ohmyarceus | OCTOBER TEST DRIVE MEME

Network:

[ The feed opens to a tan face framed by a fall of glossy white hair. She's a lovely girl, high cheekbones marked with distinct pink streaks under bright blue eyes.

She isn't the only one on the screen, however: a round, blue, beaked face also appears. It's a Swablu, nuzzling her cheek and cooing contently. ]

I don't suppose anyone knows how to discourage these creatures from being quite so... affectionate?

[ The Swablu croons and flaps its cottony wings, prompting a longsuffering sigh from the young woman. ]

I'm Allura, and I'm... new to all this. I'm not quite used to handling these little ones yet.

Action: Route 29

[ Pocketing her pokégear, Allura continues her trek down route 29, skirting the areas where the grass seems too thick or tall. Being in a new, unexpected place makes her understandably paranoid, but nothing seems horrible or life-threatening. In fact, it's a beautiful day, all things considered, and a warm breeze makes the trees sway and rustle in a calming way.

Swablu, in spite of its over-amorous attentions, is warm and soft on her shoulder--not the worst company she could have, she supposes, and the idea of forcing it into one of the little balls she'd found in her bag makes her uneasy. Having herself been placed in cryosleep against her will, she couldn't imagine doing the same to another living creature except in dire circumstances.

Jumping slightly at a noise off to her left, Allura braces herself when the grass rustles and shakes, waiting for who or whatever is lurking around to appear. ]

Who's there?

[ Her eyebrows arch towards her hairline when a large rat leaps out onto the path. Oh. Well, that's nothing to be worried about, is it? Crouching down, Allura extends her hand cautiously, palm open. ]

Hello there. There's no need to be afraid. Shall we be friends?

Edited 2019-10-01 20:20 (UTC)

Starters - that is the Pokémon you get on arrival - seem to be especially devoted as a rule. My starter also wouldn't give me a free moment when I got here.

[ He knows your pain Princess He's Never Met Yet. ]

Giving them a playmate seems to diffuse their need for attention a little.

It's quite sweet, if a bit overwhelming in its attachment.

[ She certainly wouldn't want anyone thinking that she wasn't appreciative of her Pokémon's affection or loyalty--far from it--but the newness of her situation strains her positivity, especially after everything that's happened lately.

Swablu's round face can be seen in the corner of the screen. It seems to have fluffed out and settled on her shoulder. ]

So I ought to catch another one, and they can keep one another company. Duly noted!

[While the princess is busy making new mouse friends, there's a Vulpix that's rushing past with a pokegear clamped in her mouth. A familiar voice is yelling from not too far behind.]

Buddy, c'mon give that back!

[The Vulpix turns, wagging all six tails. Keith groans, then dives towards the mischievous fox gremlin, managing to grab her by paw. It's at this point, he realizes there's another trainer hanging out on this route and well-- that floof of white hair and pointed ears is pretty hard to mistake for anyone else.]

A-Allura?

[ Allura feels a little flair of annoyance when the Rattata, which had just inched close enough to sniff tentatively at her hand, bolts away at the sudden commotion. She calls after it a little forlornly, but the Vulpix's arrival commands her attention.

The voice that follows it is indeed familiar. Very familiar, in fact.

Their eyes meet once he's done skidding to a halt on the packed dirt of the trail, and hers go wide in relief and happiness. ]

Keith! You're here!

[ She seems just as surprised about it as he does. Her Swablu, still perched on her shoulder, flaps its wings and hops down to coo at Keith's Vulpix. ]

What... what are you doing?

Network:

[When Jean turns the feed on, initially, his face is upside down. He's obviously still a little new to the technology. But this has happened before, enough times that after a minute, he corrects it himself. That also makes his surroundings a bit clearer. Over his shoulder is a Zebstrika that is intently watching his work. In the background, a Pidgeot and a Beedrill zip in and out of the picture as they spar with each other.]

Alright. So, I've finally made it to Azalea Town. It's... Even more backwater than the first three. And getting through Union Cave was a Zubat-filled hell. But this is where the next Gym is, so this is where I want to be.

[Behind him, the Pigeot strikes the Beedrill just so, and gains the upper hand with a cry of victory. Jean looks over his shoulder and nods at it in approval.]

Good work, Penny. Keep watching Prick's movements. Get really used to how Bug Types maneuver.

[The Pidgeot nodded, and took back to the air to clash with the Beedrill yet again. The Zebstrika turned around to watch them as well.]

I'm training up Penny here against Prick so she can really have the upper hand against the Gym Leader here. Make it more than just a type advantage, you know? Aside from a million Caterpie and Weedle, I don't have much experience battling Bug Types. And I've heard Bugsy has some rare ones.

If anyone has some advice I haven't heard yet, I'd appreciate it.

Action:

At the Pokemon Center in Azalea Town, Jean is using the PC system. Or at least, he's trying to. He's jabbing his finger a little too insistently at the touch screen in all the wrong places, and hunting and pecking at the keyboard like a kindergartner. And it's getting him nowhere. The Zebstrika at his side is beginning to look seriously concerned.

