Not an evil Thievul
Foxfell
Yeah, we can do tha- (Hold on a second. I turn to Noriaki.) You guys are leaving?
Where are you going? (Delilah asks.)
Edited by kablammin45 on Jan 10th 2020 at 5:56:23 AM
"Lucian, don’t be afraid, we’ll make it through this."
We dare you to say his name
Room 17
Wait, he's leaving us? I'm not sure what to think of that, then. Everyone's got their reasons but this one's got me feeling a legitimate sense of shock. He was among the first that I met way back near the Frau's mansion...always staying by our side through all of this, fighting side-by-side in our numerous fights, always being one for advice, and he just wants to leave?
...
Fair, different strokes for different folks I guess. But I'm gonna miss the guy..
Hey, I'm gonna miss you, man. Keep in touch with us, however you can!
Tell....everyone....
Konknitive Dissonance
"W-Well, perhaps not something quite as permanent as you seem to think!" Noriaki quickly explained. "I understand and respect all of your desire and need to remain here and simply settle down, not seeking to play the roles of heroes constantly. I, however, wish to continue this feat. To do so, I will still have a base of operations of sorts here on Harnicara. This is my choice. And I know, as I proceed with this, that I will allow for your rest to be uninterrupted."
"I want to reiterate that we will still be on Harnicara for the most part, in a sense" Hikari jibed in, "We intend to go back to the old manor that Montresor and Notte have made their base of operations in their ventures to return all of L'Arachel's victims back home. When we are not out, we should still be available there."
Not an evil Thievul
Foxfell (Hospital)
(Oh, well that clears things up. At least they won't be too far, even from Silversand.) Oh, alright, gotcha...man, it's going to be kinda weird not having you around all the time, but at least we'll know where to find you guys if you want to hang out at some point.
Good luck out there! (Marsha adds.) No telling what else is out theres...
Yeah...
"Lucian, don’t be afraid, we’ll make it through this."
We dare you to say his name
Room 17
Well...alright! That sounds really interesting, man, but it's gonna suck to not have you around, you know?
I pause or think about what next to say before beginning to speak once more.
Well, if you wanna tell the others, I uh...just hope they'd take it alright, you know? It sucks that I can't come with you guys...but at the same time you're right, I do want more rest.
And as for Delilah and Goobert...
Guys, would you mind coming around every day as long as I'm still here?
Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 10th 2020 at 7:03:26 AM
Tell....everyone....
Room 17
(Somehow, I suspected he might want to go back. After all, his old, well new technically, friends are still there and he might want to reconnect with them. Ever since I came along to the party, I've talked with him the most. Hell, he's practically like the brother I never knew. But, I'm not gonna chain him down. He's his own man now and if he wants to help them out, it's his choice. I extended my hand to him and nodded.) Well, we're gonna miss you. You've done a lot for us, but we're not gonna keep you with us forever. Just keep in touch with us, alright?
"I treasure every day with you, darling." "No need to be so sappy, love." "You know that's how she is, Nia." - AU!Pyra, Nia, Mythra
Konknitive Dissonance
Noriaki lowered his head, having his hat's rim cover his eyes. He chuckled a bit before raising his head again and clasped Grigori's wing with his own.
"Of course we will keep in touch. Pelipper and Drifloon services exist after all. And... It would be quite a challenge to forget you all in the first place."
"..."
"Well, there is one more thing I want to clear up" said Noriaki, pulling out a sky blue Z-Crystal from his wing. "I received this Flynium-Z all the way back in Holstown, but I have never made use of it, and I do now have a much stronger Z-Crystal more recently. I'd like to leave this with you all, it can go to whoever wants it most or can make the most use of it, I suppose."
Not an evil Thievul
Foxfell (Hospital)
(Would now be a good time to tell him about the ideas I've been spit-balling around in my head since this morning?) I think I'm going to try to spend the next few days trying to improve myself so I don't keep getting knocked out in fights or having to be rescued, though, but I'll try to check in with you as often as I can.
(I notice Delilah giving me a look after I say this...not a bad look, but the kind of look that says: "Oh you're going to be doing that? Cool!" She turns back to Marlon.) I could always come by myself if I'm not helping Goobert or checking in with my parents.
And hey, you can definitely count on me ta show up even if they can't make it! (Marsha tells Marlon.)
