Victory Road!

The first sign that the end is near is the spiderweb of cracks appearing in the windows separating the frozen chamber from the one that the battle is taking place in.

For the first time since the fighting began, Lusamine turns back towards the window in shock, smile disappearing as she lets out a gasp of distress.

Then the window shatters under the pressure of the water building up on the other side, sending shards of glass pattering to the floor only to be immediately followed by a gush of frigid seawater flowing into the room, sweeping anyone not braced against a large Pokemon or U.B. back against the far wall. Fortunately, once the initial wave happens, what's left in the room is only about waist-height. The control panel is all shorted out (good thing there were plenty of Electric-type Pokemon around to absorb all the sparks!) and emergency lights are blinking all around.

After presumably first checking to make sure you and your Pokemon are all in one piece, the next natural place to look is the now-open chamber... where a much clearer shape is now visible in the remaining ice.

A faint green glow pulses through the blue... and so does an even fainter cry.

At that, each and every Ultra Beast in the room drops what they're doing and rushes forward, flying or leaping through the shattered window to start attacking the ice-- but much more carefully than they'd been trying to smash into the Aether building earlier.

When Lusamine, drenched and not looking nearly as spooky as when she was bathed in blue light and commanding her team like a well-oiled machine, sits up with water sloshing her hair around and sees what's happening, she lets out a piercing wail.

"NO!!"

( But the core of the ice is already cracking, and finally the captive inside becomes visible... )

After so much excitement, it would seem that at least for the moment, all's well that ends well...


( ... Or is it? )

_____________________________

[This concludes our Ultra October event... or does it? Enjoy a little breathing room, trainers-- you earned it! But stay tuned for some EV News on the aftermath in the next couple of weeks...]

[After yesterday’s shocking EV News Report and its abrupt conclusion, tension across Johto and Kanto is palpable. Saffron City's population of burgeoning independent reporters has exploded out of the woodwork like a swarm of disturbed Beedrills, and crowds of protesters fill the streets around the towering Silph building... but while the megacorporation has plenty on its plate to deal with in terms of damage control... Dr. Theramin's accusation has been on loop on every kind of media available and then some. What other things could be hiding from the general public, locked up behind the Aether Foundation’s doors? Still no word from the "good guys in white", even with so many now turned against them.]

[When the familiar jingle and logo pop up on PokeGears once again, trainers are compelled by "URGENT NEWS BULLETIN" ticker-tape running along the bottom screen. What could reporter Sarah have in store for us today as the feed cuts to her at her usual desk?]

Good evening, viewers, to a special edition of EV News.

[The strain of the month is now definitely showing, even through the makeup that has been liberally applied to her face, and she leans forward slightly as if trying to mask the urge to take a nap right there at her seat.]

While we have been working through day and night to bring you an update on the situation between Silph Co. and the Aether Foundation, this emergency news bulletin concerns a sudden and startling swarm of Pokemon currently amassing in Cerulean City.

[The feed cuts to a compilation of footage, both amateur and professional, of wild Pokemon scrambling through the streets of Cerulean City. This in and of itself is not too surprising after these past few weeks, but the species seen are usually ones local to the surrounding areas...]

[One shaky video shows a Nidoking, roaring to scatter Youngsters or Lasses in its path, with Gym Leader Misty's red hair bobbing in the crowd as she and her Starmie try to get close enough to slow it down. Another shows an entire fruit-stand being bowled over by a small stampede of Ampharos, bounding on all fours with their tails raised high and flashing in alarm. One clip isn't even a video, but a slideshow of photographs taken of an enormous hole in the side of a tall brick wall that happens to be the exact size and shape of a Golurk, with an Ace Trainer standing next to it for scale.]

[Some of the Pokemon storming the streets seem enraged, but many look almost shell-shocked, hurrying and scurrying into any and every hiding place imaginable-- or just trying to get to the other side of the city and into the grassy fields to the south as quickly as possible. Sarah’s voice emerges over the track of the videos.]

