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 Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2025 8:01 am
Sub would spend his entire time at the rest station in the forest beyond the shrine to Ho-oh, he had wanted to pay respects but found Aden and others already there, choosing not to reveal himself to them, his natural Dark nature very helpful in hiding in times like these. While he didn't believe in the divinity of Ho-oh any longer, hard to when you're best friends with what the monks might call a demi-god, he did find some solace in the rituals if nothing more than to use as a means to focus and find peace of mind. He didn't like anyone to see him partake in things he now considers superstition so he stayed here deeper in the forest, facing the direction of the shrine and performed the rituals as he remembered them. If either Aden or Aile spotted him he'd play it off, probably claiming to have seen a Murkrow or something and chased after it.
-----
The Snagems and other riders would have almost a total of one hour's rest here at the seaside station, plenty of time to stretch, get a refreshment, enjoy the view, or whatever else have you. The bus driver would spend their time communicating via telepathy with the company's headquarters, some of the ground spotting a Starmie floating above the bus now, lazily rotating as it helped Mister Marcel's mental message reach its destination and was promptly recalled to its Pokeball once no longer needed. Was a bit strange to see a Pokemon utilize another Pokemon like a trainer but it wasn't completely unheard of, especially in this team as Cera does similar.
Once Mister Marcel's chores were complete he would announce to their minds that it was time to board the bus. "Greetings passengers! Please make your way back on the bus at your earliest convenience! We will be setting out for the next rest station in ten minutes. I repeat, please-" The Mr. Mime would repeat its message two more times, making sure everyone heard it. The non-Snagems would make their way back on bus as well as Sub, the Snagem leader hanging back just long enough to be one of the last ones on board so no one expected his visit to the shrine.
With everyone on the bus and accounted for Mister Marcel would declare it was time to shove off, the bus being put into drive and resuming its trip down the road to Kitakami.
------
[Three hours later, early night.]
The bus would make its second stop at Rest Station 11, the group now finding themselves in the middle of the woods at a station far smaller and less kept up with than the last. While it had a freshly stocked vending machine that was the only luxury here, the station providing nothing else other than a place to sit and bathrooms. No battlefield, no shrine, nothing. And even the bathroom was bare bones, a single bathroom with one toilet. Was this a sign of how Kitakami would be?
As they hung out at this station, darkness all around them with just two lamps lighting up the station, the group could hear the plethora of Pokemon dwelling in the forest, especially the Venonat buzzing, a few Venomoth dancing around the lamps. Due to the hour and how a couple people just chose to stay on the bus and sleep Mister Marcel didn't linger at this station too long and before they knew it the bus was back on the road to Kitakami. The next stop their destination.
------
[Mossui Town, Kitakami - 3:13 am.]
The bus would pull into the Mossui Town bus station at a little past three in the morning, the station itself largely deserted expect for the one bus company employee, a human, assigned to greet them upon arrival. Mister Marcel would go around the bus jostling awake those that needed to be awoken, informing them that they had arrived in Kitakami, or more specifically Mossui Town.
Upon exiting the bus there wouldn't be much for the group to see, very few street lights to illuminate their surroundings, maybe they'd catch a glimpse of some rice paddies but that was about it. They would have to wait until morning to get a better look. Regardless they would be ushered into a small and ancient looking streetcar that would escort them to where they would be staying while here in Kitakami, that is the Mossui Town Community Center, the town lacking anything like a proper hotel or even motel.
Their rooms weren't the most luxurious, in fact they were just random rooms that had been converted into a place to sleep with four beds to a room, the Snagems being broken up into groups by the community center's attendant, shown to their 'rooms', and implored to rest until morning.
-----
[Mossui Town, Kitakami - Morning]
"Sentreeet!" Cried the local Sentret outside the community center, the Scout Pokemon greeting the morning sun, the sounds of nature just outside their windows. No one would come to wake them and instead they were allowed to wake up as they pleased, after all they were on vacation, properly this time. Sub however was up early, sitting out in the main lobby of the community center, munching on a local apple as he watched the local news on one of their TVs. "Good morning!" He'd greet the Snagems as they showed themselves, one at a time, offering them an apple, a whole bushel gifted to them by the locals. "May way to use the bathroom or shower when you can, I was told the hot water goes really quick." He warned his teammates. "Welcome to Kitakami though!" He chuckled.
(You may now do as you please, have your character explore the land if you so desire. I'll declare when the festival itself begins proper.)
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Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:35 pm
Rachel didn't wind up getting off the bus, though she did stand to stretch her legs. She didn't see any point in exploring when they only had an hour, and when the bus continued, she sat back in her seat and put a pair of headphones in. Not like anyone was really talking to her, anyway. She wound up dozing off between the second and third stops, and when they reached their destination, she woke to Mister Marcel jostling her awake. Giving the Mr. Mime the stink eye for waking her, she got off and followed the rest of the group to where they were staying. She didn't even bother checking to see who was sharing the four bed room with her; she fell into the nearest bed and passed out.
She woke early the next morning and headed out to see if there was a cafeteria, Rainer following along at her side as she walked down to the lobby. She didn't find a cafeteria, but she did see Sub sitting there, munching on an apple as he watched the local news. She took the apple he handed to her with a nod of thanks, not really one to talk first thing in the morning. Instead, she took a seat nearby, splitting the apple in half and giving one half to Rainer, who devoured it as she ate her half. Once she was done, she and Rainer waited to see if there was anything that they needed to do before heading out to explore.