(Then Noriaki brings out his Z-Stone. He wants one of us to have it? It looks like the only ones out of us immediately here who would have any use for it is Delilah or Grigori, though. I look in their direction.) It looks like the only ones of us here who could get any use of it are you two, unless someone in here knows Aerial Ace.
Edited by kablammin45 on Jan 10th 2020 at 8:12:03 AM
"Lucian, don’t be afraid, we’ll make it through this."
We dare you to say his name
Room 17
The topic of the Flyinium-Z comes up. I obviously have to turn it down.
Thanks, but no thanks. I don't think I wanna do any jumping for a while, heh heh. It'd be better in Delilah's or Grigs's hands, yeah.
And then the guarantee from all three of Marsha, Goobert, and Delilah that they'll check up on me when they can. I'm not surprised but of course thankful.
Alright, thanks guys. I'd imagine the people here will know you're coming.
Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 10th 2020 at 8:08:33 AM
Tell....everyone....Room 17
(Oh right, the Z-Crystal. Forgot we had that thing. I spoke out to the group about the stone.) I'll take good care of it.
(Sure, there might be someone who can use it better, but for now, I'll keep it with me.)
Edited by Ore-O on Jan 10th 2020 at 8:37:04 AM
"I treasure every day with you, darling." "No need to be so sappy, love." "You know that's how she is, Nia." - AU!Pyra, Nia, Mythra
Konknitive Dissonance
Noriaki, on cue, simply handed the Flynium-Z to Grigori.
"I hope it is of some use to you" he told the other Decidueye.
"Well, I will be seeing you all again sooner rather than later, hopefully. We had best start moving now."
He took a bow and turned to leave.
"Send the others my regards if you see them."
Hikari gave a curtsy to the group.
"I haven't known the rest of you nearly as long, but I can tell you are a group of individuals with sterling character. Especially if you've earned Noriaki's trust. I've never seen him so... Alive, so to speak. I must thank you for being there for him, and allowing me to tag along so easily. I can assure you he will be just fine, I'll be sure of that."
With that, the Aromatisse turned around and scurried after Noriaki.
Eventually, moving far past Foxfell and Holstown, the duo found their way back to the manor.
"Hm, this place seems less ominous and looming now" Hikari commented as she scuttled closer to the front of the large building. "Perhaps that has something to do with the lack of a madwoman shambling through it."
"Hikari..." Noriaki chuckled.
The Decidueye's expression soon became stern as he sensed something drawing closer, and looked to the side, where the cliff the manor sat on overlooked the sea.
Standing there in clear sight was a familiar Noctowl and Shiny Bisharp, both clad in butler accessories.
"Noriaki" the Noctowl said, "What a... Pleasant surprise."
"We weren't expecting a visit from you today" the Bisharp commented.
Behind both of them were a throng of assorted Pokemon, which Noriaki presumed were more of the victims yet to be returned.
"Montresor. Notte." Noriaki greeted both with a bow.
After Noriaki had explained his future plans regarding the manor, Montresor looked down and closed his red eyes.
"... Noriaki, being your comrade again, and this time for the sake of trying to improve the world, would be a great honor. But it is an honor I cannot allow myself to have just yet."
Noriaki only tiled his head.
"I have had time to think. Time away from the veil L'Arachel had cast over my eyes. Time with perspective of my past delusions. I realize, I have been a vile man for whom your forgiveness is ill-deserved."
Noriaki pulled his hat's rim over his eyes. He took a few seconds to breath before responding.
"... Montresor, I must be quite honest. I am not a perfect man. Sometimes I still get thoughts on whether or not you were worth forgiving. Some part of my wanted to continue hating you for all the pain you caused me and so many others."
"I for one cannot say I fully trust you, I tolerate you because Noriaki has been trying so hard to." Hikari interjected.
The Noctowl nodded.
"Indeed... Your feelings are founded. But that is why...."
He looked up and spread his wings.
"One last time. I want to clash with you one last time" said Montresor, "Not as rivals or enemies trying to kill each other, but as equals in a gentleman's challenge. Then maybe, I'll see... What it is you see in this world."
"A show of strength... Of course he opts for that. I suppose I'll patch you boys up once you're done" Hikari sighed, backing away to give them space.
"I tried to talk him out of it, but I suppose that is how he wants his penance" said Notte, also backing away.
Noriaki simply spread his own wings. His eyes already accepted. The two owl Pokemon flew at each other.
After yet another exchange of blows, the two birds were thrown away from each other by colliding talon swipes. Both planted their talons to the ground where they landed. Montresor, breathing heavily, gazed at Noriaki with a curious stare.
