ITT: We Have All Become Pokémon

"Well, it'll all work out knowing her, right? She always fights her way through. My special, perfect girl!" Finley cheers.

"But anyway, PJ, you have not only my forgiveness, but I'm sure you have everyone else's too. Except maybe Andy. And sure, you may say that's not true, but other than Andy, can you really disprove that?"

(Benji and Dinah may notice a small bookmark laying on a nearby table. Picking it up and turning it to the other side reads:

Psychics read too! Come on down to Orichalcum Library and Research Center, and you might learn a thing or two! Just two buildings down from Teller's bar!)

PJ, you've got my forgiveness too..hell, you always had.

(I say to Finley and PJ before I turn back to Marsha, Delilah, and Goobert:)

So,whadda yas want ta do? I'm actually starting to feel kinda hungry.

edited 17th Oct '17 6:41:59 AM by Team42Larson

Yeah, same here! (I say to PJ, walking up.)

(Then I turn to Marlon.) Yeah, I think Delilah and I have probably worked breakfast off over the walk here. Have you, Del?

Well, I think I'm a little hungry now, yes. (says Delilah.)

Okay, so we're up to finding something to eat, yeah. (I say.)

So am I! (Marsha says.) I haven't eaten anythin' since I had one of Benji's pancakes of doom.

(As we're talking about this, Benji notices a bookmark sticking out of a nearby book. He pulls it out and reads about the library that's here in town.)

Hey, Dinah! Here's somethin'! They do have a library here! (He says, showing Dinah the bookmark.) Just a little ways down from the bar we went to yesterday!

Oh really? (Dinah says turning to the rest of us.) That's great! You all don't mind if we go there, do you?

No, go right ahead guys. (I say.)

You two can probably just meet us back here when it's time for bed. (says Delilah.)

Okay then! Let's go, Dinah! See ya fellas later!

Good-bye! (Dinah says as she and Benji head out.)

Be careful, bro! (Marsha calls after them.)

How about we go up ta the Frau's kitchen? I think Jani and some of tha others are still over there.

(I point out to Marsha and crew, beginning to head on up there.)

edited 17th Oct '17 11:56:18 AM by Team42Larson

Sounds good to me. (I say.) Let's go!

(I begin heading toward the kitchen with Delilah following. Marsha takes Marlon by the hand and goes alongside him.)

(When we get up there, I see Jani, Tilly, and Grigori in there.) Hey guys! (I say.)

edited 17th Oct '17 11:56:32 AM by kablammin45

Dore mentions to Eliot, Look, The whole thing was in like a cliff-face, so I just convinced him that dropping the cliff would be a funny prank. Then I killed him. It's pretty simple. Look, am I allowed or not? I'm really tired, I've been running for miles.

[Seeing the others move off to tend to Finley and PJ on the stairs, I clench my fist, feeling somewhat abandoned by them in the face of Dore. I look back to him, scowling. What bothers me about this is that he doesn't seem to have shown any remorse for it...he's not bragging, but I...ghhh, thinking about it makes me a little sick.]

"Take it up with the master of the house," [I answer Dore, turning away. However, before I exit the foyer, I say one final thing:] "Though...if it were up t'me...I'd see you were on the streets and cast to the dogs." [Bearing no more to confront him, I make my way back towards the drawing room...]

(Before completely heading over I turn back to the twins:)

Are yas two gonna come up with us or what?

(As we reach the kitchen and meet up with Jani and the others I ask the following:)

What are yas talkin' about up here? And what food is up here?

edited 17th Oct '17 11:55:56 AM by Team42Larson

The walk out to Woodfall Manor is rather quiet, with Mila quickly answering any of David's questions along the way. She hopes that Marsha will be willing to take on one more, and will understand the... circumstances behind all of this. As she's thinking, still carrying David to make the journey easier, she comes across the manor house in the woods and points it out to David.

"Here we are... I'm going to put you down now while we introduce ourselves, okay?"

It looks empty! Nobody's here! Where are we?

"Shh, don't worry, I promise that they're here."

As Mila approaches the door, she can't help but fear that they might actually be somewhere else and she'd make a fool of herself. Nevertheless, she goes up to the door (watching carefully for the stick trap) and knocks on it before standing back.

(Before reaching the kitchen, I look back down into the main lobby. Upon looking, I suddenly realize that we left Eliot to deal with Dore by himself (as well as Milly and Tilly, but from here I can't tell if they're actually paying attention to the discussion with Dore). Dang it...I feel bad for leaving them there, but before I can do anything about it, Eliot seems to be done talking to him and is heading back towards the first room. Frowning, I turn my attention back to heading back toward the kitchen.)

(Upon getting there, I spot a nearby table with some Berries on it and grab some for myself and Delilah.) Yeah, what's been happening with you guys?

edited 17th Oct '17 11:52:05 AM by kablammin45

"VISITORS! WE HAVE VISITORS!" A high-pitched voice behind the door shouts.