These Pokemon appear to be migrating down from the mountains to the north of the city, and are notably not species normally found on the public routes surrounding the city. Trainers are warned that these Pokemon have been confirmed to be at levels much higher than usual for the area, with the highest reported level being level 95 and counting. Visitors to the city and Cerulean citizens alike are advised to stay indoors and avoid the streets as these Pokemon pass through. Local police forces are clearing the roads and doing small-scale evacuations where necessary in order to minimize the risk of damage or injury to people or Pokemon.

[The footage at the bottom of the screen blurs slightly to show a scrolling list of the species sighted in Cerulean City thus far... Dugtrio. Lickitung. Raichu. Golbat. Tangrowth. Golem. Absol. Ampharos. Nidoqueen. Nidoking. Rhydon. Galvantula. Golurk. Exploud. Gigalith. Some real powerhouses...]

Once again, trainers are warned to avoid engaging with these wild Pokemon and simply let them pass whenever possible. Word from our Cerulean reporter indicates that the Elite Four are already on the scene to investigate where these Pokemon might be coming fro--

[Suddenly, Sarah’s eyes go wide as they look up and over the camera’s line of sight, likely to one of the crew, as an intern rushes on set to pass her a paper. She doesn’t stammer as she skims what’s written there, but it sure does make her sit up straighter.]

Oh, wow-- um, an extra-urgent news bulletin has just been passed to me-- concerning the activity of the otherworldly creatures that have been emerging over this past month-- i-is this right? This is-

[The intern pops back on the screen, just at the edge,] We literally just got that from Willie, I swear-

Can we patch him in? Ask Tina to try, okay? [The intern nods and speeds off, and Sarah looks back at the camera, glancing between it and the bulletin in her hands.] Um, sorry about that, folks, uh... our on-site correspondent on the Sevii Islands, currently awaiting word from the Aether Foundation regarding yesterday’s revelations, is-- oh, we’ve got him? Put him on screen!

[The screen splits, Sarah looking pensive on the left while a shaky livestream reveals a bespectacled reporter, his attention split between a rapt audience and the scene behind him as he heaves for breath.

Oh, and what a scene it is. In the distance, the Aether Foundation’s Sevii Islands headquarters is under siege, not by angry trainers demanding answers like Dr. Theodore Theramin urged viewers to do yesterday... but by the Ultra Beasts that have been swarming over the course of the month. Nihilego float hauntingly after Aether employees who spill out of the facility to try and fight back. Buzzwole are helping Pheromosa climb up onto the roof by becoming living ladders for their more delicate counterparts to use. Blacephalon are setting off explosions as distractions while Poipole and Kartana try to tear at the walls, bash through the windows-- this and more adds to a chaotic situation.]

Willie? Willie! What’s going on out there?

[Willie the reporter starts, clears his throat, looks back to the mayhem.] I- I’m not sure, Sarah, but I’ve-- I had to RUN to steer clear of one of those weird electrical wire-looking things, I’ve been - standing vigil for any word from the Aether Foundation, but no one has come out to give a statement, and then - and now...all of these strange beings began to arrive, and they’re a-attacking the headquarters!

Willie, have they been causing any other damage? Attacking Sevii residents?

N-Not that we’ve seen, no, but they a-are responding to battle when engaged by the Aether Foundation agents, and more are arriving every MINUTE! They're--

[Willie goes silent as a shadow falls over him, and he looks up, up, up... his voice squeaks out a oh god please don’t kill me before he faints, as the sparking head of a Xurkitree twists and crackles into view. Sarah jumps and skids back in her chair as gasps and shouts erupt from the newsroom crew, and the Xurkitree…

Well, it makes a noise, something like a Pokemon’s cry, very synthetic and unusual but almost curious in tone before shifting to... a pleading sound? The spiky light that makes up its head flashes in an oddly rhythmic pattern, and as it leers closer…

There’s another loud buzzing noise, and the video feed from the Sevii Islands cuts to black. Sarah opens her mouth, perhaps to try and reassure the viewers, but that feed too cuts off.

... Sure hope this interference ending every broadcast doesn’t become a thing.]

