Scoundrels and heroes

[buson]

Question [closed to Ash]
Alright. It was time Buson (Attila, or even Akira, if you prefer) stopped gleaming information solely through listening in on conversations or second-hand sources. With his partner here, after nearly half a year of separation, he was going to need more precise answers.
But he also didn’t want to go around in disguise. He isn’t trying to trick anyone and if the boy’s still angry (even if it was his fault for ignoring his very charitable warnings until his Pikachu was in serious danger…), so be it.

After asking around for where to find him, Buson approached without preamble, dressed almost exactly the way he did on first arrival. Pants tucked into black boots, belt, blue tank top. No R-emblazoned jacket, a much deeper tan too. Stupid? Risky? Misguided? Probably all of those things and then some, but he didn’t care and approached it with the same gravitas as a mission, which might give the incorrect impression he’d gone back on his word, but he wasn’t visibly causing any trouble…

“Hey.”

Gilterrace and Turnbloom + Snacks and Grudges[open to all]

Searching is hungry work, so Buson could easily be found taking breaks, here and there, slurping udon or loudly crunching chips or whatever’s available, really. Atrocious table manners.

He could be approached alone or found with a bunch of very, very irate wild Electric types gathering unnoticed behind his chosen seat of the moment, looking about ready to ambush him.

Comments

[… their dynamic is unexpectedly cute, even if the situation’s still scary]

[buson]

Attila wondered if all the things he said made Ash shut him out. He wondered if he had to divulge more to get the answers he needed. He didn’t mind, this was important to him and important to Bashou, so he didn’t mind humiliating himself. He didn’t mind begging if he had too… he didn’t mind… he didn’t really have many limits. but when Ash finally spoke, he realized he’d already gotten through to him.

At the question, ironic as it might’ve been, Attila gave a little lopsided smile.

“Yeah. Wouldn’t recommend it, if you could get paid doin’ anythin’ else, unless you got no heart and already hate yourself—in that case, you could make elite or executive, easy!”

Jerkface, huh? Attila blinked at the childish insult, but smiled more broadly after that.
“Sorry for bein’ a jerkface… yeah, I wanna believe that too.”

He felt relieved, the tension leaving his shoulders.

“I just want to know what it was like when you went back home. Mind if I sit down? I wanna hear everything. Because I wanna know what might happen to me an’ my friends if we ever go back. If it’ll scare your ‘lil buddies over there, glarin’ daggers at me, I can stay standing over here. If it makes ‘em feel better—” he jerked a thumb in the general direction behind him. “There are wild Electric types from that day still followin’ me around. They’ll attack me if I do anythin’. Evie convinced ‘em to delay it, usually, they just attack me when they see me.”

Should he explain that part too? He rubbed the back of his head.
“The… uh, talking Eevee who kicked my a—sorry, beat me after you ran away. Those Pokemon you wanted to free that day all got loose. I’ve become quite famous among the Electric types here… in a bad way.”

Evie’s not the only one, but Ash didn’t need to know the string of humiliating defeat.

[goingallout]

So he just only wanted to hear about home. Though Ash was surprised to hear that Atilla knew about Evie, and now wondered if Evie's the one who talked about him to the now former Rocket. Upon his Pokemon being mentioned, Ash glanced at them for a moment before turning around.

"You guys get inside and help out Granny Yui, I'll go talk to him." He gestured at his Pokemon to stand down, to which everyone reluctantly obeyed. And as each one of his Pokemon entered into the house, only two remained wanting to be by Ash's side instead -- his Lucario and Pikachu. And as he looked into their eyes, he knew couldn't force them to leave him and Atilla alone, so he decided to let them be.

"Well if any of those Electric-types you mentioned show up, we can try to talk to them instead. I think you owe them a big apology, and just running away won't solve things y'know."

Ash then looked around until he spotted two wicker chairs not too far from where they are.

"Why don't we sit down and talk over there?"

[this former Rocket's effectively brainwashed]

[buson]

Attila's not bothered by those two staying behind. He's pretty touched Ash would trust him even this much.

He walked calmly to one of the wicker chairs and slowly took a seat.

