Thace (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
insidegalra) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
victory_road2020-08-11 09:58 pm
insidegalra) wrote in victory_road2020-08-11 09:58 pm
Entry tags:
Vacation? What's that?
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?"
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?"
no subject
(Of course this guy has to be an alien. He called Steven an Earthling.)
no subject
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."
no subject
"Honestly, this stuff is fascinating. I'm glad to meet real life space aliens here."
no subject
"But probably fortunate that the Empire doesn't exist in your reality." That isn't said accidently; Thace is watching Steven's expression closely.
no subject
He tilts his head. "What does your species usually look like?"
no subject
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."
no subject
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.no subject
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.
no subject
"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?"
no subject
no subject
no subject
And then his attention is grabbed by the battle going on below and Thace starts taking notes.
and cut!