victory_road | GIVE ME PROM OR GIVE ME DEATH

GIVE ME PROM OR GIVE ME DEATH

So you’ve gotten on the ferry, piloted by a man loudly proclaiming himself to be Captain Garfield and won’t this be fun everybody? We’re going to a party! Hope you all like boundless enthusiasm for boating, because this guy and his trusty Rattata (who will be collecting everyone’s fees, pay up or you don’t get on!) sure do love this and want everyone to know it. Finally, through caves and up rivers, there it is, shining in the dim evening light: The Elite Four’s Mansion (and blessed freedom from Captain Garfield). It looks amazing! Bunk down for the night and get a good night’s sleep, because tomorrow? It’s party time.

KEY:

• BLUE areas are where the bulk of the party's events will be located! As you can see, the festivities will be taking place largely outdoors. Some of the landscaping is a little different than what longterm residents might remember-- again, this WAS the site of a pretty epic battle between Teams Aqua and Magma at one point! All the same, in two years, you’d think they’d have wrapped up most of the work… there’s a lot of large-ish dirt piles and general disarray in the grounds outside the main yard, although the main grounds are still tidied up and decked out pretty heavily for the garden party. There’s even a little gazebo set up where you can have pictures taken of you, your date, and/or your Pokemon! The gazebo smells a little like fresh paint and plywood, but the paint is at least probably dry! There’s also an indoor ballroom for the more fancy red-carpet dancing, but in general, most of the activity will be happening outside.

• GREEN areas are where guests will be staying overnight! Unfortunately, you'll be sleeping-bagging it up, since there's a limited number of bedrooms in this house and they all either belong to Claire, the rest of the Elite Four, or are reserved for guests who are regrettably way more important than you. That much is the same as always-- Bruno really doesn’t want anybody digging through his underwear drawer, guys. He never has.
All that said, the green areas are where you'll be given space to leave your possessions, claim some sleeping room, and generally crash for the night once the festivities do you in.

• RED areas are RESOUNDINGLY off-limits to guests! There’s a lot more blocked-off doorways than there were in the past, and if asked about them, the staff will inform you that the mansion is under heavy remodeling and to please move along! What do you want to look at a bunch of sawdust and exposed wiring for anyway! Stop being nosy!
For everybody’s safety, there will be some staff stationed near the various restricted areas to move people along and make sure nobody wanders where they shouldn’t.

• AREA A is the designated Indoor Ballroom area, for the people who prefer the classy elegance of a formal red-carpet gala over the more whimsy outdoor garden party atmosphere in the back. There's a big skylight and lots of space to move around! … But the hardwood floors are looking a little scuffed, and there doesn’t seem to be the usual array of tasteful artwork on the walls anymore, even though you can still tell where a lot of the frames used to be hanging. There are some red banners strung up over most of those empty spots, and although don’t quite match the decor and they’re a little on the cheap side, they certainly make it look like a sweet party! Overall, though, a little more upscale than the shenanigans going on outside, for the people who'd rather that kind of thing.

• AREA B, as some of the more bookish types will remember, is the Library/Gallery! A long-time favorite of visitors, it’s usually a nice haven for people who are a little partied-out but not ready for bed, or who just want to dig into the Elite Four’s personal collection of books and research. SADLY, this year it would seem the door is blocked off! Remodeling in there too, huh? What a shame. :(

• AREA C is...well, the Parking Lot. Normally it’s spotless (no cars!), but this year it looks like they didn’t really have time to clean up, as there seems to be a lot of litter lying around. But more importantly, this is where you take your Pokemon battles if you simply gotta get your battle on; keep it out and away from the house, please, and try not to make too much of a mess. Skirmishes, sorties, and sparring will be tolerated here and here alone. Don’t be that person, guys!

• AREA D … is the Elite Four’s trophy and commemoration room, and it too seems to be shut off to the public. :( Awwww.

For all other information about the Prom and the venue, head on over HERE!

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[In the Ballroom]

[Decked out in her usual attire, being her Turk suit sans the gloves and her hair partly pulled back for once, Cissnei had made her way into the midst of things to get a feel for what this 'prom' thing was all about. For the most part it seemed alright, nice and lively, music loud and everyone having a good time. It wasn't the type of thing she would have volunteered to be apart of back home but here? She was going to be amused all night long, if nothing else.

