.02 [Video]

[thatwasnotmyintent]

[And what does our illustrious Commander have to say about Team Evolution and everything relating to them?

Very little, apparently, though his expression, brows drawn down and together, speaks volumes.] I don't think I need to remind any and all Rangers -- and aspiring cadets -- to be civil, polite and welcoming to our honored guests, do I?

[Pause.] Provided, of course, that they are also discreet. [A short nod and he turns off the video.]




[Only to switch it on a moment later, looking suddenly frazzled like he's only just remembered something.] I-In addition, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind all applicants that they should absolutely not take any interest in or notice of idle gossip regarding their potential superiors, and that failure to follow this advice may result in their applications being denied.

[Lbr here, he's talking about the commonly circulated rumors about himself and Corporal Levi and their status as "roommates" and "confirmed bachelors".]

i

[thii2_ii2_2tupiid]

[Video]

Hey.

[Well, look at this.  Someone's actually reaching out to the network.  This is not the usual state of affairs for Sollux, considering how moody and introverted he tends to be.  Something must be up.]

Anybody got anything they need fixed?

[He waits a second.]

Or anything you don't mind me breaking on purpose and then fixing, I guess.  Because you know what would be fucking great right now?  Having something other than slavery and mind control to unhealthily obsess over.

003 • [Video / Action]

[niepokonany]

[Feliks turns on the feed with a cheerful wave and an adjustment of his hair. From inside his coat, where she seems to have made her home, his baby Dratini gives a happy little peep of greeting.]

Hey! So like, I just wanted to let everyone know I'm totally gonna join this tournament thing, and I'm gonna rock it. My Pokémon friends and I are working on some sweet new moves this week, check us out!

[He angles the camera towards the clearing in the woods where he's set up camp. His Houndour, Emilia, is perhaps a little over-enthusiastically savaging a practice dummy, while Jadwiga the Ralts sits in a meditative stance, juggling rocks with her mind, and Krystyna the Vulpix works on her flames. He turns the camera back at himself.]

They're all pretty badass, so like, whoever's up against us should be ready!

[Something tugs at his sleeve, and when he turns to look at her, the camera gets bumped down enough to show Danuta the Mienfoo, looking unamused. Any Kindred Souls out there will hear her scolding Feliks for slacking off talking to his human friends; he doesn't speak Pokémon himself, but he laughs, scratching her ears.]

Okay, looks like I should get back to work, too! Ancient gods, you're so serious...

[He and his team are doing intensive training this week, but he'll get back to his replies when he can, or anyone passing through the woods can feel free to stumble in on them!]

2nd Training Montage [Action x2]

[blade_psychic]

[Action 1: Forest]

It's been quite a while since Kuwabara started training with his Espurr, and someone stumbling through the forest north of Union City might see the progress they've made - as well as a new team member.

"Come on, guys, let's pick up the pace - and remember you're supposed to be working together, to defend against me."

The pokemon he's addressing are two cats - an Espurr with a blank expression, and a smirking Purrloin. Both nod and prepare themselves.

"Ready, set... go!"

Before he can so much as move to attack, the Purrloin slaps the air in front of the Espurr's face, making it flinch and shout.

"Darnit, Koto, I said to stop that, we're supposed to be training as a team here!!"

[Action 2: Forest Shrine]

In the afternoon, after a long (and slightly frustrating) day of training, Kuwabara has found the tranquil area of the shrine. He's lying on his back, staring up at the trees and the sky, scratching the ears of his Espurr, which is lying on his chest staring up as well. His purrloin, however, is curled up on his legs and enjoying a nap.

"I didn't know there was a place like this near Union City. It's so peaceful and calm... I can just feel the calm everywhere around me."

Depending on when you find them, you might catch him napping too.

Tournament Round One

[bravenewmods]

The first day of the tournament dawns bright and sunny, a stark contrast to the mood of the citizens of Union as they exit the gates of the city. Many of them stare at Team Evolution with open suspicion - what exactly were they trying to demonstrate here? Regardless, it appears that the people of Union would hold their own session first. As the 12 trainers take their positions, the crowd is waved back by one of the Guardsmen, holding a pole out to his side as a makeshift barrier.

"Please, for your own safety, stay behind this area, everyone. The tournament will begin shortly."

From the opposite side, the members of Team Evolution politely troop in, pausing at a short distance. As before, Rory stands at the front of the group, accompanied by Crystal and Sakina, each of whom were, if not familiar to the people of Union by now, at least recognizable.

The Guardsman, who apparently has been chosen to act as the judge, speaks once more once the hubbub has died down.

"The Council wishes to thank all who have agreed to take part in this demonstration and all who have come to lend support. To Team Evolution, it is our desire that you come to understand what it means to our city to be a Pokémon trainer, and what it is from which we draw our strength. Though our philosophies may differ, we are nonetheless united in our humanity. We take heart in having made contact with our fellows after so many long years, and we pray that the gods may look upon this meeting with favor."

A pause.

"Now... without further ado, let the battles begin!"

((The first round of the tournament will end in 48 hours, ICly. Please let us know who the winner will be by 2/26 here and we'll post the second round match-ups as soon as we can. The second round of the tournament will begin ICly 2/27.))