ITT: We Have All Become Pokémon

"Even if you've done things wrong in the past, that doesn't mean you have to keep doing that in the future.. That's why you keep trying." Dana looks at Niles, gaze piercing.

.. Ugh. I have no idea if this advice is even helpful, but I can't just leave him like this...

Wait...Andy did what?! *Jani turns over to Andy who as far as I can tell never left* You've...changed in the last few days. I seriously hope you take it easy on the rest of us...

*Teller waits for Lars to leave, then sighs, shaking his head, muttering* That kid...always in a hurry, always asserting his independence, and always "right"...almost reminds reminds me of a certain someone from way back...

*shrugging, he resumes his morning routine in the almost empty bar*

...I'd still be careful in trying to hedge things up with people, especially in earshot of certain others..

(I say to Jani, because although Uryu was the one to hear everything we talked about, I really think more about Niles.)

(Before turning to Goobert, Delilah, and Marsha:)

Does this place even have a shower?

Ah yes, of course! I help run the festival here.

(Richard mentions to the group, before turning to a specific one:)

Hmm...and what is your name, little girl?

(Richard asks Lucy.)

Have you seen a little Riolu girl with the folks that are inside here? I wanted to check up on her after everything that happened yesterday.

(Lucille says, after bowing before Frau.)

edited 24th Oct '17 11:48:41 PM by Team42Larson

*I follow Eliot out the door and slowly make my way down the steps. As I do, something occurs to me. Without his shawl on, Eliot and I are physically indistinguishable. Boy, is that gonna cause some confusion. And by confusion, I mean fun.*

Morbitesse: "I beliefe that someone like that might haf slept here. Mein current guests didn't exactly ask mein permission to stay die nacht, but I suppose I vouldn't haf refused them shelter, gifen who they are. Dis in mind, I vould not be surprised if they allowed in others under mein nose."

[...speaking of guilt:] "Um...PJ, I juss, uhh...I just..."

[I take a moment to gather my thoughts.] "Can we, um, not mention what happened last night...at least not the...finer details, as it were?" [I do not want word to get out that I (unknowingly) Transformed into...her (there's still a part of me that's wondering if I did know what I was doing) and...well, emotionally tormented my friend. I don't want to have to provide explanations I don't have, for one, and, considering a lot of the others' justifiably extreme opinions on her (opinions which I've partaken in myself and still somewhat do), I don't want that albatross biting down my back.]

Slowly, Finley wakes up to see Mila next to her.

Good lord last night was busy between the two of them.

Giving a small smile as she holds Mila back, she speaks up.

"Hey, Mila. Ready to start today? I get the feeling we're gonna be busy."

Andy looks back, still drinking milk. Huh? I mean, Nyquil sorta attacked me, and jumped on my sword, so, I don't know who's to blame in this scenario, just not me...

Hey, don't loook at us, Marly Del and I haven't been here all that much to know about this place! (Marsha says, chuckling. Delilah, likewise, shakes her head.)

(I shrug.) Hey, do you guys know if this place has a shower? (I ask the others.) I think I need to take one.

(It suddenly occurs to me that I can't even remember whether or not I've taken a shower since first waking up here as a Goodra...or at least since leaving Silversand to rejoin the others, I know my house in Silversand has a shower. I'm just glad that I'm not biologically capable of sweating in this body or I'd be really nasty.)

My name's Lucy! (Lucy says, reaching out a paw in Richard's direction.) Hey, is it true that you change colors completely when you drink nectar? Has the festival started? Are Benji's parents here? Do you have guitars?

Lucy! Slow down! (Benji chuckles.) Give him some time to answer your questions, just sayin'!

(Dinah sets hers and Lucy's satchels down to rest her shoulders. Lucy's books are visible to Richard now.)

edited 25th Oct '17 6:16:11 AM by kablammin45

Hehe, sorry Marsh...

(I lightly chuckle and playfully punch her on the arm. All the while I notice two Helioptiles come down the stairs, one with a shawl and one without. I comment on this:)

Hey PJ, ...uh? Who's that?

