victory_road | [Action] On the Road to Hermione City~

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[Action] On the Road to Hermione City~

Who: Credence and Hermione (and any guests she might have)
When: March 26, 2018
Rating: PG to be safe.
Summary: Credence has journeyed by himself to Hermione's at her invitation... and to escape the awkwardness of Newt's Cottage for a little while.

After a nervous conversation with Newt, just to let him know he was taking a trip, Credence was off. It was a nail biting journey because it was one of the longest that he'd taken since arriving here by himself. Encountering Pokemon in the wild was less stressful than it would have been had he not gained some experience from Newt at the cottage. He was glad for that at least.

The closer he came though to Hermione's home the more his nerves went out of control. Tina was doing her best to keep him calm. She held his hand with one paw, while Jack ran ahead towards the cottage with happy barks. Further behind was a very salty looking Alakazam, conferring in low tones with Jezebel. They had been very insistent on coming to keep Credence safe and lets be honest, neither would take no for an answer.

Elkanah kept peering over at them suspiciously, toddling next to Credence. He didn't know them very well but he knew trouble. He needed to keep this boy on track. The goal was true love, wasn't it? Well, Elkanah would help with that. Credence needed all the help he could get and this green eyed crooner was glad to do it.

"I wish Jack hadn't gone ahead. Now she'll know we're almost there a-and wonder why I'm not just.. This is bad. Maybe I shouldn't have come..?"

Tina gives his hand a tug, trying to get him to move forward. Buzz puts a spoon-filled hand on his shoulder, shaking his head. No, he was definitely right. Shouldn't have come at all! Much better to just head back home. Jez will go ahead and let Hermione know, of course...

Jack was already at the door though. Barking and pawing at it before sniffing around outside. Come on out, Hermione! Friends were here! Well, one was being dragged along by a Braixen up the road a bit while an irritable Alakazam was trying to drag him the other way but it counted!

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Hermione had been pottering around the house cleaning and looking after her pokemon and had just sat down for a break when she heard the barking and scratching at the door.

Smiling, she opened the door to her excited visitor. "Jack!" she exclaimed happily, bending down to pet him. She looked up to see Credence being pulled in different directions by an Alakazam and Tina. And then there was...

O...oh. He'd brought Jez.

Hermione swallowed, suddenly nervous and embarrassed. It was one thing to talk to Credence over video chat but quite another in person after the Ruins incident. And with Jez along too...

She mentally pulled herself together. She'd invited Credence, and he wouldn't have come if he didn't want to. She'd just have to keep a close eye on Jez, and...try to act like everything was normal.

Raising a hand, she waved at the group coming up the path.

"Credence, Tina! I'm so glad you came!" she called with a warm smile, while inside her stomach churned with nerves.

Edited 2018-03-26 10:56 (UTC)

Look, he really hadn't wanted to bring Jez but here she was. And she was floating over to greet Hermione. Her form started to warp before Tina released Credence to send a puff of flame to wrap the Gastly up in as a warning.

None of that!

Jez coughs a puff of smoke and wilts down to the ground were Jack runs towards her. She squeals and zips off quickly with the Furfrou in pursuit.

Buzz almost managed to get Credence tipped off the path but Credence manages to free himself. He starts patting his pockets for the Alakazam's Pokeball as he heads towards Hermione. The search for the Pokeball was partially to avoid meeting her eyes because he was too nervous.

"I.. I wanted to surprise you, um.. I'm sorry, I.. I didn't mean for Jezebel to come, but Buzz wanted to come and they're just.. peas in a pod, really."

Buzz put Jez's Pokeball in Credence's bag was what it was.

"Oh, uh hi..." Hermione began to greet Jez nervously before suddenly there was fire and Jack and a fleeing Jez.

"...Jez."

Hermione tried not to breathe a sigh of relief. It looked like Jez had started to change form and Hermione didn't think she could handle that right now.

The antics of Jez and Jack had brought out a number of her other pokemon from their various lounging areas. Umbra and Pepon decided to join in, thinking it was a great game teasing Jack and then fleeing.

