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Post by DataNinja on Oct 7, 2019 19:08:57 GMT
"Well, we can figure something out... I'm more than happy not doing anything else that's strenuous today," Rainbow says. "Spanning took a lot out of me. So, sure, looking forwards to some food. Sleep, too."
"Well, history does seem to have ways of being forgotten..." she quips.
The city of Rustboro looms large above the duo as they make their way in. There's definitely many thousands of people in this place, which becomes more and more clear as they get further into the clogged streets. Lots of people react to Rainbow's presence, either with long stares, glares, giving her a wide berth, or probably-deliberately jostling into her. She does her best to keep a grin on her face, but Bea is able to tell that it falters at times.
They're able to get to the Gym with no incident, but a sign on the front indicates that it's currently closed for lunch, to reopen in another hour. "It certainly is impressive..." Rainbow says, looking at the towering building, with many carved statues of impressive Pokémon like Charizard or Tyranitar out front. "The front door being clear makes little sense, though. Doesn't that defeat half the purpose of having a closed door if people can see in? I could understand it for windows, to keep the wind out, but for a door?" Granted, inside is just a far-too-big-seeming carpeted reception area, with a statue much like in the Petalburg Gym, so there's really not much to see besides paintings of Pokémon battles on the walls.
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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 Oct 7, 2019 19:31:57 GMT
"I suppose glassed doors serve a couple of purposes. We can see that I is nice inside, and Gyms are a public space. We can also see that there is no one currently occupying it. There isn't much of a clear indicator of what the Gyms lesson or theme is, but many of them are this size or larger, meant to seat an audience." Beatrice took the moment to explain. She had noticed more and more the looks of anger and distrust people gave her companion, and walked closer to Rainbow for it, even risking holding and gently squeezing her hand in a moment when the girl's smile faltered.
"Looks like we can go get some food first, which is probably for the best, as is a stop at the center. My Pokemon have already had one good scrap for today. Come on, let's find a place. My trainer card covers my meals, but I have a little bit of money I should be able to cover something for you too."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 8, 2019 2:22:35 GMT
"I guess, that does make sense. And it's not as much of a big deal if wild Pokémon can see you from the outside..." Rainbow muses. She does seem at once both appreciative and a little apprehensive about the contact.
Walking around a little to find the Center, the pair comes across some food trucks on the way. "What... uh, interesting smells," Rainbow notes. The first one that they try to go to turns them away, glaring at Rainbow, but the second, an old man running a burger truck is willing to sell them stuff. He even gives them some extra fries with a wink. "Always happy to see people from across difference be able to be about together. Gives hope that things will eventually change, even if I might not be around to see it."
The time traveller has an... interesting reaction to burgers as they sit down at a table to eat, her face not seeming to be able to decide whether it's good or bad. "It tastes... thick," she says at last. "Is all the food in this time like this? The flavours are all familiar but also... weird. Cleaner, but also dirtier. I don't know if I could get used to this or not."
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6,670 posts
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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 Oct 8, 2019 2:36:56 GMT
"Thanks Mister, it really means a lot, and I know they do." Beatrice grinned appreciably at the elder. It was often claimed that the old didn't adjust to new concepts or ideas as readily as the young did, but that small kernel of acceptance among all the glaring really helped brighten the girl's day. Chewing thoughtfully, she set her burger down and considered the weight of the meal. Mindfulness while eating wasn't often something humans took too, barring specialty diets and exercise. Certainly more care went into Pokemon feeding and rearing then personal diets.
"If I had to guess, a lot of your food is either synthesized or has to be extensively purified on account of the pollutant. This is just cooked to remove the bacteria, probably seasoned, with some vegetables and sauce. It's all grown from, or raised on the land. That might be the fundamental difference, but without trying anything of yours, I've no idea what you mean really. Sorry people keep giving you the look, there's really no reason to be that way."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 8, 2019 2:47:22 GMT
"No, no, we can eat food off the land just fine. But... wonder if the corruption has something to do with it. And the way you cook it. Because the sauce just tastes... different from things we make." She shrugs, before chuckling. "I mean, at least it's edible, and doesn't kill me, so, points for that."
"And... it's fine. Doesn't matter in the end. I know where things end up. Those who have open minds will end up making it through. Those who don't... well, I feel sorry for them. They'll never know the thrills of wings, or the joy of skimming through the sea. But, it's their choice. I don't understand it, why they'd hate others for it, but I can't let them bring me down. Besides," she gestures at Bea, "I know that not everyone's like that. There's hope and kindness in the world."
