Suddenly in the midst of a Summer Festival--

[ulternnpc]

 

There's a distinct sound of waves, and bustling of people nearby.

In the coastal city of Turnbloom the sun is bright and warm, and the scent of the sea wafts through with the cool gentle breeze that makes the glittering pinwheels spin, and the leaves on the palm tree dance.

Today the streets are extra decorated with these cute, colorful and floral shaped pinwheels. It seemed the people who were out in the streets were dressed in colorful summer attire--either casual, or the more traditional yukata. It seemed like with the booths were set out for both food and games for festival of some kind that was currently underway.

Just how did you get here, and why? A mystery, and it seemed the people in the streets didn't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary as they go about enjoying their time out on this bright sunny day.

---

(🌺Please don't forget to check out the OOC post for those who haven't yet!🌺)

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Volo

[mythvology]

Pokemon Center

Used Barrier
[ Space-time rifts were nothing less than unpredictable, and perhaps recent desperation and motivation compelled Volo to meddle with them more than he should have. The end results are the same. Now he's far far from Hisui and struggles to get his bearings as he hefts his heavy pack over his back and trudges along the beach. Volo's poorly dressed for the weather; leather boots, weathered blue suit, and thick wool cap. The sun bears on him like this was paradise disguised as purgatory. Or... perhaps a blessing in disguise.

He won't get much opportunity to dwell on it before he's earnestly distracted, gasps audibly when he sees the streets and cityscape of Turnbloom. The level of technology far exceeds what he's used. He ogles everything from phones and TVs to the buildings themselves. Was this the kind of world the Almighty Sinnoh's chosen one hailed from? His utter fascination with everything is enough to stave off and underlying resentment as he strikes up conversation with the Pokemon Center nurse. ]

You must forgive me for the curiosity, but I've never seen anything like this. How does this work? [ He asks, pleasant but intimidatingly persistent. She tries but couldn't even begin to explain the technicality behind it. ] So advanced even you don't know. Do you know who invented this? [ She has no idea??? Who is this man, does he need his Pokemon healed? ] Is there a portable version? [ No, but, there's medicine over there...

Sorry if you're waiting in line, blockaded by a 6' 3'' tall man. Volo's curiosity is very important to Volo.]

Turnbloom Market

Used Chatter
[ Volo can be found striking up conversation with one of the merchants with similar enthusiasm as he's procuring more appropriate clothes, though they seem a bit more interested in what he has to say when he mentions he's actually a traveling merchant. ]

...Yes, that's right. The Gingko guild from Hisui. You haven't heard of it? [ No, but, if Volo was interested in forming a contract of sorts, he'd think about— ]

I'm sure I could give any of your wares legs across the whole island, even on the most modest of commissions! I wouldn't expect more until I've earned your trust first... that's only natural. [ Really, he just wants an excuse to go explore the rest of the island while maybe earning an easy paycheck. ]

Used Barrier

[serperiority]

[Getting very bored and very impatient with the human wall in front of him, and particularly disliking his persistence, which reminded him of a certain person’s bad habit of womanizing, Trip poked Volo in the back.]

Sir. Can’t you tell you’re bothering Nurse Joy? She’s a nurse, not a technician! Stop asking her how machines work and search for it online like the rest of us… and stop holding up the line!

That’s basic, isn’t it?

[mythvology]

Oh? [ He spins on his heel at the intrusive poking in his back. A young man, who's made his impatient known. Volo's eyes narrow as he forces a smile and pleasant tone as he looks down proverbially and literally. ] No need to be rude. I simply didn't see you there.

[ To his credit, he steps away and gestures for the space to be filled. Nurse Joy looks relieved. However, Volo waits precisely until either of them are about to open their mouth before interrupting. ]

—Search for it where, did you say?

[serperiority]

[His lip curled in disgust, both at the way he was being looked down upon and the insinuation he was so insignificantly tiny as to be missed.

But he can force a polite smile too. It isn’t very convincing, but let no one say he hasn’t any manners (at least when dealing with those older than him.)

He was about to speak, with a sorry expression, to poor Nurse Joy, when the jerk opened his mouth again.]

… the internet. Or do you not have internet here in Ultern?

[He made his mind up to ignore Volo’s further questioning until he was finished getting his Pokemon treated and stocking up on antidotes. He slipped off his single strap backpack and unzipped it to remove his pokeballs.]

[mythvology]

I'm afraid I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about.