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Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:58 am
Once I was certain Leslie was fine, which took no time at all, I made my way into the rest area just as Keiko was stepping out of the ladies' restroom. We spent the rest of the hour enjoying both the view and each other's company. We didn't eat until we got to the second rest stop.
Keiko wasn't able to sleep comfortably in the bus. Between the sensitivity of her tail and two certain weights putting stress on her back, sleeping upright was out of the question for her. I tried to be up for her as much as I could, but I wound up getting a bit of sleep on the bus before we made it to the inn.
Because of that, I was up long before Keiko was thanks to the light of the dawn shining through our one window. I made sure to shower first before heading down to the ground floor in search of breakfast. While I was unsuccessful in finding a dining room or cafeteria, Sub provided by way of a bushel of apples. I greeted him, then took two and found a two-person couch nearby. I took one of the seats for myself and set my duffel bag on the second to reserve it for Keiko once she woke up. The second apple I grabbed wasn't for her, though.
I let Rala out of her ball and gave the second apple to her. "It's not a Watmel berry, but it'll fill you up,," I told her. Rala was the only Pokemon I brought with me, as I only agreed to this trip as a means to spend some couple time with my wife. But now that I had my abilities as a Channeler back, it felt wrong not to have Rala by my side. She was supportive of my relationship with Keiko, and I'd only bring her out for food or in case of an emergency, which I could only hope wouldn't be the case for this trip.
After one bite, Rala discovered that despite not being as gloriously delicious as her beloved Watmel Berries, the apple was sufficient sustenance. "Where's mistress?" she asked telepathically, careful to manage her psychic output so as not to disturb anyone else the way Gardy used to. She hadn't gotten used to her heart crystal's lack of inhibition yet. "Still asleep," I said plainly, allowing myself to focus on the news channel playing on the television. We ate in silence for a bit after that.
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Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:52 am
MoniqueBrie She thought back to the realization she'd had on her Master Mission in Spikemuth. "I was thinking... Why did the tapu make me a Zoroark? And why the Unovan kind? I had a Ghost-type Pokémon, so why not the Hisuian variety? And I realized why. I cannot be fueled by Bitter Malice. Because I'm so constantly thankful. Lucky beyond a Chant." Monique choked up a bit, clinging to Darts for just a moment. "I'm here. This world isn't perfect, but it's a world that you can live in. And that is more than I could say for mine." Darts silently lets the little Zoroark hybrid glom to his side for a moment, his traditional witty banter silent in the portrait of hope and despair Monique's words painted in the semi-quiet space of the rest stop. The memories were still hazy, even to him, dubiously real as he strained his mind back to try and recall more than that, but her words struck a real chord in his own heart. He rests a golden hand on her head for a moment, thinking how best to respond. "When we got back from.... whatever happened in that time distortion, I struggled with a lot of the feelings you have right now...." He spoke finally, his voice uncharacteristically muted as his jacket lies still. The hybrid was thinking back to the conversations he had with Crystal originally, when they had come to the Academy, and how her words had soothed him back then. "But I reached the same conclusion you did - you can't spend time worrying about the 'why's' of the hand you were dealt sometimes. All you can do is be grateful that you still have a seat at the table. Something I wish I would have realized before our little 'trip'." He flashes a golden pair of air quotes. "But take it from somebody who did get taken hold of by something fueled with rage and angst." He indicates his current form with a gesture. "That in some ways you spend more time running from your present than you do running from your past. But the thing you learn from all the Glares, all the Mean Looks directed your way, is that it's not so much your past, it's not so much your present even, it's how you direct your energy towards the future. From what you said about where you came from, the more you can push forwards here and be the change you want to be, maybe you can prevent someone else's future from becoming your past." He ruffles her hair a little bit, before turning to walk off, pulling away as he goes to explore the rest of the station, leaving Monique with his words. Maybe he did have a bit of humanity and connection with the team after all, but the Dark-type's message still left him with a lot to think about. Darksol88 In the moment, she didn't seem inclined to inquire about Darts' more confidential dealings, but a remark she overheard about a basement piqued her curiosity. "...basement?" She asked, moving herself closer. "Did... something happen?" Cera floated close-by after he moved away from Monique, Darts' jacket flapping a bit from some of his barely contained emotions as the pair of them walked across the platform (well, one of them floated) together. "Yes. No. I'm not sure..." He kicks a pebble near his foot with a flick of his leg, expertly pinging it off a nearby wastebasket and out into the bushes surrounding the rest stop, a flutter of wings accompanying it as a Pidgey scared out of its mind takes flight into the night air. "Accompanying memories of a time that might have happened... at least I think it did. It won't make a lot of sense to somebody who wasn't there. Ultra Wormhole nonsense...." That was his last CLEAR memory from the event, fighting something in front of the wormhole. "Or...." He glances his red eyes over to her slyly, shifting in the darkness of his crest to look at her. "Are you trying to ask me about something else?"
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Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 3:44 pm
After returning to the bus, Clare would find themself nodding off relatively quickly. The remainder of the trip was spent lost in strange dreams of crystalline flowers, and Pokemon they weren't familiar with, among other things. At least consciously. There were large insects of red and white flitting through the crystalline garden, trading punches and kicks one lithe and graceful, pure white and ephemeral against the garden backdrop. The other crimson and black, bulky and powerful striking a menacing presence.
