Vacation? What's that?

[insidegalra]

Who: Thace and anybody!

Where: Sinnoh! (mostly around Eternia City)

When: duration of the trip

Summary: Thace has never had anything that could truly qualify as a vacation in his life. He's... succeeding? Maybe?

Rating: PG (PTSD mentions)


Pre-Boarding
Everything goes well, at least until one of the airline employees tells Thace that all his Pokemon must be in balls or storage for the trip. Thace had been controlling his discomfort in the bustling crowd well enough, at least until that. Vruli, the still undersized Whismur, wails at the suggestion, and it's enough to drop Thace into a defensive stance with one hand shielding Vruli and his teeth bared. It'd probably be more impressive if he hadn't been changed to human.

A little later he can be found in a quieter part of the waiting area, visibly distraught as he tries to understand his Pokemon's responses to his questions. Vruli is still sniffling and fussy, which isn't helping. He also only has six balls total, but seven companions.

Flight
Thace is very still and outwardly calm during the flight, but a closer look will show that he's very tense, and he hasn't let go of the six Pokeballs with him even once. He should be more controlled than this, but Thace misses the presences he's gotten used to so much. There's also very little to distract from that lonely ache in his chest, which makes it even harder to ignore.

Night-time wanderings
So, the hostel's tiny capsule beds weren't made for seven foot people, who could have guessed? Even without that complication, Thace's wariness ramps up in cities, and he rarely sleeps well even with an adequately sized bed. Sitting in a corner with his back against the wall is not improving that, so each night he eventually gives up after louder-than-usual nightmares and leaves one of his Pokemon (usually Brodar) on guard while he patrols.

He can be found walking around Eternia's streets with Vrig on his back, and half the time, a fussy Vruli against his chest. His steps are almost silent but have a soldier's cadence, and he doesn't stop moving, utterly alert and watchful. Unless it's someone he knows very well, unfortunately, he'll fall into a defensive stance every time he encounters someone, eyes narrowed and shoulders tense.

Museum and Library
During several days, Thace can be found either in the historical museum or the local library. He devours every scrap of information he can glean from the museum's exhibits, and is even willing to seek out staff to ask questions.

And he can be found in the science and technology sections of the library, cross referencing books from rather impressive stacks around him that contain material on Pokeballs, the computer storage system, and Pokemon communication.

Underground
At one point, Vrig communicates to him that she wants a Dusk stone, so Thace can be found on at least two of the days down in the tunnels. He works with determination, while his Pokemon remain close. Vruli, the undersized Whismur, is poking at some of the rocks Thace has dislodged with one of the tools for finer excavation, while the Noibat is giving the walls around them assessing looks. He's definitely planning something, but what?

The Gym
Thace plans to challenge the gym, so there are times when he can be found in the stands watching the matches as info-gathering. He won't say no to company, although he may want to discuss possible strategies. And eventually, he'll take his turn and inform anyone he's traveling or has gotten to know that he's doing it. Maybe they'll want to watch!

Regardless of the outcome, Thace will walk away from the battleground with head held high. Vruli gets scooped up and cuddled from where she was left to wait in the stands first, and then he'll address anyone else who was waiting for him to come out. "That was educational."

Spa day
The inn is much nicer than the hostel, and Thace is taking advantage of the facilities to do some grooming. ...Mostly of his Pokemon, although he probably could be talked into more than a purely functional wash-up for himself. His hair is damp and he's got just a bathrobe on, and all his attention is on his team.

He's acquired a shallow container with which to make a Vruli-sized bubble bath, and she's happily popping bubbles and pushing a floaty Ducklett toy around in the water. Vrig and Zaivar have already had a polish session and are gleaming (and is that some new keys on the Klefki?). But probably the happiest Pokemon present is Athvrix the shiny Espurr. She's getting a thorough brushing from Thace and is purring very loudly from where she's flopped on his lap.


Meadow Mornings
Thace makes a quick trip to the meadow, only stopping to make sure he's got his new cocoon out too, because Kaltor is excited. If it wasn't sunny before, it sure is now! Thace picks some of the berries (and Berries) at first, always leaving plenty behind, while the Cherrim frolics around in Sunshine form.

Then he finds a comfortable spot and settles down to watch Vruli and Athvrix play a weird combo of tag and hide and seek in the flowers while Vrig gives a lesson to the Cascoon that is apparently about timing. All in all, it's a quiet, relaxed morning. Mostly.

