exeggutorhead | 26th Transformation [video/action for travelmates

[HI GUYS. It's your pal China... in a hospital bed at the Pokemon Center in Saffron City... with one of his wrists and one of his knees in splints. Both are elevated by some pillows. His hair is free from its usual ponytail. He looks pretty tired too.]

Hello?

[What's going on?]

[Guess who hadn't heard about the train incident yet? This guy. Never mind what's happening to them, what happened to you? Envy's taken the 'Gear out of his jacket and it's still pretty dark, but the screen is illuminating Envy's face at least.]

Yao? What the hell happened?

I was on the train that was hijacked by Team Rocket.

[He thinks the other knows of it by now.]

[Well, this is from the day after and Envy wasn't paying much attention to 'Gear feeds...]

They hijacked that train? [He frowns. Although honestly he's more interested than anything that Team Loser has finally stepped up their game, he's definitely not happy that they injured his friend like this.]

Did whoever did that to you get caught?

[China wouldn't know... He was given drugs to make him sleep shortly after they treated his injuries.]

Yes, and they were successful in stealing several Pokemon.

[He's quiet for a moment before answering.]

No. As far as I know, he's still out there, aru.

Any of yours? [He knows how much China cares about his Pokemon.]

...could you tell what he looked like? [More frowning. Envy looks kind of like he wants to go out and find this person. He doesn't like his friends getting hurt.]

No, I was one of the lucky few.

...I... [He seems very hesitant.]

[Yeah Envy notices that.]

What is it?

It's nothing!

[Feigning a smile.]

Are you sure it's nothing?

[He can recognize when smiles aren't genuine, China.]

[His face becomes more serious.]

I will deal with this matter on my own, Envy. It's personal, aru.

Besides, I think it's better if I speak with him alone.

[Envy still doesn't look happy, but after a long moment he nods, and means it. He does think China can handle himself.]

Alright, I'll keep out of it.

[He gives a small smile in return.]

Thank you, Envy.

And don't worry! He is only very confused right now, aru.

[Or so he believes. It's to be expected considering the time he was taken from.]

[He lightly scratches at his neck, looking a little awkward and almost sheepish at being thanked. But he nods again and sighs, letting some of his tension go.]

If it's personal, it's your own business how you handle it after all.

...Do you know him well, or something? [This time the question is more one of curiosity than 'I am going to go track this person down'. Besides, this is a good distraction from being trapped in a lifeboat.]

I do. We are from the same world. [He nods.]

_{[Uuh brb calling you up with his own gear, because believe it or not, Tulio actually sort of likes you, and:]}

--hey, what happened to you?

I fighting one of the Rockets hand to hand, aru. Unfortunately, the train was too small for me to show my true potential.

The .. Rockets? Wait, what train?

_{[It's probably safe to assume he wasn't listening to what you just told Envy.]}

The train that was heading for Saffron, a city in a different country. I'm in Saffron right now, actually.

What does the Rockets have to do with it?

In the middle of the trip, they suddenly attacked and swarmed the train. I heard they even had a bomb on there, aru.

They managed to steal several Pokemon, as well as injure many people.

Oh.

_{[Well crap, that's certainly a bad thing.]}

But people stopped them ... right? Mostly, I mean?

A few were captured, yes, but most of them escaped.

I tried to stop them, but as you can see... Things didn't go as planned, aru.

I hope you're not too hurt ...?

_{[A note of uncertainty - and concern.]}

Not as bad as I could have been. [Considering who he was fighting...]

I will be fully healed after Christmas, hopefully.

Oh, well, that's good. Hope you get better.

It'd be a bummer to miss out on the new year.

Exactly! Not only that, but Chinese New Year will be right after, aru!

I must be in excellent condition if I'm going to get all the preparations in time!

Oh yeah, that thing. What's different from the regular new year?

_{[Genuinely curious here!]}

Well, it is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays and in China it's known as the "Spring Festival." The date changes each year too since it follows the Chinese calendar, which is lunisolar. Chinese New Year does not end until the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, aru.

But the meaning behind the festivities is similar to that of the Western New Year: families coming together to enjoy good food and welcoming the new year with hopes of good luck and fortune.

Last year I celebrated it here with my family and friends and I plan on doing the same this year. You, Envy, and Miguel are all welcome to join in if we happen to be in the same city by then. [He smiles a bit.]

Oh, thanks.

_{[Surprised, but he smiles back.]}

Not sticking around in that Kanto place, then?

No, once I'm put on the crutches, I plan to take the train back at some point before New Years.

They say I'll only have to be in this chair for two weeks. It's annoying, but at least I can spend all that time looking around Saffron.

Yeah ... I guess it could have been worse. Sorry to hear you got hit so bad though.

We're hiding on a boat cause we-

...

Are you alright?

Why are you on that boat anyway? Are you three on your way to Cianwood? I've never been there, aru.

[He puts on a weak smile.]

Still sore, but still breathing.