The Decidueye allowed his breathing's rhythm to return to normal as he went back to a non-combative stance. He nodded to his opponent.
A smile gently crept across Montresor's face. For once, he looked serene.
"Hehe... You've have this air of nobility ever since you evolved, you know that?"
Noriaki was silent.
"Okay, okay, you're curious if that was enough... Yes, it was. I think I found my answer... With that noble spirit and bright heart... Noriaki, so long as I live, I serve your dreams. I know coming from someone like me, they may not mean much, but I ask that you please accept my heart and body."
"Amen" said Notte, approaching and kneeling before Noriaki. "Noriaki, you always said you looked up to me. Not the smartest choice in role model, but now I can say I feel the same about you. I am still the stronger one, for sure. But that's only in body. Your strength is something far more valuable, and why I ask you accept my heart and body as well."
The lights from the fleeting sun showed the truth in their expressions.
"Y-You all sound like you're talking to a-"
"To a Count or Countess? Well... Not everyone who has been freed wishes to return home. Even away from L'Arachel, they despise the thought. We have quite a number of Pokemon that simply want to remain... Here. They want to assist us, but they also want a new life in the process."
Noriaki was taken aback. He looked over to the horde of Pokemon that watched. They gazed back serenely, as if expecting something.
The Decidueye looked to his side. Hikari stood there, light off the coast behind her. She held her claws together in front of herself and just gave him a reassuring smile.
"... I am incredibly flattered by your offers, but we should save vows of loyalty until we can truly call this place a home for all of us. Then, you can pledge your allegiance to your new Countess."
"Wh-What? Noriaki, surely you don't..."
"You're the first one of us that ever fought L'Arachel, and it was because of you I was inspired to stand against her in the first place. You more than deserve to wear her old, ill-deserved title" Noriaki insisted. "I know this isn't quite Roselle, but maybe we can make it something greater. Something I'd be satisfied giving you, my Hikari."
"... If you continue to praise me like that, I might just be carried well enough by your words alone" she laughed,preening the feathers on the side of her face.
"... Ahem. I'd be delighted. That is... So long as you accept to bear this with me."
"Oho, well, I suppose that'll be the most you'll accept. You're far too kind, Hikari."
The four former vassals stood together and gazed out over the horizon, at the sea and moving sun. The various Pokemon who wished to remain looked out as well. They all seemed like they were looking forward to something that they knew would be nothing short of great.
We dare you to say his name
And timeskip time. Month 1, Day 5, or Day 35
One Week Later....Foxfell Inn
Have I finally remembered what it's like to live a normal life again? The events of this past week sure have felt like it. But how exactly did we get here? As I look over to my right I remember: Marsha got me a journal the first night I was in the hospital. I read it.
"Day 1: The doctor came back today to check in on me, as he would, of course. To finally have proper rest is doing wonders for my leg. Of course, the ones who'd promise to come check in on me did. Still not sure how to feel about Noriaki just up and leaving us, though. Doctor also fit a new cast on me, one he says that will be far better than the one that Adele made."
Day 2: "Rehab. The doctor finally began to explain to me what exactly my rehab procedure will look like. Shockingly enough, the rehab process sounds...perfectly normal. The kind of process I'd have expected to do had something like this happened back home."
Day 3: "First day of rehab. Leg is beginning to come along really well. Doctor reminds me yet again that full recovery isn't guaranteed but at this rate I can certainly get most of my mobility back. More folks came to visit, only enhancing my questioning of why I did what I did."
Day 4: "I....had one of those dreams again. The one where I'm staring at myself, as a Swampert, but this time I...have kids? Is this a sign about what my life could be if I gave this all up? No question I want to settle down with Marsha and try to start a family with her, but not now, so long as we still have our group. But nonetheless this has taught me to account for the fact that I have friends. We're all in this together. I told Marsha about the dream when she came to visit. She chuckled and playfully punched me on the arm, but also found the fact that this dream resurfaced rather curious."
Day 5: "With how well things have gone the Doc plans to release me today. His warnings from that first day still stand here: don't overwork the leg, and get plenty of rest when I can. And I couldn't be more thankful to both be out of here and still have both legs."
Day 6: "First day back on the streets. Having to walk with a limp is still a little painful, both physically and mentally, but I'll learn to live. I'm able to get around much better now. The power of medical work, am I right?"