His temper flares, and he makes a fist like he's ready to punch the screen, and then... Let's it fall with a pained grumble. He's too old to be breaking shit out of frustration. Instead, he takes a step back, and considers the machine again, his chin resting thoughtfully in his hand.

He could use some help. Or even just a distraction. Anything other than more technology, please.

[The Vulpix happily drops the pokegear and inches closer to sniff at the cotton birb. A little further back, there's a Houndoom hanging out in the shade of a tree where Keith's left his backpack. The doggo clearly has a bit of a "too cool for thou" attitude going on, but that's neither here nor there.

Keith meanwhile takes the opportunity to yank the dropped gear and immediately get back up to his feet.]

What am I doing? [Other than making a fool of himself? Quickly he changes the subject:] What are you doing? How long have you been here?

[Seeing as this is just Route 29, he gathers it can't have been too long, but you never be too sure. Time shenanigans are a major doozy...]

[ Allura also stands from her crouch and dusts off her hands, then sets her arms akimbo. ]

I was just about to befriend that large mouse creature when you appeared. I've only just arrived, myself. A woman claiming to be my mother gave me this bag and shoved me out the door. It was quite discomfiting, to be sure.

I was joined by this blue bird and it hasn't left me alone since, although it seems to have made a new friend.

[ Indeed, Swablu seems to be getting along famously with the little Vulpix. Its wings flap and it coos and chirps in a soft, friendly way.

Allura turns back to Keith and sets a hand on his shoulder. ]

I'm so glad to see you. Where are you headed? Are the other Paladins here, too?

[... It feels like seeing a ghost. Like seeing a dream. It's been so long since he heard her voice. Seen her face. For a second, he has to shake himself, blink hard. It's getting on to October, after all. Everything goes sideways in October.]

[He probably looks different than last he'd seen her, too. The years on the Sevii Island got his tan back, Lance dyed his hair fluff all the colors of the Lions, and his Aggron is peering over his shoulder -- curious about what's gotten its trainer's attention.]

[But she looks the same.]

Allura...?

[Listen... there is no manual for this. There is no easy way to figure out how to react to someone you were so close to... suddenly not knowing you. But it's no one's fault. No one at all. And Shiro is determined to keep his feelings to himself.]

You've got a good idea already. Type and strength advantage is your best bet at first. Once you've got a bigger team, then you can start planning different strategies out.

[Right well all of that definitely scans with the weirdness around waking up in pokeland. He'd say something immediately reassuring, but the hand on his shoulder has him staring at it for a moment instead, like he's genuinely a little caught by surprise at the friendly intrusion into his personal space.]

...Oh, I uh... [Wait. Pause. Get the greeting out first.] It's good to see you too, Allura.

[Which despite sounding a pinch stilted is entirely genuine. He relaxes into a small smile.]

That lady does that to everyone here. Part of the program. [HOW OMINOUS. He'll just zip riiiight past that.] I was headed to Cherrygrove City. Gotta heal up one of my buddies.

Bet everyone else is gonna be real surprised to see you here. Shiro's got a beach house and everything. Pidge, Hunk, Lance and Matt are all staying there.

Shiro!

[ For Allura, it hasn't been nearly so long since she'd seen her friend--mere hours, in fact. The change in him now is almost shocking, but there's no mistaking him for anyone else. Obviously, she's missed out on a great deal.

Her face and voice are warm with affection, regardless. ]

It's so good to see you! This world is unlike any I've ever visited! I see you have a companion as well.

[ Swablu pipes up here to greet Shiro's Aggron cheerfully. ]

[It's her. It's absolutely her. His jaw works, and he actually has to take a moment to reply. But it's so good to see her...]

It -- hey. Hey. It's good to see you too.

[Kuro the Aggron grumbles something, and nudges his big head under Shiro's arm. Trying to help, but not really aware of the issue. He knows his trainer has met this lady before. When Kuro was very small. But what's the issue?]

I do. His name is Kuro -- we've been together a long time now.

[I've been here a long time now]

[ Keith's glance at her hand has Allura pulling back with a self-conscious titter. She should have known better--Keith has never been the most physically affectionate member of the team, but her excitement at seeing a friendly, familiar face carried her away.

She threads her fingers together, smiling back at him when he smiles at her. Although the idea of some strange woman claiming to be the mother of everyone who mysteriously arrives here is a bit unsettling, she forges ahead. ]

Is one of your companions injured? How far is the city from here? I'll accompany you. [ Because there's no way she's just going to let them be separated again after they've been reunited. Obviously. Keith's next question does make her wonder, though, about the circumstances she's found herself in. Shiro has been here long enough to have built a home of his own? ]

I'll be delighted to see them all, of course. How... how long has everyone been here?

Kuro. It's nice to meet you.

[ Something in her expression shifts slightly; she understands Shiro's meaning, and she won't admit just how much it unsettles her. Allura's smile remains bright as ever, but there's a somber cast to her eyes. Swablu croons softly and tries to wedge itself under her jaw. ]

How long?

"Have you considered punching it?"

