ohmyarceus | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER TEST DRIVE MEME

A - i have hands and teeth and the ability to create mayhem and that's It

[You were probably just here to enjoy Goldenrod's National Park, whether to relax in a little sea of green nestled in the big city, or maybe even here for the bug catching context. You know, normal people things.]

[Just, watch out and maybe duck as an actual three foot fucking wasp is flung past you into a tree.]

[This Beedrill is Not having a good time, but it buzzes back up into the air with full rage. While whoever was unfortunately nearby gets to stare at this latest round of bullshit, the bushes nearby rustle.]

[Out steps a man missing an eye, clearly running on a very questionable amount of sleep, with a large rock he is absolutely using to threaten this giant murder wasp. Trying to push inbetween his legs is a tiny male Nidoran, a little beat up but still valiantly trying to be a part of this fight as he reaches out with one foot for a couple of little stomps.]

[Still in the bushes is the sound of a Tepig desperately squeaking and squealing as it tries to get involved because This Sure Is Happening. Dimitri doesn't pay it much mind, instead still focused on the Beedrill and.... oh, is that. a person nearby?? Hm.]

....You will want to move.

[He is going to punch a wasp in the face and the Goddess can't stop him.]

B - your man thinks caramelizing onions is putting caramel on them

[The place: literally any route with grass growing along it.]

[The scene: that same blond one eyed viking from earlier, crouched down, gesturing angrily at something vaguely like a dandelion, while a small fire pig frowns at him.]

They are edible. All things in nature are capable of being eaten, and I have eaten similar plants in Faerghus-

[His Tepig makes a small upset noise. Dimitri can absolutely Not understand him, but he still glowers as if he were told off in any sort of human language.]

You eat them.

[Tepig makes a small couple of smacks against the grass with his hoof, before he realizes someone is nearby. He makes a couple of squeals, trying to get their attention.]

[Listen, a third party is clearly needed to convince Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd to not eat fucking grass.]

C - might fuck around and let nature reclaim me

[It's pouring. There's the light of a Pokecenter just down the road. Ideally, one would be sprinting as fast as possible in that direction. However, perhaps in that attempt at sprinting, and with the downpour as heavy as it is, one almost - or definitely - runs into Dimitri, hunched over as he slowly walks... almost like he's in pain.]

[Or maybe you just stumble across this hot mess. Who knows.]

[Dimitri isn't in pain, is the good news, and he's not injured. What he's doing is using as much as his body and his enormous blue cloak (fur included, unfortunately for him) to shield the Tepig he's holding close to his chest.]

[Whoever is near him - apparently running into him doesn't seem to bother Dimitri much or even budge him - gets a narrow eyed glare.]

....Where would one purchase those - coverings for the rain?

[He's talking about raincoats, although he wouldn't be opposed to umbrellas either.]

[All that squealing does attract attention! Adult, usually responsible attention! This is Tepig's lucky day.

But obviously not Cecil's, because he just stumbled on a one-eyed viking holding a dandelion, and even by this place's standards that's a bit weird. Nevertheless, he approaches slowly, making sure to stay within Dimitri's field of view.]

Is... everything fine here? Are you in need of assistance?

[Is he talking to the Pokémon, or to the human? Yes.]

In the heart of Goldenrod City

[A masked man clad in an incredibly smart suit stands at the edge of one of the city parks. An oversized Sigilyph floats at his side, appearing to fuss over his person, nudging against him every so often.]

You do not need to linger so close, I am perfectly capable of learning the city's layout on my own.

[Despite his complaints, clawed gloves find their way to stroke the Pokémon gently.]

[What, he didn't want more help? That's too bad since he's moving around Hythlodaeus' stomping grounds. Though Elidibus would have met him in his robes, Hythlodaeus does his best to blend in a little better. Especially after that devastating criticism to his wardrobe made a couple weeks earlier.]

[Though the shirt is hooded and cowled, his attire entirely black. There were some measures of comfort that he was reluctant to give up.]

I'm sure you are entirely capable, most venerable Elidibus.

[Comes a voice from behind. Should he turn and look, he will see the... interesting sight of Hythlodaeus standing with a fistful of dainty ribbons, each connecting to a leg of a hovering cutiefly.]

Yet if you allow him to help you, you will foster a bond.

[It had been a great many years since Elidibus had the chance to interact with Hythlodaeus in such a casual setting. Indeed their attire was certainly much more casual, as he turns to look. It was a comfort, though, seeing another with dress he was familiar with.]

