[ The noise of the city hadn't been entirely muted by the day of the tournament, the hum of it to be heard down at the spread of beach in the southern part of Verens, but possibly because of that, there were those who could spare the free time that had gone to see the event than disturb the group of one boy and his four partners.
Which was very very okay, and meant that food tasting with an odd collection of faces didn't have to be welcomed to any possible fright. Cooked potatoes, fruits and bread; it had been... odd to figure out how to change from having access to pokémon-specific foods to whatever was widely available in Verens, but the pokémon didn't seem to mind too much what they put into their mouths.
And a lapras drifting in water always had access to what was beneath, the water pokémon a glistening sight that day with the sun bearing down hot. Charizard picked at the potatoes with a neck head tilted back and his jaws clanking with each time they came together, and as for Jolteon and Gengar--
well, talk about playing with your food, with the ghost type throwing strawberries like bullets for Jolteon to match his speed for and grab from whichever direction she decides to throw.
Even towards the direction of any people incoming for the potential frights of one yellow foxdogs crackling with electricity jumping into the air to snap a blur between his teeth. ...Not that she could've known there were people showing up. Right? ]
[Not at all, but not everyone was particularly enthused to go and watch the tournament, let alone take part, so Lucas had taken this opportunity to head to a new location with Boney, to see what they could find.
Beaches were usually nice places to chill, so naturally they gravitated towards the water, but what they didn't expect to see was a piece of... something flying straight towards them. Even less so, a sudden yellow blur shooting after it and sending off sparks of electricity! It was so fast the two of them barely had time to react, but dog and boy dove in opposite directions, leaving Jolteon with an open path between them. Now sandy and rather startled, Lucas watches as the creature happily eats what appears to be fruit.]
[ Jolteon's absorbed into his food, jaws snapping away in a hurry to break apart the berry before swallowing it, then licking at his chops with a satisfied expression.
Then he looks up, and sees the pair.
Red doesn't so much hear anything strange or unusual, but looks in Jolteon's direction by chance -- and what he sees doesn't exactly connect straight away in his head, until, oh. People? People. And who knew how excited they would be to see Jolteon, let alone the others he was still with.
Not that Jolteon's anything other than pleased to see the new faces, keeping where he stands and giving them a few excited yaps. Except his fur moves, pointing upward, turning more needly than it already is. Red's already moving in their direction, though steps hesitant to leave his other pokémon. ]
Jolteon! [ Nah screw it, okay, Red's coming on over. Just give him a minute!!! ]
[In answer to his owner's call, Boney runs to Lucas' side as the boy pushes himself to his feet and brushes the sand from his shorts. He was glad he didn't seem to be harmed at least, but now the Pokemon had turned its attention to them...
Not familiar with this creature, it was a little hard to read what he was thinking, so seeing that fur raise into sharp points was more than a little unsettling for Lucas. Was he going to shock them? Was he preparing to attack?
Thankfully a vaguely familiar face comes over to hopefully clear things up!]
Hey! [ He slows down upon approach, bringing his breath under control somewhere during the questions, a nod given. ] Yeah, that's me. You're talking about Gengar.
[ And that's the ghost. Jolteon springs over to his trainer who lowers down onto his knees to meet him, but with hands ushered out to get him to watch how close he gets. Sorry Lucas, please wait for the trainer and pokémon to converse. ] Heyyy. I know you're excited about the new faces, but remember your electric, 'kay?
[ The pokémon gives another bark, then lowers his head, shaking it. Slowly, the fur begins to soften some, relaxing to a point, before he reopens his eyes and pads over to the side, so he can look between the two and his trainer. Red huffs with some affectionate amusement, then takes his gaze back over to Lucas. ]
Sorry, he's with me too. He didn't accidentally shock you, did he? He's having some trouble with that.
[Watching the pair of them, it was obvious Red was telling the truth. It seemed that this Pokemon hadn't meant to come across as intimidating either. With his needle-like fur relaxing somewhat and that little bark, he really didn't seem all that bad after all...
