[PKMN] SPACE CASE!

[knux400]

The simplest way to handle this would be to pair people up and do some sparring matches. With Filigree in the party, we now have five members, so Stretch can rest its back and focus on giving advice as needed.

Take plenty of breaks, make sure nothing gets too heated due to interpersonal drama, maybe throw in some target practice and punching trees, and you should be good to go!

Probably.

[gyiyg]

if the new guy can punch down a whole tree like in minecraft then he's in

[DanZapman]

As much as I enjoy mindless violence in the pursuit of fixing immediate problems, you have enough emotional baggage that it's probably best to actually like, have information and a plan and all that. It'd probably be best to ask Minerva and Eerie about the gang's situation, it won't be a fun conversation with Eerie but she'll probably have a useful perspective. See if beating the gym and getting the badge gets Eerie to chill any amount, maybe.

And of course the tree punching is indispensable.

[Info Mantis]

Getting some intel on these boners from your resident ex-boner is a good first step to figuring out how to get out of this situation with badge in hand and as little trouble following you as possible, because this is simply Not Your Problem Right Now. You've already been a hero for at least one person, your do-gooder quota has been met until the next town unless there's some kind of tangible reward for it.

Second step is, of course, make the new guy punch trees to see how good they are

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

If you're going to be bumping into weirdos like this constantly, I think you do gotta build up your toolkit to impress them. All these people here looking to join, you need to establish yourself as confident to boost their morale and make you trusted long term.

[Headful_of_Eyeballs]

I second knux's idea- We should probably have our party members do some sparring before we find out what's up with the bone gang

[skinstealer]

 

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!
Our heroes arrived in Pewter City, only to find it under new management...Eerie and Minerva both seem pretty familiar with the gang taking over, but to what end? And who's this new bellsprout insisting on coming along?

And how does Stretch handle its first coaching session? Find out in:

EPISODE 4: TEAM BONDING

---

You blearily open your eyes.

MINERVA: Good morning!

 

You jump, getting a reassuring wing-squeeze in return. Her enormous mouth is open in a warm smile, dangerously close to pulling you into it.


....
.....she wouldn't eat you, right?


No, she- would have done that by now.
Probably.

MINERVA: Did you sleep alright?

 

You poke at your eyes, irritated at the moisture there-


-but you definitely feel comfortable, arms still wrapped tightly around her.

STRETCH: ...yeah.
MINERVA: Good....

 

She rests her head on top of yours, humming against you.

MINERVA: You're soft.
STRETCH: ...eh?
STRETCH: No I'm not.
MINERVA: Yes, you are.
MINERVA: Vibrations make you all fuzzy....

 

Blush covers your face, shoving your head in her chest.

STRETCH: We should probably get ready....
MINERVA: Just a while longer...

 

You relent, not going to protest as she massages your back.

MINERVA: ...last night was fun.
STRETCH: Mmmmm...

 

It takes you a moment to remember.

STRETCH: Hhhhhah-
STRETCH: oh god
STRETCH: ohhhh godddd
MINERVA: Mm, you enjoying yourself-?
STRETCH: yes yeah oh god-
MINERVA: You certainly don't have much issue making noise now...
STRETCH: ohhgodplease
MINERVA: You like the added heft?

 

You had realized the real benefit of giving Minerva your blood.

STRETCH: fuckfuckfucking god-
MINERVA: Maybe we should try immediately after a big feed, mmm?
STRETCH: yes, please, oh god-







 

You press your face into your hands.

STRETCH: oh god
MINERVA: We didn't do any blood drinking!
MINERVA: Or biting!
MINERVA: And we technically only used-
STRETCH: ohhhh goddddddddd
MINERVA: Plenty for later!
STRETCH: nnnooooooo
MINERVA: And your voice is so cute-!

 

You snap up to look at her.

Her smile is genuine.

MINERVA: I'd love to hear more sometime.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Ah.
STRETCH: Are.
STRETCH: Hm.

 

You swallow.

STRETCH: I.
STRETCH: Can try.
MINERVA: At your pace!
MINERVA: But....
MINERVA: It helps to know what draws it out of you!

 

She lets that sink in as she unwraps herself, your body floating out of her grasp.

MINERVA: I'm off to the shower!
STRETCH: ....

 

You're left sitting on the bed, exhaling as you realize you have more to clean up.

STRETCH: Right.





 

You're brushing your teeth as Minerva gets dressed, already irritated at your gums bleeding and the toothbrush gently vibrating in a way that feels wrong on contact. You were never very good at this, but...

Well.

You. Probably shouldn't have bad breath now. Or gross tongue feeling.


On principle.

MINERVA: How do I look?

 

You turn, only to choke on on the foam building in your mouth.




Your golbat party member had put on a battling bodysuit, her legs squeezed into tight spandex leggings and a criss-cross top. Her formerly flat chest had a slight bump to it, matching the bit of weight that'd settled around her thighs since digesting your weight in blood.

STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: Ah-
STRETCH: Wheeeere did you geeeeet thaaaat?

 

Your voice comes out strained, unable to get the words out in any normal, non-flustered fashion.

MINERVA: Well-
MINERA: I figure if we're training, I'd need something other than a dress!
MINERVA: Hardly fighting clothes.

 

She does a little twirl, your throat feeling uncomfortably toothpaste-y as your eyes follow her little tail.

STRETCH: Looks.
STRETCH: Good.
STRETCH: Hh.
MINERVA: Yay!







FROND: Hey bud, what took you so long?!

 

Frond bounces up to you, his characteristic smile wide on his face.

STRETCH: I-
MINERVA: It just took a bit long in the shower, that's all!

 

You avoid meeting either of their eyes, staring straight ahead.

Long showers were normal. It was normal and. Not suspicious or gym wear related.

You're trying to tell yourself that because the entire group is tightly clad with very little left to the imagination.




Both you and Minerva had set yourself up with regulation protective cups, looking relatively covered up and avoiding any sort of dick injury-related incidents.
You had opted into the standard tank top and tight gym shorts fit that you learned to train in, and that was fine.


It was fine.


It was normal and Minerva wasn't looking at your ass.


No one was. Just like how you weren't looking at Eerie wearing a unitard-like bodysuit, her legs completely exposed.

FROND: Good to be getting ready for an actual match!

 

Frond stretches, his sports bra giving you a rare view of his bust, short shorts not helping in the lower body department either.

FROND: No more messing around with jerks in the woods...

 

You discover fresh hells every day now.

EERIE: We can't do an "actual match" until we figure out training, remember?
EERIE: Gotta catch up to buzzy boy over here.

 

You pretend not to hear that.

STRETCH: ....I can oversee it.
STRETCH: Pairs will be best-
STRETCH: Two on two will let us gauge ability and understand what we're working with.
FROND: It'll be great!
FROND: Used to do this all the time back in college...

 

He pauses, looking around.

FROND: Where's the other guy, anyway?
EERIE: Must have given up.
MINERVA: Shame...they were very enthusiastic!
STRETCH: ....not sure if I'd call it that...

 

You squint, seeing a figure push open the center doors.

STRETCH: There.

 

The tiny bellsprout from earlier shuffles towards the group, still wearing their coat and beanie. Barely anything visible of their body, it's hard to make out anything about them aside from their telltale plant mouth.

...that is, until they start talking, and you see it lined with teeth.

FILIGREE: I made it.
EERIE: Didn't get the memo?
EERIE: We're practicing while wearing the real deal.
EERIE: Legit uniforms, legit training arena-



 

The bellsprout sighs, unzipping their coat and giving the team a look.





They're thicker than any bellsprout you've ever seen, nowhere close to the spindly build you would have expected. A full coverage bodysuit ends just before a line of thorns on their neck- almost resembling a collar.

FILIGREE: ...I know how this works.
FILIGREE: I just...

 

They glance around the center, wincing at some wandering eyes.

FILIGREE: Don't really...like showing things off.

 

Their caution seems to seep into everyone else, yourself very much included- not even at your own individual bodies, but everyone seems to be scoping each other out now.

EERIE: ...
EERIE: We
EERIE: Should probably not be standing here.
FROND: We're gonna be on TV anyway!
EERIE: Little different when it's a cool fight, dude!
FROND: This is a warmup!
EERIE: For what, getting ogled-
FILIGREE: please keep your voices down




 

The training ground was quieter than you had seen it as a kid, formerly a bustling place for people to spar and practice. It's not too different from the outdoor fields you'd used back in college, ideal for avoiding any possible ceiling or wall damage- but not so great for dealing with weather conditions. God knows how many sessions got interrupted by impromptu thunderstorms, sending all but the water and grass types scattering.

MINERVA: Soooo....
MINERVA: Stretch, you and Frond trained together, right?
FROND: Yeah! Went to the same university and everything.
FROND: Eerie, you were there too-
EERIE: Just for some light classes.

 

Her answer is brisk.

EERIE: Bare minimum to get the license.
EERIE: ....wanted to do shit aboveboard.

 

She coughs, immediately going for a deflection.

EERIE: How'd you get your card anyway- you don't look the type to get into fighting.
MINERVA: Oh!
MINERVA: Self defense courses!
FILIGREE: ...same here.
EERIE: Huh.
EERIE: Didn't think those outright give you the ID.
STRETCH: It's a necessity.

 

People turn to you.

STRETCH: You need an ID to battle in public areas, regardless of your motivations.
STRETCH: When legalization got involved, there were cases of people fighting back with powers qualifiable as moves when they didn't have the registration...
FROND: And they got smacked for it.
STRETCH: Mm.
FROND: Me and Stretch may have gotten our papers through college, but that's more so we can come in swinging right out the gate.
STRETCH: It's a head start.
STRETCH: Battling IDs are only issued to adults, and anything like sparring between kids, especially in public-
FROND: Is parental responsibility.
STRETCH: Mmmmmm.
MINERVA: ....what if the parents don't have good intentions, though?
MINERVA: Or- with the self defense clause-
STRETCH: Exactly how you think.

 

Your voice is colder than you intend, but you don't think you could have softened it.

STRETCH: .....
MINERVA: I-

 

She hesitates, folding her wings.

MINERVA: ...I understand.




 

You pay for your training time and head into an arena, the chain link cage surrounding it feeling deeply familiar. Minerva seems fascinated by the ground's texture, tapping at it with her toes.

FROND: Didn't have regulation-standard back with your courses?
MINERVA: Oh!
MINERVA: Oh, no.
MINERVA: It was safety mats only.
STRETCH: These are technically safe too.
STRETCH: Just-

 

You set your bag to side, against the far corner.

STRETCH: More reactive to move usage.
STRETCH: Mats meant for softer training, or battling for play, are nullifying.
FROND: And ones for competitive challenges change to fit the moves used on them.
FROND: You wanna get stuff looking cool!
FROND: Earthquakes, geysers, the works!

 

You point to the high ceiling, another mat laid on the inside of the cage.

STRETCH: Ceilings are usually just nullified and reinforced.
STRETCH: Keeps the building from falling apart.
MINERVA: And the walls?

 

She points to the mock-audience stands, even featuring cutouts.

STRETCH: Psychic barriers, usually.
FROND: Lets people get a taste of the action without any risk!
FROND: Like getting splashed at an aquarium show.
FILIGREE: Or a ball going into the audience-
FILIGREE: Sports. Like how they do in sports.
FROND: Exactly!
FROND: One guy's rock throw is another's pebble souvenir!
EERIE: ...isn't that just shrapnel?
FROND: Shrapnel...with a story.
EERIE: Beats me why people would risk getting beaned in the eye without a good reason.
FROND: It's the thrill!
EERIE: Yeah, and you can experience that plenty on TV.
FILIGREE: It's-

 

They try to raise their voice as they set their coat next to your pack.

FILIGREE: It's a very different experience.
FILIGREE: Gyms are structured to be just as much of an event for spectators as they are for the battlers.
FILIGREE: Designing them, it's a whole...

 

They shrink when they turn around to see all of your party's eyes on them.

FILIGREE: it's a whole thing.
MINERVA: Well!
MINERVA: I would love to hear about that!
EERIE: When we're not on a timer.
MINERVA: ...fair point!

 

Her smile seems to calm the bellsprout down all the same, and you all huddle to discuss.





First things first-


Looking over Filigree and Minerva's movesets and IDs.

You feel the slightest bit of pride seeing Minerva's typing- fire/grass, just as you predicted. Granted, the pride is immediately overridden with shame by how you figured that one out, but...

Maybe a little bit of confidence remained. Noticing anatomy is noticing typing, and that made for winning fights.

Filigree, however-

EERIE: Fire/fighting?
EERIE: Seriously?

 

Filigree sighs, tapping one of itheir roots against its "calve" as they adjust their leaf hair.

FILIGREE: I know I don't look it.
FILIGREE: My parents are the same way, and they got all.
FILIGREE: Cactus-y.
FILIGREE: It'll likely be same for me, and it keeps people guessing.
STRETCH: It's good.

 

They smile-

STRETCH: One move, though.
EERIE: Like you have more than two.
STRETCH: ....I just want to see it.

 

They hand it over, standing tall.

Body slam, just like Minerva....

You look them up and down again. Sure, they were thicker than a standard bellsprout, but- how much could it possibly do?

They stay standing up straight even with the nervous expression on their face..

FILIGREE: In my classes, I almost needed to be upgraded to a proper battle course.
FILIGREE: I hit very, very hard.
EERIE: Let's see it, then.

 

She stomps over to a pile of training equipment, pulling out a punching log and setting it up straight.

EERIE: Go ahead.
EERIE: Prove it.

 

The bellsprout breathes in, approaching and taking a moment to focus-


-before jumping and ramming it with their full weight, more of a shoulder tackle than Minerva's hip check.

The log immediately goes down, hitting the ground with a distinct beep- an indication of high damage move usage.

EERIE: Well, I'll be damned.
FROND: AWESOME

 

He runs over, excitedly looking over the bellsprout and trying to find whatever secret they were hiding.

FROND: You gotta teach me how to do that!
FILIGREE: uhh
FROND: I'll show you everything I know!
EERIE: Like what, sleeping?
FROND: TACTICAL sleeping.

 

The rest of Minerva's moveset is-

Well-


You're familiar.

FROND: Body slam, stomp, tail whip, thunder wave-
FROND: Nice job on the whole set!
MINERVA: Thank yooou!
MINERVA: I was lucky enough to find something that worked all together!
STRETCH: It's good.
STRETCH: Stats are high, too.
STRETCH: We can work with this.

 

She's glowing from your praise, tail twitching pleasantly. You try not to watch it.

....your ID, however, gets scrutiny.

FROND: Duuude!
FROND: Where'd you get those numbers?!
FROND: We've been at this for like, two days!

 

You stare directly ahead.

STRETCH: No idea.
EERIE: Uh huh.
STRETCH: Nn.

 

Eerie leans over to analyze more directly, deliberately playing it up.

EERIE: Space case over here's done some training on the sly.
EERIE: Trying to show us up?
STRETCH: N-no, of-
STRETCH: Of course not!
STRETCH: That would- it'd be a shit fight.
STRETCH: They like equal participation!
STRETCH: Just as important as winning!
EERIE: Doesn't explain that big ol' jump.

 

You grumble something under your breath.

EERIE: What's that?

 

She leans in further.

STRETCH: it was an accident.
EERIE: Ahhh.
EERIE: I see. I see.
EERIE: As long as that little-

 

Eerie's volume drops as she says it.

EERIE: """""accident""""""
EERIE: Doesn't get in the way-
EERIE: By all means.

 

She rolls her eyes as she steps off, Frond patting you on the lower back.

FROND: She's just jealous, dude.
STRETCH: ...Sure.

 

It's true, though. Your numbers being so much higher than everybody else is going to cause problems at the gym. You had already planned to hang back, period- irritating you to no end- and your best option for the day's pre-gym training would be to act as coach.

It wasn't your first rodeo, at least. Teaching less skilled students was something that fell on you frequently, and was a large part of why your grades were so high. Frills, for how much they drove you nuts, appreciated it...and then proceeded to make you do it more and more.

You could have done without that much pressure, but it would make this easier.

STRETCH: As discussed.
STRETCH: We're going to have you spar in pairs, based on the numbers on your IDs.
STRETCH: Eerie, you're with Frond-
FROND: Whoo!
FROND: Eerie time!
EERIE: ....

 

The rhyhorn looks perplexed at the gloom's enthusiasm, but doesn't protest.

EERIE: S'fair enough.
EERIE: I'll do my best not to kick his ass.
FROND: No, no!
FROND: You should go all out!
FROND: Kick me into the audience!
STRETCH: Please...don't do that.

 

You aren't sure yourself why the two of them are so...casual, but it does sting with how fucking out for you Eerie is.

One more thing for you to wonder about.

STRETCH: Filigree, you and Minerva are together.
FILIGREE: U-
FILIGREE: Uh

 

They look back and forth to you and the massive, politely postured bat.

FILIGREE: she's huge

 

Minerva gives a playful hip sway, her smile gentle.

MINERVA: I promise, I won't let anything go wrong if I can help it!
MINERVA: Besides- a bigger target means you can hold back less, right?
MINERVA: It'll be great for you!
FILIGREE: I...guess so.
FILIGREE: Just don't crush me.

 

You look off to the side, hoping it hides the blush tint on your cheeks.

MINERVA: I cross my heart!

 

The bellsprout pauses, and then laughs.

FILIGREE: You're...real dramatic.
MINERVA: I've been told I have an old soul, I can't help it...
MINERVA: Theatrics are too fun!

 

The arena could easily be used as multiple sparring zones, depending on how you sectioned it off. Setting up cones on the ground to indicate rough limitations to keep in mind was second nature, gauging the distance with your eyes alone.

STRETCH: Even if the arena we'll be working in is probably going to be bigger-
STRETCH: You want to work locally.
STRETCH: Even ranged, you should test how far you can go while still hitting close enough.
STRETCH: Hydro pump can go a long distance, but hitting up close will knock somebody on their ass before they can dodge.
STRETCH: Frond is the only one with a ranged attack right now-
EERIE: Hey!
STRETCH: ...outside of Eerie's smog, which doesn't do much as an actual damage dealer and matters less in terms of positioning.
EERIE: Tch.
STRETCH: It's easier to hit a target when you're not across the arena, too.
STRETCH: Use distance carefully.

 

You step back and take a look at your handiwork, cracking your back in the process. It's still sore from yesterday, but far less brutal. If you kept it chill and kept munching on oran bars while people trained, you'd probably be okay. Old college trick.

STRETCH: Frond and Eerie, on this side. I'll start watching you.
STRETCH: Minerva, Filigree-
STRETCH: Keep it slow until I get over there.
STRETCH: Get a feel for each other's size, analyze.
STRETCH: Eerie and Frond have already done battles together, so...
FILIGREE: R-right.
MINERVA: Of course!





EERIE: Dude, what the fuck?

 

Frond pumps his fists after taking the third bone club to the head.

FROND: Cmon!
FROND: It almost hurt that time!

 

She looks back at you in bewilderment, you gesturing for her to go again.

Frond stumbles, but doesn't hit the ground. The rhyhorn sneers, very clearly frustrated with the immovable potato resisting her apparently stoppable force.

STRETCH: Time.

 

You approach, analyzing the two fighters' stances.

STRETCH: Hhhhohkay.
STRETCH: First.
STRETCH: Frond here's mostly solid, with any vitals heavily protected..
STRETCH: Plant-based mons don't have much in the way of internal organs.
STRETCH: Or, at least- any like yours.
STRETCH: Entirely different bodies.
STRETCH: You're approaching him like a mammal.
EERIE: But-!
EERIE: How the fuck am I supposed to know all that?
EERIE: Studying at the library isn't exactly my idea of getting stronger!

 

You try to steel your nerves as she raises her voice.

STRETCH: You won't need to.
STRETCH: I told you before:
STRETCH: I can beat you.
STRETCH: I did beat you.
EERIE: Watch it-

 

You raise a hand.

STRETCH: And the reason
STRETCH: Is because I know what to look for.
STRETCH: No book needed.
STRETCH: Okay?
EERIE: .....
EERIE: Alright.
EERIE: Fine. Whatever.
EERIE: Teach me your nerd shit.

 

You start by adjusting her posture, distinctly not touching her- Eerie getting sick mid-training would be a nightmare for morale, let alone cleanup if the nausea won out.

