Victory Road!

It feels like forever that the northern section of Ecruteak’s been coated in this bath of gentle steam, even though it’s only been since early September... naturally, some folks have complained about it, but for the most part, the locals have accepted it as just a matter of Suicune’s safe recovery. A few have even remarked that it rather suits the town’s spiritual atmosphere-- and Morty’s ghost-type gym in particular.

But like it or not, the fog has shown no signs of going away, much to the chagrin of autumn tourists, since it completely obscures the town’s most famous landmark.

Indeed, only the deep tolling of the bell each morning and night coming from somewhere up above the blanket of steam is proof that the top of the Tower is even still there.

And it’s only the fact that it’s so thoroughly hidden from those below that allows two secret visitors to come swooping down to alight soundlessly on its ancient shingles, their blazing brightness successfully overshadowed by not only the fog but also the fact that just about everybody’s migrated to the parts of town where the meteor showers are actually visible.

( Knock knock! Who's there? It's lore! )

________

( EV NEWS: BREAKING UPDATE )

EV NEWS BROADCAST


[Today brings another report from EV News, though there’s an unusual cut at the start - the reporter seems to be wrapping up a previous segment, as noted by the dark-colored novel they set down on the desk before them.]

-And you can pick up the latest spooky anthology by Unova Elite Four member, Shauntal, in Poke Marts starting on October 1st! It goes great with a Pumpkaboo Spice Latte, so be sure to grab your copy before they disappear! [The reporter’s smile is consistent even as she clears her throat, moving the book aside to fold her hands on the desk.] Now let’s check in with Jason, on-site in Ecruteak City, for a special Suicune Update!

[A brief graphic flashes on the screen, SUICUNE UPDATE underlined by a sillohuette of the Pokemon in question before fading to a male reporter clutching his microphone. He nods affirmatively, standing in front of the Bell Tower as mist and fog creep in around the edges, a conspicuously pristine white tent perched just in sight on the left.]

Thank you, Sarah. Tensions have begun to rise in Ecruteak City over the past few days - as you and the folks at home are well aware, Suicune has taken refuge at the top of the tower to recuperate from unknown injuries sustained during July’s ‘Alph Incident’, and is, according to the monks, being looked after by Ho-oh itself. Amid the flood of well-wishes and offerings, however, has come something that is...unexpected, to say the least. [He turns slightly, gesturing to the white tent.] For the past several days, the Aether Foundation, an Alolan conservatory organization, has been lobbying persistently that they be allowed to monitor and treat Suicune in its injured state. Agents of the organization have flooded the city with their presence, and those interviewed have even mentioned capturing the legendary beast, and bringing it to Alola for further treatment, though they stress that this is a “last resort”.

[It’s very clear that the reporter is doing his very best to keep a neutral expression on his face, though he looks slightly amused as he elaborates on his next point.]High-ranking officials of the Aether Foundation stationed in the Kanto-Johto area have had little success negotiating terms with which to obtain access to the Bell Tower with the resident monks, who have refused further discussion on the matter after asserting that, should the Bell Tower be accessed by those not deemed worthy and Suicune captured, the sanctity of both the tower and the Pokemon would be violated, and as tradition dictates, they refuse to allow this to occur. Many Aether Foundation agents have since taken to the streets, bringing their plight to the public - let’s see what they have to say…

[The feed cuts to footage taken earlier, when there was more light in the sky, to various interviewees. The first is a Pokemaniac struggling with his own camera gear - perhaps a StaryuTuber? His diction is a bit stilted, but absolutely passionate.]

It’s ludicrous, I tell you! Anyone who wants to reach out and help a living legend should be able to do so! Isn’t that what we, the people, did by presenting our offerings and prayers? This is just, like, you know, an extension of that!

[Footage goes to a housewife near the Ecruteak Dance Theater, a cloth shopping bag with vegetables peeking out of the top slung over her shoulder. She shakes her head, brow furrowed.]

