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Post by DataNinja on Apr 2, 2018 1:12:51 GMT
Though it's in sight the full way, It takes a full extra day to get close to your destination, even making good time along the road. It gives you an appreciation of how flat everything truly is. But, eventually, at around noon, the duo finally makes it to civilization proper. Though small, it's still fairly developed. Off to the side over in the distance, away from the city, you can see the signs of the industrial mining operation that Ponoca's famous for. Almost diametrically opposed, also off in the distance, is a far-off structure that looks to be a Temple.
Looking ahead, down the street, you can see the familiar red roof of a Pokémon Center, where you can rest, relax, grab some food, and find whatever directions you need.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 2, 2018 13:00:15 GMT
Mica was glad they were able to spare their Pokemon any battling leading up to Ponoca, but she knew that wasn't how you got stronger in a world of fights and friendship. At the sight of the temple in the distance, she felt weight in her chest, dipping out of the conversation and into her sketchbook. Something rough was done by the time they got inside the center, and she swore to herself she'd see it finished later even if she didn't feel like it. They didn't need the center's hospital services in the moment, but some food would be nice after all the walking. "Dinner, Donovan? We can see if they'll let us into the quarry, or ask about someone that knows how to fight around here. Doing a little work again wouldn't be a bad idea."
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Post by Breakthelevee on Apr 4, 2018 5:10:48 GMT
Donovan wasn't used to such....boring terrain. Forests and mountains were just so much nicer to walk through, since there were things to look at or listen to. But Donovan kept mostly quiet as Mica was drawing, instead just sort of staring off into space and being more quiet than usual.
"Lunch is a good idea. It'll be nice to not be the one cooking" He says with a laugh when Mica spoke up "I think we can make a quick stop for lunch and then do a few of those errands. I think asking around town and finding out about getting into the quarry would be a good idea for today, and then we can find some odd jobs tomorrow. Maybe we can even find some other trainers and battle them. I haven't really done that much since I became a trainer and I've always heard it's a big part of the journey."
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 4, 2018 5:28:07 GMT
The Center food isn't the best in the world... but at least it's free, which always seems to improve the taste of anything. In the middle of your meal, Donovan's PokéDex pings, indicating it received a message. Checking, it seems to be from the Lab.
"Hello, Donovan," it reads, "I noticed that your 'Dex connected back to our system from Ponoca. I have a favour to ask from you, if you don't mind. The Professor had ordered a shipment of reconstituted evolution stones from the Sands in order to see if it might have different properties in her stone experiments. Unfortunately, they seem to insist that, since it's a personal order, they can't ship it, we'll have to pick it up - the ambient radiation in the area disrupts PC signals, so they have to truck it to town. I have a feeling they're just being difficult - the Sands were in operation long before the League moved in - but there's nothing else we can do. Let me know if you're willing to do this. If you were planning on heading to the outskirts to catch Pokémon anyways, it shouldn't be too far out of your way. Anyways, let me know.
Thanks, Lana"
Mica, inquiring about people who know how to fight, is directed to a Dojo that's not too far away from the Pokémon Center - or, at least that's what the Attendant thinks... he's apparently never actually been there himself.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Apr 4, 2018 12:40:47 GMT
"Well, it looks like we're in luck! There's a Dojo here in town, so I can learn a few things about how to fight!" Mica paused, considering. "On TV people that fight are always really intense, serious, and disciplined. I don't know if I can be like that, but maybe it's not required? Were you going to come along? Maybe we can find a Pokemon battle too like you wanted."
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Post by Breakthelevee on Apr 5, 2018 6:12:40 GMT
Donovan quickly responds to Lana, letting her know that's not a problem and they would pick them up before turning back to Mica "What was that? You already found a Dojo? Sorry, I just got a message from the lab asking me to go pick up some experimental stones if I get the chance. So, lets go to the Dojo and then out to the Quarry. We can get the stones and maybe meet some new Pokemon too" He grabs her hand and leads her out of the Center with a smile
On the way he answered Mica "Also, I don't think you have to be intense or serious, but discipline seems like it might be important. But I think that's something you learn"
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 5, 2018 6:28:25 GMT
It takes a little bit longer than expected to find the dojo, because it's tucked away in an alleyway, out of sight. The place is small and dark, though it's clear that it is the place you're searching for, judging by the plaque outside the door that reads "Dojo of the Tranquil Fury. All those who seek guidance are always welcome." This is evidenced by the door not even having a handle or lock, just being opened by a light push.
