victory_road | OPEN | i'm dancing on your BRIDGE gogoatman

Entry tags:

OPEN | i'm dancing on your BRIDGE gogoatman

Who: Runaan & OPEN
Where: Ilex Forest & Goldenrod Outskirts
When: All through early July
Summary: Local Elf lurks along the roadways of Ilex and debates venturing into Gross Human territory. Rumors of Gogoatman trickle through Ilex Forest.

Rating: E, maybe T for Runaan's human racism

ILEX FOREST | haunting the road
[Something is watching you. Something is moving slowly in the bushes along the pathway. Deliberately. You may catch sight of pale, almost pastel purple, skin. White hair. If you look even closer, you may spy what look like horns.]

[Is it a pokemon?]

[No, it's someone watching a pokemon. There's a Rookidee in the tree nearby, that's the target of the watcher's attention. But whether or not you realize that is up to you.

[Especially when Runaan emerges from the bushes.]

Do not move, human.

ILEX FOREST | pokemon training
Owl. You and Rookidee spar.

[Just slightly off the beaten path, deep in the forest, a pokemon battle is happening. A Rowlet versus a Rookidee. Meanwhile, a Honedge sits beside its trainer against a stump, watching intently. Runaan looks like he always does, pale, tattooed, pointy ears, and wearing his carved horns in place of real ones. However, his expression is almost... relaxed? Instead of his usual scowl.]

See? They don't fear attacking one another. I'm told you all enjoy this sort of sparring.

[Honedge appears unconvinced. At least until the person observing their training is noticed. The calm vanishes from Runaan's expression, and he stands, bracing himself. Honedge does the same, its tassel bristling.]

Leave now.

[... whether or not you listen to him is up to you. Rowlet, at least, looks apologetic.]

OUTSIDE GOLDENROD | spying pokemon
[It's nightfall. If you're anywhere on the outskirts of Goldenrod, you may catch sight of movement in the bushes. Keen eyes may or may not pick up on the gleam of metal, and the shine of red eyes.]

[Yeah, that's right, a Rookidee and a Honedge are in the bushes outside Goldenrod. More specifically, the bushes outside a restaurant... a restaurant getting a food delivery. Leaving a box of produce untouched, temporarily. This is clearly a pokemon-related heist in process.]

[Disturb them?]

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[Something might be watching Hunk, but the watcher is also the watched. Tiramisu had been zeroing in on that same Rookidee at first. And then she'd caught wind of something more interesting. It doesn't smell like a pokemon, but it also doesn't smell like her human. This obviously means she's obligated to investigate.

Hunk, meanwhile, is so focused on trying to figure out an efficient way through the forest that he's not paying as much attention to his surroundings. Which means that Runaan's sudden appearance up ahead comes as quite a shock - and earns the lurker a surprised yelp for his efforts.]

Hey, yea. Okay. Not moving.

[Except his eyes are narrowing a bit as he considers his would-be assailant. As dumb as it probably is, the first thing that comes to mind is to wonder if he's somehow related to Lotor or the Galra in general. Not that he's going to voice that thought.]

That's kind of rude, y'know.

Owl.

[There's a slight incline of his head. Not to the human on the pathway, or to the Lycanroc. It's to the Rowlet at his side - who hoots, and spreads her tiny wings threateningly toward the Rookidee.]

Good. Go.

[That's apparently all the direction Rowlet needs. Because in a moment, she and the Rookidee are engaged in a pokemon battle in the underbrush. Only then do pale eyes flick to the human.]

Pokemon enjoy fighting. There is nothing rude in engaging their natures, human.

[It takes him longer than he'd like to admit to even notice the Rowlet. When he does, the comment makes a bit more sense. Aha...

To his credit, Hunk is quiet and mostly still as the battle commences. And then, being addressed again seems to snap him out of that.]

Oh. Yea, I knew about that. I've seen how much some of them enjoy it.

[Yes, Tiramisu, he's talking about you specifically here.]

I actually meant calling me human was rude.

[Mostly because it's not something he's in the habit of pointing out about people; their humanity or lack thereof.]

My name is Hunk.

[Some exploration has been helpful around this area, although she's kept a sharp eye on her surroundings. Forests are always unpredictable, and she would know, having acted as the Forest Guardian for a while in her world. She knows not to drop her guard. However, the words that she hears makes her scoff in disgust.]

Their ilk I most certainly am not, how dare you deign to call me such? [She moves her hair to reveal her ears, as well as her teeth when she speaks. Pointed ears and longer than an average human's canines flash with her bright yellow eyes.] Do I truly look like one of them or are you poor-sighted?

Owl, go.

[He snaps that out, to the Rowlet at his side, before taking in the other's appearance. There's a flash of surprise in pale eyes, his brow furrowing. Not a human, then. So why had he sensed nothing --]

[The brief confusion turns into annoyance.]

This place continues to be an irritation! [... which is probably meant to be some kind of apology, but this is Runaan who doesn't know the meaning of the word.] I sensed nothing of you - no magic.