This scene was quickly replaced by a forest of tall bamboo, the leaves sparkling like crystal as a small creature that appeared to be made of folded paper floated through, the bamboo it got too close to beginning to fall as it's paper-thing limbs cut through it like a blade. In the distance, another entity seemingly as tall as a mountain blending in with the bamboo rose into the air like a rocket taking off in search of somewhere else to rest. The little origami creature paused to watch as the large one flew away, wind rustling through the forest from the large being’s “escape” shifting it’s limbs about before it stiffened its paper form again and dropped to the ground, hopping off to go find something else to focus on.
The next scene was far more familiar. A city, shrouded in darkness beyond the light pollution it produced. The world beyond made them feel comfortable and hopeful, despite the clearly apocalyptic darkness beyond the city lights. The building around them seemed to be made from a stone similar to the concrete found in their new world but it felt strangely smooth even from just a glance. They just knew it was, vaguely recalling the stone by texture but not being able to remember its name. They chose to simply refer to it as “cement”, the material they knew for sure was the closest. This cement extended upward, the buildings constructed from the material climbing skyward, far into the looming darkness above, the city lights fading away and leaving the upper stories disappearing beyond a few artificial lights blinking in and out of existence in the windows at times. As they looked around, they found something that felt familiar “dancing” in the air before them. A small, purple creature with strange horns atop its head and bright green eyes. This one, they realized after a moment, they knew its name. But for some reason, despite knowing they knew it, they couldn’t seem to draw that name to mind. The little creature seemed to be familiar with them and was urging them to follow as it began to fly away, toward a tall building in the center of the city, the only place that seemed to be fully bathed in light.
They slept through the second stop, not awakening until the bus reached Mossui Town and Mister Marcel shook them awake, announcing that their destination had been reached. Standing up with droopy eyes and stretching out, they retrieved their bag and headed toward the shuttle as directed, riding along in relative silence until they reached the Mossui Community Center, looking a bit confused by the lack of a hotel or motel in the area, though in the dark and with the relatively small number of street lights they couldn’t see how small the town actually was. Instead, they simply went and found a room with an unclaimed bed, stowed their duffel bag and crashed into the bed, falling fast asleep once again without even taking the time to change into pajamas.
When morning came, the light of dawn awakened them through the window, as did the chirping of the many bird Pokemon that rose with the sun. Giving a large yawn as they opened their eyes, they would rise fairly quickly, finding a change of clothes, they headed to the bathroom and showered, washing their hair and cleaning up relatively quickly before heading out to the main community room. Dressed in a fur-lined winter dress for the cold of the season and a pair of fleece leggings, they would contrast the warmth of the dress and leggings with a pair of open-toed boots, leaving their glass-like toes exposed to the air.
“Guten morgen, Snagems!” They cheerfully greeted the few who seemed to already be awake. Seemed they’d been paying attention to Mr. Salvatore’s language classes.Upon spotting Sub with the bushel of apples, they would quickly prance over and pluck one of the more pristine ones, taking a bite almost immediately. “What’s the plan for today?”
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Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 3:49 pm
"Look, I won't lie, I do want to know about what you were sent off on. But it can wait until it doesn't need to be confidential," Cera answered, her tail flicking as the pebble went into the bushes and ensured a Pidgey wouldn't be around for the rest of the conversation. Only then did she realize her feet were just barely off the ground, floating without a second thought rather than trying to walk. Weird observations aside, she'd continue. "But clearly something happened before the whole trip to Paldea let alone this one, and apart from Sol having a giant muscle bug that flexes, I'm curious about what actually happened... if you remember any of it."
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Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 5:45 pm
A very notable silence would follow Aden and Crystal's messages. It wasn't a lack of connection, as they could at least feel a vague sensation coming from along the psychic phone line. The best explanation was either he was asleep or, more likely, was desperately attempting to put together an actual explanation. "Sooooo.......we had to deal with a few little......big.......cryptids slash urban legends that were apparently real. All because Aile wanted the last Herba, apparently Raifort's assistant was stealing them, and I wanted to see whether or not she was working for Mister Mushroom. I.....I got my answer on the last one. And also so many questions. So....I looped Sol into looking at stuff. Try and narrow down what of those are real, some....mild to major research about Rabsca and some associations. Just....normal stuff. HQ has an Occulture subscription now, by the way. Because we need to get oc-cultured to prepare for the next bizarro Pokemon we find." Reno sent back, desperately hoping that this wasnt about to become the rest of them returning from a very desperately needed vacation.
Leslie would nod and slowly put her hammer back onto her shoulder. "It sucked but I will not take revenge......today. But tomorrow shall be a new day." Leslie muttered, slowly walking off to stretch herself out and prepare herself for the next trip in an actual seat.
-----
The next morning in Kitakami, Leslie would be looking towards Sub as he munched on his apple. Plotting. Preparing. Well......more like prepared. As at least one of those apples was rigged to pop in a burst of pink glitter and a mild stink bomb. All she had to do was wait.
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Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 6:08 pm
After allowing the Hisuan Braviary get some wind under its wings and fly about the rest stop, the Snagems would once again be called to get back on the bus. Freth would recall the Braviary, finish her drink, then make her way off for the bus, getting back her seat and just did what she could to make her self comfortable for the next leg of the trip. The trip from there on was pretty uneventful. Freth would finally delve into the book she brought along for the trip, at least up until it started to get dark outside and didn’t have much light to read anymore. There was the overhead light, but they weren’t usually worth the light from the fixture. Freth would just do nothing more than just look out, paying attention to the scenery on by; the bus growing ever quieter on the inside, where the hum of the bus was the only thing that heard. There wasn’t too much more to talk about with Eris at this point. It got to the point where the night started to settle in and the team finally would just start finding themselves passing out. Freth included.
