Shadow Sketches

Route 2 Forest - Troublesome Bunnies - Alecks and Alice The twins chased after their tormentor at full pelt, Alecks leading them as Alice trailed slightly behind. Apollo had jumped off his trainer's shoulders and was jumping from branch to branch on trees beside them, keeping pace with the two siblings. But no matter how fast the two went, the Buneary still managed to stay ahead of them. Sometimes losing sight of her for a couple moments before they managed to catch glimpses of her chocolate pelt once again. It was obvious that the wild bunny was taunting them, she could have easily managed to lose her pursuers at any time if she so wished. The siblings boots loudly smashed leaves and twigs underneath them, making their presence very obvious to the other forest denizens. While the Buneary was at ease in her home territory and managed to muffle her steps throughout the chase, avoiding any twigs that could snap noisily underneath her. The devilish Buneary led her pursuers on a wild chase for quite some time, gleefully enjoying tormenting the two trainers. But soon she caught glimpses of other chocolate pelts in the forest around her and realized the time for games was over. She slowed down and let the trainers catch up with her before finally halting the chase as she stopped and looked back at the twins. Their faces were blushed red with exertion as they stopped a couple feet from the bunny. They didn't speak at first as they tried to regain their breath, even Apollo seemed slightly winded as he climbed onto Alecks' shoulder. Finally the twins managed to regain themselves and they glared daggers at the Buneary, who just stood there with an innocent look on her face. Alecks was about to say something when he noticed movement to the right of him, he looked over and saw a pair of eyes watching him. When he inspected closer, he saw the face of another wild Buneary glaring at him. Soon, he saw that they seemed to have attracted company. He tapped Alice's arm and indicated to look around them, when she did her eyes widened in shock. They had been surrounded by Buneary's, and none of them seemed happy to find them chasing one of their friends. The two looked back at the Buneary they had been chasing, one of it's ears curled up as it looked at them with an amused smile on her face. "We might have just walked into the wrong neighborhood..." Alecks whispered to his sister. He had just taken a small step back when a newcomer dropped from a tree and landed gracefully in a crouched position next to their mischievous Buneary. Once it stood up, the young twins gasped in awe as they saw it was a Lopunny. She was extremely pretty and the two could not take their eyes off her. At her full height she was almost as tall as Alice, being about 5'6 and dwarfing the Buneary's, who seemed to be about half her size. Although she looked very pretty, the Lopunny's pink eyes stared coldly at the two trainers as she let out a loud growl. Obviously it thought of them as threats in her home, this could get ugly fast. Alecks instinctively put his hands out in front of him, as if to show her he was unarmed. "Woah, woah, woah! We're not here looking for a fight, we're very sorry if we're trespassing." Alice followed her brother's lead and the two tried to look as nonthreatening as possible, Apollo meanwhile just looked at the Lopunny with childish interest. The Lopunny did not seem to be buying it, the two had obviously been chasing after one of her herd and that was unacceptable. Alecks realized it wasn't working and tried something different, he slowly reached into his messenger bag and began looking for something as he whispered quietly to Alice. "Give me the flower I gave you." "What?" She replied in confusion, her voice as quiet as her brother's. "Just give me it, hurry!" He said slightly harshly, before lowering his voice once again. "Sorry, but please just give me the flower." Alice bit her lip but finally gave in and pulled the white flower from her hair and handed it over to him. She was slightly disappointed that she had to part with her gift, but she knew Alecks would have a good reason for it. He had managed to find what he had been looking for in his bag and pulled out a small object carefully, then he grabbed the white flower from Alice and slowly walked over to the Lopunny. The herd of Buneary's watched him with interest, wondering what exactly was he up to. The young trainer stopped a little bit away from the leader of their herd and nervously reached his hands out to give her what he had in his hands. "Here, think of it as a peace offering." He said timidly as he revealed his gifts. In one hand he held a blue Oran berry and in the other hand he held out the white flower he had originally given Alice. The Lopunny inspected his offerings with an unsure look on her face. She still wasn't sure whether this was some kind of trick. She looked over to Apollo on Aleck's shoulder and decided to see what he had to say about all this. "Lopunny!" She let out a small cry to get Apollo's attention, then tried to get him to tell her why his trainer was chasing after one of her herd. "Chim!" Apollo immediately came to the defense of his partner, recalling how the Buneary had assaulted them with berries and even pointing out some of the dried berry juice in Alecks' hair. The Lopunny listened intently and once Apollo finished telling them their story, she looked back at the Buneary that started all this who was standing slightly behind her. Both her ears were folded and she was looking down at the ground, too embarrassed to make eye contact with her leader. She looked like a child that was waiting to be scolded for misbehaving. Finally, the Lopunny let out a sigh and looked back towards Alecks. She accepted his offerings with a smile and gave him a small nod. Alecks immediately felt relief and pet Apollo on his head. "Thanks buddy." The fire type smiled and allowed himself to be petted, liking the praise he got. Lopunny took a bite out of the Oran berry and let out a small moan of content as she swallowed the sweet juices from the berry. She indicated to the twins to follow her and then turned around and began walking deeper into the forest, munching on the Oran berry as she went. The Buneary's followed close behind their leader. Alecks looked back at Alice who shrugged at him, "Let's see where they want to take us." With that, the two siblings began waking alongside the herd of Buneary's and followed them to wherever they were being led to.

