Surf's up!

[indigo_league]

Who: Everybody!
Where: Fuchsia City Beach
When: July 15th
Summary: Get yo beach fun on


As far as perfect summer days are concerned, this one is as perfect as they get. The sun is warm, the breeze brings just the right amount of needed refreshment, and the ocean waves are totally gnarly. Because that is what you say when a wave is good.



Seeing as this party has been 'organised' by a group of beach bums, their surfing buddies, and a group of very relaxed Pikachu, it's best not to expect anything too structured out of the day. That would totally harsh the vibe. No, this is very much a 'show up whenever, do whatever, be chill' sort of meet-up.

There's a little stand where visitors can rent all manner of surfboards, wakeboards, and floats. Not for rent, but definitely for fun, is a giant, blow-up Cresselia float. Anyone wanting to join the party need only climb on board to be towed across the water by the surf-stand owner's Blastoise, which is having just as much fun as you are.

Always able to Detect an opportunity, several smaller stands of local merchants can be found selling everything you could ever want in the name of hydration and refreshment. Ice-cream, sodas, fresh water! You name it, and someone is bound to have it.

And while there really are no organised events, ever so often the surfers (human and Pikachu alike) will hold impromptu surfing contests. Feel free to join them. Or feel just as free to tap someone on the arm for some surfing lessons. You might even snag a small, electric instructor.

Speaking of snagging an electric buddy -- that, unfortunately, is the one rule this party does have: No battling and catching the Pikachu!. If you happen to hit it off with one and have a defining character moment after which it decides to stay with you? That's fine. But seriously. No battle. Not even mock-battles between friends. Vibes. Harshed. Let's not.

As evening begins to creep down on the shore and a beautiful sunset bathes the beach in golden light, a bonfire is lit, and food starts appearing everywhere.... though it is all, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you swing), strictly vegetarian. Anyone craving a good, meaty burger (or an old-fashioned marshmallow) better have brought their own, because here you will find only vegetarian substitutes.

So feel free to drop by, catch some waves, share some food, and who knows, maybe you might even make some new friends. As they say --



Surfs up~!

Comments

[hythlodaeus]

...That is good. I'm happy you have someone new to play with. [And he sounds as genuine as he always does with his affect.]

Hmmm...

[He relaxes into the gentle tugs and manipulations of his hair.]

I could admit to a little jealousy, I suppose. Since I have to share time with him and your work.

[And they've both awkwardly avoiding actually boning down since the weird weekend.]

[amaure]

[Emet's silent again, but he plays it off like he's just focusing on his task. A poor cover, when he knows that Hythlodaeus is aware that he can multitask with ease.]

If you are jealous, I do not see how it is you can be happy about it.

[Again, he focuses on the braid...Hythlodaeus, why do you have so much goddamn hair!?]

I do suppose we will have even less time when your budding business of degeneracy takes off, hm? Whatever will you do about that, I wonder...

[hythlodaeus]

[ He just decided not to cut it one day and, well, you know. One thing inevitably led to another. ]

I can be more than one thing at a time, can’t you?

Is it only degeneracy when I do it? [ He makes a breathy little laugh. ]

But truly, he must be providing some quality that I lack. That... cacophonous soul, for one.

[amaure]

You can, but usually when such things are not in direct opposition with one another.

[He's forgotten how soothing it is to do this. Playing with Hythlodaeus' hair, braiding it...]

Well, I suppose the entire thing has been greatly soured by that company you choose to keep. But let us not talk about Dirk, I see not how it will help aught at all.

[Side stepping that soul topic, yep.]

Though, I will say this: you know his and my partnership is to an end. It is naught you must worry yourself over.

[hythlodaeus]

You’re simply using him, then?

[ Oh you wanted the last word? ]

You saw the chalkboard, I hope. [ As if he could miss it, being right outside his bedroom. ]

[amaure]

We are making use of each other.

[But he quickly turns his attention to the better topic.

Though, he lowers his voice, considering what it's about.]

Of course I did, is Steven truly so stupid? I cannot say I am surprised you were able to weasel so much out of him, but that he would believe you'd be interested in joining is...absurd.

And while I know you are wont to blather, might I suggest you keep such information to yourself. Should any of that get whispered into the wrong ear, I might very well suffer for it.

[hythlodaeus]

[Is that so? He isn't sure if he believes it.]

Well, I asked him about his goals... And he did tell me every aspect I could possibly name. He's looking to raise his rank— quicker than you might mind, and he's certain that bringing me in would do just that. I cannot say that I'm feeling terribly ardent about the idea of being the newest member at a secretive crime syndicate, especially one that bars outsiders from attaining top positions and gates privileges behind such.

It sounds like quite a bit of extra work that would surely get in the way of my own designs.

[To the last bit, he gives him a soft smile]

But of course. That would not benefit me in the least.

