The Wanderer
Flying Colors
-Rose wistfully watches from the porch outside the party as the snow falls, thinking quietly to herself, bundled up in a warm coat-
Kai: You sure look cozy.
Rose: Hmm?
-Rose turns her head to see Kai approaching, holding a mug of hot chocolate.-
Rose: Oh, hey. Yeah.
-Kai sits down next to her.-
Kai: A lot of stuff on your mind, huh?
Rose: E-er, yeah. The same usual "I don't deserve any of this" stuff, you know the drill.
Kai: You are a new person. A new person who just happens to share a face with someone else. You, Rose Jaide, have done nothing wrong. Paula's still out there, right? Out there, as in not here?
Rose: ...Yeah.
Kai: Two different people. You can't even say "two different people with shared experiences" because you're an amnesiac.
Rose: Right...
-Kai sighs-
Kai: ...I can tell you don't believe me. You don't have to, I know it's not that easy.
Rose: It really isn't...
Kai: ...If it helps, I have my own issues with memories of awful things.
Rose: You do?
Kai: Yeah. It's... sort of the inverse of your deal. You have no memories of awful things that happened. For me, I have fake memories of doing something horrible, that I couldn't get out of my head if I tried — and believe me, I've tried getting a Psychic to repress the fake ones, and it didn't last.
Rose: Oh. ...Is it okay if I ask about what?
Kai: A gross Beheeyem fucked up my head and made me think I took coldblooded revenge on someone. It's fine now, Yveltal came and personally made a snack out of him, but... they're still not fun memories to look back on.
Rose: Oh...
Kai: The worst part is the doubt. I look back on those times and have two conflicting recountings of what happened, and... the fake one is just so much more vivid. Every time, I stop and think, "but is this really the fake?"
-Rose pats Kai-
Rose: I... don't really know how to help, but... everything's going to turn out alright.
Kai: Yeah. Yeah, it is.
-They smile.-
Kai: Let not our hearts be poured into the past, for time does not stop.
Rose: How many times are you going to repeat that?
Kai: Sorry! They're just really good words! They help me think positively.
Rose: I know, I know, I couldn't resist. So, happy thoughts, huh?
Kai: Yeah. Happy thoughts.
Rose: All right then. Snow's pretty, that's a happy thought.
Kai: You're also pretty, there's another one.
-Rose immediately goes red and stammers-
Rose: I— hey! You can't just throw that at me!
-Kai grins-
Kai: I absolutely can. It's true, you know. Besides, there's mistletoe above you and I'd been meaning to mention it.
-Rose's face turns as red as her sweater, and she looks up. Sure enough, she'd been sitting directly under a sprig of mistletoe the whole time.
Rose: Arceus damn it, who put that there?!
Kai: Probably Myra, all things considered.
Rose: ...She's the romance ghost, right?
Kai: The one and only.
Rose: Right. Her.
-Beat-
Rose: So are we gonna kiss or what?
Kai: Up to you~ I certainly wouldn't mind it 💜
Rose: All right, then, let's get that out of the way.
-She sits up, turns to face Kai properly, and closes her eyes. Kai smiles, tips Rose's chin up slightly, and goes in for the kiss.-
-...-
Rose: ...
Kai: ...
-...-
-It lasts a bit longer than Rose anticipated.-
Rose: ...
Kai: ...
-Rose finally breaks it.-
Rose: Holy shit you're a great kisser.
Kai: Really?
Rose: Yes.
-Beat-
Rose: Please do that again.
Kai: Diane and Lucius are both going to kill me.
-And they kiss again.-
-It lasts for a while— wait they broke it again-
Kai: This is just a mistletoe thing, right? No feelings or anything?
Rose: Oh hell no.
Kai: Just making sure.
-And they're back at it.-
-...I think they're gonna be there for a bit.-
Alyssa: Iiiiiiiiiiiii think I found something!
-Alyssa reaches up one of the bookshelves in the Clavis library, on the tips of her toes. She snatches a book out from the highest shelf she can reach without a ladder, and sets it on top of a small pile.-
Echo: That should do nicely. No doubt your cousin will appreciate having this sort of historical record.
Alyssa: He has been super weirdly obsessive about his ancestors recently, so I dunno if this is actually a good thing for us to be doing for him, but oh well.
Echo: Either way, I would like to learn more about the original owner of this headdress.
-She takes the book, checks the table of contents, then starts leafing through it.-
Echo: Looks like this is one of the versions that cites them as a queen, so it looks like it'll be at least slightly more accurate.
Alyssa: I still super don't get why they've got to stick a gender on things.
Echo: It happens because people don't understand people that aren't like themselves. Tragically. The only researchers that get any sort of credit are the ones who think the idea that someone "beyond mortal gender" is fooling themself.
