Offscreen Activities

[Jackie Cat]

As the Wayfarers' first day at the Shining Congress comes to a middle, they are called to a central auditorium and given a formal swearing-in ceremony. The procedure is simple – repeat an oath of chivalrous conduct and to bring light to the world, and receive a lantern-motif badge. With this, the participating Wayfarers are now members of the Covenant, and soon after, various heads of office are eager to recruit promising new initiates to their departments. The adventurous Explorers' Office, the clandestine Sable Office, the noble and martial Order in need of new knights, and more besides...

By the time the day comes to an end, various Covenant members have attempted to introduce themselves and make a good impression on these exciting new heroes from the west, and they will certainly all be much-exhausted.

However, the party has learned a great deal...

• The Covenant is governed by a council composed of heads of department or their representatives, headed by a Chancellor. There's a great deal of bickering and vying between departments, at least based on this one roundtable meeting...
• The current Chancellor is one 'Lord Arthur', who did not appear in person, but rather possessed the body of one Hypno Bobby, an old friend of his. Arthur seems to be singularly influential in the Covenant, and is apparently a massive fan of the Wayfarers.
• As a result of this roundtable, where it was reported that strange events are afoot in the Grand Duchy of Tyrrier, a country to the north of the Commonwealth, several Wayfarers and some Covenant attachés are to go on an expedition there to seek out answers. In particular, they are to try to locate and recover a source of Radiance from a dungeon there...
• Matthias implied through coded language that he will soon be sent on some kind of mission, at which time the Congress would be more vulnerable to the Wayfarers without his protection. He's incredibly circumspect, but he seems to be willing to nudge us in the right direcction...
• Another saintly steed, Spectrier, haunts the hallways of the Congress. Apparently he is Arthur's companion of some centuries, and he seems to have had a traumatic experience in Malantau. Something is not quite right with the poor thing – he is deeply morose and strangely offbeat for a Saint...
• Many Covenant seem to just be fairly well-meaning do-gooders, working on civilian, charitable efforts rather than anything nefarious. They may be privileged, and some are eccentric or condescending, but it's hard to imagine going to war against so many bright-eyed idealists who just want to save the world...

 

[Shiny Phantump]

After the events of Blackglass Caldera, Gladion goes to see Leona again:

“Hey, funny story. Powehi sent us to Blackglass to see some stuff. Place had an echo of Auriga there, from four thousands years ago. Asked her about why she’s so hard to talk to. Pointed me to Auranosa, points for being right on that. She’s got a temple there where the word runs thinnest, it should be possible to talk to her there… or at least, hopefully that’s still the case. So, uhh, get ready for that. ‘Cause there’s no way that trip’s happening without you there.”

 

[Jackie Cat]

“Get ready for that. ‘Cause there’s no way that trip’s happening without you there.”

"Wouldn't miss it if you paid me, pal."

Of course, the exact location of this temple is still unknown — Auranosa is a big place, and riddled with dungeons.

Maybe Gladion and Leona would get a lucky break, somehow...

 

[Jackie Cat]

Can you hear me, heroic spirits?​

Good.​

Hello, everyone; Betelgeuse here. Aha, who else?​

​

I have some news to report. A team of Wayfarers recently completed an expedition to Blackglass Caldera, very likely among the oldest of all Mystery Dungeons.

We have learned that approximately five thousand years ago, a meteor heading towards Forlas put the world in Crisis. Auriga – the World-Spirit – summoned a human named Lorrel to become a Victini and save the planet. Together with his partner, Volcarona Amida, they became incredibly strong in a short space of time and manifested the power of Radiance. When Lorrel destroyed the meteor, excess Radiant energy struck Lake Cobalt, causing the Kyogre of that era to frenzy and revert to a primordial state. Amida's efforts to use volcanic powers to prevent Kyogre's tsunamis from devastating the coast in turn caused a chain-rupture of the earth's crust, the ejecta from which caused a months-long winter night. Shortly after, she sacrificed herself to provide light and warmth through her Radiance so that pokémon could survive.

