01 $$ [video/action for Rocket base]

[whitehairedprettyboy]

Excuse me!

[ A man with a long white ponytail and an immaculately tailored (though unusually green) suit graces your PokéGear screen this morning. He appears rather put out, for some reason. ]

I demand to know who is in charge here! I ask that you kindly return me to where I came from! I'm a very busy man, and I don't appreciate being... kidnapped, or whatever it is you've done to me!

[ He pauses, takes a breath, and smooths down the front of his suit. ]

Whoever you are, it is in your best interest to release me before my employees get here. [ His lip curls. ] And if you were going to go so far as to provide me with clothes, you might at least have made them a bit more fashionable. How you expected me to wear those rags...

[ Having said his piece, he reaches for the Gear, presumably to turn it off, when a long green snout comes abruptly into view, sniffing inquisitively. His Snivy's curious about the lighty box, it seems. ]

Ah, yes - and if someone could elucidate me as to what exactly these... creatures are, it would be most appreciated. At least this one seems to have good sense, for the most part - stop smelling that!

[ The Snivy straightens up, trying to look dignified. This is the sort of Snivy who would never think of sticking his face all over a PokéGear. What would make you think that? ]

[ The man, for his part, turns back to the camera. ] If you can provide me with some answers as to what's going on in this place, I will see to it that you are handsomely rewarded. The sooner, the better.

[ And the feed shuts off. ]

-----

[ Any Rockets hanging around the base, feel free to bug Valmont if you run into him in the hallway! You'll recognize him. He's the one in very non-regulation green and a foul mood. ]

Comments

[rarestcandy]

[Enjoy the face of a little girl, apparently hanging upside down off the side of a couch if her hair is anything to go by.]

Yeah, good luck with that, Princess Ponytail. [Vanellope, you have a ponytail too, don't mock his...] Y'know, if you offer people rewards they could just lie to you. Trust me, people don't know much more than you, even if they been here forever.

[whitehairedprettyboy]

Princess - !

[ The fastest way to get to Valmont: impugn his masculinity. And he's not even wearing the dress this time. ]

I - you've got a ponytail too! [ At least he thinks she does. It's a bit hard to tell, what with her being upside down and all. ] You've got no room to talk! [ He jabs a finger at the Gear. This child reminds him more than a little of Chan's niece. And he does not like Chan's niece. ]

[ The next part stops him short, though. ] You can't be serious. Do you mean to tell me no one here knows anything about this place? Who was it who brought me here, then? I demand to speak to them!

[rarestcandy]

Yeah, but mine's adorable.

[As far as she was concerned, everything about her was adorable. Blood-rushing-to-head complexion and all.]

We know some stuff! Liiike horses are on fire and every city has a place with a force of blue-haired police and pink-haired nurses. Oh, and Halloween's coming up! We know that.

But actual important stuff? Yeah, wires got crossed on that communication. Sor-ry!

video;

[idolminded]

Well...no one really knows what's going on, but I'll do my best to explain. We've all been brought here, for reasons unknown to us, and assigned Pokémon - which are the creatures you were referring to - as partners. As far as life here goes...we pretty much have the freedom to do whatever we'd like, but the general objective here is to travel to each city and challenge the gyms to earn badges. You're not required to do so if you don't want to, though; it's just a suggestion!

[...]

Um, that's pretty much it... I hope I could help shine some light on the situation. If you have any more questions, I can try to answer them. I'm still fairly new myself so there's still a lot I don't know, but I think I can at least help with the basics.

video;

[whitehairedprettyboy]

[ Now this is more like it. Someone who actually answers his questions. And who's polite about it, too. Not that he deserves anything less. ]

"We"? Who exactly is "we"? How many people have been brought here? [ He looks around. He certainly hasn't seen anyone in person since waking up. ] And where are we, anyway?

[ What, were you expecting gratitude for your help, Sayaka? Surely not. Gratitude is for the common people. ]

video;

[idolminded]

[Yes, gratitude would have been appreciated...but it's alright. She's skilled at keeping her public persona on, even in trying situations.]

I can't give an exact number, but...there's too many to count. And this place is called Johto.

[Video]

[francia]

[That suit...]

[France is trying very hard to restrain himself, but all he can hear is that rap song that goes I look I feel I smell like money, just look at me dummy.]

I -

[He coughs.]

Excuse me. I was saying: I'm afraid this place has a habit of bringing people here without rhyme or reason. Unless any of your employees are already here, you are unlikely to have their services at your disposal.

[Video]

[whitehairedprettyboy]

[ France is... Well, he's not wrong.