-She stops at a page-
Echo: Kan'al'colel might have had delusions, but that certainly isn't one of them. Gender is little more than a cosmetic label, and it rightfully should be considered meaningless to someone who fancies themself a step away from a god.
Alyssa: Exactly! It's dumb.
Echo: It's patriarchy, mostly.
Alyssa: Patriarchy's dumb.
Echo: Utterly overrated.
-They continue their research.-
-Evan is fiddling with his Omniband in the conservatory, away from where anyone else can watch.-
Ellen: Interesting armband you've got there.
-Evan yelps and jumps, accidentally smacking the faceplate and activating it. Moments later, where there was a teenage boy, there is now a haunted balloon.-
Evan Air Raid: <Hey! Don't sneak up on me like that!>
-Ellen chuckles.-
Ellen: Sorry, I couldn't resist.
-Air Raid hisses-
Air Raid: <I'm not supposed to just use this thing out of nowhere, I'm to be careful with this power!>
Ellen: Oh, I know. You're the one who wants to use it to be a hero, right? Great power, great responsibility, all that jazz.
-Air Raid gives Ellen a look.-
Air Raid: <How do you know about that?>
Ellen: Word spreads like wildfire here in the J-Team. This was particularly interesting to me, because you keep using the word "hero" to describe it.
Air Raid: <...The J-Team is all heroes, though, are they not? This is just my presentation of one.>
Ellen: The J-Team is vigilantes, or good guys, or a number of other words. Not many of us use "hero" to describe ourselves. However...
-She drops her human illusion, revealing her Golurk form.
◊ Air Raid blinks and backs up in surprise.-
Ellen: Where I'm from — Insula Nui, in Holon — a few of us have earned a title, "Toa", which is essentially official recognition as a hero. It's earned based on a number of virtues, but three in particular.
-She holds up one finger.-
Ellen: Unity. Our ability to work as a team, to show compassion, to do what's right for one's allies over oneself. From what I hear, you're very much a solo worker, so this in particular is something important to you.
-Two fingers.-
Ellen: Duty. A sense of devotion to your role as a self-proclaimed hero, which certainly seems easy enough for you. It's simply a matter of not putting personal gain over others' troubles.
-Three fingers.-
Ellen: And finally, destiny. A goal. Mine was to understand a past I was struggling to remember, and then reuniting with a family who thought they'd lost me. Yours... well, that's up to you. I can't define it for you.
Air Raid: <...My goal is to protect the Omniband from those who seek to take it. Is that not simple enough?>
-Ellen laughs and shakes her head.-
Ellen: That's a duty. That's something you have to keep doing every day. Destiny... it's more final than that. I can't quite define it, it's something you will have to figure out for yourself.
Air Raid: <...That is rather inconveniently cryptic.>
Ellen: Unfortunately, that's how destiny is. Cryptic. Sometimes, you never truly know until it's right up in your face. Prophecies can give hints, but even then, you could easily predict it incorrectly. Fate is funny like that.
Air Raid: <Extremely inconvenient.>
Ellen: Hey, you don't have to listen to that advice if you don't want. You have no particular reason to care what I say, I'm just some J-Team mom. But it's worth considering.
Air Raid: <...I will think over it.>
Ellen: Wonderful. Now, I have some things to take care of at the island. It was a pleasure meeting you, Evan.
Air Raid: <Do I not even get a name for you?>
Ellen: Ah, yes, of course. Ellen. Or "Femata", as a Toa.
Air Raid: <...Thank you, Femata.>
-Ellen returns her human illusion, smirks, and then vanishes.-
Air Raid: <...Exceptionally odd.>
Vierr: You're really not prepared to face someone with plain old vanilla-flavored Aura, are you?
-Despite the image of a completely different attack coming at him, Vierr whips around and elbows Mason in the gut, before the latter has a chance to block.-
Mason: Hrk!
-The illusion disappears, and Mason doubles over and collapses. Vierr offers a hand to help him up.-
Vierr: You're kind of a one-trick Ponyta here, pal. You can make things that aren't real, ooooooo, spooky, whatever, but you've got like, nothing to back that up.
-Mason takes Vierr's hand and pulls himself off the ground.-
Mason: Give me a break, I've barely had any time to practice. I only just got here.
Vierr: Oh, I know, I could have guessed that just looking at you even if I didn't already know.
-Mason gives Vierr an annoyed look.-
Vierr: It's constructive criticism! You do one thing really well, but you need something to back it up! There's not a lot of fights that can be won by avoiding them, you know.
Mason: It's how I survived. I was born to hide, to lead others astray, to strike from the shadows. That's what an Obscuric does, isn't it?
Vierr: I dunno, I've done a pretty great job of kicking ass with just offensive Obscura. And, like, that's the important of kicking ass, the actual physical act of kicking, or punching or shooting freaky orbs or lasers or whatever.
