farawayplace | Onto new shores...

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Onto new shores...

En route to the Chura Islands... [closed to Buson / Attila (goldandsilver)]

[Though he knows they're only going to another island in Ultern, the sea breeze feels like freedom. Bashou's hair is a frizzy mess by now, tormented by the wind and humidity, but he doesn't care. Buson has been talking about what happens if they go back, and Bashou has sometimes wished that would happen. But not right now.

He still has a lot of problems to solve here, such as how to earn a living, and finding a bearable place to stay. But right now, as he peers out over the side of the ferry and sees Port Opportune in the distance, it feels like a moment that should last forever.

Do people really live on this island? It's so green...

[With that little observation aside, Bashou turns towards Buson. He's not good at starting these conversations, and he wonders if he should forget about it and just keep enjoying the moment. Unsure what to do, he decides to go for the middle ground, asking a question that was supposed to sound casual and open, but which probably just sounds too big...]

So, is everything alright?

[PIPPI POST - open to everyone!]

[There's a couple of posts from someone who seems to be a new user. They have a profile picture, although it's of a Porygon-Z, and the link in their bio leads to a professional profile with a brief resume. Two impressive college degrees in Math and Computer Science, but the rest of the contents might not mean much to anyone who doesn't work in IT...]

Bashou @(silverdev)
Settling into Ultern and looking for work. Full-stack developer with lots of experience. Happy to do web, apps, UX, Porygon reconfiguration, box dev work, etc.

Bashou @(silverdev)
Any IT work. Will even do tech support.

Bashou @(silverdev)
Or just any computer-based work, actually. Preferably remote. Or indoor with air con. Open to ideas...please... #tryingtosurvive

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Manzana said there's traditional lodgings, s'yeah. Not just the one inn. With amenities, too, so it's not like you gotta go to a bath house or anything. [Buson responded with a smile.

He was enjoying the sea breeze too and was even amused by how wild Bashou's hair got in the wind (maybe he should've just gotten him a hat, he'd bet hathead Bashou'd be just as funny)...

At being asked, his smile faded and he turned away to watch the waves lapping at the side of the boat.]

... mm.

Manzana said we're both invited to his wedding. He'd like me to sit on the groom's family's side, since he hasn't got any other family here. [He tried to keep his tone light when he finally looked back up, but his voice still wavered, coming out weak and thin, even as he tried to keep it in his usual casual tone.]

... I wanted him to hurry up and just have the wedding already 'cause... no time passes. We go right back to where we were before. And Manzana's place is lying under rubble, bein' crushed to death. I don't know if there is a way to come back from that, if he ever gets sent back to his world. An' I don't know how long he's got here. So... that's the thing... sorry.

[He did learn something else, more promising, and that's why he loaded up the Crystal System with them, but that's a separate matter.]

Ah, that sounds nice.

[Though Bashou's words were brief, there was a note of relief running through them. To have his own bathroom would be so welcome, he thought he might cry when he first got to use it. He could already feel that telltale whole-body ache...the one he always got when he'd been holding himself tense for too long, but soon he might be able to relax.

Bashou would usually have turned his nose up at the idea of going to a wedding - not just because it was a wedding, but because it was just another kind of party, and Bashou hated those. But he wouldn't be rude to Buson's friends, and it would be fine as long as Buson was there. Besides, it seemed to mean a lot to Buson - and once he knew the reason why, Bashou understood.]

Oh.

[With wide eyes, Bashou turned back towards the ocean, needing the sight of the sea and sky to give himself some thinking space. He couldn't claim to have any direct feelings about Manzana, since he didn't know the guy, but he was glad that Buson had made a friend here, someone who'd helped him get on his feet and supported him. In turn, Bashou was reaping the benefits of that. And what Buson had just described was so awful and cruel, even Bashou felt a heaviness in his chest.]

How do people end up leaving this place, anyway? Do we have any control over it?

[What if there was a way to make sure Manzana never had to go back and face his fate?]

[Seeing Bashou react to the news, he watched as Bashou turned to the sea and sky, as he had just before, and quietly joined him.

The winds could help carry away some of that heaviness, at least, and they could see the lighthouse shining as the ferry drew nearer to port.]

It just seems to... happen. I guess, like we got here. No real control over it.