STRETCH: I don't have much experience with weapons.
STRETCH: Too unreliable.
STRETCH: I don't want to drop it or have it snatched.
STRETCH: ....but I do know some things from sparring.

 

Her swing isn't bad, but it's clear that when she gets fired up- she's sloppy. The mark of someone trained in basics, but fumbles when the pressure bears down. You guide a more consistent arc, showing her different applications, directions, speeds-

She seems more confident with each bit of praise you give her, even having a bit of excitement in her eyes as she improves. You can't help but wonder if anyone gave her the time to work solo at all, or just...

She said minimum courses. Those were usually group ones, without the kind of individualized coaching you and Frond received. They wanted to get through as many students as possible in the barebones courses-

-and she seems to be thriving in a dedicated one on one.
She notices your irritation, and you shake your head rapidly.

STRETCH: N-
STRETCH: Don't.
STRETCH: Mind me.
STRETCH: Thoughts wandered.
EERIE: Nowhere weird, I hope.
STRETCH: ...no.
STRETCH: Just glad to see you getting into this.

 

She snorts, but more out of amusement than frustration.

EERIE: Now show me how to beat him up.

 

Frond had been sitting and watching in rapt attention, clapping enthusiastically whenever Eerie got a good swing.

FROND: My turn to play punching bag?
EERIE: Don't look so excited.
FROND: I'm just happy to help!

 

You sigh, trying to get it back on the rails.

STRETCH: ...Going to be focusing on parts that actually hurt.
STRETCH: Hitting his main torso is pretty useless with a blunt club.
STRETCH: You'd have to slam him hard enough to cause internal damage-
STRETCH: Not easy.
STRETCH: Even cuts can't pierce him without digging in fast and sharp.
FROND: It's a huge help, honestly.
FROND: Makes my rest strat actually work!
EERIE: Huh.
EERIE: So-
EERIE: Where do I hit him?

 

You approach the gloom, gesturing for him to stand up and let you direct.

STRETCH: When you're dealing with any opponent, you want to identify weakpoints in their defenses.
STRETCH: Joints are very consistent, with many armored mons lacking protection at parts that bend and crease.
STRETCH: ....yourself included.

 

She looks down at her elbows and knees with a frown.

STRETCH: Those are your most tender weak points, and where experienced fighters will try to target.
STRETCH: Behind your head crest, too.

 

You give the spot a gentle poke, barely enough to put pressure on. It's clear even the slight brush is unpleasant...but enough to get the vulnerability across.

EERIE: Urgh...
EERIE: Thought it'd be fine with head blocking...
STRETCH: From the front? Yes.
STRETCH: If you leave the back exposed-
STRETCH: No.
STRETCH: Watch your head position whenever you can.
STRETCH: For Frond, his limbs are less vulnerable to the same kind of blow.
STRETCH: It'll hurt, disorient, and potentially incapacitate his movement...
STRETCH: But there's no bones in there.
STRETCH: If they weren't so thin, you'd be in trouble going for them.
FROND: I'm trying to bulk up, too!
FROND: Get 'em more thick and stompy.

 

You desperately try not to think about Frond's hypothetical figure, thankfully invested enough in the lesson to succeed. For once.

STRETCH: Flowering mons have their weakest points in both the flower itself, and-

 

You point to the part where his buds and head connect.

STRETCH: Right here.
FROND: Pretty tricky angle!
STRETCH: Especially since your buds are tougher than the average.
STRETCH: Stance can counteract almost any weakpoint-
STRETCH: So studying movement- especially for you specifically-
STRETCH: Is just as important as dealing damage.
STRETCH: ...if not moreso.
EERIE: Huh.
EERIE: You really do talk a lot more over shit like this.
STRETCH: ...
STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: It's-
STRETCH: ....an interest of mine.
EERIE: No kidding.
EERIE: ....you're good at it.
EERIE: Thanks.
EERIE: Now lemme whack him.
FROND: WHOO!

 

It takes her some time to adjust to the new instructions, signs of struggle flaring back up as she has to move spontaneously and in reaction to Frond actually moving back. Frond's own swift attacks are perfect for a training session- hurting, but not causing much actual exterior damage.


You watch to make sure they don't overdo it, up until Frond declares he needs a nap.
Neither you or Eerie get to react before he conks out.

You rub your forehead, sighing.

STRETCH: Figures.
STRETCH: When he's asleep, there's another benefit.
STRETCH: Stuff like smog?
STRETCH: Useless when it comes to poison.
EERIE: ...is it really that good of a nap?
STRETCH: Apparently.

 

The two of you stare at his snoring form, blissfully smiling and drooling into the dirt,

STRETCH: ...still, good place to get damage in if you have something that can.
STRETCH: Timing rest strategies involves knowing when to pop it off.
STRETCH: The bulkier they are, the more annoying it's going to get...
STRETCH: And while it's a deep sleep, you can wake them up by accident.
EERIE: Kinda counterproductive when it's a good time to go to town on them.
STRETCH: It's a real strategy for a reason.
STRETCH: We won't have too many potions-

 

She raises her brow at you, which you pointedly ignore.

STRETCH: For the actual fights
STRETCH: So we'll want to be using that carefully as a natural restore option.
STRETCH: If someone can tag in for him, even better.
STRETCH: Use the time where he's snoozing to get a heal in on someone in back, and switch in.
EERIE: ...buying time.
STRETCH: Exactly.

 

She grins, her enthusiasm carrying over to getting some test damage in on the gloom while he snoozes. He eventually wakes up with a large yawn, impressed at the ssoreness left for him.

FROND: Good job!
FROND: You picked up quick.
EERIE: 'course I did.
STRETCH: Let's carry that over to the actual gym.
STRETCH: Your smog attack-
STRETCH: It's good for blasting a large area, but inefficient.

 

Her smile falls.

EERIE: Isn't that how it works?
STRETCH: Largely yes.

 

You gesture for her to point her finger straight forward at Frond.

STRETCH: But you have some kind of hand casting.
STRETCH: Rare.
STRETCH: Practice enough, and you can direct it way easier.
STRETCH: ....less....friendly fire.
EERIE: Huh.

 

She stares at her hand, opening and closing her claws.

EERIE: Worth a shot.
EERIE: Bout time it's good for anything.

 

Frond doesn't seem to take much damage from the attack, more mystified by the mental effects when it does take hold. You chuck him an antidote to keep him from getting too off track and stupid about strategy, and with time, Eerie gets it relatively consistent...for what it is.

STRETCH: It's a gaseous move, so you are going to miss-
STRETCH: And the chances of it really getting into someone's head aren't guaranteed.
STRETCH: If someone can hold their breath or otherwise prevent absorption, it's not worth it.
STRETCH: Risk won't be worth the reward, most times.
STRETCH: ...but it's in your kit.

 

You're surprised to see her lack of immediate irritation at your critique, a slight smile still on her face.

EERIE: Maybe I won't have to use it someday.
STRETCH: We train you up enough-
STRETCH: For sure.
STRETCH: Just hold out for better techniques.

 

The pair returns to the sparring, focusing on exchanging bone club and swifts.



They actually seem like they're having fun-
And you feel at ease.
In your element.
Calm, even.




But this is training. You doubt the gym would rattle you, but better not to take it for granted now.


Time for the other two.




By the time you get over to the other side, a few things are clear.

Minerva and Filigree are far less experienced than the two you'd just worked with.

They also hit each other like speeding trucks.

You can't help but watch in the slightest bit of awe over the bellsprout keeping up so well with Minerva, but even with them needing significantly more recovery time...

Minerva stumbles with every slam landed, looking just as winded herself if not moreso. You're surprised she's being pushed back so easily, and there's visible frustration on her face- an expression you'd long since come to recognize as a new fighter kicking themself.

STRETCH: Time.

 

Both of them startle, immediately stopping the spar and tripping over themselves in the process.

MINERVA: S-stretch!
MINERVA: How, um!
MINERVA: Long have you been watching...?
STRETCH: Not long.
STRETCH: Just wrapped up with Eerie and Frond.
FILIGREE: How're they doing?
STRETCH: Good.

 

You mean it, too.

STRETCH: They should be fine while I coach you two.

 

Minerva fidgets, embarassed and shy as you approach.

STRETCH: Hey.

 

She struggles to meet your eyes.

STRETCH: You're fine.
STRETCH: Both of you have good techniques for self defense-
STRETCH: And we can use that.
STRETCH: You just need help going on the offensive and using your power better.
STRETCH: ...okay?

 

You hesitate before patting her wing, the golbat's expression softening instantly. Filigree's eyes widen, which you distinctly try to pretend you don't see.

MINERVA: Okay....
MINERVA: I'll try.
STRETCH: And-
STRETCH: Filigree.

 

They straighten out, looking nervous as hell.

STRETCH: You hit hard, but you don't have the speed needed for safe close quarters matches.
STRETCH: ...not directly, anyway.

 

You are painfully aware of the height difference as you have to half-squat next to them, gesturing for their posture just as you had for Eerie.

STRETCH: Stay light on your roots.
STRETCH: Your body is thin- a hard target to hit if you keep moving...
STRETCH: But if people can cover more ground than you.
STRETCH: And they will.
STRETCH: You need to be smarter about where you move and when.
STRETCH: Learn how to predict where your opponent will move-
STRETCH: And when you can subvert their own expectations.
STRETCH: Rushing headlong into things may work in your favor so long as they'd never see it coming.
STRETCH: You have the power to back up any strike you get in.
STRETCH: Don't get hit first.
FILIGREE: Got it.

 

Good, no protest. You get the sense that despite their nerves, you won't have much trouble here- an eager learner is one of the best case scenarios, especially if they take critique.

STRETCH: Going to give you both the same advice I gave Eerie.
STRETCH: Most important thing you can learn is your opponent.
STRETCH: Type identification, move analysis-
STRETCH: Anything you can.
FILIGREE: Sounds like a lot to remember...
STRETCH: Comes easier with practice.
STRETCH: Watch.

 

You hover over to Minerva, pausing before she gives you the okay to touch her.

Taking her claws and pulling her wing carefully away from her body, fully extended, feels strangely intimate despite you trying to stay practical. You've never really been able to do demonstrations so hands-on before, considering how sick your touch makes people.

STRETCH: Minerva's wings allow her to get more air mobility-
STRETCH: But are a huge point of vulnerability.
STRETCH: It's bad sportsmanship to permanently damage wing membrane- so don't do it.
STRETCH: That kind of lasting injury can get the whole team's rank docked.
STRETCH: ...and. Like many other things. It looks bad on TV.
STRETCH: But.
STRETCH: It's going to be a point she's going to try and protect.

 

You fold her wing in, and wrap it around her body.

STRETCH: This is a defensive stance used by bat mons.
STRETCH: Wrapping one's wings around themselves risks a fall, but tightens up profile and keeps them from getting as damaged.
STRETCH: This also means-

 

You grab Minerva around the waist, pinning her wings down in a bear hug. She makes a startled squeak that turns your face flushed, coughing to the side.

STRETCH: T-that-
STRETCH: You can immobilize her.
STRETCH: Minerva, that means you have to be careful getting snared.
MINERVA: S-sounds good!

 

She gives you an embarassed look, her face just as flustered as yours. You immediately unlatch, clearing your throat.


it would be
very easy to suggest a locker room break.


But you are coaching and that is a serious matter and if there is

ONE THING IN THIS WORLD

that gets you to stop thinking with your dick
It's this kind of analysis.



Not that the two were mutually exclusive.


Whatever.


Unfortunately though- you aren't done with Minerva.

STRETCH: The other large threat on a golbat is the mouth.

 

You gesture for her to open it, the bat extremely shy when you motion for her to keep going.

STRETCH: ....fully open is the most comfortable position for a golbat's mouth, which means that it doesn't take much for you to get bit.
STRETCH: Get too close and you can get chomped.
STRETCH: Regardless of type, golbats are capable of
STRETCH: uh
STRETCH: Blood.
STRETCH: Drinking.
STRETCH: Which they can do
STRETCH: Extensively. And very quickly.
STRETCH: You do not want them to do that.

 

Get a grip. Get a grip.

Get a grip.

Oh god, they're staring at you.

FILIGREE: R. Right.
STRETCH: ANYWAY
STRETCH: Your biggest weak points are fragility, as mentioned-
STRETCH: But for whatever reason, you're.
STRETCH: Very bulky.
FILIGREE: ...It's genetic.

 

They do not elaborate.

STRETCH: ...right.
STRETCH: You also don't have very good reach-
STRETCH: Or.
STRETCH: Arms.
STRETCH: But bellsprout leaves are sharp, and they'll get sharper.
STRETCH: ...
STRETCH: What's up with the thorns?
FILIGREE: Also genetic.
STRETCH: Any poison?
FILIGREE: ....

 

The plant looks distinctly self conscious.

FILIGREE: S. Sort of.
FILIGREE: It's-
FILIGREE: ...sorry.
FILIGREE: It won't be useful in battle.

 

Hm.
Doesn't look like pressing them will do any good.

STRETCH: One move in your kit is plenty if you use it right.
STRETCH: Minerva-

 

She snaps out of a daydream, rubbing the back of her head.

MINERVA: I-I'm listening!
STRETCH: Your hip checks are good at knocking people down-
STRETCH: And using body weight for thunder wave is doing you even better.
STRETCH: Stomp comparatively won't do much-
STRETCH: But it's a good get off-
STRETCH: Get-off-OF-me-option.

 

You notice your own breath hitching as you speak.




Analysis.
Analysis.
You're doing analysis.




She's meeting your eyes.




YOU ARE DOING ANALYSIS RIGHT NOW YOU ARE



SO BUSY.

STRETCH: You- have guaranteed knockdown and stun options.
STRETCH: Use. Them.
STRETCH: Yes.
STRETCH: H
STRETCH: Uh

 

Save it.
Save it.
You can do this.
Pivot.
You have to give them equal time.


You swallow.

STRETCH: We're going to do some. Dodging drills.
STRETCH: It'd benefit both of you to work with opponents of different sizes.
STRETCH: So.
FILIGREE: ...you....good-?
STRETCH: Yes.

 

You wince.

STRETCH: S-sorry.
STRETCH: Need to.
STRETCH: Clear my head.
STRETCH: Be right back.
STRETCH: Do, stretches or something-
MINERVA: Of course!

 

The look she gives you makes you regret your wording so, so much.

[skinstealer]

Chugging down your drink nearly makes you choke, mopping sweat from your brow and catching your breath as you lean against the arena's cage.

FROND: Hey-

 

You sputter as you stop staring into space, the gloom approaching you giving a tiny wave.

FROND: You alright, man?

 

What do you even say?
What would-
This is just-

STRETCH: ...
STRETCH: I'm.
STRETCH: Fine.
STRETCH: i guess
FROND: I dunno, can't say that kinda look on your face goes well with guessing.

 

He leans against the cage with you, his smile far less...exuberant than usual.

FROND: ......
STRETCH: ............
FROND: So is it-
STRETCH: it is minerva yes

 

You crunch the plastic bottle in your hand.
Why did you just fucking say that?
Why did-

FROND: S'alright, dude.
FROND: Look-
FROND: ....you know you can talk to me about-

 

The miserable look on your face makes him trail off.

FROND: .....
FROND: You sure you should, like-
FROND: Be jumping into this?
STRETCH: ...no.
STRETCH: I'm-
STRETCH: I'm not sure.
FROND: But...?
STRETCH: .....
STRETCH: She's... very nice.
STRETCH: And- I-

 

You look at your free hand, opening and closing your fingers.

FROND: ....I know, man.
FROND: I know.
FROND: Like, I think- the fact that you're putting yourself out there-
FROND: Is so cool.
FROND: Like, seriously awesome.
FROND: You've totally needed to-
STRETCH: frond
FROND: ....
FROND: Just...
FROND: Come to me if you need it, okay?

 

Why does he...still care?
You'd spent the past...god, ten years? Mostly ignoring him, more and more every year.

Why did



anyone



still care about you?

STRETCH: ...okay.
STRETCH: Right now, I'm-
STRETCH: Adjusting.
STRETCH: To. Things.
FROND: Yeah.
FROND: S'been what, like, three days?
FROND: Mom always told me that this whole, League thing-
FROND: It's a life that moves fast!
FROND: Adventure, fame-
FROND: Getting into trouble...

 

He snickers.

FROND: Kinda a lot for me too.
STRETCH: ...yeah?
FROND: I mean, yeah-
FROND: But I get to talk to you again, too.

 

He pats you on the back before getting back up.

FROND: Cmon, we've still got time on the clock.
FROND: People need a coach!
STRETCH: ....

 

You realize your breath's evened out, hands stopped shaking.

STRETCH: Right.





STRETCH: Okay.
STRETCH: So.

 

The four pokemon front of you are expectant- looking to hear results as everyone munches on oran sandwiches. Minerva and Filigree- thank god- had managed to get through just as much lesson work as Frond and Eerie... albeit far simpler in technique. It figured, for two complete newbies.

STRETCH: Good news.
STRETCH: You're all fit for the gym now.
FROND: WHOOOO
STRETCH: And-
STRETCH: I think we have a decent shot at it.
EERIE: Pff, just decent?
STRETCH: It'd be higher if we knew what we're in for.
STRETCH: But. There's cohesion here.
MINERVA: Really??
STRETCH: More than I thought, yes.
STRETCH: I'll break it down.
STRETCH: I've got the highest numbers here-
STRETCH: But the gap means that we don't know how that works regarding potential.
EERIE: ...how's that work?
STRETCH: You're all the same level now.
STRETCH: We can compare your numbers easier.
STRETCH: Someone having more or less than another person stat-wise when you're on the same playing field is much easier to read.
FILIGREE: ...so...
FILIGREE: Any one of us could be stronger than you?
STRETCH: Possible.
STRETCH: We won't know until it balances out.
STRETCH: Evolution matters a lot here, too.
STRETCH: Minerva, Frond, and myself are going to hit heavier on principle.
STRETCH: ...if that's something any of you want to-
FILIGREE: Yes.
STRETCH: ....we can work on focusing on finding paths towards that.

 

You sigh.

STRETCH: I'll be hanging back in the gym fight.
STRETCH: Audiences don't like curbstomps.
FROND: Dude, you beat Slipper without taking any-
STRETCH: That was not for television.
EERIE: showoff
STRETCH: And I feel like showing what we have as a team would give us a better reputation.
MINERVA: So...should we let ourselves get roughed up?
STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: Don't throw the match.
STRETCH: Give it your all.
STRETCH: But. Don't just wail on the opponents.
STRETCH: A good match has all of its fighters paying attention and keeping pace.
STRETCH: What we focused on today is keeping your eyes on what's happening and adjusting on the fly.
STRETCH: ...that will show us off at our best.

 

You wait for the whispers, the dismissal-




-only to realize everyone's eyes are still on you, even Eerie nodding slightly.





They're actually listening to you.
You'd had fellow students seem to appreciate your help, but-




They respect you.



You.



As their team captain.

EERIE: S'a good move.
EERIE: More coverage we get, the better-
EERIE: And we have to bash some heads in-
FILIGREE: Professionally.
MINERVA: Theatrically.
EERIE: Enthusiastically.
FROND: I think we've got it!

 

Your chest hurts, but not in a bad way.

STRETCH: Right.
STRETCH: Individual reports.
 

STRETCH: I've got bubble and twineedle.
STRETCH: Bubble isn't doing much.
STRETCH: I'm only going to use it in a pinch, or if I can pick up on a type weak to it.
STRETCH: Ideally, we won't need to resort to that.
STRETCH: It's not even all that flashy, so.
STRETCH: Mildly useless.
STRETCH: But-
STRETCH: Twineedle has done very well.
STRETCH: I'm very experienced with it and people like it.
STRETCH: It looks different from the norm-

 

in a way you hate

STRETCH: In a way that people find exciting.
STRETCH: It's registered properly, but has an element of...
FROND: Intrigue?
STRETCH: ...sure.
STRETCH: Intrigue.
 

STRETCH: Eerie, you're a slower fighter and lack experience with the kind of ranged skill needed to make smog work-
EERIE: HEY
STRETCH: But you are bulky enough to take some serious attacks.
STRETCH: At least comparatively.

 

She snorts, accepting this follow-up.

