Welcome to Gaia! ::

“I got it right here.” Sub replied to Cera as he pulled out Buzzwole’s Beast Ball, tossing the device to the Mew, expecting her to catch it. “I’m keeping your Master Ball though, just in case.” He said with a smile and a wink. Turning his attention back to Freth he was content to see the woman being tended to and stabilized, just as he had hoped. She was still in pretty bad shape but she should be able to hang in there long enough to get some real treatment, they just had to get to Mauville City. Speaking of. “Here in the woods? Blizzard is right, we wouldn’t get there until morning. We could exit onto the main route and really cut down our time but I have no doubt SWIPE would spot us before long. I do have concerns for Freth but I see little other choice. If she can hang on until we reach Mauville she, and the rest of us, will be okay.” Sub replied to Amaranth. He was very confident they would be okay if they made it to Mauville City, his reasoning still uncertain.

While Sub was focused on Freth and then replying to Amaranth Tristen had a bit of a blow up with his father, the Snagem leader turning a curious ear to the tiff and listening in. The boy made some good points, some of which Sub himself had taken issue with Blizzard in the past. However it was not really his place to call him out on these things, Darkrai knew Sub had his own skeletons he didn’t like being pointed out so the last thing he wanted to be was a hypocrite. While he did feel a bit bad for Blizzard in that moment he couldn’t also help but feel pride for Tristen, the boy was growing up and learning to stand on his own feet. That year in Paldea did him some good.

Turning his mental focus back to Freth he really was concerned about her survival. Sure, a Heal Pulse could treat minor wounds and recover normal exhaustion but the most it did for someone in her condition was provide a minor amount of pain relief and stabilized their vitals at best, with the later suffering diminishing returns the longer it was relied on. The woman needed real aid quickly but they couldn’t move much faster than they were. If only… “Reno.” He whispered to himself as Reno stepped up. “Yeah, I already broke it out. They will likely be careful to take to the skies or show up in a mass group again, might even come with more apt Pokemon, so that’s one less trick we have up our sleeves. Unless you mean…heh.” Sub replied to Reno with a smirk and a wink, then wanting to move onto the next part.

“This is the game plan.” Sub said as he turned his attention back to his teammates. “Reno is going to head out first and make an obvious target of himself while we continue on foot in the woods for a bit, to get some distance between ourselves in Reno. He’ll give us the flashiest signal he can conjure up when he feels he sufficiently has SWIPE occupied. We’ll then hightail it any way we can to Mauville City on the quickest modes of transportation we have. If Reno does it right we should meet minimal SWIPE resistance. Worst case scenario I break out Moltres again but I really hope I don’t have to. You all saw what that thing does.” The man explained. “Amaranth I want you to take Freth on the back of your Dodrio and make a run for Mauville under cover of the woods. Just the two of you should be able to move quickly. Cera you are to transform into Dodrio and take Ulla and Amber to Mauville alongside Amaranth. Ulla in case Freth needs stabilization again along the way and Amber to sneak ahead to Laverne when you reach the city limits. Two riders are about the max a Dodrio can handle. All of you are to only go as far as the end of the woods at the city limits and stay there while Amber slips into the city to fetch Laverne for proper aid for Freth. She’ll get Freth taken care of. We’ll be behind you guys and you’ll know when it’s time to step out of the woods.” He explained to Amaranth, Amber, Ulla, and Cera.

“With that said let’s all keep moving while Reno gets ready to do his thing. For now we need to move quickly and quietly and get some space between us and Reno, also get as far away from the Steelix tracks we made which I have no doubt they found already. If Reno does his job well enough they’ll be too busy to hunt for us in the woods. Once Reno gives the signal do whatever you can, use whatever you can, to move as fast as possible, don’t worry about stealth anymore. Remember, the goal is to get into Mauville City. It’s not a safe haven but trust me when I say we’ll be okay if we can make it there. Stop for nothing and no one, do not try and engage in any battle if by chance SWIPE tries to attack us. Now let’s get moving guys.” Sub said as he started ushering people to get moving. As people started moving Sub would turn back to Reno to see him getting ready and smiled. “Reno…touch the rock.” He said, giving him a thumbs up before turning away to leave him to his task.

Sub would lead the group through the woods, sans the Freth escort who he sent ahead with instructions to sneak Amber into the city to get Freth help. The rest of them were going at a much slower pace than they were previously to not draw attention to their location. After a fair amount of walking the group could hear the sound of distant sirens coming towards them, no doubt causing their stomachs to flip only for the sirens to become more distant at the originator of the noise drove past, leaving Mauville City to no doubt apprehend Reno. He just hoped they got Freth the aid she needed by now. For them they were still about twenty minutes away by foot from the city and it was pitch black out. Fortunately it wasn't too difficult to know which way to go, the electric city of Mauville like a beacon in the night even this far away in the woods. How did the wild Pokemon get any sleep?

