victory_road

[Look who it is!]

Well, well! You certainly took your time to show back up, didn't you? Got lost in the woods after our departure, perchance?

[It's been a couple weeks, after all!]

Are you really so lost without your axe, hero? Granted, I do think your creature is a little, hm...shall we say, in need of special assistance.

[It’s a good thing his camera is still focused on his cat, otherwise Emet would have seen just how quickly his expression soured upon hearing the all too familiar voice. The sigh in response is pretty telling though and he flips the pokegear back around.]

I need not an axe to tame beasts. [Not even gonna touch the hero jab.] It’s all a matter of finding out what it likes. That’s not grass.

[If he has to stop one more time while this cat hurls up its mistake, gods help him.]

But nay. It feels as though it’s only been a short time since we last spoke. I assume it’s been longer for you.

Nay you do not, but you would not need to tame beasts if you did have it, correct? Nevertheless, It has indeed been a few weeks since last I assisted you.

[Yep, that's what he's calling that.]

How strange that time would pass differently, but 'tis not the queerest thing that has happened in this world. Say, would you happen to have any food in that bag your false mother gave you? Perchance the creature is merely hungry.

Hah, that was assistance was it? Mm. [That's not what he would have called that.] But, there's nothing to be gained in discussing what I'm without here.

[The time differences are odd indeed, but as Emet said, it's not the strangest thing about this world. The question draws a thoughtful hum from the warrior, as he brings his free hand up to his chin.]

...Aye, I should have something left still.

[If you thought he would save that food instead of eating it immediately, you would be wrong, but he had some trail mix left. Jostling the view a moment he sets both the pokegear and his backpack on the ground as he digs through it for the food. While not much of him can be seen (sorry he's not worried about the view you get), his Pokemon is still in the view. It's paused it's grass chewing for the moment to watch Ardbert curiously and when he holds out a hand full of trail mix to it moments later even curiously sniffs at the offered hand... only to slash at it and knock all the food out of it in displeasure.]

There is naught else it would be, my dear boy. But you have the right of it, yes.

[But with that he settles in to watch what will happen next. Which is...well. Not exactly what he expected, but that's not a bad thing. Honestly, it is quite humorous! Or so one can assume, with how there's laughter come from the 'Gear.]

Well, well! Seems we've a picky eater on our hands, eh? Mayhap you ought to bring the creature to a Pokémart, let it pick out its preferred snack. Otherwise, you could always start a lawn care venture, I suppose.

[Is there anything Emet could call Ardbert that didn't make him inwardly prickle? Probably not, but being called his dear boy was an annoyance in any case. Reflexively he had drawn his hand back from the meowth, but besides the surprise he wasn't harmed thanks to the tough leather of his gloves. The only thing that was wasted was a handful of trail mix.

There's a sigh as Ardbert moves to sit down from the kneeling position he was in and his Meowth turns to go back to the grass. This time flopping over to bat at it first before just chowing down again.]

The next town is still a day or two off. It will simply have to wait and make due.

[He looks mildly annoyed when he picks the gear back up, he heard your laughter! But he may as well take advantage of Emet's knowledge while he has him on the line.]

You've been here longer. It would be easier to travel if I kept it in it's ball, do these creatures really not mind the confinement?

[That certainly is a creature that represents the peak point of mankind's intelligence, isn't it? A suitable companion for the hero in question, he supposes.]

A pity that you should be so far flung from the solution, but I suppose that's just how it is, eh? As for your question...it depends. Some are willing to stay put within their balls, while others fight against such confinement.

It is almost as if these creatures are individuals—almost. There is but one way for you to find out what your little...cat prefers, hm?

[At least, he's pretty sure it's supposed to be a cat.]

[Wow!! His cat represents something, but it's definitely not the peak of mankind's intelligence! It's also something Emet shouldn't think too hard on. The cat certainly isn't.]

Aye. Live and learn.

[His brows furrow at the answer given though. Them having individual preferences made more sense than the blanket answers his trainer guide gave. But what did Emet mean by almost? Don't be weird.]