-Mason stares.-
Mason: ...You just said you were Auric. I saw you using, quote, plain old vanilla-flavored Aura.
Vierr: ...
-Vierr smirks.-
Vierr: Yeah. Plain old vanilla Aura. And Obscura.
Mason: Bullshit.
Vierr: Both types of Obscura. And there's a bit of Psychic ability in there too.
Mason: Okay yeah you're just fucking with me. You're full of shit, Vierr.
Vierr: I can be full of shit at times, but this is not one of them.
Mason: Prove it.
Vierr: Watch your shadow.
-Mason blinks, and looks at his shadow on the ground... right before Vierr's own shadow decks his in the nose, earning Mason real physical pain. Vierr himself, meanwhile, is standing a good three feet away, arms crossed, smirking.-
Mason: Ow! What the hell?!
Vierr: Shadow Punch. Obscura, Ghost-type. Doesn't hurt too much, it's more of a "catch 'em off guard" move while you prepare for a better hit. Or to finish off an already weak opponent, either works.
-Mason grits his teeth.-
Mason: I know what it was, you just shouldn't be able to do that!
-He stops, and his eyes widen.-
Mason: ...You shouldn't be able to do that. Oh, dear Xerneas, no.
Vierr: ...Uh, yeah, I should. I was born with it. I can do whatever I want with it.
Mason: Nonono, you— that's dangerous, nobody should be able to wield both sides of the spectrum, much less all four.
Vierr: Well, it's a damn good thing the one-in-a-million chance is a good guy, isn't it?
Mason: Do you have any idea what would happen if the School got their hands on that sort of power?
-Vierr's face falls.-
Vierr: ...They'd make another one that we have to deal with.
Mason: It's worse. They'll make an attempt, and end up with a corpse. Then they'll make another, and end up with a corpse. Then another, and maybe it will last a day or two, then fucking melt down or something. And then they'll keep trying, keep making and destroying lives on a whim, until they get it right. And you think they'll stop there? It's eugenics, not just weapon crafting.
Vierr: ...
-Vierr groans-
Vierr: Ugh. All right, now they know I exist, time to make sure they never come at me with needles or some shit.
Mason: The School is nothing to be underestimated, Vierr.
Vierr: I know.
-Beat-
Vierr: Wait, hold on a second, how do you know so much about what the School does?
Mason: I'm from there.
Vierr: Aren't they all just Psychics or something?
Mason: Now they are, yeah. I was part of the first and last Obscura class. The Phantom Class.
Vierr: ...Great to know I'm gonna make them dip their grimy fingers into the Obscura gene pool again, then.
Mason: I hope not. I can't deal with this shit again.
Vierr: Ugh. Let's just get back to sparring.
Mason: Yeah.
-They take fighting stances.-
Mason: ...I've finally figured out what you are. What shitty nickname to give you.
Vierr: Uh, what?
Mason: Four sides, bland, no style? You're a square.
Vierr: ...
-Vierr lands a punch right in the middle of Mason's face, and he's out like a light.-
Henry: <Darn it, nothing?>
Corrin: Nothing magical at all, much less dark tomes.
-In the guest library again, Corrin steps off the ladder and onto the ground.-
Henry: <Phooey. Guess I'll have to look somewhere else.>
Corrin: Please don't almost trash the place next time, I really didn't want to get kicked out.
Henry: <I couldn't help it! My crow instincts were kicking in, and I had to throw some things around!>
Corrin: I'm certain you could resist them.
Henry: <I could! But hey, I'm a crow now, I should play up the crow stuff.>
Corrin: I don't believe that's how it works...
Henry: <Whatever. Hey, did you see any graphic novels up there?>
Corrin: Graphic... novels?
Henry: <The ones with the drawing panels on each page more than words. Oh, or just a plain book with a lot of violence! That's also a graphic novel.>
Corrin: ...Uh.
Henry: <Bonus points if it's a graphic graphic novel, too. Seeing the blood and gore makes it all the more interesting!>
Corrin: Henry, that is incredibly concerning. And I don't think there were any of those anyway. The contents of this shelf seemed much more intended for scholarly use than for entertainment.
Henry: <Oh, fair. I can settle for like, a really descriptive veterinary book. Learning how things work might help me develop some interesting new ways to develop a new form of magic based on them!>
-Corrin tilts her head-
Corrin: I... suppose that is a reasonable goal.
-She gets back up on the shelf.-
Corrin: It's a shame that a veterinary book is unlikely to have any way to reverse the magic that brought us here.
Henry: <Yeah, too bad. Still, this world's cool! There's a lot less tragedy, for starters! The biggest war we're all dealing with isn't really a super deadly one.>
Corrin: Oh? What war would that be?