After hearing a few more of those sirens followed up by a couple minutes of relative silence ahead of them Sub decided now was their chance. They needed to rush the city if his plan was to work, especially before SWIPE realizes Laverne was missing from the embassy which he was confident they were keeping an eye on. He also wanted SWIPE to know they were in Mauville, bring all their troublesome forces, the more the better to Sub. "All of you, rush for the city! Just go for the city and head straight for the embassy. It's the first store front to the left as you enter the city from the western gate, you can't miss it. Go inside and dare SWIPE to enter." He ordered the Snagems as he took out a Master Ball, preparing to use his Galarian Moltres if he had to. "I'll protect you guys from the back. Blizzard, you lead the front. Now go!"

(Write your character running, or riding on a Pokemon, for Mauville City down the last half of Route 117, the group exiting the woods and passing right through the Pokemon Daycare's pasture. The Snagems will encounter a few posted SWIPE vehicles that will take pot shots at them with their nocturnal Pokemon, trying to trip up the Snagems though their forces here are spread out and few thanks to Reno. The Snagems will then run up to a road blockade of SWIPE vehicles just shy of the city's entrance, jump or smash through it to get into the city and make their way into Snagem's embassy.)

Lykas watched as some of the others came to Freth's aid, immediately wishing he had Mykel on hand but well aware that this wasn't going to be enough for an injury like this. He knew from experience with the scar on his own back. Mykel had managed to keep him from going into shock in the same way after he'd been struck back then but it did almost nothing for the actual wound. Sub was right that Freth needed immediate medical attention but he had an idea to help, as well. "Before you go.... Let me help." He told those providing aid. "It's not going to last long but I can at lest slow down her bleeding." He informed them, stepping up and taking deep breath. As he exhaled, his Icy Wind would blow in a thin line across the wound, chilling the area so that the blood flow would slow down. "I'm not skilled enough for a proper cold cauterization but that should give you a slightly larger window to get her help." He informed.

Then, to Freth directly, while he wasn't sure if she could hear him or not, he spoke directly. "I'm so sorry this happened to you... If I hadn't been so reckless, you guys might have been able to reach the rest of us and avoid this..."

"Lykas, you can feel bad later. We need to get going now, before we lose our chance to escape." Odd scolded, mostly trying to get Lykas' mind off of Freth's injury before he lost the plot and let himself get caught.

"Right... Go!" He urged Amaranth and the rest of her group as he turned to face Odd. "Stick close to me and we'll get there as fast as we can." He told the Channeler. Odd nodded, releasing Musette from her Ball as he recalled A’Capella once again. “Sorry girl. We’re on the run and i can’t afford to risk falling.” He apologized to the feline as he recalled her. “Musette, follow Lykas as close as you can. He’s leading th way.” He instructed the Stantler, climbing onto her back.

Lykas lead Odd through the trees, moving together in their small group while trying to stay just far enough from the rest of the Snagems that they would be harder to spot. It wouldn't take long for them to begin hearing the sound of sirens after Reno's departure, quickly noticing the sirens heading away from their location, back toward Verdanturf Town from the sound of it. "I hope he's annoying enough to keep their focus while we do this." Lykas remarked quietly.

"I'm more concerned that he can manage to get away from them on his own." Odd replied, shaking his head. Musette grunted in agreement. She wasn’t sure exactly what was going on but that mad dash earlier was enough to understand they were still in trouble. Jumping over a couple of large roots in the way, Odd grunted softly as they landed. “Careful, girl. You’ve got to warn me before you make big jumps like that.” The Channeler reprimanded gently, his arms wrapped around her neck as he held himself in place.

"Looks like there’s still a small contingent of agents just outside the city..." Lykas told Odd as they drew closer.

"I see them." Odd assured. He hadn't been sure that's who they were but there were multiple souls in close proximity to one another that he could see up ahead. The number of them made him question if that was the case even before Lykas' confirmation.

"They've got several vehicles blocking the path. I don't know if I have any Pokemon that can break through that on me." Lykas informed his blind partner, thinking about the Pokemon he had on him. "Palaeo might be able to but he'd probably end up doing more damage to the environment than to them..."

"I've got someone on me that can do something. I had Avec out of the PC when SWIPE showed up so he's on me right now." Odd remarked.