Route 2, Forest - Alecks and Alice Alecks liked to think that the moment they stepped into the forest they also stepped into a whole new world. Forests have always been one of his favorite places to explore, he never knew what could be hiding behind all the pretty foliage. Leaves crunched underneath the twin's boots, the two walking side by side and looking around with awe. Even Apollo couldn't help but be absorbed in the twins' interest in the forest and found himself looking around as much as they did. "What do you think we'll find out here?" Alice said softly, almost as if she didn't want to disturb the quiet noises of the forest and the pokemon that lived in it. "Can't be completely sure. Besides, we don't want to ruin the surprise now do we?" Alecks responded as he bent down and picked up a pretty flower that he had seen near him. It's white petals completely unblemished, the sweet scent easily overwhelming his nostrils. With a mocking a bow he offered the flower to his sister, a teasing smile on his face. "M'lady, may I offer a present." Alice gave a small curtsy and grabbed the delicate flower in one hand. "My sincerest thanks, young Alecksander. We can make a gentleman out of you yet." She said with a wink as she carefully placed the flower in her short hair, white in a sea of black. "I live to please, dear Alice." He bowed once more, his eyes to the ground so he never even saw the flying Bluk berry coming down in an arc straight for him. Alice herself barely had time for little more than a gasp before the purple berry hit her brother's head with a loud splat. Sticky berry juice dripped down his head as he stood straight back up, a wrathful look on his face. The quiet of the forest was suddenly disrupted by loud laughter, the twins quickly looked in the direction of the noise. It didn't take long to spot the culprit. Slightly hidden by a bush, a wild Buneary was laughing wildly as she jumped up and down on one leg gleefully. She seemed to have been looking in the direction of the siblings, small tears of laughter were at the corners of her closed eyes. Alice and Apollo both had silly grins on their faces as they realized what had just happened, having a hard time muffling their laughter. Alecks though was not very happy with the surprise he had gotten. "Looks like that Buneary got you, Alecks. Maybe you need to pay more attention next ti-" Alice interrupted herself mid-sentence to let out a yelp as she quickly crouched down. A flying Bluk berry whizzed past her head, having missed it's targets. Alice now finally stopped laughing and glared at the Buneary, who was still laughing maniacally. "Don't you dare throw another one.." Alice muttered, her glare trying to pierce through the wild bunny. The Buneary didn't seem fazed at all by Alice's threat, instead she stuck her tongue out and made little taunting motions with one of her ears. Then she leaned down and grabbed another Bluk berry from the little pile she had made beside her and threw another one straight at the twins. This one was expected and the two didn't waste any time getting out of the way of the berry. "You little..." Alice started walking towards the Buneary, muttering to the little trouble maker as she did. "Wait till I get my hands on you!" The wild bunny winked and stuck her tongue out at the twins once more before she turned tail and began running away from the two of them. "Hey! Come back here you little brat!" Alecks yelled out and the twins wasted no time in chasing after their furry little devil. Side Quest Added: "Troublesome Bunnies" ​-Follow the mischievous Buneary

I feel like I'm missing some joke here..

