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

[songstressedout]

[ She might be, Chazz. ]

No, but putting aside the fact that I could totally kick you out of here… how about this? We’re both trainers, right?

[ Uh… Yuzu? Yuzu your team- ]

You want my spot? Then battle me for it.

[ YUZU YOUR TEAM?? ARE ALL?? LEVEL 100?? Listen she deserves to lord her team’s strength a little it’s fine. ]

[chazz_it_up]

Yeah, I'm a trainer.

[.. and he's been putting in a lot of hours on that, so he's starting to feel a little too cocky.]

Done. [A smirk crosses his lips.] No wait. You're more than done, you're gonna be done, done. [Like, somehow repeating it like that makes it more psychologically crippling.]

Let's take this outside, I don't want you siccing your Pokémon on my bed out of spite.

[He's so dead, and totally underestimating this pink-haired girl with the sweet-sounding voice.]

[songstressedout]

[ Oh, this is gonna be satisfying. Yuzu just smiles, letting her Sylveon hop off of her lap and let out a small yawn. Adding to the delusion that Chazz has a chance here. ]

Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you…

[ Off to the nearest area they can use to battle, then. ]

[chazz_it_up]

Yeah sure. No sweat.

[They both leave the tent thinking this is going to be an easy victory, but only one of them is going to be right. Spoilers, it's Yuzu.. Chazz walks for a bit until he comes to a clearing at the edge of the tents.]

This oughta do. Are you ready to lose? Just try not to cry when I whoop your butt.

[Like.. all girl's cry or something.

ooc: Did you want to play this out or handwave it? I'm fine with either. Chazz for all his bravado will likely only be using his strongest Pokémon, which is Druddigon. Because he's a newb, and he's sunk the most time into his starter... also his starter is likely to ignore him from time to time, since he's got 0 badges.]

[songstressedout]

OOC: I’m down to play it all out! Though if he does bring out more than his Druddigon… Yuzu might pull out an even bigger dragon to drive the point home.

[ Yuzu’s smile doesn’t change for even a second, unmoved by his provocations. ]

Oh, don’t worry about me… you ready, Aria?

[ Aria, her Sylveon, coos before strutting out in front of her and sitting cutely out on the field.

What an adorable little Pokémon! How powerful could it possibly be? It even has little ribbons growing off of it! Chazz has totally got this it’s fine. ]

[chazz_it_up]

[ooc: The more dragons, the merrier]

[The fact that she's being so casual about this, hasn't got him worried yet.]

You're starting with that thing.

[He's dubious to say the least.]

You do know this is a battle right and not some fruity fashion show.....? Suit yourself.

[Reaching for his Pokéball, he flings it out before him.]

Druddigon, go! Show this girl what a real monster looks like!

[Druddigon pops out of it's ball with a flourish, kicking up wind as it flags it's wings before roaring it's own challenge.]

[songstressedout]

[ Druddigon roars, Aria yawns, and Yuzu... blinks twice at the Pokemon Chazz has decided to send in first. It takes everything she has to not laugh right then and there. ]

Ooh, so scary~

[ Go on then, Chazz. You've got the first move... ]

[chazz_it_up]

Are either one of you going to take this seriously? ... because if you're not, there's still plenty of time for you to back out right now.

[The ire returned to his voice at her blatant lack of respect for either himself or duel-battling as a whole.]

You're about to see just how scary he can be! Druddigon use Dragon Claw!

[With a nod of it's head, it lunged forward tilting towards Aria and drawing it's arm back to swing it forward for the strike.]

[songstressedout]

OOC: By virtue of the sheer level difference, I'm gonna go a lil wild with this tag, if that's alright. Lemme know if it isn't.

[ Listen, Yuzu is normally very respectful about the sport... yes that applies to both battling and dueling, but that said... she just can't help it in this case. Especially since she doesn't have to say anything at all.

Recognizing the attack, Aria... does nothing, simply sitting there as the large dragon charged forward, claw shining with green draconic energy, lunging forward and swinging...!! ]

...!

[ At the last second, Aria stands up. The attack connects, Druddigon's claw finds it's mark, dust is immediately kicked up from the force and...!!

Glowing with beautiful light... Sylveon stands, unmoved in the slightest by the Druddigon's attack. ]

Challenging a Fairy-Type with that...? I think you're the one not taking this seriously.

[ And not wasting any time... Yuzu's demeanor suddenly changes from lackadaisical to serious in an instant, and with a duelist-like flourish of her arm... ]

ARIA!! MOONBLAST!!

[ Whether Chazz's Druddigon retreats or attempts to attack again, Aria's ribbon-like feelers suddenly shoot out and wrap around Chazz's Druddigon, holding it fast as the smaller Pokemon opens her mouth... a large bright orb of shining pink light forming in front of her, and fires.

Amidst the pink explosion that ensues, Druddigon will be sent all the way past Chazz until they eventually hit the ground and skid to a halt. ]

[chazz_it_up]

[OOC: No worries. Sometimes "The Chazz" needs wake-up calls like this one to steer him in the right direction. It's very GX for him.]

It's.. just going to sit there?

[Chazz is baffled at first but starts to feel a little apprehensive. It's too late to call off or alter his commands though. So he stands there, resolute with his jaw locked in place as he waits to see if the attack meets it's target. It does- but it's like Druddigon's claws collide with an invisible barrier from a video game.]

That's a fairy type...? Shouldn't it be like.. weak to.. everything?

[Not that fairies in Duel Monsters were, but this was Pokémon and that Sylveon looked like a stuffed animal. It was evident that he hadn't run into many, if any fairies in the wild yet. Chazz would have been impressed with her stance and dramatic flair if he wasn't so bewildered right now.

Druddigon for it's part, tried to duck and weave away from the ribbons shooting out towards it but he was too cumbersome to evade. It roared again, defiantly this time as it wriggled to try and free itself but unfortunately it took a direct blast to the jaw before it went sailing almost comically through the air.

When Druddigon makes contact with the ground, it's talons dig into the soft Earth trying to slow it's progression. When he finally does come to a stop, he tries to right himself, stumbles to one side before sinking back to the ground.]

This is ridiculous! Even if you might have a type advantage.. [..which he still couldn't accept a world where a fairy was stronger than a DRAGON] .. there shouldn't be this much of a gap between our monsters! [If they were closer in level. With a huff, Chazz drew out his Pokégear so he could scan the details on that smug little furball]

[songstressedout]

[ Yuzu smiles as Aria happily runs up to Yuzu, earning some well-deserved ear scritches and pets. She’s perfectly content with explaining why there’s such a massive gap between them, but she’ll keep quiet for now and let the surprise do it’s work. ]

Well? Anything else? You were talking pretty big, so I was kind of getting my hopes up…

[ Chazz’s gear finally gets a reading, and yep… there it is, right there for him to see. Level 100. ]

I’ve got more where that came from. A whole team, actually, so come on! Send out your next one…

[ So she says, pulling out an Ultra Ball and tossing it up and down in her hand. Ah, this feels good… for how long has she deserved something like this? Actually being incredibly strong and powerful and NOT forced into being a damsel in distress… she’s deserved this for a long time, actually. ]

[chazz_it_up]

[Why is it his lot in life to be plagued by cute furry creatures that are somehow stronger than his big, fearsome looking one?]

Keep your skirt on, I'm just strategizing.

[Or... waiting for the digits to light up. When they do, he's blown away... figuritively.]

Level 100! It's no wonder that you challenged me to a battle! So is that how you earn your wins? By taking on newer arrivals? Tch- that's... [brilliant...] .. so cheap!

[If there was one thing Chazz wasn't enjoying about this game so far, it was that level mattered wayyyy too much. In duel monsters there were different star levels, sure but that wasn't always the deciding factor. A well played spell or trap could still turn the tide. It would be futile to bring out another monster, that was less leveled up than Druddigon even if any of them did have a type advantage. He growled low, under his breath.

Druddigon made another attempt to stand up, which took the boy's attention first. He drew out his ball, and recalled the monster so it could get a rest.]

Knock it off already. The outcome is already decided. [And man if it didn't hurt for him to say so. Normally, he would take this down to the very last possible round.] So you can keep your stupid tent, I didn't like where it was positioned anyway! [Sour grapes, much]

[songstressedout]

[ Yuzu frowns. ]

Excuse me? You're the one who barged into my tent! I'm just defending myself here.

[ It's simply a matter of experience, Chazz. Both literally and in the sense of exp points. In any case, he's clearly recognized that he's out of his depth here... but it's alright for Yuzu to show off just a little bit more, right? ]

Aww, really? And here I thought I'd get to show off a little more...

[ She says, tossing the ball in her hand and sending out... a very large Garchomp. Who appears, hits the ground with a mighty THUD, and lets out a truly tremendous roar.

A very surreal sight, next to the small Sylveon sitting next to it. ]

[chazz_it_up]

[Leave it to Chazz to try to paint himself as the victim when he was the initial aggressor]

There's a difference between what I did and what you orchestrated!

[Never you mind what that difference is.]

I've seen enough.

[He swiped a hand through the air before drawing it before his chest. It accomplished little more than emphasizing his own feelings of embarrassment and frustration but so be it.

With nothing standing between him and the towering hammerhead-shark-dragon-thingy, Chazz reflexively took a step back and looked up, eyes widening.]

What sort of Pokémon is that!?

[The pokédex soon enlightens him as he tries to look a little less intimidated by it.]

This really bites....

[songstressedout]

Hey, you could've just said no and found another tent.

[ Powerful, terrifying both underground and above it, capable of flying as fast as a fighter jet... and most importantly? ]

This is Schubert! Sorry, boy, I know I brought you out and all, but it looks like the battle's over.

[ HE'S A FRIEND!! So she says, reaching up and caressing the large dragon's head. Schubert lets out a soft rumble, appreciating the treatment. ]

But it's your own fault, really. Dragons are powerful and have a lot of resistances... but Fairies are the best counter for them you can find. They're even immune to Dragon-Type attacks, so even if we were at similar levels, you basically just threw your Druddigon out at their worst possible matchup.

[chazz_it_up]

I don't back down from a challenge. What do you take me for, a coward? That's not the Princeton way.

[Well, that suggestion offended his pride probably more than the loss did. Not gonna lie though- the loss stings quite a bit on it's own. Straightening his posture, he crossed his arms tightly over his chest as he scowled at her with renewed strength.]

.... You named it... Schubert? That's like... the dorkiest thing I've ever heard.

[Hasn't noticed the music theme yet. Not up on his composers]

How the heck is anyone supposed to keep up with all these types and weird weaknesses and strengths?! [The same way they do in any game, dude.] This isn't going to be where this ends. I hope you know that- I'm going to be expecting a rematch. [Not like.. now. But soonish.]

[songstressedout]

Not my fault you bit off more than you could chew!

[ She frowns at him in response to his jab at her naming sense. ]

I don't wanna hear that from someone who hasn't named their Pokemon at all!

[ Chazz, you're a duelist. Keeping track of shit like this is supposed to be your bread and butter. In any case, she just smiles proudly. ]

Anytime~! Name's Yuzu, by the way!

[chazz_it_up]

I was... I was just testing you!

[How many more excuses can he come up with? Far too many and no one buys them. Ever.]

Is it that unusual not to name them? It's not like I give special names to all the monsters in my deck... That would make judging a tournament way harder for the officials.

[Yes, but it's a different type of loaf and another brand of butter! Oh no, with that segue into her introduction he finds himself thinking: she's actually kind of cute. Let's just put that thought right, directly out of his head.]

Chazz Princeton. If that's out of the way, then I guess I need to keep looking for somewhere to crash.

[songstressedout]

Uh huh, keep telling yourself that.

[ She raises an eye though when he brings up his deck. Sure, he's been referring to them all as monsters, but that wasn't too unusual for otherworlders... but if he's talking about a deck... ]

Deck... hey, wait, are you a duelist!?

[chazz_it_up]

[Let him live his best fantasy life.

Chazz starts to turn as if he's leaving but he stops short when she asks that, angling himself back towards facing her.]

Uh? Yeah I'm a duelist.... why are you? Or are you a fan or something?

[LOOK. There are only like 6 girls at school, it's not that ridiculous to assume she's not a participant herself.]

[songstressedout]

Uh, no, never heard of you.

[ Only 6 girls at school? That's a bit of a sad gender disparity. ]

No, I'm a duelist too!

[chazz_it_up]

I meant... of the game.

[For once in his life. If Yuzu had been a fan of his, she would have recognized him right off the bat.

Well- presumably there are more, but you basically see like 6 or so with any kind of role in the episodes. Needless to say, the boys feel that disparity too. That's probably why so many of them hit on Alexis.]

... but since you brought it up. I've never heard of you either.

[It's his turn to smirk, which he does- quite clearly.]

[songstressedout]

...why would I just be a fan? What, you think I'm not a real duelist? Because I just kicked your ass in one way, I'll do it in another.

[ Unfortunately, Chazz's jab does little to shake Yuzu. It's not too surprising that somebody wouldn't have heard of her, after all. At least, in regards to at least a few locations. Though as an Entertainment Duelist, it does annoy her a little. ]

Yeah, yeah. Whatever. First question, which dimension are you from.

[ Whether he responds in a way Yuzu understands or in confusion, either way it'll be an answer for her. ]

[chazz_it_up]

Touchy touchy, I was just asking.

[Seeing her get her ire up, serves as it's own amusement.]

You have a problem against fans or something? You'll never make it as a pro if you can't handle the general public, you know.

[Said from his... lack of experience. At least in prep school he excelled at his competitions, and he did just win the Genex tournament at Duel Academy.]

What .. dimension...? [He stared at her for one long moment.] The one that has Duel Monsters in it... what kind of question is that? You know, I have one of my own. What planet are you from, because I refuse to believe we are from the same one?

[songstressedout]

If anybody can't handle the general public, I think it'd be you.

[ Just based on what she knows about him so far, at least. Either way, she nods in response to his answer. ]

Okay, so you're a duelist, but you're not from my world. Got it. [ She lets out a small sigh. ] No, I'm from Earth, but like everyone else here... not from yours. There are multiple worlds that have Duel Monsters in it, and if you don't know what I mean when I say "dimensions", then you're definitely not from mine.