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"

---

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Comments

5/5 okay done

[thetombkeeper]

[He even has a name for his team...!

Marik shakes his head and huffs, forcing a bit of a smile.]

W-well... Congratulations. I hate to admit it but... I'm impressed.

[He's managed to beat Kaiba... and that's quite the feat. Best not to insult his best friend and puff up Joey's ego though by letting him know of that.]

The outcome of this vote for the next Elite Four member must be pretty important to you then.

Re: 5/5 okay done

[infernofireblast]

Yeah! I don't wanna end up gettin' stuck fightin' some snot-nosed brat. I already had'ta put up with that Rebecca kid talkin' down to all of us and disrespectin' da hell outta Yugi's boundaries, so now way in hell do I wanna see everyone put through dat.

[A look of dread sits on his face at the prospect. He sure as hell was going to run his Gym better than that when he gets it, so how much higher should the standards be for the Elite friggin' Four?]

We already gotta deal with people like WHitney cryin' every time somethin' doesn't go their way. You wanna see dat crap pulled in da highest-ranked matches in da league? I know I sure don't!

[thetombkeeper]

Dare I ask who Rebecca is? Besides someone you dislike and apparently annoying liii... [huff] Yugi.

[That is indeed dread. Not something he hasn't seen on Joey's face before.

Marik groans and rolls his eyes.]

The fact that she does that every time is ridiculous. How is that even okay for a gym leader? I understand being a talented trainer but we both know you need to have a good public face if you're representing the best this world has to offer.

[He's... not going to add that he laughed at Whitney when Kaiba beat her and when he did later on. Oops.]

I wasn't impressed by Bede's answers at all. Malva seems like a much cooler customer and... should I ever get around to finishing the gym challenge, I'd much rather face her.

[Oba burbles softly until Marik gently pets him with a smile. Usi floats on by like he's dead, to which the tomb keeper completely ignores.]

Let me know when you're about to face your last two gyms. I'll tune in to watch the matches.

[infernofireblast]

[Joey sighs in exasperation. He didn't know that Whitney did that after every match, but that sounds about right given his own experience battling her. Considering she was a full-grown adult who behaved like that, too, it didn't fill Joey with confidence that Bede would be any better if he was allowed to grow up filling a position privileged enough to have it's own private island getaway.]

I didn't know Whitney pulled dat crap with... every loss. Dat's... dat's just sad.

[He shakes his head disappointedly.]

Rebecca is da granddaughtah of Yuug's Gramp's best friend. Gramps saved his life back when dey found da Millennium Puzzle, and Professah Hawkins gave him his Blue-Eyes White Dragon as a sign of friendship aftahwards. Despite dat, she showed-up on his doorstep right aftah Duelist Kingdom and accused him of stealin' it, even though her Grandpa friggin' told her how it'd all gone down! She tried challenging Gramps to a duel, but Yuug took up da gauntlet instead and kicked-her butt. She tried throwin' a fit afterwards, but he gave her his one-of-a-kind "Ties of Friendship" card. I woulda thrown da little rat out on her butt, but dats just me I guess.

[Sighing again, Joey continues.]

She popped-up a couple'a years latah, now actin' like she's Yuug's girlfriend and wouldn't keep her hands off'a him. He straight-up told her like a zillion times nothin' was going with them, but she still rubs up on him and is just nasty all da time. Add on top'a dat we're in high school and she's friggin ten and dats' a whole heap'a gross I don't want nothin' ta do with.

[The fatigue visible in Joey's eyes from his experience with Rebecca is obvious, but he's not yet done.]

Apparently she's some kinda rich kid so she's got horses she rides back in America and is a whiz at computers 'n such. It almost makes me wish that creep Bandit Keith hadn't dropped outta da duelin' circuit, cuz she's da person who took his place at da top of da American Duelin' Circuit. Yeah heck no. Miss me with dat crap man! But now Bede's just a friggin' palette swap of all her crap. Money 'n skill in a pint-sized package wrapped-in a bow made entirely'a crap attitudes and privilege. I hope I go through the Elite Four before he ends up takin' the spot, cuz I don't wanna deal with his crap in da slightest.

