Kanto Gets Loud
Chapter 73: To The Monster Realm (Part 1)
Warning: This Chapter and the following Arc Chapters contain dark themes, such as abuse, toxic work environments, etc.
Meanwhile, in Verosika's bedroom,
Verosika was fidgeting nervously in her seat, as she clutching the receiver end of a phone. On the other line was a tall mothman man, wearing a luxurious fur coat, pink, tinted heartshaped sunglasses, and stroking a small, demonic piglet in his arms, "So, Verosika, as you know, we have another big fundraiser coming up," the mothman began.
"Y-Yes sir, Mr. Valentino," Verosika replied.
"And when I say it's a big one, I mean it is huge! Like, bigger than what those orcs were packing!" Valentino replied. Verosika nearly threw up in her mouth upon hearing that incident she and several others under Valentino's control were forced to watch the other day.
"Th-that certainly would be much bigger, sir," Verosika replied, sounding nauseated.
"Indeed. In fact, it'll no doubt be the biggest event in the history of the Monster Realm. Which is why you and the others need to come up with acts that will truly wow and amaze those filthy, disease-ridden commoners into giving all their money," Valentino replied, sounding oblivious to Verosika's nausea.
"B-But we'll be giving them the total earnings from the fundraiser, right? That's kind of the reason that we've all signed on with you as a manager," Verosika cautiously asked. She knew how unstable her boss was when it came to matters of money.
"Don't worry your sexy little whore head, Verosika. Just trust me, and everything will be alright," Valentino replied, as a cloud of pinkish red smoke billowed up from the receiver, forming a hand that traced itself along Verosika's body, ending right under her chin, "And you WILL trust me, right?!" Valentino's tone went from being somewhat pleasant to aggressively controlling instantly.
"Y-Y-Yes sir. I do trust you," Verosika replied.
"Good. We've got one final rehearsal later tonight. And I've prepared several outfits for you and the other sluts to wear during the show. So, like the others, you had better get there NOW or else!" the smoke formed into a chain that yanked Verosika hard onto the floor, just as the other end was heard hanging up. Verosika took a moment to collect herself. She knew how easy it was to anger Valentino, and since she was under contract with him, she couldn't just refuse. She picked up the phone and put it back on the table it was sitting on. She then collected her purse, and made her way out of her bedroom, and downstairs.
"Mom, I'm heading to the rehearsal! I'll be back later!" Verosika called out.
"Hold it, right there, young lady!" Verosika stopped as Elanor walked up to her, "Do you really need to go to that rehearsal? I mean, you just got back from a date with Lincoln. And besides, it's getting close to dinner time."
"I know I did, Mom, but Mr. Valentino said he needs me and the others down at the venue for the fundraiser concert," Verosika replied.
"Verosika, I'm going to shoot straight with you; Valentino is a limp dicked asshole who can go eat ass, in a bad way! I, along with the others, have known him since we were in high school. And I can honestly say that he fucking sucks. He manipulates others to do his bidding, he's not above doing any sort of shady business tactic just to get what he wants. For all I know, he's probably recording you and the girls changing and showering and posting videos on his private website," Elanor stated, crossing her arms.
"Even so, I'm under contract with him, so I don't exactly have a choice," Verosika replied, as she proceeded to leave. Her mother could only rub her temples in irritation.
"That girl has to learn to stand up to asshats like Valentino," she commented, slumping down on a sofa. It was then that a thought came over her, "Come to think of it, Verosika has participated in just about every one of Valentino's fundraisers, and each one rakes in no less than millions, so why is it that none of the conditions those fundraisers were for ever improved?" she asked herself. She then thought that Valentino was embezzling money from the charity fundraiser, "But without any concrete evidence, I can't have the royal guard take his ass down." She groaned, before she got a clever idea.
Meanwhile, with Lincoln,
"Alright, the next Pokeblocks will be the white ones," Lincoln said, as his Pokemon began eating the white Pokeblock in the dishes he had.
"Eh, it's kind of bland, to be honest," Mesmer commented, looking like he didn't like it.