I close the journal. Today's the seventh day, and I have one thing in mind. I wanna buy Marsha a scarf. Why? I guess to have another token of how much I appreciate her.
Marsh? What would you say to the idea of me buying you a scarf?
Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 11th 2020 at 5:35:43 AM
Tell....everyone....
Not an evil Thievul
Foxfell (Day 35)
(I wake up in the inn. Man...I can't believe it's been a whole week since any sort of crazy disaster has occurred. For a whole week it's just been a quiet week in Foxfell, at least for Delilah and I. For once, becoming a Pokémon is actually feeling like how I actually imagined it would feel. Getting up in the morning, training with one of your best friends to get better at battling, maybe having a faux battle with another Pokémon while you're at it, and hanging out with the Pokémon friends you've made before going back to bed. I find myself kind of wishing that this would be how it always would be, but I know there's no telling when the next misadventure will come knocking. Hopefully that'll be...later rather than sooner, I guess?)
(I look around for Delilah...oh, right, she told me she would be leaving first thing in the morning to go see Renata and Douglas across town since Douglas wanted to see her this morning. I must have been sleeping really hard because I never heard her getting up and leaving. Well, I guess that just leaves me here by myself with everyone else for now. I wonder if anyone else is up yet? I get up to go look around.)
(In their own inn room, Lucy wakes up ahead of Dinah and goes over to shake the Krookodile awake.) Mama! Mama! You awake?
(Dinah emits a half-growl, half-yawn and sits up.) Oof, I'm awake now, Lucy. What's wrong?
Papa comes back today! (Lucy says.) I can't wait t' tell him 'bout everything we've all done this week!
(Right...Benji went to assist in getting Sally to Danjor Island and back to her family. Dinah still regrets not going with them to help, but she and Benji had agreed that she and Lucy needed to rest after a long past several days. At least she knows that Sally is in good hands.)
(Dinah sits down at the edge of her bed and begins putting on her new blouse that she got to replace her old ruined one.)
Think anyone else is up yet? (Lucy asks.)
Hold on, Lucy, when we're ready for the day, we'll go out and see. (Dinah says.)
(Marsha is getting a drink in her's and Marlon's inn room and looks over to him upon hearing his suggestion.) Oh? Marly, ya know you really don't hafta do that...
Edited by kablammin45 on Jan 11th 2020 at 12:46:02 PM
"Lucian, don’t be afraid, we’ll make it through this."
Shapeless wisp of wind
Day 1
Alright, so I didn't fully get the hang of Protect on my first day, but I'm not really in a rush or anything. In fact, I kinda need a break… and I have an idea on how I'd want to use that break."Hey, Dana." If I don't clash, I don't change. The world ends at my borders, and the best moments slip away.
We dare you to say his name
Foxfell Inn (now)
Well, here's how I see it. We've already been together for nearly a month's time by this point, through all of the shit we've been put through...and well, we've made a pretty good team. The reason I wanna get you a scarf is just to show how much I really appreciate you, Marsha. You see what I mean? You've meant that much to me.
Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 11th 2020 at 1:17:40 PM
Tell....everyone....
I'd love to jump into this, but it seems like it has quite the lore. Anything I should know before posting?
"I like girls, but now, it's about justice."
We dare you to say his name
if you want a link to our discord DM me for it! We will cover everything there.
Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 11th 2020 at 4:39:09 AM
Tell....everyone....
Foxfell Inn
"Alice! Vanessa!"
Among the usual noises of banging pots and pans, an exasperated cry can be heard emanating from the inn's kitchen.
"ALICE! VANESSA! Where are ze Spicy Poffins? We've got customers to serve!"
The pattering of quick, frantic footsteps running around the kitchen follows.
"S-soon Chef! Vanessa is having a bit of a... problem!"
"Help me Chef! How do you stir these things?! IT'S BURNING!"
The first, male voice lets out a groan.
"Sacre-bleu, you're an Ice type, Vanessa! Cool it with Icy Wind!"
"Y-yes Chef!"
(BOOM)
The kitchen doors burst open, a mound of snow and Poffin batter sliding out. Along with it come out a trio consisting of a Vanillite, an Alcremie, and a rather rotund Slurpuff. The Slurpuff coughs out a bit of the mixture.
"...I said Icy Wind, not Avalanche!, he says, slapping the back of the Vanillite's head.
"I like girls, but now, it's about justice."