[thetombkeeper]

[He wasn't expecting such a detailed recalling of the gang's dealings with this Rebecca girl. Of course she was connected through Solomon. Marik wrinkles his nose in both disgust and annoyance. Why did you have to get so many god damn outsiders to deal with the Millennium Items drama, Shadi. You're supposed to be the protector, not giving the literally cursed things out like prize money. He lets Joey finish before saying anything because sometimes it's just nice to rant about someone like this.]

She sounds... like an absolute nightmare. I'm going to guess she even tried butting heads with Kaiba if he was around, right?

Eeugh. Are Americans just unaware of personal boundaries or something? No, that can't be it... Hunk and Keith are fine... Are spoiled rich kids just privileged as all get out? [Calling the kettle black there, pot.] What's the quote I've heard tossed around... Too high on her own farts or something?

[Marik looks over at Usi for a second and raises an eyebrow before returning his attention to Joey. Just ignore the piece of driftwood ghost that's pretending to be a corpse or something.]

I'm definitely not voting for Bede if he's going to be anything remotely like that. I'll keep my fingers crossed so that you don't need to deal with him.

[infernofireblast]

[Joey shrugs. He'd met plenty of people with money and plenty of people from overseas who were fine and he'd met plenty of people who made his skin crawl close to home, so who could say what makes someone wake up and decide that anew every day that they want to be a tool.]

I dunno about it bein' due to money or comin' from America, but I do think a lot of it comes from havin' never been told "no". Little brats like her 'n Bede give me da for-sure idea dat someone gives dem each 'n every thing dey ever asked to without teachin' dem da value of hard work or dat ya can't have everythin' in life. Far as I'm concerned dey could use a spankin' and bein' sent ta bed with no suppah every time they pull one'a deez kinds'a stunts, and keep it up until dey actually change how dey're actin'.

[Shakin' his head disapprovingly, Joey looks out across the pool and spots something odd.]

Uhh... is dat purple guy with you? I think he needs some help.

[thetombkeeper]

Huh.

[That rings closer to home than he'd like but let's take a dip into The Nile and pretend it's nothing.]

Yeah, that... makes sense. Maybe if Bede loses enough, he'll start to become humble.

[Marik looks over at Usi with a blank expression.]

Yeah. That's Usi. He's fine. He's just being a prankster and general menace like always. The fool's probably doing this [he waves a hand dismissively at the blob of ghost] to grab your attention because you're someone new.

[Case in point, upon being spoken about Usi rolls over on to his back and gently bumps into Joey with a big ol' grin.]

See?

[infernofireblast]

[Joey raises an eyebrow inquisitively at the apparently not-drowned Ghost Pokémon. Looking down into the mischievous face of the new arrival Joey can't help but be amused.]

Well hey bud. How's it floatin'?

[He thinks for a second.]

Wait a minute. How are ya floatin'? I thought you's a ghost?

[thetombkeeper]

[Upon being called out on the fact that he's floating, Usi begins to sink like a rock. There he gooesss....]

I stopped questioning how he does stuff. You know, he didn't used to be like this when I got him as a Gastly...

[He gently bobs the float with Oba on it, who's started to doze off from both the waves in the pool and getting all of his extra energy out of his system. Maybe he'll need to have Joey babysit him from time to time...]

I swear he listens to everyone but me.

[infernofireblast]

[Joey just cracks an amused smile, a look of knowing spreading across his face. Having been a rambunctious youth himself and growing up with a younger sister he's more aware than most his age of the bizarre urge to rebel and just generally become menace that can overcome kids as they get older, and the Ghengar's behavior perfectly fits the bill for that.]

He's just growin'-up. You can't expect him to stay a round lil' baby all his life. As he gets biggah he's gonna wanna test himself and da boundaries he lives with. You just happen to be dose' boundaries, so he's gonna mess with you and all da people around you until he figyas out da kinda guy he wants'ta be as a grown-up.