EV NEWS BROADCAST

[Today’s EV News segment cuts in on the ‘gears with static, which is weird; their track record of clean broadcasts is pretty consistent. There are blips and clips of special interest stories - thirty seconds of a Gardener discussing the influence of autumn foliage on Grass type Pokemon, forty-five of a Bird Keeper dishing out tips and tricks to keeping one’s feathered friends clean, fifteen of prospective Apricorn and Berry harvest figures for September...each is punctuated by static, before stuttering and settling back on reporter Sarah, hands folded in front of her yet again as the Suicune Update logo shrinks to the left corner of the screen.]

-For our next story, EV News is honored to bring you a special roundtable discussion with the two main conflicting opinions on the Suicune situation in Ecruteak City. Please welcome our special guests, Mr. Haruto- [She gestures to her left, revealing the Monk who had informed the populace of Suicune’s location back in the beginning of the month.] -and Mx. Avery from the Aether Foundation- [Gestures to the right, where the Aether Admin from last night’s response message sits.] have been able to join us tonight. Haruto, Avery, it is an honor to have you both on.

[The monk, Haruto, nods once, while Admin Avery smiles that practiced smile of theirs.]

Now, what exactly, in your own opinion, is the best course of action concerning our dear Suicune?

[Avery looks to Haruto, respectfully deferring to the elder. With the increased accusations of pushiness lately, it’s probably not surprising that they’ve had to fall back on their usual friendliness and diplomacy a little more. Haruto shifts.]

My own opinion…? It would coincide with that of my brothers at the Bell Tower, of course. Ho-oh has given its word, and we shall respect it. Such as we have for generations. To us, there is no discussion on the matter.

[Avery gives a respectful nod.] Of course, of course - such a revered Pokemon of legend should be respected. We have our own guardians in Alola who we defer to without question. There is a concern, however, that Suicune’s ailment...it is nothing the likes of which have been seen before... save for the incident in April with Articuno, of course, correct? To that end, given the very real possibility that this malady is something occuring now for the very first time in our history, the Aether Foundation finds it imperative to intervene-

[Haruto is shaking his head.] Such a thing is out of the question.

But surely, with our advanced facilities-

Would the Aether Foundation interfere in such ways with the guardians of Alola? [Haruto’s voice is like steel, strong and unyielding, to the point.] I find it difficult to believe that a region steeped in its own traditions would so easily allow its own figures of legend to be captured and subjected to human whims. I cannot understand why that is so difficult for the Aether Foundation to grasp.

[Avery’s smile stays strong.] It is not that we cannot grasp your concerns. We understand them, and respect them, and only view capture as an absolute last resort. But if I might offer my own insight…?

By all means, Mx. Avery, this is a discussion after all!

Thank you, Sarah. [Avery leans in, and while their expression doesn’t change, there’s something...almost desperate in their bearing, hidden behind a glossy, clean finish. They speak slowly and emphatically, words chosen with the utmost care.] We of the Aether Foundation are of the mind that what has happened to Suicune is...something more than out of the ordinary. More than extraordinary. Potentially more than what the revered Ho-oh can handle on its own. [Haruto’s eyes widen, his mouth twisted in displeasure at, to him, what must sound practically blasphemous.] It is just a hypothesis, of course! But one made out of a sincere concern for-

[Suddenly, the static from the beginning cuts in again, chopping up the remaining runtime of the roundtable discussion. The audio is garbled when it does play, but scenes of the discussion are clear when they break through the white snow - Haruto speaking fervently, one hand raised and wrapped with prayer beads; Avery’s never-wavering smile; Sarah glancing between the two impassioned debaters with increasing discomfort…

Ah, well, surely the discussion will be archived in full on the internet, right? At least the static clears up for the last story of the night, revealing a now much more harried-looking Sarah. She looks relieved at being able to shift to a lighter topic.]

-We have a quick update on the swarms of Pokemon taking to the routes and streets of our surprise meteor shower! There have been increased sightings of shiny Pokemon of the various gathering species, so do take note when traveling that the new friend you meet might be even more special than usual! Though, do be courteous about initiating battles - reports indicate that these Pokemon have been riveted by the display above, and disrupting one’s stargazing could set a new partnership off on the wrong foot. This is Sarah for EV News-

[Static cuts again before the video ends. Something is very, very strange with today’s broadcast…]


-


_{[OOC Note: Reminder! If you're interested in signing your character up for a chance at encountering a shiny Minior, Clefairy, Staryu, or Elgyem, pop over to the first EV broadcast for this event and comment here! Results will be rolled on Sunday night!]}

When the Unown successfully summon their Legendary ally, the tides of the battle turn in a big way.

