ohmyarceus | January - February Test drive

What can I say? I've also gone way too long without getting your looks of exasperated disapproval. [Claude winks.] Your aggravation is the first spring rain to the parched desert of my psyche.

I guess you wouldn't be interested in flying anywhere tonight...because that's how I'll be taking you back, you know. There's no wyverns here, but there are flying pokémon that are close enough, and they're one of the fastest ways to travel. So I hope you're ready to go up in the air with me.

[Lorenz probably did not realize this, and now he has to decide if what awaits him is a dream or a nightmare - riding alongside Claude on a flying mount, probably having to hold onto him for the flight...]

But are you sure you don't want me to at least come to you tonight? We've got a lot to catch up on, you've had a rough time, and you're still adjusting to this place. Having some company would probably be good for you.

[ Freddy takes a look at the two similar bears standing by his feet. Somehow, he is able to tell which one has been following him all this time, as it looks up at him with a curious tip of its head. When Gregory's responds in affirmation, he acknowledges it with a slight nod. ]

Thank you.

[ Then, with one last glance around, he carefully shifts Gregory in his arms, keeping his hold secure. ]

Let us look for a shelter. Perhaps there will be more answers to our questions elsewhere.

You would have found yourself another lizard to fly on. Haven't they any horses here?

[But instead of continuing his token complaints Lorenz pauses, struck by a thought that has him swallowing down his emotions again.

He could have his own mount again. One that was his and would never be at risk of being put down for the sin of obeying her master instead of his father. It had been a reminder, a show of callous cruelty just to drive home the point that The Count had no qualms about destroying something valuable if it was the slightest bit disloyal.

Just like him. ]

I... Will leave it to your judgment, Claude. Whether you wish to begin the trip tonight or in the morning.

[As though he's not struggling with his emotions so very obviously. As though Claude would be willing to let him suffer alone if he could stop it. When he speaks again he can't look at the camera and his voice is tight with the effort of restraint. ]

It would be a comfort to no longer be alone.

[Luckily for Freddy, Haga has seen his fair share of weird and unconventional people back in Domino, so the makeup and the spikes don't really faze him. What does faze him however is how big the man standing next to him is. It's a bit intimidating to be faced with a six feet person when you are just a little over five feet yourself. And you are sitting on the ground.]

W-Well, of course they are strong! [Haga quickly grows defensive more out of habit than anything. It's really nothing personal.] And they are just gonna get stronger when I start training them! [Haga is already set on becoming the best, even though he isn't even done reading the basics on that manual lying next to him.]

Y-Your partner looks cool too. [He tries his best to return the compliment and to focus on the small creature on the man's shoulder instead of his towering figure as he gets up, still holding Foomantis on his arms. It's kinda cute in a creepy way. He feels that Kozuka would like it if he was around.]

So, hm... you are new here too or...? [Is it too obvious he's bad at small talk?]

Yeah, it's hard not to become fond of the little guys, huh?

[As if on cue his Growlithe pops up under his arm with a bark; Gobo scruffles his head and then gently but firmly shoves him back by the nose. Growlithe just pops up under the other arm instead, apparently determined to be part of this conversation.]

Oh! My name's Gobo, Gobo Fraggle. It's nice to meet you, Freddy.

[Freddy hadn't understood from the start. Bonnie had been so popular, Something about him being a part of the original crew, the only way they seemed like they wouldn't have worked hard to fix him would have been if there was nothing left. He shivered, not from the cold but rather from the dark thoughts.

Chica was right, right? Monty was their friend, they could trust him... Right?

But what if it hadn't been Monty? What if it had been him controlling Monty. Maybe Freddy wasn't the only one who hadn't been controlled? He would have gotten rid of any animatronic that got in his way, wouldn't he?]

Food? Food sounds good.

[He had just barely heard Chica's suggestion over his own racing thoughts, but it had been enough to pull his focus back out.]

Should we see if this place has pizza, and how it tastes?

They seem quite determined. I must admit that I have made it worse for myself, by giving them nicknames that remind me of home.

[While Growlithe seems intent on being a part of the conversation, Scorbunny pops up as well, taking up most of the video for a long moment, observing the other pokemon.]

Bon-bon, please, I would like to see my friend. It is a pleasure to meet you Gobo.

[He isn't completely oblivious that he's making the young man uncertain. So rather than remaining standing, he crouches down, to be less intimidating in size.]

I know you will train them up strong, I am sure you will become a champion. [He speaks with such sincerity that it's hard to even think he could be lying or exaggerating.]

Oh, thank you. He is very friendly. I've been thinking about naming him Mike. Do you know what you might name your friend? Or do you think you won't give them a name?

[Haga can't deny that he gets very strong fatherly vibes from this guy. Which is very unusual because most of the adults he got to meet back in Domino were nowhere near this nice. He honestly doesn't quite know how to react to those words of encouragement and support.]

I... [It takes him a second but quickly switches back to his overconfident attitude.] I'm definitely going to become a champion! And I'm gonna do that in record time! [He nods, as if to reassure himself of the words he just said.]

