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1Characters
2
3-] Player Trainer: A youth of 16 years who has completed their education at the Kallia Pokemon Academy. This trainer passed with exceptional grades on many fronts and is permitted a single opportunity, at any time of their choosing, to challenge the Elysia League to become Champion. However, events conspire to keep their run through the Elysia League Gauntlet from being milquetoast...
4-] Gendered Rival (Geo/Amethyst Merriman): A youth of 16 years who has completed their education at the Kallia Pokemon Academy. The rival also graduated with exceptional grades, bordering on perfect, and is also granted one free challenge against the Elysia League Gauntlet. They were raised by Chairman Merriman due to ongoing disputes between their parents, who care more about their companies and prestige than about their own flesh and blood; when Merriman died, they were taken in by Professor Sequoia and raised as if they were the professor's own grandchild.
5-] Jade Memoria: A young woman of unknown ethnicity who hails from Cupre. She had not attended any Academy due to extraneous circumstances, but has proven indomitable within the Minor Leagues; her performance by itself has earned her an endorsement by Justice Trinity to participate in the Elysia League Challenge. She is driven by motives she is unable to elaborate upon, but her motivation and expertise in training only barely conceal her cynicism and enmity towards better-off Challengers than herself. Both the Professor and the Justice believe Jade's dark side is in some way tied to the Counter Terror Taboo, but neither seem in any hurry to give her any reprieve of it...
6-] Timothy: A young Elysian man who is said to have graduated from a different Academy in the region. This young man sees every day as a new challenge, and every fellow Challenger as a potential friend and rival to learn from. He also stands out as he was the only individual directly endorsed for the Elysia League Gauntlet by Chairman Marguerite, and little else is known about him. While he behaves compassionately to most trainers around him, he cannot be within the same room as Jade without ribbing her in some capacity at best; at worst, they're at each other's throats.
7-] Professor Sequoia: A regional professor and the top scientific authority in Elysia. Professor Sequoia is interested in Pokemon research, but unlike her compatriots in other regions, she does not research them directly; rather, she focuses her efforts on the trainer element, to help determine what makes the best trainers stand out from their peers. To this end, she has instituted a Brawling program at Kallia Pokemon Academy as well as other endeavors to ensure that the youths who study at, and graduate from, the Academy are the best possible trainers to send to the League. That said, given the success of some of the trainers less fortunate than those she surrounds herself with, she seeks to broaden her horizons to truly understand what makes them tick...
8-] Elysia League
9--] Chairman Auresco Merriman: The former chairman of the Elysia League and young Mr./Ms. Merriman's grandfather, Auresco is remembered for his philanthropic contributions to Elysia's culture and economy. Beloved by all, his life was ultimately lost in an unknown incident, said to be related to an Infinity discharge in an accident at his office. Marguerite has named herself successor to Auresco's legacy, but given the many arguments between her, Auresco and the Elysia Senate in Auresco's final months, pundits suggest there is more to this story than meets the eye...
10--] Champion Cedric: An elderly champion of the Elysia League, Cedric was known as one of the best trainers in the world, one who could contend with the likes of Leon, Alder and Wallace on equal ground. He and his team of Pokemon quashed challenger after challenger until three months ago, where an unexpected and severe stroke claimed his life. Elysia mourned the loss of their champion to the cruel whims of fate, and this year's Elysia League Gauntlet is to find a suitable successor to his legacy.
11--] Elite Four: They are the four best trainers in the Elysia League, bar none. The only better they knew was Cedric, and with what happened to him, there was infighting amongst several groups over which of them would succeed him. In a move that took the region by surprise, all of them chose to abdicate and leave the League to its own devices. They all have secondary jobs in Elysia's more mundane government, so it appeared likely they simply went back to their regular jobs, but some pundits believe there is more to it than that...
12---] Defense Sec Escuro (Type: Steel): The Defense Secretary of the Elysia Region. Escuro is a close friend of Ferra despite being several years her senior as an Elysia League official. He is dedicated to the defense of Elysia from outside threats, and has monitored other regions for criminal activity to ensure they never encroach upon Elysian soil. He usually defers to Trinity's judgment in all affairs that do not involve violent crime; should the two ever argue, it is a sign that he feels strongly against whatever she is proposing, a rare sight indeed.
13---] Interior Sec Dahaka (Type: Ground): The Interior Secretary
14---] Enviro Sec Cybele (Type: Bug): The Environmental Secretary is often a busy woman; she tends to obsess over her job in the government to the point she often shirks her duties as a member of Elysia's Elite Four. When the Elite Four abdicated, nobody batted an eye at her doing so, since she had often neglected her trainer duties in comparison. Nevertheless, many believe that her concern for the environment and the policies she enacts are still rivaled only by her talent as a trainer.
15---] Justice Trinity (Type: Fire/Water/Grass): The honorable Supreme Justice of the Elysia region, Trinity has served as an arbiter of the law for over forty years. Many youths who are sentenced to rehabilitation usually emerge with their behavior corrected and able to adapt to society once again, but robber baron and psychotic terrorist alike all universally dread Trinity the Everpure, for money and threats wash off her like dust off a Reuniclus membrane, and her wrath does not come lightly.
16--] Gym Leaders
17---] Sheriff Augustus (Type: Normal) (Equites Badge): Augustus is a Pokemon Brawler of no small repute and the sheriff of the Elysia Unified Police Department. As a child, he grew up and became enamored in law enforcement, but was also enthralled by the high-octane Brawls that aired on television every night. As a teen, and later a young adult, he felt he should bring the two together; this is how he met Helga. The two grew up and became Gym Leaders, as well as the respective leaders of their departments, because of the tales of law enforcement inadequacies in other regions that they wanted to free Elysia of.
18---] ???? (Type: Fire) (Inferno Mark)
19---] ???? (Type: Water) (Monsoon Mark)
20---] Security Bit and Byte (Type: Electric) (Reactor Badge): Twin prodigies that have been instructed in cybersecurity and the use of Electric Pokemon to aid in cybersecurity. Neither is seen without the other, and while they have no telepathic ability of any stripe and tend to bicker with each other, they have each other's backs without question when push comes to shove. They have trained their twin Rotom to help scour confiscated devices for data, which is then transferred to the Elysia Unified Police Department for processing; the Rotom are best buds with Augustus' Porygon as a result.
