ohmyarceus | January - February Test drive

A fell--

[One can almost HEAR the record scratch going off as Duke's sunglasses start to slip, though he's quick to adjust them back up. And... Is he being conscripted by this kid? Really? Really? After this funky magenta rabbit-lizard-thing decided it was tagging along with him, though, this seems a little...more normal?

Maybe that's just how shit works here, fuck, he don't know.

Duke clears his throat.] I don't know nothin' about fightin' in the name of the moon, little lady, but. I'm Duke Nukem.

[...and not opposing the 'partner' designation, so far. Maybe he's just worried about what sort of trouble this kid might get into on her own in this weird place.]

[OOC: Spoilers for Security Breach probably]

New Bark Town

[How often, truly, does Johto actually see newcomers who are probably more in-line with the intended demographic? Not all that often if you'd believe it. Most aren't always thrilled upon arrival either, but this kid in particular...

The instant he'd woken up in an unfamiliar house with an unfamiliar adult addressing him, his immediate response was to seek some avenue of escape. It didn't matter that this woman clearly wasn't the security lady that had been hunting him all night, he didn't want to be anywhere near her. Especially when she wouldn't let him go without taking a backpack (fine) and a hug (less fine). But at least she's kicking him out, saving him the trouble of...he doesn't know, having to escape out the window or something.

But that was a while ago now. By this point, Gregory had discovered his companion, decidedly not Freddy who he's already sorely missing, but a little Teddiursa who barely makes it to his knees. He trusts the bear over any adult he might encounter though, so he scoops him up in his arms and lets him ride on his shoulder, constantly checking and rechecking his now completely non-functional Fazwatch. Does it just not work outside of the facility? He knows he wanted to get out of there in one piece, but he didn't ask to be teleported to some...some other unfamiliar place.

Well. A scruffy, unkept child standing on the outskirts of the city looking like he hasn't slept in 24 hours is hard to miss, at any rate. But, uh. If he sees you looking at him?

He's going to just...immediately bolt and hide behind the nearest building/tree/whatever is closest, bye. Just...glaring from his vantage point, which prompts his Teddiursa to be on the defensive as well, growling in a way that can only be described as cute. Not that the little Pokemon understands why, just that his trainer is distressed and he needs to protect him.]

Network/Audio

[Gregory discovers his Gear eventually after setting up pseudo-camp beside a tree among the tall grass, huddling behind it in what he hopes is relative safety out of immediate eyeshot as he gets the thing working. It doesn't take long before he's connected, whispering in hushed tones as if he's afraid he'll be overheard.]

Freddy! Freddy, can you hear me? Hello?! Are you even out there...look, I dunno what happened, but I'm not in the pizzaplex anymore! I got outside...but I don't know where I am now. But there are these...things here. They're not animatronics though, they're...real.

Edited 2022-01-02 17:53 (UTC)

Duke Nukem! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Behold! [POSE] For you stand in the presence of the heaven's ambassador, the arbiter of Her Lunar Grace's most sacred of duties, sworn defender of all those swathed in Her great embrace of the night! Come to this plane under its selfsame moon to protect it and its people in Her holy name—'tis I! Lucille Lucasta!

[POSE POSE POSE

and then she dramatically swoops up her Cleffa, who makes a gleeful little noise]

And at her side and performing great valiance in Her name, Her Lady Artemis Andromedalia, First and Final of Her Name!

[Another little noise from Cleffa. She seems to be saying hello.]

[If Lulu can hear anything over the sound of her dramatic and noble speech, she might notice a faint, rhythmic tapping noise, getting closer. And a quiet little jingling sound that might be... bells?]

[Then again, maybe she'll just tune it out. After all, the sound of this particular staff tapping against the ground to plot out a path for its' holder, these exact bells chiming against it...]

[She's heard it before, plenty of times. A subtle clue, the most discreet sign to the identity of the one who approaches...]

Lulu?

[Also, the part where Celadon just straight-up walked out of the bushes might be a hint.]