"I'd say calling it 'bland' might be a bit too nice," Skyera commented, as she had to force herself to swallow it. Along with those two, Sliggoo and Andrea also didn't seem to like it too much. Lapis, Queeny, Mienfoo, Feebas and Buzzerker on the other hand looked to quite enjoy it, while the rest looked indifferent about it. Lincoln jotted this down.
"Well, just remember, these tasting sessions are just to find out what you guys like as far as flavors go. If you like them, great, if not, then that's the point of the experiment," Lincoln replied.
"Any chance we can move on to Poffins next, Lincoln? As much as we like testing out the Pokeblock you made, I think we can all do with something else," Pikachu requested.
"Well, lucky for you, those white Pokeblock were the last ones of the testing batch. I've got the first batch of Poffins right here," Lincoln replied, holding up the Poffin case.
"Looks like you're making some progress with finding your Pokemon's likes and dislikes," Brock commented, as he fed his Pokemon their Pokeblock and Poffins.
"Well, these ARE only experimental batches. And I'm making sure to keep track of what Pokeblocks are liked by which Pokemon. Though now we're moving on to Poffins," Lincoln replied, as he got the first bunch of Poffins out, and distributed them among his Pokemon. These first ones were blue with red sprinkles on top, "Ok, Poffin Test #1 you guys," Lincoln said, as he Pokemon began eating. Lapis, Queeny, Buzzerker, Feebas and Inferna almost immediately spat them back out, "Ok, so this recipe isn't liked by you guys," Lincoln wrote this down in his notebook.
"So, you're taking notes on what Pokeblock and Poffin you give your Pokemon?" Leni asked.
"Yeah, I figured something like this would help out in the long run as far as finding their likes and dislikes," Lincoln replied.
"Hmm, maybe I should do that with the Pokepuffs Bobby and them are investigating," Leni pondered.
"Recipes like these ones do benefit from taking notes," Clyde replied.
"But the critics we need to hear these things from are our Pokemon! So c'mon out gang!" Ronnie Anne called out, tossing up four Pokeballs, releasing Eevee, along with a large, black lion Pokemon with a blue face and a star tipped tail, a Pokemon that looked like a snow-covered tree, and a fairly large grey armored Pokemon. Leni, Clyde, Zach, Giggles, and Polly all did the same with their Pokemon.
Leni sent out a large, weasel like Pokemon that had a similar color scheme to her Cyndaquil, a Magneton, a Floatzel, and what looked to be a living minecart full of coal.
Clyde's Pokemon consisted of a tall, lizard like Pokemon that looked like a secret agent, a large, brown owl Pokemon with great big eyebrows, a chunky, pink lizard like Pokemon with a vacant look in it's eyes, and yellow sheep Pokemon.
Zach's Pokemon included a Blaziken, a camel like Pokemon with what looked to be volcanoes for humps, a blue, armless frog like Pokemon, and a brown, bipedal crocodile Pokemon.
Giggles' Pokemon team had a Pokemon that looked like a mix between a sealion and a mermaid, a man-sized mime like Pokemon, a large, purple Pokemon that looked like a hot air balloon, and a small, yellow frilled lizard like Pokemon.
And finally, Polly's team (sans Snorlax) consisted of a massive, muscular blue alligator Pokemon, an Onix, and a chunky, dark green Pokemon with axe like tusks.
"Whoa, this is some collection you've guys got going on here!" Lincoln exclaimed, sounding very impressed.
"Yeah, we've been using that Battle Chateau place to train up our Pokemon like crazy. And as you can see, our starter Pokemon have all evolved into their final stages," Zach replied, eying the tall chicken Pokemon. Lincoln got out his Pokedex to scan each one.
"Luxray, the Gleam Eyes Pokemon, an Electric Type, and the fully evolved form of Shinx. Luxray can see through solid objects. It will instantly spot prey trying to hide behind walls, even if the walls are thick.
Snover, the Frost Tree Pokemon, a Grass and Ice Type. It lives on snowy mountains. It sinks its legs into the snow to absorb water and keep its own temperature down. It sometimes grows berries around its belly that are like ice pops.
Lairon, the Iron Armor Pokemon, a Steel and Rock Type, and the evolved form of Aron. Lairon feeds on iron contained in rocks and water. It makes its nest on mountains where iron ore is buried. As a result, it often clashes with humans that try to mine up the iron ore.