The entryway has a mat for you to wipe your feet, as well as a rack that looks designed to hold shoes. There's a strong smell of incense, and the sound of trickling water. Proceeding further in, the wood floor gives way to slightly softer mats, while the light gives way to mostly darkness. In the very back, lit by only the dregs of daylight that have slunk in, and a single candle perched atop a water feature, there is a dark room. Sitting cross legged, facing the candle and water, there's a figure in the darkness - all you can pick out is that they have fairly long hair. They don't seem to stir as you enter the room.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 5, 2018 12:31:08 GMT
"Sounds like fun! I haven't spent much time in caves but it is on my to do list. Gram used to say dirty placed weren't for girls, but it never stopped me." Mica tittered.
On arriving at the Dojo she wasn't sure if Donovan knew what he was talking about. In her mind, a dojo was the kind of place where fighters gathered and yelled a lot, and hit each other until it didn't hurt so much. This was... something else. Near silence alongside an intense presence. The atmosphere was designed to sharpen and focus the senses on singular points.
The mat was soft under her feet, the incense sharp in her nose, the trickle of water in her ears, the singular candle to her eyes. Mica spoke up through the darkness, in this profound moment of awareness. "Are you eating something? Taste shouldn't be left out. I can kinda taste the incense I guess but I've tried eating it before and it wasn't very good."
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Post by Breakthelevee on Apr 6, 2018 5:19:37 GMT
Donovan stifled a laugh "Mica, I don't think you should just go around telling people you ate incense" He awkwardly bows before the figure "Sorry for our rudeness. My name is Donovan and my friend here is Mica. She was hoping to get some...lessons."
He scratched the back of his head. He wasn't quite sure why he was here though. He wasn't really the type who could fight, even with training. But he looked over at Mica and felt resolved. Even if he wasn't gonna learn anything himself, he would be here to support her through it.
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 6, 2018 5:43:26 GMT
Despite being addressed by both Mica and Donovan, the figure gives no indication that they even heard the pair. For a time, the room remains in silence. But, eventually, the person gives a deep breath, and gets up from their position on the ground. Without acknowledging the visitors, they move to gently blow out the candle, before giving a trio of sharp claps, causing soft lights to turn on in the ceiling.
The person is revealed to be a fairly tall and well-built woman with auburn hair. As she turns to face the pair, you see that she has piercing green eyes, which she casts over both of them, though there's mostly curiosity on her face. "So," she says simply, her voice soft but with an echo of force behind it, "you come here for lessons, did you? Why?"
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 6, 2018 11:59:26 GMT
"It isn't fair or very smart to expect my Pokemon, my friends, to fight all my battles for me. I haven't been a trainer very long, but being strong enough for what comes going forward is super important." Mica offered without her usual sense of flippancy, her hand finding Donovan's and squeezing it for support. Something about how this woman carried herself made it harder to breathe. "I tried talking to people about it in a position to do something, and no one believed me." She couldn't help but fidget.
"So... it's Donovan and me by ourselves in this big scary thing, alone. I don't want him to get hurt. I don't want anyone to get hurt. Please teach me?" She mimicked Donovan's bow.
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 6, 2018 17:06:56 GMT
The woman looks Mica over appraisingly, before giving a slight smile. "That is a good answer. You want to learn not for yourself, but for those around you." She nods. "I will teach you, if you wish to learn, Mica. My name is Elisha, but while we are teacher and student, I am Sensei. The first lesson is in focus and discipline."
She pauses. "One thing I should get straight first... you say that you're a Trainer. Are you from here, or out of town? Or, more plainly, how long do you have to devote to learning? Because you will never reach an end. I just need to know how far along the path I can guide you along."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 7, 2018 12:35:20 GMT
"Not very long if I'm honest, I'm from pretty far away, and Donovan and I are in a hurry to see all the temples... S-sensei." She stammered around the word shyly. It felt strange to be so formal. "I'm really good about following things like posturing, breathing, stance, and intent when it comes to Pokemon..." Mica trailed off as she seemed to register what Elisha was saying.
"How do those things help you protect people?" There was a wide-eyed, confused innocence about her as she slowly let go of Donovan's hand and took a step forward.
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 7, 2018 16:23:59 GMT
Elisha nods. "Very well. I will teach you what I can in a short time, probably several days, but just know that it will only take you on the first steps. You will have to find your own way after that."
"On their own? They will not help you protect people. But they are the foundation on which your skills will be built. Not only is it necessary for learning, but it will also help you tap into your spirit. Aura. Qi. It goes by many names, but it is the self. There are some Pokémon, like Lucario and Medicham, that are able to fight with it. Humans cannot do that, but getting in touch with your soul can help you learn, and guide your path. Everyone is capable of learning everything, but if you follow your inner self, it will be easier." She gets back into a cross-legged sitting position on the floor. "Today, we will do no fighting. We will work on discipline, focus, and helping you get in touch with your spirit. Knowing this, do you still wish to continue?"
