Players Ao Glen Saino Ula Winter Ao Sigil Character Info Player Info Stats Collections Allies Resort Gender: Male Age: 18 Build: That of an average late teenage athlete Hair Color: Blue Eye Color: Blue Skin Color: Caucasian Sense of Style: Blue hooded jacket, white t-shirt, blue sweatpants, pointless bandages wrapped on his arms. For formal occasions, he wears this with a blue necktie Trait: Collector Player: Skyheart Time Zone: EST Favorite DAFF: Tangled Skype Handle: skyheart_6 Attack: 1 Defense: 1 PinsCharacters: 0/100 Set 1 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950 Set 2 51525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100 Autographs & PhotoMain Street: 1/13 Dug Main Street: 0/13 Room: 000 Theme: Glen Sigil Character Info Player Info Stats Collections Allies Resort Gender: Male Age: 17 Build: Average build, looks somewhat athletic Hair Color: Brown Eye Color: Blue Skin Color: Pale white Sense of Style: Generally just jeans and some kind of comfortable shirt with a hoodie thrown on top Trait: Performer Player: Shu Time Zone: AEST Favorite DAFF: Hercules, Tangled, The Lion King Skype Handle: glen.humphrys Attack: 3 Defense: 3 PinsCharacters: 0/100 Set 1 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950 Set 2 51525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100 Autographs & PhotoMain Street: 0/13 Main Street: 0/13 Room: 000 Theme: Saino Animeta Sigil Character Info Player Info Stats Collections Allies Resort Gender: Male Age: ? Build: Standing at about 5"10, a lean individual stands before you. He doesn't look like he works out much, except maybe to avoid muscle atrophy. Looks to be in his late teens Hair Color: Long Brow hair reaching past his ears, but above jaw line Eye Color: Light brown, to the point where if the sun shown on hsi face, it'd look like he had jewels for eyes Skin Color: Caucasian Sense of Style: Usually sports a red zipper jacket opened up to reveal a black Star Wars T-shirt; he almost never uses the jackets hoodie. A thick black leather belt straps itself around baggy blue denim jeans with a Marvel's Avengers belt buckle. Linked to the pants belt loop, a chain wallet; with crown for links; is seen traveling all the way to pockets. For shoes, he dawns brown sneakers. For the occasion of being in the Disney theme park, he is purposefully wearing white retro cartoon gloves, and floppy disney-esque ears; big enough that it hides his real ears, with black paint on his nose. Trait: Animator Player: Hexin Time Zone: EST Favorite DAFF: Beauty & the Beast, Treasure Planet, The Lion King Skype Handle: gesud4ever Attack: 1 Defense: 1 PinsCharacters: 5/100 Set 1 123567891012131415161718192021222324252627283031323335363738394041424344454647484950 Set 2 515253545556575859606162636465666768697071727374757677787980818283848586878889909192939495979899100 Autographs & PhotoMain Street: 3/13 Anita, Nanny, & RogerLady & TrampJack & Sally Main Street: 3/13 Anita, Nanny, & RogerLady & TrampJack & Sally Room: 000 Theme: Ula Sigil Character Info Player Info Stats Collections Allies Resort Gender: Female Age: 21 Build: 5'6'', A little bigger waist and stomach size, but muscular Hair Color: Brunette with red and purple highlights Eye Color: Green Blue, so depending on the light it could look either or Skin Color: Red-pale Caucasian Sense of Style: She tends to wear flannel (sometimes rolled up, sometimes not) and dark jeans, and often wears a hat (she loves her hats) Trait: Performer Player: Cstar Time Zone: EST Favorite DAFF: Hunchback of Notre Dame Skype Handle: cstar7777 Attack: 3 Defense: 3 PinsCharacters: 1/100 Set 1 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950 Set 2 515253545556575859606162636465666768697071727475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100 Autographs & PhotoMain Street: 1/13 Dr. Finklestein & Mayor Main Street: 0/13 Room: 000 Theme: Winter Shujaa Sigil Character Info Player Info Stats Collections Allies Resort Gender: Female Age: ? Build: Somewhat thin, yet also athletic. Stands tall at 5'11" Hair Color: Sparkling White/Silver Eye Color: Royal Blue Skin Color: Pale white Sense of Style: Is usually seen with a black trench coat and blue jeans. Wears solid t-shirts of any color (Primarily gray), Along with a long pair of fingerless lace gloves. Though she doesn't seem to particularly care about make up, she has blue lipstick and nail polish. A hood is usually buttoned to the back of the trench coat, and a pair of boots (usually snow boots) completes her outfit. Trait: Producer Player: O.KnightofTwilight Time Zone: CT Favorite DAFF: The Emperor's New Groove, Bolt, Oliver & Company, The Nightmare Before Christmas Skype Handle: marluxiaxi0 Attack: 1 Defense: 1 PinsCharacters: 1/100 Set 1 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950 Set 2 515253545556575859606263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100 Autographs & PhotoMain Street: 1/13 Lady & Tramp Main Street: 0/13 Room: 000 Theme:
Rules Index Etiquette Collectibles Progression Daily Events Items Etiquette No cursing. You're in Disney World. "Hell" is probably the only word that's generally considered profanity you can use, because it has been used in Disney films. Animated Disney films. Please, don't argue with me on this, and please don't just do it anyway. If you can justify the usage of a word by it being in one of these Full-Length Feature Films, then I'll let it fly. And no, the Urban legends about Aladdin wanting Teenagers to take off their clothes, "SEX" blowing in Lion King's wind, and unverifiable stuff like that doesn't count. No god-moding and no powerplay. Those are give-ins. They're even more applicabe here, because there's really no reason for you to take over someone else's character, given the points stressed on individual adventures. Like the Genie in "Aladdin", you can't kill anyone. ERK So don't ask. Sure, you defeat bosses, but go light on that finishing move, because: No blood. No gashes or dismemberment. No blood. Why? Because the RP involves combat, yes, and your character is going to get hurt themselves at some point. Being bloodied up makes them constantly a potential risk not only for them, but also tends to make things pretty cliched and darker than they need to be. That is my major grievance. The overflow. Characters can get hurt, just don't overdo it. Romantic relationships are permitted between players. Flirting is allowed with other characters, but don't expect much to come of it. People flirt with the characters at Disney all the time. But, dude, it's not a rule, per say, but come on, don't be that creepy guy that hits on Pinocchio or something. What are you thinking? Not only is he made of wood, but he's a minor made of wood. If both or either of those interest you, I (don't judge, but still) suggest some possible mental evaluation. Nobody says your characters have to get along, but the players must. If you cannot talk amicably with others or settle disagreements by yourselves, I will respond by kicking you from the game. Not all parties involved, but the one who produced enough bile to get under everybody's skin. One may only have one playable character. Craft carefully. Fourth Wall breaking is tolerated, so long as it's done tastefully. Please, don't tear the curtain of illusion apart, but you can make allusions and nods to some things that don't belong or poke fun at things that stick out in-game. Try to keep it to the narrative, if at all. Collectibles Pins Pins are the heart and soul of WWD. They determine how strong your character is and how much they can take in a fight, getting entry to sections of the park, and they're just plain fun to collect. Gotta catchget'em all. There are 2 types of Pins to get. 1.) Purchasable Pins that can be bought in Carl's Pin Shop with earned Disney Dollars. 2.) Non-Purchasable Pins can only be found by a.) Completing a specific job for the first time or b.) Making a particular Character Ally. They determine how far you progress in the story at a time. Pins in Set 1 increase Attack and pins in Set 2 increase Defense. It takes five (5) pins from a matching set to make a full stat point. Autographs & Photos Talk to a character or pair of characters wherever they can be found. A pair of characters that count as one will be indicated by a "&" in between their names. The first time you talk to a character is the Autograph signing and Photo Opportunity; be sure to have your handy dandy autograph booklet. The picture is taken by and stored by your MagicBand+ Don't get on anybody's bad side! Being rude to them allows them to deny your offer to get the collectible. Progression Limits and Maps You start at the first section of a present park, if you are coming in late of the beginning. Some parts of certain sections are locked. You'll need to beat the boss to get a key. Maps will be given of each section, and the spots that are actual places you can enter. Please, don't create a building that is not listed. Unlocking the next section of the park will require a set amount of Pins for each part. Anyone who beats a boss cannot fight that boss again to help someone going back to a previously cleared park. However, the boss has half its health once defeated a first time. You may only advance to a next section after reaching the pin criteria, even if someone else has advanced. You may only be the one to unlock the next section of a park once, until a 30 day time limit has expired. This means that if you unlock one section, you cannot unlock any sections afterwards for 30 days. Each player may only unlock two sections of any park, maximum. You may only move from one section to another at a time. You may move within the section you're currently in, but travelling to another ends your post. This is to encourage posting more than once in a day. Daily Events Want to give yourself a little boost? Daily events come in different varieties, but all of them help you. Character Meet and Greet Match a name(s) to days of the week by color-coordination. If Mary & Bert are orange, that means they can be found wandering about on Sunday, since Sunday is marked orange. These dates go by the Time Zone you gave. If you did not give a time zone, then it goes by EST. Flirting is allowed with other characters, but don't expect much to come of it. People flirt with the characters at Disney all the time. But, dude, it's not a rule, per say, but come on, don't be that creepy guy that hits on Pinocchio or something. What are you thinking? Not only is he made of wood, but he's a minor made of wood. If both or either of those interest you, I (don't judge, but still) suggest some possible mental evaluation. Jobs In order to start a Job, check the "Daily Events" thread. Apply for a job in the RP, and you will be introduced and given instructions. You will only be given the introduction once, and then, after that, you can just complete the job freely in the same post you applied in. The instructions will always be the same for each job. Some jobs are only open some days of the week. This runs by your clock if you provided your Time Zone, but if you did not, it runs by EST. You may complete a particular job once a day. Items KeybladePin Lanyard A strap of heavy duty approximately 36" (91 cm) in circumference, and approximately from 3/4" to 1" wide. Draped around the neck with lobster claw locking mechanism in the back, they come in an assortment of colors and hold the player's pins. It carries up to ten (10) pins at a time. In order to increase your stats, you must visit a MyMagic+ Service Center. Your profile will be updated and however many pins you are carrying will be digitally transferred to your MyMagic+ account. MagicBand+ Enhances the capabilities of a Keyblade within the park. Due to the limiting nature of the resort over magical abilities, anything previously built up will be knocked down to a base level and will need to be built back up. The MagicBand+ comes in pink, blue, red, green, orange, gray and yellow. They are plush, comfortable wristbands with a Hidden Mickey Sigil on the top. They unlock your room doors when you swipe them by the doorhandle. By pressing and holding the Mickey Sigil, a 3D Holographic menu pops up with the options: Travel to Resort, Check Profile, and Map. Travel to the Resort- Automatically teleports you to your Resort room. This is not presently available. Check Profile- Check your Pin Collection, Stats, and Current Mission In-Game. Map- Shows your character detailed info on their current location, and the areas they have unlocked. The Golden Rule More rules will be created and amended as the need is found. To keep the game from getting broken, mundane, or otherwise, and to give the players the best experience they can get out of WWD.
Welcome, to the Wonderful World of Disney WWD is a concept I'm currently offering to KH-vids. For now, it's still in its infancy, and I can only offer readers a taste of what could happen, but I need you to help that happen. It's going to take time and effort on my part, but I am willing to make it happen! What's different about WWD? This RP is going to be statistic-run. While that's nothing new for the Arena, it's still a fairly unused practice, so it will still stand out. What's even further than that is the fact that WWD will utilize specialized, but simplified, systems of control so that the player really feels like they're making actual progress as they go around completing tasks; either by themselves or in groups. Systems include: Ranks and levels Battle stats for Boss battles Trophy and Special Item Collection Unlockable locations and precise, given spots for maps. Will it have a story? Of course! While I can't give it all away, right away, you are Keybladers who are visiting a fantasy-version of the Disney Theme Parks in Orlando, Florida. But I've never been to Disney in Orlando, Fl-! When was the last time you took a walk through Traverse Town? A leisurely stroll through Kanto? A hike through the hills of Hyrule? Maybe the last time you played a video game, but when did you physically walk through such areas? Exactly! You'll be given detailed maps as we progress. You'll know where you can find everything and what everything looks like, and we flesh the maps out via scripting what we get out of them. This is already a lot to wrap my head around. Why all the trouble? It's no trouble at all. I keep track of every skill you build, every stat increase you make, and everything that is related to progress for both individual characters and the cast as a whole. Where would we start? Well, the plan is to start either on Main Street USA, which will be the only unlocked area of the Magic Kingdom park where everyone begins, or a hotel where everyone will have a room they can personalize. The more you play, the more themes you unlock for your room. Does it really amount to anything? Well, that's up to your imagination, but I feel it's you getting to show off your own creativity and personality. How would we unlock Keyblades? There'll be a few shops. Some for pins, which will be collectibles, some for Keychains which you can unlock by talking to certain characters are the park and completing certain tasks. Question from @Shu : How long do you expect this RP to take to finish? Here's how it works: You unlock each area of each park by yourself or with others by defeating bosses that guard those sections. In order to build up your strength to face these foes, you'll probably have to complete some of the lesser tasks in each section first as you progress. Once you defeat or help defeat a boss, you alone unlock access to the sections yielded, but help out future players by giving them the OPTION to face a boss with half their given health after they've been defeated by anyone once. (For you thrill seekers, you can still fight your foes at their full power) Given that there's a lot to do, and you can only do so much in a day, this RP runs at your pace. It could take you a year to get through, or it could take you a few months if you REALLY work at it. Keep in mind, you work through each of four Disney parks. But there's so many little things to do, you'll wind up wandering around to finish everything like you would a real game; in your free time and at your leisure. Question from @Hexin : Can these pins we collect have some sort of perk? They already do. Each pin gains you a .2 increase in either your Strength, Defense, Magic, or Resistance stat, depending on what category the pin falls into. Since there are 200 pins just at the start to collect, with more possibly on the way, this means you get a 10+ in all four stats if you collect all 200. The categories for pins are: Characters 50, Attractions 50, Movies 50, and pins based off of Items 50. Have a question? Ask away, and it may be added to the list above.
A race! A race! Here's how it will work: Since there's still a battle going on between Pete and a few Keybladers, this will be simple, but fun. Each group meets with their own select denizen or group of denizens of Disney Town, and all you have to do is follow the list of instructions you're given as you complete each given task. You can't complete the next task if you just completed the previous one. Turns can't touch, but you can go again once someone has had a turn in contributing to your group. There are five steps to each group (Five items for Group D) to make things quick, but hopefully keep everyone pleasantly distracted. When it comes to the objects to be found in the attic, one item per player only. Every player who participates gets the given reward when the five steps are completed. The first team to complete the criteria gets double the Crowns and double the Munny. If this team happens to be Group D, they will receive the double perk, but the next group to follow in completion will as well. You still have to follow rule 5 of the KHSOS rule, given here for clarity: "5. To help improve roleplaying ability, a minimum quota will be put on all posts. As you level, more writing will be expected of you. Don't worry, not a lot, but enough to show your growth as a writer as well as a player. The Quota wlll be 5 words for every level your player has." You have until the end of the battle between Pete and Roe, Kaida, and Cailyn. This will likely not be the only event to happen while in Disney Town, since this wasn't planned beforehand. Group A: Grimm Alley Reward: 4 Crowns, 700 munny, 300 EXP 1.) Approach the mysterious figure. 2.) ????? 3.) ????? 4.) ????? 5.) ????? Group B: Toon Parkway Reward: 4 Crowns, 700 munny, 300 EXP 1.) Approach the frantic rabbit. 2.) ????? 3.) ????? 4.) ????? 5.) ????? Group C: Raceway Reward: 4 Crowns, 700 munny, 300 EXP 1.) Approach the Chipmunks. 2.) ????? 3.) ????? 4.) ????? 5.) ????? Group D: Attic Reward: 4 Crowns, 700 munny, 300 EXP Objects Left to Find 1.) Broom 2.) Wooden Bucket 3.) Old Roll of Film 4.) Silver Screen 5.) Blue Fleur de Lis Ribbon Spoiler: The Post that Never Was The princess was preparing to respond to Ananta's question, but was pleasantly distracted by D'daear's introduction. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, D'daear. Just as it is a pleasure to meet you, and Glen, isn't it?" She nodded her head towards each of the three. When it came to mind about answering Ananta's question, Minnie giggled again. "You're all very curious for book collectors." Minnie seemed to be enjoying a joke only she was in on. "Well, every year, for many years, we've held a festival here in town that spreads good will, charity, and allows an opportunity for others to do good deeds. Everyone does well by the other in hopes that the receiving party will vote for the other individual. At the end, there's a big prize for whoever wins. Meanwhile, there's fun and exciting games for everyone to participate in!" She sighed dreamily. "It's really my favorite time of the year. Everyone's so nice to each other." She said this with no inclination that, somewhere in town, Pete, a denizen of the town, was harassing other Keybladers. "So, if you all stay around, be sure to meet as many locals as you can, and I'm sure someone's bound to vote for you. I believe so." Minnie snapped back out of her dreamy state. "Oh my! We still need to find Mickey, or there really won't be much of a festival at all." An idea crossed her mind, and she smiled brightly that it did. "He's at the fruit stand. He'd have to be. He said he'd repair the fruit shooter since it had gone haywire." Base heard this and responded to D'daear's question, "I imagine that's going to be outside. Where else would you fling fruit from something called a "fruit shooter"?" Sparsely, the other Keybladers were introducing themselves. "My, Kross, you are quite courteous. And Luna, you are a Royal Knight? I suppose book collectors require some pro-" "Okay, we're not librarians." Base couldn't keep it inside any longer. He knew that she knew. "But we do need to find Mickey and the book, so if you don't mind showing us the way to where he might be, could you, please?" "There won't be much need of that, dear boy." Merlin's voice echoed over Base's shoulder as the wizard took center stage. "Whether or not Mickey took the book is of little consequence when we are, in fact, surrounded with tools that can help us in the very same endeavor." He rolled up his sleeves and flourished his bony arms so that he hunched up his shoulders and resembled the mast of a ship with his arms out wide. "In this very room, are items that can be used as gateways to worlds from the past of whom we're looking for." Minnie cleared her throat. "Ahem. That is all very well, for whatever other purpose, but I need to find him in the present time." "Oh, you're fretfully right. How silly of me. Well then, there's only one thing to do: I'll stay here and open the portals...(I feel like that's all that I'm accountable for these days)," He mumbled under his breath, "And you all shall aid and assist Princess Minnie." Merlin counted the Keybladers out. "Ah, right: Glen, Karina, Kel, and Beuce will take one area, Base, D'daear, and Stratos shall take the second, which leaves, let's see...Ananta, Kross, Raisor, and Steel for the third. The rest of you, Hikaru, Rain, Aden, and Anora, you'll stay here to assist me. Now then, my dear, where would you like for them to search?" Merlin leaned down to allow Minnie to whisper into his ear. "Wonderful. This will only take a moment then. Good luck everyone." Just like that, in a puff of gray smoke, most of the Keybladers vanished from the room. As they departed, they heard Minnie cry out, "Don't forget about helping others as well during the Dream Festival. Good luck!" ~~~~~ District A: Grimm Alley Down a dingy, poorly lit alleyway, cut off from the rest of the town, Karina, Beuce, Kel and Glen wound up. Kept company by shade that created a perpetual night even in the day and knocked over, smelly trash cans, the solemn porch light illuminated a bleak amount of area, but revealed that either path taken down the alley wouldn't lead directly to an exit. Going into a full on sprint could be dangerous. Before anyone could act or speak, a voice echoed through the alleyway ominously. "I am the terror that flaps in the night. I am the key you have to jiggle in order to unlock the door. I am..." A puff of smoke popped into view and clouded everyone's vision for a moment before a shrouded, short duck in purple flapped open his cape and glared out from behind his purple face mask. "Darkwiiiing Duck!" He inhaled sharply. The next line sounded far less ominous and much more confused. "Who are you?" "Psst, DW, can I come out yet?" Another voice called out from sounded like on the nearby trash cans. "No, not... yyyyet." The mysterious figure gritted his teeth in agitation at his sidekick giving away his position. "Okay, you just give the word, and I'll ambush whoever needs to be ambushed." The mysterious figure responded by dropping hold of his cape to slap the palm of one of his white, feathery hands into his face mask and down his yellow-orange duck bill that sprang like a diving board when his hand moved down from off his face. "Thank you, LP." He grumbled miserably. District B: Toon Parkway "P-p-p-p-p-bbbbbleeeeease, Baby Herman! Get back down here!" A white rabbit in red overalls shouted frantically as he held yellow-gloved hands above his long eared hands. Toon Parkway was a neat little park with green grass fenced in with white picket fences in a thirty yards by thirty yards area of cobblestone pathways that all routed to a single pale yellow gazebo with a green trim in the center by a small pond. It also had, at that time, a flying baby; a flying baby with balloon strings strapped to the back of its diaper. While the baby cooed innocently, the rabbit was on the ground losing his mind. Base stared at the Rabbit in distress and looked to the others. "Should we help him? I mean, to not do anything would be child endangerment, but my question is: how did that child get that endangered in the first place??" He asked incredulously. District: Raceway Two chipmunks were arguing on a podium under an awning that looked out onto a racetrack across the way from where Ananta, Kross, Raisor, and Steel appeared in a puff of ethereal smoke. "Listen here, blockhead!" The one with a black nose pounded the other one, the chipmunk with a large, red nose, directly on the head. "This'll never work." A female voice piped in, chipper. "Don't be so hard on Dale, Chip." She instructed from below the podium, with the sounds of wrenches twisting and bolts tightening clicking from the same spot. Chip went to pieces, changing from frustrated to swooning in a flash. "You're right, Gadget." Chip chipped in while Dale rubbed his sore head. "Alright, blockhead, what do you have to say?" "I told ya! There's no way to no for sure until it's tested." Dale took the moment to offer his own little argument. The Attic "Now then, Higgitus Figgutus, zoomba-ka-zing. I want your attention everything!" Merlin cast his spell dramatically, but the response from the room was not at all dramatic. He furrowed his bushy eyebrows in frustration and hopped on a stool. "Everything! Confound it!" He cursed the space when the room still didn't heed his order. He calmed down and spoke directly to Hikaru. "So sorry, lad. Could you and the others possibly go about looking for special items in the room? I need a broom, a wooden bucket, an old roll of film, a pull-down silver screen, and a blue ribbon with an odd symbol on it...erm...it looks a little like this..." He drew a Fleur de Lis in the air with a bit of magic. "These are the items we need to open those portals I spoke of. My magic should be able to find them, eventually, but we must not dawdle. Time is of the essence you know." OOC: 25/45 Experienced 8/25 Veteran
Well, things started off pretty rocky, but let's get this party started. I heard the cries of the people and I have listened! I spent the whole of the day organizing everything and setting up the prompts, so know that you will have all of October and one day to complete the given assignment. To clarify, from the time this thread opens to the public-11:59 PM November 1st, 2014 in YOUR time zone. Prompt 1: Centered around a Disney Villain/Hero and they are celebrating Halloween either with their henchmen, underlings, sidekicks, romantic interests or fellow Villains/Heroes. Bonus points if you write from your chosen villain's/hero's point-of-view, aka: 1st person narrative, and we have to guess the identity by given clues. Unique Grade: How accurately you get the characters involved 0-10 points Prompt 2: You are your character from SOS locked in a Haunted House for a night. It can be the Disney Haunted Mansion, but it does not have to be. You can't get out through the front door, so you decide to explore like you would on any world. BONUS POINTS: Include elements similar to the types of missions you'd have in KHSOS, but in condensed form. The more you can squeeze in of “Investigation/Brawls/Defending/Bosses” without having the story getting too long and dragging, the better. NOTES: You have all your present abilities, summons, jobs, limits, etc BUT none of them can get you out directly. Unique Grade: Flow of action 0-10 points Try to keep it from being too quick, but also try to keep it from dragging needlessly Prompt 3: This song: Bonus points: Write without spoken words. This means no dialogue and no monologues. Unique Grade: Build up and climax, given that this is the central theme of the song 0-10 Rules and Guidelines You set your own maturity rating for your story. Try to keep it at a max of PG 13. Once you set a rating, be sure to follow it, as you will be graded on your ability to keep the promise. All stories must meet a minimum of 3,000 total words. Given that this is a short story, those words will disappear in no time at all. There's no maximum, but, please, try to keep it below 10,000; you will not lose points for going over. Please, double check your writing before submitting. Grammar will be graded. Each grading category is worth a maximum of ten points each. Each Prompt has a special Unique Grade that brings the total for each at fifty points. Bonus points give you an automatic 5+ if the criteria is met. In the event of a tie between top grades, a public vote will be made for the winner. Please, no endings that personally attack the reader. It is a problematic, somewhat cheating way of getting the audience scared when reading horror. It's like kicking someone in the groin to win a fight; you win to some degree, but you really don't. Nothing that sounds like a chain letter. "OoooOOOooo, your house will be invaded by chocolate bunnies if you read this sentence!" (You get the idea) or something like it (Obviously something worse) will result in an automatic grade of zero. I am not kidding; it's cheap. You have your deadlines, but please note: this will go so much faster if everyone has their entries in as early as possible. I withhold the right to create more rules that are deemed fair to maintain the spirit of competition and fair play. NEW RULE: Please, refrain from writing stories that include elements of: Sickness, Viruses, and Contagious Diseases. I've been sick lately, and this is the last thing I need to be worrying about. Rewards: First Place: 2,000 Munny/15 Crowns Second Place: 1,000 Munny/10 Crowns Third Place: 500 Munny/5 Crowns Participation/Consolation Prize awarded at the end: A new Keyblade Grades Did you keep your rating promise?/Did you accurately rate your own story? 0-10 points Grammar, spelling, punctuation, phrasing, format, etc... 0-10 points Artistry (Style, voice, theme, effectiveness) 0-10 points Originality (Yes, even fanfictions will be graded on this) 0-10 points
Hello. I've been playing Pokemon X for some time now, and there is, at last, just a few more Pokemon I have to get to complete my regional dexes. Now, you may be asking: "How has he been playing so long without completing the Dex?!" Well, I have an answer: I completed my National Dex quite awhile ago; in fact, I'm very close to completing an honest Living Dex. However, if you are not aware, you can only complete the Central, Coastal, and Mountain Dexes by capturing, breeding, and training native Kalos Pokemon. Since I brought up a lot of other Pokemon from Black 2 to X, Pokemon that could be found in X, there was sometime before I could complete any of the three dexes and get the deserved crown. Now, however, I only have a Pupitar to train into Tyranitar, catch and evolve a Lairon to evolve into Aggron, trade a Clamperl that I have back to me (I already have the Clamperl that's holding a Deep Sea Tooth), and a Kalos Native Articuno to see once and then you can have it back. I don't need to keep it. Really, I have more Legendary Birds than I really need. I'm really hoping somebody will trade me the Articuno to see just out of the goodness of their hearts, but I can offer a 4IV Poochyena or a Polar region Scatterbug, either of which you can nickname.
So, dearies, I did a video. I was messing around with a few songs, and I found a character that fits a song pretty well. Anyone who watches the popular show "Once Upon a Time" might see my point and might just hear it too. CnC Welcome.