We might not even be from the same world, either. I wanted to think I could go rescue him, but there'd be no time. I'd go back to where I was in Johto and he'd be in Kalos... we wouldn't know when either of us is going, either... even thought getting a Celebi involved might help, but... it's probably impossible.

[If it's a difference of time and space, what would he have to do, involve Dialga and Palkia? All of this is more than a little unrealistic.]

But I did learn we could take some things with us, or even Pokemon. It doesn't seem like we control which though... it's random too.

So, I was thinking... since I had the Crystal System that isn't broke... not sure how, but... maybe we can hold onto it. If you go first, you can give it to the Professor instead of the broken one, right? And if I go first, well, the rest'a the Raikou mission's still ahead'a me.

[He's only thinking of ways to smooth things over for Bashou in his world, but if he went back and then Buson did before Bashou's return, wouldn't it inconvenience him and his Bashou back home to not have the system? Or would it cause a time paradox if there's two of the Crystal System in Bashou's world as a result? He isn't sure of these things, really.]

[Bashou sighed deeply, though it may have gone unheard beneath the sounds of the water and wind, and the ferry's engine.]

I can understand that you want to save him. I would, too, if it were you. But I think you're correct when you say it's probably impossible. We had no control over being brought here, and it seems we have no control over when we leave. That's before we even start to consider the business of worlds and timelines...

[This was why, for all his appreciation of science and its advances, Bashou had always hated the idea of time travel. Too many things could go wrong.]

Your idea about the Crystal System makes sense - as much as anything here can make sense. Who knows, maybe even the fact that I told you how that mission ended - for me, at least - could mean that we do things differently. And, if not...even if the end result was the same, if we could at least salvage something...

[This was getting too far into questions of fate and destiny, not to mention the issue of time paradoxes. Bashou clicked his tongue and shook his head.]

Maybe there's no point in thinking about this, when we have so little control. What are we going to do...? Go and sit by the Crystal System and hold onto it indefinitely, in the hope that at least one of us takes it with us? Or...do we try to build some kind of life here, and accept that we have no way of knowing if or when it ends?

Buson...I hate to talk about giving up, but...I admit, in my timeline, I was the one who ordered a retreat, once the Crystal System was destroyed. And now I feel quite the same way.

[It wasn't common for Bashou to talk about giving up control, or passively accepting things. But in this situation, based on everything he knew so far, there didn't seem to be much choice. He already spent enough of his time in turmoil, living life through a constant risk assessment, paranoid about things that could be or might be...maybe he didn't want to add to the pile anymore?]

… leave it to Heaven, I guess?

[It is uncharacteristic of Bashou, but hearing him explain, he can’t help but smile, a little crooked, but genuine smile.]

Thanks, Bashou.

Yeah… I’m starting to think’a it the same way… maybe it’s a good thing. Rebuilding a life here. He can be happy on borrowed time. Do some good. Taste happiness.

[Emotion seeped through the cracks of his voice again, but he didn’t seem to get angry this time, just smiling faintly and watching the sea. It’s still a genuine smile, however tempered by pain, and it seemed the cold sea breeze and the splendour of the island kept his temper at bay… or he had progressed to acceptance.

He felt too shy to tell Bashou he’d thought of this place as some kind of precursor to Hell, meant to shame him with some kind of vision of what he could’ve done instead, to throw his past misdeeds in his face… but it’s all too real. All the effort, all the meetings, everything. It couldn’t be for nothing, could it?

For Manzana, it’d be a redeemption at the end of his days. A second chance. For him and Bashou, he was still unsure, but they could treat it as starting over a new leaf, even if the end is uncertain. Even if they might have to go back to their old lives.]

I don’t wanna worry about that either. He said nothin’ is set in stone, so… who knows? Maybe we’ll spend the rest’a our lives here.

Maybe when we go back, it’ll just be a little while, and then, we can go back here again too.

The boy said he remembered it all, too.

So… no matter what happens, even if we’re separated again later, I want us to make the most’a things right now. Really burn the memory of this landscape into our hearts!

[… he tried his best not to say anything embarrassing and he still did, huh?]

Exactly. As much as I hate to say it.

[Bashou could see that Buson was still burdened by what he knew. Of course, who wouldn't be? He decided he wouldn't try too hard to change Buson's mood; a person had a right to be sad, knowing that a friend's days might be short.

