01 - Deep Space Pokemon Action!

[oleaeuropaea]

a. Somewhere on Route 29

[Well, after the... thrilling start that Vash had back in New Bark Town, he finds that he's ready for a bit of normalcy. Sure, the trees are a little out of the ordinary considering where he's spent most of his life, but being on the road and constantly moving? That's normal enough. Getting attacked by weird creatures? Also pretty normal! Proceeding to run from said creatures? Yeah, you get the idea.

But while Vash may be used to running away instead of fighting, his companion isn't. She knows the rules of this world, and before Vash can get too far, she's already knocked out the poor Spearow that was pursuing them.

Which is why you might come across Vash, seated up against a tree, calmly lecturing the little creature.]

Now I know you were just trying to be a good friend, but you can't go around attacking creatures like that. He was just defending his territory — nothing wrong with that.

[Sure, the Pokemon are only unconscious and will recover well enough. And yes, he's done the same in the name of self-defense. But after a century of doing his best to stay his hand, it still feels uncomfortable to lift it once more, even if these creatures don't necessarily fall within the bounds of his promise.]


b. Cherrygrove City

[Somehow, the duo manages to make their way to Cherrygrove without much issue. Yes, a few more creatures get knocked out along the way, but at least they seem to have come to an understanding about it. Which is why Vash is more than happy to reward the little Mimikyu when they finally reach civilization.]

It hardly seems fair for you to be walking around with a rag on. [Vash clutches a small tube of fabric, red not unlike his own jacket. It's safety pinned in the back to make a pseudo dress.] Now, why don't we get that peeled off and put you into something nice?

[And that is precisely when Vash reaches down to pull the Mimikyu's rag up. Will you help him? Or are you about to watch a man suffer?]

c. Network (video)

[One way or another, Vash does somehow manage to survive his encounter with the Mimikyu's true visage! Still, it's left him feeling a bit... curious. He fixes his camera on the Mimikyu as she toddles around, speaking from behind it.]

Are all of these creatures so... quirky? Mine doesn't really like to be seen without her, uh... clothes, I guess? Do they all have little traits like that, or is mine just special?

Comments

[oleaeuropaea]

[G'raha's statement does cause a question to spring forth, even if the mere concept of it makes Vash increasingly uneasy.]

How long have you been here, then? If you don't mind me asking, that is.

[gachatia]

[He thinks about that for a moment.]

I believe it's been...a year and five months? So not terribly long compared to some others. But I've heard from reliable sources that when we return home, it is as if no time has passed at all.

[oleaeuropaea]

A year.

[He swallows, a visceral pang of panic shooting through him. Even for his... advanced age, Vash knew what a difference a year could make. Especially a year without a plant. How was he meant to make good on his promise to Jeneora Rock if he was stuck here?

G'raha seems to sense his panic though, given what he says next. Instantly, the tension eases, and he finds himself exhaling a breath he didn't know had been held.]

That's... That's a relief! Could you imagine how upset my friends would be if I just up and disappeared for so long?

[gachatia]

If they are as keen on your actions as you say they are, I definitely can. To say that I do not know of others in a similar situation would be a lie.

[If G'rhyf were here for so long, and time continued in the Source, who knows what could happen? Nothing good, G'raha thinks.]

So while I full well understand any trepidation or concern, it is important to keep that fact of our presence on this star in mind.

[oleaeuropaea]

Really, I oughta be thanking you up and down for letting me know that.

[Yes, there' still plenty to be worried over but only in a far broader sense. There's no impending danger risk, at least. for now he can let his shoulders loosen.]

And hey, there are worse places to spend the nebulous passing of time, right? I can't remember the last time I've enjoyed weather so nice, or been around people so pleasant!

[gachatia]

Oh? What is the weather usually like where you're from, if you don't mind me asking?

[tell him about trigun]

[oleaeuropaea]

Oh.... you know. Dry. Dusty. Days are hot and nights are a little on the chillier side. But hey, nothin' really changes, except for when the sandstorms blow through!

[Thrilling deep space action!!!]

[gachatia]

Ah, so it's a desert, then? Sandstorms can be difficult to deal with.

[While the ones he's seen are more localized to a small portion of a continent rather than overtaking an entire world - or, well, if he ever went and saw The Empty...that might be close enough of a comparison...]

I am fairly certain that, save for the tops of mountains, the climate here will be much, much more temperate.

[oleaeuropaea]

Sure is. The whole planet is nothing but. Except for the places where it's even more of a desert-y desert.

[Is his laughter strained? Maybe.]

Honestly, I'm a bit worried for myself. All the damp and cold might wind up getting me sick!

[Good thing he's a plant and not a human! Good thing he hasn't been turned human by this place! Good thing he definitely can't get sick because of these two reasons.]

[gachatia]

[Haha yeah about that!]

Ah - a change in environment is like to do that, isn't it? Thankfully medicine isn't very hard to come by here - the local shops should have anything you need for the errant cold.

[oleaeuropaea]

I'm not too worried about it, at least! I've always been pretty hardy, honestly! But still, it's good to know there's plenty on hand to help should it ever happen!

[gachatia]

And plenty of people willing to help if you need it as well - but that's good to hear! The, erm, hardy bit. Good health is essential to making any real progress in an adventure.

[There was this one time on the First when he was really tired and had to go vibe out on a cliff for a while and fell asleep and he could've totally been eaten by various wildlife had his inspiration not come to wake him up.]

[oleaeuropaea]

Honestly, it's hard to imagine people being so willing to help. Most of the folks on my planet were pretty, uh... rough around the edges. Not so willing to trust. Can't really blame 'em, considering everything but...

[He waves his hand idly, as if brushing the subject off entirely.]

[gachatia]

It seems the natives of this world are, ah...remarkably unflappable, in that respect? And those of us here by chance can relate to the experience of newcomers. But I can understand trepidation quite well - not all places are forgiving or kind.

[oleaeuropaea]

I can appreciate it. It's... a breath of fresh air, honestly. Something more to look forward to about this world.

Hopefully, though, you're not speaking from experience?

[gachatia]

[G'raha just gives Vash a very tired smile - one far older than his years suggests.]

Ah, all I can say is that I was fully aware of the potential consequences...and when I learned of the real ones, I accepted them and forged ahead as I swore to do - as I was inspired to do. And, well, I emerged from the other side whole and, hopefully, a bit wiser?

[oleaeuropaea]

[Vash knows that smile. He knows it too well, because it's one he sees in the mirror all too often. It only makes him more curious about this strange man.]

Sounds like quite the story. Maybe one day you'll regale me with the details?

[gachatia]

[same hat! same hat!]

Mayhaps, if it interests you - and we happen to have time to spare.