The bus would finally make it to its destination; Freth was jostled awake by the bus attendants. Freth winced, taking a look around for a second then looked out the window. It was the dead of night and there were not really any lights on in the town. She’d reach over and took out her SNAG, seeing the time. A time frame that people might forget still exist. She’d get up, and started to trudge off. Eris didn’t bother pestering her to float off the bus again. Once off, she’d wait to get her stuff as everyone slowly converged around to take their things then started their way off into the welcome center. Freth would make her way in, guided by the attendant of the community center. She would stare in confusion for a second, starting to peer in the rooms for a second, as if trying to look for something. Or more specifically, someone. Freth found Tristen on one of the beds, already asleep. So he didn’t get out of it after all. She wasn’t going to wake him, though…they’d have plenty of time to check in with each other in the morning.
Once the morning came and Freth would find the sleep wasn’t really bad once she actually had a proper bed. Well, at least one more proper than the seat of a bus, anyways. Once she was up, she started to make her way out of the room, finding Sub already apparently was up and already having an apple to start his day. “…where’s the closest place for coffee?” Freth asked Sub. Before she would get any answer to that, Tristen found his way out of the room he was in, rubbing his eyes, overhearing the noise coming from what sounded like to him from the halls. He saw the other Snagems gathering around and made his way over.
“Freth! Sub!” he called out from down the hall, making his way with everyone else.
“Tristen, hey there. Saw you asleep last night, didn’t want to wake you up. It was literally after three this morning when we got in. When did you get here?” Freth asked.
“Yesterday afternoon. Basically long enough to get a look around the town real quick so I have some sort of idea where to go for the assignment Ms. Raifort gave me. I got to make an essay on the Festival, on whatever about it. The origins, significance, all that stuff. And have it turned in by the end of the week.” Tristen said.
“Well, I think you’re going to need to take me around then at least because I might be a little interested in that myself. We got all day until the Festival actually happens. But, before all of that…I’m getting a shower. Then breakfast. And hopefully a strong cup of black coffee.”
“…I’ve noticed you’ve been drinking a lot of coffee lately.” Tristen noticed.
“This is my first cup since I left Paldea.” Freth said, staring at Tristen. “The hell are you talking about?”
“Oh…I just noticed you had quite a few in Paldea…Ms. Raifort putting you through the paces and stuff…” Tristen said.
“Well, you’re not wrong…”
It would take some time before Freth and Tristen was ready to leave the community center. Tristen started to point out a few things around the area, noting that truthfully, there wasn’t a whole heck of a lot here. There wasn’t even a proper Pokémon Center, let alone the Kiosks like Paldea has. No gyms, or any thing that would prove to be of any major significance to the world at large. It was just for all intents a quiet place to go to. The town they were in was considerably smaller than even Mahogany Town by a considerable margin. That said, despite looking like there wasn’t a lot here, this place did have an extensive history, albeit its involvement in the main regions’ affairs. Its significant piece of history that belongs all to its own is the festival itself.
What he ended up finding out as he waited around for the other Snagems to show up was that the festival goers wore masks of Pokémon, carefully crafted and stocked up throughout the year of three special Pokémon for which the festival was dedicated into its honor. The Pokémon were known as the Loyal Three; three Pokémon that done battle with a terrible ogre. The ogre would be repulsed, never to be seen again…the three Pokémon that defended the people of Kitakami, however, succumbed to their injuries. The residents of this town would wear masks of one of the Loyal three as part of the festival, apart from the occasional Pikachu and Eevee masks that may be there in the festival as well. Tristen would eventually guide Freth to the Loyalty Plaza, a flat spot on a hill, where there is a shrine overlooking the town and a nearby apple orchard, where the Loyal Three was laid for their final resting spot.
Freth found it particularly interesting. When asked about how long ago this happened, Tristen couldn’t say. He only got the short notes on it based on whatever pamphlet he could find or the signs posted in Loyalty Plaza. He also stated that there were at least a couple of other spots in the region that apparently had a signifance that had signs posted as well that he hadn’t been to as of yet. What he could say is that there is apparently a descendent of a mask maker from long ago that is in Kitakami now who like his ancestor before him makes masks for this festival. In fact, he should be in attendance as well. He was hoping that he could maybe meet him to find out more about the history of the festival so at the very least he could say he had done his due diligence for his report for Ms. Raifort.
As Tristen lead Freth around, Tristen did have questions in turn about the going-ons in Snagem since he had been out of the loop, and it wasn’t probably going to be too much better short of constant calls via SNAG. Freth had to assure Tristen there wasn’t too much that he missed and of course his adoptive father was still in Paldea currently trying to finish up going through the gyms, let alone the fact that after two botched vacations, he wasn’t going to take any chance on coming all the way out here. Tristen ended up mentioning that he ended up talking to him a few times since the three of them separated that day before Tristen’s first day back in classes, one of which to warn him about Nemona. Freth found it kind of funny, as Tristen described Nemona, and most prominently, her drive to battle, and how this was going to probably stalk the likes of that Articuno hybrid until the moment he left Paldea.