She sighed. At least they were keeping themselves occupied? She saw Cyto out of the corner of her eye taking a protective stance closer to her. No way was Jez pulling that stunt again on his watch! His presence made Hermione feel a little better. She knew the five she'd had with her were still blaming themselves for not picking up on the switch sooner, not that it had been their fault.

Turning back to Credence, Buzz and Tina she smiled. "It's a lovely surprise! I wasn't sure if you'd visit. And your pokemon are more than welcome here anytime too."

She extended a hand towards Buzz and Elkanah. "It's nice to meet you Buzz. And I don't think we've met either?" she addressed the pair of pokemon.

Jack would be more than happy to frolic and play with any Pokemon that approached. But it was strategic, always keeping Jez a little occupied. At least until the Gastly was willing to apologize for her antics.

Tina smiles and waves at Hermione before looking to Cyto and waving at him next. She heads over to talk to the floating blob, paws tucking behind her back.

Buzz looked at her as if she were the worst before choosing to turn his nose up to her. Elkanah was very glad to take her hand in a little pink hand, giving her a wink as he bows to her while shaking he hand.

"Jiggly."

It's voice was a deep Barry White baritone, which was probably startling considering it was Jigglypuff. And a shiny! Did you notice, Hermione? Those big emerald eyes, that darker pink...

"D-don't worry about Buzz, he's.. he's kind of rude. I think.. a girl accidentally left him at Newt's cottage and... and he's just sort of hanging out with me now."

He kneels down so he could gently pat Elkanah's back.

"And this is Elkanah. He decided to come with me on our way here..."

Cyto, still keeping Jez in the corner of his eye, floats down to greet Tina, waving at her.

"Du Du o Du."

He was glad that Tina also seemed to be keeping Jez in line. He'd have to arrange a 24/7 detail on his trainer. He didn't trust Jez not to try to pull something while Hermione was sleeping.

Hermione was a little taken aback at Buzz's cold response, but she could understand. "Oh, that must have been hard. I hope he enjoys himself here."

She looked back down to the shiny Jigglypuff still holding her hand and giggles.

"Oh what a handsome gentleman! And what a voice! Where were you hiding that?"

Straightening, she smiles at Credence, still feeling nervous. She just hoped they could get their friendship back on track. "Please, come in and make yourself at home." She gestures for him to enter the cottage, mentally thankful she was a tidy person. "Can I get you all a drink? Are you hungry?"

Tina would be doing her best. She doubted the Gastly would push things too far if she really wanted to stick around and not be left with Newt for bad behavior. Not that Newt would be cruel. More that Newt would be less likely to take her crap. Credence was just far more tolerant of bad behavior.

As for Buzz.. well, he was higher level. He was far harder to deal with.

"W-well, I don't think she meant to and he's been doing his best. He's just, um.. " Credence glances at the Alakazam. "... Strong willed."

That was one way to put it, thought Elkanah. The pink 'Puff could think of far harsher words to describe the creature. Ones that Buzz clearly picked up on considering he was Psychic and the two were now giving each other the stink eye.

"Oh, um.. I.. I'm okay, I think, I--"

Tina was nodding, looking exasperated. She was just fine making herself at home as she goes searching for cups to get water. Credence was too quick to try and not inconvenience everyone!

Following Tina into her small kitchen, Hermione smiled at the little fire fox. "You're supposed to be here to relax too Tina," she scolded with a smile. "Here, they're a little high up for you to reach."

Hermione reached up to one of the cupboards and brought down a stacked pile of small plastic cups, handing them to Tina. "I'll grab the water if you want to put them on the table?" She pulled out two larger glasses for her and Credence, and filled a large jug of water before heading back to the living area and placing everything on a low coffee table. Maratus and Yorokobi were playing on the floor together, while Bastet lounged on one of the two couches. Two bookshelves in the living room were already crammed with books on Pokemon, breeding and world history.

She headed back into the kitchen and pulled a bottle of juice out of the fridge as well as some dip and cheese. Quickly arranging crackers, the dip and cheese onto a platter, she brought it all out and placed it next to the water.

