Malantau Abandoned Fishing Village

[Shiny Phantump]

Gladion had never seen Powehi in this form before, but it with him already on the mind, the sound of his voice, and the way it made the 'Jackal' part in the name Jackal of Lethe click, Gladion figured it out pretty quickly. Clearly the timing wasn't a coincidence, but he also wasn't sure what brought Powehi here. It probably wasn't to talk to him personally.

"You don't have to make it sound so bad." Some form of despair wasn't really an inaccurate description, but Powehi said it with such a gravity that it made him self-concious. He was alright. Was used to his shadows by now, far more than with radiance, even. "Was in a bit of a funk, it's under control. I can control it in a fight, I can handle myself here. So I hope you didn't come all this way just to check on me."

He looked up at Articuno. At least someone here was having a good time. "It'd be bad if some people found a way to mass summon a bunch of humans to Forlas whenever they want, right? You're my primary source here, so you've got good timing showing up."

 

[Jackie Cat]

Powehi shook his head, and scoffed lightly.

"The presence of your Shadow, to which I am connected, allowed me to step into this place... but it is not at all a cause for concern. I am here to inform those Wayfarers in the Wight Barrens that you will soon manifest a new power, one I have invested in you... and in the use of which the one you call Owen may tutor you."

The Lucario coughed into his paw, as if he were somehow sick. Caliginous shadow seeped from his jaws, like breath-vapour in the cold.

"Also, that Alexander's grasp on Lethe – my Voidlands, the place of rest for the departed – is tightening by the hour. Therefore bend yourself towards the task of confronting him. No greater priority exists."

He met Articuno's eye, unintimidated by a mere demigod.

"The boy has told you truthfully. With what limited time I have, I can explain it thus: the base laws of reality are distorted by the influence of foreign souls, as a taut canvas is distorted by the placement of a stone on its surface. The greater the weight – whether by number or by size – so then the greater the distortion... until the fabric inevitably tears apart."

A meaningful glance towards Gladion, in which the boy would see that the jackal's eyes were bloodshot, tired, exhausted.

"Or, if one hurls a pointed stone of sufficient mass, it may puncture straight through all on its own."

Articuno made an odd noise in their throat, at once pensive and concerned. "You mean to imply that offworlders can more readily damage the underlying structure of the material plane if they act with intent," they said, immediately intuiting the answer.

"I do. There is time enough for your next question."

Articuno's eyes narrowed. They thought fast, and spoke succinctly:

"How close are we to the world's tolerance limit?"

"That is inexact by nature. It is enough to know that the stress is exponential – although all this will be irrelevant... if Alexander carves his name into the bedrock of the underworld, and in so doing, signs this world's death warrant."

The Saint's cold expression showed that they understood. This was why there was at once no truly 'safe' number of foreign souls, and yet more and more could enter Forlas without clearly destroying it. The end would come slowly, and then all at once.

 

[Shiny Phantump]

Powehi... hadn't always looked like this, had he? Gladion had been inclined to assume the reason Powehi looked so much worse for wear was just a function of what he was. But he wasn't seeing someone wizened, he was seeing some sick. Dying, potentially, if they fucked this up. Made the meeting feel more solemn.

He bowed his head. "Thank you for trusting us. We won't fail you. I'll pass the message on to the other Wayfarers if you can't stick around."

He'd heard about Owen, even if he didn't really know much about the guy other than what'd trickled down to him when people talked about Alexander, but he was confident the others would know where to find the guy. Then he'd have a new skill to figure out, and fast. (Maybe he could actually get another Wayfarer to spar with him this time. Wasn't gonna ask to beta test any shadows on Halcón.)

"That's why we've got to handle Terminal One soon after this, too," he told Articuno. "Even if you can't stop them on your own, if you can even slow down the faction trying to make their own Auriga long enough for us to get rid of Cipher, it would probably help."