21---] ???? (Type: Grass) (Eco Mark)
22---] Port Master Boreas (Type: Ice) (Boreal Badge)
23---] Brawling Master Tzu (Type: Fighting) (Atlas Mark)
24---] ???? (Type: Poison) (Plague Mark)
25---] ???? (Type: Ground) (Terra Mark)
26---] Airport Manager Earhardt (Type: Flying) (Typhoon Badge)
27---] Psychologist Morpheus (Type: Psychic) (Wisdom Badge)
28---] Nursery Manager Honey (Type: Bug) (Horde Mark): A young woman who manages the Pokemon Nursery in Galla, real name unknown. It is her goal to ensure that the Pokemon in her care are properly fed and raised. She also manages the Berry Farm and has bred several Bug and Grass-type Pokemon to handle the farm. She has little combat prowess and does not train her Pokemon for battle; thus, she is the weakest of the Minor League Gym Leaders. Some of her Pokemon have natural combat talent, however, which allows her to remain a threat. While Helga is often disappointed at her extreme emphasis on her business, she can't help but ponder the frightful headway Honey would make if she put that sort of effort into her Gym Leader responsibilities.
29---] ???? (Type: Rock) (Geode Mark)
30---] ???? (Type: Ghost) (Spectre Mark)
31---] Caretaker Whelp (Type: Dragon) (Origin Badge): A young adult in the Pokemon Development program, real name confidential. His predecessor, former Gym Leader Wyrm, is the founder of the Pokemon Development program, who has picked up young trainers and taught them how to raise Pokemon, through which he can understand their methods and figure out what techniques work best and what should abandoned to history. He works with Honey to this end to ensure young Pokemon are ready to be picked up by their trainers when they hatch, instead of leaving the eggs to the cruel whims of fate. His Pokemon are powerful, but he lacks skill, which lands him the role of the first Major League Gym Leader that trainers face.
32---] Covert Ops Helga (Type: Dark) (Shroud Badge): Helga is a Pokemon Brawler of no small repute and the leader of Elysia Covert Ops. She has a reputation of prying into other people's business from time to time; while Trinity accepts this due to her lawfulness in regards to investigating potential threats, she has a shaky relationship with her former Brawler partner Augustus, and Chairman Marguerite absolutely despises her. Whenever news of criminal activity in other lands reaches her, she starts to evaluate their methods and incorporate them into Covert Ops' repertoire, to ensure said criminal activity is rapidly and decisively thwarted should said criminals ever appear in Elysia.
33---] Constructor Ferra (Type: Steel) (Ingot Mark): A woman of unknown ethnicity, Ferra has made a name for herself by joining a construction company and using her knowledge and expertise to rise in the ranks surprisingly quickly. While she has a management role in the company, she prefers to be out on the field to ensure the job is done right; this is how the Cupre Community Center and the Cupre Stadium were so effectively restored after decades as a ghost town. Those who know her as a trainer believe that, in two to three years' time barring unforeseen circumstances, she could become a Major League Gym Leader and bring new audiences and revenue to Cupre.
34---] Historian Aesop (Type: Fairy) (Myth Badge)
35-] Euto Company: This corporate security solution arrived in Elysia eight years ago during a particularly nasty Zubat outbreak in the Elysian Crags; Euto personnel swept in and cleaned them out to the point that they never threatened the region again after that. The Elysia League entrusted them with regional security against criminal trainers and frenzied Pokemon as a result, and while they have held true to this role, their responsibilities have expanded to supplant the League and the Elysia Unified Police Department; of particular note is their handling the supercriminal organization Team Mobius, which ravages Elysia to this day.
36--] HR Director Marguerite: The Director of Human Resources for the Euto Company hails from parts unknown, but was one of the founding members of the company when it arrived eight years ago. She is perky and enthusiastic about her job, even moreso when she succeeded Auresco Merriman as Chairman of the Elysia League. She has claimed to have divested herself from the Euto Company in the wake of Merriman's passing, but pundits and officers alike believe that her preference towards Euto's handling of Team Mobius to tell a different tale...
37--] Chairman Esmeralda
38-] Team Mobius
39--] Leader Magnus
40-] The Forbidden
41
42Terminology
43-] The Counter Terror Taboo: The Counter Terror Taboo was passed decades ago by an older Elysia League, in tandem with other Pokemon Leagues from around the world; the idea was that people would be curious about, and eventually join, terror organizations if they knew of their existence, including their names, locations and technological access. As a result, all names related to certain regions, organizations and technology are forbidden to discuss, and the police are instructed to arrest anyone who so much as mentions these names. The people of Cupre are vocally against the Taboo, but cannot explain why out of fear of arrest; believing these people to have no contribution to society, the locals have coined the term "slag" to describe them. A variant, "desert slag" has made the rounds, and outbreaks of trainer-on-trainer violence have occurred as a result of its widespread use.
44-] United Medical Center
45-] Elysia League Gauntlet
46-] Pokemon Brawls
47-] Hel's Angels
48-] Link Force
49-] The Hand of Mobius
50-] Supra-Pokemon
51
52Locations (Elysia)
53
54-] Towns
55--] Kallia (No Gym): The adventure in Elysia starts in this seemingly innocuous support town. The town has two important landmarks that differentiate it from the rest; first is the Kallia Pokemon Academy, where youths learn how to train and command Pokemon at levels that compare to Gym Leaders in other regions, and only the best graduate and become eligible for the Elysia League Gauntlet. The second is the Cliff House, an outcropping of rock repurposed into a cargo lift that ushers materials up the cliffs to the Pokemon League Headquarters at Oxis Outpost. This cargo lift is for authorized crew only; trainers are required to pass through Megiddo Station if they wish to complete the Elysia League Gauntlet and arrive at Oxis Outpost.
56--] Cupre (Gym: Steel): Jade Memoria's apparent hometown. Cupre is a small, run-down city where every one of its inhabitants knows the other inhabitants by name, and consists exclusively of housing plots, a UMC, and a Minor League Gym. Because the city is run-down, they have to use radios for entertainment, with a single monolith television in the community center. The citizens usually head to other cities to find work, and while their contributions have restored life to Cupre, it remains in squalor even to this day.