Konknitive Dissonance
Day 1: Having now been branded the leaders of this conglomerate of lost Pokemon around the manor, Noriaki and Hikari decided it would be for the best to try and help get everything organized. A small shack started being thrown together outside the manor to accommodate those who didn't want to stay in the manor for their own reasons. Hikari contemplated how to better show the status of those who not only wished to stay, but actively wanted to assist with the efforts to better the world around them.
Day 2: Hikari had devoted some time to crafting some rose-like brooches for all the devotees to herself and Noriaki. With that established, Montresor and Notte gathered up another number of Pokemon to return home from the same area. One of the newer brooch-clad Pokemon, an older Corviknight, volunteered to accompany them to show his efficiency. Two brothers, Grimmsnarl and Morgrem, volunteered to escort some of the lost Pokemon that lived as close as Becchel back home in a similar gesture. The rest stayed around the manor and finished the construction of the shack, which ended up becoming a humble inn of sorts. The Grimmsnarl and Morgrem returned with their tasks fulfilled just before the end of the day.
Day 3: With all their coordination, monpower, and direction from Noriaki, the foundation for a few more modest-sized establishments were set. Some were intended to be houses, although more inn-like lodging was also in the works for those who didn't mind. Some of the new residents spoke of wanting to set up shops or restaurants, which had made Noriaki realize that this was starting to feel almost like a town.
Day 4: Nostalgia and sentimentality alike are what made Noriaki and Hikari agree on the name for the still-developing New Roselle. Those who bore the brooches given by Hikari were to be called the Knights of New Roselle, or simply Rose Knights. The Count and Countess couldn't quite decide, so they interchangeably used the two terms. A talented steelworker, a Klang, was among the citizens of what would be New Roselle, so a fanciful front gate was place on the path that led directly to the site of construction.
Day 5: One of the Rose Knights, a Falinks, was jumped by a Meowth with Steel fur while patrolling the outer perimeter of New Roselle. They had managed to fight the attacker off and restrained him, after which Noriaki handed him to the authorities at Narcia to be jailed. Noriaki feared Viral Aggression from this Meowth's vicious fighting style and demeanor, but there were no actual signs of it from what he could tell.
Day 6: More simple houses were completed, along with two currently empty shops. Noriaki and Hikari were adjusting more and more to the thought of being a Count and Countess. Their people had come to admire their transparency and their very familiar manner of speaking to them. A pair of Indeedee formally approached them and asked to be Knights of New Roselle themselves, recognizing their nobility and explaining that it was their instinct as Indeedee to become vassals for them. Hikari had inquired again about what Noriaki had proposed before they set out to Danjor Island over a week ago. He assured her that very soon, he would show her. Montresor and Notte returned from their most recent trip late in the evening.
Day 7:
In the morning, Noriaki, Hikari, Montresor, Notte, and all the Knights of Roselle gathered in what was once L'Arachel's throne room.
Among the rubble of L'Arachel's throne were two fanciful chairs where the Count and Countess sat.
The rays of sunlight let in through the balcony brought with them a gentle breeze as Notte gazed from the side of the room. The fanciful accessories worn by the Count and Countess flowed with the wind along with their feathers.
Noriaki kissed Hikari's hand that he held in his wing before setting it down. Montresor approached, taking Noriaki's wing and kissing it gently as he kneeled. Not quite the ring finger, but close enough.
The Knights of New Roselle watched Montresor swear his undying loyalty through this gesture, that they were all told was common between vassals and masters in "Old Roselle". Noriaki had insisted they can make what they want of it, but in his heart it still meant a lot to him.
The gentle breeze rolled further through the room, past the Rose Knights waiting to show their loyalty to their Count and Countess as they formed two lines.
They all looked hopeful for whatever came next.
In the woods just outside Foxfell, somebody woke up.
"Hah... Guess I gotta wake up sometime. Nothing like getting to sleep without an alarm to yank me right outta dreamland so I can go kill my mind at body working."
They wiped their eyes.
"Damn, my hands feel kinda fuzzy, maybe I didn't sleep as well as I thought."
"..."
"Hold the phone... Where am I? Some forest? I was never one for camping to begin with, but...?"
They stood up. This was odd to them, they swore that they went to bed in their own home. They scratched their neck and felt a similar odd sensation. They looked their paw.
... Paw?
"GOOD LORD WHY IS MY HAND WHITE AND FURRY?!"