With Suicune creating increasingly smaller rings of gleaming ice around the swarm, the Kartana have no choice but to retreat in whatever direction the trainers and their Pokemon push them in. Which, as Suicune's melodic howls and meaningful head-jerks every time it gets close enough to someone to make one would indicate, should be directly back down into the chamber they came-- and are still coming-- from.

Sure enough, the jagged portal is still swirling right where it opened, roaring static and what can kindly be described as ethereal screaming.

Backed by the trainers, their teams, and no small number of Unown (who quite frankly look pretty happy with the results of their plan paying off-- take this, you origami bullies!!), Suicune enters the chamber purposefully, head bent and crystalline horn lowered, backing the interdimensional intruders towards the hole through which they came.

Not having any choice but to retreat, they begin to disappear into the hole with a series of bright flashes, increasing in intensity as more and more of them depart.

A ragged cheer rises from behind-- the loudest being Eusine, who yes, stuck around along with Morty to help deal with the the threat (and just about lost his mind when you-know-who showed up).

But as Suicune nears the portal itself and the last of the Kartana disappear... something happens.

Rather than simply disappear, the hole throbs in the air and suddenly widens, big enough to dwarf the Legendary Beast standing in front it. Something like the breeze that stirred during the 'seance' rushes through the chamber-- albeit about a hundred times stronger-- making Suicune's mane and ribbons stream out behind it as though blown by a gale.

Sparks fly and plasma pulses, and for the briefest instant, visible only if you happened to be looking directly into the portal when it flashed... there's a dark shape beyond. A dark shape that is much, much bigger than the Kartana.

And then an enormous wave of energy comes hurtling outward and everything goes black, the force knocking anyone and anything in the chamber clean off their feet-- and in the case of trainers and their Pokemon, clean out of consciousness.



It's hard to tell just how much time has passed when everyone starts to groan back into life... seconds? Minutes? Hours?

But the portal is gone, as are the Kartana.

In the darkness, it's hard to tell if the chamber itself looks any different... but those who stagger back up the stairs and into the open air aboveground fast enough will spot a shape limping away in the moonlight...






[And this concludes Camp Alpha! Thanks to everyone for participating, and please continue to have fun threading on both logs for as long as you like. Information about prizes and event aftermath will be added to the Info Post later today!]

Who: Everyone who came to Camp Alph
Where: The Ruins of Alph
When: July 18th-21st
Summary: This is a log for all the camping shenanigans your heart desires! For part 2 of the event, there will be a second log to keep the ensuing seance situation separate from the all-purpose ruin-exploration adventures. Participation in part 2 will be entirely voluntary, so feel free to tag on part 1 as long as you like! For more information about this event, check out the info post over here!
Rating: PG-13
Log:
( IT’S TIME TO SET SET SET SET SET UP CAMP )

It's been a tough Sunday night for the S.S. Aqua.

For every whirlpool tamed and patch of fog dissipated, there were one (or more) passengers eagerly flinging themselves overboard to swim directly at the problem. And while this outcome probably should have been expected, given the renowned unquenchable enthusiasm for adventure possessed by your average Pokemon trainer, that didn't make it any less heart-attack inducing for the crew and captain every single time they spotted a new Wailord or Lapras bearing intrepid but foolish trainers out through the waves and whirls.

Captain Aqua is so tired, you guys.

But truth be told, as the hours passed and the inclement weather raged on, it just might have been an even tougher night for Lugia.

As those brave (or dumb) enough to head directly towards the rattled ocean god would come to discover, Lugia's reactions to the tiny humans and their Pokemon traveled a broad range, starting with incredulous, proceeding to exasperated, and finally ending at what could only be described as resigned.

Humans... ridiculous humans.