Henry: <The one against Team Iron, Mobius, and all them!>
Corrin: Oh. Oh yeah, I... heard about that. Mason's sister is on the other side.
Henry: <Aw, that's a shame. Makes for a super cool story, but not so fun to live, probably.>
Corrin: I can imagine... Still, I have hope that they'll make amends soon, I hate to see siblings fight. That is unfortunately something I have too much experience with...
Henry: <Aww. Hey, when you get back, they'll all be happy to see you, though! There'll be a big reunion, lots of hugs, probably crying, someone will have a heart attack seeing you because they thought you were dead, it'll be great!>
-Corrin stares.-
Henry: <...What?>
-Corrin shakes her head and pulls a book off the shelf.-
Corrin: Here's something. It's about biology of birds.
Henry: -gaaaaaaaasp- <I'm a bird!>
Corrin: Yes. You are.
-Scarlette's not having a particularly merry time.-
-She's laying on her bed, staring at the ceiling.-
Gus: <...It's okay to talk to someone.>
-Gus cranes his head over the edge of the bed. Scarlette sighs.-
Gus: <It's about family, isn't it?>
Scarlette: Yeah. Or about not having one.
Gus: <...I think Kukui would be happy to hear from you. Even if you don't tell him your whereabouts.>
-Scarlette rolls over, burying her face in her pillow.-
Scarlette: I can't. He... he probably knows by now.
Gus: <I don't think that would change it. If anything, he'd be relieved to know you're safe.>
Scarlette: I can't— I can't show any sort of weakness. I can't afford to. I can't... afford to let people in.
Gus: <...You let me in.>
Scarlette: You're different! You're... it's the Bond Phenomenon. And you followed me here, didn't you?
Gus: <I did, because I wanted to make sure you were safe. I'm sure he wants to as well.>
Scarlette: ...
-She sighs.-
Scarlette: ...I want to know who my real family is. Not someone I get attached to as some sort of stand-in.
Gus: <They don't have to be blood-related to be your real family. And even if they aren't yours, they're still mine. My father is with him.>
Scarlette: ...I'm sorry.
Gus: <No need to be, I chose you over him. I just think a reunion would be nice.>
-He sighs.-
Gus: <Or even a final goodbye. When you're saying goodbye to someone you cared about, you should give one last smile.>
Scarlette: I can't afford to care.
-Out of the wall, a hole of Obscura forms, and a Primarina pokes his head out.-
Calliope: <Hey, guys! So it turns out the Midnight Crew has, like, this really fun party they're hosting! They did it all the time on the ship to keep themselves sane, up until Chantey got sunk. Wanna join?>
-Gus looks at Scarlette.-
Gus: <They're hosting a party. It could help lift your mood.>
Scarlette: ...No thanks. I don't like portals.
Calliope: <Aww. Oh well. See you, Debbie Downer!>
-He pulls his head back in, and the wall closes, with only a few flecks of Ghost Obscura flickering along it to indicate that the Midnight Crew made a door out of it.-
Scarlette: ...I hope Lucius is having a good day, at least.
Paula: All right, listen up you little shits, I've got news!
-The Skull Grunts of Po Town that have gathered to listen all shift. Good news? Bad news? Was somebody about to get their ass personally kicked?-
Paula: I'm headed out for a while. I'm getting a little side job, see? As much as I appreciate you jerks, the money is gonna help loads.
-The grunts chatter amongst themselves.-
Paula: That said, unlike big bad Guzma and Plumes, I'm not totally wimping out on you guys. I'm making Punk here the admin stand-in.
-Punk blinks-
Punk: I'm what now?
Paula: He's just a phone call away from me, so if you all need something from me, give him a heads up first. I'll be sticking my head in from time to time, make sure you all haven't totally wrecked the place yet. That's my job.
Punk: Wait, you really think I'm okay for something like that?
Paula: Come on, kid. Second-guessing ain't the Skull way.
Punk: ...Right.
-He turns toward the crowd.-
Punk: You, uh, you hear that, fuckers? I'm in charge now! Anything happens, someone's gonna have to answer to me! 'Cause you know who runs this joint now? Me!
-He cracks his knuckles. Paula grins.-
Paula: Now that's more like it, squirt. I'll be in touch.
-Punk nods. Paula looks at the crowd.-
Paula: All right, peace. Got a phone call to make.
-As the crowd clamors among itself, Paula walks away, scrolling through her phone's contacts and calling a number.-
Paula: Hello? Hey. Can I talk to Cid? Yes, that Cid. C-I-D. I'm an old buddy. Name's Paula Jaide, he'll be like "oh shit that's Paula Jaide, give me the fuckin' phone." Probably not in those words, I'm paraphrasing. All right, sweet.
-She grins as the line switches over-
Paula: Long time since we've talked, ain't it?
| North Agate Forest site inventory | ||
| AUGMENTED SPECIMENS | ||
| SubNo. | Species | Status |
| 1. | Electivire | Inactive for 72d |
| 2. | Weavile | Inactive for 57d |
| 3. | Cradily | Inactive for 57d |
| 4. | Machoke | Inactive for 57d |
| 5. | Shiinotic | Inactive for 57d |
| 6. | Krookodile | Stable |
| 7. | Salazzle | Inactive for 1310d |
| 8. | Serperior | Stable |
| 9. | Dragonite | Inactive for 69d |
| 10. | Tauros | Inactive for 77d |
| 11. | Exploud | Inactive for 20d |
| 12. | Skuntank | Inactive for 87d |
| 13. | Arbok | Stable |
| 14. | Nidoqueen | Stable |
| 15. | Shiftry | Inactive for 2d |
| 16. | Greninja | Inactive for 59d |
Four. Only four left. Only four still alive, not counting myself.
At the very least, this is far more manageable than the nine that were still in stasis when that fool of a girl showed up.
I can't believe I was naive enough to believe she wouldn't break anything. In Arceus's name, that was horrible judgment.
But no matter. That is the past. I have four chances left. I will find a way to stop the pain. I will find a way to make the others remember themselves.
This damned endless pain. I wonder what was so different that I could think through the pain and they couldn't? None of the others had anything left but fighting instinct, and yet my mind is still as clear as crystal, nevermind the outbursts.
Whatever. It is pointless. Not worth lingering on.
Just focus on fixing it.
-Snow falls lightly on the Celadon streets. Somewhere, a pair of bird girls seem to be in a rush to get some last minute shopping done.-
Diane: The shop should be right around here somewhere! I saw a really nice pair of earrings Kai would like.
Skye: Is she even an earring person?
Diane: She said she's interested in trying them someday, so I figured I'd give her a set to consider.
Skye: Oh, okay.
Diane: Besides, I figured it might be a good place for you to look for something, too.
-They enter the shop, and the sales associate looks at the two — Diane in particular — and comes to greet them with a smile.-
Sales Associate: Oh, hello! Is there anything we can help you two with?
Skye: Oh, uh, yeah. My girlfriend knows what she's getting, but I still think I need to browse a bit.
Diane: Yeah, I'll get my stuff out of the way while she's looking around.
-Diane and the sales associate give each other a knowing look.-
Sales Associate: Oh, of course. If you need anything, please feel free to ask.
-Skye nods, and heads a separate way from Diane, who goes directly toward the counter. Skye can't hear the conversation between her girlfriend and the sales associate, but the transaction finishes relatively quickly. Skye eventually picks out a necklace, which she takes up to the counter as well. She looks at the final total of the last transaction.-
Skye: ...How expensive were those earrings?
Diane: They were really, really nice.
Skye: Huh.
-She shrugs, and completes her purchase as well before they turn to leave.-
Sales Associate: I hope you have a wonderful night!
-Diane beams-
Diane: I hope so too!
Skye: Uh, yeah! Thank you!
-They leave, and start heading back toward the manor.-
Diane: ...
-Diane coughs awkwardly-
Diane: You know, it's been... a really long time since we've been in Celadon. It was where we first got together, right?
-Skye blinks-
Skye: ...Yeah, come to think of it, it is.
Diane: Yeah! We should go see the sights a bit before we get back to the place. It's been forever since we've been on an actual date anyway.
-Skye smiles-
Skye: Yeah.
-She gives Diane a kiss. Diane's heart races.-
Skye: I know a few places we could visit. Maybe we could start with a bite to eat?
Diane: Oh, sure! Did you have somewhere in particular in mind?
Skye: ...Well, there's one diner in particular that I'd like to have a better impression with.
-Moments later, the two are in bird form at a certain Spinda-run diner.-
Spinda Waiter: <Ah, yes, I do remember you two! I certainly hope this fine young lady is a better date than that Altaria was.>
Skye: <Oh, of course. Balmung was an outlier and should not be counted. Like, ever.>
Diane: <After hearing about that mess, I've made sure to be as good of a date as possible to make up for him.>
-Skye giggles-
Skye: <And except for the one time you broke your arm, you certainly have.>
-Diane grins a giddy grin, while Skye gives the Spinda Waiter a concerned look.-
Skye: <I'm very sorry about the damages he caused, though.>
-The Spinda chuckles-
Spinda: <Oh, no worries, that was all on that rather irritable Rhyperior's head. You, my dear, are fine.>
Skye: <If you say so.>
Spinda: <Anyway! For you, the Pick-Your-Poison Hard Pecha Smoothie. Somehow that's our most popular one.>
-He sets down a paradoxically alcoholic-yet-curative smoothie down in front of Skye.-
Spinda: <And, for you, the Adieu Ma Cheri cocktail.>
-In front of Diane, a cocktail with a hint of spiciness.-
Spinda: <Diane, my family in Treasure Town has been rather curious where you've been lately, I think they'd be happy to see you around again.>
-Diane smiles-
Diane: <I'll visit home soon. For now, I have more important things to worry about. Like not knocking over any candles, for starters.>
-The three laugh, and the Spinda leaves the lovebirds to be all cute and romantic.-
-Later, they pass by the Celadon Gym, back in human form.-
Diane: You know, until recently I totally forgot this was the city of the gayest gym ever.