Reno, her Vulpix, was trotting along at her heels, tongue lolling as he attempted to dart at random passerbys only to be blocked by Cissnei's Furfrou, Shuriken. The canine pokemon eyed the Vulpix sharply before continuing after Cissnei who just shook her head at the antics of her pair.

Care to ask her to dance?]

[Outside]

Reno! Where'd you go?

[He was around, Cissnei knew that much, it was just a matter of where the little fireball had gotten.

The red head had needed the break from the crowd, to be honest. She was meandering around the grounds with Shuriken in tow, the Furfrou looking very disgruntled about what they were doing as she occasionally sniffed the air in search of their companion.

The idiot.]

Come here, Reno! Come on, boy!

[Ciri was the first to realize that there was a friend nearby. She turned about, icy blue tails wagging, before she bounded toward her red-brown cousin. She bounced around the male vulpix, letting out a delighted little yip, before retreating to her trainer's side.]

[Angel, having heard the woman attempting to get her pokemon's attention, stopped dead. She knelt down, pulling a Pokepuff from her purse, and held it out to the creature. Her other hand lifted, attempting to wave down the woman.]

He's over here, I think!

[Reno perked up at the sight of his cousin, turning in a circle as she bounced around him. His tongue lolled out in excitement before he watched her dart off again, only hesitating a moment before bounding towards them.

It's just an added bonus that the woman seems to want to give him a treat. The vulpix's ears perk as he gets closer and he let's out an excited yip, skidding to a halt near her hand so he can start to nibble at it.

Cissnei catches sight of someone waving at her and immediately starts over, Shuriken in tow as the red head let's out an amused snort.]

There you are, you little mooch. [She offers up a smile to Angel.] Thanks. He's been playing an endless game of hide and seek since we got here.

That's perfectly alright, Ciri appreciated the attention. [The Alolan Vulpix at the girl's side let out an affirmative yip. She was nothing if not attention seeking.]

[Toward the ground, Angel's hand shifted, setting the remainder of the puff on the ground for Reno to finish, before standing up. She made a show of dusting off her hands, before sticking one into the space between woman and girl.]

I'm Angel, by the way. [She looked the woman over, smile only growing.] I really like your suit.

[Content to just keep munching on his puff, Reno let's out a muffled chirp in response to his cousin in between bites. And yes, there are bits of the puff all over his face.

Cissnei really has no idea what to do with him sometimes.

She doesn't hesitate to take the offered hand, smiling a bit more warmly at the other young woman.]

It's nice to meet you, Angel. I'm Cissnei. And thanks~ It's got a bit of sentimental value, I suppose you could say.

[The mess on Reno's face only served to endear the girl all the more. She offered him a sweet little smile, even perhaps muttered a soft little 'Aww.' Ciri, the royal (or perhaps royal pain) that she was, merely gave a rather contemptuous huff, and ambled off to look at something else.]

[The siren quickly shook Cissnei's hand, still admiring the look. She wished she could rock such a look.]

I can understand that. I'm glad, then, that it made it through with you.

[If Reno was bothered by the other walking off in a huff, he didn't show it. He seemed far too pleased that Angel was endeared by him to care. He let's out a chirp before scratching at his ear, not bothering to sit in order to do it; just lifting his paw to scratch at it and almost falling over in the process.

Oh does his name fit.

And hey! Anyone can rock a suit~ It's all about getting one that fits right!]

It would have been a little awkward if it hadn't, since it's what I was wearing before I was brought here.

[Cissnei grins lightly, tucking her arms behind her back again.]

Having a good time?

[Angel couldn't help herself. A delighted little giggle bubbled up from her lips, watching the small vulpine creature fail so spectacularly. So long as he wasn't hurt in the process, at least.]

[She'll have to get Cissnei's advice on wearing a suit later, of course.]

You must be well-dressed at all times then, to come in dressed as such. Or have been snatched from a rather fabulous party. [Either way, the siren was quite impressed.]

I am! A lot of my friends are here, so it has been nice to see them!

More like it's my uniform for work. [It comes out rather nonchalantly but there's an underlying tone of sadness to her voice.

Funny how her work uniform had been appropriate for an impromptu funeral as well.