"That.... would be a good option, I think." Lykas remarked, recalling Avec's first appearance after Odd acquired him. The Pokemon was an absolutely brutal beast of a fighter when it was allowed to cut loose and this just might be a good chance to do exactly that.

When Sub called out for them all to run for the city and break for the Embassy, Lykas nodded. "Do it!" He instructed Odd.

Odd nodded in response, grabbing one of the few Balls on his belt that he had yet to reveal the contents of since the initial arrest. "Avec! Go! Cut loose and destroy those vehicles!" He called out, tossing the Ball as far ahead of him as he could. As Lykas ducked, dodged and evaded the attacks beginning to fly their way, the Ball hit the ground and popped open, revealing a much larger shape than the one it had been when Odd first snagged Avec at the Academy. Musette was doing her best to follow Lykas’ lead, grunting out warnings to Odd as she jumped over SWIPE agents that seemed to be unarmed with Pokemon.

The dark shape that emerged from Odd’s Pokeball stood stock still in the night for a moment, before its hair began to rise into the air, drifting around it as if lifted by an unnatural wind. A pair of glowing crimson eyes snapped open as the muscles tensed. "Anni....hil....AAAAAPPPPPPEEEE!" Avec screamed into the night, black flames erupting to life around both his hands as he charged toward the vehicles, throwing Rage Fists at them one after another.

“What is that?!” One of the Swipe agents shouted, suddenly overwhelmed with fear as the cryptid Pokemon rushed toward them. He fired at the Annihilape with his collar gun but Avec easily dodged the collars sent his way, turning on the agent and delivering a Shadow Punch squarely to his gut, sending him careening off into the middle distance. Turning back to the vehicles, he threw a Cross Chop into the driver door of one as he rushed the large SUV with his forearms crossed. Caving in the vehicle door with as many Cross Chops as it took, Avec would Screech into the night once again, turning his horrifying glowing eyes onto the other vehicle, grabbing it and giving it a Seismic Toss into the woods, fortunately away from the incoming Snagems.

“Put it down!” Another Swipe agent cried out, horrified by whatever this Bigfoot that was attacking them was.

Avec slammed his foot into the ground and several stone spires erupted around the agent in question as he used a Rock Tomb to trap the agent before he could act. Jumping up onto the top of one of the spires and swinging off to land amid another group with a terrifying display of Acrobatics, Avec slammed his fists into the ground as he landed.

“Hell ape.” Avec grunted as the Swipe agents turned to look into his face, crimson eyes full of rage as he spread his arms wide and Bulldozed through them all, clotheslining all of them at once and knocking them to the ground.

“Holy crap he’s scary…” Lykas announced, shifting his body to water for a moment as he dodged several Swipe agents that simply tried to tackle or punch him, seemingly forgetting in the moment whether or not they had Pokemon that could take the Snagems on.

“Yeah… That’s why I tend to keep him in his ball. I didn’t even know that Primeape could evolve when I caught him. I’m still not convinced it’s an evolution. He’s more like a mindless zombie fueled by more rage than even a Primeape could contain.” Odd replied, grunting as he ran into a Swipe agent who phased through him, activating the Channeler’s innate intangibility and proceeded to squeak out a fearful question. “What the hell are you people?!”

“We’re Team Snagem and you idiots aren’t getting us again!” Lykas shouted back. “Looks like he’s opened up a decent spot to get through and it looks like-”

“Blizz is doing something.” Odd replied, hearing the Articuno hybrid’s warning.

“Go ahead and call him back.” Lykas informed Odd at that point.

“Got it.” Odd replied, smirking at the SWIPE agents he could sense all around them. He could sense fear and failure emanating from them stronger by the moment. That meant that everyone was making it past them, right? “Avec, return!”

After Avec had taken out the last group of SWIPE agents, he’d tried to Counter an agent he believed was trying to attack him, only for the agent to pull back at the last moment and run away from him. He was currently throwing a Stomping Tantrum, the earth shaking all around him from the force of his stomps and thrashing fists as he threw his fit. Amid his tantrum, he failed to see the incoming beam from his Ball as Odd recalled him.

Lykas lead the way from there, Odd on his heels as the two broke through the space Avec and Blizzard had opened up. Lykas worried it would take more before breaking into the city, however, ready to unleash his own Water Spout to wash away anyone that managed to avoid the deep freeze.. “Keep going!” He urged Odd. “We’re almost there!”

