victory_road | Continuation Of A Curious Correspondence [Closed]

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Continuation Of A Curious Correspondence [Closed]

Who: Hershel Layton and Radley
When: April 1st onward.
Where: Cherrygrove City
Summary: The Professor really wants to see the Ruins of Alph. This is an extension of this thread from the TDM.
Rating: E, for Everyone. (PG most likely).
Note: If this is against the rules, please let me know! I didn't see anything pertaining to this so do forgive me.

Log:

[The Professor has been waiting patiently, nursing a thermos full of black tea as he sits contentedly in the Pokécenter. As he stated in his messages, the trip from New Bark was a bit of an excursion and he was happy to take a breather. When he sees the other approaching him, he politely stands, screwing the top back upon his thermos before tucking it beside his backpack. He offers a hand to Radley, a soft smile on his lips.]

Good to see you, Radley. Once again, I thank you for making the journey to meet me. That certainly was quick!

[His eyes drop down to look at the two unfamiliar Pokémon, greeting them with a smile as well. He gives a laugh, crouching down to greet the two Eevees on their level.] My goodness, hello! Aren't you two delightful. [He then casually flips open his Pokédex, scanning Eevee's information so that he may read it later.]

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[Radley smiles and shakes his hand.]

Sure. Yeah, these Warp Pads are pretty something.

[Evie chirps in delight at more attention. Evan is a bit more reserved, but warming up.]

[The Professor stands back up, looking a little more serious but not by too much.]

Do you have anywhere you need to be? I know you're already helping me with my journey to the ruins but I would benefit greatly if you could allow me to interview you for a moment. I have... many questions about this situation we've found ourselves in.

I'm fine for now. I've mainly just been traveling with my Eevees and working on taking care of this egg they gave me. I don't really get it, but all Pokemon come from eggs.

[He takes a large egg out of his pack. It's in some sort of enclosed clear case for warmth, likely an incubator.]

So I'm happy to answer what I can.

Do they really? Every single one of them? No matter the species?

[The Professor obviously hadn't seen a Pokémon egg as of yet, and is truly astonished at the site of it. It was huge! Larger than an ostrich egg! It was hard to believe that a creature like Yamask was hatched from an egg. Even the little Mammalian looking Eevee's hatched from eggs?]

... Perhaps I should sit down. Would you ah... would you like some tea? I could happily purchase you some.
[Things seem to be making less and less sense, but the Professor certainly is taking it in stride.]

Yeah. It's pretty wild!

I'm good. But if you wanna continue this in the cafeteria, we could go there and get something.

That's probably a good idea.

[This as all been a lot to take in. The Professor feels a bit discombobulated by the barrage of information but manages to collect his things and slip his backpack upon his back, shifting his weight and adjusting his hat.]

I'll follow your lead, if you don't mind. I tend to get distracted by the little things. [Don't mind his stare, Radley. He's trying to think of what parts of your outfit might contain hint coins.]

Okay. Sure, that's fine.

[Radley puts the egg back and heads for the cafeteria. He figures the stare is because of his leather clothes, the jewelry, and the long hair, as that's usually why people have stared at him in the past.]

So, do you have any favorite foods? A lot of what they have here is the same as back home.

[His Pokemon dance around, happy to be going for food.]

[Surprisingly this is not the first time Layton has seen someone with alternative clothing. There is a huge punk/leather scene in London and truthfully the fashion reminds him of home in some weird way. His hunt for Hint Coins so far has been unsuccessful, but that doesn't mean he's willing to give up any time soon.]

Really? I would have assumed based on the fact that the animal life seems to be different here that they would have survived on a meatless diet. [There's a pause.] ... Do people cook with certain types of Pokémon? I hadn't even considered it, but I do suppose people raise cattle and chickens to ultimately be consumed. It must be no different to them.

That's actually what I would have thought too, but there's definitely meat here. I'm not sure where it comes from. I usually avoid it. Somehow eating Pokemon doesn't seem the same as back home. Maybe because of all their special abilities. It feels like killing the goose that lays the golden egg, you know?

[His eyes drift to the two Eevee walking alongside Radley. His stomach drops a little bit at the thought.]

... Yes, I suppose so. So there's just this unidentifiable substance that they use in place of say, chicken or beef? Is it all the same product or does it vary?
[The Professor pulls out his journal again. While it's not the safest to be walking and jotting down notes, he can't help but want to catalogue this new barrage of concerning information.]

Pretty much. There's different kinds of meat, not just one. There's seafood too.

[At the cafeteria, Radley points out the dishes both with and without meat.]

[Layton is rather impressed with the selection, as is his stomach, but he finds himself not brave enough to try any of the Mysterious yet Familiar smelling dishes. At least, any of those that have something akin to animal products. No, for now he settles with something vegetarian. Everything looks like it should, and he finds his stomach doesn't protest too much once he's settled down with his meal. It's finally at this point that he decides to let his Pokémon partner out.

... Or he attempts to. As soon as the Yamask is free of it's ball, it tucks itself behind the Professor and hides. Layton sighs, shaking his head slightly.]

Do forgive my friend. I believe it is quite timid in nature. Your... [He quickly looks at his Pokédex with a both of a squint.] ... Eevee seem to be well trained. Have you been together with them long?

[Radley also gets something vegetarian, including berries for his Pokemon. He chuckles in touched surprise at the Yamask.]

I've never seen one of these up close, but from what I've heard about them, I'm surprised this one is so shy. But that's cool.

I've had Evie since I first started out. Which was about a month and a half ago. Evan I found last month. Some punk kids were beating him.

[His eyes flash.]

We rescued him and helped take care of him at the Pokemon Center. Now he's our buddy.

[Evie and Evan chorus in agreement.]

They've always been pretty well-behaved. Evie gets really excited, though, and can sometimes blunder into some things.

[He gives them their berries and they happily start eating.]

[Yamask peeks out from behind Layton's head. It looks at Radley first, then at the two Eevee before settling in position near the Professor's shoulder. It seems having a bit of the high ground aids in how it feels about the whole situation. It gingerly touches its tablet against the Professor's coat as it stares at the two Eevee.]
The past three days have been interesting for us, to say the least. My partner here has always been sort of timid but our journey has led to a few battles and mishaps. Truthfully, it has been very brave and rescued me a few times but I feel it's not in it's nature to seek out conflict.

[However, upon learning of Evan's origins he can't help but frown. Perhaps he shouldn't be surprised that animal cruelty exists even here but it was still disheartening to know it was true. Even Yamask seems to recoil a bit at the news.]

What a dreadful thing to do. It's beyond me how anyone could do such harm to any creature, let alone ones with such sentience as the beings here.
[Layton frowns, looking down at Evan with pity in his eyes. The thought of a group of people raining blows upon such an adorable and gentle creature pulls at his heart strings.] I'm glad he has someone like you in his life now to look after him.

[Seeing Evie and Evan eat does make him feel self-conscious however. Should he have gotten berries for Yamask? He pulls out his journal once again, flipping to the page with Yamask's entry and looks to Radley for potential answers ]
Are there particular foods I should know about for Pokémon? This is the first time anyone has shown me what their diet might consist of.

That sounds like a miserable way to come into this world. But at least you guys must be pretty close already, after all that.

[Radley's own first days had been relatively peaceful. He was grateful for that.

His eyes darken again as he thinks about Evan.]

Yeah. Evie pounded on one of them to get him away from Evan. They all deserved worse. Of course, they ran like the cowards they are.

[Evan mumbles and focuses his attention on the berry.]

I'm really glad we came along when we did. And that Evan was willing to trust me after so much hurt.

[He ponders the food question.]

They all seem to like fruit and vegetables. Some kinds of Pokemon will eat meat.

[Yamask seems to feel some empathy for the little Eevee, and decides that it's safe enough to leave the security of Layton's presence to join the other two Pokémon. It's still rather shy, keeping its distance but at least it's making an effort to be friendly.

The Professor on the other hand is taking notes, nodding softly as he records Radley's answers.]

I see, so they are quite similar to the fauna of our Earth. I'll have to do further research. I wonder if there is a library nearby that I can peruse through. Where are you currently staying? Is there lodging around here for us misplaced folk?

[Evie chirps happily, welcoming a new friend. Evan looks up too.]

I'm not sure if there's one here. There's a library in Goldenrod. I'm staying there, at the Pokemon Center. There should be room for people to stay at every Center.

[He jots down a few more notes before taking out his Pokégear to look at the map. He hums in thought, looking at the distance between Violet City and Goldenrod.]
I might have to stop there first, actually. I have a lot of questions that need answers and I think I should bone up on information before digging around in ancient ruins. Nothing good ever comes out of an excursion when you're unprepared.

[Yamask looks up at the Professor's comment, almost as of it recognizes the danger of being on such a trip. It curls a little bit, its purple eyes drooping with sadness.]

I know you and I have only just met, Radley, but if you wouldn't mind becoming a contact of mine I would highly appreciate it. You are e genuinely kind fellow, and to be quite frank you remind me much of home. London is famous for it's alternative scene and well- [He chuckles softly.] I do have a soft spot for The Stones.

That might be a good idea. There's two different ways you can get to Goldenrod. I took the Northern route so I didn't have to go through that cave first.

[He smiles.]

Sure, I'd like that. I'm happy to talk to someone from home too. There's a lot of people here from other planets.

