Ash Ketchum (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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farawayplace2022-10-14 11:46 am
goingallout) wrote in farawayplace2022-10-14 11:46 am
Entry tags:
that's right, glamping as in... they're glumly camping-
Ash & Pikachu
[For those passing by Route 1, one may find a campsite with a peculiar yet fancy-looking tent that’s propped up just at the edge of the Shrouded Woods. The bright white canvas covering it stands out from all the green that surrounds the area. And there seems to be a metal pipe sticking out from the roof as well puffing out wisps of smoke.
Upon closer inspection, there seems to be a young boy sitting on a wooden chair and staring vacantly at the view of the ocean with his Pikachu who is lying comfortably on his lap. He remains on his seat, motionless (except for his hand moving to stroke his Pikachu’s back) and seemingly deep in thought. His face is mostly obscured by the brim of his cap, but peeking underneath it, you might get a glimpse at the deep frown he’s wearing.
Even after Lear did what he could to put the young boy back in good spirits, the thought of not being able to return home still lingers in Ash’s mind. He was so close, so very close to Leon. And beating him means another step closer for him to become a Pokemon Master. And now the idea of it is now out of reach. It was… devastating.]
What should I do…? All the effort we put into getting into the Masters Tournament… is it all just a waste? Everyone worked so hard too…
[His Pikachu lifts up his head to look at Ash and looks at him with sadness.
And as Ash catches his gaze, he just lets out a loud audible sigh.]
Lear & Hoopa
[When the crushing reality of being stuck in Ultern had been delivered to both himself and Ash, by Professor Banyan he had immediately slapped aside his own concerns to focus on Ash. Not that his own worries weren't important, but he wasn't about to ignore someone who was suffering right in front of his eyes.
He was nowhere near Cheren's level, or any of the kind trainers he's met in Pasio but surely there was something he could do to help. Those thoughts were what brought him to drag Ash out to camp at the edge of the woods. Still, now that he was alone as he finally stepped outside the ridiculously large tent a heavy sigh left his lips.
Crossing his arms, he turned towards the Shrouded Woods. The shades he wore thankfully hid his eyes from view, but there was no way anyone could miss the deep frown on Lear's face. His mind was finally able to wander towards Pasio, and the people he's left behind.]
There's no way to contact Sawyer or Rachel. I know for a fact you can't send us back even if you wanted to, Hoopa. ...what am I supposed to do now? What would Father do? No...I shouldn't be thinking like that. I have to be...I need to be more optimistic. What would they say if they saw me now?
[Again another deep sigh left Lear. It seems he really wasn't good at giving himself a pep talk at the moment.]
Lear & Ash
[Under normal circumstances, tea time for Lear consisted of fancy pastries, and tea sandwiches with black tea all served on the finest tea set that would be hard to find. However this was anything but normal in any sense of the word, nor were they in Pasio. What was laid out instead upon the table was a traditional handmade Ulternian teapot filled with the region’s favorite Jasmine tea.
Aside from that a set of empty plates that matched the teapot in color and appearance were set to the side, yet to be used. Not that Lear paid any mind to it as he was currently pulling Ash out from their tent, and towards the table.]
Now take a seat! I am not one to be kept waiting, especially during my scheduled afternoon tea!
[Ash on the other hand looks very much dazed after being dragged out.]
Okay, okay! I’m sitting!
[Since when did Lear become this pushy? He lets out a quiet sigh as he takes a seat as told. He’s still not quite feeling himself after what happened earlier, but maybe some tea would help lift his mood up a little.]
((OOC: Woah, it's a double post with Ash and Lear! This is backdated sometime before the Harvesting Bonds Festival but after their first meeting with Banyan btw. Feel free to choose who you want interact, or you can pick both!))
[For those passing by Route 1, one may find a campsite with a peculiar yet fancy-looking tent that’s propped up just at the edge of the Shrouded Woods. The bright white canvas covering it stands out from all the green that surrounds the area. And there seems to be a metal pipe sticking out from the roof as well puffing out wisps of smoke.
