victory_road | voice;

Have you called the police? Talked to the captain? Does no one on the ship have a flying bird? Does anyone maybe have a pokemon with surf, at least? I can warp to Cianwood, but it won't be for at least a half hour to get to the landing pads. I'm on my way regardless.

[The hell with the gross sickness, he'll take it if it means getting there faster. That's inflection, at least some inflection. Some emotion within it and he's moving his ass on the way, fresh from the results of his gym fight. They can talk on the way.]

We got him into the infirmary here, but it's really more a place to treat sea sickness and Pokemon than... whatever this is. We're trying to stop the bleeding right now.

[ The concern is clear in Kirishima's voice, though Todoroki offering solutions is helping to keep him from yelling some more. ]

Even that was kind of a risk. Since we don't know what it is, moving him could cause more pain than good.

...I thought you were exaggerating when you said bleeding everywhere. Do you have a pokemon with pain split? It's risky but if a healthy pokemon used it, it may at least give you more time. Or Destiny bond, maybe.

Even without. He'll be alright. He's too strong to let this beat him. You're both trained for this, take a breath and look at it again with fresh eyes.

I don't. Those are Ghost type moves, right?

[ If Kirishima hadn't already been here for over a year, he'd be in some real trouble. At least now he has a passing familiarity with things thanks to having to learn for his gym battles.

He sighs. ]

You're right, Todoroki, there's no way a man like Bakugou doesn't pull through! [ One can imagine the fist clench on the other end. He's gotta believe! But it's still stressful. ] We were on the deck getting ready to find something to eat when he just... fell over. It didn't look like anything hit him. It just looked like he fainted. But then he started bleeding...

Yes they are. I take it you have no other ghost pokemon than your palossand or lower level ones.

[A small 'mmh.' Nosie in agreement leaves him.]

He's strong, Kirishima. He's been through so much that an invisible pokemon won't bring him down. Try not to concentrate on what happened, concentrate on what you have to do. Keep pressure on the wounds and keep cycling the things you're using to keep pressure until you can get to the main land. I'll get there as fast as I can, but it will be some time. Ask the boat captain if he's called ahead to the hospital.

Yeah...

[ He's feeling pretty bad now about having no Ghost or other healing Pokemon on his team right now! Even if he had Matsue, his strong Palossand, she couldn't do anything for Bakugou, save maybe compel him to build on her. ]

Midoriya's got the wounds. Listen, man, I don't want you to risk hurting yourself. It sounds like you're pretty far off from us now. Maybe just meet us in the hospital in Cianwood? We're definitely gonna get him there soon.

[~~Shoto loves the sand Goddess, we don't speak of her in any other way than perfection and the need to build.~~ Kirishima will never hear the 'damnit' in his head when he realizes his friend is right, and that he's just going to hurt himself getting there impulsively. He needs to trust them and trust in them.]

I'll be there.

[ Kirishima sighs in turn, shakily. It's clear he's trying to sound positive. ]

Look forward to seein' you in person again, man. Wish it wasn't for this.

[Kirishima being anything but positive is the most frightening thing Shoto has ever encountered.]

It's going to be nice, but we'll scold Bakugo for it when he's better.

I mean, I think you're joking but just in case, it's definitely not his fault. I don't think...

[ It's not like Kirishima monitors who Bakugou is talking to - or pissing off, as the case might be. ]

Yes, I was. I'll work on it.

Keep me informed, I'll be there as soon as I can. Everything will be alright.
[Once more he's not exactly trying to convince Kirishima, but himself too. Shoto's got to get on those warp pads and try to deal with any fallout of it as fast as he can. He'll be seeing Kirishima as soon as possible.]

[ But the reassurances are nice. Kirishima has been shooting the breeze with Todoroki almost daily since the latter arrived, trading wholesome pictures and thoughts of their Pokemon. It hits different, though, to know Shoto's willing to drop everything and come out to help him and their classmates when he's clearly got his own agenda going on.

He'll keep Shoto updated. Katsuki is stable and, actually, Olivine is the closest city so they're going to fly Bakugou there. ]

He's still asleep. How do you feel about going to a farm?