STRETCH: You have experience with the club, especially after today.
STRETCH: The hesitation in frantic situations is something to be careful about, but.
STRETCH: Big progress.
STRETCH: If you focus on the flow of the fight, you'll do good.
STRETCH: ...That said.
STRETCH: We are going to want to be careful about-
STRETCH: Local...associations.
EERIE: What, with the gang shit?
STRETCH: Nn. Yes.
EERIE: Pff.
EERIE: I told you, I'm completely over those guys.
EERIE: Anyone who assumes I'm not can suck it.
STRETCH: As...long as you're careful.

 

STRETCH: Frond, you know what to do.
STRETCH: Use rest strategically.
STRETCH: If you time it and get someone to safely tag in and throw you back out of the ring-
STRETCH: It's a huge asset that a lot of early teams don't have.
STRETCH: But.
STRETCH: Don't knock out too close to the action, if you do that.
STRETCH: League switch rules mean that the mon tagging in would have to resume your position-
STRETCH: So back up if you need to pass out.
STRETCH: Swift will always work as long as you're conscious and able to fight, so use it.
STRETCH: You'll be fine.
FROND: Aye aye, cap'n!

 

STRETCH: Minerva.

 

Focus.

STRETCH: You hit hard.
STRETCH: You have a variety of moves.
STRETCH: Your job is to cause as much damage as possible and bail.
STRETCH: Get people stunned, on the ground, and ready for someone else to take finish off if you need to.
STRETCH: You're going to do good.

 

When you look up to meet her eyes, she's smiling.

Not just in the flirty way, but-



Proud of herself.

STRETCH: Filigree.

 

The bellsprout straightens up again, at attention.

STRETCH: You're a glass cannon.
FILIGREE: ...meaning?
STRETCH: Do damage and don't get hit first.
STRETCH: You're slower, and at risk of being hurt worse than others here.
STRETCH: If you can hit people in weak points and stun them, you'll be more able to outspeed and really work them over.
STRETCH: Even better, if someone else like Minerva knocks them down for you and needs to tag out-
STRETCH: You'll have a good chance of easy victory.
STRETCH: Great potential.
STRETCH: Let's use it.
FILIGREE: ....
FILIGREE: Got it.
FILIGREE: I'll do my best.




STRETCH: Our overall strategy should be paralysis-centric.
STRETCH: We lock down opponents and keep them staggered.
STRETCH: Immobile if we can.
STRETCH: Twineedle and smog can poison, so that's also viable.
STRETCH: As much as possible, opponents should be sick or stunned.
STRETCH: If we can't make that happen, we focus on the members with firepower hitting hard.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Worst case, I could step in and end things.
STRETCH: But.
STRETCH: I would rather everyone get a shot.
STRETCH: We're a team.
STRETCH: The world needs to know that.

 

You aren't expecting Frond to clap, and even less when everyone else joins in.

STRETCH: ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT.
STRETCH: GOOD JOB TEAM
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: thanks
FROND: Well, only one thing left to do-
EERIE: Get all the damn sweat off?
FROND: Two things left!
FROND: We need a team name!
EERIE: Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
FILIGREE: No, he's right-
FILIGREE: We'll need to register the party properly.
FILIGREE: Stretch's already the team captain in practice, but us entering the League and scoring our first badge means we'll all be formally registered as members-
FILIGREE: And can swap out as needed for gym fights and official challenges.
FROND: And we get jerseys!
FILIGREE: They don't have to be jerseys!
MINERVA: Oh, what about capes?
EERIE: I dunno, I'm kind of digging the jersey idea.
STRETCH: ...uniforms and, all of that, can come later.
STRETCH: But-
STRETCH: Yeah.
STRETCH: Team name.
STRETCH: Ah.
STRETCH: Hm.
FROND: How about the one from-
STRETCH: oh god no
FROND: Cmon, you were so proud of it!
STRETCH: frond cmon
FILIGREE: We need something.
MINERVA: I'm sure it's lovely!

 

Your voice comes out deadpan.

STRETCH: We can be.
STRETCH: The "Shooting Stars".
STRETCH: Or something.
EERIE: ...
EERIE: Well, it's better than I was expecting.
MINERVA: Very evocative!
FILIGREE: It's...pretty good, yeah.
FROND: WHOOOOOHOO

 

You are now the captain of The Shooting Stars.










A tent was one thing.
A rented room was another thing.


Minerva grinding against your dick in an out-of-the-way locker room stall was something different entirely.

STRETCH: M-min-
MINERVA: W-we can't go out there like this...
STRETCH: I know, I know, I-

 

You have to cover your mouth as she starts to line herself up. Against your better judgment, Minerva gently leaning on you and whispering that the two of you should probably clean up was all it took. You were practically all over each other as soon as you got into the room, the calmness of the strategy meeting tossed aside to handle both of your tension from earlier.

MINERVA: W-we'll be quick, okay?
STRETCH: Okay, I-

 

You take a deep breath before grabbing her hips, pushing in hard and watching as she has to clamp her own mouth shut.




It's different from either of the times you'd done this, a sort of panicked frenzy to it. Anyone could walk in at any time, you needed to get this done as soon as possible, relief before anyone realized-

MINERVA: pleasei'mreallyclose
STRETCH: It's-
STRETCH: we're already- already pushing it-

 

She tightens around you and you lose it, unable to keep from going at her hard enough for it to be audible, not stopping after the first wave hits you, or the second-

She comes on your chest, gasping for breath as you consider passing out then and there.

It takes you a second before you notice just how wet everything feels, carefully pulling out.

Oh, thank god.

Nothing broke, but- you were pushing it. Tying the condom off fills you with a whole new kind of embarrassment, Minerva wiping off what remains quickly.

STRETCH: hh.
STRETCH: Th.
STRETCH: Thanks.
STRETCH: D. Did need that.
MINERVA: S-same...
MINERVA: I just-
MINERVA: It-
MINERVA: ...scares me, sometimes-
MINERVA: ....you know?
STRETCH: Did I-
MINERVA: No! No, just-
MINERVA: It,it starts feeling so strange, painful even..
MINERVA: ....when I don't do this.
MINERVA: And that feels bad, because-
MINERVA: Not everybody gets it-




 

...oh.


You blink.

MINERVA: It's like I-
MINERVA: I can't stop thinking about this sort of thing-





 

You pull her in with a tight squeeze, latching onto her chest with as much force as you can.






Her breathing slows, and yours follows.





You're gross.
You're a real nasty piece of work.
You just fucked someone you barely know in a locker room hours before your first League fight.
Deviant sex- your parents weren't kidding.
At this point, you're probably too far gone.
You crossed the bridge you swore to never even consider- touching another person, let alone giving in to these feelings.








.....








But maybe Minerva's gross with you.





It's the first time you let the anxiety go, if only for a moment.












You aren't sure how to feel about the fact that you actually make good time on getting back with the rest of the party, both of you seemingly skilled at the fastest panic showers in the world.

....it feels like a secret, but-

Not exactly like the blood thing.

She smiles at you when the team starts walking and chatting, and you kind of wish you could smile back. Your face still feels stiff and difficult to express with, like a mask stuck on far too long to be removed.

You were definitely moving too fast. Even letting yourself feel any kind of glee in this makes you want to throw up, a little bit. Being happy and content with things was never your strong suit, and everything always comes with the caveat of being inevitably ripped out of your hands.


Besides- surely this was going to get in the way of your goal. You can't get to the top if you're railing a party member at any given opportunity.


....so why do you feel so refreshed?

EERIE: So-
EERIE: Why are we doing this now, exactly?
STRETCH: Best time to challenge a gym is when you're warmed up.
FROND: You're already in the zone!!
EERIE: They teach you that in fight school?
FROND: Nah, just something students pass around as a hot tip.
FROND: If you practiced moves before an exam, you'd do way better than doing it soon as you wake up.
STRETCH: And then you pass out for the rest of the day.
FROND: Yeah!
FROND: Best naps ever.
FILIGREE: Let's hope we don't have to get dragged out of there...
MINERVA: Are you worried, Filigree?

 

They nod, adjusting their bag strap as they walk.

FILIGREE: This gym's new, but-
FILIGREE: Regulation says the Pewter gym has a mandatory four gym fighter rule.
FILIGREE: We'll have to go through three challenge fights, and then the leader.
STRETCH: You got any idea what Cleave's deal is?
FROND: Any puzzles, themes, anything?
FILIGREE: ....no.
FILIGREE: Nothing.
FILIGREE: No one does.
MINERVA: But-
MINERVA: Surely there have to be challengers?
FILIGREE: All I know is that they're still using the old registration booth, but the actual gym location's been moved.
FILIGREE: If people are getting badges, they're turning around and leaving as soon as possible, with no details released to the press.
MINERVA: ....
EERIE: .....
EERIE: Well.
EERIE: I don't blame them.
EERIE: Place is a shithole.
EERIE: Doesn't exactly need advertisement.
MINERVA: I-
MINERVA: I am inclined to agree...
FILIGREE: Guess us locals are unanimous.
EERIE: Not exactly a hot take.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: We'll leave as soon as we can, then.
STRETCH: Mt. Moon isn't that far, and-
STRETCH: I'd rather risk a bunch of caves than these punks.

 

You come up to the registration booth, the pigeot inside looking thoroughly bored.

They don't react to you standing there, rolling your eyes and tapping the glass with reverb.

????: F-
????: What?!
STRETCH: Here to register for a fight.
STRETCH: Are there any appointments for-
????: What, one today?

 

They laugh, bitter.

????: I can get you in with an hour's notice.

 

Filigree looks particularly troubled, and you can't blame them.

STRETCH: Standard turnaround's three hours on a slow day.
????: Yeah, and the wait here is nonexistent.
????: Cough up a thousand and you're in.

 

You slide the coins across the counter, the pidgeot barely bothering to count them. Your antennae twitch as you overhear the nearby, growing snicker at your apparently surprising entry.

????: Think we can get in to see this?
????: No chance, they think they've got the right to be picky on who's in the seats.
????: Beggars can't be choosers! Stations won't even broadcast the matches!
????: Last I hear, they might actually push for it-
????: Bringing the freakshow right to your couch-

 

Your antennae are crackling, biting the inside of your lip.

MINERVA: ...Stretch?
STRETCH: H
STRETCH: I.

 

You're getting looks, but the feeling of inexplicable anger building in your chest numbs your self consciousnes as you take your tickets.

STRETCH: Have a bad feeling about this.

 

The group walks away, getting some distance. You're surprised to see Frond as just as irritated, a rare scowl on his face.

FROND: ...gonna be one of these, then.
MINERVA: ...one of what, exactly?
FROND: Someone up top playing dirty.
FROND: League gyms get put under a lot more scrutiny.
FROND: Usually all gets slapped on TV and the radio, helps build hype for challengers going further into the circuit.
FROND: Public image's just as important for a gym as getting exciting fights on the air.
FROND: Local circuits?
FROND: Now that's good ol' family values!
FROND: Community members. The guy down the street!
FROND: Heroes right in your neighborhood!
FROND: The League-
FROND: It's not just for "serious" people.
FROND: It's for people willing to put it all on the line, even a sense of "decency."
FROND: It's always been an adult sport.
FROND: It's violent.
FROND: Wardrobe malfunctions mid-fight. Battlers caught in affairs on camera.
FROND: There's blood, puke, personal feuds gone wrong.
FROND: God knows me and Stretch caught flack for wanting to specifically go into it versus some kind of smaller, southwest Kanto circuit.
FROND: League challengers, gym battlers, they're broadcasted and pried into and-
FROND: ....
FROND: Anything goes if it lines pockets.
FROND: That's why-

 

He doesn't continue the thought, huffing to himself before changing gears.

FROND: ....if this new gym is getting censored, something's up and I don't like it.
 

---

 

Our heroes have reached the first major hurdle in their journey... but what could possibly be waiting for them in the Pewter City gym? Even with their newfound strategies and bonds as a team, can they bring their best to rise to the top?

Suggesters...with Stretch as the team leader, it's up to you what kind of pep talk it gives here!

Find out next time...on SPACE CASE!

[DanZapman]

I'm sure everything will be fine and normal. Also it'll be interesting if Frond ever has to fight a ghost.

[Aabcehmu]

Reminding everyone that they've seen what each other can do, and that includes their weaknesses as well as their strengths, and that they've got each other's backs whether that's in battle or when some bullshit shows up to make things complicated seems like a good thing to include?

[Info Mantis]

Hype everyone up by reminding them of their successes in battle! (Make something up for Filigree if you have to having Not Really Battled Yet)

[knux400]

Reinforce and restate the strategy you came up with in training, and make sure everyone knows their roles and can trust each other.

[Headful_of_Eyeballs]

Tell everyone a bunch of profound and motivational sounding nonsense and hope they don't realize that you're just making it up as you go

[skinstealer]

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!
Training done, the League awaits...why has the gym's new management caused such a ruckus in Pewter City? No new information could be found...but now it's time to get down to it!

Let's get serious and find out what's going down in:

EPISODE 5: PEWTER GYM (PT. 1)

---

EERIE: ....
EERIE: Are you sure this is the-

 

You look up at the number on the building, and then thhe nearby street sign.

You look back at the paper in your hand.

And then again

and again.

STRETCH: Yes.

 

Your team is standing in a back alley off of a less traveled street.

The door corresponding with the address given is basement level, down a short set of steps and decorated with pumpkin shaped string lights. 

There is a makeshift gym insignia on side of the building, as well as a "NEWLY OPENED!" sign.

FILIGREE: ...wow.
FROND: Isn't the League...supposed....to give them-
FILIGREE: A budget?
STRETCH: Yes.
MINERVA: ...that's...not good, is it?
EERIE: No, it's a great first impression.
EERIE: Can't wait to get my shit kicked in due to a badly placed strip of duct tape.

 

Everyone looks

so unsure.

Worried, maybe even scared.

You brought them here, you're the team coach. The team captain.

You should say something comforting.

STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: We work with what we have.

 

Shit.

STRETCH: And-
STRETCH: I'm
STRETCH: Sure it will be.
STRETCH: fine.

 

ohhhh you are so fucking bad at this.

EERIE: ....I sure hope so. 
MINERVA: All we can do is our best.
FROND: What are we waiting for, then?!

 

He's already hopping down the steps.

STRETCH: fuck's sake

 

You all hustle behind. Filigree nearly tripping down the steps with their shorter limbs.




Inside the gym, is-

FROND: Dude!
FROND: It's a bar!

 

You wince as he gets so excited, motioning for him to lower the volume.

STRETCH: please be quiet before you make a scene.

 

Your efforts to quiet him are in vain, pokemon of all kinds turning to face you all


in your very conspicuous battle uniforms.

????: ....
????: Holy shit, the loudspeaker was right.

 

A raichu rises to their feet, raising a glass.

????: We got some for real!

 

The bar claps and cheers, sounding completely unlike any battle audience you've ever heard. Something about it feels...different.

????: PEWTER'S GOT SOME CHAMPS!

 

The cheering gets louder.

STRETCH: ah
FROND: ...dude...
FILGREE: They think we're heroes. 
MINERVA: If the gym's been doing so badly, then we might as well be....

 

Eerie can't help but grin.

EERIE: I won't say no to some recognition.
STRETCH: H-
STRETCH: Hey

 

You gently tap the bone on her side.

STRETCH: careful.

 

Her grin disappears, moving her hand to cover it.

EERIE: ....Right.

 

A crowd materializes and pushes you along to the far end of the bar, a fancy elevator standing out like a sore thumb.

????: Head on down! 
????: You've already got some good folks down there live-
????: But we'll all root for you-

 

The raichu points to a goddamn sports TV.

????: Right up here!
STRETCH: H
????: Don't eat shit!

 

Everyone applauds as your team steps inside.

FILIGREE: Into the belly of the beast, I guess.

 

Frond punches the singular button pointing down, and off you go.




The doors open.
The scent of dust and incense hits you immediately.




A figure steps forward.

????: Welcome to the Pewter City Gym.


 

The pokemon in front of you bows, a floating, lithe figure of a completely unidentifiable species. His head is round and covered by a balaclava, completely featureless other than a wispy ring of something golden and gaseous seeping out from underneath. A beautiful, antique dress swishes gently with his back-and-forth sways, decorated with spiderweb embroidery and lacy edges. His posture sways, his fishnet-covered legs accentuating the unsteady hovering.

????: My name is Caress!
CARESS: The Shooting Stars, isn't it?
STRETCH: ...that's us.
CARESS: Wonderful! 
CARESS: Just wonderful.
CARESS: It is lovely to meet you all.

 

Your attempt at analyzing your greeter is interrupted.

EERIE: Holy shit.

 

Eerie and the others have been busy looking at their environment, initially lost in your tunnel vision.

STRETCH: Ah.

 

You are in a large, open space with tunnel-like hallways in all directions- in front of you, to the left, to the right- all with incredibly tall ceilings, and judging by the fact that you can't make out a roof of this opening section-

CARESS: Isn't it beautiful?
CARESS: The bar our group purchased many years ago was built on top of old mining tunnels.
CARESS: Getting permits for such a thing were far easier than expected..

 

He laughs, his sleeve leaving afterimages as he covers his mouth.

CARESS: But I doubt they expected these renovation plans!
FILIGREE: How...deep does it go?
CARESS: Deep enough to function as our gym, as well as housing for our staff and community efforts.
CARESS: The underground life doesn't suit everyone, but for those who need refuge away from the harshness, of, well...

 

His eyes flick to Eerie's hip.

CARESS: The current situation
CARESS: It's quite nice.
MINERVA: ....

 

Minerva wanders the opening area, examining the walls and floors. It's decorated to resemble a manor of some kind- albeit some kind of likely-abandoned, haunted one.

MINERVA: I wish I had known about this...
CARESS: Unfortunately, our outreach has had to be rather covert up until establishing ourselves as a gym.
CARESS: Getting the League's backing puts us on the map as a point of interest, as well as an ideal space to meet those making this sort of bold life decision.
CARESS: Or, it would-
FROND: If they weren't stonewalling you.
CARESS: Someone's done their homework.
STRETCH: There wasn't much to study.
STRETCH: ...which told us plenty.
CARESS: Yes, our abnormal scenario is...
CARESS: It's something we're hoping to change.
CARESS: In fact-!

 

He claps his hands.

CARESS: You've come at a perfect time!
CARESS: This week is the first we've been able to work out a proper deal with the local broadcasting stations.
CARESS: You'll be our first live challengers.

 

You can't help but feel your nerves spike, more than you'd like.


You came here to get to the top.
This is a part of that.

FROND: WHOO!
FROND: We're gonna be on TV after all!
EERIE: Good.

 

Eerie glances over at Caress, meeting his suspicious eyes.

EERIE: Gives us a chance to prove ourselves.

 

Caress's eyes narrow unpleasantly, his voice still cheery- but strained, this time.

CARESS: See to it that you do.
CARESS: Our gym requests no punches be pulled.
STRETCH: We'll give you our all.
STRETCH: ....nothing less.

 

He nods, walking down a side hallway and gesturing for you to follow.

CARESS: The manor is structured as follows:
CARESS: You'll proceed down these hallways.
CARESS: In each hallway, you'll be presented with a challenge.
CARESS:
FROND: ...where's the live audience gonna be?
CARESS: Rest assured, they can see everything. 
CARESS: One way mirrors are very in vogue!

 

Minerva can't help but laugh nervously.

MINERVA: E-even now?
CARESS: No, not until you enter the first test.
CARESS: Trust me-
CARESS: You'll know!
CARESS: Once you clear a hallway, you'll see an elevator like the one you came in.
CARESS: You can either go up to quit your challenge, or further down to proceed to a battle.
CARESS: You have three challenges and three battles to clear, and if you succeed-
CARESS: A fight with Cleave is guaranteed!
CARESS: Does that sound acceptable?
STRETCH: ...yeah.
STRETCH: Easy enough.
CARESS: Marvelous.

 

He unlocks a room off to the side, waving for you to enter with a flourish.

CARESS: Inside you will find your waivers, rules, and regulations.
CARESS: Once finished, please meet with me one at a time outside in this hall.
EERIE: One at a time...?
FILIGREE: Why, exactly?
CARESS: You'll see in the paperwork!

 

Eerie grumbles as you all file inside, clearly displeased with such a noncommittal answer. 


The room inside is an elaborate parlor, lit by a fireplace and wall sconces.

MINERVA: Oh, it's lovely!

 

She bounces excitedly onto one of the larger couches- supporting her weight just fine despite how old it appears. The golbat pats the seat next to her, getting you to nab some papers as you shyly scoot over.


