farawayplace | Back and Forth

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Back and Forth

1. Morning, Port Opportune

[The ferry from Ohritori has a surprise passenger today! One who definitely doesn't seem happy about being onboard, judging from the way she bolts offboard the nanosecond the ship has docked. Calla is leaning against a post at the dock looking almost as green in the face as a Bulbasaur. A few of the other passengers getting off offer her a few encouraging words or bottles of water even if she doesn't respond.]

[She sits down with a thump on the dock edge, trembling hard enough that she might well pitch over the side if a stiff breeze hits her. She gulps before looking up.]

H-h-h-hi. This isn't, uh, this isn't V-Vermillion City. Did I-I come back?

2. Midday, Adanook Town

[Calla's shed her jacket by now. She's got it balled up and poking out of the shoulder bag she carries with her, and she's staring up at the Folk Museum. Her usual sidekick Bulbasaur is nowhere to be seen. She's got a hand balled up into a fist tucked under her chin.]

It's... not really like the Pewter City Museum, so it... should be okay to go in. I think? Wonder what admission costs...

3. Pippi Post

🌱 Calla @(painterspallet) posted:
Is there a way to get between islands not on a ferry?
Boats and me are a bad idea. ):

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[Buson, whose cargo ship had also just returned to port today after its voyage around the archipelago, had also been spending time on the docks, still in his white sailor's uniform, and so turned at the heavy sound.]

Nope, you aren't in Kanto anymore, kiddo.

[Amused to see her again, he crouched low.]

Lookin' a bit green around the gills there, Calla.

[Calla's shoulder hunch up protectively around her ears for a moment when Buson's shadow falls on her. One hand darts down to her belt. To the six Pokeballs hanging from it.]

[The familiar voice is comfort enough. After a moment, her hand drifts back to her side. The smile on her face when she turns to look at him is borderline queasy.]

Mister Buson. H-hi. I thought maybe I was still at port. But I guess not, huh? So, uh, ulsai.

[A moment of silence. Then, haltingly:]

So, um, you know that advice you gave me? About how to deal with bad guys? It helped. Kind of.

[She stands up from the dock on shaky legs and wobbly knees. There's a moment when she rummages in her bag for something, before she produces a familiar bandanna and ties it around her hair. She kept it. It was the only proof she had that Ultern wasn't just a dream.]

I missed it here.

[He notices her reaching for her pokeballs and the flinch, but doesn't draw attention to them... yes, she's more guarded and cautious, fearful even, than the trusting, naive child she was when he saw her last...]

Ulsai. [A little more subdued, as he takes in her expression.

So, the worst has come to pass?

He started to feel sick, too, dread knifing into his stomach. That's why he hated sheltering children like that! No preparation for the real world snd its dangers and for what? Because it's cute?

Sbe kept the bandana... he kept a bottle of Stardust Beach's sand as his only keepsake and physical proof this world weren't a dream.]

... sorry I couldn't be more help. What happened? And hey, you wanna go rest at the Pokemon Center? Or grab a bite? Somethin' other than zenzai.

[In truth, he had suspected at first she was only very, very seasick like Ken, but now feared that eitber the wou d was still fresh or something on the ferry had forced it open. She reminded him on Bashou on his worst days. Whichever it was, he felt a change of scenery would help, but tried to spare her pride with his suggestions.]

Food sounds good.

[Her stomach grumbles a moment later. Calla just laughs sheepishly and clambers back to her feet. Sweets have their time and place, and as much as she loves zenzai or pastries or shaved ice... well... it doesn't seem like the right time.]

[The sea air definitely helps with the appetite.]

Really good, actually.

["What happened?"]

[Calla pauses. One hand drifts up to clamp on to her bag strap with white knuckles. She looks down at her shoes for a moment. Her voice is barely audible above the lapping of ocean waves against the dock.]

Team Rocket was on Mt Moon. They were looking for fossils. I thought maybe it was just like them trying to rob the Pewter Museum, but there was a lady there with them. She had red hair and was wearing a white uniform.

[Calla keeps her eyes fixed on the ground.]

I didn't tell 'em anything, just like you said. But she said...

[Now she looks up, and she's chewing on the inside of her cheek.]

She said, "I know exactly who you are." -But I still chased them all off the mountain.

Then, we'll get food.

[He was about to walk, but she answered his other question, more quickly than he had expected her to do, although it clearly took a great deal of effort regardless.

A red-haired woman in white...

Hair to her shoulders or past her waist? He wanted to ask, having some hope she hadn't run into an executive, only Jessie or someone else insignificant, but... no, those words were a clear threat, like the sort he'd warned her about, the same sort used to keep them in line... his own hands tightened into fists and he exhaled audibly, but he restrained himself, stopping shy of throwing a punch of hopeless frustration at the pier.
A fistful of splinters wasn't going to change anyone's situation for the better.

Taking Calla's hand to lead her down to where the few shops and restaurants could be found.]

... let's go eat. You're safe here. No time passes for you back home, so you can train with all you got and keep yourself safe, but no more playin' hero, alright?

Seriously.

You're playing with fire, Calla, and you're going to get burnt. War's the trade'a someone with nothin' to live for, okay? You got your mom. Worry about her if you won't worry about yourself.

They know about Pallet Town.

[Calla's got a death-grip on Buson's hand at this point. The memories ache like poking at a scraped knee, but some things are best faced head-on. Ultern isn't Kanto. Time is paused. For all she knows, Blue and Red are still on the pier in Vermillion City waiting for her to come down the gangplank. Her mother is still at home safe and sound. the Professor is still working away as usual.]

[The people she cares about are still safe.]

There was a trap. Red, Blue, and me, we went to a fancy party on a ship in the harbor at Vermillion City. We got told we'd won a prize. But when we went to the captain's room to get the prize...

[Blue, standing in front of her, arm out like the gesture will keep either of them safe.]

...He said his name was Archer. They were gonna sink the ship, take all of us down. He said... he said the Boss knew a trainer from Pallet ruined their plans.

[She swallows.]

[He assumed. His assumption was wrong.
This wasn't Calla interfering with another mission. They went out of their way...

He freezes mid-step, echoing the name. Archer.

Two whole damned executives after this kid?!

He turns, reaching down to grip both of Calla's shoulders, expression pained.]
Missy, they set you up.

[This was awful. This was the worst possible thing. Naturally, they also knew where she was from... no wonder she's so shaken up.

He pulls her into a hug.]

[For a moment, Calla is absolutely still. She doesn't react in any way. She doesn't say a word. All she does is stand there.]

[Then, after a moment, she hugs back. There's no hiding the way her shoulders tremble when she exhales; even if she does her best not to show it, she's clearly rattled. A brush with certain doom is a lot to ask an 11-year old to take with grace.]

[Especially when the worst is definitely still to come.]

[At least her eyes are dry when she finally lets go. She rubs one eye with a balled-up fist and chuckles.]

Y-yeah. I don't know why they hate us so much, Mister Buson. I didn't even do anything! I just wanted to get my next badge and they were kinda blocking my way.

...They were both pretty scary, though.

[She’s so small… the shuddering sigh breaks his heart a little.]

… if you got in their way before, they can hold a grudge, I guess… I try not to deal with any’a the top brass. I had limits, even when I was an agent, but I don’t imagine you can get that high up without bein’ totally cut-throat and unscrupled.

[Mayday, who he only met here, seems the only exception.]

They’d probably wanna get rid of you even if you just might be a threat… they’re just bein’ thorough, in their eyes.

[She’s not crying anymore, so that’s good…]

Calla? When you get back, I want you to think about cutting your hair. Or dyin’ it, or maybe even wearing a wig. Changin’ your appearance a little and goin’ by another name, but not while you’re out on the road in case they’re trackin’ you.

Stay at a hotel or somethin’ with security, then leave as if you’re a whole other person. It’ll help you hide, at least for a while. Crooks change names, addresses, and occupations all the time to lie low.

[Offering a hand now, so they can carry on with their trip to the restaurant.]

[Were she a wiser soul, Calla might well call Buson out on being a Rocket. But she meant what she said when they met: the person he is now is not the person he was. So so lets it be.]

[She takes his hand, brow furrowed in concentration.]

I want karaage.

[Comfort food fixes most woes.]

An' what do I do if they go after Red or Blue? Or Professor Oak? He's real old, Mister Buson, and he's Blue's gramps. He's super-smart and knows lots of stuff but I dunno if he knows how to battle.

If I run away and hide, they're just gonna go looking harder. Or they'll hurt Blue or Red or Mom to get to me. You can't run away from bullies forever. Sometimes you have to stand up to 'em.

But...

[She pauses before running a hand through her hair.]

I guess a new outfit and a haircut can't hurt... at least a little. I gotta look cool if I'm gonna be as strong a Trainer as I can, right?

[He smiles a little at her request. Bashou's fond karaage too.] Alright, sure... we got some at a little place here before, lemme take you there...

[As for her fears, he frowns and sighs, pausing briefly. He's wondering how much he could say to her and if it's even wise to let her know all this, but... they're gone now, so it's not like there's any harm done, and they're from different worlds, so...]

... I don't know how to keep anyone else safe once they're found, Calla. [Sympathetically. He really means it.] ... I was scared too. I never visited my family again when I realized they could track 'em down. ... maybe don't listen t'me, I was a coward and made a lot'a wrong choices... and now, I got no family left to visit. S'just been me an' Bashou all this time. [For better or worse, he's all he's got left in his world and that attachment's made it even more impossible to leave Team Rocket behind in his home world.

He'll take her to a quiet little diner, with a modest menu, but the choices are more familiar for those from Kanto and Johto than the places serving mostly Ulternian food... besides that, there's also some desserts!]

You find a place to sit an' I'll order for us both, alright? ... think'a somethin' cool to wear, it'll help boost your confidence, and maybe you'll come up with a better plan than mine. [He wants to lighten the mood a little and flashes her a grin, even if the conversation's dour...

Once they're inside, Calla will find window seats with cushioned seats and regular smaller round tables with chairs, take your pick, Calla! There's yellowing old menus to look at and view of the other shops and the greenery around outside.]

Chloe sees Calla and goes over with a smile. "Hi! Are you going to see the museum too?"

Eevee warbles cutely. "Eevee-vee-vee!"

[If there's one surefire way to distract Calla (other than sweets), it's cute Pokemon! She'll just stand in silence for a moment before breaking into a huge grin.]

Yeah, actually, I am! I like rocks and old stuff. There's a museum in Pewter City that's got fossils and stuff. Do you wanna go see it together? Bet tickets are cheaper with two people!

-That's such a cute Eevee, by the way. It's so fluffy.

I've been to that museum! It's neat. I'd love to go to this one together.

[She smiles while Eevee beams and goes on two legs.]

She sure is! She's always brightening my day.

Maybe this one's got fossils, too. Or even more old cool stuff.

[Whoops, stand by, distracted by Eevee again. She's just gonna kneel down and offer pats.]

I wish I had an Eevee! But I've got a bunch of friends instead. Maybe one day I'll find an Eevee too?

I'm sure it's got something neat!

[Eevee is thrilled with pats.]

Maybe someday you will!

You think? Maybe I will!

[A pause while Calla stands back up straight and offers a hand.]

'M Calla. It's nice to meet you!

I hope you do!

[Chloe smiles and takes her hand.]

Chloe!

["Eevee!" says Eevee.]

Hi, Chloe. It's very nice to meet you!

[Someone was paying attention to the importance of manners. Blue certainly wasn't.]

Are you, um, from Ultern? Or are you like me, an' you came from somewhere else?

Same here!

I'm from Vermilion City in Kanto.

𝐿𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒 @(ganbalillie) posted:
I see, I'm sorry boats bother you...

A Ride Pokemon is a great alternative! In Alola, we have Lapras, Sharpedo, Mantine... here in Ultern, I believe Drakhari are the primary Water type ride Pokemon. Pokemon that can swim, or even Pokemon that could fly, could be specially trained to carry you between islands. They often have saddles or harnesses so you don't slip off.

They can be rented.

Edited 2023-09-12 22:13 (UTC)

🌱 Calla @(painterspallet) replied:
My Zephyr's too little to fly me (he's a Spearow), but I bet my Thetis could give me a lift! She's big and a Water-type and loves me. She might get grumpy about giving other people rides, though, eheh.

How much does renting a Drakhari cost? I have a little money but most of it goes into medicine and food.

You're from Alola? :O That's so neat! I'm from Kanto waaaaaay far away from Alola.

𝐿𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒 @(ganbalillie) posted:
Aw, such a small Pokemon would struggle very much, unless it had strength out of this world! Thetis sounds promising!! As a personal Ride Pokemon, at least.

[She lists their prices after she looks them up.]

𝐿𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒 @(ganbalillie) posted:
What a coincidence! Our regional Champion—now World Champion—and my very good friend, Ash, is also from Kanto! Pallet Town, the same as Professor Oak.

🌱 Calla @(painterspallet) replied:

She's really big and strong, too! Maybe once she's stronger, then she can give me lots of rides over the ocean! But until then, a borrowed friend sounds good. Thank you, it's a big help to know this stuff.

🌱 Calla @(painterspallet) replied:

No way, that's where I'M from, too! I'm actually helping the Professor with his research. Or I was when I was home. Now you can say you have two friends from Pallet Town! You should come visit it one day, I bet you'd like it.

𝐿𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒 @(ganbalillie) posted:
I hope so, it sounds like it would be a lot more fun riding with one of your own Pokemon.

𝐿𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒 @(ganbalillie) posted:
Wow! Really? That's amazing! I've got to ask Ash if he's met you before, Calla! Or maybe we're from different worlds...

🌱 Calla @(painterspallet) replied:

Haha, probably! Though she'd be real grumpy if we ran into other Trainers. She's always kind of grumpy.

🌱 Calla @(painterspallet) replied:
I bet we're from different places, like how me and Miss Alice look kind of similar. I don't know an Ash; growing up, it was just me and Blue. What's Ash like?

𝐿𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒 @(ganbalillie) posted:
My Snowy used to avoid other Pokemon, maybe she'll warm up with time... it's okay if she doesn't, though!
𝐿𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒 @(ganbalillie) posted:
He's very inspiring, brave, funny, fun-loving, and a loyal friend who will always cheer you on!

[Whoa Calla, you sure don't look okay! Elio's stopped close by with a look of concern. He's also carrying a Blossomole in his arms.]

Ulsai!

[He'll wave both one hand in a circular motion, out of habit from the way he'd greet people in Alola.]

This is definitely far, faraway from Kanto! You're in Ultern--at Port Opportune. Are you okay? Do you need any help?

Ulsai- hrk!

[She was gonna wave back, but she's a bit busy trying not to pitch over into the port water at the moment. Vertigo is the worst!]

I'm back? I thought... oh. I guess I drifted back, didn't I? Eheh.

[-Oh, what is that Pokemon? She stands up in a hurry in order to get a better view.]

I'm okay. I just don't like big boats. -More importantly, what's that you've got there? I've never seen one before.

It's okay you don't have to wave back to say hi.

[Elio smiled. Meanwhile the Blossomole upon noticing the attention she's getting will shyly pull up its leaves to try and hide behind. He'll laugh softly.]

Rosy, it's okay. She just wants to get a better look at you.

[He'll reassure his Pokemon before looking back to Calla.]

Yeah, looks like you did drift back. I understand, if you're not used to riding boats they can be uncomfortable--oh, her? She's known as a Blossomole, a Pokemon that's from this region. She evolved from an Ulternian Chikorita awhile back.

Rosy? That's her name? Well hi, Rosy.

[Sure hope you don't mind being gawked at, Elio, 'cause that's what Calla's doing. She bends down a little, craning her head to one side to get a better look at the Blossomole. Then she stands up and claps her hands as if she's settled on an idea.]

Oh! You know, it's okay, Rosy, I've got a friend like you too. Chloris, come on out!

[She'll just lob a Pokeball underhanded and bring her Ivysaur out. Said Ivysaur promptly stretches with a big yawn before looking up at both Elio and Calla.]

Grass-types are so neat, you know? You've got good taste!

Oh, it's Rose but she responds to Rosy too.

[Elio's all smiles even as he's being gawked at. His focus was more on Rose for a moment who's blushing.]

She's friendly even if she's on the shy side. Aren't you?

[He'll laugh softly as Rose is slowly looking over to Chloris, curious. He'll take a moment to kneel down to set his Blossomole down.]

Hehe, thanks! Grass type are full of color, and grow as big as their roots can go and can help make people feel at ease! They also make great partners too--but I really do think all Pokemon are neat! So it's hard to choose which type is my favorite.

[He'll then glance over to Chloris with a smile.]

Ivysaur, right? I've never seen one up close before. Your Chloris looks amazing.

You know, that's how I feel, too! They're all so neat and different. And it's fun to spend time with them and learn all about them. That's probably why Professor Oak asked me to help with his research.

[Chloris is just gonna waddle over and inspect Rose for a moment in curiosity. Calla glances over with a fond smile on her face.]

Promise not to tell, though? Chloris is my favorite. She's the first Pokemon I ever got and she's my very best friend.

[Chloris looks almost smug about that fact.]

'M Calla, by the way. Hello! It's nice to meet you, uhm... Whatever-Your-Name-Is.

Oh, you know Professor Oak too? He's nice, isn't he? It must be nice getting to study Pokemon all day long! I really like doing that myself.

[At Calla's mention on Chloris being her favorite, he smiled.]

Your secret's safe with me! As for me, my favorite...well I can't exactly choose but I can tell you about my first Pokemon. His name's Booster, and he's a fire type from Alola. He's always with me even if he's not outside his Pokeball.

[There's a small laugh, as Elio didn't seem to mind Calla's casual reference to him. He didn't give her a name to work with, aside from Rose's after all!]

Nice to meet you, Calla! I'm Elio--I'm from the Alola region!

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Back and Forth

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[Buson attempts to convince a protagonist to stop protagonisting]

[content warning: implied danger to a minor, organized crime stuff]

[content warning: implied danger to a minor, organized crime stuff; Calla...!! ;O;]

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[Calla unlocks some backstory]

2.

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[Pippi]

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