But as for Red's concerns, Lucas shakes his head.]
Oh, no... we're fine. Even if he had hit me, it would have just been reflected back anyway.
[Wait... that didn't necessarily sound like a good thing, did it?]
That... would that have hurt him? Maybe I should put the badge away for now.
Uh, [ a badge reflecting....electricity? ] it should be okay. It just reflects his own? That shouldn't hurt him.
[ Especially not anything so small. Despite needing to be cautious, Jolteon's ears are still perked up at the sight of Lucas and Boney, giving another bark their way that's followed by some light whines. He wants to say hiii, be friends foreveeer-
But Red gestures in his direction, not wanting the boy to get the wrong idea. Shh, my spiky friend. ]
We're just eating, so you don't have to worry about us. [ He looks briefly over his shoulder then, to a group that shouldn't be hard for the other boy to spot. Monsters having lunch totally aren't an issue, right. ] You didn't go to the tournament?
All right. In any case, I'll try to be careful around him.
[And then Jolteon seems to try and get their attention again. Boney's still not sure if he should get too close, but the dog gives a bark back to at least say hi!! They want to be friends, really!
Of course, Jolteon isn't the only monster nearby - there are several in Red's general vicinity happily munching away, all different shapes, sizes and colours. He hasn't quite spotted Lapras yet, but he's sure to see the swimming Pokemon sooner or later... though now he's kinda distracted by Red's question. The boy frowns, shaking his head.]
No... I don't like fighting. I didn't really want to watch people hurting each other...
[ Ah, so that's why. ] I see... then that's the last place you'd want to go.
[ Red kneels, facing Jolteon to get his attention (who's just shaken away some glow before it could settle because !!new friend!!). It may not be the most safest time for it, but he doesn't seem too concerned when the pokémon pads closer to him, practising his "i'm a good boy i shall sit here politely" position. Look, he's trying!! No shocks!
He huffs warmly, looking back up to Lucas. ]
But that's fine--we don't need a tournament to have a good time. [ A grin, and Red stands back up. ] I wouldn't get to spend time right now with my pokémon if I'd gone, so I'm glad I stayed behind too.
[ Even if he had wanted to go... oh well. ]
Anyway, I'll be sure to tell Gengar not to try anything. Don't let us worry you, okay? You should both enjoy yourselves too -- oh, right, [ he takes a step back, pointing out to the sea ] If you see a blue creature in the water with a big shell, that's just Lapras. She won't hurt you.
[ In whatever state it was his mind was in, there was something that Red did remember. The boy he had Jolteon guard, as well as had watch over the baby in his care.
So if there was a place to start in getting back on track, certainly the blond was the place to start. Thus, he'll feel a hum in the back of his head, a familiarity that he may be able to connect to as the trainer despite the pair never mind talking before.
[...huh? What was that weird sensation? Almost like... a hum or a buzz right there at the back of his mind. Lucas tries to focus in on it, and once he's 'latched on', he finds that he recognises the sensation somehow. What was it... who was it... picture a face.
[ It comes out soft, softer than Red meant. He'd been preparing himself for this, but regardless, there's a moment after where he goes silent for a few seconds. Talking to people, continuing...on. That was what he was going to (had to) do, but--
No. Doubt-- uncertainty was the opposite of what he wanted. What small trace of it that exists briefly is gone, and instead ]
Sorry for making you wait! I've been stuck getting better this whole time. Have Jolteon and the little guy been behaving? [ A more chipper voice comes through. ]
[It's probably a good thing they weren't talking over a phone, because Lucas' hand would surely be shaking at this point. Perhaps Red can feel a ripple in his thought patterns. Either way, the boy is obviously trying not to cry at this point, a bittersweet smile forming as he tries to focus on the question.]
...yeah. Yeah, they've been doing fine! Jolteon and Boney get on really well together! The bug... well, he's been a little hard to keep an eye on, but he's safe.