"It is my duty to answer this call," a lower one says. "I will do so."

After a little bit, the door opens revealing a Cubone at the door and a Mimikyu happily jumping behind him, realizing who it is.

"Ser Daunting, can you get mom?" "Her name is Lady Castien, but sure!" He darts off, and after another short while, a Meowstic is at the door.

"Mila! How odd that I only seem to see you guys at our door when we're here?" Castien looks down at the Pichu. "How can I help ya?"

Dore looked miffed at Eliot's comment. What an asshole... didn't say nothin' to him.

Without inhibition, he floated in, taking Eliot's comment as him having a bad day.

Morbitesse's Manor, Foyer

*Lilly and Tilly briefly discuss among themselves. Tilly opts to address Dore briefly as he enters...playing along with his dubious story* Although Agarthan citizens are not prohibited from seeking rightful vengeance, I would recommend not discussing it so openly with outsiders. Clearly you have put off our companions, and we know little of the Orichalcans' attitudes toward vigilantism.

Morbitesse's Manor, Kitchen

*Jani feels as if her metaphorical drill has run out of gas as the Goo Crew enter. Wondering if it'd be better to continue their little three-way later, for now she turns to address them* Hey...just trying to get our newest arrival up to speed. How's everything with the High Oracle?

edited 17th Oct '17 12:55:07 PM by sarysa

Well...she seems to be doing fine right now. (I say to Jani between Berries.) We filled her in on much of the stuff that has happened around us lately...mostly the Hoard incident. She seems to be doing all right.

(I grab several more Berries and begin eating them.)

Wow, big guy, you musta been hungry. (Marsha remarks.)

Yeah, I guess I was... (I say between mouthfuls.)

Just try not to eat too much, Goobert. (Delilah chuckles.) You don't want to get a stomachache.

(I nod at Delilah and slow down.)

(I too grab some berries for myself and Marsha as we enter:)

Eh...we hit a speedbump with that Dore guy again. At least Frau knows not ta deal with certain Pokémon now.

(Emphasis on Certain.)

(I can't help but notice Goobert suddenly grabbing at berries:)

Woah, dude, yas must be really hungry.

Negh...where is everyone? Normally the library would be popping at this time of day.

(The librarian, an Oranguru, wonders. He sees a Krokorok and Ditto (presently in Gallade form) appear. He hammers away at his duties and awaits the duo.)

edited 17th Oct '17 12:30:04 PM by Team42Larson

Dore looked at the Diglett. Try sticking to the law after seeing children's corpses.

After a second, he sighs. I'm sorry, I'm getting mad. Look, is there a spare room I can nap in that you know of, or am I gonna have to get lost? I really overexerted myself running there and back.

edited 17th Oct '17 1:07:03 PM by TacoBadger

(I finish the last Berry, upon which I belch very loudly.) BBBBBRRAAAAAP!

Oh man...excuse me... (I say, covering my mouth in embarrassment. Delilah tries to stifle her giggles while Marsha doesn't even try to.)

(Benji and Dinah soon approach the library.) This looks like the library. It's two buildings down from the bar like the bookmark said. (Dinah says.)

I think you're right, kid! (Benji says. The two of them head inside.)

Oh why hellllo! I see that you have made your presence known here in our humble library. Take a look around, we've got quite a collection here for you!

(The librarian is motioning around to various shelves lined with books that are at my(but actually Benji as me)'s height.)

(Because of the lack of a response from Jani, I've found myself in a daydream. Marsha and I are at the beach in Silversand, at night.)

Oh Marly, isn't it a beautiful night?

Ain't anybody I'd rather be than with yas, Marsh..

(The beach, and Marsha, both suddenly take on a white glow. Just looking at her makes me blush. She looks so beautiful tonight... I can't help but think to myself. I must be also glowing, because Marsha comments on this:)

Yas look so beautiful tonight Marly...it's almost like we were meant ta be...

I love you Marsh...so much...

I love yas too, Marly, with every beat of my heart...

(And then just as suddenly, some slow ballroom-type music starts playing. Sure, I hated this kind of music back home as a human, but here it just feels so right. After what feels like an eternity of slow dancing, Marsha looks at me with literal hearts in her eyes. There's also literal hearts in my eyes as well. Marsha pulls me closer and kisses me deeply...)

(In the actual world, I let out another smitten adeee growl while looking at Marsha. Goobert's loud burp snaps me out of it, though:)

Woah, that was pretty loud, dude!

(After completely snapping myself out of it, I recognize who else in the room with us:)

Hey guys...anything on your minds?

edited 17th Oct '17 3:31:16 PM by Team42Larson

"Well... you wouldn't see us if you weren't here, but that's beside the point. I was wondering if... you could take care of David here? I know it's a lot to ask, but I can explain..."

David, meanwhile, is watching the others carefully. He seems interested in the other children, but he is currently preoccupied with examining Marsha, as he can already tell that she'd be the one taking care of him. On hearing Mila, he tries to add on helpfully.