"... think so? Huh. Never thought about apologizing to a Pokemon that ain't mine or Evie," Attila sounded... genuinely confused. "Think they'll understand me? They're just wild beasts, it's different from Pokemon that're trained, or the really rare ones that talk, isn't it?"

Rather than just saying terrible things to be mean, it seemed that Attila... genuinely, honestly, truly believed Pokemon were practically mindless creatures. That might be how he managed to justify treating them so horribly!

[goingallout]

As Ash sat down, Pikachu climbed onto his lap and laid there only wanting to be close to him. His Lucario on the other hand can be seen leaning against one of the wooden pillars supporting the house nearby, facing the two but with his eyes closed seemingly relaxed. Both of them still felt uneasy with Atilla's presence, but tried to remain calm around Ash.

And Ash looked at Atilla with concern after hearing his response, and then shook his head.

"That's not true. Pokemon are more than just that, whether if they're caught and trained or just living in the wild!"

He then focused elsewhere and started stroking his Pikachu's back, which seemed to put his Pokemon partner at ease little by little. Pikachu's tail could be seen swaying back and forth slowly, expressing his delight.

"You just gotta let your heart connect to them, and they'll definitely understand you!"

He placed his hand over his chest as means to emphasize what he was trying to say.

[buson]

This is really bothering the kid, isn't it? He's doing an admirable job of keeping his emotions in check, though...

Attila's not so good at that, he actually can't help smirking at the phrase, although he tried to hide his face with his hand. He didn't mean to laugh, but it was just too ridiculous!

"Kid..."

Ash was just a child, after all. Attila didn't sound convinced, sadly!

"... how'd you manage to stay alive, you had to have crossed an angry Beedrill or Ursaring or whatever... no amount'a speaking from the heart'll tame those beasts if they're really mad," Attila said, crossing his arms and leaning back into his seat.

He seemed quite resistant to the idea...

A rustling of the leaves nearby might attract Pikachu's attention! Ulternian Pichu begin to poke out of their hiding places. Attila really is followed, huh...?

[goingallout]

"That's..."

Ash paused, he could recall the times he had to run away from wild angry Beedrills and Ursarings while in his travels, and most of these times he just ran away knowing full well of the danger of coming across them. And at that thought he looked down, frowning.

"...That's different!"

At least, he thought so. They were just different situations to him anyway.

It's then the sounds of rustling definitely caught Pikachu's attention as he raised his ears and turned to the source's direction. Ash took notice of his partner's reaction yet again and soon noticed what was peeking out.

"Hey, isn't that a Pichu?" He then pointed it out for Atilla to notice.

[buson]

"I told ya we weren't so different..." Attila resumed, darkly, but glanced in the direction Ash pointed.

"Oh, great..." he made a face, but had some hope Evie's words kept them from attacking.

"... you wanna test that little theory? Just go over there and apologize? If it goes south, I'll know who to blame."

Just in case it sounded too serious, he flashed Ash a grin. "Just messin' with ya. I'm responsible for my own actions!"

[goingallout]

Hearing Atilla's words only frustrated Ash a little, biting his lip in response. He strongly believed they were completely different situations, maybe if you were to step into their territory without warning then of course it would be hard to reason with them. But Ash couldn't quite put all of his feelings into words just yet.

He then shifts his gaze at the Pichu again. Maybe, just maybe, this would help prove Atilla that it's possible.

"You just gotta open your heart to them, and then they'll do the same with you!" Ash advised.

[poor Ash, that face ^^;;;]

[buson]

"Whatever..."

Attila took a deep breath and headed over to them.

Immediately, the Pichu struck a defensive pose, sparking with electricity. More of its companions revealed themselves, with perhaps more lying in wait, hidden from sight. They reminded him he was outnumbered.

"... hey," Attila began, then faltered, turning red from embrassment and scowling, which only scared the Pichu even more.

They cried out, warning they might attack, but of course, he understood nothing.