Although perhaps not in the manner (and certainly not for the reasons) that those plunging overboard intended, their efforts actually did achieve something. As helpers on board were staunchly coordinating their Pokemons' storm-busting efforts, the great silvery beast circling through the water was reluctantly doing some of its own, hastily easing whirlpools that were in the process of drawing in swimmers wherever it noticed them, and (after the first few individuals unceremoniously launched back onto the S.S. Aqua via tail-catapult) redirecting currents to push them back boatwards.

Whatever Lugia was doing out here, causing actual harm was clearly not the intent.


But what, then, was the intent?

It isn't until night starts to recede into morning that those watching-- whether they're plastered to the cruise ship's windows, staring out from the deck, or determinedly paddling through the water-- get something like an answer.

Too distracted to keep up the efforts of simultaneously summoning the storm while also making sure it doesn't drown anybody, Lugia's concentration finally wears out and a break appears in the clouds, casting no-doubt-welcome rays of sunlight down onto the calming waters as Lugia drifts near the surface for a moment, looking exhausted.

And, behind it, the craggy rocks of a small island finally come into view after being cloaked in fog the whole night long.

Back on the S.S. Aqua, the loudspeakers sound again with another announcement. It's the first mate again, and he sounds tired but also very excited.

"Ahoy, this is the First Mate speaking-- sorry to bother everyone at this early hour, especially after such a long night, but--! Something truly incredible is now visible on our starboard side that I don't think any of you would want to miss! For what might be the first time ever in the Johto region, it would seem that Articuno is currently roosting on a small island! I repeat, Articuno is currently visible off the starboard bow!"

It doesn't take long for the decks to line with hordes of passengers all whipping their PokeGears out to take photos of the rocky crag where, yes, a shimmering blue bird at the very top, the rocks around it dusted with glittering snow, is now visible in the sunlight.

The great bird tilts its gaze down towards Lugia, seeming to very deliberately ignore the ship full of people who can now see it. The high, unearthly cry that it lets out is beautiful and melodic, but clearly questioning. Lugia lifts its own head from the surface of the water, responding back with a tired but reassuring bellow.

The excited murmuring of the crowd almost drowns out the continued announcements from the First Mate, which explain that while it this is a rare and breath-taking sight, that the ship will continue straight on its route rather than get any closer, so as not to upset the two Legendary Pokemon any further as they converse.

Although it seems that one of the two of them has other plans. The boat is nearly past the islands when Lugia gracefully slides back below the surface... for a few minutes. Until that long white neck rises back out of the water directly beside the boat, the legendary peering over the railing to a chorus of gasps. Lugia doesn’t stay long, only long enough to sweep a stern gaze over the passengers, especially those it remembers were in the water.

The look just screams 'You guys better stay on your boat and be more careful, Lugia’s got his eyes on you.' The captain doesn’t even have time to announce what’s happening before Lugia turns and descends back down, the boat rocking slightly in the waves sent up by the departure.

Within minutes, the island is once more cloaked in fog and out of sight, leaving everyone with just memories and whatever photos they were able to snap.

What a way to end the trip!

But... hm.

On closer inspection, something seems a little unusual about those photos...




[AND THIS CONCLUDES 2019's PROM EVENT! Thank you to everyone who participated, and we hope you all continue to have a good time threading out both party shenanigans and Mystery Encounter adventures! For information about the aftermath, including prizes, check out the most recently-posted section of the Prom Infopost!]

EV NEWS: BREAKING UPDATE

Good morning everyone, it’s been quite the week already and as of a few hours ago, there’s been an entirely new mystery uncovered! That is to say...one question seems to have been answered, but the answer has only dug the Buneary hole deeper. As you all remember, the cargo recovered from the accident early this week was a large number of empty Pokeballs...and now we believe the Pokemon who were formerly in them have been located! And they’re nothing we’ve ever seen before--at least three entirely new species!

[Three images appear on the display screen behind Mark: a kind of blurry picture of a white rabbit Pokemon leaping away over a fence, a clearer shot of a green monkey who seems to have been caught in the act of reaching out with a stick to tap a tin watering can, and one of a blue lizard sitting in a shallow puddle in the road and seemingly beginning to tear up.]

They’ve been spotted mostly around Pallet and Cinnabar at this time, and there’s even been a report from Blaine in Seafoam...it would seem that they’re being assisted in their travels by some of the wild Pokemon, likely ones who fled the crash themselves. They are all very skittish and prone to hiding when first approached, which is why it’s probably taken until now for them to be spotted at all!

