1 ♣ [TEXT/ACTION FOR GOLDENROD CITY + ACTION FOR THE ROCKET BASE]

[divinitea]

ACTION

[Having grown tired of the sparseness of her room, Celes has taken it upon herself to investigate her new surroundings - in her regular clothes, of course. She's walking slowly, peering around the halls and taking in everything she can, eyes flicking back and forth suspiciously, as if expecting something to pop out at any moment.]

How mysterious....

[Behind her, a Gothita and Vulpix are pattering along, doing their best to keep up with their new trainer, despite the fact that she's ignoring them. The Gothita appears to be doing worse than the Vulpix (having tiny legs will do that to you), but she struggles furiously on, watching her trainer with wide, reverent eyes.

Feel free to interrupt Celes' wanderings if you happen to spot her - she'd be grateful for the information. Maybe.]

TEXT/ACTION

[It's later in the day, and Celes has managed to find her way out of the Rocket Base and into the heart of Goldenrod City. She's currently seated at a table outside a rather quaint cafe, sipping from a cup and idly flicking through the feed on her Pokegear. Seated opposite her, sharing the chair, are her two Pokemon, eagerly watching both their trainer and the small cake sitting in front of her. Celes hasn't touched her food, but is onto her second pot of tea, murmuring to herself.]

...it's perfect....just how I like it.

[Her appetite hasn't really kicked in since she awoke in her room in the Rocket base, so with a slightly repulsed look she roughly cuts the cake into two pieces with her fork and pushes the plate over to her Pokemon. They fall on it in grateful desperation. However-

Do try to have some decorum.

[Celes' words are calm and even, but her Pokemon immediately freeze and start to eat slowly, any traces of their prior frantic feeding completely gone. Her Gothita even attempts to use the fork.

Having dealt with her Pokemon, Celes goes right back to ignoring them and instead focuses on her Pokegear, placing her teacup neatly back in the saucer.

She's spent most of her day gathering what information she can from the citizens around Goldenrod and her fellow Rocket members - now it's time to see if this 'feed' works as well as she's heard.]

I have a few questions that I would appreciate answers to, should any of you be able to help.

1) Are any of you familiar with a place called Hope's Peak Academy?

2) What can you tell me about 'Gothita' and 'Vulpix'?

3) What exactly is Team Rocket's purpose? Should I fear them?

Thank you very much for your time.

- Celestia Ludenberg

[Those aren't her only questions - by far - but at the moment they're the most pressing. If she finds someone helpful she'll pick their brain, anyway.

For now, her tea is waiting.]

Comments

[Text]

[crackpotcrocker]

Both Gothita and Vulpix are creatures called - POKEMON!

Should I elborate?

[Someone just has to show off what he's learned, apparently.]

Team Rocket is an organization destined to RULE THE WORLD!

[Totally maniacal laughing on his side of the screen.]

[Text]

[divinitea]

I would hope you're going to elaborate, because that was incredibly useless otherwise.

[text]

[ardent]

[Ishimaru usually doesn't pay...quite as much mind to the text posts as he does video or audio; the sound is more likely to catch his attention than anything else, after all, and the texts usually can wait until the end of the day. However, what with the arrival of Togami and Kirigiri, he's been keeping a closer eye on the network; he knows that it's unlikely that anyone else will show up within the next few weeks - they tend to go in cycles, he's noticed that - but hope springs eternal and all that.

The mention of Hope's Peak grabs his attention immediately; he has to admit that that third point on that list of questions isn't a promising one - either they've managed to run across Team Rocket already, which is unlikely, or somebody else has been recruited. However, the text appears to be si-

...

...ah.

He's not sure what he should think, seeing Celes' name there, knowing she's arrived in Johto; he's mildly alarmed to find that he doesn't feel anything.]

A few of our classmates have arrived here already. There are seven of us; eight, including you.

It's good to hear from you, Celes-kun.

[The text is formal and weirdly sterile and he knows it, but he can't really bring himself to do much else; he's always been less shouty over text anyway.]

[text]

[divinitea]

[Celes has barely noticed the content of the text - she's too busy staring at the sender.

From: Kiyotaka Ishimaru

It can't be possible. Someone is playing a prank, in rather poor taste. Hm.]

I don't know who you are, but it's terribly rude to impersonate someone who has died.

[Maybe it's Togami....]

[TEXT]

[diamondo]

[First Kirigiri and Togami, now Celes? Holy shit, it's a Hope's Peak reunion up in here!

Mondo takes a moment to think about how to reply. Ishimaru told him that Celes had killed him and as furious as he is about that, he's fully aware that Celes might not have come from that point in time. She might be from much earlier on, or even later, after she's executed. He has no way of knowing until he talks to her.