(I look on, confusedly.)

Oh...can I at least talk to the folks inside? One psychic to another, I think that those folks and I are headed for the same place.

(Lucille asks Frau.)

Well, you're a hyper child, aren't you? Growing up in a family with six sisters-

Hey, those are my wife's books. She's an author much like I am. I'm sure you probably have run into her at some point, she's in Orichalcum at the moment.

(Richard says.)

edited 25th Oct '17 7:49:34 AM by Team42Larson

(While waiting for an answer to my question over whether or not there is a shower in this place, I also take notice of the two PJs entering the room.)

Heya, PJ! Heya....PJ...? (I say.) Um...

Um, something odd is going on... (Delilah says.)

Funny you should mention that. (Benji says to Richard.) We did bump into her in Orichalcum!

(Benji shifts into a double of Lucille.) She actually gave Lucy here some of her books to comfort Lucy after...erm... (Benji trails off as he looks at Lucy, who hangs her head.)

(Dinah solemnly finishes Benji's sentence.) Lucy lost her parents yesterday...

Eliot's not actually wearing his shawl right now.

PJ: "I wasn't planning on it. Probably better we keep the more uh... I don't wanna say scarring but... emotionally taxing bits, maybe? Yeah, we're better off keeping that to ourselves."

*I reach the ground floor as I finish my sentence, overhearing Morbitesse as she speaks to a Xatu, who I presume is another Orichalcan. Orichalcan... Orichalcian? Orichalnese? Resident of Orichalcum.*

Morbitesse: "I vill not object, but please, make it quick."

*Morby steps to the side to let this visitor in, though my attention quickly shifts over to Goobert and Marlon. Yep, just as I thought, didn't take long for people to get confused. Might as well milk this while it lasts.*

PJ: "Oh, hey guys. What's up? You meet my identical twin brother Rodrick yet?"

[I freak out a little when I notice Marlon and Goobert notice us, but I quickly regain whatever cool I may have visibly lost. I snap back at PJ, playing along with his charade:] "Rodrick? Haha, you always gotta get it wrong, don't ya? First, it's Robert, then it's Rodney and now Rodrick. I'm don't go around introducing you as Paul or Pablo."

[I turn back towards the others.] "Anyway, the name's Rolland. Two 'L's, people love to get that wrong.."

edited 25th Oct '17 7:54:50 AM by BlackMageAnolis

(I put a hand to my chin as I look on at PJ and "Rolland" standing before me.)

Nice ta meet yas, Rolland. The name's Marlon.

(I look to Marsha, still rather confused.)

Thank you, High Oracle.

(Lucille bows before the Frau again before hopping her way to the kitchen. Once there, she runs into Jani, of all people:)

Hello, did you happen to see a Riolu kid here?

Oh my....that's awful.

(Richard says, kneeling before Lucy and giving her a hug. He turns to Benji:)

So you're looking for your parents? I think I may have seen them. Who are they?

(He asks.)

(I give a confused look at everyone else. Something about this doesn't add up, but I decide to play along just for the heck of it.)

Well, nice to meet you, Rolland. (I say, stifling a chuckle.) Do either of you know where a shower is in here?

(Delilah gives me a confused look. I shrug.)

Didn't know that ya had a brother, PJ. (Marsha comments, confusedly looking back at Marlon before looking back at PJ.) He..uh...he use ta be a human too?

(Lucy gladly hugs Richard back.)

Well, they're a Swampert and Mantine... (Benji says, taking the form of his and Marsha's mother, and then father as he says this. After this, he assumes the appearance of his default Swampert form.) Their names are Phyllis and Angelo. You seen them?

Who said I'm hedging? *Jani whispers to Marlon, adding* If we're going to be traveling together, everyone needs to get over their differences, but also be on the same page.

*noting the new arrivals, Jani says* Oh hey PJ, PJ's clone. Guessing it's Benji...or maybe Eliot? Or perhaps it's Fan...nah.

