victory_road | ANOMALY DETECTED

Fortunately, for all that he may be of royal blood, Dimitri honestly quite favors blunt honesty more than anything else. It leaves so much less nonsense for him to deal with. So as the older man tells him off, Dimitri actually straightens up a little bit in military habit, and nods along.

"Of course, I understand. Then, I apologize. I suppose that I drew up a fuss for no reason at all." But in terms of things he can explain... "May I ask, then, if you found a peculiar companion with you when you found yourself here?"

Well, that's definitely an improvement. Enough to somewhat ease a bit of Shrike's tension, though not all of it, seeing as most of his concern is finding himself in this strange place to begin with.

"A companion?" He looks a little puzzled by the question. "Not that I'm aware of."

That, or he did get a pokéball and never thought to open it. Or is assuming the man means a human companion.

"I see..." Fortunately, Dimitri seems to recall the pokeball part of this after a moment, because he rouses slightly. "Then, nothing such as this?"

It's a good thing that he always has a pokeball on him for one member of his team or another... Not only for weekends like this, but just in general.

Things, happen, after all.

Dimitri holds up his pokeball, not releasing its inhabitant for the time being. Just the object enough will hopefully demonstrate what he means. "Whether you found yourself here with one or not may help in your inquiries."

Shrike can't quite keep the puzzlement off his face as the man shows what is, to all appearances, some kind of colorful toy ball. What that has to do with anything he cannot even begin to guess.

"Not to my knowledge, no."

"Then... Perhaps you will only be a temporary visitor." Dimitri shakes his head. "But I suppose I am jumping ahead, to some degree, and I do not wish to prove difficult as before. This place - I believe it is Johto, or its sister, Kanto. Here, they have a partnership born from cooperation with a particular kind of creature, although they come in many breeds and types. This is one of my companions, who I have named Gremlin."

And with that, he presses down on one button, and a beam of light twists through the air until there's Gremlin, chittering on his shoulder.

Enjoy the large purple rat, Definitely A Stranger.

That most certainly is a very large purple... rodent. Honestly, even calling it a 'rat' feels a bit of a stretch, as the creature looks more like a child's attempt at drawing a rat than a real one.

But more to the point is what the blond man just so casually demonstrated. Summoning forth a creature from a ball a fraction of its size is no ordinary feat, yet it was clearly done without even any thought to the matter, as easily as opening a book. That more than anything Shrike finds telling; there's something deeply convincing about someone performing an action they find mundane and everyday yet ought to be utterly impossible, more than any possible explanation.

Not to mention, he sensed no magic at work at all, a further proof that he truly has somehow found himself in a strange, unknown land.

"... I see." He does, at least, look a bit more thoughtful now, though there's still an undercurrent of wariness born of concern. He does have someplace he'd very much like to get back to, after all. "And you come by such companions from some sort of madwoman...?"

But for the lack of magical power present, he'd be inclined to assume some manner of fay.

"She is merely ill," Dimitri corrects gently. "And grieving, I think. She does her best to send anyone off with some supplies, including a single companion."

Really, Dimitri can't help it. The woman in New Bark may not have any true relation to him, and yet.... He has a weakness for her. How couldn't he, when he understands how it feels to be confused and believing in things that aren't there, aren't true?

As he talks, he scratches behind Gremlin's ears absentmindedly, but Gremlin is somewhat distracted himself. Just barely maintaining his balance, he's leaning forward on his perch, snout in the air and rapidly twitching. He knows this scent, after all, although it is a tad bit different. Give the rat a second.

"But while she does give one companion, there are plenty more of these creatures in this world, and they challenge one another in order to grow stronger. If they find you worthy in this aspect, they agree to join you in little balls such as this." He holds up the pokeball. "I actually have an entire team-" More than a team, but that's getting too into it. "-but I was transported from my home before I could properly gather them together. Only Gremlin was with me, although he is full of talent."

Gremlin chitters proudly in agreement, even as he's still sniffing.

There are definitely some differences in the scent. For one thing, Shrike's clothing is entirely natural fibers, silks and linens and the like, rather than the polyester mixes one might find here. For another, doubtless the oils he uses to maintain his hair are pleasantly scented, and there is no question that he wears some kind of perfume. This is clearly a man who takes extensive care in his appearance.

But under all that... Yes, there's undoubtedly some similarity, at least as strong as the resemblance between an adult and their childhood photos, if not moreso. One's scent is not easily changed, after all, and Shrike hasn't been eating excessive amounts of garlic or anything of the sort, either.

In any case, while Shrike is indeed noting the full explanation, again it's what's said offhandedly that particularly catches his attention.

"Transported here? Is that what you were referring to before?"

About people suddenly finding themselves in various parts of the world.

"Indeed, I refer exactly to that." Dimitri adjusts Gremlin before he can fall straight off of his shoulder. "While I arrived here over two years ago in that woman's home, I traveled all across this land, before settling down with my lovers and a family in a home of my own. This morning, that is where I awoke... only to step foot out one doorway, and find myself in the midst of the many paths of the country."

But at least he's not completely unprepared this time, so, that's nice.

This is around the time that Gremlin finally stops his investigative sniffing, and rears up onto his hind legs, waving his little rat hands about energetically as he squeaks. Dimitri goes again to readjust him, smiling indulgently. "Oh, you think he looks similar too, don't you? But calm down, Gremlin."

"And some, apparently, find themselves here from other worlds entirely...?"

He's still a little mystified by that one, to be frank. Shrike is a very skilled mage, so he's quite familiar with what is and isn't actually possible to do with such power.

That said, he frowns a bit at that last remark.

"Similar to what?"

"Indeed. Many who are swept up in this peculiar teleportation weekend often tend to be those from other worlds."

That is an entire thing he could go onto next, Dimitri supposes, even with his hands full of rat. In a way, it's almost a relief to be sidetracked by a simpler question, considering Gremlin's squirming. "Oh, a youth that he and I came to know here in this land. Another who arrived from a world that is not this. It is why I inquired on any relations of yours, you see. He is so introverted, I thought it would be nice if he could see someone familiar."

There are a few different explanations Shrike can think of for this fellow's explanation. The most likely of which being the usual tending to more or less see all fayblood as similar. It's not an entirely uncommon attitude, even if it is a rather exasperating one.

"If you mean to say you know some fayblood child, you should know that that alone is far from suggesting any relation. And simply appearing different does not mean a resemblance."

This may be a bit of a sore point at times.

Oh - Dimitri startles, somewhat, at the blunt accusation. "Oh - you have my apologies, I did not mean to cause any offense." And he'd been trying so hard to avoid talking about the fay resemblance, remembering how skittish Shrike can be about it. "There was more to it than merely that, good sir, but I will speak of it no more."

Of course, while Dimitri may not speak of it, Gremlin has other ideas. Offended all his own, he rears up on his hind legs, and starts gesturing erratically. He has a lot to say, apparently, although it's... incomprehensible to humans.

Since he's a Rattata.

Softly, Dimitri starts to hush him. "It is all right, Gremlin. Shrike never mentioned kin either, so it was rude of me to make assumptions of a stranger. Calm yourself, there is no offense to be taken."

At some five decades older than the shy boy hiding in the mountains, Shrike has learned to be less touchy about his appearance. It doesn't mean it isn't a sore point, exactly, but that he is fayblood is an indisputable and very obvious fact, and there's little point in getting worked up when people point out the obvious. Being told what he thinks is yet another 'all you fayblood look alike' however, is a little more likely to earn his ire.

That said, he most definitely hears what the other man says to the oversized rat and, well, to say he's surprised is probably an understatement. Certainly whatever veneer of composure he'd been trying to maintain gives way to a downright startled look.

"You--what did you just say?"

Dimitri jolts in turn, not having expected that reaction. "I - I was speaking of my friend," he replies in turn. "Did I say something offensive once again-?"

There is no time for him to really continue this line of questioning. Deciding to take things into his own hands, Gremlin just lunges right for the older man's clothes. It's fine even if he's not caught; he's got hands. He can cling.

Shrike still looks a bit startled, if also now frowning a bit.

"And your friend just happens to go b--"

He's interrupted by the rat-thing launching itself at him. But rather than try to grab or swat at it, instead he attempts to step away and to the side. One arm is raised, but it's purely defensively; if anything he's taken care in his movements to avoid in any way striking the creature, at least for now as long as he has no reason to consider it a danger.

It may, just possibly, be similar to how a certain much younger fayblood boy avoids actions he thinks might hurt someone, on account of his unnatural strength.

Gremlin hits the ground with a very... distinct thud of impact, despite being such a tiny creature compared to the other two giants around him. This does not seem to bother him much, because he's whirling around again, chittering as loud as a tiny rodent possibly can. This continues even when Dimitri finally reacts, hurrying forward to scoop Gremlin up into his palms.

"Gremlin, no, you cannot act so rashly like that," he says, but he's still looking over at the man even as he says this. It's almost possible to literally see the gears in his head turning as he finally begins to put some pieces together.

It is outrageous, but... This is an outrageous time. "Sir, I... believe we did not do introductions. I am Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd."

On the one hand, Shrike would be perfectly justified in simply ending this conversation here and now, and he knows it. Aside from how strange this fellow is behaving, and the even stranger things he's saying, his... pet, or whatever it is, leaping at him would be sufficient grounds for him to leave. There are plenty of circumstances in which one might be obligated to continue to engage for all sorts of reasons, but at least one line has definitely been crossed, and it would reflect poorly on neither him nor his sovereign if Shrike refused to engage this nonsense further.

And yet, he hesitates to do so. The very strangeness of it all has piqued a certain curiosity. The sort that would doubtless continue to nag at him if he didn't at least try to find out what's going on. Not to mention, an introduction and name has been given; it wouldn't do not to at least return the courtesy. So instead he makes an effort to try to school his scowl into a more neutral expression to make a proper response.

"I am Shrike of the Yanchet, until recent Court Wizard to King Ferros of Saggrem, now Court Wizard and Consort to Queen Beredvyn of Nal."

Technically speaking, giving the titles was not strictly necessary. But Shrike's found doing so can be useful in discouraging certain... unwise behaviors some people might otherwise attempt. That, and he he wishes to see if this stranger at least recognizes something in them, for all that he seems to not yet still somewhat recognize Shrike himself.

In Dimitri's grip, Gremlin claps his hands together pointedly and then flings them out to gesture to Shrike.

SEE?

And Dimitri... Well. He cannot deny he sees. Especially with the awkward wide eyed look he is sending the man's way. This is... not what he was expecting. Despite the fact that he knows it should always be a possibility during these very peculiar weekends. And now he just... has to deal with this.

How is he supposed to deal with this?

He cannot stay silent, that much is clear - this adult version of the boy he knows very clearly doesn't have the patience for it. So Dimitri has to go with, well. With what's happening.

"If that is truly your name, sir - and I mean no disrespect by that, only that we are both far from our homelands and thus i can only trust your word - then I perhaps know why it is that I thought you so familiar and my rat reacted so strongly. As I said, I do know a young lad of fae blood with your same name, and, while I know this may make me sound to be a liar or a madman or both.... I believe you and he to be the same person."

A lack of patience? Perhaps. Certainly Shrike lacks a willingness to trust easily. Precious few people had ever proven worth it over the decades, after all.

Still, that claim is so wildly unexpected that he has to, at the very least, believe this fellow at least thinks it's true. No one deliberately trying to lie to him would be so foolish, surely.

"That is impossible," he replies dismissively. "To begin with, you are not nearly old enough by half, and besides which, I'm quite certain I would have some recollection of knowing someone who appears so striking."

.... Phrasing, Shrike, phrasing.

"Oh, thank you," Dimitri says, misunderstanding the comment for a compliment. As he speaks, Gremlin starts crawling about him and digging for the Pokegear. Dimitri mostly ignores him, honestly.

The rat should know what he's doing.

"But compliments aside... While I understand how ridiculous it sounds, this place does not operate on the sort of logic one would expect. Only the other week, and I had been certain of your existence as a youth, and one whom I had spoken with to some regularity. Yet, you see... People can only recall this place, and the things they have done here, while they are here. Should they leave... There is a chance they will lose those memories forever."

Probably? Dimitri cannot claim to be an expert on the matters. Then again, he isn't sure if anyone can.

"..."

One of these days, Shrike is going to have to learn to better watch what he says. Today, however, is clearly not that day. But on the other hand, trying to correct the misconception would only draw attention to the fact that he chose his words poorly. Better to let that slide than continue to fumble; hopefully his earlier reference to being consort to a queen made it clear enough that he had no flirtatious intentions, at least. Hopefully.

In any case, there's the rest of that explanation to address.

"So I am to believe there's some--some manner of manipulation of time itself, as well?"

The memories thing is weird too, but the other bit is even more unbelievable.

"I understand it is difficult to believe. In truth, I have only rarely had to deal with such matters myself..." It's not something that happens to him a lot. More that he loses a loved one, they come back, and then it turns out they remember nothing.

It's not exactly fine, but it's what he has more experience with.

Dimitri sighs, stroking along Gremlin's head. "At any rate, I can only tell you the truth as I know it."

"Then you will pardon me if I find it unbelievable nonetheless."

He's a skilled and powerful mage, he's quite aware of what magic can do... and what it can't do. And what this fellow is claiming is simply, well, impossible, as far as Shrike sees it. This fellow must be mistaken, or mislead. Or something.

Dimitri simply nods. What else can he do? Even when he had first arrived in Johto the... common way, he had thought himself dead in some sort of afterlife. (And then some days, he wonders if he is not still worse than mad, and this is all in his head.) Either this version of Shrike will be hear long enough to understand the reality of the situation, or he will hopefully go back home.

But still. What an exciting development! If only he could congratulate Shrike on it all.

...But then, he might find his future as unbelievable as his future self finds this entire situation.

"Then, if nothing else, I can attempt to guide you to the nearest town before the sun comes to a rest. It will be good for us to have some food, with the sort of day this is inevitably going to be."

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these two doofuses taking forever to get to the point because neither bothered with introductions...

WHOOPS

Gremlin is the most perceptive of the bunch here clearly

there's a reason he's in charge of the pokegear

well now Dimitri can appreciate how much Shrike has grown in VR vs his 'canon' self

it only took him multiple responses to get here lmao

the most socially sensible person in this group is a giant purple rat

rats are social animals, of course, i say like humans aren't

a social rat vs a pair of somewhat feral humans

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