[Victory Road] IC Inbox

[songstressedout]

INBOX text / audio / video / action Hey, Yuzu here! I'll try to get back to any messages here as soon as I can! art credit code credit

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ACTION - ILEX FOREST - the 26th?? maybe???? evening, before sunset!

[witchesbroom]

[ Despite being alone after The Void dropped her off just at the base of Azalea Town, Aki heard about the lush, incredible diversity of grass types that lurked inside the forest. Hearing tales of their power, abilities and talents, Aki pretty much spent Everything She Had(tm) on pokeballs and supplies, squandering the small surplus of money she won from battling with over-leveled Pokemon she caught with her Black Rose Dragon while she had psychic powers (this was the approach she took after her party was wiped out by a Gloom). By battling, we just mean she stood there while they insolently battered the local NPC competition.

She's had some pretty mixed results, but she's not quite done with the hunting for new companions yet, even if she is now at the point where she has to rotate between them. Her constant companions, Budew (Miss Rose) and Queen Princess Carolyn, remain constant and out of their Pokeballs.

But those elements... whew lord! They are rough. Aki's tent looks hilariously damaged from Skitty getting the idea that anything is a scratching post if it just believes enough.

In contrast to the portable torn shack one would generously call a tent, is the sweet aroma of fresh, herbed vegetables and the savory underlying of pork that is slowly cooked. She's not too sure on where the hell regular pork comes from, but she didn't question it too much while making the purchase. She was hungry and willing to overlook the logistics. There's also the complimentary rice balls, or donuts as the the translator insists they are for some reason... It's a very large dinner for one, but Aki, in truth, was planning on using the excess as bait to catch even more plants. She knows some carnivorous ones are around because of a Weepinbell, so she's gotta try everything!

Her back remains turned and into the grill, but, she recognizes and thinks fondly of Yuzu! Plus, they would be able to duel! She saw her a bit around the wedding but all the hustle and bustle made it impossible to go up in introduction (also all the random warping made it very difficult to get introductions of any kind done!)! If presented the opportunity, she'd rather split her cooking with a friend and it may not be the best decision to just be here defenseless with a bunch of snacks for a swarm of Beedrill. ]

[songstressedout]

[ It was nice that after the weekend of weirdness, Yuzu got plopped back down at the Ilex Forest where she'd been before it had all started as well. Besides the wedding (which was conveniently clear in her memory), it was all a bit of a blur... but she did remember the Pokemon she caught and that it was a very weird weekend.

Still, as she makes her way through the forest... the smell of something being cooked is easy to pick up on. ]

Hello? Is anyone—oh!

[ Oh hello! Looks like this 4th wall was conveniently dropping a friend near her! ]

[witchesbroom]

[ That voice sounds familiar, but a little different without the recording and static.

Aki looks behind her shoulder. ]

Ah.. Hi there! Didn't expect to see you here!? You coming on in from town? [ She seems a little more well adjusted than their first encounter over the network. At least, she's learned how to operate Pokeballs by now. ]

[songstressedout]

[ It is her! It's Aki! ]

Aki! [ She'll quickly run over, looking considerably happier. ] Well, I was, but then the weekend happened... and it just so happened to dump me off back here when it all ended.

[ Okay, observation number one... she saw Aki over the network, but she was definitely pretty... and she could say that for certain now, having now seen her in-person. number two is that this really is pretty convenient for them! ]

So you ended up here as well?

oh no! i hit the enter button too early

[witchesbroom]

I ended up in Azalea Town, which I think is pretty lucky...

There's apparently a lot of grass types here, so I wanted to take my time and see what I could get.

[ Her posture relaxes at seeing it's not Team Rocket or some kind of predator. She motions to the food in front of her. ]

I was making extra for some bait for Pokémon, but, if you're hungry, it's probably of much better use if you eat with me.

[songstressedout]

Oh! Well, if it's alright with you, then...

[ She'll come over to join her here, then! Yuzu was starting to feel hungry anyway, so this works out pretty well. She raises an eyebrow at the mention of grass types, though. ]

Oh, do you like grass types?

[ Her Eevee, Aria, is currently perched on top of her head right now... but she pulls out one of her Pokeballs and let's out a small Steenee as she sits down. ]

[witchesbroom]

Oh! That looks just like the Bounsweet I am trying to catch! [ She leans forward to inspect it a litte bit before looking for her PokeGear. ] Please! Help yourself while I find the PokeGear!

[songstressedout]

Oh, you're trying to catch a Bounsweet?

[ Yuzu helps herself, grabbing a plate and some cutleries while her Steenee tilted it's head curiously at Aki. ]

Her name is Diva, I met her on the first route when she was getting harrassed by some bird Pokemon.

[witchesbroom]

[ Her eyes light up. ] Yes! The first Bounsweet I tried to catch I actually had no Pokeballs for! I've been trying to catch one since I first started. [ She looks at Steenee very confused, matching the Pokémon's curiosity. ]

But this isn't a Bounsweet...

[songstressedout]

Oh, it used to be a Bounsweet! It evolved, though, so now it's a Steenee!

[ The small Pokemon lets out a happy cry, doing a little pose as if showing off at the introduction. Yup, time to find out about Evolution, Aki. ]

See, apparently most Pokemon can suddenly grow and change forms, evolving! Here are my Evolved Pokemon so far...

[ She'll put her plate down and pull out some Pokeballs, letting out a Staravia, Gallade, and a Brionne. ]

This is Solo, Mozart, and Opera!

[witchesbroom]

Evolve...? They can do that? When? [ She's mystified as she quickly recaps what she has so far. ]

Currently, on me, I have Budew, Skitty and Weepinbell. I had three more Pokémon but I ended up catching some new ones. [ Aki has been on this Gotta Catch Them All hype recently and I am still so behind on updating it sobs. ]

[songstressedout]

Well, it usually happens as they get stronger... they'll just start glowing and bam!

[ Diva runs up to Yuzu, jumping into her arms with a smile. ]

It's kind of like in Duel Monsters... when a monster has a stronger form, you know?

1/2

[witchesbroom]

[ Aki looks up in wonderment. She studies Stenee's form as her hand reaches into her bag and pulls out her Pokedex. ]

Let's see.. [ The PokeDex begins to rattle off some facts... ]

This Pokémon is always bouncing around energetically. Other Pokémon are attracted by its lively appearance and pleasant aroma.

Hm... this gives me some ideas... First, would you mind seeing if any of Pokemon are evolved? Then we should try to use its sweet aroma to lure some more pokemon to catch! After we can duel! [ Aki is pretty much proposing a full schedule. ]

One of the things I heard about is how many different kinds of plants they are! I want to catch them all, just because having a diverse amount would feel like my deck at home.

2/2

[witchesbroom]

I was a little sullen to discover I could only carry six at a time... and since I'm here planning on catching a whole lot without access to them, I'm going to have to rotate them out carefully. [ She's a little crazed over this plant thing, ok??? ]

Re: 2/2

[songstressedout]

Oh, sure! Let me see them then!

[ The schedule sounds good to her, and she gets being fascinated with plants. All of her fusion monsters had flower themes, after all! Still, she's just happy to have met up and started hanging out with Aki at all. ]

Action | Dated to the 14th

[hippocarnival]

[What's on Yuzu's schedule today? Training? Sight-seeing? Challenging a gym? Whatever it is, Yuya's going to try and intercept her before she gets out of the hotel. If his hair doesn't look brushed, it's not, but at least he threw on some clothes.]

Yuzu, hey! [He doesn't wave, because he's occupied with trying to hold something behind his back.]

[songstressedout]

[ Funnily, Yuya just so happens to be just who Yuzu is looking for as well... or at least, would be looking for. She had decided to head out and get what she needed for today on the day of rather than before... still, she wasn't expecting Yuya to intercept her on the way out. ]

Oh! Yuya! [ She smiles... but then squints at whatever he's got behind him. You're not very subtle, Yuya... though she does wonder what he's hiding. ] What's up?

[hippocarnival]

[Not even a little, but he's not intending to play coy for very long.

Once he has her full attention, he pulls a gift bag from behind and holds it out to her. The top is stuffed so full of tissue paper it's impossible to see what's inside.] This is for you!

[songstressedout]

[ Her eyes widen in surprise. Seriously? She hadn't expected this... it's very obviously something for Valentine's Day, since what else could it be right? But she didn't expect to get something from him today... usually that happens on White Day. ]

O-Oh! [ She takes the tissue-stuffed bag. ] Thank you...

[ Still, while she's still surprised, she's definitely quite flattered... her cheeks a little red as she reaches into the bag to try and find whatever's at the bottom. ]

[hippocarnival]

[Yuya's bright smile turns a little sheepish as she takes it. He's aware what day it is, but he couldn't really make her wait until White Day for a return, right?

Nevermind he could have done like, literally any day to make up for Christmas.] It's not a Pokemon, but... I wanted you to still have something.

[What's in the bag is... a bit of an assortment from what he could buy with money from taking a part time job that's not part of their living funds. Two pokemon-type themed bath bombs, a bunch of chocolates, and an enameled lapel pin in the shape of a flower.]

[songstressedout]

[ Aww...! She loves it! The gifts themselves are simple, but she's moved just because of the thought behind them... ]

Aww...! Thanks, Yuya!

[ She'll give him a big smile, happy to have received something like this from him on Valentine's. ]

Guess that makes White Day my time to shine, then?

[hippocarnival]

[Yuya laughs, rubbing the back of his neck.] I know, it's normally the other way around but I didn't want to make you wait that long when you got me something for Christmas. It's okay to break tradition a little, right?

[songstressedout]

Of course! Still, you didn't have to... but thanks!

[ They could consider her gifts just... welcoming gifts? She hadn't expected much in return during Christmas considering how recently they'd arrived. ]

[hippocarnival]

The same goes for you, right? [He winks, reaching to nudge her shoulder with his.] But if you thank me again, I'm going to start thinking you're stuck!