"... this is stupid," Attila muttered, clearly finding the situation too embarrassing to proceed, so attempts at conversation devolved into an intense stare down instead.

ash: mr. jerkface please get good

[goingallout]

Seeing Pichu's reaction and Atilla's terrible response to all of this, Ash stood up (his Pikachu quickly climbed down from his lap in response) and immediately called out to the older man.

"What are you doing!? You're scaring it!" He sighed for a moment before continuing, "Try to make up with it like how you do it with your friends!"

And if things don't get any better, Ash may have to intervene.

[MR. JERKFACE used Fury Attack!]

[buson]

Why is he being coached on how to make up with a wild mouse by a kid?!

"SHADDUP!! Can't you see I'm tryin' my best?!" Attila bellowed as he turned to glare back at Ash. This definitely startled the Pichu, who ran back to hide with its friends, letting loose sparks, but to its credit, none hit Attila.

"Friends?! It's a wild Pokemon! I don't even know if it understands anythin' I'm sayin', this feels humiliating, Pokemon exist to OBEY us, we're the MASTERS here, they SERVE us! Speakin' 'a masters, you're standing there givin' me orders, I don't take orders from nobody but two—maybe three—people, and you're actin' like we got the kinds'a friendships where we kiss an' make up?! If I handled it like I handle my problems I'd be PUNCHING somebody right now! You're just a dumb kid anyway, so what do you know?! I don't even remember why I'm DOING this!!!"

It was a very loud, very angry tirade, with Attila walking off in frustration more like a heavy stomp until he just. Stopped a few feet away and stared up at the sky, glaring for a long time before blinking and realizing he'd blown his chance of getting answers.

[goingallout]

Well now. That definitely poked a nerve right there.

"YOU'RE WRONG!" He yelled out to Atilla, "Pokemon are our friends! That's why we have to work together as equals! Ordering them around like they're mindless tools just ain't right!"

His temper rising, Ash isn't quite done yet letting out his anger.

"Y'know what? I take it back! You're still one big jerkface anyway! Get zapped by all these Electric-types for all I care! You deserve it anyway!"

And so Ash walked away in a huff, entering inside the old traditional house (with both Pikachu and Lucario following behind showing little care for Atilla) and never coming out.

[buson]

He continued to just look stunned and didn't argue back, until Ash was done yelling.

He blew it! He really messed this up...

"H... hey, wait!"

He trailed after him when he went inside, keeping his distance so he wouldn't think he'd chase him inside, and just... sat down outside the house, wondering why he had to get so angry.

He buried his face in his hands and leaned heavily against the door, but felt too ashamed of how he acted to try and say anything.

He could wait out here, until he left again, maybe...

[goingallout]

Less than an hour had passed and after a conversation with Granny Yui who seemed to have picked up on their little quarrel earlier, he was convinced to get out and find Atilla to apologize. With Pikachu and Lucario accompanying him yet again, once he exited the house he was greeted with the sight of the older man looking rather distraught.

For a second his face immediately soured upon seeing him, but not too long after he let out a long sigh and let his shoulders slump down.

"Sorry..." he mumbled and rubbed the back of his head.

[buson]

He hadn't expected to see Ash any time soon. He was fully intent on staying there until the next day or longer, so he almost didn't believe it when the door opened behind him.

An Ulternian Pichu peeked out from behind him to watch Ash.

Attila quickly cleared a path, so Ash wouldn't think he's barricading it or having any ulterior motives aside from waiting for answers.

"... 'm... sorry, too," Attila managed to say, thnen quickly fell into a deep bow, head down. "You don't have to forgive me. You can hate me! You can punish me if you want to. I'll never bother you again, just... please answer my questions first. I'll do anything. I'll give anything. Just please answer my questions, for my friends' sake, not mine!"

[goingallout]

As Atilla begged, Ash couldn't help but feel weirded out by his reaction. Especially with everything he said just now. However there was one thing he could pick up from his tone to the vibes he's getting... and it was desperation. His expression softened after staring at him in thought.

"Hey... s'fine."

Things are getting really awkward the more the both of them stood there, so he looked away, clenching his fists while trying to get himself to talk some more.

"Look, about what I said... The stuff about you getting zapped by Electric-types and all, I didn't mean all of that."