I don't really know what to name them... [He peeks at the Foomantis who seems to have gotten used to her place on Haga's arms and is just cuddling against his chest. He can't help but smile at the sight. She's just so cute...

He suddenly shakes his head to snap out of it. No, this is time to focus!] B-Before I think about silly stuff like names I need to finish reading this thing... [He looks around his feet and quickly grabs the manual next to it.] I'm gonna read this and master everything that's in it!

[Freddy nods enthusiastically, smiling brightly at the confidence of the young man.] I know you can do it Champ.

[It's so good to see the confidence in the Haga. Sure some of it may be him speaking positive to encourage himself, but even that could be helpful. He wouldn't be dismissing it, that was for sure.] I doubt you need much help from someone like me, but if there ever is anything, I'd be happy to help.

My name is Freddy, by the way.

You know I'll never say no to pizza.

( She smiles, but somehow it feels a little more distant than usual. As much as she loves Freddy, there are many unanswered questions weighing heavy in her heart, and she knows that there's no way to answer any of them in this moment.

With Piplup cheerfully in her arms, she sets about to return to the town, staying mostly quiet on the walk as she takes in her surroundings. Being created inside of the Pizzaplex, Chica had never seen the outside world before, let alone experienced it like this. Every fluttering Butterfree, or curious, squirming Caterpie brought a new light to her eyes. Even the smell of the air, something that she's so used to associating with pizza sauce and motor oil, is novel. Fresh. She loves it.

...Until they reach the diner and are presented with a new problem. )

They don't accept pizza passes here, Freddy. They want... money?

( Which is more his problem than hers. She's got her own solutions and scurries over to the nearest trash can. There's always food in there! )

[the idea of intentionally (physically) hurting a child is beyond her. sure she's got a competitive edge and maybe whoever made her turned the dial up on 'narcissism' just a bit, and perhaps the Pizzaplex has gotten countless complaints from parents about Roxy making kids cry, but--

look. she's programmed for her bark to be worse than her bite. it's not her fault that her bite has the potential to be just as bad. so whatever it was that was driving her to hunt and kill back at the Pizzaplex is gone out of her mind, and now it's more that her urge to hunt down and find this kid is...

well, revenge. kid took her eyes. her special eyes. does she want to kill Gregory in the figurative sense? yes. but literally? well, not intentionally.]

If you were already there then why didn't you just leave like everyone else who was "already there"?

What, didn't have any friends reminding you it's time to go home? Hah.

I. network
text | un: takeitaloisy

Ha! What a fun place we find ourselves, don't you think? Amicable creatures befriending you, eager to get stronger or simply bond with you! Why, this is practically a vacation for a guy like me.

I have to ask: who's the genius naming these creatures? I wish to commend whoever they are. Maybe I could even give them some ideas?

II. lake of rage

I suppose the fish in this kind of place aren't really for eating, but for befriending? That's fine, that's fine! Just you wait, you'll have a fish companion real soon, Princess!

[The "Princess" in question is a Popplio, who slaps her fins together excitedly.]

Ah, you're so precious. That's my girl!

[Alois casts his line, and proceeds to wait.

And anyone who knows him will know he's going to be waiting a really long time.]

Hello out there! Fish creatures! Come join us!

[That might be the reason why.]

III. olivine city

[Well, who is he to not sample the local specialties around here? And so it is, Alois can be seen at a sampling table along with his Popplio partner. He's sharing the cheese of course, humming in delight.]

Huh! I don't believe I've ever had a cheese that just melts in your mouth like this. And your drinks are quite impressive!

[He leans on the table and arches a brow.] Not that I could ever wine about it.

[The Poppio claps, squeaking, as if appreciating the terrible joke.]

Thank you, thank you. So wonderful to have an appreciative audience, Princess.

[That sure is someone yelling at the fish over there…and Felix is surprised to find that he recognizes the voice. Wait…

…oh no. Oh no. Dimitri’s going to be completely insufferable as soon as he finds Alois. What a nightmare.

Still, Felix can’t just ignore the man ~~like he always used to~~, if only because that would be inflicting Alois and his jokes unsupervised on an unsuspecting Johto.

So, riding atop his Gyarados as it surfs through the water, he approaches Alois with a baffled look on his face. For its part, the Gyarados looks…well, furious, because it always does. Ah well.]

Alois? When did you get here?

Okay. Gregory.

[Boober nods a little, curiously watching Gregory. Look, he's something of an expert on fear, right? And this boy's fear is hitting a note unique from that which his own usually does. Boober's worries are all about the hypothetical, the worst-case scenarios. With Gregory, and his distrust especially... It's different.]

...Are you in trouble?

Edited 2022-01-04 21:14 (UTC)

[Growlithe spots Scorbunny and offers a couple friendly barks, big bushy tail waving. Gobo unsuccessfully hides a snicker at the other Pokemon's actions.]

Yeah, I could see where that could be hard sometimes. But in its own way, I think it could be good too? Then it's like a little piece of home is there with you.

1: Network - UN: the.handler

[Grumpy is his middle name. He's the epitome if it. Iwaizumi does not look happy.