There was one little thing that caught my eye. Can you guess what it is?

[amaure]

[He listens as he finishes up the braid, rolling the elastic band down his wrist, tying off the braid with it. He then, almost playfully, tosses the braid around Hythlodaeus' shoulder so that it lands on his pectoral.

He can't help but let out an amused huff at that bit about Steven worrying himself with outranking Emet-Selch. It doesn't surprise him, the man's petty in all regards. Maybe especially when it comes to ones that don't matter.

Tilting his head, he quirks an eyebrow with a knowing grin.]

I could pretend you have dignity and suggest the labs, but I know better than that.

[He turns to look at his beer, grabbing it.]

Access to me, would be my wager.

[hythlodaeus]

[He lets out his breathy little giggle when the heavy braid comes over his shoulder. He turns, unearths his beer, and winks.]

I already have a lab I don't have to share.

[Not that he's going to stop cooking drugs at home]

But that would be it. With how you go and make enemies... [He says with a soft teasing lilt in his voice.] Perhaps I should. To keep you from falling down anymore stairs, at least.

[amaure]

My kitchen is not a lab, Hythlodaeus.

[He says that rather deadpan, completely unmoved by that cute wink nor giggle. Especially not with that second part! He scoffs, clearly annoyed.]

I need not your doting protection. I can handle myself just fine. If Steven attempts any such barbaric behavior with me again, he will certainly regret it. And little do I need you interrupting my work, besides.

[hythlodaeus]

Did I not tell you? I have a sponsor for my chemistry. The space should be ready this week...

[He sips his beer, letting Emet-Selch bristle.]

If I've done it right, he shouldn't so much as be able to lift his hands towards you. [But, he had him there. Sort of.]

Oh come now. Surely someone with my expertise could only be a boon for... Whatever it is you're doing, precisely.

[amaure]

...Such sponsor is not Steven?

[He eyes him incredulously.]

Is that why—has all of this been your means to control him?

[Pointedly, he is ignoring the comment about Hythlodaeus being of any help on his projects.]

[hythlodaeus]

Of course not! He seems to be of modest means, as far as I can tell. No, my investor is a champion who lives out on the islands. That is where Weed, that Gloom came from. I merely had to furnish her with a list of items that I need her to requisition.

[ Hythlodaeus lowers his head, his smug smirk reappearing on his face. ]

Why would you say such a thing? We are friends. I’ll even be teaching him to make the perfect chocolate for his husband.

[amaure]

Oh.

[He's not sure who that is, but...if they want to help Hythlodaeus out in such a way, well. That's their problem.

But to that grin, his eyebrows raise and he smirks right back.]

I see, I see...little did I know they were wed. I cannot believe I was not invited to the wedding, what a pity.

[He tsks with a playful shrug and sigh.]

But honestly, you could have told me you were going to be dealing with him so...directly. I had hardly wanted to find him at our home, and even less did I wish to expose so much of myself to him.

[He could be meaning his state of near total undress, or...well...]

[hythlodaeus]

You're a fair actor, of course, but you had plenty to worry about without thinking about what I'm up to. Besides, it almost went all according to plan.

But of course... it is a little premature, but Steven does have his goals, as humble as they are.

[There is that elephant left in the room with them, however. Hythlodaeus is quick to ascertain which exposure he means. He didn't close his robe, after all.]

... Do you think you'll want children again?

[amaure]

[He's hardly surprised that Steven has such humble goals. He cannot imagine the man to dream truly big or in any way that would have lasting significance. He was a simple man. Emphasis on simple.

He merely shrugs at that, though, taking a drink of his beer that's getting warmer the longer he's let it sit. Not that it bothers him—but then Hythlodaeus asks that, and he has to stop himself from choking on it. Painfully, he swallows the gulp down, and looks away from Hythlodaeus, out at the ocean.]

...Why do you ask?

[hythlodaeus]

Why else? I would be remiss if I had missed my chance... Not that I am in a particular hurry. But we were so busy those days so long ago. Or so we thought. Looking back, it would have been simple to manage.

[He takes another sip before glancing back to Hades.]

I would have like to see you as a father, at least.

[amaure]

[He's quiet for a long moment, mulling over the sentiment. Well, all of that, really. The idea of raising a child with Hythlodaeus, the...thought that he would want that. Had wanted that, but it was merely one more thing robbed from them both. It makes his chest tighten, twist with that painful pressure he's become all too familiar with.

And that he would potentially wish to pursue this with him still...As if such a fantasy could truly happen in this world. As if he didn't plan to leave the first change he gets.

As if...Hythlodaeus would be alive once they left this world together...]

Such dreams were stolen from us, long, long ago. I do not think this world appropriate to pursue such dreams. Little can we do so once we leave, either. I fear our time...our chance to indulge in such a partnership has faded away with the home we lost.

