Prom 2023 - Back to the Falls!

[indigo_league]

What’s this? There’s glitter in the air. What’s this? There’s dresses everywhere.

Oh right. It’s Prom time.



From the afternoon on, on Friday the 7th of April, your characters will all be arriving at Tohjo Falls via the transport arranged for by Lance. He did end up borrowing a few of those Corviknights from the JKBA, but there are also several of you who will find themselves flown to the Falls by one of Lance’s Dragonites or Charizards. Please give them a poffin if you are able, they are all very good boys and girls.


Your characters will be set down on a tiled driveway (more like flyway, Ha) in front of an impressive-looking villa. Those who have been here before might note that the villa has gotten a bit of a renovation and an update. Turns out that when Team Rocket kidnaps you and keeps you captive in your own home for several weeks while wrecking the house and digging Arceus knows how many basements beneath the house, you might be entitled to some compensation.

And from the looks of things, Lance and co used that compensation to turn their little vacation home back into something where they can relax in peace.

After you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Lance or one of the other Elite Four members, who will give you a quick run-down. You are free to explore the house and surrounding area at your leisure. Please respect their privacy and do not go into any of the locked rooms. You’ll find your accommodations behind the house, so feel free to head there and unpack. Oh, and, there will be a little announcement later, so if you could be in the dining room for that, that’d be stellar.

Well, off you go!