For now, local authorities are advising anyone who catches sight of one to approach cautiously so as not to frighten it back into hiding. They are being considered victims of an accident rather than standard wild Pokemon, and any trainer caught attempting to force an unwanted battle with one will be cited for Pokemon cruelty and assigned a week of community service. Capture without a battle for the sake of rescue or aid is, however, permitted and encouraged. On that note, we have Joanne in the field to take an official statement from the Aether Foundation!

[This time, Joanne is in Pallet Town instead of the middle of the ocean, standing beside an Aether Agent. Said Agent is carefully cradling a bundle of blankets with a blue reptilian head peeking out with wide eyes. It seems to be the same one from the earlier photograph, actually, now out of the road and safe... and yeah, still sniffling a little.]

Thank you, Mark. It’s barely been a few hours since these little ones were first spotted venturing out of hiding, and there’s been a lot of scrambling out here! I’ve been told that Lusamine has sent her official statement ahead to Agent Brandon here, who has been one of the ones in charge of managing the cleanup operations. Agent?

That’s right. Lusamine realized that arranging a solution right away and getting the word out as quickly as possible would be better than waiting around for her to arrive and deliver the message herself! Ahem.

[He shifts the blanket bundle to one arm so that he can read the message aloud from his datapad.]

As an organization dedicated to the aid and care of wild Pokemon in distress, there is no question that the Aether Foundation will provide immediate help and resources towards ensuring the safety of the many Pokemon currently lost in the wild. I also feel a sense of responsibility, as we were the first to arrive at the crash site, that we did not manage to spot them before they fled. But there is nothing we can do about the past, we can only do more moving forward!

Aether has already begun setting up a refuge for the treatment and rehabilitation of these Pokemon at our main outpost in the Sevii Islands! From the few that have been coaxed out of hiding so far, all of them have been very young and seem to have been raised under human care. They are lost in a strange place and have endured so much already, and it is imperative that they all be found and helped! But there may be hundreds out there, and who knows how far they’ll be able to scatter? We cannot do this alone, and so we ask for help from all of you!

An Agent will be sent to each Pokemon Center, ready to accept any rescued Pokemon that are found and send them on to the sanctuary. If you find yourself attached and wish to keep one, they will also be able to offer advice on rehabilitation. Please continue to journey as normal, even if you are currently in a remote area--you may be the only one who would find one who ventured that far! Be gentle and kind with them, and help them find safety. We will also accept volunteers who would like to help feed, comfort, and care for them at the sanctuary itself.

We may not be familiar with them, but we cannot let such beautiful creatures suffer in fear! Aether thanks all of you who will help us, and them.

[Agent Brandon speaks with total conviction, and even looks a little bit emotional as he finishes speaking. Joanne nods, definitely a little misty eyed and holding one hand to her chest.]

How wonderful! I’m sure that with enough people helping, these poor dears will all be found and taken care of soon. Back to you, Mark.

[Mark is holding yet another sheet of paper when he comes back onscreen.]

Thank you, and thank you to Aether for all they’re doing! How lucky that they were already in the area, ready and able to jump in right away! We have one more quick statement, this time from Professor Oak, who I’m told jumped right out of bed when he got the call.

I’m not sure he was quite as awake as Lusamine was when he sent this, but with new Pokemon discovered, I’m sure he’s also got a whole lot on his mind. He’s said...what wonderful Pokemon! I’ll have my assistants out there keeping a lookout for any that need saving, and we’ll start trying to find out whatever we can right away! Be careful with them, kindness and friendship are even more important than scientific discovery. Weekly radio show will have more information.

And that’s all we have for right now! We’ll be replaying this segment later in the afternoon when more people will be awake. For now, this is Mark, signing off.

Who: All the Dark-types put your paws up!
Where: Anywhere and everywhere!
When: Sunset on Halloween Night to sunrise on November 1st!
Summary: MISCHIEF NIGHT MISCHIEF NIGHT
Rating: G-PG13
Log:
( I am the shadow on the moon at night! )