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

[lorentzforcego]

Ah, yes. I'll keep your approval in mind.

[God, this kid. If Monsoon wasn't as chill with life as he was Chazz might get on his nerves.]

I see. How fascinating. The Chazz...

[Armstrong is going to be mildly annoyed.

He won't correct Chazz on the fact that he no longer has any robotic parts to him. He'll just let him keep thinking that.]

Good luck with that then - because your quest will fail should you try that here. My boss makes me look small. If you attempt to keep him out, he'll pick up up by your head and toss you out like a wet rag.

[chazz_it_up]

[It's a trial in patience, that's for sure.]

Now you're getting it.

[Look at that, more approval and with a nod to go with it.

This Armstrong guy sounds decidedly less ideal to Chazz, but he hasn't met him yet so the jury's still out.]

As appealing as that mental imagery is, I have a few other spots sighted I want to check out first before I fully commit to this one. [Still talking like the ultimate decision of where he'll be staying is his own.]

Later- who am I kidding. I probably won't run into you again until the prom.

[Talking to Lorentz here, has at least helped him blow off some steam. So he relinquishes the tent.

For now....]

[A Time Skip Later - If this is ok. Let me know if it's not!]

[A decidedly more perturbed Chazz arrives back on the metaphorical doorstep of Armstrong's and Monsoon's tent.]

Don't say anything- just point me at the available bed and shut up.

[lorentzforcego]

[He knows not to feed that ego too much. Should it become too inflated though, Monsoon can easily pop it. He simply watches as Chazz takes his leave, wiggling his fingers in a farewell.]

Have fun.

[When Chazz inevitably returns, the albino has grabbed some food for himself and Hanzo. He doesn't even bother looking up, knowing exactly who it is and why he's hear as soon as he hears the voice. The Croagunk looks up instead and snickers.]

The far one on the right. A young woman named Amaterasu is using the bed next to that.

I trust you can behave yourself around such company, yes? I do not want her to feel uncomfortable sharing a tent with three men.

[chazz_it_up]

[It's already pretty inflated most days, on it's own. Yes, it is too easy to drain the metaphorical air out of him.]

Oh, I will.

[And then he doesn't.

That Croagunk had better be choking and not chortling, or it's going to get something thrown at it. Luckily, Chazz doesn't dedicate much runtime into figuring out which thing is occurring. He starts aiming for the bed on the right but hearing that other name makes him shudder to a halt.

Oh. Right. She was in this tent too.]

She's the one you should be lecturing!

[He snaps, before continuing to the bed and punching a pillow.]

[lorentzforcego]

[Hanzo is very tiny. Please do not throw him.

An odd reaction he wasn't expecting. Monsoon raises an eyebrow and actually looks up from his food at the agitated teen.]

Why's that? She has been quite the pleasant tentmate thus far.

[motherofallomelettes]

[The flow of light from the tent's entrance all-but-ceases as the shadow of a titanic man spreads across the interior. Having returned to the tent to find it entirely more populated than when he had left he was now very curious as to who the person punching pillows in his room was.

Bottle of bourbon and pair of glencairn glasses in-hand Armstrong doesn't even both addressing the new arrival and, instead, just turns directly to Monsoon.]

"Do I even want to know what I just walked-in on?"

[chazz_it_up]

[There are no guarantees in life. Keep a good eye on your Pokémon if you don't want it to become airborne.]

Then you don't know her like-!

[Chazz trailed off abruptly when the light was obstructed. His attention shifted from the offending pillow, to the gargantuan figure that made it's way inside. It was well enough that he wasn't addressed first because for a few moments he was dumbstruck.

That didn't last long..]

-Just make sure she keeps her hands to herself!

[He continued as if they hadn't been interrupted since this ogre didn't bother to speak to him, himself. How does this guy even find clothes to fit?]

[lorentzforcego]

[Upon sensing the looming shadow at the entrance to the tent, Monsoon turns his head to look, seemingly ignoring what Chazz was saying to him although he is very much listening.]

Welcome back, boss. We've acquired a fourth tent mate.

[He takes a few bites of his food, taking his sweet old time before he addresses the teenager.]

I will inform her to do so although I'm surprised you to hear you have history with her.

[What that history is, who knows, but it's amusing seeing Chazz this upset. What an interesting little crew they have. (Sorry you have to deal with his stray kittens, Armstrong. It really wasn't what he was intending for this party.)]

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong's eyebrow cocks instantly upon hearing that, not only was the pillow-punching interloper apparently a permanent addition to their bedding arrangements, but that they had another +1 added in to the mix as well.]

"The hell do you mean a fourth?"