They are individuals. [Well, no time but the present to test this! Getting his pokeball:] Right. Meowth, come back.

[In a blinding red flash the Meowth goes back to it's pokeball. He'd need to come up with a name for it. Anything would be better than creature, beast, cat. But that would be later. For now he sets the ball on the ground to observe it. There was no resistance to being recalled and as far as he could tell there was no fighting to come back out, but...

It didn't feel right. On one hand travel would be easier, but on the other, how could he really be sure it was ok with that? He wasn't sure it could even properly express itself. He caves pretty quickly in releasing it once again. The Meowth is no different than before.]

Hmm.

Oh hey, that's the weird Meowth from Galar that Lydia has. Okay. Here's what you do. See if he knows how to do "Payday" yet. If he does, have him do it about twenty times in a row every day. That will get him to make you some quick cash from the coin in his head.

[The speaker in question is a dark, bespectacled man in a button down shirt. He seems to be in a living room somewhere.]

[Oh thank the gods, some who isn’t Emet. The advice is... helpful, but not quite his current problem. It’s still good to know and pretty surprising information besides.]

What? Just like that? It just... conjures money?

[It almost sounds too good to be true tbh. The pokegear was still turned to the meowth, if there was any flip camera button on the device he’s definitely missed it and is doing it manually. It also means he’s missing out on Steven’s side of the video for now.]

Well then, you heard him. Go on and use this so called ‘Pay Day’.

[The meowth who was still slowly munching on grass pauses a moment, clearly registering it was being addressed at least. It even seemed like its eyes focused a bit to look up at the pokegear and to the video of Steven. It stays still, staring....

Then yawns and looks away. Sorry it’s too low a level to use that move.]

Ah hell. I think that means he's still not able to use it. It takes a while for them to learn that one and even when they do, it only makes a little bit of money first. It's all related to their 'level.' If you check his entry on your pokegear, you'll be able to see that for him.

But yes. Meowths can literally create money from the coin on their head, usually about twenty times a day. It's pretty unique to them, as far as I know. I don't think any other kind of Pokemon learns it naturally... though I wonder if you'd be able to teach it to any other cat by breeding. Huh.

Edited 2020-07-20 18:04 (UTC)

Ah. I read about these creatures and their levels, from gaining battle experience if I recall.

[That made sense then that the Meowth couldn't use it yet. From the few battles Ardbert had seen it do thus far, it wasn't very experienced at all. At least the failed attempt at a move was a distraction to get the cat to stop eating grass. Instead it turned its back to them to wander off.

Given that his Pokemon had stopped, he turned his gear back to finally get a look at Steven and in turn giving Steven a better look Ardbert.]

I know little of the beasts of this world and even less so of their inheriting of... skills from breeding. [By the look on his face and his hesitation he's clearly not going to be getting that one soon.]

Still. It's a comfort to know I won't want for coin during my travels and for that you have my thanks.

Honestly, I don't completely get it myself. My friend Armin's an actual breeder. I just sell the eggs that are mysteriously produced.

And it's no problem, really. Just keep training the little guy up, because the coin definitely scales with their level.

What's your own world like, by the by?

[What? He's curious.]

Eggs? [Excuse you, what?] ...How strange.

Well, as luck would have it, battling seems to be the only thing it can keep it's attention on. It's eager despite it's obvious lack of experience.

[It doesn't help that galarian meowth doesn't seem to know any useful attack moves until level 8...It's been quite pitiful watching it try to battle.]

My world? [It's subtle, but his face drops somewhat at the question as does his following tone. A bit more somber, a bit more reflective.]

We've plenty of beasts, like here, looking to ambush the unsuspecting in their travels. Though we weren't forced to rely on other beasts to fight for us. Nay, anyone willing could arm themselves with weapons or learn magic for their defense. ...Or they could just hire an adventurer and save themselves the trouble.

There's more danger to be had there than here certainly, but that was the way of things.

Eggs. All pokemon lay them, even the ones that you'd assume would give birth live.

And-- I think a lot of worlds are more dangerous than this one.

