farawayplace | Dreams and Reality [CW canon-typical organized crime?]

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Dreams and Reality [CW canon-typical organized crime?]

Inquiry [~~tweet peep~~ post to Pippi, also crossposted to Mimmeo; backdated to around May 22nd-23rd, after their trip to Chichi Island in this thread]

BIG GAINS 💪 @(legendarycheatday):

anybody ever successfully or even halfway grow one of these things???

[A photograph of a cut Midnight Bloom from Chichi Island, sitting in a plastic bottle of water, even in the dim light, its petals still faintly glow like moonlight! There’s tissue paper spread out under it, to disguise the low tables of Gukuru House, in case anyone recognizes the exact tables or even clay pottery used at the inn.

Rather different from the anonymous user's usual strict focus on fitness tips, training regimens, and memes!]

Reprieve [present date; primarily for Bashou (bashou) in Gukuru House, but can include anyone else who run into Buson between Chura and Ohritori island]

Buson might have despaired too quickly, earlier. A Team Rocket executive was still a human being. He couldn’t defeat death itself or stop it from claiming a friend of his, but he could at least talk to a human being who terrorized one of his friends who's shaken up from already being taken hostage by Rockets before… even if the Rocket frightening him this time was his superior.
She was, after all, just a human being. Solid. Tangible. Vulnerable.
… something he knew all too well, which made even treating her solely like an enemy or threat to be dealt with quickly difficult. He still pitied her, which would surely aggravate Mayday. She might not be dealt with as quickly and easily as a nameless grunt, but maybe it wouldn't have to go that far, and they could just talk.

Before setting out, Buson would write a note for Bashou, as he didn’t see him up. Maybe he was busy working, maybe he was asleep, or maybe he stepped outside. Buson wasn’t sure at the moment, entirely focused on what he intended to do.

“Taking the ferry.
Friends having an argument.
I got to make peace.
—B.”

And then, he would simply leave it on the table and go, provided there are no interruptions, neither in Gukuru House or the docks, and take the ferry back to Ohritori, simply as a passenger. He’d have a grim and sober air about him and wouldn’t look terribly friendly or approachable today, whether on the ferry or at port, or even in the city, although he might put on a smile for a familiar face or to get information.

Peacekeeping [present date; closed to Mayday (ateamrocket), wherever he finds her]

It might have taken a lot of asking around and following some dead ends, but Buson will find her eventually (maybe to one of her usual haunts or even to whatever abandoned building she’s taken up residence!); he’s always been good at following a trail to find his target.

“Hey, Mayday.”

No honorifics or formalities, just like she asked, but the tone lacks any warmth and his voice is low and quiet, in an almost intimidating fashion. He’s approaching this like his old job, even if it felt twisted using these tactics on a superior who was only acting as a Rocket would…

Well, it isn’t clear-cut treachery yet, they're just talking.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He's so quiet! Acting so conspiratory... like she'll know. It's amusing and reminds him of new recruits, but he drops his voice, too, since he doesn't want him to be scared.]

Relax. She's still in Ohritori.

It's fine, she never meant a word, she thought you'd understand, since she made the other calls during the intermission. She threatens a lotta people, she didn't even know who I was talkin' about when I came in. She was never gonna hurt ya.

But she'll steer clear of you an' the radio show from now on, don't worry.

I- I mean, I didn't think she was here or anything! I was just, you know, trying to be inconspicuous...

[He blushes as he realizes he might've just made them look more suspicious.

But he's clearly relieved to hear the news.]

Oh, good...! I'm glad she understood after all. I mean, she seemed all right when she wasn't heckling or threatening, so I wanted to believe in her...

But seriously, what was she thinking, calling during the break and saying something like that? It felt like she was trying to deliver some kind of a message directly at the radio station!

[Since they're still in public, Ken tries to dance around the subject, not mentioning the word 'threat' or Mayday's name, or anything too specific.]

...I'll still play the music she requested, though. No hard feelings. Even if it's probably for the best if she doesn't call again.

She picked up on your fear, when you cut her off, and wanted to pick on you, most likely. She was probably just bored and it seemed fun to her at the time. [Like a schoolyard bully.]

She wanted to hear some music? It’s probably fine. Maybe play it again for her, sometime.

… she didn’t really think it’d scare you, she… doesn’t know how to act as anything but like a crook, you could say. It probably is best you two don’t mix, but I guess I just wanted to let you know, even if it doesn’t change anythin’.

I wanna say her bark’s worse than her bite, but she might still be dangerous to someone outside’a our group, so… it’s smart for you to keep your wits about you an’ not trust her too much.