We suspect Amida lives still, hidden in slumber in the Sunward region.

We believe the conspiracy within the Covenant will soon make a move to recover this potential source of stable Radiance.

We must not allow this to come to pass, and as such I have prepared an agenda of several objectives you may wish to pursue before we intervene directly:

[ ] Check in on the garrison at Fort Sunward and warn them of the imminent threat. Day-Captain Armarouge Aurelia or Night-Captain Ceruledge Estelle should be on duty and willing to hear you out. Also, it may be that with our knowledge of five thousand years ago they may share more of their own lore.

[ ] Inform Gallade Valere of the 'Moonlit Vanguard' armed insurgency of what we know. He may be a useful ally in any combat that may ensue.

[ ] Reach out to Powehi, and ask him if he knows the truth of what really became of Lorrel and Amida. It was unclear from Blackglass Caldera whether Lorrel left Forlas or remained here.

[ ] When the mission at Sunward takes place, this will represent a unique opportunity to infiltrate the conspiracy's operational headquarters in the Shining Congress. According to Matthias, while he is occupied elsewhere, we would do well to look there for... anything useful, I suppose. Try asking around and talking to friendly Covenant members to learn anything you can about clandestine activities, if you are able.

[ ] ARK Unit/RKS Chimera/Silvally/Graydian Sage has recovered well from their former Shadowed state, and may well remember their past more clearly. Perhaps someone could check in on them, and see if they can recall anything useful about their creators, or the deal that was struck to give them to Cipher?

[ ] Prepare in any way you can for either an infiltration mission at the Congress or combat in Sunward, likely including a confrontation with Matthias, but certainly with forces greater than him alone.

[ ] Engage in any other useful preparations or inquiry you are able. Your own ideas could prove invaluable! I am by no means a master strategist, after all...

Good luck, heroic spirits. I... may well... see you very soon.​

...I hope.​

 

[Ambyssin]

[ ] Reach out to Powehi, and ask him if he knows the truth of what really became of Lorrel and Amida. It was unclear from Blackglass Caldera whether Lorrel left Forlas or remained here.

As far as Nova's concerned, dreaming is still the easiest way to do this. So, that's exactly what he does.

Hey. A few of us went to the caldera. And we... saw exactly what you meant by an Offworlder exerting their will too hard. It looked like they were practically set up to fail. Bestowed great power and told it was all that would be needed to solve things.

But there's a problem. We don't know what happened to Lorrel and Amida after. And we think a rogue Covenant band believes Amida yet lives and will provide them with radiance. Can you fill in the gaps?

[ ] ARK Unit/RKS Chimera/Silvally/Graydian Sage has recovered well from their former Shadowed state, and may well remember their past more clearly. Perhaps someone could check in on them, and see if they can recall anything useful about their creators, or the deal that was struck to give them to Cipher?

"Hey, bud," Nova greets one morning at Brisa's cabin. "How have things been going? Cuz, uh, I think we've got a lead on the folks who made you. I don't suppose you remember anything... or want a chance to help us stick it to them?"

 

[Shiny Phantump]

Try asking around and talking to friendly Covenant members to learn anything you can about clandestine activities, if you are able.

Gladion checks in with Articuno on Teardrop Island: “We’re planning a move on [date], Matthias’ faction is gonna be doing an op in Sunward so a few of us are gonna take advantage of the gap in their security. Word is we should be able to find our summoner’s physical form there. Figured I should let you know, in case you’ve got any opinions on the matter. You know more about the inner workings of this stuff than we do, so we’ll listen to you.” Probably.

Inform Gallade Valere of the 'Moonlit Vanguard' armed insurgency of what we know. He may be a useful ally in any combat that may ensue.

He also hangs around the Smokestack looking for Farin or Valere: “Hey. Matthias is planning an op against Sunward to try to secure a stable source or radiance for his little jackasses. Sounded to me like he wants to scuff it, so if you want a chance to deck him in the face y’should be around on [date]. ‘Cause you know him, he’s not gonna take it easy or anything just because he wants to lose, probably just gonna… ambiently hope someone stops him while insisting on fighting it out as best he can.”

 

[Jackie Cat]

We don't know what happened to Lorrel and Amida after. And we think a rogue Covenant band believes Amida yet lives and will provide them with radiance. Can you fill in the gaps?

You saw what I sent you to see, then. Good.

Amida is long-dead. Surekhi, the Living Sun, yet lives indefinitely. She is something other than mortal. A near-Saint. Do not think of her as an ordinary person. ...It may help.

Lorrel...

I attempted to force his departure. Even though I did not succeed... I have not seen or heard of him besides his legend in thousands of years. I do not truly know what became of him.

"Word is we should be able to find our summoner’s physical form there. Figured I should let you know, in case you’ve got any opinions on the matter. You know more about the inner workings of this stuff than we do, so we’ll listen to you.”

"I hope you're right, Gladion. And that you should succeed, of course. This is sooner than I had expected to make a serious move like this... but I will do what I can to help. It is possible that if you keep a low enough profile, that the conspiracy will not reveal themselves, and you will not enter into open conflict with the Covenant. Perhaps this is some reassurance."

Articuno will be willing to provide advice and information useful to either mission.

 

[Chibi Pika]

"Hey, bud," Nova greets one morning at Brisa's cabin. "How have things been going? Cuz, uh, I think we've got a lead on the folks who made you. I don't suppose you remember anything... or want a chance to help us stick it to them?"

Sage has been keeping busy while the Wayfarers have been occupied, helping Brisa around the cabin and occasionally even venturing into Frontier Town to pick up things. (The residents are naturally rather familiar with the sight of a Graydian by now, as this is the third one to frequent the town.) The chimera seems to have taken up a hobby of collecting fallen trees in the desert and practicing carving things into the bark—nothing recognizable, just strange abstract shapes. But they sure seem proud of it.

(Recently, the frontier actually saw proper snowfall! It was gone by the afternoon, but this was very exciting.)

At Nova's question, the chimera sits back on their haunches, gazing upward.

"Memories from back then..." Sage's eyes shift gold. "Much of that time was like a dream. But, I've remembered some things."

Sage recalls that waking up for the first time was... painful. The Light was painful. They recall seeing other Pokémon, ones who seemed distressed and confused by this. "The ones who made me, I think. They didn't wish for that result." The ones who made Sage must have done something to place them into a half-sleep, so that they would not be overwhelmed. "I was asleep, but also I was awake. So that my system would not burn, I was given the helmet."

Much of what followed was hazy and dreamlike. They recall a group of Pokemon leading them outside the facility for the first time, by nightfall. Traveling in an enclosed space—a train? Time didn't mean much back then, but looking back, it must have been a several-days journey. Many unfamiliar Pokémon talking. The Coven and Cipher? That fateful deal...

"One of them said something to me before I left. He said that they'd find a way to make things better."

Did... the Coven expect to have the Radiant Knight returned to them? It's possible that Cipher had promised to use Shadow to neutralize the volatile, incomplete Radiance within Sage's helmet, but then had no intention of returning the chimera once the ARK System had been reconfigured to generate Shadow.

Sage's eyes darken to violet. "The shadows were... a comfort. A way to not feel. The burn had gone. Some days, I did not exist, and this was easy." Their crest fans out. "But, I chose to exist again. I chose that for myself."

Regarding the one who made them, Sage appears contemplative. "I am not angry that they made me. But, I want to know why. I know I was made to hold the Light. But why am I me? That is what I wish to know." Why... a Graydian? Like Nova, like Gladion.

 

[Panoramic_Vacuum]

Check in on the garrison at Fort Sunward and warn them of the imminent threat. Day-Captain Armarouge Aurelia or Night-Captain Ceruledge Estelle should be on duty and willing to hear you out.