Hello, fellow Disney, Final Fantasy, and Kingdom Hearts lovers. A little over a month ago, two people died who meant a lot to me; first, my idol and one of the biggest acting influences who inspired me to act as well as I could and try everything I could, Robin Williams, took his life, and then, my grandfather, the next day, lost his short battle with Cancer. It was a rough time, but with the help of family around me, I was able to cope with the loss of a close relative. What I want to do, as a writer, is to cope by connecting with fellow fans of not only a fallen star, but the loss of one who truly earned the title and admiration of the title of "celebrity" and "performer" when there's so many more "nice looking people who talk into cameras". I want to take one character in particular, the phenomenally powerful cosmic being, the Genie of the Lamp from 1992 Disney Classic "Aladdin", and do a one shot story. One chapter, one clean, quick short story; as I have far too many unfinished novels posted on this forum. I have a few ideas, but I'd like to ask the masses what they would most like to read. I'll list out the ideas below. A.) Direct Dialogue between Genie and Robin Williams Both would be in a neutral setting. Is it heaven? Is it the Cosmos? It doesn't really matter. The focus of this is "Creation and Creator", and, to be honest, even the animators give a lot of credit to Williams for "creating" the character. It would explore Williams's varied film and performance career, and be more about wisdom and comedy. B.) Genie standing in the modern world, in what was once Agrabah The focus here would be harrowing and based on cold, hard reality. It will be downright depressing, but deep down, this is the scenario many figured out would happen to the immortal Genie and it has story potential. Central focus: memories, and dealing with loss. C.) Aladdin, Jasmine, and everyone else trying to cheer a depressed Genie up Genie won't come out of his lamp. Aladdin and the rest become worried about their blue friend and, once the Genie does come out, they try to cheer him up, as he's a little more blue than usual. This story would focus on the fact that those who make us laugh the most are usually the ones that are hurting the most on the inside. I look forward to writing any of these stories. Do you have an idea to add to one of these stories or a story of your own? Well, I encourage you to either write to me or write yourself; writing is a beautiful form of expression, and the world could always use more of it. Do you suffer from Depression? Hey, shoot me a message. I'm always happy to help out a fellow sufferer. If you don't want to talk to me (I understand. Nothing personal, right? :p) 1-800-273-8255 is the number for the National (American) Suicide Prevention Hot Line. Don't live in the States? I think the real question here is: Why do you hate Freedom?! Huh!? Well, for the respectable and well-loved Non-Yanks, here's a list of Lifelines from around the World, because Suicide is a Pandemic, and no one should ever have a crisis alone.
Before you burn me at the stake for talking up a Facebook game, I implore you to hear me out first! Most important of all points I should make is this though: Don't share your personal information like your actual name and Facebook account in this thread; this is to talk about the game itself and that only. If you're low on friends and are able to trust those you know on this forum, then all the best to you. Okay. There's usually no game that I hate more than the endlessly mindless and repitive games you come across being pushed in your face by odd relatives and obscure friends. I played Candy Crush for two levels and developed a toothache; I never went back. But now, for at least a month, I have been playing a game called "Disney's Hidden Worlds". It's a Search-the-Scene game with a sense of adventure... it's really well put together, and I personally love it. Permit me then, to break down exactly why I love it. Story: Admittedly, this is a game you can just play for its story. The hard to please will think "Oh, the usual inventor-story tropes about imagination, blah blah blah", oh but wait, there's cut-scenes. Yes, you read me right, there are cut-scenes in a Facebook game. Fully-animated, Voiced, well done cut-scenes. Granted, they might remind some older players of Jump Start and Putt Putt level animation, but it's not minimalist and it has charm. It took a while for me to get into it, but by now, I really feel a connection with the script and the characters involved. Disney-itude: This. Game. Is. Disney. Or at least, the developers know what Disney is really all about. From the colors, to the lively atmospheres, and lovable original characters, it is a love letter to Disney and imagination. Each new world is a Disney movie, and new ones are in development. So far, there's "Beauty and the Beast", "Tangled", "Aladdin", "The Little Mermaid", "Brave", "Snow White", and, very recently "Peter Pan". Upcoming ones include "Wreck it Ralph" and "Frozen", I am led to believe. Those who love the movies and really started in on Kingdom Hearts BECAUSE of Disney, this game is the poor man's Kingdom Hearts; a very happy poor man. Crafting: The actual Gameplay is centered around collecting different paint objects and colors as you get different maps. Each map you play, you have a chance to obtain a certain paint that map offers. Collect these paints and papers by completing other tasks, and you have your tools to craft. Probably the most repitive part of the game and what may turn you off. For me, it reminds me of "Disney's Magic Artist" which I played the heck out of as a kid. It's colorful, intuitive, and, for me, fun to collect and mush things together. You craft objects to move along to the next map, characters, and much more. 90% or more of the game is spent crafting, and as you guessed, it takes time and you have to buy slots with Crystals. You start out with one slot, and if you save the Crystals you started off with and level up a few times (You get one crystal per level), then you'll have your second slot in no time. Getting the last two wouldn't exactly kill your pocketbook either. Microtransactions: Some games are like this: "BUY THIS OR YOU WILL NEVER COMPLETE ANYTHING MUAHAHAHAHAHA WE WANT YOUR MONEY!" and some games are like "This is free. This is free. Everything's freeeeeee! Okay, but it's kinda lame though because we can't add any content". Hidden Worlds has a nice system going on. You have Crystals (You start off the game with a generous 20) and they're really easy to come by; more on that later. Why do you want to use Crystals? Because as you craft more and more things you need to craft a bigger thing, the cost to craft that bigger thing goes down. The game rewards you by doing work, but doesn't utterly force you to buy. Still, I confess this is the one and only game I have ever played on Facebook that I believe has ever deserved my money, so I gave them $50 worth of it. With that, I bought the remaining crafting slots and upgraded a lot of things in my world. Gifting and Social Aspect: This may be a pain in the butt, but despite its major influence in the total completion of the game, you don't HAVE to have a lot of friends to play this game. The only thing you ever ask for in the start of the game is one item called "Gift Ink"; it helps you craft compasses to new worlds, upgrades to parts of the map after they reach level 2, characters, and a few other things. Later in the game, you'll have to ask your friends for a few other bits and bobbles, but, for the most part, Gift Ink will be mostly what you need to get by. Those who are the most extreme or impatient of gamers may also wish to ask for Energy ink, which you can use to craft energy packs (Which you can also buy). Music: I leave the sound on if no one's around. The music is relaxing and varies from world to world. Generally, it's music that is inspired by the films the worlds are based on, with some bits of the actual songs thrown in from time to time. The main theme is infectious. It has a Jungle atmosphere and a lively jaunt to it. It's sure to spark your imagination. Anyone already playing it? Anyone now interested in playing it? Let's talk. @cstar @~Phoenix~
From Kitten to Jellicle Cat, Asparagus finds his home and niche on the boards of the grand stage. Tracking the lengthy life of a legendary feline, there is Hope and Dismay, Triumph and Defeat, and Love and Heartbreak. A Jellicle tale for Jellicle Cats. Table of Contents PrologueChapter 1: Born BlindFootnotesAlso by SebaxGuest Book Prologue M any nights were spent at the many doors of many different theaters. It was not customary of habitual Ushers from each to be unacquainted with a frequent, aged guest. A guest whose taste for histrionics knew neither boundary nor had lack of curiosity; curiosity was typically an unadvisable thing for one such as this particular guest, but Asparagus had always been curious ever since he was a kitten. Yes, Asparagus, who was known affectionately as “Gus” to many cast and crew of countless productions, was the cat at the theater door. He was the mobile theater cat who was fraternal to the “Adelphi” as he was recognized at the Duke of York’s. No one quite knew the secret of his traversing, since he was an ancient cat with trembling paws, brittle bones, and vice versa. Quite inscrutably though, Gus was not only a familiar sight, but rather a welcome one; amongst scores of lucky theater cats, Gus was the uncelebrated celebrity. Throes of feet would trample past him as he lay by the doors of any particular theater, and to the owners of those feet, they would not so much as even register there was a cat at all. Those in the business of entertainment both abhorred and understood this un-relation in that, admittedly, Gus was easy to miss with a what had to be a foundation made of parchment. That was, at the very least, supposable in his incomparable skinniness. On the other hand, Gus had been, in another time, not the cat whom everyone ignored at the door way, but had instead been the cat everyone on the West End raved about as a talent so great that he could be rated amongst noted contemporary performers, and the performers themselves would agree with such an equal. After all, Gus had acted with Sir Henry Irving, and he had acted with Sir Herbert Tree, and both were reported, at one time or another, to have referred to Gus’s impressive talent with utmost respectability and sincere affection. That was a past life. This one involved the feet trampling that passed by without a thought of the scrawny, shabby feline that had once been important, but no longer seemed fit to hold the title. The initiated doorman occasionally evinced slight annoyance no one ever remarked so much as a “What a nice old cat that is” while exiting or entering when Gus had decided upon that venue for the evening; but there was little evidence that any of it bothered Gus. The truth was… it did; deeply so. The only game-changing factor was that old age had impressioned Gus with an almost permanent look of indifference to everyone and everything that crossed his path. Yes, on occasion, Gus would meow happily when presented with a superb play, but it pained him terribly to do so and the company understood if he chose to enjoy quietly; a glimmer of joy would always appear in the old cat’s eyes if he were truly delighted. One particular night, at a most particular playing of an utmost particular play, Gus was indeed enjoying the aftermath of a rather new and (what Gus considered) inventive production as he reposed at the feet of the show’s creator. The audience had cleared out and the majority of the company had gone home, but Gus’ own company was no other than Mister J. M. Barrie, while the cold December wind blew softly outside the theater door by which the two sat. As he did when the task was earned and worth the effort, Gus meowed contentedly and purred without as much difficulty. “I thank you for that.” Barrie sighed, scratching between Gus’ uneven shoulder blades. “Oh yes, I must admit, your reputation does precede you, my friend. I take it from pretense you enjoyed the play?” Barrie’s brogue bounced and his burr blended lightly down to the curled up Gus, who pleasantly purred in reply. “I am much obliged for the generous review.” Barrie chuckled without the slightest trace of irony. “I do begin to suppose, dear Gus, if cats are like man in the one sense that comes to my mind when I think of Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys, and that is, I humbly ask, do cats wish to return to youth? Or is age a mark of wisdom?” ‘How silly’ Gus looked up at Barrie with an aloof expression on his feline face and thought to himself, ‘Of course I do and don’t all at once, just as those of humankind do and don’t. But I implore, I ask… how shall I relay my answer to you?’ His only staunch reply was a curt meow. Vague to the uninitiated, but such was the way of cats anyway. “Ah, right. Silly me. If you could talk, I’d have to ask you more than just one silly, fleeting question about the mutability of passing youth. Everyone does wonder, simply, how you came to be, so that we are graced by you at the theatre door.” Admittedly, Gus adored the adulation. He would not belay a request to tell one of his famously windy stories to fellow animals, and his club meetings by the local pub were the stuff of legends; at least in his own head. But, again, he couldn’t answer Barrie. That was a shame… Gus had truly enjoyed the play. He had enjoyed the production so much that he had skipped his evening nap to watch its entirety. Though he attempted to keep awake, Gus slipped into slumber as Barrie chuckled and scratched Gus behind the ears. Chapter 1: Born Blind F our newborn kittens mewed theirs first tender cries in a London alley as the harsh December air drifted all around them. An absent father left a young Queen to the task of carriage and nursing, but Carstraw, a beautiful calico, was so tender at heart, she knew she would easily make do with the absence. Her whiskers lifted as she gingerly smiled, though she was weak, hungry, and made to be more tired than she had ever been in her single year of life. It had been a rough life, she knew, but that ceased to matter the instant she started to live for her litter. The four were her first, and to see their moving forms try to swim on a late edition of a city newspaper. “Welcome, my loves.” Her voice was one that was steady and produced calmed nerves like an easy breeze, but was not as cold as the wind that threatened to abruptly end the lives of her newborns. “Draw in, and be warm.” She spoke to kittens that were no less deaf than they were blind, but her gentle forepaws sweep brought her young to her abdominal bosom all the same. That was the way they rested for one evening as queen for want of throne, and no lack of biting, hungry mouths finding their way to her teats while she licked them clean of the fluids that coated them. Carriages rattled, babies cried, and light poured out from alley windows down on the peacefully dismal sight of Carstraw and her four. Her pale yellow eyes fluttered closed while she came to grips with her new, strange reality, but the kittens continued in their own suckling endeavors unfettered by the horrid and wonderful world they had entered. It was some time- a course of a score and five days- before each Kitten had reached a point of managing some form of independence. This brought Carstraw no end of joy and stress in one fantastic ball of- “Amandus! You get down from there!” Carstraw shouted to the tawny, skinny one, whom had made his way up a dangling hemp rope in the same alley of the birth of all but one of the five cats. Three fluffy rumps were plomped squarely on the cobblestone as they watched in awe of their brave, ignorant brother. Lilyplate, the all-white one with blue eyes, giggled while Saffronpaw, a black cat with reddish brown colorations on all four of his paws and down his sturdy back, and Asparagus, a skinny, brown cat with white colorations and stripes around his hazel eyes, dared each other turn to be the next one to go up. “You go up.” Saffronpaw’s voice was husky for one so young. “You’re the strong one. You do it, Saf.” Asparagus rebuked with disdain at the height Amandus had reached. To the tiny, wobbly-legged kittens, it seemed miles that had been traversed from the ground to the target of Mother’s aggravated cawing; in reality, it was merely a few feet, but what is distance to a kitten or babe? “I will, just as soon as you do.” Saffron replied unsteadily, poorly feigning confidence. “I hear you down there, and I say you are both gutless cowards.” A spritely voiced called from above. “You mind your mouth Amandus Straw!” “Yes, mother.” Amandus obediently called back down. “And come back down at once.” No change in volume had presented itself in her voice, and in no reply when reply had come before, Carstraw saw it fit to increase her tonal volume and screech at her dareful kitten. “THIS INSTANT!” Scratching comforted her to no end as she was content to see the eldest of her litter make his descent. Only when Amandus had reached the ground did Carstraw let loose a well-deserved motherly sigh of relief. “I came back down just for you, dear mother.” Amandus cooed and tried to sway his mother’s temper. Her paw smartly smacking his bottom a few inches made his efforts all for naught. “Oof!” Amandus grunted as he landed a little ways off from his siblings. “Never, ever do that again at your age. You’ll learn to walk first before you go round the bend and start becoming tightrope walkers and acrobats and such.” Carstraw was firm, but fair. Her voice had lost its rage, but not its bite. She would teach her kittens to obey, but only out of her love for them did she even bother to ensure they made an effort to behave. This point had been made clearer than crystal on many instances prior, but it was usually Amandus being reckless, or Lilyplate whining of low estate, or Saffron crying of not enough food when he ate a good deal more than the other kittens already. Asparagus alone was, to Carstraw, her “little gentleman”. Asparagus found both pride and displeasure in the title, since the preening was only beneficial when his mutable mood suggested it was beneficial. “Now then, lessons continue if Amandus can behave himself and you all mind yourselves as well.” By habit, all four kittens replied with a “Yes, mother” lacking sarcasm. Carstraw nodded her head and relaxed her back before licking Amandus on the head. “Your bravery, my boy, is going to do you some use in the future, but, for the sake of your mother’s all-too-loving heart, place yourself far from danger for the time being.” Amandus nodded in reply, and Carstraw purred. “Good. Now then, you may play as I search the empty room to make sure it is, in fact, currently empty.” Asparagus knew the empty room all too well. A dark, but homely place of Victorian comfort that had been abandoned for some years by previous tenants and it served as the unofficial home of the Straw family when rains persisted or dangers lurked in their familiar alleyway. “I’ll keep the peace, mama.” Gus stuck out his chest and tried to make his small frame appear larger than it was. Carstraw chuckled,but with humor as much as pride in her children’s individuality. “You mind yourself and your siblings. I trust you’ll do just fine, my little Gus.” And Carstraw licked Gus’ forehead, which unfortunately toppled the kitten backwards in a somersault that his brothers and sister could not suppress their laughter at. Carstraw stifled their giggles and set Gus right before pouncing up to the empty windowsill nearest the small group. In a flash, she was gone inside, and Asparagus was left to watch his siblings. “Mama left me in charge, so you have to do what I say.” Asparagus stated proudly. He was full of heart upon saying it, but was disheartened when he spotted three tails wiggling in the air as three tiny faces marked themselves with malicious intents. “Uh…mama….left me…in…” Asparagus was thoroughly trounced, pounced, and tackled by his giggling siblings until even he was led out of his somber façade to enjoy the kaleidoscope of roughhousing the four Straw kittens had become in the alley they called home. Footnotes An origin story of "Gus, the Theatre Cat" made famous by the poem by T.S. Elliot and the stage production of the Musical "Cats" set by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It's what I crafted in my mind to play Gus on stage. Also by Sebax "Based Forward"- Set 14 years before the events of Kingdom Hearts I, and 4 years before Birth By Sleep, a musically-inclined boy finds himself under the tutelage of Yen Sid after the destruction of his Homeworld of Theate. Studying to be a mage, Base finds himself in over his head in matters he barely understands. "Give My Regards to Bridleway"- Based on the "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" TV show, Rarity heads off to Bridleway to be part of a show. With the help of her friends, can she hold her own in the theatre? "Burns"- Set 28 years before the events of Red/Blue, Caesar Cyprus, a young aide to Professor Oak, is sent to Cinnabar Island. The research he does there will lead him down a path to an even bigger adventure for him. Guest Book Not a KHV member? Sign the Guest Book, please! I write for the love of it, but I do need, from time to time, some sort of encouragement, or else I just lose interest in posting. Sign Here!
M any nights were spent at the many doors of many different theaters. It was not customary of habitual Ushers from each to be unacquainted with a frequent, aged guest. A guest whose taste for histrionics knew neither boundary nor had lack of curiosity; curiosity was typically an unadvisable thing for one such as this particular guest, but Asparagus had always been curious ever since he was a kitten. Yes, Asparagus, who was known affectionately as “Gus” to many cast and crew of countless productions, was the cat at the theater door. He was the mobile theater cat who was fraternal to the “Adelphi” as he was recognized at the Duke of York’s. No one quite knew the secret of his traversing, since he was an ancient cat with trembling paws, brittle bones, and vice versa. Quite inscrutably though, Gus was not only a familiar sight, but rather a welcome one; amongst scores of lucky theater cats, Gus was the uncelebrated celebrity. Throes of feet would trample past him as he lay by the doors of any particular theater, and to the owners of those feet, they would not so much as even register there was a cat at all. Those in the business of entertainment both abhorred and understood this un-relation in that, admittedly, Gus was easy to miss with a what had to be a foundation made of parchment. That was, at the very least, supposable in his incomparable skinniness. On the other hand, Gus had been, in another time, not the cat whom everyone ignored at the door way, but had instead been the cat everyone on the West End raved about as a talent so great that he could be rated amongst noted contemporary performers, and the performers themselves would agree with such an equal. After all, Gus had acted with Sir Henry Irving, and he had acted with Sir Herbert Tree, and both were reported, at one time or another, to have referred to Gus’s impressive talent with utmost respectability and sincere affection. That was a past life. This one involved the feet trampling that passed by without a thought of the scrawny, shabby feline that had once been important, but no longer seemed fit to hold the title. The initiated doorman occasionally evinced slight annoyance no one ever remarked so much as a “What a nice old cat that is” while exiting or entering when Gus had decided upon that venue for the evening; but there was little evidence that any of it bothered Gus. The truth was… it did; deeply so. The only game-changing factor was that old age had impressioned Gus with an almost permanent look of indifference to everyone and everything that crossed his path. Yes, on occasion, Gus would meow happily when presented with a superb play, but it pained him terribly to do so and the company understood if he chose to enjoy quietly; a glimmer of joy would always appear in the old cat’s eyes if he were truly delighted. One particular night, at a most particular playing of an utmost particular play, Gus was indeed enjoying the aftermath of a rather new and (what Gus considered) inventive production as he reposed at the feet of the show’s creator. The audience had cleared out and the majority of the company had gone home, but Gus’ own company was no other than Mister J. M. Barrie, while the cold December wind blew softly outside the theater door by which the two sat. As he did when the task was earned and worth the effort, Gus meowed contentedly and purred without as much difficulty. “I thank you for that.” Barrie sighed, scratching between Gus’ uneven shoulder blades. “Oh yes, I must admit, your reputation does precede you, my friend. I take it from pretense you enjoyed the play?” Barrie’s brogue bounced and his burr blended lightly down to the curled up Gus, who pleasantly purred in reply. “I am much obliged for the generous review.” Barrie chuckled without the slightest trace of irony. “I do begin to suppose, dear Gus, if cats are like man in the one sense that comes to my mind when I think of Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys, and that is, I humbly ask, do cats wish to return to youth? Or is age a mark of wisdom?” ‘How silly’ Gus looked up at Barrie with an aloof expression on his feline face and thought to himself, ‘Of course I do and don’t all at once, just as those of humankind do and don’t. But I implore, I ask… how shall I relay my answer to you?’ His only staunch reply was a curt meow. Vague to the uninitiated, but such was the way of cats anyway. “Ah, right. Silly me. If you could talk, I’d have to ask you more than just one silly, fleeting question about the mutability of passing youth. Everyone does wonder, simply, how you came to be, so that we are graced by you at the theatre door.” Admittedly, Gus adored the adulation. He would not belay a request to tell one of his famously windy stories to fellow animals, and his club meetings by the local pub were the stuff of legends; at least in his own head. But, again, he couldn’t answer Barrie. That was a shame… Gus had truly enjoyed the play. He had enjoyed the production so much that he had skipped his evening nap to watch its entirety. Though he attempted to keep awake, Gus slipped into slumber as Barrie chuckled and scratched Gus behind the ears.
F our newborn kittens mewed theirs first tender cries in a London alley as the harsh December air drifted all around them. An absent father left a young Queen to the task of carriage and nursing, but Carstraw, a beautiful calico, was so tender at heart, she knew she would easily make do with the absence. Her whiskers lifted as she gingerly smiled, though she was weak, hungry, and made to be more tired than she had ever been in her single year of life. It had been a rough life, she knew, but that ceased to matter the instant she started to live for her litter. The four were her first, and to see their moving forms try to swim on a late edition of a city newspaper. “Welcome, my loves.” Her voice was one that was steady and produced calmed nerves like an easy breeze, but was not as cold as the wind that threatened to abruptly end the lives of her newborns. “Draw in, and be warm.” She spoke to kittens that were no less deaf than they were blind, but her gentle forepaws sweep brought her young to her abdominal bosom all the same. That was the way they rested for one evening as queen for want of throne, and no lack of biting, hungry mouths finding their way to her teats while she licked them clean of the fluids that coated them. Carriages rattled, babies cried, and light poured out from alley windows down on the peacefully dismal sight of Carstraw and her four. Her pale yellow eyes fluttered closed while she came to grips with her new, strange reality, but the kittens continued in their own suckling endeavors unfettered by the horrid and wonderful world they had entered. It was some time- a course of a score and five days- before each Kitten had reached a point of managing some form of independence. This brought Carstraw no end of joy and stress in one fantastic ball of- “Amandus! You get down from there!” Carstraw shouted to the tawny, skinny one, whom had made his way up a dangling hemp rope in the same alley of the birth of all but one of the five cats. Three fluffy rumps were plomped squarely on the cobblestone as they watched in awe of their brave, ignorant brother. Lilyplate, the all-white one with blue eyes, giggled while Saffronpaw, a black cat with reddish brown colorations on all four of his paws and down his sturdy back, and Asparagus, a skinny, brown cat with white colorations and stripes around his hazel eyes, dared each other turn to be the next one to go up. “You go up.” Saffronpaw’s voice was husky for one so young. “You’re the strong one. You do it, Saf.” Asparagus rebuked with disdain at the height Amandus had reached. To the tiny, wobbly-legged kittens, it seemed miles that had been traversed from the ground to the target of Mother’s aggravated cawing; in reality, it was merely a few feet, but what is distance to a kitten or babe? “I will, just as soon as you do.” Saffron replied unsteadily, poorly feigning confidence. “I hear you down there, and I say you are both gutless cowards.” A spritely voiced called from above. “You mind your mouth Amandus Straw!” “Yes, mother.” Amandus obediently called back down. “And come back down at once.” No change in volume had presented itself in her voice, and in no reply when reply had come before, Carstraw saw it fit to increase her tonal volume and screech at her dareful kitten. “THIS INSTANT!” Scratching comforted her to no end as she was content to see the eldest of her litter make his descent. Only when Amandus had reached the ground did Carstraw let loose a well-deserved motherly sigh of relief. “I came back down just for you, dear mother.” Amandus cooed and tried to sway his mother’s temper. Her paw smartly smacking his bottom a few inches made his efforts all for naught. “Oof!” Amandus grunted as he landed a little ways off from his siblings. “Never, ever do that again at your age. You’ll learn to walk first before you go round the bend and start becoming tightrope walkers and acrobats and such.” Carstraw was firm, but fair. Her voice had lost its rage, but not its bite. She would teach her kittens to obey, but only out of her love for them did she even bother to ensure they made an effort to behave. This point had been made clearer than crystal on many instances prior, but it was usually Amandus being reckless, or Lilyplate whining of low estate, or Saffron crying of not enough food when he ate a good deal more than the other kittens already. Asparagus alone was, to Carstraw, her “little gentleman”. Asparagus found both pride and displeasure in the title, since the preening was only beneficial when his mutable mood suggested it was beneficial. “Now then, lessons continue if Amandus can behave himself and you all mind yourselves as well.” By habit, all four kittens replied with a “Yes, mother” lacking sarcasm. Carstraw nodded her head and relaxed her back before licking Amandus on the head. “Your bravery, my boy, is going to do you some use in the future, but, for the sake of your mother’s all-too-loving heart, place yourself far from danger for the time being.” Amandus nodded in reply, and Carstraw purred. “Good. Now then, you may play as I search the empty room to make sure it is, in fact, currently empty.” Asparagus knew the empty room all too well. A dark, but homely place of Victorian comfort that had been abandoned for some years by previous tenants and it served as the unofficial home of the Straw family when rains persisted or dangers lurked in their familiar alleyway. “I’ll keep the peace, mama.” Gus stuck out his chest and tried to make his small frame appear larger than it was. Carstraw chuckled,but with humor as much as pride in her children’s individuality. “You mind yourself and your siblings. I trust you’ll do just fine, my little Gus.” And Carstraw licked Gus’ forehead, which unfortunately toppled the kitten backwards in a somersault that his brothers and sister could not suppress their laughter at. Carstraw stifled their giggles and set Gus right before pouncing up to the empty windowsill nearest the small group. In a flash, she was gone inside, and Asparagus was left to watch his siblings. “Mama left me in charge, so you have to do what I say.” Asparagus stated proudly. He was full of heart upon saying it, but was disheartened when he spotted three tails wiggling in the air as three tiny faces marked themselves with malicious intents. “Uh…mama….left me…in…” Asparagus was thoroughly trounced, pounced, and tackled by his giggling siblings until even he was led out of his somber façade to enjoy the kaleidoscope of roughhousing the four Straw kittens had become in the alley they called home.
As previously stated, this is your world to play around in, but everyone has to have the same world to make things consistent and easy. That's why I've drummed up at least one map to make you aware of your surroundings. For now, since the Mini-RP starts off in a little out-of-Toontown piece of Suburbia called Kei Acres, the one map is all that's necessary.
Alice in Wonderland Krowley Base Luna Beuce Bambi Eon Kross Dumbo Krowley Base Beuce Cinderella Etrius Kel Luna Steel Beuce Eon Karina Ananta Krowley Glen Base The Emperor's New Groove Ananta Cat Eon Steel Etrius Corona Cat Glen Kaida Etrius The Great Mouse Detective Eon Glen Land of Departure Kross D'daear Cat Eon Kaida Luna Stratos Ananta Base Krowley Beuce Kel Steel Glen Etrius Karina Mulan Karina Glen Kel The Rescuers Down Under Karina Kross Robin Hood Kel Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Karina Krowley Luna The Sword in the Stone Ananta Kel Beuce Stratos Tarzan Kel Kross Krowley Try to complete in as few words as possible. Code: Model: (Get a name from this site below*.) Modifications: (Deletions of windows and doors, and addition of windows only; must have a front door.) Color: (The color of the house, as seen from outside; walls and roof) Theme(s): (One theme for the whole house, or go room by room.) * Themes: You can select themes from any world your character has visited. Even the briefest visitations count. It is possible to earn themes from completing bonus tasks around Town and at the House of Mouse. Purpose: This is an open and free world. As much as information about your surroundings as possible will actually lessen the load on everyone so that everyone can just hop in whenever they like and not have to depend as fully on other people. Plus, I like to make things personal and fun!