What an odd place this is...

[It's bizarre, but he has no reason to doubt what this man says.]

But I do not claim my world to be special in that regard. I have traveled another much the same as mine before. I take it your world is similar?

—Ah, but where are my manners. I'm Ardbert. You'll have to forgive me, it's been far too long since I've spoken to someone like this.

[Well never actually, video wasn't a thing for him. But in general it's been a while!]

Steven.

And, ah, mine is dangerous in a different way. You're far less likely to be attacked by monsters in the wilderness, far more likely to be attacked by the monsters lurking among your fellow men.

Ah, I'm no stranger to betrayals if that's what you mean. If I had to choose, I'd much rather the beasts in the wilderness.

[He of course doesn't take it literally. Men could be just as vicious as the beasts of his realm. He's heard and seen people turn into monsters too, but the root of the cause was usually one person delving into powers no mortal ever should. Like the court mage in Voeburt.]

My world definitely has plenty of that too.

[Just also vampires, werewolves, and Frankenstein's monsters.]

[Pfffthahah, oh that's actually fucking beautiful. Galarian meowth are certainly things, that much she knows for certain. And she's just clicking the camera on and... well, at least she's sitting on her couch in a white and gold detailed robe, hair pulled back.

Just off to the side curled against her is a perrserker who yawns and looks up with those ridiculous feral looking eyes while he's being scratched.]

Honestly, that type are pretty much your definition of feral gremlins. Cobbles here was, uh, much the same but in a different manner. [It's clear by the sudden staring from the perrserker that she means him.]

I'd say try to bond with it, but I'm not entirely sure how one handles them chewing on grass like that. Maybe try and find some berries or some actual food for it to chew on instead? That meowth variant only weighs about sixteen pounds or so, anyway, and they're quite keen to battle if in a pinch. Or so I'm told and have witnessed.

[By now Ardbert's settled down on the ground beside his Meowth, sitting cross legged with his head propped up resting on one arm. In his free hand a bag of trail mix. The camera's been propped up on his bag for ease of access.]

Feral gremlins? Ah! [It's like a light went off in his mind, head lifting as he glances back to the Meowth a moment and back.] I had likened it more to a Dwarf myself, but it's teeth do resemble a gremlins...

[Idly he brings a hand up to his chin, stroking his stubble in thought.]

Hmm. Full glad am I it doesn't seem to have a gremlin's foul mouth as well. But aye. I had hoped traveling with it out would help us bond, perhaps it still will, but so far it seems like a fruitless endeavor. It has no interest in the food I have left, but to it's credit it is eager to battle.

[At least Ardbert seems up to the challenge. It's just this Meowth had a far different temperament compared to his traveling companion back home. Curiously he eyes the perrserker on the screen.]

Your Cobbles, it's the same sort of creature? A Meowth?

[She should not be laughing at him comparing these things to dwarves, if they're anything like the ones she's familiar with.]

Honestly, these cats are far better company than any dwarf I've ever encountered. At least those who aren't found within a tavern or inn of some sort. [They're more fun, even if she's had to try to take punch one in the face once upon a time. And took another's eye in Wonderland times. Ah, memories.]

Perhaps try some seafood of some sort, evidently they trace back to the open and difficult seas. That's supposedly why their bodies are much like steel even in their first form. [A small hint of a smile crosses her lips as she leans back, Cobbles moving into her lap and curiously putting his face in the screen before being pushed lightly out of the way.]

Cobbles was a galarian meowth, yes. Then he evolved into what he is now, a perrserker. There are other variants of meowth, those of Kanto and those of Alola. Though they both turn into what is called a persian, the difference between those two being coat color and head shape from what I've gathered. Galar's form is entirely different and... honestly, far more aggressive than the other two.

That... Doesn't seem normal.

[Don't mind the dark-haired girl staring very intently into your Pokemon's soul, new friend. But she is very much concerned about what's happening here.]

Is there anything else you can feed it? I'm worried it will get sick.

Oh good, then it's not just me.