As soon as Steven's business in Tyrrier concludes, he heads to Sunward to call on Aurelia once again.

"Hail, Day-Captain," he greets her warmly, "though I wish I were here with happier news. There is a group of individuals from the Commonwealth, a faction of the Covenant of Light, who intend to track down the Sun and disturb her slumber. They have witnessed the same vision as myself, one that showed the events of her sacrifice five thousand years ago, but they do not come in reverence. They saw the Sun's--no, Amida's-- power, and seek to use her Radiance for themselves. And I think we both can agree that cannot be allowed to happen."

He shares with Aurelia what they've learned from the Caldera's vision, and promises the Wayfarer's aid in stopping the threat to the Sun's resting place.

 

[Jackie Cat]

"They saw the Sun's--no, Amida's-- power, and seek to use her Radiance for themselves. And I think we both can agree that cannot be allowed to happen."

At first, Aurelia seems somewhere between shock and scepticism. Then she stares into the long sunset, seeking the light of truth.

"You know the Sun by a different name. We wardens call her Surekhi, the Living Sun. We will safeguard her rest as we always have, and we stand well-forged and ready for anything, but you show yourself a friend to Sunward by giving us advance warning, Steven of the Stars."

The Wardens are staunchly traditionalist, and do not wish to allow Wayfarers to garrison the fort ahead of any attack, but they double their patrols, sentries, and drills in preparation. This comes with a risk, however...

"The detachment of Commonwealth soldiers camped nearby will likely claim that we are making ready to attack them. Tensions have been high for some time, especially since Winter Crossing. In truth, we would gladly see them gone."

The Army has maintained an outpost near Sunward for months now, and materials are being freighted in using the transcontinental railway to expand their base in the name of security for Commonwealth interests in the region. The whole place is becoming a tinderbox.

 

[Ambyssin]

Regarding the one who made them, Sage appears contemplative. "I am not angry that they made me. But, I want to know why. I know I was made to hold the Light. But why am I me? That is what I wish to know." Why... a Graydian? Like Nova, like Gladion.

In response, Nova traces a circle in the ground, and then a strange wheel around it. "It's said that the pokémon who created the universe can change types at will." His cheek bolt opened to expose the memory drive inside. "Gladion is human. But his pokémon partner looks like us, so I guess he ended up as one when he got here. But me... I was built to resemble the Original One. In appearance and power. And I have to imagine that it's similar for you. Who better to spread radiance than someone resembling the Saint of all Saints, with a body that can adapt to any sort of environment?"

 

[Cresselia92]

Following Betel's advice to prepare themselves for the missions and potential confrontations with the Covenant that awaited them, Silver checked on the team that wanted to investigate the Congress. As someone who had infiltrated Rocket bases and stolen some of their assets, he thought that his not-exactly-praiseworthy experience could be used for a more positive and noble purpose.

Not like the idea of stealing stuff appealed him much, but well! Complex problems required complex decisions.

At some point, someone brought up one of their objectives: searching for information about the whereabouts of Betel and a certain duo, which made Silver perk up with interest.

Starr...

For some reason he couldn't entirely comprehend, hearing that name again unlocked a conversation he heard while Giovanni was still around...

"If you hear anything about a human-turned-Pokemon who's not part of our group... somewhere out east, a firecat named Starr... that's someone we're trying to locate."

"Starr... Of course. I know who to look for. And... I look forward to seeing her again."

Well, if that wasn't quite the mystery! What could a (supposedly) former criminal like Giovanni want from a chosen heroine like Starr? And with the old man gone, there was only one person — or rather, Meowth — who might have the answer to that question. While the others exchanged ideas and worked on the finishing touches of the plan, he approached the other former human.

"...Hey, Jade. That gal we're looking for, Starr, is a friend of yours, right?" Silver crossed his arms and flashed an inquisitive stare, his curiosity far too great to be ignored at that point. "Giovanni seemed to have some kinda... let's say, connection with that gal, and he said something about wanting to 'meet her again.' D'you know what their deal might've been, or what kinda biz they might have had?"

