004. Text/Action for Goldenrod City

[leaveyourstarburning]

[It's been a month full of crises, it seems; Zulf has been aware of the attacks, of the assaults on civilians and gyms and the Centers, and out of all of that, it's the last one that angers him most. And then there were the mutations, the illnesses, things that couldn't be fought with words or actions, leaving him feeling rather useless, all things considered.

And then had come proof that whomever had said that bad things happened in threes hadn't been wrong; the third crisis was of a far more personal nature. Zulf supposed it was selfish to allow the personal issue to cut him far more deeply than the attacks against Johto as a whole; however, he found that it was something that he couldn't help.

He allowed himself to be useless for a short while afterwards, to give himself time to recover, to not be rash; following that period, he had returned to Goldenrod City and found work immediately, among all the people that were still alive and not burnt to ashes where they stood - how long would it be before Zia could see something like this again? - and the buildings that seemed a bit too tall to be real. It was what he did when he didn't know what else to do - he threw himself into his work, whatever that may happen to be in his current location.

Today, though, he's distanced himself from all that a bit, sitting in one of the open squares near the northern side of town, close to Route 35; the park is small but nice, and he's sitting on one of the benches occupying the edge of it, in rather plain sight. There are several Pokemon playing in the grass; some are his, some aren't, but they all seem to be getting along rather well; he glances up once in a while to see what they're doing, but for the most part he seems rather content with what he's looking at, and he's rather comfortable diverting his attention back to the 'Gear, on which he's been tapping out a message to send to the network. He shifts a bit once in a while, allowing his leg to brush up against the large bag at his feet as though checking to make sure it's still there, but it's not an anxious motion, though the text itself seems to be taking a while to set up.]

For those that knew her, Zia is no longer in Johto. May she feel Mother's love and protection in our home world. She liked creatures of all sorts and enjoyed taking care of them; now that she isn't here anymore, I would like to try to do so in her stead.

My name is Zulf; the Pokemon Centers are still down, but I have good numbers of Revives and Hyper Potions. I was not affected by the mutations, but I do not fear you if you were. Should you want to avoid the public healing center in town for that reason or any other and can't afford your own healing supplies, I can be found in Goldenrod City, near the route leaving town to the north. I'm told that I dress strangely/am hard to miss, and I always have at least a Scolipede out in the area with me (her name is Hanako, she is friendly and will not try to eat you). I'll try to be there in the evenings for as long as I'm needed.

[And with that out of the way, he'll be returning to...whatever he's been doing on that bench; it appears to be playing with a few rather large skeins of string, braiding them together in what appear to be bracelets of some sort while he waits.]

Comments

[Action.]

[shakespearealien]

[Today, it has occurred to Gorthan that his headaches may improve a little if he spent more time outside. After all, that panic he would feel at the mere sight of a Bug-type Pokémon is mostly gone now, and Poison types no longer see him as a threat to their homes.

And indeed, when Gorthan first catches a glimpse of the Scolipede in the distance, there is no visceral reaction, other than wondering in passing how a species that is so rare in this area could have ended up here.

It's not long until he notices Zulf as well, recognizing him after a minor double-take.]

Oh! Zulf! So we meet in person, at last!

[Not only is he surprised, he seems... very interested in the little craft that Zulf seems to have busied himself with.]

[Action.]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[Zulf glances up a bit at that; he recognizes the voice before the person, though the man himself is a bit unforgettable, appearance-wise, isn't he - he's met several in Johto that are like that, actually.

But! Either way, he seems rather pleased for the company; he sets the string aside for the time being and stands up, smiling easily, though the expression doesn't quite reach his eyes - not to an extent that seems conniving, really, just that he's perhaps feeling a bit more solemn than he looks. He never quite gets rid of that look in his eyes; it's kind of a permanent thing by now.

He bows a bit, from the waist, more through politeness than any sort of deference.]

Gorthan. I'm pleased to finally meet you; have you been doing well?

[Action.]

[shakespearealien]

[It takes Gorthan a long moment to register that he's very uncomfortable with the bowing; after all, he is accustomed to a lot of people bowing before him on Evron. But the truth is that he'd much rather his relationships here be based on equality.

Once that realization hits him, he waves a hand dismissively and anxiously, and the gesture may seem much ruder than he actually intended.]

You don't have to bow, you know. And yes, I have been doing well. What about yourself?

[There is concern in his eyes as he asks that, revealing that the question is actually much more specific than its wording would suggest.]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[Zulf notes the concern; however, he doesn't seem terribly inclined to rise to it right away. He does straighten up, though; he isn't bothered by being told not to do that, it's more something he does out of habit by now anyway.]

Another of my friends was sent back to her world recently; I'll be fine myself, however.

[shakespearealien]

[At the news, Gorthan seems sincerely pained.]

Oh.

[He nods his head gravely then. There is nothing that can be done about it - it's happened for quite a few people he cared about, and it will continue happening.]

I am very sorry, Zulf. I do hope that she is doing well, wherever she may be now. Was she traveling with you?

[ACTION]

[determinator]

[Zulf isn't the only one who has experienced some kind of crisis. Admittedly, Archer's isn't quite as big of a deal (he and Kimblee will reconcile, after all), but he does understand the feeling of loss and being alone. It's something that Archer hates and it usually ends with him lashing out. Today is a bit different - but perhaps that's because it's Zulf. Archer isn't sure what it is about Zulf, but he feels the (ridiculously strange) urge to look after him and make sure he's alright. This isn't something that's ever really bothered him before (except for Kimbley, but that's entirely different).]

[Archer doesn't reply to the text; he didn't know Zia very well at all and isn't sure what to say. He does head north immediately though. For once he only has one Pokémon out with him - the Venipede, who doesn't really seem to mind being carried around. Hey, at least he's not being insulted by Archer's horrible friend!]

[Zulf doesn't look much different from when they met in Ilex Forest. In fact, he's still incredibly easy to spot with that ridiculous skirt. Archer stops just short of him, bending to let the Venipede down. The bug skitters off immediately to examine the other Pokémon.]

...I'm very sorry to hear about your loss, Zulf.

[Archer's words are slow and careful, as if he's not quite sure whether it's appropriate. He knows people react differently to things like this - just a few days ago he nearly broke down into shrieking histrionics at Gorthan, and he wasn't even directly discussing Kimblee.]

[Archer's mutation was very mild and has completely disappeared by now. The only side effect seems to be frequent headaches, but that's something he can deal with. What he's not aware of is the fact that he's still constantly projecting emotions. It's not as obvious over the 'Gear of course, but in person it's surprisingly strong. His expression is carefully controlled into something that might be sympathy if you squint and tilt your head enough, but the emotion is very obviously relief. He's not relieved Zia is gone and he's certainly not glad to see Zulf upset; he's just very glad that Zulf is here and he finally has someone to talk to.]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[...oh, that...well. That does feel odd, Zulf has to admit; for a moment he's not sure where the relief is even coming from. Surely, he's glad to see Archer; there's no doubt about that, and if he's going to be honest, part of the reason he's doing this is for his own sake. Yes, he wants to help people, and this is possibly the best way he can think of (short of anything musical, which is just...no, let's not) to keep Zia in memory and do things that he thinks would please her somehow; at the same time, he can't deny that he's doing this partially to reassure himself that he won't be completely alone here.

So yes, he's incredibly pleased to see Archer; relief is certainly something that's there. But he hadn't expected it to be this...strong, um...

While Zulf attempts to get ahold of his feels over there, Hanako seems more interested in the new arrival; it's not everyday that she sees a level 50 babybug, and clearly everyone is going to make friends here, damn it.

...okay, Zulf seems to have gotten a grip on himself over there. He stands up, setting aside the string for now in favor of bowing slightly, the gesture carried out more for politeness' sake than anything.]

I appreciate it, Archer; it's good to see you again. Have you been well?

[determinator]

[Said babybug is perfectly content to make all the friends! Archer is confident that Kann can take care of himself. ...Well, okay, he'll come skittering back to Archer and start wailing if he gets beat up on, but no big deal.]

[Archer still isn't sure what to do with that bowing. Is that someone everyone from Zulf's word does? Is it rude not to return it? He finally settles for folding his hands behind his back and nodding slightly.]

As well as one can be in times like this.

[It's a lie and he knows it, but launching into a discussion of his Kimblee right now seems horribly awkward. The relief hasn't faded in the slightest, however. Sorry Zulf.]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[Zulf seems rather content to let the bugs scuttle off there, glancing after them with no comment on the situation; he straightens up fairly quickly after Archer acknowledges the bowing, though his words are a bit...odd, there.]

"Times like this"...? Do you mean the attacks, or has something happened?

[determinator]

Ah, of course I meant the attacks.

[Dammit, Zulf, why are you so good at reading people?]

[action]

[sculpted]

[[Armstrong has been living out in the wilderness with his new team of Pokemon for the past little while, and he watches Zulf's transmission with polite interest. However, when the little fellow mentions he's in the area, Armstrong cannot resist trotting over to say hello. It's been a while since he's had a chat with someone, after all.]]

That's a very generous thing for you to offer, my friend! Quite good of you, I must say!

[[Have this rather huge man popping his head out of the shrubs to say hello, Zulf! He might have a Gible attached to his head.

....yep.]]

[action]

[leaveyourstarburning]

...ah.

[welp

that sure is a Gible attached to your head, um

let's just

focus on the words and not the startlingly massive man they're coming out of

yes

let's

where the hell are his manners]

I have the means to make that offer, and it seems wrong not to assist when others might be in need of it.

[He manages to stand up then, setting aside the string he's been braiding together and bowing at the waist, the gesture more polite than deferential.]

However, I do appreciate the compliments.

[action]

[sculpted]

[[The Gible seems content to remain still as Armstrong emerges fully from the shrubbery, humming happily to himself.]]

The compliments are well deserved! I have no need for any items, but I must admit that company would be appreciated! I've been out in the wild for a while now, and wouldn't mind a bit of conversation.

[[So let him invite himself over! Surely you don't mind, he promises he's friendly!]]

As charming as my companions are, they don't make for good conversationalists!

[leaveyourstarburning]

[Well, now that he's had a second to get over the surprise, he doesn't mind, actually - you seem friendly enough, and he understands wanting company, at the very least, so he's definitely not bothered by that much.

And while she isn't exactly bothered, either, Hanako will just be coming over to check out the newcomer over here; you aren't the usual ones she's seen spending time with her trainer, after all.]

Well, they may not be very talkative, but I find them much easier to get along with than the creatures back home - they're very trusting here, or at least these aren't trying to eat you every five seconds.

But perhaps that's just my luck; getting along with animals has never really been a talent of mine.

[sculpted]

[[Armstrong is similarly not bothered by the sight of the massive centipede-bug-horse thing there, offering her a berry from hammerspace.]]

Oh no, I can understand that! We've got a few interesting creatures back in my home world that you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley.

[[Homunculi count as creatures, right? Well, they're scary enough!]]

So I find the Pokemon to be almost relaxing to be around! Especially when we're training together!

[[He'll just be sitting down near you and crossing his legs there, Zulf. If you can suddenly hear a soft snoring sound, don't worry; it's just the Gible. She likes to sleep there.]]

[text]

[fullmoonfortune]

Zia-chan's the girl who was worried about you being sad, right? She was pretty interested in these little faces. ('u')/" She was pretty cute-acting too... I'm sorry she's gone now, especially since she didn't seem to want to go home.

[text]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[Zulf pauses for a moment before responding; it's kind of painful, but in some ways it's...definitely nice to talk to someone who knew her here.

...admittedly, he's never thought about her being cute, exactly. What does he do with this line of thinking, man.]

Yes, that was Zia; I pray she's doing well back home, though I understand why she didn't want to return.

I'm guessing you spoke to her?

[text]

[fullmoonfortune]

[Ryoji has a hard time dealing with loss - with his own, certainly, but it's even harder to think of how to deal with other's - and he takes his time with his words.]

A little. I taught her how to make simple faces using the PokéGear, and she seemed really happy about it. She was pretty worried about you.

[text]

[leaveyourstarburning]

...I saw the post; it wasn't quite as filtered as she thought it was. I didn't intend to make her worry like that; she's very kind, though, from what I know of her.

We came from the same world, though when I think about it, we didn't know each other very well. The circumstances weren't terribly good, though. That sort of thing tends to make people bond quickly.

[text]

[fullmoonfortune]

I see. And you won't be able to learn more about her since she's gone.

[...That's kind of depressing.]

You shouldn't let yourself be down for too long though. I'm sure she wouldn't be happy about it.

[Text]

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

How very generous of you. But are you sure that's such a good idea?

[Text]

[leaveyourstarburning]

[...oh, well. Hello again.]

I don't see why it wouldn't be.

[Text]

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Think about it. The Centers were attacked for a reason, and if someone steps in to replace them, they could also be targeted for the same reason.

[Not that Cobra really cares if Zulf wants to heal people's Pokemon. He just feels like being a jerk today.]

[Text]

[leaveyourstarburning]

Maybe. But I have the means to help, and it seems more wrong to not do what I can than it does to risk being attacked.

[tl;dr - no u]

[Text]

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Noble, but doesn't it worry you that someone could come after you? Maybe one of the people you're healing?