...Don't say that. She couldn't have picked up on that, I was perfectly professional!

[Ken doesn't want to hear those are Mayday's reasons for doing what she did. He doesn't want to hate her, so he just decides to reject it.]

I'm not actually the one who decides on what we play, that'd be my boss... But I put her request forward and he put the music in the list, so I'll play her kind of music sometimes.

[It's a little bit frustrating to hear constant explanations of why Ken shouldn't interact with Mayday, and a part of him wants to be defiant. After all, they had a perfectly civil interaction in the end! Mayday even sounded grateful to Ken for it! Maybe... maybe she just wants to talk to somebody! Maybe she's not that bad!

...And Maybe Ken's being stupid. Maybe Buson's right, and talking to her would just be bad for Ken. But... Just talking over the phone couldn't be angerous, not after Buson's already told her not to threaten him.

He sighs, looking down.]

...You're right. Like I said, it's probably for the best.

[But privately, he thinks he's going to take another look at the list of blocked numbers. Maybe he'll call her on his free time sometime, or maybe not. It kind of feels bad to just let this end like this, without talking to her again... He'll just keep the number, just in case.]

[Ken's denial actually got a harsh laugh from Buson. Sorry.]

It's not about bein' professional, there's a bunch'a tells we pick up on that you might not even notice. How do you think marks—targets— get picked?

... I'm not lookin' to clip your wings or anythin', y'wanna talk to Mayday, you can. Hell, maybe it'll even do you some good to talk to her. Help you overcome that fear. She's really not that bad, but I can only say that as someone on her side. She's kinder than most in her position. She never once used her rank to silence me or put me in my place, even though my tone was, uh... a little harsh in discussing the problem with her.

[He pouts a little at the laugh, but it's more performative than anything. He perks up at what Buson says next, intrigued.]

What kind of tells? Is there anything I could do to hide those while I'm on air?

[A chance to improve on his radio performance spotted! Ken figures making himself less of a target can only make the radio show better, and reduce the chance of criminals calling in.

...He gives a bit of a laugh at Buson's next line.]

Saw right through me, huh? I was just thinking I'd like to give her a chance anyway, even if you warn me not to... She seemed nice enough. And if I gave you a chance, then it seems unfair to, you know... shun her, I guess.

...Wait, harsh? [Ken blinks, then narrows his eyes.] What's that supposed to mean? Did you yell at her or something?

[If he did, then Ken's definitely going to have to talk to her and apologize for causing that. He never wanted any sort of strife happening because of him!]

If you go real quiet or avoid a topic, people can tell, usually, they hit a nerve. Even if it's just a few seconds longer to reply, a tremor in your voice, a swallow, anythin' like that... or, I guess, in this case, cutting the call right after hearing that name... you made the right call, for safety's sake, just lettin' you know it also makes it clear it's a touchy topic for you.

Yeah, it's a gift. [Bashou's not much of a talker, so Buson gets a lot of practice paying close attention to what goes unspoken... it helps in his job, too.]

Whoops... [Buson said a bit too much! He raised the wrapped gift.] Right, I'm bringin' her a gift next time, too. One-part housewarming, one-part peace offerin'.

We really did just exchange words, Ken. We were pretty civil by the end, too. I just... lost my temper, a little, at the start, because I thought you were in danger. Yeah, I yelled at her.

... sorry. Maybe I was the wrong person for this kinda job. I didn't take it too far, for what it's worth.

[Buson probably had been like the Rockets who took Ken and the rest hostage. He's no stranger to that kind of violent force or intimidation, but he really didn't use all of those tactics on Mayday!]

Ugh, so I can't do the right thing without some people thinking I'm a target... [He crosses his arms and sighs, weary.] I guess I just have to stick to what I do and stay professional. And if I get weird calls I'll just tell them what I told her: I don't care who it is, it's against our policy to talk about thoise things on radio.

[Finding out that Buson went that far makes Ken feel... a little betrayed. Angry, yes, but more than that, he's sad.]

Buson... [He sighs.] I'm glad it turned out all right in the end, but... If I was really in danger, and you went and yelled at your superior over it, then wouldn't we just both be in danger? I don't want that... And I don't want you to fight with somebody you're in good terms with over me. Everything seems like it ended well, if you're even bringing her a gift, but it scares me to think it could've been my fault if...

[If Buson lost his friendship with Mayday, or if Buson got hurt, or if Mayday had gotten angry and directed that at the radio station... Ken can't bring himself to voice any of those.]

...If things got worse.

That works.

[He didn't mean to make him feel so bad! He wasn't supposed to find out, he let it slip by accident...

He sighed.]