Freth would hang out with Tristen, up until Festival time…
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Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 11:22 pm
Crystal would blink incredulously at what she was hearing on the private line, mouth slightly agape. All of this stemming from Aile wanting a plant? Wow. She was going to have to hear this story in full later. “Right then. Thank you for not dodging the question, at least. I think I might want to hear this story more when we get back… Please don’t come out of this more like a crazy conspirist person though. Also, I should smack you for that pun, Reno.” Crystal shook her head after that. She was glad that the question didn’t get dodged, unlike one certain Giratina hybrid… She bristled once that thought came back, tail starting to flick back and forth. Taking a deep breath, she would do her best to calm herself, deciding to get back onto the bus and wait out the time until they left. Her time afterwards wouldn’t be filled with too much, just thinking about what Reno had said and explained. Oh, she wouldn’t be able to completely relax on this trip, would she?
Aile would nod and follow Aden to the shrine, noting everyone else performing some sort of ritual or prayers. Being Kalosian, this was actually unfamiliar to her, but she could appreciate it, especially after the Armarouge back in Paldea calling Sol a halfling. Arceus, she was so thankful she had both him and Reno there. Taking a look at the others, she would go ahead and close her eyes, mentally giving her own prayer of thanks. When she opened them, she thought she caught a glimpse of Sub doing something, but decided not to press anything. He might have had his own reasons for being here, and she wasn’t interested in inquiring.
When they were called back onto the bus, she’d enter back on it, returning to the seat she chose the first time. She’d probably go back and forth between talking with Aden and practicing writing with her left hand again, before finally dozing off before the next stop.
~~~~~~~
In the morning, Aile would wake up, rubbing her eyes before stretching. Deciding to go ahead and take a shower, as well as change in general, she’d finally situate herself in the main community room, looking around at everyone. “Mornin’. Arceus, I am not ready for the day… Though, I haven’t been getting the best of sleep in general.” Understandably, this started for Aile after they had gotten back from Paldea. That one day in particular had been pretty damned traumatic for her. “What’re some of the things we could do around here,” she’d ask through a yawn, covering her mouth with her sand hand.
Crystal wouldn’t be found downstairs, or even in the building, having decided she would rather stay outside than room with Darts, still miffed with him. Instead she could be found on the roof, lying on a lightboard just long enough for her to lay on. Light, she really wished Darts could have just said no, instead of making them look like a moron and dodging the question. She didn’t require sleep anyways, instead able to take the sun’s radiation and using that as her energy. Didn’t work as well as if she rested in Ultra Space, where it barely took any time to recharge, but it wasn’t bad all the same. Her mind would have been the thing that needed the rest, but that did kind of happen on the ride there, so she didn’t even really need that. Grabbing a brochure that she picked up on the way to the roof during the night, she looked through it, deciding that she was going to visit a shrine dedicated to a trio of Pokémon called the Loyal Three. Usually festivals tended to happen in the evening, so she had plenty of time to kill before then.
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Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2025 12:41 am
Tsuki woke up early, 'jet lagged' from having in Paldea a day ago. It was dark, probably four or so in the morning. Even before they all had gotten to the community center, he had been out like a light on the latter end of their road trip to Kitakami and (besides the brief interim of getting INTO the center) had had passed right back out the moment he touched a bed. So he decided to take advantage of the early birdyness and go on an early morning stroll.
First step, brushing his teeth and getting his s**t together. Tsuki spent more time than he liked to admit poking at the black eye he had; it was healing okay enough at least. Seeing it did not do wonders for his mood though, so he put his shades back on and wore them until he had gotten out of the building. Maggie, usually never in her Pokeball, was inside it for once because she was still asleep- and he knew better than to wake up a cranky fire type Pokemon. She'd burn the community center down to the ground.
Once he was out though, Tsuki flipped his shades atop his head and used his SNAG for a flashlight. It wasn't every day he got to explore a new... was Kitakami a region? He was going to say region to be polite. It wasn't every day he got to explore a new region and he wasn't about to spend his vacation cooped up in the community center watching telenovas and drinking cafe con leche mu-mu or whatever the Kitakami version of that was.
Tsuki walked eastward over a small bridge, along a walkway, and eventually up a hill that led to what was Kitakami Hall. There were different stalls that had been set up earlier but with how late/early in the night/morning it was, there wasn't anyone there. "This would be a really bad time to get attacked by a Haunter." he yawned, moving his SNAG around to get a better illuminated view of his surroundings. With the Hall itself was locked, so he walked off to the side. It wasn't like he had seen many scary threats here- there were Hoothoots and something that sounded like a bat.
Seeing something that looked like another shrine, Tsuki decided to approach and get a closer look at it. He used his SNAG's flashlight feature to get in and read what the stone tablet near it said. It spoke about four masks that some ogre used, that had to be taken away to weaken it. He didn't know anything about the ogre or the Loyal Three that the tablet mentioned, but it felt familiar to how the people of One Island revered Moltres as a guardian of sorts. He decided to offer a quiet prayer to the Three, hoping their rests would at least be peaceful.
He wondered if the Loyal Three or that ogre were people, Pokemon, or just myths. With enough time passed, Tsuki supposed it could be any of those three. It wasn't like their guardian was a quasi immortal fire phoenix. It was around then that the sun would start to peak out over the horizon, making the teen think it was about time he headed back to the community center and bother the others. On his way back, he wondered if there were other shrines to go to...
It was a little after Sub had gotten settled into the main room of the community center that Tsuki arrived from the entrance. "Mornin'." he said, yoinking one of the apples for himself. When he saw Clare ask about plans, he pointed back outside. "I saw a shrine on a walk I went on- they prob got a couple around town. Other than that, I think it's like an open wild area." It seemed nice for travelers and students doing history reports- something he needed to write to justify his not being at the academy, but he couldn't imagine living here. "I'm actually kind of curious about their apples too- I found the Pokemon my Applin evolved into on their brochure."