 

[Chibi Pika]

Jade is pretty sure this is the busiest she's been since arriving on Forlas. But the upcoming mission is personal, and it's clear that the more info she can scrape together before the fateful day, the better their chances of success. This could be their chance... to find Betel, to find Starr. There's no way she's not going to do whatever it takes to help.

Jade spends most of her time at the Congress, stifles the out of place feeling, and chats with as many random lanterns as she can. Turns out, it's pretty easy to get in their good graces--all she has to do is chat about Wayfarer adventures. Once she's made herself a regular, she goes out of the way to volunteer for odd jobs around the building--picking up deliveries, carrying notes between departments, things like that. It's an opportunity to get a good feel for the layout of the Congress, as well as taking note of places that could hold secrets. Private meeting rooms, guarded doors... The Department of Natural Philosophy catches her eye—seems like the most obviously science-y branch of the Congress. There’s nothing obviously shady about it at first glance, but she keeps an eye out…

She keeps an ear out for that strange, depressed horse that Laura told her about, but doesn't encounter him.

She spots Matthias a few times, but doesn't approach him. She also doesn't want to be seen watching him for that matter. But maybe she could try to glean where he regularly visits...

Jade also lets Brisa know that they'll be infiltrating the Congress imminently.

"If all goes well, we should be able to find Starr pretty soon. Or at least... find out where they took her. I know you probably can't come with us since we're the only ones who can get in and out without raising any alarm, but... I just wanted you to know."

Jade makes plans to reach out to a few Wayfarers before the mission, but Silver ends up reaching out to her first:

"...Hey, Jade. That gal we're looking for, Starr, is a friend of yours, right?" Silver crossed his arms and flashed an inquisitive stare, his curiosity far too great to be ignored at that point. "Giovanni seemed to have some kinda... let's say, connection with that gal, and he said something about wanting to 'meet her again.' D'you know what their deal might've been, or what kinda biz they might have had?"

"Right, yeah... shoulda figured this would come up at some point," Jade answered with an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of her head. "Starr is... she's... well, back home, the Giovanni in our world is... her dad. I haven't gone around telling people since, uh, it's not really my secret to tell. But I figure you're the one who most deserves to know." He was in the same boat, after all.

(The thing that still bothered her was that Giovanni knew Starr. They'd met before. Except... he wasn't the Giovanni from back home. And it didn't sound like he'd actually run into her on Forlas either. So then how...?)

 

[Tetra]

Koa pays a visit to Sunward in hopes of at least learning the lay of the land and meeting the mon who may be their allies in the upcoming fight. After all, preparation is half the battle.

He specifically seeks to get information on where they might be fighting, and how many of Sunwards fighters will be there. Hopefully learning the terrain will tell them what kind of equipment to try and bring, and how to best utilize it.

He also makes a point to try and introduce himself the Day and Night captains, as well as others there.

 

[canisaries]

Andre, too, spends time at the Congress, getting to know the mon there and familiarizing himself with the layout of the place to the extent to which he's allowed.

 

[Jackie Cat]

Koa pays a visit to Sunward in hopes of at least learning the lay of the land and meeting the mon who may be their allies in the upcoming fight. After all, preparation is half the battle.

He specifically seeks to get information on where they might be fighting, and how many of Sunwards fighters will be there. Hopefully learning the terrain will tell them what kind of equipment to try and bring, and how to best utilize it.

He also makes a point to try and introduce himself the Day and Night captains, as well as others there.

The Wardens are pretty secretive about the interior of their fort, but Betel – much more proficient in their abilities than they were several months ago – now notices that there is clearly a Mystery Dungeon somewhere in the area, likely with an entrance within Fort Sunward. Koa is politely but firmly denied entry, but external observation shows that the fort is built into an sizeable mesa – an elevated flat-topped landform with sheer escarpments, located amid an arid plain. Some way from the fort is the CW Army camp, itself a growing fort containing barracks and supplies and troops. The weather here is almost invariably sunny at all times, and even its nights are bright and hot.

The Wardens are, put simply, a community of warrior monks. They are – to a 'mon – Charcadet and its evolutions, with officers being granted evolutionary suits of armour. They train rigorously to protect the resting place of their patron, the near-saint Surekhi, the Living Sun. Their exact numbers are unclear, but it seems like they'd be an even match for the Army troops at least...

Perhaps this means the Wayfarers will be matched against Matthias' forces...?

Day-Captain Aurelia takes an immediate liking to Koa, and he's likely to like her. She's forthright, positive, encouraging, and noble-minded – and welcomes a new friendship. Estelle is rather more cold and reticent. How does Koa approach his introductions and subsequent dealings with them?

 

[Cresselia92]

"Right, yeah... shoulda figured this would come up at some point," Jade answered with an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of her head. "Starr is... she's... well, back home, the Giovanni in our world is... her dad. I haven't gone around telling people since, uh, it's not really my secret to tell. But I figure you're the one who most deserves to know."

Time seemed to slow down as Silver stared at Jade in silent shock. Of all the potential theories and potential answers he had entertained — which included stuff like Starr being some collaborator of Team Rocket, or some member of a rival gang, or even a detective summoned to Forlas — none of them came as close as the actual truth.

Starr

Giovanni

her dad

“No way…” whispered Silver at last, in stark contrast to the chaotic mess that was ravaging his mind. “T-that means that Starr is…” he pointed a claw at himself, “me?” He blinked once, twice, and his eyes widened a smidge, still in disbelief. “I mean! Not a clone of myself, of course, but, like, a girl version of me?!”

That was crazy, absurd, unbelievable, and yet… the evidence had been there all this time. They shared some connection with Betel. They shared fathers, in a very twisted sense. Heck, they even shared initial and final letters in their names, too!

I shouldn’t really be surprised because we’ve got those Lycanroc coming from different Orre, but still! This is insane!

Silver took a deep breath and shook his head, his claws pinching the bridge of his nose. Focus, he needed to focus. Freaking out didn't help, after all.

“I… Okay, I’m not gonna lie. I have a million questions, and even if I want to, I’m not gonna ask ‘em all at once. However,” Silver stared squarely at Jade. Determination burned brightly in his gaze, making his eyes seem even redder than usual. “I can tell you this: we’re gonna find Starr, and we’re gonna bust her out from whatever prison she might be in.”

He nodded fiercely. That matter was now very personal. He couldn’t abandon himself. He couldn’t. “You can count on me for whatever you need.”

 

[Jackie Cat]

Jade spends most of her time at the Congress, stifles the out of place feeling, and chats with as many random lanterns as she can. Turns out, it's pretty easy to get in their good graces--all she has to do is chat about Wayfarer adventures. Once she's made herself a regular, she goes out of the way to volunteer for odd jobs around the building--picking up deliveries, carrying notes between departments, things like that. It's an opportunity to get a good feel for the layout of the Congress, as well as taking note of places that could hold secrets. Private meeting rooms, guarded doors... The Department of Natural Philosophy catches her eye—seems like the most obviously science-y branch of the Congress. There’s nothing obviously shady about it at first glance, but she keeps an eye out…

Laura helps Jade out with this, using the reporter skills she's been developing to find leads and pester just about everyone in the Congress. Between them, they soon discover a number of clues they can piece together.

• The Department of Natural Philosophy handles almost any and all scientific inquiry other than field research – which is generally handled by the Explorers' Office – and indeed it would seem to be the natural place for a secret ARK Project/artificial World-Spirit program.
• The Department's faculty list includes a number of leading scientists who seem to be unassigned to any ongoing research, but also can't be found idle during the day. Gardevoir Herman, Claydol Petros, and other less illustrious names all seem to be... absent. Trailing them as they come off their downtime proves illuminating.
• There's a conspicuous 'hollow' in the ground floor layout, once you're familiar enough to notice – it's enough space for an industrial elevator shaft, for instance... and Herman et al seem drawn in that direction whenever they leave the cafeteria, library, or quarters.
• Similarly, there's a maintenance closet that's rumoured among the Congress' custodial staff to be haunted or cursed or a secret false-dungeon of some kind, as it's firmly off-limits. Intriguing.

@Sinderella Another hint comes from a recent and surprising ally to the Wayfarers, courtesy of Odette – Inteleon Nolan. His bookkeeping auditor skillset comes in handy when he passes on a tip that Natural Philosophy funding is well-accounted for, and their budget includes a rather substantial hole in it, which – when investigated – leads to a 'Commission for Directed Evolution', hidden in the numbers. Apparently they had a basement facility installed a while back specifically for their own use. Bingo.

She keeps an ear out for that strange, depressed horse that Laura told her about, but doesn't encounter him.

Laura goes after Hypno Bobby, asking him about Spectrier the next time she catches him at the cafeteria. He indulges her a little over iced tea and sandwiches, and tells her a thing or two about that melancholy beast. Easily spooked, that one...

Laura keeps an eye out for Spectrier, hoping to bribe him with some sugar cubes into telling her about the Commission's basement.

She spots Matthias a few times, but doesn't approach him. She also doesn't want to be seen watching him for that matter. But maybe she could try to glean where he regularly visits...

Matthias has something of a routine, which Jade is able to glean. Besides his own quarters, he takes regular meditational private time in the rooftop garden. Of course, he'll be leaving very soon, so at most she could pass a small message, or signal that she's able to receive one...

Andre, too, spends time at the Congress, getting to know the mon there and familiarizing himself with the layout of the place to the extent to which he's allowed.

Andre bumps into a few interesting individuals in the course of his explorations, and something keeps telling him that there's an important quality about a handful of specific Covenant. It's as if his aura-reading is bleeding through to his new body, in some strange and subtle way... and whenever he catches it happening, he recognises an interplay of Radiance and Shadow coursing beneath his skin.

Whatever the reason for this strange intuition, there are three individuals that stand out to him.

• Lucario Iridium, knight of the Order of the Lantern

"Hey. Do you even know where you're going? Or are you just wandering around without a purpose in mind? Hmph... Ask for directions if you need them."

• Weavile Mercury, courier for the Office of Provisions

"Evening, pretty boy. You're sticking around, then... You ought to find a way to make yourself useful. I'm sure you'd fit right in with the hospitality guys – you seem like you'd be at home in the bar lounge. Do I have that right?"

• Umbreon Parallax, researcher for the Explorers' Office

"It's a nice night out. You ever think about how different the night sky here is to your home planet? Do they have a moon there like this one? I guess it's not important. Even so... I can't help but wonder. Even though there's more than enough nature to explore in this world, there's gotta be so much more out there in the universe..."

Jade also lets Brisa know that they'll be infiltrating the Congress imminently.

"If all goes well, we should be able to find Starr pretty soon. Or at least... find out where they took her. I know you probably can't come with us since we're the only ones who can get in and out without raising any alarm, but... I just wanted you to know."

Brisa will be ready.

"Thanks fer the heads-up, partner. Guess I gotta steer clear, not that I can go dartin' about so freely as y'all anyhow. Maybe I can make myself useful at the Mesa, if'n you're expectin' a real fight there."

 

[Tetra]

Day-Captain Aurelia takes an immediate liking to Koa, and he's likely to like her. She's forthright, positive, encouraging, and noble-minded – and welcomes a new friendship. Estelle is rather more cold and reticent. How does Koa approach his introductions and subsequent dealings with them?

"My name is Koamaru Averon of the Wayfarers. I hope to seek your knowledge and guidance." Koa does his best to be professional and mindful, reigning in his usual impulses in favor of putting his best paw forward. Still, it's hard not to be inclined towards amiability with Aurelia. He gets on well with straightforward types, especially if they take him seriously in turn. He likely warms up to her a bit more.