Video

[lifebloomsanew]

Oh my goodness look what I found!

[Rose, in her haste and excitement, has not dialed the right number. She also has not realized this. The video pans to a Snover sitting in the snow. A Snover...wearing what looks like a crooked cardboard party hat that's seen better days.]

The poor thing was stuck in a box someone set out full of old things! They're supposed to be very curious, I'm sure she was just trying to see what was in there...

I don't think she has a trainer, so I'm bringing her back to the caravan!

[songstressedout]

Oh! Um, that's really cute, but... I think you might have dialed the wrong number.

[ It's definitely a cute sight, though. Yuzu, on her end, seems to have only recently woken up based on how her hair is down, she's in her pajamas, and she's got a big Lycanroc snuggled up to her as she sits up in bed. ]

[lifebloomsanew]

Oh gosh I'm so sorry! I did dial the wrong number! I do that sometimes.

Well, that's okay. I'm sure it's not a problem if I bring my new friend home. I don't have a Snover! And they do say it's important for breeders to have all different kinds of Pokemon!

[songstressedout]

That's true! Not that I'm a breeder, but having lots of different Pokemon would definitely help with that.

[ She'd been sleeping in, but she may as well take this opportunity to get up... even if the orange wolf immediately moans about it. ]

[lifebloomsanew]

And with how many Pokemon there are...it's hard to keep to a reasonable number!

But I suppose that's why it's encouraged to catch and hatch so many!

How many Pokemon do you have?

[Rose is more than happy to randomly make friends over the gear.]

[songstressedout]

[ Yuzu giggles. This person seems nice! Since they didn't just immediately hang up upon realizing they dialed the wrong number, making friends doesn't seem like too bad of an idea. ]

Right? It's honestly mind-boggling how many there are...

[ Not that she can talk, what with how many Duel Monsters exist back in her world, but whatever. ]

Mm... I think I stopped counting after a little while. I've been here a whlie, so I've got a lot of them now.

[lifebloomsanew]

Every time I think I've heard of all of them, I learn about new ones!

You know, I did, too. I've been here so long and I just keep ending up with more and more Pokemon friends...

Sometimes it gets very crowded in the caravan!

What was your starter?

[songstressedout]

My starter? She was an Eevee! Though she's a Sylveon now. Aria?

[ Hearing Yuzu call out for her, the gear picks up the sound of scampering before a Sylveon suddenly jumps up onto Yuzu's shoulder, ribbons wrapping around her head to keep stable. ]

W-Whoa...! Yep, here she is!

[lifebloomsanew]

Oh how lovely! And what a beautiful name!

And a beautiful Pokemon! Hello, Aria, it's very nice to meet you!

[songstressedout]

[ Aria coos, clearly appreciating the praise. ]

Ehe, thanks! I liked coming up with music-themed names back when I first got here.

[lifebloomsanew]

My husband did the same thing! He named all of his Pokemon after favorite songs.

But I've just realized I don't know the name of Aria'strainer!

I'm Rose Quartz, it's very nice to meet you.

[songstressedout]

Oh! Right, I'm Yuzu. Yuzu Hiiragi! Nice to meet you! Oh, Rose Quartz... like the gemstone?

[ Huh... you don't usually get people named after gemstones... though she supposes if your last name is Quartz you may as well go all in on that naming convention. ]

[lifebloomsanew]

Exactly like the gemstone! All of my people are gemstones.

[songstressedout]

All of your people? Wait, how does that work...?

[ At first she had started thinking of a friend from home with a special interest in gemstones, but now she was just curious about THAT. ]

[lifebloomsanew]

What do you mean? That's just what we are! The core of ourself is a gemstone, and we project physical light to make our 'bodies'.

[songstressedout]

Huh? Oh... OH!! So kind of like Real Solid Vision...! So you're like... a solid hologram? But you're actually a living gemstone?

[ Whoa... she thought she couldn't be surprised by the many different places people here come from, but here she is. ]

[lifebloomsanew]

Yes exactly like a hologram that's solid! You're very smart.

Most people get confused - not that I blame them, I know we aren't like other lifeforms.

[songstressedout]

I bet they would... though I guess I'm a bit of a special case as well? I'm not a hologram or anything, but back home, we have solid holograms and stuff. It's called Real Solid Vision... because we had regular holograms before that, and we just call that Solid Vision... and then Real Solid Vision is when the holograms are given mass and become solid.

[ Yuzu is probably one of the few people who would immediately grasp what Rose was talking about... ]

Lifeforms... so are you like, aliens then?

[lifebloomsanew]

Really? How wonderful!

[Rose rarely meets anyone who has something so similar to compare to.]

Well, I think we're all aliens here! But that's what people on Earth called us, yes. We came from a different planet, very very far away.

But I lived on Earth.

[songstressedout]

Huh, I guess so...

[ Well, for the most part at least, mostly everyone who ends up here is originally human right? Though in the sense that they all come from different worlds, she supposes that they could be considered aliens. ]

Really? Why did you live on Earth?