As though to make an example, Tsuki sent out his Dipplin. Snapdragon blinked with the brainpower of a burnt piece of toast, only for his eyes to become like that of a hawk's at seeing the open apples. His trainer tossed him one to eat which the oversized dragon tore into. "Usually Applins evolve into Flapples or Appletuns but... clearly this is neither. Wanna check out their apple grove with me?"
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Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2025 12:10 pm
Darksol88 "Look, I won't lie, I do want to know about what you were sent off on. But it can wait until it doesn't need to be confidential," Cera answered, her tail flicking as the pebble went into the bushes and ensured a Pidgey wouldn't be around for the rest of the conversation. Only then did she realize her feet were just barely off the ground, floating without a second thought rather than trying to walk. Weird observations aside, she'd continue. "But clearly something happened before the whole trip to Paldea let alone this one, and apart from Sol having a giant muscle bug that flexes, I'm curious about what actually happened... if you remember any of it." His eyes roamed back to where Monique was still standing, probably thinking of a different time and a different 'what' than the current reality they were standing in. "I... don't know how much is true, or how much is just my brain filling in the gaps but... it seemed like we went to a different.... time than here, through one of the Ultra Wormholes..." His body shudders as he says the words, some kind of outside force trying to peel the words from his throat almost as he fights the orthodoxy of the current reality. It wasn't pleasant and he had, for the first time, an idea of what Dull went through coming to this world from another. He gathers himself briefly, a ripple shimmering through the air around his head as he invokes Calm Mind, his breathing steadying a bit. "Regardless... I don't know WHAT happened there in any great detail besides flashes.... I remember the people of that area not being my biggest fans because of what kind of hybrid I am, though that's not exactly native to interdimensional wormholes after all. And Monique," he nods in her direction one final time, as the pair of them made their way back to the bus with Marcel hailing the departure. "I think has a perspective that more of us could do well to take some cues from. I'm not sure what I can and can't talk about when it comes to what happened before the Academy. And a lot of other things." The words linger somberly for a moment as they both climb on the bus. SubonicXP [Mossui Town, Kitakami - Morning] "Sentreeet!" Cried the local Sentret outside the community center, the Scout Pokemon greeting the morning sun, the sounds of nature just outside their windows. No one would come to wake them and instead they were allowed to wake up as they pleased, after all they were on vacation, properly this time. Sub however was up early, sitting out in the main lobby of the community center, munching on a local apple as he watched the local news on one of their TVs. "Good morning!" He'd greet the Snagems as they showed themselves, one at a time, offering them an apple, a whole bushel gifted to them by the locals. "May way to use the bathroom or shower when you can, I was told the hot water goes really quick." He warned his teammates. "Welcome to Kitakami though!" He chuckled. (You may now do as you please, have your character explore the land if you so desire. I'll declare when the festival itself begins proper.) After a couple more stops by the bus, and following what seemed like a quick night for some of the Snagems, Darts included amongst them, the morning sunshine came peeping through the windows of the Community Center. He had abandoned his makeshift duct taped sunglasses on the bus, little point in a disguise that wasn't going to work anyhow. For a while now he had been used to rising early, and especially considering the travel conditions, today was no different. Foregoing the apples he took himself to a isolated patch of lawn near the front of the center, trying to keep a low profile. He took a deep breath in and out, his chest rising and falling lightly as the air shimmered lightly around his crest again as Calm Mind actualized itself on his psyche. He needed to stretch his body out a bit after a full trip crammed into a bus, and one of the best ways to keep himself combat ready with a combination of calisthenics was some light tai chi. Drasna swore by the stuff, and while Darts had never been big on anything that didn't have full applications, he had enough training sessions with the Kalosian Elite Four member while waiting for her dough to rise that they came to him naturally now. In his fifth Master Mission, while going through what can only be described as a dissolution of reality, he had practiced the katas every single day for months, or years, or maybe ten minutes. The details were still shaky. Starting hands by his sides, he pulled them up and forwards, his legs sweeping the grass as he shifts his balance, the morning sun glinting off his crest and arms as he moves between the different forms. Each individual movement was nothing special, nothing more than a way to demonstrate an individual section in a series but once you strung them all together it painted an elaborate landscape of motion as the jacketed hybrid pivoted and leapt across the lawn, his muscles tightening and relaxing, his breathing in perfect synchronization with his movements, and his jacket straining and doing its best to participate and match as necessary as he proceeded from the beginning to the end. And repeat. Even though he was doing his best to keep to himself, a tall gilded obviously non human flashing around in the sun wasn't exactly... low key. Just like I thought before, I am the epitome of low key.... He thinks to himself as the second set of pedestrians stop to gawp at him, one of their flashes pinging light off his head as they take a picture with their phone. He keeps going though, staying on track with his breathing. He can feel his tendons and muscles releasing the strain from the trip and some of the tension from talking to Cera and Monique disappearing as he got into the routine. Espeon_Commander Crystal wouldn’t be found downstairs, or even in the building, having decided she would rather stay outside than room with Darts, still miffed with him. Instead she could be found on the roof, lying on a lightboard just long enough for her to lay on. Light, she really wished Darts could have just said no, instead of making them look like a moron and dodging the question. She didn’t require sleep anyways, instead able to take the sun’s radiation and using that as her energy. He had noticed Crystal lying out on the roof, pointedly ignoring him for the moment, and thanked his lucky star that she was taking the round about way of staying off the topic he wasn't allowed to talk about. However, a little part of him still felt bad, especially after the conversation with Monique the night before. He would have to try and figure that out later.