[ If it's here in Ultern he hasn't found it yet, if he knew what it was. What conjures to his imagination from the word and alone is some kind of network—a guild perhaps—of knowledge seekers and holders. Or some kind of sleuthing Pokemon? What did online mean?

For better or worse, Trip has Volo's curiosity. He'll wait by looming over the other blonde, watching everything he does, patient smile not fading. ]

[serperiority]

[Great, he has the jerk's attention, so at least it's off Nurse Joy now, so she can do her job in peace... that was his intention in answering.

But, Trip wasn't entirely altruistic, nor was he all that comfortable being subjected to Volo's gaze. He hated the feeling of someone watching or reading over his shoulder. He wouldn't accept it from Ash, he's certainly not going to accept it from Volo.

In a display of false confidence, he leans one arm on the counter-top (even if it's not the smartest choice in any sort of hospital, but oh, well), mostly so he can have a good excuse to stand side-ways and keep Volo in his peripheral vision, rather than behind him.]

Sorry, I'm busy right now. I'll tell you later.

[mythvology]

[ This kid is a little ball of fire. He's starting to think he'll be pretty fun to tease. ]

Is that so? [ Volo turns away to look at Nurse Joy who, in a bid to not invite conversation, smiles and then excuses herself quickly. She works hurriedly to take care of Trip's pokeballs by putting them on a tray and carrying them over to the machine.

Volo then regards Trip again, pointing at Joy she does her job. ]

It would seem to me she's doing all the work. Since you're so impatient, why don't you indulge me while you're waiting and then I'll be on my way. What's the internet?

[serperiority]

[He certainly is, but he certainly doesn't want to be teased!!]

A giant network of information. You access it using a device called a computer.

Back in the day, you had to use a phone line, it was slow and called dial-up. You couldn't make phone calls at the same time either.

Nowadays, there's high speed wireless networks. You could connect to it using your computer or smartphone, without an external modem or any kind of wire, you just have to go somewhere where there's a connection which you either know the password for or it doesn't have a password and anyone's free to connect to it.

Got all that? If you're confused, that's why I said it's better if I tell you later. I can show you, it'll make more sense.

1/2

[mythvology]

[ The smile finally starts to fade as he seriously tries to keep up with explanation, each new word reliant on knowledge of the previous one. He has no context for any of this...! And all of this sounds amazing! He understands network of information and the concept of using a device to access it like a key but the rest...

He opens his mouth to protest, clearly confused, then closes it as Trip suggests showing him instead. ]

2/2

[mythvology]

...I certainly did underestimate your answer. [ The potential of something like high speed information...? Like the Chosen One's curious device? Yes. Yes. He wants to see. He must see, he decides.

There's an earnest eagerness and enthusiasm the way Volo gesticulates at Trip now, palms open and very very interested. ] If what you say is true I don't think I can possibly refuse. Show me, please. [ He's not so impolite to not sweeten the pot, especially if it'll secure him more of Trip's attention. Does this Pokemon healing service cost anything? He asks Joy. She tells him no, it's free! Good to know. ]

Then allow me to cover something else that you might need as thanks. Name your price.

[ He's leaving himself pretty wide open on that and suspects the kid will take advantage, or at least he would if he was smart. But he thinks it'll be worth it. ]

Barry Used Chatter!

[bsodrival]

Lucas, Lucas take a look over here!

[Sorry Volo were you trying to strike up a deal? This Sinnoh lad is here to be very loud and energetic near your vicinity.]

These clothes look like something you'd see in a movie or something, isn't it? Man I bet there's so many cool Pokemon outside of town! We really ought to check it out later! It'd just be like the time we went to look for the Red Gyarados at Lake Verity!


(ooc: By the way Lucas(fromtwinleaf) will also be tagging along!)

[fromtwinleaf]

[Finally caught up, Lucas had little time to respond back to what Barry pointed out as he's already shifted topics. So instead he let out a small laugh.]

Yeah! I wonder what kind of Pokemon we'll find in Ultern?

[...Wait, what was that about a Red Gyarados? He doesn't recall the two of them doing that.]

two very good boys for the price of one!

[mythvology]

[ Volo makes a face at interrupted but it's short lived the moment the blonde one mentions Lake Verity. He quickly excuses himself from his own wheelings and dealings, purchases a kimono for later and folds it up into his pack as he turns to both of them. ]

Did I hear that right—you boys have been to Lake Verity?

[bsodrival]

[Barry lifts his gaze up surprised as he finds himself staring at Volo. Something about the man seemed familiar, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Instead he beamed up at the man.]

That's right! It's really close to where we live!