Sorry- I didn't warn you about him. [ Dribbling acid, eating veggies and leaves... it wasn't exactly a thought at the time. ] Do you want me to-- are you busy? I can come and pick them up now.
Sure, where's closest to you? [ Hey, plenty of people were out and about; there was nothing funny about that. ] I'm at the bridge closest to the city centre, but I head in whatever direction you're in.
[It was a landmark they could use after all, and Lucas wasn't too far away. Sometime soon, Red will see the boy hurrying over, searching with some degree of determination. Red... where was Red...?
[ Myra's eyesight isn't all that; it's his senses that work the best, and what he senses about Lucas and Boney at that time might be questionable, but the boy coming into the area that he, Jolteon and Red all seem to be in under the branches of the massive Memory Tree are enough to get the little guy to squeak and scurry over his many legs to the pair, the only individual he'll do it for that isn't Red and the pokémon.
It's the sudden squeaking, and Jolteon's own happy yapping from there that gets Red to look up from the petal in his hands, to smile and to raise a hand and call out ] Lucas, hey!
[Although the two of them had gotten used to Myra's strange ways, both had to admit they were still a little cautious about exciting him too much. Don't want any accidents, do we? Boney comes running up to Jolteon to give his own bark in greeting, while Lucas bends down and carefully picks up the cute babpede.
And then gives a wave to Red before hurrying over.]
Hi! It's been a while since we've seen each other, hasn't it? How have you been?
[Thankfully he's still looking very much alive at least...]
[ There's a collection of little legs tickling over Lucas with him now in the blond's arms, only settling after a second or so. But you, Myra likes you!! ]
Fine! [ The hand falls back down, and Red moves to walk on over closer, though Jolteon is content to stay with good ol' buddy Boney, directing the older dog to all the snow. Look at it, look at it get on his nose!! ] Everyone else is doing fine too! Are you and Boney used to this weather? I haven't seen so much snow in a long time!
[D'aww Lucas likes you too Myra, and all of your silly little legs! While Boney spends his time hanging with Jolteon, snuffling in a pile of a snow and likewise getting it all over his snout, Lucas keeps his attention on Red. He looks up at the snow-covered tree, obviously taken by its wintery appearance.]
Actually... we never used to get much snow in Tazmily. We'd get a little in the mountains, where my grandpa lived, but nothing like this. I... did travel a bit though. There's another mountain, way up high, that's covered in snow! [He looks back to Red] Have you ever tried talking to a snowman?
[ Lucas! Red doesn't know where you live, but messenger birds always know where to find you.
Which is great for knowing that gifts will get to the people they're for, which will come in a bag that hopefully made it easier on the bird to carry. Each gift is wrapped up in a plain brown paper, and the contents are simple.
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16/08; let's always have startling meetings
Which was very very okay, and meant that food tasting with an odd collection of faces didn't have to be welcomed to any possible fright. Cooked potatoes, fruits and bread; it had been... odd to figure out how to change from having access to pokémon-specific foods to whatever was widely available in Verens, but the pokémon didn't seem to mind too much what they put into their mouths.
And a lapras drifting in water always had access to what was beneath, the water pokémon a glistening sight that day with the sun bearing down hot. Charizard picked at the potatoes with a neck head tilted back and his jaws clanking with each time they came together, and as for Jolteon and Gengar--
well, talk about playing with your food, with the ghost type throwing strawberries like bullets for Jolteon to match his speed for and grab from whichever direction she decides to throw.
Even towards the direction of any people incoming for the potential frights of one yellow foxdogs crackling with electricity jumping into the air to snap a blur between his teeth. ...Not that she could've known there were people showing up. Right? ]
startling meetings are best meetings!!