Filigree sits on the ground, Eerie taking a chair next to them. Frond flops directly in front of the fire, rolling around for a moment.

EERIE: What are you...doing?
FROND: I never get to be near fireplaces!
FROND: Mom always said they were bad for me.
STRETCH: ....you're an ice type.
FROND: Preeeeetty sure the ground thing neutralizes it. 
STRETCH: It doesn't.

 

You start in on your paperwork, gently leaning on Minerva to ease your nerves. You don't have to look up to know she's smiling, and while you'd usually be self conscious as fuck over any of it, you know that quelling your anxiety is your biggest priority. 

Standard injury clauses, information about entrance fee, refunds, dress code...

Move registration, limitations on usage, stat and typing checks....

Lawyer speak, lawyer speak, lawyer speak-

EERIE: ....hey.

 

She leans down to Filigree, pointing out a clause in the paperwork.

EERIE: The fuck does that mean.

 

The bellsprout pushes their leaf-hair out of the way, squinting.

FILIGREE: It says...uh-
FILIGREE: ....
FILIGREE: Oh.
MINERVA: What?
MINERVA: What is it?

 

Filigree points it out on her own paperwork, the bat holding a wing to her face and giggling.

MINERVA: Oh! Oh, this is-
MINERVA: This will be fun!
FROND: Fun? 
FROND: Is it something cool?

 

Once he reads it, he laughs loud enough to make you jump.

FROND: No way!
EERIE: Hey, seriously-
FROND: I would have thought-
EERIE: Just tell me!

 

You squint and find where everyone's fussing about.





....while the gym's intent is not to titilate or arouse, some may find the BDSM-inspired strategies presented here....

STRETCH: you have got to be kidding me
EERIE: It stands for WHAT
FROND: Look, they have a safeword system and everything-
STRETCH: How the fuck do you know wh-
FROND: I like internet searching like anybody else!
EERIE: Let me-
EERIE: Let me get this straight.
EERIE: EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM KNOWS ABOUT WHAT THIS IS
EERIE: EXCEPT ME

 

No one says a word, the rhyhorn putting her head in her claws.

EERIE: Oh my god, I'm surrounded by perverts.

 

Filigree taps her knee, pointing to the next clause.

FILIGREE: ....look here.
FILIGREE: They- they have precautions.
FILIGREE: If you want to change to a more standard battling experience, they...offer that.
FILIGREE: ....never heard of somewhere offering that before....

 

You raise your brows, the bellsprout panicking a little.

FILIGREE: B-but!
FILIGREE: It- it means if you don't want, the, theme-
FILIGREE: ...you don't have to.
FILIGREE: And we all get collective input on what's allowed and what isn't.
FILIGREE: It's- bold, as a decision.
FILIGREE: Most gyms would never allow such flexibility.

 

Eerie's leg jiggles, the rhyhorn letting out an irritated snort.

EERIE: So.
EERIE: I can opt out of-
EERIE: Whatever this is.
EERIE: Getting my ass tied up and beat or any of this other freak shit.
FILIGREE: it's a little more complicated than that
EERIE: And y'all get to go on and do the "intended experience"
EERIE: Bullshit. I want the same treatment as everyone else.
EERIE: The ghost guy said it himself.
EERIE: He wants people who-

 

She makes air quotes with her claws.

EERIE: Don't hold back!
EERIE: And he had the nerve to look at me like I'm-!

 

She crosses her arms.

EERIE: I can take whatever-
EERIE: Whatever this is.
EERIE: I've been through worse!




 

....





You have to fully press your cheek against Minerva's shoulder to steady your racing heart.



BDSM themed. BDSM themed.


The fuck are you supposed to do about that?


That- 




It's-



Come on.



It'd be fine.



You're here to win.

You're here to win.

Here to win.

To the top. 

Game face.

Come on.







BDSM wasn't even something you were interested in. 


That'd be- 
that'd be too far.




You feel the tiniest twinge of pain in your back, and have to take a deep breath.



Blood drinking is different.

The B doesn't stand for blood.




Besides, that was practical for Minerva.



And-

The sex helped you level up.
It was completely practical training.
In fact, it had gone so well and was so tactically sound that you wouldn't even have to engage much with this BDSM thing.





You're a genius.



Top of your class.





Minerva leans over.

MINERVA: What an intriguing start to our journey...
MINERVA: Aren't you excited?
STRETCH: H
STRETCH: Y
STRETCH: Yeah.
STRETCH: Should be good.
FROND: And we get to show people how cool we are on TV!
EERIE: Dude just wants to get punted for fun, said as much at the training grounds.
FROND: I'm sure I'll be very good at it.
FILIGREE: If nothing else.....
FILIGREE: I like the vibe of this place.
FILIGREE: They're trying something new.
FILIGREE: Not a lot of gyms are this...
FILIGREE: Radical.
FROND: An entrance to remember!

 

You look up from the paper, its words long since blurred in front of you.


Everyone looks


happy.

Excited.


Even Eerie.






Why are-




Your chest hurts.




....why does looking at them make you feel just a little more at ease?

EERIE: Welp, I'm all ready to go.
EERIE: I'll take first turn with the weird ghost guy.
FROND: Me next!

 

Eerie takes her papers and heads out the door, the rest of you turning back to your own.




Frond leaves next.






Then Filigree.






Minerva rises from her seat, gently removing you from her shoulder.

MINERVA: Will you be okay to-
STRETCH: Yeah.
STRETCH: I'm
STRETCH: Almost done.


 

She gives you that smile of hers, patting you on the head. 



The warmth helps.


The door closes behind her, leaving you to stare at the last clause of the forms.

CARESS: Are you ready?
STRETCH: ....yes.

 

You inhale, keeping your voice as steady and professional as possible, the words memorized over the last ten minutes.

STRETCH: I consent to exposure to all listed risks and challenges.
STRETCH: I consent to potential harm to my mind and body.
STRETCH: I consent to being filmed and broadcasted.
STRETCH: I consent to my image being used in promotion, archival, and other gym-related purposes.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: I consent to all BDSM-related aspects of the gym challenge.
CARESS: Any limitations?

 

You swallow.

STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: N-
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: I don't
STRETCH: want to be-

 

The words come out as a whisper, Caress listening with care.

CARESS: That's simple enough. 
CARESS: I promise you-
CARESS: That won't come up.
CARESS: And as listed in the forms-
STRETCH: ....this won't be shared.
CARESS: I promise. Legally binding.
STRETCH: .....thank you.


 

The rest of your group is waiting in the lobby, locked in conversation.
They only turn when Minerva waves.

FROND: You all good, dude?
EERIE: What took 'ya?
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: I was being thorough.
CARESS: And there's nothing wrong with that.
CARESS: And with that, your preferences have been recorded-
CARESS: Last thing!
CARESS: As noted in the paperwork, you will only be allowed tag-outs with the use of a specific word or phrase.
CARESS: Once you use it, you are out of the match-
CARESS: But considering the nature of our challenges, using them will be necessary.
CARESS: Standard switch rules otherwise apply. 
CARESS: You must mutually declare your tag unless the battling mon is unable to do so for themselves, be it due to an inability to fight or a condition like sleep.
CARESS: You must replace them in their exact position, regardless of what attacks are incoming.
CARESS: Use of throwing, tossing, sliding, mobility devices and aids, use of moves, etcetera, in an effort to get on and off the field is permitted so long as party members are switched efficiently.
CARESS: Failure to do so will lead to penalties, and possible disqualification.
CARESS: So!
CARESS: Your safewords, please.
MINERVA: Pudding for me! 
EERIE: Going with marigold. 
FROND: Parasol!
FILIGREE: Apricot.
STRETCH: ...Tractor.
EERIE: Du-
CARESS: Remember!
CARESS: No mockery!
CARESS: You all signed the forms.

 

Eerie immediately shuts up.

EERIE: ...cool word. Good job.
CARESS: Much better!


 

---

 

With strange regulations and deep rooted fear in its heart, Stretch is face to face with more than a few primal anxieties...will it survive its biggest challenge yet? 

 

No suggestions this time, folks- this is a FIVE PARTER! 

Find out next time...on SPACE CASE!

[skinstealer]

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!
The first League gyym...with zero idea what they're in for, the Shooting Stars have officially begun their challenge!

Waivers signed, strange conditions agreed to- into the hall they go...

EPISODE 5: PEWTER GYM (PT. 2)
 

---

The first hall feels endless. 



No matter how much you walk down its candlelit carpet, nothing changes-








-rows and rows of doors.

FROND: ....sooooo
FROND: The challenge started, right?
EERIE: Dude said it would as soon as we entered the hall.
FILIGREE: There's nothing here, though.
FILIGREE: ....just a lot of identical, unmarked doors.

 

You pause, looking over the one to your left.

Unmarked, yes.



And then crossing the hall to the right.

Identical...

STRETCH: They're not the same.
EERIE: ...huh?

 

You gesture for everyone to come over.

STRETCH: Look.

 

Upon looking closer, there's a scratched symbol on each doorknob- barely visible until you deliberately checked.

STRETCH: Diamond on one, triangle on the other.
STRETCH: W-

 

Frond is already running to check more doors.

FROND: SQUARE!!!
FILIGREE: H-hey, wait up!









STRETCH: ....six symbols, repeating.
MINERVA: Stands to reason that it's one per party member, wouldn't it? 
MINERVA: Should we split up?
EERIE: Yeah, and end up in some kind of spike pit. 
STRETCH: It's that or keep walking.
STRETCH: Everyone pick a door.
















 

You are now Eerie.


You picked the diamond door.


You have thankfully not ended up in a spike pit-








-but this ridiculous slide sending you tumbling ass over teakettle doesn't feel much better.

EERIE: FUCKING
EERIE: DOGSHIT
EERIE: WHY

 

You land directly on your stomach when you hit the ground, swearing violently as you get to your feet.

EERIE: Fff-
EERIE: The fuck do these people get off-

 

Your eyes widen.




You are surrounded by more plastic tubes, leading any which way.

EERIE: ....Oh, I get it.
EERIE: I got the clownshoes bullshit door.
EERIE: Awesome.

 

You stomp around the clearing you've ended up in, the floor padded with some kind of foam mats.

EERIE: No sign of the way out.
EERIE: Fantastic.

 

Think.
Fucking.
Just think.

You cannot be the last one to get out of here-



God, they'd make fun of you so bad.



That prick-


Stretch would look down on you even MORE if you couldn't make it out of this.







What if there was- some kind of hidden timer?


You snort, going directly for the one in front of you. 


It's a straight tube, big enough to climb through if you get on your hands and knees. Your back plating occasionally scrapes the ceiling, sending a wave of irritation with every grating noise.

Stupid. 
Stupid. 
How is this even theatric?
Just a rhyhorn stuck in a tube. Yippee!




You fall onto another mat clearing, far less dramatically this time.







....More pipes, in all directions.

EERIE: COME ON.

 

You struggle to catch your breath, panting in frustration.
Before you can stop yourself, you grab your club and swing it at one of the pipe entrances, only for the vibration echoing back through the club and into your hand.

You drop the club, snarling.

You just got into the first gym challenge. 
The first challenge, of the first gym.

And you're blowing it.


Of course you are.

You thought you could do this- hah, fat chance!



You didn't even get to do fancy shmancy self defense courses, just some barebones credits at a podunk college-




.....




.................



But you did get training earlier today.
Stretch-
During your practice, it had told you to slow down.


You make all these. Stupid impulse decisions when you get stressed.
You panic.



Focus.




Focus. 


Analyze. Look for the weak points.


You stand up.

Four tunnels. 

One in front of you.
One to your left, one to your right.




....and one directly up above you, ladder rungs up inside.


Ahhh, that's it. Those motherfuckers thought you wouldn't look up.
Joke's on them. 
You're the smart one today, assholes.
You came down the slide to get here- 
So clearly! If you go back up, you'll get to- to the hallway or something.
Maybe you just got the shitty door.  Like, one door was specifically meant to torture you.
The way that guy Caress looked at you, you wouldn't be surprised!


You take a few deep breaths before jumping up, managing to scramble for the first ladder run and haul yourself onto it like your life depends on it.





....


You have now discovered a fear of heights.


Why the- WHY


You're BARELY OFF THE GROUND





STUPID MOTHER-


You're trembling as you reach for the next rung, your limited claw grip feeling all the more dangerous than usual. 
Did anyone think of that? Oh, no. You had two claws and a thumb, surely that'd be enough. As if you didn't have to bust your ass just to hold a fucking pen back when you went to school!
That bitch Minerva- she didn't even have thumbs, but she clearly knew how to use what she had- had to have gone to a fancy school with that big ol' sack of cash she must have back home with mommy and daddy-



The next two rungs make you want to throw up. 




You didn't even get a proper pen grip. 
And here you are. Expected to climb a ladder in a terrible plastic tube. 
All by yourself!
Just like all the other shit NO ONE helped you with!
Of course!



If you close your eyes, it becomes a little easier- up until you almost slip, and are pretty sure you'll never blink again in your entire life out of pure fear.




How high up were you? 
Would you die if you fell?

No, the mats-

But you're covered in rock. What if something shattered?

Sure, it took drilling to get the hoops in-





Your hand touches flat ground, and that's all you need to scramble onto the landing. 





You didn't realize you were hyperventilating before now.




The landing is plenty big to hold you, similar in size to the clearing from below. 

However-





There's only two tubes this time.

One directly in front of you- a slide leading down. You know. Where you just came from.




....and another ladder tube above your head.

EERIE: FUCK
EERIE: Y-

 

Your voice shakes.

EERIE: You-
EERIE: You have to be joking-

 

You look back and forth between the tubes.
This is fucking insane.


Go forward and

end up right back where you started. 


Go up and-




No. 
You have to keep going. 


Up's the only way that makes sense. 


Why would you go all the way back down?






That's the quitter route. You're no fucking quitter. 


You clamber up to the second ladder. 









You're halfway through before you feel your shoulders start to hurt. 

You're strong, but your body is heavy.

All of the rock weighing on you feels less like armor and more like a horrible burden with every reach. 


Your limbs are stubby, fucking useless-


Range of motion limited, thigh and shoulder plating digging scratches into the plastic around you. 


Your nose horn thumping against rungs if you weren't careful, even hooking into them when you rushed.







It hurts.

The second landing is the same as the first.

EERIE: Wh-
EERIE: What-
EERIE: Is this-?

 

Was this a part of the BDSM thing? 
This is- sadism, right? 
This is sadistic. 
Making you go through something like this-




Everyone was probably pointing and fucking laughing. 
Live TV, they said!
One way mirrors! 
Bet the perverts in the crowd were LOVING watching a rhyhorn with her ass out in a tube right now!




You slam yourself into the tube overhead.




You're practically rabid this time.
They can't win. 
They can't beat you- it's a stupid fucking playplace.
Just some dumbass-



Your hand nearly slips, and you don't care. You keep grabbing.




More and more near falls. Who cares.



Your foot slips, your grip only saved by hooking your horn deliberately under a rung.



The impact reverberates in your skull.



It hurts.
It hurts so fucking bad. 
Every part of your body is screaming.








you want to go home.
you never should have left.






You can barely breathe. 





you never had the choice. 




You stare down the tube in front of you. 

You're close to collapse at this point, panting and wheezing and snarling.

There's more up above.



You have to be close now.

 

You-

EERIE: I-
EERIE: I can't-
EERIE: i can't do it-




 

You manage to drag yourself forward





and roll into the tube slide.







You aren't even sure why you did it.
Maybe you are a quitter.



Good for nothin', that's what your dad told you.




Proved him right. 





It-













You let out a gasp as you fall onto a far, far more squishier mat- almost bed-like.

Confetti falls on your head.

EERIE: Wh-
CARESS: Congratulations!!

 

His voice comes over a filtered loudspeaker, tinny and almost gramophone-esque.

CARESS: You chose to-
EERIE: FUCK YOU MAN
CARESS: -choose the route of not wearing yourself into the ground!
EERIE: THE FUCK KIND OF CHALLENGE
CARESS: Please wait in the rest area for your team to rejoin you!

 

The rest area is a simple room with couches, similar to the parlor. You're seething, ready to slam something as you walk in-

FILIGREE: Hey.
EERIE: F-
EERIE: Scared me!
FILIGREE: oh
FILIGREE: Uh

 

They fold their leaves, sitting a bit more cautiously.

FILIGREE: Sorry.
EERIE: ....
EERIE: ...s'whatever.

 

You flop into a larger chair, groaning.

EERIE: Please tell me your challenge was really stupid.
FILIGREE: ....more or less.
FILIGREE: It was some sort of...
FILIGREE: Spinning disc, with a button in the center.
FILIGREE: It started up while I was crossing it, and got fast enough to knock me down. 
FILIGREE: If I got back up-

 

They make a splat motion with their leaves.

FILIGREE: Right to the wall.
EERIE: Eesh.
FILIGREE: Yeah.
FILIGREE: But- I could see the button, and a locked door straight across from where I came in.
EERIE: ....how'd you do it, then?
FILIGREE: Well....
FILIGREE: First few times, didn't work out. 
FILIGREE: Just kept getting thrown back.
FILIGREE: I tried running, jumping....
FILIGREE: ...eventually I just-
FILIGREE: Crawled on.
FILIGREE: I had to drag myself so slow-
FILIGREE: And it was dizzying, the force of it....
FILIGREE: But taking it one scoot at a time let me hit it.
FILIGREE: Got easier the closer I got to the center, and then I could just. Go. 
EERIE: ...huh.

 

The bellsprout shrugs.

FILIGREE: ....I feel like trash, though.
EERIE: You and me both. 
FILIGREE: ....yours, then?
EERIE: Tch-
EERIE: Wasn't-!
EERIE: Y'know, it was-
EERIE: ....

 

You sigh, your voice exhausted.

EERIE: I had to climb up some damn tubes.
FILIGREE: ....uh huh.
EERIE: And slide down a slide.
FILIGREE: Right.
EERIE: And it hurt a lot.
FILIGREE: Getting that impression so far, yeah. 
EERIE: I-
MINERVA: I- I did it!

 

The golbat stumbles out of her exit with a wheeze, covered in sweat.

MINERVA: Y-

 

She listens to the loudspeaker- getting the same message- and heads over.

Her flop onto the nearby lounge is even more heavy than yours.

MINERVA: yyyyay
EERIE: ....
FILIGREE: .....
FILIGREE: So, uh-
MINERVA: They- 
MINERVA: They put me in a tube!
MINERVA: A really fast tube!
EERIE: Yeah, this place seems obsessed with the whole.
EERIE: Tube thing.
MINERVA: i want to sleep forever

 

She faceplants into a pillow, not elaborating further.






It's awkward as the two of you sit there.



Frond should be out of there soon.


Little guy can tank anything, so, like-
Should be easy.



Could probably plow right through.






Your thoughts are interrupted as another door slams open, Stretch eating shit so fantastically into the mats that it puts your dismount to shame.

STRETCH: ugfhgfgfhhhhh
CARESS: Congratulat-
STRETCH: pleeease no more

 

It takes a solid minute before dragging itself back up, posture slumped and brushing off-


Were those plastic balls?


Stretch's skin is crackling as it enters the room, teeth gritted.

EERIE: You look like sh-
STRETCH: Not.
STRETCH: A.
STRETCH: Word.

 

It looks around, taking in the three of you.

STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Where's Frond?

 

Filigree shrugs, Minerva still out cold.

EERIE: Thought he'd be out by now.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Nn.
STRETCH: Okay.

 

The electabuzz opts into leaning against the wall, staring at the last remaining door.

EERIE: ...so
EERIE: You two are like, friends, right?
STRETCH: ...

 

Its stare doesn't break.

EERIE: Earth to-
STRETCH: He'll make it.

 

Its tail tip lashes, antennae blinking every so often.



You wait.





It feels like forever before the gloom steps through, jumping directly into his mat with a pose.

FROND: WHOO-

 

He freezes, seeing you all waiting for him.

FROND: Ah-
FROND: Oh man, how about-
FROND: Those challenges, right? 
FROND: Haha
FROND: Yeah!
STRETCH: ...are you okay?
FROND: Never better!

 

The closer he gets, the more you pick up the distinct whiff of rot.

EERIE: Eugh-!
FROND: Wh-
FROND: Oh, sorry-
FROND: Happens when I get pumped up, haha!

 

Stretch's eyes narrow, approaching the gloom.

STRETCH: Let me take a look.