Upon closer inspection, there seems to be a young boy sitting on a wooden chair and staring vacantly at the view of the ocean with his Pikachu who is lying comfortably on his lap. He remains on his seat, motionless (except for his hand moving to stroke his Pikachu’s back) and seemingly deep in thought. His face is mostly obscured by the brim of his cap, but peeking underneath it, you might get a glimpse at the deep frown he’s wearing.
Even after Lear did what he could to put the young boy back in good spirits, the thought of not being able to return home still lingers in Ash’s mind. He was so close, so very close to Leon. And beating him means another step closer for him to become a Pokemon Master. And now the idea of it is now out of reach. It was… devastating.]
What should I do…? All the effort we put into getting into the Masters Tournament… is it all just a waste? Everyone worked so hard too…
[His Pikachu lifts up his head to look at Ash and looks at him with sadness.
And as Ash catches his gaze, he just lets out a loud audible sigh.]
Lear & Hoopa
[When the crushing reality of being stuck in Ultern had been delivered to both himself and Ash, by Professor Banyan he had immediately slapped aside his own concerns to focus on Ash. Not that his own worries weren't important, but he wasn't about to ignore someone who was suffering right in front of his eyes.
He was nowhere near Cheren's level, or any of the kind trainers he's met in Pasio but surely there was something he could do to help. Those thoughts were what brought him to drag Ash out to camp at the edge of the woods. Still, now that he was alone as he finally stepped outside the ridiculously large tent a heavy sigh left his lips.
Crossing his arms, he turned towards the Shrouded Woods. The shades he wore thankfully hid his eyes from view, but there was no way anyone could miss the deep frown on Lear's face. His mind was finally able to wander towards Pasio, and the people he's left behind.]
There's no way to contact Sawyer or Rachel. I know for a fact you can't send us back even if you wanted to, Hoopa. ...what am I supposed to do now? What would Father do? No...I shouldn't be thinking like that. I have to be...I need to be more optimistic. What would they say if they saw me now?
[Again another deep sigh left Lear. It seems he really wasn't good at giving himself a pep talk at the moment.]
Lear & Ash
[Under normal circumstances, tea time for Lear consisted of fancy pastries, and tea sandwiches with black tea all served on the finest tea set that would be hard to find. However this was anything but normal in any sense of the word, nor were they in Pasio. What was laid out instead upon the table was a traditional handmade Ulternian teapot filled with the region’s favorite Jasmine tea.
Aside from that a set of empty plates that matched the teapot in color and appearance were set to the side, yet to be used. Not that Lear paid any mind to it as he was currently pulling Ash out from their tent, and towards the table.]
Now take a seat! I am not one to be kept waiting, especially during my scheduled afternoon tea!
[Ash on the other hand looks very much dazed after being dragged out.]
Okay, okay! I’m sitting!
[Since when did Lear become this pushy? He lets out a quiet sigh as he takes a seat as told. He’s still not quite feeling himself after what happened earlier, but maybe some tea would help lift his mood up a little.]
((OOC: Woah, it's a double post with Ash and Lear! This is backdated sometime before the Harvesting Bonds Festival but after their first meeting with Banyan btw. Feel free to choose who you want interact, or you can pick both!))
Ash.... (lmk if this doesn't work btw!)
It's not too close. That would be rude, and for that matter, extremely terrifying. But something is rumbling not far from the tent, and it might just be enough to pull someone out of their funk- at least, for the half second it takes to investigate.
If Ash DOES investigate, he IS in for a surprise- as none other than Espurr, garbed in work scrubs, bursts from the earth! (And immediately pulls up the hood on it. The Sun! Still a deadly laser.)
If he doesn't, then no harm done- the rumbling ultimately stops, after which out comes Espurr from not too far away- brushing dirt off those scrubs, and making sure her sleeves and hood are covering what's needed.
No matter the case, her words are the same.] Oh!! That was refreshing~! ...I never thought I could actually tunnel like that~!
...
...Mn? [Needless to say, no matter the case, one doesn't simply stop being so sad; even if Ash is covering it up, there's just something off here.] ...Mhm? Has something happened?
1/2
But the moment Espurr bursts out from the ground got Ash and Pikachu to jump.]
WAUGH!
2/2
[And then he leans back slightly and forces a smile when Espurr starts taking notice of him.]
N-No! It's nothing! You don't have to worry about it.