Valmont, though, eyes him skeptically. You weren't laughing at him, were you, France? But he can't say for sure, so he lets it go... for now. ]

I suppose it's possible that they might be here already. It would explain why I haven't seen hide or hair of them in the past few days. [ That and the looming threat of a demon apocalypse. ] You haven't seen three men named Finn, Ratso and Chow, have you? They're... fairly distinctive. Not very bright, poor fashion sense...

[ Note: As Valmont thinks just about anyone who isn't himself has poor fashion sense, this doesn't narrow things down much. ]

[Video]

[francia]

[Oh, no, not laughing. Not at all.]

[France's head tilts, slightly as he mentally runs through the people he's seen on the network in recent months.]

No one by those particular names has shown up recently to my knowledge.

[There's a odd flicker light in his eyes as France's curiosity gets the better of him.]

...What do you mean by poor fashion sense?

[video]

[preybeforemeals]

[Oh, this guy looks like a party and a half, doesn't he.]

Well, monsieur, you aren't the only one who's an incredibly busy man; unfortunately, no one of any use to me has been brought here either, though perhaps you'll fare better than I have.

[video]

[whitehairedprettyboy]

Oh, really? And what is it you're so busy doing? [ It can't be more important than lounging around an abandoned fish cannery waiting for one's employees to return from god knows where, surely!

He eyes Tsukiyama with disdain. ] And what are you wearing? [ Purple has never been Valmont's favorite color. ]

[video]

[preybeforemeals]

[...he's not here to judge your hobbies nor your lifestyle, good sir, but wow. You werq that fish cannery.

That said, if he notes the disdain, he doesn't seem to mind; he just laughs a little before moving on.]

Is it not to your liking? I find patterns to be a method of self-expression; understandable if it's not your style, but it hardly matters because I've chosen to make it mine.

But if you're that fascinated with our goings-on, unfortunately it's not my place to say - I'd be a terrible confidant if I just shouted all of my goings-on to the network at large, n'est-ce pas?

[Video]

[scizor_sister]

I would think someone dressed like that would hardly be in a position to complain about fashion.

[Yeah, she's going there.]

Unless that IS what they gave you? That would be awful!

[Video]

[whitehairedprettyboy]

[ Oh, no you didn't, Nui. No you did not. ]

Excuse me?! This suit is the height of fashion! Though I wouldn't expect you to know anything about that, what with that frilly monstrosity you've got on!

[ It is on. ]

Re: [Video]

[scizor_sister]

[...Well. It's been a long time since she was asked to kill someone, and even longer since someone asked her to kill THEMSELVES, but that's totally what just happened.]

Whoever told you THAT was fashionable must have been colorblind on top of being stupid. It looks like a lime mated with some cheap Gucci knockoff.

ACTION

[hotty]

[ valmont isn't the only one invested in fashion— well, there were always different types of fashion, and this little figure isn't much of a suit guy ( if anything, he goes for vests and still keeps his punk look ). skull is one who also ( at least for the time being ) refuses to change his helmet and full leather sport's bike suit in favor of some dull rocket cap and uniform. the only uniform he dug was his own— peh. surely he could get away with it, right? he's gotten away with so many things ( and maybe that's a lie ).

but, enough of that— here we have— a baby. yes, a baby. at least, he's as small as a newborn, albeit walking around on his own two legs with a helmet that's a tad disproportional . . . but he can't ditch the helmet, man. it's his do'. said baby ( or just very small person ) is walking around pretty quickly, always looking behind him— because that is also a bag of really putrid trash toddling after him. ]

Ack-!

[ gross— ]

G-get out of here!!

[ AND IT KEEPS FOLLOWING HIM with this content expression like it's just found a new friend. poor thing is too naive for her own good, sadly— skull, on the other hand, runs while looking over his shoulder, giving the fastest sprint he could— before hitting smack dab against valmont's snivy, with enough force to topple both over in a pinch.

it's also funny that they're basically the same size ]

Wah-!!

ACTION

[whitehairedprettyboy]

[ Valmont is not, to put it mildly, having a good day. But at least he's finally left his room, and now he's wandering the corridors in hopes that he'll find someone to give a piece of his mind.

...He just didn't expect that someone to run at breakneck speed into his Snivy. And though Valmont's still not what you'd call fond of Pokémon, he does feel a certain kinship with the snake thing. Maybe it's the color. ]

Hey! Watch where you're going, you -

[ Wait a second. Who is he talking to? He looks around, sees no one, then looks down in time to see the Snivy hissing angrily and shoving something tiny and helmeted off of him.

