ITT: We Have All Become Pokémon

L'arachel's Manor, Bedroom

Well, that certainly wasn't the reaction Mila was expecting from Eliot. Sure, she knew his response likely wasn't going to be overblown, or that her realization would even solve the issue at all, but anger was something she never would have predicted. As she goes out the door and climbs down the stairs to regroup with the others, she looks over her free shoulder to Eliot.

"... What, do you think anything about this will change if we don't discuss it? You do want it to get better, right? So work with us, please."

Turning back around, Mila almost runs into Dana and stops herself to gather her composure for a moment before responding.

"Oh, hi Dana. We were just getting ready to go, and I needed to find Niles. I, well... I found him."

L'arachel's Manor, Outside

Autumn stands back as the group introduces themselves to the new arrival. She doesn't want to overwhelm them, and she realizes that she's not exactly in the same boat as the others. She can explain in due time, though. For now, she watches the doors to the manor until she spots a familiar face appear. Waving to Mila so that the Raichu knows that she's been seen, Autumn turns back to the group and tries to gather their attention.

"Hey! I think we have everyone now, we should get moving."

Edited by Cabe_Bedlam on Apr 7th 2019 at 4:28:54 AM

Manor (Leaving)

Well, nice ta meet yas, Kenny. (Marsha says to the Breloom.)

(What is going on over there? Is that Breloom one of the former Combees?)

(But before I can say anything, Autumn comes up to us.) Yes, please, I'm ready to be out of here.

Blissparce

(Amy looks pretty angry as we keep moving her out of the town hall. As we re-enter the main hall, everyone is gawking at us and muttering to each other as we lead the bound-up Amy out of the building.)

(As we do so, all of a sudden a Kadabra and a Carnivine I don't recognize breathlessly run into the building and in front of us. They freeze upon seeing us with Amy.)

...Uh, can we help you tw- (Taylor R starts to say.)

(Without warning, there's a sudden ridiculously bright flash from the spoon the Kadabra's holding.)

AUGHH!! (I cry, jumping backward and covering my eyes. I freaking hate bright lights like that! As I try to regain my vision, I hear a commotion.)

(Once my vision clears up, I realize that the Kadabra and Carnivine are right on top of us and trying to take Amy away!)

HEY!!! (I scream, trying to intervene.)

What do you think you guys are doing??! (Mia also shouts, grappling for the two.)

What's goin' on?? (Rich shouts, still rubbing his eyes.)

Edited by kablammin45 on Apr 8th 2019 at 1:41:39 PM

Yukari also hops on Zelgius's back.

"Hehe, good thing you two aren't Lairons or anything like that", Zelgius chuckled before spreading his wings and running of the cliff facing the sea, "Here we go!"

Within a moment, they were soaring through the air, the island they left becoming further back by the second.

"... So long, Harnicara."

"It's gonna be a long ride, but when it starts getting late I'll find us a place to stop, don't you worry", Zelgius assured the two riding him.

"Yes, I imagine we all would like to embark as soon as we can", said Noriaki, adjusting his hat and overlooking everyone. For a moment he seems to let out a tired sigh when his red eyes glaze over Eliot's... Interesting choice in covering his wound.

"... So, let's get going, then", said Nephenee, nodding her head in the direction of the path back to Holstown. The Scolipede took the initiative to begin moving herself.

Edited by Konkfan7 on Apr 7th 2019 at 7:55:57 AM

Leaving Manor

Oh good, everyone is finally back. Let's get out of here. I take some precedent in carefully hobbling ahead.

I hope we can put this whole mess behind us and just have a new beginning. This felt like our hardest test yet as a group.

"Combee? What's that?"

Leaving L'Arachel's Manor

I eye Noriaki back in response. I don't know what his problem is, but I'd rather him keep it to himself.

"Well, we got Niles...seems like that's everyone..." I hear the door open up again behind me—of course there's someone else. Looks like Woodruff and...a Furret and Sentret behind him...his parents maybe?

"You know those pancakes taste just like they do at the inn..." "That does remind me, son, you're going to need another job!" "Dad, it's just been a few hours since I got both of ya back! Shouldn't I get more time with you two before ya shunt me off to do manual labor?" "Oh, Lymie, he's right! We haven't seen him in weeks, we oughta spend some time with the boy!" "I suppose..."

The family stops before the congregation of mons in front of the manor. "Oh, hello," Lyman says. "...I take it you were the ones who helped save us?"

Jules looks out towards Foxfell...they think they can barely make out the tip of the castle from here...or that may just be trees. Still, they wonder somewhat about Zalk...they hope he's simply headed back to Foxfell by this point...