Beaches were usually nice places to chill, so naturally they gravitated towards the water, but what they didn't expect to see was a piece of... something flying straight towards them. Even less so, a sudden yellow blur shooting after it and sending off sparks of electricity! It was so fast the two of them barely had time to react, but dog and boy dove in opposite directions, leaving Jolteon with an open path between them. Now sandy and rather startled, Lucas watches as the creature happily eats what appears to be fruit.]
W-what is that? Boney, are you okay?
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Then he looks up, and sees the pair.
Red doesn't so much hear anything strange or unusual, but looks in Jolteon's direction by chance -- and what he sees doesn't exactly connect straight away in his head, until, oh. People? People. And who knew how excited they would be to see Jolteon, let alone the others he was still with.
Not that Jolteon's anything other than pleased to see the new faces, keeping where he stands and giving them a few excited yaps. Except his fur moves, pointing upward, turning more needly than it already is. Red's already moving in their direction, though steps hesitant to leave his other pokémon. ]
Jolteon! [ Nah screw it, okay, Red's coming on over. Just give him a minute!!! ]
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Not familiar with this creature, it was a little hard to read what he was thinking, so seeing that fur raise into sharp points was more than a little unsettling for Lucas. Was he going to shock them? Was he preparing to attack?
Thankfully a vaguely familiar face comes over to hopefully clear things up!]
Oh! You're the boy with the ghost... right?
[The trickster, the one who hides in shadows.]
Is... is this a friend of yours too?
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[ And that's the ghost. Jolteon springs over to his trainer who lowers down onto his knees to meet him, but with hands ushered out to get him to watch how close he gets. Sorry Lucas, please wait for the trainer and pokémon to converse. ] Heyyy. I know you're excited about the new faces, but remember your electric, 'kay?
[ The pokémon gives another bark, then lowers his head, shaking it. Slowly, the fur begins to soften some, relaxing to a point, before he reopens his eyes and pads over to the side, so he can look between the two and his trainer. Red huffs with some affectionate amusement, then takes his gaze back over to Lucas. ]
Sorry, he's with me too. He didn't accidentally shock you, did he? He's having some trouble with that.
look a tag!!
But as for Red's concerns, Lucas shakes his head.]
Oh, no... we're fine. Even if he had hit me, it would have just been reflected back anyway.
[Wait... that didn't necessarily sound like a good thing, did it?]
That... would that have hurt him? Maybe I should put the badge away for now.
woah!!
[ Especially not anything so small. Despite needing to be cautious, Jolteon's ears are still perked up at the sight of Lucas and Boney, giving another bark their way that's followed by some light whines. He wants to say hiii, be friends foreveeer-
But Red gestures in his direction, not wanting the boy to get the wrong idea. Shh, my spiky friend. ]
We're just eating, so you don't have to worry about us. [ He looks briefly over his shoulder then, to a group that shouldn't be hard for the other boy to spot. Monsters having lunch totally aren't an issue, right. ] You didn't go to the tournament?
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All right. In any case, I'll try to be careful around him.
[And then Jolteon seems to try and get their attention again. Boney's still not sure if he should get too close, but the dog gives a bark back to at least say hi!! They want to be friends, really!
Of course, Jolteon isn't the only monster nearby - there are several in Red's general vicinity happily munching away, all different shapes, sizes and colours. He hasn't quite spotted Lapras yet, but he's sure to see the swimming Pokemon sooner or later... though now he's kinda distracted by Red's question. The boy frowns, shaking his head.]
No... I don't like fighting. I didn't really want to watch people hurting each other...
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[ Red kneels, facing Jolteon to get his attention (who's just shaken away some glow before it could settle because !!new friend!!). It may not be the most safest time for it, but he doesn't seem too concerned when the pokémon pads closer to him, practising his "i'm a good boy i shall sit here politely" position. Look, he's trying!! No shocks!
He huffs warmly, looking back up to Lucas. ]
But that's fine--we don't need a tournament to have a good time. [ A grin, and Red stands back up. ] I wouldn't get to spend time right now with my pokémon if I'd gone, so I'm glad I stayed behind too.
