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 Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2015 1:18 am
Rhei clung to the railing of the ramp that would lead her down from the cruise ship, suddenly unsteady on her feet. While it had taken her hours to get used to the rocking of the ship beneath her feet, even if it had been subtle, she had never expected to not be used to steady land when she found her way back onto it. Someone should have warned me, she thought, gritting her teeth and inching down the railing. Luckily, the pier that the ship had been tied to had a railing, too, and it was there that Rhei stopped.
Leaning against the wooden beam, she looked out at the city before her. Glass windows shone in the sun, something she wasn't entirely used to, even after her journey to Lilycove. Rhei had never had windows - living in a tree house, they weren't really necessary, though she supposed they would have been nice in winter. The tall buildings were also new; the tallest one she had yet seen was the department store in Lilycove, and that had five floors. These looked to have many more, but they were hard to count, since the outside of every floor seemed to look the same. Tiny houses? she wondered.
Other trainers disembarked the ship behind Rhei, and soon she was moved down the pier again, carried by the tide of trainers. Wingulls cried overhead and she lost herself in the noise and the crowd, but it soon separated when they reached the end of the dock - and suddenly, Rhei was alone, staring at the sandy beach and blue sky and huge city (by her standards) before her. For a moment, she stood there in silence, before reaching for her sister's hand. A pang filled her when she remembered where the Kirlia was: at rest in Mt. Pyre, her final moments having been spent with the illusion that their family was together again. Rhei had left for Lilycove right after the funeral, furious at her parents and ready to find a new life.
And now here she was, lost and overwhelmed. Still, at least she didn't look completely out of place; her stop at the Lilycove Department Store had gotten her some of the kinds of clothes she had always dreamed, the ones that the people of Fortree had given up as impractical. She'd picked out dresses, heeled sandals, and a pretty, floral bag to put her pokeballs in whenever she met her first companion. She'd let her hair down, and for once, Rhei hadn't looked like she'd fallen out of Fortree and hit all the branches on the way down.
Surely there has to be someone around who's more trustworthy than a stranger, she thought, thinking of the police officers and nurses and gym leaders back home. Hoping there would be one nearer to the entrance of the public beach, Rhei set out across the sand, crossing her fingers. She needed to find a Pokemon Center - after all, she wasn't about to start her journey in a lacy dress and sandals. She needed her pack and clothes she was alright with getting dirty.
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Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2015 3:48 am
Officer Osmond Willis stood off to the side, back against a railing and hands folded behind him at the hip, as his eyes scanned the torrent of bodies coming off the new ship to dock at Katarina's pier. Despite the professional expression he wore, it was a thin sheet of glass, for inside, he was reeling; the throb of a headache inching him closer and closer to a state of perpetual insanity. His dreams of becoming a member of the police, like his father, were lofty ones; he expected his days to be filled with the wear and tear of crime, full of action and suspense, the dun-dun music whenever the perpetrator was accused like in those movies on television. Even after the reality of losing his father, Osmond's dream strengthened even more, because now he had a reason to do so — to honor him and be the best damn cop he could be.
It was only when he was up in his late twenties did he realize all of the moments of bated breath, pouring sweat, and the metallic smell of blood were simply fantasy. Well, most of it, anyway. While Osmond had been in the middle of a few good action-packed moments, most of his days were spent in the mundane tranquility of Katarina's town square, beach, or pier — wherever they posted him — roasting under the summer sun. It was as dull as dull could be and, oh, how he hated it! The trill of Wingulls passing overhead, the shutter-click of cameras and their flashes, posing for these cameras with enthusiastic tourists, guiding these tourists, Pokemon climbing on him and relieving themselves in the most disgusting of manners, and the cacophony of voices that buzzed on in the back of his mind like a low drone was slowly breaking down the heavily laden wall of forbearance he had built up for himself.
Marlo, his Raichu, never made his job easier. He loved the Electric-type with all of his heart and essence, but there were some points where he teetered the middle-aged man's mind off his rocker just a few too many times. He was a frustration, handful, sweetie, and good companion all at once. Like Osmond, Marlo would grow intolerably dull waiting by his heel while they manned their post for the day. He would switch from attentive to listlessly bored in no time; the shift evident in his straight posture bending into a curve as he leaned against Osmond's leg and whipped his bolt-shaped tail in circles with hooded eyes. Even when Osmond nudged him, the Raichu didn't budge.