[Joey looks down at the spiky purple pool float with a mixture of amusement and empathy. He's walked that road himself, but he also knows how unreceptive he was to just about anything or anyone in his youth so the odds anything he says will actually register as more than just noise isn't high. Regardless, it's definitely funny seeing such a human streak of behavior exibited in a Pokemon.]

I had more den my fair share'a rebellion when I was a kid, but neither'a my parents cared so I just ended up strikin' at any kinda authority I could. He's got you lookin' out for him doe' so I doubt he's gonna get up to any real trouble. If it goes anythin' like me he'll just be a pain in da butt for a while and den suddenlly stop,

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik purses his lips.]

Growing up? He's already shacked up and had kids!

[Usi slowly rises up from the bottom of the pool with only the top of his head up to his eyes visible. That's his girlfriend and babies youse talkin' about, Marik. But Joey's words actually manage to sink in a bit - not that his trainer can tell. He rises more out of the water and stares up at the other more kindred spirit of a teenager with sparkly eyes. This guy gets it...!

The tomb keeper looks down at the ridiculous ghost with a raised eyebrow.]

... Huh. Well... You'd know better than anyone then. Thanks for the insight.

[Hm. Maybe... some time with Joey might help him mature a bit? Marik debates for a moment before he decides to ask. The worst that could happen is him saying no.]

Would you... mind him coming to hang out with you from time to time? I think it might do him some good. Gods know I'm probably not the best influence on him.

[infernofireblast]

[Joey looks down at the chunky purple Pokemon with a look of uncertainty on his face, turning his attention back to Marik after a moment of contemplation.]

Sorry ta tell ya, but der's plenty'a people who have kids way before dey're grown-ups. Heck, considerin' bein irresponsible is da fast-track to endin' up dat way I'd almost say dat a mahk against him growin' up.

[Shaking his head in dissaproval, Joey looks back to the Gengar again.]

Dat bein' said: If you wanna do right by ya kid you're gonna have a lotta growin' up to in not a lotta time. My folks didn't do dat 'fore they had me and my sis, and I've spent years playin' catch-up to da lesson dey nevah taught me and da damage dey did.

[Getting a look of "listen you" he points his right hand at the mischevious halfpint before continuing.]

Bein' a badass means bein' da kind'a person people can look to and wanna be like, and bein' a deadbeat sure as heck ain't what anyone would call cool. If you're a dad now you gotta get ya crap sorted.

[Father/Uncle/Big Brotherly speech delivered, Joey takes a deep breath followed by a tired sigh before answering Marik's question.]

I'm gonna be on da road da next couple'a months so dat's no place for babysittin'.

[He lets the insinuation of "baby" hang in the air to emphasize his earlier point to Usi.]

But aftah dat I'm gonna have my very own Pokemon Gym, so I could teach take care'a him for a bit if ya wanted. Teach him da ropes of how Da Revolution does things 'n such.

[thetombkeeper]

Really? I mean, I know having children at younger ages isn't... unheard of but I thought it had sort of fallen out of fashion in the modern age.

[Both Marik and Usi look at Joey and listen to his words of wisdom. The tomb keeper is... honestly surprised to hear how mature the other blonde has gotten but then again, he never really had the time to get to know him or any of Yugi's crew. Sure, he saw some of his home life when he mind controlled him but there was little context to what was happening.

Usi nods enthusiastically to Joey's speech. Gotta be a badass, gotta get his stuff sorted...!]

Oh, yeah. That's fine. I wouldn't want him to be a problem for you.

[He looks over at Usi for a moment. The Gengar seems to be super amped for learning how to be like Da Revolution.]

Crazy to think you're so close to beating the Elite Four. If you've blasted through the gyms though, I doubt you'll have any issues with them.

[Marik strokes Oba's antenna back, once again debating whether to touch on another subject. He told the others that he'd be trying to better himself but... Joey knows how things end for the Pharaoh. They seem to be on decent enough terms... but something still doesn't feel quite right. The Egyptian chews on the inside of his bottom lip for a moment then ultimately decides to keep the topic light instead.]

Do you have an idea picked out for your gym...?