57-] Cities
58--] Galla (Gym: Dragon, Bug): Galla is the first major stop upon the Elysia League Gauntlet. A verdant town at the northwestern edge of Elysia, Galla is built to support the farm and Pokemon nursery that were established in the old days. A Major and Minor Gym were also built as business increased, and the Gym leaders there often rotate in and out based on the needs of the Elysia League. It, Hydragyre and Plumbus have had rotating gym leaders for decades, whereas the other cities' Major Gyms have been static ever since Earhardt assumed the title "Heavenly Gatekeeper".
59---] MC Warehouse: This warehouse was built as part of an attempted expansion by Galar's Macro Cosmos Corporation. When the Darkest Day struck, personnel were withdrawn from the region to assist in Galar's reconstruction after several Dynamax Pokemon went berserk. The warehouse was abandoned, and it seems Team Mobius has set up shop ever since, as a forward base to attack the Elysia region.
60--] Hydragyre (Gym: Psychic, Water)
61---] Hydragyre Museum
62--] Plumbus (Gym: Ice, Fighting)
63---] Plumbus Docks
64--] Argentus (Gym: Flying, Ghost, Fire): The Battle City of Argentus is built upon a solid foundation, and serves as the functional capitol of Elysia. The city has no less than three Gyms, the central stadium its Major League Gym, and an assortment of stores that sell wares both general and specialty. It is here that the Elysia League Gauntlet begins -- where every trainer who dares believe they can become Champion takes their first step... and given Earhardt's brutal aerial tactics and cutthroat assault style, where many of those same dreams stumble their last.
65--] Wulfre (Gym: Fairy, Rock, Poison)
66--] Auria (Gym: Normal, Ground)
67---] Euto HQ
68--] Stibilo (Gym: Electric, Grass)
69---] Lost Barracks
70--] Urane (Gym: Dark)
71-] Wild Areas (Type-Zero Endgame: 50) (Cipher Scything Postgame: 70)
72--] Elysian Plains (Access to Kallia, Galla, Hydragyre, Plumbus, Argentus, Auria) (Starting Level: 2): The plains of Elysia are relatively calm at the onset, a place for weaker Pokemon and less experienced trainers to challenge each other and grow strong enough to enter other areas. There is a side route on the Elysian Plains with checkpoints at beginning and end that connects Kallia and Argentus; trainers who have endorsements for the Elysia League can take this route to Argentus for registration, and then back to Kallia to begin their challenge proper. The plains are calmly sunny most of the time, but instances of rain or thunderstorms may overtake the landscape.
73--] Elysian Crags (Access to Argentus, Cupre, Wulfre, Auria, Triad's Cage) (Starting Level: 20)
74--] Elysian Wastes (Access to Auria, Stibilo, Urane) (Starting Level: 30)
75--] Megiddo Station (Access to Kallia, Oxis Outpost): A lingering question in everyone's minds is "Where do our Pokemon go when they are released from within a Box?" Realizing the conundrum of unleashing thousands of potentially bitter Pokemon upon the wild and disrupting the ecosystem in the process, the Elysia League of yore expanded the Pokemon Storage System to create a "virtual wilderness" that helps determine what Pokemon should be released to what part of Elysia. Using regenerative organic crystals and technology that many regions consider ultra-futuristic or even alien, Megiddo Station houses literally every Pokemon that is still being processed for release into the wild... or other purposes. Passing through Megiddo Station is a mandatory rite of passage for every trainer in Elysia who challenges the Gauntlet, and not one of them takes this final step lightly. The gate in Kallia is programmed to lock out every trainer who does not have every Badge in Elysia for the safety of the uninitiated, and will open under no other requirement.
76-] Triad's Cage
77-] Oxis Outpost
78
79Story Progression (Type-Zero)
80
81-] Prologue: Graduation
82*] The story starts at the Kallia Pokemon Academy. A graduation ceremony is underway, with the player trainer (codified PT henceforth) and Geo/Amethyst Merriman (codified Merriman henceforth) front and center with Merriman giving a speech.
83Merriman: "Today marks a momentous day for me as I graduate from, and leave behind, the Kallia Pokemon Academy. On this day, five years ago, my grandfather -- former Chairman Auresco Merriman -- died of unknown causes. The official report states that radiation linked to the Distortion Triad is to blame. Whether these reports are true or not is of little relevance to this day. Also, three months prior, we were all besides ourselves with the passing of Cedric, our great Champion. Today, I set forth to participate in the Elysia League Gauntlet, as do all of us, to determine who will succeed our Champion's legacy and take his place at the top of Elysia. I join the Gauntlet challengers, willingly, to honor my late grandfather and create a future where Elysia need not fear the Triad or their powers."
84
85*] The ceremony continues after Merriman's speech, but once it ends, two Thugs are seen running by in a panic. Before Merriman could ask what that was about, Jade appears and critiques Merriman's speech.
86Jade: "I arrived just in time to hear that corny speech. Are you trying to exalt your old man like a mindless puppet? Still, its message is to be admired. Even if by inspiration, the dead should serve the living, not hinder them. Honoring your grandfather's legacy will not make Elysia a better place by itself. That is for the living to accomplish. By the way, Professor Sequoia wanted me to bring the two of you in. She has a few things for you at the Cliff House, and I have no intention of keeping her waiting. If you aren't along within the next ten minutes, I will drag you in myself."
87
88*] Jade walks off with Merriman behind her. The next stop is the Cliff House.
89**] If PT arrives within the alloted time, Jade will follow in behind them. "I was about to search for you and bring you in as promised. Thank you for saving me the trouble." "Jade, dear, could you not be so brusque? I get that we're in a hurry for the Gauntlet opening ceremonies, but I know a route that'll save you all some time if you're willing to take risks."
90**] If PT does not arrive within ten minutes' time from the end of the previous cutscene, Jade will appear -- "The only thing you're trying is my patience. Move. Now." -- and drag you off by the wrist. The scene will then shift to the Cliff House with Jade dragging PT in, much to Merriman and Sequoia's shock. "Jade, dear, you didn't need to be so forceful with your fellow youth." "You know me by now, Professor Sequoia. I abhor people who needlessly obstruct others." "I know how it must feel, having to wait on others, but do exercise restraint in the future. Nobody wants a Champion that acts so self-centered."
91*] Nevertheless, Professor Sequoia offers the three starters and gives PT the first pick as an apology for Jade's behavior. Whatever the pick, Merriman takes the starter weak to PT's, while the starter strong against PT's is taken by Jade. Merriman fights first, then Jade, with Sequoia offering treatment between matches. Starters are Lv3 at this point.