Bashou, too, had wondered if this place was some kind of afterlife. In a neutral sense, at first. Just some place where people ended up, regardless of their deeds or morals. But when he'd let his thoughts wander too far, he'd imagined that he could in a personal hell. No space to call his own. Too hot. No job. No money. Living in close quarters with people...

He hoped that this new island would offer something different.]

Maybe we could think of it like a holiday. It's not like we would get weeks or months of leave from Rocket, to do whatever we wanted. Not without someone breathing down our necks, anyway. And with all the work piling up, in the meantime. This way, even if we do have to go back someday...we'll have had the best holiday of our lives, without anyone knowing. Except us.

[For Bashou, this was enough to qualify as 'cringe' - so if Buson was being embarrassing, then so was he. As the harbour drew closer and the ferry began to slow, he nodded resolutely.]

Yes, let's make the most of it.

That’s a great way to think about it! A vacation…

[Sure, the moral dilemma and hypocrisy he’d feel about living double lives (literally!) would still be there, but the idea of having a grand vacation with all the perks and none of the drawbacks… felt like pulling the wool over their eyes and gave him great satisfaction! It’s a nice thought, definitely. Perhaps in a petty sort of way, but he’ll take it!

Soon, they would disembark on Port Opportune of Chura Island. The houseboats docking, hawking wares were an interesting site, similar, yet different from merchant’s ships at sea ports. It felt a little like going back in time. He couldn’t help but stop a little, watching and listening…

Then, he'd carry on exploring. There was a ranch, which he hadn’t expected to see, with Tauros and Gogoat. The sight was familiar and warm after spending so long a time on farms.

He pointedly ignored the Pokemon Center. There’s no good reason to begrudge a health care center for, really, he’s glad there’s a place that can treat their Pokemon, but Bashou’s spent too long in a Pokemon Center’s lodgings and clearly could not feel at ease there, no matter how hard he tried to hide it, so Buson disliked the sight at the moment. In fact, Buson circled around Bashou with a grin, acting chatty to distract him with rather inane jokes about sailors, trying to block the Center from his sight, until they passed it, on their way to the traditional lodgings…]

Edited (because there were a bunch of typoes!) 2023-05-07 03:35 (UTC)

[Bashou knew nothing about sailing, let alone living on a boat, but the houseboats fascinated him. Probably just part of his ongoing question about where to live, and where he might find the most comfort. He imagined himself in one of those houseboats, but he wasn't sure he'd be able to rest easy, knowing he was on water. What if the boat started sinking during the night...? But for those who knew what they were doing, it must have been nice, being able to move their home around.

The sight of a farm felt comforting to Bashou, too, but for different reasons: they always reminded him of home, and of his life before Rocket. Before college, even. Bashou wondered how Buson had found that lifestyle. Probably easier for an adult, who had some choice about it, than it had been for Bashou as a child. He couldn't resist making a remark.]

Maybe they're looking for some help, too. And you have some experience now.

[Maybe it was a bit of a rich comment, since Bashou was the one who needed to find a job. But he was in no hurry to go back to farm life. The sight of the port's lighthouse made him think that being a lighthouse keeper might have been more to his tastes, though admittedly he had no idea what that entailed. Maybe he'd be terrible at it.

He could tell that Buson was either trying to distract him or himself from something, and given his thoughts about Manzana, Bashou assumed it was the latter - until they were further away, and he realised that it was something to do with the Pokémon Centre.

Bashou decided not to say anything about it. Really, he had no bad feelings about the Pokémon Centre itself. It was wonderful that they offered free lodgings, and not their fault that Bashou had a combination of quirks and fears that made it unsuitable for him, yet no money to put himself up somewhere else. That was his problem, not theirs. Still, Buson's efforts were endearing, and Bashou was glad that they weren't simply moving to a different Pokémon Centre on a different island. He was looking forward to seeing the inn!]

Heh, guess that's true. Imagine that, I got a resume. [He clasped his hands behind his neck as he stretched.

He could keep working on ranches or try something else for the novelty. Well, whatever pays better is going to appeal to him most, right now! A slightly more permanent residence is the end goal, after all!