[Layton hadn't even considered the possibility that there might be people from other planets. He stares at Radley, taken quite aback at this news. He even places a palm on his forehead. Could it be so? Who was he to question it now that he had been brought to some other places with strange creatures such as the ones they were sharing lunch with.

In the Professor's confused daze, his Yamask companion steels a carrot from his salad. It joins the two Eevee once again, delighted in its spoils.]

... I have so much to learn, it seems.

[Evie lightly scolds it for stealing its trainer's food. Evan looks a bit amused.]

Yeah, it's a lot to take in. There's probably much more to learn, too.

How do you handle it all? Do you... just not think about it?
[He seems genuinely at a loss. While the Professor usually comes off composed, there are times where he lets that façade slip. He grabs at the brim of his hat, almost in a soothing motion.

The Yamask on the other hand sticks out its tongue playfully before snickering and eating the carrot. It may be somewhat timid, but it's got a mischievous streak. Such are the ways of ghost Pokémon.]

I have to not think too much about some things anyway, like why someone or something brings us here. There's no answers and it drives me crazy trying to figure it out. They do say time stands still back home and when anyone goes back, it's to the same point in time when they left, so that's comforting. Apparently there's a few of us who have gone back and then come here again later.

[Evie scowls but keeps eating. Evan does too. Considering all that Ghost Pokemon can do, he figures swiping a carrot is them getting off easy.]

[The Professor's eyes light up.]
Is this true? Have others really gone back? [The mention of time halting was comforting, but what if he stayed here for several years? Would his age remain the same? Would he get older? Would it revert back when he returned? There were a great deal of questions and so few answers he was getting. It was rather frustrating.]

... I do suppose no one has discovered who is behind all of this? [Now that sounded like a puzzle. He would have to start collecting information from all the other-worlders in order to compile enough evidence. That should be his overall goal, to meet everyone from other than here.] How did these lucky few go, and come back?

[There's a pause.] ... Do forgive me for my interrogation. As you can see I have a lot of things left unanswered, as I'm sure many of us do who have been transported here.

That's what they say.

[Radley also wonders these other questions. There are no real answers.]

They suspect it's Arceus, who is a Pokemon god, I think.

[He isn't sure how he feels about that one either.]

I have no idea how some go and come back again. I want to talk to someone who supposedly went and came back, but I haven't had the chance yet. When I ran into them, they weren't too happy that someone had told about them. I hope I didn't get their friend into too much trouble. There must be others too....

[Well, he was certainly correct in thinking that this was quite the puzzle to be solved. Layton nods, rubbing his face as he lets the thoughts swirl in his mind. He wonders, rather whimsically, if this was how it felt on the other side of the Looking Glass.]

I suppose I must add this to my long list of things to research. You said there was a library that I could go to? In Goldenrod, was it? I believe that the best course of action would be to head in that direction.

However, you said something about this Arceus? Who is a Pokémon deity, yes? How do you suppose that works? Is Arceus simply a more powerful Pokémon so that it can achieve the title of a god?

Yeah, there's definitely a library there. I'm not sure if it's the best or the most comprehensive one, but it's pretty good. I think there's also one at the Collegiate Gym in the next town over from Goldenrod. I'm not sure, though.

About Arceus, pretty much all I know is that he's supposed to have created this world? It is pretty hard for me to wrap my mind around other gods existing, considering how I was raised, but I don't know anymore. I've run into people from other worlds who have their own gods.

[Layton nods, understanding that perhaps Radley is just as versed as he was in the ways of Pokémon. He did say that he wasn't here that much longer that the Professor was. He'll have to do his own research, which was never truly a problem. Sure, things like that took time, but as he saw it he had all the time in the world. He would have to do this properly so that he could return home in a decent amount of time.

There's a thought that crosses his mind. A painful memory. The parallels are far too striking for him to ignore it. Trapped in a time and place not his own, hoping to see his loved ones again. Hershel can feel the budding of tears forming at the corners of his eyes. How many years had it been, and yet...?

The Professor tugs at the brim of his hat shielding himself from potential onlookers as he clears his throat. The Yamask becomes aware of this, ditching the Eevees to stay close to his trainer. It looks as though it sympathizes, mouth open slightly in loss of what to do.]

I'm... I'm alright.
[With a steady sniff, and a few blinks, the Professor steadies himself again. His dark brown eyes still look a bit misty as he focuses his attention to writing a few more things down.]
I ah... I remembered a case I solved a few years ago. It may sound strange, but my current circumstances were not so different from what had happened to ... to the victim.

[Radley is concerned when the Professor's mood changes.]

Really? ... Do you want to talk about it?

[The Eevees chirp in concern too.]

[The pen halts on the page. Layton pulls his bottom lip into his mouth to lightly chew on as he considers Radley's offer. It was a complicated subject. A difficult subject. He had spoken about the case before with Luke, who had accompanied him on the case but not... to the full extent that wore on his heart.

For a moment he sits in silence, then sits back a bit and puts his pen down.]
I lost someone when I was a young man. Well, I've lost a few people in my life, to be quite honest. I suppose you can say I'm... worried about becoming lost myself.

That's understandable. I've been worried about that too since I came here. But it sounds like this particular loss was different than the others?

[The Professor droops slightly, a frown scrunching up his features.]

... When I was a younger man, the love of my life went missing after a tragic accident. For years I thought she had merely died, but I had come to find that was not the case.
[Hershel grips his hands into fists in an attempt to steel his emotions. It's working, for now.]
She had... been transported in time. I'm still not so sure if I truly believe what happened with that case, but I do know that I saw her once again, for the first time in a decade. She was alive once again, only to have to return to the critical point of the accident.

[He locks his jaw, and the Yamask looks down at the floor. The pain is very palpable. Layton shakes his head, letting out a sigh.]
... Everything happening here has unfortunately reminded me.

... That's horrible. So you lost her again?

[He doesn't think he'd be strong enough to lose a loved one after just thinking he had them back.

He sighs.]

This place really does remind of unpleasant things somehow.

[In Radley's case, it may be more of a matter of dreams. He often wakes up from nightmares of what he went through back home. He's so grateful he's not alone here, as he was during his darkest moments back then.]

Truly.

[The Professor sighs, closing his Journal before returning to his meal.]
Perhaps we should finish up here and be on our way. Maybe the change of scenery would do all of us good.

[He may be diverting from the conversation at hand, since it is a rather painful memory, but he is still itching to make his way closer to the Ruins. He and his Yamask both. It's uncanny just how drawn he is to the site. It's almost as if it was haunting his very being.]

That sounds like a good idea.

[The meal is soon over and they're heading out. Evie dances and plays in the grass and flowers. Evan follows more slowly.]

So, do you wanna try to head for one of those libraries then, or go to the Ruins? They're not too far from here, actually.

[The Yamask decides to stay close by. It seems as thought it seems a bit uncertain now that Layton's emotions have shown themselves. Despite this, the Professor seems to be on the mend, enjoying his meal as he listens to Radley.]

That's quite a tough decision. While my first instinct is to go to the Ruins, I feel as though perhaps it would be smarter if I did some research first.

Besides, I think it would be better to get settled somewhere so that I may have a "home base" of sorts.
[He nods to himself, having picked an option.]
Goldenrod seems like the best plan of action, at least for now.

That works for me. Unfortunately, the Warp Pads only work for places you've already been to, so you'll need to just walk to Goldenrod. I like the Northern path best. It doesn't involve cutting through a bug-infested forest.

[He smirks a bit.]

I definitely like it in Goldenrod.

[Ah, yes, that was right. He remembers hearing Radley mention something about that. He pulls out his Pokégear and sets it down on the table in front of him. He pulls up the map application and looks the route over.]

Hmm... how long would that take me, do you suppose?

It looks like it would be several days just walking. Hey, there is something I could do. Since I'm planning to park in Goldenrod, I could loan you my bike and you could use that to get there. Or I could Warp back, buy you your own bike, and bring it to you.

[The absurd kindness makes the Professor laugh. He shakes his head, putting his hands up in order to ward the ideas off.]

My goodness no! All of that seems like terrible trouble. While I appreciate the help, I don't mind taking the trek to Goldenrod. It would just mean that it would take me a bit of more time to get there.
[He pauses, looking Radley in the eye with some confusion.]
However, I'm rather surprised there's not a public transit or bus system. I suppose it helps maintain the wildlife if there are not emissions from motor vehicles.

[He sorely misses his car right about now.]

Several days anyway, yeah.

I figure that's why there isn't something like that too. If I get powerful enough here, I'm thinking of trying to get a clean transportation system going.

[This actually gets his attention.]

Really? How would you go about doing so? Would it perhaps work on electricity?

Probably. I haven't thought a lot in detail about it yet, but I've made a few preliminary sketches.

[The professor nods.]

I see! I think you should pursue your dream, Radley. Perhaps if you are not so good with schematics yourself, finding someone who can help you workshop the blueprints. I think that would be a fantastic endeavor for you.

[Radley smiles, encouraged.]

That would be great! Hopefully I can find someone. It really would improve the lives of so many here to have more transportation.

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Continuation Of A Curious Correspondence [Closed]

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(Spoiler Warning for Unwound Future!)

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(HUGE Spoiler Warning for Unwound Future!)

Re: (HUGE Spoiler Warning for Unwound Future!)

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