More than, I assure you.

[The short man cannot help the smile that steals onto his face when he takes in the cutiefly.]

Is that what you are currently doing, dear Hythlodaeus? I must admit I had not thought to...walk them, in such a manner.

Edited 2020-09-05 01:10 (UTC)

But of course! These are the youngest of the bunch, hatched only last week. As much as they are growing familiar with me, they're here to do much the same as you. While they would happily venture in the park nearest to my home, I would have them explore a bit further.

Since you are so capable... Perhaps you would like to assist me with my venture.

[He peels off a few ribbons, handing them to Elidibus]

[Needless to say, it has been both a joyous and sorrowful occasion to have Elidibus here—joyous because the obvious but also his memories are back. Sorrowful because, well, everything else surrounding their tragic existences. However, that is neither here nor there, and he plans not to dwell upon it.

Rather, he's decided to make Elidibus' time here about as painless as possible, even if he's still going to be as much of a bitch as always in so doing. It's just his nature.

Spotting him is simple enough—his familiar visage is not something to be missed by Emet-Selch, but the red mask alone would suffice. As for Emet-Selch's own attire, he is donning a black waistcoat, a white button up under it, black pants, a pair of white gloves, and knee high boots.

Trailing behind him is a shiny Yamask who seems keen to copy Emet's general mannerisms, if the condescending stare it offers Elidibus is anything to go by.]

Getting lost already, are you? [At least there's humor to his otherwise nasally tone.] I suppose I could spare a bell or two to show you around the city proper. Not that I believe you incapable, rather, mortals lack the navigational integrity that we put into our cities, would you not agree?

Edited 2020-09-05 01:29 (UTC)

[He is now standing while holding cutiefly, unsure expression on his face.]

It seems these hatchlings and I have much in common in that regard.

[The next words seem hesitant, small.]

I would enjoy the company greatly, but are you sure you wish to leave them in my care - however temporary?

[His free hand lifts and, after a moment of hesitation, strokes one of the tiny Pokémon carefully.]

If our most illustrious Emissary cannot handle a cupful of insects, I understand...

[He says, beaming like he's about to land a punchline]

In either case I would be happy to accompany you. These cities are quite safe, though to enjoy them requires money.

[Which he has... a surprising amount of.]

Has our Elidibus had lunch yet?

[He'll never tire of hearing that voice again, not after thinking... well, it ceased to matter now. The tone fails to affect Elidibus and instead he turns to Emet with a small but brilliant smile. The other man's moods were known to him, and if anything they were a comfort in this place.]

I would find your presence at my side to be quite enjoyable - even if it is through these rather interestingly designed roads. It has been far too long since we walked together, and I must admit that I have missed you a great deal.

[And he had. And now he could remember all of it. He was determined to not let this chance slip him by, even if it was on this strange Star. Elidibus offers his arm for the much taller man, his Sigilyph shoving him a step closer, startling a laugh from him.]

It seems that my friend here agrees. Shall we?

It is not as if I cannot handle them, more that... ah, I see what you are doing now, dear Hythlodaeus. Clever, as always.

[Luring him into a more comfortable state with conversation was a clever tactic, Elidibus found himself stroking each of his new charges in turns without any sort of hesitation. That cheeky smile is returned with a smirk of his own, bright.]

I much agree, if this place is anything, it is safe. And no, I have no eaten lunch - or breakfast. It is a bad habit, I know.

[Left over from working tirelessly, both before and after his sacrifice. He feels himself relax further, Sigilyph moving to nudge at his cheek but careful to not dislodge his mask.]

They appear to agree with the suggestion. New as I am to the area, I do not have many suggestions as to where we shall go, would you mind taking the lead, dear Hythlodaeus?

[Another man, wearing a pair of wire-rim glasses, his tie loose and his button-shirt rolled up to his elbows, sits perched on a park bench, scribbling something in a reporter's notebook. He looks up when he hears the man talking to his pokemon, then stashes his notebook and pen in his pockets before picking up his briefcase and walking over to the man.]

I'm sorry, [he says politely,] but were you trying to find somewhere in the city in specific?

[At the new voice, Elidibus looks up, breaking in to a kind smile as his Pokémon shoves him towards the newcomer.]

Yes, yes, I am going to speak to the man.