"Get up, buddy," the officer told him, not once glancing down to his companion as he pushed into the plumpness of the orange ball known as Marlo. "You've an image to maintain. C'mon."
"Aichiiii," Marlo whined. lip jutting in a lazy pout. He fanned a paw in front of his face to indicate he was too hot and then let it limpy dangle by his side, signifying his lack of strength to do so.
"Marlo, you're making me look bad," Osmond said tersely. The officer wasn't much of a person to put up an image, but societal expectations usually won out when he was in uniform, and seeing a dutiful cop with a partner that looked like he would melt into a pile of goop at any moment spoke volumes of his lack of professionalism under the looming eye of the law. "Just sit up, that's all I'm asking."
"Aichi..."
Marlo's brow knotted together as he, with a huff, pushed himself up to half-sitting, half-lounging on his trainer. Osmond's lips pursed together on the side of his face, but he accepted it in stride; it was the best he was going to get out of the Electric-type. With that, the officer straightened his own back, and continued to look attentive in wait of the next person or pack of people to approach him for help.
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Posted: Fri May 01, 2015 2:34 am
There! The distinctive blue of a police uniform caught her eye, and Rhei made her way up the beach to the railing he stood against near the tourist information. People swarmed all over the place up there, picking out maps and guides to the city's destinations. And postcards, so many postcards. It was a port city, though, and a beautiful one, bright, warm, and sunny - what else could she expect?
After a moment of hesitation halfway up the beach (and immediately regretting her decision to wear heels onto the sand), Rhei spotted the orange-brown blob at the officer's feet. What...? Eyebrows furrowing, she dug out one of her two precious Pokemon books, bought with her leftover Lilycove funds. She'd have to figure out a way to make money again, which was something she had forgotten to plan for; she had hoped to find her first companion on the way from Fortree. If that had happened, she could have started training and winning battles... And earning money. But it hadn't happened, and given that she'd left her parents in a red rage, she didn't expect a lot of support from them.
Letting the pages flip through her fingers, Rhei stopped within the first few, recognizing the tail that flicked and seemed almost to shine beneath the light of the sun. A Raichu? Were they common on Zatao's force, then? The Pokemon looked smaller than the sixty-six pounds listed in the book, but perhaps that was just the way he was sitting... Though he did look a bit pudgy, too. What a cutie~
Rhei unstrapped her sandals and trudged the rest of the way up the beach, avoiding litter, umbrellas, blankets, and people. This was the place where the tourists hung out and played in the waves and stayed close to their cruiseliners; if Rhei was here to stay, she had to at least make it past this place. She approached the police officer cautiously, not wanting to startle him or the Electric-type that was his partner. She didn't want to get shocked on the beach. There was too much water around.
"Hello," she said tentatively, giving the officer a little wave before waving to his Pokemon, as well. Taking a few steps further, Rhei finally noticed the posture of the Raichu. She frowned and turned her eyes back to the officer. "I was going to ask for directions, but you two look like you're having a long day. Can I get you some water from the vending machines over there or something?" Tilting her head toward the machines back down on the pier, Rhei wondered if he was allowed to leave his post even for that, or if he simply hadn't yet.
Unoderi I'm sorry for the wait, and thank you so much for being patient. >.<
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Posted: Mon May 04, 2015 7:06 pm
Osmond's attention piqued up at the voice, but he didn't readily answer. Instead, he tried to compose himself in the few seconds he had before words to be exchanged; firming the muscles of his back, slackening the tautness of his jaw, and relaxing the rest of his hardened features to something opening, welcome, and overall, tourist-friendly. The gesture came to him almost instantly; something practiced over and over again to the point it was reflexive. He wished the same could be said of Marlo, but the Raichu was taking his dear, sweet time roasting under the sun.
Osmond nudged the Electric-type again, but the heel of his shoe simply sank into the plushness of his side like he was nudging a moist funnel cake fresh out of the oven. Marlo replied in his typical moan, which the officer tried his best to ignore when the blonde was finally to them. Her offer sounded too good to be true and, had he been out of uniform, he would've jumped on it in a heartbeat. Instead, he reached a hand up and nudged the tip of his uniform's cap at her in a gesture of gratitude.