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 7, 2018 18:58:30 GMT
"I never realized there was more to it then that, but I don't mind Sensei Elisha." Mica was clearly awestruck by it all. At the mention of Lucretias, her face scrunched up a little. "If it will be several days..." Mica turned to Donovan. "I've spent a lot of time in the woods, but I need to get a better feel for mountains and caves. When I'm not training, maybe we could camp out in the quarry like we've been doing, pickup that order you'd mentioned, and maybe check out the temple nearby? I know it's asking a lot, but I feel like this is really important."
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Post by Breakthelevee on Apr 7, 2018 23:04:23 GMT
"Spend as much time here as you need to. I can spend that time going around and finding out about the Temple and maybe doing some odd jobs to make us some more money" He smiled to Mica
He turned towards Elisha and bowed "Thank you for teaching her. It means a lot. I'll leave you both to it. Mica, you can find me at the Pokemon Center later and then we can decide more on what we'll do"
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 7, 2018 23:45:00 GMT
Mica spends the rest of the day doing things that really don't seem that related to fighting at all. Mostly involving doing specific things, or remaining one spot without being distracted - any slip up requires her to do them again. When it isn't entirely silent, Elisha talks about responsibility, respect, and discipline.
It's long, but at the end Elisha gives some approval of the progress Mica makes, and ends things off with just asking some questions about the Trainer's life so far over a bowl of fruit, before saying to come back in the afternoon tomorrow.
Donovan's remainder of the day, on the other hand, is much more relaxing. He isn't able to find any odd jobs, at least none that really would be willing to pay, but one of the people that he speaks to asking about the temples is someone that goes there on a regular basis, just to be away from it all, and in fact just returned a day or so away from an excursion. He hasn't heard of anything strange going on there, though the researchers seem to be trickling back from their conference. The man does give Donovan directions, as well as mentioning that it's about two hours out of town.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 8, 2018 17:08:14 GMT
Mica is earnest and inquisitive, free spirited, trusting, and open. She doesn't argue with her Sensei, but frequently has to start over after blurting out a thought or a question that comes to mind. The day's tasks would have used a small fraction of the time they ended up consuming were she a more focused individual. She talks with Elisha about being a spectator to the world of Pokemon for years, and wanting to live like they do. Proudly explaining the closeness she's achieved with Dusty despite everyone judging him for how he looks. There seems to be a blatant disregard for the actual danger that might be present there, but she insists he'd never hurt her.
When Mica does at last rejoin Donovan at the Pokemon Center, she seems tired but happy. "I really didn't realize so much went into this 'mindfulness' stuff... what's your plan for the rest of the day? We probably don't have too much daylight left."
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Post by Breakthelevee on Apr 8, 2018 18:08:03 GMT
Donovan looked up from a book as Mica addressed him "The Temple is about two hours away, so I think we should save that for a different day. We can start heading towards the Sands, and then camp out for the rest of the night. Then we can pick up the package and come deliver it, and you'll be back in time for some training. Does that sound like a plan?"
"We can make a trip to the Temple maybe the day after tomorrow, or we can wait until you've had a bit more training under your belt if you want and go there on our way out of town. I'll leave it up to you" He smiles as he stands up and closes his book "Well, ready?"
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 8, 2018 18:29:22 GMT
With Center food eaten, and the sun making its way down towards the horizon, the pair make their way towards the Sands. There's a road that leads in the general direction, and following it seems to be where they want to go.
After a few hours, and most of the light disappearing from the sky, the duo reaches a structure that had long appeared in the distance. It appears to be a reception or gatekeeping office of some kind, given that attached to it is a gate across the road, with a chain fence that stretches off in either direction, with barbed wire on the top. On the door of the building itself, which is labeled as 'Stone Sands Workplace Entrance', is a sign that says "Sorry, we are Closed" with 'General Reception Hours' indicating that it would reopen in the morning. There looks to be a little light and activity in the back, but nothing for the general public.
On the fence itself are signs that say "Keep Out: Active Workzone." and "Danger: High levels of radiation may be present beyond this point." The active workzone sign is supported by the rumbling and mechanical noises that continually emanate from further beyond the fence.
While it doesn't seem like getting beyond the fence is a particularly good idea, there do seem to be some rockier areas outside the fence which seem like they might be interesting to explore. Of course, it's also fairly dark...
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