[hythlodaeus]

[Oh how he hates the look that crosses his face. Perhaps it was time to share a few thoughts.]

Perhaps. Yet... Perhaps not. You have your objectives and I have mine. They may intersect at some point, but I have a few rudimentary calculations as my modest start.

If I'm right, and I usually am, I should be able to turn this pocket dimension into a nexus. Rather, it already is a nexus, but I have designs to harness it. Such a thing would be useful to all of us, would it not?

[amaure]

[Emet-Selch stares at him for a moment, then shakes his head. Even if that does sound...tempting, in a way, he cannot deny his duty, and...should his scheme be successful, he would not have use of this dimension.]

You have high aspirations, but I do not think this plan will work. While I do agree that this dimension is most certainly a nexus of sorts, I would sooner use whatever means we might ascertain to free ourselves, than to stay and utilize this world.

[His expression grows grim and despondent.]

I cannot abandon our people. Even if that means I must abandon you.

[hythlodaeus]

I am hardly asking for you to choose me above all of our people, but my designs are hardly so short-sighted.

[There is more to say, more he wants to say, but it is too soon to reveal. He has something smaller to tell him, but. It can wait just a little longer.]

You would turn down the opportunity for me to help you? For me to be able to source teams of brilliant minds from within what can clearly hold us stable and give bodies to those without them? I think we should ask the rest of The Convocation before you make such a choice by yourself.

After all, we stand inside a time machine. Does that not excite you?

[amaure]

[If so much was not on the line, he might look more excited, might be more excited. But, there is so much they do not know of this world. What it truly is, how it operates. What it will take to leave. Let alone harness it.]

...Hythlodaeus...

[He closes his eyes as he brings his hand up to run through his hair as he thinks it over.]

Yours has ever been a brilliant mind, ripe with ideas, quick to conjure schemes, ever steady with solutions. But.

[Opening his eyes, he looks to Hythlodaeus once more, letting his hand and arm settle at his side once more.]

I fear your designs are overly optimistic, and not as near realistic as you may think. Even if you could utilize this world like that, what we aim to do back in our reality would make such unnecessary. Once we restore everything how it should be, a pocket dimension such as this would be redundant.

That aside, I find this dimension less a time machine, and rather a dimension outside of time's flow. That is a distinct difference.

[hythlodaeus]

The difference is only in how you utilize it. I see this space as a merely a tool. Even if you see this as unnecessary, the surest way to accomplish your own goal is to move forward as if it should be preserved. Intent ever does color method, and I'm not so eager to die twice.

[He grins, his mind working over Emet-Selch's words]

This distinct difference means that we should not act with haste. If anything, my solution safe guards you. We have yet to explore all that this place might offer, let alone understand how it works. I understand that you are anxious to return and restore reality... But...

Hmm, how do I say such a thing without offending you again?

[He does not wait nearly enough time to come up with the answer.]

You look as if you could use a long holiday. Perhaps allow another to toil while you recuperate?

[amaure]

[He listens, watching Hythlodaeus as he speaks. Taking a drink of his beer, and another. But at the end of it, he cannot help but laugh a little. It's not nearly as mirthful as one might hope, but there is some humor there.]

And have you continue to criticize me while I continue to age unabated? I think not.

[With a limp-wristed wave, he dismisses him.]

You know as well as I, never have I been wont to sit idle when there is work to be done. [Well, important work, anyway.] Did you truly think this would convince me to abandon my course? Even if I did as you suggest—take a long holiday—what if your scheme takes fifty years? Sixty years—one hundred! You are so worried about my body and its condition, there is a fair chance it would not survive the necessary time for its completion.

And I do not think the 'centers can heal mortal expiration.

[hythlodaeus]

And you work to your detriment. Forget fifty years, in ten you'll be doubled over like a shrimp!

[He lets out a breath, throws his head back with his can of beer, and then clears his throat.]

I think there is no mortal expiration here for non-natives. Of course I was worried at first, but this dimension gives us physical forms— neither of us had one ere we arrived. I doubt that they have anywhere to place our souls or aether. I think they would merely reset us, not that I intend to take so long!

As I understand it, even those that are murdered reappear ultimately unharmed. The process of aging is merely slow injury, so I believe that there would be a threshold for those brought into the pocket dimension— The intended players, if you will.

As I said, I believe that we will one day inevitably intersect with our goals. As it is, you have asked Dirk to assist you with this instead of me and you seem to believe that I would only be a hindrance. Therefore, I have no reason to change my course.

[And it is frustrating, because while he has been imparted with some knowledge through the ages, it is piecemeal in comparison to what he might collect by himself. For instance, he is sure that breaking out of here would fling Emet-Selch into the void, but it would surely be a distraction to bring up.]