92Jade: "While I appreciate the second Pokemon, if this is how the other Gauntlet challengers start out, my <Pikaclone> and I will have no trouble if they insist on making some. It wouldn't have been a fair fight, so I had him stay back and watch this once."
93Sequoia: "How many times, Jade... oh, I should introduce you two. I told our friend here who you were when I sent her to pick you up after graduation. <PT>, <Merriman>, this is Jade. Unlike you two, she comes from a destitute community and was unable to attend a Pokemon Academy, let alone our prestigious institution here in Kallia. But what she lacks in... tact and education opportunities, she more than makes up for in raw talent and drive. She's the youngest trainer to have ever defeated all ten Minor League Gym Leaders, which is another way to qualify for the Gauntlet. When you arrive in Argentus, she will present the Marks she has earned to exchange for a government grant; you will get yours from me."
94
95*] Sequoia hands over the two Elysia Grants to PT and Merriman. Jade heads towards the door, and Merriman will follow her out.
96Sequoia: "I'm sure you already know this, but like our sister league in Galar, you need a sponsorship before you may challenge the Gauntlet. A League official will trade your grant for a Registration Form in Argentus; in Jade's case, she will meet with a member of the government to trade her marks in for the Grant, so she may be a bit late. That's where we differ: whereas you need a corporate sponsorship in Galar or a League official's endorsement, here the government of Elysia must endorse you. I have heard that Chairman Marguerite has brought some officials to conduct quick endorsement and registration, so she can get you set up right away if you are swift. Do take this package with you... you and the others could use some extra company, after all."
97R-Phone: "I've made a route for you on the Maps app. It should enable you to get to Argentus as quickly as possible!"
98
99*] PT receives a box from Sequoia, who sees you off. The destination is the Cliffside Orbit in the Elysian Plains, where Jade and Merriman await and complain about the trainers obstructing the path to the Northern Grasslands. The box will be presented at this time.
100Jade: "Hm? A last package from the Professor? Open it."
101Merriman: "Those... those are Poke Balls! They're even the new model that can be reused when they fail to catch a Pokemon! Hey, <PT>, you want a refresher on catching Pokemon?"
102**] If you accept, Merriman will spot a Pokemon in the grass, tell you about it, and charge it. It's Lv2, so it's not too hard to weaken, at which point Merriman will catch it.
103**] It is possible to refuse, and the game will not try to shoehorn you into it.
104Jade: "Very well. It's okay to skip what's redundant, so long as you aren't a liability."
105
106*] After wading through the grass along the side route, maybe catching a few Pokemon along the way, you arrive in Argentus; the UMC is dead ahead and unobstructed.
107Merriman: "Ooh, a UMC! We can freshen our Pokemon there before the opening ceremony!"
108Jade: "Probably for the best. You two worked yourselves to the bone catching Pokemon, most likely."
109Merriman: "I know I was. At least we can enjoy the services it has to offer while waiting for our Pokemon to recover."
110**] "What services?"
111Merriman: "Wait... you've never been in a UMC before?!" (Merriman drags you by the wrist into the UMC) "The United Medical Center is a place that provides services for people and Pokemon alike! First, we have the Medical Bay, where the trainers and their Pokemon are treated. Because Pokemon Brawls took off in Elysia, there was a need to treat human injuries as well as those the Pokemon sustain, so the hospitals and the Pokemon Centers just merged. Off to the right are the Poke Marts, which offer medicines for Pokemon, as well as Poke Balls with which to catch them. The Potions are special-order, however, as these are meant to treat humans as well; remember, Pokemon Brawls. Lastly, on the left are the Instructor and the Hypnotist. The latter will help rename your Pokemon, but the former will help Pokemon memorize Moves as needed. Brawlers know their own Moves, and sometimes an Instructor can give you a BM -- a Brawler Manual which can teach a new Move. You should keep BMs on hand in case you need to remember Moves for different occasions. And don't mix them up with your TMs either! Now, let's get patched up!"
112**] "I think I know already."
113Jade: "Good. We should get in and get patched up now." (Jade leads Merriman and PT into the Pokemon center.)
114
115*] The blue-haired nurse takes the Pokemon you have and puts them into the healing machine. Sounds come from outside, and PT, Merriman and Jade all run out to check. "Hey! Your Pokemon haven't finished healing yet!"
116*] Outside, a man in white and blue is bested by a man in red, gold and black; the former's Pokemon has fainted, but not in its Poke Ball, while the latter's is still standing. Jade's eyes widen at the sight of the Pokemon, and both Merriman and PT take notice; PT raises an eyebrow at the blackened energy crackling around the still-standing Pokemon.
117Euto Officer: "Mobius thug... you really want me to arrest you?!"
118Mobius Infiltrator: "No, I want you to suffer! We, Team Mobius, will be taking over the Elysia region within the year!"
119Merriman: "That Euto officer's in trouble! We have to help him!"
120Jade: "That blackened aura... hey, guys! You wanna help me chase that goon out of town?"
121Euto Officer: "No, get away, civilians! Ordinary people don't stand a chance against Team Mobius and their Supra-Pokemon!"
122Jade: "Supra-nothing! If only you knew the truth! What are you two waiting for?!"
123Merriman: "Are you insane, Jade?! None of us are Brawlers, and we can't handle Supra-Pokemon anyway!"
124Jade: "Then get your Pokemon from the nurse and reinforce us! <PT>, back me up!"
125Mobius Infiltrator: "A pair of kids?! Oh, this is rich! And one of them's desert slag, too! I would do well to rid the land of their kind!"
126Jade (angry): "What happens next is on you...!"
127
128*] Jade and PT are in a double-team against the Infiltrator's one Pokemon. Neither have any Pokemon for this one engagement alone.
129Mobius Infiltrator: "So, out with it. Show me what's worth taking, brats!"
130Jade: "You're not walking away with a solid jaw. <PT>, don't chicken out. Together, we can take this thing down! Imagine yourself in the role of your starter Pokemon, and strike!"
131
132*] Despite whoever is targeted, the one "Supra-Pokemon" will not take PT down before Jade takes it out. The Infiltrator will boast about how he has more Pokemon at headquarters and that they will be present next time, then he flees.
133Jade: "Scum. What kind of monster does that to their Pokemon?"
134Euto Officer: "...I'm going to have to take you both in for interfering in a bust."
135Jade: "Are you high?! I saw the glint in his sleeves! You're lucky you still had your Pokemon before we got involved!"