"...But." And then Ash regaining a bit of his confidence looked at Atilla in the eyes. It was something he still strongly believed and was willing to fight for it. "I really mean it when I said about how we should be friends with Pokemon."

He then picked up his Pikachu into his arms and walked towards the chair again.

"If this is for your friend's sake... then fine, I'll answer your questions."

[buson]

He was desperate! That's why he came here in the first place! He just... got so mad earlier that he forgot.

At Ash's apology, Attila blinked in surprise, then smirked.

"Nah, I deserve it. Wasn't a big deal."

The Ulternian Pichu sat beside Attila and both watched Ash walk back to the chair again. He said he'll answer his questions!

"You mean it?!" Attila sounded so pleased that Ash agreed, that he leapt back to his feet, the Pichu scurrying away to avoid his boots. Attila's so happy he'll get an answer that he pumps a fist and practically leaps for joy on the way over.

... it seemed all that anger from earlier's vanished entirely already?

"I'll try! I'll try!" he said eagerly. "The Pichu came back, it was just here..."

He looked back to find the Pichu a little further off, not wanting to be stepped on by an overly enthusiastic Attila.

"... I think... maybe, you might be right and they understand a little. Maybe not words, but definitely seem to get body language... d'ya think they'll get my apology if it isn't in words they understand? We ain't too different for them to understand...? D'ya think I should have Evie translate an apology, or does it have to come straight from me for them to get it?"

It seemed like Attila was more eager to do what Ash needed him to do first, as if to ensure Ash will cooperate.

[goingallout]

Once he's seated again, Ash watched Atilla who was about to attempt to make up with the Pichu from earlier. His enthusiasm, though genuine, was still pretty weird to see from a guy like Atilla in Ash's eyes.

He let out one more sigh before straightening up in order to compose himself. Well Ash Ketchum, since you're the Champion and all, it's high time you start acting a bit like one.

"It's not just words and gestures that'll make them understand us." And he placed his hand over his chest, then spread his arms wide open. Atilla might notice his Pikachu seemed to mimic the same action with his Trainer with perfect synchronicity. "It's our hearts too. It's something we have in common with Pokemon. So if you want to apologize to them, show it like you really mean it!"

[buson]

That sort of talk sounded too... hard for Attila to believe, but he had to try.

He looked at the Pichu, who met his gaze uncertainly, tail twitching.

Attila realized he might be frightening it again and looked away, but tried to kneel down like he did when apologizing to Evie.

"... sorry," he began, although he felt it was a bit of a weak start, frowning. "I... can't say I didn't mean to do what I did. That'd be a lie, but... I was just doing what was expected of me. Sorry about all the master stuff..."

He felt absolutely, completely ridiculous, and withdraw into himself, drawing his knees up closer and huddling, dropping his voice lower, because he didn't actually want Ash hearing any of this. "... it's not like I'm free either. I was just doing what I'm good at. I gotta master to respond to, too, y'know. Or... did, anyway. He's not around here, so..."

Now, in a louder voice, glancing at the glimmer of reflective eyes, hiding around them. "I won't do stuff like that here anymore, got it? You'll be safe. Sorry again... to you and all the other Electric types. I swear."

Pichu seemed to understand and stood up as he did, making some sort of solemn response, eyes shining and chest puffed: "Picchai!"—it almost sounded like it echoed back Attila's oath, holding him to his word, before running off.

"And Ash... you know when you asked me about how if I won't do anything bad back home? That's what I'm here to ask about. There's... something more important than just what I'll do... I need to know the fates of my friends... well, in as much as y'can tell me about 'em."

[goingallout]

Ash held his breath as he gazed at the man crouching down to the Pokemon's eye level. He was worried the Atilla might get carried away again and scare the poor thing like before. Truly Ash didn't want to expect for the worst, but he could only brace himself for what happens next.

And after watching Atilla successfully make up with the little Pichu, he let out a quiet sigh of relief, and a small smile.

Well what do you know? This grown-up managed to reach out to a Pokemon. While not a huge leap, this success is merely a small step towards progress for Atilla's journey to become a better person as far as Ash could see it. There's still a chance for Atilla after all!