Model: (Get a name from this site below*.) Modifications: (Deletions of windows and doors, and addition of windows only; must have a front door.) Color: (The color of the house, as seen from outside; walls and roof) Theme(s): (One theme for the whole house, or go room by room.)
Corner Hotel House of Mouse World Terminus Cafe Disney ~Sebax If you just wanted to stay somewhere like home, then why not stay AT home? The Corner Hotel isn't like home; it's something much more. Catering to all your needs, and the Character-Meet-and-Greet is a socializing dream come true. A big hotel with many rooms. You log in at the desk, get a room, and you get to visit with Disney characters of your choice. This one is a bit more in-depth. Don't want to RP consistently? Just send your character to their room and they can come out at any time. Main themes of this theme include: Large, open world, personal customization of your room, random encounters, specific places to go with Disney characters like the Dining Hall, Shopping Center, Poolhouse, ect. ~Sebax Who's that knockin' at the House of Mouse? We're all rockin' at the House of Mouse. We're havin' a ball and rockin' the hall, so come win it all at the House of Mouse. All Disney characters are there right in one setting. Based off of the 2000's series of cartoons, "The House of Mouse", including all settings and focus on unique characters. Main Themes include: Open world, random encounters, immersion, and possible nostalgia from familiar surroundings. ~ Hexin You're surrounded by beams of light erupting from the ground. Each beam leads to one setting to fit the characters you wish to seek. Which radiant gleam will you choose? Main themes include: One-shot interactions at a time. ~ O.KnightofTwilight Fun for the whole Keyblader Party! Set in captivating, animated dining areas inspired by Disney films, enjoy a meal or just some light beverages just for you, your friends, and your Disney Guests. Please, be our guests. Much like "House of Mouse", only in more of wider time setting (Can take place in day and dark, rather than just night) and a different scene. Where you can chat with Disney stars over a nice cup of coffee and scones. Main themes: Coffee house atmosphere, inclusion of unique, new characters as Baristas, and quaint dining experience.
For the past two months, I have been using multiple applications on my computer to create Sigs for my own personal use on KHV. One, the one still there until the end of April, was created as a promotional for an RP I am involved in, and that's largely what made me dive a little deeper into Graphic Arts. I plan to continue this self-production bit for months to come, but I thought I'd ask about how I'm starting off. I use Picasa 3, Powerpoint, and Picture Manager to edit the pictures I get, and so far the central theme has been Disney (I am huge Disney Fanatic). My step by step process is that I usually start in Picasa 3 and touch-up colors and visual appeal of the selected photo, then copy and paste it into Powerpoint to make slighter edits and have more control over where text goes and how it can look. Lastly, I copy and paste the final image into Windows Picture Manager so that it's saved and usable. I have included the Avatars I use with the signatures as well, because I believe a good set makes for a complete appearance. Spoiler: April/Bambi Sig: This was the promotional one, obviously. Note the symbol in the bottom right corner. It originally contained no rain overlay, but it was, instead, added by me and recolored to blend more naturally with the image. All the coloration in the Bambi scene was edited delicately in Picasa 3 to arrive at a cool, watery, and life-filled image that displays the innocence of the Young Prince while observing the elements. The caption "April Attendance" was the name of the promotion and was made in Microsoft Powerpoint; the goal was to make something "Fluffy that popped and flowed to fit the lightly watery them". Avatar: Here I am aimed for something to fit the theme of the Sig. Cool, but somewhat retro and "poppy" from its use of a classic comic book print added for visual effect. The background is blue, but Bambi pops out with a glowy green. I was thinking "Andy Warhol" in the back of my head for this one, which ultimately culminated in the boxes that can be seen, but don't variably change the appearance of the originally hand-drawn image as much as the recoloring does. Spoiler: May/Stitch Sig: This was not meant to be promotional, but I intend for my Sigs to link through to the RP that inspired my jump into Graphic Art. The KHSOS symbol remains, but is muted in the corner and out of general focus. This picture is warmer, with all the warmth and sunny glow surrounding the naturally blue little alien "Experiment 626". The focus on the sharply contrasted blue and red colors fits the theme of the movie, and the words "May Love" leaves for a lot of interpretation. "May Love" can be "Love of May" or it can be a wish; "May Love Reach your Heart" was the original message of this Sig, but I found it too cheesy and it covered too much of the ducklings, whom I felt were important to the piece overall. This Sig also introduces a little signature to at least make an attempt that what I'm doing is just used by me. I'm considering opening a Sig shop, but I don't really know if my style is palatable yet. I'd love to hear comments about the Signature in the corner of the Sig as well, if you're as much into Music and Calligraphy as you are into general Art. Avatar: As much as I want to toy around, experiment, and create new looks, I also want to keep a sense of tradition as well. This avatar copies, but also simplifies, what is noticable in the Bambi Avatar. It doesn't vary as much in coloration, but so as to not contrast too much with the Sig. I actually had to bring focus to Stitch's face here. That's the thing. I'll need to look for the original source material, since what I think I did best are the things that are going to get noticed the least. I hope you enjoy my budding gallery, and I hope to continue this little project for months to come. Thank you for your time. Spoiler: June/Gus and Thomas Odd Mix, huh? Well, not so much, since they're both cats and the theme has a relevancy! Sig: Unfortunately, I couldn't get GIMP to work for me. I couldn't find the right tools, so I stuck with Powerpoint for now. I did take some suggestions though, such as the placement of the imaged character, using C4D's and Fractiles, and trying to make the text really more just something to look at than something to draw notice. Why Thomas O'Malley this month? I pick Disney Characters I identify with, and Thomas is no exception. I've always appreciated his charm and wit, and his being a cat happened to be pretty important for what I'm doing this month and what I'm about to relate. Avie: Hopefully, you can still recognize him if you are a fan of Broadway, West End, or just Musical Theatre in General. Gus, the Theatre Cat, as portrayed by John Mills in the filmed version of Andrew Lloyd's Webber's "Cats", which was based off a poetry collection of T. S. Elliot. Gus has been one of my favorite poems of all time, because I get the sense of fear that comes with "You are now too old, you cannot be an actor anymore". I recently got the chance to audition for the role of Gus and other characters, but I was honored to get Gus. Finally, a use for my thin frame. Granted, I'm a young man playing as an old cat, but I am, after all, more of a mix between a character and dramatic actor, and I really wanted to bring that to Gus. The Casting Directors agreed, and now I wear this Avatar as a badge of honor as I prepare for my part.
I have been talking to some players for some time now, and have come to the conclusion that there are those who joined SOS with higher expectations of how much the Disney characters would be interactive; myself included. Of course, Krowley likely has the worlds mapped out strongly before setting us all up on our little adventures, so it makes sense that our characters may get ignored if their intentions deviate too far from the track established for the world. So where does that leave others who really want to spend a little quality time with their favorite Disney characters? It leaves them a bit at a disadvantage. Therefore, I have a proposition. Here's the pitch: The setting is a small little grotto in Land of Departure or somewhere. Somewhere that doesn't conflict too strongly with settings made familiar in SOS. The characters are the characters you portray in SOS as they are. No continuity, just a little bit of a fun mini-RP game. For the sake of keeping things simple, your first post involves you typing into a logbook that depicts where your character is going and who they want to interact with. It works a little like a Character Meet-and-Greet in one of the Disney parks; it's more about the characters than the setting. SOS is your opportunity to play in the world, and this is your chance to talk more closely with its denizens. Naturally, the big idea here is that I will be role-playing as the Disney characters. It's what keeps this an RP instead of a Fanfiction competition. I will do my best to maintain an ultimately Disney-esque atmosphere, but know you're free to use your characters as you choose. It's SOS Sandbox mode. Nothing you do in this idea has anything to do with what happens in SOS. This is not the RP. This is merely the pitch. Once I know what others think about this, then we can discuss more of the schematics like what will be available. Personally, I really want to see this idea become a reality. What do you think?
Wiki pages can be hard to keep track of if you tend to fall behind from time to time as I do. Personal wiki pages for your characters are especially nightmarish; they are your responsibility and yours alone. The goal of this initiative is to create a One-stop directory of everything everyone who visited a certain world should have on their Wiki. It will also include things such as abilities, SCs, Keyblades and more gained through Special Events. It's so you don't have to jump between 20 different wiki pages just to make sure your page is complete. I'm rather busy myself, so any help with compartmentalizing this task would be greatly appreciated. According to the Chapter guide, there have been the following Chapters: Chapter 0 - SOS (Prologue) Chapter 1 - New Arrivals (Pages 1-2) Chapter 2 - Deep Jungle (Page 1- 36) Chapter 3 - The Next Move (Page 37-42) Chapter 4 - Nottingham (Page 42-83) Chapter 5 - Dwarf Woodlands (Page 42-85) Chapter 6 - The Great Forest (Page 43-84) Chapter 7 - Detoured (Page 85-94) Chapter 8 - Baker Street (Page 94-125) Chapter 9 - The Outback (Page 95-123) Chapter 10 - Pachyderm Parade (Page 96-122) Chapter 11 - Castle of Dreams (Page 94-136) Chapter 12 - Higher Powers (Page 136-141) Chapter 13 - Kingdom of the Sun (Page 141-165) Chapter 14 - Land of Dragons (Page 142-164) Chapter 15 - Wonderland (Page 142-164) Chapter 16 - An Unexpected Visit (Page 155-165) Chapter 17 - Princesses and Plots (Page 165-176) Chapter 18 - Corona (Page 176-Current) Chapter 19 - Beast's Castle (Page 176-Current) Chapter 20 - Camelot (177-Current) Of course, there's also been events like the on to gain "Reluctancy". Anything case sensitive to specific groups that go on the wiki for each charcter. Make less trouble for Krowley, yourselves, and all of us together, please.
Hello, everyone, and welcome - AGAIN! - to what I hope will be another rewarding event. For the month of April, if anyone needs reminding or the introduction, we will be marked by our total attendance throughout the month; from April 1st all the way to April 30th. Posting each day will earn you major rewards and can only achieve great things for the SOS RP we know and love. There is, so far, one rule for post length: Posts must meet a two line minimum. You must have at least two lines of text; not two sentences or two lines of dialogue. I am trying to be as clear as possible. Post at least once in a day, and you will earn a mark. You each have from 12:00 AM until 11:59 PM during the same calendar date, in your own Time Zone, to earn your mark. Please POST before the given time. If you're running close to the deadline, then just post what you have, and then you can edit. You will not be disqualified for an edited post that is longer than two sentences. Also, all posts must be relevant to the story. They must display your character, even if it's just back-story. Posts where you narrate a past event with no mention of a present one (the instance your character happens to be, at the time), are not encouraged. Player123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Aden123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Ananta123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Base1234★6789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Beuce123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Cailyn123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Cat1234567891011121314151617★192021222324252627282930D'daear123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Glen123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Kaida123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Karina123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Kel123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Kross123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Krowley123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Luna123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Rain123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Raisor123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Steel123★56789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Stratos1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526★282930Key1 = Posted1 = Missed1 = UpcomingRewards Cheshire Limit Post on April 1st Mad World: The Limit unleashes the true insanity of Wonderland on both friend and foe. The Cheshire Cat displays a variety of incredibly powerful effects, whether they help or hinder changes like a mad wind. Off With Their Head!: Inflicts moderate to heavy damage to a random target, but be wary. It won't always be an enemy. (250-400% ATK damage) Try Me!: Each party member is either grown to massive size, or shrunk down. Snicker-Snack: Skips the entire party's turns to inflict between 5% and 25% of the enemy's maximum health. Through The Looking Glass: Only capable of activating on the last turn of Mad World, and is far less likely to happen than the others. There's a 50% chance of instant victory. If it does not succeed, the entire party is K.O.'d. April Showers Skill Command 15 days of posting required Causes it to rain for 5 cycles. Thunder damage is doubled, but Fire is halved! Umbrella Keyblade 20 days of posting required +0 Boost in Stats Excalipoor: Has a 1% chance of dealing 999 Damage 1 Crown for every 2 days of posting 15 total, if you post everyday Posts do not have to have consecutive dates Time Zones Main PST -8 MST -7 CST -6 EST -5 AEST +10 KarinaRain Raisor AnantaKrossSteel AdenBaseBeuceCailynCatD'daearKaidaKelKrowleyLunaStratos Glen End Game Spoiler: 2014 Ananta: 13 Base: 12 Beuce: 11 Cat: 11 D'daear: 9 Eon: 10 Etrius: 4 Glen: 13 Kaida: 15 ! Karina: 15 ! Kel: 15 ! Kross: 9 Krowley: 12 Luna: 6 Steel: 11 Stratos: 14 COMPLETED: 5/4/14 9:01 AM EST Spoiler: Mad Tea Party Recipients of the Cheshire Cat Limit: Spoiler: Rain Coats Recipients of the April Shower Skill Command: Spoiler: Umbrella Brigade Recipients of the Umbrella Keyblade: Spoiler: Club 15 Players who have earned 15 Crowns in one year's event:
Hello, everyone, and welcome - AGAIN! - to what I hope will be another rewarding event. For the month of April, if anyone needs reminding or the introduction, we will be marked by our total attendance throughout the month; from April 1st all the way to April 30th. Posting each day will earn you major rewards and can only achieve great things for the SOS RP we know and love.
There is, so far, one rule for post length: Posts must meet a two line minimum. You must have at least two lines of text; not two sentences or two lines of dialogue. I am trying to be as clear as possible. Post at least once in a day, and you will earn a mark. You each have from 12:00 AM until 11:59 PM during the same calendar date, in your own Time Zone, to earn your mark. Please POST before the given time. If you're running close to the deadline, then just post what you have, and then you can edit. You will not be disqualified for an edited post that is longer than two sentences. Also, all posts must be relevant to the story. They must display your character, even if it's just back-story. Posts where you narrate a past event with no mention of a present one (the instance your character happens to be, at the time), are not encouraged.
READER'S DISCRETION ADVISED: This story contains scary elements which I cannot span the farthest reaches of without ruining the effect I mean to put them to. Simply know that this story contains grotesque subject matter that may cause nausea,fainting, and harshly worded responses by angered parents of younger readers. Inspired by close to a year's worth of activity back on the grid of KHV, and the Halloween season, I have written a tale of horror sure to leave you guessing who will get out alive. Do not be fooled by the title by any means: There is nothing "Basic" to this story save for the false sense of security you are sure to find yourself in when first starting the journey. To make it more personal: Dearest friends, ghoulish beasts, and fan favorites abound in this haunting feature which is scripted by a writer long nurtured by Alfred Hitchcock, Vincent Price, Edgar Allan Poe, and the night anxiety which manifests into the suspenseful thriller which will soon unfold. Please feel free to take large doses of caffeine and read each chapter at night in the dark, under the cover of night; the luminescence of your computer should do to provide ample light enough to read murder by, but not enough light to save you from the wordy demons lying in the pixels below. For those who are difficult to scare: I deeply apologize for your desensitization, because you may be at the disadvantage of not enjoying the gore to follow. In order to assist, those with complaints will be offered shock therapy to return you to a more basic realization that there are things that go bump in the night; and there are regretably things that can hurt you, even if they cannot touch you. Happy reading. ~ Sebax View attachment 36941 Prologue: The figure walked into the room at last. “I hope I did not keep you gentlemen waiting?” When it comes to mysterious figures, there are typically two indicators of identity: physical appearance and voice; this figure had neither. Dressed in a suit purchased online from a provider of custom-made Organization XIII suits, the figure spoke with a monotonous, lifeless voice; filtered by a deep, robotic electronically-synthetic vocal mask. “Are you kidding? We were about to leave!” A boisterous, hefty deep-voiced shadow boomed from a table that smelled richly of mold. “Is this true?” The figure turned to the shadow’s comrade at the small table; situated in a small, dank room. “Well, I’m a man of needs.” This voice was low and gruff, and sounded defensive. “Namely, I need some booze and some… well…” He grinned with yellow teeth in his rotting jaw, and chuckled huskily. “A man has certain needs.” “Point granted.” The figure replied. “I also have needs; less rank, but perhaps equally grotesque needs. Will you be able to provide the border patrol?” “I think there’s a few friends I can dig up.” The gruff voice replied. “And you’re going to let me have my fun?” The boisterous voice burst in. “But of course. A deal is a deal. You know which ones you may have for your games.” “I could get hungry.” The brutish shadow reminded the opposing figure, slamming his fist down on the table. “The same ones you can have for your games are the same ones you may have for your soup pot.” The tone was casual, uncaring. The boisterous shadow hooted with glee at the notion. “Oooooo…. Delicious!” “They are bugs under my boot anyway; they forget who is the composer and who are the notes. And this is the reason for two things: One, why they must pay, and two, why you two are here to ensure that.” “When do we start?” The two obedient lackeys responded in unison. Music pervaded the darkness, and shook the ceiling of the tiny concrete room. All three looked up in curiosity and dark contentment as rich, heavy velvet beats shook the basement below where the plotters waited. “Soon. Very Soon.” Chapter 1: The Party “Dear Sebax, I would like to express my thanks in regards to you accepting my invitation to the first annual “KHV Halloween Masquerade”. A few notes to take into mind before you arrive: The address is 665 Cork Street, in Freeturn, Massachusetts. It’s the large, stately mansion on the hill that cannot be missed. Professor Imogen Yawn has facilitated her home to accommodate our little party, and has provided everyone with a guest room should they wish to stay the evening. You will be addressed by your KHV username, and you will address others by theirs. Check the top of this letter to be sure your username is accurate. However, chances are: if you are more popularly known by a nickname other than your username, it will be acceptable for people to call you this instead. Be sure to show up in costume. It is a masquerade after all. The atmosphere will be family friendly, but please keep this a private party. There will be no alcoholic beverages provided. The obligatory “Have fun!” request. Sincerely, Krowley" It was the seventh time since getting off the bus that its carrier had looked it over nervously. Sebax. He supposed he was “Sebax” effective-immediately, but at the same time he expected to hear “Base” more once he reached the end of the winding cobblestone path that led to a large ebony Victorian-Age mansion. Sebax bit his lip, whilst taking in the mostly dead scenery. He was relatively young, but probably not the youngest he expected to be at the party, given this was his last Halloween as a true teenager. Physically, he was slender but fit, with a lighter complexion, black hair that was slicked back to fit his costume, and bright hazel eyes that scanned the area with anxiety; night itself made him anxious, but he was looking forward to actually meeting the group of users who he had been Role-Playing with in the KHV Arena in the past year of his return to the site after a lengthy hiatus. Dressed as the Phantom, Eric, from “The Phantom of the Opera”, he was far from warm as he neared the large oak doors of the mansion; his thick black suit and cape braced the heavily chilled late October air, while his white porcelain mask covered at least half of his tingling face. His gloved hands rapped on the thick wooden portal hastily, since the rest of him trusted the house would be warmer. “Hello?” The door glided open to reveal the small frame of a young man. Sebax was thin, but this individual pressed the envelope; there was something almost feminine about the answerer’s overall appearance, but the countenance as well as the voice was there in enough supply to assure him that he was addressing a male in a butler’s uniform. “Sebax.” His teeth chattered from the exposure to the fall chill. “Sebax, huh?” The doorman replied, stepping out onto the concrete steps in front of the house with a notepad in hand. “Let’s see… Dinny, HoT, Jayn, Misty, S… Sebax. You’re here. Come right in, the party is going on in the foyer.” The tiny man guided Sebax into the house where the melody of “The Monster Mash” was flooding the halls. In nearly no time, they took a right through an archway in the rustic, old-fashioned setting and they found themselves in a large, open area that fit the Gothic theme of the rest of the house. Tripods with flickering candles stood here and there, with luminous black electric chandeliers hanging from the ceiling; the room was surprisingly well lit for somewhere so based around the color black. If anything, the setting looked much like the foyer from Tim Burton’s “Dark Shadows” movie, but peopled with very different personages. “My name is Horatio; let me know if I can be of assistance, meanwhile, I’m afraid there are still guests to arrive.” Sebax nodded his confirmation, but he thought it odd there would still be people showing up after 9:00 PM; the grandfather clock nearby and his mobile phone both reading thirty-five minutes passed eight o’clock. Not only that, but the party was well ahead and plenty of people had already shown up. Grouped together near the snack table were seven people: A taller, husky man dressed in surgical scrubs with reddish hair, a black-haired young man dressed in a khaki shirt and shorts, a dark-skinned young woman dressed as a modern nurse, and a tiny Asian-looking young woman who resembled Horatio almost, before he recognized she was wearing a tuxedo, and that she looked quite a bit like Dinny. In fact, the first three resembled what he knew of Myst, Glexn, and Jayn. The remaining three were dressed as a zombie, one as a vampire, and the last as… well he wasn’t sure, but he could tell the last young man was probably the youngest teen in the room, and had a look similar to Hugh Jackman’s “Van Helsing”. The vampire was not particularly pale, so Sebax could tell almost immediately that the Vampire was HoT, or “Hector” he would probably use instead, and the Zombie looked like Beuce under heavy gore make-up. Some distance existed between him and the others, but he reassured himself that these people were decent people; the fact they were already talking to each meant it wouldn’t be a night where everyone dared not to talk to that person they met online. Myst was the first among the group to spot him, but did not give the warmest of welcomes. “Base. No capes. You and Hector really should have learned that from me by now.” Myst shook his head and took a sip of the red punch he had taken a cup of from the crystal bowl on the table. “Hey, I haven’t heard much from you since Cupid’s Brew.” Said Nurse Jayn. “What happened to that “Survival” RP you mentioned forever ago?” “Oh, I kinda got busy with school. I made the transition into college recently, so my schedule has been pretty packed.” Sebax replied, relaxing into the situation, despite the fact everyone’s eyes were on him; the new arrival. “Is it going to be Sebax or Base?” Gexln asked in his noticeable Australian accent. “Either works, but I figured everyone would be calling me Base most of the time. Glen, I’m guessing?” “Right. Betcha can’t guess my costume.” Gexln elbowed Sebax playfully while the latter made his way to the start of the buffet. “Crocodile Dundee?” Sebax guessed as he slopped a serving of warm roast beef and mashed potatoes onto a plate, aside some Sweet Chilly Doritos. “Close.” Gexln “Hunter.” Sebax smiled as he ladled some cola for himself. “Crickey.” “Has anyone seen Krowley yet?” Piped in Dinny. “I was pretty sure he went down to the basement, but he’s been gone for a while now.” “Not to worry, he’ll be up shortly.” A new voice echoed from across the spacious room as an older woman, probably in her early to mid-thirties, spanned the distance to reach the gathering. She was average height with vibrant red hair, a sharp face, a thin frame, which she adorned with a scientist’s white lab coat and thick black rubber gloves. “This old house of mine has vermin problems like crazy and dear Krowley was helping me sort the problem out… well…” She sighed heavily, “Most of the way, anyway. Who are you?” She asked with interest towards Sebax, who was caught with a mouthful of food at precisely the wrong moment. “This is another K. H. dash vids user; Sebax, but mostly everyone has called him Base.” HoT replied for his occupied friend. “Base, this is Professor Imogen Yawn.” “The one whose mansion this?” Base gulped down his food hastily. “You have a magnificent home.” “Why thank you.” The Professor replied appreciatively. “How old is-” Base started to inquire, but he was soon cut off a voice he recognized take up a mic and come over the speakers playing the music throughout the mostly vacant space. It was at first a monotonous, robotic voice that Base figured was synthesized by the microphone, because soon after, an even more recognizable voice (Krowley’s regular speaking voice), was heard by all in the room. “Greetings, Players.” Said Robo-Krowley, soon followed by Krowley, who was dressed in Victorian-Age garb, and Sebax could tell by the hair and mustache alone that Krowley had come to the party dressed as Edgar Allan Poe; personally, he had guessed Krowley would go for the Crypt Keeper or the dummy he used regularly for his creepier avatars; Poe seemed pretty fitting nonetheless, all the same. “I am pleased to welcome you to the first ever “Annual KHV Masquerade”, and I’d like to know: How is everyone enjoying the party?” “Meh” Said Doctor Myst and Zombie Beuce. Everyone else cheered. It was midst this cheering that the microphone fell to the floor; the thud was amplified by the speakers and echoed through the halls. Everyone stopped cheering and started rushing the moment Krowley dropped to the floor. Chapter 2: Hell Broke Loose “Don’t worry; I actually am a trained professional!” The “Mad” scientist Professor Imogen rushed for the convulsing mess of Krowley on the floor. As the good doctor knelt beside him, the unfortunate soul began to babble and foam at the mouth before clutching tightly to the Professor’s lab coat. A single “Urk!” and the loosening of Krowley’s grip signaled his sudden departure from the world he was leaving agape. “What just happened?” Myst was the first to speak following a lengthy, quiet pause; no music played, and only the night could be heard. “I hope there’s still time to set things right!” A new voice burst in with the entire house in attendance; a tall, lanky skeleton in a black pinstripe suit and bat-shaped tie strode with long bony legs into the chamber where Krowley had expired. The look of concern upon his skeletal face almost distracted everyone else from the sheer power of his presence, but even given the circumstances: Jack Skellington was noticed. “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!” Sebax shook the house with the velocity of his voice; the room shuck as well as the tables, and everyone, Jack included, had to balance themselves as the room suffered what felt like an earthquake. It was not the power of Sebax’s voice, but rather it was the acts of the three ghostly hitchhikers rising from the floor, appearing from a portrait on the wall, and climbing down on the chandelier respectively. “When the Crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake.” Sang the first. “Spooks come out for a swinging wake!” Sang the second. “Happy haunts materialize and begin to vocalize:” Sang the third. “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice!” They harmonized in barber shop-style. It was only then that the room ceased to shake as the tiled floor beneath them burst violently like a greasy cyst to reveal something far worse and more gruesome than any single cyst could produce: The Ghost with the most. “Please tell me there’s booze at this party!” Beetlejuice’s gruff voice shouted as he hung triumphantly in midair, levitating high above the mortal denizens. “I like promises to be kept!” He added as he glided to the ground towards Dinny and grabbed her by the waist. “Well, I like the promises kept, but that don’t mean I keep’em!” He whipped back his shock white, mossy hair and snorted as he laughed. “Like: “Don’t use those puppies for target practice!” or “don’t throw my grandmother out the window!”