He hadn't considered a houseboat because the idea made him just a bit uneasy too. He isn't sure he can trust a wooden boat to stay afloat long-term, he'd trust steel more.

Then, Buson's attempts to distract Bashou from noticing it at all had failed, but very fortunately, they weren't necessary, and if it endeared him all the more, could it really be called a failure? Each one spared the other's feelings.

The inns are very traditional and the first of them they would encounter would be Gukuru House!

It's... a very traditional ryokan with tatami mats, wooden doors, and privacy screens, although fortunately, there's private bathrooms too, and not just the communal open-air baths. That had been the only thing Buson thought to ask about before he made reservations. He hadn't asked about anything else and instantly felt awkward, like he might tear or break something by accident, feeling like the proverbial Bouffalant in a china shop as he carefully took his shoes off, holding them gingerly, instead of kicking them off carelessly as he usually would.
His second fear was that he might be too tall for the place, but it (fortunately) wasn't the case and it really was quite roomy... and also boasted a beautiful view of the ocean.]

[For someone who'd grown up in rural Johto, and who had spent time with his grandparents in their traditional house in Ecruteak City, Bashou felt quite at home amongst tatami and shoji doors.]

This reminds me of home...although the view is very different...

[Bashou had to go and look at the bathroom, of course. It felt silly to think that was why they were there, but he almost felt emotional at the idea of being able to soak in the tub, without Alecto hovering near the door, and without having to pick his time carefully. Yes, this was definitely an improvement, just for that.

As usual, Bashou was a person of few, reserved words. But his contentment was probably visible on his face, as he returned to the living space and nodded.]

Well, it's certainly different from the Pokémon Centre. How do you feel about it?

[Bashou wouldn't usually ask so directly, but he noticed that Buson was moving a little more delicately than usual. He wouldn't want Buson to stay somewhere he wasn't comfortable either. Bashou had already considered that, if it came down to it, they might just have to accept that they wanted different things, when it came to finding a place to stay. But he hoped that wouldn't be the case. Not for a while, anyway.]

[Hearing it felt like home was all the reward he needed! It made him happy to see. And yeah, he figured Bashou'd appreciate the privacy and felt relieved he'd made the right choice. He should thank Manzana for it later, given he has his numbers!

Buson's hometown was in a somewhat rural area, yes, but he'd never lived in a minka, and it was more on the border of Kanto and Johto, anyway.

Bashou turning his gaze to him and asking felt more like an interrogation and he balked. Why was he always so obvious?! Well, with other people, that's more frustrating, with Bashou, it's simply to be expected.]

... s'nice. I think it's very, uh, beautiful! It's just... unfamiliar. I'm a little scared'a it. Not like, scared of wood an' paper, I mean scared I'd trip an' fall through a wall, break somethin' expensive, or get mad an' punch a hole through.
This place looks great for you, y'can handle yourself gracefully. I ain't suited to finery, s'all...

[Maybe his fears were exaggerated? He felt silly actually saying them, because they sounded more and more ridiculous spoken outloud, but he carried on, thinking he could make it make more sense.]

You know, like how on TV or in the movies—wait, no, guess you don't—uh, folks are always falling through the paper in fights or the dad gets mad at the delinquent son and flips the, uh... 'lil table...

[Great, cool, he already felt ridiculous and now he's forgotten the name of the chabudai.]

Hmm...

[Bashou nodded again, this time with more thought, as he gazed around at their new environment. Now that Buson had pointed out all of its fragilities, Bashou found it amusing that he and four siblings had grown up in a place with similar features, and they hadn't caused much damage, all things considered. He'd never even considered it 'finery'...just simplicity, maybe?

He sat down in front of one of the open doors, drinking in the sea air and the view.]

I read somewhere that it's supposed to influence your behaviour. That you're supposed to become...calmer, I suppose. You start to live more mindfully. Or so they say.

[At first, Bashou stared at Buson blankly, and it was anyone's guess whether he had any clue what Buson was talking about. But, at last, his expression softened, he took a breath and made an affirmative sound in his throat.]

Sounds familiar. And I did watch things, when I was a child. Or maybe I'm just thinking about the phrase, you know...chabudai gaeshi...? But anyway, to be completely serious - if you're not totally happy here, Buson, then I don't expect you to sacrifice your comfort for mine. You never expected me to go and stay with Manzana...