"I'd be honored to hear the legends and tales you have to share of this place, sometime." Otherwise he does his best not to be too pushy. He takes careful notes of the layout of the outside, what cover is available, the feel of the terrain. He also plays close attention to learn what Aurelia or Estella knows of the surrounding area - dangers and boons alike.

Estelle's cool demeanor doesn't bother him, as long as she's not outright rude or dismissive. He can handle reserved and cold. In turn, he tries to stay respectful (though a dry bit of sarcasm may occasionally show just a little).

If they show any willingness to do so, he would gladly accept sparring matches, both to get to know them and learn.

Spoiler: shhhh not important

With the all important battle looming on the horizon, Koa seeks out Articuno with a critical question, as they have been alive long and have gathered much knowledge.

"Articuno... How would a Metagross wear pants?"

 

[Chibi Pika]

“No way…” whispered Silver at last, in stark contrast to the chaotic mess that was ravaging his mind. “T-that means that Starr is…” he pointed a claw at himself, “me?” He blinked once, twice, and his eyes widened a smidge, still in disbelief. “I mean! Not a clone of myself, of course, but, like, a girl version of me?!”

Jade laughed awkwardly at his sheer surprise. There was no way around it. It was strange. Part of her was at least glad that she was telling this to a version of Giovanni's kid who wasn't a literal actual copy of Starr, because that would have been even weirder.

"Yeah, I was pretty surprised when I found out too, aha..."

“I… Okay, I’m not gonna lie. I have a million questions, and even if I want to, I’m not gonna ask ‘em all at once. However,” Silver stared squarely at Jade. Determination burned brightly in his gaze, making his eyes seem even redder than usual. “I can tell you this: we’re gonna find Starr, and we’re gonna bust her out from whatever prison she might be in.”

Jade's ears pricked forward, a grin making its way across her face. "Yeah... yeah, you're right. We're gonna find her." After all this time, her goal was finally within sight. And it felt really good to have others with her who'd have her back.

"Besides, you two have to meet! I, uh, bet there's a lot of common ground."

---

Laura keeps an eye out for Spectrier, hoping to bribe him with some sugar cubes into telling her about the Commission's basement.

"ohhhh you brought cuuuubess..."

After some coaxing, the spectral steed finally appears.

"I don't go down there much anymore. The scientists didn't like being watched because it was distracting. They said I was annoying them, so I stayed away," he says forlornly. "They're always so busy... they probably wouldn't be interested in talking to anyone who wasn't there to help them."

He also hangs around the Smokestack looking for Farin or Valere: “Hey. Matthias is planning an op against Sunward to try to secure a stable source or radiance for his little jackasses. Sounded to me like he wants to scuff it, so if you want a chance to deck him in the face y’should be around on [date]. ‘Cause you know him, he’s not gonna take it easy or anything just because he wants to lose, probably just gonna… ambiently hope someone stops him while insisting on fighting it out as best he can.”

Valere thanks Gladion for the warning. The Vanguard had taken note of the Coven's agents gathering for something big and had been preparing to tail them, but knowing the destination in advance will allow them to be better prepared on-site.

"That's exactly like him—there's not a chance he won't fight this out til the bitter end."

In response, Nova traces a circle in the ground, and then a strange wheel around it. "It's said that the pokémon who created the universe can change types at will." His cheek bolt opened to expose the memory drive inside. "Gladion is human. But his pokémon partner looks like us, so I guess he ended up as one when he got here. But me... I was built to resemble the Original One. In appearance and power. And I have to imagine that it's similar for you. Who better to spread radiance than someone resembling the Saint of all Saints, with a body that can adapt to any sort of environment?"

Sage is curious about the story of the Original One—it's not a myth they would have heard much about on Forlas. They're happy to listen to tales from Nova's world while pondering what mysteries they might soon unravel about their own creation...