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

[insidegalra]

"If that's what Vrig wants, she only needs your permission, since the HM belongs to you."

And then Thace watches the process with interest. Once it's done, however, the Noibat tugs the tips of his ears down so they kind of frame his face and makes... paddling motions with them?

Thace's forehead furrows as he watches the pantomime, and then as Brodar points at the Strength HM with his bent over ear-tip. "You can't lear-- oh, for Trax, you mean? He's in storage right now and I'm sure our new acquaintance has a full schedule."

Thace doesn't quite suppress the disquieted tone and the shudder when he says storage.

[fingersandteeth]

Steven frowns. "Yeah, it's kind of weird, the whole stuffing your pokemon into a computer network, isn't it? I only do it if I have to travel long-distance and only if I can't leave them with my boyfriend. I mean, I suppose I could take them to the day care, but people say that's a good way to come home with way too many eggs when you pick them up. But yeah, no, mostly we keep ours outside the PC at home--and as long as they're in the house, outside their balls too."

[insidegalra]

There is definite interest in Thace's expression. It's only his superb control that keeps the excitement off. "How is that accomplished? I assume that owning, or long term rental, of the property is why it is allowed, but what keeps them from being sent into storage automatically? The 'only six' rule is frustrating. If it was broken so often that it had to be enforced in such a way, perhaps it should be reconsidered."

[fingersandteeth]

"I mean, they do get sent to storage automatically," Steven says. "But that's based on how many pokeballs you have on your person. Pokeballs laying around the house don't seem to count? So if you've got your own place, you just leave the other balls at home and go back to the pokecenter to get more of them out of the PC. You're right, though, it's definitely something you need a regular place of residence for."

[insidegalra]

"Honedge..." If Vrig had a chin, she'd be rubbing it. Someone has an idea that might well be sneaky.

Thace raises an eyebrow at her response, and then tips his head to the side to touch his temple to her guard with more than a little fondness. Then he returns his attention to Steven. "If it were truly that simple, wouldn't more people find ways around it? Such as using the delivery service to deliver empty balls to someone in the next town or some other method like that."

[fingersandteeth]

"Are you sure people don't?" Steven points out. "Usually people try not to get caught when they're doing something they're specifically not supposed to do."

[insidegalra]

"Good point." Thace's frown deepens, "but without confirmation, I would have to be concerned about... failsafes."

He twists that word in his mouth like it has a bad taste. "It would unfortunately be all too simple to add code into the balls to cause harm to Pokemon who are too far from them, or even that would cause their form to degrade or destabilize without frequent occupation, because of whatever process is used to contain them in the balls in the first place. I haven't seen any sign of the second, thankfully, but I also wouldn't want to harm a sentient being just to test a theory. Even if they were willing to engage in that test."

The last is said in Vrig's direction, because she was in the process of raising her tassel and volunteering.

[fingersandteeth]

"You could give the pokeball to the pokemon to hold," Steven says after a long moment. "Then they could decide whether or not they'd want to be inside at any given point. Honestly, though, I think you ought to talk to Old Man Kurt in Azalea Town. He makes pokeballs the old fashioned way, with apricorns, and he could probably tell you more about how they work. And I'd say he's more trustworthy than SilphCo, who make the modern kind. I interviewed him once, actually," he adds, smiling at the memory. "For a retrospective on the Town Channel about how he and his granddaughter chased Team Rocket out of the Slowpoke Well, years back."

[insidegalra]

Thace nods. "I wonder if that would be effective, if combined with the residence method."

He judges it less likely to set off any failsafes if the Pokemon are right with the balls registered to them anyway. There's a glimmer of recognition there. "I will certainly speak to him once I get to Azalea. I've been keeping apricorns when I find them, because I knew they had some use, so perhaps he'd be willing to experiment."

Thace's mood has certainly improved now that he has ideas and a plan.

[fingersandteeth]

Steven nods. "Give him my regards once you see him. He really was fun to interview when I met him."

He'd felt a little bad about having Tyler strand him at the bottom of the Slowpoke Well a couple weeks later at the end of a mission--but at least Steven's idea of keeping him warm down there by stuffing him in a Team Rocket sweater 'for humiliation purposes' beforehand seemed to have worked. And according to the EV news report someone had noticed Tyler leaving the well--Steven wasn't sure if Tyler had done that on purpose or not and really, he didn't want to know--so Kurt had spent less than an hour stuck down there anyway.