She saved me from a bad place, but she doesn't want me to follow her...

"Because where I'm going is dangerous for you, David. I want to stay with you, you know that!"

Heh heh, yeah...I could shatter a window with a burp that loud... (I chuckle.)

(Marsha looks up at Marlon. She grins.)

(I look expectantly at the others.) Yeah, anything else you guys been thinking about lately?

Oh wow... (Dinah breathes.) They must have more books here than they do at the library in Agartha!

Looks like it, yeah. (Benji says.) Well, what are we waitin' for, Dinah? Let's go find a good book to read!

(Dinah excitedly runs ahead to find some books to read. Benji follows.)

(As they went inside the kitchen, I simply waved. Then, I thought about that Viral Aggression, and back to my "other self." Slasher-esque insanity mixed with some sort of berserker virus? Quite a combo. I just hope it doesn't come up at all. Then, Goobert's, well, meal had interrupted my train of thought. I look at Marlon and responded.) We were talking about... a "curse" so to speak. (Perhaps if I use something other than a virus, maybe I won't trigger some sort of episode.)

[Slumping back into my chair, I take up my sketchpad once more and go back to drawing out the Latios in the painting on the wall before me, erasing any screwy lines or erroneous details as I see fit. Seeing Benji's antics, Latios and Latias don't seem that big, but...I suppose if I do end up taking one of their forms, I'm going have to be careful with it. I don't know how the Legendaries work here...if I was told, I can't remember, but I'd imagine that their presence is more than just "another Pokémon"...]

[...that damned Honedge. Thought he could come back to us, thought he could weasel his way in here with no opposition...he should've went with the trends, the others weren't letting him in, why'd he think to come here of all places? Hell, how'd he even get in? Didn't Goobert and Delilah have to stay behind to get...what was it, "sponsored"? Whatever, the guy's an enigma, and an idiot at that. I try and push it off my mind, going back to drawing...]

(I sigh.)

Yeah...if you're saying what I think you are, then we don't really know for sure what's up with it. But it's something else, that's for sure.

(I say to Grigori, not wanting to hedge up what we learned about VA.)

(I glance back over in throughout the rooms that are visible to me. I see that Eliot is off doing whatever, PJ. Hmm...I call to him:)

Hey, PJ..you wanna talk for a bit?

edited 17th Oct '17 6:28:11 PM by Team42Larson

*I say nothing as things just sort of happen around me. Everyone's words of reassurance except Andy's end up rubbing me the wrong way. I know they're just trying to make me feel better, but why do they keep bothering? And so I just sit around until I'm comfortably situated in the background of whatever's going on now. Until Marlon approaches me, that is. I shrug in response to his invitation to speak.*

PJ: "I mean, if you want to. I don't really mind."

(Marsha sits down with Delilah and I as Marlon goes to talk to PJ.) So...did the two of yas hear me accidentally make Marlon think I wanted ta...um...ya know...with him?

Oh...oh yeah? (I ask.)

What did you do? (Delilah asks.)

I kinda spoke to him in sort of a...bedroom-y tone without thinkin' about it... (Marsha says.) I feel kinda stupid. I know we aren't quite ready ta do...ya know...we've still just started.

Yeah... (I say. Our conversation kind of peters out right there. After a moment of silence, I turn to Grigori and decide to start a conversation with him.) Hey, Grigori, do you remember where you were when you first woke up here?

(Benji and Dinah sit down at a table with their books, where a young Riolu is also sitting reading a small book entitled "Ping the Psyduck".)

(The two sit there for several minutes reading. Eventually, Dinah notices that the Riolu at the table with them is occasionally looking expectantly toward the entrance to the library.) Hmm...it's probably none of my business, but is that kid with anybody here? (Dinah whispers to Benji, looking around. Dinah doesn't see anyone who looks like they might be her mother or father.)

I'm sure she's here with somebody...or someone's left her here while they're on an errand. (Benji says.)

(The Riolu looks up at Benji and Dinah.) Hey...are you guys talking about me? (She asks.)

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. (Dinah says.) We didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.

Don't worry about it. (The Riolu says.) I get asked where my parents are a lot when I'm here. I get left here all the time while my mom goes off to find my dad. He's an Alakazam, and he goes off with his friends a lot. Sometimes my mom has to go off to find him because he takes too long to come back here. She usually finds him at a place called...something...I think it's called the Sheets or something. It happens a lot, and sometimes it makes me sad when he doesn't come home before dark...well, I've gotten to the end of this book. Guess I'll get another one. Nice talking to you two!

(The Riolu hops up from her chair and walks over to a nearby shelf to get another book. Dinah looks very worried.) Benji...you don't think she meant that he goes to the Bedsheets a lot do you...?

Dang, I sure hope not... (Benji says.) If so...dang, I hope the kid's mother was on the way back here with her dad when that Honedge cleaned house...

edited 17th Oct '17 7:21:09 PM by kablammin45