[He lets out a small laugh before quickly attempting to change the subject.]
So uh... what are you doing?
[Ash gestures to the hole on the ground and her dirt-covered garb.]
no subject
[She knows full well what she's done!
The amusement fades of course, what with her question, and Ash's own response however. Pulling herself properly from the dirt, she decides not to question the other's excuse just yet.
Yet.
So long as he doesn't become a sadsack he's safe.]
I decided to practice with my earth powers- I'd thought about doing what diglett have, but I never actually got to do it until now~ Now I know what it feels like, at least a little!
[Taking in the sight of the camp, the girl hums.] ...I take it you're staying here right now?
no subject
[That much he'll admit. Though upon mentioning about Espurr's powers did get Ash's attention. Good, it's something else he can think about at least.]
Ooh cool! I guess if you were a Pokemon again, these be like learning ground-type moves huh?
[Ash then follows Espurr's gaze as he looks at the tent that Lear's Hoopa had set up. Will they be staying here? He rubs the back of his head sheepishly.]
Well... maybe? I dunno. It's Lear's idea, so I thought we're just camping out for now.
no subject
It would! Maybe more flexible though? I've never really felt a true...limit on what I can do, beyond scale exactly...so I probably couldn't try to make an 'earthquake', but anything smaller seems possible~
Espurr don't learn any ground moves unless they have the right build for it with Hidden Power, so it's really fun~
[Turning her attention to that tent though, she hums consideringly.] I see...well, for now then it looks like we're almost neighbors! I've been trying to make a nice little den at the foot of the mountain. It's going well so far.
no subject
In that case, maybe you'd be able to use moves like Sand Attack or Mud Shot! I think they're neat and pretty small in scale from how I see it. And they'll give you a bit of an advantage in battle too if you wanna surprise 'em!
[What Espurr says next though, makes Ash's excitement fade away.]
Wow, really?
[Huh. So Espurr's made a home for herself in this place. Ash slowly lowers his gaze, his smile still in place while pretending he's just focusing on his Pikachu.]
That's nice, I'm glad you found a place to stay.
[Pikachu lowers his ears and lets out a soft "chuu..."]
no subject
[She's getting a little excite-
Oh, oh now that won't do-]
Well, it would be more correct to say I made it. I had to have something over my head after all; if I stay outside too long, I risk getting sunlight on me. So if I was going to get any shut-eye, I had to find somewhere~!
...Are you maybe looking for somewhere other than a tent, in that case?
no subject
[Ash gestures to the fluffy bed and pillows.]
I don't mind staying outdoors, but... well... at some point you wanna stay in a house which is just as good too! You got a roof to keep you from the rain, windows where you can see the big fields, a room of your own... taking a nice hot bath in the bathroom...
[There's a distant look in his eyes the more he talks.]
...the kitchen where you can catch the smell of Mom's cooking...
Pikapi...!
[Seeing that Ash is lost in his thoughts again, Pikachu starts tugging the boy's shirt asking him to snap out of it.]
no subject
[Ash continues talking however, explaining all those differences between camping and housing. Between what he has now, and what...he doesn't have. Realization starts to sink in- her own parents were never really...home, for her. For her, home wasn't so vital, even if her friends were. And once she was in Ryslig, well.
...She had her bit of mourning there, but.] Oh...
...Oh, no...I'd gotten so used to never returning- Ash, are you homesick..?
no subject
[That was the same thing Dia told him some time ago after being thrown into a parallel world. It's that feeling of missing your close friends and family after being further off from home, isn't it?]
I... I guess so.
[He sighs and starts swaying one of his legs.]
When I was told I might be stuck here for a long while, I didn't want to believe it at first. There's an important match I've gotta attend to, and if I win I'd be able to reach my dream of battling the world's strongest trainer. But...
[Feeling his tears welling up behind his eyes, he bows his head until it's low enough for the brim of his cap to cover his eyes.]
...If I'm stuck here, then all that hard work everyone did... my dream...
[He sharply inhales as he tries his best not to sob. It's so frustrating.]
no subject
...It was interesting~!
[Only Espurr would consider a near death experience 'interesting', but moving right along.]
I suppose I can't speak for everything entirely...but if it's 'a long while' and not 'forever', then what's stopping you from battling them later?