.” He voiced the horrified people he had scared in the past. “But when you say: “I’d like to hire a Bio-exorcist to get some breathers out of somewhere-” Dressed in a leather duster upon his arrival, he released Dinny and spun himself into his trademark striped suit and grinned wickedly. “It’s showtime! Oh, by the way, did ya hear about my sequel?! Can you believe it? I’m trying to get that Depp fella to play me this time; Keaton was batty thinking he could pull me off.” His voice went crazed and he grabbed himself inappropriately. “This can’t be happening.” Jayn mumbled in disbelief. “Well, Hello.” Beetlejuice noticed Jayn as she spoke and waltzed over to her with a goofy jaunt. “Hi there. Name’s Bee-… You know what, titles aren’t important. You know what is?” He instantly turned nasty and growled at everyone else. “Doing my job and getting rid of you saps!” In an instant, Beetlejuice was gone, and what replaced him was a giant rattlesnake with a vaguely Beetlejuice-like head. “Which one’s first?” “Get out of here! I’ll try to keep this villain at bay!” Jack Skellington used his spare but lengthy frame to put some distance between the party goers and the deadly snake. “Awwww. That’s cute. Skully’s jealous that I get more screen time.” Snake Beetlejuice guffawed and opened his fanged maw. “Take him out boys.” Beetlejuice whipped his rattled tail at the skeleton and directed to the Grimm Grinning Ghosts to head after the former-revelers; they obliged, and took flight. “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts.” Beuce couldn’t refuse the opportunity. “I am!” Sebax replied, a shaking mess of nerves in the face of the adversity. “This is a bad like a bad ‘80’s horror movie!” HoT exclaimed as he tried to turn tail, but only wound up tripping on Sebax’s cape; the two of them fell to the ground in a heap. “No capes!” Myst chided in his own form of an ‘I told you so’. “999 ghosts. I ain’t one of them, but there’s plenty of room for one more, kiddies.” Beetlejuice hissed as he wrapped his tail around Jack Skellington and threw him hastily aside with a single flick. As he spoke, ghosts came pouring out of the walls by the dozen. Some flew, some waltzed, and some nosedived straight at the KHV users. “I am really not afraid of no ghosts.” Jayn said with indignation as she hit the stereo system, and the “Ghostbusters” theme started to play; the vacuum in her grip whirred to life as she stared down the very ghost headed straight for her. “What a woman.” A wanton snake blubbered as he watched Jayn suck the unsuspecting croney ghost into the bag of the vacuum. “There’s only one thing to do here. I want out of this line of work.” Beetlejuice returned to his natural, horrible form just as Jack returned to his skeletal senses. “How ‘bout we become Misty and Missy Beetlejuice? DARN IT I SAID IT!” Beetlejuice tossed the vacuum aside and snapped his fingers to change the playing tune to “Jump in the Line”. “Nobody says the “B” word, got it?” He spat at the others, but in a flash snatched Jayn into his dirt-soiled arms. “Come on, babs, let’s get you ready for the ceremony. Oh. And we’re going to need some witnesses….” He snapped his fingers once more, and all in the room were suddenly arrested by the furniture from around the foyer that came to life at his commanded. “I hope you don’t feel like we’re rushing this, but you just gotta know how I feel!” He sounded almost maniacally convincing for a second. “We already got too much Burton going on here though, so don’t make a Corpse bride outta yourself.” The scummy corpse himself added darkly as he snapped his fingers once more, and Jayn was suddenly dressed in a vibrantly red wedding dress. “Let’s have some laughs.” He cackled to his captive audience. Chapter 3: The Wedding “Oh no you don’t!” Beuce jumped Beetlejuice, trying to pull the dead man away from Jayn the best he could. “Oh well, I guess you got me there.” Beetlejuice seemed to give in with a defeated, masochistic tone before throwing Beuce off him with one arm and superhuman strength. Beuce flew off with the sound of a wispy “ZIP” accompanying his flight into a cushy Victorian chair that burst on impact. “Beetlejuice!” Sebax shouted as he leapt to his feet after the cape fiasco. “That’s twice, but the end of that!” Beetlejuice snapped at Sebax, nodding his head with a dark look as eight pairs of lips fell to the floor, leaving nothing but a patch of skin where a mouth would have been on nearly all the partiers. “Come on, babs.” Beetlejuice picked up Jayn’s lips and stuffed them in one pocket of his newly acquired filthy tuxedo; Jayn grimaced to watch as she was swept off her feet by the horrible corpse and led down a makeshift aisle to a makeshift altar where a small skeleton man with an abnormally big head waited for the pair. “Listen, you know the drill; just ask the questions and exnay on saying my name.” “Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health?” “Yeah, sure. I’ll be breathing, so why not?” Beetlejuice snorted. “It is the ‘I do’ that makes this legally binding…” The dwarfed priest advised. Beetlejuice sighed exasperatedly, and snapped his fingers so that the entire voiceless crowd could have front row seats in rickety benches. “Need witnesses, and there we are. Alright. I…” Beetlejuice paused. “Do I really want to do this? I mean, I always wanted to be married by Elvis and that guy hasn’t died yet so I couldn’t get him for a ceremony like this, obviously… Ya know what, we’ll renew our vows. I do.” “And do you, Jaynabelle take this man as your lawfully wedded husband?” “Oops, almost forgot!” Beetlejuice swapped his own lips for Jayn’s, and the instant he did, he spoke in Jayn’s voice instead of his own. “Yes, I take this wonderful man to be my wonderful husband so long as I live!” Beetlejuice swapped back for his own lips and resumed his own voice. “Man, that sounded weird.” “You neglected to say the binding words, my dear.” The priest directed toward Jayn as though Jayn had actually been the one talking. In response, Jayn raised both her eyebrows in surprise, but noticed Beetlejuice readying to retry and correct; she kicked the corpse’s hand and released his grip of her lips, catching them herself and slapping them onto her own face. “Beetle-” The lights went out for but an instant, and when the lighting returned, Beetlejuice was left jilted at the altar, and alone with the priest and the “wedding guests”. “Well, not to be I guess.” Beetlejuice sighed, but the spirit lifted back into spirits by the opportunity to mess with his captive audience. “So, who wants cake?” He asked the silenced crowd rhetorically with a chuckle. “I do!” Beuce sounded off from the corner excitedly. Eight pairs of lips had fallen, but the ninth had been disregarded by the casting; it’s easy to be forgotten when one has been knocked unconscious. “Wait…” Beetlejuice and Beuce locked eyes for a second, both of them completely horrified when they realized the error in tandem. In the next instant, Beuce was dressed involuntarily in the same red dress Jayn had been forced to wear, but this time the one doing the forcing wasn’t Beetlejuice; it was the priest. “Now that the wedding is fully verified,” the priest droned as Beetlejuice stared agawk into space; he wasn’t quite sure why he was carrying Beuce as if to go over the traditional threshold, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” “Wait… which one is which…?” Beuce seemed to think it was important to ask. Finally, Beetlejuice lost it. “WHAT DO YOU THINK?!” Beuce thought for a moment. “Does that mean that I’m Beetlebeuce?” “No! That’s not even close to Beetlejuice!” Beetlejuice snarled angrily before whimpering like a dog at his own folly. “Ah, crud.” He grimaced as a hole in the floor suddenly opened up to swallow himself, Beuce, and the priest into the reaches of wherever the fall happened to be headed. The hole resealed, and all of Beetlejuice’s enchantments ended. No more ghosts and all the lips were returned to their proper faces. “So is that it?” HoT asked Glexn as everyone shook off the chills each and every one of them shared. “Aside from the fact Jayn is missing, I hope so.” Glexn replied. Just then, a shriek broke the silence of the hall, and the sound of a crazed woman laughing filled the halls and seemed to replace the marrow in the bones of all that heard it. Chapter 4: Knock, Knock Everyone was frozen in place, at least, the ones who remained, save for a singular skeleton who snapped his jaw back into place as he joined the others. “As I was saying…” Jack said indignantly, “You are all in great danger. You have to leave before the rest of the-” There was a knock on the door to silence him. “Oh no.” “Coming.” Horatio passed by the awning leading out into the hall, headed from somewhere he had been and obviously far away enough to have missed everything that happened; he was headed for the door as everyone else looked on in horror. Each impatient ear tried to be as deaf as their mouths demanded to stay mute. The front door creaked. “Hell-?” Horatio was cut off as well; silence prevailed once more. “Shut the front door!” Myst shouted as soon as his senses were about him. “Yes, Doctor!” Gexln obliged not out of obedience, but out of sheer fright and self-preservation. Gexln raced out of the foyer and into the main hall and brought great relief to one and all with the sounds of a door not only shutting tightly, but locking it as well. “Thanks, Glen.” Sebax called out. No one answered. Tension took over the crowd once more. “Glen..?” Myst called out some time after Sebax. No answer. “…Glen…?” Dinny whispered, her lungs failing to provide her with any power to rise above the faintest decibel. Fortunately, she regained the strength a moment later; unfortunately it was because the lights went out again to be replaced by a dim blacklight over the entire room. Dinny shrieked as the only exit was abruptly blocked off by a vibrantly green door that slid down the frame of the archway out like a Guillotine would fall down its own ill-purposed frame. Everyone else soon joined in as the room became misty and changed; very soon they had all been corralled into a pit that great resembled a roulette wheel. HoT tried to jump out, but the floor had sunk too low for any one person to reach the brink. “Myst, help me out.” “Paging Dr. Myst for a lift.” Myst replied, trying to make the best of a grim situation. To everyone’s relief, it only took two people working together for HoT to reach salvation; to the horror of Sebax, HoT, Myst, Dinny, Light, and especially Jack Skellington, it only took two very well-aimed red dice to loosen HoT’s grip and send him crashing back into the roulette wheel. Then, from out of the mist came a shadow that cried with ghoulish laughter. “Who here is a gambling man?” Oogie Boogie’s boisterous baritone boasted as he stepped into the full vision of the troop; he was detestably neon green, and his hollow black eye sockets creased with fiendish glee as he picked up his dice with his two pointed “hands”. He gave the dice a good shake, and looked up above them. Sebax followed the gaze to meet the glare of four scythes gleaming in the blacklight surrounding. “Your lives are on the line!” Oogie shouted before casting the dice into the pit. Chapter 5: Lives on the Line “Your odds look a little misty to me, fellas!” Oogie cackled as the dice settled. “Eleven!” “Really? Since when do two and seven make eleven?” Sebax questioned from below with a condescending tone. “Since I’m the one who makes up the rules, mincemeat!” Oogie Boogie raised one portly arm above his head and, as soon as he did, the blades came crashing down on the party. Fortunately for them, the four blades missed all of them completely. “Well, let’s get things really in a spin!” On Oogie’s command, the rotor holding the four blades started to rotate; each scythe began to move in a counter-clockwise position. “Oh, before you go, somebody wants to say “Hi!”.” Oogie cackled before lifting up a struggling person bound and gagged; someone who was dressed in Victorian Age clothing and resembled Krowley a great deal. “Some meat you just can’t cut, boys. It has to be put in and soak up the soup.” Oogie turned around to leave with the very alive Krowley, but while the others below were left to dodge their potential doom, they each heard an “Oof” and what was a very brief “Ahh!” Unfortunately, the scythes retracting blocked everyone’s view momentarily in their haste. When they could see what had happened, they saw a very frightened sack of bugs cowering at them. “Uh oh.” “I’ll disarm him.” Jack Skellington said briskly before storming over to the frightful plump monstrosity. The unbelievable occurred as everyone, Krowley included, watched as Jack stuck his long, thin arm inside Oogie’s wide maw to very quickly pull out a tiny, singular bug; it twitched in his bony fingers as the rest of Oogie Boogie fell to the floor like the lifeless sack of bugs it was. “You won’t be hurting anyone now.” He said to the twitching bug before popping it inside one of his empty eye sockets. From his coat, he pulled out a pair of aviation goggles that he quickly snapped tightly around his skull; allowing him to see, but kept Oogie contained. “I can get you out of there, hold on.” Krowley offered no time for questions as to how he had apparently not been viciously killed or had died in anyway; neither did a prehensile tube that snaked towards him with Viper intensity before sucking all of him up within it. It hissed, but that was only because it was being powered by something with tremendous suction. On its feast, it took Jack Skellington, Light, and Sebax before Myst was able to pull the tube sharply enough that all of it was ripped from the roof. The metallic tube was left to writhe emptily before resting beside the other lifeless shell contained in the pit. “Let’s hope that’s the end of that.” HoT directly said before a window they could not see broke in the foyer. Dinny, HoT, and Myst were alone to bear it. Chapter 6: Yandere Earlier: “Oh thank goodness you’re awake!” Imogen shrieked with glee as Jayn slowly opened her eyes. What she opened her eyes to, however, caused her to shriek as well; only hers was of mortal terror. Jayn had been split open, with her abdominal wall cleaved in two down her middle, starting at her septum and ending at the bottom of her solar plexus. She looked in fright as she saw every bit of blood, every involuntary twitch of her visible inner organs. This was only the first thing she noticed. When she tried to move, she found she was bound to a steel table in the middle of a very small, dingy lab somewhere she did not recognize. “You really were the best choice for this experiment, I must confess, so I really couldn’t stand to lose you so abruptly. I can’t believe how “normal” I acted before! It was unbearable…” Professor Imogen droned, now covered in enough actual blood and bearing a believable enough expression to verify that the Mad Scientist was not her costume; instead, the normal Professor had been the act. Jayn tried to speak, but could not. She felt weak. The horror that surrounded her prevented her from speaking despite the odd lack of pain she felt with her inner organs nearly becoming far too outer for her comfort. Professor Imogen hushed her by simply pressing a button. Jayn, at that same moment, noticed an IV attached to her arm that led to a bad full of a bright red fluid that hardly resembled blood. “I am releasing a virus in you. I hope you don’t mind, because it’s going to take over your mind. It won’t do to have one consciousness and itself, you see, with this particular strand; it takes over completely and leaves nothing left of them victim save for the body it takes for itself.” By the time Imogen had finished the explanation, Jayn was almost completely detached as she silently wished the fluid in the IV bag wasn’t dripping down the tube slowly or even at all; she wished that it wasn’t hallway to her veins already. “I had to insert a few things and replace bits and ends inside of you for this to work. Too many prime test subjects lost already because those pesky innards would rebel against the virus. It just won’t work though! Silly Autoimmunity; can’t be reasoned with. But the subjects would die because there was no consciousness to return; because it was already gone by the time the virus could be depleted from the system. I inserted one tiny bell and connected it to your small intestine. It should do to let me make sure I can find you should you manage to get away. The experiment isn’t done once you’re gone, my dear, but you will be dearly missed. Your body will remain and your mind will turn into something very new; I’m not even sure what you’ll be like once you’re no longer here.” The fluid had reached the point that nearly a third of empty space was left. Empty space was air, and air being injected into the bloodstream was lethal. “I’m dying?” Jayn managed to string too words together tearfully as the inevitable became clear. “Your mind is. I’m doing you a favor, dear. I’m killing what’s in your brain before the virus does. You should be thanking me for my kindness.” The Professor said as though she did not realize she was as delusional as the quickly fading Nurse Jayn thought she was. Jayn could only reply by sobbing into void she was reaching; the sobbing stopped once she reached it mere moments later. The same instant, the virus reached her veins. Her eyes reopened almost as soon as they closed shortly after her demise. Meanwhile, Imogen worked on sealing her up, cutting here and there so that the bell implanted would be amplified rather than suffocated. When she saw the same red hue in Jayn’s irises that had once only been in the IV bag, she again shrieked with laughter. “Beautiful!” “I am beautiful?” It replied in Jayn’s voice, only her voice was empty and lilted as though about to break. “Marvelous! The virus seems to implicate itself perfectly within the host. It seemingly takes on all verbal skills originally possessed by the original victim. Once the subject is all sealed up, we shall see if it stills keeps all the other motor skills needed to function. Soon, she finished the work tidily and removed her bloodied gloves to pick up a recording device that already read “Recording” on its screen when she grabbed it. “Thank you, Doctor.” It said as Imogen released it. As it hit the floor, though, the room briefly was filled with a curt tinkling of a small tinkerbell that could not be seen. The sound accompanied every move it made, as it walked without any noticeable intention towards a window in the small, circular enclosure. “I am not blind to irony. The test subject has thanked me personally when the victim was given the opportunity before it. There is truly no point in regarding to any known victim as who they once were, as not only does the victim become brain dead, it would now appear that in at least this case: the subject becomes another personality altogether.” “You are my new obsession. I am loyal to you always, Doctor, for helping me.” It said, facing Imogen. “Wonderful. I am tempted to investigate to see if there is an entirely new personality; a new humanity in this. Obviously, the entirety would no longer still be a person, but rather nothing more than what religious fanatics would call a “possession”.” “Speak more, Doctor. Your voice is what I want to hear.” It stepped closer to Imogen. Tink. “Communication may be pointless, as the virus may not be as conscious as it seems. It could just be putting phrases together from the past of the victim. I will attempt to make communications with the test subjects to test the theory I am now having that communication could be successful.” Imogen placed the recording device on a nearby table and took a seat in a nearby chair. “How do you feel?” “I feel wonderful, Doctor. Much better.” It responded, its face expressionless before stretching its lips into a makeshift smile. There was something horribly detached about the smile that chilled even Imogen. “I owe you very much. Thank you very much.” “You are very welcome.” Imogen proudly nodded at the admonishment. “I owe it to you to make you better as well.” The smile from its face had not faded as it tilted its head to the side at an angle that would have been avoided by its previous owner. “What do you mean?” Imogen asked sharply, but heard no reply save for her own reply as Jayn was upon her in the flash of an instant. With an equally sharp CRACK Imogen’s most important neck-based vertebrae were harshly broken as her chin made an all too sudden one hundred degree turn to the left. “You’ll feel better soon, Doctor. One moment please, and I will take care of-” It’s voice trailed off as its empty gaze met the sight of an empty IV bag; not a single drop of its previous containment could be found on the floor either. The unnerving smile turned to an equally upsetting frown as she turned her gaze then to the wide-eyed Professor, who was frozen with a look of sheer fright locked permanently on her sharp features. “I cannot take care of you.” Its voice was sad, pained with grand emotion. “I need to love. I need a new obsession.” It summarized all too quickly, its face returning to an emotionless pall all too soon. Its new field of view was then directed toward the solitary window, which it walked to with a soft tink accompanying every step. It opened the window, and departed the place of its birth forever. Chapter 7: Obsessions “This isn’t how I expected tonight to go.” Gexln stated as he knocked the last nail into the last board needed to secure the wooden tool shed door. “I did, I’m afraid. I expected nothing less from her, but I presumed I would have some window of escape before it happened.” Horatio sat on a tub of pain in the ridiculously and uncomfortably small and crowded shed. “What?!” Gexln whipped around, hammer in hand. “You knew this would happen?” Oddly enough, even though he was mad, he was quiet; he did not shout. The reason being was as he spoke he could not be sure one of the very same living dead that had tried to snatch him when he found himself outside were close by. “Those creatures are her experiments gone wrong, I’m afraid. As soon as I saw one of them with that reddish hue to the eye, then I knew I had to escape.” “Only we both found that a little impossible, right?” “Indeed. I screamed and ran to the edge of the property. Little did I know that had become the edge of reality as well. The only thing I could notice after the initial shock was how misty the grounds had become.” “I think that’s where I came in. Well, too bad for the both of us I tried to save your neck when you started to fall. I realize now I should have just let you fall and I wouldn’t have been shut out of the house by one of those things out there.” “Were I to tell any of you, then the Professor would have turned me equally into one of them. They are crazed with obsession.” Horatio’s statement was punctuated by a brief tink just outside. “What was that?” Gexln asked no one, even though he hoped no one would know. “I know precisely what that will be. I do not know which face will be someone you know. She has succeeded, damn her.” Horatio began to sob uncontrollably. “The boards are of no use. They wouldn’t be if any of the others knew we were in here.” “It knows we’re in here?!” Gexln shouted. Very soon, scratches at the door started to come five digits at a time. At once, two sets of five, but the number grew exponentially as every wooden board of the shed soon had five nails pulling it apart from every side. In dire haste, Gexln picked up an axe. “Whatever outside will surely kill you… us.” Horatio reminded the frightful KHV’er. “I’m from Australia. I’m kind of used to everything outside wanting to kill me.” “This time, they will succeed.” And Horatio was right. The boards were indeed pulled, and both of the survivors in that shed were indeed murdered. Gexln watched as Jayn ripped the axe from his hands and had the axe instead given to Horatio as its heavy blade became lodged in his neck mid-swipe, caught on his spine that snapped quickly because of the weight of the weapon. It retracted the axe and pulled the useless corpse from the shed to be picked apart by the others like it. Slurps and manic chewing were loud and clear before Jayn turned her gaze to Gexln. It was an empty stare without the slightest hint to inward life. Gexln looked back in the empty orbs with silent horror, being highly affected by the recent murder and likelihood of a fresh one occurring soon. A somber silence befell the small space, accompanied only by the muffled ripping of flesh and crunching of bones. It touched his face lightly with the back of its hand in a tender moment. “I need a new obsession.” It said as it re-opened the door. “I need to find it still.” It parted the crowd of dozens of bloodied faces as it stepped over the mutilated tuxedo-beset bodice of the former butler; not a bit of meat had been left on the piles of offals and broken bones torn apart. Dozens of red eyes met with Gexln’s, and once again there was silence… accompanied again soon by the sounds of flesh ripping, slurps, and chewing, this time syncopated with the knocking over of tools, shelves, and the disruption of paint cans… and Gexln screamed while Jayn left with the axe. Chapter 8: I Choose You “I am not exactly wanting to die.” Dinny's temper flared in spite of herself. Her peppy spirit was gone, leaving only devastation that affected both HoT and Myst strongly to see such a strong transition in character. “Nobody said you’re going to die, Dinny.” Myst replied to the flippant Filipina tenderly. On the other hand, the tenderness was largely for his sake. No one said any of them would die, but surely at least one of them was dead; between the disappearances and separations… and the screams. The thoughts pervaded Myst’s mind as the three of them tried their best to escape their pitted prison. First up was HoT, as Myst lifted him to the edge once more with more success the second time around. “I see what happened.” HoT proclaimed from his higher elevation to the others below him steadily. “There’s a smashed window across the room. The only question is why, but I don’t want to stay to find out; we have to move.” HoT offered his hand to lift Myst up, and it would certainly have been easy for the two of them to have lifted the lithe Dinny from the pit, but they lacked the chance. “I choose you.” Jayn, to their eyes, had fallen all at once from the ceiling to land without harm into the pit. Again, it spoke those words, but looked directly into Dinny’s eyes as she said it. “I choose you. Here I thought my friends got you while you were outside, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you, Horatio.” It graced a cowering Dinny’s throat with the back of her hand. “The way you looked when I ripped your life from you.” Apparently, it lacked any sort of reasoning whatsoever, as the very mention of what she said boggled the brain of whosoever heard it. “I will make sure we are alone, and I will tell you more of how I love you, my Horatio. If you like, I can kill them to show you just how much.” It looked up to HoT and Myst, both of whom were frozen in fright by locking with her ruby red irises. “Please don’t.” Dinny voice cracked, barely able to speak. “As you wish, my love.” It ceremoniously snatched Dinny who shrieked in terror at the affront and as it jumped clear out of the pit as no one had been able to do before. Owing to the superhuman capabilities it possessed, “Jayn” was out of the room and out of sight in no time at all. “We can’t let her kill Dinny. And maybe we can save Jayn… or whatever that is.” HoT tried to convince himself of the capability. “I have been afraid of a few things tonight… and many of those things I did not expect. I did expect one thing that I was afraid of, and that is that you would say that.” Myst sighed. “But you’re right. Come on.” The two ran as fast as they could towards the very same exit the kidnapping former admin had taken. There was just one difference they were immediately keen to as they reached the other side of the awning: the other side was far more clinical than they remembered the entrance of the mansion being. Not only this, but the room was smaller, and as they turned to locate themselves and make sure they had gone in the right direction, they only found a wall behind them. A lone oil portrait of the gym Leaders Misty hung on the wall, with the canvas ripped away where her eyes would be… and blood stains accentuated what paint had original adorned it; Brock, meanwhile, was only identifiable by his signature green vest as the canvas where his head had been had been ripped clear off. Locked in place, Myst and HoT heard… sobbing. In the small, tile-floored space, there was a pink counter directly across from them; there was something familiar about the set-up of the room, although everything about it seemed dingier than it should have been. On legs they did not control, the two young men approached the counter and met the other side with realization and disbelief; they saw Nurse Joy, with her pink outfit and pink hair and all, sobbing and in the fetal position beside a dilapidated machine with six empty slots for circular objects. “She’s covered in blood.” HoT pointed out as he hopped over the counter to assist, kneeling beside her and brushing stray pink hair from the sobbing woman’s face. He did not see green. He saw… red. Before he could retract, a tiny but powerful hand had gripped his own with a vice grip. “Would you like to stay for the night?” Nurse Joy croaked in a voice that was positively demonic in its sourly sweetness. “N-No! I know what you’ll do! I am not one of you! It’s true! It’s true!” HoT tried to struggle out of the hold. “You’re right, but you’re also wrong.” Nurse Joy lifted herself up effortlessly and pressed a button underneath the counter. The instant all three heard a buzz was the same moment a secret door appeared behind HoT and beside the malfunctioning machine. In the black frame were two burning pairs of laser-like red eyes. “You will make a great Joy.” What next caused Myst to feel uneasy and prompted HoT to hurl upon his captor; she didn’t seem to mind as her head made a sickening crack as it turned a full 180 degrees to face Myst. “You are not chosen, but you may play with my babies. You four will have so much fun!” She giggled as her head returned to its original orientation, and two Pokemon stepped out of the darkness… rotting here and there… missing flesh in others… they were covered in a superfluous amount of blood that dripped from their hanging jaws. The Audino and the Chansey both walked as though barely capable of moving, but they moved steadily and quickly; their eyes were dead and covered in a glaze, and they looked in no specific direction. “Myst!” HoT cried out as he disappeared into the dark, and the door shut behind both him and Joy as the buzzer sounded once again. The room went dark, save for a single red light at another end of the room. Myst stood there, completely alone and helpless to move. There was no fighting, only to run. He ran, the Audino and Chansey very intent on closing the distance between themselves and him. The counter possessed a small problem, but the hacking away of a small wooden side of the counter told him that he did not have forever to think. Myst ran for the singular red light that cast illumination, no matter how bloody, into the horrific scene. His back against the wall, he could hear only… but those sounds were “Auuu…” and “Chaaaaaanseeeeee” in demonic voices closing in on both his left and right. It was only then, with his back against the wall, that he heard the hollow sound the wall made as he hit it. He whirled around in panic to find no wall, but door! It was his salvation! In he went in a flash, only to shut the door in haste upon entering. The new room was not what he had hoped, but it was quiet; he couldn’t even hear the sounds of the clinic he had just departed from. He felt safe, even though the luminescence in what appeared to be a small personal office was just as poorly lit as the last room, but with a more natural light that shone directly above a singular metal desk that held vast amounts of stacked paperwork that rose almost to the ceiling. What they surrounded was what Myst ultimately cared about as he met the sight of a single egg perched upon the desk. His curiosity turned to dread, and he tried to escape through a door he found all too locked the instant he heard the faint sounds of the shell of the egg cracking… and a faint “Cuuuuuuuuuue…bone.”