Huh. He regards Skull curiously. ]

Why is there an infant in here? [ His gaze wanders to the Trubbish. ] An infant and a... living trash bag?

[ Valmont has met exactly three Pokémon so far, and two of them are smelly and disgusting. This is not a good sign.

And speak of the devil - his Stunky wanders over curiously to the Trubbish. New friend? After a moment, she rubs her head against the Trubbish excitedly. New friend! ]

Oh no you don't! Get your head off of that thing! [ Valmont doesn't know what the combined smell of skunk and garbage is like, but he certainly doesn't intend to find out. ]

[action]

[katostrophic]

[Kato has been watching Valmont's message with amusement as he makes his way down the hallway of the Rocket Base, a number of folders clasped under the arm that isn't holding his Gear. Really, watching new recruits arrive never quite gets old - especially when they're as agitated as this particular fellow.

Oh well. He'll work it out. Closing his Gear with a sharp snap, Kato continues to stride down the hallway, his Lunatone following closely behind him. Turning a corner, he-

...

...oh. Speak of the devil...

...might as well have some fun with it.]

Still offering that reward?

[Hello, Valmont - meet one of your smugger co-workers. He's dressed in a fitted white labcoat with a bright red 'R' on the breast, and has the general demeanor of an experienced employee. Maybe he'll actually be helpful!

...maybe.]

I might be able to assist, if the price is right.

[action]

[whitehairedprettyboy]

[ Valmont stops short, taking in the lab coat and the important-looking folders. Someone who actually looks like they know what they're doing? Will wonders never cease! ]

Yes! Are you part of this organization? Were you involved in bringing me here? [ He starts toward Kato, Snivy and Stunky following hot on his heels. ] I demand some answers!

[ He... doesn't actually say anything to Kato's question about the reward, mainly because it doesn't technically exist yet. But. Small details. ]

video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

"Handsomely rewarded," huh? And what does that entail?

video;

[whitehairedprettyboy]

Money, of course. Should someone inform me as to how to get out of this wretched place, when I return to my headquarters, I will make you rich beyond your wildest dreams.

[ Never mind that his headquarters currently consists of an abandoned fish cannery, and that he actually doesn't have any money to speak of right now. Details, details. ]

[Action]

[unkinder]

[Nagi has made it a point to keep his eye on the Network, particularly now since he's been spending most of his time outside of his room- for once- training his new Hoothoot. He's still young but seems eager to perform for his trainer, taking down wild Pokemon at Nagi's instruction. So while the little owl rests from air slashing the heck out of a group of Murkrow, he checks the Network and....sees Valmont's video. It seems like a lot of people have already provided their two cents, so he's content to just leave this man to his own devices.

Once he's through with training, Nagi heads back to the Base and back to his room at the end of the hall, his Hoothoot hopping along behind him with the promise of being fed a few berries for his good performance. Of course, as obedient as the bird is, he's still young and curious...

When Nagi disappears into his room, the Hoothoot stays outside in the hallway, balancing on one foot with his eyes slowly blinking. Before his trainer returns he spots Valmont passing his way, and naturally he's inclined to follow.

Hop hop hop on one foot after him, hooting softly as he tilts his head this way and that.]

[Action]

[whitehairedprettyboy]

[ Valmont hasn't been walking for long when he gets the feeling he's being followed. Followed by something making a steady thumping sound. His Snivy notices it too, hissing warily. With some trepidation, Valmont slowly turns around.

There's no one there.

The Snivy, however, has seen something he hasn't. Vines reach into the shadows and drag out - Valmont almost has to laugh. It's only an owl.

...Only an owl? What is an owl doing in here, he wonders as he contemplates the ensnared bird. Does this place have an owl infestation? No, most likely it's another one of these wretched creatures. Which means it probably belongs to someone, though he doesn't see anyone around right now. Perhaps they're in one of these rooms? ]

Er... hello? [ He calls down the hallway, feeling a bit foolish. ] If anyone here is missing an owl, you may come and retrieve it at once!

[video]

[enjoymyatelier]

[ah... it seems like someone else has obtained THE BEST POKEMON]

Well, I can't say I need a reward, and I'd rather doubt you'd be able to get it to me anyway... but I presume you've already gotten the general idea of things.

Mostly, I just want to say that you did get lucky with that starter. They're fantastic creatures, really.

[video]

[whitehairedprettyboy]

[ He doesn't want the reward? Phew. Mainly because there is no reward, so that's one less person to worry about. Trying not to look too relieved, Valmont nods at the next bit. ]

It certainly seems like a sensible beast. What can you tell me about them? Mine seems to have the ability to produce vines of some sort - is this normal?