united_one | EVENT - Pokemon attacking and stuff

[Thomas looks where N pointed and gasps in surprise.] But those things are enormous! [A giant snake, some kind of armored thing as big as a horse, and a... it almost looks like how Thomas imagines a storybook troll might look, except it was on fire. He is stunned for a moment by the appearance of the three Pokemon.] I should hope he's capable enough, with beasts like those taking his orders...

[He blinks, realizing that N has recalled his Pokemon. Fumbling, he does the same, holding one Pokeball in each hand somewhat awkwardly. He frowns slightly at the brevity of N's command but he follows without comment. He'd promised to do whatever N said, after all.

When they near the Pokemon Center, Thomas spots his walking stick lying on the sidewalk. He veers towards it and picks it up, smiling a bit in relief that it isn't lost forever. His backpack is nearby, kicked aside by someone or something. Thomas checks it quickly, but none of the pockets were open so nothing seems to be missing. It is a bit dirty, which normally would have given Thomas pause, but he puts it on without thought now, and hurries back to N. He remarks quietly:] Found my things.

Mm. [They are rather impressive; he continues to observe them quietly as he begins to walk. That brings up the question of evolution... What if Thomas-- or any of the outsiders for that matter-- experienced a Pokemon evolving and took it the wrong way? How was he to explain that?

He does stop when Thomas goes to fetch his missing backpack, watching curiously by the Pokemon Center doors. When he lays his eyes on the backpack, however, something occurs to him, and he shies away from it as if he expects it to bite him.

Thomas did say he had two weapons with him, didn't he? And while N is far from familiar with firearms, he knows that Thomas could very well have many more bullets hidden away. The two bullets he took suddenly seem very insignificant.

He abruptly lifts a hand, apparently to snatch the backpack away, but he decides against it. He drops the hand back to his side and clenches it into a fist, scowling at nothing in particular.]
Your Pokemon are more important. [He says it snappingly, and, looking oddly fearful, retreats through the Pokemon Center doors. Maybe it's childish-- lashing out at everything like that just to run away-- but he can't help it. He makes a beeline for the counter, standing behind a couple other ~~NPCs~~ trainers in line. Wrapping his arms around himself, he begins to quietly seethe. All aboard the emotional roller coaster!]

[Thomas blinks in surprise at N's reaction, taken aback by his apparent anger. He is about to reply -- to say that N is correct, he probably should have gotten the things after healing the Pokemon -- but already N is rushing into the Pokemon Center. Hesitating for a moment and feeling somewhat flustered, Thomas shoulders his backpack and follows him inside.

He stands silently behind N in line, his eyes downcast. Idly, he puts his hands in his pockets, but he frowns suddenly when his fingers touch the two bullets. Right. He glances up at N, who is clearly withdrawn and upset, then down at the bullets which he covertly pulls from his pocket. Well, damn. Still looking at them, he sighs.] N.

[He clenches his fist around the bullets before clearing his throat and trying again.] N. Before, when I... well... [He frowns, finding it harder than he'd expected to do this. He still hasn't looked up.] I had six bullets in the gun when I left London. You have two of them now. I lost one earlier, when I dropped everything, and one, um. Was shot. [A slight pause.] That... leaves two. [A bit sadly, he raises his hand and reveals the two bullets.] I think you should take these, also... I... don't need them. And I don't want you to worry that I might use them. [The unsaid sentiment was that he didn't want to be tempted to use them, either. Thomas gazes at the bullets for a moment more, then looks away. He holds his hand out.]

I know I've done something terrible, but... I must win your trust back. I'll do anything. N, you're... [His eyes dart to the side nervously.] You're the only one who knows my secret. I owe you more than I can say.

[N refuses to even turn around to look at Thomas, instead glaring silently at the floor. But his shoulders do give little subconscious twitches at appropriate moments-- "six bullets", "shot", "leaves two"-- to show he's listening.

And, when he realizes just what Thomas is doing, he does turn around. His eyes are wide, and dart back and forth between the bullets and Thomas' face. Is this genuine? Or some kind of trick? He can't tell.

He reaches tentatively for the bullets, touching them experimentally (to make sure they don't burn him or do something else horrible) before he scoops them up into his hand. He stares at them in his open palm for a moment, puzzlingly.]

... The only one? [That is a bit irking. Is that all he is? A confidant? A part of him still actually liked Thomas a little... He closes his hand around the bullets. Hm. Still not burning him. He keeps his eyes on his fist as he begins to speak again, reluctantly:] ... Why can't you just tell other people? I don't want to forgive you. I can't. [Did everyone deserve a second chance? He got a second chance, didn't he? He narrows his eyes and clenches his fist tighter around the bullets. He drops his arm back to his side.] I shouldn't...