[Even if they're close and friends from being in school together, Shoto feels like being here has solidified his friends in his heart. Kirishima is no different and their daily interactions has, for Shoto, only deepened that in the most platonic sense of the terms.

Further, he's glad for the updates. It doesn't make him try to get there any slower, but the moment he sees the text it's an easy answer no matter how ill he's feeling from the rapid warping. Thankfully not too many cities over.]

I feel fine to meet you where you'd like. The MooMoo farm is just north of where Bakugo is. Would you like me to go there?

Yeah you know exactly what I mean man! You got me! Let's go see some cows.

[ It's both an attempt to keep Todoroki from seeing Bakugou like that and also a small attempt to cope. He's already been to MooMoo before so he knows it's delightful, at least for him.

He even trades out some of his Pokemon for the trip so that Todoroki can see a prancing Miltank and Tauros outside the fence before Kirishima even crests a horizon. There's also a relatively slow, pink Ampharos somersaulting its way after the actual bovine-esque creatues; it does not seem to be in possession of an actual move like Rollout, but enjoying itself nonetheless. ]

Alright, I didn't really stay there long so this will be good.

[A nice distraction and of course a kindly thought by Kirishima that he doesn't have to replay Bakugo's almost mortal injuries a second time, considering he's seen some of the other times. The time it takes him to get there is as long as getting something to settle his stomach and his own team switch. He had his ghosts out with appropriate moves before he left with the intent in case he could make it. Which, in hindsight is a stupid thought. Based more in panic earlier, he has a better sense of it while taking a less worrisome team. His ghosts are good boyls and ghouls but, sometimes they're still down to their core ghosts if he doesn't watch which ones he lets out together.

Case in point that he has his ~~babysitter~~ Meowstic with him, a tiny bird on the back of his backpack, the Talonflame and Talonflame's best of friends (read not at all) a teacup, pinkass cat thing, and a murderous cosplayer. A few are in their balls for now and after he lands and spots the small troop of pokemon, including what he's pretty sure is a shiny, he heads over out of curiosity and sees Kirishima in the wake of making his way over.

With the added anxiety of Bakugo, he wishes that seeing Kirishima could just be the pure joy that it feels like and with a large bird carrying a few of his pokemon on its back while it bird walks with him... Shoto doesn't hesitate this time. It's been a long, long time since he's seen them in person and at the moment, everything and everyone (including the little bird in that backpack nest) will have to forgive him. He's not saying hello, he's just going to reach out and give Kirishima a one armed hug. It's momentary, it's brief, but it's meaningful.]

I'm glad everyone is alright.

[That's hello in Shoto-ese.]

[ Kirishima doesn't hesitate to turn that one-armed hug into a two-armed one on his end, though he will keep it as brief as Shoto seems to want it, parting with a jockular pat on the back and a grin that only partly reaches his eyes. It's been a trying time and he needs this, but he's happy to see his friend. ]

Hey man, good to see you!

[ The herd behind the fence of MooMoo is moving in, mostly Miltanks trotting over to meet their fellow Miltank. Mochi, Kirishima's Miltank, is wearing a soft blue ribon in a bow around her ear to signify her as apart from the herd so the staff don't get anxious there's been a breakout; the Tauros, Bulgogi, wears a red bandana that is mostly hidden by his furry ruff, save for the hanging fringe of the cloth ( a blanket, in truth ). Shoto might immediately note Kirishima is wearing an elbow-length black, rubber glove up to his elbow on one arm, especially when he moves to pivot Shoto to one side and reaches out to stop the rushing shiny Ampharos on the forehead with it.

The Ampharos in question pops out of his somersaulting ball and gives a cheerful cry of greeting, happily butting into the touch with his paws outstretched. ]

He's really friendly, which is awesome except he builds a lot of static really quickly.

[ He'll quickly explain to Todoroki. He detaches what seems to be one of those spiral sort of lent brushes from his belt in the other hand. There handle seems to be wrapped in rubber as well and the 'bristles' more like a snarl of soft, metallic wire. ]

Hold on, buddy.

