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Anistar City

"<I've heard. It's great to see that you have reunited. And that you and Lyuri are finally at peace with each other. Still... Are you sure you need to go alone?>" he said, looking concerned.

Anistar City

Herbert: Not quite alone. I've been thinking of roping someone else into the whole thing just to make sure I don't do anything too stupid.

-His tone becomes more serious.-

Herbert: ...If you don't want me to go ahead with this plan, then I won't. You abandoned a dangerous idea because I asked you to, the least I can do is give you the same chance. But I think that I can really make a difference if I just get a chance to give this idea a shot.

edited 6th May '14 3:33:06 PM by Herbert40k

Anistar City

"<I'm not going to stop you. It's just that I can't help but worry. I guess you really became a brother for me and I'm just afraid of something happening to you and being unable to help.>"

edited 21st Apr '14 2:27:00 PM by FullMoon

Did the chat go down?

tropi.us seems to be down, yeah.

Can't access the chat or the second forum from here.

Anistar City

-Herbert continues to smile at Duke even as his tone remains distinctly serious.-

Herbert: Y'know, one of the reasons I'm so confident about this whole thing is because I know that if I get myself in a jam, you'll come running to bail me out the moment you get wind of it. There's been times in the past where I wondered if you really cared... but now I know that I had nothing to worry about.

Anistar City

Duke gives a more complete, warm smile "<I'm not omniscient though, I won't know what is going on if you don't keep in touch. Besides... I didn't even finish your training. Do you really think you're ready?>"

Anistar City

-Herbert hesitates for a moment.-

Herbert: I'm not sure, honestly... but as long as I don't try and tax myself too hard at first, I reckon I'll be fine. I should learn pretty fast. And if I get myself in trouble, I promise that I'll find some way to let you know about it, no matter what.

edited 21st Apr '14 2:39:42 PM by Herbert40k

Anistar City

Duke keeps smiling, even if he was more serious now "<Very well then. I'm sure you will do fine and me and Lyuri are always ready to assist you. Keep that in mind.

He then extends a paw for a handshake with a reassuring smile

"<I guess it's goodbye then. So... Take care, little brother. See you later, hopefully without having to rescue you when that time comes.>"

Anistar City

-Herbert takes Duke's paw and shakes it firmly.-

Herbert: Yup. Goodbye for now, big brother. I'm expecting you and Lyuri to both still be alive, well and in your right minds next time I run into the pair of you.

Kirk: <...I guess we'll see you when we see you, then.>

-The two of them continue heading in the direction of Route 18.-

edited 21st Apr '14 3:07:11 PM by Herbert40k

Couriway Town

-Straw waves bye to Nicole as she boards a train at Couriway, and heads off to whereever she is headed-

Catherine:<So...now what?>

Well...there's that cave I wanted to check out.

Hades:<Ooh. A cave. So interesting.> :/

Anistar

Verax: -Who just happened to be passing by Tagg- "I wouldn't say that by any stretch, if you don't mind me cutting in. I mean sure I'm probably the worst person to be saying this, but I'm pretty sure some people look at you as a friend despite what you've done, unless you don't look at them the same way. Funny thing about humans, we're willing to forgive those close to us, but if we already have a negative disposition towards someone..."

-Beat- "Well sorry for eavesdropping. I'll be on my way now."

Thanks to Dogs for spagging the first part of this with me.

Kalos Route 18

-Samantha is sitting by herself, scritching Harbinger behind the ears, when a voice starts speaking from somewhere behind her.-

Herbert: You know, I always seem to find you sitting on your own like this. It wouldn't hurt to start talking to people your own age every once in a while, you know.

-Samantha turns her head-

Samantha: Oh, I do. I guess you just don't see me.

-she sighs a bit-

Herbert: Something wrong?

-she shakes her head-

Nothing. Not really. Anything with you?

Herbert: Nope. Nothing. And this is the first time I've been able to say that for a long, long time.

-He glances down at the ground.-

Herbert: ...Though I do have some bad news.

-Samantha's face darkens slightly-

Samantha: Go on...