Edited by BlackMageAnolis on Apr 8th 2019 at 9:21:31 AM

"Indeed we are", Noriaki responded to Woodruff's parents with a tip of his hat, "Your son's assistance was invaluable, he should be credited for saving you as much as the rest of us."

The Decidueye turned his attention back to Eliot.

"... Eliot, I do wish to leave as soon as we can, but may I just ask of you quickly..."

Looks like he isn't keeping it to himself.

"I would... Appreciate it if you could please leave behind that dropped cloak", the Decidueye breathed out, "Or at least, hand it to me. I have withheld from saying so until now, but I find the act of taking that from... Her as she was felled and then using it as gauze and a common kitchen utensil.... Dissonant from how I was raised to regard the fallen."

Hikari fumbles with the strap of her purse before murmuring, "I-If you are still wounded, I could use my power to at the very least stabilize the wound further."

Edited by Konkfan7 on Apr 8th 2019 at 9:57:35 AM

Leaving the Manor

"Ahh, didn't really do much," Woodruff replies sheepishly. Pauline nudges up against him, reassuring him, "You did what you could, sweetie. That's good enough for me."

And he doesn't keep it to himself. Of course...I shake my head, sigh, all that usual pouting shit. I don't really see why we gotta be all due to the dead for her, but alright, then. I unwrap it from around my body and hold it our for Noriaki to take.

"I took off those blades on it," I mention, in case that's somehow important as well. Deciding to take her request, I move over towards Hikari, squatting down to meet her height.

Noriaki takes it and says, "That should be fine. My apologies if my attitude towards everything here seems strange to you. It is just... Not quite like the stories I escaped to in my youth, victory just simply isn't as loudly triumphant as I would have imagined... For a few reasons."

Hikari moves her hands over Eliot's wounded area and focuses a simple Heal Pulse over it.

Noriaki turned to the tombstone.

"Surely I could take just a moment t-"

In an instant, a quick, powerful limb slammed on to the cloak Noriaki held and clutched it.

... Almost as soon as it happened, the figure that came before him and the cloak were both gone.

"...?!?"

"All do- Wait..."

Hikari looked confused as she feels as if the process of healing happened quicker than expected, as she looked back to Noriaki.

"What just...?"

"... Well then. I... Suppose we should head to Holstown then."

The scene shifts. Another dream.
"I'm heading out now."
"Ah, okay!" I hear rapid footsteps behind me, as well as more at a slower pace. "Have fun on your date!" I scowl and turn around.
"It's not a date, Mom. We're just hanging out." Autumn smiles as Mila catches up behind her.
"Suuure. Whatever you say, hun." The Raichu chuckles as both of them flank me and peck me on the cheeks. I huff.
"I'm heading out."
"Alright, see you later. Love you, Niles," says Mila.
"Love you," adds Autumn. I turn back around to the exit.
"... Love you too."

Leaving Manor

What the hell was that? Some kind of arm just reached out and- whatever, let let's just get there.

Say, what'd you think the reaction the townsfolk will have to seeing us make it back? Think they'll actually hail us as their heroes?

I ask, continuing to keep up.

(Leaving for Holstown...finally. I can get this kid home to his mother, leave for my own home, and forget any of this happened...or get sucked into whatever is next for our agency.)

Kevin continues forward.

Edited by Team42Larson on Apr 9th 2019 at 2:06:14 PM

Manor (Leaving)

(Marsha is briefly distracted by the suddenly appearing...arm...tendril, whatever it was by Noriaki, Hikari, and Eliot, before shaking her head and continuing on.)

....Uh, guess we won't know 'til we get dair. (She says.) C'mon, fellas!

(I have no clue what that was, but whatever it was is making me more anxious to keep going out of here. I readjust my grip on Sally and begin walking.)

(The bouncers wave farewell to Zelgius as he flies away with the Shinrin natives.)

Well, guess it's time for us to git outta here too, isn't it? (Dodie says to the other two.)

Agreed. I believe the way back to Becchel is this way...'

(The three of them break off from the group and head back toward Becchel to see what the town could hold for them.)

Edited by kablammin45 on Apr 9th 2019 at 5:22:21 AM

Leaving the Manor

Call me Grigori. (Okay, new mon and sudden hands. Yeah, it's about time we get out of here.)

[Leaving the manor]

"Perhaps they will, Marlon", Noriaki commented, shaking off what he isn't sure he truly just saw. Moving away, he spotted his two former comrades at the doors.