Caesar Cyprus was an aide to Prof. Oak long before Red was born. Sent off to Cinnabar Island to conduct research, Cyprus, a young boy of 12, is headed for a bigger adventure than he's ever dreamed. Table of Contents Chapter 1: KindlingChapter 2: Fire and WaterChapter 3: Square Off Against the SerpentChapter 4: Warm WelcomeFootnotesAlso by SebaxGuest Book Chapter 1: Kindling T he sun burned when Caesar Cade Cyprus awoke that morning in Pallet town. He dusted his sandy brown hair and rubbed his tired, brown eyes, and rose from his bed. The view he had on his feet was closer to that of adult's than that of a twelve-year-old boy, standing tall at five feet and eight inches. Freshly twelve, in fact, having just celebrated a birthday the day before. Tall, lean, and formal. All three so that it became difficult to separate him from the more aged when it came to the stately way in which he conducted himself. All manners and eloquently-spoken, his Gentleman air was, to be honest, a result of a young man just trying to keep up with others older than he was. He was, after all, an aid to the town’s Professor Samuel Oak, and all the other aides were older teens. To him, it was all necessity to match them or beat them, and it did work for him in some measure. In the world of Science and Pokémon, growing up was of the utmost importance in his mind, even if he had to do it faster than he knew how. Summertime blistered and scorched the two fields to the left and right of the small town. Because of this, the fields were blocked off with great pillars that had been flown in, all while the weather affected the town itself with no more mercy. Suffering just the same, all of Pallet Town was deterred from entering the fields and told to avoid the Pokémon they contained. Cyprus had been told why the previous morning by the Professor, he recalled. “The Squirtle will want somewhere cool to keep them from drying up, so it’s better to keep them to the lake in the center of the field. Pitchers, pools, and bathtubs wouldn't be safe with a horde of desperate Squirtle loose. On the other hand, Charmander will be quite happy with the heat, but also just a bit too powerful and over-charged; we don’t want them going into town to start a fire, which will much easier in this heat. Bulbasaur is fine, as they’ll be using today to have a Chlorophyll feast. Pikachu though… well, they're always such wild cards, and seem to be able to get over the blocks anyway. It’s hard to say what mischief they might cause today. Keep an eye out, I suppose,” Oak had explained to his aides. Soon dressed and out the door, he was back at the lab and working with the most exuberance he'd ever shown in his short life. Being in Professor Oak’s lab was always a treat to such an apt child, but today, Cyprus felt like he was finally ready for the world, as though a single celebratory day had been a threshold he’d gaited over with Triumph. He felt like he could take on the entire world of Pokém- “Oof!” Cyprus was socked in the gut mid-thought by a Geodude he was porting from one table to another. The rock monster had been kept inside a Pokéball, but in his carelessness as he daydreamed, he had literally dropped the ball. Faster than he could realize, he was brought to his knees, cringing and holding tight to his stomach while his nerves and lungs constricted and his vision went in and out. It wasn’t until later that he found himself back in bed before the day had even really started. He was startled and tried to sit up, but found it to be impossible. His stomach was bound in bandages and hurt. It was a dull, stabbing pain all at once, and more intense than any injury he'd experienced prior. He lied back down in degrees. He felt the need to throw up, but lacked the capacity. Unable to relieve his stomach, he looked about his room, having nowhere else to go. The room itself was atypical of a boy his age, as atypical as he was, with few notable similarities to the typical. Books upon books on Pokémon scattered the floor as did records as well as books about foreign lands. It was a room that belonged in a Victorian Age home, but with a then-modern twist with its spiraled prints in the black wallpaper and the fiery orange and red shag carpet-flooring. A single window with a cushioned seat in front, cut out in the wall, brought a radiant summer glow into the somewhat Gothic residence. The entire Cyprus household was made up like that throughout, with mixes of old and new in every nook and cranny. For the life of him, he couldn't even think about anything outside of his immediate vicinity, however. All he could see was all he could process in his mind. His bed was much like the carpet, with fiery-color sheets and a large fluffy pillow made to look like a fire stone was where he was nestled and tucked in without any memory of setting himself in. When he recalled the Geodude, a slight moan escaped his lips as the dull pain elevated back into a stiff, unyielding pain. There was no more than five seconds that Cyprus moaned to the time when his mother burst through the door and into his room in an all-out frenzy. “What is it? What’s happened?” Lilly Cyprus had already asked before even stepping foot in the room. Caesar had inherited her propriety and hair color. She was rather tall, like his father as well, and possessed a healthy, supple frame and youthful beauty. She wore, as was her usual wardrobe, a black dress that was decorated with prints of flowers adorning it. Her high Anxiety, to the best of his knowledge, had not been passed down; as much as he loved his mother, he always counted the fact as the greatest Luck in the Universe. Hell had no fury like Lilly Cyprus riled up. “What’s wrong with my baby?” She was Her determination to protect in the face of a non-serious matter was all at once understandable, admirable, and at least a little humorous. “I’m fine.” Caesar put emphasis on the last word to make it sound less like the lie it was. She was, to Caesar's misfortune, a living Lie Detector. She placed her hands on her hips and glared at her son with a discerning look, her green eyes ablaze. “Is that so? Well, you’re certainly not well enough to go to Cinnabar Island now, I can tell you that.” She crossed her arms. “Cinnabar? …What are you talking about, Mom?” Around company, she was “Mum”, informally, she was “Mom”; it was a rare quirk from a young man who tried his best to be free of them. She flubbed her lips, exhausted, before speaking. “Professor Oak wants you to go to Cinnabar Island. Don’t ask me why! Given the state you’re in now, I was sort of confused- no offense, dear-“ she quickly added, “But he said he’d meant to ask you today. He’s been impressed with the way you handle Pokémon that… err… how did he put it? 'Have been generally compliant'?” She sighed. “I think Wild Pokémon will not be as compliant and such on Cinnabar, why, those are all Fire-types there!” ‘Uh oh’, Caesar thought, as he saw the tears welling up in his mother’s eyes. He was repeating the thought over just before she dashed to cradle his head to her heart. Between the blow to his stomach and the blow to his Pride in that moment, he felt an immediate preference for the Geodude. “Does he expect me to send my poor baby to be cooked alive!?” She cried dramatically. This... was his mother... all---the---TIME. “MOOOOOOOOM!” Coddled with affection that was equal parts in suffocation, Caesar pulled away. “Professor Oak has been talking to us about Cinnabar forever. Don't you see? This is finally my chance; my chance to prove to everyone I’m more than capable to survive in the world on my own.” It had really been two months since Professor Oak had first mentioned the possibility of sending an aide to the new research facility on Cinnabar Island, but that is an debatable eternity to a young boy of twelve. He could see the light fade from her eyes in that moment. The word “survive” produced the same result as though someone had come to her door and said “An Arcanine has eaten your son; terribly sorry about that.” Of course, she could not stand for apathetic apparitions appertaining to Arcanine, all ardently acquiescing an adolescent appetizer, and so she banished them away. “No!” And she latched onto Caesar once more with a loving head-lock. The Irony she was putting him in more danger by herself didn't strike her, having come to one possible life-threatening situation and sticking with it. “I forbid you to be eaten alive!” “I’ll be fine!” “You’ll be fine, yes, because you aren’t going!” “I am!” “Don’t take that tone with me, young man!” Caesar tried to get away again, but found the attempt futile. He could fool everyone and make the world forget his age, but he'd be six-years-old throughout eternity to his mother, and he knew it. Anyone else would be told off, but that was impossible for him to subject his mother to on any given day, no matter how much she went too far. “Pardon me,” a new voice entered the room, startling the pair. It was Professor Oak himself, with sandy brown hair, thick eyebrows above his clear brown eyes, and possessing a youthful, handsome appearance, only then aged 30. He was resplendent in his buttoned white lab coat, and looked serious, but spoke in an easy tone. “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, but I’m afraid I simply must stress that there's just no one else for the job I have in mind.” “What do you mean?” Misses Cyprus seemed to realize something was amiss at first glance, but returned territorial the moment after. “Wait a moment… How did you get in?” Oak was alarmed, and knocked down from his serious demeanor when he grimaced and scratched the back of his head. “Oh! Well, I uh… erm… well... Ahem! Your husband let me in.” He called back beyond the door way towards the stairs behind him. “Thank you, Cade.” “Not a problem, Professor!” called Cade Cyprus, Caesar’s father, from downstairs. The credence of the support eased Misses Cyprus’ nerves. “I still don’t see why you need my Caesar to go to a place as---” she stifled a tear, “--- as far away as Cinnabar Island.” “It’s quite simple, Lilly.” Professor Oak resumed his more serious and straight-forward manner. “Caesar possesses a profound ability to be able to easily communicate with Pokémon.” The news was heavier on everyone else than Professor Oak cared to or could notice. "Come again?" Lilly practically had question marks popping out around her head with how clueless the explanation had left her. Caesar was no less confounded. “He may not realize the entirety of all Pokémon natures, nor does he always use it when he should or could, but he most certainly possesses a gift. Hm... how do I best explain? Aha! yes, while it’s true that anyone can talk to Pokémon, as this is the basis of Pokémon training, there is something different in the circumstances. While most trainers can only communicate with Pokémon they have earned trust from, a long and laborious process, Cyprus can get through to some of my most stubborn wild specimens… err…” He drew back again, with chagrin. “This is with, of course, an exception in the Geodude… terribly sorry about that.” “It’s alright, Professor.” Caesar bit back the pain rumbling in his abdominal wall. “All the same, I want you to rest up before you go anywhere.” “Right, S-“ “And who says he’s going anywhere?!” Lilly blurted out in tears, while Cyprus struggled to keep his mother from binding him again in an inescapable Death Grip. Professor Oak took the arguments in stride and beckoned to Lilly Cyprus with perfect calm. It eased her up, and Caesar was grateful. “We can discuss it over some Ramen I brought over.” That struck a chord with Caesar. He knew his mother. Lilly Cyprus was a regular gourmand and a proficient chef. In that was a well-known love for "legitimate" Ramen, as she described it; not the sort one would find in plastic pouches with flavor packets, but with noodles made from scratch and flavors borne from her meticulously cared for garden. If there was one thing capable of calming her over-worked nerves, it was the Ramen experience. It was perceptible she was considering her ultimate decision with care. “Oh… alright. I’m going to entertain the possibility. You can expect I’ll talk to your father first, Caesar Cade Cyprus.” Use of the middle name. Never a good sign, but Caesar tried to put on a smile and remain positive. Anything for a chance to prove himself. “Well, you see, I did already take the liberty of speaking with Cade. He couldn’t be more enthused about the idea, truth be told. I don’t think he could be any-“ Professor Oak stated compliantly, but was interrupted by a deep voice booming from downstairs. “Hello? Pendleton? It’s Cade! My boy, … yes… you remember Caesar, don’t you? Well he’s going to be working on his own! My boy! Personally entrusted by Professor Samuel Oak… Yes, the same one… Uh-huh… Alright, well no, I didn’t know it’s 3 AM where you are… Oh!... Terribly sorry… I’ll hang up now… yes, good evening, Pendleton……. Hello? Marci… Yes! Hello it’s Cade! I have wonderful news about Caesar!” The stream went on and on in an ecstatic fashion as Cade made call after call. “Hmmph!” Lilly crossed her arms. “Do I even get a say in this?” “Of course!” Professor Oak said contentedly. “You’re say is final in the matter. I would like to point out however: Everyone else is on board. Right, Caesar?” “Yes, sir.” Misses Cyprus sighed exasperatedly. She bubbled over and twitched, and tried to catch her breath. Each time she opened her mouth to speak though, only tight squeaks escaped from her throat. “Fine.” The word shot out with the effort of a cannonshot. “But you, young man, have to rest. You aren’t going until I say you can go. I'm still your mother.” She continued to coddle him, stroking Caesar’s hair and fussing over him. “Fine.” Caesar’s version of the word was much like his mother’s, but with a slight bit more groaning tossed in. He felt all too much like the offspring of an over-zealous Kangaskhan, stuck in the pouch for an indefinite span of time. Professor Oak chuckled lightly before a beep emanated from his coat pocket. “Oh dear.” He reached into his pocket to retrieve a small, red pager. “I’m afraid I have to go. Lilly, the Ramen we agreed upon is downstairs. I’d love to stay for some, but there’s an issue with that Geodude again. It was Elm this time and it would appear he had an adverse reaction to its Mud Sport move and is being rushed as we speak to-“ He was looking at the pager dumbfounded until he met Misses Cyprus’s panicked expression. She again had Caesar clutched to her side, though she seemed to be waiting for Professor Oak’s next words more than anything. Upon seeing the frenzied look in her eyes, Professor Oak made a last minute salutation and dashed right out before she erupted into a volcano of tears. “Thatcouldhavebeenmybaby!Thankgoodnessyou’reokay!AreyousureyouwanttogotoCinnabar?” Caesar Cade Cyprus sighed heavily while he was crushed with love. His adventure had already started. Chapter 2: Fire and Water P rofessor Oak eased over an answer to a fuming brute of a man who looked inclined to throttle the cornered Professor. “Yes, the bloating should go down eventually.” While Oak spoke, a small boat docked into the narrow waterway near the Professor’s laboratory and bobbed in the waves as it bumped against the land with hollow thud. “I perfectly understand your concern, Mr. Elm. Just be glad your son isn’t an Electric-type Pokémo- Oh my…” The Professor tried to take a stab at some light humor, but wound up with a meaty mitt of a hand clutching the neck of his lab coat instead. Face to face with a large square head and an excessive amount of a tawny brown beard, the young Professor had lost his nerve and degenerated to a blabbering buffoon before Cyprus took any notice of the event. The young boy cocked an eyebrow at the interruption not only due to the fact it had just occurred over the span of the past few minutes, but also because he had to remember who the man was. Father and son in this particular branch of Elms couldn’t have been any more on different sides of the spectrum, since the junior, the aide in question, was a noodle-limbed string bean of a child. Somehow Hogan Elm had spawned such a child while looking more the part of an perpetually angry Pro-Wrestling Viking who moonlighted as a Lumberjack. Either way, Caesar displaced diverting thoughts to tackle the situation at hand. He knew he’d have to rush in. Professor Oak seemed likely to have his head chewed off at any moment. In attempt to prevent that, he walked towards the tense pair and raised his voice, but with great caution. “Professor, the boat has arrived.” Cyprus tried to defuse the situation with an obvious fact. He hoped that the attention the Professor was receiving would be directed toward the small white fishing boat, and not towards him. With some great Luck, it worked. In the next moment, Hogan let loose his vice grip of Professor Oak. That wouldn't be the end of course. The hulking figure shoved the Pokémon Expert onto his lab-coat covered rump for good measure. Without fanfare the brutish patriarch of the Elm line left without another word. Not another word, but Cyprus could swear he heard the steam whistling from the man's ears as he stormed off. Only when the storm had subsided, Cyprus assisted Samuel Oak back to a standing position. “Honestly, I do feel bad about young Elm,… really such a talent; so much potential and a brain to boot…” He took a moment and looked over his shoulder before leaning over to whisper to Cyprus smugly, “Not a bit like his father. That man's never entertained a single thought besides the most basic of instincts his entire life, and I should know; we went to school together. Well, enough about that.” He coughed, resuming a more serious tone. “I suppose we should see you off soon, because it’s a long trip to Cinnabar, you know.” Professor Oak clapped Cyprus on the back and began walking him to the boat. “I wouldn’t want to ask its captain to have to sail through the night. Then again, I trust in the captain’s abilities in any sort of weather. In fact, you should see Captain Oblique in a hail storm, now that I think of it. Reason would have it that such weather would put one at a disadvantage, but cruel weather such as that is a boon to their team. All the same, you two will want to have reached Cinnabar’s main island before sunset so that you can both be given rooms at the Pokémon Center at a reasonable hour.” Here, between the conversation and his path, Cyprus noticed the words “The Letter” written in a big, fancy red font on the rear of the pristine, painted craft. It was a curiosity to him, as was just about any detail that happened to pop out. “Only two? Aren’t you coming along?” Cyprus inquired as he hopped into the boat floating evenly enough on the calm waters. “I considered a trip for myself to make sure Blaine would be there, to get everything settled about finances, but with all the problems arising with Elm and whatnot… Well, I’m sure you understand.” “Professor, I would understand if you simply said you didn’t feel like getting your feet wet today. I can more than understand the reasons you have. I saw him too,” Cyprus added. He had an abounding respect for the local Professor, but rarely had a one on one discussion in order to display it. Professor Oak hopped into the boat and grabbed the solid wooden side rail to prepare an exit soon after. He wobbled, showing a sheer lack of sea legs in the first steps. Cyprus then suspected that maybe the stay at home was for another reason, but didn't bring it up. “I certainly appreciate that, Cyprus.” And then the Professor nodded. The nod was important. It was the first time he Cyprus felt as much respect received as what was given. The fact the cue came from one of the men Cyprus looked up to most produced an elation Cyprus couldn't contain. The return nod, shaking and wide-grinned, caused Samuel Oak to bark with laughter. “You, I must admit, also have a great deal of talent and brains; otherwise, you wouldn’t be here right now.” Chat ceased when a hatch opened to below deck, and a young woman pulled herself up to the deck. Sun-roasted skin, spare, tall, and dressed in denim shorts and a blue spaghetti strap crop top, she was nearly at eye level with the Professor, but more youthful than he was. 'She must have just been tall for her age, like me', Cyprus assumed, 'because I think she barely looks seventeen or so'. The thoughts he suppressed went along the point it did not go unnoticed that she was uncommonly pretty. She possessed a fair countenance with an oval shaped face and bright brown eyes under black eyebrows with weight to them. Her wavy black hair fell slightly below her shoulders and draped her head like an ornamental curtain. Cyprus could see the drapery of the locks, but most of her skull was concealed under a bandanna that had a print identical to the shell of a Lapras. At least, that's what could be made out even though it was blackened with grease. “Captain Oblique.” Professor Oak nodded formally to the approaching person. Granted, Cyprus was mature for his age. He had been told so numerous times by adults he knew and had observed so himself by the out-of-place way he felt around children his own age and the normalcy he felt around adults. He didn’t have time nor the capacity for crushes, but… something about this young woman walking toward them with a bright smile lit his head on fire and removed his ability to think. “Professor Oak.” She nodded back, taking off her bandana to wipe grease off of her hands. Her raven hair was glossy, even more radiant without the cover, and flowed in the wind with a bountiful grace that- “And you must be Cyprus.” Cyprus was thrown from the impromptu daydream and back into Reality. The truth was: he never felt so far off in unknown territory before in his life as when Captain Oblique turned her attention towards him, and he had to think of how interesting anything was but her hair or face or smile- 'Bah! Stop!' This was a strange reaction for him. “We’d go to school together, I think. Ligeia Oblique; but everyone calls me Gia. Wait… I think we’d go to school together; it’s hard to say.” She crossed her arms and stuck out one hip to the side as she surveyed him. “You’re around fourteen, fifteen, right?” ‘This girl is around my age?!’ Cyprus thought to himself as he tried not to gulp and make his uneasiness obvious. But, oh, she wasn't really that close to his age... Assuming she was any age she said, that was quite a difference. But why did that matter? He collected himself. “I’m... twelve...” Cyprus admitted sheepishly. The answer came as a bit of a surprise to the young captain. The evidence was there in her eyes. He could see her already shift from treating him like a colleague to treating him like an infant, just as everyone in the lab always did. Or maybe he was over-thinking it. He had a tendency to do so, here and there. “No kidding? Wow. Kind of tall, aren’cha?” She looked at Cyprus, then down to her own feet and laughed. “I guess I’m one to talk.” “Once you two grow up, I think you’re both going to make me feel very short,” Professor Oak joked. Odd enough, Cyprus noted, this prompted Gia to the strangest response. She stopped laughing, right on the spot. It was there that Cyprus began to connect dots as he looked at the way Gia bit her lip and looked at the Professor, whom, in turn, remained oblivious of the somewhat hurt look. It was a chance perception that caught him off-guard, but... did she have a crush on the Professor? Cyprus supposed he couldn’t blame the girl, because, after all, young women were always coming to the lab to see if Professor Oak was around. If he wasn’t, they’d leave, often enough, rather upset. There was even one young beauty that favored ghost Pokémon heavily, but had shown up less and less since Professor Oak started focusing more on studying Pokémon than battling them; 'Agatha, that's the one,', Cyprus recalled her name. And there was his mother... running towards the boat from the grass patch leading to town. Cyprus’ heart sank when he spotted that she was sobbing and screaming that she had changed her mind… again. In reality, this was the sixth time since this morning she had, but this time she looked as though she was ready to pull Cyprus back into the house and never let him go even so much as outside the front door again. “We need to go. Now.” Cyprus sputtered, while keeping an eye off to the side. She still had some distance left in the fields to the clear before the port could be reached, and even had the barrier blocks to contend with. But that wouldn't hold her long. “Hmm?” Oak replied to the haste with a raised eyebrow at Caesar Cyprus, and didn’t speak again until short thereafter when Caesar nudged him in the ribs. A sharp glare from Caesar indicated Professor Oak towards the racing Lily Cyprus, and resulted in the Professor to nod to Caesar with perfect understanding. Meanwhile, Gia remained oblivious to the pair’s secret understanding. “I was about to say we should hurry. My engine has been giving me a headache lately and I don’t want to test The Letter out at night, since we might already run the risk of her stalling out anywhere.” “I’ll leave you two to it then. Good luck to you both, and especially you, Caesar; be sure to write!” Professor Oak feigned peacefulness while words dropped from out of his mouth. Before anyone could reply, he lifted himself over the railing to set foot back on solid ground as he waved a farewell to them both. “I’ll be in my lab should departures be delayed. I really must thank you, Captain Oblique for the assistance.” With that, he turned and proceeded to run to block Lily’s war-path. Before speaking, Gia gave a subtle look that she was screaming on the inside. The fact that Professor Oak wasn’t riding as a passenger became all too evident for her to process at first, Cyprus gathered. Before she did speak, she wheeled around to face the helm with a bottled-up fury. “I’m going to go start us up. Got any luggage?” The bitter way she said so and asked all but gave away what Cyprus was thinking, but he wasn't going to point that out. “It’s stored in the Pokéballs on my belt.” Caesar managed to say past the doubt she was really listening, but he had a secret pride in knowing the trick. Just storing items in the devices designed to capture wild Pokémon. Simple enough, and efficient. This was despite the fact pretty much everyone did and it was popular to keep bulky items like bikes in them on long trips so the bike and other items could easily fit into a single sturdy bag with plenty of pockets. Caesar Cyprus did not have a bag however; only six Pokéballs, containing clothes, bed sheets, and tenting supplies, all attached to his belt. “Hey,” Gia turned back and gave Cyprus a genuine smile that made him oblivious to his mother tackling his mentor with the ferocity of a half-starved Rattata going at a block of cheese, “You might make a pretty good Pokémon Trainer when you grow up. Might want a backpack though. Helps to be prepared out in the real world.” ‘Ouch.’ Cyprus wasn’t sure if she really meant that or she was coping with the 'when you grow up' line she'd received herself. ‘Can’t I technically be a Pokémon trainer now?’ Cyprus self-reflected, but knew that either way the message was clear, and Cyprus suspected he was starting to feel what she might have felt. And it felt Bitter. Sheer disappointment, that he didn’t know how to explain why it happened in the first place, bubbled up inside him. He turned away and watched his last view of Palett town up close before he heard the roar of an engine and felt the boat lurch forward. At the same moment, Misses Cyprus was too occupied with slapping Professor Oak upside the head to notice that her son was already speeding away. All too fast, his town, his mother, and Professor Oak began to shrink as a deep blue sea began to dominate the scenery. In little time at all, while Cyprus took in the sights, Gia was back on deck and had gone up to the second floor towards the front of the boat to the helm. Cyprus sighed out a heavy breath of oppressive air caught in his lungs. He tried to remove all thoughts, but found them locked too secure in his brain for him to move them out. He was thinking about the Captain. At that point he already knew his plan for the trip: try to stay to himself for the entirety and not turn into a love sick puppy over a girl he just met and did not know from a Diglett hole in the ground. The funny thing about knowing about hormones was that knowing about them did absolutely nothing for controlling them. Each occasional look she shot back every few moments turned into a shift of perspective that Cyprus undertook each time to avoid eye contact. He would look in the complete other way, but knew he saw her eyes each time, so that meant she saw him too. She kept silent, and he kept silent, and he thought it best to keep it that way. That was the decision until she called him forward, then he found he'd rushed to the helm before he knew his feet had carried him there. It occurred when they were out to sea and far out of sight of any visible land mass on a bright and clear day. Again, Cyprus sighed, but this time around, he couldn’t suppress the gulp of dry air he had managed to keep at bay before in his throat. ‘She’s just a girl’, he told himself, but he couldn’t convince himself whatsoever. Worse yet: he knew exactly why this was: being human. She had him already. ӨӨӨGia leaned on the dashboard, crossing her legs where she stood. “So, you work for the Professor, right? Caesar Cyprus?” Gia asked once Cyprus had climbed the ladder. “Professor Oak, yes. There are a few Professors out there; can’t really name any off the top of my head though. Actually, I plan on becoming a Pokémon Professor someday.” Cyprus felt he was saying these things, but the flood of words was largely unlike him. “Oh? What do you plan to study?” Gia seemed half-interested in the subject while they cruised at a moderate speed. The slightest glimmer of interest in the conversation melted Cyprus’ brain into mush and made his tongue feel gooey. “I do not really know... I don't really presume much,” he admitted, shrugging his shoulders. “I never really gave the future that much thought.” “You're a little uptight." "You mean formal?" "Whatever works for you, but be happy you can have a future you can figure out on your own. I took full advantage of the fact I could when I was thirteen. I started entering my Pokémon in official matches and I saved most of the money I earned up from tournaments. Every bit of it, until I bought this boat and now I’ve been sailing for a year; almost non-stop.” Gia stated proudly, gripping the fancy wheel and stroking the button-bedazzled and meter-strewn dashboard with glee. “Nice boat,” was all Cyprus managed to sputter out with as much faux-bravery as possible. “You must be very good with your Pokémon to have been able to afford a top-of-the-line craft like this.” Gia lit up, even blushed, though not too noticeable under all the tan. “Yeah, I am. I can’t tell you how few kids were there at most of the tournaments I went to, and that was because I was in a totally different league. Lonely at the top, I guess. But motorcycle enthusiasts cried after going up against me, so that made up for the fact I didn't really have too many friends. I kind of retired from battling when I bought the The Letter, but, of course, I still keep around my old team.” “Really? What do you have?” “My main choice is my Lass, a Lapras; she’s gotten me out of so many scrapes in-battle and in the real world than I can count. Behind her is Blu, my Golduck, Whomp, my Poliwrath, Cutter, my Meowth that I mainly use for HM moves and is more of a pet, but is probably close to becoming a Persian at this point, oh! And Vapor. Guess what she is.” She described each as if she were talking about the most amazing things in the world, with all the enthusiasm of a fan celebrating their favorite sports team. “Ummm.” Cyprus racked his brain for known Pokémon, or just so much as the ones he knew, and tried to think. “It looks like you favor Water Pokémon save for one normal, so I’m going to guess that Vapor is a Water-type.” He only knew of the wild Pokémon in the area around Pallet and the occasional imported specimen in the labs. He'd never seen or heard of a Lapras, knew about Golduck but had only ever worked with a Psyduck, had studied a small knot of Poliwag and wondered if maybe Poliwrath was an evolutionary form of them, Meowths were everywhere, but Normal-types were just more common around Pallet than Water-types were. 'What on earth would so likely be called "Vapor" that you could guess the species...,' he thought. “Uh huh” Gia nodded. She had a smug expression on her face, and Cyprus figured because she could maybe tell he didn't have a clue. “Come on, Lab Boy: Who’s that Pokémon?” She took on a histrionic tone and did all she could to not explode into a giggle fit. It took a second more, but, at last, he had it. “Oh! Vaporeon?” Evolutionary form of Eevee. A few people in Pallet kept Eevee as pets, but none whom did had any one its evolutions. He only knew because the professor had given a lecture on the peculiar genetics of Eevee and evolutionary stones. “Yup. I know. Kind of obvious, right?” She sighed. He hadn’t seen the matter as apparent, but he didn’t want to say so. That had been a total shot in the dark, and turned out to be a lucky guess. “I got her for my sixth birthday --- as an Eevee and of course. I was already infatuated with Water Pokémon by then. When my Uncle and Aunt, who basically raised me, got me the Eevee, they asked what I wanted to name her, I said “Vapor”. A little Eevee, but I already knew what I wanted her to be, then and there.” “That’s cu-“ Cyprus coughed when he realized his tone had shaken, so he tried to same words again with more sturdy, mature confidence the second time around. “That’s cute.” “Thanks. But I actually didn’t evolve her until I was ten and started battling. For four years I ran around with a little puffball at my side called Vapor and everyone I knew would ask when and if I'd find a Water Stone.” She laughed. “But, that's it. I wasn’t really ever looking for one. As much as I wanted a Vaporeon,... I didn’t want to say goodbye to Eevee. She'd still be the same underneath after it all, but... I don't know how to explain it. Ever feel the same way?” “We just have a pet Oddish in our front yard. Well, it sort of just appeared in our yard one day and my mom got attached to it, so she started treating it like a pet so it stays in her garden. That and the Pokémon I study under Professor Oak are the only ones I ever really deal with.” “That’s weird.” “What? The Oddish? It is a bit --- well, to be frank --- odd. It will attack you if you ever set foot in my mom's garden, but I don't think that-” “Slow down the explanation, Professor. I just mean that you’re twelve and you don’t have any Pokémon of your own yet. Let me enlighten you to another worry some trainers have, so you know if you ever start and you get a Pokémon with more than one evolution. By some point, can’t tell you when though, I had started to worry that Vapor didn’t want to be anything or wanted to be something else entirely. Eevee have a lot of potential. Jolteon, Flareon, and Vaporeon.” "Professor Oak thinks there may be even more, given its unique genetics and the fact there are so many other type classifications out there." "Ha! I'm trying to picture a Bug-type Eevee. No offense to Bug-Types, but gross. That'd be one big, maybe even furry, bug. So, back to the story: one day, I bought three stones: Fire, Water, and Thunder. I sat down in a calm little field with my Eevee and I told her 'Vapor, I want you to pick what you want to be. I don’t want you to think about what I want. Just what you want.' And it wasn’t right away that she picked; I had to educate her in which Pokémon she’d become if she picked a certain stone, heck, I even brought pictures. She’d never seen a Vaporeon in her life. When she saw a picture of a Vaporeon swimming gracefully in the water, her little face lit up and she pulled the Water stone out of the group and towards her. I hadn't even told her the name of that one yet! That's what got to me. She made her choice, instead of me making one for her. In the end, we both got what we wanted, but it was more important she got what she wanted for herself.” Cyprus stood in awe of how peacefully Gia was looking at the horizon, a blanket of softly rolling waves, and felt at ease. It wasn't just because he felt attracted to the girl, but because she had seriously left an impression on him. His throat felt dry as he spoke, “You must really care about your Pokémon.” “I do. I really do... They’re my world, especially nowadays when they’re all I have for company for days without end.” Her voice wavered and she appeared sad. “I don’t know if I should say this, because it’ll probably make you feel bad, but I feel like- I feel... Ever since I started my story I should give you the biggest part of it. Remember how I said my Uncle and Aunt pretty much raised me?” “Yeah. Not unusual.” “Well they were my Great Uncle and Aunt, an elderly couple who retired to Celadon City where I was sent when I was four. I can’t tell you what happened to my parents because my Uncle and Aunt never told me; all I know is that they didn’t decide to just leave me. Anyway, life was pretty normal until I was eleven and all of a sudden it was just me and my Aunt after Uncle Jim went for his morning jog. My aunt had to be told that he had collapsed in the Celdadon Center on his return trip and was already gone when paramedics arrived. Flowers. He was at the store, buying flowers. Always got her flowers every Tuesday. Always showed that he cared. I had to do the same, seeing my aunt like that. Those Pokémon tournaments I competed in were to support the both of us, then she got sick not too long after, and then it was just me.” Cyprus was silent. He didn't know how to respond to such a heavy situation. He'd had, thus far, a pretty quiet life, and had only endured the loss of one grandparent as far as loss in the family went. “That’s one clue I don’t spend too much time around people anymore; I talk way too much now.” She laughed, but it was a deeply suppressed, sad laugh. “I live in a small town. I don’t really get to meet new people a lot. I’m glad I got to learn something today; especially that it was about you. I think you’re very interesting.” Cyprus strung a few sentences together with as much grace as he could manage under the uncertainty. "Thanks." The easy-going moment was tossed into disarray a moment later when the boat rocked with enough force to toss the two to land their faces on the deck. “What was that?!” Cyprus shouted, staying on the floor as Gia hopped to her feet. In no time at all, the boat had come to an absolute halt. They were dead in the water. “Not good. Not good, not good.” Gia was in an all-out panic as she flew to the hatch that she'd appeared from earlier. Cyprus wasn’t sure if she was answering him or if she felt compelled to voice her discontent. Either way, Cyprus tried to reason out the event. Gia had said that the engine had been having trouble so the only logical explanation was- Bam! An audible knock echoed throughout the boat as the vessel gave another violent rock, and this time, much more violent. His logical solution had been debunked by the situation, and led him to follow Gia below deck just as a massive blue head broke the surface of the surf. It scanned the empty deck with hungry, savage eyes as the Gyarados towered from out of the water, most of it still below the surface. Cyprus had been hit with spray from the rise, but he made it below deck. The only evidence either of the two had of the culprit was a mighty, ear-splitting roar that rocked the boat and the surrounding waters by sheer force of the soundwave. Having both heard the roar, Cyprus looked to Gia who looked unsure of what to do next. “The engine needs to be fixed; that thing out there knocked it out of alignment,” Gia whispered. “That out there… I know that cry; Gyarados, and a big one, even for its species. I didn’t think they swam in these waters! I’ve never come across one around here. Any time I have, I was fishing and prepared for them. You never want to unprepared with Gyarados.” She was hyperventilating as she spoke. It seemed to Cyprus the fact the occurrence was odd worried her more than the actual occurrence itself, so this amplified his own nervousness under the pressure. “What do you intend we do? Will the Gyarados just leave?” Cyprus was not better off, since he’d never been in such dire straits before with wild Pokémon. All he knew was that this was an exceptional opponent for even seasoned survivalists and seafarers. He wasn’t entirely sure if he’d be alive in the next hour, and even Gia for that matter seemed to set the seed of doubt of her survival. It took her a moment for Gia to say anything as she quickly looked to a door to the side in the narrow wooden hallway. “How well do you think you could handle a Lapras if I told you all her moves?” He wanted to say 'I highly doubt it', but could not because the words would not leave his throat. “I don’t have any badges.” He said instead, anxious. "Nothing would listen to me." This much should have been obvious, since he’d already said he’d never had any Pokémon of his own. At least, he thought so. “Unless you figure out how to fix a complicated piece of machinery that took me a week to just read the manual for, I don’t think we have much of a choice.” She dashed into what had to be her cabin and came out with a Pokéball that was grey on the top half and crème-colored on the bottom. The blue button in the middle clicked as she touched it and made the ball suddenly expand to operational size. She handed Cyprus the ball, “Is it going to be you or me?” "What's 'it', exactly?" "Do you really expect me to do everything?!" Cyprus choked back the doubt that had been straining him. He took the ball in hand and tried to stand tall, only to be thrown again as the boat gave another forceful lock. Worst yet, or best yet --- he couldn’t be sure of which--, he was thrown against Gia as the pair hit a wall when the boat again suddenly rocked. He didn’t have to say anything, even though he tried to say the words necessary for an apology. All she did was look him dead in the eye as she helped him and herself back up. “Good luck.” Chapter 3: Square Off Against the Serpent C yprus stood by as he watched Gia get to work on the damaged engine. The engine room was a square, open room with only a door and a large mechanical mess that smoked enough black soot to force the Captain to open one of the small, rotund porthole windows. Cyprus knew this was a bad idea, since the smoke being let out was sure to catch the eye of the Gyrados waiting for them. At the same time, he knew it was an educated gamble and a necessary one since the engine was their only hope of getting to Cinnabar in one piece. He was locked so deep in thought that he almost missed Gia speak. “Diagnosis: She’s been knocked out of calibration. I can fix the problem, but with that beast out there rocking the boat every five minut-“ As if on cue, the hull was again rammed with a massive force that was close to capsizing them right then and there. She gave him a look of disgruntled disbelief as she groaned her discontent. "Prognosis: Not good, unless you get out there and show that sappy serpent who's boss." Another rock, another fall for the two. Cyprus stopped to think just how well the ship was holding up, despite all the powerful hits it'd been taking to its hull. “This boat looks like it is mostly wood, but I’m guessing not.” Cyprus summarized once he had corrected himself by the door. “Nope.” She winked, and Cyprus caught that the most recent blow had barely unbalanced her. “Backtracking: I can’t fix my boat with that constantly going on, but Lass is going to help you fix that problem. She’s so well trained for battle that a Gyrados shouldn’t even be anything for her; that is, if you can handle her.” “I’ll try my best.” Cyprus shrugged, gripping the custom ball in one hand anxiously. “You know you’re a moron for going out into the world without a Pokémon, right?” Gia had disappeared behind the engine, while her voice was accompanied by assorted squeaks and clanks. “I’m going to need an analogy. You know “us morons”.” Cyprus returned some sarcasm back Gia’s way. “You might as well spend a fortune on a Jigglypuff concert.” Gia laughed at her quick-witted joke. “Why? Are they bad singers?” “You have to be joking!” Gia’s severity and surprise tickled Cyprus. “Yes, I am.” “Mist, Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Sing.” “What?” Cyprus was knocked off his pedestal a bit by the out of context interjection. “Those are the moves Lass knows. Know what each one does?” “Erm… no.” “Hopeless.” Gia audibly slapped her forehead from behind her machinated cover.Another direct hit from the Gyrados awaiting caused the engine to pop and hiss, which prompted Gia to groan even louder and with doubled temperament as before. “You’re going to have to tell me fast before we’re sunk.” The urgency in Cyprus’ voice spoke of his heightened anxiety as the boat right itself. “Trust me; that will never happen.” Her voice sounded disconnected. “Forget that. Listen. Mist raises a mist in the immediate area that gives Lass the high ground, so to speak, so she can’t be affected when the enemy tries to intimidate her in any way. Hydro Pump is a Water attack, and it’s very, very powerful; can’t use it too much though, which goes the same for Ice Beam. Ice Beam is an Ice attack, which is…duh…, and is no exception to the bulk of Ice attacks that stand to freeze an opponent in place. Sing I know you’ve heard of.” “Puts whoever listens to sleep?” “Right. Except you’ll be safe from that since it’ll be pointless to try to put Gyrados to sleep again during the battle; it’ll just wake up before you attack. So, technically you have three moves to work with.” “Oh goody.” “Widdle boys who go ou’ into da big bad wuld widdout protection invwestments shoudun compwain.” Cyprus briefly saw Gia’s pouting face pop out from behind the engine long enough to get the point across. “Lass is strong, but she's also pretty much my main catching technique; her singing has caught me most of my Pokémon from the water.” “I think I still have an idea of how to use it, though,” Cypress stated confidently. “Oh great! You have a strategy, and here I thought I was going to have to do all the brain work myself. You haven't exactly been contributing, you know.” She was becoming more and more bold as the engine started to produce sounds that seemed to feel like it shouldn’t be making them. “I think… you’re going to be pleasantly surprised with my brain work…” ӨӨӨGyrados’ eyes drooped as a bittersweet melody emanated from the released Lass. The song it sang had been ordered almost just as soon as Lass had been summoned from her captivation and the song was a personal request of her owner. The fact Lass was ordered directly by Gia once Lass was out of her ball was a safety measure to make sure they had time to make the next move. It also provided a cushion if she decided to not obey any order from Cyprus. “Great, Lass. You can stop singing now. Okay…” It was time to start the foundation for the bigger part of the plan. “This is Cyprus,” Gia cooed from behind a port window, and brought Cyprus into view for Lass to see and recognize properly. “Cyprus is a friend, Lass. He’s going to tell you what to do. Okay?” As as Gia spoke, Lass beaded her eyes. Cyprus presumed it was a direct sneer at the mere thought someone besides her trainer could or would command her. Worst of all, Cyprus was matched directly with the sneer, which was intimidating in itself, despite the Lapras’ seemingly serene presence. “Please, we really need you to help us.” He didn’t know where else to go than speak, since the cold stare Lass gave him froze him down to his toes. Soon, his eyes filled with surprise as the Ice-type's eyes defrosted and settled to a curious stare. She made an inquisitive murmur of a cry that insinuated Lass had started to… listen. Cyprus tried to capitalize on the moment as much as possible. “I know I don’t have any right to tell you what to do, but right now I have to look out for you.” Lass sighed in a high-pitched melodic moan as her neck craned towards Cyprus’ outstretched hand. Cyprus couldn’t believe it as Lass rubbed her rubbery blue head against his palm gently. “I think you can handle it from here.” Gia tried to hide her own surprise, her voice cracking as she jabbed a thumb back to the engine. “Just take care of them.” “Got it.” Cyprus nodded and whispered to Lass, grasping Gia’s other Pokémon close to his belt loops. He thought about the real danger at stake, and he thought of the care this particular captain had for her Pokémon. He could not risk their safety, and he realized it the more he stood in utter silence; patting Lass’ head. “Hey, you stay here, okay?” Cyprus said as he sneaked back to Gia’s cabin to place her Pokéballs back. He was going to conduct a little experiment. In theory, the experiment was simple. The only flaw was that it was completely reckless and idiotic. Standing in front of a towering monster of the tides was one thing, but trying to communicate with it was another. The icing on the cake was the loud “Hey!” Cyprus exclaimed to snap Gyarados out of its slumber. He exhaled heavily. He was expecting the beast to wake up, and he expected it to see him, but he was not at all prepared to face its penetrating stare. ‘I’m dead,’ Cyprus internalized his personal goodbyes for a moment and choked down the lead bullet in his throat. “W-We,” He swallowed. Whose falsetto was that? That wasn’t his voice, but it came out of his mouth. “We mean you no harm. Leave now, and you will not be harmed.” He said it, sealing his fate for sure; or so he thought. Meanwhile, Gyarados was still facing him down, its eyes several meters above him. Cyprus almost thought he was off the hook before the creature let out an ear-shattering shriek as it reared up and back-flipped into the ocean with a tremendous crash. “Well…” Cyprus had to cover his ears, but the instant he no longer saw the previous danger that had previously face him he stood back up and rubbed his sore throat; he could feel the squeak in his vocal chords. “Now that that’s ove-” The boat was nearly capsized in the same moment he spoke, as Gyarados’ fin threw the boat heavily to one side. The boat eventually corrected itself in a moment, but Caesar had been launched from the deck into the salty sea; and he landed face down, painfully, in the water, tossing his world into a dark realm. Chapter 4: Warm Welcome C aesar's eyes reopened with the sun searing through the lids. They were already sore when all other sensation kicked in and he felt a bed of sand under his back. Ashore, but clueless as to on which shore, he sprang up. Dust flew away as he twisted left and right in a wild frenzy to take in his surroundings. The displacement had wreaked havoc on his nerves, coupled with the sea-drenched clothes sticking to his skin, but he soon caught his breath in the tideside quietude. The question of Where still applied though. "What do you see in the middle of the sea?" an unseen voice called out. "What?!" Cyprus attempted to gain his balance and wobbled when he returned to his feet. "Repeat? Fine. I'll go slower so you don't burn yourself out. What---do---you---see---in-the---middle---of---the---Sea?" The mystery of the voice became deafened by the condescending insult it dealt. 'What was in the middle of the Sea?' Cyprus thought, after shrugging the jibe aside. 'Water, right? Land to land, chances are it's going to be water in the middle and nothing but for miles. "Wa-" Cyprus couldn't get much out before he went into a coughing fit. Salt water spurted from where it had lodged in his throat, and the dryness it left behind sent him back down into the sand. Once the episode had subsided, and he was still alive by the end of it, he answered as he meant to. "Water?" he was so hoarse and quiet that he doubted he could be heard. "Try and a miss." A burst of red light shot from behind a sand dune, twisting and striking the spot in front of Cyprus. "Ponyta!" From behind the same sand dune, a young man wearing circular-rimmed sunglasses jumped into Cyprus' vision and struck a pose. "You chose wrong, so prepare to battle!" "Pokémon battle?!" Cyprus looked the Ponyta up and down with a mix of fright and wonder. Such a majestic beast... that looked like it was going to stomp his teeth out of his skull... "But I don't have a Pokémon!" "Don't have a-" the mystery man was shocked. "What sort of a moron goes out into the world without a Pokémon?!" "You're the second person saying that!?? And what sort of a weirdo looks at an unconscious kid on the beach and thinks 'Huh, I think I'll start randomly asking them stupid riddles and assault them if they answer the dumb riddle'?" "Hmph. Consider it the Cinnabar Welcoming Committee. It's what I do, kid. Ponyta, Return!" He held out a Pokéball, and Ponyta went back the way it came, it a flash of red light. Dusting a bit of sand from his short, ginger-haired mustache, he removed the sunglasses and stared Cyprus down. "Didn't really think you were that bad off. I poked you with a stick every now and again to check if you were breathing." "I have to go home... if everyone out of Pallet is this insane, then I can't-" "Hey, did you say Pallet? As in the town?" "Yes. I did. Professor Oak was sending me to Cinnabar Island to study Fire-types." "Last I heard, the kid he was sending over was lost at sea." "My ship was attacked by a giant... thing. I forget what Gia called it." "Gyarados. Mean old things. Got the drop on her two days ago." "Two days?!" "Safe to say, you're one of the first people I can tell right to their face that you're legally dead. Well, we probably shouldn't discuss that other time with the-" "Wait... the labcoat you're wearing. Oh no. Don't tell me you're Doctor Fuji. Please don't tell me YOU'RE the most respected scientist at the research facility here." "And what is that supposed to mean?! Doctor Fuji happens to be my colleague ya little brat, and I'm the second most respected scientist at this research facility; and I'm pretty well-recognized elsewhere too, for the same fact. Blaine. "The Hotheaded Quiz Master "ring a bell?" "I've heard of you." Cyprus took note that this seemed to please Blaine. "I'm a little disappointed though." This returned the assailant to his previous state of Rage. "The second-most respected scientist doesn't know how to properly attend to an unconscious child who washed up on the beach...?" "I do! Just- I- C'mon. I'm gonna have to phone Sam and tell him you're not as dead as everybody thinks you are." "Working around a lab environment, I've always had a severe fear of idiots who are just Intelligent enough to pass for smart." "And, you know what? I can also call to tell him that he was totally right in thinking you were dead, he just was ahead of the curve and didn't know the How. 'Sorry, sir. Stomped to a pulp by a wild Ponyta, sir. Yessir, I have a Ponyta, but, trust me, this one was wild.' How'bout that, smart-mouth?" "Not exactly as warm as the Pokémon you train, are you, Blaine? Regrettably, my life is in your hands in any case, so lead away." "I'm not so tickled about it myself." He darted around and started storming off, without even a glance over his shoulder to look. "Calls me stupid, and can't even sold a simple riddle. Nerve. Whole lotta nerve," he grumbled. ӨӨӨ"Blaine, where have you been?" A bald-headed man, in his early forties, patted a sedated Vulpix as it lay on an operating table. He'd gone to great lengths to ensure the safety and comfort of all Pokémon to ever enter the Cinnabar Research Facility, from the impeccably clean atmosphere to the soothing tones of a Pokéflute being played from a nearby radio. He removed his stethoscope from his ears and gave his returning aide a dour look. "You were supposed to be here hours ago. Luckily, we didn't lose any Pokémon in your absence." The scolding struck Blaine right away. The proud look on his face faded away as the "second-most respected scientist" story lost its weight. He knew Cyprus knew when he heard him chuckle from behind. "I-" "I'll hear no excuses," the stately man in the labcoat raised a hand, palm out, to signal a stop. "Nor will I entertain any of your riddles if you think you can get out of your duties by fettering away that bright mind of yours on less useful ventures than the tasks you were hired for. Your Growlithe is out of surgery. I imagine he will be very happy to see you, if he's not surprised you showed up so long after the procedure." A guilt-stricken Blaine didn't utter another word as he nodded and left Cyprus alone with his mentor and the Vulpix. It was only after he had gone that the man relaxed and smiled over to Cyprus. He beckoned him over, continuing to pat the injured Pokémon with a gentle hand. "He's a bright young man, but a bit of a hot-head, if you will. He has the audacity to pick on my lack of hair, but the way he stresses himself out tells me he's not too far from the same follicle fate." He stifled a chuckle behind a cough. "I'm Doctor Fuji, and I run this facility. Who are you, young man?" "Caesar Cyprus, sir." He was a bit astounded. THE Doctor Fuji! Professor Oak had spoken of him before. The premier Pokémon Expert in all of Kanto, even above Professor Oak himself. "Oh good. I'd thought the worst of you, my boy, so I'm glad to hear you're still with us. Goodness gracious!" Fuji's eyes opened wide when he realized. "Not for much longer if you stay in those clothes; you'll catch your death of cold. Believe me, it can even happen in a hospital." "This is a hospital?" Cyprus asked as the good doctor dashed to a nearby closet and started sorting through its contents. "In a way. The Pokémon Center on Cinnabar has yet to be built. It's such a small island, and only recently my own home. But... it's... ideal..." he was lost in thought as he checked the tags on each article of clothing in the closet, all labwear and all too large for such a small human to fit into. "For the study of Fire-type Pokémon. Now come along and put these on, will you? I specialize in Pokémon health, but we'll have to make sure you're set to rights before your big assignment. There's a restroom down the hall and the first door on your left." Cyprus left, and the Vulpix drew Doctor Fuji's attention in its trying to stand on feeble legs. It was eased back down by the quick-acting professional, but not without worrying him with a hoarse whimper and convulsions throughout its tiny body. By the time Cyprus returned, dressed and ready, he'd made it in time to see the previous calm of the doctor turn into a well-focused panic to restore life to a dying creature. "I spoke too soon. I spoke too soon," Fuji muttered. "What's going on?!" "I poisoned her! She's having an allergic reaction to the anesthetic. Hell!" he cursed, prepping a needle as fast as he could manage. "Her airways are closing up. I'm going to need you to stand right there Cyprus, and, if you can, just hope this works." It was a tense few minutes in the office. The music seemed so out of place, given the situation. Cyprus felt out of place, unable to do anything as he watched it all unravel. His breath caught in his throat and he felt the pain of the thrashing Pokémon wash over him. He felt his airway block, and he felt the injection. He wanted to call out for help, but couldn't. He was losing his Will to Live, and then... it was gone. The feeling faded away when the convulsions stopped and Doctor Fuji trembled over his patient. "S-she's breathing..." Fuji's voice cracked. "This is never easy. I hear you become numb to it after a time, but that's either not the case for me, or everybody who's ever said it lied. And perhaps one of the darkest Truths is that I know what I'm doing and often at times feel like I don't." Cyprus stood frozen. He respected the man's devotion and empathy, but most of all his open manner in which he spoke. Even Professor Oak hid his emotions behind a lowered brow now and again. Young as he was, Cyprus was convinced that, even if the doctor had failed, he'd have done so with as much propriety. But that moment wasn't over yet. "She's cold too. That's bad. Vulpix have an inner flame that never goes out and is the source of not only their power, but life. Though long-lived, there's nothing I can do if that light goes out. There's... there's also nothing I can do to prevent that from happening. This poor little one is on her own from this moment on, I'm afraid. The injury that brought her in had left her so weak as well... I don't really know for certain if-" he caught himself. "Caesar, I'm sorry you had to see all this. I could play tutor and tell you it's an important lesson, but I prefer a bit more design in my teachings." "It's still an important lesson, sir." Caesar choked out, taking a small but steady step towards the table. "The next part, that is, where I stand here and learn one of the hardest things about what I want to do. How to deal with not knowing." He was facing his elder as well as he could, with the tortured Vulpix separating them. He figured he had done the right thing only when a smile cracked its way onto Fuji's face. "Bright young man indeed. Samuel was right on the button when he talked about you, I can tell. I'll teach you what I can, Caesar. I'll teach what I can, but I sense there's good to be learned from you yet." "Maybe, between the two of us, Vulpix can find that good... and fight? Apparently, I've been fighting for my life, and I didn't even know it. Professor Oak always says we're built to survive, but I'd never really tested it so much. But it wasn't your mistake. She's breathing now, and you did no harm." Cyprus said. He was so unsure, but that subsided when he saw the certainty sparkle in the older man's eyes. "Perhaps." ӨӨӨVulpix made it after all. Not in the best of shape, but enough to feel safe in letting her rest on her own as the sun set and Cyprus was shown to where he'd be staying on the island. The home Doctor Fuji had mentioned was shared by the research staff. The fact Blaine was included worried Cyprus, but the Vulpix occupied his mind moreso than the self-proclaimed "Quiz Master". He tried not to look at him, and it seemed mutual as the small band of researchers made their way to the last building Cyprus had expected. His eyes widened when the large mansion in front of them turned out to be the destination. He'd never seen anything so grand. In terms of Architecture, it was a piece of art, and didn't really seem to fit with the next-to-barren turf of Cinnabar. It was a palace built on nothing but dirt. He couldn't believe he was looking at it, let alone had the opportunity to spend so much as a night under its roof. "Come in. Cinnabar is still developing in terms of making it livable, so it can get quite wild at night. A brief tour, and then I suggest a good night's rest. It's an exceptionally big day tomorrow," Doctor Fuji held the door open to allow Cyprus in, but Cyprus was still rooted and in awe of the exterior. Fuji laughed and tried once again. "I assure you, the inside is just as interesting, and far safer than standing there all night. Come, come." Cyprus snapped to attention and hastened to the request. Big day tomorrow. Right. Field research, and his first chance at it. Who knew what was in store in an area where even the experts were starting to tread? Meanwhile, back in Pallet... Professor Oak labored over a letter. Gia had returned, and delivered the news to him that Cyprus had been lost as sea. Given how hard it had been to have the matron of the Cyprus family agree, Oak knew there was only recourse. He was going to fake his own death, and assume a new life as a sailor aboard the next ship to sail into Vermillion harbor and never speak to another living soul as long as he breathed. But when the phone rang in his office, and he heard Doctor Fuji's voice, everything fell back into place in mere seconds and the bags lying underneath Oak's eyes vanished with the weight of the melancholia. "Hello? Yes? What?! Arrived on Cinnabar this morning? Wonderful! That means I won't have to- Erm... nevermind. Yes, yes, go right ahead. I was just going to bed myself. Good evening." He hung up, and eyed the letter on his desk with a nervous snicker. The letter was turned to confetti, and Oak could, at last, get some rest after days of torment. "At long last...Thank goodness," he exhaled. Footnotes Also by Sebax "Based Forward"- Set 14 years before the events of Kingdom Hearts I, and 4 years before Birth By Sleep, a musically-inclined boy finds himself under the tutelage of Yen Sid after the destruction of his Homeworld of Theate. Studying to be a mage, Base finds himself in over his head in matters he barely understands. "Give My Regards to Bridleway"- Based on the "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" TV show, Rarity heads off to Bridleway to be part of a show. With the help of her friends, can she hold her own in the theatre? "Asparagus, the Theatre Cat"- Based on a character from the Poems of T. S. Eliot and from the Musical Production of "Cats", this story details the life of a most histrionic cat as he walks his life across the boards. Guest Book Not a KHV member? Sign the Guest Book, please! I write for the love of it, but I do need, from time to time, some sort of encouragement, or else I just lose interest in posting. Sign Here!