[Thomas pulls his hand back quickly once N takes the bullets, closing his fingers weakly. His gun is just a useless lump of metal now. He looks up when N speaks, hearing the strange tone in his voice and wondering if he'd messed up again.]

I can't... tell other people. I -- ah. I mean... You're not the only one who knows. My parents, they know, if they haven't forced themselves to forget. And my valet, he knows; but I have to pay him extra because... because of the danger. Or he'd leave. [He inhales deeply and runs his hand over his hair, feeling unsettled to be readdressing this.] There have been a few... that found out... Luckily all of them were greedy and came to me first rather than the police. Gave me a chance to pay them off. [He frowns, remembering the money he'd borrowed from his father under different guises -- investment oppurtunities, building projects -- none of them real. He shakes his head.] But you are a different kind of person. You are -- you were my friend. You -- [A weak laugh] -- you said I could talk to you about it.

[Unused to such emotional speeches, Thomas looks up at the ceiling for a moment. This is all very far from his high society persona, and he's finding it hard to behave correctly.] You tried so hard to help me, and clearly I didn't deserve it. I broke my promise and... well that's the least of it, isn't it? You don't have to forgive me, just... give me a chance to redeem myself.

[He listens silently, his eyes trained on Thomas' expressions. Humans are always exceedingly difficult for him to read, but he tries all the same. A part of him still doubts any of this is genuine; he's learned that you never can tell, after all. His gaze eventually drops down to the floor as he shifts uncomfortably on his feet. It takes him a while to say anything.]

... It seems the nature of humans may be the same everywhere.

[Another pause. He pockets the bullets and continues-- quietly and haltingly:] ... Very well. I... suppose I could... give you that much.

I have seen too many Pokemon abused and killed by the foolishness of humans. And I am also... very tired of being used-- betrayed... [He trails off, realizing just how fragile he sounds. That just won't do, will it? He takes a step forward, standing dangerously close, and glares into Thomas' eyes. His voice is cold and authoritarian, a drastic shift from the fragility.] I have had enough and I will stand for it no longer. You will not get another chance-- do you understand me?

[His voice is gradually elevating in volume, and... he's getting some worried looks from the nearby trainers. N doesn't seem to notice them at all, or maybe he just doesn't care.]

[Thomas's eyes dart side to side quickly as N steps closer, and he draws back a bit. He feels the weight of the other trainers' looks much more than N does, apparently; a by-product of living in society theater. But even the threat of such a public debacle doesn't distract from the disconcerting shift in N's manner.]

Yes! Yes. I understand. [He takes a deep breath, allowing himself a few seconds to construct his next statement. He leans forward slightly, lowering his voice in a subconscious attempt to get N to do the same.] I will not betray you again. I -- [A pause -- the thought has just occured to him and he considers it for a moment. He speaks somewhat slowly as he tries to figure out the details.] I could -- You said you were traveling with some others? If I went with you... I could ask you questions and not make... impulsive decisions? And if I can help you in return somehow I would do so. [He says the last part somewhat guiltily, acknowledging that they both knew he had very little to offer that was helpful.]

[The trainer in front of N in line takes his Pokeballs from the nurse and hurries off, giving N and Thomas a covert glance as he passes. The nurse looks up at N expectantly.]

[He stares for a moment longer, but is quick to hand his Pokeballs to the nurse. His Pokemon are what's most important, after all. But he doesn't look her in the eyes; she's giving him a look. N doesn't look very sane, snarling at Thomas in the middle of the Center with the side of his face coated with dried blood. Still, she whisks away his Pokemon, and he turns to face Thomas again. Fortunately, the interlude seems to have left him calmer.]

You want to come with us? [That's what he would have preferred; it would be easiest to keep an eye on Thomas that way. But N doubted Thomas would even consider the idea... He looks a little stunned.]

... Okay. That would... be best, I suppose... [He trails off awkwardly, averting his eyes. A short musical tune plays from somewhere behind the counter, and the nurse returns with N's Pokeballs. They work fast! He takes them and steps aside, but just close enough to still be heard.]

... You... truly want to learn? [He recalls demanding Thomas watch and learn from him during the battle, but it was one thing to have to force him to change, and another if he actually wanted to. He's getting less reluctant as time goes on.] You'll listen?

[He gives a quick sigh of relief when N doesn't reject the idea outright. Thomas had been worried that N was far too angry to consider it. If anything had been revealed by this chaotic event, it was that Thomas was rather terrified of the idea of being alone in this world. He steps forward when N gets his Pokeballs back, absently placing his on the counter and giving the nurse a brief nod as she takes them away.]

I do want to learn, and I have been listening. I remember everything you said. [He sighs.] Even earlier, I remembered what you said. You said Pokemon wouldn't attack people unless something was wrong. But it was just insanity; that horrible bird did something to my mind and there was this strange girl... she was being attacked by the... clay Pokemon. I panicked. [The nurse returns the two Pokeballs and Thomas takes them, murmuring a quick 'thank you'. He turns back to N.] But I know now, how to react. I don't know why I'm in this world, and I don't know how long I'm going to be here... I want to learn how to make the best of that. [A weak, half-hearted smile.] And I'm growing rather fond of Dodger, and he does seem to enjoy talking with you. He'll be excited to learn that we're going to be traveling together.

[He listens carefully, and nods slowly when Thomas has finished talking. He does understand why Thomas did what he did; it is just that he doesn't want to. He may be trying to change himself, but his bias will always be there.]
... A... Alright. Good.

[But there's apparently something that aggravates him. If N is going to teach, he might as well start now.] But that "horrible bird"... [Thankfully, he has an idea of what a "bird" is, thanks to Paprika. He now thought it synonymous to "Flying-type".] ... is called a Sigilyph. It likely attacked you using its psychic abilities-- that's what caused the pain in your head, as well as my own injury. But it is by no means deserving of being called "horrible".

And the clay Pokemon... is called Baltoy. Both species are ancient. Supposedly, they can live for hundreds-- possibly thousands of years. [The idea of all that time and experience destroyed in a moment is tragic. Maybe he should go back, gather what remains he can and have a burial... Just do something more.] Sigilyphs used to protect cities built by ancient Unovans... That's why they are attacking-- they see us as a threat.

[His eyes wander to the Center doors-- strong enough to hold back the attackers, but transparent.] They are far from home too...

[Thomas feels that it very well could be called horrible, and almost says so. But he says nothing instead, not trusting himself to reply with anything N would approve of. When the Baltoy is explained he does feel a pang of guilt, but it's replaced by indignant confusion at being called a threat.] You said that before, that they're protecting this place. That doesn't seem quite right. I mean, why are they attacking you? You are nothing if not their ally.

[Now that's an interesting, perplexing thing...]
I told you before that I used to be the champion, correct? Well... I expected at least a few people here to recognize me, but none of them do. I am an unknown here.

This place... looks just like my home, functions the same way, but it isn't. The Sigilyph that attacked me called me an outsider. They do not read me as being a resident. [He smiles bitterly.] I'm like you. I don't belong in this world either. I am just as much of an anomaly as any of you are. [Oh Arceus does that alter his credibility...?]

Have you ever heard of the term "alternate dimension"?

[He frowns and gives N a slightly exasperated look.]

Not the term, specifically, but the meaning -- insofar as Fairy is an 'alternate dimension', anyway. Alternate... I don't know... reality. I understand that my world and this one are not the same reality. It is odd that your home and this place are so similar, really. That is almost stranger than anything else... [He pauses, considering the implications of that.]

How can you be sure it is really so similar? Maybe it is very different in some way you haven't seen yet.

Well... [He glances off elsewhere, thinking.] Perhaps it is... But there are still Pokemon, and I can still hear them. The seasons are aligned with those of my world. The same towns and cities seem to be present in the same locations. There are many similarities.

Still... maybe this is a universe in which I don't exist. Or maybe I don't exist yet. [Good lord what if he encountered a younger version of himself? A paradox? That... would not be good.] And there is still the matter of the invasive species... Like the Baltoy. I've never seen one before-- they are native to Hoenn, not Unova. And the Pokemon I had with me before... seem to have disappeared. [That wouldn't have been so disconcerting if Reshiram was not one of those Pokemon. What he had with the dragon was a bond of sorts-- he should be able to feel its presence, at least. But it was gone.]

I... don't know what to think.

[He thought about that, not liking it at all. His idea of alternate dimensions was a bit like imagining foreign countries that had somehow managed to overlap. Fairy wasn't the same reality as the one England inhabited -- the rules were different there -- but it was a physical place, like France or Spain or anywhere. You could go there, and, theoretically, come back. But the way N described it did make sense... Sandra had said she was from America, after all, and America existed in Thomas's world. Maybe at one time, in Sandra's world, Thomas existed in some form or another. The thought makes him shudder.]

I do not know, either. It is very unsettling. [He looks out the glass doors. There are definitely less attacking Pokemon out there now, only a few pass by the door rather than the large groups that roamed around earlier.] ...Do we need to go back out?

[He follows Thomas' gaze back to the doors and breathes out a sigh.]
I suppose. Well... we likely do not need to, but I shall.

[He calls Zorua out of her Pokeball and she appears at his feet, shaking out her fur. She glances up at him curiously.] My world or not, there are still Pokemon here. And it is my duty to watch over them. [He apparently wasn't handling that duty very well thus far... He frowns.] Besides... I should find my human friends as well. [It seemed Dragonite couldn't understand the limitations of her human body, and Paprika... Paprika was kind of inept at battling.]

... Do you want to go back out?

[Thomas looks around the Pokemon Center, at the trainers and townspeople gathered anxiously out of danger, then down at himself. His coat is filthy -- ruined, probably. Yet another remnant of his home world rendered useless by this one. His head hurts less now, the ache has subsided to just an annoyingly persistent throb at his temples. He shrugs and looks up at N.] Yes.

[No point hiding inside now, after all. He releases Dodger, who takes a few steps toward the doors then wanders back to Thomas's side, giving Zorua and N a toothy grin. Thomas watches him, somewhat amused by the Teddiursa's lack of concern for the intensity of the crisis.] I'll help you find your friends at least.

[Zorua mimics Dodger's grin, then gives one of her trademark giggles. As frightening as the chaos should be, Zorua feels a sense of importance in having to battle so much. Not to mention that it feels like she's gaining levels at a rapid pace. N smiles warmly down at the pair.]

... Okay. [He nods, and starts toward the doors. It's strange; he's not used to worrying over humans like he is now. Before, he wouldn't have even cared, but now he's genuinely concerned.] Do you know of them? It is... Paprika and Dragonite.

[Thomas pauses a moment to steel himself against the thought of going back outside, then follows N towards the door. He blinks, surprised to recognize one of the names.]

Yes, actually; well, not Paprika. [That was an odd name, too. Wasn't it some kind of spice? Thomas guesses that it must be some kind of trader surname, a family that dealt with paprika at some point in history.] But I spoke to Dragonite on the, um. Xtransceiver. [He lifts his hand a bit, indicating the device on his arm. His tone becomes conspiratorial, like he's gossiping: a common pasttime of his back in London.] She's rather intense, isn't she? I was confused about her name; It's Night? Dragon... Dragga Night? [A small laugh.] I certainly don't want to offend her. [~~Names are hard.~~]

[He smiles weakly.]
One word: Dragonite. Draggo-night. It is the name of a Pokemon.

[Oops that's another... interesting subject.] And yes, she can be rather intense. She has a good reason for that, though. [N could understand that she needed to have that ferocity in order to survive in her world.]

And Paprika... has Tepigtails. [He holds his index fingers out behind his head, attempting to mime Paprika's hairstyle. He frowns. This is apparently serious business.] Auburn.

...Oh. [A pause as he attempts to rationalize being named after a Pokemon. He can't think of any similar situation in his own world, so after a while he shrugs and gives up on it.] All right. Dragonite.

...Tepigtails? [He laughs at that; he recognizes "Tepig" from his book. It was kind of funny, really, how similar the names of some Pokemon were to animals he knew.] Paprika must be a girl, then. Does she only have one name, too? [He pauses, realizing that N had only ever introduced himself with one name. He'd never thought about it before. Still, from his general dealings with the other outsiders and the locals of this world, he could tell that how people dealt with names was somewhat different here. More familiar. It was a bit disconcerting, actually, the immediate assumption of familiarity. Thomas generally preferred to keep his distance, as propriety dictates.] On that note, I understand N must be your first name, or your... only name? Have I been using it correctly?

[And soon enough that subject will become even more baffling! But that'll be a story for another day.]

Mm-hm. [He lowers his hands back to his sides, and takes a moment to search his memory.] If she has a surname, I do not know it. She introduced herself to me with her first name only, so that is how I address her.

[At the question, a brief look of pain crosses his expression.] You have been using it correctly. I do not use my last name anymore. [Oddly enough, his full name could still be accessed on his Xtransceiver. It was the source of some annoyance for him; not only was it a reminder of his disownment, but he also wasn't sure he wanted to be associated with the Harmonia name any longer anyway.] N is my only name now.

[Oops. Well that certainly implies some odd things, doesn't it? Why would someone stop using their surname? Thomas studies N's reaction silently for a moment, then nods, putting the question out of his mind. People with curses shouldn't make assumptions.] All right.

[He stops walking and glances up and down the street. No Dragonite, and no girl with pigtails, at least not in the immediate vicinity. He briefly considers suggesting splitting up, but there are so many arguments against it that he dismisses the idea.] Were they near here?

EVENT - Pokemon attacking and stuff

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1/2

2/2 i just had to use this icon

hahaha perfect icon

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