[ Even if he had wanted to go... oh well. ]
Anyway, I'll be sure to tell Gengar not to try anything. Don't let us worry you, okay? You should both enjoy yourselves too -- oh, right, [ he takes a step back, pointing out to the sea ] If you see a blue creature in the water with a big shell, that's just Lapras. She won't hurt you.
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here we go again XD
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10/10
So if there was a place to start in getting back on track, certainly the blond was the place to start. Thus, he'll feel a hum in the back of his head, a familiarity that he may be able to connect to as the trainer despite the pair never mind talking before.
Is Lucas answering calls, y/n. ]
I totally read this as '10/10 gold star'
Realisation dawns.]
...Red? I-is that you?
lucas is 10 outta 10
[ It comes out soft, softer than Red meant. He'd been preparing himself for this, but regardless, there's a moment after where he goes silent for a few seconds. Talking to people, continuing...on. That was what he was going to (had to) do, but--
No. Doubt-- uncertainty was the opposite of what he wanted. What small trace of it that exists briefly is gone, and instead ]
Sorry for making you wait! I've been stuck getting better this whole time. Have Jolteon and the little guy been behaving? [ A more chipper voice comes through. ]
d'aww you
...yeah. Yeah, they've been doing fine! Jolteon and Boney get on really well together! The bug... well, he's been a little hard to keep an eye on, but he's safe.
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It's okay. Boney and Jolteon helped to keep a good eye on him, even if he did get kind of carried away sometimes...
[Trying to keep him away from their food stock was probably the worst incident for the poor boy. And as for that question?]
Oh! I'm... no, I'm not busy.
[He'd evacuated his house temporarily but let's focus on one thing at a time.]
I'm not home though... maybe we should meet somewhere else.
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[It was a landmark they could use after all, and Lucas wasn't too far away. Sometime soon, Red will see the boy hurrying over, searching with some degree of determination. Red... where was Red...?
...ah! Over there!]
Red! It... it really is you...
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14/12
It's the sudden squeaking, and Jolteon's own happy yapping from there that gets Red to look up from the petal in his hands, to smile and to raise a hand and call out ] Lucas, hey!
[ Heeeyyyy Lucaaasss. ]
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And then gives a wave to Red before hurrying over.]
Hi! It's been a while since we've seen each other, hasn't it? How have you been?
[Thankfully he's still looking very much alive at least...]
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Fine! [ The hand falls back down, and Red moves to walk on over closer, though Jolteon is content to stay with good ol' buddy Boney, directing the older dog to all the snow. Look at it, look at it get on his nose!! ] Everyone else is doing fine too! Are you and Boney used to this weather? I haven't seen so much snow in a long time!
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Actually... we never used to get much snow in Tazmily. We'd get a little in the mountains, where my grandpa lived, but nothing like this. I... did travel a bit though. There's another mountain, way up high, that's covered in snow! [He looks back to Red] Have you ever tried talking to a snowman?
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[ Does Lucas come from a world where a snowman is an animal??? Tell him more. ]
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You know... when you pile up snow and give it a face! That kind of snowman.
[He pauses to think on it some more.]
Maybe they could talk because they were made with magic... A Magypsy lived up on that mountain.
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A Magypsy? [ huh. ] Have you told me about that before?
[ So many people have told him about different things, Red can't even say, but--do explain, Lucas. ]
23/12; messenger bird
Which is great for knowing that gifts will get to the people they're for, which will come in a bag that hopefully made it easier on the bird to carry. Each gift is wrapped up in a plain brown paper, and the contents are simple.
Addressed to 'Lukas and Boney': a box of biscuits, a gift packet of macarons, a selection of cupcakes (those first ones, look at how delicious they are), and a bag of mixed fruit sweets. All Verens equivalent of them, of course.
And, addressed specifically to Boney: all the different type of dog treats you can imagine.
Know that the bird was paid well for this work. ]