You're here! Technically, wherever you are is always "here" to you, even if it's "there" to other people, but you're here, in the same here as me!

[The little creature perched on top of Celadon's head makes a vaguely ponderous "mrrt?" noise, and slowly turns his thousand-yard stare to gaze blankly at the glittering Gastly.]

[Without turning her head or missing a beat:] Oh, is that a new friend? Nice to meet you, little ghost.

[Really? Really? Of all the people still missing from Fodlan, Arceus decided the one they needed was Gloucester?

Felix scowls when he spots the purple hair and equally purple ostentatious outfit. He was going to go inside and get a cup of coffee, but right now he's not taking his eyes off this traitorous Imperial wannabe. He stands leaning against a nearby tree, arms folded, watching him talk to his tea ghost.

He didn't think Lorenz had seen him, so it takes him by surprise when the man turns to ask his opinion on sugar, of all things.]

No. I don't like sweets. When did you get here?

[Well, Claude would know that shade of purple anywhere.

It'd be an understatement to say that Claude and Lorenz parted on awkward terms when last they saw each other. During the war, Lorenz had gone back to House Gloucester...and from there, he'd gone straight into the service of the Imperial army. Whether it was Count Gloucester leaning on him(okay, that one's a given regardless of any other factors), a vote of no confidence in Claude, or something else entirely, that had effectively ended communication with them. Claude had tried to follow up to what degree he could, of course, but...he hadn't had a lot of time or freedom in which to do so. Not with trying to hold the Alliance together and maintain its neutrality while Count Gloucester was actively trying to align his family with the Empire. And when Lorenz didn't respond to what communication Claude had managed, well...that appeared to be that. Claude had concluded he was just going to have to live with things the way they were, if only because he couldn't afford to spin his wheels on fruitless efforts when so many pressing matters demanded all the time and energy he could give them.

He'd certainly been relieved to find out Lorenz, upon his defeat at the hands of Byleth and the Kingdom's army, had joined them rather than being killed. All the more so because it meant that Lorenz was aligned with the people he was already seeking to make his allies. But...well, it had been a pretty complicated feeling. After the battle of Derdriu, Claude hadn't stuck around long, and he and Lorenz hadn't seen or spoken to each other. Claude thinks he may have subconsciously arranged it that way himself, and that's not even taking account whether Lorenz was actively avoiding him. Things had just...never really gotten resolved.

All that tangled history unspools itself when Claude sees Lorenz's face on the network, but to his own surprise, he feels genuinely happy to see him. Maybe after a year in this place, not seeing a lot of familiar faces and none of his Deer except for a brief appearance by Lysithea...maybe that's outweighed the other, less pleasant feelings, at least for now. Or maybe a year's time has taken away the sting. Claude guesses only time will tell.

Anyway, he's not going to leave Lorenz hanging here, no matter what's happened between them. All the more so because he's aware that this Lorenz may or may not remember anything of what Claude remembers.

He clears his throat, then turns his own video feed on with a smile. He'll just...act totally normal. Whether or not that's the response Lorenz is expecting from him, maybe a convincing enough act will make it true.]

Now there's a sight for sore eyes! Why am I not surprised you showed up here with tea already waiting for you?

[Dear god in heaven, he's never going to let anybody give him guff for being too showboaty ever again. Or...give anyone else any, for that matter, because he's pretty sure it's physically impossible to go any harder than this girl has. Even if this sounds like some jacked-up renn faire stuff, Duke's gotta admire the dedication to it. Enough that he even cracks a grin.]

Oh, so real truth-and-justice-y sorts, huh? I can work with that. ...I think, [Duke's caught off-guard by the Cleffa's noises and appearance, but in favor of not stressing on how much it looks like a living plush toy, he looks down at the Nidoran he's holding.] ...guess I oughta give the lil' guy a name, huh.

[Lorenz looks.... horribly concerned by whatever is happening here.

What is happening here? What's wrong with that creature?]

I suppose if you wanted to breed them...?

