Intro post!

[bashou]

[ Even if he didn't have an impeccable sense of direction, the sudden change in climate and scenery would have told Bashou that he didn't just wander off course during his hike. First, the trees seemed to disappear from view. When his compass and map offered no help, Bashou felt he had little choice but to continue. And now there's a town ahead, where none should have existed.

Bashou's thermal running clothes, which had been perfect for a sheltered forest in Kanto, were fast becoming sweltering hot. Overheating affects a person's mental faculties. He would need new clothes. And so he continues on to the town, where the signs and sound of the local dialect confirms to him that he's truly not in Kanto anymore. ]


A : TURNBLOOM MARKET

[ Perhaps not surprisingly, given the weather, it's difficult to find anything that isn't shorts. Bashou hates shopping for clothes, and so he's irritable by the time he steps out of the marketplace, dressed in a pair of lightweight wide-legged trousers (well, they look wide-legged on him) and an oversized shirt.

He's forgotten to remove the tags from his new clothes, because he has a more pressing concern: his stomach has been rumbling for a few hours now. Lack of proper food, too, can affect a person's ability to think clearly. Fortunately, Bashou was prepared for this; it was only his ghastly but necessary shopping trip that got in the way.

He flops down onto the nearest bench with a heavy sigh, takes a large bento box and chopsticks out of his rucksack, and digs in like a ravenous animal. After a minute or so, he releases his Absol next to him, and gives her the odd scrap now and again. Whatever they're eating, it must be good. ]


B : THE GATEWAY PORT

[ You might sense that this man's not the type who would usually start a conversation, but he's been driven to it by despair. Though his voice remains quiet and his expression blank, there's an undertone of frustration as Bashou checks out the schedule and list of destinations. ]

This makes no sense. Why don't I recognise any of these place names? If I could just get to Alola, that would be something...


C : THE POKéMON CENTER

[ As a Rocket, Bashou has hardly ever set foot in one of these places. Even though he's not wearing a uniform to give him away, he feels like all eyes are on him as he walks through the door and hesitates. Most trainers would probably know their way around any Pokémon Center, since they're all largely the same (so he's heard). It must look odd that he doesn't seem to know what he's doing here.

When he senses someone hovering close by, Bashou wonders if he's standing in an inconvenient place. He flinches and steps aside, trying to look casual. ]

Oh, no, I'm not here for the...healing. Or the storage system. I'm just...I thought they might have maps in here. I need a map. That's all. I apologise if I was in your way.



// Hope this is ok for a first post! Always fun trying to come up with interaction openings for a guy who isn't fond of interacting lmao

Comments

Pokemon Center [I use his dub name here, but he has many aliases, what's one more name to match?]

[buson]

[Attila—Buson—remembers what it was like. Back home, they couldn't step foot in public places undisguised. Wanted men, criminals, high-ranking Team Rocket operatives. It's just too risky, the chances of being recognized and caught.

For his first few months in Ultern, he only ever went out in disguise. It was quite some time before he decided to venture into the Pokemon Center, just to visit the cafe as a normal civilian might. Knowing he could never pass for Ulternian, nor pass unnoticed with his great size and stature, he dressed more like someone that'd be seen around Ecruteak City and took on an alias: "Akira" stood out in another way, wearing kimono, a straw hat, and clacking geta sandals on purpose, but since he'd made the decision to live an honest life, he'd... abandoned that persona and gone out recognizably as himself. Certainly not in uniform, he had no desire to go to jail, but he was dressed now in a way easily recognizable to anyone who knew him. Certainly to Bashou as well.

Just as casually dressed, in jeans and a red tank top. The only difference was that Buson had gained a deeper farmer's tan from working in the rice terraces and Miltank dairy farms.

He stood there, in silent shock, at the slight figure flinching away. He couldn't believe his eyes and dared not to blink, as though he might vanish.

Could it be someone else? No, the man spoke and dispelled nearly all doubts, save for the one: that this might be an illusion or a transformed Pokemon playing a very cruel trick on him.]

Ba—

[He bit his tongue, still feeling where he scarred it and the inside of his mouth the last time trying to keep from ever saying his partner's name while forced to speak the truth. He never did, never could, never would. Bashou might still be in hiding. He didn't continue to speak, waiting for Bashou to turn, so he could see his face, to react, so he could judge whether or not it truly was him...]

Re: Pokemon Center [oooo exciting! even though you wouldn't know it from Bashou's reaction]

[bashou]

[It was strange, Bashou thought, trying to apply what he knew about surviving dire situations in the middle of nowhere, to a perfectly normal town. He was still lost, but in a different way. With no concerns about finding food or shelter, and his clothing situation sorted out, his focus had turned to navigating his way out of here.