Route 2- Alecks and Alice Alecks went along with the others on the path, mindlessly riding along on his skateboard as he looked around their surroundings. Apollo had been released from his pokeball soon after he had been healed and was now on his usual spot on Aleck's left shoulder. After a little while, Alice reached a hand over and pulled on Aleck's hoodie, which he had tied around his waist since it was starting to get warmer under the sun. He quickly stopped in his tracks and looked back at his sister, wondering what she wanted. Alice leaned forward until her lips were near his ear and whispered to him. "I want to go through the forest, want to come?" Alecks nodded without a second thought. "Of course," he whispered back, "wouldn't want to let you get lost after all." Alice gave him a slight glare at his remark but a small smile eventually escaped her, she was glad that he was coming with her. Alecks stepped off his skateboard and picked it up, walking on foot rather than on wheels was usually easier in forests. He then began walking towards the treeline with Alice next to him, looking back at the group as he went. "Hey guys, we're going to go through the forest instead. We'll catch up with ya'll later. If you need us, you know how to reach us." He said as he pointed to the XTransceiver, then gave a small wave of farewell before the two disappeared into the wild forest.

Lee With a nod, Lee repeated the words that Eden had shared with her. Feeling slightly silly as she spoke. "Heart and soul forever torn Endless sea of endless hate Reaching out to tear down scorn This blade of mine does reach forever Salvation is my true endeavor" Immediately after the last word was spoken, the ground beneath her feet cracked as she felt the power of an Earth blade begin to surge through her. The cracks grew in size as bright white light shone from them and began to cover her body, the light twirling around Lee for brief moments before disappearing completely as the light burst outward in a magnificent burst of power to once again reveal the girl underneath. The most obvious change was Lee's outfit. Her black combat boots remained although her legs were now only covered by torn, black stockings with dark brown shorts. The tears in the front of the stockings allowed one to see the pale skin underneath and the brown lacy design tattoos that now covered them. Her hoodie replaced with a black chestplate over a dark brown shirt with long sleeves to cover her arms. Her hands and parts of her arms was covered by bracers and fingerless black leather gloves that looked similar to her chestplate. Although she usually did not use cosmetics, her nails were now painted a dark brown color while her eyes were outlined with kohl. After her transformation, Lee examined her new clothing curiously. Surprisingly feeling comfortable in her new outfit as a small smile appeared on her face.

Unless we're required to post atm I don't think the twins will say much after Marcella's rant. I'll wait to post until we're ready to actually move on ahead to route 2.

Aw so we can't be antiheroes? Those are my favorite heroes ~

Accumula Pokecenter - Alecks and Alice The twins looked at the other questioningly once the EMT offered to heal up their pokemon. He seemed nice enough but after what happened earlier, they were wary of giving someone they didn't know their partners. But what other choice did they have? After a couple moments, they both gave in and carefully placed their pokeballs inside the pouch. Quietly muttering their thanks before leaning back into their seats. Alecks' eyes seeming to drift here and there impatiently while Alice crossed her long legs as she watched the others. Both siblings crossing their arms over their chests, it was easy to see how others could have a hard time telling them apart if they didn't pay attention.

Accumula Pokecenter - Alecks and Alice Alecks clicked his tongue in annoyance, he had guessed that would be her answer but he still wanted to make sure for himself. He knew at their current state they couldn't hope to face him. The man has a fully evolved Electivire after all. But Alecks knew he and Apollo would get stronger. For now they would just have to stay back, until they were ready to face him. As the young trainer sat there quietly in his own thoughts, Alice reached over and grabbed her twin's hand in her's. Giving it a reassuring squeeze as the two looked at each other. Alecks gave her a small smile and squeezed her hand back. The two had each other's back, no matter what. Alice tore her gaze away from her brother's and looked over towards the red headed woman before her eyes wandered over towards the back of the Pokecenter. "How bad is the damage? Does the equipment still work?" She asked, wondering if they would be able to let their injured pokemon get some medical help.