Huh, a Riolu kid? *Jani asks back* Everyone was talking about her but I missed out on that. I think she went to Gleamscape...right, Benji went there too. Morning blahs...heh...

*as if things weren't busy enough, the Diglett sisters notice the commotion and head to where everyone is* Good morning everyone, Madame Morbitesse. *while Lilly chirps in* Thanks for allowing us to stay the night — you have a lovely home.

edited 25th Oct '17 8:24:33 AM by sarysa

PJ: "Hey, can you really fault me for wanting our names to rhyme? But yeah, to answer your question, Marsha, yes he was."

(I mean, he was human, even if the whole brother thing's a farce...)

*I shoot a brief glance at Jani. I'm not surprised that she'd catch on so soon, but hopefully she won't tip off the others so soon.*

(I just nod at Jani and the sisters as they arrive, offering a quick aside to Jani:)

Yeah.

Interesting. So how long has Rolland been here?

(I ask, continuing to play along.)

I see.

(Lucille then turns to the group whole and asks nobody in particular:)

Are you all going to Gleamscape? If you don't mind I'd like to accompany you there. My husband and I live there and I'd like to get back before the festival starts.

Hm...Swampert, Mantine...ah yes, I have seen them! Follow me, I think I saw them at the Mended Egg Café just down the way here.

(Richard motions to where the Café is and begins hopping along to where it is.)

edited 25th Oct '17 8:41:54 AM by Team42Larson

"Oh, I just got here last night, weeee in the morning hours."

[I take note of the Xatu and what Jani says to it: so they've already set off for Gleamscape. I feel a little uneasy; couldn't they have waited on us? I tap my foot against the floor: I was hoping we'd all go together...but whatever, I currently need food.]

[Stepping further into the kitchen, I ask,] "So where's the grub? They got bacon here, I'd kill fer some bacon!"

Ooooh... (Marsha mutters to herself, overhearing Jani. Delilah is also now trying not to laugh.)

(I'm distracted by the suddenly appearing Xatu.) Oh, yeah, we're heading that way. She can go with us there, right? (I ask the others. Who is this Xatu again?)

(By now, I'm beginning to think that no one will ever tell me where the shower is and that maybe I should just wait and shower in Gleamscape.)

What are the two of ya waitin' for? Let's go! (Benji says to Dinah and Lucy. The three of them begin following Richard down the cobblestone path into the town and towards the Mended Egg Cafe.)

(Stepping into the stone building, the building is crowded with Pokémon of many different species. A female Blaziken is tending the counter and filling in an order of sandwiches for two familiar Vaporeons. But the folks who Benji and co are in here to see are sitting at a table next to one of the windows, a Swampert and Mantine. The Mantine spots Benji and his friends.)

Do my eye deceive me? (He says.) Phyllis! Look who Richard just brought in!

(The Swampert turns and sees them.) Benji! What da heck are yas doin' here? I didn't expect yas ta show up for da music festival!

Heya, Mom and Dad! (Benji says.) Yeah, we're here for that, plus a few other things. This here is Dinah, a Krokorok I met in Agartha. We're in love!

Oh, that is just wonderful, Benji! I'm so proud of you! It's a pleasure to meet you, Dinah! (The Mantine says.) My name is Angelo, and she is Phyllis!

I'm honored to meet you two, as well! (Dinah says.)

Nice ta meet yas, too. (Phyllis says. She looks at the Riolu.) Who's da munchkin?

This is Lucy, Mom! (Benji says.) She's...uh...she's the other reason we came here.

Oh yeah? What's up, sonny? (Phyllis asks.)

(Lucy hangs her head. Benji and Dinah look at each other uneasily and sit down at the table with Phyllis and Angelo.) It's a long story...

edited 25th Oct '17 10:36:56 AM by kablammin45

(I take note of what Jani did say, but I keep playing along, because I just know that they want to have fun here after whatever the hell happened between the two of them last night:)

Well, there are pancakes but no bacon, Rolland. Y'know, since dere is dat whole thing about pokemon not eating meat.