[insidegalra]

"I will have to track down the interview when we return." Thace is smiling, a little twinkle in his eye at the thought of learning something, and then nods. "But of course I will. We should exchange names, then. I'm Thace."

And then he points to each of his Pokemon in turn. "Brodar, Vrig, Vruli, Kaltor, Athvrix and Zaivar."

ssshhhh, they were there the entire time

[fingersandteeth]

"Steven Durante," he answers easily. "These are Charley and Little Timmy," he adds, gesturing the Misdreavous hovering protectively over a tiny Mimikyu dressed in a homemade Braixen costume the next seat over. "I'm pleased to meet you and your friends."

[insidegalra]

"Likewise." Thace smiles as he gives seated bows to the two Pokemon and extends a hand toward Steven.

Not for a handshake, however. Galra-style is more of a forearm clasp.

[fingersandteeth]

Sadly, Steven assumes this will be a handshake and clasps Thace's hand, not his forearm.

[insidegalra]

Thace blinks down at their clasped hands in complete bafflement for about a second. Then he looks up and gives Steven a sheepish smile.

"I think Earthlings must do it differently. Would you show me?"

[fingersandteeth]

Steven runs Thace through the motions of a handshake before letting go, although he leaves his own arm extended. "How do they do it on your planet?" he asks.

(Of course this guy has to be an alien. He called Steven an Earthling.)

[insidegalra]

"Trans-galactic Empire," Thace says with something almost wry in his voice. After all, Galra haven't had a planet in ten millennia.

He demonstrates the forearm grasp. "Individuals who are closer may alter it somewhat, such as bringing their other hands into the gesture or through leaning close during the clasp. It can also be used as a subtle threat or display of power, although I no longer have my claws, and don't feel the need to assert ruthlessness here."

[fingersandteeth]

"Trans-galactic Empire," Steven corrects himself with a smile. He pays attention to the forearm clasp and then after the demonstration is done, offers one of his own to Thace.

"Honestly, this stuff is fascinating. I'm glad to meet real life space aliens here."

[insidegalra]

"It's a shame you don't get to meet me as my original species," Thace says, but smiles in approval at the quick pickup of the greeting.

"But probably fortunate that the Empire doesn't exist in your reality." That isn't said accidently; Thace is watching Steven's expression closely.

[fingersandteeth]

"Probably, anyway," Steven says. "We haven't had manned missions any further than the moon in my time, so if there is a space Empire outside of us, we haven't run into it."

He tilts his head. "What does your species usually look like?"

[insidegalra]

"I kept my height, although my proportions changed. It's difficult to describe Galra in general, but of myself, I had mobile ears--"

Thace gestures to the top of his head, "purple fur, fangs, and claws."

He pauses and tips one corner of his mouth up almost jauntily. "human feet are very strange. Too many digits, and completely lacking in proper claws."

[fingersandteeth]

Steven chuckles. "You sound wonderful," he says. "Well. There's a local phenomenon called 'weird weekends' that happens, oh, every six months or so? And we get our normal bodies and abilities back for three days or so. So when it happens, why don't we make loose plans to meet up. Maybe I'll show you what I used to look at."

He's glad he decided to talk to Thace, he thinks. He honestly likes the man. If he weren't very taken, he might asked if he wanted to get drinks later... but of course he is taken.

[insidegalra]

"Weird weekends..."

Thace considers that for a moment, and then finally nods. "I approve of the idea. We should exchange information, in that case."

Without direct means of contact, making nebulous future plans seems like an exercise in futility to Thace. Also when he pulls out his gear it's very obviously been taken completely apart and put together again (and not quite the same way) at least once.

[fingersandteeth]

Steven smiles a little to himself. He's rarely had any difficulty getting a man's number if he wants it, even for innocent purposes such as this.

"Of course," he says, retrieving his own gear, which seems fairly intact and in fact has a patterned case to protect it. "Can I text you about other things, between now and then?"

[insidegalra]

"You like the ghosts, I see," Thace says as he takes down the number, "and you may, but I may not be able to respond in a timely fashion if I'm busy training."