|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
Apr 24, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 24, 2020 2:59:55 GMT
"I have no idea, really," Rainbow admits. "I never really paid attention to trees much beyond 'these ones lose leaves' or 'these ones can hold my weight' or whatnot. So I have no idea what kind any tree is..."
She tries to keep up with the chatter, at least, keeping Bea distracted. Though, she herself gets distracted a few times, as something about Fortree draws her attention. There's a fair few more Altered here. The first time one wings past, a little above, she gets very excited, and that leads her to be looking for more. And several do stand out, more even than Rustboro or Mauville. One with Zigzagoon-esque stripes, some that looked to be almost human except for a few patterns of scales, or feathers instead of hair. And the final, rather disconcerting one, of a fanged woman in red and purple, with four arachnid legs protruding from her back, just staring at them from a place higher in the trees. Watching, with an impassive, piercing gaze. That one causes Rainbow a fair bit of discomfort, and she squeezes Bea's hand in turn. "Almost feel like I'm being hunted..." she says, quietly. "I guess life here breeds a bit less... camaraderie than back home."
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 24, 2020 3:13:44 GMT
"She seems nice." Beatrice remarks dryly, her upward gaze holding steady on the spider-woman so long as she is in sight. "I wouldn't take it personally, Ariados are known ambush predators and naturally have really sharp expressions. This also isn't your time, when community is necessary for survival. Some of the hybrids from this time were forced into it, others chose it." Exhaling with painstaking slowness, she pulled her eyes away from the boughs as the huntress was at last out of sight. "If I had to guess, she is like Alissa."
With her curiosity piqued over the altered, she begins to look around again, only making the mistake of 'down' once more, spending several moments clinging to Rainbow before she resumed their crawl through Fortree. "I could resume my Hybrid research here, there are plenty to poll or ask about..."
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
Apr 24, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 24, 2020 3:25:01 GMT
"Yeah..." Rainbow says. "I guess you're right. It's a different society, so people'll develop differently. Especially if there are different expectations."
"How comfortable would you actually be here, doing your research?" she asks, gently. "I know you want to do it... but would it be good for your health and sanity? I love this place, and I'll be here for you... but I don't know if staying here long-term is good for you. Beyond, like, doing the Gym and getting out."
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 24, 2020 9:15:52 GMT
"That is fair, other opportunities will present themselves, and an extended bout of stress just puts wear on the body and makes one sick." The apple had long since been expended, and Bee found she was queasy for its presence. "I'm excited to talk to Evelyn about Brendan later, hopefully an avenue to speak to him comes open. I can't imagine reaching that kind of pinnacle, even with the great friends I made along the way."
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
Apr 24, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 24, 2020 18:01:24 GMT
"They said it was... what, fifty years ago?" Rainbow says. "That's... a long time for someone to live, plus... let's say twenty years for how old they were when it happened, at minimum. I know there aren't as many dangers as there are in my life, and it matters less for everyone to contribute, since there are more of you... but is that a standard that you could expect them to still be alive in?"
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 24, 2020 19:07:04 GMT
"League champions come in all shapes and sizes, he could have been a few years younger or older. The League in some regions begins as early as ten years of age, and human lifespans range upwards of ninety or a hundred years with good genetics and personal care. If Brendan went on to become a hybrid, he could have been timeless. No sense in discounting something when all the details aren't known yet."
She felt bad for not being able to enjoy the scenery mode. Rainbow must have really been enjoying it when she could. Bee's studies of the hybrid has already yielded that it was a vastly different experience for each person. In the end the most likely truth was that hybridization functioned similarly to Yellow's protective measures. That the Pokemon's mind was gone, save instincts, impulses, and habits. Things not tied to thought or memory.
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
Apr 24, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 24, 2020 19:39:38 GMT
"Ah, okay," Rainbow says, nodding. "Ten years... man, I can't imagine one so young going off on their own on a journey like this. Even as safe as it is, comparatively... being away from family, at that age..."
"How are you feeling, Bee?" She asks, after some silence. "Are you wanting to go back? Or look into the Gym? OR something else?"
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 24, 2020 22:53:57 GMT
"Maybe the gym has more floor then the rest of Fortree?" She proposed hopefully. "I owe it to everyone to keep trying, and the only other thing for today is checking in with Evelyn and Maddie. Mildly queasy, but having you to hold onto has helped a lot, even though I know you couldn't support me if I went... Off... Of one... Let's go before I lose my nerve again.". She laughs nervously.
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
Apr 24, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 24, 2020 23:02:23 GMT
The pair makes their way to where they Gym seems to be, following the signs and directions of people. The place is set within a large, large tree, much like the others... though, this one seems to be artificial. Stepping inside, through a curtain rather than a door, it's clear why, because there's a small forest inside, of a vast variety of trees, the light within a dusky-twilight. It certainly feels much more like being on the ground-level of a forest, even if it stretches up.