Powehi... Did he know about that? Gladion kinda felt like the guy knew everything going on with the fabric of the universe, at least as far as where people being summoned was concerned, but on the other hand he hadn't exactly known what was up with Betel, which was...

Ah. He might have just dropped some new info on Powehi, then.

 

[Jackie Cat]

Powehi made a strange expression, as if he were forcing a smile through gritted teeth.

"Eremus Rift – due to its nature as a Shadow-corrupted dungeon eclipsing any other – is both the location of what remains of Cipher's presence on Forlas, and the focal point for Alexander's efforts to usurp me. No doubt he is already at work putting them in his thrall. In defeating him, you will certainly bring about an end to Cipher, one way or another..."

His breath rattled in his chest. This body, his avatar, felt ancient.

"I had suspected that some... occult ritual or new science has been at work to create your Betelgeuse, the little-lighthouse that brought your Wayfarers to this world. Auriga would never be so rash, even when she was young..."

The Lucario shook his head, his eyes closing with evident pain.

"After Alexander and Cipher are dealt with, you should certainly pursue Betelgeuse's creators. My advice to you is to destroy their research beyond recovery. Make your own judgement as to their fate – and your own capacity to place mercy above caution."

It looked like Powehi was about to de-manifest. Perhaps that was for the best, given that some of the allied personnel at work in the village were looking with deep trepidation at the shadow-vomiting demon hound engaged in conversation with Gladion.

"I give my thanks for sharing your knowledge and advice," murmured Articuno, their voice subdued.

Powehi sniffed, and nodded stiffly. He met Gladion's eye once more.

"One last thing, boy. If you or your companions wish to see the truth of Victory for yourself – and learn how pointed stones can tear a canvas – then visit the rift called Blackglass Caldera, and descend within."

 

[Shiny Phantump]

“Blackglass Caldera,” Gladion repeated, committing the name to memory. “Got it. Once we’ve got time, I’ll see if I can’t put together a group to check it out.”

That, however, was a problem for the future. Assuming they even came out the other side of this mess at all. He had to believe they could, couldn’t afford to fail. They would make it to Blackglass Caldera.

“Thanks, again. For everything.”

And in the meantime, there was no shortage of battle preparations to be made, and new skills to master.

<><><><><>​

 

[Jackie Cat]

Ein caused no trouble, but neither did he seem to make himself useful, besides being an extra pair of eyes – for whatever that was worth, if anything. Without his favour from Alexander, his hindleg stump was supported by a wood-and-metal prosthesis, and without his smart glasses and accompanying drones, he lacked the use of his skills as a technologist and scientist. He was... useless.

But he would be essential for getting inside Terminal One, and sending Cipher back to Earth. So here he was. Standing near the jetties at the beach, his tattered white coat fluttering in the chill winds, ruminating.

 

[Tetra]

He had to do it. Koa didn't know why, just that he needed to do this. For the mission. For Forlas. That was the only reason. Ein might have information that could help, know things about Alex and Terminal One. That was why Koa was here. And at least Dave was with him. Koa felt sure Dave's knowledge of sciencey-stuff could help.

Jaw set in a firm line, Koa crossed the chilly encampment towards Ein with Dave. The cold at least, felt familiar. Cutting, but comforting in its own strange way. Between the jacket and scarf he wore, it kept the very worst of the cold at bay. He cast a final glance at Dave as they got closer to the Manectric.

"Ein," he said coolly, by way of greeting. "We have a few questions."

 

[Butterfree]

Koa had wanted company in speaking to Ein, and Dave'd been happy to oblige. They had intel to learn either way, and maybe something interesting science-wise. And one way or another it seemed pretty personal to the kid, and it was better to keep an eye on him, given that.

This was a misreably cold fucking place, but at least he had fur. What a thing to be thankful for, after all that time in the desert.

"Specifically," he added, "we're going to have to get into Terminal One. And we're going to have to kick Alexander back to his own universe where he belongs. I assume you're not exactly a fan of the guy either, right? We might even be able to get you all home, if you cooperate."