They sprinted off, not even initially realizing their feet felt off as well. Eventually, they found a pond amidst the trees. As they approached and gazed at their reflection, a Raboot with bands almost over its eyes gazed back at them.
"Wh-Whaaaaat the Hell? Is this like... Oh, this literally is a Mystery Dungeon deal, huh."
Still bewildered, they grabbed onto their own long ears and pulled them. It all felt a little too real to just be a dream.
"I mean, I guess this isn't a terrible situation to land myself in" they said to themself. "It's just... Unexpected. Wait..."
The Raboot jolted to look behind themself nervously.
"Fuckfuckfuck, wild Pokemon, I didn't even think about that" they muttered nervously, "I didn't get greeted by a friendly partner near civilization first, those games lied to me! I gotta find a town or guild or something fast. Maybe I'll meet a rescue team or whatever!"
A berry fell from a nearby tree and splashed in the pond behind the Raboot. The sudden noise caused there to only be a Raboot-shaped dust cloud and some stray flames on the ground left behind as the Raboot dashed away at mach speed.
The Raboot ran as fast as they felt they could as they frantically looked for any signs of safety.
◊
"Civilization, civilization, civilization...!"
Not an evil Thievul
Foxfell (Inn)
(Man, the inn's kitchen is noisy this morning. I move into the dining area just in time to see the Slurpuff chef berating his staff...I assume over the snow pouring out of the doors-)
(I do a double-take when I see one of the cooks. Is that a Pokémon that is a pile of sentient whipped cream? Or something? What are they? Are they another new Pokémon like the Duraludon Del and I met while training?)
(I realize that I probably look awkward standing there staring as the staff scrambles to clean up their mess and quickly move to a dining room table to wait for everyone else. Still though...wow, that wasn't a Pokémon I had ever heard of back before this all happened. What's it called? How many other Pokémon are there that we've never heard of before?)
Heh, well, I appreciate it, Marly. (Marsha says.) Well, ya ready to get some grub?
Edited by kablammin45 on Jan 14th 2020 at 4:33:42 AM
"Lucian, don’t be afraid, we’ll make it through this."
We dare you to say his name
Foxfell Inn
Heh, you know it. I'll let you pick the scarf once we do get out there, of course.
I limp my way to the door...with much less pain now than before. I feel myself beaming as I go to turn the door and turn around to hold it open for Marsha.
Man, I'm feeling great today. I feel almost no pain now for the first time in what feels like ever.
After doing this I look to either side of the hall to see if anyone else has awoken yet...or also to identify what's going just up the way in the dining area.
Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 11th 2020 at 8:03:34 AM
Tell....everyone....
The others will not have seen Seth during the week-long rest period. He wasn't at Marlon's bedside, he wasn't in the inn with them, he wasn't wandering the city...
The reason, as it happens, is simple. Seth has spent the entire week, from the moment he left the royal palace on, cooped up in the Foxfell library, rifling through every general knowledge book he can find. As the days wear on, the pile of tomes on every conceivable subject surrounding him grows ever taller, until he's practically constructed a paper fortress in his quest to absorb as much knowledge regarding this strange new world as possible. He hates not knowing what's going on, more than any other feeling in the world. And if he's only got the one week to swot up, well, that just means he'll need to read quickly and constantly. And so he has been.
He feels like he has a decent enough understanding now. The "type" thing was pretty easy to grasp - it's just overly complex Rock-Paper-Scissors. Trying to memorise all... damn, how many hundreds... of species of Pokemon there are within a single week was less easy, but he's got a few disconnected factoids rattling around his head, and at the very least, this means he won't be shocked by the sight of a perfectly ordinary person any more. The geography and culture of the world, he's retained the least about, but a few names and out of context facts have made their way into his long-term memory nonetheless.
As he finally makes his way back out into the city, blinking a little in the sunlight, Seth feels a bit more confident. Not 100% confident, but with a little knowledge on his side he can at least approach this world from a perspective other than that of the confused, useless outsider. Hopefully. The way things have played out so far, he'll probably be in at the deep end again soon enough.
Between how deeply lost in his thoughts he is and the fact his eyes are adjusting to the sunlight, Seth doesn't notice the Thievul until fox and whatever-species-Absol-is collide head-on. Two shrill yelps sound in unison, and two quadruped bodies bounce off each other and collapse to the ground.