[fromtwinleaf]

[Lucas too found Volo a bit... peculiar. There's something about him that's reminded him of someone, but he couldn't put a finger as to who.

Not that it mattered right now. He looks up to the man and nods.]

And we always play there too back when we were young.

[mythvology]

[ Volo's attention was caught because he figured he might be able to needle some useful information about where and when they were in comparison to Ultern ...but now he's ready to just earnestly gush about legends and stories. ]

Ah, Red Gyarados are a fearsome sight to behold... but perhaps you're also aware legendary Pokemon Mesprit makes its home there. Have you ever seen it?

[bsodrival]

Yeah, isn't it?! There was news of it being spotted somewhere far from home!

[Too bad they never found a Red Gyarados, but when had they ever, every time he suggested to look for it? Pushing away those thoughts Barry gave pause at the mention of Mesprit.

It was one thing if Volo had asked if they had heard of the Mirage Pokemon (who hasn't, really in Sinnoh) but having seen one? That was a little strange, but for now he decided not to question it.]

Hey Mister, could it be... you're from Sinnoh too?! Or thinking to visit? In that case it's gonna be hard finding a mythical Pokemon like Mesprit! Who knows where they are now!

[Never mind that Barry was 100% sure either Lucas here, or Dawn had Mesprit with them hahahaha-]

[fromtwinleaf]

Oh! I think I've heard of that too. Something about a Red Gyarados in a lake in a far-off region. It was on TV wasn't it?

[Lucas then glances at Barry for a moment. Now it's what Barry said that he found strange. He was sure Barry was aware he caught Mesprit quite some time ago. Could he also be...?

...Actually that's something to think about for later.]

I remember when we almost got to meet Mesprit for the first time. We were at the lake thinking about catching it, but couldn't because neither of us had any Pokeballs in our hands.

pokemon center

[lostaround]

[Leon felt like this pokémon centre was slightly different from the one at home, but still nice and welcoming. He walks around for a bit, before noticing this man pretty much bothering the nurse for ... Information?]

Hey you, what's up?

[mythvology]

[ The utter casualness of that kind of greeting quickly reminds Volo of the Chosen One's occasional strange slang.

His eyes flit to the ceiling anyway, a brief blink, almost a dare. That is probably not at all what this guy means. ]

Just having an insightful discussion, or one would hope. I don't suppose you know anything about how this technology works...? [ He trails off, hoping this stranger will be just as casual about giving his name. ]

[piano music playing in distance]

[icecreamchampion]

Excuse me sir.

[Cue the arrival of a very similar looking woman, dressed in black and hair parted in a rather familiar manner.]

I couldn't help but hear—you said the Gingko Guild? From Hisui?

[OMINOUS PIANO INTENSIFIES]

[mythvology]

Yes— [ He turns and that smile of his immediately drops and he's rendered into a stunned gawk. Her voice, that hair... his own hand hovers damningly near his chest as his gaze flits over the pendant around her neck. He blinks hard for his own composure. Her familiarity is so striking, her features and voice not unlike Cogita's, yet... ]

...Yes, that's right. [ She knows? He's certain he's never met her before. This is suddenly very interesting. ] Apologies for the stammer, you remind me of someone I know. [ To say nothing for how much she also looks like him. What a very strange coincidence. ]

Volo— [ He forces a smile back on, doffing his hat politely. ] And you are?

pokemon center

[derailer]

[Sorry x2 to everyone in line, because now in addition to Volo holding everyone up, Ingo—who just came in here to check if he had PC access—is going to hold up Volo who is holding up everyone else.

Ingo stops in his tracks, listening to this barrage of questions just to make sure... yes, this is someone who is dressed exactly like Volo would be, and yes, this is someone who does not understand modern technology the way a normal person should. There is a good chance this could just be... the same guy. Eventually he just blurts it out, interrupting.]

...Excuse me? Could you be Mister Volo?!

[mythvology]

[ Volo turns and whatever surprise he has on his face quickly gives way to his usual smile and questionably performatively pleasant tone. ]

Ah! Warden Ingo, what a coincidence to see you here. It would seem both of us are far removed from Hisui now.

[ He waggles his finger. ] A pleasure to see your memory hasn't yet faded of me.

[derailer]

It has been some time since I have seen you...

[Even longer than it has been since he has seen most other people from Hisui.]

But yes, I am fortunate not to have lost any memories in the journey here. In fact, I have regained all of the memories I had previously lost. I never considered... that I would be seeing anyone from Hisui ever again!