 

It examines the gloom as much as it can without touching, pulling back after a moment.

STRETCH: Bit banged up. 
FROND: Happens when you go hard!
STRETCH: ...right.

 

The speaker interrupts your little first aid session.

CARESS: Shooting Stars!
CARESS: Are you ready to proceed to your first fight?
STRETCH: ...

 

It looks around at you all, its stare just as freaky as usual.

STRETCH: Yes.
STRETCH: We're present and ready to go.
CARESS: Excellent!

 

The elevator door in front of you opens.

CARESS: Come forward!
CARESS: Meet your opponent!
EERIE: Finally.

 

It's a smooth ride down, though the amount of time it takes worries you.





How deep does this mine even go?





The lift stops.


The door opens.



There's a short set of steps-






-opening into a large, antiquated ballroom.



Caress floats in the center of the field, arms crossed.

FILIGREE: ...you're our first opponent?
CARESS: Well of course!
CARESS: Consider this the final gauge of your limitations.
EERIE: ....

 

You seethe at him, looking so smug.

CARESS: You all completed the challenge- congratulations.
EERIE: Some challenge-
EERIE: What was even the point of all that?!
CARESS: Mm.

 

He stares you down.

CARESS: The path considered "normal" often leads to suffering by those failed by it.
CARESS: Even with a sense of triumph, of doing things the "right" way-
CARESS: You're sweating, sore...
CARESS: To expend all of one's energy, all for appearing "strong"...
CARESS: Doesn't it hurt?
CARESS: I'm sure a rest, not having to worry about anything at all-
CARESS: Would feel so good right now.

 

The balaclava-clad pokemon snaps his wrists, gaseous clouds solidifying into whip-like beams.

 

CARESS: Why don't we get a little lesson in self care?

 

 

Stretch steps up-

EERIE: HEY
EERIE: I've got a bone to pick with you, buddy!
CARESS: ...interesting phrasing!
CARESS: Please.
CARESS: I would love to take you on. 
EERIE: Feeling's mutual!
EERIE: COME ON!

 

 

It only takes a moment before you're knocked backwards, the piercing sound of a whip cracking the only indication the only sound of anything happening at all.


Your eyes widen.


Your arm is completely bound, wrist against your shoulder, a gaseous ring tightening a bit above your elbow. 


You can't move it at all beyond ineffectual, tied up flailing- like a baby bird's undeveloped wing.

CARESS: I told you-
 

 

The other arm, struggling to keep balance as both of your upper limbs are rendered useless.

CARESS: You're here to be taught a lesson.

 

He darts around you, floating at speeds far beyond what you'd be capable even on a good day.






]You fall on your face, horn slamming into the mats as he lashes your left leg- knee bent, foot against your ass.

CARESS: Pushing yourself to your limits, past the extent of your body-
CARESS: Pointless!

 

Angry spit starts to build in your mouth, your chest heaving.

 

 

Your other leg pulls tight, forcing you into a desperate crawl-

You can't even cover ground like this. 
You wouldn't even be able to make it up




a long horrible ladder



a single stair, onto a bed, anything!



Forced to- 




Forced to lay here-

CARESS: You are, in this instant-
CARESS: Mine!
CARESS: Accept the futility!

 

CARESS: Accept it-
CARESS: Or use your safeword!
EERIE: NEVER
CARESS: Then face me!
CARESS: Brute strength is hopeless against these binds!
CARESS: The more you struggle-

 

CARESS: The tighter they get!
CARESS: Bound not by these whips-

 

They burn your skin, digging into the soft areas between your armor- 




right where Stretch had warned you not to get caught.

CARESS: But your own recklessness!
CARESS: Your neglect!




 

You should have listened.

CARESS: How does it feel?!
CARESS: To be forced to consider more than just striking, to exhaust yourself!


 

You feel dizzy.


Your head is swimming.


You were already pushing it from earlier.





It



You can't



You can't lose here


Anything but-



The word feels dry on your tongue.

EERIE: M-
 

EERIE: MARIGOLD-
EERIE: I TAG IN MINERVA!
MINERVA: H-HUH?
CARESS: THERE you go!
CARESS: Accept your limitations!
CARESS: You cannot do this alone!
 

Minerva's on her feet, rushing for the field-

Your bindings breaking as you tap claws.

MINERVA: Go!
MINERVA: Y-you can rest!

 

You huff as you haul yourself back to the edge of the field.

Your elbows and knees hurt.

....


But-


Minerva is instantly hit with a clamp to the midsection, binding her wings to her torso.

CARESS: Let's see how you fare!
 

You can see Stretch's breath catch.

FROND: YOU CAN DO IT, MINERVA!

 

Hmph. 
No one cheered for your ass.

MINERVA: I-

 

Her initial struggles are just as pointless as yours, falling with her legs kicking.

MINERVA: A-ah-!
CARESS: Sending yourself in for your comrade-
CARESS: Admirable!
CARESS: Support is all we can ask for in these times-

 

Another around her ankles, dropping her entirely to the ground.

CARESS: But everyone has limits!
CARESS: You too will give!
CARESS: What makes it worth it to you to try?!
MINERVA: I-

 

She takes a deep inhale.

MINERVA: Because I want to be part of a team!
MINERVA: I want-

 

The bindings strain.

MINERVA: TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING!

 

 

The rings snap.

CARESS: Prove it to me!
CARESS: Show these are people y-

 

Caress is knocked back hard, Minerva slamming into him with her hip.

She rears back, so immediate that Caress' whip misses entirely.

MINERVA: I don't-

 

Kicking off the ground, going in for another slam.

MINERVA: Need to prove-

 

The whip grazes her, only for her to flap her wings and pivot-

MINERVA: ANYTHING!

 

And knock him onto the ground.

MINERVA: I just know that whatever I do-

 

 

 

MINERVA: I WON'T HAVE TO BE ALONE!

 

She slams his chest against the mat with a stomp, a buzzer blaring.

The match is over, just like that.

FROND: Holy shit.
EERIE: N-
EERIE: No kidding-

 

Stretch hasn't blinked since she got out on the field, Filigree looking equally stunned into silence.

Caress lays there, a pleased smile on his face.

CARESS: Y-
CARESS: You have passed.
CARESS: Excellent work...

 

Minerva bends over, offering her claws.

CARESS: ...and a proper good sport to boot-!

 

He gets to his feet with a stretch, grimacing as something in his back pops.

MINERVA: ...are you alright?
CARESS: Oh, yes.

 

He gives a shaky thumbs up.

CARESS: Just a bit of the chronic pain kicking in.

 

Minerva's expression grows concerned.

MINERVA: Then why-?
CARESS: You're not the only ones who get a nice, long rest after this.

 

He laughs, the widest smile on his face.

CARESS: Sometimes it does pay to push yourself-
CARESS: So long as you give yourself time to heal.
CARESS: That push and pull is vital, both to BDSM-
CARESS: -and to maintaining one's body. 
CARESS: Go forth-

 

He gestures, the door behind him creaking open.

CARESS: Your next challenge awaits.

---

 

Eerie's first exposure to League battles certain has left an impression...even with the first taste of what Pewter's dishing out, who knows what's coming next?!

 

No suggestions this time, folks- this is a FIVE PARTER! 

Find out next time...on SPACE CASE!

[skinstealer]

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!

The lovely man who welcomed our heroes to the gym was also its first fighter- but from here on out, who knows what they're up against?

The second challenge feels even more worrying than the first....find out who awaits in this episode: of Space Case!

EPISODE 6: PEWTER GYM (PT. 3)

---

You are now Frond, and you have just had a very bad time.

Stretch keeps looking back at you-
shit, you're worrying it.

Part of you wants to take comfort in it, but you mostly just feel guilty as you walk down the next hall. You'd done your best at reassuring it that there'd be nothing to fret over, but...





Something had to give eventually, you guess.




Filigree pokes your shoulder.

FILIGREE: Hey...

 

Their voice is quiet, clearly trying to be covert.

FILIGREE: ....you okay?

 

Oh, no.
Now more of them are worried.

FILIGREE: You took a bit-



 

noooooooooooooooooooo

FROND: Never better!
FROND: Just got to see a great battle, too!
FROND: Gets you pumped up too, right?
FILIGREE: Sure, but-

 

They try to read your face, but you've had this down for some time.





The bellsprout is unable to find much of anything, and you feel the stress leave your body as they sigh.

FILIGREE: Nevermind.
FILIGREE: Just-
FILIGREE: Tell people if you need anything, okay?
FROND: Trust me-
FROND: I got this!








 

It takes way less time to get to the next challenge than the hallway of repeating doors, Stretch's brow furrowing as it comes to a stop.

STRETCH: ...ah.
MINERVA: Well-
MINERVA: I mean-
MINERVA: These are mining tunnels!

 

The carpet cut off right before what appears to be a roller coaster setup- or, maybe one of those smaller theme park rides- on repurposed minecart tracks.

EERIE: Is that-
EERIE: Y'know, safe?
FILIGREE: They do have to pass inspection...
STRETCH: Doesn't stop things like pyrotechnics accidents.

 

It touches the coaster gently with its foot, face blank.
It's thinking, concentrating- something you recognize all too well.

STRETCH: Three carts.
STRETCH: There's not enough space for two of our larger party members to squeeze into one cart, so we'll have to split up.

 

Minerva looks visibly disappointed, Eerie rolling her eyes.

EERIE: I'll take the solo cart.
EERIE: None of y'all want to be up in there with my plates.
STRETCH: ....right.
STRETCH: Fairly obvious from-
FROND: Whoo!

 

You immediately skip over to Stretch's side, giving it a big smile.

It returns a blank stare.

FROND: Just like old times, right?
STRETCH: I-
MINERVA: That means you and I are together, Filigree!

 

Filigree looks less nervous this time, giving Minerva a little smile.

FILIGREE: Hopefully less throwing each other around this time.
MINERVA: Please! It's a little coaster ride.
MINERVA: Surely it'll be fine.
EERIE: Don't jinx it.



 

Stretch looks decidedly nervous as it opens the cart door for you.

STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Are you
STRETCH: sure
STRETCH: You want to be with me...?
FROND: Course!
FROND: Why not, man?
STRETCH: Y.
STRETCH: You know.
STRETCH: On account of the whole-
FROND: Nah, dude.
FROND: No issue with that.
FROND: All hands inside the ride-

 

You raise your hands up, placing them onto the front bar.

FROND: And away from you.
FROND: Emergencies only.
FROND: Wouldn't want you to freak before the big match.




 

Its lip twitches upwards for a split second, another subtle thing only you pick up on.




It's the closest you're going to get.

STRETCH: ....thank you.
FROND: Anything for you, man!

 

It helps you boost your seat before buckling its seat belt- a standardized cushion lift provided. You get a little thrill out of it, juuust a pinch.

FROND: Check it-
FROND: Same height level!



 

Another lip twitch.

STRETCH: It's the typical procedure.
FROND: Yup- safety first!

 

You go to get your own belt on, noticing something in front of you.

FROND: Dude, look-
FROND: Some kind of panel!

 

Stretch narrows its eyes, looking down at the controls in front of you


Six small, circular lights- five of them lit red.
A simple ball-top lever, with three arrows- left, forward, and right.
A switch labeled "START".

FROND: Huh.
EERIE: Yo, what're these lights?

 

You look over your shoulder, the rest of your party examining identical panels.

STRETCH: ...doesn't make sense.


 

Filigree gets a better look at your own cart.

FILIGREE: Shouldn't you just have them?
FILIGREE: You're in the front cart.
EERIE: Yeah, how the fuck am I supposed to see which way to go?
MINERVA: ....Maybe we should let Stretch drive and see what happens.
STRETCH: Nn.
STRETCH: Sure.
FROND: ...no option to slow down or stop, though.
EERIE: You worried we can't take on a kiddie ride?

 

You manage a big, glowing smile.

FROND: Nah!
FROND: I just don't wanna miss any cool pit stops.




 

Turning back to the console fills you with nerves.

Okay.



Ooookay.

Alrighty.

Just
just let Stretch drive


You can trust it.


You've always believed in it-






You catch it staring at you.

STRETCH: ......
FROND: I'm good!

 

Its brow furrows.

It's not buying it.
That was the only problem with knowing each other so long.


Even with all the time passed...






It could still read you like a book.

FROND: Seriously, man.
FROND: Let's do it!
STRETCH: Then.

 

It flicks the start switch without looking at the panel.

STRETCH: You're helping me drive.

 

Oh, shit.

You manage a real smile at that, not even of your own accord.





You always loved when it got strict with you.





Your cart makes a loud beep, startling the team members behind you.

STRETCH: ....no go.
FROND: Try flipping your start switches!

 

The carts give affirmative beeps, a loudspeaker crackling on.

????: Welcome to the Pewter City Dark Ride.
????: Do your best.
FILIGREE: Do our-

 

The carts lurch to a start, rolling forward.





It's slow at first-



And then the music kicks in.





Tinny melodies, off-key and distorted.

EERIE: Eugh.

 

Minerva makes a displeased hiss.

MINERVA: I- ow....

 

You spy it first.



Doors open in front of you, revealing three more paths.


The left door, marked with bright colors and balloons.
The center, marked with music notes and confetti.
The right, marked with sunshine and clouds.

FROND: All look pretty good to me.
EERIE: What-
EERIE: I can't see-

 

You look back and see the issue- Even with the booster seat, only Minerva can see from the second cart....





....and Eerie couldn't see period due to the huge bat in the way.

EERIE: Your fat fucking a-
MINERVA: I-I would change seats if I could!
STRETCH: shit.
FROND: W-well-
FROND: We can just-
FROND: You can count on us to drive!
MINERVA: The left door seems nice...
EERIE: What left door?!
STRETCH: ....may as well....

 

It pushes the lever to the left.

Nothing but a confirmation beep.

STRETCH: fuck's sake.
FROND: Gonna need y'all to lock in on left!

 

Two beeps, and the left door opens.

The cart starts rolling.




The music continues, shifting into something...else.





Eerie is the first to scream, making you and Stretch slam against your seatbelts as you jump.

EERIE: WHAT THE FUCK
FILIGREE: Wh-
FILIGREE: What is it-?!
EERIE: THERE WAS A SCARY FUCKING FACE
MINERVA: But I didn't see-
EERIE: I'M TELLING YOU THERE-

 

Filigree shrieks next.

FILIGREE: F
FILIGREE: Fire! I saw-
STRETCH: There's nothing there-

 

A large flash pops off to Stretch's side, the electabuzz panicking and scrabbling away. Despite its request for no touching, it's trying to grab you for support-




You support its weight, holding it steady as it catches its breath.



Heaven.

Beautiful, incredible heavenly world where you are here with Stretch and-






Oh, god, you are so fucking nauseous.






Another flash pops behind your head, just outside of your peripherals.
It doesn't phase you at all, sticking with Stretch until it snaps out of it.

FROND: You okay, dude?


 

It realizes you're holding it-




-jerking away with an ashamed look on its face.

STRETCH: I-
FROND: S'alright, man.

 

You wipe some excess drool off your lip.

FROND: Focus on me.
EERIE: WHATEVER YOU TWO ARE DOING UP THERE
EERIE: CAN IT WAIT UNTIL FUCKING GHOULS STOP POPPING UP AT ME
 

The entire track lights up, Stretch squeezing its eyes shut.

FROND: I'll drive, okay-?
FROND: I'll drive!

 

It nods, gripping its knees.




Right.


Okay.


You know-

You know that look.



Okay.




The cart picks up speed, more flashes-




Eerie's right, they're lit up faces. In fact, the whole tunnel seems be focused entirely on these lights-




But judging from the shrieks behind you, they're going off at different intervals



and in ways distinctly set up that none of you see each other's go off.







....now what the fuck does that mean?






Shit.
Stretch would have figured this out.
Think.
Think think think.


Another pops, but you squint through it-

FROND: We got more doors coming up!
MINERVA: W-what are they?!
FROND: I- I'm trying to make it out-
EERIE: FUCK THIS-

 

A beep comes from her cart.

FILIGREE: WHAT WAY DID YOU-?
FROND: Doesn't matter!
FROND: We won't know what's ahead until we see it!
FROND: I'm hitting left again!
EERIE: LEFT IS CLEARLY THE BULLSHIT DOOR

 
 

Door's coming up fast now.

FROND: KIND OF IN A HURRY

 

As you get closer, you realize-




It's the same symbols, but scrambled.

FROND: WE SHOULD REALLY PICK-

 

Another cart beeps, cussing under your breath as you slap it left.





....




The cart goes right, a buzzer going off in each console.

.....and you go right back into the balloon hallway.

Right back with the scary faces.

EERIE: WHY

 

Stretch snaps out of it enough to look up, barely comprehending what's going on.


Shit.

It never did good with bright lights, especially not after what happened.

FROND: H-hey-

 

You don't have a lot of time if this is the same length of track.
A few, short minutes at best.

FROND: Stretch-

 

It looks up at you, eyes watery.

FROND: Close your eyes and count to ten, okay?
FROND: Over and over, until I tell you to stop.
STRETCH: What if-

 

It takes a deep breath, nodding.

STRETCH: O. Okay.
STRETCH: Okay.

 

The electabuzz screws its eyes shut, antennae pressed all the way back.



A lot less heavenly now-


A brief moment of surprise is one thing. That could be cute. Date reaching for you during a scary movie type situation.


But now, now this is business.

FROND: Hey!

 

Filigree's answer is cut off by Minerva shrieking.

FROND: HEY!

 

The party quiets, down to stressed whimpers.

FROND: Lights like this don't bother me!
FROND: Everybody close their eyes, and hit the lever I tell you to!
EERIE: You're crazy-
FROND: I'm the only one who can see ahead!
FILIGREE: W-we should listen-
MINERVA: Seconded!
EERIE: UGH

 

No more protests, your eyes directly focused on the track ahead.

FROND: Everybody got 'em shut tight?
EERIE: JUST TELL US WHEN

 

Closer.
Closer.



Balloon on the left again. Avoiding the fuck out of that.

FROND: Center door, music notes!

 

All three beeps lock in, door swinging wide with time to spare.

An affirmative sound comes out of each console.

FROND: Okay!
FROND: We just need to synchroni-


 

A rattling sounds to your right, and it's your turn to scramble to Stretch's side. Its focus breaks, fumbling at the sudden contact-



-only to get equally startled.

FROND: F-
FROND: Okay, sound is maybe harder for me!
EERIE: Does that means you can't fucking drive?!
FROND: AGH-



 

You love loud music.

You blast the stuff constantly. Get your stereo going and jam out.

It got you in the zone.







Sudden loud sounds are absolutely not the same.

FROND: NNOOOOPE
FROND: I-
FROND: I CAN HEAR, BUT-
FROND: Someone else- FUCKING hell
FROND: Is gonna have to make the big calls!
EERIE: Oh, yeah, easy for you to say!
EERIE: I CAN'T SEE.
MINERVA: I-I can!

 

You sneak a glance back, Minerva outright on the verge of pulling her ears down flat against her head.

MINERVA: BUT IT REALLY HURTS-
FROND: shit
FILIGREE: I-I'm managing-
FILIGREE: Minnie, you point for me and Eerie, I'll call out for Frond and handle our own cart!

 

She nods, focused straight ahead.

You turn back to Stretch, the electabuzz entirely hunkered down.

It takes a light tap to get it to notice you, trembling along with it.

FROND: H-hey man-
FROND: Can I-
FROND: B-block out the sound-?


 

It takes a moment to register before it nods, letting you shove your head against its side.



The thrumming of its body blocks it out,

just like before. Like familiar music in a crowded space.

Something you know, letting you just focus on waiting for the signal.




Close your eyes and count to ten.





Over and over.




It's not so bad when it's just counting to ten.





You feel yourself hack up the thick spit pooling in your mouth, the world spinning less obvious when you let yourself stay glued to him.



One.



Wait for Filigree's voice.



Two.



All that matters is Stretch's pulse and Filigree's signal.



Three.



Everything else can get blocked out.



Four.



Just like before.



Five-

FILIGREE: Minnie says right door!




 

And over just like that.

You push that lever with all you've got.

All three lock in.



Two out of the five lights turn green.

EERIE: Three more to go, right?!
FILIGREE: Looks like it!
FROND: J-just-
FROND: Have to be synchronized!

 

The cartoony sun beckons you in as the door opens.





You're not sure what you expected, honestly.


The heat hits first.
Not enough to burn, but enough to be uncomfortable.