They bowed to him.

He bowed back, Hikari following with a curtsy. Turning around, he continued his advance with everyone else.

[???]

A simple clearing somewhere with weakened or injured Pokemon resting or being assisted by stronger-looking cloaked mons.

A Seedot and Roggenrola are jumping around, laughing. They cease when they spot a familiar robed Ampharos, whose white hair has grown out somewhat to droop over his eyes and create a shadow on his face, which was further shaded by the cap he wore. All articles of clothing on him were covered in holy imagery. They face him, and he stops walking. They bow to each other before the Ampharos walks away.

Before long, the old Ampharos is seated near a dwindling fire from the previous night, helping to apply bandages and an eye pad to a groggy Sneasel's head. The sharp claw Pokemon grinned weakly to express his thanks.

[Holstown]

"We've finally arrived, it would seem", said Noriaki, looking around.

The few mons around offered a bit of applause.

From the side, Achilles came and slapped Noriaki's back.

"Hey, great seeing you lot again!", the Pinsir chuckled, "Sorry to rush my way out here ahead of the rest of you, but we wanted to get back here ASAP to let everyone know they're safe now."

Noriaki rubbed his own back and sighed, "We understand, Achilles. Why are there not many Pokemon out and about right now?"

"Ah, there's a big celebration going on in Narcia since word of last night's victory spread", the Pinsir guardian explained, "You can head there if you want, but maybe take a moment to relax here, maybe bring some folks home if you brought any with you from here that we couldn't before."

Edited by Konkfan7 on Apr 9th 2019 at 7:53:21 AM

Holstown

Huh, you friggin' called it, Marly. (Marsha remarks to Marlon with a chuckle.)

(Finally we're back in Holstown after that long trek back...I'm so exhausted and my arms are sore from carrying Sally. Achilles is talking about a celebration, but I really feel that I need to see if I can find Sally's parents here before I do anything else.)

No one minds if I look around here for Sally's parents first, do they? (I ask.)

Holstown

Oh hell, I turned out to be 100% correct in my assertion. We really are getting viewed as the heroes of Narcia and Holstown.

Well I guess being part-Psychic lends itself well to something like this, huh?

I remark with a chuckle before looking back towards Achillies.

How did word spread so quick?

If none of you mind uh...I've gotta get this kid to his mom.

Kevin heads into town to find Ms. Thompson..

Edited by Team42Larson on Apr 9th 2019 at 8:35:32 AM

"Of course not, you may go on ahead, and I wish you luck", Noriaki said to Dinah, "I will try and ask around myself if we move out further."

"Well, when me and Hector came back here, some of these townsfolk were pretty damn happy and just went bouncing around telling everyone", Achilles answered Marlon.

Leaving the Manor

(With the group leaving, the knight and the ward stayed behind, knowing they still have work to do. Claude bowed to the group and Zelda waved goodbye.)

   Take care of your selves!   

Don't be strangers, you hear?

Holstown

(Took some time, but we're here and it looks livelier than ever! Sure, most of the party's at Narcia, but considering the craziness that happened yesterday, I'm willing to wind down for a bit. Then, a tap on the shoulder. I turned around to see Eliza, with a rather somber look on her face?) What's up?

(Time for the hard part, she thought to herself.) Again, I appreciate what you did for me back then. If it weren't for you... I wouldn't be standing here.

(I was about to give my thanks before she continued.) It's only fair that I do something for you in return. And since you've shown how much you care about me, I thought that I should do the same.

(Her expression barely changed from the last sentence she spoke.) I-I mean, you don't have to.

I want to but I just can't!

(Oh no. Don't tell me where I think this is going.) Why not?

I've made a deal that I can't go back on... I'll never forgive myself if I did.

I can help you!

I know you can, I don't want you to die because of me!

I can handle myself! I've got you and you've got me, we can help each other!

I know, it's just... I can't risk losing any more people that I care for!

(I started to choke on my words. All of that effort and I still can't be with her. I lowered my head, nearly wanting to just scream at the bastard who just fucking watched when I had to kill her. She couldn't speak either, raising her head to the sky. I can't let it end like this! Then, a thought came to me, a clearing among the storm of sorrow and fury. I took out one of the arrows and released a blade. Carefully, I cut off the head and threw away the rest. I presented it to her.) If we can't be together today, at least have this for when we see each other again.

(She looked at the arrowhead and took it off my hand. A few moments later, and she gave me something in return: a leaf inside her hair.) And when we do, I hope you'll remember what we've done here. For now, let's just appreciate this moment.