1/2
You don't understand! I'm supposed to be in the tournament right now! I promised Leon that I'd come and battle him and it's the only time I could, so I shouldn't be here in the first place!
2/2
...Sorry.
[He takes five Pokeballs out of his pocket, but doesn't let his Pokemon out just yet and instead leaves them to rest on his hands.]
It's just that everyone here worked so hard in getting us climb through the rankings, training day and night to get this far into this really big tournament I'm in. I've just gotten into the semi-finals, so I'm a few steps away to battling the world's strongest Trainer, Leon. He's been my biggest goal ever since I've signed up.
We were so close y'know... And now, we're back to square one.
[A sigh.]
no subject
[...Maybe she doesn't understand. But seeing someone who was so happy, and optimistic, and honestly so much like some of her classmates just makes it so difficult to let things go.] ...I just...can't believe that it's really square one. Is it really the only time? You don't think they'd be understanding when you returned?
I can't say it would be fair to hold 'magic kidnapping' against you...
no subject
[Ah, if only it was that easy.]
But y'see, the thing about tournaments like these, is that they can be really harsh. The moment you're late, you're out of the game. And that's that.
[Those few times he was so close to being disqualified after being late (for various reasons), they were pretty frightening to be honest. Especially when the whole region watches your matches.]
I don't know when I'll come back. And if I do... will Leon still be there? I'm just not sure if he'll still take up on the promise we made. Having a battle where the whole world watches us, and neither of us holds back and giving our all to win.
[Pikachu starts rubbing his cheek against his hand, and Ash could feel the static tingling in his fingers. He then wears a strained smile as he finally looks at Espurr.]
...I'm sorry, for dragging you into this. You shouldn't be hearing me talking about my problems.
no subject
If this Leon person has any heart, I think he would absolutely make an exception once you returned~ It might not be a certain thing, but it was just as unlikely for me to leave the place that made me a 'troll' too~ So there's definitely hope!
[And, well, when it comes to the apology she just blinks.] It's happened anyway, so the best thing to do now is take my advice so you can get to enjoying things again.
1/2 gonna attempt to wrap this up LETS GO!!!
Hehe, I hope so too.
[Leon always seems to strike him as a friendly guy, especially the many times he's encountered him. So... there does seem to be hope in that.
There is... hope.]
2/2
Okay, no more moping around! I want to enjoy things again! Being stuck in another world won't stop me from my dream to become a Pokemon Master!!
[He just raises his voice towards the sky, calling out to the heavens above. Why? Yes-]
YEAAAAAAH [TIES WITH RIBBON]
[Who knows why. It reminds her of her classmate, who turned out to be Mew. Long story. But either way, the optimism is contagious.]
WE MIGHT AS WELL I say, close to my hiatus date
[He's giving Ash a pointed look from behind his shades. Has their day been rough? Yes. Has their mood severely plummeted as a result? Absolutely!
So clearly, it was his time to shine figuratively speaking. Walking right on over Lear will plant himself down onto his own designated chair with a smile.]
Now, Hoopa bring us the finest chef from Ultern!
HOOPA!
[In an instant an elderly lady in a colorful, floral dress with show up while Lear remained looking as confident as ever.]
no subject
...Um, ulsai?
[At least he tries to be nice and polite despite his mood!!]
no subject
[The old woman chuckled as she turned to Ash, and then to Lear.]
Is this the young man you were referring to, dearie? My, he does look skinny! In fact so do you! You're both practically skin and bones! Let Granny Yui take care of that!
[Lear faltered as he turned to Granny Yui.]
W-wait, you said you wouldn't-
Ohoho! No need to be shy I made plenty!
[She continued before pulling out a large bento box that she set onto the table. Hoopa's moving around curiously watching Granny Yui open the box, revealing it to be full of Ulternian food. Noticing this, she turned to hold up a Sugar Doughnut to Hoopa that lets out a cheer and begins to happily start chewing on one.]
no subject
Um, do you and Lear know each other?
[But the moment Grandma Yui opens the box to reveal the food, Ash perks up as his attention shifts to that instead. He could catch the whiff of the food's aroma which... is making him hungry.]