Bashou hated to be distracted from his task. And the presence that lingered behind him, casting an imposing shadow, felt like a distraction. Just as Bashou was gritting his teeth and inwardly rolling his eyes, he thought he heard something: a familiar voice, uttering a fragment of his nickname. Barely a syllable, but Bashou was sure he'd know that voice anywhere. Yet, at the same time, he knew it couldn't be.

As he turned around, Bashou's only reaction was a sharp intake of breath and a flash of joy in his eyes. Then he became more reserved again, wondering whether the same strange power that had spirited him away to this place could also conjure up false images. Why not? How could anyone apply logic to this situation?]

It's you...

[His words were somewhere between a statement and a question. Then he paused again, silently taking in his partner's new appearance. The sun had left its mark on him. If it really was him. Hope was a cruel emotion, and Bashou had always treated it with caution.]

It seems you've been here a while. How are you?

[that's alright, we're used to Bashou's very, very low-key emoting]

[buson]

[It was him! If it's an illusion, it's a damned good one, Buson couldn't help cracking a smile at the look of recognition and the way Bashou's eyes lit up, if only for a second.] In the flesh! Y'can say "Attila," they know me by it. [That might need explaining, too.

He could see Bashou had his reservations, he could recognize the question-statement, too.]

... yeah. Months.

I'll... tell you about it, but let's order something first, so we look less suspicious. Or we could talk outside, somewhere more private, if you wanna keep lyin' low. My cover's blown, kinda, but they don't really know us. No presence here, this place ain't in our jurisdiction. [He said in a low voice, leaning forward a bit to whisper.]

... might need to ask you some questions, too.

[So it seems, Buson's as cautious as Bashou is, in this regard.]

Re: [lol @ Bashou's subtle 'actually maybe I shouldn't be seen in public with you, no offence']

[bashou]

[Bashou felt he'd known Buson - Attila - for long enough to recognise his presence. A presence that was oddly comforting to Bashou, though that might not have been everyone's choice of adjective for Buson.

Bashou didn't like running on instinct, but what else could he do? This time, hope and relief were too strong. They won out. Bashou's shoulders visibly relaxed, though it was only obvious from the slight movement of his rucksack.]

Order something...?

[He'd been so focused on his goal of finding a map, Bashou hadn't realised that there was a café here until this moment.

Did he want to be out in the open like this...? Probably not. Especially if Buson's cover had been blown, as he said. No matter what had happened, Bashou wouldn't hold it against his partner - there were other things to worry about - but maybe they should tread carefully.

Though he would say little in response until they were in a more private spot, Bashou's brow creased in concern. If Buson had been here for months, it was either by choice, or because it wasn't an easy place to leave. And if Bashou were to be similarly stuck here, he'd try to keep his nose down and his slate clean. That was the plan, anyway.

He, too, lowered his voice to a whisper.]

I understand. If you know of somewhere else we could go, maybe that would be best. And, well, this is a bizarre situation. I'd be concerned if you didn't ask questions, frankly...

[no offense taken; likewise, forgive Buson for this]

[buson]

Yeah, the Pokemon Center's got a cafe that's pretty good, plus, the barista's really generous. That annoying Hero Boy-look-alike's not workin' there anymore. [It isn't him, but he sure looks like him.]

[Buson prioritizing food is no surprise...]

... if you don't mind, the Pokemon Center has free lodgings, like any other, yeah. Those shouldn't be bugged and definitely don't have cameras. Trainers use 'em, mostly, after all, so mostly brats. They're pretty old-fashioned and easy to search if you wanna be extra careful as always.

I have... one choice, but I'm not sure if he'd let you stay if he knew you were still in. Some'a the things I say seem to scare him. Y'see, I don't have my own place yet, I've been staying with someone who used to run with that crowd in Kalos, but he's livin' straight now. He got into a lot more trouble here than I did, before... but he's got a good rep now.

It's a close-knit place, but they're generous and warm to us outsiders too. They'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

[Would he have to admit this now? Or would Bashou realize from just that that he implied he was doing the same as Manzana?]

... yeah. I need to know you're really who you seem to be.

[Buson's tone was casual until then, but his gaze hardened, then he reached out, slowly, hands raised as if meaning to touch or possibly grab hold of Bashou' face or shoulders.]

... or just another damned trick this place's playin' on me.