(Our arms meet each others and we closed our eyes. Our mouths drifted together and finally met.)

(I needed this. I needed this to remember that I'm still alive. To remember that she's still with me in my heart and she has me within hers.)

(She kept telling herself that she cannot mourn or cry until the job is done. Yet, she couldn't be without empathy and that's what sets her apart from most of the other workers. Even if she cannot celebrate moments like this for too long, she wanted to make those moments last long enough.)

(Eventually, we let go. A few moments of silence, not of awkwardness or sorrow, but of peace. She broke the silence, her cheeks blushing a little.) Despite the beak, you're a pretty good kisser.

(I couldn't help but blush and chuckle. But all good things come to an end, as they say. I spoke to her one last time before she left.) Until next time, Eliza?

(She nodded her head, relieved that she got that feeling out of her chest.) Of course, Grigori.

(She looked at the aged Dragalge, and went to his side, catching him smiling, even if it's slight.) We're getting ready leave here. You people take care of yourselves, now!

(Then, she turned around and made her way back to Foxfell.) Goodbye! It's been good! I love you!

Love you too! (With that, she's going back to her job. I hope whoever she's doing this for would be alright.)

Edited by Ore-O on Nov 15th 2019 at 12:16:56 PM

Holstown

Thank you... (I say to Noriaki. I pause for a bit as Grigori and Eliza say their good-byes to each other and share a kiss. I barely noticed them becoming so close over the course of all this...it looks like the start of a wonderful relationship, too. I wonder if we'll see Eliza and her party again?)

(I remember what I'm doing and move on to search for Sally's parents.)

See ya fellas latah! (Marsha says as Arsene and Eliza leave.) Dang, dey're pretty cool. Hope it's not too long before we see 'em again, huh?

Edited by kablammin45 on Apr 9th 2019 at 11:15:27 AM

When Grigori does turn back to the others, he will likely see Noriaki and Hikari, wide-eyed and clinging to each other like a couple watching a romance movie.

Noriaki feels that he should do something to comfort his fellow Decidueye companion, and he moves closer to him.

... He has trouble thinking of what exactly he can do, but he forces himself to act as he awkwardly plants one of his wings on Grigori's shoulder.

"..."

"... That is the nature of love."

Please work, please work, please work...!

Holstown

I guess that makes sense as to how word got around so quick but uh...

...Right. Sucks to see such a budding romance get broken apart simply for reasons of distance...or some kind of contractual obligations. I'd go over to comfort the poor guy; yet I cannot necessarily describe what it's actually like to be split apart from a lover like that, when Marsha happens to be the first and only lover I've had, and she's been with me step by step since Agartha. But I can at least recall such memories of seeing it from an almost skewed perspective. The still-thankfully-present memories of being back home, as a human, instead of being a Gallade.

I uh...I sure hope we do see them again. Long distance relationships are just awful. Take it from me, I've seen friends back home have to deal with it. But once they got together with their lovers for good...the romance blossomed.

Ms. Thompson's

Kevin takes the Teddiursa to the very house he first met Ms. Thompson at that day, hoping she's still there. He knocks; a Mothim answers.

Can I help you, sir? Wait...you're Kevin, aren't you?

Where is Nancy? She uh...I think she'll want to be out here.

Let me check..

Inside the house:

Nancy! That Kevin guy is here. I think he's got your kid. If everything I heard is true, they finally defeated L'Arachel!

Does he...does he really have my baby with him? Let me see!

Nancy lumbers her way to the front door. Kevin steps aside, without another word...

Cue the kid.

"Mom!"

The Teddiursa runs out from behind Kevin to hug his mother.

Ms. Thompson

Oh..oh my! You really did bring my baby home to me!

As she is a bear pokémon, she naturally pulls her son into a bear hug. Tears run down her eyes.

How...how could I ever repay you and the agency you're working with?

Uh...listen lady, I went the extra mile to find your kid and bring him back. Matter of fact it's not me you should be thanking- it's those guys who did all the fighting. I just secured your kid once L'Arachel died.

Kevin points over toward the group of Humanmons pooled around just a ways down. A Honchkrow is descending towards the scene at the house.

My eyes briefly open. I see light. Broad daylight, I think. "Hrmuh... where...?" Hm... maybe I'm not really awake yet. I shut my eyes and soon fall back asleep, nuzzling into Mila to get comfy.

The Teddiursa is embraced tightly, just happy to be back with his Mom, not noticing that Honchkrow even if he could.

"Yeah, someone did something weird to me and when I woke up, they were there!"