[mingle post] Extreme summer weather

[kenfrompokemon]

A. HEAT WAVE

It's a hot day in Ultern. The kind of day where you just can't muster the energy for anything. The kind of day where you feel like you could fry an egg on a car hood. On the radio, the usual DJ's voice reminds you to drink plenty of water, wear a hat and use sun screen, and to make sure your Pokemon are protected from the heat as well.

How are you spending a day like this? Eating ice cream or shaved ice? Resting in the shade? Taking advantage of the Pokemon Center's cooling system? Are you the type who trains outside no matter the weather? Or are you one of those poor souls who have to work outside in the blazing sun?

B. NATURE POWER

On another day, there's a sudden rainstorm. Water droplets attack the roofs in a loud barrage, wind howls, and you can hear the distant roars of thunder. It was hot just earlier, what happened? On this day, even the local radio station broadcasts nothing but static.

What are you doing on this stormy day? Caught by surprise while travelling? Staying inside and shutting all windows tightly? Listening to the rain with a cup of hot chocolate, or going out to enjoy the blasts of rain and wind on your skin? Taking shelter in the Pokemon Center, or knocking on the door of the closest house you can find to escape the rain? Exploring caves? Helping wild Pokemon deal with the weather?

Or maybe something completely different?

Comments

[lovelycharming]

[James, quite theatrical himself, takes Gold at his word.

James sheds tears and clasps his hands together.]

Oh, you poor, dear boy! You remind me of my two best friends... ah, but I still haven't found them, they might not even be in Ultern...

[gold_drum]

[Damn, this is the easiest sob story he's ever told. In fact, he didn't even really tell a sob story. You okay, James?

The part about best friends not being in Ultern, though, that hits home. He thinks of Silver, probably caught up in the Rocket takeover in Johto right now, and sighs.]

Yeah, my best friend's not here either. It sucks. I guess you... kind of remind me of him too. He's a lot cooler though.

[lovelycharming]

Oh? That's very kind of you! In what way?

[James' self-confidence is so shoddy, that even being seen as a less cool counterpart to someone someone else likes... is quite nice! That must mean he's even a little bit cool!!]

My friends were all alone in the world, very, very young and had to grow up tough to get by. I hadn't had to fend for myself when I was small, so... well, as you can see, I'm still rather bad it.

[Well, at least he's honest! Less defensive about it when it's him admitting to his faults...]

[gold_drum]

He's got long hair and he likes to steal, but he's kinda bad at being subtle about it. And he puts on tough airs, but he's the kinda guy I feel like I gotta protect.

[...Gold suddenly feels like he said too much. Oh well, if he just keeps his expression flat and level, nobody will notice.]

Yeah, you are. [He says bluntly.

He can definitely see himself in the description of James' friends, but he's not sure how to feel about that. Maybe if they met, he could relate to them, but for now, he's irrationally kind of annoyed at them for not being here to look after their wisp of a friend. Gold doesn't have it in him to look after a whole grown adult person, but if nobody else will, maybe he'll end up grudgingly having to do that anyway.]

[1/2; Gold befriends another (even) prissier, (formerly) pampered, rich brat?!]

[lovelycharming]

... ah.

I feel like I know him awfully well, or, more like... that description hits home, I suppose. [He can see himself in that too! But also, he can see a bit of Jessie and even Meowth in that description too!]

I hope you find him again. It sounds like you two were very close...

[lovelycharming]

S-so cruel!! You didn't have to say it so bluntly!!

[Once more, James burst into tears! He seemed to cry at the drop of a hat! A shame he didn't seem to utilize it much...]

[Gold: *aggressively takes care of your health*]

[gold_drum]

[Gold bristles. He wants to snap "You don't know him. Only I know him," but he holds it in, teeth gritted. James doesn't mean it like that. He means it reminds him of his friends. Gold's overreacting... but that doesn't help the instinctive defensive aggressiveness he feels.]

Yeah. I hope so too. Obviously.

[And then James bursts into tears, and Gold groans in annoyance. How does this wimp even survive?]

Quit crying! You gotta keep your water and salt inside in this kinda heat or you'll faint!

[Gold grabs his water bottle and shoves it at James. Get hydrated, idiot!]

[James: -quite fond of being taken care of, so it works out!!!-]

[lovelycharming]

[James blinked in surprise at the bottle, initially shielding himself from it, as if expecting a blow instead! Oh, just water...?]

You really are a dear! You're a lot like Jessie. [Went to nursing school, but you wouldn't take her for a nurse with her abrasive attitude!]

Really? I wasn't aware it was the loss of water or, salt, was it? I just thought it was my delicate constitution!

[Impressively ignorant, but therefore, easily impressed!]

[gold_drum]

[Ugh, and now he's flinching like he expects to get hit. James, quit hitting Gold's protective instincts.]

Oh, shove your delicate constitution up your nose and drink water, you dumbass! And take this!

[Gold whips out a plastic-wrapped seaweed rice cracker from his bag and shoves it at James too, annoyed that he's even sharing his salty snacks now. He'll grab another one for himself and unwraps it, crunching on it while watching to make sure James eats and drinks. Silver had a sheltered side to him too, but he was never this bad, was he? No, he definitely wasn't.]