Yes, that is exactly why we're on this boat. Envy wants to challenge the gym, I think.

..what happened?

Oh, that's right. The gym, I mean. I almost forgot they had one in that city, aru. I hear they have one in Saffron City too.

I was injured in a fight.

A figh- _{[oh shit]} you weren't on that train, were you?

I was. [He nods.]

Oh, damn. I'm glad you're okay. What... what happened on there, really?

It is as they say, Team Rocket suddenly hijacked the train three hours into the trip.

I did not lose any of my Pokemon, but others did. I fought one of the Rocket members, but I ended up in this condition, aru.

That's ju- Wait, what!? They stole Pokémon?

Yes, I believe that was the whole point of their attack. That, and to try and prove their brutality.

But why would they do that?

They are a group of thieves, of course they are going to steal.

But why exactly would they do such a thing? Who knows, people are unpredictable, aru.

Well, I'd understand if they.. stole money or something _{[Due to personal experience...]} but pokemon? Can't they raise their own, or something.

They probably do make some kind of money if they can afford all that machinery and have their own headquarters, but I don't think they're stealing Pokemon to raise money.

They might be planning something else.

...

I don't think I want to know what that could be.

_{[The poor Pokeymanz D:]}

Uh, huh huh huh. You guys sure like to complain. Uh, huh huh huh.

Well, aren't you observant.

Uh- huh huh huh. You butt-knocker, I'm not a servant. Uh, huh huh huh.

[Not visible since this is voice, but Envy's definitely raising an eyebrow. 'Butt-knocker'?]

And smart too, I see.

Uh, huh huh huh. You bet. Uh, huh huh huh.

Oh, as if you wouldn't in this kind of situation.

Uh, huh huh huh. No way, dude. I'm a man. Uh, huh huh huh.

- and what's that supposed to mean?

Uh, huh huh huh. You're a dumb-ass, uh, huh huh huh.

_{[ANGRY SOUND. The kind of 'grrah' you might do between your teeth. And then he'll flip the gear shut to end the transmission because frankly, sir, you are very annoying.]}

...you have a boat?

[This is totally not the point, but England is making it the point because damn it! He wants a boat!]

Well it's not...ours, it's the ferry to that island town. Cianwood.

[That's okay England, Envy is definitely okay with talking about boats and not how they aren't on this particular one intentionally.]

Oh. Pity really. ...you're stowing away, I take it? I used to keelhaul people who stowed away on my ships.

...Guess we're lucky this isn't your ship, then. [Because that certainly sounds unpleasant.]

And it's not like we stowed away on purpose.

Most likely. I rather miss it all; attacking other ships to steal their treasure... ah, those were the days.

...how do you stow away not on purpose?

So you were some kind of pirate, then? [Envy looks both amused and interested to hear more. Amestris hasn't ever had pirates for obvious reasons, unless there were somehow lake pirates. All they've got is train hijackers.]

I was a pirate, yes. Sailing the seas in search Spain's ships so I could thoroughly bugger them up. That was always satisfying.]

[And then that questions. Envy frowns, looking the tiniest bit sheepish, but mostly has that 'not our fault in the slightest' look to him.] We were hiding in one of the lifeboats while it was docked and it left before we could get out. It's not our fault they didn't check before leaving.

[England just regards him for a long moment and can't quite hide the small smile.]

Ah, I see. I still suggest mutiny and taking over the ship.

Spain, huh? [Envy looks...pretty amused at this. He may not know much about what Spain is like, but he does know that's where Miguel and Tulio are from.]

[But huh. Mutiny. Envy looks like he is totally considering this, a smirk spreading across his face.]

You know, that might not be a bad idea. Beats sitting in a lifeboat for three days.

[England nods.]

Yes. Some of the best years of my life were spent liberating Spanish gold.

[He actually looks a bit dreamy at the memory.]

I would say. And there doesn't seem to be much of a sea-patrol out there to stop you.

-- no? Do you really think we'd be hiding on our own boat?

_{[Hi, excuse the snarky interruption. :I]}

Why not? It's a good way to hide. Change the flags you're flying and everyone thinks you're from a different country.

...and it makes it very easy to attack them.

_{[Riiight... gonna just quietly eye you for a moment.]}

... and you know a lot about that kind of thing?

...I perhaps have some experience in that area.

So are you a boatsman or something?

I have been in the past, of one kind or another. Depended on my mood.

Something like that. From time to time.

_{[So then he'll try to steer the conversation away from boats.]}

You don't sound all that attached, pal. What else do you do?

A little bit of everything, I suppose. I've been a soldier and a politician, a businessman.

Soldier, huh...

You've got quite a list there.

I've had a lot of time to fill.

Well alright then. Whatever works for you.

Well, uh, no. I wouldn't call this little boat ours, not just yet and.. not the big boat either actually.

I see... it's really much more fun if its your own boat.

A lot more comfortable too, but we'll have to do with what we can get.

Mutiny. That's what I suggest.