Nothing like the nice fireplace from earlier...

But plenty to make you feel wilty.



The cute weather icons on the side of the tunnel feel mocking, some sort of weather forecast theme.

But-

FROND: S-stretch-
FROND: You can- open your eyes-

 

It snaps them open, taking in the new tunnel.

FROND: S-sounds and lights are gone-
FROND: N. Need you to drive.

 

Between the nausea wracking your body- Stretch looking horrified as it realizes what had happened- and the heat, you have to look downright terrible.

STRETCH: R. Right!

 

It takes a moment to squint, turning back.

STRETCH: Roll call!
STRETCH: Who's not dying?!
MINERVA: T- too-
MINERVA: Bright-

 

Filgree makes a distressed gargle.

STRETCH: shit
STRETCH: Eerie, you holding up?!
EERIE: This ain't shit compared to the other ones!
STRETCH: Great.
STRETCH: You're going to have to help the car in front of you!
EERIE: How the hell am I supposed to do that?!
STRETCH: Minerva!

 

The bat makes a pained whine.

STRETCH: When I yell out something to Eerie, she's gonna push on your back in the direction we need to go!
EERIE: I'm what?!
EERIE: Dude, I can't reach!
STRETCH: Fine! Find some way to make it work!
EERIE: ASSHOLE
STRETCH: JUST DO IT!

 

Its teeth are gritted tight, turning towards the front and panicking as soon as it sees the doors coming up fast.

STRETCH: fuck fuck fuck
STRETCH: Frond-

 

All of the doors are bad. Every single one of them.
Each one of them took out somebody-

FROND: P-pick
FROND: The balloon door-
FROND: And close your eyes-

 

It looks back, breathing in deep.

STRETCH: MIDDLE DOOR!
STRETCH: EVERYBODY CLOSE THEIR EYES!

 

You can hear Minerva let out a sharp "OUCH" as the confirmation beeps lock in.



Victory buzzer.



Your turn at the wheel.

The flashes don't bother you any. You're good. You still want to throw up all over the cart, but this is back under control.

FROND: ALRIGHT!
FROND: Three out of five down!
FROND: We just need to get two more!
FROND: I can drive here- after that, we're gonna pick the sound door again!
FROND: Minnie, you good for that?!
MINERVA: I-
MINERVA: I can certainly try!
FROND: After that-
EERIE: Home free, right?!
FROND: EXACTLY!
FROND: Hang on tight-







FROND: RIGHT LEVER!
 

Ding,
ding,
ding-



-and through, ducking and covering to press against Stretch.



Block it out.

Count to ten.


You can feel Stretch counting too.


Its breath grows more steady.

MINERVA: ONLY ONE DOOR!
MINERVA: GO TO THE MIDDLE!


 

You punch that thing forward.




The beeps are simultaneous now, synchronized as you charge through the final door-





Confetti falling all over the carts as you skid to a stop.









You finally get a good look at the party as you pull away, unbuckling your seatbelt.





Everyone looks trashed.

MINERVA: I-
MINERVA: i will never get on a roller coaster again
FILIGREE: D-dark rides-
FILIGREE: Are kind of different-

 

They get out of the cart and faceplant into the floor.

FILIGREE: ohhhh this is good carpet.

 

Stretch untenses as best as it can, realizing how bad its skin has been crackling.

STRETCH: Shit, Frond-
STRETCH: Are you-

 

You are covered in drool and look sick as a dog.

FROND: Never better!
STRETCH: .....
FROND: We got through it!
FROND: That's what matters, right?

 

It sighs, its shoulders dropping.

STRETCH: Unfortunately
STRETCH: While on live TV.
STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: I never-
FROND: Yeah, well-!
FROND: Look at it this way.
FROND: We made it!
FROND: So many teams are gonna see our footage and think-
FROND: "Heh. Those losers-"
STRETCH: frond.
FROND: And try to be all brave-
STRETCH: fucking
FROND: And they'll SUCK at it!

 

It stops protesting.

FROND: Because we knew what to do!
FROND: You think those other-
FROND: Like, remember those jerks in the next class over?
STRETCH: ...Boris-?
FROND: Yeah, that guy! And the big one!
FROND: They'd be too busy worrying about looking all big and strong and whatever to get the challenge done!

 

It thinks it over-





Before wiping its nose and nodding.

STRETCH: Y. You're right.
STRETCH: Thank you.
FROND: Of course!
FROND: I'm full of good ideas-
FROND: You should trust me more!

 

Its lip twitches.




Now it's back to being cute again.





The rest area is the same as the first, water bottles available in a lovely ice bucket.


You have to resist dunking your head right into it-



-but only until everybody's grabbed their drinks.

FROND: ooooh my god.
EERIE: Thought you said you liked fire.

 

You lift your head up to counter her.

FROND: I like contained heat sources.
FROND: Not full sun.

 

Back in you go.

You swear you can hear her chuckle.

FILIGREE: ....
FILIGREE: Two out of three down.
MINERVA: ....I do hope the third isn't worse....
STRETCH: No promises.
STRETCH: It could go either way.

 

And back up.

FROND: Either we get a cooldown to have us fighting fit for Cleave-
STRETCH: Or they beat us into the ground.
EERIE: My bet's on the latter!
EERIE: These people really are sadism freaks.
FILIGREE: ....still.
FILIGREE: We went through the first challenge- and the fight matched up.
FILIGREE: They're going for thematics.
EERIE: What, constant ass kicking?
FILIGREE: No.
FILIGREE: Caress talked about...knowing our physical limits.
FILIGREE: And to rely on others when we need it.
MINERVA: .....
MINERVA: Senses.
MINERVA: The last challenge-
MINERVA: It overwhelmed us using our senses!
FILIGREE: ...And we could only get through it working together.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Switching-heavy fight, then.

 

Its tail lashes, getting back into focus mode.

STRETCH: Covering each others' weak spots.
STRETCH: Whoever's in there is likely going to try and break us down individually.
EERIE: Then we just tag team and wail on 'em, right?
STRETCH: Easier said than done.
STRETCH: We figured out the synchronization aspect of the challenge quickly.
STRETCH: Actually pulling it off took effort even when we were willing to work together.
MINERVA: Difficulty working through overload....
MINERVA: That's it!

 

Her mouth opens wide, eyes determined.

MINERVA: We need alternate ways to signal each other!
MINERVA: Just like in the tunnels!
EERIE: ....hmph.
EERIE: Not a bad idea.
EERIE: As long as I don't have to throw a pebble at Minerva again.
MINERVA: I would also very much prefer it not be that!
STRETCH: ...okay.
STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: I had the most issues with light and sound, but temperature was fine.
FROND: Light was cool for me, but temp and sound were no good.
MINERVA: I...couldn't handle any of it, but I could still use my eyes with sound and temperature.
EERIE: ....
EERIE: I hated all of it, but the heat didn't bother me at all.
EERIE: Cold wouldn't either.
FILIGREE: Light and temperature. I'm used to noise.
EERIE: Lucky bastard.
FILIGREE: You live next to a quarry, you adjust.
STRETCH: ....right.
STRETCH: Here's what we'll do.










STRETCH: ...

 

It looks up, squinting at the locked elevator door.

STRETCH: Caress opened the last door by now.
STRETCH: HEY

 

It yells at the ceiling, startling Filigree.

STRETCH: WE'RE READY

 

The loudspeaker crackles to life.




The voice that comes through is filtered, and...




...layered.

????: Unlocking elevator.



 

It clicks back off, the lift opening up.

EERIE: ...not too chatty, huh?
MINERVA: Well!
MINERVA: Maybe they're still, nice, or something!
EERIE: Saying that about the gym that wants to beat our asses for fun isn't exactly comforting.











 

Similar to Caress' arena- it's a ballroom, this one far larger than the first.

The walls are lined with empty frames clearly meant to hold paintings, unlit chandeliers hanging overhead, and the battle mat sculpted into square, glossy tiles.

FROND: Where's-





 

Something moves in the darkness.




The shadow that rises up into a standing position is massive, everyone's eyes widening as a pokemon twice Minerva's size comes into view.


A singular chandelier lights, casting a blue glow on its form.



Pure black, the color only piercing through in bright streaks highlighting its silhouette.



Its features are barely distinguishable- its face masked and coated to the point of looking almost formless outside of two side fins and a facial crest.

STRETCH: ...gyrados-
EERIE: how the fuck can you tell
STRETCH: shhhhh-!





????: .......




 

The latex-coated mon looms over your entire team, its posture hunched and completely still.

????: Our designation is GY-935.
GY-935: You are recognized as official gym challengers.
GY-935: Accessing records on gym progress.

 

It stands there, text characters scrolling on a screen visor- far too high up for you to read.

GY-935: Understood.
GY-935: You have cleared the Fun House challenge and subsequent battle with Caress.
GY-935: Congratulations.

 

Light confetti falls onto your team, making Minerva sneeze.

GY-935: You have also cleared our Dark Ride challenge.
GY-934: Congratulations.

 

Again with the confetti, your turn to swat it away.

GY-935: You may proceed with your next task-
GY-935: A battle with service drone GY-935.
GY-935: Present your initial challenger.


 

It stretches, moving to turn a dial on the side of its neck. The ornate frames on the walls light up-

Not full of paintings, but screens with sound equalizers.

GY-935: We advise you choose carefully.



 

You immediately shuffle everyone into a group huddle.

FROND: So!
FROND: This looks-
FROND: Kiiinda tricky!

 

Eerie swallows.

EERIE: This-
EERIE: It's insane.

 

Filigree shakes their head.

FILIGREE: Drone stuff-
FILIGREE: I've heard about it.
FILIGREE: Ranges from an aesthetic, a costume, roleplay, or...
FILIGREE: ....
FILIGREE: If it's willing to go all in on battling while suited up like this, it's probably more than just play.
MINERVA: In what way?
FILIGREE: I've heard of some practical uses for setups like this-
STRETCH: ....hivemind management.
STRETCH: Sensory limitation treatments aren't uncommon for that.
STRETCH: Though this is
STRETCH: Novel.
STRETCH: Application wise.
EERIE: For real?
EERIE: How-
FROND: ....like metagross, right?
FILIGREE: Could be, or it could be way more complicated.
FILIGREE: No way of knowing.
FROND: Our strategy holds up then, right?
FROND: Even if it's got...however many brains in there-
FROND: It still doesn't know our signals!
FROND: We can manage this!
MINERVA: As long as it wasn't listening...
STRETCH: Wouldn't be good sporting if it paid attention to tactics talk.
FROND: Then we've got this!

 

You hold your hand out into the center of the huddle.

EERIE: Dude.
FROND: Cmon!
FROND: For morale!

 

You could have swooned as the feeling of Stretch's barrier reverberates against your hand.

STRETCH: He's right.

 

Minerva swoops in next-




-sandwiching Stretch's hand between the two people tolerating the sensation.

MINERVA: I'm in!

 

Eerie goes to join, only to notice Filigree struggling to reach the stack.

EERIE: For the love of-

 

She extends offers a hand, lifting them up.

EERIE: Up you go.
EERIE: ...this counts as my hand too.
EERIE: It's. Yeah.
FROND: Hell yeah!
FROND: 3, 2, 1-

 

The cheer of "Shooting Stars!" is barely coordinated-






but damn, if it doesn't feel good.

FILIGREE: ...our opponent has those equalizers up on the side.
FILIGREE: Stands to reason that sound's involved...
STRETCH: At least for now.
FILIGREE: I should go.
MINERVA: ...are you sure?

 

They nod, convicted.

FILIGREE: Positive.
EERIE: Isn't it kinda...
EERIE: Big?
FILIGREE: I have an idea.
FILIGREE: Follow my lead, okay?
FILIGREE: Minerva, you're going to look for my signal and let someone better tag in if I need it.
MINERVA: ...what if you're too hurt to fight?
MINERVA: You're the only one who can-
FILIGREE: We'll figure it out, yeah?

 

Minerva nods, her nerves clear.



You hold out your featureless hand to Filigree-



The bellsprout bumping it with a rolled up leaf.









You are now Filigree.


You step up onto the field, feeling anxiety build up as you approach the drone.


It's different than the fear you felt with Minerva earlier that day.
You had been terrified of getting hurt, squished, any manner of horrible, painful things-




But a trip to the center would have fixed you up fine. The main thing at stake was you proving yourself to the team, and to get a proper shot at the gym.





This is different.





No, if this thing steps on you, you're probably just going to die.




So, just gotta follow Stretch's advice-




Focus-



Look for proper escape routes-





And you better not get hit.

GY-935: Are you prepared?
FILIGREE: Y-yes!


 

You straighten your posture up. Ever since you were a little seedling, you'd been taught to stand tall, and even the giants of the world would have to respect you.

GY-935: Combat commencing.


 

Loud, pounding music begins to start up, the bars on the walls reacting in turn. It's enough to make the room shake-



-but it's not sharp, not like the dark ride.


An undercurrent, not the challenge itself.





A backing soundtrack.



You start to move carefully, your root-legs matching the rhythm without you noticing. It doesn't change position at all, a gentle head bob and matching toe tap the only motion in its latex silhouette.

GY-935: Let's dance.

 

There's a piercing whir as the drone's wrists light up, glowing neon strips snaking from its hand up to its shoulder.


Something's charging in its palm, the noise getting louder and louder-

FILIGREE: ohfuck



 

You break into a sprint, barely dodging a shrieking, metallic blast. Even with your resistance to sound-based torment, you can tell for sure-








That is a fucking fast moving sensory nuke.




....




and you're the only one who can properly tank sound.

FILIGREE: REALLY?!

 

Two more shots go off, and you're not sticking around to see what happens when they land. Your roots hurt like hell but you have GOT to get some damage on GY, or even better-




The opportunity presents itself.



Its rigid posture means its heel is completely yours for the slamming, squeezing your eyes shut as you pivot and launch yourself fully at the common weak point.



The drone lets out a garbled shriek, like a yelp run through a corruptive filter.


Something rattles above you as it stumbles, barely audible above the pulsing music.



You don't have time.
You don't have time to analyze what the hell that is-



Its tail narrowly misses you as it tries to turn, forcing you to duck and somersault underneath its legs.


Okay. Weak point detected-






But it's not going to let you do that twice.



You're back at its front, trying to get a handle on the situation.


The drone's body twitches, characters scrambled on its screen.


Even with its difficulty moving, it reaches with a shaky hand-




-turning the dial on its neck.





The floor tiles around GY-935 start lighting up in a ring pattern.


The sound whirs down, fading back into the background.




The light gets brighter.



You back up, waving your leaves in an up and down motion as you feel your eyes starting to burn.




Please, let her remember the signal.

FILIGREE: APRICOT!
FILIGREE: T-TAGGING IN FROND!

 

You start hauling ass, jumping out of the arena and tagging Frond's hand as Minerva slings him into the ring. The gloom, taking advantage of the shifting settings, takes your place.






You are now Frond, and it's your turn to party.









Sound outta the way, no problem!
Besides, Filigree looks like it got the drone all messed up- GY's all glitched out, the lights on the ground flickering.





Firing some swift stars at it is smooth sailing.




More tiles light up, uneven flashing patterns. It doesn't stop you any- you've got way more health to chip down!





No problem at all.
Flashing?
No big deal!

You've been at arcades with more spectacle going on than this-






You land on one of the solo lit tiles.

GY-935: Got you.




 

It turns its neck dial.


One of the pulsing rings hones in on you, a colored tile beginning to spin around your position.




Your eyes widen.

FROND: WRONG CALL



 

The temperature's rising- and fast.

FROND: THAT'S NOT JUST LIGHTS


 

Shit. Shit.

Fuck.




FUCK

You were too cocky.

And now you're trapped without a plan-






The red tile ignites, swirling around you. Any attempt to escape would be stupid and futile, especially with how bad your skin's heating up.

FROND: shitshitshit-!


 

You're not taking all that much damage- not at first.





But with each spin, it's getting worse. You're feeling pretty crispy, and you're only going to take so much...



Spores burst out of the flower on your head, instantly burned by the flames-







A rank smell filling the ballroom.

GY-935: An interesting effort.



 

The tiles speed up.

GY-935: We dislike noxious smells.
GY-935: But-
GY-935: Our suit filters what we cannot withstand.
GY-935: It is a nice try.


 

Your head is swimming, falling to your knees.



Through the ring of fire, you see something strobing.



Pulses, trying to match the openings in the ring.



One left. One right.
Two crackles-
bursts of energy between antennae.




A small smile crosses your face.

FROND: PARASOL!
FROND: I tag in Stretch-!


 

A familiar pink figure blasts through the flame at maximum speed, grabbing you and scooping you up.

FROND: hiiiii
FROND: Y-you remembered-
STRETCH: Brace yourself.



 

You grin, trying not to puke as the room sways from its touch.

FROND: Go for it.




 

It rears back-



-tossing you like a football out of the ring.




You land directly into Minerva's chest, the golbat making a loud "WHOOF" before you bounce back into her wings.

FROND: ouufghggh
MINERVA: oh my god


 

In your bleary vision, you can barely make out Stretch in the ring of flames.
Blue energy crackles across its body, posture hunched.
There it is. There's your hero.
Such a-

FILIGREE: IT HAS TO GET OUT OF THERE!


 

The dial turns.


The drone's arms are lighting back up, whirring piercing everyone's ears.

FROND: Str-!

 

It can't take loud, sudden sounds.
It can't handle it, and-
It threw itself in there for you-!




The fire burns out, tiles receding.



Stretch's eyes widen.



The first blast hits, and then the second. The electabuzz tanks it, barely blown back even when the third hits-



But you can tell.

Low damage or not, it's at its limit.


Completely overstimulated, only able to sway and watch as it turns the dial once more.



None of your team's yelling reaches it.


The tiles light up.

EERIE: Fuck this.
EERIE: Minnie, is throwing shit allowed?
MINERVA: U-um!
FROND: Only...only if it's healing items, I think-
EERIE: Good enough!

 

She scrambles for one of the team's potions. ripping the lid off and slamming it back.

EERIE: HEY STRETCH
 

She baseball pitches it directly into the back of its head.



It staggers, looking back as the ring approaches.

EERIE: TAG ME IN

 

Stretch nods-



-giving a shaky thumbs up.

STRETCH: T. Tractor.
EERIE: NOW we're talking!


 

You are now Eerie.



You've only been at this for a few days, and here you are having to bail out your "team" "captain"'s ass out. Usually this would annoy the fuck out of you-




-but you have some shit to say.



You dash at the glowing ring, grabbing Stretch by the arm, spinning, and sending him flying back towards the rest of the team. Filigree has to scramble to not get hit by the incoming electabuzz, Stretch uselessly bouncing off of the wall.

EERIE: IT'LL BE FINE!
STRETCH: hhfghgh

 

You turn to the drone.


It has its head tilted at you.

GY-935: You carry their weapon.
EERIE: Yeah, and WHAT OF IT?


 

You unsheathe your club, tossing it between your hands as the ring starts spinning.

EERIE: I'm workin' with what I've got!
EERIE: Do I look like I'm with those creeps?!

 

You point a claw back to the exhausted pile of pokemon behind you.

EERIE: These people couldn't kick over a sandcastle without feeling like shit about it, let alone kill a gym leader!
EERIE: Why would I choose to ride with them if I was with Team Osteo?!
FILIGREE: : ..that's....unnecessary....
GY-935: You have a point.
GY-935: But we are not so trusting.

 

The ignition clicks.

EERIE: Sounds like a you problem!

 

You're not as fast as you want to be.


But it's enough when the opponent's standing still.




You've been beat up since the first fight- let alone having your pride bent out of shape.
The dark ride challenge didn't help.
You feel like dogshit-



But you kept your damn eyes peeled, even through the nightmare 935 had been dishing out.



Filigree had the most success in actually hurting it- Frond had managed to get some swift stars in, but that didn't stagger it like a bellsprout hitting its ankles.



And something had jostled in the dark.



A manic grin crosses your face as you skid around its leg, the ring chasing you in an attempt to snag you back in.



The glow lights the area above-




Bingo.



It's not just standing there because of overconfidence, or some kind of obsession with posture- maybe a lil' bit of both, but more than that.



The drone is hooked up to the wall, massive wires attached to its hips, trailing down onto the floor, and obscured by the dark.

EERIE: I got YOU, motherfucker!


 

You jump and swing your club hard enough for one of the wires to detach, a proper glitchy roar bursting out of the drone.






