victory_road | 3rd Castoff

[American. Military. Antibitoterrorism. That all sounds right from what he knows about the West which, admittedly, isn't much.]

Funny enough, I was on a mission of sorts myself and ended up here. And while this place isn't anything to complain about it would have been nice to at least wrap things up, you know?

[Complete the mission. Savor the victory even for just a moment. Now he has no idea how it concluded.]

Freezing by choice. Despite always being on the road I felt that need for some fresh air. Thanks for the offer though... Everyone is really generous. I'm still trying to get used to all that.

[ On the bright side, however, Jill is nikkei and knows plenty about Japan, including the language. She might be a little easier to talk to than some, although military itself has it's own special, universal language. ]

Small world. [ Maybe he's from the same one as her? ] I understand that. I had a lot of things to take care of before I was even able to leave the hospital and go to my actual home.

[ Like finding out if being officially deceased she still had a home to go back to. Chris probably took care of that for her and if he couldn't he had a plan. At least she doesn't have to feel like an intrusion now. ]

Ha, really? Same exact reason I've been camping. I mean, it saves money, too, but it's kind of nice. Think it's easier to really get the lay of the land this way, too. [ She pauses, thinking on that last part. It's unusual in a pleasant way. ] I don't think I've ever been anywhere that people are so hospitable unless you're doing something for them -- not that I blame people in those situations. Both the people originally from here and the ones like ourselves... it's almost shocking, but it's... well, nice.

Hospital? Just getting a check up before heading back? You're dealing with biohazards yeah? I sure you deal with all kinds of weird stuff. [It sounds awesome actually.] There's probably some kind of quarantine procedure you have to go through so you're not bringing in super viruses and ugly stuff like that.

But yeah... Being outside is preferred. And you're right about the money. Even though I've been here for a few months I don't feel settled. I just keep traveling and trying to learn as much as possible about the creatures around me. So no job means no continuous income. So you gotta save it where you can.

[Sleeping under the stars is preferred anyway. It's another thing he really liked about his job, aside from being on the sea all the time. The vast ocean under the vast sky that stretches on for miles. This is a different sky but it's still holds a familiar comfort.]

It's definitely different. You'll come across a few genuinely nice people in your life. Doing things because they want to and not needing anything in return. But everyone is like that here. Sort of makes you want to me be that good of a person too. It's this domino effect but of good things.

Not so much quarantine, but... well, it's complicated. I'm not contagious or anything, I was just injured and ill. [ It's hard to discuss potential addictions, them wanting to use her blood for an antivirus, and the psychological issues she was dealing with. ] Though there is a quarantine procedure, of course.

[ He hasn't been here too much longer than she has, at least. It feels a little more relatable than the people who have been here for years, apparently. ]

Guess we're doing the same thing, then. I mean there seems to be temp jobs you can do, but I'm not really sure how long I could stand being a store clerk. Apparently there are some farms, so if I come across one I'll probably stick around and try to save.

[ Jill likes being in different places, too. It's nice to have a consistent home to come back to eventually, but the travel is wonderful. To protect people everywhere and experience so many different things is something incredible. She's fortunate, even if she doesn't get to do much tourism. ]

Think that even if you're like that, it's hard to be that way all the time. I'm trying to give where I can, especially when I see someone much younger than me. Kind of my responsibility as an adult, I guess? But I get what you're saying. It's hard not to compare yourself and what you've done when you see people doing things so freely.

No I get that. I was mostly on a boat so nothing too drastic ever happened but sometimes shit happens in your line of work and you're locked up for a week or so for "reasons."

[Yeah. There are definitely temp jobs he could take. But he definitely doesn't have the personality for customer service and things like that.]

Not for nothing but I spent nearly a third of my life in medical school so I'm not super eager to bag groceries. Which sounds petty and kind of stuck up but again a third of my life in medical school. And I'd rather be traveling. Clearing my head and just getting used to this place. I'm sure I'll eventually settle down and grab a job. I'm just not really feeling that right this second. If we've been here for about the same amount of time, I guess you get that. It's a nice world but it is jarring to be in. Being alone and taking it all in day by day helps me not have a panic attack I think.

Yeah, exactly. There's a lot of kids here that are offering all kinds of things. Makes me feel like a shitty adult. Well, a shittier adult. Good on the kids here. It definitely makes me want to do better.

Isn't that "cabin fever" in your case? Guess I should probably have a check-up, but it's for some minor injury-related things and see how the healing process is going.