Typhlosion, the Volcano Pokemon, a Fire Type, and the evolved form of Quilava. Typhlosion obscures itself behind a shimmering heat haze that it creates using its intensely hot flames. This Pokemon creates blazing explosive blasts that burn everything to cinders.
Carkol, the Coal Pokemon, a Rock and Fire Type, and the evolved form of Rolycoly. By rapidly rolling its legs, it can travel over 18mph. The temperature of the flames it breathes exceeds 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Inteleon, the Secret Agent Pokemon, a Water Type, and the fully evolved form of Sobble. It has many hidden capabilities, such as fingertips that can shoot water, and a membrane on its back that it can use to glide through the air.
Noctowl, the Owl Pokemon, a Normal and Flying Type, and the evolved form of Hoothoot. Its eyes are specially developed to enable it to see clearly even in murky darkness and minimal light. When it needs to think, it rotates its heads 180 degrees to sharpen its intellectual power.
Slowpoke, the Dopey Pokemon, a Water and Psychic Type. Slow witted and oblivious, this Pokemon won't feel any pain if its tail gets eaten. It won't notice when its tail grows back either.
Mareep, the Wool Pokemon, an Electric Type. Clothing made from Mareep's fleece is easily charged with static electricity, so a special process is used on it. Rubbing the fleece generates electricity.
Camerupt, the Eruption Pokemon, a Fire and Ground Type. Camerupt has a volcano inside its body. Magma of 18,000 degrees Fahrenheit courses through its body. Occasionally, the humps on this Pokemon's back erupt, spewing the superheated magma.
Palpitoad, the Vibration Pokemon, a Water and Ground Type. It weakens its prey with sound waves intense enough to cause headaches, then entangles them with it's sticky tongue.
Krokorok, the Desert Croc Pokemon, a Ground and Dark Type. Krokorok has specialized eyes that enable it to see in the dark. This ability lets Krokorok hunt in the dead of night without getting lost.
Primarina, the Soloist Pokemon, a Water and Fairy Type, and the fully evolved form of Popplio. To Primarina, every battle is a stage. It takes down its prey with beautiful singing and dancing. The songs it sings have been passed down from generation to generation.
Mr. Mime, the Barrier Pokemon, a Psychic and Fairy Type. It's known for its top-notch pantomime skills. It protects itself from all sorts of attacks by emitting auras from its fingers to create walls.
Drifblim, the Blimp Pokemon, a Ghost and Flying Type. Some say this Pokemon is a collection of souls burdened with regrets, silently drifting through the dusk. It grabs people and Pokemon and carries them off somewhere. Where they go, nobody knows.
Helioptile, the Generator Pokemon, an Electric and Normal Type. When spread, the frills on its head act like solar panels, generating the power behind this Pokemon's Electric Type attacks.
Feraligatr, the Big Jaw Pokemon, a Water Type, and the fully evolved form of Totodile. Feraligatr intimidates its foes by opening its huge mouth. In battle, it will kick the ground hard with its thick and powerful hind legs to charge at the foe at an incredible speed.
Fraxure, the Axe Jaw Pokemon, a Dragon Type. After battle, this Pokemon carefully sharpens its tusks on river rocks. It needs to take care of its tusks – if one breaks, it will never grow back," Dexter explained.
"Whoa, this collection is awesome!" Lincoln exclaimed.
"And they all look well trained too," Brock observed.
"Yeah, we can say the same about the Pokemon you've all got yourselves," Polly replied, looking around at all of Lincoln, Brock and Misty's Pokemon.
"Too true. I wonder what Pokemon the others have caught?" Lincoln wondered, as he felt one of the rings on his arms vibrating. He took a look, and saw it was Verosika's ring, "Verosika? Wonder what she could be calling for?" he wondered, as he got up, "If you'll excuse me guys, I need to go take this," he said.
"We understand," Ronnie Anne replied, as Lincoln exited the Play Area. He then pulled out his amulet and answered the call.
"Hello, Verosika? Are you there?" Lincoln asked.