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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 Oct 8, 2019 2:58:35 GMT
"I've talked with my family about it a little, about becoming an Altered for research and better understanding. It just seems like such a guarded and personal thing. Here, they are usually adults before bonding, and the Pokemon they bond with, they've become familiar with. It's like..." Exhaling softly, she considered her burger for a moment. "I've heard there are Pokemon that can see colors humans can't perceive. It is literally knowing the unknowable. We can't imagine something we can't perceive, because there is no frame of reference to compare it to. To hold a prejudice against that out of ignorance just steams me up. I don't know..."
Tucking into the rest of her meal in relative silence, she couldn't help feel a little sullen. Rainbow was really nice, how could anyone hate someone because they had antennae and wings? BUGS WERE GREAT! "What's a Celebi?" She asked suddenly.
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 8, 2019 4:15:20 GMT
"I guess I can see it being that way when it's not something that you have to do for your very survival. A fear of change. I know there are enough people in my time who fear change. That trying to do something to fix things would just end up making them worse, so why bother when we're all still alive as is." She nods. "So... when you put it that way, I guess I get it, kinda. But... on the other hand, it's something that's objectively better. You're not losing anything. You're still you. You're just becoming... more."
"I... don't really know a lot about them," Rainbow admits. "There were tales that they were guardians of nature, travelling to when they were needed. Clearly, uh, they weren't exactly successful at it. One apparently showed up a little before I was born. Sick... as a creature of the natural order, it probably felt things more acutely than most. To save it, it needed bonding. And by a quirk of fate, I was born, with the right affinity. I've always felt a... pulse of nature, I guess it is. It's much quicker now, tastes far cleaner than in my own time. I can sometimes influence it a bit, make plants freshen up a little. But... I'm not as good at that as some others. Concentrating's not something I'm good at... I'd rather flow with the breeze. I wonder if that's something of a species trait..."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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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 Oct 8, 2019 10:21:12 GMT
"Maybe, like you, it knew exactly when it needed to be? It wasn't fate, it was choice. If going forward in time means setting your past in stone, then it chose in sickness to become one with you, knowing that you might succeed where it failed. Since you were no longer the same being going forward, entering proximity to it carried fewer to no risks in your future. You might even get to meet it someday, that would be an unheard of opportunity in your time!" She declared excitedly.
Remembering herself, she smiled sheepishly. "I have always been a thinker, an observer, and a problem solver. Not really on the fly, but I plan and keep notes. When I was younger, Grandma would tease and ask me what kind of Pokemon I would grow up into. I'd giggle and tell her that wasn't how it worked, and she'd chuckle and smile and 'Oh isn't it now?'. Some people, like that man in the food truck just have the strangest intuitive knack. I don't know if it is perceptions or guesswork, but it is still impressive."
Rising to dispose of her garbage, she considered Rustboro's skyline for a moment. "I never did give her an answer." Then tilted her head thoughtfully. "We might struggle to find accommodations for you, but camping is always an option, and tomorrow we can start looking into chartering a boat. The hunt for a yellow star..." Beatrice trailed off. "Fallarbor is full of astronomers and geologists, going home might be a good way to get some insight, but that is still a ways yet. Oh, we can check the internet for the impact points and restricted zones too."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 8, 2019 15:29:33 GMT
"Huh... I guess I never really thought of it that way," she says. "It always just seemed to be a thing that happened... but, after today, I could see it."
"It might be neither. It might be hope. Hope that someday things will turn out to be better than they are now."
"Well, I'll trust your judgement on what can and can't be done around here. You're the expert, after all." Rainbow grins. "So, what're you wanting to do first?"
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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 Oct 8, 2019 15:37:15 GMT
"Well, we had a nice meal and got into town, got my Pokemon sorted at the center. The gym should be opening shortly, I can at least get a feel for what I'm up against, and see about challenging it today. After that we can ask around about boats for tomorrow, or have a rest. I suspect finding accomodations in town might be a little more difficult, but we can always try! Maybe there's other altered somewhere in the city that we could meet and talk to."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 9, 2019 2:58:56 GMT
"Could we see about me staying where you're staying?" Rainbow asks, "Or would that be an issue?"