 

[Jackie Cat]

Ein raised a brow at Dave, still ever-condescending as usual.

"Oh, I am cooperating, sir. Haven't you heard? Why, I'm the very model of contrition."

He smirked bitterly, his sarcasm biting at himself as much as at Dave.

"Though we may not have non-zero love lost between us, I am here precisely because I must collaborate with you 'Wayfarers'. If Alexander succeeds, he's sure to make my existence a living hell, if he doesn't simply snuff it out. And I have determined that this planet is a lost cause for exploitation by the Syndicate – I intend to accompany you to Terminal One, seize control of the Cipher remnant, and eject the entire station back to its reality of origin... After which, you need never think of me again."

He glanced at Koa, his dispassionate expression offering little. He just didn't care about the boy. Koa might feel something seeing an adult male Manectric in Ein's position... but Ein? Ein felt nothing when he looked at Koa.

"Ask your questions, then," he said. "I manifestly don't have anything better to do than to answer them."

 

[Tetra]

Koa resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Must be sooo hard. He couldn't believe how easy Ein was going to get off. At least Seth would hopefully be able to stop Cipher when he went home...

"So who is the remaining Cipher remnant made up of? What kind of opposition can we expect?" By now Alex could have enslaved all of them he guessed, but still, knowing their opponent was the first step.

 

[Jackie Cat]

Ein did an odd sort of shrug, and tossed his head with what looked like... contempt.

"The brothers Eldes and Ardos are overseeing the operation there. Though they hardly take after their father, they both have a slavish adherence to his instructions... and therefore they both care about the preservation of his organisation, and his vision. (He, of course, remains on Earth...) They both became Ninetales – one fire, one ice, with temperaments to match. The other local authority is the station manager and engineer – Gorigan, a Vigoroth. He is a... rambunctious individual. Prone to fits of passion."

Then Ein's face darkened as he thought of the last and most significant Cipher commander, with evident dread and distaste. Apparently even Ein had limits to his indifference – there was someone who perturbed even him.

"Nascour. That man is shackled by nothing. He alone may make some kind of deal with Alexander – not out of desperation, as I did, but because it suits him to do so. As a Malamar, he has an astonishing talent for mental domination... and he is incredibly proficient at combat. He is both capable of killing you, and willing to do so if given the opportunity – he may even find it entertaining to do so."

Then the Manectric chuckled darkly. It was an ugly, unhappy sound.

"The peons are not even worth considering. You will go through them like a scalpel through unprotected skin – if they are not already subsumed into Alexander's swarms."

 

[Tetra]

Ninetales... Ardos and Eldes. Following in the footsteps of their father by the sound of it... Sound familiar?His nose wrinkled in distaste and he quickly quashed the thoughts running through his head. That matched with what he recalled Archie mentioning sometime before. And Vigoroth. They could handle that.

The description of Nascour sent a chill down his spine. A killer. Evil. He knew enough of the species to know they were wily and strong pokemon. A human in the body of that sounded dangerous. Would any of Powehi's shadow protection extend to blocking mental subjugation like that?

"I see," Koa said tensely. They'd have to take measures to protect themselves against that then. Clearly he'd end up being the biggest threat, not including whatever power or deal he probably struck with Alex. he mentally shuffled through his knowledge of the species. Psychic and dark. Could be proficient in almost anything probably. "Does this Nascour know any particular techniques in combat we should look out for?"

 

[Jackie Cat]

Ein made an odd, grimacing sort of expression.

"He is a Malamar – do not get comfortable with what appear to be moments of advantageous momentum. He will turn the flow of battle against you in any number of ways. He is also a talented mesmerist... Perhaps you should dose yourself with stimulants to prevent drowsiness. You seem suggestible enough to fall for targeted psychology."

 

[Butterfree]

Dose themselves with fucking stimulants? Jesus.