WELCOME (BACK) TO THE FALLS

THE SIGHTS The Villa As mentioned by Lance and Co, parts of the villa are off-limits to guests. Not to worry, there is nothing nefarious hiding there this time. It's just that those rooms are the Elite Four's private quarters, and they'd rather not have people go through their underwear drawers! Other areas that are off-limits include the kitchen, but this is just for practical reasons; wouldn't want to get in the way of the cooks preparing lunch and dinner. Still, even with these off-limits areas, there is still plenty to see. Library On the upper floor, there is a decently sized Library for anyone who needs a bit of peace and quiet. The books within are part of the Elite Four's personal book collections. There are a lot of books related to each members' preferred Pokemon type, as well as a very sizeable collection of books on Pokemon Battling, strategies and counter-strategies, in addition to a good number of autobiographies from famous (former) gym leaders and Elite Four members. Their books aren't all business though! There is also plenty of fiction available, as well as non-fiction related to the Elite Four's personal hobbies. The books are not marked, so it's hard to tell which book belongs to which E4 member, so have fun trying to figure out who added the books on glassblowing to the collection, and to who the knitting books belong to. Gallery Also on the top floor is a gallery that contains the many prizes each Elite Four member has won over the years, as well as some interesting artefacts they've found during their lives. Ever wanted to see Lance's first badges? Or perhaps Bruno's weightlifting trophies? And wow, looks like Will participated in some contests back in the day! Okay, those things probably aren't worth hours of visiting, but there is also a collection of photos of various legendary pokemon, as well as some items related to them, such as a feather that is said to have belonged to Ho-oh, a scale that was left behind after Groudon and Kougre fought and could it be true? One of Hoopa's hoops itself? Fascinating! Dining Room Obviously where characters can dine. Unfortunately, the dining room itself is not big enough to fit all characters at once, so they've also set up some tables outside among the tents, and people are asked to check back if there is no space. When not in use to have dinner in, the room is left open and available to anyone who'd like to use it. Ball Room Now that prom night is finally here, your characters may enter in what was previously forbidden. Yes, beyond these doors lay a mysterious land of, uh... tables and a dance floor. Listen, there is only so many ways you can describe a ballroom, okay! There is a central floor where people may dance if they so desire, and around that spot, plenty of tables and chairs have been set up for you to rest your tired dancing feet at. Though there is no big dinner served at prom, there are staff flitting around with refreshments and canapes and, fitting the style of the villa, tapas. There are, of course, also flutes of champagne and wine and other adult drinks. Note the emphasise on adult, there. Don't expect to con these waiters into giving you something if you are underaged. (instead, try and find a trusted, untrustworthy adult friend. It's okay. We won't tell your mom. Pool Outside, of course, is the pool. This hasn't changed that much from previous visits here. It's... well... it's a pool! What more can we say? It's a good place to have some fun and play around, but if you are more into relaxation or perhaps even catching some rays, there's also plenty of space around the pool with plenty of deck chairs available to you. It is still only April, so to make sure nobody catches pneumonia in the pool, the water has been heated. Please do not heat the water further. You know what we are talking about! The Accomodations Those who have visited before may remember that the Villa doesn't exactly have enough bedrooms to house all promgoers. In fact, there have been years where you just kipped on the floor in the garage-like area. Maybe Lance is trying to match the standards set by previous organisers. Maybe there was a little extra money left over after the renovations to plurge, but this year, you won't be expected to sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag! Instead, behind the Villa, beyond the pool area, there is a field of tents. And these aren't your basic little travelling tents. These tents look pretty luxurious. True, you will still be sharing them with a few others, but at least you'll be sleeping in something like a regular bed. There are also some chairs and benches dotted around the area, where you can sit and relax, as well as a few open tents that have tables and benches inside of them where one could eat breakfast or dinner. (And, of course, there are tents available too where you can take care of the, ah, less glamourous needs of the human body. No need to bring your own TP either, it will be provided!) The tents house four people each. If you, for whatever reason, want to cram more people inside, Lance will be a little startled but will allow it. If you try to grab a tent all to yourself, Lance will give you a very disappointed look. The Surroundings If your character isn't the type to hang out for hours by the pool or spend their entire Saturday already getting ready for prom, why not go exploring a bit? The area around Tohjo Falls is normally off-limits to people, after all. This might be your only chance to see it. (unless we come back again here next year) While exploring, your character has the option of trekking into the forests behind the villa or descending into the cave that houses the waterfalls this area has been named for. Wild pokemon can be found in each area, though please be careful! As few people visit this location, the pokemon here are very unused to humans. Please always bring a strong pokemon with you when you go exploring! And who knows, if you keep an eye out, you might run into an unfamiliar pokemon or two... Forest (lvl 20-45) Charjabug, Corvisquire, Venipede, Sizzlipede, Fletchinder, Greedent*, Whirlipede*, Nincada*, Flapple**, Appletun**, Talonflame**, Ninjask**, Shiinotic**, Sprigatito**, Centiskorch***, Vikavolt***, Corviknight***, Trevenant***, Scolipede*** Cave (lvl 20-45) Sandshrew, Woobat, Rolycoly, Noibat, Roggenrola, Aron*, Glimmet*, Sandslash*, Rhyhorn*, Carkol*, Noivern**, Swoobat**, Boldore**, Fuecoco**, Lairon***, Rhydon***, Glimora*** Falls (lvl 20-45) (Fishing/Surfing) Qwilfish, Staryu, Arrokuda, Wishiwashi, Finneon*, Skrelp*, Lumineon*, Relicanth*, Starmie**, Overqwill**, Quaxly**, Seadra**, Gyrados***, Barraskewda***, Dragalge***, Kingdra***

---

THE ANNOUNCEMENT


Once everybody has arrived and has been given some time to unpack, it's time for the announcement Lance has been teasing. What is this unique opportunity he mentioned? Will this have anything to do with prom itself? Has Lance conned us all into attending a Tupperware party?

In any case, you all gather in the dining room. The Elite Four is gathered at the front of the room, Lance taking the center stage. Will is standing next to him. For a moment Lance just glances out over the crowd, as if checking that everybody is here, before he clears his throat and begins.

"First of all, let me say that I am very happy to see you all here. It's been a few years since we last were able to greet you in our home, and here is to hoping things won't end as badly as last time.

But that is not what this announcement is about. Rather, there is going to be some changes within the Elite Four. Changes we'd like to make you a part of.

A few months ago, Will announced to us that he will be stepping down from his position as Elite Four member to--" Lance seems to pause for a moment, looking at Will, "--pursue opportunities elsewhere!