Heading for the Gym, it seems to be open now, with lights on, and a dark-haired girl wearing both purple clothes and a sullen attitude leaning against the back wall. Entering, Rainbow following a little behind, the writing on the statue is now clear:
"Rustboro Gym Yvonne, Princess of Dragons Only once you fall the farthest can you rise to your highest peak."
The muscled girl steps forwards to meet Bea. "Here to challenge the Gym leader?" she asks, without a hint of warmth. "I'll need to see your ID." She glances up towards Rainbow as the other catches up.
"You challenging, too?" There's a very drastic and sudden shift in the Gym girl's tone upon seeing the time traveller. "Oh, uh, no, I'm just here to support my friend, and see what's happening here."
"Ah, she's a friend of yours?" The attendant turns to Bea. "Well, sorry about being kinda rude earlier. It's just... habit, I guess." She flashes a small smile, and it's quite clear in a way that wasn't in her mannerisms before that her teeth are all very sharp and pointy.
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6,670 posts
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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 Oct 9, 2019 10:03:44 GMT
"I wouldn't have it any other way Rainbow, either we find a place in town where we can both stay, or I am learning to enjoy camping better. You are a marvel."
"Yeah I was..." The teen replied, taken aback at first by how chilly the greeter was in this gym as she fumbled for her identification. It wasn't until Rainbow joined her and the staff smiled that she understood. Beatrice's brow knit with frustration, and she took a steadying breath and relaxed again before responding. "I thought you were going to throw us out for a minute there. Rainbow isn't from around here, she isn't used to being treated like she has been. I get it though, I couldn't live in a place like this getting nasty looks constantly, apology accepted."
Friends.. She liked that a lot. There was no sense in volunteering more to the girl at the moment, or hammering her with questions. First impressions were that it wouldn't be well received. Maybe after the bout she could ask if this bouncer-turned-greeter knew of a place they could settle.
*Dragons*, that was certainly an intimidating prospect, how could bugs compare to what were considered the strongest of all Pokémon? They were weak to ice, dragon, and fairy. Bylii would be a shoe in for a slot here. Solenoid wasn't a good option. That left four to choose from.
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 9, 2019 17:44:21 GMT
"Nah, I wouldn't throw anyone out," the girl says, "Not unless they caused trouble. I just need to make sure all the challenges are orderly. ...have to make sure that I don't smile, because that tends to show off the fangs. And enough people don't like that. So, yeah, probably don't come off as well as I could. I do try and at least cultivate an air of 'don't cause trouble', but... it's a fine line, since this is supposed to be a place welcoming to everyone. Even if," she mutters, "not everyone who comes in is so welcoming."
"Anyways, things're open, you can head on in," she says. "Your friend can head up one of the stairs on the side, pick any seat." The girl looks at Rainbow. "There's a fair few people who've been watching on and off all day because of the influx of new Trainers, but, if any of 'em gives you trouble, just let me know, 'kay?"
Walking through the main doors into the challenge area, Bea finds herself atop a platform overlooking a field with several stone spires towering up. Across the way on an opposing platform is a woman with long purple hair, draped in what looks to be golden silks and jewels. "Welcome, challenger," she says, her voice carrying strong in the acoustics of the place. "I am Yvonne. I shall test your skill, see how far you have come, and try to give you impetus to go yet further. Before we begin, though... tell me. Should you lose today, what will you do? How would that shape you?"
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92 likes
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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 Oct 9, 2019 18:21:58 GMT
"Your job sounds hard, I don't think I could face people day in and out giving me those kinds of looks, smile or not. I'd like to talk after my challenge if that's okay."
Straightening her coat Beatrice considered the question. The initial hypothesis was that dragons were inherently stronger then bug Pokemon. A lot of this was the air and intensity to which they carried themselves. The time it took for one to fully mature and the strength when they at last arrived there. Like any hypothesis, it required further testing. "I would re-assess my battle strategy based on predominate typings, and mis-steps made during our first engagement, as I have no doubt you do with every challenger you face. As a gym leader, you have a great deal more battling experience then I do. So first I would determine if it was a lack of strength, poor battle strategy, type matchup, or actual relevant experience, then shore up what was needed to surpass. Um..."