[Someone may or may not be reading up on breeding themselves alright. Have you seen some of these adorable creatures? Clearly the only justifiable reason to have a dozen of something is to breed them. His family has done it with horses (and roses) for generations.]

I don't know if that would be wise, however.

[If it's half as stupid as it looks surely making more of them would be cruel.]

[Oh dear, that undoubtedly sounds like a kid, and they seem...distressed and confused which is, in all honesty, pretty par for the course in this world. Poor kid, Ochako feels for them, and knows she should at least try to give them as much information as possible before someone swoops in and makes a true mess of things.]

Um...s-sorry, I know this message wasn't probably intended for anyone else, but. Y-You should know that using the network here is open for everyone to access. I'm kind of guessing you just got here, right? If you need any questions answered, I can try to help you - my name is Ochako. Uraraka Ochako--...eh. L-Last name first.

The 'things' your talking about are, um...Po--...Pokeymans? [SO CLOSE.] But they're semi-sentient animals that have qui--erm...different kinds of powers. You should've been given one when you first showed up, and you can befriend or catch others in the routes and towns, too.

[There's...something of a lengthy pause with no reply on Gregory's end, because he was not expecting anyone else to pick up on this feed. It's open for "everyone" to access, she says...

This Ochako doesn't sound like the security guard, but that doesn't mean Gregory is any more inclined to trust her. He frowns, looking over as his Teddiursa climbs into his lap to try to help ease his nerves. He does relax a bit at that, putting his hand on the Pokemon's head for a moment before he curtly replies.]

What do you mean, everyone? Who's everyone? And where am I?

[He actually seems less concerned by the Pokemon than the people, strangely enough.]

[They'd been in a war before he woke up here, of course he was aware of someone nearby. He just... hadn't seen anyone else from Fódlan here so he'd certainly not assumed it would be Fraldarius of all people.

His smile falls almost immediately, eyes widening and there's a hint of panic in his expression before he's able to smooth over it, one hand falling to his hip only to flinch slightly at the reminder that his sword is gone.]

I've... only just recently arrived. A few days-

[Why does he sound so defensive? That's not going to help anyone.]

i. newbark town: video

( the feed cuts to saki, trying to smile while her eyes flick around rapidly before she focuses on the camera. behind her, a minior coos softly, like it's trying to encourage her. it's rapidly apparent to see that she's not really ready for the winter, though- a knit sweater's nice and all, but it's not going to keep her shielded from the snow. )

Hi! Uh, so, I'm not sure where I am, and I saw a few network posts about this being normal. The waking up here, I mean. Not... okay, no, sorry.

( she takes a deep breath, composes herself. tries again. )

I need help. The woman I woke up with won't let me back in, and I've only got light jackets, shorts and a skirt. My, um... friend- i don't know what to call it, i'm sorry isn't really able to help, either. Um... a nice old lady told me the scientist here can help a little, so I'm going to go there, but. I can't even leave this town safely right now.

( saki trails off, unsure how to end this message. ... that's it. )

ii. ilex forest

( eventually saki must have managed to flag down help and leave, because she's having quite a time in the woods. it's horribly dark, yes, and she's reluctant to stray from the entrance too far... but her minior keeps jumping into piles of snow and making little craters and it's adorable. )

Are you having fun...? It looks like it! I bet if you could move your arms, you'd make a billion snow angels!

( she'd be tempted to join it, but she'd rather keep an eye out for any wild pokemon- battling was something she struggled to get used to, but she'd rather not be ambushed during play time. however, while she's looking around, the minior rises higher than usual and plummets- and the snow that goes flying everywhere takes no prisoners. including you. )

OH- oh gosh, I'm sorry, she was just playing! Are you okay?

iii. goldenrod city

( she doesn't mean to stop and stare for so long, but the moment saki realized she'd passed an instrument store... well, she couldn't help it. careful to not block the pathway, she stands outside and looks through the window- a drumset, a bass guitar and electric guitar, a keyboard... there's even an actual piano in the back from what she can see. it'd be nice... and she really misses the girls, but... )

... No, we can't afford that right now. And it'd be hard to keep it safe while traveling.

iv. wildcard!