“I don’t plan to stop!” Odd assured him, holding tightly to Musette as she moved through the ice with relative ease, hooves breaking the surface enough to grip it unlike Lykas’ shoes, which froze to the ground with every step, slowing him down a fair bit. As she caught up to him from behind, she dipped her head down and lifted him into the air with her antlers, carrying him just long enough to escape the field of ice Blizzard had created with his attack. “Thanks!” The hybrid told her, smiling at the Stantler in spite of her inability to see it with her head down and her vision blocked by the hybrid. Thankfully there didn’t seem to be anything immediately in front of them so that wasn’t much of a concern at the moment. They just had to cover the remaining distance into the city.

The moment they hit pavement, Lykas shifted to liquid and escaped the grip of Musette’s antlers without stopping her, running alongside the Normal-type as Odd looked back, hoping he wouldn’t see any Snagems having fallen far behind. It was hard to tell with only their souls upon a blank void but over the last year, it had become a bit easier.

Cera, just finishing with the Heal Pulse she was mimicking, would make the Beast Ball stop next to her in mid-flight, floating in place and giving a sigh of relief. "Thanks... with the way things looked, I thought it'd get lost in the chaos." She wouldn't respond about the Master Ball despite the slight look of disdain on her face, but she couldn't argue that the ball was one of the safer options if she needed to be brought to safety again. As Sub continued, she found herself looking away at Freth, doubtful that she'd make it to morning. There had to be some way to cut down the time while also having some semblance of safety... assuming Laverne would help like Sub assured.

"...here, luckily I never needed to let them out." She remarked after a moment, floating the ball towards Sol. As it neared, he'd wave an arm and lightly bat it away.

"Keep it with you for now," he spoke up. "In case we split up again."

The Mew's eyes would narrow as Sub and Reno talked, having a feeling there was going to be some kind of plan as she floated the ball back towards herself. It wouldn't be long before the plan indeed came out, and she found herself conceding that transforming into Swift would mean faster travel for the ones that needed it most. And if Reno was going to run off making a neon sign for himself, she and Amaranth could make the mad dash to get to Mauville in time to give Freth the best chance she'd have. As she nodded, the ball would be floated back towards Sol for him to grab.

"Got it. Ulla, Amber, both of you get on once I'm transformed and we'll book it with the signal," she responded, quickly getting herself onto the ground as she quickly studied Swift's form.

Watching as she'd quickly Transform and shift to match her Dodrio's form- the feathers pink as was the norm for Cera- Amaranth would give a quick nod. "We'll keep pace with you, then. Just... focus on running, we can't afford a fight. I'll make sure Freth's as safe as possible." She'd make sure to get back on Swift first, moving nearby for Freth to be put onto the bird and ready to run.

By that time, Cera would also be done with her transformation, each of her heads looking towards Ulla and Amber and awaiting them to follow suit. Once they did, she'd rush off as Amaranth gave a quick tap for Swift to follow into the woods.

---

Throughout the slower trip through the woods, Sol would take the moment to start applying Recover to himself, hoping another fight wouldn't come. He knew he'd be no good if he couldn't keep up himself, though as he kept running- albeit somewhat hobbled- his mind was still on everything that transpired over today alone. He'd cut those thoughts off the second he heard the sirens, bracing himself and fearing the worst... until they grew distant. The gambit with Reno seemed to be yielding some results, leaving him to keep moving towards Mauville. The process would keep up for a while, each one leaving him to wonder if this would be the time when luck ran out until one of them drove Sub to his next part of the plan.

"As many times as I've been there? Probably'll be disappointed I'm not there to help with the paperwork," he remarked. Blizzard leading the frontline gave him a mercy, taking advantage of his front seat ticket to SWIPE On Ice to slip by while they were busy handling their icier foe. He'd see the bulk coming ahead before long, though, and started to generate plasma around his hands. Electricity crackled as he was ready to loose a Thunderbolt when Blizzard caught up again, slowing himself when he felt the sudden increase in pressure and a chill that he wouldn't want to be in the way of.

At once, the electricity stopped as he swapped plasma for good old fire, bracing himself as the Sheer Cold spread out along the route and following up with a single streak of flames, the Flamethrower cutting the barest of paths for the rest to traverse while letting the rest of the ice keep SWIPE at bay. "Already ahead of you on the ice, keep moving everyone!" He shouted out as he kept rushing through.

Aile looked between Aria and Cera, growling before finally shaking her head and sighing. “Fine.” With that word, and knowing everyone else was off of him, Kuat would tilt his head, unceremoniously dumping off his trainer before he collapsed, reverting back to his standard form as he landed. The woman would reach for the Steelix’s Pokéball and recall him, replacing it with another Pokéball. That effort, the woman noticed, felt like it took more energy to do, just moving her arm around. Did she really spend that much of her energy? “Arceus,” she muttered, forcing her hand up enough to let out Dagobah again. “Dega…” The bear looked around, appearing relatively unscathed, only having taken one attack when they first left Rustboro. The Ursaluna noticed she was in a different area than when she was recalled, and that her trainer was much more exhausted as well. “Dega, a ton happened after I recalled you. Not much time to go into it, though-” The woman would struggle to stand back up when she was gently helped up by Crystal onto the bear. “Hey!”