If you were in danger, I'd—have done more than talk. [He couldn't see himself hurting Mayday, but if it came down to it...] I wouldn't let it happen, not if I could help it. I'd intervene somehow. But yeah, you're right, it was stupid and dangerous, but I thought it... was worth it. Sorry. I get carried away if I'm mad.

Forgive me.

[Reasons why he doesn't act alone, normally.]

[Thinking of what would've happened if Buson had actually had to fight is scary but... Ken can't fault him for it. He's the one who asked Buson for help, he should have to take responsibility if Buson got hurt for it. Maybe he's being too idealistic, too naïve to think everyone could just talk and get along.]

...It's fine. You did what you thought was for the best, right? I think maybe it was my fault too, for not coming with you. It was my problem to begin with, I shouldn't have left it all to you...

[...He shakes his head, after a moment's thought.] No, going with you would've been a bad idea too. [For a lot of reasons...] Ahh, I don't know what I should've done... Maybe what I did was the best thing I could've done, and what you did was the best thing you could've done too!

[He visibly paled at the suggestion he should've gone with him and shook his head in disapproval.

But at the rest of Ken's words, he could only sigh and nod.]

... let's just be glad it worked out this time and both'a us be more careful next time, alright? I'll try not to rush head-long into things. You... don't get any crazy ideas like goin' up against high-ranking agents.

I know, I know... I wouldn't do that! Really!

[He holds his hands out in front of him as he shakes his head to emphasize his words.]

It's just frustrating, that's all... But I know I'm not a fighter.

But, um... If there's anything you ever need my help for, that you can't do yourself, just ask, okay? I can't do what you did for me, but I can reach a lot of people over radio, and I've got connections, and I'm pretty good at catching Pokemon... I want to repay the favor you did for me. So don't hesitate if you ever need my help! As long as it's nothing sketchy!

[But he laughs even as he says the last sentence. He doesn't think Buson would ask for anything like that! (Besides that time when he did.)]

Good man. See, I don't wanna have to be the one to carry your corpse.

[That's a warning.

After that stern statement, his expression returned to a more relaxed, pleasant one.] A favour, huh? I'll keep that in mind...

[If he weren't still worried for Ken's sake, he would've joked that excluding sketchy stuff killed half the fun, but... he's still worried, so he doesn't.]

[Ken grimaces at that.]

Alright, point taken, you can stop now...

[He says that light-heartedly, but that comment really disturbed him.]

Yeah, anything you can think of. I owe you one.

...Actually, maybe two.

[He covers his mouth, thinking hard, eyebrows furrowing. The comment about carrying his corpse reminded him of his greatest fear. Ken cares less about his own safety, and more about the safety of those dear to him... And there's one person he's especially worried for.] I'd... like it if you could do me another favor. There's somebody I want to look out for, if he ever shows up here. ...Is that asking too much?

[Yeah. He disturbs anyone that isn't Bashou or Mayday, he's used to it. But it was intentional, this time, to make sure Ken gets the picture.]

... no. No, it's not. [His expression turns serious, although to his credit, he doesn't take on as commanding or harsh a tone as he did earlier. His speech is just short.]

Name. Description.

[A touch softer.] Family, I'm guessin'?

Yeah, it's family... My little brother. I told you he's the one who saved us all when that radio tower hostage situation happened, didn't I? He became the Champion of Nihon sometime after that, so he might not need the protection, but... He keeps throwing himself in dangerous situations like that, so I worry.

[There's a fond look in his eyes when he's talking about his brother, even if he's not smiling.]

So if you meet him, or even an alternate version of him, just... keep an eye out, okay? His name's Gold, and he looks a little like me. We've got the same eyes, I hear, but he's got black hair, and he wears a yellow cap, usually backwards...

[Keeps throwing himself into dangerous situations, great, another brat with a hero complex—]

SHI—

[He clapped a hand over his mouth and stepped back.

Relax, it's Gold, not Kenta! Still, there already is a Gold here, isn't there?! And he didn't finish the Raikou mission, unlike Bashou, so if he went back and faced an alternate version...]

I can't...

Ask me somethin' else. I can't promise you that. Or just here, maybe, but...

[Bashou didn't believe in things like fate, although he was now inclined to believe they were some manner of soul mates, with the way they found each other across worlds. Buson was much more open to the idea—there were too many things that couldn't be explained away as simple coincidences, but that also meant he spent some time believing Ultern to be his own personal Hell. On the other hand, having the chance to do right by, even an alternate version, of those he wronged, made it feel more like some chance of redeemption.

This was one of those moments he felt he was being punished. With a rather shaky hand, he pointed in the general direction of Port Opportune and the sea.]