From the side, it was the same as any other foolish human stomping down these trails.

[one that's accepted, for the moment. Unless he does something to anger her further.]

That is because we do not have our powers in this Tharsi-forsaken place, they were conveniently left at whatever this place's deity resides, although I know not where that may be.

[She crosses her arms with a shake of her head, the strangely coloured Growlithe sitting seemingly confused at her side with her Swablu on his head, peeping softly in audible concern.]

My kin are able to suppress our magic down to a mere Human's level even if I did have my powers here, so you'd likely not be able to sense them unless you were a Dragon, the Fae, or one of the Ancients themselves. I'd only had them during that strange weekend before they went away once more.

[Small victories. Unless your name is "Ethari", apologies generally don't... seem to happen.]

A fair enough explanation.

[... it may be hilarious to note that, while this conversation occurs, Rowlet is busily battling the Rookidee in the bushes. Luckily, she's winning. Runaan's Honedge peers out of a patch of tall grass behind him.]

Your kin? And what would that be? [Not Sunfire elf. She could be, with the hair and eyes, but she doesn't have the right accent. No elf he's aware of, at least.]

[The scuffle in the bushes makes her chuckle, they appear to be having fun. If the Rowlet or Rookidee came over, she would offer a handful of treats and ask how they were. She knows birds well, being one herself.]

I suppose so, this place is perplexing to say simply. My kin, as it matters not in this place, are Phoenixes. Masters of Flame and Wind, and life itself.

[She is already prepared to show video footage of her transformation from that strange weekend that she vaguely remembered having recorded as proof.]

Phoenixes...

[That doesn't seem possible. A phoenix wouldn't take a form like this. Of course their magical connection ran deep, but this wasn't something even they could accomplish. Even so - a moon phoenix would surely have coloration more similar to his own people...]

Your kin have no relation then, to the moon?

[Fire isn't really in their wheelhouse after all.]

The... Moon? Ah, no, not the moon. We are connected to the sun, our light and Flame comes from that.

[She gestures for the strange man to come forward, enough to at least see the video of her transformation showing on the PokéGear.]

There are those similar to me who possess this ability, although of differing elements.

[Technically, they too are Phoenixes, but the ones of Flame are the oldest and the others adapted over time, and called themselves differing names.]

That explains why you resemble the Sunfire elves.

[Which is totally something everyone knows about and not just something from his world.]

[His eyes narrow when she pulls out the 'gear. Mostly because Technology is awful.]

... yes. You resemble them in all ways. Your magic included.

[She has no clue what the Sunfire Elves are, but it piques her curiosity. Elves are a race she has no ill-will towards as they're in alliance with Phoenixes.]

Oh I see, are these Elvish peoples aligned with Flame as well then? [a pause, with a head tilt.] Could you perhaps tell me more of these elves, and if there are others from where you hail?

And the sun, yes.

[Hence the name, probably.]

[He doesn't speak further for a while, his expression distant. Internally, he's considering something.]

If you wish to speak of the Elves, I will not do so in the open. [Just in case! Which is literally all the warning before he ducks back into the bushes.] Owl will follow when she finishes.

[... catching pokemon. Rowlet is catching pokemon.]

[She nods instead of verbally responding, she knows well of not airing secrets in the open, and follows him into the bushe.]

Privacy is important when discussing one's world in-depth, I respect this. [she speaks after getting past the branches in the bushes.] But, I do wish to know more of the Elves. In return, if you wish, I can relinquish knowledge of my own world and peoples.

[He's still silent for a while. There's not much of a trail. And what there is has been obscured by vines and other plant life. As if someone had been encouraging the local plants to grow over it all - which they probably have, considering Rowlet's grass type nature.]

[But eventually, there's a break in the trees.]

[And a campsite. Complete with a shelter built of branches. A fire pit. It's all very well put together.]

We will not be overheard here. [As he just straight up sits cross legged on the ground.] What is it you wish to ask?

[The shelter is impressive, even if simple, to her and she takes in her surroundings for herself as a precaution. For her own sake if nothing else, and then seats herself before speaking.]

I'd like to know more of the Elves of your own world, these Sunfire ones pique my curiosity and I should assume there are other kinds of Elvish peoples as well, yes? If you'd be so kind, could you tell me about them?

[He seats himself as well, back straight, legs crossed. Honedge leans against his seat, blinking warily at the stranger. Before he speaks, Rowlet returns, rolling along a pokeball with her little clawed feet. Runaan nods to her, bending to scoop up the ball, and allows his pokemon to hop up onto his shoulder.]

[Where Rowlet does her best Dignified Expression.]

We do not have many dealings with them any longer. Humans have forced our people to become more and more insular - out of safety. Our warriors take the fight to our borders, and those who cannot fight remain safely hidden. Even from one another.

[At least they'd better be safe.]