A shy giggle rung out across the arena. "I guess what I am saying is a defeat is never a reason to quit. Always new avenues, pursuits, and hypotheses."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 9, 2019 20:09:45 GMT
"A bit wordy," the Leader says, "but a good answer nonetheless. You cannot imagine how many people like the answer "I won't lose." Really, even if they end up winning, the sheer fact that they cannot imagine losing, that is a failing. You will not always win. That's a fact of life. How you respond to that loss, that is where strength comes from."She gives a nod. "So, let's see what you've got."She releases two Pokémon, a black and blue quadruped that sniffs the air, and a rotund ball of slime that lets out a cute little cry and slides behind one of the stone pillars. Map
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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 Oct 10, 2019 0:30:55 GMT
Beatrice picked a ball from her waistband, then hesitated, moving between two options there. She didn't know much about the offensive tendencies of dragons. Crassi was a fresh capture but eager to prove herself and be respected, she had a wider range of offensive options. No, better to keep with what she knows for now, and fall back on unknowns if the working strategy fell through.
Tempu and Bylii made their second gym appearance together.
"Alright you two, we did very well last time, so we'll do our best this time too. Bylii, fairy wind the black and blue dragon, Tempu harry the goo ball with Bug Bite."
(Gives Focused Orders as a Standard Action this round.)
Bylii releases a wave of glitter at the dragon but it disperses harmlessly across the Deino, Tempu chomps down on the squishy round mass's antennae.
(40 Bug Physical to Goomy, Bylii misses.)
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 10, 2019 7:03:25 GMT
"Good, good, I like it, going into the fray right away. Means this will be decided messily." Yvonne gives a harsh grin. "That's always more fun for us."The gooey blob is indeed very very squishy, and it lets out a squeaking noise as it gets chomped on. It gives a huff, before throwing itself at the ladybug, attacking angrily and letting out some draconic flames to shield itself. It's still not very intimidating, though. The Deino, apparently oblivious to being attacked in the first place, growls and roars in the direction of the enemies that it can sense, psyching itself up apparently. Yvonne uses Brutal Training. Goomy is hit by Bug Bite. Cutiefly misses with Fairy Wind. Ledian takes 33 damage and 2 injuries and is slowed for one turn (from Highlander) by Frustration. Goomy gains +5 DR. Deino uses Focus Energy.
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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 Oct 10, 2019 11:59:18 GMT
"An opponent needs to be gauged before any action can be taken. I've seen what I need to, to adapt. Tempu, Reflect, Bylii once more if you please."
"Lehh!" The five star Pokemon spread it's arms, erecting a wall of light around itself and Bylii, the Cutiefly putting more effort into its renewed attack, the glittery breeze smelling of springtime and carrying with it the sounds of whimsical laughter.
(Beatrice binds Iterative Evolution, Tempu used Reflect, Bylii hits with Fairy Wind on Deino for 31 Fairy Special)
"Your round dragon is deceptively powerful for its shape and size... Let's see it cut through some added protection."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 10, 2019 21:36:44 GMT
The wind this time hits the dragon, and it roars. It's obvious that it's glaring, even without eyes, snarling towards Bylii. "You spoke of adaptation," Yvonne says, grinning, "well, you're not the only one who can do that. Squishy over there is more than capable of getting through that shield." The blob in question burbles, before letting out a cascade of bubbles. Fortunately for the Ledian, it's able to weave through. Bylli isn't so lucky, though, with the Deino, as it crashes into her and sends her spinning around. It's a very strong attack, but, thankfully doesn't seem to hit as hard as it could have. Deino takes 2 injuries from Fairy Wind. Goomy misses with Bubble. Bylli takes 44 damage and 2 injuries from Headbutt. (Or 22 damage, no injuries after Reflect.)
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6,670 posts
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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 Oct 11, 2019 1:08:00 GMT
The barrier of light significantly lessens the impact to the Cutiefly, but Bylii seems nervous after the force of the hit.
"Tempu, free up some breathing room for Bylii. Bug Bite the shaggy dragon!" Backpedaling from the Goomy, he spun around and snapped at the Deino, only to have it slip the attack and continue to menace the Cutiefly. "That's no good... it doesn't feel very sporting but I don't have any other options..." Beatrice's nose wrinkled. "Bylii, use Fairy Wind on Tempu's target."
Another ripple of pinkish light washed over the quadruped, Bylii squeaking softly as she attacked once more.
(Deino takes 31 Fairy Special)
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