victory_road | Prom 2023 - Back to the Falls!

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Prom 2023 - Back to the Falls!

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The first thing that announces IV has slunk his way into the tent Monsoon and Armstrong share is the Joltik that suddenly drops on top of the notes the older man in taking. The redhead can be surprisingly stealthy is he wants to, putting his loud personality to shame. Even his Rockruff that trots at his is silent as it inspects the contents of the tent in a way that's alert but not tense.

Monsoon better not have left any edible treats out, or Attila will claim them right away.]

Is that Cambodian you're writing?

[Huh. He must have been more involved in his notes than he thought. Normally no one sneaks up on him like that. As soon as Diva is on his notes, he gives them a gentle scritch on the top of their head.

While he doesn't have any snacks, Hanzo certainly does. Upon seeing Attila, the Croagunk offers some.]

Khmer script. Familiar with it?

[Diva makes a happy :3 face and promptly catches his finger with its claws to keep it there. More scritches, please!

In the meantime, Attila trots over to Hanzo and happily accepts the treats. IV watches their antics with a faint smile, even as he clicks his tongue and shakes his head.]

He's going to always expect treats if you spoil him like that. And sort of, but not really? [IV shrugs his shoulders.] I've seen it around on the back of treats and the like, y'know, where they write everything that's in them in several languages. I was wondering what it could be, since it was too squiggly for Arabic. You know, like...

[holding his finger up, he describes a couple of S-lines in the air]

[More scritches, coming up!

The pokemon are more endearing than even Monsoon would like to admit. They grow on you and have such differing personalities. They are a means to an end though. If only they weren't so easy to get attached to...

Hanzo looks up with a guilty grin. Sorry... But at least Attila is happy?]

Do you? Curious. I suppose I didn't go looking when I was in the different Asian countries but you never see it in the Americas. You generally see Thai more and while we do share some diction, there's still differences.

What languages do you know, if you don't mind me asking?

Oh, just the usual you'd expect when one's the Asia Champion... I'm fluent in English and Japanese, a little Chinese, some French and Spanish... I try to pick up a little whenever I'm in a new country. Gotta show some respect to the locals and it always being good when you can ask how to get to the next restroom, you get the idea.

[He shrugs his shoulders again, pretending to watch the antics of his pokemon when his senses are actually trained on Monsoon. So he's a Cambodian with some clear ties to the underworld, but he's also spent the gamut of his last time in the United States... How weird.]

I end up with a lot of free time and little to do on my hands between my matches, especially right before they start and the interims. Reading the backsides of snack wrappers is still one of the less weird things I've done for entertainment. What's the difference between Thai and Khmer?

[Monsoon's smile widens as IV lists his known languages. He's rough around the edges and is still working through things but this young man is impressing him far more than he ever thought he would.]

Would you like to learn more Chinese? That's my second language, after all. It would give us an extra secure way of speaking when in public should certain matters arise.

[Indeed. How did he get from Cambodia to the USA rather than settling in any other Asian country?]

That's fair. Sometimes you just need to do something simple to pass the time.

[He cocks his head to the side for a moment.]

Pronunciation and how words are written. I believe we share 30% of their language. They absorbed ours millennia ago and made it work despite the languages not being entirely compatible.

[IV doesn't quite get it, but the kid has a sixth sense for when he's being praised that has him instinctively puff up a little.

The offer still surprises him, tho.]

Chinese? I guess I could try. Which version are we talking about? [IV knows enough to know that there's several versions of Chinese and Chinese dialects or variants, which is hella annoying if you ask him.]

I see. Sort of how we use loanwords from other languages today.

[It's really perfect for Rocket operations. If no one can understand them, they have a clear advantage.]

I know Teochow and Cantonese. I assume you know Mandarin due to being on the mainland.

[It's very annoying even for him.]

Yes, that's a good way of looking at it.

[He puts his book and writing tools back into his pack.]

So, how has the party been for you? Having fun with your date?

Yeah, just the beginner-friendly standard. [IV is good at picking up stuff. He is a natural-born actor, dramatic, passionate and with a flair and a good eye for people and their ways. But all that doesn't make him a genius, and trying to pronounce some words alone can be enough to get his tongue in a knot sometimes.]

I guess you could say that.

[IV sits down across from Monsoon and offers a lopsided smile.]

The shared night at the pool was very exciting. Although I thought that I might get drowned a couple of times~ How was yours? I heard you had a little run-in with our local loudmouth Chazz?

Edited 2023-04-14 04:56 (UTC)

Well, if you are interested in those other dialects, let me know.

[Monsoon will do his best with teaching him. Thankfully he's patient.

Once things are packed up and organized, he sits down on his bed and Hanzo sits on the floor beside him.]

With the girl? Oh my, IV. You are quite the charmer.

[The older man laughs. He doesn't let out a full hearted laugh like that very often but... oh, Chazz.]

I did. He tried to claim the tent as his own, wandered off to find another, and later on came back with his tail between his legs. It was quite amusing.

He's far too fun to mess with.