136Euto Officer: "Dealing with Team Mobius is the sole obligation of the Euto Company's Security Force. We have no room for either the Elysia Unified Police Department or wannabe vigilantes to involve themselves. Now come along quietly."
137Jade: "Wouldn't be a Euto thrall if you weren't a complete pain in-"
138????: "What's the nature of this civil unrest?"
139
140*] A blonde police officer and a green-haired woman in a long red-and-blue coat walk onto the scene.
141Euto Officer: "The police, too? Would you both just butt out? Team Mobius affairs are for Euto's hands only!"
142Jade: "This coming from a man whose Pokemon was knocked out. You and your Pokemon were fair game to that Mobius thug! If we hadn't shown up when we did-"
143Euto Officer: "Shut up, desert slag! You're in hot water already as it is!"
144Police Officer: "I thought Euto's personnel were more professional. Stand down, now. The youths are in my custody."
145Euto Officer: "I told you to butt out, cop!"
146Police Officer: "This is going nowhere. Trinity?"
147Trinity: "Per order of the Judiciary, you are to tend to your Pokemon and return to headquarters in Auria. Your security shift at the opening ceremony is cancelled."
148Euto Officer: "T-Trinity?! Y-yes, ma'am!"
149
150*] The Euto Officer leaves as Merriman steps out of the UMC with the trio's Pokemon.
151Merriman: "I'm back! What happened here wh- Honorable Trinity! Oh, thank goodness you're here! A Mobius grunt-"
152Trinity: "We'll pick up the story where it's safe. Augustus, take these three trainers under witness protection."
153Augustus: "You're not in trouble yet, but we need the whole story from the three of you. We're going to Interrogation at Argentus PD. Honorable Trinity will-"
154Trinity: "Verify your trainer IDs and check your registration status. Augustus will keep me informed of any developments with you. Please do not make more of a scene than you already have."
155
156*] All of them walk off afterwards. The scene fades out, then back in inside a plain wooden room, with the youths sitting at one end of a table and Augustus at the other. Trinity enters through a door behind Augustus.
157Trinity: "What's the verdict, Augustus?"
158Augustus: "Their story checks out. All three of them are ultimately good-hearted... but the Cupric child was more obstinate than I anticipated. She insisted that I not uphold the Taboo if I wanted the details she knew."
159Jade: "And as I explained, I can't tell you those details without some kind of relief, as what's in it is subjected to the Taboo!"
160Trinity: "Short of offering a leave of enforcement, which the Supreme Justice cannot allow, or repealing the Taboo altogether, which is beyond my power, what can I do to get you to talk?"
161Jade: "It's not negotiable. I know folks who were thrown in jail for breaking a Taboo they didn't know about, and I'm not going there if I can help it. Your nation is dealing with forces the Taboo proscribes discussing, and it has to go if you want an adequate defense against them."
162Trinity: "... ... ... Do as you will. I will negotiate with the rest of the Elite Four about a temporary solution that benefits us both. Just don't break the Taboo in the meantime."
163Augustus: "Honorable Trinity?"
164Trinity: "Just Trinity. You don't need to call me by title all the time, Augustus. More importantly, word spreads fast. Chairman Marguerite has already blacklisted these three youths from participating in the Elysia League Gauntlet from that one incident alone. Something reeks, and it's not the deputy's Trubbish."
165Augustus: "Already?"
166Trinity: "However, as Supreme Justice, I can override the blacklisting and grant them entry into the Elysia League Gauntlet with permission from the Professor and at least one Gym Leader. I called up Professor Sequoia already, and she has given her authorization."
167Augustus: "Then they have mine as well."
168Trinity: "Already?"
169Augustus: "Their participation in the Gauntlet will be a cover story for a deeper operation. According to their testimony, Jade could see a blackened aura on the Supra-Pokemon that they fought, and <PT> could sense malign energies about it as well. <Merriman> said that she felt off by the Supra-Pokemon, too."
170Trinity: "Is that so...?"
171Augustus: "The Supra-Pokemon we've encountered over the last year include nearly all of the Pokemon referenced in the 'Missing Pokemon' reports we've picked up -- reports that Euto would have otherwise shelved. We could give these kids the list of missing Pokemon and have them identify if the Supra-Pokemon indeed match the missing Pokemon. That will let us put pressure on Euto to start taking them back and returning them."
172Jade: "Could I ask for a seizure warrant? The Taboo forbids me from explaining how it works, but if we were to get some Hands of Mobius, we could do you one better and take back the missing Pokemon if there are indeed any matches."
173Augustus: "I could grant you that, but I want to see how the tech works myself. We might be able to circumvent the Taboo if we can reverse-engineer the device or at least try to understand it. And I must insist you hand it over to us before you think about using it. I don't want anyone getting any ideas about youths outside Team Mobius stealing Pokemon."
174Jade: "I suppose that's agreeable."
175Trinity: "Then hand over your Elysia Grants or your Marks. We will need the proper documentation or proof that you are eligible."
176
177*] Jade hands over a case of Marks, while Merriman and PT hand over their Elysia Grants. Trinity takes them and produces three Challenge Bands, and each member of the trio take one band for themselves.
178Trinity: "Excellent. You will need those bands to enter the Argentus Stadium and officially join the Gauntlet. I will also need you three to fill out these. Tailoring requests, you understand."
179Merriman: "We get our own Challenger Jackets, too?! AWESOME~~!"
180Trinity: "That said, I will hand the three of you your Link Plates once you've filled those forms out."
181Merriman: "Link Plates? You mean like-"
182Jade: "So we can draw upon our Pokemon's power more directly when push comes to shove. Given how rare it is for Team Mobius to fight fair, we'll need all the edge we can get."
183Trinity: "You catch on quickly. Every Challenger is issued one, but not all of them understand the burden it bears. Only one who can handle its burden on both themselves and their Pokemon is fit to succeed Cedric as Champion."
184
185*] After filling out the Callsign and Number for your uniform (the Callsign is based on predetermined phrases to avoid censorship issues, while the Number allows for four digits), PT, Merriman (Princess/1337) and Jade (Error/0004) hand over the documents, which Augustus takes as he heads out.
186Augustus: "Thank you. I'll be back with your jackets."
187Trinity: "And these are your Link Plates. Take good care of them; if yours breaks, you're out of the running."
188Merriman: "Will do! So, we just need to grab these Hands of Mobius and turn them over to the police as soon as possible?"
189Jade: "After the opening ceremony. That Mobius goon will likely tell his buddies to be wary of us, so we'll have no shortage of opportunities."
190Merriman: "Oh yeah..."
191Trinity: "Which reminds me. Jade, <PT>, you two fought a Supra-Pokemon and won, did you not? Before you leave Argentus, try to catch up to Tzu before he leaves for Plumbus again. He can get you into the Brawlers League, which can help refine your skills as a Brawler. If you're going to fight full-time against Team Mobius undercover, you'll need the training."
192Jade: "I met Master Tzu during the Minor League gauntlet. I'll introduce you to him after the ceremony, if we're expeditious. He'll recognize me."
193Merriman: "You think a <girly girl>/<sissy boy> like me can get strong enough to fight like you two?"
194Jade: "Strength doesn't have as much to do with it as you think. Skill is more valuable. A skinny geek can cause more damage than a musclebound oaf... if they know where and how to strike."
195Merriman: "Cool! I oughta give it a try!"
196
197*] Augustus walks back in with three coats slung over his shoulder. Everyone looks to him as he alerts them that the ceremony's about to start, and to get dressed for it. (PROLOGUE END)
198
199-] Chapter 1: The Gauntlet
200*] Dressed in their jackets, PT, Merriman and Jade walk into the Argent Dome; inside the lobby are several other Challengers who are being processed by the front desk. A boy in a yellow fedora waves to the trio, and Merriman introduces herself and PT to him. He continues to address them, despite Jade asking questions, and ultimately hears him being called up by the callsign "Emil-1394", at which point he heads to the desk to register.
201Merriman: "He seemed quite nice. He would be if he wanted the Chairman's endorsement."
202Jade: "I hate that boy."
203Merriman: "Pardon?"
204Jade: "I get wanting to talk to some folks, but even when I asked the most basic of question, he ignored me and went right on with his conversation. That smug look on his face almost tempts me to punch it, but I will not rise to the bait. That said, if things start seeming off about him, you two talk to me at once."
205Merriman: "Jade, you sound awfully bitter and paranoid. Almost as if you know more than you're willing to tell us."
206Jade: "Blame the Taboo. I'd be a lot more open if it weren't in the way."
207Merriman: "You blamed the Taboo for not telling Augustus what he wanted to know, too. Is it really-"
208Receptionist: "Princess-1337, please report for clearance."
209Merriman: "Ack! See you on the field!"
210
211*] Merriman heads to the front desk; Trinity approaches with them.
212Receptionist: "Princess, I'll need to see your clearance form. The Chairman has you blacklisted from-"
213Trinity: "Here."
214Receptionist: "Honorable Trinity?! M-my apologies, ma'am!"
215Trinity: "Error-0004 and <Callsign>-<Number> are also cleared to participate. I have their forms right here."
216Receptionist: "Ma'am, if I may ask, what reason is there to veto the Chairman's authority? I won't object, but-"
217Trinity: "These kids helped save a Euto officer from Team Mobius and that's grounds to blacklist them from the Gauntlet? That blacklist came about far too rapidly to be a coincidence."
218
219*] While Jade and PT wait, Jade adjusts her ponytail to cover the third R in Error.
220Jade: "When we're done with Tzu, we'll have to meet in the Elysian Plains to chat. I know a place where we won't be disturbed. You two need to know what you're getting into, and I can't have the Taboo get in the way. But I have to have-"
221Receptionist: "Error-0004, please report for clearance."
222Jade: "Keep my instructions in mind, okay? See you on the field."
223
224*] Jade heads to the front, and the scene fades out. On the field of the Argent Dome, an elderly woman in a white and blue dress, a bespectacled woman with a blue top and white skirt to go with her blue high heels, an elderly man in military attire, a construction worker with his hard hat, a woman with a grey top and black overalls to go with her maize gloves, and Trinity all stand together.
225Trinity: "All rise for Marguerite, Chairman of the Elysia League."
226Marguerite: "Ahem! Thank you all so much for coming. I am Marguerite, as you all just heard. Next to me is the wizened Chairman of the Euto Company, Esmeralda, and behind us are the Elite Four of the Elysia League -- Defense Secretary Escuro, Interior Secretary Dahaka, Environmental Secretary Cybele, and our scatterbrained, yet beloved, Justice Trinity."
227Audience: "Whoo! We are Elysia!"
228Marguerite: "Today, we come together, hand in hand with our many Pokemon, to begin the latest iteration of the Elysia League Gauntlet! Sadly, our dear Cedric could not make it due to the stroke that took his life not three months prior. And since none of the Elite Four and none of the Gym Leaders wished to participate in the tournament I wanted to start to determine the new Champion in his place, it falls to our many Challengers to take up their Poke Balls and fight their way to the top. So without further ado, let me introduce you to this year's Challengers of the Elysia League Gauntlet!"
229
230*] Marguerite gestured to the entryway, where all the trainers emerged from, the image of their entry shown on the big screens. When Jade entered, Marguerite swung her microphone aside.
231Marguerite: "What in Cedric's name is SHE doing here?! I thought I had her blacklisted!"
232Trinity: "And which Euto officer gave you that idea?"
233Marguerite: "You vetoed the blacklisting and let her in?! Trinity, have you gone senile early?!"
234Trinity: "That young lady and her friends saved that officer from a member of Team Mobius! The least you could have done-"
235Esmeralda: "What's done is done. Shouldn't you be on the mic again?"
236Marguerite: "Oh yeah. Anyway! These young trainers rise up and set forth... from all walks of life, I see... to challenge our Gym Leaders to righteous combat for the right to enter Oxis Outpost, for the one chance to duke it out amongst themselves for the right to become Champion! And here come our Gym Leaders now!"
237
238*] Eight Major League Gym Leaders all make their way in; Augustus is accompanied by a policewoman with black hair and violet eyes.
239Marguerite: "The young Dragon master known only as Whelp! The psychic psychologist Morpheus! The King of Glaciers, Boreas! Our Aviation Master Earhardt! The aged historian Aesop! The chief of police, Sheriff Augustus! And the twin code monkeys Bit and Byte! The last Gym Leader is away on operations, or so I'm told, so she couldn't be here today. Then again, with this lineup, it'll be a miracle if any trainer manages to see her! Not like the Heavenly Gatekeeper will let anyone through on her watch, either! I can't wait to see which of these trainers winds up getting through... if any get through at all! Well, best of luck to these challengers!"