Skye: I know, right? No wonder we fell in love here.
Diane: I dunno about you, but I was hella into you for a while before I even knew this place existed.
Skye: ...Touche. I kinda was too, even if I didn't realize it.
Diane: Yeah.
Skye: And heck, the place we kissed the first time wasn't too far from here, either. Think some sort of... like, gay pollen got in our system?
Diane: Heh. Definitely.
-They look at each other for a moment.-
Skye: ...Uh, Diane? Are you okay?
-Diane inhales. Exhales. Composes herself.-
Diane: Skye, we've been through... a lot. Tons of things have happened in the five years we've been together, and despite going through hell and back during that time, you've always been there for me and I've done my damn best to be the same for you.
Skye: Diane...?
Diane: So. I wanted to ask you something.
-She reaches into the bag from the jewelry shop, and pulls out a box. Skye's eyes widen.-
-Inside is a ring, with a band of opal laid around the center of it, shining every color in the street lights.-
Diane: Skye... will you marry me?
-Skye, to say the least, is shocked beyond words. So after a moment of processing it, she foregoes speech entirely, and pulls Diane into the biggest kiss she's ever given.-
-And then, after what seems like forever, she breaks the kiss, tears welling in her eyes.-
Skye: Yes! Of course I will!
-Diane beams, and kisses her again.-
-...I think they're gonna be there for a bit.-
edited 25th Dec '17 12:14:42 AM by BittersweetNSour
like christ, but with more nails
Channah: Um. Just wondering. Was that the Illusion leader back there?
There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.
The Wanderer
-To Channah-
Oh right, you left long before the climax of our bout with Illusion. Long story short, Echo's no longer our enemy, as the original Illusion is defunct.
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
like christ, but with more nails
Channah: Oh... Weird to see someone jump straight from nemesis to Christmas party schmoozer, from this perspective. Anyway. -awkward pause- I feel like we've all been here for days.
There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.
Fwomph
Kitchen
-Pent stirs awake and looks at the plate of cookies-
-He mumbles something along the lines of "It'll do" before plodding off to get something to wrap them in-
Dominion Forest Outskirts
-Pent nods and finds someplace to sit down and start brainstorming a proper proxy for this adventure-
It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.
The Wanderer
-To Channah-
Seems that way, maybe time's just weird in here.
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Clavis Manor
Ludmilla: Like I said, I got my Golisopod, and the Totem Ribombee was kinda hard to beat, but other than that I didn't see that many bugs. I hear Unova has got a lot of them, though.
-Selene has now built herself her own small tower of dessert plates, which may account for half of the eating surfaces in the entire household when added with Pent's, and she goes off to find a wide enough surface to at least set some of them down.-
Ludmilla: But yeah, now that I've done all the Grand Trials-
-Ludmilla stops.-
Ludmilla: OH NO! I forgot to do Hapu's!
like christ, but with more nails
Channah: Mm. Not like it matters, I guess. -contemplative- But being trapped in time at a party permanently might be at least interesting.
Basil: -shakes his head in disagreement-
There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.
pain peko
Shaun: "Cool. I imagined there was a reason you're one of Aismov's head guys."
"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"
Flying Colors
Clavis Manor — Porch
-Oh god Kai and Rose are still making out.-
"Huh. Feels nice not having to bring that up. How did you find out?"
Silas was a little confused.
Hacks was wondering how to get some goddamn service up in here.
edited 24th Dec '17 5:07:50 PM by EchoingSilence
Clavis Manor
-Ren is preparing several similarly shaped gifts that will go to most of his friends on the J-Team, and a few extra packages for his closest of friends.--No. You get them tomorrow. Who opens their Christmas presents early?-
Keys: <Twelve-year-olds, younger children in general, and really impatient adults?>
-Hush, you.-
Keys: >:D
The Wanderer
-To Channah-
My experiences with time and its stabby or smashy diamond golems make me unsure about that.
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Dunsparce Cloud
-a Cofagrigus and Dusclops are enjoying their Christmas, sitting next to a ghostly flame. It doesn't give warmth, or that much light really, but it's semiotically comforting and to a ghost that's what matters-
Larva: <Got any threes?>
Metentis: <Not only do I have no threes, I have no cards.>
Larva: <What? Metentis, what happened to your cards?>
Metentis: <I never had cards. We've been sitting by the fire for an hour and you just asked me if I have any threes.>
Larva: <...I guess you win, then.>
-Metentis sighs-
Metentis: <Happy holidays, Larva.>
Larva: <You too!>
-she hugs Metentis, tangling him up in bandages-
-the Dusclops sighs, but without much irritation to it-
-suddenly, a girl pokes her head out of Larva-
Every(?): Hey! Is Ever here?
-the two ghosts stare at her-
Metentis: <...I believe he is currently in Celadon for a Christmas party.>
Larva: <But you're welcome to st—>
-Every(?) closes Larva-
Larva: <Aww. Oh well.>
-??? is still sitting on the rooftop, Facade projecting some Christmas lights in front of her-
Every(?): Oh hey!
???: ...Do I know you?
Every(?): We're both sitting on the same rooftop on Christmas Eve. Do we really need to know each other to have a conversation?
???: ...Why are you here?
Every(?): Because apparently being genetically identical to someone with an invite doesn't qualify me to get into a party. I could sneak in, of course, but...never really a good plan. How about you?
???: High places help me think.
It's for the aesthetic.
???: It's not. Sorry about Facade. She thinks she knows what she's talking about.
I do.
Every(?): -petting Facade- Well, you can't go wrong with the aesthetic. So, what's your name? I'm Every.
???: Avery?
Every(?): Every. It's got an eh-sound.
???: ...If you don't mind my saying, that's a really weird name.
Every(?): It is! So what about you?
???: ...Avery.
Every(?): ...So what I'm hearing here is that we were causally obliged to meet.
Avery: ...I guess you're not wrong.
Incredible.
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.
pain peko
Shaun: "I saw the interviews, I have internet access, and I know Phaz and Sergey. Is it that odd that I know?"
-Jamie's looking for a break room or something.-
"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"
like christ, but with more nails
Channah: (Golems? Eh, whatever.) I'll take your word for it, then.
Basil: -nudges her-
Channah: What? Oh. Right, I meant to ask you about - Mindscapes. So. I heard about 'em from a psychic. I figured you might know what they are, considering...
There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.
No voice to cry suffering
Clavis Compatriots
Megan: Right...just gotta keep trying.
Pippy: -smiles- <Having some friends to give you feedback probably doesn't hurt, either.>
Megan: Right!
-also smiles- So, any advice for a newbie?
Thespi: -gasps- <You're 7000 years old? Are you like a wise mentor figure, carrying the wisdom of the ancients to your trainer?>
No mind to think. No will to break.
"Fair enough. I've had to explain to a few people, not many seem to recognize me."
Silas smirked, "And yeah. My subordinates... Good people."
As for Hacks and Jamie, ~Hold on let me try something.~
Hacks closed his eyes, took in a deep breath, and attempted to use Aura sight to locate anyone else.
Dunsparce Cloud
Muninn: <I am not.>
Ever: He totally is.
-he and Brie look at each other-
Ever: Avoid doppelgangers.
Brie: If a mon starts speaking to you in human languages, it's worth listening to.
Ever: Don't get into odd jobs.
Brie: It's important to be able to fight, not just battle.
Ever: And don't allow your Pokemon to pilot around your unconscious body.
Brie: I really think that's just a you thing.
Ever: But it's worth mentioning if it's not.
Muninn: <I should figure out how to do that. I do still have Psychic...>
Ever: Dear Kyurem no.
Brie: (kindly) I know it seems like a lot to take in, but it'll all come together. Just realize that your world has expanded some.
edited 24th Dec '17 7:27:06 PM by memyselfandI2
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.
pain peko
-A rift opens and deposits...something.-
???: Excellent.
-After paying her respects inside, Elizabeth is walking back home with Oberon when a shape darts past outside of their vision.-
Elizabeth: "Hello?"
Oberon: <Show thyself, scoundrel!>
-The shape scampers in front of them, facing away. It's...a shiny Bulbasaur?-
Elizabeth: "Should I...eh, why not?"
-She tosses a Quick Ball at the Bulbasaur.-
-It never even opens.-
Elizabeth: "Huh?"
-The Bulbasaur turns around to reveal...this
.-
???: Greetings.
Elizabeth: "WHY THE HELL DO YOU HAVE TEETH INSTEAD OF EYEBALLS?"
???: First of all, they're fangs, not teeth. I have them for maximum consumption of the Poké Beans.
-Elizabeth waves her hand in front of the Bulbasaur(?)'s eye sockets.-
???: I can see, you know.
Oberon''': <Doth thou have a name, O Eldritch One?>
???: I am known as Naganadel.
Elizabeth: "Um..."
-She tries to probe Naganadel's mind, only to be met with ğ̬̺̖̱̳̲͒́ͧ̍͗ͬ̕͟ͅͅḷ͍̯̳͓̠̗͓̅ͬͫͬͩ̀ͅi̷̧̹̯ͪ̔ͮ̑t̶̵̯̦̰̔̎͊͂ͬ͆ͩ̐c̸̟̜̳̣̤͍̤͚̣͐̍ͨ͂ͤ͒h̷̼̮̟ͫ̓͟y̧͋̽͌͏̝̹̲̩̯̥͔ ̩̦̬̞̭͙̯ͬͮ̒̕͡s̖̺͇͓̀ͪͅţ͉͓̱̘̺̊ͣ̾͋̄̆͛ḁ̶̹͍͍͙̲̙͈ͬt͎̦͔̣̟̯̖̙ͭ̍ͧ̎̈́͑̆̄ï̮̗̪͚̮̤̞͆ͪ̂ͭ͘͠cͧ̒̌͗̽ͯ̇ͩ͏̗̻̭...almost like Jester.-
Naganadel: Painful, isn't it? Don't try that again, madame. Now I have told you my name. What is yours?
Elizabeth: "...I'm Elizabeth."
Oberon: <I am Oberon, he of the valiant creed, defender of the weak, ancient protector->
Naganadel: I get it. Elizabeth, do you perchance have some Poké Beans?
Elizabeth: "At home..."
Naganadel: Might I have some?
Elizabeth: "No offense, but the last two things like you I met tried to destroy my city and kill me, respectively."
-Naganadel makes a noise resembling disgust.-
Naganadel: I am nothing like my bretheren. I do not wish to raze the earth and turn the rivers red with blood. I simply desire Poké Beans and many head pets.
Elizabeth: "..."
~Oberon?~
This "Naganadel" seems genuine. At the very least, we will be able to watch the creature and ensure they cause no harm.
Naganadel: Well?
Elizabeth: "Would you like to come with me?"
Naganadel: Yes, I would. My thanks.
The Wanderer
It seems like disinterest but it feels closer to denial, or a super deep depression...
-To Channah-
Because of my powers and/or my reputation, you want to say? Anyway, mindscapes can be best described as a manifestation of the inner thoughts and feelings of a living thing taking the form of one or more locations, complete with mental aspects representing said inner thoughts and feelings.
Like, say, you have an aspect representing your cynical side, or some black hole pit of an aspect where all your negative emotions go.
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
No voice to cry suffering
Clavis Comrades
Thespi: <Wooow...>
Megan: Be very careful around suspicious stuff...
Thespi: <But but but subquests!>
Pippy: <We've got some techniques to develop...>
Megan: ...are you okay?
...
-she smiles- Thanks.
Pippy: <Honestly, I feel a lot better about this, having met you.>
No mind to think. No will to break.
Dunsparce Cloud
-Ever and Brie both smile-
Brie: I'm really glad we could help.
Ever: You know, it's getting a little late. I should find my ride home...
-he grins at Megan, and the next time she looks away, or even blinks-
Brie: ...Yeah, he does that. It's a thing.
-she stands up-
Brie: I should probably be getting going too, though. If I'm going to be in Kanto for Christmas, it seems wrong to not see my family...
It was really nice meeting you, Megan! Good luck with the J-team; I'm sure we'll talk to each other again sometime soon!
-smiling a little more genuinely then Ever, she heads off into the party-
-Ever waves to PEFE!Every, who is curled up in a corner, humming softly to herself-
Ever: Hey. Enjoyed the party?
-PEFE!Every just gives him a wide smile-
Ever: ...Looks like you did.
PEFE!Every: Yeah.
Ever: Waiting around for Psyche? Or did that reach a conclusion?
-PEFE!Every giggles a little-
PEFE!Every: I would say it was conclusive, yes.
Ever: Well. Normally I might make a pun, even perhaps a mildly pointed one. But given how you've been the past few days, it's mostly just nice seeing you happy.
Now come on, you're clearly drunk and I ran into Izaya earlier so we should get out of here before anything comes of that.
-he and PEFE!Every depart to go find a place to stay-
Avery: So you're not from this universe?
Every(?): Well, "this universe" is complicated. I'm from this segment of the multiverse, right? Like, it's not like I'm from the parts that are supposed to stay in the stories.
Avery: ...But you're not from this universe.
Every(?): Nah. My world's way more chill.
Avery: Sounds nice. So what brings you to this neck of the woods?
Every(?): Uh...it's a long story.
Avery: I'm not going anywhere any time soon.
Every(?): Well then! It all started in Nimbasa...
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.
Channah: -wanders over with Basil- Uh, heya.
There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.