Woah, that looks so good!
no subject
[Granny Yui chuckled. Lear too leaned back while looking away. He wasn't about to mention how relieved he was the moment the food had been brought out into the open.]
Now eat up you two!
[She's setting each of the boxes out for Ash and Lear to see clearly--it was filled with tempura, sugar doughnuts and rice balls. Food Lear typically didn't eat for himself but he wasn't about to let any of it go to waste. He will however glance around looking for any sort of utensil to use.]
How are we supposed to eat these?
What? Oh my, dear! You're supposed to use your hands! These are all finger food after all! Enough of that, now eat! Eat up you two!
[In fact she's picking up one of the empty plates and packing tempura and rice balls on top before shoving them over to Ash, and another plate to Lear.]
no subject
Grandma Yui, the tempura's great! Hey Lear you should try some too!
[And then he offers one to his Pikachu who happily munches it away.]
no subject
[Granny Yui laughs while shoving another plate over to Ash and giving Lear and expectant look. Lear sighed while gingerly removing his gloves. He's making a face at the way Ash was eating but he did look better than before they stared. Reaching for one of the tempura he took a bite before the taste of something extremely bitter overtook his taste buds. He froze unable to comprehend the taste of it.
This is what Ash considered good?!]
Ohoho, that's right I forgot to mention but I did fry up some yago berries as well. It may be a tad too bitter if you're not used to 'em.
no subject
[It's the first time he's heard of them. Curious, he grabs one yago tempura and immediately takes a bite of it. A second later, Ash freezes at the bitter taste.]
Ugh, yeah no kidding. This is pretty bitter... is there some dip around?
[While he asks, he then takes a bite out of a rice ball in hopes of washing that bitterness away.]
no subject
[Lear couldn't help but blurt out in a rather unrefined way. Granny Yui who had been chuckling at both of their response to eating the tempura paused and gave a questioning look.]
What do ya mean, sonny? These are one of our finest crop that can grow anywhere. It must be different from where ya came from huh?
[She's chuckling while sliding in a tempura dip for Ash.]
The taste can be strong for young'uns like the two of ya but it's good for fer health! Eat up! C'mon! Eat up!
[She's immediately lifting another piece of tempura and began adding more, and more onto both Ash and Lear's plates.]
tags back after 10,000 years
[While Ash does notice Granny Yui's adding more food to his plate, he doesn't bring it up. It's a fairly big pile for sure, but that didn't bother Ash as much. Besides, all that moping from earlier did work out an appetite.]
Heh heh, thanks Granny Yui!
[Here's hoping he can finish them all.
Spoilers: he will]tags back also 10,000 years later-
Instead he'll discreetly slide some of the food over to Ash.]
Ash, there is still something I must discuss with you while we're here, eating. It seems we may be away from our respective homes for...
[He couldn't help pause and grimace. There was no way he could sugarcoat this. He was painfully aware just how much it hurt not only himself but Ash to be away from their homes, and family.]
Who knows how long, still that shouldn't stop us from aiming higher with our Pokemon. Wouldn't you agree?
no subject
Yeah, I do.
[The feeling of dread from earlier still lingers. But thanks to a brief talk with Espurr, it's something he shouldn't mull on any longer. Plus, moping just isn't his style... not anymore. There's better things worth looking forward to. And at that thought, he smiles at Lear.]
I thought about it, and I figured... Even if I missed out on beating Leon at the tournament, I'll just find another way to get stronger with my Pokemon! Maybe there's something in Ultern that's gonna help me reach my goal to become a Pokemon Master!
no subject
.....I've been thinking on what to do myself. I can't exactly run Pasio from here, or report to my Father but what I can do is find a new goal that will help build experience for my, no, Pasio's future.
[A smirk formed.]
Ash, join hands with me. This isn't a command of course, but an invitation. I would like you to participate in the Ultern Pokemon League with me. That's one way we can test both our strength and skills. We can figure out other methods along the way.
no subject
Take on... the Ultern Pokemon League!?
[His Pikachu looked at both Lear and Ash before tilting his head. Though there is one concern in Ash's mind that's brought up just now.]
But... Hm, I dunno... Is that okay? You think they'd let me take part in the League Challenge?