[ He'll start to brush the Ampharos down, which gets a coo and a crackle-pop through the wiring. ]

Thanks for meeting up! How was the journey?

Edited 2022-01-23 15:28 (UTC)

[He can see that Kirishima is tired. Rightly so, he must be run ragged dealing with everything and Shoto is glad to know that he can be here for a little bit at least to help him relax.]

Likewise.

[The glove is very odd until he gets put to the side and saved from feeling like he might understand Kaminari a little more. It's also interesting to watch Kirishima explain and show him how to care for the pokemon. He's never seen some of these before. Most especially curious are the tiny daughter and also the mimikyu staying close and behind Shoto's legs.]

It was fine. I've been here a few times on my own, but I never did choose anything.

[Because let's face it nothing is a ghost here. He's definitely got his gander on, having a look as the crackle of static draws his attention. This is only the second time that one of Kirishima's pokemon has almost bodied him and he's been more interested than worried.]

Your pokemon are lovely.

[Well this sure isn't what Ochako was ever hoping to hear over the network, and immediately she's on her feet and rushing to get to the Pokemon Center to warp to Cianwood, phone pressed to her ear. She leaves Eri in the care of two of her stronger Pokemon (Eclair and Thuban), then pockets Parfait's Pokeball and nearly flies out the door of her apartment in Goldenrod.]

Kirishima-kun!! Parfait--my Clefable! She has multiple moves that can heal! I can warp to Cianwood no problem, but getting to the boat will be the biggest issue... Is Bakugou-kun stable right now? The medical facilities on board should be able to hold him a while at least until they make land - ask if they can flag down an emergency coastal service out there, if possible.

[Ochako is in full Hero Mode, blitzing out instructions as she wheezes and bounds her way down alleys and streets on her way to the center. Ugh, of course the cheapest apartments were the ones farthest from the main facilities...]

Edited 2021-11-30 00:32 (UTC)

[ Man, they are so lucky to have their classmates around to help, and it's forcing him to stay somewhat calm when he's being given orders. ]

As far as I can tell he's stable for now. He's breathing well anyway-- Hey, don't make yourself sick too if you gotta warp far!

I just don't even know what happened. If it was an attack, it seems like it was just on him.

[ Of course he's got his whole damn team out patrolling. ]

[Ochako sure doesn't feel lucky... She wants to be there, close to her friend who is hurt and needs help. She is absolutely furious that she's miles away, unable to really do anything other than shout orders at the other two boys. Just like last time...she couldn't do anything. She couldn't do anything to even help Bakugou, and now--

Now it's the same, isn't it?]

I'm fine! [It's a bit more firm than she intends, and that voice crack was certainly not intended either, or the minute she takes to scrub the tears out of her eyes, but she's racing forward again.] It's not about me right now, it's about making sure Bakugou-kun is okay!! I'm getting close to the Center, just make sure all his vitals are tended to... Monitor his pulse, his breathing - he might need a blood transfusion if he was bleeding as badly as you say... But I'm sure you know what to do, Kirishima-kun.

[They've all had the same emergency training, they know how to handle this. It may not be urgent care, but even their skills can at least keep someone alive long enough to allow real emergency medical care at a proper hospital or so.]

It doesn't make sense, why would someone target Bakugou-kun specifically? You don't think a villain's shown up in this world or something, do you?

[ Her voice, cracking but determined, gives Kirishima mixed emotions. Obviously she's pushing herself and he doesn't like that. Obviously she's determined to get where she's going. It reminds him Ochako has been long talking about being around them; he hates this is the circumstance that might make it happen. ]

Listen.

It sounds like you're really far away right now.

[ Just because she didn't say anything to the tune of 'I'm right there' or 'Be there in ten'. ]

Trust me and Midoriya, we're gonna get him to a hospital. Bakugou's too strong not to pull through this. [ Thank you for the reminder, Shoto. ] Just... Slow down, Ochako. Just meet us in Cianwood's hospital.

But it's really good to hear from you. We thought about a villain attack at first but nothing else has happened? Why just pick Bakugou and not try to hurt all three of us at once, you know? Midoriya and I are still good.

[It sounds like you're really far away right now.