[This was more difficult than Bashou had expected, and he could only guess it was because they'd been separated for a while - even though he hadn't even been aware of it, and it was Buson who'd gone through those months alone - and now they were trying to hold onto each other. In a place like this, where it seemed they could be 'drifted' away without warning, and not necessarily together, it made some sense.

But not if either of them was going to be uncomfortable in the meantime. If they were meant to be treating this as an unpredictable holiday, which could end at any time, then they should both try to be happy.]

I suppose I'm trying to say that your comfort is just as important, that's all.

[He listened to Bashou explain and it started to make more sense to him. Maybe it would be good for him, too, to be in a place like this?

He could always use something that’d help him be calm. Maybe growing up in a place like this helped make Bashou so calm, Buson wondered.

Ah, yeah, that’s the word he forgot. He nodded a little, too embarrassed to speak.

He listened as Bashou went on and frowned a little at his conclusion suggesting he might not be happy here, but before he could protest, he told him his… comfort was just as important?]

… I know.

[But Bashou’s comfort meant more to him. He’d be comfortable anywhere, he won’t lose sleep over it, but it’s not the same for Bashou. It’s different. Besides…]

I want to stay… bein’ by your side is what’d make me happy. This is what I wanna do right now. I’m sick’a being apart an’… you know what, the way you put it, this could help me too. Maybe it’ll take this anger outta me.

I nearly lost my chance to get answers from that boy ‘cause he said somethin’—sounds like I’m blaming him, hold on—’cause I lost my temper at somethin’ he said.
I spent so long lookin’ for him and when I finally found him, I got mad over stupid stuff.

[He shifted, then slowly took a seat on the floor near Bashou to watch the scenery too, mimicking him.]

I’ll follow your lead, like always.

[As he watched the waves, Bashou thought about how he and Buson were a lot like different waters - one of them with a choppier surface, the other serene to the eye, but with hidden currents. Both had their dangers.

Maybe growing up in similar surroundings had made Bashou seem calmer. It had made him better at hiding things, because these thin walls only offered an illusion of privacy. He'd learned how to speak quietly. How to carry himself gently. How to let his anger smoulder like incense...

He realised it wasn't quite as Buson imagined. And not quite how he'd painted it. There was still anger, just of a different kind.]

Well, alright. Then let's do this, for now. With any luck, neither of us will find anything to get angry about. If we do, there's always...punching trees. Fishing. You could wrestle a Tauros, maybe, if you wanted to...

[Please don't actually do that, Buson.]

I think sometimes a place can change a person, but, you know...I also like you as you are.

[Bashou glanced at Buson, then returned his gaze to the ocean with a subtle smile.]

Let's not change too much.

[Perhaps in his ignorance, Buson had idealized both, a ittle, even if he could read Bashou better than most, there was still a great deal that eluded even him.

Too late, he's imagining it, but fortunately, it just made him laugh.] I don't wanna do that rodeo stuff, s'too dangerous to do for fun. Fishin' sounds nice, though.

[Being told that, he went quiet again, but this time, much more at ease, with a warmth in his chest and a sense of relief and even happiness, to be wholly accepted, even for the parts of him that he hated and which caused him trouble... there really was no one else he could talk to like he could Bashou, who wouldn't be afraid of or reject any part of him. He watching the waves with a relaxed, lopsided little smile.]

Don't worry, I couldn't change that much if I'd tried.

[He decided to lie on his side now, propping his head up on an elbow.]

... dunno how to put it, but it feels kinda like home to me now too.

[Because Bashou's here, of course.]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Onto new shores...

[CW mention of character death]

Re: [CW mention of character death]

no subject

[ aaa this is so emotional ;-; ]

[I love them ;O;]

Re: [I love them ;O;]

[feel free to have Bashou explore things more in depth and decide where they’ll go! o/]

[ Bashou is mostly just following Buson and being curious about things, we can keep them moving! ]

[on to the inn! + had to ask to make sure, aha]

Re: [on to the inn! + had to ask to make sure, aha]

[Buson-specific fears--and he's only punched a wall like twice in like half a year anyway]

Re: [Buson-specific fears--and he's only punched a wall like twice in like half a year anyway]

no subject

no subject

[feels like it's coming to a close ^^/]