Of course I’m worried about Suicune, we all are. Why, my little Harris asks me every day if it will ever recover. But there’s a point, I say, to offering help when the party in need turns it down - oh, sure, the Aether Foundation’s been very nice and friendly in the Sevii Islands, I’ve heard, but I think I might just snap if I get another one knocking at my door with a pamphlet and no concept of the idea that a family might want to enjoy their dinner together at six in the evening!

[The woman opens her mouth to take a breath, but the footage cuts away, as if the rest of her interview had become far too lengthy for the news report, and instead turns to a small group of elderly residents who have paused in the middle of a game of checkers outside a house. One man is sitting to the side with a Zigzagoon in his lap, petting it as he speaks.]

A disgrace, I’d call it! Young’uns from who knows where-

Alola, sir-

I knooow, I know...point is, they’re not from around here, ‘n they don’t consider the traditions that make Johto what it is! Traditions what are sacred, and pushin’ the monks with words’s just spittin’ in the face of our ancestors! And CAPTURING Suicune?! Ho-oh above, just thinkin’ that makes me sick t’my stomach! It don’t matter what they say they’ll do if they try it! [He puts a hand to his chest, and his Zigzagoon makes soft snuffle noises, worried about its human.] Somethin’ like that happens, I don’t know if my old heart can take it.

[Briefly, the video cuts back to Jason the reporter.] When asked to give a formal response to the concerns of local citizens, the Aether Foundation provided the following answer.

[Another cut - this time, to a polished video of the blindingly white Sevii headquarters of the Aether Foundation. A sharply dressed Admin stands with their hands behind their back as lower-ranked agents mill behind them. Some carry with them the strange Pokemon many of you might recognize from the year’s earlier mysterious plane crash - Scorbunny, Sobble, and Grookey are engaged in various rehabilitation activities, and for all intents and purposes they look happy and healthy.]

Hello, citizens of Kanto and Johto. We at the Aether Foundation are presently working tirelessly to bring a measure of respite and reassurance to any and all Pokemon within our care or whom are in need of it. Our efforts to assist with the aftermath of the Alph Incident are no exception. [They smile, the expression gentle yet schooled, as if practiced many times.] While we can only offer an observer’s perspective at present, rest assured that we want only what is best for Pokemon and people alike. We feel that our available medical facilities could be of incredible use to Suicune, helping it to recover faster in a safe, stable environment, and if given the opportunity to assist and the trust to allow us to perform at our peak, we will not only rise to the challenge, but exceed all expectations.

[The clip ends with a fade to black and a shot of the Aether Foundation logo - well edited indeed. How do they do these things so fast? Jason the reporter returns to the screen.]

For now, Sarah, talks are at a standstill and public opinion is split, but EV News will be here to report on all the developments that occur. Back to you in the studio.

[And it indeed goes back to Sarah the reporter, looking rather pensive on the matter. Still, she nods.]

Thank you, Jason. On that note, one last story before we sign off - a surprise autumn meteor shower has come to grace our starry skies! Tonight, Saturday, and Sunday, keep an eye out for shooting stars as this special display shimmers past, as well as an increased activity for Pokemon with celestial ties! Minior, Staryu, Clefairy, and Elgyem have begun to stir in activity, and astrologists agree the meteor shower will be their prime time to appear. With that, this is Sarah of EV News, signing off.

[OOC: That’s right! Minior, Staryu, Clefairy, and Elgyem are swarming for this event! There is also an increased chance to encounter one of these Pokemon as a shiny for the duration! Get those Pokeballs ready!

The increased chances will count for a Trainer class character’s shiny roll if they have one to use. In addition, any character may sign up below to be included in an RNG roll for one! There will be one of each Pokemon available, and they will be rolled one at a time from the same list. Just like the Trainer shiny rolls, it won't be possible to choose which shiny your character potentially gets. Results will be posted on Sunday!

This event will involve a new EV news being posted each day with more information on a developing situation, so stay tuned! Feel free to have characters thread and react in their own posts or in this one.]