"You are challenged by Pokemon Emperor Saber!"

Current Team:

Box:

Badges:

( march on, legionnaires )

[ "It'd be interesting to really see it," she said. "I can gather a bunch for when my body's passionate fire flares up," she said. "You are going to follow me and like it," she said.

Out of those three phrases Saber had stated before venturing into the Ice Path, only one doesn't leave her with a feeling of regret as she skitters on ice.

The video is coming in live, carried by someone some distance behind the red-clad emperor. Said emperor is picking her way on the ice, but is finding that golden boots do not offer great traction of any kind on ice. A near slip has her curse. ]

Grrr! What is with this infernal place! What is with these formations? [ She punches a stalagmite of ice in frustration. ] Who places such a thing here?!

That would be the guy that created this place, your honor.

[Said with sarcasm by the male behind the camera as it wobbled a bit as the male tried to keep his balance-]

And there's a reason you slide to those footing, unless your great mind didn't simply think of it in the first place-

Silence, knave! [ Slip. ] You realize your fate is crossed with mine by the rope in my hand!

[ Indeed, once she stops flailing her arms a bit, there's a thin cord in one hand that follows all the way up to the Gear's line of vision. ]

Yeah, I heard you the first time, ye of unsuitable clothes.

[Doesn't mean he has to enjoy these kinds of things, to be honest. The feed wobbled a bit as he slowly made it there.]

Just, wait a damn second, alright?

[So they can get through this without falling all over themselves.]

What-- you would dare mock my clothing? You spit on my taste! Truly, you do not understand the scope of your situation when I called upon you to become my servant. Get over here!

[ Unfortunately for Shinn and his tact (or lack thereof), his words only cause Saber to turn around and yank the cord. This lurches Shinn and the Gear towards her--

Smack!

She's almost easily toppled over by his larger frame, but in the midst of the screaming and flailing, she had pushed him off... and only succeeds in having her body slide to a stalagmite--

Thud!

And she's still holding onto the rope, by the way. Even as she's collided with the ice and falls. ]

That's because you're flashing those in a place where no one could see the-!?

[Naturally, as they tumbled through the ice path via slip and sliding, the only thing you could see is the camera being thrown around as the wielder tried to get his bearing after the shorter woman got out of his grips and into the stalagmite.

...And the fact that she's still holding the cord meant that like a magnet, he's going to be drawn towards her-

At least he has the tact to actually grab the stalagmite instead of her boobs for support???]

Rraaagh! This place is making a mockery of me! [ Her face is red and flustered from the total embarrassment of it all. So what's her dignified response? Shove Shinn off of her, reach for a pokeball, and out comes a confused looking Charizard. ]

Aestus! Roast this cavern! Set it all ablaze that it remains a river than a gods' forsaken vo--

[ She takes a step in her tirade, and promptly trips and slides, cursing in latin. The Charizard looks even more confused and surprised before, uh... setting to work. He also nods to Shinn holding the camera, and thus, the feed cuts. ]

[ OOC: Shinn's voice. Saber has just discovered the Ice Path on her conquest for badges but seriously who puts those conveniently placed rocks to slide into? They must hurt. ]

[ The feed snaps on with yours truly standing proudly in her custom-made Santa Claus outfit. Smiling widely, she gives a hearty wave. ]

Merry Chritmas to all! Io Saturnalia! It is a glorious time for my generosity to be shared among all you plebes! I have researched the reasons behind all this invigorating festivities and have learned that an entity called "Santa Claus" goes around the world to distribute presents. As an emperor, I commend this jolly old man for sneaking into the homes of others to give his gifts, but on the other hand, I cannot be outdone by him! Minerva herself would be pleased with my thorough observation.

[ She spreads her arms out in a grand gesture. ]

And so I have given choice people gifts of my own! I believe I deserve a word of thanks, of course, but I am more than happy to simply give out of the grand generosity of my own heart. Receive them all graciously. Add to that, I even had my retainer make a couple of pastries to sweeten the occasion.