[ Though they'd told her her chest was already starting to scar up and heal itself, which was good news. It's not like antibiotics could help in her case. Her body takes care of itself just fine. ]

Nah, I get it. I mean for me it's fighting, I guess. Not always combat, but this is what I've known for about half my life. Give or take a few years and it'll be most of my life. At the very least, I'm sure you could eventually set up shop here considering someone always needs a doctor. [ But listening to him talk, in a way, is nice. It sounds a lot like he's living the same kind of life she's been so far. ] Glad to hear you haven't had a panic attack, though.

[ There's a hint of humor in her voice, playful but not pushy. ]

Up to you what you do and how you feel, you know? Right now I've just gotta keep the focus on moving onward so I can get to a point where I can offer something more than just my company.

As a doctor I second that opinion about having a check up.

[Since he's here he might as well give all the medical advice he can. If he started bailing out on his profession people back home (mom) would be incredibly disappointed.]

I can't imagine fighting my whole life. It sounds exhausting. And not the I'm so bored in the medical bay I want to take a sip of something that is missing a label kind of exhausting but in the physical sense. My one little scuffle ended up blowing up my yacht. And that's more than enough fighting for me.[That's one hell of a story that he's not up for talking about.] Someone else said that too... Some girl. I can't remember her name. She's eleven and wanted to be my best friend. I don't think it's a bad idea. Might as well, you know. But before you can settle and make a place for yourself you have to know the area and everything. Someone gets bit by on of these weird snakes. I gotta be able to know what caused it, the venom, and all that. In order to be a good doctor here I have to really know this place. So camping, taking notes and journaling have filled my months. And it's not bad. Definitely not... but, well, it's already been said. [He does let out a huff of laughter at the thought of having a panic attack here. It had been alarming but not to that extent. Now, if his friend had come with him... Fumi would absolutely have had a panic attack but he'd have loved it here after the fact.]

But yeah, I definitely get that. Can't take care of other people if you're not doing a good job taking care of yourself.

What, you volunteering?

[ Not that she's thrilled since the injury is highly specific and concentrated in a specific area. She's happier to just clean the scarring and cover it up, frankly. ]

Guess it can be, but it's not all I do. A lot of investigating and traveling and there's a whole lot of paperwork, too. Being a higher-up and founder, I get called in for all sorts of things in terms of consulting. I get to stick around and train rookies sometimes. It's an interesting job, but definitely not something I could do forever. [ Eventually, her body won't be able to take the kind of stress she puts on it right now. Maybe she'll settle into an advisory role with some training on the side by then. ] ...but, uh. That sounds like quite a story. But you really got someone just coming up on you trying to be your best friend? Little weird. Obviously, up to you. Should just do whatever you're comfortable with. Personally, I'm gonna take a break for a little bit before figuring things out.

[ But she definitely gets what he's saying, she slowly nods to herself and makes a hmmm sound. ]

Yeah, I think to really be able to give any kind of advice it's best to know what's out there. There's a ton of these animals, though, you know? Least the weather's not too terrible for being as cold as it is. Just nice to hear someone else is camping out here by choice.

Uuuugh. Sure. If you want me to. I guess. [He's a doctor and a good one AND he likes talking about it but he's never thrilled about actually doing his job.]

Well. She's eleven so I'm going to pass on the whole best friends forever thing. Friendship has never been something I'm super good at anyway. It's easy to blame my job because I was always traveling and such but at the end of the day I just don't like people very much.

Yeah, there's like seven hundred plus. More since that island thing happened. I got one of those little fire cats from an egg after that nonsense in Goldenrod City. He wasn't in the dex until recently. There's just an insane amount to learn. But I would like to get to a point where I can help others. And if that requires camping out at night and taking notes then that's what I'm going to do.

If you're not up to it, it's perfectly fine. I should be alright.

[ If he's a surgeon, she suspects he's rather good but she doesn't want to be a bother. It's a little uncomfortable for her and she'll likely have to address some questions of how the injury came about, which she isn't looking forward to and is unsure how to phrase without being more candid. ]

Ha, really? That's awfully sweet. [ But she can relate to the second part of his statement. ] At least you're honest about it. Guess I could say I can count my friends on a hand or so.

[ After Raccoon and Wesker's betrayal, she'd lost her home and most of her friends in one fell swoop. Then it was on the road with Chris for years and hundreds of illegal labs falling under their command in that short time. Maybe she could've made time for friends, but she didn't stay still and she never wanted to experience any of what happened in that mansion ever again. ]

First time I've heard there's quite so many. [ It's a huge number and honestly unexpected. ] Uh... Litten? I met someone on my first day with one. As for that, I'm not even sure myself where to begin on taking notes.