[If it was an illusion or this was some transformed Pokemon, well, he's enjoyed it up until this point, but time's up. He won't say anything more incriminating until he's sure of Bashou's identity and they're out of sight and earshot of anyone else.]

Re: [i'm still laughing at this even though...oof someone's ready for a fight if necessary]

[bashou]

[Bashou wrinkled his nose at the Hero Boy reminder, but he'd let it go for now. Buson would have figured the kid out already, had it really been him. And if it was him...? Well, nobody was going anywhere from this place, it seemed. There'd be time for balancing equations, so to speak.

Stay focused. Don't think about that. Not here.

Subtle shadows passed over Bashou's face in response to Buson's continued revelations. It seemed he was trying to settle down here, not that Bashou could blame him. Had their roles been reversed, had Bashou been the one to get here first, he might have done the same thing. Not in the same way, of course - Bashou would have preferred to hide himself away somewhere, rather than find some new friends - but the meaning was the same. Escape. Or whatever one wished to call it.

What if that's the whole meaning of this place?

After taking a moment to absorb everything, Bashou nodded.]

I don't want to ruin anything for you. Not that I'd say anything, obviously, but...after all the time you've spent here, I think you should look after your own interests. Should we take the lodgings here, then? Just for now, while we talk?

[Bashou blinked in surprise at the sudden change in atmosphere, but in the same instance, he knew that he'd been wondering the same thing about Buson. They were both on the same page about this; it was simply a question of which one of them would do something first, as a test, and Bashou couldn't fault his partner for taking that initiative.]

Fine. Seems reasonable.

[Despite his words, Bashou made no attempt to meet Buson halfway, as one might have expected. Instead, he just stood like a statue, watching one of the approaching hands. But Bashou wasn't being as passive as he seemed. Though it was hidden by his new oversized shirt, Bashou knew exactly where his Bisharp's Pokéball was, and he could be quick on the draw...]

[Buson’d just punch a fake Bashou for messing with him, he’s simple]

[buson]

[He won’t answer any of Bashou’s other questions until he feels he’s solid. Human skin. Not air, not Pokemon fur, but human.

He didn’t linger much, removing his hand from Bashou’s face quickly, the other hand remaining on his shoulder only briefly as his expression lost the intruding intensity and returned to lightheartedness.]

Alright, that checks out. You’re human, probably. [He’s teasing, that’s a good sign!]

… I’ll ask my questions there. Follow me.

And for the record? No matter how long I stay here, you’re still important t’me. No matter what kinda life I live, one without you isn’t one I’m interested in.

[He’s relieved Bashou isn’t mad or blaming him for it, honestly… but he meant every word. Still, he’ll first lead him to one of the rooms… most were empty or had some trainers resting in them. It being daytime also meant fewer were in use.

It’s a very simple room with beds on either side, a covered window, and place to set down personal belongings.

Buson shut the door behind him and locked it.]

Remember our mission under the Prof? Remember his name? Remember the objective?

[He waved the key, as if he might toss it to Bashou, but didn’t, playing with it instead, as he waited for satisfactory answers.]

[radleyslittleevie]

[Evie comes upon him and his Absol and wags her tail happily. More new friends! She hurries over.]

Hi!

[bashou]

[Bashou still has his mouth full, and he's sure that the voice he heard couldn't be addressing him. When he looks around, he can't see anyone talking to him.

In the meantime, Sasha, his Absol, jumps down from the bench to greet an Eevee that's just appeared from somewhere.

Confused, Bashou looks around again. A lone Eevee...? Probably trying to steal some food. Bashou is yet to decide whether he's feeling generous. He sits back and stares at the Pokémon thoughtfully. Then, without expecting to hear anything in reply, he asks a question.]

Where's your trainer, then?

[radleyslittleevie]

[Evie beams at Sasha, but droops a bit at the question.]

I don't know.... I'm still looking. But I'll find him!

[bashou]

[Bashou pauses mid-chew, blinks heavily, then continues to eat. He's going to need some time to get his head around this. For now, he bears in mind the possibility that he might be imagining all of this.]

So...you can talk? That's interesting.

[As a form of encouragement, Bashou takes his last remaining rice ball and places it on the ground. If the Eevee doesn't want it, Sasha will take it, but it's an offering.]

How does a trainer lose a Pokémon that can talk? You seem...

[Valuable.]

...very special. Do you have a name?

[radleyslittleevie]

Yeah, ever since I came here! It's fun!

[She looks at the rice ball.]

For me?! Thank you!

[She immediately starts to eat.]

I'm Evie! Team Rocket took me away from my person years ago. I got away and I'm looking everywhere!

[ lol don't mind Bashou, he's just trying to figure out what Ultern is and how anyone gets there ]

[bashou]

I'm sure that must be fun, yes. And that only started since you came here...? I wonder why? Do you think there is something special about this place?

[Bashou smiles faintly at Evie's acceptance of his food offering, though it seems the Eevee is chatty enough that the food bribe might not have been necessary.

He hadn't been expecting to hear about Team Rocket while he was here, but he gives no outward reaction, other than a faux-sympathetic tilt of his head.]

What a sad story that is. So, Evie...did you come here looking for your trainer? Must have been difficult to get here, as a Pokémon by yourself...

B Gateway Port

[closedbond]

[X normally would have minded his own business but 1 this wasn't Kalos and 2 that accent most certainly wasn't Ulternian.

He especially didn't want to approach someone who was clearly an adult, but he wasn't cold enough to ignore someone who clearly seemed to have just drifted in. X moved closer, with his little Quaxly still close by him. X stopped, keeping a notable distance between himself and Bashou as he spoke.]

You're lost, aren't you?

[It really wans't a question and from X's clear Kalosian accent, he too obviously wasn't a native.]

None of this place here is recognizable to any of us, outside of those who grew up here.

Re: B Gateway Port

[bashou]

Hmm...?

[Bashou hadn't been expecting anyone to answer him, maybe because he wouldn't be the type to respond to the mumblings of a stranger. He followed the direction of the voice with his eyes, until his gaze fell upon a young boy, accompanied by an unfamiliar Pokémon.

In any normal circumstances, Bashou wouldn't have thought it worthwhile, getting into a conversation with some random kid. And the idea that he might need help from someone so young was humiliating. But these were not normal circumstances, were they?

Bashou turned away from the timetable - it made no sense to him, anyway - to give X his full attention.]

I hate to say it, but I suppose I am, yes. I don't even know how I got here. Or where here is. Are you saying that the same thing has happened to other people? To you?

[closedbond]

That's not uncommon.

[He wasn't exactly forthcoming about his situation but he definitely isn't about to withhold information from the man in front of him. X is quick to take in the man in front of him. Meanwhile, his Quaxly, Coiffe is content circling around X's legs.]

The natives here refer to people like us as the drifted. Somehow we just end up here, away from where we were.

[bashou]

[The fact that X doesn't seem remotely surprised feels like a grim confirmation of what's happening here. No, Bashou isn't losing his mind. No, he isn't alone in this. He lets out a hollow, humourless laugh.]

I see. So, they have even have a word for it. For people like us, I mean. That says everything.

[Bashou watches the Quaxly's circular motion for a moment or two, finding something comforting about it. At least the Pokémon he's seen here so far don't seem distressed. Nor do the people, for that matter.

He looks at the schedule again, as though he's expecting it to have magically changed in the last few seconds. He just wants to see a familiar name, a place he recognises...but, of course, it's just the same as it was before. With a sigh, Bashou turns towards X once more, this time with a small bow.]

Thank you for explaining it. I would understand if you don't have the answer to this, but...do you know if any of the 'drifted' have managed to leave this place?

[closedbond]

[That laugh momentarily had X consider Bashou's situation. Was he like this when he first arrived? Admittedly, he wasn't easy to approach. He had just been so distraught being torn apart from his friends, just as they were a step away from entering their Hometown.

So really, that laugh was understandable. Tugging at his cap, he glanced away to the dazzling sea waters right below.]

Sorry, I wouldn't know, but I imagine there has to be some record about people drifting out of here...if there's people like us drifting into Ultern.

[His Quaxly will be making a quacking sound, grabbing X's attention. Wordlessly he'll pick the duck Pokemon up into his arms. He'll continue as if that didn't happen just now.]

That's the name of this region, speaking of.

[bashou]

[Bashou couldn't help but feel disappointed that he wasn't being given the answer he wanted, but that was just his own frustration. Not the boy's fault. He wouldn't let it show.]

Really, there is no need to apologise. You've been very helpful in what you've told me. And I agree - this sounds like the sort of thing that should be recorded somewhere.

[Bashou hoped it might have been recorded somewhere in writing, so that he wouldn't have to go and ask around and start conversations - but he decided to do whatever he had to. This demanded some investigation.]

Thank you again for your help...

[The boy's Pokémon seemed to want his attention, and Bashou did not want to intrude into someone's day for longer than necessary. He just had to ask one more thing, so that he might have some idea of where to go next. He spoke faster this time, as though trying to make clear that he was hurrying up, to respect the boy's time.]