"See that? I knew you can do it!" Ash cheered and grinned.

Now as he listened to Atilla's request, Ash leaned back on his seat and cupped his chin in thought.

"Your friends... I'm guessing you mean Team Rocket, right?"

[buson]

Attila wondered if it really did say what he thought it did, but wasn't going to ask Ash. It's too embarrassing. He could just be expecting some kind of communication to happen, so he heard it as though it were a word, when it wasn't... maybe, he just heard what he wanted to hear.

Attila walked back over to take the opposite seat.

"... not friends with the whole organization, kid," Attila said with a smirk. "Sure, there's folks I get along with, but if I'm leaving it all behind, there's just one person in there I can't do without..."

And he's here right now.

"The other friend is... formerly... from Team Flare. And... might not even be from the Team Flare in my world. Maybe a different reality..."

He didn't like to think of Manzana dying. He didn't want that to be the end of it, if he ever got out of here. His gaze turned solemn and heavy, but he didn't say anything more on the topic.

"—anyway, I need to know: when you went back, what changed? What stayed the same? Did you really pick up where you left off?"

[goingallout]

Hearing the name "Team Flare" was enough for Ash to quickly fall silent.

He didn't think he'd hear about them again after so long. Especially after what happened to them and their leader back in Kalos. That very particular incident was still clear to him with how much had happened within a single day.

But because of this he let Atilla speak, and he listened. He watched the man's gaze shift and noticed the heaviness in his eyes. It was already telling that Atilla seemed to be worried for this former Team Flare member -- his friend.

Now it was Ash's turn to answer.

"...When I finally got back, I found out I was exactly where I last stood before drifting here. And then after that, I get to finish the match that I thought I wouldn't be able to do."

He threw an absent gaze at the sky above as he continued.

"It was kinda like, someone hit the pause button on everything before getting here. But after that, all those days go on like normal y'know."

Ash wasn't sure if this was what Atilla wanted to hear. But it was the best he could explain about his experiences drifting in and out of Ultern anyway.

[good night!!]

[buson]

Why is he looking at the sky—

Like hitting the pause button.

He and Bashou will be safe. They'll go right back to a life of crime, as if this was all only a dream of what could've been, but they'll be safe from any retribution, and Manzana will be...

—crushed under rubble. Dying. Dead.

As good as dead, there's no way he could get there in time to dig him out or save him. Not without a Celebi and even then, he wasn't sure they were from the same reality.

His hands curled into fists, knuckles chalky, and his whole body went rigid and he glared at some fixed point in the distance. Hopefully, Ash could see it wasn't aimed at him, that anger, but he didn't want to lower his head. He doesn't cry, but right now... he felt like he might. He didn't ask another question for some time, breathing forced low, quiet, but disrupted regardless of his efforts, like boiling pot hissing under pressure.

"This is... Hell, isn't it?" he asked bitterly, when he finally spoke again. "For us."

[goingallout]

"Huh?"

Ash looked at Atilla, somewhat confused at his question. Hell... that's what some people would describe as a bad place for bad people, isn't it? He frowned, and shook his head.

"I dunno... it didn't feel that way to me. The people here are nice, and everything feels bright and warm like Alola. And there's lots of Pokemon to see too!"

His reasoning was rather simple, and only made sense in his mind. Though what made Atilla think that way, he wondered.

[back to questioning]

[buson]

"Yeah, that's just it. For you guys, this is just like being home. For us... if we get to live clean and be honest, hard-working people here, we'll still go back home to havin' to be crooks an' bad guys again, and this'll just be a memory, taunting us—hey... did you remember this place when you went back?"

It'd be better to forget. Like it was just a good dream, forgotten shortly after awakening.

That wasn't the worst of it. Bashou and him could still live on, whatever kind of work they'd have to do, they'd have each other, so they could get through it, even if they can't escape... but this place can be a sanctuary. For them.

But for Manzana... if he ever went back, there's... no coming back here, is there?

"... and did anything about you change from home to here?"