That would make us three people against an entire crew on a pretty large ship. And they're probably paid too, sooo.. I think I'd rather not.

Bah, no sense of adventure. I'm sure it's doable. And then you can go wherever you like.

_{[No sense of adventure? No sense of adventure?? England do you know who you are speaking to]

We're in the process of hatching a plan, actually, which I am sure will, if successful - and I know it will be - let us go wherever we like.}

[It is only adventure if there is piracy!]

Sounds interesting at least. I still think mutiny is much more fun.

I have never tried mutiny, but it seems like such a violent process.

...that's sort of the point. If it wasn't violent then it wouldn't be called mutiny. It would be called 'asking nicely' or possibly 'buying a ticket'.

If all else fails I suppose it's an option, but for now I think we'll stick with the 'hide until we come up with a plan'-plan.

I'm not sure this is the highest form of discreteness that has ever existed.

[Envy frowns, definitely a bit flustered. Curse you, Pokegear, for recording these things!]

We're not going to get caught.

[Sigh.] ...and we probably won't be back for...I don't know, whenever we can. We're on that ferry, I didn't know it was going to leave.

_[MUTTERING]
_{If we don't get caught that's good enough for me.}

We have been less discreet before without getting caught.

_{[Master hiding! except not]}

A month? When were you hiding on a boat for a month?

[Because that's sure what that grumbling sounded like to him, Tulio.]

_{[...y-yeah that's because it WAS. Or maybe more. He really has no idea. But he's pretty sure it was a month.]

[So he waves it off, even though it probably can't be seen (and he might have accidentally nudged someone with that, sorry).]}

Before we got here. Except that time we were caught, and I reeaaally don't want that to happen again, so keep your voice down, can you do that?

Edited 2011-11-28 00:22 (UTC)

You don't think they'd... really do that if they caught us? Here? I mean, everyone seems nicer here.

_{I haven't seen a single gallow or pillory...

[He says this in a more hushed voice, the last part is barely more than a whisper, but the worry doesn't go by unnoticed.]}

Yeah, yeah, I can--

[He cuts off his snappish response at what Miguel says. Because not getting caught is obvious, but that addition sounds...unpleasant.]

What are you talking about?

_{[He leans against Miguel slightly. What he says is aimed to him, really, because he also remembers those goddamn punishments.]

... I don't know, but I really don't feel like risking it.

[And oh hi Envy did you say anything?]}

What does it sound like?

Well, uhm _{[oh man what say]}

We have bad experiences regarding getting caught.

[Envy isn't sure, but he has some idea. He was alive back then, after all.]

...well, you obviously weren't hanged. [That one's directed at Tulio. Envy's on edge about this situation too, but for different reasons.]

Whatever it was, I doubt they'll do anything like it here.

_{[He rolls his eyes.]}

Maybe I was. Since you're a monster, why can't I be dead?

_{[...he sort of regrets saying that though and clears his throat to try to ease it.]}

Uh ... you know, hey, you wouldn't trust boats either if you were locked up in one for a month.

_{[Miguel's just gonna give Tulio a 'why would you even say that'-look, which probably goes by unnoticed in this darkness.]}

We were caught as stowaways and locked up on this boat and flogged whenever the crew had nothing better to do.

_{[Said quickly.]}

[Yeah, Tulio gets a sullen glare for that comment, probably not visible in the dark, but doesn't say anything even though he's very tempted to snap back.]

[Mainly because of what Miguel just told him about, honestly. He's quiet for a few long moments more, because what do you even say to that?]

I don't think that'd happen here, even if we did get caught. [This time when he says it, his tone is more of that awkward half-reassurance he does instead of defiant.]

Edited 2011-11-28 06:03 (UTC)

No good with ships, huh?

Not exactly, no. I've never made a habit of going on them.

[Not to mention this little voyage was entirely unintentional, but he'd rather avoid bringing that up with a stranger. It's embarrassing enough for people he knows to know about it.]

But they're fun!

[Jango knows a lot about unintentional ship voyages however :|]

[Envy makes a show of glancing around their little lifeboat hiding spot. No, Jango, this is the opposite of fun.]

I'm not having fun.

Why not?

Are you playing hide and seek?

...yeah, sure we are kid.

[Envy does not get along with children particularly well.]

You shouldn't be hiding together, it's easier to find you that way!

Well, it's too late to find different hiding places now.

Nah! Just wait till the person looking for you is far away! A moving target is harder to find too!

You play this hide and seek game a lot, don't you?

I used to back home, but now if I hide Artemis gets mad at me. He's protective.

I'd imagine that's because of all the monsters running around this place. He probably thinks they're going to eat you. You're just the right size for that, after all.

[Envy. Do not be mean to children.]

[Just laughs]

They won't eat me, I'm too nice! And I don't look like candy.

Yep.

So keep your voice down, kid.

_{[See, he can play this game.]}

*whispering all close to the screen*

Who's it? Who's looking for you?