"Hello, Lincoln," Lincoln was surprised to hear the familiar voice of someone else.
"Lady Elanor? This certainly is a surprise," Lincoln commented.
"Now, now, Lincoln, you needn't be so formal with me. After all, I am one of your future in- laws," Elanor stated.
"Well, if you say so. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?" Lincoln asked.
"I have a bit of a problem over here, regarding Verosika," Elanor replied.
"A problem? Is there something wrong with her?" Lincoln asked, sounding concerned.
"It's regarding her boss, a mothman by the name of 'Valentino'. For some reason, Verosika feels she just HAS to stay under his control," Elanor replied. Lincoln was very surprised, and a bit confused now.
"Is Valentino like a higher noble rank than you?"
"No. Well, he used to be, but he had a falling out with his little sister several years ago, like a REALLY bad falling out. Like, it made the tension between you and those two sisters of yours look tame in comparison, which resulted in him becoming disinherited and disowned by his family. Nowadays, he's just an upper-level middle class piece of shit! He just thinks he's on the same level as a proper royal or noble. And I've known Valentino since we and the others were in High School ourselves, and I can tell you that he's a selfish, manipulative bastard. He'll pull any dirty trick to get what he wants."
"Ok, well, if you and Verosika outrank him in terms of societal status, then why doesn't Verosika just pull rank on him?"
"I asked her that very question time and time again, and it's always the same answer; 'I just have to stay under his employ for the sake of the underprivileged' or 'because I have no choice in the matter'. But Valentino's manipulative behavior is only ONE of the reasons I would like for you to come to the Monster Realm to help Verosika," NOW Lincoln was surprised, and a little concerned.
"Ok, a few things; 1. Isn't there like a whole process for either humans or monsters crossing over into the other's realm? 2. How do I even get there? 3. What more could you want me to do besides trying to convince Verosika to leave?"
"1. I have enough authority to expedite the process to, at the very least, allow you to cross over for one whole day. 2. Transportation will be arranged by myself personally, and 3. There's something about Valentino that I would like for you to try and investigate."
"And what might that be?"
"See, tomorrow is going to be another one of Valentino's charity fundraiser concerts that Verosika, along with many other girls her age, will be participating in to raise money to improve the slums of the Monster Realm and make the lives of those living there a little easier. But for some reason, despite the fact that all concerts that Verosika and the others participated in managed to rake in millions, conditions never seem to improve. If anything, things only seem to get worse after each concert. I suspect that Valentino might be embezzling money from the fundraisers, but none of us can make any moves against him unless we have concrete proof that he is doing so. And before you ask, I had thought about sending in someone to try and investigate, but Valentino is a very cautious individual, and is will to do anything to cover his tracks, especially if he suspects one of the Royal Families is involved. But if you were to try snooping around, I doubt he'd think too much of you, since we haven't announced your engagement to our daughters."
"Hmm, well, I would like to help Verosika and all, but this does seem awfully risky," Lincoln replied, sounding unsure.
"Well, there's all of that, plus I heard that Vaggie girl's mother would also like to meet you, seeing as how you managed to work your way into Vaggie's heart as well as the others."
"Oh boy, is her mother a reasonable woman?"
"You needn't worry, Lincoln. Her mother is a very nice Mothman woman, albeit a bit aggressive when it comes to her family."
"Eh…" Lincoln was now definitely unsure.
"And if you do this, not only will you be paid… I don't know, 20,000 Monster Dollars, but I'll also give you several new magazines featuring the most beautiful Monster Women modeling in either swimsuits, underwear, or in the nude~" the way she said that last offer definitely sounded like a real win to Lincoln.
"Well…. Alright, I'll do it! How about having the transportation coming to pick me up tomorrow morning at 10? There's a lot I want to do before the day after tomorrow," Lincoln suggested.
"That sounds perfect! The concert won't be until 2 o'clock in the afternoon," Elanor replied.
"Great! And I'll try to put together a team of Pokemon to help out with my investigation," Lincoln replied.
"Beautiful! I'll go ahead and put in the request for you to come over right away! I'll see you tomorrow," Elanor replied, before cutting off the call.
"Ok, looks like tomorrow might be pretty busy for me," Lincoln commented, as he reentered the Play Area.