Of course, we cannot leave his spot unoccupied, so in the last few months, we've been hard at work vetting and narrowing down the choices for who will replace him. And finally, we've been able to narrow it down to just two remaining candidates. It's been a struggle, let me tell you! We've had so many qualified and incredible trainers who wanted to join us, but we believe we've found the best two.

And that is where you come in!

As I said, we have been able to narrow down the field to two final choices. And what I'd like to offer you this weekend, is an opportunity to take an active part in deciding who gets to be our newest member. You all, after all, have proven over the years that you not only care about pokemon, but you've also grown to care about this world, often helping us out when situations were dire. We believe you, as much as anyone, have a right to determine the future of this region.

In just a moment, I'd like to introduce you to our two final applicants. I can already assure you that they are both excellent trainers, and very skilled battlers, as well as individuals who we believe we can rely on in a bad situation. What we'd like if for you to cast the final vote on who takes over Will's position.

Throughout this weekend, they will make themselves available for questions. Please ask them anything you wish to know, and please also discuss the manner among yourself if you wish. Whichever person you choose, know that we already feel we could work and depend on either of them. At the end of this meeting, we'll distribute voting slips to everyone. These cannot be replaced, so please hold onto them, and once you've made your choice, please submit them to the vote box in front of the Ballroom before the start of the dance. Then, during the party on Sunday, we will reveal who will become our newest members.

Now, I've said quite enough, so let me introduce you to our two final applicants--"

The dining room doors open, and two figures stride in, walking to the front to join Lance and the other Elite Four members.




"Please welcome Bede from the Galar region and Malva from the Kalos Region"

---

Not sure what is going on? Why not check out our prom FAQ

Comments

[4play]

[There's an awkward pause as IV just stares at her, then the all too familiar bruise that's forming on her head and the smug way Cat is strutting over. After a long moment, his expression turns into an amused huff.]

Yuzu! I'd ask you what you're doing out here at that time, but the answer is pretty obviously getting owned by my personal security system~ I should have known that all that pink and those long legs belong to you~

[He chuckles as he takes two swim pulls backward, leaving Shark to try and swim (more like flail) over to her to greet his other human friend. Cat has sat down and is cleaning himself in the meantime. As for IV's usually so alert watchdog? Attila has exactly cracked one eye open, seen that it's Yuzu, wagged his tail twice and went right back to sleep.]

[songstressedout]

[ Oh IV... your personal security system may have proven itself effective, but it's got nothing on the literal ninja frog that Yuzu knows is properly hidden somewhere nearby as per her instructions. Still, that's supposed to be secret, so she'll keep that to herself.

Something that's easy to do when she's immediately more focused on that last thing he just said. Her cheeks flush a little... though she's aware that she's in pretty short shorts right now. They're comfortable, okay! She likes being able to breathe when she's sleeping, which means dressing lightly. ]

O-Oh? Focusing on a girl's legs, huh? My eyes are up here, you know.

[ Her tease would be more effective if she weren't clearly a little flushed by his comment, but whatever! She'll just move the conversation past that. ]

Besides, isn't that my question? What the heck are you doing, swimming this late at night?

[4play]

Not earlier, they were not. You keeled over so nicely that you were really head over heels for Cat there just earlier~

[He chuckles, feeling slightly less annoyed than he would be if anybody else had caught him like this. But Yuzu already got her punishment, in a way.

Still, her question is enough to fluster him and make him pop a little deeper into the water, if that's possible.]

Oh. Ah. Me? I'm enjoying having the pool all for my own, what else should it be?

[songstressedout]

[ Yuzu blushes again, crossing her legs... not that it does much, but it makes her feel better.

In any case, she eyes the Magikarp flailing around in the water to see her. She managed to watch him for a little bit before being noticed, so she just raises an eyebrow at him. ]

While teaching your fish how to swim?

[ That said, she follows it up with a smile. ]

Despite all the stuff you say about not being good company, you seem nicer than you give yourself credit for.

[4play]

[IV's embarassed look turns into a pout at being called out like that.]

What? He's shy!

[It's totally all on the Magikarp, see!

But then she continues talking and IV stills, just moving enough to stay with his head above water. The look he gives her is both vulnerable and oddly closed off.]

You're still trying to guess why I said that.

[It's a statement, not a question.]

[songstressedout]

Is he shy? Or are you shy.

[ Yuzu giggles, moving towards the edge of the pool and sitting down. ]

Sorry, can't help being curious. And I did tell you all about myself when we first met. Can't blame me for wanting to learn a little more about my prom date.

[ Even under the water, the scar is still visible from his shoulder. Yuzu feels tempted to ask about it, but she manages to bite her tongue for now. ]

[4play]

I'm not shy! [It comes out with a little more force than intended and IV looks immediately like he's regretting it. He keeps threading the water, turning his head away with a small huff.

In the shadows, the Nickit who has stayed silent and mostly still, watches intrigued. Cat, on the other hand, has decided that it's time to ask Yuzu for his reward for successfully 'catching' her though. Pets, please?]

I guess you did... Fine, then ask, but don't expect too much. MY CV looks roughly like this: born the middle son of a good family, then that family got ruined. I and my little brother ended up in the system until I got old enough to make a name for myself as a Duelist.

[songstressedout]

[ Yuzu just smiles... while also reaching down to give IV's cat his ear-scritches. ]

Suuuure...

[ She nods along to his rough assessment of his CV, but... ]

I figured that already, I don't think that's any reason for you to be terrible company. Especially when it's been so fun for me.

[ Heck, you even asked her to be your prom date. Aside from a potential temper, she already considers you, at the very least, a friend. ]

[4play]

[Cat gives her a wide cat-smile and moves back and forth so that he can lean into her hand and get nice scritches on both sides. Then he headbutts her before faking a brief bite. That just now tickled!]

Thanks. And I didn't say that most others would agree with me.

[He shoots her a cocky smile, although he still makes sure to stay that far out in the water that his scars aren't that easy to see. There's also something about that smile that isn't quite reaching his eyes.

IV can't say what's up with him tonight, but he's feeling that he's not up to his usual game. So his smile ends up dropping quickly as he softly shakes his head.]

How far- No, what's your point of no return? What is something that you would consider unforgivable?

[songstressedout]

First answer to come to mind? Start a war, kidnap and brainwash four girls, and finally give them the worst case of identity issues imaginable. I'll definitely never forgive you then. But seriously? Nn... that's a tough one...

[ That's definitely a loaded question... loaded enough that she had to make that quick joke to steady her own mind for properly answering it. She looks down, her own smile dropping as she thinks. ]

I... I'd like to think that most people are capable of change. That everyone makes mistakes, some bigger than others, but ultimately? What matters is learning from them. It's only when someone refuses to learn from their mistakes that it becomes unforgivable.

[ She looks up at the night sky... a few faces coming to mind as she thinks out loud. ]

I think that the act itself could be a lot of things... but the unforgivable part would be not regretting. Or at least, refusing to understand. I've met a lot of people, and a lot of them hurt a lot of people. Some did it because they didn't know any better, others did it out of revenge for a destroyed life... but in the first case, I could tell that there was regret... and I could tell that they were trying to be better. And for the ones doing it out of revenge... I could tell that, at the very least, they knew that what they were doing was wrong... and that they were just too filled with rage to care.

[ She's never really drawn from so much of her personal experiences before... "loaded" might be an understatement for this question. Each description comes with an image of someone in her mind. ]

But for others...? When they hurt people, it'd be for their own gain. They wouldn't see anything wrong with their actions... or even if they did, they simply wouldn't care, plain and simple. So the point of no return, I think... would be just that. Not caring. Hurting and continuing to hurt others and never looking back.

[ She lets out a long sigh. ]

I guess... that might be a little confusing, but I don't think I'd feel right giving a simpler answer.

[4play]

Well, I can' claim that I've started a war yet. [The corner of his lips twitches into a brief smile in response to her attempt of lightening the mood, but it drops soon again as Yuzu keeps speaking.

IV just listens, letting her sort out her mind while her words echo within him. How can that girl keep being so open with a near complete stranger? Here she is, putting herself out, showing her vulnerabilities to IV while also just casually trusting him to not turn all that knowledge against her. It both impresses and sickens him. How many people have interacted with him like that so far? How many 'fans' have turned away in disgust, the moment his mask slipped and he turned out to not to be the perfect person they assumed he was?

How many times has he taken all those precious memories and secrets entrusted to him and used them to tear others mercilessly apart? He'd enjoyed doing it. Every.Damn.Time. Destroying them brought him a relief that was nearly addicting. Realizing that he's a sadist came both, as a surprise and none to him, but IV is self-aware enough to know that there's more than that behind his 'fanservice'.

Because he was hurting and couldn't rend himself or the ones doing it to him apart, he ruined others as stand-ins.

But nobody is hurting him now, here, in this absurd place. Nobody is pushing any expectations on him either, except what Yuzu is doing right now, and he suspects he could just ask her to stop and she'd think none the worse of him. Besides, he asked. He was the one who started this. So why does a part of him want to leash out, lure her close to the water so that he can grab her, drag her in and push her shoulders under until she stops struggling and is finally still? What's the point of dragging her back out, applying CPR or whatever's needed to make sure that she's still just as fine as ever the next day, maybe except with the knowledge and fear born out of the shameful knowledge of what IV could do to her? Of what he has done?

He exhales deeply and lowers his head. IV lets the dark desire sink back into the depths of whatever abyss is festering within him, feeling the gaping emptiness that it leaves behind. There ought to be disgust at himself.]

That they don't regret, huh... ? [Does his father regret what he did to him? To all of his sons? IV doubts it. All the sacrifices they made for him weren't even enough to be a joke to Tron. But Chris? Did their older brother ever rue what he's done to them? Left behind and replaced, only to be reclaimed when they were useful again.

.....

IV's teeth dig into his bottom lip.

Maybe it just runs in their family. He himself doesn't regret anything he's done, either. Sure, he understands what he has done to others -- what he is still able and willing to do at the drop of a hat -- but does he actually regret any of the damage he's done? Not even burning that girl alive or tormenting her brother to the blood with it had really moved his heart. Strip them of their relevance to him, and IV couldn't give a shit about any of them. Everything he regrets are how their impacts influence his own life. Burning Shark's sister only ever mattered to him because he had been set up to become a murderer.

So who is the real monster here?]

Yuzu.... Thanks. [Giving her a soft smile, he swims closer to her, letting her see the damage that he still wears. Those scars are the real reason he only dared to come here at night, even though the water and the relief it brings his scars have been tempting him the whole day. Not even his brothers are often allowed to see or treat his scars, not that Chris cared. His father never did. Propping himself up and resting his chin against his crossed arms, IV looks up to Yuzu, allowing her to take it in as much as she wants.]

It wasn't confusing. I think I know exactly what you mean. [Looking down, he sighs.] One truth for a truth. I came here because I can't stand showing others my scars. They feel like they're the proof that I'm really as good for nothing as my family always thought I was. Like... Like I'm a broken doll.

[songstressedout]

...

[ Yuzu notices the scar, able to see it better now. She can't hide the fact that she notices, but she bites her tongue and keeps quiet for his sake. Not that there's much to say that immediately comes to mind. ]

I see...

[ Her gaze is definitely on his scar, but it's sympathetic. She can't imagine what could leave such a lasting scar on someone, much less one that's so large. It vaguely looks like it might be a burn, but Yuzu is hardly a scar expert, so she doesn't try too hard to figure out what it might've come from.

In any case, she knows that he doesn't speak fondly about his older brother... and that his family is in a pretty bad state, but she knows... remembers that he had been worried for his younger brother when he first arrived. ]

Your family, huh... [ She slips off her slippers and, sitting at the edge of the pool, she dips her feet in. ] For your own family to think something like that... sounds like your situation is pretty rough back home. But...

[ She reaches down to place her hand on IV's hand, seeing as how it's above water and his arms are crossed to prop his chin up. ]

I know I might not be the best person to say this, but... [ She's never met his family, after all. ] Everyone else aside, I've heard the way you talk about your little brother. You care about him, so... it can't be all bad, right? At least, I hope.

[ That's all she can really say on the matter... she's worried if by doing so, she's overstepping, but she couldn't keep that to herself. ]

I won't claim to understand your family more than that... or what happened to you all, but... just know that despite all of that, I'm still your friend.

[4play]

[Having his scar looked at that directly is giving IV goosebumps, but he endures and plays over it pretty well. That Shark decided to splash over and lean against him also helps.]

This guy, I swear-

[Chuckling, he shoves the fish pokemon out of his face. Then he shoots Yuzu a grin.]

I don't like getting any pity over this thing, either. I still got my mobility and most of the sight in my right eye is also back, so I'm as good as it gets. That scar just looks nasty. [translation: he's back to trying to play himself up by looking both brave and deserving some praise

So when he gets it in the form of the warm touch of her hand and her kind words, IV all but glows with a childish happiness. Of course he still tries to play it off with a nonchalant shrug.]

Not like Michael ever got much of a choice. Our mother died shortly after he was born, and I kinda took over from then on ... at least after it was only the two of us... But anyway, I gave my best and I think he's been turning out pretty good! [Some yandere tendencies aside, but those are just minimal.]

[songstressedout]

[ Unlike last time, Yuzu will let him get away with playing himself up. Save as much face as you want, IV. She sees the way you suddenly glowed with her words. ]

Michael... [ She's noticed it but kept her mouth shut about it, but she thought he and his brothers were named III, IV, and V. Like now, though, it's definitely slipped out... albeit before just in the form of him calling V "Christopher" instead. ] I had my suspicions at first, but... you and your brothers weren't originally named after numbers, huh?

[4play]

[It's ridiculous how much he is starved for personal touch and recognition, even after all this time as a popular pro Duelist. In any case it's pretty effective in quelling his dark mood and replacing the emptiness it left with something else.

IV is even more fickle than his pokemon, which is an accomplishment by itself.]

Huh? [His eyes widen when he realizes what he said in a force of habit. For a split moment IV looks panicked, but then he just laughs and pushes off the rim of the pool a little. Just enough that he can spread his hands in an ironic manner.]

No, of course we weren't. Which kind of mother would play along with that?? My younger brother was born Michael Arclight, and my older one Christopher. III and I tend to call him Chris, but he doesn't really likes it that much. Thinks it makes him sound unprofessional, the priss~

[songstressedout]

[ Yuzu laughs. ]

Ehe...! Fair enough! I don't suppose that means you're gonna tell your date your name?

[ Said in a mostly-teasing manner, but she'd be lying if she said she wasn't curious at this point. Lord knows that at this point, IV's already been more vulnerable with her than she could have ever expected. ]

[4play]

Well. It is [He moves for her to come closer - he does too - so that he can lean up and whisper it into Yuzu's ear.

Except rather than telling her his real name, IV merely slings his arms around her shoulders and uses his legs to push off the wall of the pool, effectively dragging her with him.]

IV!

[and he's letting go, quickly paddling out of reach before she can get him in return]

[songstressedout]

Eh?

[ Yuzu can't help but blush a bit when IV comes closer, bringing himself up to whisper into her ear...

...and then his arms are slung around her without any warning, and— ]

KYAA—

[ She lets out a very girlish shriek as IV drags her into the pool with a massive splash, unable to react to IV's sudden attack in the slightest, and by the time Yuzu surfaces with a gasp of air—now entirely soaked—he's already paddling away. ]

Oh is that how it is? Get back here!!

[ She says it while laughing... and with that she's immediately swimming after him. ]

[4play]

Haha~ As if! Catch me if you can!