_{[D8.. why are you so close, but okay.]}

Oh, just ... other players. VERY good players.

Like my big brother? He's the best!

And Butler, he's pretty good too.

The best place I ever hid once was in a laundry hamper. But I fell asleep and everyone was worried when I woke up and came out for dinner.

..that's nice, kid. I don't think I know your bother though, so I don't know.

He's Artemis Fowl! And I'm Beckett Fowl! Nice to meet you!

_{[How is he making friends with kids again?]}

I guess it's nice to meet you too. -I'm Tulio.

[It's like how cats can always find someone who's allergic]

Hi Tulio! Toolieoolieoolio!

Do you have snacks?

_{[Visibly cringes at what the kid does to his name, but ..sure...]}

No?

Oh...too bad. You could hide there longer with snacks.

[As if to make a point he leans back and takes a bite out of a sandwich]

_{[Well, that IS a valid point. One Tulio hadn't yet considered. So he just stops for a moment, then rubs a hand over his face.]}

Yyyyyes. That could be a problem.

What do you like to eat?

I like ice cream, and Espresso, but Artemis doesn't let me have alot of that.

He probably has a reason, you know.

_{[Don't just ignore people's questions like that Tulio, that's rude.]}

But it makes me stay awake a long time! And I can play more when I'm awake!

Yeah, but you gotta sleep too, kid. You can go nuts from no sleep.

_{[Raising children. Can do.]}

No way! Really?

[Going nuts doesn't sound too bad to the hyperactive and eager boy]

Yep, really.

Coooooooooooool!

How'd you find out?

_[Uh.]

... sometimes you gotta stay awake when you're playing a really long game of hide and seek.

Without espresso?

Yeah. Without espresso.

_{[Dead serious. Get why that might make you a little funny in the head yet, kid?]}

That's no fun, you'll get bored...and sleepy.

Well, you know, sometimes those are things you have to be.

Yes, that's exactly what we're doing! A special kind of hide and seek so we have to be really quiet or the bad guys will find us.

Bad guys! What kind of bad guys?

The other players! You see, if they find us, they can punish us!

Oh no! Like time out?

_{[He has no idea what that is exactly but..]}

Yeah, or worse... they could throw us off the boat or something else terrible!

Can't you swim?

Of course! But the water is awfully cold.

What if the ocean was like a bathtub? And it was all warm and fulla bubbles?

Then I'd let myself get thrown into the water anyday.

With bubbles! And toys!

Haha, yeah, you know, once when I was taking a bath, monkeys stole my clothes!

Monkeys?! How many monkeys? Were they big? How'd you get them back?

Many! We had to chase them through the jungle before we got our clothes back!

WOW! That's so cool! You're so cool! Who are you?

_{[He chuckles]} I'm Miguel!

And what's your name?

I'm Beckett Fowl! I'm incorrigible! (word he learned from someone else)

I'm sure you are.

_{[Despite being a 16th century conman, Miguel is well-versed in vocabulary. _{Loquacious, anyone?}]}

[Oh, oh, Rapunzel knows two of those voices. However, she is terribly confused as to what is going on in the dark.]

...Hello?

[Oh hey! Envy remembers her, the girl who lived in a tower. Now that Envy's pulled the 'Gear out of his pocket, the light from the screen is at least illuminating his face. He's also keeping his voice down.]

Didn't know this thing was on...

Rapunzel, right?

[Haha, she thought she recognized that voice!]

Uh huh! You're Envy, right?

Heh, that's right.

[Getting recognized positively is great! It means she remains totally fooled about him.] Gotten used to being outside?

[Absolutely and totally fooled.]

Oh, yes! It's amazing! There's so much to see!

[And so Envy believes the topic of 'what are you guys doing' has been successfully avoided! He'll try to keep it that way.]

Yeah? How far away from New Bark have you gotten?

[Indeed, it has! Props to you, good sir!]

I'm in Violet City now! It's incredible!

[Rapunzel, you think all cities are incredible.]

If you think Violet's good, wait until you get to Goldenrod. It's much bigger.

[She gives a gasp.]

Bigger?!

You could probably stay there for months and not see everything.

[You are so enthusiastic Rapunzel.]

[She's determined to see it all.]

Oh, wow! That's incredible!

Better than being in a tower, huh?

Oh, well... yeah! I can explore things now!

-- Oh, hey. Hello. Hi. Rapunzel, right?

_{[Thaaaat is a hesitant hello from a hesitant con man (and also pretty rushed, somehow, at the same time), but he will admit to Rapunzel being one of the less frustrating people he's talked to, so he'll give her his greetings.]}

[It's cool, she suspects nothing. She's just happy there are people here that know her and recognize her!

Yep! And you're Tuilo!

[See! She remembers! She's so proud of herself.]

You're very right about that, miss! The one and only.

_{[He will milk it for all its worth. Because it might be a distraction from the topic. Which he'd rather not discuss. HI.]}

[Hi, sorry, what was that?