Herbert: Well, I've thought about it for a while, and... I think I'm going to leave the J-Team.

-Samantha stares-

...you are?

Herbert: Yeah. I think I am.

-she stares even more-

...what prompted this?

Herbert: A lot of things, honestly. I mean, I've done my best to try and rebuild some of the bridges I've burnt, and I don't think I'd be leaving any loose ends behind me. My father's still out there, as is Illusion, and I think I'd be better working alone than with the J-Team. It's not that I don't still have friends on the team, but I've caused enough problems for the team as a whole. It's time for me to start proving that I can fight by myself, that I don't need other people to keep me alive and sane.

Samantha: And you intend to do that...by leaving.

Herbert: That I do. I have a plan in mind. It's crazy and probably pretty dangerous. Exactly the sort of thing you'd approve of, in other words. And I'll have people and mons I trust to help make it work.

Samantha: ...would you care to tell me them?

Herbert: That'd ruin the surprise, I'm afraid. Though you don't need to worry yourself, I'll be in good hands. I'll have my team with me, as well as a certain other studious redhead of [Poke-Irish] descent.

Samantha: Ah. Alice? You've mentioned her a couple times.

Herbert: That's her. I've yet to get her on board, but I'm sure a quick phone call will be all it takes. She's a sucker for this kind of thing.

Samantha: As long as you're safe. Although…

-she sighs-

As you said earlier, you have friends on the J-Team. That fellow that's actually a Lucario,    Hudson   , and, well…

-she looks down at her feet, and Herbert places a hand on her shoulder-

Herbert: Hey, no need to get down about it. Think of this as a chance to make new friends. You're a great person, after all, and I'm sure that after a while the others will start to realise that.

Samantha: But...but, well...I think you're the only one on the team that thinks that. And what if they don't think so?

-Herbert looks genuinely confused for a moment.-

Herbert: Why wouldn't they? You're smart, you're funny - even if you don't mean to be at times - and you're pretty… not to mention that most of the team are pretty sociable. I'm sure that you'd become firm friends if you just took the time to hang out with some of them.

-Samantha raises an eyebrow and smirks despite herself-

Samantha: What was that part? Right between "funny" and how the team's sociable? I didn't catch it.

-Herbert goes slightly red.-

Herbert: I... I said you're pretty. It's true, after all…

-Samantha's smirking gives way to a massively flattered smile-

Thank you, Herbie...

-Herbert gives a small smile, then rather tentatively places a gloved hand on Samantha's cheek and leans in to give her a quick kiss. Samantha leans in and places her lips over his, kissing for likely longer than Herbert intended. It lasts for about ten seconds before Herbert pulls away, now a shade of red that could be used to hail ships.-

Herbert: ...You know, that almost made me change my mind about leaving.

Samantha: Not completely? Maybe I ought to practice.

-she chuckles slightly before sighing-

I'll miss you terribly, you know. And I won't be alone.

Herbert: Same. Just don't lock yourself indoors and spend the next few months staring longingly out at the sea on my behalf, okay?

Samantha: I'll do my best. Should we...keep in touch, or do you not want to be bothered when you're doing what you have to do?

Herbert: I'd like to keep in touch, but... honestly, I doubt I'll be able to. I doubt they've got anything close to a reliable internet connection where I'm going…

Samantha: And you don't wanna say where that is?

Herbert: I don't know where that is yet myself.

Samantha: Oh. Well...you're going now, then?

Herbert: Not right this moment, but pretty soon. I just wanted to let you know ahead of time... y'know, in case you wanted to make these last few hours special or something.

-Samantha thinks-

That might be a good idea, actually...it'll make us closer. Maybe we'll even start sleeping in the same room again when you come back.

-Herbert rather abashedly looks at the ground.-

Herbert: Maybe... I don't know if several months on my own will make me any better when it comes to physical contact, though.

Samantha: -head tilt, smirk-

You sure about that?

Herbert: ...I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Samantha: I guess we will.

-looks down at her feet again-

Herbert: So... I suppose this is goodbye, then.

Samantha: I suppose it is. Before you go, though...I ought to tell you. Herbert Cain, I...love you.

-she blushes furiously and averts her gaze. Herbert gives a small smirk.-

Herbert: It's Lucius Cain. That, or Herbert. Not both.

Samantha: It just sounds odd if I don't use your middle names, and I forgot the order. >_<

-Herbert giggles. It's a very odd noise.-

Herbert: Honestly, I forget the order myself sometimes.

Samantha: Well...anyway, there's that. Figured I ought to say it before you left.

Herbert: I, uh... well, I'm glad you did. You know, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that to me before. I mean, sure, I've had my fair share of crushes and girls who like me and even a girlfriend once but I don't think anyone's just come out and told me "I love you" and now I'm wondering if I'm a terrible person for leaving someone like that behind...

-He seems to be getting more and more flustered as he continues.-

Samantha: Lucius. You're dancing around the issue. Do you feel the same? As much as I do?

Herbert: Erm...

-He starts to glance around at anything but Samantha.-

Herbert: ...I don't know. That's the truth of it, I'm afraid. I've never been in love before, I don't know what it feels like, and I don't know if I'm ready to commit to something like that yet…

Samantha: ...well, I love you, Lucius. I don't really care if you feel the same right now. I want you to, but I can wait til you're ready.

-Herbert smiles - a warm, genuine smile that seems almost out-of-place on a face like his.-

Herbert: ...Thanks, Samantha. That means a lot to me.

-He pulls Samantha into a hug. An incredibly brief and awkward hug, but a hug nonetheless.-

-Samantha hugs back-

Now...can I go? I mean, I know you have to leave, but that's not gonna stop me from needing to have a depressed period.

Herbert: ...I can stay here with you for a while, if you want. Like I said, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon.

Samantha: But...only you just...said goodbye…

Herbert: Goodbyes aren't forever, you know. We can say goodbye as many times as we like, but it won't mean anything until there's an ocean between us.

Samantha: But soon there will be one.

Herbert: I know. But until then... there's just us.

-He runs his hand through Samantha's hair and smiles gently.-

-she smiles back-

I guess there is.

-After a few hours spent enjoying the last of his time in Kalos with Samantha, Herbert finally says his goodbyes to her and wanders off to find a secluded spot beneath a tree. Once there, he pulls out the Holo Caster that Hikari gave him.-

Herbert: Okay, let's see if I can figure out how to work this thing...

-He fiddles with it for a while, and after a few moments a hologram of Alice's upper body appears with a Petilil in her arms.-

Herbert: Ah, there we are! Hey there, Alice. Long time no see. I didn't know you had a Petilil.

Alice: Your friend Joseph gave her Egg to me. I named her Elderberry.

Petilil Elderberry: <A most bootylicious greeting to you.>

-Herbert blinks.-

Herbert: ...Did she just-

Alice: I believe she meant to say "bountiful". In any case, might I ask why you have elected to resume contact with me now after such a long period of absence?

Herbert: Well, I had an idea, and I was wondering if I could count on your help in order to make it work.

-Alice raises an eyebrow.-

Alice: ...I know what your ideas are like. Dare I ask what you have in mind?

Herbert: Well, I was thinking something kinda like this...

One explanation later...

Herbert: So, what do you think?

-Alice blinks twice.-

Alice: ...That's insane. You're insane.

Herbert: But you're going to go along with it anyway, because you're just as crazy as I am.

Alice: You know me too well. Anyway, have you given any thought as to how you will finance this endeavour?

Herbert: I'm rich, remember? Money's no object. What we really need to worry about is resources. Sure, together your genius and my stunning good looks will go pretty far, but there's no way the two of us are going to be able to put some of this stuff together alone.

Alice: Are you suggesting we enlist some outside assistance?

Herbert: Maybe. Just so long as we can do it discreetly. Anyway, shall we meet up and discuss this in person?

Alice: I think we shall. I believe that it's going to be a pleasure working with you, Lucius.

-The line goes dead and the hologram disappears. Herbert gives a small smile, before sending out Kirk, Bishop and Maul.-

Herbert: Shall we be off then, guys?

Bishop: <We should probably begin as soon as possible.>

Kirk: <Can't see any reason to hang around here.>

Maul: ~Time to begin this new chapter alone.~

Herbert: ...I'm just going to take that as a third "yes". Take us away, Maul.

-With a blip, the boy and his mons disappear.-

edited 2nd Jun '14 4:36:29 PM by Herbert40k

A few days ago: Goff Lemure

Upstairs

Resisting the urge to simply run over and punch the other trainer in the face (which probably would've been pretty effective, given Wobuffet's incapability of attacking aside from counters), the bluenette simply snorted and opted for a different method.

Rebecca: Hegemone? Blow them away.

Hegemone: Tropii~

The Tropius proceeded to flap its wings, building up a harsh gale, the girl simply folding her arms and glaring.

Goff: Whirlwend is Specil! Miror Coat, Continued!

Continued: <It's not Special, it's Status...> -tries Mirror Coat anyhow, but is blown backwards over the counter, knocking his trainer into a refrigerator-

Goff: Cheeters!

Rebecca says nothing, looking around for something to bar the refrigerator with to avoid dealing with the goff in the meanwhile. Fortunately, the Wobuffet he left behind doesn't seem to be very violent or particularly upset about what is happening.

Continued: -to the narrator- <You said it!>

Downstairs

Rex attempts to decipher the strange and mysterious language of the Goff, but fails due to the sheer complexity (or lack thereof) of her words!

Rex: Gah... listening to you makes my head hurt. Go get 'em, Lian!

The Mienshao appeared from her Ball in a flash of light... only to return to it moments later after a quick dash into the Gothorita!

Ness: <Ow! Wait- where did you go->

The effects of U-Turn would then swap in Ohm instead, the Ampharos looking at the goff curiously.

Ohm: <...Are we fighting vampires?>

Ness: <Uh... no...>

Other Goff: Suk theyr bludd!

Ness: <...but I can see the source of the confusion.>

A few days ago: Goff Lemure

Downstairs

Ohm bleats in confusion about their strange opponents before tilting her head.

Rex: Don't worry about it, Ohm. Let's just go with a Signal Beam.

The Ampharos nods, raising her tail and producing a strange beam...

Space

Ohm's Seventh Cousin Once Removed: That[]s an unscheduled signal.

Basement

Ness: <Whoaaaaa SeIzURE!> -faints-

Other Goff: Nooo Parents mak them die!

Rex: ...You named your Cubone "Parents"? That seems a bit inconsiderate...

Parents the Cubone: <Hello! Are you a better person than you were yesterday?>

The Ampharos blinked in response to the question before pondering.

Ohm: <Well, um... I think so. I feel fluffier today!>

Rex: Hm... let's try another Signal Beam.

Ohm released a second transmission beam at the Cubone, blissfully unaware of the space hijinx she was causing.

Parents: <Self improvement is always good.> -gets hit- <But how's your dodging?>

He throws a Bonemerang in a non-judgmental fashion. As Ampharos aren't known for their speed and Bonemerang is a fairly accurate move, Ohm is hit by the bone on its rebound, rubbing the spot on her neck where it impacted.

Ohm: <Hey!>

Rex: Don't be distracted by his acceptance of you as an individual, Ohm. Use Dragon Pulse.

Drawing upon her draconic genes, the sheep took in a big breath before releasing a blue wave of fire... as well as a cute little bleat in the process.

Parents: <not bad...> -is knocked into a pile of firewood and faints-

Other Goff: NONONO WONG! POWR OFDARKNESS!

Darkness the Spiritomb: <Cute sheep. But a battle's a battle. Behold the impossibilities!> -uses Shadow Punch. Somehow-

Ohm bleats and sparks in irritation at the hit, rubbing the spot on her tummy where she was punched.

Rex: Gah... Why can't we ever have normal opponents?