So against his better instincts, he fires off a text answering her questions.]

hey this is oowada
this place can bring the dead back to life somehow
but i haven't actually died yet in my timeline so
look this shit's confusing just roll with it
there are a lot of us here
me, ishimaru, naegi, fujisaki, asahina, kirigiri, and togami
we're kind of spread out right now
where are you?
we can send someone to pick you up if you'd like
we're all currently in violet city

as for team rocket they're a criminal organization
they steal pokemon and sometimes they pull raids and shit
they don't seem all that menacing or anything
so no i wouldn't fear them if i were you

[TEXT]

[divinitea]

[....what on earth just happened here?

Celes flicks through Oowada's (?!) text, and then rereads it. Then rereads it again.]

Are you really Oowada-kun? Because I must say, this is in extremely bad taste.

[Not that she really cares about the tastefulness of the whole affair - just the fact that it's inconveniencing her.]

text

[readapts]

[...three of their classmates in the span of a couple of days? Th-that's amazing, isn't it? Of course, he puzzles over what to say and also worries briefly because of course what she may remember could make this a surprise. Not even to mention all of the new information they've been given here.

But one always has to start somewhere! So,] Celes-san? This is Fujisaki...

Did you just arrive? Are you doing all right?

text

[divinitea]

[ENOUGH OF THE DEAD PEOPLE TALKING-]

Fujisaki-kun? Impossible. Fujisaki-kun is dead.

[No, really-]

You should be ashamed of yourself.

text;

[ghostytrainer]

1. yes! i have met a few people recently who used to go there. are you a classmate of theirs as well?

2. i don't know anything about gothita, but i do have a ninetales so i can answer some of the questions you have about vulpix, since ninetales is its evolved form. what did you want to know specifically?

3. to steal pokemon and general be evil. i wouldn't fear them, no, but i would try to avoid them if i were you. they're not exactly a pleasant bunch.

text;

[divinitea]

[Finally, someone useful.]

1) I am; whom have you met?

2) I'm mainly concerned with what I'm supposed to do with her. What do you mean by 'evolved form'?

3) They sound simply terrible. How best can I avoid them? I don't want to get hurt...

[Well it's going to be tricky for her to avoid Team Rocket, but then again she's not really all that concerned.

If you start talking about her dead classmates, John, she will be most upset.]

text;

[freshprints]

Celes-san.

[HEY, LOOK. IT'S SOMEONE WHO'S NOT DEAD. Well, besides you, that is.]

text;

[divinitea]

[YEAH IT'S KIND OF NICE TALKING TO SOMEONE SHE KNOWS ISN'T CHILLING IN THE MORGUE RN]

Kirigiri-san? Are you here too?

text;

[superordinary]

Hey, Celes-san. This is Naegi.

Welcome to Johto. Are you doing all right?

[ Naegi's not completely sure what to write. Or how to feel. She may be the person he had the least amount of sympathy for, but...she's still one of them. ]

text;

[divinitea]

Naegi-kun?

[Oh thank god, someone ordinary.]

I am quite fine, yes - where exactly am I? Where are you?

[text]

[enjoymyatelier]

[...as much as he doesn't like admitting he doesn't know things, Celestia Ludenberg sounds borderline magey (except not quite stupid enough) and he does kind of enjoy smack talking team rocket because they're an easy target

so]

1) I can't say I'm familiar with that name, no. In what country is it located?

2) I don't have personal experience with those Pokemon, unfortunately, though I have read up on them a bit. If you haven't gotten decent information on either of them yet, I can tell you what I know.

3) Team Rocket's purpose seems to be to go out of its way to be petty and underhanded in the most pointless ways possible. There might be some individuals within the organization that are worth keeping an eye out for, but as a general rule I wouldn't worry about them.

[text]

[divinitea]

[You seem helpful and coherent - let's talk.]

1) Japan - are we still in Japan?

2) I'm afraid I don't know too much about them, as I just arrived and they're trailing after me. I'd be happy to hear anything you know.

3) Ah, so you don't think I should be afraid of Team Rocket? That is such a relief - I was quite worried! What sort of things do they do?

[Text]

[babel_hacker]

1) I do. I met some people from there here, so I assume you are either their classmate, a member of the staff or someone connected to it.

2) Vulpix is a fire-type Pokemon, mainly specialised in special attacks over physical attacks. They're good for using fire, as well as annoying the enemy with ghost and psychic moves. Their evolution is Ninetales, but I recommend evolving them with a Fire Stone once your Vulpix learn all of their moves.

[Text]

[divinitea]

1) How very perceptive of you. Whom have you met?

2) I see. How does she go about learning these 'moves', then?

[ACTION] I WARNED YOU

[greatestcool]

[Celes isn't the only one wandering the base, but Ryuunosuke actually has a purpose today. He's carrying a box wrapped in flamboyant wrapping paper and an overly large bow taped on top. He might be heading to the labs, who knows?]

Oh, hey, are you new here?

[This is about the time when new people show up, isn't it? And omg just look at her, she's adorable! Shame he can't do any of his lovely art here, or she'd be his first target!!

So don't mind him trying to intentionally cute it up!]