[Some of his monsters perk up at his rare genuine laughter, but he's already paddling away, proving that he can be a pretty fast swimmer if he wants.

So no help needed, except that Shark decides that it wants to try anyway. Can you outswim a lead duck of a Magikarp, Yuzu?]

[songstressedout]

[ Yuzu is not just a duelist, but an Action Duelist, she's plenty athletic, don't you worry about her! She's swimming after IV as fast as she can, despite the fact that she's still basically fully-clothed in her sleepwear. The opposite of skinny-dipping, despite the prompt.

In any case, she's plenty capable of keeping up, chasing after IV and splashing water at him whenever she manages to get close. They're making a ruckus now, but oh well. Nobody said that they weren't allowed to swim at night, right?

Unbeknownst to them, Yuzu's Greninja can be briefly seen nearby... checking to make sure that his trainer was alright. Seeing that she's fine, however, he's gone as quickly as he subtly appeared... quickly enough that it could be excused as one's imagination. Ninjas are handy, man. ]

Dragging a girl in here...! I'll get you for that! Hah...!

[ Said as she attempts to lunge forward in the water at him. ]

[4play]

EEp! [IV yelps childishly before he escapes into the only direction she might not be expecting - below. Unfortunately he can't hold his air as long as he thought, so the might end up getting unintentionally lifted when he has to cut his dive short and get back up again.


On the other end of the pool, two of his pokemon did notice the ninja. One is Diva, the Joltik turning slightly to turn one of its many eyes on the potential new friend, but before it can reach out to him the Greninja is already gone. The little bug does a figurative shrug of its shoulders and goes back to a light snooze.

On the other side, a pair of very alert cold fox eyes keep staring in the direction the Greninja is gone. Unlike Diva, IV's Nickit doesn't have any nice intentions for anyone who isn't 'her' human. If that water bastard wants to try something, he'll better be plenty prepared.]

[songstressedout]

[ Tsukikage notes the hostility directed at him by the Nickit. He doesn't intend to instigate, of course, but also bring it, fox. ]

K-Kyah...!

[ Yuzu is lifted up when IV suddenly surfaces, and she promptly falls away from him, causing an even bigger splash in the water. At which point, of course, Yuzu retaliates by immediately swinging back up and throwing her arms around him. ]

Got you...!

[4play]

[Malady (speak: Milady) de Winter is by far IV's most sinister monster, a ruthless she-fox with all the ambitions and cunning to be the next big crime boss. Their trainer should better look out that this intrigant and the ninja won't clash too hard.

Speaking of trainers, tough:

IV sputters as he comes up, gasping something that sounds a dangerous lot like "heavy" before he finally manages to shake her off. Only to be grasped again.]

Oh, really?

[Usually he wouldn't do this. But she both reminds him too much of Michael and is different enough to coax this side out of him, as good or bad as that might be. IV catches her arms, holds her around him and jumps up only to drag them both back underwater with a loud splash.

Only then he lets her go and paddles away to get a bit of a distance between them - hopefully before she gets him again. He doesn't even realize that he let her touch his scar and didn't mind it one bit.]

[songstressedout]

[ On the other hand, Tsukikage was about as cool as you can get. Quiet, fiercely loyal to his trainer, and very good at what he does. He’s certainly still watching from somewhere, but that location remains entirely unknown. ]

Gah…!

[ In contrast to this, Yuzu is fully laughing now, having forgotten that she’s still fully clothed in here. Fortunately for IV, Yuzu doesn’t quite hear his “heavy” remark, and he is thus allowed to live another day. ]

Aha…! So you’re good at squirming away, huh? But I’m not done yet!

[ And so the chase continues… ]

[4play]

[Hey, everybody is heavy when they're unexpectedly on top of you-]

Damn right I am!

[Their merry chase and play fighting continues until both sides are too exhausted to continue and IV is hanging on to the side of the pool again, absolutely drenched and breathing hard.]

D-damn, you have stamina! I'll ...give you that... Haha, I don't think I've laughed and played like that in a damn long time... !