[Despite having entered the tent Armstrong still loomed near enough the entrance to all-but-fill the space and, upon hearing the revelation from his colleague, immediately snaps his eyes to Chazz.]

"So now who is our pillow-punching pugilist here supposed to be then, eh?"

[chazz_it_up]

[The intrusion into their conversation might not have been a welcome one, but it was likely more convenient than Chazz realized. More details would have likely spilled out at a faster rate without the distraction.]

Boss..?

[He tilted his head slightly as his gaze darted between the other two. The last time he'd heard that title, it was being said to him.. by three very ugly but loyal monsters.]

What did you just call me?! [Excuse him for not knowing what a pugilist is. Chazz assumed it to be something worse than it was in reality. Straightening up to his full height to try and look more impressive, which was impossible when everyone else in the room was so much taller, he proceeded to answer the question.] The name's Chazz Princeton- and if this place wasn't totally backwards you would know what that name stands for.

I'm a top ranked duelist at Duel Academy, and I'm not sure that I like your attitude. [Probably not the best time to try and make another enemy- but he was in an abysmal mood]

[lorentzforcego]

[There's a quiet little chuckle from Monsoon as the larger man lays down an impressive insult to poor Chazz followed by a widening of his grin as the kid attempts to make himself appear bigger and throw down with Armstrong.

Sweet summer child. This boy is going to get himself killed one of these days if that pride doesn't get dented soon.]

The third one is the girl who says she's a god, the fourth is him. I've mentioned them both to you before.

[He turns his attention towards Chazz, waving his fork in a chiding manner.]

Now now, Chazz. Do remember what I told you earlier.

[motherofallomelettes]

[Duelist eh? There's a term he didn't think he'd hear someone else throw around. Life has a funny way of putting arrows in Armstrong's quiver and, if his diminutive new roommate really was still in-school, then he'd have little problem letting this one fly.]

"He's a duelist too then eh?"

[He looks back at Monsoon as he says it, a very unsurprised tone deliberately hanging over his words.]

"Well then Mister Princeton... I'm afraid I am aware of what the Princeton name stands for and, unless you're referring something infinitely-less-relevant than the distinguished Princeton University, it's referring to an academic institution of a far higher caliber than one that teaches dueling. On the topic of that little sport, my colleague and I actually happened to come into this place alongside the Dueling Champion of Asia, so we've brushed shoulders with your sort before."

[He approaches the young man, standing squarely in front of him and just looming overhead.]

"Seeing as how you've introduced yourself though, I suppose it's only fair that I return the gesture."

[Despite the fact that it would likely be the most disproportionately-sized handshake Chazz will have ever received, Armstrong extends out his hand in greeting.]

"Steven Armstrong. Senator Steven Armstrong."

[chazz_it_up]

[Chazz's self preservation skills were certainly to be questioned, but for the moment he wasn't about to back down. You know- without further assessment of the difference in stature and probability that these old guys would be in anyway decent in a fight.]

Ha- right. God.

[Rolling his eyes and balking at the mention of Amaterasu and her alleged status as a divine being.]

You've been talking about me...?

[Shooting Monsoon a questioning glance. Better have been all good things...The reminder that Armstrong wouldn't have the same level of patience, was needed but not necessarily heeded.]

I... guess that is a Princeton too.. [Not the one he was referring to however.] .. but I was talking about the Princeton group which is a prominent family with branches extending across the political, economic, and dueling fields. [Ok, so they were working on that last one, and last time he checked in.. Chazz had decided to go his on route on that and not just to appease his family. But. details. This man should realize that he was still talking to someone important, even if... that person wasn't...

... exactly...

...important....

yet.]

The Dueling Champion of Asia, you must mean IV. [FYI, they've met. Chazz was about to correct this guy on just how important dueling actually is in his world, when his personal boundaries are put under stress. He stifles himself, and looks up willing himself not to do anything to appear weak. What a surprise it is, when a handshake is offered instead of something else.]

I don't usually do the handshake thing... [.. but this guy is really.. really... imposing, so he reciprocates the motion.] Senator? That's like.. an American thing isn't it? [Trying not to sound impressed, but it was still possible that if he made a decent impression here he could make some connections of his own.]

[lorentzforcego]

Seems they're quite a bit of them here.

[He goes back to finishing up his plate of food while Hanzo watches the display. Monsoon only glances up to give Chazz a Cheshire Cat like grin at being asked about the fact that he's spoken of him. He doesn't chime in until the two have shaken hands though.]

The University of Texas is obviously superior, yes?

[Directed to Armstrong but then he turns his attention to the teen again.]

I tell my boss everything. That's what a reliable employee does, isn't it? I'm glad to hear you've met IV. If you two share the same sport, is it safe to assume you two are from the same world?

[motherofallomelettes]

[When Chazz accepts his handshake Armstrong wouldn't grip it hard enough for that oh-so-cliche hand crush that every movie dad goes for but, instead, would apply a just enough pressure to show the young man the kind of strength he's dealing with.

Armstrong has no intentions of flatly menacing the boy, but he'll be damned if he has to placate an adolescent interloper in his own lodgings. Whatever trust-fund family this kid is from it's clear he likes to play chicken with his peers but, in this case at least, he was going to have to learn what it was like to swerve.]

"That's correct. We make up the Upper House of the United States Congress, so that's pretty much as high as it gets outside the Presidency."

[A wry smile spreads across his face as he lets go of the handshake.]

"All things in time though, of course."

[Hoping that was enough to show the his young roommate the weight of the company he'd walked into Armstrong turns to the nightstand by his bed and sets the bottle of bourbon and glasses down on them. Wringing his hand out after the awkwardness of contorting his fingers to hold all three at the same time he calls back over his shoulder.]

"That is indeed his name Mister Princeton, as strange as it is. I assume it's some kind of stage name like so many musicians and popstars like to take on these days, but I'll grant that it's certainly recognizable. If you're still in school, though, then I'd wager you've got a ways to go before you're blazing trail like he is. Networking is king in building a successful career though so make sure you hold onto the connections you make."

[Before he can continue Monsoon's aside about the University of Texas registers and he pauses. A smirk on his face, he turns to look at his colleage.]

"Well, given that they're my Alma Mater, I would have to agree... but then you knew that now didn't you Mister Fores."

[Shaking his head in amusement, Armstrong quietly turns his attention back to the Bourbon as Monsoon tells Chazz about the qualities of a good employee. Sitting on on the bed rather than risking the chance of his 400lb frame destroying one of the recliners, he returns his attention to the conversation.]

"I mean, I wouldn't say I need to know everything but if there isn't a clear flow of communication between myself and my own Head of Security then there's definitely something wrong."

[chazz_it_up]

[Chazz narrowed his eyes briefly at the smile Lorentz shot him, but relaxed his features as his attention turned to this Armstrong guy. The handshake was just firm enough to feel uncomfortable, as if there was a veiled threat to "just try and push me and see where it gets you" kind of way.

Why on Earth would a senator need that kind of muscle strength anyway? Don't they just push papers all day....?]

Huh. You never know who you'll wind up running into here.

[Not sure whether to feel impressed or just awkward, so he split the difference. It wasn't as if becoming president of anything was among his own aspirations, it might be in his best interest not to tick someone off in a position of power.]

I think he said it was a stage name. [Or something or other. In his defense that was from his very first conversation with IV, and he'd been more interested in trying to take that Meowth of IV's hands at the time. Hearing Duel Monsters called a sport gave him a moment of pause. Was it considered a sport? Or did they think he meant he was skilled with swords and pistols...? Considering that they had an advantage over him in a physical sense..... he'd just allow them to think it was weapons related. If they thought it was weapons related in the first place.] Oh... huh.. yeah. I think we're from the same dimension. There were a few details that were shared in common.

[Mr. Fores? Yikes. How Chazz wanted to openly make fun of that and what a butt kisser Lorentz clearly was but he would save it for later, when he could harass the cyborg alone.]

Ooooh. So he's your head of security. That makes more sense... sort of.... [A senator would have a security detail, but it still sounded like Lorentz liked to overshare information.]

[lorentzforcego]

[Monsoon remains silent for the next bit, just watching the other two interact. Ah, Not-His-Cat. That was the one IV stole from that unlocked yacht if he recalls. As for the talk of his name, the teenager had let his family name slip to the albino in passing. That was a little tidbit he kept to himself though despite him just having said he tells Armstrong everything. Mostly everything.

He tilts his head slightly in a nod when the larger man addresses him with his rhetorical question then turns his attention to Chazz once more.]

Alternate dimensions. Oh, how fun. I can only imagine how odd that must be.

[It's still crazy to think such a thing is possible but Monsoon tries to keep an open mind while they're in this world. Both he and Armstrong are supposed to be dead, after all.]

Hmmm? Sort of? Why do you say that?

[motherofallomelettes]

[Having poured the Bourbon into each glass Armstrong reaches over and hands Monsoon one before returning to his position on the bed.]