Vridka evolving quite suddenly into Beautifly is certainly exciting, and he proudly shows off his new wings to anyone who will stop and look.

Crash course in Berries (please save him)
Shortly after the peaceful morning and a very unexpected encounter, Thace heads back into town to research his new Berry find. A few questions has him pointed at the flower shop, and well, maybe he wasn't expecting the response to his inquiry about Berry growing.

Thace stands with a faint look of overwhelmed surprise while no less than two of the employees very excitedly tell him all about Berries! ...While piling his arms full of all the 'necessities' to get a start on growing them. It just may be a little too much for one man to carry all on his own, and Thace hasn't been able to get a word in edgewise. Help?

As for his Pokemon, two of them are listening with interest, while Vrig uses her tassel to help steady the growing pile of things. Athvrix can be found peeking out of a pot at his feet while Vruli carries a trowel around him in circles, very proud of her new toy.

Poffin Class
Thace is still in the flower shop at noon, although the chaos is mostly under control. His new supplies are stacked neatly, and he's intently listening to the class on Poffin making while following along.

Vruli wanted to make poffins too! She's making a mess more than anything, but with Vrig's help to steady the spoon, she might get something edible out of the experience yet.

Can you take a break from a vacation?
After all the excitement of the morning, Thace has retreated to somewhere quieter. It just so happens that it's a roof of one of the houses facing the meadow. He's reclining on his side and carefully controlling equal consumption of poffins by giving his Pokemon little bites to nibble on. If someone manages to climb up to him, he'll give them a nod. "Busy day?"

Comments

The Gym

[breakyourlife]

Truth be told, Steve would rather just go in and get this fight over with. It's not in his nature to put this much thought in, and all this strategizing is starting to give him a headache. The thing is, it's a new region and he wants to impress them. He's trained up quite a few level 100 Pokémon by now, so why not show off with the elite team?

It seems he's not the only one who's frequenting the gym before challenging it either. Easily distracted as he is, or perhaps because of how tall Thace is, Steve can't help but notice. When he finds himself seated nearby one morning he decides to strike up conversation.

"You planning on fighting her?"

[insidegalra]

"We are," replies Thace, while the Pokemon with him mostly sound obvious agreements.

Might be another reason Steve took notice. None of Thace's Pokemon are in balls. The Honedge and the undersized Whismur are in a handmade sling, nestled against his back and chest respectively. There's a shiny Espurr in his lap, a Cherrim at his side, and a Noibat perched on one shoulder. The Klefki might be harder to notice, but sure is floating next to his other ear.

"Her specialty leaves weaknesses, but any skilled specialist will work on strategies that counter weaknesses. That's what I'm watching for now."

[breakyourlife]

That also definitely stands out. It's not uncommon to see people with one or two of their team out and about, but you don't usually see this many out of their balls. Especially not somewhere like this.

"I think my guys should take her pretty easy," Steve says casually. "Even with the elite team we have a lot of advantages."

It's not quite the truth, otherwise why would he be watching so many challenges before taking his own? But Steve isn't one to voice his fear of defeat without needing to. Especially not to some guy he just met.

[insidegalra]

"Many of her Pokemon, especially the elites, are able to learn moves from TMs that target the types grass is weak to. I doubt I'll come up with a complete list without such a list being available somewhere, but it would be foolish of her not to take advantage of that fact. So the battles will at least give me an idea of what other moves her Pokemon has been taught. Just from standard moves, her Torterra is likely to be the biggest challenge among the elites, but her Roserade is by far the primary threat of the regular team."

For all that he's new here, Thace has been learning as much as he can about how battles and typings work, and believes in thorough research, so he's at least on the right path with what he's saying. Whether or not his assumption that Gardenia would pack her team with TMs like that is correct is the real question.

The Gym

[fingersandteeth]

Steven is also a believer in doing his research before each Gym, which is why he ends up watching a few matches seated nearby to Thace one of those days. After watching a second match, in which the challenger manages to eke out a win with their Delibird, he turns his head to say, "I always like it when people go after the non-obvious type weaknesses, myself. Probably because I took Erika down with a Woobat and a Galvantula, for lack of any Fire types except a Litwick I'd only just caught."

[insidegalra]

Thace's smile is small and wry. "Then you might enjoy my match, when I take it."

He tips his head towards his Pokemon. "This is almost my entire group of companions."

Aside from the bat, none of them have an immediately obvious offensive advantage against grass types, although some do have a defensive one.