The simple feat of standing back up without any balance issues sends a little shiver of pride through Seth. It seems he got used to his new form sooner than he could have hoped. But it's a short-lived moment of triumph, because he notices the Thievul, also getting back on his paws while glaring absolute daggers at Seth. Thievul was among the species Seth most recently read up on, so their appearance is fresh in his mind, and it definitely did not include a hefty black cloak, with a deep red filigree trim visible when it glints in the light, around the shoulders. Obviously this is one of those rare Pokemon who wears clothing, albeit only the one item of it.
"Fool. Take more care in future, or Yveltal shall claim your soul early."
Seth stares off after the Thievul as he heads into the library. As unnecessarily sinister ways to say "watch where you're going" go, he's admittedly impressed by that one, but between that and the cloak he wonders what this fellow's deal is. Ah well, questions for another day, if that day comes at all. He shrugs (excellent, that's still possible with his new body shape) and heads off to find the group he supposes he's travelling with now.
be nice to benjamin it's not his fault he got beat up by a microbe
Mila
Foxfell, a week's rest
Though having taken the time to be with the rest of their larger group, Mila and Autumn seem to have grown somewhat more reserved in the intervening week. When outside, the two always remained together and acted as though they were a new couple with how much attention they lavished on one another— and how willingly they kissed whenever an opportunity presented itself. Of course, for Mila this was the first chance she'd had since arriving in this world to even hope to settle down without a spectre of some threat or another hanging over her. But now, life felt brighter and even Autumn seemed more sweet and beautiful than before.
While resting, Mila nevertheless found a chance to train in the intervening week and to improve her control over her abilities with the help of a few Electrike guards and hours of practice. She had noticed her output lessening lately, but paid it little mind as it made practice easier and her attacks less of a threat to the surrounding area. While the Raichu trained, Autumn would often take the chance to check in on Nyquil, teaching him about the move he'd asked her about earlier and testing him on his progress. It felt to her like life in the castle was finally reaching a new sort of normal, even with all the new companions causing a bit of a stir among the guards and populace.
Discussing accommodations for all of them with her parents was difficult. The group was too large for any one place to house them all, and the palace didn't exactly feel like suitable rooming long-term aside from Autumn's closest companions. Eventually, due to their help with Anastasia, she'd convinced her parents to subsidize their housing fees with the local inns, allowing others to choose where to stay on a longer-term basis with the understanding that they'd find their own employment if their residence became more permanent.
Mila made special note as well to visit Eliot, checking in on his progress after the attention she'd taken to his state and learning who he'd been before all of the events taking place in this world. For all her care, though, she couldn't help but feel uncomfortable about the situation. Something about it was forcing her to look inwards, remember her past and consider why she'd taken to her present form. It wasn't something that kept on her mind often, but it still bubbled to the surface on occasion in the rare times that she was alone.
Koss had come back over to Foxfell, his journeys bringing him to the office of the Swords of Justice in the city as well as bringing in some treatments for Eliot that the guild had prepared on notice from Uryu. His work and help with Eliot had him somewhat busy, though he was available to the party in some of the temporary housing the guild had obtained from Foxfell to keep up their members in their travels. The Alolan Raichu brought with him as well some news from other branches, speaking of plans to launch their expedition into Dejara soon as well as work rebuilding some of the damages to Silversand and Hoard. Some of the new construction involved guild housing, with Mila glad to hear that Jess had managed to obtain a more consistent place to live with all the reconstruction of the beach town.
Koss had mentioned as well that Viral Aggression outbreaks had decreased for a spell, though it was not entirely cured with Anastasia being removed from the chain of infection. Even still, the best they were managing was reconstruction and containment efforts; VA prevention felt like a far off dream, at least in his words. Even one of the administrators of the Foxfell branch, an older Leafeon, was attempting to give him more work in other areas of the guild's interests. Nevertheless, Koss was focused on handling the threat of the Viral Aggression and found his excuses to shirk unrelated work where he could.
Rappatatap, rappatatap
"Hey, Eliot?"
Mila stood outside the Smeargle's door by herself, having gotten up early to go in and check on him. She'd made plans with Autumn for later on, and now felt like the best time for what she'd wanted to do. Especially with everything settling down, she'd thought back to some of their earlier excursions and felt bad remembering Eliot's struggles with his bag and later his shawl. So, she figured, why not get him something nicer that he could keep with him and hopefully maintain better now that they were less likely to go off on an adventure and cause it to get damaged? (Plus, she needed an excuse to get a new bandanna of her own, the previous one having been stained by a few substances that even several cleanings were unable to completely remove). In any case, she'd have to see what he thought, first... if he'd wake up in time that was.