He's sat at the base of a tree, not looking at the screen but somewhere above it and to the left. He looks like he wants to say something, he's chewing on his words. What he'd really doing is trying to find a polite way of saying what he wants to say and is doing his best to mentally remove all the expletives out of it.]

How... do I leave here...? Without getting attacked by... creatures?

2: New in New Bark Town

[Waking up in a strange bed to a strange woman fussing at him was one thing. Being immediately thrown out on his ass with a bag and barely a 'see you later' was a whole other.

Now he stood in front of a road, the sign read Route 29, but Iwaizumi was eyeing it with some suspicion. In fact he was eyeing everything with suspicion. This wasn't home. This was just a bad dream and he had to find a way out.]

... But is this the way out though?

3: [Wildcard]

Edited 2022-01-04 21:46 (UTC)

[Legosi nods, his expression probably making this seem a lot more serious than it actually is. But that's just...his face, whether she realizes that or not.]

Oh...so many, I don't even know all of them yet. There are butterflies, beetles, caterpillars, spiders...and of all different types too.

[Yes, well. He has to be polite, doesn't he?

They've only just met each other and it seems that Lorenz has made the same quality of impression on his pokémon as he does on most people. That he's a pretentious spoiled brat that doesn't deserve respect.

The little teacup spirit is far more interested in harassing the man it's attached to until he proves himself. Considering he's dodged battles since his arrival? Sinistea is none too impressed.]

He contacted me, as a matter of fact. He'll be along shortly, as I understand it.

[Though it does surprise him that Dedue of all people would make such a suggestion. How familiar was his illustrious leader with the Lions present anyway? Though with the Professor here he's certain everyone is far more intertwined in one another's lives than they might otherwise be.]

Would... you care to join me for tea?

[A question he's uncertain will be well received and so he lifts his own cup to sip at his tea to hide his anticipation of an answer. Only to splutter a second later, coughing and cringing and staring at his cup in betrayal before the pokémon floats up to stick it's tongue at him, wobbling midair while it laughs at him.]

[Lorenz glances up, only half aware of the man's presence at first.]

It is lovely...

[There's something wistful in his voice before he turns to actual face the blond, offering a polite, if weak, smile.]

I have spent a great deal of time in a coastal city. This is... rather familiar. Something of a comfort really.

[Tooru'd almost given up hope with not seeing anyone else from home aside from Yachi, so it took him a few takes after coming out of the Burned Tower while hunting for a new teammate. The large Luxray next to him nudges Tooru out of his shock as he scratches the head before he suddenly just bolts over and jumps on Iwaizumi from behind with a hug.

He can't help it, that's his best friend. The Luxray also bounds up and stops just short of tackling as well.]

IWA-CHAN!! I can't believe you're here!

[THAT gets a reaction from the Luxray of the same name, head tilting in confusion. Tooru didn't think that one through after all.]

Perhaps he is...

[Lorenz cocks a brow at the little teacup that... seems rather interested in her now. See? She's adventurous. Stick in the mud.

Lorenz rolls his eyes just a bit.]

I'm sorry I am not familiar with that sort of tea. You said it was... chatumick?

[Oh that hurts. It's so bad. Sorry Olivia.]

[Gregory falls silent for a time, much longer than it should take to come up with a reasonable answer. He could tell her the truth, but he doesn't actually want to. He doesn't trust her like he trusts Freddy. She might take that information and use it against him, because even if they're physically somewhere else entirely, he knows without a shadow of a doubt that his best interests aren't at heart.

It all leads from the animatronics back to Vanessa. To Vanny. Even if Gregory hasn't completely figured out why yet.]

Why should you care why I didn't leave? Maybe your fancy Pizzaplex needs better security if you can't even catch one kid.

[If Boober were anyone else, Gregory might be inclined to not answer. He's being cagey at the very least, but...well, they're not there anymore. And as long as he's not trapped within the walls of the Pizzaplex and being hunted, he's more or less safe. Or at least...he should be.

Maybe it would be better if others knew, others that aren't involved. At least they would know to keep a watchful eye out.]

Yeah. There's these...animatronics after me. And a security guard...and this weird bunny lady. They're all trying to get me.

Woah...this place is pretty big...

[Bigger than the Pizzaplex even, but that's to be expected. This isn't a map of a facility, but instead a map of an entire region. These lines indicate roads, not hallways, and each point is a new location. A new town potentially full of strangers. That part doesn't exactly thrill Gregory, but he's at least more comfortable going somewhere knowing that he's with Freddy.

At this point, Freddy is the only "person" in the whole world that he cares about.]

Then we should probably go here.

[He points to the next town from Newbark, Cherrygrove.]

At least we won't have to worry about you running out of battery now, right?

January - February Test drive

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CW: animal cruelty/death

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Alois Rangeld | Fire Emblem: Three Houses

ii! OMG IT’S ALOIS <3

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Iwaizumi Hajime | Haikyuu!! | OTA

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Wildcarding in Ecruteak City (I'll avoid spoilers since his pull point is post anime)

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HER SPECIAL EYES!!

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