"Zaivar's imprison is likely to prove useful for our attempt."

The little Klefki (whose only key is a handmade lockpick) chimes in, sounding very proud at that. And the Cherrim looks smug to the consternation of the bat.

[fingersandteeth]

Steven whistles. "Okay, yeah, that's-- not a lot to work with. But. If you'll give me a minute--"

And he'll reach down into his backpack (which he's using instead of his usual briefcase for his bag because vacation) and pulls out his HM case.

"I've got the full Johto set," he says. "It should only take a minute to give your Noibat Fly and that was very useful when I did Erika's gym. It's one of those moves where you can avoid getting hit for a turn."

[insidegalra]

Thace looks a little startled. "That's very generous; thank you. Brodar, do you want to learn it?"

The Noibat nods very enthusiastically and shifts to perch closer to Steven. He's definitely eyeing more than just Fly too. Thace sees and gives him a gentle flick on one ear-tip. "Mischief in return for kindness is asking for serious consequences."

It's not an outright 'no, don't do that' but it does sound like a warning, at least.

preboarding

[marmoron]

[ Keith isn't exactly fond of the Jennies and has been eyeing the security to see if there's a way to sneak his knife on board when he spots the commotion with Thace. Hurriedly he moves towards his fellow Blade. ]

Thace.

[ Then giving the bawling Whismur a glance. ]

What's wrong?

[insidegalra]

[Thace is distracted, but seems almost relieved when Keith comes over.]

I was just informed that Pokemon aren't allowed aboard outside of balls. Several of mine have never been in a ball before.

[He doesn't mention that he is one ball short, because to him that seems obvious.]

The concept of storage has been...troubling me as well.

[marmoron]

[ Ahhhh. Keith relaxes visibly at that, leaning down to offer the Whismur a pat on the head. ]

If it puts you at ease, neither being inside a pokeball nor storage causes your pokemon any harm. Here, let me show you.

[ Sliding his bag down his shoulder, he grabs a pokeball from inside. A moment later, a Houndoom emerges from inside which yawns and stretches before coming over to nip playfully at Keith's sleeve. ]

See? Not so bad right, Buddy?

Pre-boarding

[un_oiseau_rebelle]

"For what it's worth," Shinobu offers, having overheard bits of Thace's side of the conversation, "the pokeballs and the storage PC at least seem to be comfortable for the pokemon in them. At most some of mine have complained about being bored." Mostly his Zigzagoon, who has a knack for finding items, not all of which are unowned.

[insidegalra]

Thace is aware of the approach but is preoccupied by trying to calm down his upset Whismur, while his Espurr is clinging and reaching for his spare balls in an attempt to communicate her desire to get a ball and be an official part of Thace's family.

Thace's response is delayed as consequence but he lets his full disquiet show on his face. "My Cherrim prefers his ball at night but my concern stems more from the fact that it steals their freedom and this situation is dangerously close to coercion even if I don't ask them to give up freedom for me."

[un_oiseau_rebelle]

It's not that Shinobu doesn't have qualms of his own about this society and the ways pokemon exist within it, but still. Wow. "I think in this case the requirement is more a matter of safety protocols - it's much easier to keep them close in case of an emergency if they're in the balls."

That and the airline's probably had some bad experiences with loose pokemon causing trouble in the past, but he's not so sure he should mention that right now. Instead, he turns his attention to the Espurr. "You really want one of those, don't you?" he asks it.

P O F F I N S

[standless]

[As a breeder, Jonathan is naturally invested in this poffin business himself. He feels he's gotten quite good with curries (though his wife is quick to insist they are Never spicy enough), but poffins are apparently where it's at.

He's even taking notes. He has so many notes going on, and he's treating this as seriously as he would any of his classes. And-]

D-danny, no! [he hisses, his yamper breaking free of their pokeball to clamber onto the table before them. HE! WANTS! TO TASTE!!] I am so sorry- [Sorry Thace, he'll- He'll just get the yamper out of the way-]

[insidegalra]

[If anything Thace is amused by the Yamper's escape and his clear intent to sample the food. His Honedge is very stern about warning the excitable dog away from knocking over the baby, however.]

Patience will be rewarded. Wait until it's done and I will also give you a sample of mine.

[Seemingly out of nowhere Thace pulls out an Oran and gently tosses it for the Yamper to catch. That the Yamper will have to back away from the pots and also conveniently be in easy grabbing distance for Jonathan is absolutely calculated.]