... an alternate's already here. Been in Ohritori since before I came. Used to work in the cafe, then a farm I used to work at. Don't think he's your brother, this one's not the heroic sort. I met another who is, though, back in my world, and he got... a little too involved in our gang's business, throwin' himself into trouble, like you said... I can't promise you anything, but if things go down the same way in my world as they do in my partner's, he comes out on top and gets away safely.

[Ken blinks at the sudden almost-swear. That was some reaction!

But a growing dread rises at Buson's next words.]

...What? What do you mean you can't?

[Did Buson know him? Did something happen to him?!

When Buson explains, Ken is visibly relieved, before realizing what this means. Gold is here. Even if it's not really the Gold he knows, Ken's heard of his alternate versions enough that he's began to think of all versions of Gold as his brother in some way. Ken turns to stare in the direction Buson points at. His brother's been in Ohritori for so long... Ken makes the decision to visit Ohritori at some point.

But Buson keeps talking, and Ken turns to look at him, wide-eyed.]

He got involved? Oh, no... That's just like him, but...

[But if it means he's fighting Buson, then... He doesn't want Buson to get hurt, but more than that, he doesn't want his brother to get hurt, and he doesn't want Team Rocket to win.]

...At least he's all right. But, wow... You sure know a lot of versions of my brother! I'd heard about versions of him from other worlds before, but this is a first. I... think I need to sit down somewhere.

[He laughs, a bit breathless and overwhelmed.]

You and me both, buddy. [The reply's half-grumbled, but he puts an arm around Ken's shoulders in case he needs the support.]

... y'wanna go drink?

Yeah... yeah I could use one. We couldn't go together the last time, so let's make up for it. Jogen-no-Tsuki?

[He did need the support! He's feeling a little faint, but he'll lead Buson to his favorite bar anyway, pointing the way.

Well, Jogen-no-Tsuki is more of an Izakaya than a bar, with a traditional Johto feeling to it. Ken usually prefers to sit at the counter, but after greeting the owner, he'll lead Buson to one of the booths for some privacy. He doesn't order anything yet, just sits down and takes a moment to calm down.]

[Luckily, Buson also loves to eat, so an izakaya is just as good! He went to one in Ohritori too.

Buson really wants to order now, but seeing Ken still dealing with it, he had just enough shame and decency to try and comfort him first.]

… for what it’s worth, all the big events seem to be the same across our worlds and in our general personalities.
Like… stuff we don’t know about, that doesn’t come up much in our old lives, for safety’s sake, that’s what was different for me an’ Bashou, like what his siblings are named or whatever, or even just stuff like what kinda Pokemon he trained and for what purpose, but in every way that counted between the two’a us, things were the same.

Your brother’ll probably be fine. If I ever go back an’ see how the mission pans out, I’ll tell ya.

It might do ya good to meet the Gold in Ohritori too. Rough around the edges, but he’s not so bad deep down. He’s pretty lonely, lost a friend and he’s missin’ his dad. I think you two’d comfort each other, even if you’re from different worlds.

[Ken nods along, until his mind catches on to something Buson says, and his head shoots up to look at him.]

Wait... You're saying you and Bashou knew each other in your world, but you're actually from different worlds?

[That's kind of comforting, actually. To know they're from different worlds but still so close.]

Thank you. ...Is his name still Gold in your world? I've heard some versions of him are named Ethan, and I've even heard of a Hibiki... Gosh, it's like I'm talking about regional variants of a Pokemon, haha...

[He may be distracting himself from the idea of Buson fighting his brother.]

...Yeah, I want to meet him. I've been avoiding travelling to the other islands, since I get seasick, but I'm definitely doing this. Have to take some vacation days first, though...

[Especially if his brother's lonely. It hurts Ken's heart to think a Gold's been all alone dealing with all that.]

He misses dad, specifically? Huh. I don't think he's that close to dad in my world... Must be differences. Can you tell me more about him? Oh, but... We'd better order now, huh? Or the owner's gonna give us the stink eye.

[He leans to look out of the booth and calls out to the owner, ordering himself an ice cold draft beer and some skewered summer vegetables. Not a full meal, just something to eat while drinking beer. Turning back to Buson, he smiles.] What'll you have? Something meatier? I can recommend something if you want.

Dreams and Reality [CW canon-typical organized crime?]

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[Buson: "don't do this thing" Ken: "well now I want to do that thing"]

[Buson: Well. No one can say I didn't try.]

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[so... this is happening]

[oh, this is hilariously ironic]

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[very, very long reply, oof]

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[sorry for the delay... I think around here's good for wrapping up! o/]

[agreed!]