[Ardbert doesn't mind at all! His Meowth isn't looking so hot. It seems to have stopped eating the grass for the moment, but now it's just intensely frowning.]

Though you're too late, it's already gotten sick several times so far. I've tried offering it what food I have left, it doesn't want it.

A finicky palate, then. Some shops have treats and other berries. Perhaps it's more disposed to sweets?

[Should cats eat sweets? Probably not. But as a girl with a massive sweet tooth, Angel believes everyone should have as much sugar as they want.]

Or... maybe it will get tired of the grass eventually?

Would that I had some sweets on me to try. [He sighs and shakes his head.] I'll check the shops once I've reached the next town.

[The suggestion of his Meowth getting tired of grass draws a laugh out of him. Unfortunately the cat in the background has started hacking up. Ardbert doesn't even bat an eyelash to this. It must have happened a lot already.]

One can only hope! You would think being sick would discourage it. Regardless, I appreciate the advice.

You might at least find some berries along the road? Or... even some less --

[She makes a face at the cat. That's quite a... grotesque sight, isn't it? Even for someone who does her best to love every Pokemon.]

Less, ah, devastating plants for it to eat, I suppose. In any case, I am happy to provide assistance. Starting out is rough especially with something so...

So odd.

You might have to give some incentive for it to fight. I'd say discipline, but... maybe don't be too hard on it. It's a cat. Cats do weird stuff all the time.

[Case in point, there is a Persian in the background... batting at a Serperior's tail. Said Serperior looks less than thrilled.]

...Munnybags, stop that.

[The Persian snickers, but keeps at it.]

Anyway- you tried getting into a battle yet? That might provide incentive. Or maybe you could use treats.

I've no issue with it wanting to battle. It's eager despite it's apparent inexperience.

[He does take note of the Persian though with quirked eyebrows and a hint of amusement on his face. He's fairly sure he's seen his Meowth doing the same thing to the grass it seems so keen on eating.]

It's traveling where the problems arise. I had thought we could bond that way, but it wanders off and only delays things. Though I suppose I'm not truly in any rush to be anywhere...

[He gives a thoughtful hum as he ponders things over. The only push he really had would be for food, trail mix could only carry him so far.]

I'll look for treats to try once I reach the next town. Thank you.

Hmmm... Maybe it's trying to hunt? Or mark territory, I guess. I'd say the more stimulation you can offer, the less inclined it'll be to bail on you. Guess you could always make some kinda makeshift toy, too. Like... hm.

[He casts a glance to his Persian who, of course, opted to swat at that leafy tail again.]

Maybe a string, some kinda stick, and a light object at the end it can bat around. If you could get stray feathers from a Pidgey or Spearow, that might do the trick.

Ah, you appeared during the strangeness did you? A time to arrive indeed. As for your... feline, if it should be considered that, I do not think that is the wisest or healthiest to do for their kind. At least not for the one I have.

[She gestures to the large Luxray behind her that she is leaning against, laying in grass but not eating the grass.]

Offering it treats or a toy perhaps will deter it from eating the grass.

Just briefly from what recall. [A shrug with a light frown.] ...Though my memories are admittedly hazy.

[He nods though to the rest as he eyed the Luxray in the video, this isn't the first time treats have been mentioned nor the concern for the grass eating. Toys were new suggestion though!]

Mm. I can't imagine puking up grass to be healthy for any creature. It can't keep it down and yet.

[He gestures towards his meowth again. It can't get enough of chewing on grass!]

I've no treat nor toy to try, but I will get them in the next town should they have some.

Hazy memories, that appears to be what we all have of that weekend. And no, I would agree that it is not healthy for the creature.

[She gives a look of concern to the meowth, wondering if the poor thing was even capable of doing anything but what it was currently doing.]

I do hope it helps, even if only a little to stop it from eating things it should not.

[Estinien is just eyeing the little monster critically. And being glad that all of his own are fairly competent.]

...tis an interesting beast.

[He's being diplomatic.]

You returned after that weekend and recall it?

Mm... I suppose that is one way to describe it.