Sunfire elves draw their power from the sun. Their command of fire magic is unparalleled - as is their ability to forge weapons capable of sundering any metal.

[The Rowlet being proud of herself makes Willow smile, finding her mannerisms cute. Clearly this man treats her well on how she's acting.

However the topic at hand is more important to her, her face taking on a disgusted look.]

Humans it seems are just as horrid to those unlike them no matter where one goes... They deserve to burn for being that way.

These Elves, they really do seem like my people. A shame this world doesn't allow me to meet one, assuming that none are here?

[There are very few things Runaan is soft for. One of which happens to be... animals. Though he'll never, ever, say that to anyone who isn't the other thing in the universe he's soft around. Who isn't here.]

[He nods, grimly.]

My fellows and I were tasked with exacting our revenge on them. Before I was brought here...

[Interrupting an extremely important rampage of revenge!!]

If this place has brought Sunfire Elves, they have remained as hidden as I have endeavored to.

What poor timing to be pulled from such a thing, as well as insulting. I do pray that your companions were able to do so in your stead.

[She nods at the latter statement, understanding the need to hide.]

An exceptional job they have done if they are here. Ah, as for the type of Elf you are, what might that be? If you don't mind my forwardness or intrusion.

They will. They are trained to carry on the mission, regardless of complications. [Most of them, anyway. Rayla... on the other hand...]

[If they are here, they're likely as handicapped magically as he is. More reason to hide away. But instead, he straightens up.]

[... so does Rowlet.]

We are known as Moonshadow elves. Our affinity is the opposite of Sunfire elves... as our name implies.

I see I see [a quick nod, then more curiosity.] What element do Moonshadow Elves use?

[ooc: I just realised that if Willow'd seen him as his natural skin colour of the purple, she would be far more uneasy-- dark elves have caused her some trauma.]

[Estinien doesn't look all that impressed, or cowed. He's faced down dragons by the dozen, someone being cranky at him about being a presumed human (he's not) doesn't faze him.]

Elezen, actually.

[See the pointy ears? They may not be as long as they ought to be, but he's been tying his hair back to deal with the heat, they're visible enough.

He does go still though, noticing that the other is watching something. He's been looking through the underbrush for a few of the Pokemon that Hythlodaeus and Solus had requested, so he's already being pretty quiet.]

[That's new. A new word. But for the moment, he has a mission. He will address that word and the fact the stranger has pointed ears not unlike his own. In a moment.]

Owl.

[An incline of his head. And a Rowlet bounds forward out of the brush. Straight up tackling the Rowlet across the path. And proceeding to engage in glorious Pokemon battle right there. Only then does he turn his head slightly to regard the other.]

Fine. Elezen. I have not heard of your people before.

[But it's clearly better than "human", if the way his terse tone has softened a fraction.]

[Somehow he feels a little bit better about accidentally naming his Exeggutor 'Tree' in a drunken haze.

He stands there watching the battle unfold, Iceheart sitting beside him.]

Tis hardly surprising, with all of us from different worlds as we are.

[It seems like Rowlet is rapidly gaining the upper hand against the other bird. Furious squawking from the bushes betraying their presence. Some flying feathers.]

And yet the majority of those appearing are human.

[Which is. Probably Runaan speak for "sorry I assumed you were one of those gross things".]

[He wouldn't be surprised if any other Pokemon in the area would be rapidly leaving it, with all the fuss.]

Or merely appear to be. My own appearance was not altered over-much, ears aside, but others of my world were changed far more.

[He's thinking particularly of Ziva and hera complaining about her own ears and tail a lot on their way to Goldenrod.]

Whatever force has brought us here cares not a whit for what we were.

[They probably are leaving... but hey, if the other asks, Runaan probably knows these woods fairly well by now. He'll point him in the right direction.]

Were they?

[He's mildly curious. If only because that implies more nonhumans here. Something that's always going to catch his attention.]

Indeed. It removed parts of myself. I was forced to make my own replacements.

[The horns. They're carved branches now, but at least he feels less like something is missing.]

[Eh, he'll find more as he's passing through. He's mostly got what he came for.]

One is a Miqo'te, they possess catlike ears and tails--she is without, now.

[He's not even going to go into explaining all of Solus and Hythlodaeus' bullshit. He glances at Runaan's horns, before shrugging. Even if they had been real, they wouldn't be anything he hasn't seen before. Though usually on Au Ra.

He's slightly curious about the other's quarrel with humans, if there is any, but not quite enough to actually ask it. Oh well.]

A tail?

[Well, now he's interested. He hasn't heard of any folk with tails. That's usually reserved for animals, even in Xadia.]

Is her movement affected?

[That would make sense, wouldn't it? Creatures use their tails for balance. To suddenly be without one...]

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OPEN | i'm dancing on your BRIDGE gogoatman

Haunter, no Haunting~

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pissy bird doesn't like being called human (1)

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1.

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... i meant to type "tackling the Rookidee" up there whoops

Oopsie. If it's any consolation I didn't notice.

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