"That's an awfully kind offer, miss," he said to her. "Unfortunately, and by no means am I trying to offend you, but I can't accept anything while on duty – water included. There has been criminal activity in the region and it has only been increasing regularly, I have to take my precautions. My precinct gave the order I should assume all food items and gifts to me have been tampered with. Even if I see you buy it. My apologies."
Marlo panted out a dry breath. Hang in there, buddy, he thought. It's only a little longer until our lunch break.
"How can I help you, though?" Osmond said. "Is there any place in particular you'd like to go?"
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 5:31 pm
Blinking at the officer's sudden change in posture, Rhei gave him a sad half-smile at his refusal. The little orange ball by his feet looked totally uncomfortable - but if the officer was, too, he was putting on a good show. "I see," said Rhei, crossing her arms. "That's too bad. We had crime where I'm from... Some extremists fighting each other, trying to awaken pokemon out of legend to make them cover the earth in one thing or other." Shaking her head, she sighed. "I'd hoped things would be quieter here, but they probably jumped at the chance to get started in a new place.
"Anyway," she said, looking up from the poor panting Raichu. "I'm looking for the Pokemon Center. Is there one around here that has accommodations for would-be trainers, or like a hostel or something?" Unable to help herself, she dropped slowly into a crouch, not wanting to scare the little Raichu and get a shock in return. "I assume I can't offer anything to your Pokemon, either?"
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 9:11 pm
Silver eyes followed her casually and, when he dipped his chin, he pursed his lips to the side of his face. "Kinda rings a bell for here as well," Osmond said to her. "Zatao's got a bit of everything; those crime syndicates bleeding into this region as well. I've encountered all types, but Rockets are the most common. Seems they got here first." Since his father died on the force, activity had escalated to a point just leaving the precinct felt dangerous.
He gave a small, light laugh at her prospect of finding someplace quiet to come to. "Zatao is anything but," Osmond said. "I can attest to that. Not just from criminals, but region is a tourist trap for the curious. The amount of people that come through here per day is ridiculous."
Before he went off on a tangent, ranting about his job and the people he encountered on a daily basis, the officer said with a c**k of his chin toward the town square, "It's just a bit of a walk that way. I'm sure they can accommodate you; the Nurse Joys are kind hearts, after all. I would suggest a hotel or something, though. The place gets cramped often with would-be trainers like yourself hoping for rooming there."
Osmond let out a breath and looked the other way. He could survive, but any longer, and he was positive he would be taking home a heap of gloop instead of his partner, Marlo. The Raichu sagged ears at Rhei and sniffed in her direction, unable to say anything to her due to his parched throat. It as painful to watch him in this condition so he relented, once, and allowed the girl's charity.
"I shouldn't, but Marlo looks like he can't take any more," he said. "A-as long as one of my superiors don't see, feel free to give him some water. I'll keep an eye out for any of them."
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 10:05 pm
Rhei hummed her acknowledgment of the criminal organizations, a little offput. Hopefully, they'd leave her well enough alone. She didn't have any Pokemon for them to steal, and her most valuable possessions in Zatao were probably the clothes on her back. At least in Hoenn, there had only been two "teams" - here, it sounded like there were a few more. Weren't Rockets some team from past times? Strange that they'd ended up here, but she let it pass.
"I've noticed the tourist trap," she said, inclining her head in the direction she'd come and the beach that was crawling with beachgoers, native and nonnative alike. "I'll see what I can find for lodging, then, if there're too many people at the Center," she added absently, still studying the Raichu as his ears twitched.
When the officer gave his permission, Rhei looked up, slightly surprised, but grateful. "I'll be right back, little guy," she said to the Electric-type, hoping he wouldn't take offense to her "little" comment the way her younger brother used to. It had just slipped out, but she couldn't take it back now - she was already yards across the sand on her bare feet, sandals swinging from one hand. The way down the beach seemed much faster than the way up had been, and Rhei quickly scanned the inventory of the vending machines. There were big bottles of water, mini bottles of water, soda, lemonade... Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a handful of change. To her disappointment, all she had was enough for a small bottle of water. She shook her head and stuck the coins into the slot, listening to the rattle and shake of the machine as it spit out the water. Rhei hurried back across the sand.