“And just how long would it have taken you? Like I said before, you look not exactly great. Judging by how you lifted your hand to recall your Steelix, can you tell me your body doesn’t feel like lead?” Crystal tilted her head while Aile looked down, not able to answer her truthfully. With a sigh, the hybrid would continue. “...Do you want any more help from me as we leave? Or are your other Pokémon still in decent condition?”

“Tatooine and Sarlaac haven’t been sent out at all yet. Poggle and Kayvaan should still have some amount of fight in them. Don’t forget to worry about yourself.”

“Alright.” Crystal sighed and nodded, glancing at the bear. “Make sure your trainer doesn’t do anything else st- reckless.” She’d catch herself, noting that her decision probably wasn’t made in ignorance but in desperation. “Keep an eye on her.”

“Tch. I don’t even know if I can do that again right now,” Aile retorted, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, if you’re stubborn enough like half of the Snagems, you’ll find a way.” The hybrid would give a half grin, then they both would listen as Sub gave everyone their marching orders. As soon as they were told ‘go’, the lot of them would take off, Crystal using Psychic to give her feet a little bit more pushing power again.

Crystal’s ears would perk, while Dega’s head would turn when the sirens were heard, until they grew distant again. The galactic cat would let out a sigh of relief, while Dega pushed it all aside and focused once more on their run out. As soon as they hit the main road, they’d kick it into high gear, not having to dodge trees and anything else that might have gotten in their way.

Dega and Aile would be the first to encounter some sort of resistance with any remaining SWIPE personnel on the road, having the idea to leap into the air and swing her arm at some of the SWIPE grunts who were about to get in the way, all while Aile just held on tightly. Not too long after, once some of the personnel had gotten up, another blast of Psychic energy would knock them down again, followed by Crystal running through. Aile may not have asked for her help, but she’d stay behind her, just in case. It at least seemed like the woman had managed to stay conscious this far, though, so that was something positive.

Once they all had managed to arrive at the edge of Mauville, they had the wonderful joy of witnessing Blizz unleash a frozen hell upon the gathered SWIPE there. Aile was just relieved that she didn’t need to deal with more of SWIPE, while Crystal felt something churn a little where her stomach should be when she witnessed Blizz unleashed Sheer Cold on their adversaries. Her mind would dredge up the memories of the reality that Aden had gotten drop kicked into, and the interactions with that Blizzard, the one who could drop the temperature of the area with a shift of his emotions. That was something she didn’t want to see happen here, and hopefully that wouldn’t. The use of that move here though, it gave her some concern. Maybe she was overthinking things, though. Maybe this wouldn’t lead to the results of that reality. She wasn’t going to be able to tell right now, though, as they needed to get to safety first.

When Sol made a path for most of the others using Flamethrower, Dega would charge through with her trainer, while Crystal would start running into the air to stay out of the way of the others, creating small light platforms quite briefly to land on before using Psychic Fangs with the claws on her feet to destroy them as she launched off of them, landing behind the line of SWIPE.

The Snagems would in time each make their way into Mauville City and find shelter in Team Snagem’s embassy in the southwest corner of the city. With Sub being the last one to make it with SWIPE hot on his heels he would call out to Laverne, immediately upon entering through the sliding glass doors, to get Poe. He didn’t know if GRAY had re-established his link yet but he had to try.

The former Snag-A-Cup waitress, now diplomat and recruiter, wouldn’t question Sub for a bit and ran to her desk before pressing her thumb on a small black circle on the bottom drawer, a fingerprint reader. She would snatch the draw open and reveal the mini-PC, single Pokeball exchanger, inside. Pressing a button on it she shouted; “GRAY! Sub needs Poe!” She was unaware of what happened back at HQ so was certain GRAY would respond, and he would despite everything as a single Dusk Ball materialize. “Sub! Catch!” Laverne said as she quickly picked up the ball and hurled it towards Sub, the man spinning around to catch it then turning back to the glass doors to see panicking people running or moving out of the way. SWIPE was coming.