"The idea that this place acts as a crossroads between dimensions is something I've had to come to terms with since arriving here. When I came into office office back in 2016 it wasn't long after the Patriot's system had gone down and everything was as much of a mess as you'd expect it to be, but I came across files for some operations that took place back in the 70s by a branch of the Government called the Wardenclyffe Section. They were all about gaining access to a dimensional gateway leading to someplace they called "Dite", and detailing operations claiming they eventually engaged and destroyed an enormous creature they called "The Lord of Dust"."

[Recalling details of those old files was otherworldly. It'd been years ago that he read them, and the only reason they'd lingered in his mind was the sheer ridiculousness of their claims, but thinking about them now brought him right back to all those evenings digging through classified files in his Senatorial early days. Sipping his Bourbon he can't help but smile at how long ago that seemed now, but returned his attention to finishing his thought and continued.]

"Obviously I thought those files were full of shit when I read them but, seeing what I've seen now, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if those crazy bastards somehow encountered one of the many Legendary or Mythics. Engaging something with the powers they described sounds exactly like what I've read about here so, if anything, I'm impressed they managed to take it down with hardware from half a century ago. Normally I'd say I couldn't talk about something like this because it's classified but, both having died and being in a whole different world now, I don't think it really matters. Either way, it's certainly been something to have to come around to the idea of interdimensional travel and interdimensional visitors... but here we are eh?"

[Taking another sip of his drink, he looks over towards Chazz.]

"Now then... Would you care for a drink Mister Princeton?"

[chazz_it_up]

Yeah well- I thought we were all from the same one... but there's this pink-haired girl that thinks there's multiple dimensions or something. I don't know- I didn't listen to her that closely because she sounded nuts.

[The pink haired girl here, is Yuzu, for reference. Little did Chazz know that things were about to get a lot more complicated. Maybe he should be taking notes- was there going to be a pop quiz later? Listening quietly as Armstrong expanded on the topic Chazz was somewhere between, "why are you telling me any of this?" and "Won't you be held accountable for leaking government secrets?" but didn't voice as much.

Duel Academy island actually hosted it'd own fair share of experimentations that weren't public knowledge- some of which actually had to do with multidimensional theory.... BUT... Chazz wasn't a nerd and wasn't involved in any of that. That was more of a Bastion Misawa thing, or it would be a little further along the timeline Chazz hailed from.]

The Lord of .. Dust. Not exactly.... a title anyone would want to compete for. I'm guessing the creature didn't name itself.

[Such a high caliber of commentary from this guy.]

Why are you all dead?

[Said with the kind of exasperation that comes from one that doesn't want to contemplate his own mortality. As far as he knew only these two were deceased- eh.. with another strong maybe. They better not all be dead! Then to answer Lorentz he threw this in hastily.]

.... Because didn't you tell me you were decapitated before? That doesn't actually inspire confidence that you were any good at your job.

[You asked, man.

At the offer of a drink, he debated for a hot minute if he was actually being offered something alcoholic.]

After the day I've had, I could use one.

[lorentzforcego]

[He gladly accepts the glass with a "thank you," occasionally sipping from it as Armstrong tells their guest about the Wardenclyffe Section. The theory certainly makes the most sense out of what either could put together about this place. As insane as it all sounds.]

Given Armstrong's research and what I've been told from the other people here, her claim may not be as absurd as you think. You really should keep an open mind in these types of situations, Chazz.

[Another sip as Chazz questions why they're all deceased. Yes, very good commentary indeed.]

Do we need a reason for being dead?

[For once, the teen actually throws Monsoon off of his game. He pauses with the glass to his lips before polishing off the rest of the drink.]

Yes. Well, the man was... more volatile than I had anticipated.

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong watches amusedly as Chazz processes, and then responds, to the information he'd just dropped. The news that other people in here were talking about the idea of dimensional travel didn't surprise him given that it'd apparently known about in his own world as far back as the Cold War, but it was strange to think about how little the government of this world seemed to care.]

"The Lord of Dust was apparently a time-eating entity, more a mass of semi-sentient particles with a shared instinctual goals than a creature as we would think of in the traditional sense, but I'll be the first to admit that the name they gave it was beyond melodramatic. You'd think that a creature in a highly-classified black file would be handled a little more professionaly in terms of dramatacism, but I guess I'd been the one to kill something like that I'd call it whatever the hell I wanted to too."

[Armstrong cracks a smile at the question of how they both died but, seeing as how it seems to be more directed at Monsoon than him, he happily waits to see what his colleague's reply will be.

Wait did he say he'd been decapitated? How in the hell would that have happened? He was a floating head and slices of pepperoni before the fight so how in the goddamn would a floating head get decapitated? Hoo boy. Looks like it's his time at-bat then.]

"The same reason as JFK. You stand for something pure in a system of nepotism and corruption, you refuse to be bought, or you make headway in bringing about change and you're on the fast track to removal. In my case the assassin was aided by one of my own employees, but I can at least say I didn't go quietly."

[Cracking his neck loudly, he continues.]

"Half an airbase got leveled trying to take me out, and I about beat the culprit to death with my bare hands despite that. Don't mess with Texas, ain't that right Mister Forez?"

[Having managed to slip in his home state's unofficial motto, he shoots Monsoon a knowing grin.]

[chazz_it_up]

Is that more of your neutral advice?

[Chazz couldn't help getting one more reference eluding to his prior conversation with Monsoon. I mean, this one wasn't classified as bad advice, at least. As he listened to Armstrong explaining the origin of the entity's name- everything started to make a lot more sense.]

I don't know, if I was the one that took it out I'd probably want to call it something that sounded more dramatic and life-threatening. [To elevate his own reputation] Like... Necro Doomstorm... or.. Apocalyptic Scourge. [No, these still sounded a bit dumb.] Maelstrom. [He burst forth with that with a fingersnap for emphasis] It's simple, most people don't know what it means and it sounds sufficiently ominous.

[To the next question regarding mortality..]

Yes, otherwise you would be alive.

[duh]

[Ok. Wait. What is revealed next has Chazz wishing they could just back this whole thing up. Did he just hear what he thought he heard? So for a few moments he just stared at Armstrong before he decided it might be more prudent to break eye content. What does one follow up with, after that? Absentmindedly, he drummed a finger fingers on his mattress. Then he ceased that, and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

You know- maaaayyybbbbe Lorentz was right about not crossing the senator here.]

Why are you telling me all this?

[lorentzforcego]

Whatever you'd like to consider it.

[More sipping as he watches Chazz process the information about the Lord of Dust and decide it needs a better name. His lips curl into a smug little smirk as he shoots a glance through his sunglasses at his boss.]

Maelstrom does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

[... Wait what. He stops mid-drink to lower his glass and stare at the teen in stunned silence for a few moments.]

... We are technically alive though.

[Still, after saying that he recovers fully and chuckles at the quote from Armstrong's home state, obviously getting the reference.]

Why not? It's not like our deaths were classified. Unless you're referring to the Lord of Dust.

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong is actually in agreement with Chazz on that one. The entire naming convention followed by that extraplanar group was bizarre but, then again, everything from that era seemed to be.]

"It was the 70s. The overwhelming majority of people knocking-around back in those days weren't what I'd call "of sound mind". When tearing down Art Deco architecture to make room for soulless concrete government buildings, shag carpet, and pea-green refrigerators is the flavor of the day it doesn't say much for the collective consciousness. These are the same people who thought rust-brown corduroy was the height of fashion. We can't expect good results from those kinds of heathens."

[Turning his attention back to his Bourbon while Chazz and Monsoon have their back-and-forth Armstrong can't help but be amused. For someone who'd started with so much bluster it was funny to see how quickly the young man had ended up out of his depth. Still, from what stories he'd heard from the world of Duelists, it seemed that they had more than their fair share of weirdness but that didn't change the delightful levels of fish-out-water the tent was currently experiencing.]

"It's hard not to end up on topics like this when we're sitting on an interdimensional crossroads like the one we're in. All prior notions of how things work go out the window pretty quickly when you're suddenly at a weekend getaway with people from every corner of history imaginable, and it's not like any of that crap is classified now anyways thanks to the Freedom of Information Act. As for my own demise, it wasn't exactly secret anyways considering the circumstances. President Hamilton himself almost got taken-out in that attack, so if it wasn't front-page news for the next six months minimum I'd be quite surprised."

/kicks the door down

[incredibulukami]

( unaware of what she's coming into and what she may be throwing off, amaterasu has finished meandering around the grounds for now and returns to the tent -- proverbially kicking the door in so that she may enter dramatically! in reality, all that she does is shove on the flaps to the tent which flutter dramatically as she steps into the large tent for the four of them. this would normally be the part where she rises up to fly and greet them all but since she can't rise up for the occasion, she simply throws her arms up and clenches her fists with pure energy akin to that of an excited ten year old at christmas. )

Greetings Midgardians! It is I, Amaterasu! The Mighty Rising Sun Kami!

( as she speaks, she lowers her arms and sets them to her hips with pride. )

How are we all doing?

( she spots chazz and motions a hand to him vaguely-- )

--aside from this one.

( --and sets her hand back to her hip to resume her delighted greeting to the other two. )