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Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2025 2:10 pm
Tsuki the Lunar Wind It was a little after Sub had gotten settled into the main room of the community center that Tsuki arrived from the entrance. "Mornin'." he said, yoinking one of the apples for himself. When he saw Clare ask about plans, he pointed back outside. "I saw a shrine on a walk I went on- they prob got a couple around town. Other than that, I think it's like an open wild area." It seemed nice for travelers and students doing history reports- something he needed to write to justify his not being at the academy, but he couldn't imagine living here. "I'm actually kind of curious about their apples too- I found the Pokemon my Applin evolved into on their brochure." As though to make an example, Tsuki sent out his Dipplin. Snapdragon blinked with the brainpower of a burnt piece of toast, only for his eyes to become like that of a hawk's at seeing the open apples. His trainer tossed him one to eat which the oversized dragon tore into. "Usually Applins evolve into Flapples or Appletuns but... clearly this is neither. Wanna check out their apple grove with me?" Clare was a bit caught off guard when Tsuki sent out his Dipplin unexpectedly but they were instantly enamored with the small Candy Apple Pokemon, eyes going wide as it appeared. "Awwww! It's adorable!" They exclaimed, attempting to pick up the little Pokemon if it allowed them to but the very instant they touched it's apple, they would recoil, sticky syrup clinging to their fingers."Eugh... Why is it... gooey?" They asked before rushing off to find a sink and a large amount of soap to wash away the syrupy goo. Once their hands were cleaned of the sticky substance, they would return and continue the conversation, thankful there was a kitchenette in the main room of the community center so they were able to hear Tsuki's response, if he had any. "Sticky Pokemon aside, the apple orchard does sound like it might be nice to visit. It must look lovely during the day." They finally agreed with a nod. Unless Sub had made plans for everyone before the festival began, visiting the orchard might be nice. "The pamphlet they gave us before leaving the academy did mention a place called the "Crystal Pool" somewhere in Kitakami, as well. I'd kind of like to go see that before we leave as well. I'm in no major rush to get there, though. It's supposed to be beautiful at sunset so I'm really hoping for a chance to see it."
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Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2025 5:43 pm
Crystal would finally sit up on her board, looking over the edge to see Darts running through different exercises. A look of indifference would remain on the hybrids face, though inside, there was a little bit of her that was kind of impressed. She hadn't seen anything of his training, just the results of it, so watching him actually go through something that looked like it required serious focus and discipline, it would normally have her give him some amount of respect. However, the way that he treated her and Cera like some sort of imbecile back at HQ washed that out currently. Light, it burned her that she fell for it. Yes, it didn't help that she couldn't sense Sub, but... Looking down and her hands, she noticed them balling up into fists in her building frustration. "Light," she muttered shaking her head again before turning away. Deciding to head out to the shrine before she continued falling further into frustration, she would stand up, a brief flash of pink coming from her fingers as she used Psychic Fangs to break the light board. Walking to the other side of the building, away from Darts, she'd jump down, a small light platform forming underneath her right before the bottom to land on, trying not to damage any of the ground underneath her in a way a metal object over five hundred pounds might frtom falling a couple stories. Another flash of pink would appear on her paws' nails to break that platform when she stepped down, deciding to walk and follow the path to the shrine of the Loyal Three instead of making herself a lightboard to ride up. Something to help kill the time a bit more.
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Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2025 11:16 pm
Requiem of Whyspers Clare was a bit caught off guard when Tsuki sent out his Dipplin unexpectedly but they were instantly enamored with the small Candy Apple Pokemon, eyes going wide as it appeared. "Awwww! It's adorable!" They exclaimed, attempting to pick up the little Pokemon if it allowed them to but the very instant they touched it's apple, they would recoil, sticky syrup clinging to their fingers."Eugh... Why is it... gooey?" They asked before rushing off to find a sink and a large amount of soap to wash away the syrupy goo. Once their hands were cleaned of the sticky substance, they would return and continue the conversation, thankful there was a kitchenette in the main room of the community center so they were able to hear Tsuki's response, if he had any. "Sticky Pokemon aside, the apple orchard does sound like it might be nice to visit. It must look lovely during the day." They finally agreed with a nod. Unless Sub had made plans for everyone before the festival began, visiting the orchard might be nice. "The pamphlet they gave us before leaving the academy did mention a place called the "Crystal Pool" somewhere in Kitakami, as well. I'd kind of like to go see that before we leave as well. I'm in no major rush to get there, though. It's supposed to be beautiful at sunset so I'm really hoping for a chance to see it." "Yeah, he's a goofy guy." Tsuki said while patting Snapdragon on his forehead. The Pokemon extended his head out of his candies apple home, revealing an olive shaped mark on his snout. "Why he's gooey though? I'm gonna ask about that later at... Apple Hills." He looked over at the brochure he had stored in his back pocket. Hopefully the locals would have some information on this evolution of his Pokemon and if there was anything he needed to be aware of to give his critter the best care he could. His battling abilities were nothing to sneeze at, but he still wanted to learn more about Dipplins while he was at the source. "A Crystal Pool?" He'd ask, interested in something that he missed in between sleepily going over the guide on their drive here. "I'd wanna check that out too honestly, when's the Festival Start? If it's later tonight we probably got time to check both out before then." Considering they had only two days in Kitakami, Tsuki did want to get as much exploring in as he could. Then he'd just have to write a detailed enough paper for his social studies teacher to be satisfied and he'd have part of that class' credit handled. Regardless though, whenever Clare was ready to head out, Tsuki headed out of the community center to check out where they wanted to go.