That's probably not meant to hurt as much as it does, but Ochako squeezes her eyes shut and comes very, very close to hanging up on Kirishima, wholesale. The frustration deep down surfacing up to a blaze of emotion by just a simple sentence - she hates it. She hates that he's right, that the distance put between her and her friends means she can't do anything. Again. Bakugou is hurt, he's bleeding, and she has a Pokemon that can heal him and yet is hundreds of thousands of miles away and unable to do a fucking thing about it.]

Don't. [She chokes out, finally at her breaking point as she hiccups on a wet sob. After reliving the horrors of the Summer Training Camp up close through Todoroki's memories, Ochako can't bottle up the uglier feelings she's held onto for so long this time. She can't.] ...Tell me to stop.

I do trust you - more than anyone else in this stupid world, Kirishima-kun - but I'm so sick and tired of doing nothing for the people I care about most of all! Because I couldn't be there. Becuase I chose not to be there. I'm so sick and tired of hanging back on the sidelines and letting someone else handle something important. It's just like back then, but this time I'm making the choice to be there!

[She sniffles, hard, but it doesn't deter her from keeping her pace, even though her vision is blurred by tears, and it's difficult to breathe through her gasps and sobs and pants. She feels so useless, so insignificant, and it's killing her confidence in herself, too. She can help, but distance is making it feel like she can't, like she should just quit and give up. Let someone else handle it. It'll be fine. Just like Kamino.

She barrels into the Center in a rush, but forgoes the warps when her eyes lock on the PC. Wait...that's right! She can still help in some way!!]

I'm sending Parfait to you, I nearly forgot about this method, but I'm still coming, too. I'll be there soon. [Ochako huffs, opening up an app on the PC - Global Link - and soon Kirishima will see a message appear on his Gear. OCHAKO would like to TRADE.]

I'm--... [A worthless Rescue Hero who can't do anything, even for her best friends.] ...far away, yeah, but at least I can send my Pokemon to you to help heal Bakugou-kun. Then I'll meet you at the hospital.

[ Of course Kirishima hadn't meant the statement as a criticism. They're not in school any more and they're at different levels of progress in this world with differing goals. It surprises him when her voice cracks through and he's feeling very torn, knows he's said a wrong thing. Dammit... His mind is so clearly on Bakugou's predicament right now he's failing to recognize his friend's needs.

He does his best to listen to the message but with some real-time events that require his attention, it's tough. What he gets is that she's going to do whatever she's doing because she needs to. Maybe later, when he can listen to the recording again, he'll have to reach out and see if they can't actually talk about this because he hates she's hurting - it's clear she's hurting.

Sadly, he's consequently at a loss for response until the trade notification comes through. Parfait... that's her starter, isn't it?

Welp. He wasn't going to cry before despite all the stress that's happening, but he can't help himself now. Machoke would be the correct thing to send in return, but... Machoke isn't ready, not yet... and Kirishima needs him to be here. Still, he's got someone on his current roster that's worthwhile.

EIJIRO would like to TRADE: ONIX.

She's been with him almost since the beginning too. She's a literal rock that has taken him and his friends so far in this world and she can do the same for Ochako too. Normally, she only moves for food with her trainer, but she's a good enough girl at heart he thinks she can't ignore Uraraka's pure distress. She's also useless on this boat. ]

Nothing moves like Onix when she gets goin'. We'll see ya soon? And thanks...

[He didn't, no, and deep down Ochako knows this, but she's not thinking very clearly in the moment - too panicked and afraid because of just how sudden and unexpected this all is. This world has been, up until this moment, practically free of strife as far as she knew. Of course there was the wayward Pokemon here and there causing trouble, but nothing that seemed overly malevolent, or dangerous. Plus, with having to relive that terrible time back during the summer, and up close like that...it just tore open a wound that never really healed. Not completely.

It's just becoming more and more frustrating knowing she can't do anything from where she is if an emergency happens, like right now. The support she can give seems so superficial, and what if the worst happened? She knows her friends are made of tougher stuff than that, but the nagging voice in her mind always has to interject with that what if scenario. What if she couldn't be there? What if she couldn't get to see them one final time? What if she could do more?