The moment passes though as Cissnei kneels down, pulling a napkin out of her pocket so she can clean up Reno's face since the little thing isn't doing a good job of it himself.]

Considering how widespread everyone is, I can imagine this sort of event would be something everyone looked forward to. [She straightens up again, offering Angel a smile.] A chance to catch up and actually be around more than one or two people at once.

[The sadness in her voice was noted, but Angel opted to not address it. She knew all too well how easily the bad memories could creep in. It didn't mean it was something she was willing to talk about.]

You're exactly right. There are a great many people here that I haven't been able to see in ages, or have only spoken to over the network. It's truly a blessing, if you ask me.

I'm guessing, then, that this sort of event doesn't happen all that often?

[Considering Cissnei knew there were basically two separate regions to explore, she couldn't imagine getting everyone in the same place was an easy task.

Though those warp pads were pretty handy..]

Not in the seven months I've been here.

[There were other things that had brought them together -- a siege on a radio tower, the bizarre glitching hither and tither. But she hadn't seen prom since being here, nor anything as casual.]

Bear in mind, of course, that I'm still rather new myself. I've only been here a handful of months.

[Seven, to be exact, but it wasn't a number that really stuck in Angel's mind. Time flew when you were practically in paradise.]

I did hear something about individuals that have been here for years.

[She says it in a musing manner but honestly she still can't wrap her head around wanting to be away from home that long. Though, then again, maybe a lot of the people here were just glad for the chance to get away from whatever they were dealing with.

Who knows.]

I guess that means we just have to make the best of it while we can. Especially those of us that usually travel alone.

It's true. One of my friends has been here almost seven years, I believe.

[Cissnei's homesickness was probably a sharp contrast to Angel's own sick-of-home syndrome. There was no desire in her whatsoever to return to the hellish place from whence she came.]

[Not that she even could, of course.]

I'm guessing you travel alone, then? [Angel couldn't imagine -- it seemed far too lonely of a life for the siren to even consider.]

[That was understandable. Cissnei wasn't really sure what was left back home for her but she had a lot of unfinished business that she was worried about.]

This place is pretty spectacular. I suppose it's not too strange to think people would want to just stay.

[Was there even a way to return home?]

I do. There was someone from my home here but she's gone. [Ever the illusive flowergirl Aerith was.] So for now I've just been traveling on my own, seeing where it gets me.

Unfortunately, I don't think wants or needs really play into whether or not people stay.

[It was a troubling thought to have, considering her own fate. She wanted to hope that a strong enough force of will would compel whatever deity that decided their fate to allow them to stay. The fact that Janey, her beloved guardian, had disappeared from her life was evidence enough against that. Surely the woman would have wanted to stay, if not for Angel than for her partner.]

Is that something that makes you happy? Being alone, that is. It sounds... a little hard to bear, in my eyes. I am not particularly fond of being alone, you see.

True. Whatever brought us here and takes us away most likely has a mind all it's own.

[Whatever force it is at work. Cissnei was curious to find out what was behind this place; behind all of them being here.

Perhaps she'd find the answer one day.

She shrugs in response to Angel's question, glancing down at Reno who yips happily at her.]

I'm not completely alone but I suppose it would be nice to be around people. I was alone for a long time back home and I've missed having company. But at least I have these two for now.

Someone told me once that it was a space llama. I am not sure what to make of that fact, if I'm honest.

[How was that for finding out the source of your kidnapping, eh, Cissnei?]

Beyond that, I am sure as clueless as you are.

[The siren pursed her lips as she folded her arms around herself. Idly, her pointer finger tapped against her upper arm.]

Well, if you ever find yourself in need of company, you are welcome to come find my friends. How about that?

..A space llama.

[Cissnei can't help but stare at Angel for a moment as Furfrou let's out a yip of agreement at her feet. She glances down at her companion then back to Angel, her expression relaxing as she shakes her head.]

I really shouldn't be surprised that it's something out of the ordinary like that.

[This whole place was just special, wasn't it.

Genuine surprise touches Cissnei's face before her expression softens into something sincere.]

...I really appreciate that offer, Angel. I may very well take you up on that sometime. For now, I want to see where the road takes me but..thank you.