"Hey Lincoln. So, what did Verosika want?" Misty asked.
"Actually, it was Elanor who called. She wants to me to come to the Monster Realm tomorrow to help out with an investigation," Lincoln replied.
"An investigation? What kind of investigation?" Leni asked.
"She wants me to look into something that Verosika's a big part of, and wants for me to try and find something to prove her suspicions about Verosika's boss," Lincoln replied.
"Isn't Verosika like royalty or something? Why does she even need a job?" Polly asked.
"Apparently, it's something to do with a charity fundraiser run by a shady Mothman that Elanor isn't exactly on good terms with. She wants me to help out with the investigation since it'll keep the guy from suspecting someone's onto him," Lincoln replied.
"I don't know, Lincoln. That sounds kind of dangerous," Leni commented.
"Even so, Verosika, based on how Elanor made it sound, is suffering, and I can't let such a thing go ignored. Besides, I doubt even this Mothman guy will be willing to break the Interspecies Exchange Bill's 'no harming humans/monsters law', especially since I'm going over as a special guest of royalty," Lincoln replied.
"Hmm, well, I still have my reservoirs about it, but if you say so," Leni reluctantly relented.
"Glad that you can understand where I'm coming from, even though the word you were probably thinking of was actually 'reservations' instead of 'reservoirs'," Lincoln replied.
"So, what time are you going to be brought over?" Zach asked.
"We agreed at 10 o'clock, which will give me plenty of time to see how much my team's come with their performances for the Contest the next day," Lincoln replied.
"Speaking of which, you should go get yourself registered. The cut off time is 5 o'clock tomorrow evening," Brock advised.
"If that's the case, I'd better head over right away!" Lincoln exclaimed.
"What's the hurry? It's still early enough in the day right now. Plus, you should at least check out all of the acts your Pokemon have come up with," Misty replied.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. And hopefully the Pokeblock and Poffins I've been feeding them are already working their magic," Lincoln replied, as his Pokemon were all taste testing the Poffins he was giving them, each with mixed reactions. He noticed that Feebas was going especially hard on eating blue Pokeblock and Poffins, "You must really enjoy those ones, Feebas," Lincoln observed.
"I want to show you that I can be a valuable asset to you in the Contest, even if you don't put me in the Appeals Round," Feebas replied.
"Well, truth be told, I was already considering you for one of the Pokemon I put into the Battle Round," Lincoln replied. Feebas looked overjoyed to hear this.
"Really, Lincoln?!"
"Of course. That being said, since this is going to be a Double Performance, you're going to need a partner for the battle stage," Lincoln replied.
"Oh yeah, that's right. Well, who do you have in mind?" Feebas asked.
"I was thinking Sliggoo. I want to prove to that Veruca bimbo that there's more to Pokemon than how they look on the outside. And given how she was trash talking Sliggoo the other day," Lincoln replied.
"Yeah, she was talking some trash," Queeny commented.
"Will you be helping us work on our routines now?" Lapis asked.
"Yes. So far, I've been a bit preoccupied to be focused on our routines. But now, I'm going to help you guys with your acts," Lincoln replied.
"That's great! Queeny and I think we've gotten our Appeals performance ready. We just need your final approval," Lapis replied.
"Good. We'll go ahead and get right into practicing," Lincoln replied. Both Lapis and Queeny took their places.
Meanwhile, back at Fountain Heights Psychiatric Sanitorium *thunder and lightning*; Exam Room,
Lori was being wheeled in on a stretcher, while also being restrained tightly. Some doctors came over and injected her with the same sedative she's been getting injected with since coming to the Sanitorium. She was unable to fight off the effects of it, and fell asleep. When she reopened her eyes, she saw that her dreamscape turned into what appeared to be some kind of office, and she was sitting in a chair. Across from her, sitting at a big wooden desk, was her Phantasm, dressed up like a business woman, "Alright, Ms. Loud, tell me why I should hire you on," the Phantasm requested.
"W-Wait, 'hire me on'? What am I being interviewed for?" Lori asked.