She gives a giggle and tilts her head.]

What are you all doing?

_{[...damn it.]}

Oh, just, you know, hanging out in the, er, lifeboat?
_{[GOOD JOB TULIO. BEST LIAR.]}

Edited 2011-11-28 23:44 (UTC)

[....Have a blink.]

A lifeboat?

_{[And it worked. If not as a lie, at least a distraction. PAT ON THE BACK, buddy.]}

It's an extra boat they keep on ships. In case it sinks.

They bring a boat... on a boat?

[Woah, man. You just blew her mind.]

Well, yeah. Many small ones, actually.

_{[Well, it IS quite a fascinating idea, isn't it?]}

[Oh, it is, xD]

In case the boat sink? Can't you just... swim?

Not if you're a LOT of days away from land. And there could be shark and god knows what else in the waters, too, you know.

Oh...

[...And now, all she can hear is her mother, telling her everything frightening of the world. Cannibal, snakes, the plage, large bugs, men with ponty teeth...

Just to make sure, she leans in closer to the camera, trying to make sure he doesn't have ponty teeth.]

_{[...o..kay?]

[He leans back cause even if she's not there he feels she's intruding on his personal space a little.]}

Uh, what are you doing?

[And just like that, she puts a smile back on her face, leaning back a respectful distance.]

Oh, uh...! Nothing!

_{[Atta girl!]}

... alright, if you say so.

[She gives a nod.]

Of course!

[...He doesn't have ponty teeth. Whew.]

_{[Yeah, he's okay. Even if he does sometimes put up a jerky attitude.]}

...sure. Soo, how's your trip going?

Oh, it's going well! I've made it all the way to Violet City!

Hey, not too shabby. You'll probably enjoy the place.

I've only been here a few days, but it's amazing so far!

Yeah, it should be right up your alley. Not too big, not too small. Good enough places to go. Pretty good food. Well-planned streets ...

I know!

[She doesn't have, well, anything to compare it to from her world, but just being in a city, looking at whatever she wants whenever she wants for no reason at all is pretty much the greatest thing in the world.]

There's so much to see!

_{[He chuckles a bit. She's kinda cute in that way really, all ... excited puppy. Forever reminding him about Miguel.]}

Have fun and don't hurt yourself.

Oh no, I won't! I can't hurt myself by looking around at things!

[Oh Rapunzel, if only you knew...]

_{[He coughs into a fist. If only you knew indeed...]}

Right, don't be too sure about that. I'd say you're in particular danger. With all that hair getting in the way, and all.

Danger...? Do you.... really think so?

... you really do take everything I say seriously, don't you? Just saying to try not to trip over it and such. Danger is a relative term, missy.

Oh! That.

[She gives a relieved laugh because, pfffft. Even she can handle that.]

I won't trip over my hair! It's been this long since forever, I'm used to it!

Yeah, I trust you. You look pretty comfy, all things considered.

Well, why wouldn't I be? It's my hair.

Good point, princess.

_{[He has a thing for nicknames rather than names, can you tell.]}

Princess? I'm not a princess.

Maybe not, but you look a bit like one.

_{[...and it sort of suits the happy clueless thing she's got going on. And it's a bit patronizing because she's a little girl. BUT FONDLY SO. HE SWEARS.]}

Oh... do I?

[Fondly so. Of course.]

_{[Hello, green-eyed blonde! Here! Have a green-eyed blonde!]}

Oh, hi! Don't mind us, we're just... checking the life-boats! Making sure they're safe and all.

[Horray! In return of this gracious gift, have some naievety!]

Oh! Is that what you're doing?

Yep! And this one seems to be safe! We just have to sit in for a while to make sure the bottom won't break or anything terrible like that.

Oh! Okay! That's kind of you!

Someone's gotta do it.

[She gives a smile.]

You could be saving someone's life!

Quite possible! I mean, if we didn't check them they could just sink in case of shipwreck and that would be just terrible.

Oh...!

...Are shipwrecks common here?

I... am not sure! I've been on quite a few boats back home but _[chuckle] this is the first boat I ever see in Johto, actually.

The waters seem to be fairly calm here so there shouldn't be any big risk, but you never know.

I've never been on a boat before! It looks like a lot of fun, though!

It can be quite an adventure!

Of course, that depends entirely on what boat you are in. And with who you're on it with.

Oh, but everyone here's so nice! I'm sure it would be lovely no matter who I was with!

[Rapunzel, you are so naieve. OTL]

Ah-hah.. yeahh, well, sure! I'm with some... nice people right now actually, it's just that there are some other people on this boat who I think wouldn't be all to happy if they found us- out! Found out that we, uhm.. work on this boat.

[She tilts her head to the side.]

Really? But... why? You're helping people, right?

That we are, but... I don't know really, uh- _{[Goddammit change subject, quick!]}

Hey, I don't think I got your name!

[She blinks at the random subject change. She's not oblivious enough to not notice it... However, she is oblivious enough to follow it without question.]