Welp edited my last post so it included a new question at the end for Marcella. Not the original plan but one else has asked anything and I wanted to try and move the scene along.

Lee Lee couldn't find any words for a moment. She watched Eden's curse walk up to her with dread, she didn't know the girl and could only assume the worse was about to happen. To her surprise, Eden's curse was mysteriously gentle. Lee slightly winced as her mind was pressured uncomfortably but the pain was not the same as the punches she had endured. Her mind raced as she began to go over what was happening in her head, nothing was making sense. If she hadn't watched Katherine's appearance transform right before her eyes she wouldn't have believed her to be a goddess. But there was no denying the magic she had witnessed. She should have felt honored to be in the company of Kallisto. But all Lee felt was anger and disdain, it didn't surprise her at all that Kallisto had forsaken her. She expected nothing more of a goddess that had just moments ago assaulted her. Lee focused her attention on Eden, a steely look on her own face. "I've had enough of being knocked around for one day." she said, "Guess it's time to fight back. I will join you."

Lee The young girl was caught completely by surprise, her eyes widened in shock as she watched Katherine send the table flying. She barely had time to process what had just happened before she herself got thrown back like a ragdoll. Lee squirmed on the ground slightly, trying to recover from the agony of having the stomach that had just been recovering from a punch to a gut earlier that day already be abused once again. The pain brought out tears that Lee refused to let drip down her face, instead the unshed tears welled in her eyes. Raw anger and pain could be seen in pools of pale blue as she glared at the second woman to abuse her in just that day. She noticed the other strange woman bust into the room but all her focus was intent on Katherine. She wasn't sure was going on but the one thing she did know was how pissed she was at this so called 'teacher'. Rein's strange actions only made things more confusing, the psycho actually seemed to enjoy the abuse. Lee couldn't join in on Rein's pleasure, she was not a fucking punching bag. Slowly, Lee lifted herself off the ground. One arm cradling the stomach that would most likely be bruised at this point. Her furious gaze never leaving Katherine. In the end, she only knew of a couple words that were appropriate answers to give Katherine once she was fully standing up. "Fuck. You."

Hey guys, just here to give a quick announcement that Alice is now here to stay. She'll be joining up with our current party as a new member and will primarily be travelling alongside Alecks on devious adventures. Look forward to seeing more of the mischievous Alice and the adorable Raven.

Accumula Pokecenter - Alecks and Alice The two twins sat next to each other, neither talking much but instead taking comfort in the other's presence. The siblings always became close when disaster struck, and now was no different. Their only physical contact was their shoulders leaning against each other's, but that was enough for them. Their heads down in horrible defeat as they stared down and contemplated what had just transpired. The two young trainer's had their respective pokeball's in their hands, staring at them and wishing they could bring out their partners to be with them. But they knew their pokemon needed rest after that last battle. The two young trainer's were both silently recovering from their last defeat. Alecks lost in his own thoughts, his face seemingly emotionless but Alice was able to tell from years of living with him the small signs that revealed his anger. They knew each other better than anyone, and she was easily able to tell how upset this loss had made him. And she understood exactly how he felt, she had been powerless to help Raven. Watching her defeated so easily tore a hole through her heart. Alecks himself couldn't believe how easily they had lost, he barely even had time to register what had happened. But he knew no matter the threat that man had told them, he would face him again. Alecks wouldn't allow him to get away with his crime. He and Apollo needed to get stronger, then they would take down that man and his electric ape. So absorbed were the twins with their own thoughts that they didn't speak much with what they now knew was that man's sister. He wasn't sure how much he could trust him, but she was better than nothing. Especially if she could give them any information so they didn't end up lost in the dark. "So these "Luminous Dawn" guys...how dangerous are they?" Alecks asked Marcella calmly, not wanting to show any worry or doubt. "Your brother threatened us with a fate worse than death if we ever met again. Are they known for murdering others or was it just a worthless threat he gave to try and scare us."