"Forgetting about the position you're applying for? Not very professional," her Phantasm commented, writing something down, before setting down her pen, "To refresh your feeble memory, I want to see what qualifications you have so that I can even remotely consider hiring you on as this company's matchmaker. So, tell me, what sort of qualifications do you have to help people out with finding romance?"
Lori was taken aback by the question she was presented with, but retained her composure, "W-well, I watch a lot of soap operas and reality dating shows. Not to mention most of my expertise in the field of romance comes from reading magazines and online articles pertaining to the subject."
Lori's Phantasm had a look of faux contemplation on her face, "Mm-hmm, I see. Now for my next question; Does any of that apply to EVERY kind of romance?" Lori was perplexed by this sort of question.
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is that those were examples of general or individual romantic compatibilities. They can't necessarily apply to EVERY form of romance. I mean, just take your brother for example."
"My brother? What does that shallow little pervert have to do with anything? Besides ruining MY relationship with Bobby by cheating on Ronnie Anne with a bunch of dumb bimbos?"
"Are you certain HE'S the shallow one? Because based on what I've seen, you're FAR shallower than he'll ever be."
"Pfft, yeah right. Name one time!"
"Well, lets see; You can handle being away from or hearing from your precious little 'Boo-Boo Bear' for more than five seconds. You're more interested in seeing him in a uniform that you cause trouble for him and others by fawning over him when he's working. You've been trying to force his sister and your brother in an obviously ill-fated relationship that neither of them wants to be in. And let's not forget that Hugh guy. You were so obsessed with getting in the guy's pants that you didn't seem to care that your brother could potentially fail the fifth grade."
"I said 'name ONE time'," Lori muttered.
"The point is, it's clear that you're unfit to be a matchmaker to anyone. Everyone has their own tastes in terms of partners. That's not something you can just force them to adopt or ditch on demand. And it's probably that obsession with Bobby that's why your Mom doesn't trust you to be in charge of your siblings anymore," the Phantasm ranted. Lori let out an overly dramatic, offended gasp.
"You. Take. That. Back!" she demanded.
"Hmm, you're right. I should take back the 'probably' in that last statement. It's clear to anyone that that's the undisputed, solitary reason without question."
"And it doesn't matter if Lincoln has his own tastes in what kind of woman he wants. I've already decided that Ronnie Anne is the only bride to be for him."
"Yeah, in that twisted, self-obsessed fantasy world you're always living in, but this is reality, Lori! Lincoln won't just roll over and give in to YOUR insane demands. Oh, and F.Y.I.? Being the oldest sister in the family doesn't mean a pile of rotting shit in the long run, especially with things that are WAY out of your control."
"But Lincoln's MY brother, whether he and I like it or not, and that means he's, MY property! I can run HIS life the way I see fit, and he is NOT to raise even so much as a single complaint about it!"
"Again, maybe in that fucked up fantasy world of yours, but in reality, you won't have any control over him when he turns 18. After that, he could just up and disown you for good, not to mention filing a restraining order against you to keep you OUT of his life! In fact, why don't we just see what his life would most likely turn out if he just sticks with disowning you," and with that, the world around them began to morph into what appeared to be a very large, very posh mansion. There, Lori saw an adult Lincoln, along with all the women he has in his harem and several children who looked like mini versions of the women, lounging around lazily. Just then, an imp butler comes in.
"Beg pardon, Master Lincoln, but you have someone here to see you," the butler announced. This appeared to surprise Lincoln.
"A guest? Well, alright, show them in, if you please," Lincoln requested.
"Yes sir," the butler replied, as he retreated through the doorway he came out of.
"What is all this? How is Lincoln doing so well for himself? And why isn't Ronnie Anne down there?!"
"Your brother's a FAR more capable individual than you give him credit for. Not to mention, all of this would no doubt be the result of his marriage to the Monster Princesses," the Phantasm replied, just as the imp butler came back in, with what appeared to an adult Lori, who looked like she was run ragged.
"Lori? Wow, the years and the world have NOT been kind to you," Lincoln chuckled unsympathetically.
"Cut the shit, Lincoln! When are you going to leave these sluts and get with the girl that I chose for you?!" future Lori yelled.
"Ugh, this again?" Octavia groaned.