[standless]

[AHA-

Just as Danny catches his prize, the yamper is snatched up in Jonathan's grip. Phew.] Thank you incredibly for that distraction sir- I can only fearfully imagine the sort of chaos he could get up to with a short amount of time.

Now, Danny- you must be patient; you will have the better treat if you wait.

[Danny simply huffs and chews happily on his berry. Jonathan sighs.]

Flight

[cutesneeze]

Once they've boarded, Catra wastes no time claiming a seat next to Thace, dropping down against the back of the seat and stretching her legs out in an unmistakably feline sprawl that radiates absolute confidence verging on ownership of not just her seat, but the entire damn plane. After traveling together for a little over a month, it's likely that he, at least, can see through the facade and pick up on the quick flick of her hooded eyes, tracking where everyone on the plane - and especially their particular eclectic group of misfits - is, noting the movement of the staff and the temperament of the passengers.

She rummages one-handed through her backpack, and comes up with a slim guidebook, a small map, and a handful of assorted pamphlets. "They said the trip is going to take a while. I figured we could make a plan for when we get there."

Has she noticed his distress and decided to attempt a distraction? Almost certainly.

[insidegalra]

One corner of his mouth flicks up in a nascent smile. Thace has learned to read Catra well enough to pick up on her own hyper-vigilance as well as the offered distraction for both of them.

He takes the map first, spreading it out so they can both look at it. "We'll probably be restricted to near the host city, if only to make sure everyone is close enough to quickly locate and round up if things go wrong. The size of the city..."

Here he trails off to focus on the map for a moment. "Should only take a few hours to thoroughly patrol."

Old habits, maybe, but Thace has done a walk/exploration session of every town and city they've been in.

Night-time wanderings

[firstonesexpert]

It takes a little bit of coercion, to get Winter to not worry about Entrapta leaving in the middle of the night for no apparent reason, but she does manage it when she explains it's to go after their new friend, and not long after Thace silently leaves their shared hostel room, there's the tell-tale thumping of heavy footsteps as Entrapta follows after him.

"You scream when you wake up sometimes," she comments by way of greeting, as she takes position alongside him. Her Morgrem is piggybacking with his arms around her neck, and Entrapta's still wearing her overalls, rather than having changed for bed. "I've observed that this is an atypical response to waking up. Why do you do this?"

[insidegalra]

Thace recognizes those footsteps at least, so he's not tense and ready to defend as she comes up beside him. The 'I'm fine' dies on his lips as she makes her comments.

That's more forward than he's used to, but at the same time, it's almost a relief. There's no judgement in her tone, and given what he knows about Winter, perhaps she'll understand. So he's silent for several steps and finally speaks. "I was a spy for a rebel group, posing as a higher ranked soldier of a tyrannical, expansionistic empire. I don't regret the choices, but I had to make several that exposed me to greatly increased risk of being found out. I was captured and tortured, and those memories frequently resurface in my dreams. I apologize for disturbing your sleep."

[firstonesexpert]

Entrapta shakes her head eagerly. "There's no need to apologise, you didn't disturb me. I am emotionally prepared for friends with bad dreams!" she says brightly, then adds after a second, "Also I wasn't asleep."

Leslie looks like he'd rather be, though, keeping his hair-tail twined in one of Entrapta's ponytails to steady himself. "You're aware I'm from the same world as Catra, yes? I too am familiar with allegedly evil dictatorships who use weapons of destruction and brainwashing techniques to subdue their enemies. I'm intimately familiar with the manner of deeds an empire like that will commit."

In case the man thinks he's doing her a service by not talking about his experiences for her sake.

Meadow Mornings

[uncutetomboy]

"Yes," the human girl with the little tepig and the little swinub curled up by her feet is telling Vridka, "you are really pretty! I'm glad you were able to evolve like that!"

(Thace may or may not remember seeing her at the gym, where she'd managed to use said swinub--and a lot of hail--to defeat the regular team.)

[insidegalra]

Vridka does a loup-de-loup to express his joy at the praise. Thace meanwhile does remember her. So he nods. "That was good strategy at the gym."

[uncutetomboy]

Akane blushes. "Thanks. S-tama was a little sad that she missed most of my gym challenges because she wasn't hatched yet, so I told her that we could do this one together. Although, I guess, it was kind of what Connie and Dirk would call a weird flex. I've seen you in the audience, though, along with Connie's uncle--have you challenged it yet?"