Sure. Just take it easy on me, okay? I don't do well with others trying to force their cases onto me.

[Not that he worries much about Monsoon putting on too much pressure. The strange albino is one of the most zen yet not annoyingly chill people IV has ever met. Maybe that's why they are actually getting along.

IV returns the tease with a toothy proud smile once Monsoon's sitting comfortably.]

Absolutely! And don't you forget it~

Poor guy. Maybe I should have warned him about his date planning to ditch him after all. She wasn't even subtle about it. [IV sounds more amused than regretful over the other's plight, tho.] He tried to commandeer our tent too. I wasn't there at that time, sadly, but apparently Yuzu send him very clearly packing. She gave him a sound trashing before sending him on his way.

[He pauses for a moment, considering his words.]

I'm thinking of grooming the kid a little. Having an easy to manipulate idiot and scapegoat might be useful.

[So Monsoon has noticed, IV. He knows not to push. Leaving little crumbs for the other to follow if he wishes and subtle suggestion is what he's figured works best.]

Of course. We work at your pace. The offer is meant as a past time, not an assignment.

[He raises an eyebrow.][Rejection builds character though so he'll avoid prying about that unless Chazz opens up first.]

Don't abuse him too much. A good mix of nurture and nature will work best with him.

[Like what Monsoon does with IV. Not that he'll tell him that.]

If not, he'll become suspicious. He's naive but not a complete idiot.

Of course~

[He purrs his answer, resisting the urge to add "like you're trying to do with me". IV knows very well that Armstrong and Monsoon aren't his friends. Not really. They are just using each other. Which is fine, as long as both sides are getting advantages and their fair share of what they want out of it.

He stretches, smiling to himself. Outwardly, it must look like he's smirking about his ideas for Chazz, even when he's inwardly laughing at the men who think that they got his measure and can control him. 'I'm not that easy, my fans!']

I know how to work with people. Besides, he's not a bad guy. I won't harm him too much as long as he doesn't get on my bad side. Which is actually pretty difficult.

[Attila looks at him as if he's crazy. Even his pokemon knows IV.]

Does Armstrong speak those languages too?

[The best of friendships, clearly. If you can't use each other for your own goals, who can you use? At least they all know they're competent and that's what they're all here for, even if it's unspoken.]

I don't doubt that. You wouldn't have gotten as far as you have if you weren't good with people. It's just a matter of wearing down that pride of his...

[He notices Attila's reaction but doesn't draw attention to it, instead thinking on his question.]

You know, I don't know. I never bothered asking. I believe US students were required to take either Spanish or French back when he would have been in school so perhaps one of those?

[IV just smirks as he listens to Monsoon's tactics. He doesn't plan on crushing Chazz's pride anytime soon, but nobody needs to know about this. After all his fan service is also to keep his fans full of anticipation.

Noticing that Attila is looking at him, IV reaches over and pulls the puppy close to pet it. Attila might be skeptic about his master's claim to not be a sadist, but IV's petting skills are above all doubts. Soon his tail is wagging the dog again as the Rockruff happily melts into IV's side for more of that nice skinship.]

I see. What a pity. I guess I'll just have to ask himself if I don't forget, then.

[He doesn't buy it for a second that Monsoon doesn't know about something as useful as that. Not when the same man just brought up teaching IV Khmer just for easier coded conversation's sake. Still...

After a moment, IV grabs something from his pocket and holds it out to Monsoon. It's the D-Pad part of his Duel disk, the display set on drafting up a writing app. It reads

I have a plan on how to twist this ridiculous vote into a benefit for us.]

[It's good to see the pup and IV have warmed up to each other. There's a slight smile on his lips at that.]

Given our past locations, I would assume Spanish but I have never heard him use it personally. But yes, your best bet is to ask him yourself. I can't tell you everything about the man.

[The man leans over to read the Duel Disk then lowers his sunglasses slightly so IV is able to see him arch an eyebrow and focus those reddish-grey eyes on him directly. His expression is serious - not one typically seen on that jovial face. He has his interest, sure, but Monsoon is also cautious. He drops his voice to a lower volume than he normally speaks in already.]

And that would be?

[IV is rough, but at the core he is both affectionate and loyal to a fault to those he considers 'his'. Attila and him are stuck in this together, and bonding with animals - or monsters in this case - is way safer than doing it with humans. So yeah, he considers his monsters both his property and stand-in family in a dark corner of his heart.]

Have you known him for long? You two seem close.

[More casual small talk as he types again. The new message reads:

it all depends on whether your ninja skills are good enough to get past those pesky fairies detection or not

Holding it for Monsoon to see again, he gestures that the other can take it and type on it as well.]

[Pokémon do seem much more dependable than humans. Even Monsoon would agree. But they're still just animals at their core to him.]

It's been a little over five years. He was the one who gave me my codename.

[Which is Monsoon for: I owe my life to him.

He takes the Disk and reads over the message, his sunglasses still lowered slightly so IV can see where his gaze is and the tiny hint of emotion behind them. His expression is calm as he writes a response:

I'm decent but nowhere near as skilled as I used to be. I would more then likely get caught. I am planning on attending the Ninja School in Fuschia once the prom was over but that doesn't do us much good right now.

Everything takes time. I commend you for wanting to take action for Rocket's sake but it is too soon. People are expecting something to happen here due to what's happened the previous years.

Bottle that creativity and drive though. It will come in handy eventually. ]

[And that's the difference between them. To Monsoon, things are just that to him at the end of the day. Weapons are weapons, animals are animals, strong and weak people are strong and weak people. But IV is a Duelist, and like with all Duelists he's stuck in an odd dualism with the things he encounters; his deck is as much a toy as it is a tool to hurt and destroy and an expression of himself. Bonds can be forged and take the shape of many things in his world, many of those often unexpected, but all of them strong and passionate. Maybe it's that, why he has such a strange dynamic with the monster in his care.]

I see. Do you miss the name you were born with sometimes?

[IV is genuinely curious. His own relationship toward his old and his new name is torn, laced with too many emotions for even himself to figure out. Thomas. IV. Sometimes he's both, sometimes he's neither.

When he reads Monsoon's answer, his expression darkens briefly before he throws his head back and laughs.]

Not like that, you overeager fool! I know that you are skilled but also crippled right now! [Lurching forward like a puppet yanked on its strings all of a sudden, he catches Monsoon's hand where it is holding his sunglasses and leans in so that he can whisper hoarsely into the older man's ear.] I don't need you to fight or kill. That's so easily arranged. What I'm asking is: can your ninja ass approach somebody without setting off any whistles or bells detecting any predatory energy?

[Letting go, he gets out of the albino's personal bubble with an arch-predatory grin on his face and his hands raised in surrender to show that this hadn't been meant as an attack.]

[And the little glimpses into that duality intrigues Monsoon greatly. What an interesting person IV is. What fortune it is for them to have met given the circumstances. It's part of the reason why the older man wants to remain in contact with the Duelist, because of the potential he sees in him. It just requires a bit of digging.

And speaking of digging, he decides to let IV to see a bit more into his past.]

Not at all. It died when I lost my human body.

[The sudden laughing and lurch forward doesn't seem to even phase the albino outside of a twinkle of amusement in his eyes as he glances out of the corner of his vision at the dramatic teenager.

He will allow him to be this close and for the physical contact simply to see what he does with it but it's obvious he isn't bothered in the slightest. Even the insult gets an amused exhale from him. Over eager, hmm?]

I wasn't referring to killing either. If you meant being disarming then yes, I'm more than capable of doing that. Lorentz is such a jolly fellow, isn't he? Who would ever suspect him of anything?

[He turns his head to look at IV straight on, not bothering to push his sunglasses back up yet.]

What do you have in mind?

And now you have a beating heart again.

[Monsoon's lack of a reaction insults IV a bit. He jumped right into his space, ignored all the things You Do Not Do when dealing with a supposedly dangerous man, hell, he even laid on the extra spoonful of sultriness!

Not getting any reaction at all is like a slap in the face of his skills as a manipulator!

Pushing out his breath in a low long exhale, IV leans back.]

Mine was taken from me.

[As if they were still talking about names.]

I want to catch some pokemon that are averse to people with intense feelings. Bede's favorite is one like that, the ...witchy one? Whatever it is, it's said to be a very strong and versatile type. [and after a pause] Finding one in the wild might be tricky, that's why I want to be prepared.

[in text, he adds: can you get close to that thing to distract it? no need for catching or disabling]

Indeed. A strange sensation, I must admit. Still, the name is gone. I left that life behind both figuratively and literally.

[You're trying to manipulate a manipulator, IV. Of course it's not going to always work. Besides that, Monsoon knows going the calm, collected route seems to work best with him.]

Was it?

[He could be talking about either his name or body so he'll refrain from assuming which it is.

Monsoon remains silent for a few moments as he thinks over IV's proposal.]

Are there fairy type available here? I haven't bothered to properly check the availability list.

[If you're asking me to distract a wild pokemon, I can do that with ease. You see how much yours get along with me. Bede's pokemon are a different story though. He will be too well guarded.]

Sounds comfortable, in a way.

[Being able to just make a clear cut and leave it all behind, he means. He just stares at Monsoon with an unreadable look for a while before he turns his attention back to his tablet.]

It was. By the one person who could.

[His fingers fly over the keys with practice. I do. Guards can be disarmed or distracted. But I can't do much against a mind-reader or an empath while I'm like this.

In a strange way, yes.

[Hmm. Monsoon looks at him for a moment but says no more on the topic, instead focusing on what IV types him. He's gotten more information out of him than he expected already.

They can. I am not capable of doing so at the moment.

A soft sigh.

If you're asking me to do this in a few months then, yes, I can disarm, distract, and do whatever necessary.

If I'm unable to become undetectable by that time then I am doing something incredibly wrong.]

[You trusted too much in that robocob body of yours, did you?

He huffs before shaking his head.

How long will it take you to get to that point?]

Tents!

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