Halis just goes back to reading their book, having seen Silversmith go through the motions multiple times in the span of a few minutes by this point.

Halis: "...Hm... oh, really? Huh... I didn't know that..."

They have successfully resumed not paying attention to things.

Ersatz alliance

Silversmith: "I swore I would return through the wall, and my..."

He had to force out the word "pokeform"

Silversmith: "...is a ghost, thus... It's not really an *cough* occasion."

Ersatz Alliance

Benz: Oh, so, you want to be a ghost Pokémon?

...non-permanently, I mean.

Do you highlight everything looking for secret messages?

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Silversmith: "NO! ...Sorry! Arceus, cease your torments! I want to be an upright and honorable person. I made a promise rashly and regret it! Now I must follow through! This is the only non bulldozer way I know!"

He calmed down and returned to his nervousness.

Silversmith: "I'm really sorry, I just want this to be *gulp* done with..."

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Benz: Hmm, hmm, I see.

Benz: Sorry, I'm trying to do a better job of helping people in the way they want to be helped...

Benz: It's a very tricky job, but it's especially hard with you right now. So... help me understand.

-she peers in close-

Benz: It looks like maybe you don't actually want a scarf. So why are you trying to get one?

Do you highlight everything looking for secret messages?

They look around a bit for Lucius before remembering he's off in his own little world at the moment, yawning a bit and letting go of the book for a bit to stretch before taking a hold of it again... as it somehow defys gravity and the basic laws of physics like a badly-rendered videogame asset.

Halis: "Really? That many, huh? I'm curious..."

They don't seem to notice or care about the fact that this just happened.

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Kat: Um, I'm looking for a light pair of gloves. Mostly for use as an auric medium for a construct? Could someone point me in the right direction?

I used to plug my deviantart here but turns out the link was too long.

Ersatz alliance

Silversmith took a step back and writhed under the look.

Silversmith: "You are entirely correct. I don't desire a scarf. But I'm a man of my word. I implied I would acquire one and straight up said I would waltz through a wall. I am bound by my past self. Unless you've got Celebi on speed dial, I don't see any alternatives."

Ersatz Alliance

Caddicarus: Oh, I'll see if we have any in stock.

He would go into the storage room.

i think i’m in love (probably just hungry)

Ersatz Alliance

Benz: Well, actually-

Celebi: ~OK, is this really worth calling me for?~

Benz: Hey, I wasn't actually going to-

Celebi: ~You totally were.~

~Hmm, a human with regrets?~

Benz: He promised himself something.

Celebi: ~I don't see why I'm needed here. The parties involved in a promise always retain the right to cancel it by mutual consensus if it ceases to serve the common interest. If he only promised himself, he can just change his mind and not do it, no harm done, right?~

Benz: Um, yeah! That!

Celebi: ~So then, why is he still here?~

Do you highlight everything looking for secret messages?

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Kat: Thanks a bunch!

-Cady and Cecelia join the back of the queue, carrying some cans of soup and a nice looking mask.-

I used to plug my deviantart here but turns out the link was too long.

Ersatz Alliance, Protected Department

-Having spent a good few minutes wandering the isles picking out clothes and another few minutes in the changing rooms trying them on, Lucius finally emerges.-

-To say it's a departure from his usual attire would be an understatement. He's wearing black leggings with sneakers, a denim miniskirt, and a pale yellow camisole to complete the outfit. There's a self-conscious awkwardness about him as he steps out of the booth.-

Lucius: Time to find out if my fashion sense sucks or not, I guess...

-He heads off to try and locate Halis somewhere within the eldritch bowels of the store.-

Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.

They blink a bit before looking over at where Lucius is coming from, actually quite a bit surprised.

Halis: "...Well then, this is unexpected. Unexpected, yet interesting. Good job, Luci, you're officially fashionable now."

They seem content with the changes he's made.

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The shock knocked any nerves remaining out of Silversmith faster than you can say "soup can".

Silversmith: "HOLY SHIT! ...Sorry for shouting, but Celebi? Where were you when I— Sorry. Please don't erase me from time... Oh great protector of forests, while you are, in your great and long acquired wisdom, entirely correct, I am unfortunately bound by the fact that the promise wasn't to myself, but my father. An outside party who, to my knowledge, would not release me from my statement. One of my pokemon even serves as a witness, and I think he would find this to funny to release me... I apologize for wasting your time..."

He realized how stupid that sounded, but said nothing.

Ersatz Alliance

-Lucius blinks at Halis, then smiles rather bashfully.-

Lucius: Er, thanks, I think. I didn't really know what I was doing, I just went for what I thought was... cute, I guess? I figured if I'm gonna do a style change, I might as well go all-out. My emo days are... well, I'm hesitant to say they're over, but they're definitely being moved to the back of the shelf.

Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.

Ersatz Alliance

The two glance at each other.

Benz: So if you don't want to be a Pokémon...

Celebi: ~...what made you take up the promise in the first place?~

Do you highlight everything looking for secret messages?

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Shadow was looking over Silversmith's shoulder the whole time.

Shadow: Just as I suspected, you're having regrets about that promise you made. But you don't want Armando and your dad to be disappointed, because you couldn't face your phobia.

Shadow realized this made no sense without context. Lowering his voice, he explains.

Shadow: See, our last visit here revealed he has a phobia of polymorphism. Such things don't bother me, but that's partly because I've learned to look past appearances due to living with a Zorua. Silversmith, on the other hand... He's not so calm about the idea.

Heheheh

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Silversmith: "Rage! The foolishness of youth! My father's disappointment! They taunted me, tormented me, and actually made some good points that I shall consider at a later date. *averts eyes from Celebi* I am really to mortal and to human to be taking up your time and attention so..."

His apology trailed off. Shadow chimed in.

Silversmith: "Did you not notice the Celebi? Now is not the time to be interrupting! Arceus, spare me..."

Halis: "Well, I personally approve of that decision. Being yourself is the best thing you can be, really."

They take their hands off the book, which remains in place in the air casually.

Halis: "That being said, do you think the gold trim on this scarf is a bit much? I just chose it because it was my color and it was also different from the other scarves I have already, honestly..."

Ersatz Alliance

-Laurent walks in to work, fidgeting with his t-shirt.-

-He gazes over the crowd.-

Laurent: "...I believe I'm feeling rather sick all of a sudden, Prime."

-And he nopes right the fuck out of there.-

---

Lycanrow

Vulpecula: "Do I...know her mom...?"

"Oh well. Off to whatever part of the castle or town is plot-convenient!"

---

Cerulean City - Yesterday

Shaun: "Wow, edgy much? And that's coming from me."

"Anyways, can't let you kill anyone right now. Unless their an asshole in a parka named Izaya. Which Mason is not."

-He takes a defensive stance and nods at Tsuboi.-

Shaun: "So, edgemaster, you feelin' lucky?"

Edited by SwiftSeraph on Apr 15th 2019 at 5:59:50 AM

"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"

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Shadow shrugs yet again.

Shadow: Yes, I see Celebi. It's awesome to be in the presence of a Legendary Pokemon, isn't it?! Man I'm glad I found this place!

Mischief, meanwhile, hopped on Shadow's head, studying Celebi briefly before using her Illusion to mimic Celebi's appearance perfectly. She dropped the Illusion a moment later.

Heheheh

Ersatz Alliance

-Lucius blinks at Halis's book remaining suspended in midair, but quickly decides it's another of those things that it's best not to question.-

Lucius: Yeah, that's true. And hey, I actually like the trim. Makes it stand out. Of course, we've established you shouldn't really be seeking my advice on fashion until, like, five seconds ago.

-He notices Silversmith making a scene in the distance, and glances over at Shadow.-

Lucius: Hey, no offence, but from an outsider's perspective your friend seems like he's a few full moons shy of a weremon, if you get what I mean.

Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.

Ersatz Alliance

Caddicarus: Found them.

He came out of the storage room holding a pair of gloves.

Edited by Routeferret on Apr 16th 2019 at 9:25:56 AM

i think i’m in love (probably just hungry)

Ersatz Alliance

Shadow looked briefly confused before his signature shrug take.

Shadow: If he were a Weremon, I doubt he'd have this issue. He'd either go insane or be cured of his fear.

Mischief started tugging Shadow's sleeve.

Shadow: Yes?

Mischief: <I wanna cookie!>

Shadow: You want a... I don't have any cookies!

Mischief: <Don't care. Wanna cookie!>

Shadow: You're really good at being cute. I know I'll probably miss it, but I'm looking forward to when you Evolve. You'll have to walk on your own two feet! ... Four? No, after Evolving she'll have a bipedal build rather than quadrupedal. She'll also lose that fluffy tail of hers. I wonder why? Mimicking humans?

Mischief: <Gimme a cookie!>

Shadow: If I had a cookie I would! I can get you one after this! Just... Be patient, you adorable spoiled pup!

Heheheh

Halis takes their book in one hand again, completely ignoring the blatant disregard for physics it keeps producing.

Halis: "Anyway, have you read this book? It's called, uh..."

They put a bookmark on the page and close the book to look at the cover.

Halis: "How to Read a Book, Definitive Edition. I'm pretty sure it's just a joke book, honestly, but I like it."