( saki tenma is one of the characters in project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE! also known as hatsune miku: colorful stage! she's a cheerful, bright girl and the keyboardist for her band, Leo/need. she's pretty open to new experiences and meeting new people, and so am i! )

Edited (code goof...) 2022-01-02 19:09 (UTC)

[she cant see even in this body, but she sure as hell can hear. it's taken her awhile to find her footing, figure out how to work this thing (on her own she doesn't need anyone's help) but once it's on and working--]

I know that voice.

[Felix watches impassively as Lorenz reaches for a blade he doesn't have. Felix, by contrast, has two with him as usual - one a wooden training blade, the other one half of a Doublade, sheathed at his belt. He's not drawing either of them, though, nor is he making any other aggressive move, for now.

He grunts an acknowledgment of the response and watches Lorenz warily.]

What's the last thing you remember from home?

[It's...strange, hearing her without the static and the telltale grinding of broken gears, a smashed voicebox, and god knows whatever else. But Gregory has spent an entire night- possibly an entire lifetime, depending on your viewpoint- listening to that voice through the walls and floors of the facility. For a moment, he feels an injection of sheer panic, because there's nowhere here for him to hide.

...but then he remembers that he's speaking through a phone of sorts, or at the very least a receiver. She can't get him here.

So that panic turns quickly to anger as Gregory's nose scrunches up and he grits out a reply.]

Yeah? Well good luck finding me now.

[Because even he doesn't know where he is...]

[It's a good thing Lorenz has already dropped the blasted thing once because that means it's clearly sturdy enough to handle it when he fumbles it again. There's a sound, something he can hopefully write off as being because the device slipped and not because of the fact that hearing Claude's voice, so bright and casual, hits him like a physical blow. At least the effort of retrieving the silly thing saves him from making too much a fool of himself.

It gives him something to focus on, a distraction and a reason to not let himself get too emotional seeing the other man again.]

Claude.

[Not too emotional but there's still a weight to his voice, something breathless and almost hopeful about his tone.]

Ah... y-yes, it seems so. Though I fear I've made him(??) upset with me.

[Leave it to Claude to just throw him into a conversation about something silly and frivolous when there's still so much unsaid between them. The attempt he makes at matching that carefree smile falls apart quickly though and he looks away from the camera, downcast and clearly worried.]

.... I'm sorry....

( oh- oh gosh, there's another kid out here? it's bad enough saki has no winter coat- or... actual pants- but kids are delicate! she'd know, she was one a few years ago! but... considering he just leapt behind a tree and is now glaring vary obviously.... uh.

crap.

carefully, saki raises both hands, and the minior tries to hide behind her. )

Hey- I'm in the same boat as you are, I think. We both need to get out of the cold, though.

[Boober's been in New Bark Town for a couple of days. There's a lot to adjust to, after all, so getting right on the road is a ludicrous concept to him. He's far from home, he's a human now (people look at him a little weird when he calls them 'silly creatures' here), and then there's the Pokemon... He's just been trying to wrap his mind around it, something that might not be easy even for those who aren't terribly full of worries on a good day.

But he's been getting by; managing each fear and stress as they come. Swablu's company helps, too. The fluffy-winged Pokemon is affectionate and sweet, even if sometimes her curiosity causes troubles. Case in point: When Boober, trying to work up the courage to leave town, he sees Gregory and the child runs off-- And Swablu immediately goes after him, which means Boober now has to be in pursuit as well.]

No, Swablu! Leave him alone!

[Running away usually means one's frightened, after all, and Boober knows he's not the person who should be calming anyone's nerves.]