“Poe! Mega Evolve and use Protect! Let no one in here!” Sub said as the keystone on his Snag Machine gave off a bright glow. They may have disabled the tech for now but what they couldn’t disable was the bond with his Pokemon, they were fools to let him keep this. He could only guess they thought they were safe just depositing his Pokemon. Spiking the now glowing ball on the ground the device would burst open, the swirling tendrils of light wrapping around each other and quickly forming an orb of light. The orb would solidify into a cocoon of crystalline energy before shattering to reveal Poe, the now Mega Sableye. Already knowing his orders and sensing the urgency in his trainer Poe held off on any jokes and threw his hands out, beckoning his giant gem to hover towards the door. Once there he would command it to shatter into tiny little pieces before reassembling them into a large sheet of red crystalline energy that covered the entire door and wall on this side, forming his Protect. And not too soon as a SWIPE vehicle began to pull up, SWIPE agents jumped out, now armed with shock batons and collar guns. Seeing the Protect they didn’t act yet and instead went about closing down this area and erecting barricades.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Sub thanked Poe and patted him on the head much to the Sableye's chagrin before turning back to his teammates. “Is everyone okay? Did we all make it? How’s Freth?” He asked, his questions directed at everyone.

“She’s okay, Doctor Stojakovic is tending to her in the back.” Laverne answered to Sub, her hand resting on her chest as she tried to catch her breath. It had been a long time since she saw any action like this.

“Please, call me Doc Stoja, all my patients do.” A voice called out as the door to Laverne’s apartment in the back opened up. Exiting the door was a woman sporting a white lab coat with a simple purple dress underneath. She was drying her normal human fleshed covered hands and if one scanned her visually from the feet up she would look pretty normal until they got to her neck. Her ‘normal’ flesh would begin to turn purple as you moved up, her entire face, or whatever could be seen of it, purple. The strangest thing however was clearly the large shell covering half her head, just shy of the nose. The eyes on the front of the shell stared at them all before the human mouth below smiled. She had been introduced to a few of these Snagems already, the team that brought Freth in, but for the bulk of them this was the first time seeing her and she no doubt knew they had questions. “Do not be alarmed, the shell on my head is supposed to be there for I am a Slowking hybrid of the Galarian variant. But that’s not important, I can assure you all that your friend, Freth, will be fine. She is in bad shape and will require a lot of rest and care but she will live.” Doc Stoja reassured them. “The others have been bandaged up as well.”

Bang!

A Heracross just rammed its horn into the Protect hell, empowered by Brick Break as it attempted to shatter the construct. After the Heracross came a Breloom delivering a one-two punch against it with Brick Break, it still held. A Sawk came up next to deliver a single powerful punch with Brick Break and this time a crack formed, the Protect crystal wall weakening as Poe found it harder and harder to keep it stabilized. “Hehe…can’t hold it forever you know.” Poe informed his trainer, starting to break heavily as keeping this up was rapidly draining his energy.

“I know, I’m sorry Poe but please hang on just a little longer.” Sub pleaded with his Pokemon.

“Team Snagem!” Looker shouted at them from behind a barricade with a megaphone. “You are surrounded! Come out peacefully and spare the good people of this city anymore trouble! Please do not turn this city into another battleground!” Looker continued, Sub grimacing to himself over how good and noble Looker was talking, like they were the problem.

Turning to his team Sub was intending to giving them a rousing pep talk however the sound of screams followed up by jets of flames and water flying around just in front of the embassy cut him off, the man turning to watch the spectacle of a Houndoom pouncing a Sealeo in the middle of the gathered SWIFT agent. A grin slowly grew on his face. “They came…they came! Ha!” He said with a laugh before turning back to his teammates. “Alright guys, this is it! Things are about to get really crazy but this is our one shot to make it to the panic headquarters and to freedom. Out there you are going to see a bunch of Aqua and Magma grunts having at it with SWIPE no doubt trying to put them down, they’ll be far too busy handling them to focus all their attention on us. If you were wondering how I know this well…I called in some favors. Old Shades cashed in his social credit with Aqua and Sub got Magma to repay the debts they owed.” The man explained as more of the chaos unfolded, SWIPE no longer trying to break down the Protect as several Grimer dropped down from the act ducts to ambush some Mightyena.

“Get out there and make your way through the city and head north, onto Route 111. Trainer Hill is about twenty to thirty minutes from here. Obviously SWIPE will try to pounce on us but I’m hoping they will be too busy with Aqua and Magma. Now I can’t guarantee a stupid grunt or too won’t take a shot at you but they should be more worried with fighting each other in their little turf war so again, you should be good.” Sub said, turning to his winded Mega Sableye, his Protect wall shrinking. “Okay guys, this is it…Laverne, Doc Stoja, you have to come with us too, I’m sorry about all of this.” He apologized to the women who promptly brushed it off, both of them pulling out already packed bags. Sub just smirked. “Someone is going to have to carry Freth too, she is in no shape to run.” He said, remembering the Galarian Articuno hybrid.