"Met some of ourrrrr frrrrriends, have you?"
A soft, honeyed voice purred into the Thievul's ears from above as he entered the library, though the source is nowhere to be seen by looking around. Only above is Uryu resting, the Espeon seated precariously on the doorframe and waiting to see how long it'd be before the mon noticed him. It concerned him that he couldn't read the mon as well as he'd like, let alone carry out a conversation nonverbally. But voices would have to do, he reminded himself. It wasn't like he had other options here.
I need to update these things more oftenFoxfell
(Ah. Thank god there's no other magical bullshit or asshole vectors to disrupt this little vacation. Hard worker I may be, but I'd be stupid to not take a break. The first three days, I've trained and sparred a little, but only because I had nothing else better to do. I was tempted to try out the Flynium-Z, but at the risk of accidentally causing property damage, I didn't. Instead, I tried out that Phantom Force move. At first, I tried to do some movements with my hands, but that only succeeded in making me look like an idiot. On the third day, I feel like I got it down to some extent. I managed to phase in and out for only a second, but hey, it's getting me somewhere. Who knew the spectral world is so... purple?)
(On the fourth day, I took a walk around the town to clear my thoughts. It was then I came to a realization. How come in all our travels, we never have a name? Sure, there are some guilds that go by their leader, but we're no guild. And yeah, it might not be that necessary, but I'd rather we be referred to anything other than "those Pokémon over there." I kicked around a few ideas. Started with Foxfell Mercenaries since, technically, we are mercenaries, but we're not exactly from or working for Foxfell, so that won't work. Going by leader's a no-go since we have none. The closest two we got to one's still recovering and off with his friends. I'm no leader myself, just don't have the patience. Same deal with referencing our past lives. That's just asking for trouble. I'll have to give it more thought in the meantime.)
(On the fifth day, I practiced Phantom Force some more to make sure it lasts a bit longer. A few tries, and I've managed to stay in the Phantom world for at most thirty seconds. It's still progress, even if I don't have Nori's natural connection to the spirit world.)
(The day after that, I ran into a Clawitzer, a pretty desperate one at that. I could tell right away he's being chased by someone. Whoever that someone is, he says there's no time. We were next to alley when a couple of Pokémon, a Weavile and what I assume is an albino Bisharp, came up to me. The former was pretty chatty, too damn chatty. He wanted to shoot the shit about the weather, the town, whatever came to mind. He would've continued talking me to death if the Bisharp hadn't prodded him into asking me about that Clawitzer. They eyed behind me to see that the Clawitzer was not there. I pointed away from the alley, wanting to know more about his deal with them. As soon as they left, he came out of an empty box. As soon as I was about to ask what all that was about, I immediately heard footsteps. Looks like diplomacy failed me yet again.)
(Just before the Weavile was about to turn the corner, I used Phantom Force to make myself disappear. What I didn't expect was the Clawitzer to go with me. I wasn't sure what happened to cause that, but given the choice between this and meeting a pair of angry mons, I wasn't going to ask questions. As soon as it wore off, we were already on the other side of the street, well out of their sight. As soon as we got to the inn, I asked him a few questions. From what I learned, he's called Waylon, he came from a place called Arcquall, and those two were mercenaries looking for him. Before I asked any further, he looked at my necklace and asked where did I get that. I told him it was a gift from my lover. When he asked who it was, I responded that it came from a Tsareena named Eliza. Apparently, he knows her too. I talked about how that time where we stopped a crazed tyrant and her minions. But, it got late and we had to turn in for the night. Wherever he plans on going, I hope he doesn't get into trouble.)
(Today, I was on another walk. This time, I poked around on the outskirts of town. I was on a path before I saw a rabbit-like creature with a turtleneck came running like as if something was after them. Haven't seen too many of these lately, but that wasn't important. I asked them as they approached the city.) Hey! What's going on?
"I treasure every day with you, darling." "No need to be so sappy, love." "You know that's how she is, Nia." - AU!Pyra, Nia, Mythra
"That does sound like a sound next course of action..." said Noriaki. He glanced to Hikari, who nodded to him, as if confirming something.
"Well... Since I know the lot of you are going to be making rest here, we do have somewhere we wish to be soon. Perhaps we can accompany you back to the castle to see if Eliot is there, but Hikari and I will be embarking before long, keep in mind."