If you need me too I think it's in my code of ethics that I gotta. You just let me know.

[But he really doesn't want to.]

That's the same for me. I have a friend. And a sister. And that's about it. So you got me beat if you have a whole hand of friends. [It sounds sad but he really prefers just keeping the people who matter close to him.]

Yeah, that's what it's called. I get lost in all the names sometimes. And it is hard to know where to start when it comes to the note taking. I just document what I find and what I have and go from there. If we're here long enough I guess you'd collect all the data eventually. And it's something to do, which is important.

Think I'll be fine. Besides, it's a little, uh. Awkward. Is all. ...if I privately send you a photo, could you possibly tell me your opinion? I'm, ah, Jill Valentine, by the way. Probably should've introduced myself before hitting you up for your help, right?

[ She doesn't want to explain what happened and she's not really at risk for any sort of infection to her knowledge, but if he has any tips to minimize scarring (and pain) it might be nice. ]

My partner, mostly. That's about it. I mean, I have people I can count on and care about and would feel terrible not counting, but... [ Barry, mostly. Parker after they became partners, but she hasn't really actively sought friendships since Raccoon. She doesn't want to go through those losses ever again. ] Doesn't really matter how many either of us got, though. Quality over quantity, right?

Mm, there's what? Several hundred? Kinda hard to remember names when there's so many. [ She remembers a select few, mostly because she decided that she liked them. But ask her their evolutions or maybe how the name is spelled or whatever and she'll have to promptly pull out her gear and try to search for it. ] Definitely think it's important for people here and something to do while you travel. Not really interested too much in the whole gym thing other than the perks that seem to come with a few, but I don't want to just keep traveling aimlessly, either.

Edited 2017-02-20 09:25 (UTC)

That might work better, if you want to do that. If I think anything is super wrong I can always do an actual physical. But yeah, names are good. I'm Kira Yoshikage, or uh, cause you're from the west so that's Yoshikage Kira. But using my family name is preferred and the standard even with my close friends.

That's for sure. I'd rather have one really good friend than a dozen shitty ones. All you need is one good person by your side at the end of the day.

Oh yeah. The spelling is killing me. And it's rough when I've got a whole new language suddenly in my head. It flows naturally for whatever reason but sometimes I second guess the sounds and letters and it's a damn mess. When I have time I'll have to redo my journals so they're not typo'd disasters. And the gym stuff is neat but not something I'm incredibly interested in doing... but you're right. Wandering aimlessly isn't fun forever. Thankfully there is a lot to see and do. I think after I've hit both regions I'll figure out where to go from there. Until then I don't mind camping too much. I'd like to think that after I've explored and seen most if not all of it I'll have a better idea of what I'm doing with myself and where to go from there.

I can do that. Just, uh, give me a minute. Just Kira, then? I do speak Japanese and have worked in pretty much every Asian country at some point, although I'm rusty on my Mandarin. Valentine's pretty common because of the nature of my work, but Jill's fine.

[ That gets a little chuckle, soft and airy. Seems like she agrees. ]

That's how I feel about my partner.

A lot seem based on puns, too? Not sure how well they translate but I guess maybe think of it like wordplay in Japanese? Might help a little. [ Or make it messier by throwing in another language into the mix. Although Jill loves the jokes tbh. ] Hear there are some islands, too? Not sure how accessible they are to newer folk, but I'm going to try to go on the suggested routes first. Just seems to make sense to me. Johto now, then Kanto. Unless I find reason to settle in for a bit. Think you've got the right idea, though.

Shit, really? I'll keep that mind if I ever need a refresher on my own native language. [Which he just may depending on how long he goes without speaking it. He's not too concerned about it right now but if enough time go by you can start to forget things.]

I feel that. Did your partner manage to come with you? I was seperated from my friend so I'm also waiting for him to show up someday.

I can appreciate a good joke too. Though I do wonder how it translates from language to language, if it does at all seeing as we all speak the same thing now.

Right, the islands. I remember hearing about all that. I already had enough on my plate so I sort of backlogged that information. It was just too much to process. But yeah, it sounds like we have the same sort of plan. Doesn't feel like aimless wandering if everyone has the same sort of idea.

I'd be perfectly happy to assist, if that's the case. Mostly work-related, but it's nice to you know, have conversations that are normal.

[ It's a comforting thing, too. A reminder of where you come from in a place that's more than just foreign. ]

He showed up more recently, oddly enough. Have to double around for him, but we've known each other for about fifteen years now so it's a begrudging sort of affection if I sound stressed about it.

[ She is, admittedly, pretty annoyed at having to go back for him but not anywhere near as happy as she is to see a familiar face. ]

I'm pretty curious about that, myself. Does it just translate the humor the same way it does the language for us? Guess it would depend on a person's sense of humor to begin with... as for the islands? Mm. Too much with this huge region and another one to traverse. It's interesting but I'll take my time getting there. Think the weather's a tad bit better so if this lasts much longer I might have to seriously put Johto on pause.

Normal conversations are my favorite. I'm up for regular everyday chatter anytime.

Well damn. That's lucky. Being in a strange place is better if you've got someone you know. Lots of people seem to have not necessarily come in groups but they find people they know. That's gotta be pretty nice.

[He's trying not to care that he's on his own. But he cares a little bit.]

You and I have the same game plan from start to finish it sounds like. Which is nice since it means I'm probably doing something right. I mean, it seems like the obvious course of action but having someone else do something similar makes me feel better about the path I'm taking. Not that there's any wrong path necessarily but, well, you know what I'm getting at.

I'm honestly more used to what people would probably consider abnormal, but it's an odd standard between normal and not nowadays. What's even normal when you're transported to another world and you're collecting and fighting with monsters, right?

[ A good-natured chuckle, but she's clearly a little uncertain and despite the joke, genuinely means the words she's saying. ]

Definitely. I was expecting to be stuck here alone but it seems a lot of people who come here end up with people they know showing up. Wonder if there's some kind of rhyme or reason to it?

[ She's not sure if she's better off or not with him here. On one hand, she knows she's always better off with Chris around but on the other... having time to process things on her own made her feel more confident and strong. She didn't have to let him see her upset or uncertain. ]

Yeah? I was kind of thinking the same thing. There's always something reassuring about someone who seems to have a good head on their shoulders agreeing with you. I mean, I feel pretty stuck in my decision and as happy as I can be with it, but a second opinion exists in every field for a reason.

[ At least a second opinion that's from someone who seems solid helps. It's easy to second-guess yourself when you're alone. ]

I guess that's true. I guess it's not as weird for me. This'll sound bizarre, but certain people and basically everyone in my family had these abilities called stands. And mine was a pink humanoid cat that blew things up. The only difference here is that I can have more than one. Yeah this please is a little weird and jarring but I grew up with a muscle cat in bondage gear that only I could see. So you know... I feel desensitized at this point. Is that a dinosaur? Maybe. I'll throw a ball at it regardless.

Yeah, everyone seems to have friends. I technically know someone? We found out we might be related. That was cool. But I haven't heard from him in a while. Otherwise I'm still waiting for my friend to wash up. If there is some kind of reason to it that is...

[Any day right? Yeah, probably any day...]

Exactly. And as a doctor my second opinion his highly valuable. And even though you're not a doctor you're not a small child which is basically all I've talked to here so your opinion is highly valuable to me in return.

The weird part is where you continued with "and mine was a pink humanoid cat that blew things up," but after being here for a while it's less strange than it might've been otherwise. [ A muscle cat in bondage gear that only he could see. She pauses, but shows no other indication that she seems to still think it's well... you know. Maybe a tiny bit weird. ] I guess the question is how serious you are about something that looks like a dinosaur, then. Guess it says a lot about someone what kind of pokemon they choose.

Really? That's -- hopefully, anyway -- pretty fortunate. I mean, I wouldn't be unhappy to have more friends show up, but at the same time I don't want them pulled here against their will, either. Then on the other hand, if I have to deal with this, then so should they.

[ What a wonderful friend she is. ]

Ha, gosh, sorry to hear that. I mean I've run into a few adults but they seem on the younger side. Very disproportionate with the young folk, but it's not so bad. Just makes it all the more obvious that I'm closer to forty than not, though...

That was probably a weird statement to just drop on someone. [Saying you're riding on the back of a water dino is one thing. Saying you have a pink muscle bondage cat as your bound soul companion is another. Makes sense, honestly.

What you get does seem to match up pretty well. I got a Lapras which is the equivalent of my yacht at home. And some girl who says she used to be a squid got a squid pokémon. What'd you get? If I was more familiar with all the creatures I'd make a guess but I couldn't even begin to make something even somewhat educated.

Well, there's worse places to be after all. Might as well have them all show up.

[He's clearly not so great himself.]

No kidding. I'm almost thirty... But you're pretty close to forty, hm? So I'll make a note that says I have finally found one person older than me. Heh~

Just a little bit.