So if I understand correctly our personal quest will take the place of the first two quests and that's when we'll catch the pokemon we've asked for? Edit: Or does opting out of the first two quests give you the chance to catch another new pokemon but still having to wait for the 4th quest to catch the one pokemon you've asked for?

So are we all required to make our own side quests or are there already side quests planned out that we can choose to take once the new chapter begins?

I'm kind of confused why they're calling these skins Super Galaxy, they don't really resemble Super Galaxy Rumble at all. They look a lot more like Neon Strike Vi with the colors and effects being similar. More similar than Super Galaxy Rumble at least.

Yea same, I'm not sure how much I like it yet. I'll probably have to jump on PBE and test it out myself to see how good it looks in game.

For the most part, I don't really have any actual "answers" for 1 and 2 since I haven't really seen any problems with those two things. I think you and Strats are doing a good job with how you've run this so far. For the third question, I mostly just want to see more Prof. Oak and Bianca (which I'm 99% sure we'll end up seeing soon anyway considering she's leading the three kids in a similar journey to ours). For question numero quatro...yes, now hurry up and bring us the next chapter ASAP!

Accumula Pokecenter - Mysterious Explosion! Pokemon Center Panic! - Alecks and Alice Alecks watched the battle begin carefully, he hadn't been expecting a battle so soon but Apollo seemed excited by all the action. The fire type jumped down from his trainer's shoulder onto the floor and looked at the opponents' pokemon with an intense glare, a small smirk appearing on his face as he eyed the competition. The fire on his backside burning brighter and more fiercely as he prepared for battle. The twin looked over at his sister, a small smile appearing on his face that matched his pokemon's. "Alice, feel like putting these guys in their place?" His sister shook her head and sighed, though a small smile appeared on her face as well. "Good to see your as cocky as ever. Well I can't let you fight this battle alone, someone needs to be here for you when you inevitably choke. Come on Raven, let's show them what we got." Alice said as she set the psychic type down on the floor. Raven looked up at her trainer with doubt, still slightly shaken up over the loud explosion from earlier. Fortunately, Apollo looked back at his new partner and gave a nod of encouragement to the psychic type. When he still saw the worry in her large eyes, he walked back towards her and grabbed her short, stubby hand in his and led her forwards to stand right beside him. Knowing now she could count on Apollo to watch her back, Raven steeled herself and she now looked at their opponents with the same confidence that Apollo was. "Alice, let's attack some of the pokemon the other thieves sent on the field. We need to keep some of them busy so they don't overwhelm our friends' pokemon." His twin nodded at Alecks' plan and the siblings wasted no more time in getting into the fray. "Apollo, use Flame Wheel on the Magnemite!" Alice soon followed up with her own command. "Raven, use Confusion on the second Klink so it can't help the Magnemite." The twins' pokemon followed their trainers orders quickly. Apollo released Raven's hand before rushing forward in a wheel of burning flames toward the Magnemite, trying to use his speed and momentum to aim the wheel upward so he can hit the floating piece of metal. Meanwhile, Raven thrust her hands forward as her body began to be outlined in a bright red, her eyes also beginning to glow a matching red. Soon enough, the Klink's body would be outlined in the same red and Raven will be able to forcefully push the electric type into another of the thieves' pokemon with her psychic attack.

Nice sprite work, they all look very cool. Makes me jealous I look forward to seeing more sprites from you in the future.

I've never played any sort of DND before but I wouldn't mind trying it. One thing I should say though that although I do have Skype, I usually have a fan right next to me that helps to keep me and my laptop cool while I use it (my laptop is absolute garbage so it's usually mandatory.) So if we were to do some sort of voice chat all everyone would hear the whole time is the annoying loud sound of a fan destroying your ear drums so I'd most likely prefer it that we don't use Skype and that kind stuff. But if everyone absolutely wants to use Skype then I wouldn't mind trying to play without my fan and hope that my laptop is able to run long enough that it doesn't begin to burn itself out. (Of course, it ends up being impossible I would have to step out since I wouldn't be able to talk without the fan and that would probably ruin the experience for others.)