Any irritation or pain the sound causes is completely overcome by how good you feel right now.








Another.



GY clutches at its head, staggering.

EERIE: Get the fuck down.

 

Another.



It crashes to the ground, completely detached. You can hear it breathing heavily inside the suit, numbers and letters all over its screen.

EERIE: Who's looking down on who now?!
EERIE: Next time-


 

You pull the club back.

EERIE: Get your facts STRAIGHT!
EERIE: I don't roll with ANYBODY-


 

The club slams into the side of its face, sending it completely crumpled to the floor.

EERIE: THAT I DON'T WANT TO!
 

The victory buzzer blares.





It's over.

FILIGREE: H-holy shit-
FILIGREE: We did it!
MINERVA: GO EERIE!!

 

You turn back to see the golbat jumping and clapping, Frond managing to hop onto the ring and reach his hand up for a high five.

FROND: You were so awesome!!
EERIE: Eh-
EERIE: S'nothin.
EERIE: Had to make up for that shitshow from earlier.



 

There's a slight cough, a deeply guilty looking electabuzz floating over and rubbing the back of its head.

STRETCH: ...
STRETCH: I owe you one.
EERIE: Don't start with that shit, I don't do debts.
EERIE: ....

 

A small smile creeps in.

EERIE: But I'll take a free burger if you never make me pick you up again.
STRETCH: ....deal.






 

You are now Frond again.



...Stretch seems busy with Eerie. Good.


You know better than to overcrowd it, or to come on too strong.


It usually hated that kind of thing...though you have half a mind to ask Minerva for tips on the whole forwardness-in-a-way-it-likes thing. She has some serious strats going on.


You step over to the drone on the ground, watching it groan and stir.

FROND: ...you good?


 

It nods, moving into a far more casual sitting position.

GY-935: ...it is difficult for us to find challengers....
GY-935: Let alone ones that can fight.
FROND: ....you gonna be okay without, uh-

 

You vaguely gesture to the pile of wires Eerie smacked around.

GY-935: They are durable and meant to be removed.
GY-935: It is just hard for us to return to such a small form-
EERIE: small my ass
GY-935: -after being allowed to exist as such a large, open space.
GY-935: It is like...
GY-935: Being crammed into a tiny car after stretching one's legs.
FROND: Sounds terrible.
GY-935: Mmm....
GY-935: Correct.
GY-935: No matter how maddening-
GY-935: We still have a life to live outside of this ballroom.
GY-935: Even wearing this suit is considered unacceptable if we want to coexist with the surface-
GY-935: The aid provided to us outweighed by its obscenity.
FROND: ....
GY-935: For even this moment-
GY-935: We are allowed to exist as ourselves.
GY-935: We thank you.
FROND: If you can't express yourself in the arena...


 

You grin.

FROND: What's even the point of fighting in the first place?
 

---

Sensorily overloaded and shaken, the team must press forward to the third challenge! What lies ahead...and what other things are Frond hiding...?

 

No suggestions this time, folks- this is a FIVE PARTER! 

Find out next time...on SPACE CASE!

[skinstealer]

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!

Up against a massive gyrados drone, our heroes started to really feel the heat- but GY-935 still went down, with two more to go!

The third challenge awaits, but something in the air doesn't feel right....find out more, in this episode of Space Case!

EPISODE 6: PEWTER GYM (PT. 4)
 

---

You are now Stretch again.

FILIGREE: I'm-
FILIGREE: REALLY starting to question this whole "training on the same day" thing.
FROND: To be fair-
FROND: This is a pretty big step up from college!

 

You nod.

STRETCH: This is rougher than Pewter was a few years ago.
STRETCH: Difficulty being upped-
STRETCH: Normal.
STRETCH: ...
STRETCH: Rookie gyms, though-
STRETCH: It's-
STRETCH: ...weird.
FILIGREE: It's what happens when money gets involved, best I can tell.
FILIGREE: Stakes get higher and higher-
FILIGREE: Puzzles, tactics, rosters, everything gets changed out.
FILIGREE: Studying past challenges might not do us any good.
EERIE: Eughh.
FILIGREE: Not the worst part, either.
FILIGREE: Regulation modifiers are basically required.
MINERVA: ....like the safeword system.
FILIGREE: Yeah, but...
FILIGREE: This is a hell of a lot more forgiving.
FILIGREE: Letting you turn down the heat is basically unheard of.
EERIE: ....

 

The rhyhorn closes her eyes, thinking.

EERIE: Could be the point.
EERIE: Gym's hard, but you can bounce.
EERIE: Too much for you? Go home in one piece.
EERIE: Clear it? Good for the big league.
STRETCH: ....gatekeeping.
EERIE: Yeah, that.
STRETCH: ....hm.

 

It's not impossible- likely, even.





....but




Strange.






Rookie gyms usually wanted as many clears as possible to give the League fresh blood.





This...

STRETCH: We should go.





 

The lift down to the third challenge is faster- or, at least feels that way.


Upon the doors opening, your team is met with spooky string lights, clearly tacky and made from holiday decorations on clearance.





You are confused about the gym's budget more with every level.

MINERVA: ...so cute...



 

...At least Minerva's having fun.








You reach an elaborate door- handmade...



...and decorated with cartoon, mask-like faces.

FILIGREE: ...weird.
FILIGREE: Don't like it.
MINERVA: It's not too different from the rest, though!
MINERVA: A nice combination of silly and spooky!
FROND: BDSM's considered "play", so.
FROND: Makes sense!

 

Everyone turns to look at him.

FROND: What?
FROND: I like looking up stuff!




 

You have to push the door with Eerie's help, met with six pathways as soon as you walk inside.

MINERVA: ...is it like the doors?
STRETCH: Likely.

 

Eerie puts a single foot forward and rears back, something spooking her.

EERIE: hhhhhhhhheyyyyy
EERIE: Frrrrond?
FROND: Yeah, Eerie?
EERIE: Can you come with-?
FROND: Oh! Sure!
FROND: Frond and Eerie time strikes again!
EERIE: Haha
EERIE: hah
EERIE: yyyyeah!

 

There's a nervous look in her eye as they go through a path, the rhyhorn uncharacteristically letting him lead.

MINERVA: ....

 

She's got her wings wrapped around herself, fidgeting.

MINERVA: I-
MINERVA: Should go along by myself, I think-
STRETCH: But-
MINERVA: I promise!

 

She waves you off, shuffling off down a path before you can stop her.

MINERVA: I'll be fine!
STRETCH: uh






 

You whip around to check on Filigree-






-only to catch them passing through a different path by themself.

STRETCH: ....







STRETCH: shit.















 

You are now Minerva.








The air's clammy, and the lighting's dim-




You feel the shame start to seep in.


Stupid.
Stupid stupid stupid.



Some golbat you are.



Everyone already knows you're nocturnal-





...and....




... being scared of the dark...


It's just pathetic!




....






You wring your claws.



Maybe you should have gone with Stretch after all.



It'd only been a few days, but- despite the way light usually seared your eyes, its glow was different.



It reminds you of some of the crystals by your family's old-






You freeze.



In front of you stands an ornate mirror.

You tilt your head.
The Minerva in the mirror follows.

MINERVA: Hm.

 

The ground feels especially chilly now, a quick look revealing purple fog- odorless, likely some kind of special effects. It certainly didn't feel strange.



Following the stream, you find yourself seeing more mirrors, spread out in branching paths.




A maze.



Well-
You never really enjoyed mirrors, but you look good today!
Piece of cake!




You enter the closest path, trying to hold yourself tall.

Yes!
You had this under control!


You had bought a cute outfit and had extra weight on you to boot, curves filling out beautifully!


You even had a little bit of a chest today!
It'd been so long since you've had a chance to indulge, to let your body suit how you really want it-

????: If only you didn't have to do all that to get it, right?





 

You jump, whipping around.



Your reflection stares back at you, its face uncharacteristically smug.
It yawns, wearing an overly ornate gothic gown, holding a wine glass of blood between its claws.

VAMPIRE: You and I both know how you feel about being a leech.
VAMPIRE: And, really-
VAMPIRE: People are catching on quick!
VAMPIRE: What a lovely impulse to jump on immediately!

 

Your mouth opens in a partial snarl, the short fur on your body bristling.



This is a hallucination-
or-



some kind of trick-!

VAMPIRE: Perfect for first impressions, isn't it?
MINERVA: I-
VAMPIRE: Come now, don't protest.
VAMPIRE: Being a bloodsucker suits you.
VAMPIRE: You're upper class!
VAMPIRE: The peak of success!
VAMPIRE: Or-
VAMPIRE: Well-

 

It gestures up and down her body, chuckling.

VAMPIRE: You're certainly trying.
VAMPIRE: Shame you can't raid mommy's closet properly anymore.
MINERVA: That's it.

 

You start stomping away from the mirror-
-only for the reflection to follow.

VAMPIRE: All I'm saying is that thrifting is not doing you any favors!
VAMPIRE: Trying too hard never pays off-
VAMPIRE: You look desperate, though I suppose that's apt.
VAMPIRE: Just trying to play pretend, make-believe castles and courtyards.
VAMPIRE: Whatever will you do if-

 

You reach a junction, two paths.

The vampire slides onto the left, hands on its hips.

VAMPIRE: Running away already?
????: Don't listen to her!

 

There's another reflection, leaning against the edge of a mirror on the right. It wears a short, flirtatious dress, showing far more thigh than you'd ever be brave enough to on the street.

FLASHY: She's fuuuull of shit.
FLASHY: Acting all high and mighty-
FLASHY: Stretch gave you that blood in the first place!
VAMPIRE: Well of course she'd take the opportunity-!

 

You immediately storm down the right path.




Your head pounds.
Your ears are ringing.

This is-

This isn't real.


You just have to reach the end of the maze.





It can't be that bad- this stuff is built in hallways.


...



.....right?

FLASHY: And like I was saying-

 

The reflection floats on its back as it follows you across the mirrors, lounging as if on a pool toy.

FLASHY: Don't worry about it!
FLASHY: People give you permission for that stuff!
FLASHY: It's fiiiiine!!

 

The tension you felt with the vampire creeps back in.

You've heard that kind of tone before.

FLASHY: And as long as people give permission-
FLASHY: your needs can get filled
FLASHY: and as long as you make people happy
FLASHY: You won't be alone!
FLASHY: No more desperation!
FLASHY: No more darkness!
FLASHY: A roof over your head!
FLASHY: No more thoughts about running back home to mommy dearest-
MINERVA: SH-
MINERVA: SHUT UP ABOUT MY MOTHER-!

 

It bursts out of you, flinching as soon as the last word leaves your mouth.


.....

The reflection stares, raising its brows.

FLASHY: Now that's not very-
MINERVA: Oh be QUIET

 

You pick up speed, wings pressed to your chest.




Ridiculous.

This is ridiculous.



You're arguing with your reflection- and for what?!

FLASHY: Relaaax!
FLASHY: You're good at it!
FLASHY: Getting people to like you-
FLASHY: It's so easy when you tell them exactly what they want to hear, offer them everything they want...
FLASHY: They'll give you whatever you ask for.
FLASHY: That's mutuality, baby!
FLASHY: Right?


 

You're running now.
You don't have to hear this. You don't want to.
You aren't-




It's not like that!



That-

that would be wrong of you-


That'd be-





You only-

????: You could just turn around and go back.

 

You nearly slam into a mirror directly in your path, rearing back from it.


A completely blacked out silhouette matches your movements.

????: You could give up.
????: Do you even like the person you've become?
????: Rich, elegant, fancy Minerva?
????: Sexy, seductive, forward Minerva?


 

It ripples and shifts, molding itself into a cutesy, scribbled version of yourself with wide eyes and flowers- a half-hearted attempt to make a golbat marketable.

MINNIE: Or maaaybe you can be a cutesy, docile Minerva-

 

It pouts.

MINNIE: Who wouldn't even hurt a lil' daisy.
MINNIE: Sweetie pie Minerva who can do noooo wrong~
MINNIE: Everybody's friend!
MINNIE: Saving the day, making people smile-
MINNIE: And nothing else!
MINNIE: Just become everything people want you to be.

 

It warps back into the blank shadow.

????: Because you don't have anything else.




 

Your vision blurs, eyes full of tears-


Wh-



Why would it be so-




Glass shatters, your breakdown interrupted by raw panic.





It's none of the mirrors around you, the blank shadow peering around the corner.

????: You definitely know how to pick 'em.



 

Realization sets in.

MINERVA: Stretch-?!



 

You rush,


only to skid to a stop
and keep yourself from cutting your feet on shards.








The electabuzz' shoulders are hunched, trying to keep itself from hyperventilating.

Its knuckles are bloody, half of the mirror in front of them completely shattered-







-the bottom portion still reflecting, a pair of tiny, blacked out feet still visible.






Something drips in the reflection, obscured by what had laid above the broken edges-




-the shards on the ground covered in faint stars.






It doesn't say anything when it looks at you, just inhaling deep.

MINERVA: A-
MINERVA: Are you alright-
STRETCH: DON'T COME ANY CLOSER!


 

You can't tell if the force in its voice is more panic or anger.




There's movement in the corner of your eye-





-a reflection of Stretch leaning over in view.



It's definitely-




Well,

it's-






The leather-clad electabuzz smirks as it says something to Stretch, the words inaudible.


Stretch deliberately avoids looking at it, the reflection stroking the bondage harness on its chest and clearly looking back and forth


at you.


A growl sneaks into Stretch's voice, skin crackling now.

Your face heats up, and not in a way you-

FLASHY: Ohhh wow.
FLASHY: Talk about a hunk!

 

The scantily clad Minerva from earlier comes in from the other side, blowing a kiss at the dominantly dressed reflection.

FLASHY: Gets the dress code and everything.
FLASHY: No wonder you want to drink it dry.
FLASHY: Think you'd wanna let it get rough?
MINERVA: TH-
FLASHY: Maybe this time you'll even lik-
MINERVA: THAT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!

 

It's Stretch's turn to flinch, both of you making panicked attempts at apologizing-






Only for another goddamn Stretch to show up.



Its posture is stumbling, eyes dissociated- wearing only a hospital gown and clutching at its head.



This one doesn't seem to even move its lips, its mere presence getting Stretch to powerwalk as quickly away from the mirrors as possible.

MINERVA: W-wait-!

 

You have to hop over the glass shards, giving yourself a little flap for safety.


Any attempt to keep your eyes on Stretch is made futile by the mirrored reflections- the flirtatious ones seemingly having the time of their lives as they chatter at each other, only able to be heard from their respective sides.

The sultry Minerva wastes no time pulling the dominant Stretch into a tango, off any kind of implied beat and stumbling together.
Even so, they seem gleeful in mutually tormenting their sources, making sure every affectionate gesture is in perfect view.

FLASHY: You know, I think we're made for each other.
FLASHY: Someone finally willing to entertain this desperation-
FLASHY: Maybe you can fix me right up-
FLASHY: Oh, you don't say~?

 

It leans in, its counterpart grinning as it whispers something unseen.

FLASHY: Of course...
FLASHY: I'd be anything for you-
FLASHY: Or anyone who asked.
FLASHY: I can be your new favorite flavor of the week!


VAMPIRE: And I just- it's so interesting...

 

On the other side, the vampiric Minerva looms over the sickly Stretch, the latter limping along and looking back at her nervously.

VAMPIRE: You don't need to keep anything from me.

 

The Stretch seems panicked, picking up the pace and making unheard protests.

VAMPIRE: Are you scared I'll find out?
VAMPIRE: That I'll dig too deep?
VAMPIRE: Don't worry, I'm an expert at hide and seek, or any other games you want to play...
VAMPIRE: You've been so nice to me...
VAMPIRE: But how much are you willing to shatter?
VAMPIRE: When does it go beyond mirrors?

 

The electabuzz' reflection panics, pushing it away-

VAMPIRE: Because it always does.




 

You finally catch a glimpse of the real Stretch's face.





It looks back at you in the same instant.






You hadn't realized both of your cheeks are stained.





Your chest hurts.




You feel naked, more than you have even in the past few days together.

It-


It wouldn't-



You aren't-




These are just, tricks-










....right?



A branching path stops your attempt to escape.

Left, right, forward.

FLASHY: Whatcha say, Minnie?
FLASHY: Keep going with this piece of work-
VAMPIRE: Or run away, just like before?
VAMPIRE: And the time before that, and before-



 

From the way Stretch turns to you, it's been asked similar questions.


Surely there has to be a way out soon.


It's not as if you've hit any dead ends- just different ways through.



No matter which way you go, you'll reach an exit, and be tormented the whole time!
A miserable race to the finish line!






...but going alone means being alone with them.



It's selfish.

Typical for you!

Asking Stretch to suffer just because you're scared.





Maybe you really do just want to peel its brain open and see inside.
Maybe you like the idea of it doing the same, exposing everything you're trying to keep buried.





You've only known each other a few days.
You see somebody and you're so opportunistic- a traveler means a tent, appealing to someone means you'll be kept safe.
Going too fast, rushing into things, it's the devil you know.









You can't even tell if Stretch is happy.

Maybe you're just a fucking monster.


Selfish,
selfish,
selfish.



Self-




Stretch's hand brushes against your wing.



You think about it crying into your chest in the morning.
No pillow talk, no smug bragging, no negging or dismissiveness.
It had cleaned up after and stayed with you when you were so vulnerable after feeding.
Its worried looks, both then and now-





It's just as scared as you.




You take its hand, as best as you can with your limited claws.








You run.



It's easier to keep pace with each other than you'd expect, Stretch's floating matching how much ground you can cover. Whenever your grip starts slipping, you manage to hold tighter- refusing to let the barrier on its skin bounce or repel you away.





....






It seems so starved for physical interaction.


When was the last time someone held its hand,

even just like this?







You both collapse as the mirrors end, over far sooner than either of you expected.





....had they even followed you?
Had you just blocked out the reflections' jeering?



Stretch would be faceplanted on the ground if not for the hover, keeping it one inch off of the carpet-


-but not high enough to keep from sneezing over dust and the last traces of fog.

STRETCH: ....



MINERVA: .......






 

The determination begins to wear off.



You're still trying to catch your breath, Stretch's preference to stare directly at the ground not helping your nerves.


It's.

Well.



You had only known each other for a few days.




This kind of thing never lasts.






You pull your wings in tighter.



You probably screwed everything up.


As soon as the gym challenge is over, there'd be little use for you.



Dead weight.



You could just sneak off-
no, you're registered for the community center room with Stretch-


....


You remember its desperate grip both nights you slept together.

You-



Leaving it alone would be even worse





....you really are a horrible person.




And here you are-




Dragging it into the depths.




It stays there as you pull yourself into a sitting position, wings wrapped around your body.


What did it even think of you now?

What will it think of you?

It saw- all of these separated parts of you











dissected on an operating table.


None of them are- you wouldn't want ANYONE to think of you like that-

It's not-



It's not really you-!





...is it?






Would it matter?

In the end, Stretch saw what it saw.


You saw what you saw.


You saw its sickly reflection disturbed by you
its flirtatious reflection leering at you
and all you can think of is how you'd have it coming either way.






Just throw something at your head or rip you to pieces already.





Get it over with-

EERIE: H-
EERIE: hhhhheeeey

 

You jolt, looking over to see Eerie and Frond both looking like they've been put through the world's most grueling haunted house.





....oh, god, do you look like that?




You desperately try to smooth your fur out, Stretch rolling over to see what's happening.



Frond's voice is strained, giving a half-hearted wave.

FROND: Sup.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Guessing-
FROND: IT WAS BAD AND WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT IT
STRETCH: You're literally on TV-



 

He starts making a firm "zip it" gesture, the electabuzz immediately shutting up and taking a deep, shaky breath.

STRETCH: ...great.

 

You make cautious eye contact with Eerie, who looks down at Frond and makes a pained wince.



That's.




Noooooooot good.




Your chest hurts as you remember that you even considered leaving Stretch alone tonight.

EERIE: ...guessing it was just as fun for y'all.

 

You grimace, sucking air through your fangs.

EERIE: Cooool.
EERIE: Do we even know what the point of that was?
STRETCH: Torture, probably.
FROND: Seconding torture.
MINERVA: ....



 

You're inclined to agree-



You remember your own observation about earlier.
Physical overwhelm, sensory overwhelm-
All in service of teaching you limits.



