ohmyarceus | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER TEST DRIVE MEME

New Bark Town

[Haga knows his mother and he knows her WELL. And this woman talking to him, despite her warm smile and calm voice, isn't her! Not even close! And what's with this room he woke up in? This is not his carefully curated room!

But it seems like no matter how much he tells this strange woman she's not his mother and this is not his house, she doesn't seem to be listening. She just gives him a packed back and sends him off on his way for a Pokémon journey?

He can't help but stare at the door once it's shut on his face. Just his luck to be caught in weird situations like these, hm? He sighs and turns to walk away when he trips and falls face first on the ground.]

Ugh... what the... [He mutters, then spots a small pink and green creature that resembles an insect near his feet. But it's much bigger than any insect he's ever seen. And very unusual.]

Oh... Looks like I tripped on you. Sorry lil' guy. [He's surprisingly nice to the small creature, and in return he gets some happy noises and the bug jumps on his chest, seemingly cheering.]

Woah, woah!! Why are you acting like you are my pet or something? You are cute and all but... [He looks around nervously. What are people going to think if they see him being buddy buddy with something so cute? They are gonna start making assumptions!]

Somehwere along Route 30

[After some careful reading of the Trainer Handbook, Haga doesn't feel as lost as before, but he's still very lost. He keeps Fomantis - now named Queenie - out of her pokeball so he doesn't feel so alone in his journey.

The only thing is... Haga quickly discovered that he isn't very good at this Pokémon catching thing. His aim is abysmal and every pokeball he throws misses the target. And honestly, it's starting to get really annoying.

If you are walking through Route 30 you can spot him trying - and failing - to throw pokeballs at Caterpies. He just wants another bug for his team! Why is that so hard? He seems to be growing more and more frustrated by the second. Care to help?]

[Being able to just skip school and play around in the country side is so fun! Elizabetta is almost reminded of the Harvest Festival back at school, only with less of a goal to achieve, and the comforts of the city far closer. There's less things that want to eat her, too!]

[So she can just take her time, cradling her companion in her arms... and meet all sorts of interesting people in the meantime. Like the boy in the grass, tossing Pokeballs at caterpillars. Caterpies?]

Oh! Are you interested in those? The, um, cater...

[She's already forgotten the name, even as this six foot something girl comes over with a Spritzee in her arms.]

[He's so focused on trying to get his aim right that he doesn't even notice someone approach him, until he's spoken to. Which causes him to jump a little, but the "scare" is short lived and replaced by surprised when he turns and comes face to face with a very, very tell lady.]

Y-Yeah. The Caterpies... [He's a bit embarrassed to admit he's failing, but at this point he's so tired he doesn't even care.] I've been trying all morning but... Who would have thought throwing a stupid ball straight would be this hard? [Haga says between gritted teeth, fingers tensing around the ball on his hand. Maybe he shouldn't have skipped all those PE classes back home.]

I'm way more used to catching bugs with nets, this is ridiculous... [He mutters more to himself than anything.]

Oh, it's definitely tricky, isn't it?

[Eliza likes to think of herself as a pretty decent thrower, but it's not as though she can say she's any kind of professional in the matter. Accuracy isn't really a thing she's ever had to worry about, whether with her magic or anything else.]

[Her talents have always lied with more up close and personal things, after all.]

[Still.... She quirks her head to the side.]

Why not just catch it with a net, then?

[Did Sidon find himself in this place again? Oh my, he did. He's been in this land a few times now in short bursts, but these bursts were long enough that he felt he could gather information to keep each time. Why did this place seem to search for him so?

Not that he minded the detour in the end, because now he knew that this was still so temporary. After all, he stuck out like a sore thumb wherever he went. He heard many people dragged here for long term kept a "human" appearance. Which he gathered was another word for Hylian.

Him as a Hylian, or human, what a thought...Better not entertain that too much.

But anyway, returning meant he could play with his many Wooper friends again! Oh he loved them so! They followed him as he began to explore the woods and the lakes. He had gotten more adventurous here.

Was that?

Oh my, that young man was having an issue catching Pokemon. He should help!]

Young man, hello? Are you alright out here?

[Wehn Sidon approaches Haga has resigned himself to sitting on the ground, staring holes at the Pokeball in his hand as his Foomantis stands next to him, looking at the ball with curiosity. She really doesn't understand the gravity of the situation at hand.