Oh! My name is Rapunzel!

_{[Miguel appreciates this]}

Nice to meet you, Rapunzel! I am Miguel.

It's nice to meet you Miguel!

[Rapunzel loves to make new friends!]

So how long have you been in Johto? I don't think I've ever seen you before.

Almost two months!

[And oh, how happy she is to be here.]

Really? I've been here for over a year now.

Anyway, do you like it here?

Oh, yes! This place is amazing! There's so much to see!

Oh, you just wait. Johto has tons of surprises!

Surprises?

[Rapunzel likes surprises!]

Like what?

Oh, you never know what might be coming.

Well, last year we got chased by scary monsters, but on christmas someone had left Pokémon eggs for everyone!

[Forget Pokemon eggs, scary monsters, what.]

...Scary monsters?

Uhm, well, yeah, but it's only happened once and it was more than a year ago.

Oh. But... they're still out there, right?

Naah, I think they disappeared when Johto went back to normal.

Back to normal...?

Hm, well, everything turned blocky and sharp for a couple of days, and that's when the monsters appeared. But as soon as everything went back to normal, they disappeared.

Blocky?

[She's heard about this before, but it doesn't make any more sense now than it did then.]

Yeah, everything looked like it was made out of _{[forms cubes with his hands]} boxes, sort of. Cubes.

Really?

[That sounds fascinating.]

Yep. Just for one night, if I remember correctly, then everything went back to normal and nothing like it has happened since.

That's... strange.

[Well... at least it hasn't happened since. That makes her feel a little better.]

It's not the only strange thing that's happened here, but it's by far the creepiest.

Well... maybe it won't happen again?

Probably not, so don't go around worrying about it. It was a long time ago.

Oh!

[Sigh of relief.]

Good.

{BOYS WHAT ARE YOU DOING.}

{In other news, here's a rather exhausted and battered looking Nanao, with a rather impressive black eye and numerous other bruises.}

Stowing away? Really?

{Please forgive the horribly raspy voice, but that's what happens when you inhale poisonous gas. Also there is so much disapproval up in this joint. So much.}

[Dealing with disapproval later, 'what the hell happened to you dead!sis' now. Why do you get hurt so often?]

...Don't tell me you were on that train too.

[Please tell him that half his friends didn't get hurt in separate incidents all at the same time.]

Edited 2011-11-28 23:49 (UTC)

{Hey, it's not her fault! She thinks...}

Sorry, but I was.

{N o p e, you'll have to suffer alone.}

[At least she's not in a wheelchair (again) like China is? Envy frowns at this.]

Bastards. [Envy doesn't really have anything against Team Rocket causing trouble and making Johto more interesting. He just doesn't like it when the trouble is being caused against him or his people. First he finds out about China, and now Nanao. Displeased Envy is displeased.]

[...and also perfectly happy to play 'dodge the disapproval for being stowaways'.] Take any out?

Does the sun rise in the east? {Jeeez, Envy, it's not like she's a trained professional, or something!}

There was a bomb, too, but that was defused.

[Grin. Don't worry Nanao, he never doubted you.] That's what I thought.

They didn't take any of your Pokemon, right?

{He gets a small smile! ...mainly because it would hurt like a boot to the face if she did anything bigger.}

Well, they tried...

[Yeah, he sees how that would hurt, and half-winces.]

Did you recognize any of the ones that you were fighting? [There's...a bit of a threat to their safety in his tone.]

Yes.

One of them was a Nation. {Physical description of Russia goes here.}

And... another. A girl, around thirteen years old.

[Envy's frown darkens.] Him I recognize. Didn't know he was a Nation, though.

Did the girl hurt you too?

I'm not entirely sure which one he is... but be careful, anyway.

No! No. {A long pause.}

You know how I see you as my brother, right? Well...

[Yeah, that reaction is all he needs to know for 'okay don't go after this person'.]

Well what?

{She swallows heavily, and looks down at her hands. Finally, she finds her voice, and answers.}

She's like a daughter to me.

{There, it's been said. But Envy, of all people, should understand what this means, surely.}

It's not the first time.

_{[Perhaps a bit more cheerful than he should be]}

... what happened to you?

Hmm. Well, at least the Christmas Present I have in mind will help with that.

{She notes that cheerfulness. She hears it, and she does not approve.}

Team Rocket happened, that's what.

_[oh!] A christmas present?

_{[but his excite immediately drops as she mentions Team Rocket]}

Oh damn, you were on that train too?

{Nodding!} Yes, that's right.

Unfortunately, yes. I'm... mostly alright.

'Mostly' is a bit unsettling vauge.

I was beaten, poisoned, and thrown into walls. I think I've come out quite well, all told.

_[...!]

Uh. Damn. Then.. then I'm glad you're 'mostly okay' cause that... sounds pretty terrible.

When my job back home was to hunt down monsters that eat souls, I think that this wasn't so bad.

{She smiles.} Miguel, relax. I've been through worse before and doubtlessly will in the future. I'm pretty tough.

Yeah, I know, you have told me but... It sound bad and then it's hard to not be worried.

Thank you for caring.

_{[... NANAO]

[D8]

[man of course her of all people would find this little accidental mishap.]

[So he gives a not-very-convincing little laugh as he gets his own gear onto the connection. THERE IS NO SHENANIGANS HERE TO SPEAK OF.]}

Ahaha, nooo, we're not stowaways! We're just on a very accidental trip here. Very not-purposeful.

_{[I mean seriously girl, get it right-- and ooh wait double take.]}

.. how did you get injured this time?

Edited 2011-11-28 23:48 (UTC)

{Raising an eyebrow - owdamn okay lowering it. Everything hurts, Tulio. ;;}

Why do I not entirely believe that?

{At least she has the dignity to be embarrassed.}

Team Rocket tried to hijack the Magnet Train. They... didn't quite succeed.

_{[:c sorry everything hurts, but he can't be a shoulder to cry on this time.]}

Let me guess, you were on that train?

_{[It comes out almost as a sigh, because of course she was, but it's without the usual sarcastic tone. Progress forever.]}

{O-okay. But you better be back for Christmas!!}

{And she just nods. The bruises all over her face and neck should paint a not very nice picture.}

_{[Yeah, taking a closer look ... he cringes a little. Looks like it hurts.]}

Please tell me you weren't hurt too bad.

{Her self-deprecating laugh is more of a raspy croak than anything, and she winces.}

I've certainly been worse... But they were using Poison-types in an enclosed space, and they weren't afraid to punch women, that's for sure.

Yeah, they shouldn't be.

_[--UH]

I mean, not like they SHOULD punch women, but why make the difference, I mean if there's anything I've learned about them it's that they can hurt a lot more than you'd think.

_{[Just shut up now, Tuli.]}

... Poison types, you say?

_{[GOOD SAVE, BOY.]}

{She stops. She stares. And then, she laughs. A hoarse and crackly one, but a laugh nonetheless.}

{She wipes a tear of mirth away before replying.}

Oh, I needed that.

{FINALLY:}

Yes, Tulio, Poison Types. In an enclosed space. It wasn't fun, to say the least.

_{[He'll just laugh along. Uncertainly. But hey, this is a step up. He made someone laugh instead of cry! This must surely be noted down somewhere.]}

It doesn't sound like it. But hey, you've been worse.

I have.

{She looks at him squarely.}

Now, please tell me why you're on a boat.

_{[He huffs. He'll resort to being a defensive smartass. This stowaway-thing was completely accidental and he COULD just tell her that, but he's ... well, not going to. Cause he's a stubborn bastard.]}

Because unless you noticed, boats are a really good way of getting across large bodies of water.

{She rolls her eyes and huffs. Two can play at this.}

I know that - what I meant was why are you stowing away on that boat.

Who said anything about stowing away? Maybe we just LIKE these dark, lifeboaty.. places ... things. Veeery comfortable, didn't you know?

_{[Real convincing. But he'll try to add his winning smile to the mix to MAKE it convincing. If nothing else, maybe it's distracting. Look at this guy. Isn't he totally the man of your dreams?]}

_{[ There is a silence on the video reply as Henry just watches. 8Ic And watches.]}

Whut'r you guys doin'.

We're...taking the ferry. To Cianwood.

[Yep. No stupid mistakes involving hiding in lifeboats here, none at all.]

That's cool.

_{[Sure, Henry, just...don't question anything. At all.]}

What do you want for Christmas?

[Envy's cool with the lack of questions!]

[...and then is promptly thrown off guard by the question Henry does ask. Still not used to that whole 'presents' thing, here.]

...Not sure. I might have to get back to you on that. [Right now all he wants is to get off this stupid boat.]

What do you want?

I don't know either. I'm actually really bad at this sort of thing.

Guess I'll figure something out. [Frustrated sigh.]

I'm not good at it either, I never had to worry about it before I came here.

_{[Henry is quiet for a little while before his face lights up.]}

CIGARETTES-- cigarettes. I think I'd like a pack of cigarettes for Christmas.

[Envy gives Henry a half grin.]

I'll see if I can find some, then.

_{[Henry gives him a grin.]}

Let me know if you think of something, okay?

_{[Oh hey it's youuu! He remembers you, although not very well.]}

What does it look like we're doing?

_{[..Actually, Tulio, that might not be a good thing to shoot back with in this situation.]}

_{[Henry answers with silence at first. 8I ]}

It's dark.

_{[...good answer. It leaves Tulio speechless for a second, then he rolls his eyes - in a defeated way, really.]}

Yep. I know.

_{[MORE STARING. Jesus, Henry, don't talk the poor man's ears off.]}

So what are you doing?

_{[Yeah, shut up already. We can't take that much yabbering over here.]}

Sitting. In the dark.

_{[Bleh. If you can't figure it out, he's not going to help you.]}

_{[OH HI camera dude! 8D]}

We're... on a boat. Yes, that's what we're doing. We're being on a boat.

Is that all? Where are you going?

_{[No fishing, no skiing, no rapping about being on a boat?}

Hmm.. Yep. That's all. No hiding because we didn't buy tickets or anything like that, that's be silly. Just taking the boat to Cianwood cause Envy wants to challenge the gym.

_{[Le blink. 8I WELL OKAY. Who was he to think otherwise?]}

I don't think I've ever ridden in a boat, what's it like?

I've been on a few boats to it's not anything too special for me anymore, but it's pretty fun. And unless you get seasick it can be pretty exciting the first time!

I don't know if I'd get seasick...I don't mind theme park rides.

Did you ever take any more photos?

_{[ABRUPT TOPIC CHANGE]}

_{[APPRECIATES]}

Yes, I did! A lot of them while we where on the road between Ecruteak and Olivine. Do you want to see them?

Sure!

_{[8I ALL OF THE PHOTOS. SHOW THEM TO HIM.]}

_{[There are a few seconds of awkward trying-to-find-the-right-button before the view flickers over into picture-mode. You will now be treated to a slideshow of photos ranging from bad to terrible to actually decent with motives such as landscapes, pokémons, olivine and more pokémons.]}

_{[ c: c: c: Henry likes pictures! He's content to quietly watch the slideshow and waits until it's over before saying anything.]}

I like a lot of those. I've been to Olivine. It was pretty nice there.

_{[Approval, yay! /o/]}

Yeah, it really is. We actually just left Olivine, we're on our way to Cianwood right now and I can't wait to see it.

_{[He's gonna take all the photos]}

[Yeah, Natsu is going to ruin this quietness by his yells!]

Oi! It's the old fart!! And the guy with the awesome mustache!

[He's talking about Tulio and Miguel. He hasn't met Envy....]

[Oh boy more children. And this one's loud.]

Hey, brat, quiet down.

[Then what the kid actually said hits him and he really can't help a small snicker.]

Old fart and awesome mustache? Which one of them is which? [He has to know. For ~~trolling~~ science.]

[Natsu's totally going to ignore that.]

Tulio is the old fart and Miguel is the one with the awesome mustache!

Oh, so you've met Tulio?

Yeah! He really likes money, huh?

Ooh yeah, he sure does. If I know him right, money is one of his favorite things.

I don't see why. I like fighting the best! [ Especially against Erza, Gray, and Laxus. ]

Really? Are you good at it?

Yeah! The best! No one can beat me!

No one? I can't say fighting is my thing, really...

How many have you defeated?

Seventeen! [ Of course, they were just small monsters back home...]

Oh, impressive! _{[Miguel's favorite activity: humoring kids]} That's more than I have ever defeated, and trust me, I was a good swordsman back home. _{[... sort of]}

Swordsman? .... What's that? Does that mean you are made of swords?! [ Yep, Natsu is super excited now! ]

If only! _{[He laughs. How would that even work?]} No, it means that whenever I fight I use swords.

[No idea... Natsu is known for his crazy ideas and imagination...] Oh, so you're like Erza-san. How many swords do you use?

Just one.

Only one? I guess that's cool. I thought you can use more than one like Erza.

I think I could use two if I tried, but I don't think it would be easy!

_{[Well THAT makes him angry. First of all hey, he's not OLD, and second of all--]}

Ssh, kid, shut up!

[ Natsu pays no mind to him at all. ]

Why?

_{[Uuh... so what did he tell that OTHER kid?]}

Cause we're playing hide and seek, okay? Keep it down or they'll find us!

[You can't honestly think Natsu would believe that!]

What do I look like? Three? You're not playing!

_{[SHUT UP IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH A SHOT.]}

Yes, we are! Just a different kind of game, okay?

...for the record, you DO look like tree, kiddo.

_{[>:c so there.]}

[ It was. To tell the truth, Natsu believed it for a quick second. ]

A different? There's no other way to play hide and seek.

Do not!

Ooohoho yes there are, trust me on that one. There are PLENTY of ways to do anything.

But you have to be clever and cunning to pull that off. Not being three helps.

_{[That's good Tulio, real mature.]}

No way! You're just being a sneaky rat! Sneaking around everywhere and stealing!

[ Yeah, Natsu's pointing his finger at you. ]

_{[HOW DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A THIEF, KID]

[But that's okay, Tulio's pretty sure he's just assuming, so he narrows his eyes at the feed and throws an arm out.]}

What's there to steal in a lifeboat?

[ Yep, don't expect much from Natsu intelligence wise. He was raised by a mythical creature. ]

I don't know. Maybe you stole the boat.

_{[...if Tulio knew, he wouldn't live it down.]}

Why would I steal a boat?

Maybe to get away from the place you were stealing from, then you stole the boat too!

26th Transformation [video/action for travelmates | Backdated to 11/24]

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