I know that I'm asking a lot of questions, and I don't expect you to have all of the answers...but do you know if anyone is already researching this? Is there a library, or even a laboratory, somewhere on this island...?

[Turnbloom Market]

[lavieenmarron]

[Hiya, Bashou! Utterly shamelessly and completely openly, Mairin is peering at your meal and visibly drooling.] Gee, that looks good!

[She isn't intimidated by Bashou at all! On the contrary, she loves quiet, glowering loners!]

[ Bashou getting his priorities straight here... ]

[bashou]

[Bashou has always thought it very intrusive, how some people will just come over and boldly make a comment on a stranger's food, clothing, or anything else! But he's been around for long enough to realise that not everyone considers it to be rude. He looks up cautiously, trying not to appear as annoyed as he feels. Oh, she's just a child...that explains it. His expression softens a little.]

Yes, it's good. But it's just a konbini bento box. I would love to tell you where I got it from, but...I actually brought this one from home. Far away. I think.

[Since he's not sure if or when he'll be going home, Bashou suddenly has an important question, and maybe this small person can answer.]

Do they not have things like this here?

[If he's going to be stuck here for a while, please don't say he has to go without his konbini bento...]

[a-aww...]

[lavieenmarron]

Hmm...

[Mairin hummed thoughtfully. Did she see something like that?]

There's a lot of shops here, Monsieur! Maybe not as many as in big cities like Lumiose, but it's still a lot bigger than the town I came from. I think there's boxed lunches and even soups here! I just don't know the names of a lot of them. But I know bento boxes, yes... I've seen them before!

K-konbini... is that the name of the food? [She wouldn't recognize "convenience store" even in English, really!]

Re: [a-aww...]

[bashou]

A konbini is a type of shop. They sell all kinds of things. In some places, like Kanto and Johto, they have a konbini on nearly every street. I think it's a bit different here, but...as long as they have nice food, I suppose it doesn't matter what kind of shop it comes from, no?

[Bashou was mostly just relieved that Mairin seemed to know what a bento box was. Maybe there was some hope, after all.

If Mairin had been hoping Bashou would offer to share, she might have felt let down as he swept the last bit of rice into his mouth and set the empty box aside. Nope, that was his lunch, and maybe the last decent bento box he'd be having for a while. It wasn't for sharing.]

So, are you from Kalos? You must have had a long journey to get here.

[Not exactly a genuine comment, since Bashou had no idea where 'here' was, in comparison to Kalos or anywhere else - but that was just what he was trying to figure out, in a roundabout way...]

[lavieenmarron]

Oh, yeah! Good food’s good wherever it’s from!

I wouldn’t know, it seems this place just pulls people in! I didn’t come here on purpose, I was still in the region my friend left me…

[She doesn’t have to paint Alain so badly! She covered her mouth, looking penitent.]

He feels like he has to go, it’s not his fault.

Um, anyway… the next thing I knew, I fell on a ship here! I hung off the big pointy stick!! Hooked on my suspenders! [She leaned forward, hooking her fingers under her suspenders behind her back, just to illustrate to Bashou.]
Chespie tried to help me!

[Chespie, her Chespin, popped out around the edge of Bashou’s bench, obliging with his vines to illustrate, although not with Mairin’s energetic enthusiasm. She nearly falls down genuinely, but Chespie quickly returns her to her feet. A handful, this child…]

But, some really nice folks helped me down! Huh, I got stuck a few times, actually… but that’s just something that happens to me now and then!

Anyway, Ultern’s like that for us!

[bashou]

[Bashou hadn't been anticipating half a life story; the corner of his mouth twitched in irritation as he mentally discarded what he didn't need to know. Still, he tried not to judge too harshly. This was a child. There were some people who managed to reach adulthood with no filter, no sense for what might be relevant. At least someone so young had time to learn.]

You fell...and got caught on a ship? That sounds dangerous...

[Bashou spoke slowly, as though he was waiting for Mairin to realise how ridiculous it sounded. Along with her Pokémon's little theatrics, Bashou had to wonder if she was a teller of tall tales. But, really, was it any more ridiculous than his own story? He had somehow managed to run here, by following a route that he took nearly every day. It didn't quite have the same flair as falling onto a ship. If everyone ended up here in some strange manner, Bashou's was suitably boring.]

So, this place is called Ultern? And people just...land here, or end up here, somehow...? Is that how it works?

[Well, that was something, even if Bashou couldn't do anything with that knowledge right now. He had never heard of Ultern, never seen it on any maps - and he'd looked at more maps than the average person, to be sure...]