Kneeling in front of Marlo, she unscrewed the cap and offered the bottle to him. "Here you go."
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 10:23 pm
Marlo took the bottle from her, but did not readily drink; instead opting to switching glances between Osmond and the beverage like a child eagerly waiting for permission. The officer couldn't help the soft smile he wore; no matter how huffy Marlo might've gotten sometimes, he always turned to childish gestures in times of need because he was so dependent. Sometimes Osmond wished he could give his first Pokemon the much needed push to act without his guidance, but that want fell to the wayside when Marlo looked up to him so cutely. He was a sucker for the Raichu.
"Go on, Marlo," he said, nudging his chin. "It's okay to drink."
"Aichi," Marlo croaked before pressing the tip of the bottle to his lips and taking a few heavy chugs.
When he withdrew it from his mouth, he had downed three-fourths of the water's contents. A warm blush rose up on his cheeks at the refreshed click he gave with his tongue. Glancing up to Rhei, he smiled a large, cheeky grin, and waved his paws about in gratitude.
"Aichi, aichi!"
Osmond chuckled. "He's says thanks," the officer said. "And seriously, thank you. I can endure whatever, but Marlo has it tough because he's not in the best of shape. Physically, I mean, so the heat affects him more. If I wasn't pinned to my station, I would've gotten him something earlier, but it isn't my lunchbreak yet."
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 10:42 pm
Hiding her smile behind her hand at the Pokemon's need for approval, Rhei stood as he took great, gulping swallows. She crossed her arms once more as he drank, glad to have been at least some use to the officer and his Pokemon, stuck standing here as they were, helping everyone else. "You're welcome," she said. "And thank you for your service." Rhei glanced down at the Raichu, brows drawing together. "Um... I know it's not my place, and I don't want to offend, but... Should Marlo be out here if he can't really get water for a while and the heat bothers him so much? I mean, that water seems like it really helped, but things were starting to look kind of desperate." If the officer had been a different person, someone she knew better, she might have turned a critical eye on him - but it was hot here, and using Marlo might have been unavoidable today or something. Maybe the Pokemon could usually last til their lunch break or maybe it was hotter today than he was used to, or he had started out a bit more dehydrated. Whatever it was, it felt wrong of her to speculate. The officer had allowed her to get his Pokemon something, despite being glued to his post and it going against their rules. Perhaps today was an exception. "I don't mean offense to you, either, Marlo. I'm more of a concerned passerby than anything," she added quickly to the Raichu in question.
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 10:57 pm
Osmond shook his head. He knew the matter would be brought up eventually. Taking off his uniform cap, he ran a hand through his slicked back locks; his hand sticky-wet from the sweat softening the hardened gel. "No, you're right," he said to the blonde. "I have the same worries you have, but even when I insist that Marlo stay home, he doesn't give in. This stubborn pudge–" He paused to tap the Raichu's side when the Electric-type folded paws over his chest and cast his chin the other way in a stubborn huff. "Doesn't listen much to me and prefers to do his own things sometimes. I actually don't need a Pokemon out me when on duty, but Marlo insists."
The Raichu nodded his head. Just as Osmond was willing to sacrifice whatever means possible for him to be comfortable, Marlo wanted to be there at his trainer's side as well. Standing upon his feet, the Electric-type flexed an arm and tried to bulge a muscle in his bicep. "Aichi, aichi!" he said.
Osmond cast Marlo an unamused frown. "You're anything but strong," he said. "You know this isn't the best weather to be enduring. Wouldn't be better if you were in your Pokeb–"
"Aichi!" Marlo cried, cutting off his trainer.
Osmond cast Rhei an apologetic grin. "Sorry about that," he said. "He's just really stubborn..."
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 11:48 pm
Sweet Arceus, it's toasty out here, thought Rhei, a bit more concerned about the officer now that his Pokemon had been cared for. When he took off his cap, she saw the shine to his hair and wondered if the thing was unbearably hot. She paused, and realized she hadn't introduced herself, nor did she know his name - but if he had a name tag, it was obscured by the sun. He can take care of himself, anyway, she reminded herself. He's probably been doing this a long time and knows his limits. "He reminds me of that boy and his Pikachu who were on the news so long ago... The one whose Pokemon refused to be in its Pokeball from the very start? I don't know if you remember that, maybe it was just local news or something..." Trailing off, Rhei fidgeted a little, feeling the sun baking into her pale skin. "Do you have a place within the area of your post to at least get out of the sun? This placement seems a bit unfortunate."