T he sun burned when Caesar Cade Cyprus awoke that morning in Pallet town. He dusted his sandy brown hair and rubbed his tired, brown eyes, and rose from his bed. The view he had on his feet was closer to that of adult's than that of a twelve-year-old boy, standing tall at five feet and eight inches. Freshly twelve, in fact, having just celebrated a birthday the day before. Tall, lean, and formal. All three so that it became difficult to separate him from the more aged when it came to the stately way in which he conducted himself. All manners and eloquently-spoken, his Gentleman air was, to be honest, a result of a young man just trying to keep up with others older than he was. He was, after all, an aid to the town’s Professor Samuel Oak, and all the other aides were older teens. To him, it was all necessity to match them or beat them, and it did work for him in some measure. In the world of Science and Pokémon, growing up was of the utmost importance in his mind, even if he had to do it faster than he knew how. Summertime blistered and scorched the two fields to the left and right of the small town. Because of this, the fields were blocked off with great pillars that had been flown in, all while the weather affected the town itself with no more mercy. Suffering just the same, all of Pallet Town was deterred from entering the fields and told to avoid the Pokémon they contained. Cyprus had been told why the previous morning by the Professor, he recalled. “The Squirtle will want somewhere cool to keep them from drying up, so it’s better to keep them to the lake in the center of the field. Pitchers, pools, and bathtubs wouldn't be safe with a horde of desperate Squirtle loose. On the other hand, Charmander will be quite happy with the heat, but also just a bit too powerful and over-charged; we don’t want them going into town to start a fire, which will much easier in this heat. Bulbasaur is fine, as they’ll be using today to have a Chlorophyll feast. Pikachu though… well, they're always such wild cards, and seem to be able to get over the blocks anyway. It’s hard to say what mischief they might cause today. Keep an eye out, I suppose,” Oak had explained to his aides. Soon dressed and out the door, he was back at the lab and working with the most exuberance he'd ever shown in his short life. Being in Professor Oak’s lab was always a treat to such an apt child, but today, Cyprus felt like he was finally ready for the world, as though a single celebratory day had been a threshold he’d gaited over with Triumph. He felt like he could take on the entire world of Pokém- “Oof!” Cyprus was socked in the gut mid-thought by a Geodude he was porting from one table to another. The rock monster had been kept inside a Pokéball, but in his carelessness as he daydreamed, he had literally dropped the ball. Faster than he could realize, he was brought to his knees, cringing and holding tight to his stomach while his nerves and lungs constricted and his vision went in and out. It wasn’t until later that he found himself back in bed before the day had even really started. He was startled and tried to sit up, but found it to be impossible. His stomach was bound in bandages and hurt. It was a dull, stabbing pain all at once, and more intense than any injury he'd experienced prior. He lied back down in degrees. He felt the need to throw up, but lacked the capacity. Unable to relieve his stomach, he looked about his room, having nowhere else to go. The room itself was atypical of a boy his age, as atypical as he was, with few notable similarities to the typical. Books upon books on Pokémon scattered the floor as did records as well as books about foreign lands. It was a room that belonged in a Victorian Age home, but with a then-modern twist with its spiraled prints in the black wallpaper and the fiery orange and red shag carpet-flooring. A single window with a cushioned seat in front, cut out in the wall, brought a radiant summer glow into the somewhat Gothic residence. The entire Cyprus household was made up like that throughout, with mixes of old and new in every nook and cranny. For the life of him, he couldn't even think about anything outside of his immediate vicinity, however. All he could see was all he could process in his mind. His bed was much like the carpet, with fiery-color sheets and a large fluffy pillow made to look like a fire stone was where he was nestled and tucked in without any memory of setting himself in. When he recalled the Geodude, a slight moan escaped his lips as the dull pain elevated back into a stiff, unyielding pain. There was no more than five seconds that Cyprus moaned to the time when his mother burst through the door and into his room in an all-out frenzy. “What is it? What’s happened?” Lilly Cyprus had already asked before even stepping foot in the room. Caesar had inherited her propriety and hair color. She was rather tall, like his father as well, and possessed a healthy, supple frame and youthful beauty. She wore, as was her usual wardrobe, a black dress that was decorated with prints of flowers adorning it. Her high Anxiety, to the best of his knowledge, had not been passed down; as much as he loved his mother, he always counted the fact as the greatest Luck in the Universe. Hell had no fury like Lilly Cyprus riled up. “What’s wrong with my baby?” She was Her determination to protect in the face of a non-serious matter was all at once understandable, admirable, and at least a little humorous. “I’m fine.” Caesar put emphasis on the last word to make it sound less like the lie it was. She was, to Caesar's misfortune, a living Lie Detector. She placed her hands on her hips and glared at her son with a discerning look, her green eyes ablaze. “Is that so? Well, you’re certainly not well enough to go to Cinnabar Island now, I can tell you that.” She crossed her arms. “Cinnabar? …What are you talking about, Mom?” Around company, she was “Mum”, informally, she was “Mom”; it was a rare quirk from a young man who tried his best to be free of them. She flubbed her lips, exhausted, before speaking. “Professor Oak wants you to go to Cinnabar Island. Don’t ask me why! Given the state you’re in now, I was sort of confused- no offense, dear-“ she quickly added, “But he said he’d meant to ask you today. He’s been impressed with the way you handle Pokémon that… err… how did he put it? 'Have been generally compliant'?” She sighed. “I think Wild Pokémon will not be as compliant and such on Cinnabar, why, those are all Fire-types there!” ‘Uh oh’, Caesar thought, as he saw the tears welling up in his mother’s eyes. He was repeating the thought over just before she dashed to cradle his head to her heart. Between the blow to his stomach and the blow to his Pride in that moment, he felt an immediate preference for the Geodude. “Does he expect me to send my poor baby to be cooked alive!?” She cried dramatically. This... was his mother... all---the---TIME. “MOOOOOOOOM!” Coddled with affection that was equal parts in suffocation, Caesar pulled away. “Professor Oak has been talking to us about Cinnabar forever. Don't you see? This is finally my chance; my chance to prove to everyone I’m more than capable to survive in the world on my own.” It had really been two months since Professor Oak had first mentioned the possibility of sending an aide to the new research facility on Cinnabar Island, but that is an debatable eternity to a young boy of twelve. He could see the light fade from her eyes in that moment. The word “survive” produced the same result as though someone had come to her door and said “An Arcanine has eaten your son; terribly sorry about that.” Of course, she could not stand for apathetic apparitions appertaining to Arcanine, all ardently acquiescing an adolescent appetizer, and so she banished them away. “No!” And she latched onto Caesar once more with a loving head-lock. The Irony she was putting him in more danger by herself didn't strike her, having come to one possible life-threatening situation and sticking with it. “I forbid you to be eaten alive!” “I’ll be fine!” “You’ll be fine, yes, because you aren’t going!” “I am!” “Don’t take that tone with me, young man!” Caesar tried to get away again, but found the attempt futile. He could fool everyone and make the world forget his age, but he'd be six-years-old throughout eternity to his mother, and he knew it. Anyone else would be told off, but that was impossible for him to subject his mother to on any given day, no matter how much she went too far. “Pardon me,” a new voice entered the room, startling the pair. It was Professor Oak himself, with sandy brown hair, thick eyebrows above his clear brown eyes, and possessing a youthful, handsome appearance, only then aged 30. He was resplendent in his buttoned white lab coat, and looked serious, but spoke in an easy tone. “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, but I’m afraid I simply must stress that there's just no one else for the job I have in mind.” “What do you mean?” Misses Cyprus seemed to realize something was amiss at first glance, but returned territorial the moment after. “Wait a moment… How did you get in?” Oak was alarmed, and knocked down from his serious demeanor when he grimaced and scratched the back of his head. “Oh! Well, I uh… erm… well... Ahem! Your husband let me in.” He called back beyond the door way towards the stairs behind him. “Thank you, Cade.” “Not a problem, Professor!” called Cade Cyprus, Caesar’s father, from downstairs. The credence of the support eased Misses Cyprus’ nerves. “I still don’t see why you need my Caesar to go to a place as---” she stifled a tear, “--- as far away as Cinnabar Island.” “It’s quite simple, Lilly.” Professor Oak resumed his more serious and straight-forward manner. “Caesar possesses a profound ability to be able to easily communicate with Pokémon.” The news was heavier on everyone else than Professor Oak cared to or could notice. "Come again?" Lilly practically had question marks popping out around her head with how clueless the explanation had left her. Caesar was no less confounded. “He may not realize the entirety of all Pokémon natures, nor does he always use it when he should or could, but he most certainly possesses a gift. Hm... how do I best explain? Aha! yes, while it’s true that anyone can talk to Pokémon, as this is the basis of Pokémon training, there is something different in the circumstances. While most trainers can only communicate with Pokémon they have earned trust from, a long and laborious process, Cyprus can get through to some of my most stubborn wild specimens… err…” He drew back again, with chagrin. “This is with, of course, an exception in the Geodude… terribly sorry about that.” “It’s alright, Professor.” Caesar bit back the pain rumbling in his abdominal wall. “All the same, I want you to rest up before you go anywhere.” “Right, S-“ “And who says he’s going anywhere?!” Lilly blurted out in tears, while Cyprus struggled to keep his mother from binding him again in an inescapable Death Grip. Professor Oak took the arguments in stride and beckoned to Lilly Cyprus with perfect calm. It eased her up, and Caesar was grateful. “We can discuss it over some Ramen I brought over.” That struck a chord with Caesar. He knew his mother. Lilly Cyprus was a regular gourmand and a proficient chef. In that was a well-known love for "legitimate" Ramen, as she described it; not the sort one would find in plastic pouches with flavor packets, but with noodles made from scratch and flavors borne from her meticulously cared for garden. If there was one thing capable of calming her over-worked nerves, it was the Ramen experience. It was perceptible she was considering her ultimate decision with care. “Oh… alright. I’m going to entertain the possibility. You can expect I’ll talk to your father first, Caesar Cade Cyprus.” Use of the middle name. Never a good sign, but Caesar tried to put on a smile and remain positive. Anything for a chance to prove himself. “Well, you see, I did already take the liberty of speaking with Cade. He couldn’t be more enthused about the idea, truth be told. I don’t think he could be any-“ Professor Oak stated compliantly, but was interrupted by a deep voice booming from downstairs. “Hello? Pendleton? It’s Cade! My boy, … yes… you remember Caesar, don’t you? Well he’s going to be working on his own! My boy! Personally entrusted by Professor Samuel Oak… Yes, the same one… Uh-huh… Alright, well no, I didn’t know it’s 3 AM where you are… Oh!... Terribly sorry… I’ll hang up now… yes, good evening, Pendleton……. Hello? Marci… Yes! Hello it’s Cade! I have wonderful news about Caesar!” The stream went on and on in an ecstatic fashion as Cade made call after call. “Hmmph!” Lilly crossed her arms. “Do I even get a say in this?” “Of course!” Professor Oak said contentedly. “You’re say is final in the matter. I would like to point out however: Everyone else is on board. Right, Caesar?” “Yes, sir.” Misses Cyprus sighed exasperatedly. She bubbled over and twitched, and tried to catch her breath. Each time she opened her mouth to speak though, only tight squeaks escaped from her throat. “Fine.” The word shot out with the effort of a cannonshot. “But you, young man, have to rest. You aren’t going until I say you can go. I'm still your mother.” She continued to coddle him, stroking Caesar’s hair and fussing over him. “Fine.” Caesar’s version of the word was much like his mother’s, but with a slight bit more groaning tossed in. He felt all too much like the offspring of an over-zealous Kangaskhan, stuck in the pouch for an indefinite span of time. Professor Oak chuckled lightly before a beep emanated from his coat pocket. “Oh dear.” He reached into his pocket to retrieve a small, red pager. “I’m afraid I have to go. Lilly, the Ramen we agreed upon is downstairs. I’d love to stay for some, but there’s an issue with that Geodude again. It was Elm this time and it would appear he had an adverse reaction to its Mud Sport move and is being rushed as we speak to-“ He was looking at the pager dumbfounded until he met Misses Cyprus’s panicked expression. She again had Caesar clutched to her side, though she seemed to be waiting for Professor Oak’s next words more than anything. Upon seeing the frenzied look in her eyes, Professor Oak made a last minute salutation and dashed right out before she erupted into a volcano of tears. “Thatcouldhavebeenmybaby!Thankgoodnessyou’reokay!AreyousureyouwanttogotoCinnabar?” Caesar Cade Cyprus sighed heavily while he was crushed with love. His adventure had already started.
P rofessor Oak eased over an answer to a fuming brute of a man who looked inclined to throttle the cornered Professor. “Yes, the bloating should go down eventually.” While Oak spoke, a small boat docked into the narrow waterway near the Professor’s laboratory and bobbed in the waves as it bumped against the land with hollow thud. “I perfectly understand your concern, Mr. Elm. Just be glad your son isn’t an Electric-type Pokémo- Oh my…” The Professor tried to take a stab at some light humor, but wound up with a meaty mitt of a hand clutching the neck of his lab coat instead. Face to face with a large square head and an excessive amount of a tawny brown beard, the young Professor had lost his nerve and degenerated to a blabbering buffoon before Cyprus took any notice of the event. The young boy cocked an eyebrow at the interruption not only due to the fact it had just occurred over the span of the past few minutes, but also because he had to remember who the man was. Father and son in this particular branch of Elms couldn’t have been any more on different sides of the spectrum, since the junior, the aide in question, was a noodle-limbed string bean of a child. Somehow Hogan Elm had spawned such a child while looking more the part of an perpetually angry Pro-Wrestling Viking who moonlighted as a Lumberjack. Either way, Caesar displaced diverting thoughts to tackle the situation at hand. He knew he’d have to rush in. Professor Oak seemed likely to have his head chewed off at any moment. In attempt to prevent that, he walked towards the tense pair and raised his voice, but with great caution. “Professor, the boat has arrived.” Cyprus tried to defuse the situation with an obvious fact. He hoped that the attention the Professor was receiving would be directed toward the small white fishing boat, and not towards him. With some great Luck, it worked. In the next moment, Hogan let loose his vice grip of Professor Oak. That wouldn't be the end of course. The hulking figure shoved the Pokémon Expert onto his lab-coat covered rump for good measure. Without fanfare the brutish patriarch of the Elm line left without another word. Not another word, but Cyprus could swear he heard the steam whistling from the man's ears as he stormed off. Only when the storm had subsided, Cyprus assisted Samuel Oak back to a standing position. “Honestly, I do feel bad about young Elm,… really such a talent; so much potential and a brain to boot…” He took a moment and looked over his shoulder before leaning over to whisper to Cyprus smugly, “Not a bit like his father. That man's never entertained a single thought besides the most basic of instincts his entire life, and I should know; we went to school together. Well, enough about that.” He coughed, resuming a more serious tone. “I suppose we should see you off soon, because it’s a long trip to Cinnabar, you know.” Professor Oak clapped Cyprus on the back and began walking him to the boat. “I wouldn’t want to ask its captain to have to sail through the night. Then again, I trust in the captain’s abilities in any sort of weather. In fact, you should see Captain Oblique in a hail storm, now that I think of it. Reason would have it that such weather would put one at a disadvantage, but cruel weather such as that is a boon to their team. All the same, you two will want to have reached Cinnabar’s main island before sunset so that you can both be given rooms at the Pokémon Center at a reasonable hour.” Here, between the conversation and his path, Cyprus noticed the words “The Letter” written in a big, fancy red font on the rear of the pristine, painted craft. It was a curiosity to him, as was just about any detail that happened to pop out. “Only two? Aren’t you coming along?” Cyprus inquired as he hopped into the boat floating evenly enough on the calm waters. “I considered a trip for myself to make sure Blaine would be there, to get everything settled about finances, but with all the problems arising with Elm and whatnot… Well, I’m sure you understand.” “Professor, I would understand if you simply said you didn’t feel like getting your feet wet today. I can more than understand the reasons you have. I saw him too,” Cyprus added. He had an abounding respect for the local Professor, but rarely had a one on one discussion in order to display it. Professor Oak hopped into the boat and grabbed the solid wooden side rail to prepare an exit soon after. He wobbled, showing a sheer lack of sea legs in the first steps. Cyprus then suspected that maybe the stay at home was for another reason, but didn't bring it up. “I certainly appreciate that, Cyprus.” And then the Professor nodded. The nod was important. It was the first time he Cyprus felt as much respect received as what was given. The fact the cue came from one of the men Cyprus looked up to most produced an elation Cyprus couldn't contain. The return nod, shaking and wide-grinned, caused Samuel Oak to bark with laughter. “You, I must admit, also have a great deal of talent and brains; otherwise, you wouldn’t be here right now.” Chat ceased when a hatch opened to below deck, and a young woman pulled herself up to the deck. Sun-roasted skin, spare, tall, and dressed in denim shorts and a blue spaghetti strap crop top, she was nearly at eye level with the Professor, but more youthful than he was. 'She must have just been tall for her age, like me', Cyprus assumed, 'because I think she barely looks seventeen or so'. The thoughts he suppressed went along the point it did not go unnoticed that she was uncommonly pretty. She possessed a fair countenance with an oval shaped face and bright brown eyes under black eyebrows with weight to them. Her wavy black hair fell slightly below her shoulders and draped her head like an ornamental curtain. Cyprus could see the drapery of the locks, but most of her skull was concealed under a bandanna that had a print identical to the shell of a Lapras. At least, that's what could be made out even though it was blackened with grease. “Captain Oblique.” Professor Oak nodded formally to the approaching person. Granted, Cyprus was mature for his age. He had been told so numerous times by adults he knew and had observed so himself by the out-of-place way he felt around children his own age and the normalcy he felt around adults. He didn’t have time nor the capacity for crushes, but… something about this young woman walking toward them with a bright smile lit his head on fire and removed his ability to think. “Professor Oak.” She nodded back, taking off her bandana to wipe grease off of her hands. Her raven hair was glossy, even more radiant without the cover, and flowed in the wind with a bountiful grace that- “And you must be Cyprus.” Cyprus was thrown from the impromptu daydream and back into Reality. The truth was: he never felt so far off in unknown territory before in his life as when Captain Oblique turned her attention towards him, and he had to think of how interesting anything was but her hair or face or smile- 'Bah! Stop!' This was a strange reaction for him. “We’d go to school together, I think. Ligeia Oblique; but everyone calls me Gia. Wait… I think we’d go to school together; it’s hard to say.” She crossed her arms and stuck out one hip to the side as she surveyed him. “You’re around fourteen, fifteen, right?” ‘This girl is around my age?!’ Cyprus thought to himself as he tried not to gulp and make his uneasiness obvious. But, oh, she wasn't really that close to his age... Assuming she was any age she said, that was quite a difference. But why did that matter? He collected himself. “I’m... twelve...” Cyprus admitted sheepishly. The answer came as a bit of a surprise to the young captain. The evidence was there in her eyes. He could see her already shift from treating him like a colleague to treating him like an infant, just as everyone in the lab always did. Or maybe he was over-thinking it. He had a tendency to do so, here and there. “No kidding? Wow. Kind of tall, aren’cha?” She looked at Cyprus, then down to her own feet and laughed. “I guess I’m one to talk.” “Once you two grow up, I think you’re both going to make me feel very short,” Professor Oak joked. Odd enough, Cyprus noted, this prompted Gia to the strangest response. She stopped laughing, right on the spot. It was there that Cyprus began to connect dots as he looked at the way Gia bit her lip and looked at the Professor, whom, in turn, remained oblivious of the somewhat hurt look. It was a chance perception that caught him off-guard, but... did she have a crush on the Professor? Cyprus supposed he couldn’t blame the girl, because, after all, young women were always coming to the lab to see if Professor Oak was around. If he wasn’t, they’d leave, often enough, rather upset. There was even one young beauty that favored ghost Pokémon heavily, but had shown up less and less since Professor Oak started focusing more on studying Pokémon than battling them; 'Agatha, that's the one,', Cyprus recalled her name. And there was his mother... running towards the boat from the grass patch leading to town. Cyprus’ heart sank when he spotted that she was sobbing and screaming that she had changed her mind… again. In reality, this was the sixth time since this morning she had, but this time she looked as though she was ready to pull Cyprus back into the house and never let him go even so much as outside the front door again. “We need to go. Now.” Cyprus sputtered, while keeping an eye off to the side. She still had some distance left in the fields to the clear before the port could be reached, and even had the barrier blocks to contend with. But that wouldn't hold her long. “Hmm?” Oak replied to the haste with a raised eyebrow at Caesar Cyprus, and didn’t speak again until short thereafter when Caesar nudged him in the ribs. A sharp glare from Caesar indicated Professor Oak towards the racing Lily Cyprus, and resulted in the Professor to nod to Caesar with perfect understanding. Meanwhile, Gia remained oblivious to the pair’s secret understanding. “I was about to say we should hurry. My engine has been giving me a headache lately and I don’t want to test The Letter out at night, since we might already run the risk of her stalling out anywhere.” “I’ll leave you two to it then. Good luck to you both, and especially you, Caesar; be sure to write!” Professor Oak feigned peacefulness while words dropped from out of his mouth. Before anyone could reply, he lifted himself over the railing to set foot back on solid ground as he waved a farewell to them both. “I’ll be in my lab should departures be delayed. I really must thank you, Captain Oblique for the assistance.” With that, he turned and proceeded to run to block Lily’s war-path. Before speaking, Gia gave a subtle look that she was screaming on the inside. The fact that Professor Oak wasn’t riding as a passenger became all too evident for her to process at first, Cyprus gathered. Before she did speak, she wheeled around to face the helm with a bottled-up fury. “I’m going to go start us up. Got any luggage?” The bitter way she said so and asked all but gave away what Cyprus was thinking, but he wasn't going to point that out. “It’s stored in the Pokéballs on my belt.” Caesar managed to say past the doubt she was really listening, but he had a secret pride in knowing the trick. Just storing items in the devices designed to capture wild Pokémon. Simple enough, and efficient. This was despite the fact pretty much everyone did and it was popular to keep bulky items like bikes in them on long trips so the bike and other items could easily fit into a single sturdy bag with plenty of pockets. Caesar Cyprus did not have a bag however; only six Pokéballs, containing clothes, bed sheets, and tenting supplies, all attached to his belt. “Hey,” Gia turned back and gave Cyprus a genuine smile that made him oblivious to his mother tackling his mentor with the ferocity of a half-starved Rattata going at a block of cheese, “You might make a pretty good Pokémon Trainer when you grow up. Might want a backpack though. Helps to be prepared out in the real world.” ‘Ouch.’ Cyprus wasn’t sure if she really meant that or she was coping with the 'when you grow up' line she'd received herself. ‘Can’t I technically be a Pokémon trainer now?’ Cyprus self-reflected, but knew that either way the message was clear, and Cyprus suspected he was starting to feel what she might have felt. And it felt Bitter. Sheer disappointment, that he didn’t know how to explain why it happened in the first place, bubbled up inside him. He turned away and watched his last view of Palett town up close before he heard the roar of an engine and felt the boat lurch forward. At the same moment, Misses Cyprus was too occupied with slapping Professor Oak upside the head to notice that her son was already speeding away. All too fast, his town, his mother, and Professor Oak began to shrink as a deep blue sea began to dominate the scenery. In little time at all, while Cyprus took in the sights, Gia was back on deck and had gone up to the second floor towards the front of the boat to the helm. Cyprus sighed out a heavy breath of oppressive air caught in his lungs. He tried to remove all thoughts, but found them locked too secure in his brain for him to move them out. He was thinking about the Captain. At that point he already knew his plan for the trip: try to stay to himself for the entirety and not turn into a love sick puppy over a girl he just met and did not know from a Diglett hole in the ground. The funny thing about knowing about hormones was that knowing about them did absolutely nothing for controlling them. Each occasional look she shot back every few moments turned into a shift of perspective that Cyprus undertook each time to avoid eye contact. He would look in the complete other way, but knew he saw her eyes each time, so that meant she saw him too. She kept silent, and he kept silent, and he thought it best to keep it that way. That was the decision until she called him forward, then he found he'd rushed to the helm before he knew his feet had carried him there. It occurred when they were out to sea and far out of sight of any visible land mass on a bright and clear day. Again, Cyprus sighed, but this time around, he couldn’t suppress the gulp of dry air he had managed to keep at bay before in his throat. ‘She’s just a girl’, he told himself, but he couldn’t convince himself whatsoever. Worse yet: he knew exactly why this was: being human. She had him already.