[Angel had thought it weird at first too, but... hard to deny it when the altogether too smart creatures at their feet agreed with it so readily. As it was, Angel couldn't help a short laugh. Cissnei had a point -- it was hard to argue with that when next to nothing around them made much sense either.]

You'll get used to it. [Probably.]

[Admittedly, Angel was relieved that her offer hadn't been taken the wrong way. It had been genuine, of course, but Angel was quickly realizing that a great deal of people had come from a similar background as herself. Trusting an offer like that was a heavy undertaking.]

Of course. Take your time, my friend, and do what is best for yourself. The offer will always be open.

[ Unfortunately, there's no dance for Cissnei -- at least not with Jill (Eevee might give it a go, though). Jill is people-watching since she's not much of a party fan, at least not this kind. If it were a more casual one with a grill, she'd be a little more in her element, but something a little fancier like this had never been off the table. Sometimes you have to court investors on their turf and you get invited to things like this, but in this case, she wasn't looking to impress anyone or curry their favor.

She hasn't really noticed anyone she's spoken to yet, but they'd likely pop in considering the nature of the event at some point. She's not terribly eager to mingle, but she has noticed plenty of people she hasn't met before and plenty of pokemon she hasn't, too.

Case in point, what is that fluffy, furry thing? As appealing as the fox-like one is, as well, she can't help but be curious. With her backpack still on, her Pachirisu nudges its head out of it and crawls up over her shoulder even as she walks. ]

Uh, hey. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of pokemon is that? [ She gestures to the Furfrou, careful to keep a distance. ] I've made it about halfway across Johto and I've never come across one.

[Cissnei always has time for adorable creatures so she'd happily dance with Eevee~

As it is, she pauses when the other woman approaches and speaks to her, crossing her arms loosely as she glances at Furfrou then back to Jill.]

She's called a Furfrou. I have a feeling they might be a Kanto only Pokemon. [The red head grins faintly.] At least that's my suspicion. I've seen several Pokemon around here that I have yet to see in Kanto, though I suppose that doesn't really mean much since I haven't been here long.

[Shuriken, well aware that she's being talked about, sits in a dignified manner, head up and looking as posh as possible.

Pampered shit.]

Guess I'm a bit of a sucker for ones that remind me of dogs. [ It wasn't intentional, but they often were described as being incredibly loyal and willing to push through a fight or retreat only to come back with a better tactic. She hasn't caught a Stoutland in the wild or its pre-evolutions, but she wants one. ] Hm, yeah, it seems each region has a bunch that stick only to each one but I haven't even seen other trainers with one.

[ Which is her way of musing if it's "rare" in some way or not. It could be that they're difficult to take care of (she'd heard that about grooming Stoutland), but it seems like it would get along with her Lycanroc. ]

I've only been here a few months, myself, so you can guess why I'd asked. [ She abruptly holds out a firm hand, dipping into Cissnei's personal space. ] I'm Jill. The pokemon on my shoulder is Pachirisu.

[ To its name, it chitters. It seems alert, but not the sort that doesn't like attention or is overly protective. It's just aware for the most part. He knows he was given to Chris for a reason and that when he was returned to Jill with her partner's leave that it was all the more reason to watch over his trainer.

Basically her Pachirisu thinks it is a Gyarados with a fluffy tail. ]

Edited (gotta close them action tags) 2017-04-19 21:11 (UTC)

[Cissnei's lips quirk into a faint smile.]

I'm rather fond of them myself. I may have spent a few hours going through the Pokedex just to get an idea of what Pokemon I wanted to keep an eye out for.

[Mostly because dogs reminded her of the Turks, in a way, and..Zack. They definitely reminded her of Zack.]

Considering I've only been here a couple weeks, I can understand the need to ask. [She doesn't hesitate to take the other woman's hand, giving it a firm shake.] Cissnei. It's nice to meet you both.

[At her feet, Shuriken huffed lightly while Reno let out an excited chirp at the sight of the Pachirisu, tails flicking about.]

That's Reno, he's a Vulpix albeit a rather uncommonly rambunctious one according to the dex.

[But she adored him all the same.

Cissnei's gaze turned thoughtful as she looked Jill over. The smile that had already been on her lips curved into a lighter sort of grin now.]

You aren't the party type, are you?

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GIVE ME PROM OR GIVE ME DEATH

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Ballroom.

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