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Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 6:05 pm
[Mossui Town]
Sub would finish the apple he was working out, swallowing the last bit of apple before reaching for another in the bushel. He'd listen to Clare and Tsuki make their plans for the day, getting ready to absentmindedly bite into this next apple without even looking at it only to stop just inches from his mouth once he heard Clare comment about a sticky apple. Even though she was talking about a Pokemon it was enough to make Sub examine the apple he had just grabbed. Staring at it for awhile he realized he had satiated his hunger already and at this point was just eating to eat. With a shrug he put the booby trapped apple back into the bushel and stood up to stretch.
"That's enough apples for me. I'm going to go put these things up and head out to do some exploring before the festival starts up this evening. I hear the apple orchards are amazing here. The Crystal Pool sounds neat too. I suggest you all do some exploring too." He informed the others nearby as he picked up the bushel of apples, Leslie's rigged one still in there with the others. "I'll see you guys this evening." He said before walking off into the back to find a place to put the apples.
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"Hey! Hey you! In the mask!" A voice called out to Darts, the fact that it was he the voice was calling out to not immediately apparent, that was until they pointed out the 'mask' he was wearing. While it was not a mask Darts certainly was used to it being mistaken as one. "What are you doing here? The festival isn't until this evening. You trying to scare people during the day or something? There are kids around here." The older man scolded Darts as he approached him, the man taking off his straw hat and letting it hang from his neck by its string. "What are you suppose to be anyways? ...what kind of entertainment did they bring in this year? Geez..." He muttered to himself as he looked Darts
While Darts was being confronted the Snagem leader would come walking outside the community center, immediately spotting Darts and the man scolding him. Sub would choose to hang back and keep quiet, to wait and see how Darts would react to this person. The hybrid could take care of himself.
-----
Freth and Tristen would find themselves near Mossui Town's only proper store, a general store simply called 'Peachy's'. If anyone needed anything in Mossui Town they came to Peachy's to get it and if Peachy's didn't have it then it would be ordered through them. It's here they would learn about the local variety of frozen treats they had for sale, that being ice cream bars styled to look like the Loyal Three's heads as well as the locally famous Pecha Berry ice cream that everyone seemed to be crazy over.
As they hung out in front of Peachy's Tristen would begin to hear the sound of a camera shutter several times, alerting him that someone was taking their picture. If he or Freth looked around they would find a blue haired girl doing just that, her camera focused on the hybrids as she snapped away, her Hisuian Growlithe panting happily at her feet. Once she realized they had took notice of her the girl would lower her camera and chuckle. "S-sorry! I should have asked for permission. It's not every day I see such interesting subjects, especially all the way out here." She admitted, slightly embarrassed. "Where are my manners? My name is Perrin and this is Bud! And you two...?"
[Kitakami Hall]
Kitakami Hall was bustling already as people were preparing for the massive celebrations that were to take place tonight. While the festival proper didn't 'start' until nightfall there was still plenty of activity going on here at Kitakami Hall besides people getting ready. A few food stands were already open and selling breakfast. Children were running around in masks. Decorations being hung. And there was even a little workshop going on with people designing and painting masks for tonight. The biggest task was apparently the preparations for something called 'Ogre Outstin' with people being asked to volunteer to help set things up or sign up to participate. From what could be gathered this was a very important aspect of the festival.
[Infernal Pass]
Aden, Aile and anyone else who got the idea to visit the Crystal Pool atop of Oni Mountain would find themselves having passed through Kitakami Hall and were now on the alleged 'Infernal Pass', the group now standing in front of a sign informing them of this place's name and the dangers it holds.
"The Infernal Pass has been used as a training ground for years, despite the danger of the ogre's lair nearby. Volcanic gases constantly bubble up from under its rocky terrain." The signed read. Looks like if they wanted to see the Crystal Pool they would have to take a risk.
[Apple Hills]
Clare, Tsuki and anyone else who visited this area would find rolling hills dotted with countless apple trees, all meticulously cared for by the locals and yet nature was allowed to mingle with the trees as wild Pokemon were plentiful here, particularly the Pokemon Applin as well as a local evolution. Furthermore around the orchard were signs detailing Kitakami's apple industry as well as little wood cutouts for one to put your head through a hole for photo opportunities. Looks like the Kitakami tourism board put their touch here.
They would see a few locals already here working, pruning the trees and harvesting some apples.
[Loyalty Plaza]
Crystal, and anyone else who wished to visit, would eventually find her way to Loyalty Plaza, a large park dedicated to the fabled Loyal Three. At the front of the plaza she would find a wooden shrine chronically the plight of the Loyal Three and the sacrifices they made to fend off the evil ogre that once plagued this land. Towards the back of the plaza she'd find the shrine to the Loyal Three. The shrine itself was fairly large and made up of stone and wood, the wooden part being the little roof that was erected over the stone statues of the Loyal Three themselves. The statues were dressed in knitware, no doubt made by the locals out of respect for the three brave Pokemon.
While here Crystal would witness an old lady approach the shrine with some sort of plated dessert in her hands, the little donut-like sweets of a variety of colors. The old woman would bow before the shrine before approaching and set the food down in front of the shrine, bowing again before going silent in prayer. These people really took worship of the Loyal Three seriously.
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