The first thing that came to mind when Ein talked about Nascour's powers of mental manipulation was fucking Dayle and his somehow-genuine tinhatting, and that fact took years off Dave's life.

He raised an eyebrow at the you seem suggestible enough remark. "How do the other two fight, the Ninetales?"

 

[Jackie Cat]

Ein scoffed derisively.

"Without particularly inspired strategy, that's how. They are quite ordinary special attackers with minimal interference casting. Nascour is the real threat – himself eclipsed by that Hydreigon."

 

[Tetra]

Koa narrowed his eyes at the comment about being 'suggestible' and bit his tongue from making some ill-tempered reply. No more susceptible than you are. Coward. He dug his claws into the icy ground beneath him to ground himself. This is for the mission.

"Good to know." Maybe he could find a way that to use his electric powers to keep the team awake...Electric terrain? Either way, no light threat then. "I take it your Vigoroth friend is equally unimpressive? What about Alexander, did you learn anything of his abilities while you were were under his targeted psycology?"

 

[Jackie Cat]

Ein's lip drew back at Koa's snipe, but he didn't rise to it.

"As he grows in power, he's certain to try to seize as many significant rifts as possible, starting with the largest and those already corrupted – or easily corruptible – by Shadow. Be ready to encounter him in any mystery dungeon you move to occupy... but an extended confrontation with him will inevitably take place in Eremus Rift. Perhaps even in the Void itself."

Ein's sneering attitude faltered a little, as he began to make projections about the coming battle with his one-time master. His voice grew clinical, distant, quieter...

"He is a master of natural Shadow. Artificially induced Aura singularities are my scientific masterpiece, but he has drunk from some abyssal wellspring of darkness that is occult in nature, and far grander than mere technological Shadowing. Such is his control over this energy that he can foment it in others, manifest it environmentally on a large scale, and even supercede type-based resistance. I believe the latter, at least, is true for a single technique only..."

Ein retched briefly, and covered his mouth. It was so sudden, it was as if it was some conditioned response. Thinking of this made him sick.

 

[Tetra]

Koa couldn't resist feeling the tiniest flicker of smug satisfaction that his comment had annoyed Ein, even if it was just in a small way. "We have countermeasures in place for dungeons."

Ein's reaction towards Alex's techniques caught his attention. Type-based resistance? Whatever that move was bothered him. Good. "Superceding resistance?" His brow furrowed. "Are you saying he posseses a way to hurt even shadow-types?" That didn't make sense... It couldn't be radiance. Which meant he somehow figured out another way...

"Did you happen to analyze any weaknesses he has?" Surely with all of Ein's pride in his intelligence he'd noticed something.

 

[Chibi Pika]

Artificially induced Aura singularities are my scientific masterpiece

A voice from across the camp: "LMAO as if! I'm the genius who got the ARK system working after that loser gave up! #Cringe."

Another voice, more hushed. "Sis, cut it out—I don't like the way he's looking at us!"

 

[Jackie Cat]

"Yes, he can attack in such a way as to turn Shadow against itself—"

Ein cut himself off to glower at Lovrina, then rolled his eyes without conceding the point. Moving on, he concentrated on Koa's question – was there some weakness he could discern from his experience with Alexander...?

"Naturally he is still a creature of Shadow, and doubtless vulnerable to your 'Radiance' in much the same way I am. That alone is not enough, however..."

Ein pushed his spare, mundane lenses up his snout. An old habit that bought a moment to think, or added flair to a declaration. Or concealed his feelings of dread.

"He has a phenomenal durability and regenerative power. But such things can be exhausted by continuous attacks, losing their efficacy... just as it is for we mortals attempting to heal repeatedly in battle. Only... be prepared for him to become more aggressive should you render him more vulnerable."

Ein forced an aloof sneer.

"Not to worry. I'm sure you brave heroes will prevail against such a dastardly villain."