[ Considering what she deals with, though, it isn't that surprising, is it? Beats mutated people and animals by a long-shot, especially if its on your side. ]

You calling me a Normal Type, pal? [ But there's a careful chuckle, obvious that she's just pulling his leg about it. For a while it bothered her that Eevee seemed weak and the whole Normal thing, but it was fast like her and though not terribly strong, it didn't get hit often. And its potential was incredible. So maybe it was a compliment from who or whatever brought her here, though she's not quite sure if she'd say they're similar. ] I've got an Eevee. Haven't heard of Lapras before, though.

[ There is a small pause, in which she's looking it up on her gear. It's pretty impressive to look at and it seems like it can be quite powerful, too. What a cool pokemon. ]

Based on what I know, I would've thought something like Mienfoo or Riolu would be more my type. Guess it's interesting when it's something on the outside making the decision for you.

I hit the big three-five recently. Not like most women and going to make a stink of it, but you might want to be careful when you tease a gal about her age...

[Okay. No more talking about the pink bondage cat or at least phrase it differently. That's honestly fair.]

Wouldn't dream of it. [He has to double check his dex to make sure he's got the right pokémon in mind. Oh. A fuzzy little fox thing. Hm. Not what he expected.] I thought for sure you'd have one of those dogs. Like the big shepherd looking ones or... the dobermans. If nothing else cause your career is kind of police force like. I don't know you enough to analyze this Eevee without accidentally offending but... These guys can become nearly anything you want them to be with the right push, right? Lots of potential... at least that's what I'm reading. I haven't come across one myself or anything.

Fair enough fair enough. I'd catch hell if I was being rude to girls back home. Thirty five isn't bad at all. We're closer in age than I expected. I naturally assume I'm older than everyone... I know twenty-nine and thirty aren't old by a long shot I just feel that way. It might have to do with all the kids running around here. My sister was also a lot younger than me as was my close friend so that might have a lot to do with that as well.

[ Hard to describe it so adequately in such few words in other ways, though... ]

Ha, yeah, of the ones I've met I've become pretty fond of those types. I'd really like to get my hands on a Growlithe. [ But for unpredictable reasons. The ears remind her of a partner -- which to her partner, probably wouldn't be looked at as a compliment. ] Yeah, from what I've seen they can be pretty much any type? I was thinking Glaceon, but I guess I'm gonna leave it up to him if he wants to evolve.

[ Not quite sure how to go about doing that, but it seems only right. Admittedly she still favors Glaceon so far, but she can't exactly say what might happen in terms of attitude adjustments; each pokemon is its own individual, though traits seem to be shared through species.

It's frustrating. ]

Hmm, well, I didn't really think you were being rude or anything. Guess some women take age pretty personally and would think that, though. [ She nods to herself on the part about assuming he's older than everyone. Been there, done that. ] Seems to be the case. I mean there's a lot of late teens, early twenty types, but anything past twenty-five doesn't seem very common. I'm on the younger side when it comes to people I hang out and work with back home, but it's the opposite here. Your sister much younger than that or is she in the "teen camp"?

The Houndour look pretty legit too. I'm more of a cat person though.

That's not a bad way to go about it. Maybe in its heart of hearts it wants to be a Vaporeon or something like that. If I ever find one of those things maybe I'll go about it a similar way. Seems like the fair and right way to do things.

Yeah, you'd be one of the few over that twenty five hump. I spoke to another guy on the network. He looked old as shit. He was some kind of doctor too. Though not a medical one. We talked a lot about biology and where eggs come from and why do plants have eggs. We didn't learn shit but at least we were on the same page when it comes to everyday nonsense here. it was nice to talk to someone about it all.

Kyo is twenty two. Which is a seven year age gap which is pretty significant when you're growing up. She's young but doesn't act that way at all. No teenage shenanigans and because of that the age gap doesn't feel quite so large. But I'll always see her as my baby sister, always needing my help for this and that. She was helping me with my mission back home so I hope everything worked out for her and everyone that I ended up leaving behind.

Edited 2017-03-20 23:21 (UTC)

3rd Castoff

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(sorry! I was in the middle of a Huge move ;A:a)

np! i just went through that recently myself. if you'd like to handwave this or smth lmk!

Everything should be going smoother now but I'll let you know! :)

alright! thank you for still tagging me, i'm honored! uwu

aww, no thank you! nwn

what a peach

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sorry about the speed! just got over the flu, i swear i will make myself super available from herein

No worries no worries! And feel better!!

i'm working on it, slowly but surely o7

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