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

[neverbreaks]

Luisa lowers herself into one of the chairs as well, flipping through the book in her hands. "Lots of fairy tales, I noticed. Or at least the well-known ones, like Snow White and Cinderella. There are also a lot that just share similar elements, like star-crossed lovers from differing families, and tragic heroes. It really is interesting how even different worlds write about the same kinds of things."

[nastyboy]

Well! Those are certainly names he doesn't now! "I am unfamiliar with some of those fairy tales," Dimitri admits, just so there isn't any awkwardness later. "However, it is interesting how the same ideas always seem to pop up, now and then."

His thumb glides along the spine of the book he has in his grip. "I suppose it goes to show that, many times, people still have many of the same dreams and ideals, no matter what land or world it is. In a way, that is rather reassuring, isn't it?"

[neverbreaks]

Luisa nods. "It kind of is, yeah. I guess no matter how different worlds can be, people are always going to be people."

For better and for worse.

"So what kind of fairy tales do you have where you're from?"

[nastyboy]

"Well, for Faerghus in particular..." Dimitri rubs his chin, thinking back to so many afternoons spent with the local children near the academy. "There is a great fondness for tales of knights, and the meaning of loyalty, honor, that sort of thing. I suppose, in many ways, they were meant to instill in us the proper ideals we should strive for. There was especially a love for famous historical figures, such as the man who founded the kingdom, Loog, and his righthand, Kyphon."

Dimitri lowers his hand with a smile. "But of course, a great deal of them were intermingled with things I doubt ever truly happened - fantastical tales where magic items let you fly and you saved a spirit of the wind, that sort of thing."

[neverbreaks]

"Oh really? That kind of sounds like something I heard about back home too. There are a bunch of stories about a legendary king and the knights who fight alongside him, that also has magic and is probably more fantasy than history. But they're still really interesting, from what I've heard, and teach about loyalty and chivalry."

[nastyboy]

"Ha, I see..." Dimitri chuckles. "Well, it is an easy thing to dream about, isn't it? The past is, in some ways, a very untouchable thing. Our memories can lose their sharpness and clarity, leaving behind only the intensity of our emotions, and so, through that lens, anything can happen."

He stretches his legs out in front of him, letting his feet off the ground a moment. He's been wandering around these books for a while now. "We like to think that there was always a better, more exciting, more glamorous time in the past, don't you think?"

[neverbreaks]

Luisa is quiet for a moment as she considers that. She hadn't really given it too much thought before. But eventually she does nod, still a bit thoughtful.

"I guess that is true. Even with some events in the past that were difficult, people sometimes talk about it like it was an accomplishment to live through, so it might make it seem like a better time than it actually was." Then she shrugs a little. "And for people who never experienced those events, it can seem a bit like fantasy as well."

[nastyboy]

"Exactly. Even if we are told the importance, it is not something that we can ever truly experience for ourselves." He thought of this often, when people asked of Glenn. How righteous and honorable his death must have been. Dimitri thins his lips, hiding it by looking down at his book.

"It can be a problem, truly. Glamorizing the past."

[neverbreaks]

Luisa nods a little. "Yeah. It's hard to move forward if people hold on to tightly to the past, right?"

[nastyboy]

"Indeed. Any change is seen almost as an affront to those to whom it means so much. Or, they are afraid that, having come so far to where they are now, anything might tip the scales into making it worse." Dimitri sighs.

"My country in particular had a problem with such things, I think. It was difficult to handle."

[neverbreaks]

"Really?" Luisa can't help a curious expression. "How so?"

[nastyboy]

"Well..." To heck with it. There isn't any way that this will affect Faerghus, speaking openly about it in an entirely different world. "My land, the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, could only become a kingdom in its own right thanks to the help of the church. Without the church's help, my ancestors never would have been able to pull free from the Adrestian Empire, which it used to be a part of.

"However, in exchange for their help, the church... insisted on being a rather important part of the country." Dimitri sighs. "And I do not always... agree with the way that they would do things, where they seem to have as much power as any ruling body."

[neverbreaks]

"Oh." That is a bit different than her church back home. It was still an important presence in the Encanto, but with it being so isolated the priest mostly deferred to their family as most people did.

Still, she could understand how something like that would cause a lot of conflict. "I'm sorry. That must have been pretty tough. What did you do when you couldn't agree on something?"

[nastyboy]

Ha. Disagreeing with the church. It's almost enough to make Dimitri want to laugh, and then maybe bite through something with his teeth.

"That rarely happened," he explains instead, voice a little bit stiff even for as much as it is patient. "Often, there would be reminders of what would truly be good for the kingdom, and the church, together as a whole." Still, in the end, he sighs. "And for so many of my people, who are highly religious... the church's word is immensely important. Even a little bit of perceived disapproval could go a long way."

[neverbreaks]

"Oh...okay." She does notice that his tone has changed a little, but she doesn't entirely know what it means other than he might not want to talk about it. "Sorry, that does still sound like a lot of pressure from the church."

[nastyboy]

"Indeed." Dimitri lets out a breath and leans back, trying to let go of some of that tension which still holds inside of him from thinking about all of that. At least there is something to be optimistic, about. "However, I have heard from others that perhaps things will change in the future, if I return to everything."

Which he supposes he will have to, one way or the other.

"Apparently, someone I trust greatly will come into power in the church, and I have faith that they will change a good deal."

[neverbreaks]

"Oh...well that's good at least. I hope things are able to work out for your world." She hesitates a moment, thinking. "I didn't mean to be too nosy or anything. I'm sorry if it brought up some bad memories."

[nastyboy]

"No, no. It's fine." Dimitri sighs a bit. "There are simply some things that I suppose I will always have to think about and consider. There's no escaping that. But that is why we seek entertainment in stories, isn't it?"

[neverbreaks]

Luisa nods a little. "Yeah. It's a good way to escape from your troubles for a while."

Especially when you can't physically go anywhere.

[nastyboy]

"Indeed." Dimitri has to laugh a little more again.

"And when there are no raucous festivities to preoccupy ourselves with in a place like this, it often seems the most appealing choice to escape boredom as well.: