the_low_reaches | The beginning

The beginning

Who: The cast

Where: The Belfry's front yard and parking lot

When: Morning

What: A bus has arrived, empty, causing quite the stir.

The storm fell over the town like a pall, and with it came the fog.

It was a hungry, curious thing. So thick and wet it licked at your clothes and skin when you stepped out into it, tasting you, and stealing sight and color from the world, leaving it slick and oily. Shadows festered in its recesses, coiling and dancing beneath it like living things, greedy in the low light. Above was no better: the angry thunderheads hung mountainous over the city, spitting rain and blooming with lightning. Storms were fierce in Sinjoh, and this was no exception, booming and growling its discontent, threatening to shake the bones from bodies. The rain fell in heavy sheets, gutters and creeks swollen and fast with it. Little rivers streamed across Blackbell. It choked the city. It blinded it.

Maybe that's why no one noticed until it was too late.

Out of that grey, pitiless gloom rose the old (new) crooked Belfry, and beneath it, a mass of children and their beleaguered teachers, their rain slickers and jackets shiny in the rain, whispering and sharing glances among themselves -- those who weren't transfixed on the cloudbursts of red and blues in the fog and the occasional ghostlight that meandered clumsily through it. Police sirens chirped, sharp against the dull grey fog, and sometimes a walkie would crackle to life.

Worse still were the keen wails as whoever stumbled out of their car up to the police barricade were turned aside, told the news, and lost themselves.

Because everyone remembered the cargo ship.

Everyone remembered what washed up to shore, only a short few weeks ago. There were pictures all over the internet: strange, pale figures. Motionless. Their mouths toothless gapes. Their eyes worse. Empty. Nothing staring at nothing. They were human shaped, but too slack, too soggy, too translucent. They would burst if they tried to move. Some had when the authorities had gone to collect them.

The bus was submerged in the fog, its bright yellow coloring strange and forbidding now. Nearly twenty minutes ago it had lurched into the parking lot, and died. It went still, lights and engines snapping off, and no one had noticed anything amiss -- the steady beat of the rain and growl of thunder drowned out everything else the fog didn't cover -- until a few minutes had gone past and no one had stepped off. The door had remained shut. Eventually someone investigated. Called out and knocked on the side door, frowned into the empty inside. They managed the door open, and a gentle rush of fetid, dark water spilled out. Inside, the rows and rows of bus seats were empty. Just backpacks and toys, even a few pokeballs, sat lonely and abandoned.

When the authorities arrived, they found the teachers trying to shoo the children away from the bus, many of them lifting on to tiptoe to try and get a glance inside at the back door, or smashing their faces into the side door. The first cop car was soon joined by another, and another. EMTs were called: a child had fainted. A barricade was constructed, and some order was restored.

Until the first parent arrived.

And then the press.

The Belfry hunched over the small circus forming on its parking lot, bell toning with the start of the school day. Its crooked arches and spindly lengths, occasionally thrown into fierce shadows from a lightning strike, were skeletal in the gloom. School had been cancelled for the day. Parents were being called to pick up children. A line was queuing near the western port of the parking lot.

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"They are, aren't they?" she said, her fingers rubbing on the back of the Amaura's head, never seeming to mind the chill that it gave off. It was kind of normal for her, really. She smiled to herself, thinking about Gutsy and shaking her head. Oh, he was a trouble-maker.

"He's a prankster. And I can control him, as long as I have an eye on him, but he's always looking for an excuse to make people laugh. Right now, it wouldn't be a good thing." She frowned, looking at the bus and nodding. "Like you said, we kind of need to stay strong, not joke around or get afraid. I don't like letting things get me down. I promised my parents I wouldn't."

"I don't know, I could use a laugh right now," Rhyssa said with a glance at the bus. "Even the strongest people in the whole wide world need laughter to keep them going when life gets too serious. Smiling is good for you but I suppose that has its place and time, too. Maybe later. I'd love to meet your Gutsy. He sounds like he has lots of energy to burn."

"Oh, I think we could both probably use a laugh, just not here and now. When we get home, I'll let him out. He gets cranky if I keep him cooped up in his ball too much of the day." Honestly, he was a handful. "And you have no idea how much energy. But Peanut helps keep him in line." Ice types disciplining grass types, yep. That was a thing.

"I'd get cranky, too," Rhyssa said as Fallon hopped onto her shoulder. "There's way too many interesting things going on outside after all. It's hard to be a partner if you're stuck inside, right?" She grinned and shifted a little, tapping at a puddle of rainwater that seemed determined to encroach on them.

"I hope the rain lifts, soon. If it keeps up like this, the ground may get too soaked."

"If I could understand what he'd said clearly, I'm fairly sure he'd agree with you." After all, it was always something of a dicey thing to completely understand what a pokemon without telepathy was saying at any time. "So I like to let him out at home most of the time. It helps keep him behaved." And it gave her something to deny him if he started being a punk.

"Hmmm. I have a feeling we should get ready to get soaked. It always seems like it's raining anymore. It'd be a good day to be a Goodra."

"I want to understand how to better listen to pokemon," Rhyssa said quietly and there was a quiet passion in her voice. "After all our training and whatever challenges we face, that's what I want to do, just...not in a lab. I want to understand pokemon, how they communicate and speak to each other. Maybe one day we'll all know what our friends are saying."

She grinned at the thought of all of that and meeting another pokemon. They were all so unique.

"I have a feeling I'll really enjoy meeting your Gutsy." Rhyssa shook her head a little as the rain fell. "You're right, it does seem like it rains an awful lot here. At least we know a Goodra would enjoy it." She looked off into the forest that surrounded them for awhile.

"What pokemon do you think are in those woods? Does anyone ever go out there?"

"I don't know that anyone with a lab could tell you exactly how they speak anyway. Seems like something you'd have to feel, like the longer that you're with one, the easier it is to understand." Admittedly, she wasn't so hot at that, but it was a dream for almost any good trainer out there, to want to understand what their pokemon were thinking. Or, alternatively, to find out if porygons dreamed of electronic mareep in their sleep.

"I'm pretty sure there are Hoothoots, Pidgeys and Pidoves out there," she said a bit idly. "Though I've wondered if there's maybe a Honchkrow, with how dark some of the parts can be. That would be an interesting find, wouldn't it?" This was good. Geeking out about pokemon would take their minds off of things.

"Mom does pokemon research," Rhyssa said with a slight wrinkle of her nose. "If it's not in a laboratory, it's at a conference. I'm pretty sure if they'd cracked the pokemon language barrier, she'd have said something. But yeah. The longer you're with anyone, the easier they are to understand."

Both of her pokemon made noises of agreement, though Kali's was sleepy. They were her best friends, her family, and she was very good with interpreting what they wanted or needed even if they hadn't been around for long.

"Mhm! That'd be excellent, really. I've always wanted to meet one and I guess I will, even if I'm not there to catch it. They seem kind of scary to some but they're pretty awesome. I like the Murkrows I've met. Some of the ghost types might be in there, too. It just...seems like a place you're find them." Some of the kids were being picked up by solemn or worried parents already. Rhyssa counted more than a few less faces around than a few minutes before.

"This place should have some books around about the area and the pokemon, too. Maybe a trip to a library or something is a good idea. I haven't had much time to do any of that," she said, her expression a little embarassed. "I've mostly been training with Kali and Fallon when I'm not studying."

She nodded. "I would love to meet your mother one of these days. My parents were archaeologists, so I grew up fascinated with pokemon. It'd be interesting to see one of her lectures." Maybe she didn't know how pokemon communicated, like anyone truly did that wasn't a pokemon already, but it would be a delight.

"A honchkrow would be fun. I love unusual pokemon, ones that I've never seen before, and ones that surprise people," she said, her fingers brushing under peanut's chin. "Like Peanut here. I've heard people don't want to risk a pokemon like this, because of typing, but they can be very powerful. I love being able to surprise people like that. There has to be some very unusual ones around here for us to find."

She considered, looking over at the Eevee and smiling. "We should have a battle... some day, not today. It wouldn't be appropriate, but I think mine would love it."

"I'm sure my mom would like it if you did come sit for a lecture. My dad is an archaeologist, too, or was," she said, her smile soft. "Wherever he is, he taught me that unusual pokemon can be some of the most incredible friends. I like them, too. I can't wait to see what we find out there, I'm sure that's going to be an adventure."

At the mention of a battle her eyes seemed to sparkle with joy. She'd never really had the chance yet. It'd be absolutely wonderful.

"I think Kali and Fallon both would love a battle. They really enjoy testing their skills. Sometimes, I'll catch them in mock battles against each other just trying to get stronger." She ruffled Fallon's feathers gently.