Oh look, it's this douchebag. He's no better with technology than Jean, but introduces his suggestion with the kind of confidence you only see in the most mediocre of white men. If his name wasn't Gaston, it would be Chad.

"I think punching it would help."

Behind Gaston, his Ponyta looks at Jean's Zebstrika and rolls her eyes. Seriously, these are their trainers? Gaston's Houndoom isn't even paying attention; he's found a sunbeam and gone to sleep.

Allura!

[ romelle perks up when she sees her princess. the sight of the swablu nuzzling her cheek is also just downright adorable, and romelle's smile softens. ]

Oh, how adorable is that? It looks like your little friend's gotten quite attached to you, hm?

[ her voice is a little teasing, but it's fond nonetheless. she's just glad to see her fellow altean friend here. ]

At some point, while Jean is jabbing his finger just a little too roughly at the keyboard, a sudden weight will land on his back. A pair of hands curl around his shoulder and a soft round face smashes itself up against his boney, angular cheek. Hopefully, Jean's got a good sense of balance and quick reflexes because it doesn't look like the pink-everything girl that suddenly launched herself at his back is concerned with paltry things like gravity or personal space.

Instead, she makes a show of peering down Jean's shoulder, his voice like a cheery, bright bell. "Wowee, you sure aren't any good at that, are you?" The observation is made with that same blunt, cheery honesty of a little kid.

At least that's helped a lot for my team, yes.

[ The camera pans down to reveal an Espurr sitting on the floor, getting nuzzled by a Lillipup that seems to have a little too much excess energy. ]

The brown one was my starter. Now that she has someone else to dote on, she's better at keeping herself busy.

[Whatever Shiro's issue is, Jean isn't picking up on it. Armin told him that there were plenty of people here that knew his "past self," but there was no way for him to know who was who.]

I know I'm kinda undermanned, but I don't really think I can take on any more of these guys right now. I'd need a steady way of staying supplied, and I don't have the means. They eat like full grown men, you know?

"I dunno, I've kind figured out that makes things stop working," Jean replied as he looked over his shoulder at Gaston, and... Did a bit of a double take. This guy was comically ripped. Way beyond Reiner-levels, and he was the biggest chunk of a man Jean ever knew. He must do nothing but eat meat and lift crates all day. "Forever. They're a lot more fragile than they look."

Domino inclined his head a bit at the Ponyta in agreement. His trainer was a bit of a hotheaded fool, but he'd been calming down by measures each day as he figured out how the Pokemon world worked. And he was more than sufficient at caring for the three of his Pokemon. None of them were abused or neglected, Even Prick, whom Jean maintained an air of animosity with.

Jean made an ungainly, startled sound as Spinel coiled herself around him from behind. He flailed backwards with his arms, and stumbled, but he couldn't get his hands on her, or even see her, for that matter.

"Cut it out!" What was it, some kind of talking Pokemon? There was a weird, rubbery quality to how her limbs were wrapped around his body. He couldn't feel the crooks of her elbows or knees. "I wasn't gonna break it, I swear!"

He said that like someone who had been admonished for doing that exact thing very recently...

They're adorable! And your recommendation is most welcome. Thank you, cadet--I shall acquire a companion for my blue bird as soon as possible.

[ She seems pleased with her decision, as does the Swablu. It flaps its wings and calls out cheerfully. Allura laughs and gives its soft belly a little scratch. ]

Have you been here long? Are any of your teammates from the Garrison present?

[ She's assuming that he'll recognize her, of course. ]

No one lifts like Gaston. And if Jean is looking to build up some bulk himself--which he should, he's positively weak and sickly--Gaston has a five-dozen-egg diet suggestion that works wonders.

Gaston nods at Jean's comments, still looking over his shoulder at the screen, for all intents and purposes looking like he's listening and taking in everything Jean is saying... and then he reaches out and tweaks the screen. It's not a punch! Just a tweak, to see what happens.

Steed nods at Domino and trots a little closer. Is it time to talk about their trainers? Hell yes, it is! Steed knows that her trainer is eager for her to evolve so he can ride her, but she's just not sure about that. Look at the size of the guy! She'll have to be positively massive Rapidash to support him! She thinks, privately, that he might be better off with a Mudbray.

Romelle!

[ Having thought for such a long time that she was one of the last two Alteans in the universe, it does Allura's heart good every time she sees Romelle. She's happy to see the young woman here, too, naturally. ]

It seems that way, indeed! I believe I'm growing accustomed to it, though. I feel a bond with it, not unlike that I felt with the Blue Lion. I believe we understand one another... even though it's a bit too affectionate. Do you have one of these creatures as a companion as well?

OCTOBER TEST DRIVE MEME

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Network!

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action; HELLO!

keeeeeeeeef!

all tags assuming he's been in the world a little while

that icon is a gem

and I love your username. also... are all Keith's pokemon named "Buddy"?

network

network - AWKWARD AHOY

THEY MAY INDEED ALL BE NAMED BUDDY.... and ty!!

Re: network

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action

network

no technology, how about a rock?

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I am so, so sorry ;;

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