Anistar Gym roof

-Ever is still being slowly stoned to death by Durant-

Durant #1: <You know, this isn't actually a historically accurate representation of death by stoning.>

Durant #2: <Whoa, you're right!>

Ever: ...Don't worry, I'm no history buff...

Durant #3: <Nonsense. People would look down on us.>

Anistar City

-Rawst is currently wondering if he should ask if Sakura is ready to move to Couriway Town-

-Elise is by herself, staring into the dusk light coming through the sundial-

Elise:I really should ask one of the others with Aura knowledge about my situation...

Anistar City, cliffside

Ever: Well, this is dandy.

-Ever is currently being suspended over the edge of the cliff by the Durant-

Ever: Hey, don't I get a last request or something?

Durant #4: <Oh, he's got us there. That is standard procedure.>

Durant #5: <Just no asking for your life or anything like that. Lost five Corphish before we figured that one out.>

Ever: ... Right, I'd appreciate it if you'd legally recognize me as a...um...Salamence.

Durant Horde: <AAAAAAAAAAAH!>

-and let go of the rope. Fortunately they've yet to attach the weighted stones, so Ever just falls into the water-

A few days ago: Goff Lemure

Downstairs

Seeing that she has an opportunity to retaliate freely with Parents gone, Ohm charges herself with electricity and slams into Darkness... only to jump back into her ball as well, being replaced with...

Damian: <These people again? This is becoming worringly recurrent.>

Other Goff: SQISH THE BUG LIEK A BUG!

Darkness the Spiritomb: <Truly, you are unlucky. But we are unluckier.> -uses Ominous Wind-

Damian flutters his wings in response to the ill wind before frowning.

Rex: This time we'll go full force. Use Megahorn!

Damian lowers his horn and launches himself forward to ram into the Spiritomb before flipping it with a wave of his mighty horn.

Darkness the Spiritomb: -is flipped- <pǝʎɐןd-ןןǝʍ>

Other!Goff: Bern it!

Darkness the Spiritomb: -dsıʍ-o-ןןıʍ sǝsn- <¿ɥʇıʍ dn ʇnd oʇ ǝʌɐɥ ı ʇɐɥʍ ǝǝs>

As with before, Damian is burned. And as with before, Guts activates.

Rex: Um... right. Damian?

Damian nods in understanding, flipping the Spiritomb right-side up with another Megahorn, the attack power boost further by the effect of Guts.

-the Spiritomb is not knocked out, but is hanging on by a thread-

Darkness: <Urg... too familiar... you're a witch! ...nah, but would be cool if you were. This is sorcery though.> -uses Sucker Punch again-

Damian is indeed Sucker Punched, but manages to get off a Night Slash nonetheless, swiping his claw at the silly ghost.

Darkness: <Farewell, may we never meet again.> -faints-

Other Goff: ACK not his is imposibl unjust! -whites out-

-how cruel, Rex, you could at least let the Goff black out. But nooooooo-

Rex blinks at the goff's overdramatic fainting before shrugging and making his way over to Skulk, who is tied up nearby. The Houndoom eyes Rex warily for a moment, before deciding that the trainer likely can't be much worse than the goffs. As such, he expresses little irritation when Rex picks him up.

However, he fails to notice a flash come to the trainer's eyes...

edited 21st Apr '14 5:51:53 PM by Hobgoblin

Anistar City

-Sarah, who had headed to the water's edge after talking to Herbert, blinks at the person that just fell off a cliff.-

Sarah: ...Ever? Are you okay?

Anistar City

Ever: I'm alright. Are there any Durant up there?

-no, they've fled-

Anistar City

-Sarah looks up at the top of the cliff-

Sarah: ...If there were, there aren't now.

Anistar City

Ever: Well, that's good.

-he climbs back up to shore-

Ever: How've you been? And have you seen any of my team?

Anistar City

Sarah: I've been okay, I guess. No more stuff like bodyswaps happening. And... no, I don't think I've seen your team, sorry.

Anistar City

Ever: Hmm. That's unfortunate. Glad to hear you're doing well though.