“She is on my bed in the back if someone wants to grab her real quick.” Laverne informed them.

“I shall accompany whoever takes Freth so that I may keep an eye on her.” Doc Stoja chimed in.

Once Freth was acquired and ready to be moved Sub would point his Dusk Ball at Poe, the Pokemon slowly reverting to his normal state as his energy was giving out, his Protect wall barely as big as the door. “This is it guys, one last rush…Poe! Return!” Sub said as he fired off the iconic red beam of energy and brought Poe back to his ball, the Protect wall disappearing with him. “Now go! All of you! Get to Trainer Hill!” He commanded his teammates.

(Have your characters run through Mauville City [as it is in OR/AS] making their way towards the northern gate of Mauville. There are no real battles to be had however SWIPE agents will try to still apprehend your characters if they can get lucky, armed with shock batons and collar guns along with their Pokemon. Aqua and Magma grunts aren’t interested in you but there is plenty of crossfire to get caught in and misunderstandings to be had, your characters must try to avoid them. Also don’t forget about possible citizens in the way. The city is in chaos. See below what Pokemon are available via who and if you haven’t snagged a Pokemon in this mission you may now.)

(Pokemon held by;

SWIPE: Rapidash, Stantler, Magnemite, Magneton, Arcanine, Herdier, Stoutland, Elektrike, Manetric, Gumshoos, Luxio, Luxray, Inkay, Mabosstiff, Houndour, Houndoom, Espathra, Araquanid, Sigilyph, Granbull, Golurk, Braviary, Donphan, Lycanroc (any), Spidops, Octillery, Whirlipede, Pyroar (any) Watchog, Sandslash, A-Sandslash, Electrode, Starmie, Tauros, P-Tauros (any), Heracross, Breloom, Sawk and Furfrou

Aqua: Poochyena, Mightyena, Carvanha, Sharpedo, Spheal, Sealeo, Grimer, Muk, Corphish, Crawdaunt, Seviper, Chinchou, Lanturn, Electrike, Manetric, Zubat and Golbat.

Magma: Poochyena, Mightyena, Aron, Lairon, Baltoy, Claydol, Numel, Camerupt, Houndour, Houndoom, Rhyhorn, Rhydon, Torkoal, Zangoose, Koffing, Weezing, Zubat and Golbat.)

Darts and Ogerpon had participated in the blitz to the best of their ability, joining the rest of the team in the mad dash to the embassy, and now they were following too, the Giratina hybrid carrying Freth in his arms personally as they prepared to make another mad dash for the edge of town.

The legendary Pokemon in particular still seemed hesitant to let Freth out of her sight. Despite all of the insistence that it wasn't her fault it brought forward a lot of bad memories of leaving the cave and coming back to find... him... dead. This time it had even happened right in front of her, and as she keeps pace with her trainer, one eye on Freth's body as they get ready to go, she's bound and determined to keep her safe. Besides, there was no better mount than Just Darts.

Speaking of, the gambler had his own reasons for trying to haul the Galarian Articuno out of this war zone. Looking at the rest of the group there probably wasn't a singular person able to carry her individually, and if they had too many people hauling her around they would just make themselves a target. "C'mon all!" He shouts to the group right before they breach the outside into the chaos. "This ain't our first warzone!" he reminds them before they smash their way out onto the street.

Tristen makes it out in front of them, laying down a handy thick layer of smog as Darts, Doc Stoja, and Ogerpon make a break for it. The good doctor being along helped the jacketed Snagem keep a good pace and not kick it into overdrive which could potentially hurt his cargo. As the trio makes their way through the square, it sure looked like an all-out war had erupted in the city. Aqua and Magma clashing covered every single road, every single alleyway almost, and speckled between some good old-fashioned gang violence SWIPE was looming. Most of the agents they came across seemed confused, or torn, as they ran past. What was more important to them - rescuing the citizens of the city, or capturing their quarry? Surprisingly, it looked like the answer was the city as more than once a set of agents would have the trio cornered only for a Wailord below the street to send a geyser of water erupting straight through the road, causing SWIPE to dash off to save the civilians in harm's way, or another building would erupt into flames from the errant volleys of several mortar-flinging Camerupts, and they would scramble off to fight the fires again. Something about the whole situation struck Darts as odd, considering the suspicion up to this point was that some corrupting force had taken over the reigns of the organization to frame the group. Why go through all the trouble of trying to save these innocent people then?