"It's certainly one of the less well explored regions, so there's bound to be unusual pokemon here. I wonder if we'll see one that hasn't been documented yet." She nodded at the mention of the girl's missing father. She didn't pry, anymore than the other had asked about hers. It was, maybe, a talk for another time. She didn't talk about her parents' deaths that often after all.

"Then I would say that they're itching to go. Of course, I think pokemon love to battle each other in general. So, it only makes sense. I think today's going to be bad for it, but we can do it soon," she said, feeling Peanut perk up at the idea of it. Yeah, hers would love the idea of a good fight.

"I hope we do get to find something new, that would be amazing. Especially if it hasn't seen people like us, ever. I can't imagine how exciting that would be but it'd be pretty far up there."

Another few faces disappeared and while she wasn't counting, she was very much aware of it and the bus and everything else going on around her. There was a chill in there air that had nothing to do with Peanut.

"Yeah, they are and they really do. It's natural for them to battle like that but sure, when the weather's better we totally can." Her smile, which was never really far from her lips anyway, lit her face at the thought. It really would be great and she knew they'd give their best no matter who won or who lost. It was all about learning, anyway, for trainers and pokemon.

She smiled, shaking her head. The weather was less her concern than the crowds. She had a feeling that the teachers would frown greatly on them disturbing things today by having a pokemon battle right here and now. But, they would still get the chance soon enough, that much was sure. "Thanks, I'm looking forward to it," she said sincerely. She was definitely looking forward to seeing Peanut in action again.

"Do you think our field trip is going to be held up by this?" She wouldn't be surprised, and she wouldn't even doubt the teachers for doing so, but it would be a little disappointing at the same time. She'd been looking forward to it, after all.

Rhyssa grinned, definitely excited for a pokemon battle.

"I hope not," Rhyssa said, frowning a little. "It would be just the distraction to help us all refocus on something really positive. I'm very much looking forward to that."

Kali let out a soft query from around Rhyssa's neck. She wanted to go, too, and so did Fallon. The field trip had been on her mind since the moment she learned it was on the schedule. It would probably be a chance to make a new pokemon friend, too. That was definitely distracting.

"I'm looking forward to a lesson on actually catching a pokemon. Both of my friends were gifts to me, after all," she said, her hand petting the Amaura affectionately. "Being able to catch one on my own would be great. And besides, I'm pretty sure Gutsy needs out in the wild more is part of his problem."

She smiled when she saw Kali make that little cry, nodding. Ok, even if they couldn't understand the words, the intent of pokemon was usually clear enough.

"I caught my Fallon," Rhyssa said quietly. "I wasn't really allowed to and it took me six months or so, but really, I just talked to him and he decided to come home with me. I guess we just sort of clicked and knew we'd be really good partners. Sometimes catching pokemon is like that! But others like battles more and will choose to fight your pokemon to see if your team is strong enough for their liking."

Rhyssa laughed quietly so she wouldn't disturb anyone else and nodded a little, her eyes wide and filled with excitement.

"I want to learn more about catching them, too. Especially how to approach a wild pokemon properly. I mean, sometimes I'll go out into a field and sit and enjoy the day. If I'm lucky a wild pokemon will come by and sit with me, too, or play with Fallon or Kali. I love watching them play, it's wonderful when they get along." Fallon let out a wooo and hopped down to land near Peanut and waddled closer with his wings open. He was definitely far more friendly than Kali whose tail fluffed out enough to tickle her nose.

"Fallon is amazingly friendly. He tends to make friends with the wild ones and bring them over for a hello. They're much better when they know I'm not going to try to catch them."

Oh, so she'd managed to catch that one? Well, that was very interesting indeed. It was also one of those things that Shizuka wasn't about to get on someone's case about, because that was a little too neat. No, it wasn't quite the same as fighting it out and throwing the ball, but it was still neat. And, besides, some people had to earn their teammates in unusual ways, right?

Peanut looked down, giving Fallon a nuzzle right on the beak before shaking and letting off a few motes of frost in the process. It smiled down at the Rowlet in amusement, leaning its head back, the curiosity there, wondering to itself if the pokemon would do that head swivel thing that they did. That was neat.

"I don't know that you'll always be able to catch like that, so it'll be good to learn the regular way. Still, it's interesting that you've managed to do it. I don't think I'll be quite as good at that sort of thing." She got along with Peanut just fine, and Gutsy too, but she wasn't quite the sort to be covered in birds, all of whom loved her.

"I probably won't since most pokemon really enjoy a battle. That's why I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can from school. What I learned from Fallon is that sometimes you have to look at situations in ways that others might not have thought to do. I got very, very lucky and the chance that it will ever happen again is slim to none," Rhyssa said with a firm nod.

"Alola is a whole other lifestyle where pokemon and people share a really deep affinity for each other. They work beside us and are our partners in very different ways than I've seen here."

Fallon squinted his eyes with happiness and obliged by peering up at the taller pokemon with a swivel of his head to find her eyes. Woo?

"They're all over the place here, but they really are a bit more... separate here than that aren't they?" Shizuka said, considering it for a moment before nodding in agreement. This place didn't seem as focused on the pokemon-trainer relationship as it was in Alola, at least not to hear Rhyssa say that. "I never asked though. Are you from Alola then? I've never visited, though I've heard a few stories." Most of them were really fanciful ones that seemed almost silly at times.

The swivel of Fallon's head made the Amaura jump with glee and let out a soft, keening sound from its own mouth. Yes, yes, it definitely liked that trick. It was equally glad that the little grass type wasn't being nervous around an ice type like some were.

"It sure seems different to me," Rhyssa said and then laughed as she nodded. "Ah, yeah, I am! I'm from Malie City on Ula'ula Island! It's super famous for its recycling plant because pokemon and people work together managing it. You should see the Muks and Grimers helping to keep Alola clean, they're a really useful pokemon because they help pulls poisons and toxins from the waste they're given."

She bounced a little at that because she knew that no matter the pokemon, they were all special, even if they might look really weird (like Mr. Mime, to be honest). That's why Rhyssa tried so hard not to be frightened of any pokemon no matter what they might look like.

"I suppose that's pretty different from most places. I don't think Alola would be Alola without the way we all work together. Even the Tapus help out and protect us all. My favorite's Tapu Koko but I've never seen it or any of the others. I've heard they're amazing, though."

Fallon bounced as well and flicked his wings, preening a little at the Amaura's glee. What a show-off. Just for her, he did it again and let out a trill of his own, almost as if he was trying to mimic the other pokemon's cry. It was pretty adorable. Around her neck, Kali nearly rolled her eyes as she let out a yawn.

Muks, Grimers? Useful? That was an unusual thought. Most people thought of them as especially dangerous and toxic pests, though they could be used in a pinch for local waste disposal. The thought of it was almost a little shocking, when she thought about it, though not impossible. After all, they were basically waddling piles of sludge, so why not feed them. "Interesting."

"A Tapu? I've never even heard of that pokemon," she said, her eyebrows climbing. At least the Rowlet was something she'd had the chance to catalogue at some point since Rhyssa had arrived in school. "What sort is it, I wonder?"

As they talked, Peanut seemed to be enjoying the display plenty, though a car was driving up towards the two of them. It came to a stop and a middle aged man stepped out, waving to them. "Oh, that's my uncle. Are you still ok coming to my place?" she said, returning the wave. She'd sent a quick text to make sure he'd known that they'd have a guest.

"I'm okay with coming," Rhyssa said quietly. "I think it's best if I'm with someone else tonight. Just in case." She let out a sigh and nodded. Rhyssa was used to being on her own but it felt right to accept the offer.

"I'll tell you all about the Tapu later, yeah? Maybe when we get to your place." She smiled a little and then laughed at Fallon. "He certainly likes Peanut. That's really wonderful."

She waved at her new friend's uncle and offered a bright smile.

"Alright, that sounds good," she said, pretty much to all of that. She went up to her uncle and said a couple things before motioning towards the car and getting into one of the back seats. Just before she did, she smiled apologetically at peanut and a red beam of light returned him to her pokeball. He was far too big to ride opening.

"Your Fallon certainly does. We'll let them all out to play while we're at my place in that case."

Her Rowlet chirped a farewell to Peanut and hopped onto Rhyssa's shoulder as she started walking toward the car.

"That'll good for them all," she said with nod as she slid into the car and buckled herself in. Her pokemon fit easily in with her, Kali shifting her position to curl up on Rhyssa's lap while Fallon tucked himself up against Kali.

[OOC: Is Peanut male or female? The post before said female. Just checking so I don't misgender.]

(OOC: Female. ^_^, and if you want to fast forward a bit, we can.)

"Thankfully, it's not going to be too long of a drive. We don't live far from the school," she said, buckling into her own seat. "My uncle said he can't stay, since he has to work late, so we can just take care of ourselves once we're at home."

There was an advantage to having little pokemon that size, wasn't there?

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foxfeathers - 2017-02-02 07:19 (UTC) - Expand

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