Haga is ready to snap at the person talking to him - he's already ticked off as it is, he doesn't need some rando's pity - but the moment he turns his head to face whoever was talking to him he can't help but stop and stare. This guy is tall. Really tall. And also ridiculously pretty.]

A-Ah... [Haga stutters for a moment and quickly gets up. The guy looks a little less tall now, but he still towers over Haga.] Hah! It's no big deal! It's just that throwing this ball is a little tricky! [He tries his best to disguise his frustration. He isn't about to look like he doesn't know what he's doing in front of a guy like this.] Just trying to get the hang of it, that's all!

[People not getting shocked at his appearance was continually a pleasant sight around here. He knew not many people here knew what a Zora was, but the Pokémon and folk from afar helped people get used to the idea that many come and look different. So, it was easy for Sidon to continue on.]

Ah, I see I see! I agree, it is rather tricky. And Pokémon are not simple creatures. Far from it.

[His Wooper army around him all gave a "WOOPA" in agreement. Even the ones that took a ride on his head fin.]

Sometimes you have to consider it is less the technique and more your approach. What are you trying to catch, these insects?

[Referring the Caterpie on the trees.]

Edited 2021-09-09 17:45 (UTC)

[The small army of blue Pokemon around the guy didn't go unnoticed, but Haga decides not to bring it up for now. He has more pressing matters at hand.

Haga scratches the back of his head, turning to look at the Caterpie scooting around not too far from them.]

Yeah, one of those. They look kinda cool and I wanted one for my team, but I guess my aim is lacking a bit... [Might as well be honest about it. Otherwise he isn't getting anywhere in this new, strange world. He needs at least some guidance. The trainer guide only taught him so much.]

The guide told me that I should weaken them before I catch them, but they just look so fragile... [He's genuinely worried about hurting them. And he doesn't know just how strong Queenie is. After all, he still didn't have a single battle with her.]

Ah yes, I have indeed heard of the Trainers' Method.

[He mused this politely as he went toward a group of Caterpie perched on a particular branch. Though they seemed frightened of the approaching Zora at first, Sidon noticed their squirming and smiled at them brightly.]

It is alright, little ones. We mean you no harm. This one here just wishes to be friends.

[Sidon offered an arm slowly, extending respectfully to the branch. Sure enough...one of the Caterpie inched over and started to slink onto his arm. His scales were tough, but he still chuckled at the ticklish spots it crawled on. Another followed...Sidon looked to Haga again.]

You care about their wellbeing then, yes? Pokémon are not unlike people, some respond well when you allow them the freedom to express themselves.

[Somewhere, distantly, Carly is having a small debate with the local skitty-lady. Something about 'please, we're just setting up little camp-zones along the route, it's really hard for people starting out otherwise!' versus 'IT BUILDS CHARACTER!'

While she's distracted though, a fuzzy, four-legged tick has decided to venture off and inspect the mild chaos.

With a slight 'bzzt' sound, Kushi the Joltik aims to get attention from the two. No actual attacking though. That would be horrible! Terrible!

She's level 100, let's not destroy new folks.]

[Haga still doesn't quite "get it" that this pink and green fluffy thing is his when the small Joltik comes around and makes a noise to get his attention. His gaze snaps from the Fomantis to her, and he tilts his head to the side. It... kinda looks like a small tick or spider even.

Is he just attracting unusal bugs to him?]

Oh, hm... hi? [Haga doesn't quite know what to do, between the Joltik staring at him and the Fomantis snuggling his chest. And he's still on the ground while all this is happening. What did he get himself into?]

Ti-!!

[Hello Yes Hello Yes-!! Kushi bounces a bit side to side once or twice, giving off a few sparks.] Ti- tii!

[Distantly, there is an abrupt shout-]

HEHHH!!! KU-KUSHI!! Kushi where'd you go..!!

[The joltik, notably, has paused jumping specifically to turn back and make what sounds almost like a laughing noise.]

[Haga watches the small bug for a moment as it emits sparks, small beady eyes sparkling.]

C-Cute... [He thinks to himself, but his thoughts are interrupted by the sudden loud voice coming from a distance. Doesn't take a genius to know that whoever is calling out the name Kushi is looking for the small tick-looking guy.]

Hmm... You should probably go back to your... owner? [Is that even the right term? He doesn't know. What he does know is that if someone is willing to keep a bug as pet they are probably worth his time. Maybe they can even explain to him why this small mantis is clinging to him.