"Hate to burst your bubble, Lori, but Ronnie Anne is married to a bunch of women herself, and she's not planning to leave any of them!" Lincoln yelled.
"That's doesn't matter. I'm not going to give up on trying to get you together!" future Lori yelled.
"Sorry Lori, but you don't have a choice in whether you give up or not anymore," Lincoln replied.
"What are you saying?!" future Lori yelled. Charlie snapped her fingers materializing a slip of paper.
"This is a legal restraining order that both Lincoln and Ronnie Anne filed against you. You're not allowed within fifty feet of them or their homes, and you can't have any contact with them ever again," Charlie explained.
"WHAT?!" future Lori yelled.
"Them's the brakes, Lori, now GET OUT OF MY HOUSE AND MY LIFE! Please," Lincoln requested. Lori, visibly shaking with rage, turned and stormed out of the mansion.
"Doesn't seem like your obsession with your little ship worked out for you, now did it?"
"No, but Lincoln's supposed to be with Ronnie Anne! They're literally meant for each other!"
"That's just YOUR opinion, as biased as it is. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne are their own individuals. They can't be controlled by anyone, especially NOT you!"
"B-B-B-But I… I…" Lori, now unable to refute her phantasm's words, finally broke down sobbing, "I just want them to be happy!"
"Then why are you forcing them to be together when they WON'T be happy together? Did it ever once occur you to that NOT everyone has the same idea of happiness?!"
In the Exam Room,
Lori was breathing heavily while under the influence of the sedative. The Doctors were monitoring her closely, "Something major must be happening inside her head."
"More than likely."
"How are her brainwaves?"
"Fluctuating. But they're remaining in the stable levels."
"Good. Continue monitoring."
At the same time, in the Monster Realm, in the backstage of a big venue,
Verosika and a lamia girl with a seven-foot-long green tail were thrown to the ground, tears welling up in both their eyes, "You stupid whores! Why aren't you doing the steps right?! If you want those simple-minded commoners to fork over their money, then you HAVE to give them a quality performance!" Valentino yelled, flipping a nearby table, causing several other teen monster girls that were there to flinch.
"R-r-really, Valentino sir, we're doing our very best!" Verosika pleaded, only to get backhanded by Valentino.
"Your 'best' isn't nearly good enough! We'll barely be able to get above the goal for this concert if you bitches don't get those shitheads out there hard for you! So, you had all BETTER get it right this time! Afterwards, you'd better get yourselves ready for the photoshoot!" Valentino yelled.
"Oh no, not another photoshoot," an angel like girl groaned quietly. Unfortunately for her, it wasn't quietly enough as Valentino turned his glare towards her.
"Emily, my dear, are you by chance… COMPLAINING?! AND IN MY PRESENCE TOO NO LESS?!" he yelled, roughly taking Emily by the arm.
"N-N-No Valentino, sir! I would never dream of it," the angel girl, now known as Emily, feebly replied, her left eye twitching. Valentino then threw her onto a nearby couch, and held her down by her throat.
"Don't even think of lying to me, you slut! I know you're lying whenever your eye twitches like that! It was bad enough that you were complaining in MY general vicinity, but because you saw fit to try to lie to me, YOU will be the first one during the photoshoot! And it's going to be a nude photoshoot for you! Do I make myself clear?!"
"Y-Y-Yes sir," Emily shakily replied.
"Good girl. Now, get your fat, bubble ass to your position! The same goes for the rest of you! We are taking this from the top!" Valentino yelled, throwing Emily away from the couch. Not wanting to be on the receiving end of Valentino's wrath, the girls all quickly got up on stage, while Valentino took a seat in a director's chair in the audience section.
A bit of a short chapter, but I feel this should be enough to get the ball for the Monster Realm Arc rolling… at least initially. Anyhow, I'm also going to open up a new poll. This one is to help decide on what order Lincoln and company's adventures between Celadon City and Fushia City will take place. You'll have your choices from the following options:
Grampa Canyon
Stone Town
Dark City
That City that was experiencing a drought (the one where Snorlax was first introduced in the anime)
Additional Cities or Towns for Contests for Lincoln (PM What ones they should be)