Unoderi Dunno if Ash/Yellow/whoever exists here, so I tried to keep it as vague as possible. >.>
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Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 1:21 am
Osmond clicked his tongue and nodded his head. "Oh, I've heard of that," the officer said. "It's a bit like that, yea, and he went on to do great things or something like that? I also heard he's been a young kid for, like, forever. Maybe he's a grown man now and people are stretching tales, but all I ever hear about is this boy and his Pikachu as a ten year old."
"Well, I do, and it is about time I start making rounds," Osmond said, glancing between his wristwatch and the timepiece in the city square as he squinted against the glare of the sun. "So I should be getting a move on. Hey, Marlo–"
The Raichu looked up to him.
"Let's go."
As Osmond walked passed the blonde, Marlo toddling at his feet, he cocked his head to the middle of Katarina. "We're not moving far, but if you'd like, I can point out other things that may be of interest to you," he said.
Mahogany Sunset It's no problem. I am not sure myself, but being vague is fine. 3nodding
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Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 1:57 am
"He got his Pikachu when I was toddler, I think," said Rhei, and a wry smile emerged at the thought. "It's strange to think about." Following his gaze to the clock in the town square, Rhei felt her wry smile turn to relief. Oh good, they don't sit here all day. If they had had to, Rhei would have been surprised that they didn't wrinkle like drying apricots under the bright light of the sun.
Pausing for an uneasy moment as the pair seemed to take off - and with her still directionless - Rhei let out a quiet rush of air as the officer addressed her again. "That would be perfect, thank you," she said, and as they passed a stand of touristy pamphlets, Rhei grabbed one that showed a miniature map of the city. When she unfolded it, it turned into a flat sheet of paper with a larger map on it, each building color-coded by function. A red Poke Ball logo near the center of the city noted the Pokemon Center. Just have to follow the street signs. The rest of the buildings and their logos, though, were unfamiliar. "This place has got the tourism business down." She felt her voice fill with awe at the map, but she looked up, careful not to be left behind. If she was going to orient herself in the city, she needed to see where she was going. "What's first?"
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Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 9:24 am
Osmond hummed out a note as he clutched his chin between forefinger and thumb in thought. Searching about the place, he tried to put himself in a would-be trainer's shoes and determine what would be of interest to him first. "Well," he began, "there's the Pokemart, which is that blue building over there that looks like a lunchbox." He indicated this with a point. "I'd suggest buying a few things there like balls or camping and medical stuff if you're planning to be out in the wilderness for long periods of time if you're not stocked up. Most trainers take to outside the region without preparation. I can count on my fingers and toes people who rushed into the affray with just the clothes on their back. Not a pretty sight when they return; Pokemon are incredibly territorial and don't take to travelers easily."
He nudged his point to another building. "There's a hotel and a good one at that, though pricey because its in the tourist district and close to the beach. Nice place if you're looking for a quick in and out for a night, though. There's some more up the street there–" He pointed down the left side of the intersection. "That are much more reasonable if money is tight. It's also a good way to go if you're heading out to the Pilkiras Plain. There's a good number of Pokemon there for catching."
"Otherwise, I can't think of any place else that might interest you? Katarina caters to the tourist, after all, and is always bustling. If you want someplace to call home, I would suggest taking up an apartment or hotel room in Motterossa because it is kinda packed-up here, but be careful out there if you do." He pointed up the northern end of the intersection. "That way should take you to the exit closest to it if you ever decide to venture out there. Motterossa used to be a hub for Rockets in the region, but now its kinda peaceful because they've up and fled. Just follow the mountain range once your out of city limits, it isn't that hard to find."
"However, you're fresh off the boat, right?" The officer tilted his head. "Take a breather here, there's a number of cafes that offer some darn good food. Like there–" Osmond indicated an outside establishment near them. "Has some really good sandwiches."
"Aichi!" Marlo agreed.
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