He gets up from the floor, holding the Fomantis on his arms and looking at the direction of the voice.]

AHHH! There you are, there you are..!!

[Kushi gives another spark, and then jumps right up to Carly's head- nice leap!

Carly doesn't seem too bothered. She just strokes the little thing with a sigh of relief.] Phew...You're not normally wandering off like that, don't do that...

..And aha! This is good timing! I was just trying to set up stuff for people who start off here~! Welcome to Johto! Nice Fomantis!

[She's seen them on the islands. Cute little things...]

[The leap is pretty impressive. So much so that Haga can't help but stare for a moment.]

Eh, it's no problem. Just got a little surprised by her. [Honestly anything would have surprised him, after his sudden fall to the ground.]

Oh, their name is Fomantis... [Haga holds the bug with both hands in front of his face. Then his eyes go a little wide and his gaze shifts to the girl talking to him.] Wait! They are mine? They aren't just like, randomly attached to me?

Their species is Fomantis! They're a grass type that pretends to be a bug, hehehe...

[IT'S A PLANT!] But mmm...well, check around for an open pokeball, but the way they're acting they probably are? ...If they aren't, they sure want to be anyway.

[Sometimes you get the itch to just wander on foot, or on horseback in this case, the areas you messed around in long, long ago. When it's not snowing. And of course Jolyne being Jolyne, her outfit is really just a tube top that somehow stays in place with shounen magic and shorts. Perhaps being on a huge honking mudsdale isn't the least intimidating thing.

Nor is it the best idea for the leavanny who was wandering with her trainer to wander over towards said new trainer.

It might end poorly if he doesn't realize this is a very much owned Pokemon that is absolutely level 100 and named after Jolyne's Stone Free for a reason.

But she's not paying attention, so fair's fair, right?]

[Haga is mostly sighing to himself and staring at the Pokeball on his hand in sheer frustration when he hears soft, small steps coming towards him. When he turns he spots a very cute looking bug Pokemon he hasn't seen yet.

Would it even be worth it trying to throw a ball at this one? He can't even catch simple caterpillar-like ones. Maybe if he sends his Fomantis (aka Queenie) to weaken it a bit... But Queenie is like less than half of this new bug's size. Does size even matters when it comes to Pokemon? All this is still so confusing.

He decides to just go for it and lobs the ball on his hand at the Pokemon, who simply slaps it away with one of her leaf-like arms. And the ball goes flying straight back at Haga. At his face.]

Ugh... [Haga protests as he rubs his now red nose. At least there's no one around to see that pathetic display. Or so he thinks.]

[It's... unfortunate that he tried that. But fortunate this was at least the nicest of Jolyne's Pokemon and the least likely to attack him for even attempting that. But she does seem to huff at him before making a loud cry to get her trainer's attention, leafy arms seeming to cross over her chest.]

The fuck you want, SF? [Oh, right. She's looking to her side before... oh, oh okay now her pokemon's over there and looking pissed. And that's someone with a ball in front of them and a mark on their face.

Ah.]

I'm gonna guess you're new. [Says the idiot on the mudsdale, who looks bored as all sin while plodding her way over to where Haga is and kneeling down to let her trainer off.]

Can't go throwin' balls at every Pokemon you see. Usually people would call that kind of attempt a theft, since Stone Free's very much owned. [The leavanny in reply is quietly making her way back to Jolyne's side, one leaf blade hand thing clutching onto the bottom of her shorts.]

Honestly, you're at least better off havin' tried to go after her out of my lot. She'll pout but she won't absolutely wreck your entire shit.

[If Haga wasn't already dying of self-loathing before from not being able to catch anything new, the moment he heard a voice would have pretty much sealed the deal on that. He really didn't need anyone witnessing his failure like that, and yet...

The horse that approached him was huge, and he felt even smaller than usual when the girl riding it looked down at him. And being indirectly - or directly? - called a thief didn't exactly help him feel any better.]

Just cut me some slack! I just got here like three days ago, I can't catch anything because apparently I can't aim these stupid balls, and I still don't understand how this place works. [A beat.] And seriously this non-stop music is not helping me concentrate on what I'm doing! [He doesn't mean to dump all his frustrations on this random gal, but he's very ticked off. Honestly the only thing keeping him together at this point is the Fomantis hiding behind his legs. He needs to at least be able to look after her. But to do that he needs a better, bigger team.]