[You and him both. The way it's absentmindedly swaying in place is totally not concerning! ...He's sure it just needs more training, but first he needs to connect with it. Somehow.]

But, aye. The memories are muddled, but there are some I still yet remember with clarity. Mostly I remember waking an Ascian from his slumber. A mistake. Otherwise it's bits of this world and it's creatures.

[Ah.]

Tis the same mistake I first made, ere I arrived. He has been a pain in my arse ever since.

[What is it with that lazy bastard and sleeping under trees?]

My name is Estinien Wyrmblood. Yours, stranger?

What, really? You too? ...Emet-Selch?

[He hadn't actually expected someone else here to recognize what an Ascian was, let alone share the same experience.]

Ardbert's my name. I take it you're from back home then?

[Well with a name like that it wouldn't be his home, but the Source was a familiar enough land compared to here.]

Edited 2020-07-28 01:42 (UTC)

He was calling himself Solus at the time, but aye.

[Well. He still calls himself Solus, but...]

There are others, did he tell you of them?

Edited 2020-07-28 02:12 (UTC)

Ah. Well. I fear he'll be a pain in the arse to us both then. He must have already taken an interest in you.

[He's only observed Emet for a short amount of time back on the First, but you didn't need much to deduce that from him. He brings a hand up to his chin as he thought over the question, sorting through what he could remember of that weekend.]

...Nay. He seemed more curious about me than explaining this world and any others on it.

Months ago. For a time it was only us two of our world.

[Therefore few other targets for his curiosity, though he seems to have found others of late. Thank the Fury for small mercies.]

Admittedly, I know not who you would be familiar with.

A shame you got stuck with such poor company.

[Gods, that is far too long for anyone to have to deal with Emet-Selch. Though he supposes after a while one would get used to his certain brand of dramatics...]

Assuming you are from Eorzea— save for your Warrior of Light, there is scant few I would know.

If he should become too much of a pain to deal with, tis satisfying to hit him. Though then you might have to contend with his complaining of we violent mortals.

[He's been worn down by it. Like a rock in a river.]

Even that is complicated. You yourself look more akin to the Warrior of Light that I know than the woman here--Ziva is her name, and I do believe she is who she says, but I knew her not ere her arrival.

What lands do you hail from, then?

[He's stunned momentarily by that answer, his eyebrows raising in disbelief before he lets out an amused chuckle. You. He like you.]

You speak from experience! I would rather be spared his complaints, but who can say where my fists may land should he warrant it.

Ah, well. I cannot say the name Ziva rings any bells. The Warrior of Light I know of is no woman. [a slight pause.] ...and any resemblance I bear to him is purely coincidence, we are both Hyur after all.

[At least he's pretty sure that's what they called Humes over there. He doesn't want to entertain the thought of why else he'd look like the WoL right now.]

As for my home first I must ask, know you the tale of Hydaelyn and Zodiark? Of the great sundering, and the reflections it created?

[Bonding over decking Emet-Selch seems like a good time.]

Tis not that you are close enough that I would mistake him for you, least from the front.

[He shrugs and shakes his head.]

Only what I have been told. Emet-Selch spoke to me of it some months ago, when we both had recently arrived.

[You're about to tell him you're from one of those reflections, aren't you? And because the fates have absolutely no sense of irony and coincidence doesn't exist, likely the one the Scions had been called to.]

Oh, but from the back?

[A jest, the man he's been watching on the First is far more unkempt than he is. He nods though, glad that he guessed correctly that Estinien would know. Emet-Selch seemed to enjoy hearing himself talk and if it wasn't him he guessed by association with the Source's champion.]

Then I'm sure you can guess. The reflection nearest to the Source—the First—is my home. So besides a handful of your lot, I doubt I would be familiar with most from 'our' home.

For a moment or two, mayhap.

[Before he realized that indeed whoever you are, you know how to use a comb. Which is slightly rich, coming from him.]

Tis well that there are not many of us--though I believe of us, I am the only one that has not been to your homeland.

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sorry work ate me lol

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