(I look over and note that Niles is still nearby on that couch, and try to wave to him.)

(Richard takes flight and whispers this to Phyllis:)

Her uh, how do I say this....her parents died yesterday. Your son and his friend are here to also find someone that can take care of her until she can find a better home..

(Lucille tries to strengthen her case a bit further, again saying to nobody in particular:)

I know a way to get there quicker.

edited 25th Oct '17 9:12:24 AM by Team42Larson

PJ: "Nobody made hellfire pancakes again, right? Because I swear-"

*The Xatu's words distract me, and I turn to her, curious.*

PJ: "Get where now?"

[I want to turn back and answer PJ, but I realize at the last second that that would break my character. I merely trudge on towards the smell of pancakes.] "Gimme, gimme, gimme..."

[Hopping up, I grab the edge of the counter and wriggle and claw my way up on top of it. Swiping a few pancakes from off the top of the pile, I immediately swing around and plop down right there at the edge of the counter, tearing into the two sandwiched pancakes with fervorous gusto.]

Don't worry, PJ, my bro wasn't in charge of the cookin' today. (Marsha snickers.)

(Delilah and I chuckle as well. Then I register what Lucille said.) Wait, you do?

Jeepers...t-that's awful... (Phyllis says.) Poor kid...she doesn't look a day over nine and she already has to deal with somethin' like dis...were yas there when it happened?

No, but we had recently befriended Lucy and were there when she learned the news. (Dinah continues.)

That stupid Honedge...if I see him again, I'm gonna beat the snot out of him... (Lucy mutters to herself.)

She has no one else to stay with, so we were kinda hopin' that she could stay with you two for a while until we find somethin' better for her, like Richard here was sayin'. (Benji says.) Hate to throw this upon you while in the middle of your vacation, but if anybody knows how to handle this, it's you two, just sayin'.

(Phyllis and Angelo look at each other.) Well...I don't suppose it would be too much trouble, would it, sweetie cakes? (Angelo asks Phyllis.)

Guess not. (says Phyllis.)

Hey, how about this: (Benji says.) We'll keep up with Lucy for now so we aren't intrudin' in on your vacation?

Hey, it i'nt dat big of a deal, Benj! (Phyllis says.) It's not like dis was a second honeymoon or anythin'. We can keep up with her for now while da two of yas enjoy da festival.

Are you sure? (Dinah asks.)

Positively certain! (Angelo says, flapping happily.)

Are you up to this, Lucy? (Dinah asks Lucy.)

Um...uh...okay. (Lucy says, nodding.)

Well, all right, then! (Phyllis says.) Welcome aboard, kid! Hey, why don't yas have a seat and tell us a little bit about yaself, Lucy?

(Lucy nods and gets up on a chair with the others. Benji and Dinah look at each other and Richard smiling before they take seats themselves.)

edited 25th Oct '17 9:53:30 AM by kablammin45

Mila nods and kisses Finley for several seconds before responding verbally, though she is still loath to let go of Finley. Between her body heat and the covers of the bed, Mila feels comfortably warm and like she'd be fine just staying in this exact place for a long time.

"Yeah, I'm ready. And... thanks, I suppose, for last night?"

(She says to PJ:)

Gleamscape. The place has a music festival that begins today, and I thought you folks would be interested in it. I wish to accompany you on the way there and I do also know of a service that can aid your party in arriving there quicker.

(Answering Goobert's question, she says:)

I know of a squad of Sigilyphs that have been commissioned by the city of Gleamscape to help people in cutting down travel time in getting to the festivals. You'll see what they do when we meet them.

(I think about what I've heard, and say:)

Hmm...sounds good ta me. What about you guys?

(Richard perches himself on a nearby window before spotting Dinah's book.)

Say...I wrote that book. Are you enjoying it?

edited 25th Oct '17 10:27:07 AM by Team42Larson