[He is technically Alola's Regional Champion after all. Wait... had he told Lear he's a Champion? He couldn't quite recall.]
no subject
[Lear's smirking wide, clearly aware of Ash's Champion status thanks to one of Ash's equally otherworldly friend.]
From what I gathered this League is still quite new much like the Alola's Pokemon League. This is a prime opportunity for us to learn more about Ultern, and what they have in store. On top of that do you know what a Pokemon League needs besides Gym Leaders? Challengers. They won't have any issue of picking and choosing, since there will be trainers from all over the world and Ultern. Some may be of equal level to you, Ash or greater. Doesn't that sound like a worthy challenge?
no subject
But from all the experience he gained, he knew the sure end result will be that he'll be stronger than before. And that's the kind of strength he'll be needing once he faces Leon again when that day comes...
Ash immediately stands up slams both hands on the table.]
...Okay! I've decided!
[His eyes are brimming with determination as he grins at Lear, emnating a fiery aura around him.]
I'll take on the Pokemon League as Ash from Pallet Town, a Challenger!
[Pikachu sensing Ash's enthusiasm in taking on a new challange also cheers alongside him. And he knows he'll be working harder for Ash along the way.]
no subject
Good! I wouldn't have it any other way. Now then, why don't we gather more information about the league? The Gym Leader back in Turnbloom wasn't available but there certainly have to be other gyms around.
[But where to start? He like Ash, was new to the area...]
Why don't ya kids go talk to the young Professor Beni? He's always eager ta help up and coming trainers.
[Granny Yui piped up while she's planting more tempura onto their plates.]
no subject
[Not a name he's familiar with. But if he could be able to help provide information regarding the league... He glances at Lear for a moment.]
I guess we can go visit him! What d'you say, Lear?
no subject
Any information is better than none. Where would we find this Professor?
Ohoho, why! He's quite easy to find. Ya can't miss his house it's over in Route 1.
[Granny Yui chuckled. It's at that response did Lear give pause. A Professor living in Route 1? Could it be...?]
Does Professor Beni live with Professor Banyan?
Such a silly question to ask! They're one and the same Professor! He's Professor Beni Banyan 'course! A real smart fella! Very sweet ta boot.
no subject
Oh! We've just met him earlier this morning! Looks like we'll have to go back then.
[He did feel a bit bad for bailing on him after the crushing revelation that was dropped on him all of a sudden. But he's all good now, and now feeling more eager to see him again.]
no subject
Right, we have to head back there regardl-
[The ground shook cutting Lear off. As he's looking about for the cause a sight of Snorlax running over took him by surprise. Immediately he rose from his seat, about to send out Hoopa.]
Snoooor!
[Lear froze as he saw Snorlax aiming for Ash. Were Snorlaxes this nimble and active? As the thought passed him the Snorlax is lifting Ash from his seat before giving a huff. Lear sighed, realizing it wasn't a wild Snorlax but rather Ash's.]
Snor snor!
Hmm, seems your Snorlax went to look for you. We did leave in a hurry.
1/2
Snorlax!?
[Before he could say any more, Ash felt his feet leaving the ground as he's lifted up.]
2/2
...Ah, you thought I left you behind huh buddy?
[His expression softens before leaning himself onto Snorlax's belly, feeling its fur against his face.]
Sorry, that was my bad.
no subject
[Snorlax let's out a grunt in response. He's soon placing both arms around Ash for a hug.
Lear's smiling to himself at the exchange. Hoopa's floating closer with a sugar doughnut in hand letting out a giggle.]
I think for the time being our talk is good here. Why don't we enjoy the food we have, and make plans to visit the Professor for tomorrow? Before that we have a lot to prepare for.
no subject
Sounds good to me!
[At Snorlax's embrace, Ash lets out a laugh.]
How about you join us, Snorlax? Grandma Yui's cooked up some of the best food on the table!
no subject
[Before Lear could finish his sentence Snorlax let out a roar. Immediately it'll proceed to grab for the food and began stuffing its face leaving a stunned Lear.
He could hear both Grandma Yui, and Hoopa giggling off to the side. That made his shock eb away, as his anger took over.]
SNORLAX YOU DARE EAT ALL OF OUR FOOD?!?