[He turns fully and straightens, making a sweeping gesture towards the city around them with one arm. When he speaks, it is polite and even.]

I am not, to be entirely truthful. I am new to this place, and sought to acquaint myself so as to not wander aimlessly should I need to find a specific location. Knowing the basic layout would only serve to do me good.

[A pause.]

Would you have any suggestions as to places I should know?

[He merely offers a smile to the praise, placing a hand in the middle of his back as he speaks.]

You must be starved, then! I have a... little something in mind that you may appreciate. There is one place in this city that men need neither coin nor status to enter, second best only to my own kitchen.

[It doesn't take too long to walk him over to their destination, being in the heart of Goldenrod already. And he gives no further hints as he leads the way, bringing him to what seems like it used to merely be a diner, yet with renovations that make it look like it could be in Amaurot— were it not so small.]

Behold!

[For a moment, his jaw tightens at hearing Elidibus say he's missed him, there's something of guilt gripping him, but in true Emet Fashion, he shrugs is off with a dramatic and notable fake sigh.]

Well, ere long you will remember to be sick of me, what with being able to remember aught at all. Certainly your senses will return in due time. [He hesitates to take the arm, but perhaps he shouldn't have, seeing as the abstract bird makes up for it with nudging Elidibus closer. Though, not without a glower coming from the Yamask floating nearby.

It is passing strange, really. To think that he would be whisked away to this half-formed world from the battle that would serve to be his downfall. That likewise Elidibus would be similarly spirited away after his own, and together they would be allowed to exist here. As if there was not a single care in the world.

Far from that, by his wager, but all the same he wears a mask of burden and bother as he takes Elidibus up on his offered arm, so that they may start on this trek.]

But yes, we shall. You will see that the construction—not to mention the plotting—of these pathways much resemble the disjointed and nonsensical morality of mortals—an architectural metaphor, perhaps?

[This guy thinks he's funny.]

I recall your cooking, and if you believe this place to almost be an equal it would be a great idiocy on my part to decline.

[He cannot help but lean slightly into the touch as Hythlodaeus leads him about, hoping the much taller man does not notice. But those thoughts are lost immediately as he takes in the venue, a series of emotions playing upon his face. Shock. Disbelief. Longing. An aborted motion jerks his frame as Elidibus takes a single step forward and stops.]

[Voice soft, almost inaudible.] Oh, Daeus, it is as if I stepped into a memory. How is this possible?

Well, [the man says briskly,] probably the most important place for most newcomers to know about is the main city pokemon center, which luckily isn't too far from here. Do you see that structure over there, with the antenna? That's the Radio Tower. The pokemon center's not too far from it. If you can make it to the Tower, you only have to walk a block or so east of it.

Mostly you'll want to know it for your pokemon friends' sake, but also because there's a hostel there that you can stay in if you haven't found other lodgings. The Tower itself is off-limits to tourists for the most part these days, but there's a wonderful used bookshop nearby, with a record shop next to that. And in the mornings, a food truck that sells miniature donuts.

There's the gym, if you're planning on running the Johto Gym challenge. Beating Whitney nets you 14k. Just, you know, watch out for her Miltank. And there's the game center, which is basically the local casino. And the local department store is fairly well-stocked.

And there's Fight Club, which opens tomorrow night. It's, ah, a new dive bar. My friend Tyler retired from his data collection job to run it.

[IT'S ALSO A LITERAL FIGHT CLUB BUT DON'T TELL THE JENNIES.]

One could see it as such, yes. Though it may be fair to keep in mind that the people who are native here were whole from the start. Mortal yet whole, it seems.

[Elidibus is an observant man, and knowing Emet for the many, many years he has - ages and eons - catches those tells from before. How could he not? But this broodiness would not do, not now, and it falls to him to excise what he can.]

[Softer, holding tighter to Emet's arm.] Hades, do not burden yourself with grief over my person. It is because of you that I have regained myself. Thank you, for that. That I can be here in this way, with you by my side...

[Elidibus trails off uncharacteristically, gaze fixed ahead of them rather than looking at Emet. But his expression is soft, fond.]

Whole is rather relative, isn't it?

[Look, they were never sundered like their mortals, this is true. However, they are even more pitiful in power and everything else. He isn't entirely sure them being whole is as much a boon to them as one might otherwise think. What a sad, pitiful existence if this is their peak...