Ogerpon was taking point and clearing them a path out of the city, Hearthflame mask and Wellspring interchanging seamlessly as they encountered parties of Aqua and Magma, specifically seeming to swap to the opposite party's colors as if to goad them into fighting her before she demolished them. Each stroke seemed to be an attempt to get some relief from the worry about Freth, the agitation taken out on several patches of helpless Grunts. All of them were measured against the tiny titan's skills and found hopelessly wanting.

She shifted seamlessly between the flowing and measured Wellspring fighting Fire-types to Hearthflame to aggressively pursue and strike against the Water-types like a licking flame. Type advantage didn't help them, besides, most of her attacks outside of her cudgel were Grass-type anyhow. Darts couldn't help but admire her ruthless efficiency, cutting through the city. Having learned quite a bit about her in the past year, he could tell Ogerpon was taking a measure of restraint, something she had learned in Mymay. She wasn't killing anyone, but merely rendering them unable to impede them further.

"What... Pokemon is that?" Doc Stoja breathed in his ear in awe, the set of eyes on the shell wide with amazement. The good doctor had tried to pitch in where possible, chanting what the gambler had assumed to be a prayer as they ran, but as they got close to danger an unseen Psychic force would end up near-magically removing their foes from their path. Darts had no idea what it was, but those familiar with Galarian Slowking would recognize the Eerie Spell she was casting to ward off their enemies. Not a very scientific approach, but if it worked the jacketed Snagem wasn't going to complain considering.

"She's gone by a lot of names. I don't know who gave her the 'official' taxonomy, but she's technically an Ogerpon." He explains, ducking suddenly mid-exposition to dodge a whirling SWIPE collar aimed for his throat, taking as much care as he can to not jostle Freth in the process. Growling, Ogrepon pounced on the would-be jailer. "I'm not sure if there's MORE of her... but that's what she seems to be content to be known as." He had to raise his voice to be heard over the screams of pain now coming from the SWIPE agent. "She was once known as the Ogre of Oni Mountain, but... if you know what's good for you I don't think I'd call her that."

"Fascinating..." Stoya murmurs to herself as they finally reach the edge of the city, Route 111 ahead of them. "Do you think she would mind a spiritual resonance exam once we make it somewhere safe? I'm sure her energy signature is fascinating..."

"Uh..." Ogerpon joins them, her club vanishing into nothing as she flips her mask up, looking at her trainer inquisitively.

"Pon?" Energy... signature?

Lost for words for once in his life, Darts shrugs at his Pokemon who shrugs back in return, equally lost. "I'm not sure doc... I think I'd need some more details before she'd agree."

"Po pyon po." She admitted, chuckling lightly and showing off her incisors. And I'm not even certain that I would.

As they talk, the trio catches up with Tristan and Blizz, Freth managing to make it through the blitzkrieg they had just rushed through relatively unscathed.


Even though they had exited the city, there was a cacophony of noise coming from inside the walls from the other escaping Snagems as well as the turf war still ongoing. Even though Aqua and Magma had both had favors called in to get here, there was very little prompting needed for them to engage in a full out blood feud and they were taking full advantage. But as they got further and further away, the calm serenity of the countryside would slowly overtake them and the noise and violence of Mauville would slowly fade away.

Unfortunately for Tristen, there was something that had happened just recently that might make him a little... unforgettable. A high-pitched shriek of crackling energy cuts through the quickly-forgotten peace as a Tri-Attack bears down on him out of nowhere, a move executed by.... a Type: Null!? The Normal-type dropped from seemingly nowhere, attempting to separate Tristen's head from his body in one fell swoop, but something about the way the young hybrid had moved in that last instant causes it to miss, a divot gouging itself out into the dirt near his feet from the sheer impact.

Agent WHITE emerges from the woods nearby, the man's chest heaving beneath his SWIPE uniform. Clearly agitated, he raises a singular finger at Tristen. Whether or not he got out of the way of the attack was inconsequential to him. His clothes were ripped and bedraggled, an IV dangled from his arm. It almost looked like they had tried to forcibly give him medical care and he had refused, storming off on foot in pursuit of the young Snagem. There was one individual thing on the agent's mind, and it wasn't anything to do with the fact they were criminals.

"You... His voice croaks, straining from the lack of use. "You... took... my... Pokemon..." He tosses a Pokeball, a brilliant flash of light illuminating the night to reveal... another Type: Null. Agent WHITE doesn't speak again, merely pointing, and his Pokemon moves in concert with his wishes executing what looked like a vicious X-Scissor, intending to finish what his first Pokemon couldn't achieve as it hangs at Tristen's throat.