[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]

[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.]

[gold_drum]

Yeah, don't worry about it! I always get there eventually. Don't mind the wild Pokemon, they're just eating, they won't bother us if we don't bother them. They're just like us! Eating trash other people throw away!

[lovelycharming]

[James winced a little at that comparison, but when he really looked at the Pokemon rummaging in trash... he did feel an odd sort of kinship. Especially if he imagined it as Meowth, who they practically saw as human!
He started to tear up.]

Oh, no...

[His vision blurred and he started shedding tears.]

[gold_drum]

[...Okay. Gold pauses to wait for James. He doesn't judge, doesn't say anything, just waits until James is done.

He doesn't know how to feel about James' reaction. It is sad, huh? But it's been Gold's state of existence since forever, and he doesn't remember if he ever cried about it. It's a bit refreshing, in a way. Even if Gold can't find it in himself to cry over it, it's worth crying over.]

[lovelycharming]

[James appreciates it! He's only gotten more open about his feelings again after being with Jessie and Meowth... even he had learned to repress a lot of his feelings before.

He sighed, aftwe crying for some time. He felt relieved and soothed. He could handle things better now.

He appreciated that no mean comments came from Gold. He esteemed him more and more! He certainly felt safer around him than that other Rocket with his name...]

I'm sorry I complained. We'll be there soon, won't we? [His tone is softer, gentler, now.]

[gold_drum]

Yeah, it's basically right around the corner.

[Right back to leading James around like that never happened! And the Pokemon Center really is right around a corner and across a street. Gold proudly gestures at it as it comes into view.]

See? Found it.

[lovelycharming]

[James is happy to be here! He's going to cheer! He's very lively again. He sure bounces back fast...]

Alright, great job... let's go!

Oh, but, is there something I should say? How should I introduce myself? And how will I recognize this Mr. Larson?

[gold_drum]

[Gold can relate to that!]

He works at the cafe, so just ask for Mr. Larson at the cafe counter! Or I could just introduce you. It's no big deal.

[And with that, Gold heads to the Pokemon Center and to the cafe counter.]

[lovelycharming]

Oh, I would prefer to be introduced, seeing as you are already acquainted...

[Habits die hard! But he's feeling happier, more at ease, now.]

How do you know each other, by the way?

[gold_drum]

I used to work part-time here at the cafe. I just strolled in and asked for a job! It was a pretty fun place to work.

[Though that's mostly because he had a good co-worker... No need to get all nostalgic about that right now though, Gold tells himself.]

[Aw, Gold...I wonder if we should call in Spagonia to play Larson, fff]

[lovelycharming]

That sounds nice! I have experience working in food service... I hope I'll do well!

[He usually gets hungry and eats something, but...]

Ulsai! I swear I am not dead--

[ulternnpc]

[Right at the counter is Larson along with his partner pokemon, Chansey. Noticing Gold and James his expression will light up.]

Ulsai! Gold, who is your friend over here?

[He'll look over smiling to James.]

I'm Larson, it's nice to meet you.

[How about Gold->James->Larson as tag order?]

[gold_drum]

Ulsai, Mr. Larson!

[Gold waves cheerfully and practically prances over to the counter.]

This is James, I just met him! He's looking for a new job, so I told him I'd introduce him to you!