The thought is quickly dismissed when Elidibus calls him on his brooding, despite his attempts to downplay it with his sardonic humor. That, and hearing his name spoken from Elidibus' lips is an experience all its own. He is becoming rather more accustom to hearing it nowadays, Hythlodaeus seems sure of that, but it still invites the light raise of goosebumps upon hearing it.

Likewise, he keeps his eyes forward, though not entirely. A glance spared his way for a ghost of a moment as they continue.]

...Yes, well. [Any fake arrogance dries up in his throat in the face of such genuine gratitude. It makes his heart hurt.] I merely did what any half-decent Amaurotine would in such a scenario.

[A beat.]

Though, I cannot claim any credit towards our being here, that was entirely out of my hands. If I had the choice, I would not have chosen this...afterthought of a world, I can assure you of that.

[Elidibus listens intently as the man talks, cataloging and filing the information away for him to draw on, no doubt again and again. He nods along, and when the man finishes smiles gratefully.]

Thank you for the information, I will no doubt use it for many days to come. I actually do have lodging of my own, with my friend Hythlodaeus. He has promised to show me around the city more in depth, so I will suggest some of these places to him.

That it would!

[He notices, but he does not mind. He moves his hand from his back to his shoulder, letting his large palm simply rest there.]

...Well, the fame of its cuisine and its familiar features are both owed to the fact that I built it. Made with our very principles in mind. Come.

[He holds the door open for Elidibus. And though it is not scaled like an Amaurotine building, Hythlodaeus does not need to duck to enter. For once.]

If there's something you want that isn't on the menu, simply ask. I'll step in behind the line.

Edited 2020-09-05 03:49 (UTC)

You did. Always were one of the best of us, and I am grateful for the chance to tell you so now.

[Pale eyes steal a look of his own before focusing again on their path. His fingers tighten briefly, a squeeze of reassurance, affection, support.]

Neither of us would have made that choice, though here we are regardless. Perhaps, in light of our inability to leave, we take the chance offered to us. [A tiny pause.] A moment of respite, for as long as we are here.

[He steps inside but hesitates enough so that their contact is not broken. Once more following the taller man's lead, he waits to find a table, taking in each detail he can. Truly, this is beyond anything he could have expected. Yet, it is completely in character for Hythlodaeus to have done such a thing.]

This is more than I could have dreamed. It has been... Daeus, how can I repay you for this?

[He brought him home/ even if it was merely the space of a single restaurant. Elidibus is ever thankful for the mask of his station, for it shields the moisture in his eyes.]

Anything you have included is sure to satisfy beyond my wildest desires.

Repay me? Well, I have a few ideas...

[He taps his chin, mock thinking.]

But let us worry about such things for after you have had your fill.

[He hands the rest of the Cutiefly strings to Elidibus. There are probably... twelve, fifteen of them? Now inside, they slowly begin to settle over his hair and shoulders. Hythlodaeus goes up to the counter with a big, stupid grin and orders something before pointing over at Elidibus. The counter person, dressed in what can only be described as an Amaurotine-inspired maid dress, takes it down and walks it to the kitchen. When she comes back, she hands him two short, cold glasses of a clear liquid.]

[Hythlodaeus' grin has not shrunk when he sits, pushing the glass in front of his companion.]

Drink up!

[Be careful. It smells like anise.]

Yes, yes.

[Is his quick dismissal of Elidibus' praise, though he's not trying to be unkind. For all he can play the part of an egotist, that does not mean he is truly one at heart. Not when genuine praise is offered by someone he cares for. When he feels that brief squeeze, the rigidity of his posture, poor as it always is, lessens a touch.]

...Perhaps. Though, I do have my duty to another that I will not forsake. But rest assured, I will scant abandon you to suffer these peaceful and indolent days alone. Not that Hythlodaeus would, either.

[As they approach more of the heart of the city, the railway station begins to come into view. Bequeathing Hades with the perfect segue to try and escape this onslaught against his soft heart. He gestures with his free arm towards it.]

Ah, something of import—yonder train is named the Magnet train, it connects this city to Saffron City of Kanto. As I am sure you've gathered, we are currently in Johto, a region of this Hingan-adjacent territory. Kanto is a sister region that shares a boarder. Should you ever find need, that is the quickest way over.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER TEST DRIVE MEME

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd - Fire Emblem: Three Houses

B. A single dandelion is not a proper salad!

Elidibus - Final Fantasy XIV

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Re: Elidibus - Final Fantasy XIV

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