ӨӨӨ
Gia leaned on the dashboard, crossing her legs where she stood. “So, you work for the Professor, right? Caesar Cyprus?” Gia asked once Cyprus had climbed the ladder. “Professor Oak, yes. There are a few Professors out there; can’t really name any off the top of my head though. Actually, I plan on becoming a Pokémon Professor someday.” Cyprus felt he was saying these things, but the flood of words was largely unlike him. “Oh? What do you plan to study?” Gia seemed half-interested in the subject while they cruised at a moderate speed. The slightest glimmer of interest in the conversation melted Cyprus’ brain into mush and made his tongue feel gooey. “I do not really know... I don't really presume much,” he admitted, shrugging his shoulders. “I never really gave the future that much thought.” “You're a little uptight." "You mean formal?" "Whatever works for you, but be happy you can have a future you can figure out on your own. I took full advantage of the fact I could when I was thirteen. I started entering my Pokémon in official matches and I saved most of the money I earned up from tournaments. Every bit of it, until I bought this boat and now I’ve been sailing for a year; almost non-stop.” Gia stated proudly, gripping the fancy wheel and stroking the button-bedazzled and meter-strewn dashboard with glee. “Nice boat,” was all Cyprus managed to sputter out with as much faux-bravery as possible. “You must be very good with your Pokémon to have been able to afford a top-of-the-line craft like this.” Gia lit up, even blushed, though not too noticeable under all the tan. “Yeah, I am. I can’t tell you how few kids were there at most of the tournaments I went to, and that was because I was in a totally different league. Lonely at the top, I guess. But motorcycle enthusiasts cried after going up against me, so that made up for the fact I didn't really have too many friends. I kind of retired from battling when I bought the The Letter, but, of course, I still keep around my old team.” “Really? What do you have?” “My main choice is my Lass, a Lapras; she’s gotten me out of so many scrapes in-battle and in the real world than I can count. Behind her is Blu, my Golduck, Whomp, my Poliwrath, Cutter, my Meowth that I mainly use for HM moves and is more of a pet, but is probably close to becoming a Persian at this point, oh! And Vapor. Guess what she is.” She described each as if she were talking about the most amazing things in the world, with all the enthusiasm of a fan celebrating their favorite sports team. “Ummm.” Cyprus racked his brain for known Pokémon, or just so much as the ones he knew, and tried to think. “It looks like you favor Water Pokémon save for one normal, so I’m going to guess that Vapor is a Water-type.” He only knew of the wild Pokémon in the area around Pallet and the occasional imported specimen in the labs. He'd never seen or heard of a Lapras, knew about Golduck but had only ever worked with a Psyduck, had studied a small knot of Poliwag and wondered if maybe Poliwrath was an evolutionary form of them, Meowths were everywhere, but Normal-types were just more common around Pallet than Water-types were. 'What on earth would so likely be called "Vapor" that you could guess the species...,' he thought. “Uh huh” Gia nodded. She had a smug expression on her face, and Cyprus figured because she could maybe tell he didn't have a clue. “Come on, Lab Boy: Who’s that Pokémon?” She took on a histrionic tone and did all she could to not explode into a giggle fit. It took a second more, but, at last, he had it. “Oh! Vaporeon?” Evolutionary form of Eevee. A few people in Pallet kept Eevee as pets, but none whom did had any one its evolutions. He only knew because the professor had given a lecture on the peculiar genetics of Eevee and evolutionary stones. “Yup. I know. Kind of obvious, right?” She sighed. He hadn’t seen the matter as apparent, but he didn’t want to say so. That had been a total shot in the dark, and turned out to be a lucky guess. “I got her for my sixth birthday --- as an Eevee and of course. I was already infatuated with Water Pokémon by then. When my Uncle and Aunt, who basically raised me, got me the Eevee, they asked what I wanted to name her, I said “Vapor”. A little Eevee, but I already knew what I wanted her to be, then and there.” “That’s cu-“ Cyprus coughed when he realized his tone had shaken, so he tried to same words again with more sturdy, mature confidence the second time around. “That’s cute.” “Thanks. But I actually didn’t evolve her until I was ten and started battling. For four years I ran around with a little puffball at my side called Vapor and everyone I knew would ask when and if I'd find a Water Stone.” She laughed. “But, that's it. I wasn’t really ever looking for one. As much as I wanted a Vaporeon,... I didn’t want to say goodbye to Eevee. She'd still be the same underneath after it all, but... I don't know how to explain it. Ever feel the same way?” “We just have a pet Oddish in our front yard. Well, it sort of just appeared in our yard one day and my mom got attached to it, so she started treating it like a pet so it stays in her garden. That and the Pokémon I study under Professor Oak are the only ones I ever really deal with.” “That’s weird.” “What? The Oddish? It is a bit --- well, to be frank --- odd. It will attack you if you ever set foot in my mom's garden, but I don't think that-” “Slow down the explanation, Professor. I just mean that you’re twelve and you don’t have any Pokémon of your own yet. Let me enlighten you to another worry some trainers have, so you know if you ever start and you get a Pokémon with more than one evolution. By some point, can’t tell you when though, I had started to worry that Vapor didn’t want to be anything or wanted to be something else entirely. Eevee have a lot of potential. Jolteon, Flareon, and Vaporeon.” "Professor Oak thinks there may be even more, given its unique genetics and the fact there are so many other type classifications out there." "Ha! I'm trying to picture a Bug-type Eevee. No offense to Bug-Types, but gross. That'd be one big, maybe even furry, bug. So, back to the story: one day, I bought three stones: Fire, Water, and Thunder. I sat down in a calm little field with my Eevee and I told her 'Vapor, I want you to pick what you want to be. I don’t want you to think about what I want. Just what you want.' And it wasn’t right away that she picked; I had to educate her in which Pokémon she’d become if she picked a certain stone, heck, I even brought pictures. She’d never seen a Vaporeon in her life. When she saw a picture of a Vaporeon swimming gracefully in the water, her little face lit up and she pulled the Water stone out of the group and towards her. I hadn't even told her the name of that one yet! That's what got to me. She made her choice, instead of me making one for her. In the end, we both got what we wanted, but it was more important she got what she wanted for herself.” Cyprus stood in awe of how peacefully Gia was looking at the horizon, a blanket of softly rolling waves, and felt at ease. It wasn't just because he felt attracted to the girl, but because she had seriously left an impression on him. His throat felt dry as he spoke, “You must really care about your Pokémon.” “I do. I really do... They’re my world, especially nowadays when they’re all I have for company for days without end.” Her voice wavered and she appeared sad. “I don’t know if I should say this, because it’ll probably make you feel bad, but I feel like- I feel... Ever since I started my story I should give you the biggest part of it. Remember how I said my Uncle and Aunt pretty much raised me?” “Yeah. Not unusual.” “Well they were my Great Uncle and Aunt, an elderly couple who retired to Celadon City where I was sent when I was four. I can’t tell you what happened to my parents because my Uncle and Aunt never told me; all I know is that they didn’t decide to just leave me. Anyway, life was pretty normal until I was eleven and all of a sudden it was just me and my Aunt after Uncle Jim went for his morning jog. My aunt had to be told that he had collapsed in the Celdadon Center on his return trip and was already gone when paramedics arrived. Flowers. He was at the store, buying flowers. Always got her flowers every Tuesday. Always showed that he cared. I had to do the same, seeing my aunt like that. Those Pokémon tournaments I competed in were to support the both of us, then she got sick not too long after, and then it was just me.” Cyprus was silent. He didn't know how to respond to such a heavy situation. He'd had, thus far, a pretty quiet life, and had only endured the loss of one grandparent as far as loss in the family went. “That’s one clue I don’t spend too much time around people anymore; I talk way too much now.” She laughed, but it was a deeply suppressed, sad laugh. “I live in a small town. I don’t really get to meet new people a lot. I’m glad I got to learn something today; especially that it was about you. I think you’re very interesting.” Cyprus strung a few sentences together with as much grace as he could manage under the uncertainty. "Thanks." The easy-going moment was tossed into disarray a moment later when the boat rocked with enough force to toss the two to land their faces on the deck. “What was that?!” Cyprus shouted, staying on the floor as Gia hopped to her feet. In no time at all, the boat had come to an absolute halt. They were dead in the water. “Not good. Not good, not good.” Gia was in an all-out panic as she flew to the hatch that she'd appeared from earlier. Cyprus wasn’t sure if she was answering him or if she felt compelled to voice her discontent. Either way, Cyprus tried to reason out the event. Gia had said that the engine had been having trouble so the only logical explanation was- Bam! An audible knock echoed throughout the boat as the vessel gave another violent rock, and this time, much more violent. His logical solution had been debunked by the situation, and led him to follow Gia below deck just as a massive blue head broke the surface of the surf. It scanned the empty deck with hungry, savage eyes as the Gyarados towered from out of the water, most of it still below the surface. Cyprus had been hit with spray from the rise, but he made it below deck. The only evidence either of the two had of the culprit was a mighty, ear-splitting roar that rocked the boat and the surrounding waters by sheer force of the soundwave. Having both heard the roar, Cyprus looked to Gia who looked unsure of what to do next. “The engine needs to be fixed; that thing out there knocked it out of alignment,” Gia whispered. “That out there… I know that cry; Gyarados, and a big one, even for its species. I didn’t think they swam in these waters! I’ve never come across one around here. Any time I have, I was fishing and prepared for them. You never want to unprepared with Gyarados.” She was hyperventilating as she spoke. It seemed to Cyprus the fact the occurrence was odd worried her more than the actual occurrence itself, so this amplified his own nervousness under the pressure. “What do you intend we do? Will the Gyarados just leave?” Cyprus was not better off, since he’d never been in such dire straits before with wild Pokémon. All he knew was that this was an exceptional opponent for even seasoned survivalists and seafarers. He wasn’t entirely sure if he’d be alive in the next hour, and even Gia for that matter seemed to set the seed of doubt of her survival. It took her a moment for Gia to say anything as she quickly looked to a door to the side in the narrow wooden hallway. “How well do you think you could handle a Lapras if I told you all her moves?” He wanted to say 'I highly doubt it', but could not because the words would not leave his throat. “I don’t have any badges.” He said instead, anxious. "Nothing would listen to me." This much should have been obvious, since he’d already said he’d never had any Pokémon of his own. At least, he thought so. “Unless you figure out how to fix a complicated piece of machinery that took me a week to just read the manual for, I don’t think we have much of a choice.” She dashed into what had to be her cabin and came out with a Pokéball that was grey on the top half and crème-colored on the bottom. The blue button in the middle clicked as she touched it and made the ball suddenly expand to operational size. She handed Cyprus the ball, “Is it going to be you or me?” "What's 'it', exactly?" "Do you really expect me to do everything?!" Cyprus choked back the doubt that had been straining him. He took the ball in hand and tried to stand tall, only to be thrown again as the boat gave another forceful lock. Worst yet, or best yet --- he couldn’t be sure of which--, he was thrown against Gia as the pair hit a wall when the boat again suddenly rocked. He didn’t have to say anything, even though he tried to say the words necessary for an apology. All she did was look him dead in the eye as she helped him and herself back up. “Good luck.”
C yprus stood by as he watched Gia get to work on the damaged engine. The engine room was a square, open room with only a door and a large mechanical mess that smoked enough black soot to force the Captain to open one of the small, rotund porthole windows. Cyprus knew this was a bad idea, since the smoke being let out was sure to catch the eye of the Gyrados waiting for them. At the same time, he knew it was an educated gamble and a necessary one since the engine was their only hope of getting to Cinnabar in one piece. He was locked so deep in thought that he almost missed Gia speak. “Diagnosis: She’s been knocked out of calibration. I can fix the problem, but with that beast out there rocking the boat every five minut-“ As if on cue, the hull was again rammed with a massive force that was close to capsizing them right then and there. She gave him a look of disgruntled disbelief as she groaned her discontent. "Prognosis: Not good, unless you get out there and show that sappy serpent who's boss." Another rock, another fall for the two. Cyprus stopped to think just how well the ship was holding up, despite all the powerful hits it'd been taking to its hull. “This boat looks like it is mostly wood, but I’m guessing not.” Cyprus summarized once he had corrected himself by the door. “Nope.” She winked, and Cyprus caught that the most recent blow had barely unbalanced her. “Backtracking: I can’t fix my boat with that constantly going on, but Lass is going to help you fix that problem. She’s so well trained for battle that a Gyrados shouldn’t even be anything for her; that is, if you can handle her.” “I’ll try my best.” Cyprus shrugged, gripping the custom ball in one hand anxiously. “You know you’re a moron for going out into the world without a Pokémon, right?” Gia had disappeared behind the engine, while her voice was accompanied by assorted squeaks and clanks. “I’m going to need an analogy. You know “us morons”.” Cyprus returned some sarcasm back Gia’s way. “You might as well spend a fortune on a Jigglypuff concert.” Gia laughed at her quick-witted joke. “Why? Are they bad singers?” “You have to be joking!” Gia’s severity and surprise tickled Cyprus. “Yes, I am.” “Mist, Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Sing.” “What?” Cyprus was knocked off his pedestal a bit by the out of context interjection. “Those are the moves Lass knows. Know what each one does?” “Erm… no.” “Hopeless.” Gia audibly slapped her forehead from behind her machinated cover.Another direct hit from the Gyrados awaiting caused the engine to pop and hiss, which prompted Gia to groan even louder and with doubled temperament as before. “You’re going to have to tell me fast before we’re sunk.” The urgency in Cyprus’ voice spoke of his heightened anxiety as the boat right itself. “Trust me; that will never happen.” Her voice sounded disconnected. “Forget that. Listen. Mist raises a mist in the immediate area that gives Lass the high ground, so to speak, so she can’t be affected when the enemy tries to intimidate her in any way. Hydro Pump is a Water attack, and it’s very, very powerful; can’t use it too much though, which goes the same for Ice Beam. Ice Beam is an Ice attack, which is…duh…, and is no exception to the bulk of Ice attacks that stand to freeze an opponent in place. Sing I know you’ve heard of.” “Puts whoever listens to sleep?” “Right. Except you’ll be safe from that since it’ll be pointless to try to put Gyrados to sleep again during the battle; it’ll just wake up before you attack. So, technically you have three moves to work with.” “Oh goody.” “Widdle boys who go ou’ into da big bad wuld widdout protection invwestments shoudun compwain.” Cyprus briefly saw Gia’s pouting face pop out from behind the engine long enough to get the point across. “Lass is strong, but she's also pretty much my main catching technique; her singing has caught me most of my Pokémon from the water.” “I think I still have an idea of how to use it, though,” Cypress stated confidently. “Oh great! You have a strategy, and here I thought I was going to have to do all the brain work myself. You haven't exactly been contributing, you know.” She was becoming more and more bold as the engine started to produce sounds that seemed to feel like it shouldn’t be making them. “I think… you’re going to be pleasantly surprised with my brain work…”
Gyrados’ eyes drooped as a bittersweet melody emanated from the released Lass. The song it sang had been ordered almost just as soon as Lass had been summoned from her captivation and the song was a personal request of her owner. The fact Lass was ordered directly by Gia once Lass was out of her ball was a safety measure to make sure they had time to make the next move. It also provided a cushion if she decided to not obey any order from Cyprus. “Great, Lass. You can stop singing now. Okay…” It was time to start the foundation for the bigger part of the plan. “This is Cyprus,” Gia cooed from behind a port window, and brought Cyprus into view for Lass to see and recognize properly. “Cyprus is a friend, Lass. He’s going to tell you what to do. Okay?” As as Gia spoke, Lass beaded her eyes. Cyprus presumed it was a direct sneer at the mere thought someone besides her trainer could or would command her. Worst of all, Cyprus was matched directly with the sneer, which was intimidating in itself, despite the Lapras’ seemingly serene presence. “Please, we really need you to help us.” He didn’t know where else to go than speak, since the cold stare Lass gave him froze him down to his toes. Soon, his eyes filled with surprise as the Ice-type's eyes defrosted and settled to a curious stare. She made an inquisitive murmur of a cry that insinuated Lass had started to… listen. Cyprus tried to capitalize on the moment as much as possible. “I know I don’t have any right to tell you what to do, but right now I have to look out for you.” Lass sighed in a high-pitched melodic moan as her neck craned towards Cyprus’ outstretched hand. Cyprus couldn’t believe it as Lass rubbed her rubbery blue head against his palm gently. “I think you can handle it from here.” Gia tried to hide her own surprise, her voice cracking as she jabbed a thumb back to the engine. “Just take care of them.” “Got it.” Cyprus nodded and whispered to Lass, grasping Gia’s other Pokémon close to his belt loops. He thought about the real danger at stake, and he thought of the care this particular captain had for her Pokémon. He could not risk their safety, and he realized it the more he stood in utter silence; patting Lass’ head. “Hey, you stay here, okay?” Cyprus said as he sneaked back to Gia’s cabin to place her Pokéballs back. He was going to conduct a little experiment. In theory, the experiment was simple. The only flaw was that it was completely reckless and idiotic. Standing in front of a towering monster of the tides was one thing, but trying to communicate with it was another. The icing on the cake was the loud “Hey!” Cyprus exclaimed to snap Gyarados out of its slumber. He exhaled heavily. He was expecting the beast to wake up, and he expected it to see him, but he was not at all prepared to face its penetrating stare. ‘I’m dead,’ Cyprus internalized his personal goodbyes for a moment and choked down the lead bullet in his throat. “W-We,” He swallowed. Whose falsetto was that? That wasn’t his voice, but it came out of his mouth. “We mean you no harm. Leave now, and you will not be harmed.” He said it, sealing his fate for sure; or so he thought. Meanwhile, Gyarados was still facing him down, its eyes several meters above him. Cyprus almost thought he was off the hook before the creature let out an ear-shattering shriek as it reared up and back-flipped into the ocean with a tremendous crash. “Well…” Cyprus had to cover his ears, but the instant he no longer saw the previous danger that had previously face him he stood back up and rubbed his sore throat; he could feel the squeak in his vocal chords. “Now that that’s ove-” The boat was nearly capsized in the same moment he spoke, as Gyarados’ fin threw the boat heavily to one side. The boat eventually corrected itself in a moment, but Caesar had been launched from the deck into the salty sea; and he landed face down, painfully, in the water, tossing his world into a dark realm.
C aesar's eyes reopened with the sun searing through the lids. They were already sore when all other sensation kicked in and he felt a bed of sand under his back. Ashore, but clueless as to on which shore, he sprang up. Dust flew away as he twisted left and right in a wild frenzy to take in his surroundings. The displacement had wreaked havoc on his nerves, coupled with the sea-drenched clothes sticking to his skin, but he soon caught his breath in the tideside quietude. The question of Where still applied though. "What do you see in the middle of the sea?" an unseen voice called out. "What?!" Cyprus attempted to gain his balance and wobbled when he returned to his feet. "Repeat? Fine. I'll go slower so you don't burn yourself out. What---do---you---see---in-the---middle---of---the---Sea?" The mystery of the voice became deafened by the condescending insult it dealt. 'What was in the middle of the Sea?' Cyprus thought, after shrugging the jibe aside. 'Water, right? Land to land, chances are it's going to be water in the middle and nothing but for miles. "Wa-" Cyprus couldn't get much out before he went into a coughing fit. Salt water spurted from where it had lodged in his throat, and the dryness it left behind sent him back down into the sand. Once the episode had subsided, and he was still alive by the end of it, he answered as he meant to. "Water?" he was so hoarse and quiet that he doubted he could be heard. "Try and a miss." A burst of red light shot from behind a sand dune, twisting and striking the spot in front of Cyprus. "Ponyta!" From behind the same sand dune, a young man wearing circular-rimmed sunglasses jumped into Cyprus' vision and struck a pose. "You chose wrong, so prepare to battle!" "Pokémon battle?!" Cyprus looked the Ponyta up and down with a mix of fright and wonder. Such a majestic beast... that looked like it was going to stomp his teeth out of his skull... "But I don't have a Pokémon!" "Don't have a-" the mystery man was shocked. "What sort of a moron goes out into the world without a Pokémon?!" "You're the second person saying that!?? And what sort of a weirdo looks at an unconscious kid on the beach and thinks 'Huh, I think I'll start randomly asking them stupid riddles and assault them if they answer the dumb riddle'?" "Hmph. Consider it the Cinnabar Welcoming Committee. It's what I do, kid. Ponyta, Return!" He held out a Pokéball, and Ponyta went back the way it came, it a flash of red light. Dusting a bit of sand from his short, ginger-haired mustache, he removed the sunglasses and stared Cyprus down. "Didn't really think you were that bad off. I poked you with a stick every now and again to check if you were breathing." "I have to go home... if everyone out of Pallet is this insane, then I can't-" "Hey, did you say Pallet? As in the town?" "Yes. I did. Professor Oak was sending me to Cinnabar Island to study Fire-types." "Last I heard, the kid he was sending over was lost at sea." "My ship was attacked by a giant... thing. I forget what Gia called it." "Gyarados. Mean old things. Got the drop on her two days ago." "Two days?!" "Safe to say, you're one of the first people I can tell right to their face that you're legally dead. Well, we probably shouldn't discuss that other time with the-" "Wait... the labcoat you're wearing. Oh no. Don't tell me you're Doctor Fuji. Please don't tell me YOU'RE the most respected scientist at the research facility here." "And what is that supposed to mean?! Doctor Fuji happens to be my colleague ya little brat, and I'm the second most respected scientist at this research facility; and I'm pretty well-recognized elsewhere too, for the same fact. Blaine. "The Hotheaded Quiz Master "ring a bell?" "I've heard of you." Cyprus took note that this seemed to please Blaine. "I'm a little disappointed though." This returned the assailant to his previous state of Rage. "The second-most respected scientist doesn't know how to properly attend to an unconscious child who washed up on the beach...?" "I do! Just- I- C'mon. I'm gonna have to phone Sam and tell him you're not as dead as everybody thinks you are." "Working around a lab environment, I've always had a severe fear of idiots who are just Intelligent enough to pass for smart." "And, you know what? I can also call to tell him that he was totally right in thinking you were dead, he just was ahead of the curve and didn't know the How. 'Sorry, sir. Stomped to a pulp by a wild Ponyta, sir. Yessir, I have a Ponyta, but, trust me, this one was wild.' How'bout that, smart-mouth?" "Not exactly as warm as the Pokémon you train, are you, Blaine? Regrettably, my life is in your hands in any case, so lead away." "I'm not so tickled about it myself." He darted around and started storming off, without even a glance over his shoulder to look. "Calls me stupid, and can't even sold a simple riddle. Nerve. Whole lotta nerve," he grumbled.
"Blaine, where have you been?" A bald-headed man, in his early forties, patted a sedated Vulpix as it lay on an operating table. He'd gone to great lengths to ensure the safety and comfort of all Pokémon to ever enter the Cinnabar Research Facility, from the impeccably clean atmosphere to the soothing tones of a Pokéflute being played from a nearby radio. He removed his stethoscope from his ears and gave his returning aide a dour look. "You were supposed to be here hours ago. Luckily, we didn't lose any Pokémon in your absence." The scolding struck Blaine right away. The proud look on his face faded away as the "second-most respected scientist" story lost its weight. He knew Cyprus knew when he heard him chuckle from behind. "I-" "I'll hear no excuses," the stately man in the labcoat raised a hand, palm out, to signal a stop. "Nor will I entertain any of your riddles if you think you can get out of your duties by fettering away that bright mind of yours on less useful ventures than the tasks you were hired for. Your Growlithe is out of surgery. I imagine he will be very happy to see you, if he's not surprised you showed up so long after the procedure." A guilt-stricken Blaine didn't utter another word as he nodded and left Cyprus alone with his mentor and the Vulpix. It was only after he had gone that the man relaxed and smiled over to Cyprus. He beckoned him over, continuing to pat the injured Pokémon with a gentle hand. "He's a bright young man, but a bit of a hot-head, if you will. He has the audacity to pick on my lack of hair, but the way he stresses himself out tells me he's not too far from the same follicle fate." He stifled a chuckle behind a cough. "I'm Doctor Fuji, and I run this facility. Who are you, young man?" "Caesar Cyprus, sir." He was a bit astounded. THE Doctor Fuji! Professor Oak had spoken of him before. The premier Pokémon Expert in all of Kanto, even above Professor Oak himself. "Oh good. I'd thought the worst of you, my boy, so I'm glad to hear you're still with us. Goodness gracious!" Fuji's eyes opened wide when he realized. "Not for much longer if you stay in those clothes; you'll catch your death of cold. Believe me, it can even happen in a hospital." "This is a hospital?" Cyprus asked as the good doctor dashed to a nearby closet and started sorting through its contents. "In a way. The Pokémon Center on Cinnabar has yet to be built. It's such a small island, and only recently my own home. But... it's... ideal..." he was lost in thought as he checked the tags on each article of clothing in the closet, all labwear and all too large for such a small human to fit into. "For the study of Fire-type Pokémon. Now come along and put these on, will you? I specialize in Pokémon health, but we'll have to make sure you're set to rights before your big assignment. There's a restroom down the hall and the first door on your left." Cyprus left, and the Vulpix drew Doctor Fuji's attention in its trying to stand on feeble legs. It was eased back down by the quick-acting professional, but not without worrying him with a hoarse whimper and convulsions throughout its tiny body. By the time Cyprus returned, dressed and ready, he'd made it in time to see the previous calm of the doctor turn into a well-focused panic to restore life to a dying creature. "I spoke too soon. I spoke too soon," Fuji muttered. "What's going on?!" "I poisoned her! She's having an allergic reaction to the anesthetic. Hell!" he cursed, prepping a needle as fast as he could manage. "Her airways are closing up. I'm going to need you to stand right there Cyprus, and, if you can, just hope this works." It was a tense few minutes in the office. The music seemed so out of place, given the situation. Cyprus felt out of place, unable to do anything as he watched it all unravel. His breath caught in his throat and he felt the pain of the thrashing Pokémon wash over him. He felt his airway block, and he felt the injection. He wanted to call out for help, but couldn't. He was losing his Will to Live, and then... it was gone. The feeling faded away when the convulsions stopped and Doctor Fuji trembled over his patient. "S-she's breathing..." Fuji's voice cracked. "This is never easy. I hear you become numb to it after a time, but that's either not the case for me, or everybody who's ever said it lied. And perhaps one of the darkest Truths is that I know what I'm doing and often at times feel like I don't." Cyprus stood frozen. He respected the man's devotion and empathy, but most of all his open manner in which he spoke. Even Professor Oak hid his emotions behind a lowered brow now and again. Young as he was, Cyprus was convinced that, even if the doctor had failed, he'd have done so with as much propriety. But that moment wasn't over yet. "She's cold too. That's bad. Vulpix have an inner flame that never goes out and is the source of not only their power, but life. Though long-lived, there's nothing I can do if that light goes out. There's... there's also nothing I can do to prevent that from happening. This poor little one is on her own from this moment on, I'm afraid. The injury that brought her in had left her so weak as well... I don't really know for certain if-" he caught himself. "Caesar, I'm sorry you had to see all this. I could play tutor and tell you it's an important lesson, but I prefer a bit more design in my teachings." "It's still an important lesson, sir." Caesar choked out, taking a small but steady step towards the table. "The next part, that is, where I stand here and learn one of the hardest things about what I want to do. How to deal with not knowing." He was facing his elder as well as he could, with the tortured Vulpix separating them. He figured he had done the right thing only when a smile cracked its way onto Fuji's face. "Bright young man indeed. Samuel was right on the button when he talked about you, I can tell. I'll teach you what I can, Caesar. I'll teach what I can, but I sense there's good to be learned from you yet." "Maybe, between the two of us, Vulpix can find that good... and fight? Apparently, I've been fighting for my life, and I didn't even know it. Professor Oak always says we're built to survive, but I'd never really tested it so much. But it wasn't your mistake. She's breathing now, and you did no harm." Cyprus said. He was so unsure, but that subsided when he saw the certainty sparkle in the older man's eyes. "Perhaps."
Vulpix made it after all. Not in the best of shape, but enough to feel safe in letting her rest on her own as the sun set and Cyprus was shown to where he'd be staying on the island. The home Doctor Fuji had mentioned was shared by the research staff. The fact Blaine was included worried Cyprus, but the Vulpix occupied his mind moreso than the self-proclaimed "Quiz Master". He tried not to look at him, and it seemed mutual as the small band of researchers made their way to the last building Cyprus had expected. His eyes widened when the large mansion in front of them turned out to be the destination. He'd never seen anything so grand. In terms of Architecture, it was a piece of art, and didn't really seem to fit with the next-to-barren turf of Cinnabar. It was a palace built on nothing but dirt. He couldn't believe he was looking at it, let alone had the opportunity to spend so much as a night under its roof. "Come in. Cinnabar is still developing in terms of making it livable, so it can get quite wild at night. A brief tour, and then I suggest a good night's rest. It's an exceptionally big day tomorrow," Doctor Fuji held the door open to allow Cyprus in, but Cyprus was still rooted and in awe of the exterior. Fuji laughed and tried once again. "I assure you, the inside is just as interesting, and far safer than standing there all night. Come, come." Cyprus snapped to attention and hastened to the request. Big day tomorrow. Right. Field research, and his first chance at it. Who knew what was in store in an area where even the experts were starting to tread? Meanwhile, back in Pallet... Professor Oak labored over a letter. Gia had returned, and delivered the news to him that Cyprus had been lost as sea. Given how hard it had been to have the matron of the Cyprus family agree, Oak knew there was only recourse. He was going to fake his own death, and assume a new life as a sailor aboard the next ship to sail into Vermillion harbor and never speak to another living soul as long as he breathed. But when the phone rang in his office, and he heard Doctor Fuji's voice, everything fell back into place in mere seconds and the bags lying underneath Oak's eyes vanished with the weight of the melancholia. "Hello? Yes? What?! Arrived on Cinnabar this morning? Wonderful! That means I won't have to- Erm... nevermind. Yes, yes, go right ahead. I was just going to bed myself. Good evening." He hung up, and eyed the letter on his desk with a nervous snicker. The letter was turned to confetti, and Oak could, at last, get some rest after days of torment. "At long last...Thank goodness," he exhaled.
Academy ● Admissions Office ● Lounge● Information Desk Welcome students! For right now, until further notice, the Dorms will act out the purpose the Lounge otherwise would. That means you will find important info on current Events/Objectives here. For new members: You will find a list of Pokémon that have yet to be chosen as starters. Code: I CHOOSE YOU,: (Insert name of starter)[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT] [FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas]For the character: (Which character you intend this starter for)[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT] [FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas]Nickname: (An optional Nickname for your Pokémon; if no name is given, then leave this blank; all the nameless will be given the name of their species.) Spoiler: Available Starters (Gender M=Male; F=Female)*Nature*Species (M)*Hardy*Bulbasaur (F)*Timid*Charmander (M)*Bashful*Cyndaquil (M)*Serious*Treecko (F)*Naughty*Snivy (M)*Adamant*Tepig Current Events: Absolute Tropical Meteorology Spoiler: Current Objectives Provisions: Go to the Mess Hall and pick up cans of canned goods and jugs of water from Gaston Oile (30/30) (6/6) Gather blankets within the Dormitory storage space (0/12) Precautions: Check the Pokémon Center’s Defense system (1/1) Bring the Pokéballs to Nurse Joy for Teleportation (6/12) Announcements! October 28th, 2013; 3:35 AM EST PokAcademy now has a wiki. Follow the link mark "Information Desk" above.
I CHOOSE YOU,: (Insert name of starter)[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT] [FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas]For the character: (Which character you intend this starter for)[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT] [FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas][FONT=Consolas]Nickname: (An optional Nickname for your Pokémon; if no name is given, then leave this blank; all the nameless will be given the name of their species.)