[ACTION] KATO IS SCREAMING 1/2

[divinitea]

[At the sound of an unfamiliar voice, Celes whirls around, eyes wide - who is this? It can't be possible....is she really free of Hope's Peak, of the mastermind?]

!!

[Right, let's just. get it together-]

I-I - yes! Yes I am!

[ACTION] 2/2

[divinitea]

[We have got this together.]

Ah, forgive me, sir...you just startled me.

[This guy looks a little on the slow side...time to amp up the charm.]

I never thought I would end up in a place like this...

[text]

[explosivecombat]

[...Hope's Peak again. Another of those incredibly bizarre Japanese children, maybe?

At least this one seems to have some understanding of basic courtesy.]

Greetings, Miss Ludenberg; I assume you've just arrived. Hopefully this evening is finding you well.

While I'm not familiar with Hope's Peak Academy myself, as such a place doesn't exist for me back home, I know two of the students that attended. They go by the last names of Oowada and Ishimaru, and both of them are rather loud; one claims to be a seventeen-year-old gang leader of some sort, while I'm not sure what the other one does but he's very militaristic and fond of justice and the enforcement of rules. They're a little on the eccentric side, but they're decent boys, I suppose; are you familiar with them?

I can't speak for Gothita, but Vulpixes are charming creatures; they're a bit easily spoiled, in my experience, but they change form if you have a specific stone to do it. I would suggest waiting until you've trained it up a bit, so that it's more powerful, but the evolved form is very sophisticated.

As for Team Rocket's purpose, anyone who can provide a solid answer for that is in the organization itself, I'd imagine; of course, there have been a few individuals that have come onto the network anonymously and claimed to be able to answer questions about it, but even they haven't really been able to answer that question. From the look of it, however, it's mostly thievery and property damage, though once in a while they get a little ambitious and try to terrorize the population at large. Whether you fear them has less to do with them and more to do with how much you, as an individual, fear their tactics.

Does that make sense?

[text]

[divinitea]

[...well, this is the politest message she's received yet - always a good sign. Time to turn up the charm.]

I'm doing well, under the circumstances; all of this is rather new to me. Your help is greatly appreciated.

I do know Ishimaru-kun and Oowada-kun; they are classmates of mine. I am so pleased to hear they are alright! They have such strong personalities - sometimes it gets them into trouble, so it's a relief to know they're safe. Both of them actually contacted me earlier to welcome me here; where exactly is here? The 'Johto' region, I've been told?

Ah, I have heard of this 'Ninetales'! I was shown one over video earlier - I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful creature. You're not the first person to warn me about waiting, but I might not be able to help myself!

From what I've heard from others, Team Rocket appear to focus more on petty crimes, which I'm honestly glad to hear - I was worried they were some sort of terrorist organization! Even so, I'll definitely have to ensure I avoid any of their members; I don't want to get hurt, or have my new friends stolen from me.

You're making perfect sense! Thank you so much for answering my questions; all of this is a little overwhelming, but I'm managing! Have you been here long?

[action]

[ortion]

[Dist's in the middle of making his daily rounds around the base when he comes across this charming young woman. His ever-watchful Roserade is at his side, sizing up the Pokemon in the girl's possession.]

Oh, hello there. You must be new.

[Because he's pretty sure he would remember that impressive outfit and...impressive drillhair.]

[action]

[divinitea]

[Celes whirls around at the sound of the voice; fortunately, Dist isn't the first person she's come across, so the shock isn't quite as intense...still, it remains a little on the unnerving side to see another unfamiliar face.

...

...and such a flamboyant one...

...well, let her just put herself back together and smile prettily.]

Ah, yes, I am; I only just arrived. Could you tell me where I am, sir?

[aquatically]

Celes-chan! You're here too.

That's ten of us now! I think!

[It's a little difficult to believe. And for once Asahina thinks first that maybe her classmate doesn't know she's dead, and maybe she should be a little circumspect.]

[divinitea]

Asahina-san?

[WELL AT LEAST YOU AREN'T ONE OF THE DEAD ONES]

Ah, I was informed you were here. It is lovely to hear from you!

[so very lovely ^_^]

text

[godaime]

1) I'm not familiar with that place. It sounds too happy for me, anyways.

2). Gothita is a psychic pokémon that uses its ribbons to amplify its brain power. It tends to observe things and get caught up in staring to the extent where it's blind to other attacks and events. It evolves and they're pretty slow but sturdy. Vulpix is a kyuubi that holds control over the supernatural and fire. It can use attacks that inflict mental damage, and grudges that can paralyze and burn pokémon. It also uses standard fire attacks. It evolves with a fire stone.

3) They just want to make a profit off of abusing pokémon. Outside of the rare display of competency, they're a joke.

text

[divinitea]

1) You needn't worry - the name is somewhat misleading.

2) Thank you for the information! Have you trained either of the species yourself? I like the idea of magical ribbons.

[Especially ones that amplify brain power, hmm....perhaps Victoria would lend them to her...or she could always cut them off...]

3) What rare displays of competency have you observed? I keep receiving mixed reviews.