"So, officially welcome to my home!" Hermione said brightly, straightening up with a smile at her guests. "I'm really glad you decided to visit. The spare room is just down the hall next to my room, and the bathroom is opposite, so feel free to put your stuff away or freshen up if you need to. I know that it's a bit of a trek from Mr Scamander's place."

Tina shakes her head. No, she was always ready to work! It was being polite! She could help, because that's what she did. She took the cups back and sets the cups out for the Pokemon before going to try and gather them up. Elkanah hops up into the seat with a little wiggle and fixes his hair puff.

Credence nods, starting to move towards the room but Tina is quick to take the bag from him. She pats his hand and trots off to go put the bag away and he is left to wring his hands before pulling a chair out for Hermione to be polite.

"Ah, here... Um.. It... it wasn't bad, I ... It was just.. long." His legs were sore and his feet hurt but he wasn't going to complain.

Buzz was staring at Hermione hard, looking between her and Credence. He felt like he should say something. You know, he really should say some--

There was a sudden thud on the outside of the cottage. Jezebel had floated through the wall and.. well the thud was a bit self-explanatory. Jack had a low braking ability.

"Oh, thank you, that's really sweet," Hermione replied, startled that Credence had pulled out a chair for her, blushing a little. Stop it Hermione! He's just being polite. Don't read into it! she chided herself. That was how she got into that trouble with Jez in the first place. She took a seat at the proffered chair, feeling awkward that Buzz was staring at her.

"Not many men are chivalrous in my time period, which is a shame." A gross image of Ron Weasley stuffing his face at the dinner table came to mind.

She gestured for Credence to sit too. "I remember the first few weeks travelling were awful - my whole body ached," she said sympathetically, pouring him a juice. "I had to stop at creeks and lakes to soak my feet and legs a fair few times just so I could make it to the next town. I've never walked so much in my life!"

The sudden appearance of Jez and the accompanying thump made her jump and spill the juice. It was followed by maniacal laughter as Umbra and Pepon also appeared. She winced.

"Ouch, I hope Jack's okay..." She moved to get up to check on him.

Credence startles at the thump, and the sudden spill of juice. He shifts to his feet almost as soon as he'd sat down. He should clean this up, regardless of aching muscles and Jack...

Tina was scrambling to do just that, not wanting Credence to get too out of sorts. He was already getting pretty quiet because of his nerves.

"I.. I have this, if .. You.. Okay. Um.. " She was already going to check on Jack. "Jezebel, you shouldn't be so cruel to him.."

Jack was trotting around the side of the house in a stumbling fashion, shaking his head out. Wow that hurt! Where did that stupid ghost go though?

The stupid ghost in question was still laughing, clearly unaffected by Credence's scolding as she starts exploring Hermione's house.

"I'm so sorry, I'll clean up the mess in a second, just let me check on Jack," she called over hee shoulder as she headed outside.

Umbra and Pepon were still laughing and chatting at Jez, floating along behind her. Cyto also made an appearance, eyeballing the trio.

"Sion, du duo, du sion o du. " Don't even think about making a mess or I will set every pokemon here on you. And two of you know how much the cats and Abies will love that.

Spotting Jack rounding the corner of the house, Hermione headed over to him. "Jack, are you okay?" she asked, checking him over. He seemed okay, maybe a little stunned. "Do you want to come inside?" She gave him a final pat, and then led the way back into the house, hoping the ghostly trio weren't wreaking havoc.

"N-No I can help, it's fine.. I promise." He pries the rag out of Tina's hand and points after the ghost Pokemon that were being suspicious. Go watch them! Please? Sorry... He almost handed the rag back but the Braixen was already going after the ghosts because she realized that it was a good idea.

Jez sticks her tongue out at Cyto before zipping off through the small house to poke around and investigate things.

Jack boofs and follows after Hermione, moving to lay down across the floor, back legs sticking out behind him. That was definitely jarring, that was for sure. But also, hey he was indoors for the first time in awhile!

"Thank you so much," she said gratefully as she came back to the table, pouring a new drink for Credence. "Sorry about that. Looks like no lasting damage to Jack." She grinned at the energetic dog flaked on her floor.

