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]

Right...

[He'll shrink down a little.]

It's not a lot, really. Just a couple hundred. Thousand.
... Or maybe millions.

[nightyorb]

Gold? Millions of gold?

[Sir, did he hear you correctly. Did you just say you are worth millions of fantasy currency?

Adding in a mutter:]

Holy shit that would pay for our rent for so long.

[oleaeuropaea]

I don't know about gold but. Double dollars? Oh yeah.

[Aaaaand there's a creak as Vash grips his Gear a little tighter.]

Look, you can't tell anyone. And besides, it wasn't even me what did it!

[nightyorb]

Dude, I have no idea what a Double Dollar is but if it is anything like gold it's-- Fuck, even if it's worth the same as a copper, that's... a lot of money.

[Riz has no intentions of telling anyone at this moment, but he also doesn't make promises. Who knows, his intentions might change.]

Okay, you know you can't just say that without explaining, right? Cause 'it wasn't me' is the worst defence.

[oleaeuropaea]

I know, I know, it's a lot of money! And it keeps getting bigger because people think "oh hey, there's the guy with the big bounty, let's capture him" and then they cause a bunch of damage and it all comes back to me and -

[He takes a gasping breath.]

Right. So... most of it ties back to my brother, you see —

[Ah yes, the evil twin defense. Perhaps even worse than "it wasn't me."]

[nightyorb]

...does your brother look exactly like you?

[Listen, Riz has seen his cop shows. He's heard all the worst excuses. And this is starting to sound like one of those horrible ones.]

[oleaeuropaea]

Uh huh! Yeah! We're twins! Except his hair is a little paler and his eyes are bluer but. Still!

[nightyorb]

[Riz folds his hands together, pressing the tips of his fingers to his lips. And takes a deep breath.]

Are you seriously trying to explain away the massive bounty on your head by saying it was your identical twin brother instead? Is that actually what is happening here?

[oleaeuropaea]

Mhm! I know it's really hard to believe — my reporter pals said the same thing — but... don't you think I would tell a better story if I was actually trying to lie my way out of this one?

[nightyorb]

If you were a competent criminal, yeah. But some criminals are really stupid or just bad at lying. I don't know you well enough to know whether or not you are one of those.

[oleaeuropaea]

What if I said... I promise you can trust me?

[nightyorb]

Oh wow. Will you throw in a pinky swear too?

[oleaeuropaea]

[Vash lifts a pinky with a wink.]

If you want!

[And he lowers it just as quick.]

Listen, if I could explain all the details I would. Or even show you. But I don't have much to offer but my word. And an assurance that any of the crimes I was accused of can't be carried out here anyway.

[nightyorb]

Hmm. I'll be the judge of that. I'll be keeping an eye on you.

[oleaeuropaea]

Sounds like I'll be seeing you around, then!

[nightyorb]

Or maybe you won't. I'm a rogue, you know. You aren't meant to see us.

[oleaeuropaea]

I have no idea what that means but... Good for you!

[Sorry, Riz. No cool points for you.]