At the same time, Groove also used Foul Play. It's ingenious brain attempting to utilize the power of the plants against themselves, ripping them apart.
[break][break]
Wfm0iRGa

[break][break][break]

notes Psychic and Foul Play, Trailblazer. Purchased 2 Soda Pops. Purchased 1 Eject Button. Used 1 Soda Pop. Kill Number: 1 Portrayal: Dramatic. Target: Trainer

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Ruby had simply smiled at the awkward actions of the Beheeyem. Being fair to the little guy, she doubted he was left on his own that often. Especially not when he was always by Hideo Kino's side, telling him where things were and who were nearby. Her own Beheeyem wasn't exactly the social type either.[break][break]

Taking another sip of her drink, Ruby nodded over at Andy Blackadder as he approached. She wasn't expecting to see so many of Hoenn's youth here, but then again it seemed like they really did have their ways of getting into places. As he spoke at first, Ruby would politely smile at his kind introductions. And then, he quickly shifted and immediately reverted back to swearing. She paused for a moment, mentally taking notes over the situation for a second before speaking up herself. [break][break]

"And for just a second, I thought you were going to behave yourself." She'd teasingly shake her head back and forth before a soft mischievous grin began to form. "Why, Sir Blackadder, us ladies are having such a genuinely wonderful time here tonight. Might I, perhaps, tempt you with some finely curated charcuterie? I assure you, it is quite delicious and would certainly appease your sensitive palate." She was certainly having fun being overly grandiose in response.[break][break]

However, even Ruby couldn't stop herself from watching as the music simply stopped, only to be replaced with something entirely different. Of course, the sight of kim cole-essam taking the dance floor in full encouraged a quiet chuckle from her, politely placing her hand over her mouth as she did so. She never knew what to expect from that man, but every stunt was more wonderful than the last. [break][break]

And sure enough, his strange Pokemon friend would be dancing as well, even as he fell back. Curiosity building and building, her eyes would watch over the strange pokemon before turning back to her friends. "I presume, none of you are big dancers?"
[break][break][break]

notes Ref: X

[break]