But-

FILIGREE: Hey!

 

The bellsprout jogs in, nearly falling over as they skid to a stop.

EERIE: How bad was your house of horrors?
FILIGREE: Huh?

 

They blink.

FILIGREE: Uh
FILIGREE: ....
FILIGREE: Oh.
FILIGREE: Right.

 

Dead silence.

EERIE: ....
EERIE: No way in hell it was a piece of cake for you.
FROND: Wh-
FROND: Are you made of, like-
FROND: Some kind of, I don't know-
FROND: Invincible- brain, stuff?!
FILIGREE: Uh
MINERVA: You don't have to-
FILIGREE: ....
FILIGREE: It's, uh

 

They shrug.

FILIGREE: It was...weird, but-
FILIGREE: I guess....
FILIGREE: I knew what I was- getting...into?
FILIGREE: If you all call it a "house of horrors"-
FILIGREE: ....
FILIGREE: It was stuff I found scarier a long time ago.
STRETCH: .....

 

It looks away, Filigree wringing its leaves.

FILIGREE: Did I-
EERIE: It's just jealous or some shit.
EERIE: God knows I am, fuck's sake.
STRETCH: ...Let's just get to the rest area.










 

You fidget with your claws, everyone else looking equally as uncomfortable.
The only person who doesn't look like they crave the sweet embrace of death is Filigree, the bellsprout lost in deep thought.




You feel like you should say something.


That's what people do when things like this happen, right?


When something goes terribly wrong, and someone needs support-









The right thing to do is to stay positive and help them feel like it's going to be okay!










You say nothing.









Selfish.






The loudspeaker clicks on.

????: Congraaatu-

 

Stretch looks tiredly up at the speaker as the battler lets out a huge yawn, interrupting any attempt at drama.

There's audible noises of someone stretching and groaning over it.

????: hwateverrrrrhrhhr

 

The elevator opens.

????: Cmon down!
FROND: ....
EERIE: ....
MINERVA: ....
STRETCH: .....
FILIGREE: ....not liking this one.

 

The electabuzz takes the longest, most pained inhale you've seen so far.

STRETCH: Let's get it over with.





 

The lift feels agonizingly slow this time around.



You keep looking at Stretch.


It's staring at the door, straight ahead.






You wish you could pat it.
It seemed to help it a lot-








being a bloodsucker suits you








-but it'd




probably just make things worse






and you don't want that.








The lift dings.





Entering the next arena reveals a massive bedroom, ornate and covered in velvet curtains, cushions, plushes, string lights-


-a massive canopy bed occupying the far end.

EERIE: The fuck is-

 

A shape on the bed stirs, what appearing to be a giant substitute plush rising from a heap of pillows.

????: Man...
????: I really thought I was going to get more rest in.
????: Guests to my room are pretty rare!

 

She rolls out of bed, flopping on the ground before lifting herself up.

EERIE: You have got to be kidding me.
????: No kidding around here!
????: My name's Suture, and I can assure you-
SUTURE: I'm the last one before Cleave!
SUTURE: So this is as serious as it gets.

 

It's hard to tell if she's looking your team over, embroidered eyes and a static zipper mouth not giving much in the way of expression.

SUTURE: Quite the varied bunch...
SUTURE: I saw your performance in the maze-

 

A huge yawn interrupts her, only for the costumed mon to stretch, cracking multiple joints in the process.

SUTURE: And it gave me great insight!
FILIGREE: ....she was watching us?

 

Stretch pales, looking especially panicked.

STRETCH: shit
SUTURE: So, question is!
SUTURE: Who's brave enough to face some demons today?
SUTURE: You all gave me PLENTY of material!

 

STRETCH: I-
MINERVA: I'll go!



 

....



what?



why did you






ohhhh no

MINERVA: I-I mean-!



 

Ohhhhhh no why are you doing this

MINERVA: That was-
MINERVA: That was cruel!
MINERVA: That awful maze-!

 

Suture keeps stretching, doing some warmup exercises.

SUTURE: Uh huh.
MINERVA: What kind of a challenge are you trying to run?!
SUTURE: One that clearly got to your head.
SUTURE: So what's it gonna be?

 

She points at you, snickering under her mask.

SUTURE: You gonna lay down and take it?
SUTURE: Or, yknow-
SUTURE: If you're not up for it-

 

She tilts her head.

SUTURE: One of your buddies'll do just fine.

 

Your fur stands on end. Everyone but Filigree's face turns to panic, stammering.

FILIGREE: Minnie, maybe you should let m-
MINERVA: I said I'd do it!
SUTURE: Cool!

 

She waves a hand, heading to her side of the field.

SUTURE: Goood luuuuuck~!


 

 

Okay.

Ooookay
okay okay okay


Don't
mess this up



ohhh god-



You keep waiting for the buzzer to go off.

SUTURE: Gonna warn you, kid-
SUTURE: I play mean.
SUTURE: Do your best to keep up, okay?
MINERVA: ....
MINERVA: I'll be fine.



 

The buzzer sounds.




You flap with full force, closing the distance and slamming directly into Suture with all you can muster.



She's sent flying, slamming against her bedframe with a nasty wooden crack.

SUTURE: Mgghh...
SUTURE: Yknow that's an antique, right-?

 

A little pang of guilt hits.

MINERVA: I'm sor-


 

The costumed mon laughs, loud and harsh.

SUTURE: Apologizing over a bedpost?
SUTURE: Just because it's old?
SUTURE: Fancy?
SUTURE: From the look of that getup in the maze, you've got an affinity for the stuff.

 

She steps back into the ring, stomping closer and closer.
You're having a hard trouble moving.
Your lip quivers.

SUTURE: How about lil' ol me, huh?
SUTURE: Easier to feel bad over breaking stuff, more than people?
SUTURE: Great news for you-
SUTURE: I'm the same.

 

You watch her fist reel back, her zipper grin feeling particularly manic.

SUTURE: My turn.


 

Her first strike hits directly into your side, heavy enough to get you staggering. You can't help but cry out over it, eyes welling up.


Why is


this so hard


immediately?

SUTURE: THAT ALL YOU GOT?
SUTURE: That's the FIRST hit!
SUTURE: You want me to feel sorry for you?
SUTURE: You're TWICE my size!
SUTURE: You could eat me in a single bite!

 

You try to uselessly whack at her with your claws, Suture just taking it as an opportunity to pry your wings apart with both hands.



peeling you open just like the maze

SUTURE: You just don't wanna LOOK BAD!
SUTURE: Soooo scaaared that someone will assume the worst~
SUTURE: BULLSHIT
SUTURE: People talking smack is INEVITABLE!
SUTURE: You'll never meet their standards!
SUTURE: Always a new hurdle-
SUTURE: And right now, I'm YOURS.
SUTURE: SO FIGHT ME LIKE A REAL OPPONENT!



 

You try to push on her with your full weight, only to be shoved hard enough to skid backwards.

SUTURE: I didn't come THIS FAR



 

you have to get away from her.

SUTURE: and work THIS HARD



 

this was a mistake.

SUTURE: To have my time WASTED



 

you shouldn't have signed up to go first.

SUTURE: By somebody more worried about fitting in



 

you probably shouldn't have tried to make friends at all.

SUTURE: than speaking the FUCK up!
SUTURE: You wanna be taken seriously?
SUTURE: LET IT ALLLLL OUT!

 

....



let it...out?

What is there to say? To scream,
cry,
protest?


There's no point to any of it!


Why would doing that


in front of
EVERYONE



...have any meaning at all?

She slams a fist into her chest.

SUTURE: HIT ME BACK.
SUTURE: SHOW ME WHAT YOU FUCKING GOT.


 

Suture comes at you fast, decking you directly in the stomach.

SUTURE: You wanna be pretty?


 

you don't know

SUTURE: Sexy?


 

you don't know

SUTURE: Cute?


 

you don't KNOW

SUTURE: Then DEFEND YOUR RIGHT TO BE!
SUTURE: You can't get anywhere in the League without a spine!
SUTURE: What do you want to BE, MINERVA?!


 

Something inside you snaps.

MINERVA: STOP
MINERVA: BULLYING ME

 

You slam into your opponent hard, enough to stun anyone-

MINERVA: I JUST DON'T WANT TO HURT ANYONE!

 

She gets back up, laughing bitterly.

SUTURE: Mmm-mmm, the maze says differently!
MINERVA: Th-
MINERVA: Those are- EXAGGERATED MIRRORS!
MINERVA: False images!


 

they have to be

SUTURE: Exaggerated?
SUTURE: HAH
SUTURE: You just don't wanna face the FACTS!

 

She circles you, rolling her shoulders and prepping for another hit.

SUTURE: Everybody picks their look from a catalogue-
SUTURE: And you don't like your style!
SUTURE: Bit of this-
SUTURE: Bit of that-
SUTURE: And you've got a SELF image!

 

You hit her again.

She tanks it.


And she just

keeps



talking.

SUTURE: Those mirrors-
SUTURE: Don't show anybody's reflection on you-
 

SUTURE: BUT YOURS!


 

You can't break through.

She keeps getting back up.
Any attempt to keep her down, she just comes back from.


And every hit hurts more and more.






She gets you in the chest, leaving you gasping for breath.




please

please let her just


you need just one hit-



You manage to get a proper hip check in, Suture knocked to the ground.



Yes!
Oh, god, maybe you could-

SUTURE: Nice try.


 

She yanks your tail, using a distressing amount of force to pull you to the ground.

SUTURE: You fight sloppier when you're freaked out, yknow!
SUTURE: Got more damage on me than I expected-
SUTURE: I'm actually sweating in my suit!
SUTURE: You should be IMPRESSED!

 

She gets to her feet and kicks you in the stomach.


This is


could this even be called a fight?





There's no grace or technique to what either of you are doing.

SUTURE: WHAT'LL IT BE, MINNIE?


 

It's about as sporting as the scuffles you got into at private school, wrestling in the mud until someone lost a tooth.

SUTURE: You're SPENT!


 

It's like you said earlier

SUTURE: So close, yet SO FAR!



 

bullying.

SUTURE: But you're just getting started!
SUTURE: You got the whole League ahead of you-

 

She kicks you in the stomach again.

SUTURE: Right~?
 

SUTURE: Don't you wanna keep going?


 

You feel dizzy.

SUTURE: Make it big?


 

The room is swirling.

SUTURE: That's why you're here, isn't it?


 

You try to get to your knees and fail.


you messed up






why

did you offer to go first





You remember the fear in peoples' eyes when Suture introduced herself.




How Stretch had looked hovering over fragments of the night sky, shaking with its knuckles bloodied.



How Frond had looked shaken enough to frown, and scared not just for his sake, but for Stretch's as well-




....and how Eerie had no more jokes, no ribbing at all.



Just terror.







....why did you think you could defend them?

SUTURE: Last chance, Minnie!


 

you can get up
you can get up, you know you can

SUTURE: You bail now, you save some face!


 

it's just someone yelling at you.
this wasn't how it went with caress.
you handled that.

SUTURE: Get your chance to beat my ass another time-


 

but it isn't happening now.
you could dive in to save Eerie, someone you had barely known, someone even cruel to you at times-

SUTURE: -cuz proving me wrong is NOT happening today.


 

But you can't win this for yourself.

SUTURE: Or!
SUTURE: You can DOUBLE DOWN!


 

Why would you ever deserve that.

SUTURE: Pick your poison-

 

She grabs you by the face, raising you to meet her eyes. You can barely see her zipped-up face through the tears.

SUTURE: USE YOUR SAFEWORD
SUTURE: OR LET ME WIN.



 

....but you still can't let go.

Surely there's


something you can do-

MINERVA: I-
MINERVA: I can't-
MINERVA: I CAN'T LET YOU-



 

of course


you'd

let them all down

STRETCH: MINERVA!
STRETCH: D
STRETCH: DON'T LISTEN TO HER!
STRETCH: Y-YOUR REFLECTIONS-

 

Even without looking, you can feel it choking on its words.

STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: I THOUGHT THEY WERE COOL!
STRETCH: S-SO
STRETCH: PLEASE
STRETCH: DON'T KEEP DOING THIS
STRETCH: TAG OUT!

 

Its face falls, the insecurity immediately seeping in-


You give it a weak smile.

MINERVA: C. Crescent.
MINERVA: I give.
SUTURE: Tooook you long enough!

 

Suture sets you down with a shocking amount of care, toe tapping as Stretch makes its way into the arena.

It offers a hand, cautious.

STRETCH: ....can you walk?
MINERVA: ...yes.
MINERVA: I think so.

 

Stretch pulls you up, steadying you on your feet.

STRETCH: Go.

 

It takes some hobbling, but you flop out of the ring just in time for Stretch to avoid a penalty.

EERIE: .....you, uh-
MINERVA: I'm-
MINERVA: ....
MINERVA: Hah...
MINERVA: I feel like shit.
EERIE: ...so the rich girl can swear after all.
MINERVA: On occasion.

 

Suture huffs, hands on her hips.

SUTURE: Y'all good now?
STRETCH: ....yes.
SUTURE: Cool!
SUTURE: Welcome, new toy!
SUTURE: Where to start~?

 

Stretch immediately goes for a jab, eyes fierce-

-only for the plush-like mon to dart away.

SUTURE: Nuh-uh.
SUTURE: You think you're too cool to get a roast?
STRETCH: Nngh-
SUTURE: NO SUCH LUCK!

 

You watch as Stretch and Suture enter what you can only describe as a frantic game of keep away, the gym battler seemingly more invested in its torment than actually winning.

SUTURE: STRETCH! Let's see~
SUTURE: Somebody wants to be the cooool guy.
SUTURE: So cool!
SUTURE: And your papers tell me you're the captain too!
SUTURE: Big dreams-
SUTURE: -for someone who can't accept being sick.



 

Its reflection clutching at its head, wincing in pain.
It had looked so terrified looking back at yours-



-you thought it'd been obvious.

The vampire had hurt it, clearly.



The hospital gown-

SUTURE: How'd you think that's gonna go, huh?
SUTURE: Leather daddy fit?
SUTURE: HAH!
SUTURE: Ohhh, so strong, so haaandsome-


 

You had been waiting for it to hurt your reflection-

-dressed tough, the kind of thing you'd seen plenty of times staring at a glowing tablet screen.

Surely there would have been a moment where it would lose it, because you made it easy


It had smiled, laughed, and told yours some kind of saucy secret.
Comfortable, playful.

SUTURE: What happens on a bad day?

 

The look Stretch had given you from night one, pleading and desperate when you offered something as simple as a hug.

SUTURE: Head hurts? Stomach sick?

 

Its fingertips buried deep in your chest.

SUTURE: Can't fight? Can't eat?


 

Its horror at how vulnerable you ended up after feeding, how attentive it was to things you never would have thought were a problem.

SUTURE: What happens when you cant BE the HUNK
SUTURE: Poor, sickly Stretch-
SUTURE: GET. REAL.
SUTURE: You wanna be a fighter?
SUTURE: You wanna have sex appeal~
SUTURE: Then work what you've GOT!

 

She dives out of the way of a particularly nasty swing, Stretch's eyes impossibly wide as it pants.

SUTURE: You think any of us hold back?!
SUTURE: NO!
SUTURE: We do it different!
SUTURE: We fuck nasty, we beat each other up for FUN
SUTURE: And spend a motherfucking WEEK laid up in bed!
SUTURE: Every action's gotta have an aftercare reaction-
SUTURE: And unless you shape the fuck up,
SUTURE: ADAPT
SUTURE: AND SIT YOUR ASS DOWN AFTER
SUTURE: YOU DON'T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES.

 

Stretch lets out an actual snarl, patience completely lost.

STRETCH: Don't assume things about me.

 

Suture laughs, narrowly dodging another wild attack.

SUTURE: First impressions are all we got!
SUTURE: So-
SUTURE: Who do YOU w-



 

It finally lands one, directly to the side of the head.

STRETCH: What I pick-
 

Another hard slam, spiking her into the mat like a volleyball.

STRETCH: Is none of your business.
SUTURE: G
SUTURE: gooodddd
SUTURE: aaaansewrrrre


 

The buzzer sounds.



You almost collapse as you try to get back onto the field, Eerie immediately grabbing to support you.

EERIE: Don't eat shit-
MINERVA: I-

 

Stretch turns just in time for you to clumsily pull it into a hug.

MINERVA: ...I'm-
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: S'okay.

 

It sighs, clearly enjoying rumbling against your chest. It feels just as good for you, a welcome reprieve from the tension and aching in every part of your body.

STRETCH: I don't
STRETCH: like it when people talk like that.
STRETCH: ....

 

It rests it head closer, its voice quiet.

STRETCH: even if
STRETCH: she's not
STRETCH: wrong.

 

You comb its hair-antennae with your claws, giving it a pat.

MINERVA: ...I thought your reflections were very cool too.
MINERVA: Once-
MINERVA: ....I stopped seeing them as-



 

It nods.



You linger there together until you feel yourself sway, plunking down on the floor with Stretch in your lap in an effort to simultaneously not pass out and maintain your status as an ever-reliable living blanket.



Your moment of peace is interrupted by the plush-disguised mon stirring on the ground-


-and starting to laugh, tiny at first, and building up to a proper cackle.

SUTURE: Sheesh-
SUTURE: Only got to fight two of you, and what a SHOW!
SUTURE: I've gotta thank you for such a good TV debut.

 

Frond splutters, stomping into the carpeted mats.

FROND: Th-
FROND: The fuck is your problem?!
FROND: Putting us through all that-
SUTURE: What, mad it stings more than the others?

 

She shrugs and starts getting up, making an unsteady noise in the process.

SUTURE: I'm the second to last fighter.
SUTURE: You wanna go up against Cleave-
FROND: That's fighting DIRTY!

 

The costumed mon laughs, somewhat bitterly.

SUTURE: Dirty?
SUTURE: Oh, babe-
SUTURE: This is nothing.

 

She puts one hand on her hip, strutting around with more than a bit of an exhausted wobble.

SUTURE: Cameras are off now while we have our chitchat-
SUTURE: But if you clear Cleave, you're in the League!
SUTURE: The big time!
SUTURE: And when you're up against the other leaders and their teams...
SUTURE: Oh, it's bad.

 

Filigree wrings their leaves.

FILIGREE: ....they really have gotten nastier, haven't they?
SUTURE: You have NO idea!
SUTURE: They keep the camera rolling anywhere and everywhere!
SUTURE: Poking you with pitchforks just to see you scramble!
SUTURE: Breaks? HAH!
SUTURE: Every possible weakness lined up like a grand buffet for the press-
SUTURE: Like, hey-
SUTURE: Out of all the things in that maze?
SUTURE: The verbal smackdown Minerva and Stretch just got through?
SUTURE: Nothing on your list of limitations showed up.
SUTURE: For any of you.

 

Your eyes widen.


She's right.


None of your limitations were there.


Not a one.

MINERVA: How-
SUTURE: Eeeeverybody's got gaps!
SUTURE: This whole time, you walked in thinking-
SUTURE: I can take it. I'm tough.
SUTURE: You're so sure what you can and can't handle.

 

She wags a finger in each of your faces.

SUTURE: But you were wrong!
SUTURE: No one can fully know themselves and what'll hurt!
SUTURE: And other people are gonna see it happen.
SUTURE: Whether that's in person or on the air-
SUTURE: You're gonna get cracked open like a nut.
SUTURE: So!
SUTURE: Seize this valuable information!
SUTURE: Take a gooood long look in the mirrors even when you HATE it!
SUTURE: Dig deep!
SUTURE: Mess around a little!
SUTURE: Everyone wears masks, and in this industry-
SUTURE: You'll need plenty!
SUTURE: But-

 

She points to her unmoving, cutesy smile.

SUTURE: At least figure out something that makes you happy.

 

She saunters away with her speech now finished, belly flopping back into bed.

SUTURE: Good luck with Cleave, Shooting Stars!

 

She flicks on the TV, watching some form of cute cartoon.

Your team stands there, mildly in shock, as she hums along to the theme song.

FROND: ....
STRETCH: .....
MINERVA: .......
EERIE: ......
FILIGREE: ....asshole.
EERIE: YOU SAID IT.

---

 

The Shooting Stars have only one thing left in their path....the fight with Cleave, the gym leader! Can they bring it home, especially after such a brutal psychological beatdown?!

 

No suggestions this time, folks- this is a FIVE PARTER! 

Find out next time...on SPACE CASE!