[this body sucks. it's weaker, more vulnerable, and full of unnecessary parts and feelings than her original much more beautiful body had. she had been perfect. why had she changed?? now her eyes can never be replaced, now she can never go through maintenance.

and even if she's no longer singed, she still smells the constant burning because of this companion of hers (a Houndour) reeks of fire. the voice on the other end raises the skin at the back of her neck to gooseflesh, anger coming easily and the sound of her gripping the Gear close to breaking can be heard. plastic and metal grinding together.]

Oh, I will. I always do. You can't run forever Gregory...not after what you did to me.

[she's smiling, and luckily she's by herself camping out so no one can see this crazed silver-haired with a green streak lady growling at a child's voice.]

The game's not over yet. And Freddy isn't here to help you cheat.

Edited 2022-01-02 19:29 (UTC)

[A moment of fiddling before a young man comes into focus. It's hard to get a great read on his expression, with his hair covering his eyes almost entirely, but his frown and the way he clicks his tongue definitely indicate concern.]

Oh dear, you're going to be far too cold out here... But, if you can get warmer clothes, your friend should be able to protect you outside of town. Pokemon are stronger than they look, I've found.

[ >doubt

Gregory doesn't move. He just watches Saki warily, his Teddiursa steadily growling from its perch on his shoulder.]

Tell me who you are.

[If the cold is an issue, he doesn't seem to be paying any attention to it...even though he's visibly shaking, wearing an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt as he is.]

[Frightened or no, he's definitely going to become frightened when Gregory realizes not only is he being chased by a giant bird(???) but also another person, probably another adult who has it out for him in some way. Doesn't matter if they're unaffiliated with the pizzaplex or the security guard, Gregory has no reason to trust them and therefore he won't.

So he picks up speed, stumbling as he makes it out onto the route. Unfortunately, said route is long and pretty open, meaning that the only way Gregory is going to be able to...theoretically hide is by throwing himself into the tall grass.

...which immediately ends with him being flushed back out as a flurry of Pidgey squawk and peck at him and his clothes until he stumbles back onto the open route, leaving him frazzled and exposed. He has no choice but to face Boober and his Swablu, realizing that he's lost everything from the pizzaplex that he'd taken to protect himself, too.]

L-leave me alone! Go away-!

Cheat? I wasn't cheating!

["You just suck," lingers on his lips, but he does manage to have enough self preservation not to provoke Roxanne that much. If she's able to speak to him now, it means she's here and that is...pretty fucking bad?? Because Gregory has nothing at his disposal here to protect him...and he hasn't yet realized that Roxy is no longer the same animatronic she once was, albeit blinded.]

You and your crazy band have been after me all night. Did you expect me to just sit around and do nothing?

I evened the playing field, that's all.

( admittedly, saki wasn't quite expecting anyone else on the road now- but then, maybe she should have? after all, it's not like she knows the rate of... let me check my notes, ah yes, interdimensional kidnapping. maybe multiple people were here in one day.

'mom' must be super busy. though, she was figuring it was mostly kids...since, you know, mom and all that? huh. careful not to spook the absol, saki runs to catch up. )

Hey! Sorry, but did you come from that house too? oh hello, aren't you pretty-

( no she didn't get distracted by the knife dog. (yes she did.) )

[Boober's at a loss-- He knows his presence is upsetting to this child, but now that they're out on a route he can't just leave him alone. Even to someone as cowardly as Boober, the idea is too irresponsible to stomach.

He takes two small steps back, but he's not going back to New Bark. He knows what it's like to be afraid, so he tries to think about what he would have liked to hear when he'd first arrived.]

I know this is a scary place... I've been scared since I got here. [He pauses to scoff.] Well, longer than that. But I promise I'm not trying to make it worse.

January - February Test drive

no subject

Gregory | FNAF: SB | OTA

no subject

II.

Violet City - let's do this~

no subject

no subject

Azalea

Voice - un: Uravity

Audio

no subject

Saki Tenma | Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE!

audio; un: roxstar - not apping but. sighs.

no subject

cackles delightedly also that username is so GOOD

no subject

newbark town (hi chi)

New Bark Town

i aim to please

[video]

no subject

no subject

no subject

departure

no subject