It's all stress, they're kids and they're stressed and scared right now, for their friend. But it's because of their friend that Ochako is pulling herself out of her own ass and making that difficult decision right now. This isn't about her, it's about Bakugou and making sure absolutely nothing happens to him. What she can do versus what she can't. Giving up her starter, even if it's just temporarily, is the best decision right now. It stings, of course it does, that's the companion Ochako has had from the start, but she has to suck it up for the sake of someone else. Because isn't that what a Hero does? They help people, no matter what.

No matter what.]

I accept. [And that's that. The trade is complete and Ochako watches Clefable's pokeball disappear a moment after it's placed in the PC's holder, only to be replaced with Onix. Her fingers feel numb when she takes it, holding it close to her chest.] I'll take care of her until I meet up with you guys. Please, j-just...

[She hesitates, not sure what to say. It'd be more painful to vocalize any of her warring thoughts right now.]

Edited 2021-12-06 02:37 (UTC)

[ This world can certainly be very startling. Kirishima's first awakening to how hard it could be started with Team Rocket taking over a Christmas market, but fully solidified when they had several Pokemon possessing people in a locked room - including Bakugou. It's taking him back just a little to that moment now, feeling like Bakugou is being targeted once more but not knowing why.

But getting the Clefable that is Parfait gives him some real peace of mind in spite of feeling this deep ache that this must truly be a blow to Ochako. Surely she can help, though he feels pretty stupid as he actually tosses her freshly-received ball out.

His reception comes back. ]

Hey, Parfait, Ochako sent you to me so you can help our friend. Can you heal him?

[ He actually... isn't familiar enough to know which move to command her to do.

Also, if Ochako looks, Onix may no longer be an Onix. She's been equipped with a Steel Coat for so long he's forgotten about it ~~but I don't know if that means they evolve in the ball or when they're released from it in this game~~. ]

[Ochako, thankfully, wasn't around for any of those events, just the most recent with the shared memories. It was strange, and definitely a bit painful, too...depending on which one she visited, but it definitely does seem like the world, or any world, has it out for their blond friend. It's not fair, and may also be another reason among the list of why Ochako's a bit protective of him and Izuku, as well. Too much happens to those two in particular.

The moment Parfait is released, she blinks around, but recognizes Kirishima almost immediately. Of course, she was much smaller the first time they met, but she chitters happily nonetheless, only standing to attention when she notes his distress...and the lack of her Trainer around. Oh. So that's what it is. Looking quite serious after a moment, the Clefable nods with a huff, then approaches where Bakugou is resting. She's only ever healed herself or her partners in double battles before, but it's mostly the same process. Life Dew is the best to use here, so as she catches a tear in the corner of one of her eyes with a claw, she extends it over where Bakugou's bandages are and lets it fall. The bead will glow, rippling outward, and some of those nasty injuries will begin to close and fade. Not completely, but enough to help a lot until they get to a proper hospital - barring the fact Bakugou doesn't move or fuss too much.

As for Ochako, well...she thankfully had the forethought to release Onix after she got to Cianwood through the warps, in a large and open space where she couldn't cause too much property damage with her size and weight. ...Only for the big rock snake to change into a big steel snake a second later.

UM??]

Eh...oh...oh my-- [WAS THIS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN?? Is Kirishima going to be mad?! Oh god, she can't fucking deal with all this stuff happening right now one after another.]

[ Kirishima contacts Ochako maybe a couple of hours after Parfait was sent and probably about when she's let out Onix - now Steelix. ]

Hey, he's stable thanks to Parfait. We ended up sending him to Olivine because that hospital was closer and had better equipment.

[ A little snuffle. ]

My bad. We were supposed to be in Cianwood for the winter. I'm sorry, Ochako...

[ He sounds tired. The stress has taken a bit out of him. ]

[Thank goodness he does, because after contacting the Cianwood hospital and learning that they didn't have Bakugou yet, and waiting there - anxious and barely hanging on to the remnants of her calm - has been absolute hell for Ochako. She hates this, every little bit of it, and the Pokeball in her bag now containing Steelix feels like one more burden she has to carry.