[lovelycharming]

[James blinked in surprise, but did as told, soon feeling... a lot better!]

You were right! I've got my energy back! Thank you, how could I ever repay you?

[There must be something he can do for Gold!]

I'm James, by the way. It's easier and shorter than what you called me earlier, at any rate.

[He's smiling sweetly now, quite grateful. He's used to getting by on a cracker or biscuit (often split into thirds...)]

[gold_drum]

I'll take cash. Pay back whenever you have some.

[Not that Gold really needs to be paid back, but since James asked...]

I'm Gold. Easier and shorter than what, "dumbass" or "idiot?"

[He knows what James meant by that, but he's playing dumb. Good to see James is feeling better now though.]

1/2

[lovelycharming]

[James cringed a little, but then forced a smile.]
Shrewd little businessman, aren't you...? But alright, you deserve it.

Gold! A pleasure to—

[lovelycharming]

[Ah, did he have to repeat it?! It's still a shock the second time!]

The streets have done a number on your language, haven't they...?

[gold_drum]

Hell yeah I deserve it.

[The streets? Gold blinks for a moment, then cracks up laughing. Not just at the idea that the streets are where he picked up that language, but also the idea that "dumbass" and "idiot" are that bad. Sorry for your PG language sensibilities, James!]

Man, you're funny! Nice to meet you too, James!

[lovelycharming]

[He was very sheltered growing up, okay...! Proper manners and etiquette were drilled into him!!]

Oh, um, I wasn't... trying to be, just now... but, thank you!

I like to think I'm very funny! [He dusted himself off and puffed with pride regardless!]

So, what were you up to?

[gold_drum]

Me? [Shrugs.] Not much, just people-watching. You were pretty interesting to watch. What are you gonna do now that you got fired?

[Speaking of manners and etiquette, Gold's got none!]

[lovelycharming]

[James doesn't mind!! Gold's a lot like his team mates. It's warm and familiar!

Weeeell, he couldn't really tell Gold his next course of action was to look for fallen coins and loose change and checking vending machines for forgotten food, so...]

I was thinking of finding a nice place to stay out of the sun! It's bound to get hotter, right? So let's go somewhere cool where we don't have to pay, like the library!

... it would be easy to stay with one of the Ulternians, but I really can't impose for long...

[It might be better than scraping coins or stealing food, though, James...]

Maybe I'll get another job by nightfall!

[gold_drum]

[Gold would approve of that course of action!]

Hmmm...

[Gold visibly ponders something as he listens to James, then nods, looking like he's made up his mind.]

Alright, let's go to the Pokemon Center. I know a guy that can give you a job. But if I'm gonna recommend you to him, you gotta promise not to steal from him. He's nice.

[Happens to us all!]

[lovelycharming]

Weeeell... I'll try my best! I wouldn't want to harm the friend of a friend.

[James looked guilty only a moment, as he considered, before looking quite sincere! He gave Gold a little pat on the shoulder.]

You've been kind to me, so... it'd be despicable for me to fail to return that kindness, wouldn't it? Your friend's off-limits. [There's other pockets to pick, if he must!]

[gold_drum]

Good! Once you meet Mr. Larson, you won't even wanna steal from him!

[Shoulder pat? Sure, okay. Not something Gold's used to, but not a big deal either.]

Let's go! Pokemon Center, ahoy!

[Gold points ahead with a flourish and starts marching. And just for funsies, he starts going the wrong way to see if James notices. He's lived here for long enough he doesn't get lost on accident anymore, even with his bad sense of direction, but it's funny to pretend he does anyway.]

[lovelycharming]

[James—trusting and naive, not to mention, not the most perceptive or observant—followed unquestioningly.

He vaguely recalled seeing the Pokemon Center somewhere else, but, surely Gold knows better. A shortcut, perhaps? He won't voice any of his theories.]

[gold_drum]

[Haha, this rules. Gold hums cheerfully as he heads confidently through the city and takes a turn north to head blatantly out of the city and towards Route 2. How long will it take until James says something? Can he take another turn to head towards the Shrouded Woods first? Gold can easily keep walking to find out!]

[Gold......]

[lovelycharming]

[Naive though James may be, he was spoiled and pampered as a child, so he's always been quick to complain.]

Why are we going this way?

My feet hurt!

If we're going to see this Mr. Larson and not sneak up on him, I can't see why we have to go trekking out like this...

[Gold :3]

[gold_drum]

Huh? Is this the wrong way? Whoops!

[Gold takes a U-turn, smile unwavering, and keeps walking.]

My bad! I get lost super easily. Let's see if this is the right way!

[He does go the right way this time. He'll go for a direct route to the Pokemon Center, but though a series of small, obscure alleyways.]

[lovelycharming]

Are you sure—eek!—you know... what you're doing?!

[For all his whining, grumbling, and shrieking at near accidents and Pokemon rummaging through bins, James kept dutifully following.]