The reception area is really just a wood platform with a desk at it at the start, with a woman sitting behind it. "Ah, hello there," she says. "If you're here to challenge the Gym, I'm afraid that Miss Sara is not currently in today. But, you're free to spend some time wandering around, and I can take your names if you would like to schedule a challenge. If not, just come back tomorrow, and she should be here."
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 25, 2020 2:50:25 GMT
"I uh... I'll be the only one challenging. My name is Beatrice LaBrasta, five badges currently. What should I expect from Fortree's gym?" Being on the ground, or a simulation thereof had put color back in her cheeks, and she had finally managed to let go of Rainbow's hand, nice as it was, the gesture lacked intimacy as it was born from her fear and need.
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
Apr 24, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 25, 2020 4:06:42 GMT
"A battle?" The woman says, shrugging. "A number of Pokémon, depending on how many badges you have. So... with five that'll be four. Two on two, until one side wins. Pretty simple, no gimmicks."
"Anyways, yeah," she says, gesturing around. "You're welcome to stay here as long as you want. Gym services close in the evening, but anyone's free to wander in at any time. Just, probably not best to camp out all night for an early morning spot."
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 25, 2020 9:00:28 GMT
The trainer blinked in surprise. "Policy, or is there some other reason?" It had certainly been implied, though it couldn't hurt to look around the space and familiarize herself with the battlefield. This gym was certainly more ornate then a few of the others.
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
Apr 24, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 25, 2020 9:16:40 GMT
"I mean, you can if you want," the woman says, shrugging. "But it's not particularly comfortable, and you'll probably have your sleep disturbed by something or other. There are a fair few Pokémon who call this place home - we ask that you don't really disturb them, unless you have to defend yourselves. No catching, for sure. It's a place for resting. They mostly steer clear of people when things're active, but when it's quiet at night... well, there's often curiosity."
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 25, 2020 9:35:39 GMT
"That doesn't sound so bad, I'm getting used to camping." The alternative was also going back out into the dizzying, nauseating walkways, all the way back to the center, then making the return trip the following day. Staying in the little artificial forest might be a nice change of pace even if there was a risk of tiny bears.
"We'll have a look around anyway, thank you for your time." Discussion concluded, Bee started past the desk and into the gym space. "I suppose it makes sense that this place is also sort of a conservation zone. Trying to be in balance like the rest of the city."
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
Apr 24, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 25, 2020 16:47:31 GMT
"If I'm going to be honest, Bee," Rainbow says, a little nervously, as they begin to walk amongst the trees, "I'd much prefer to sleep in a bed than on the ground. Especially if there are going to be Pokémon around... they had to explicitly include a provision for self-defense. That worries me. A lot..."
"Regardless, we can... figure that out when the time comes. If you insist on staying here, then... I will, but maybe waiting until after dark to move around would be better? Stay in here until then? Maybe send a message off to whomever you need to?"
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 25, 2020 17:21:49 GMT
"I like beds too, and heights decidedly less then Pokemon." She returned gently. "You're right though, I shouldn't find excuses to not leave or I never will. We can head out after dark." Retrieving he'd PokeNav, she tapped out a message to Evelyn~<3.
"I hope time has found you well, when you have a minute, there are some questions I would like to ask about the League and Brendan Yuki. Having detoured for Lavaridge, we've only just arrived in Fortree. I'm up to five badges! Feel kind of bad if I didn't finish the circuit now haha. Hopefully you missed my Mauville performance, it was embarrassing. Cheers, Beatrice."
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
Apr 24, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 25, 2020 17:55:31 GMT
There's a bit of time just beneath the trees, taking in the cool wind blowing through the mismatched grove, before a reply comes.
"Oh, glad to hear you're progressing. And I'm sure you did fine... though now I obviously have to look it up. You know how it goes. ;) What kind of questions? Sorry, can't help you cheat on a history test."
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 25, 2020 20:39:38 GMT
"Please don't, I was never meant to play dress-up. Isn't for a history test, I was looking to contact him about the end of the weather war fifty years ago." Bee looked up from the Nav and admired the trees. "Maybe we should go back before dark... I don't really want to run into that Ariados again if we can't see her. They are usually nocturnal, and I want to make sure you are safe."
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
Apr 24, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Feb 25, 2020 22:39:49 GMT
"You know that's just making me more curious, right?" The message quickly comes back. "I don't know why you'd want to know about Magma and Aqua. I know a bit, though it was before my time. Could probably look in a history book. I know Maxie published some memoirs, too. Though, undoubtedly that's a little one-sided."
"You sure...?" Rainbow asks, though she sounds a little relieved. "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable..."
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Feb 25, 2020 23:29:20 GMT
"I'm sure, I normally feel pretty relaxed around people, but she had me on edge too." Bee affirmed before tapping away on her Nav again. "I was interested in Brendan's account of the events with Rayquaza from that time, but anything you can share regarding Team Magma and Aqua, or memoirs published thereof would be extremely helpful. I believe that those beings may be key in recovering the natural world in Rainbow's time. If Elise's there, could you ask her if she ever used her empathy or telepathy on a Pokemon under the effects of the radiation? What the answer was if she had?"
|
|