The news that she's, once again, in the wrong place feels heavy, but knowing Bakugou in in a more advanced and secure hospital, got there faster...it helps a ton. Also just knowing she needs to remain strong for her friends who are just as shaken up by this random act puts a little more pep in her. It's fine, it's all going to be fine.]

It's okay...I can take an Ubird, o-or contact the Jennies. If I say it's an emergency, may...m-maybe they can get me a free ride or something. [She rubs at her face.] But, I...K-Kirishima-kun. Your Onix, it...i-it changed--evolved, I think? Right when I opened the ball, and I didn't even...think to stop it. With everything happening at once, I was so surprised I just couldn't react and--

I'm sorry. I'm...really sorry...

[That sounded frantic, and, from Romelle heard in the responses, no one had a Pokémon with Fly, yet... But she had exactly that.]

My Altaria knows Fly. If you can get him into a sling of sorts, we can carry him back to the city. I can only take one other person with me, though. One of you will have to stay on the ship.

Altaria...

[ He knows that one. It's the cloud bird! ]

Is Altaria a really smooth flier? We're still not even sure what happened to him yet and jostling him could be really bad.

I'm sure we could do it. She can glide once she's in the air.

Well if you could get over here, we'd really appreciate it.

You sound familiar. We've talked before, right?

[ Given a couple more seconds, Kirishima remembers: ]

Oh yeah! I think we were talkin' about Manaphy! I'm sorry if I didn't introduce myself before. I'm Kirishima.

Oh, yes! I talked to many people about Manaphy, but I do recognize your voice. [She would have sooner if this place hadn't taken away her Altean level hearing.] My name is Romelle.

I'll be there as soon as I can! [Kirishima would already hear the pop of a PokéBall followed by a "Riii!" indicating her Altaria was ready to go.]

Thanks, Romelle, really. Let me know when you're a couple minutes out so we can load him up.

[ It's a reassuring sound. It gives him hope amidst the stress. ]

I owe you one.

I'm just glad I can help.

[With the woosh of cloudy wings, the Altaria was airborne, and Romelle was on her way!

There would, of course, be some time before she contacted him again, but the urgency was in her voice when she did, indicating she had definitely done her best with her partner to get there as quickly as they could.]

Kirishima! I can see your boat. We should be there soon!

Oh fuck, we're nowhere near-- Kirishima? What happened? What do you mean he just passed out? Are you and your friends under attack?

I dunno. I don't think so? We got Bakugou into the ferry's infirmary after he passed out and our Pokemon have been scouting around.

It's just like... he fainted? We were watching the island come up on the bow and he just passed out. But then he started bleeding too! I don't think he's really made any enemies here that'd try this sort of thing or do it invisibly but...

[ Bakugou is an incredibly abrasive person, which means Kirishima isn't sure that isn't the case. He sounds a little more focused now, but the concern rings clear. ]

Have you heard of any kind of Pokemon who could do this?

Bleeding? After passing out? What the fuck... Ah, no, I do not know of such Pokémon. I have heard of otherworlders suddenly falling asleep in a deep, unwakeable state for a week... but nothing about magic injuries. Do you not have any Pokémon that knows healing moves? I'm afraid I'm not close enough to get there in time.

What the hell? WHY?

Uh! No, we don't, but one of my friends is gonna send one of her Pokemon that does know some. And somebody else is gonna send a Pokemon evac. It's gonna be okay... I hope.

What do you mean about that otherworlder stuff?

Oh, thank goodness. [He's sighing with relief.] But if you still need anything after your friends arrive, let me know.

[He shrugs before he remembers this is audio only.]

It's another one of the many mysteries of this world. Sometimes, an otherworlder will fall asleep - it's a magical kind of slumber that lasts a week, and nothing can wake them up at all, no matter how hard you try. When they wake up, they have new memories from their realm, as if-- their soul had traveled back or something.

voice;

Voice;

voice;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

/spills words out on the floor

one year later

no subject

Voice;

voice;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[ voice ]

voice;

Re: voice;

voice;

Re: voice;

no subject

no subject

[Voice]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject