(no subject)

[infinitejustice]

[Why do things just keep getting more and more strange?

The first time, Athrun woke up on the front lawn of an unfamiliar house in an even more unfamiliar neighborhood. Then he'd been whisked home. This time, he found himself in the bed of another strange house. And the less said about "Mom," the better. Athrun's mother was dead. She had been dead for nearly four years, and she would remain dead until the end of time. Athrun had already made his peace with that.

Athrun had spent some time wandering through this town -- Pallet Town, according to the sign across the street from the house in which he had woken up ("Shades of your journey await!") -- looking for a building belonging to this "Professor Oak" fellow. Eventually he found the Oak Pokémon Research Lab. He entered and looked around, but couldn't locate its namesake anywhere. Figuring he must be out and about somewhere, Athrun decided to leave. He opened the door...]

...Uh.

[And found himself face-to-face with someone he knew.]

Comments

[infinitejustice]

Aha. Sounds like your choice is already made.

So you would like the Water Pokémon, Squirtle?

[galacticbunny]

Well, I suppose if he is just as cute I don't see why not --- wait.

I'm curious. Do you have one that can take me closer to the sky?

[infinitejustice]

You mean a Flying-type? No, you would have to catch one of those later.

[Athrun casts another glance toward Sheryl. So they can catch more?]

[galacticbunny]

Can I trust you will catch one for me then, Athrun?

You can aford to spoil your ex-wife, right?

[infinitejustice]

[...Okay. Time to pause. Calm down.

Sheryl, this waste of time is your fault.]

U-um. Well. I. Assume you'd have to catch it yourself?

[galacticbunny]

Why should I? When I have you?

[infinitejustice]

Well. It's...really flattering that you think I can handle it, but--

Oh, you must capture one yourself if you want it to obey you. Pokémon you receive from others can be disobedient unless you have the requisite number of badges.

[galacticbunny]

Hmph. Sounds troublesome.

[infinitejustice]

What do you mean, "badges?"

Oh, you'll find more information in the next city. But the basic idea is that you go to the gyms in the region and challenge their leaders to battle, then collect badges for victory.

Huh.

[He looks to Sheryl.]

I have to admit, that makes me curious. Think we could get answers that way?

[galacticbunny]

This isn't exactly a dream vacation, but it is better than doing nothing I suppose.

When do we leave?

[infinitejustice]

...I'm guessing as soon as you choose one of the remaining two Pokémon.

[galacticbunny]

I suppose. I'll choose ... the turtle then.

[infinitejustice]

So! You will take the Water-type Pokémon, Squirtle? Here you go!

[He hands her the ball...then it opens. Squirtle appears at Sheryl's feet.]

So, what do you think?

[galacticbunny]

Isn't it obvious? It's clear that they are not giving us much of a choice, Athrun. We play this stupid gave and win ...

... so you better catch up. Or else I will leave you behind.

[infinitejustice]

Catch up?

[Athrun raises an eyebrow at that.]

I wasn't aware you had pulled ahead. Not only that, but I chose my companion first.

[Be very careful, Sheryl. Making Athrun competitive is not necessarily a good idea.]

1/2

[galacticbunny]

The game hasn't started then.

[ Tsuuuunnss ]

2/2

[galacticbunny]

Besides. A little wager wouldn't hurt. Don't you think it would be fun and sweeten things up?

[infinitejustice]

That depends.

[That would be Athrun's skepticism kicking in.]

What, exactly, did you have in mind?

[galacticbunny]

[ Laughs. ]

Don't look like that. Don't you trust me?

[infinitejustice]

Only a fool would accept a wager he knows nothing about. Trust has nothing to do with it.

[galacticbunny]

As serious as ever.

How about we wager who can collect all the badges first?

[infinitejustice]

And then what happens when it's decided?

[galacticbunny]

That depends on what you want.

[infinitejustice]

On what I want? Unfortunately, neither of us is in much of a position to find what I want -- a way home.

[galacticbunny]

Don't be such a spoilsport.

There is no helping it after all. Might as well have fun.