[ Then she places a finger to her lips, thinks on her next choice of words, then shrugs. ]

What a wonder that such time has passed... Enough that, considering I was so focused upon my research, my own birthday has flown by! Were we in Rome, there would be parades and dances and parties praising my name, but I shall content myself with the masses of both Johto and Kanto. I have event set up a feast for both special events within the Breeding Center of Goldenrod that I extend an invitation to anyone who would be willing to join. I believe many would want to enjoy a good meal after that sorry attempt of sabotage with those cookies from days ago.

[ She sniffs imperiously, and gestures for the camera to show a large, well made and delicious cake... with thirty-one candles on it. Ahem. Then beams again, before waving. ]

May you all fare well this Christmas!

[ OOC: Saber's Christmas Gift list is here! ]

[ Why, hello there, Johto. The feed snaps on and you'd be in for a treat! The first thing you see a slow sweep of a mini feast of foods, almost as though the one holding the camera is just... in awe before it pans up to show one Saber clad in red sitting at one end of the square table by her lonesome. Chin propped up against her hand with the other idly holding a fork stirring her own plate of eggs and sausage, her gaze off to the side, almost distant.

The person - or rather, Pokemon - holding the camera gives off a faint, draconic rumble to get her attention, and it only serves to have Saber merely glance at the camera once before she sighs. Behind Saber is Archer who is just pulling off an apron with a brief sigh of his own and walking out of view of the screen, most likely doing something of his own design. Saber straightens, letting go of her cutlery to cross her arms and direct her attention to the feed itself. ]

They say, in this realm, death is not applicable. [ She gives a brief snort. ] Yet I have seen the elderly, the sick, and some wounded. Is it only the passing of time are these people granted such reprieve? Moreover, it makes me wonder how such a thing is possible- [ At this, her lips stretch to a sardonic smirk. ] -has the secret of immortality of some sort been discovered here? Hah!

[ Then her eyes suddenly go a bit downcast. ] Or is it to compensate for the fact that the disappearances of those dear to us leave a slow, burning ache? Hmm... Ah, viva enim mortuorum in memoria vivorum est posita!

[ Was that a brief drop of old, yet fluently spoken, latin there? Why, yes! The disappearance of her Master makes Saber think briefly on her previous life: of her homeland, of its many philosophers, of Seneca, and... oh. She takes a breath once more before addressing her audience. ]

So what are your thoughts on this? Is it an opportunity for yourselves to have such an extended life? Do you think there is a catch? Is it better for those we care for to be home or to be by our sides? My curiosity must be sated.

[ Pause, then as she glances off to one side of table. Ah, her mind is just in turmoil, lately! Aha! ]

Ah, yes. To those who have purchased my wares: have you received them? Your thoughts? I and my... [ Another brief glance to where Archer disappeared to, but with a faint cringe in her lips when she continues saying this: ] ... partner of a sort will be making our way to Goldenrod City, where I will set up proper shop. Therefore, I will receive any further requests for practice weapons, but they will be delayed for a few days time until we arrive.

[ Then she makes a dismissive gesture with her hand before the feed snaps off. ]


[ ooc: Archer-mun is still on hiatus! This was briefly asked for permission. Also, Saber's words translate to: "The life of the dead is retained in the memory of the living." --Cicero ]

--again, Praetor! That is not enough ice.

[ The feed snaps on and swivels just a bit awkwardly, as though the recorder is trying to fit the Gear in its claws before it rights itself. Then the Gear turns and shows one scantily clad Empeor with her back turned, unaware of her Pokemon's scheme for video shenanigans. Standing large, proud, but head bending low to the ground, is Saber's Gyarados Praetor and there appears to be... large chunks of ice collecting before the short blonde.

To those wondering, the answer is quickly shown as Praetor's fangs freeze over with ice before she snaps her jaws several times to have the ice fall to the collection. It seems Saber has been at this for some time as there's quite a collection and a bag in her hand before she nods in approval and begins scooping up the ice in her bag. Remember, folks! She has to bend a bit to do this. ]

Very good, Praetor. This will last me for... hmm, a few minutes. Do not worry, I will treat you for this kindness later on-- [ As she talks, it sounds as though her throat caught up on something, sounding hoarse before she has a brief coughing fit, bursts of flame accompanying the sounds. She makes a frustrated noise, and the Pokemon holding the Gear briefly shakes with an amused chuckle before a delivery bird cries and flies its appearance into the scene.