[Probably doesn't help that even with her now being off said horse that she's still just barely under 5'9", oops. ~~Her wife being a hair taller than her will never not bother her.~~

She tilts her head at him when he goes off. Well, okay, she can't say she blames him for acting like this. She wasn't in much of a better mood when arriving in the middle of winter with a tiny sewaddle, after all.]

I'm giving you the lay of the land here, dude. You can't catch nothin' because the way to do it is to use your little friend there, the one you arrived with, to weaken the other Pokemon. A weaker Pokemon is one you can catch. [She reaches a hand down to pat SF's head, the leavanny nuzzling into it.] A lot of 'em start pretty small and weak, but they get stronger the more you put into 'em. Hell, SF here used to get her shit kicked in a lot in the beginning. But now she's one of the strongest trained Pokemon 'round. [Something about the Elite Four champion status or whatever.]

... Also the music never fucks off, sorry about that. It just... kinda changes. Like I evidently have my own battle theme or some shit now. It's wild. [It's been almost two years now, she's kind of relegated it to the background at this point.]

Welcome to Johto, one of the regions here. The other we can get to being Kanto. It's all kind of horseshit but you shoulda got a trainer manual...?

[Sure it's not this gal's fault that he's incredibly lost, but he had to vent to someone. Someone that could understand what he's saying. He isn't sure Queenie can.

And speaking of which...]

I read the manual and all, but... I kinda expected that since the Pokemon here are weak I could just throw a ball at them and they would be easy to catch. [Partially because he doesn't like the idea of hurting the bugs he's trying to befriend, but he isn't gonna say that out loud. Sounds super embarrassing.]

But the fact that they don't sit still isn't really helping. Guess I'll have to learn how to battle...

[Then it finally downs on him.] W-Wait! You said that your Pokemon is one of the strongest around? [He stares at the Leavany with eyes a little wide. That kinda explains why the ball hit his face with such force.] J-Just how strong are you? And if you are so strong, what are you doing in a lame place like this? [If Haga was in her position, you wouldn't catch him dead back in the low level areas. No way!]

Nnnnope. Even low-leveled Pokemon can fight back against a ball if they want to, especially the ones you start with. If, like, you're worried about hurtin' 'em, there's something called a Pokemon Center the next town over. And they like battlin', or most of 'em do. [It's ridiculous, but she's stopped questioning it at this point.

Hahaha.

Of course he focuses on that part and she slowly shrugs, not seeming too bothered.] Yeah. Like, to get to the "top tiers" or whatever in this place, you beat the shit out of the gym leaders here and in Kanto. Then you go on to fight the Elite Four and their champion. After that you become part of the Aurora League, there's a few people. Like my wife is one of 'em, herself. [Stone Free just uses her free hand to preen a little, she doesn't tend to often, but she may as well.]

Uhhhh. I mean. I got a fuckton of Pokemon that are all level 100 and then six of 'em took out the Elite Four and the champion. Stone Free here is one of them, so's Ermes, the horse next to me.

... And 'cause sometimes I wanna travel for funsies? I live on one of the islands, dude, sometimes I want to get a change of scenery.

I see... [Yeah, he read about the Pokemon Centers in towns, but he thought that maybe he could avoid using them altogether? One thing is to have projections of monsters fight each other. Another is to have them fight for real. But if he has to bite the bullet.

L-Level 100... [And... he's being very bad at hiding the fact that he's impressed by this lady, with the way his eyes are sparkling as she talks about her achievements. Any other time he would highly doubt anyone making such claims, but something about the way she talks is telling him she's being 100% honest about it. And she's just so casual about it. That kinda makes her cool.]

I-I wanna challenge the champion too! [His attitude swiftly changes from frustrated to determined, as he scoops up Queenie on his hands.] We are gonna fight, right? Is that what you want?

[The Fomantis waves her small arms happily. Apparently she was waiting for a chance to do something besides being coddled and petted, as nice and comfortable as that was.]

Yes! That's my chance to start anew! To be famous again! And Yuugi is nowhere to be seen to ruin it all... [Yes, he's talking to himself. At least he sounds very happy.]

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER TEST DRIVE MEME

Insector Haga / YuGiOh

Route 30

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30!

Haaai!

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New Bark | POINTS!!! ITS YOU!!!! YEAAAAAH!

=waves= Haaaai!

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30, oh no

Oh no indeed!

Oh dear

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Congrats Jolyne, he's already becoming a fan of yours!