Cyto followed after Jez, muttering about disrespectful ghosts to Tina. Pepon, not really wanting to deal with Cyto or Abies' fury, decided he'd had enough and floated back to the living room to play with Yorokobi and Maratus. Umbra, however, loved Jez. AWESOME NEW PLAYMATE.

Taking a seat again and sipping her drink, she glanced at Credence, concerned about the way he'd been acting since he arrived. "Is...is everything okay? You seem a little...uncomfortable? I can get you a different drink or..."

She trailed off, not sure if something else was wrong. She really hoped it wasn't because of the way she'd acted at the Ruins....

Credence smiles slightly, glancing at Jack. Yes, he did seem fine. Just tired from the long journey. As to be expected, it was a lot of walking.

Jez was giggling, twirling with Umbra because yes, good a friend! They could stand together against the two following them. And Buzz would be on their side if a fight started and he was a big boy!

Credence startles at the sudden question, fidgeting. He awkwardly smooths his hair down, glancing between the cup and cracker plate and Hermione and the wall and oh look, Jack looked interesting right now too, right?

"I.. ..N-No, I mean.. I. .. I've never.. .N-never, really.. been over to.. to another person's.. I mean.. and you're.. .. a woman and--"

"If you call that a woman." A voice was in their heads. It was Buzz, looking smug as he looks Hermione up and down.

Diana was definitely more developed and--

"Puff." Elkanah says sternly. "Jigg jiggly."

Buzz bristles, baring his teeth at the Jigglypuff who just sips his cup of water.

Umbra cackles as the duo spin in the air. She hoped Jez was going to stay for a while!

Hermione hadn't meant to put Credence on the spot, but jumped when she heard what she assumed was Buzz's voice in her mind, and flushed a deep red at the barb, unsure of how to respond. It was clear Buzz had something against her.

She appreciated that Elkanah seemed to be defending her but the unwarranted attack still hurt.

"W...well, I mean, we're friends, and you stay at Mr Scamander's place with him and Dr Isley. It's really not so different is it?" she asked, looking down at the glass in her hands.

"But if it really makes you uncomfortable staying here, we can go to Goldenrod and you could stay at the Pokemon Centre or a hotel..." she trailed off, circling the rim of the glass with a finger.

Credence was red faced as he sputters at the Alakazam.

"B-bu.. Don't--that's rude, you shouldn't.. Miss Hermione is very much a wo-I mean.. She's..."

"You don't look at her as much as you looked at Diana."

Credence was fishmouthing now, looking ready to explode. What--How.. What. No? No. He couldn't get the words out, he was so mortified.

Buzz was nodding along with Hermione, thinking that idea was just perfect before Tina stomped back into the room. She reaches up and grabs one of the long whiskers and hanks Buzz down to her eye level.

Say it again her eyes said, fire blazing in them. Do it, Buzz. Say it again. She didn't care how much older you were, or stronger. She'd skin you with your own spoons.

Credence pulls in a breath, placing his hands flat on the table to stop himself from fidgeting.

"...You're right, Miss Hermione. There's no difference. We're friends a-and I shouldn't.. and... He's being very rude. Let me get his Pokeba--"

"I'm not wrong!"

Tina bares her teeth, pulling the Alakazam closer. Her fur was starting to stick up. Don't do it, Buzz. Don't tempt her.

O...oh. There was someone else that Credence liked. At least Buzz seemed to imply that was the case. Obviously someone prettier and...more developed than Hermione. She tried not to feel the hurt. She should be used to it by now, being passed over.

She was an idiot to think that perhaps Credence might have liked her a little more than just a friend. Hadn't the Ruins incident made that obvious?

She was about to attempt a reply when Tina marched in, and it looked like there was about to be a brawl in her house.

And Cyto was just as incensed as Tina, floating in behind Buzz, his eyes cold as he glared at the Alakazam. Umbra had peaced out. She'd seen that look before. Screw getting in the middle of that.

"Wait, I'm sure we can all sort this out," Hermione said, starting to stand and attempting in vain to settle the volatile situation.

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[Action] On the Road to Hermione City~

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