Once she's recovered, Saber arches a brow while straightening herself and turns to face the Pidgeot. In the bird's talons is a rather... large bouquet of roses. As she takes the bouquet, Saber giggles. ]

Honestly, I must commend this secret admirer of mine: even through these diseases, they find time to send such love my way! Still... [ She takes a moment to give those roses a good whiff, then shake her head. ] Woe is my power, for I cannot hold these for long lest they turn into ash within my hands! Machina!

[ A Metagross lumbers onto the scene and Saber turns to place the bouquet right on top of his metal head with an amused laugh. To its credit, the Metagross doesn't look the slightest perturbed and awaits further orders. ] Place this with the others. I have a matter in which I must address to my audience.

[ The Pokemon holding the Gear jerks in surprise to that revelation. How did she know?! The Metagross goes to do as it's asked as Saber gives a stern look to the camera (and her mischievous Pokemon). ]

Truly, Aestus, if you wished to play around with the Gear, you should have told me! No matter, this will be brief, and I shall place a proper punishment on you later. [ She clears her throat, and small pillars of steam leave the corner of her lips as she does so. ]

Lately, it has come to my attention that there are those of us who are warriors, artisans of the battlefield back in our worlds. Though this realm places an odd restriction on carrying such, the authorities do not mind the crafting of wooden, practice ones. And I do believe with current events, having these extensions of our arms would be quite useful to have. That said, I, Saber, will be starting up a business of crafting these tools for others.

Do look forward for future updates on my progress.

[ Then she gives a very imperial wave and the feed quickly shuts. ]

[ She had felt the air change when she awoke this early morning. She had felt... no, it's like her body is reverting back to what it was before she arrived in Johto. She felt the power surge, felt her body thrum with energy...

Now she stands in the middle of the streets of Goldenrod City, looking around. Her gaze drops down to her hand, slowly curling and unfolding. Then she smirks. ]

Come!

[ Raising her hand, a burst of flame appears, elongating and taking shape. The flame solidifies and blackens at parts before it forms into its rightful shape: her Aestus Estus. ]

Ahh, you have finally returned to where you rightfully belong. [ Nero gives a brief, loving stroke along the flat of the blade before her gaze scans her surroundings. Ah, she can sense the appearances of Servants. Had Johto finally let down the barriers and restrictions upon the realm? Why?

And more importantly... It'd be best to find a source of mana soon. However, she feels an energy that, she thinks, would temporarily keep her around, even if potential fights would arise. Perhaps...

And perhaps she could find her beloved Praetor? She still had her Pokemon with her for backup as well. ]

Mmm! Let the search begin!

[ Private Text Sent to Ventus in the early Morning }

I must speak with you. Attend to me when you are available.

( Unintentional Feed Courtesy of Lux the Shinx! )

[ Actual Video, a few hours afterward ]

[ The feed snaps back on after a moment, now showing Nero actually addressing the Gear herself. Still in her swimwear, but with a red towel draped around her shoulders and currently sipping on a can of lemonade, she takes a moment to swallow before speaking: ]

Good afternoon. Due to... recent events, I feel I must ask whether or not Johto holds an annual... festival, of sorts? Truly, there are times to be serious, but keeping that a constant in one's life is just as unhealthy as being too lax!

Mmm! The device comes alive. Though it looks similar to my Master's portable terminal, I must say, this gadget is a lot more colorful than that.

[ The video clicks on to stare straight up at the sky, but the feed soon starts to swerve wildly. There's a large amount of red flashing upon the screen, then green, and what looks to be a... Scyther's arms? ]

Hold it there, Gladius - yes, your name is Gladius. Hold! [ And the feed comes to a still, and you're greeted with this lady in red standing majestically before the camera. Yes, the front of the dress is translucent, but she waves her arm out in front of her to grasp the audience attention as if it wasn't already on her. ]

Good. To all who are viewing this, greetings. There must be some form of life to answer my questions: why are we here? Where is this place? This is certainly not the area of the Moon Cell, nor does it seem like this land is the work of SE.RA.PH... More importantly...

Praetor, if you see this, respond post-haste!