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

[shiro2hero]

He doesn't want to pull away at all. He wants, selfishly, to stay here. To stay being held onto by someone. Dimitri doesn't need Shiro's crap piled onto him. Doesn't need more people hurting to deal with, not Dimitri himself is - has to be.

But he doesn't pull back.

"Hah, maybe... You've - got enough to do, though."

[nastyboy]

"Is that so?" Dimitri idly pats and stroke Shiro's back happy just to be near someone warm. With that, it helps soothe his own anxiety at least just a little bit. It has been a night of nothing but that, until Shiro stepped forward.

"And yet I desire to do all the more. This world has given me an opportunity that I never would have had otherwise. I must enjoy it while I can, and that means caring for people. I will never regret doing things for that cause, Shiro."

[shiro2hero]

He can't stop thinking he should pull back. He should stop leaning in. Stop making Dimitri comfort him. Why, though? Is it because it feels all about him? Is he being irrational? Maybe.

Unpacking that is so much harder than tightening his grip.

"I - think maybe... maybe I wasted my opportunity."

Not all of them. He'll still be there for his friends, his family. Because of course he will be. But to care for someone in a different way. Because he took too damn long to figure it out.

[nastyboy]

Ah. Wasting an opportunity... It's something that the two of them have been delicately avoiding, both during this conversation and perhaps for much longer. The worry of prying open the scab that's formed over loss, of hurting another person by being too selfish.

Dimitri... understands that very well.

"...Do you regret trying at all?"

[shiro2hero]

That's the question. Does he regret it? Regret trying again after so long? Regret waiting? Putting it off until he was sure?

"... I don't know."

It's muffled into Dimitri's shoulder, but he doesn't think the other will mind. Not when they're having this talk.

[nastyboy]

"I understand." Dimitri closes his eye. It is an easy thing to wonder, if perhaps it would have been better not to be in such a situation at all. He used to think it often - of Edelgard, especially, in a wound that cut perhaps deeper than if she had ever died.

But... "Still, I met him. And I am glad to have met him. Glad that I knew him, even if the time together like that was short. I could never have regret it. Even knowing that knowing him was to inevitably fall for him."

[shiro2hero]

Would it have been better? It might have. Then he wouldn't have gone through all the song and dance of trying again, for it to turn out the same way. Just to get hurt all over again.

But Dimitri's right. He's so right. Even as much as this hurts, he can't deny it was a good time... he'd been happier.

"I'm sorry," he says, finally. "That you had to lose him too."

[nastyboy]

The night is a long and silent thing. Dimitri has grown to know it well, five years left isolated, with only whistling wind through snow covered branches to keep him company in the dark.

It is better, here. The constant soft sound of the music which comes with the dark, people playing videos to help them drift to sleep, those staying up late talking to friends and Pokemon. The rustling and breath of a full camp.

And there is Shiro, of course. Warm, there in his arms.

"I tell myself that one day I will see him again," Dimitri murmurs, staring up into the dark forest which is over Shiro's shoulder. "He did not die, after all. He is not suffering." Hopefully, he is not suffering. "And this place sees so many. So I tell myself that, even should he not remember our time together, at last I will see him again. I try to hold to it as a comfort."

[shiro2hero]

"I'm - glad to know that."

As hesitant as he sounds, he really is glad. It's really, really good to know Byleth will be all right. And he trusts Dimitri's word on this, completely. If anyone would know, it would be him. It would be someone so close to him.

"If you talk to him, somehow. In the future. Could - you tell me how he is?"

Frankly, he doesn't know how that would work. Maybe in some weird weekend. Where Shiro wouldn't be able to meet him again. Just knowing how Byleth was? That would be comforting.

Almost as much as this moment is, right here. Dimitri is very solid. Very real. And that's all he asks right now.

[nastyboy]

It is an understanding request. Dimitri already knows that he will do it without question, should he ever receive that blessing himself. And yet, it is something that he cannot quite be content with. Not with what such a request implies.

"If I talk to him, then I will, with all of my power, ensure that you can talk to him as well, and he can inform you of such a thing with his own lips," Dimitri swears quietly, fingers pressing down all the more against Shiro's back. "I will not let go of him until I have found you. On this, I promise."

He promises with all that he possibly can, as a simple mortal man.

[shiro2hero]

A promise.

It shouldn't stab him in the chest like it does. And it's not even the bad sort of stab. It's heavy, it's solid. Just like Dimitri. His grip on the other tightens, by a fraction, slightly surprised by his own reaction. How it pulls dampness down his cheeks.

He doesn't make a sound, but all the same, there are finally tears.

"Thank you," he says, finally, quietly, desperately. "You're - a good man."

[nastyboy]

"And so are you," Dimitri reminds him quietly, taking in that quiet tighten of fingers. Letting himself stay still so that they can hold on as tight as they like.

"So you must treat yourself well. All of you. They are precious parts of a good man, after all."

[shiro2hero]

It feels strange. He should have kept it all bottled up again. Locked down. This was no place for his problems, but here he was, getting Dimitri all wet over it. He doesn't pull away though - not yet. There's comfort in holding on.

"Well... I guess I have to try, when you put it like that."

[nastyboy]

"Many would be glad if you tried." Dimitri reaches up, strokes Shiro's hair. He doesn't know if this does anything for the other man, but, well, it can't hurt.

"Would you like to sit here a while longer? In silence, if you like, or - I know many tales from Faerghus that I could tell you, if you'd like."

[shiro2hero]

He's not going to lie. That... actually feels nice. This whole thing feels nice. Should he feel bad about that? Guilty? Part of him will anyway, he knows.

So why not?

"Hey, I... think I said before. I'm not picky." He would just like to stay, however Dimitri prefers, with someone real.

Be selfish just a little while more.

cut it here?

[nastyboy]

Not picky... Then, Dimitri supposes he'll choose himself. "Then, Faerghan tales. It can be a way to pass the night." And if they get overheard, well, it's fine. So many tents, someone may just pass it off as someone telling it to their Pokemon.

Get ready, Shiro. You are going to get so much Faerghan lore and fairytales.