240
241*] After the challenge, an elderly man with an ornate gi gazes at the monitor for a moment; Jade approaches him with PT and Merriman in tow.
242Old Master: "A marked increase in Supra-Pokemon enhanced crimes, Mobius lemmings tossed into a cardboard prison only to 'somehow' break out every time these crimes go down, and the Chairman insists the police butt out... Cedric would have handled this, but the stroke claimed him before he could act on his suspicions. Ill omens abound, and I fear the worst is yet to come with this new Gauntlet. If this crime wave in Auria doesn't stop soon, the challengers will run headlong into a deathtrap..."
243Jade: "Master Tzu! Thank goodness I found you before you left!"
244Tzu: "That voice... ...ah, if it isn't my most promising pupil. What brings you to me, Jade?"
245Jade: "Master Tzu, I wanted you to consider taking these two under your tutelage."
246Tzu: "Hmm... if you think they have potential, who am I to say no? However, I am getting on in my years, but I saved most of my teachings in this book. Besides, even the best instructor is wasted on a student who will not listen."
247Jade: "I see... but still, you're the one who introduced me to Pokemon Brawling when I saw you on television back in Cupre! If you applied yourself, you could probably take down a Supra-Pokemon or two on your own!"
248Tzu: "Were I thirty years younger, yes. But the world has changed, and this body of mine has a limit to how far I can push myself... a ceiling that inches lower every single day. I can't fight the Pokemon I used to battle when I took you in... and in a few years, I might not be able to fight at all."
249
250*] Jade takes the book and passes it to PT, who reads it alongside Merriman.
251Jade: "Well, at least let them fight you as part of the Gauntlet."
252Tzu: "I can serve as a Gym Leader, at least. My daughter, Ieyasu, will be my second if you seek a Brawl."
253Jade: "Thank you, Master. With this book, we might have the edge we need against Team Mobius."
254Tzu: "I fear the evil that grips Elysia is not so small as a band of hoodlums. Even you must feel the magnitude of the dark forces at work, and you know far more than I in that category. Ieyasu should be investigating a False Hole out in the Plains; do introduce yourself to her, would you?"
255Jade: "I will. Thank you."
256Tzu: "That book is one of the few original prints in this world; every other is a replication. It should serve as proof that I accept your request for tutelage in case she has any disputes. I wish you three nothing but success."
257Jade: "A False Hole... ...alright. Maybe we'll find the one she's investigating if we're diligent. Come on, everyone!"
258Merriman: "You got it. I didn't want to interrupt the old master, so..."
259Jade: "I appreciate it. As does he, I'm sure."
260
261*] Once outside Argentus and back on the Plains, Jade heads away from the Cliffside Orbit and onto the Grassy Mezzanine. PT and Merriman follow her, only to find an outcropping of rocks on the ground that bears visual distortion between them. A pillar of ruby light erupts from within as they approach.
262Merriman: "What's with that light?"
263Jade: "A Mirage Pokemon exists within this False Hole. Don't let the name fool you; only their size is falsified. Everything else? Very real."
264Merriman: "We better go in and check it out! Ieyasu could be inside!"
265Jade: "My sentiments exactly. If your Pokemon is unconscious, engage in hit-and-run or find some other way to support."
266
267*] A young woman in a gi similar to Tzu's is seen facing off against a giant Pikachu. She and her Timburr are exhausted.
268Young Woman: "Urgh... you haven't bested us yet..."
269Jade: "Hang in there! Help is on the way!"
270Young Woman: "Are you fellow trainers? If so, your timing couldn't be better!"
271Merriman: "...That can't be a Pikachu's real size... it's gigantic!"
272Jade: "Break your mind free of the illusion and fight back! It's four on one!"
273
274*] The Pikachu should go down without much trouble. Once it does, it escapes into its den; this is the only time this happens without your input. The young woman addresses you.
275Young Woman: "Forgive my impertinence. I, Brawler Master Ieyasu, am grateful for your help."
276Merriman: "Ieyasu...? Master Tzu sent us to help you out. We asked him about tutelage, and he asked us to find you in his stead."
277Ieyasu: "That so... Master Tzu is getting on in his years, but what endorsement would he have given you as proof? Jade alone is not enough."
278Jade: "Took you long enough to recognize me. <PT>?"
279
280*] PT hands the book over to Ieyasu; she hands it back and nods. Ieyasu affirms your tutelage, offers to induct you into the Brawlers League, and informs you that she will return contact while you are in Galla. She then leaves; Jade looks to Merriman and PT, and stops them from following her soon after.
281Merriman: "Shouldn't we be following her?"
282Jade: "This den is a lawless land. The Taboo does not apply here, and we have much to discuss."
283Merriman: "Oh? What if another Mirage Pokemon attacks us?"
284Jade: "We should be able to repel them, just as we did now. Anyway, Supra-Pokemon... a misnomer if I ever heard one. What did you feel when you saw it?"
285**] "An oppressive force..."
286Merriman: "Yeah, that's what I felt, too. As if it was shackled by pure evil."
287**] "It seemed to suffer..."
288Merriman: "You think so? I couldn't tell from all the malice surrounding it..."
289**] "It felt happy to be alive..."
290Jade: "I have only started to trust you. Lying now would only stand to shatter it. Be honest."
291*] Jade shook her head.
292Jade: "Anyway, Supra-Pokemon... or rather, Shadow Pokemon... are corrupted by pure evil energies. While there are those that believe Dark-types are evil, they at least bear their own will. A Shadow Pokemon's heart and soul are shackled by evil energies, distorted into nothing more than a weapon with which to hurt Pokemon and people alike."
293Merriman (horrified): "That's horrible!! You can't just turn a Pokemon into a weapon to slaughter indiscriminately just like that!!"
294Jade: "That we agree on, but the methods are out there. We don't know the exact details, but rest assured that nothing humane could have spawned the Shadowing process."
295Merriman: "Is there a way to turn them back to normal? We can at least teach those that use them-"
296Jade: "Don't bother. The only kind of people who would Shadow their Pokemon are those who desire power at any cost. You can't get through to that kind of person."
297Merriman (saddened): "Then there's nothing we can do... if we can't get them to treat their Pokemon..."
298Jade: "Then the only solution is to do it ourselves... and take the Shadow Pokemon away from them!"
299Merriman (horrified): "Are you kidding?! The failsafes installed on the newest line of Poke Balls are built to protect a trainer's Pokemon from being stolen by another trainer!"
300Jade: "The technology for that's older than you think; it's just now the outside world's catching up. Even then, the failsafe's already been compromised. What was the method I suggested to take Shadow Pokemon back from Team Mobius?"
301Merriman: "The Hand of Mobius? You think that's how they got the missing Pokemon in the first place?"
302Jade: "Bingo. However, the Hand of Mobius is only a name to protect it from the wretched Counter Terror Taboo, just as Supra-Pokemon is a false name for Shadow Pokemon."
303Merriman: "So what is it, really? The Hand of Mobius, I mean."
304Jade: "The proper name is 'Snag Machine'. It exists to break the failsafe on any Poke Ball it interfaces with, thus enabling its wielder to steal Pokemon from other trainers. More modern models have other functions integrated-"
305Merriman (angry): "It's still Pokemon theft! You expect me to condone this?!"
306Jade: "I know you're outraged about this, <Merriman>, but you must understand: if literally any other method of purifying Shadow Pokemon existed, I'd have told you about it already instead of engaging in this argument."
307Merriman: "You know what? Fine. Let's find some Snag Machines and hand them over to the police. Maybe they can reverse-engineer them so they can only snag Shadow Pokemon."
308Jade: "Now you're starting to make sense! Augustus did ask that of us anyway, so the least we could do is fill him in on the details when we do. Anyway, Galla awaits. Let's get out before-"
309????: ... ... ...
310*] An unknown Pokemon appears before the trio. Space starts to distort around them.
311Merriman: "The False Hole's closing up! We're being pushed out!!"
312Jade: "Remember: we need to get to Galla, no matter what!!"
313*] The distortion becomes severe, to the point the trio just disappear entirely. Back on the surface, outside the now closed False Hole, the trio shake their heads. Merriman and Jade both head off, though Merriman is not happy.
314
315-] Chapter 2: First Contact in Galla
316*] The group arrives in Galla, where a woman in black addresses a woman in beige overalls.
317Black-dressed Woman: "So let me get this straight, Honey... the Pokemon you prepared were stolen by Team Mobius?"
318Honey: "Yeah, that's right. All of them! I've even got a list right here of the ones that were taken! I really need to train better security for my Nursery..."
319Jade: "Team Mobius, you say... did one of them dash in from out of town?"
320
321*] Jade, PT and Merriman all approach, and the two women turn to them.
322Honey: "Oh? Well, no, but I did see Ieyasu come in not too long after the trouble started. She said she had an appointment with the Brawlers League, and needed my terminal for a teleconference."
323Jade: "Huh. Were any Hands of Mobius involved in the theft?"
324Honey: "Yeah! Yes, they definitely used those Hands of Mobius to-"
325Black-haired Woman: "And what interest do you kids have in the Hands of Mobius?"
326Merriman: "Augustus wants us to take some Hands from Team Mobius. He seems intrigued about the police turning their own tech against them."
327Black-haired Woman: "Augustus, huh..."
328Honey: "Don't tell me you're agreeing with these kids' malign plan, Helga!"
329Helga: "We've tried to recall the Supra-Pokemon outside of the Euto Company's jurisdiction, to no avail. The Euto Company themselves say they could take them back when Team Mobius is arrested, but every time they somehow escape Euto's security hold they still retain all the Pokemon they possessed when arrested. The Hand of Mobius may be the tipping point in this operation; if we can reverse-engineer the device, we can use it to counter them on more equal footing."
330Jade: "That didn't take long to figure out, did it? So, will you let us help you out?"
331Helga: "Gym Challengers, right? Who endorsed you?"
332Merriman: "Trinity endorsed us with support from Augustus and Professor Sequoia."
333Jade: "Chairman Marguerite blacklisted us after we did a Euto officer's job for him, which is why-"
334Helga: "Say no more. I've heard what the pundits had to say about her, and while we should take their conspiracy theories with mountainous piles of salt, I'm beginning to wonder if the Euto-Mobius conflict is a stage act myself. The Euto Company act as security detail against Team Mobius at Marguerite's request, with the police explicitly ordered to back off, and yet there's no lasting headway against the villains. Euto's prison is supposed to be impenetrable, but everyone who was paroled from them goes right to Team Mobius afterwards. Much as Covert Ops should get involved, we need direct evidence or endorsement from the Elite Four before we can stage a counterattack. Letting you three go in unsupervised will give the police plausible deniability as to whatever countermeasures are taken against Team Mobius."
335Jade: "We will not fail you. Already I like you better than the police."
336Merriman: "Jade!!"
337Helga: "Never let Augustus hear you say that. And once you've grabbed some Hands of Mobius, I will be taking them from you for personal delivery."
338Jade: "And when can we get them back?"
339Helga: "That's for Augustus to decide."
340Honey: "If you feel like your Pokemon need some toughening up, my Gym's open for business in this crisis. The Galla Stadium is closed due to Whelp having gone missing after the opening ceremony. If you see him, tell him to return to the Stadium, okay?"
341* GYM CHALLENGE: DRAGON
342
343-] Chapter 3: The Mysterious Challenger
344* GYM CHALLENGE: PSYCHIC
345-] Chapter 4: Battle for Plumbus
346* GYM CHALLENGE: ICE
347-] Chapter 5: The Heavenly Gatekeeper
348* GYM CHALLENGE: FLYING
349-] Chapter 6: A History of Evil
350* GYM CHALLENGE: FAIRY
351-] Chapter 7: The Triad of Disaster
352-] Chapter 8: The Auria Massacre
353-] Chapter 9: Autonomy and Vigilance
354* GYM CHALLENGE: NORMAL
355-] Chapter 10: Mobius' End
356* GYM CHALLENGE: ELECTRIC
357-] Chapter 11: Hel's Angels
358* GYM CHALLENGE: DARK
359-] Chapter 12: Megiddo Beckons
360* DRAGON SECTOR
361* PSYCHIC SECTOR
362* ICE SECTOR
363* FLYING SECTOR
364* FAIRY SECTOR
365* NORMAL SECTOR
366* ELECTRIC SECTOR
367* DARK SECTOR
368-] Chapter 13: Brought to Light
369-] Last Chapter: An End to Eutopia