featherdown | Prelude and Premonition

Prelude and Premonition

[Quietly, unobtrusively, without anyone but a miratory flock and the occasional forest-dwelling Pokemon taking notice, a massive, dark cocoon has appeared in the midst of a forest.

It grew older and older, slowly becoming blanketed with moss, now looking no different from a large boulder, as it lay quietly sleeping. Younger, irreverent Flying Types even took to roosting on top of it.

So it continued for a long, long time until a poacher trekked into the forest, seeking to make a prize of the naive and unwary Pokemon dwelling in the forest. A line of sleeping Flying Types, roosted atop moss-covered stone. He aimed and fired.

The bullet would not hit the startled birds, deflecting off the "boulder," which immediately shed off centuries' worth of layers and a great, bloodstone-coloured draconian bird rears up, high in the air, before sending a powerful blasts from its wing. The hunter, despite his fear, evades the attack in time for it to decimate a tree instead, draining it of life right down to its crumbling roots and the surrounding patch of earth.

Enraged, the Legendary flies into the sky to search for the transgressor, its mere presence draining the land as it flew...

In the rolling fog, a tall, willowy elk with sprawling, branching antlers glimmered, watching the chaos unfolding before it, before turning on light feet and racing away to find help. A ninety-day journey on foot for the hardiest of men, half-a-day's travel for the Legendary.

...

Across regions, across realities, two heroes, previously chosen by one world's Zekrom and another's Rehsiram, will be swept up from their rest to fight again now in a grim, decaying world. No memory of how they arrived or whether they had even woken up, just as if they'd been spirited away, with a pervasive cold feeling of dread, visions of what might— will— occur if they do not interfere; for now, they are left to find one another (not a difficult task at all, when not a soul stirs the silence; the steps of one of them will echo in the ears of the other, 'til they meet, from how empty and barren and lifeless the place has become).

First, Kalos.
Abandoned cities, lifeless regions. Dead silence, hardly even the wind whistles. Tall buildings stand, unmoving, silent witnesses. Colourful and bright Lumiose has the eeriness of an abandoned amusement park come to life; all lights and colours, without a soul in sight. Half-eaten cakes sit on cafe tabletops. Scattered books and tiny, brightly coloured hats and bags without owners lie in front of a preschool. No shopkeepers, no parents, no children, no trainers, no Pokemon. Only the tower still shines.]

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[ Satoshi couldn't have had a better day having beaten Citron in a gym match. Now he has five badges and he's more than ready to move forward to the next city for his sixth. But of course, before they were to go anywhere it was time to rest and so he and his companions did.

That's the last thing he remembers before a sense of dread seemed to pull him away into a deserted Lumiose. Or at least, that's the best Satoshi can really explain it. One moment he's with friends and the next moment they are nowhere to be seen.

Not even Pikachu.

The moment Satoshi realized this his heart skipped a beat. That feeling of dread seemed to just cling on him as he looks around hoping that Pikachu might just not be right next to him. But the more he looked the more he realized that Pikachu, just like the rest of them, don't seem to be anywhere.

But they have to be somewhere. They have to be. ]

Pikachuuu! Where are you!

[ He nearly trips on a curb as he continues to rush down the street. Why. Why can't he find anyone? Where is Citron, Eureka, and Serena? His other Pokemon? Anyone? How could they just vanish?

What's this feeling of dread -- of emptiness -- that won't go away. As he continues to rush around Lumiose he does his best to ignore it and focus one thing. ]

Pikaaachuuuu!

Edited 2015-04-28 10:42 (UTC)

[ It had been some time since her new journey to find a certain green-haired man had begun, and since Kalos was fairly close to Isshu, Touko had decided to start there. Lumiose City was a grand place, from what she had seen of it so far; She had been traveling a while, and with places to spend the night being plentiful, she figured she would take a rest here. She had been on her way to one of the hotels, a map in her hand, when that same sense of dread occurred.

Touko stopped in place. Suddenly, the sounds of crowds, the voices that had been ringing in her ears, all of them stopped. Everything was silent.

A look around confirmed that everyone was gone.

The city still looked as it always had. Lights were on in every window, giving the impression that every business in Lumiose City was open and ready to serve its customers. A look into the windows showed no customers, and no employees either.

A shiver ran down Touko's spine.

What ... had just happened? Where were the people? Where was the life that was once here? Why was Lumiose City suddenly just ... empty? Gone?

What had just happened?

It was then that she heard a voice calling out. It was rather distant, signaling that the voice was quite a ways away ... but it was clear enough for her to recognize it as a human voice. Touko began to follow that sound. It was the only sound she could hear, so it made all the sense in the world to find the source of it. ]

Hello? Hey!

[ She called out in response, hoping the owner of that voice could hear her. ]

Hey! Are you okay over there?

[ Satoshi nearly doesn't hear the other voice over his own calling out for Pikachu. But he hears it and stops. There's someone else. It wasn't a voice that he recognized but there's someone out there. Someone that hasn't seem to have disappeared.

After she calls out again Satoshi takes a moment to try to figure out where it came from. It was pretty distant, but it was close enough to where he can hear it pretty well. He starts walking again as he calls out himself. ]

Hey! I'm Okay! Where are you!

[ Because if she's thinking the same way he is and that they seem to be the only people here they should meet up. Then maybe they can figure out what exactly is going on. Maybe he can find his friends when they do. Maybe he can find Pikachu. ]

[ Oh, good, he answered back. Touko breathed a sigh of relief. She continued to walk toward the sound of his voice, trying to pinpoint exactly the direction he was coming from.

His voice was getting closer, though, so maybe he had the same idea she had. She stopped as she heard 'Where are you', and looked at her surroundings. Maybe she should just let him come to her? ]

Umm ... Near a cafe! I think it's a cafe, anyway.

[ How many cafes could there be in Lumiose City? ~~Spoilers: A lot.~~ ]

Cafe, got it!

[ Though... there are a lot of cafes in Lumiose City. He didn't even realize it before now. But he continues to walk where he hears his voice, following cafe after cafe hoping that he'll eventually reach her.

And thankfully, he does. Once he spots her he'll call out and wave. ]

Heeey!

[Before Touko could take another step towards him, the world pitches forward like a tilted platform, vaulting her towards him. Like a rain-soaked wall before the paint dries, the colours of the cafe and lonely Lumiose run together and—

drop by drop, vanish into the void. Black expanse engulf the two, like the dull, night skies of cities flooded with artifical light. Not a single star's light. But, unlike soundless space, a roll of thunder and the sound of roaring, crackling fire sound simultaneously, although there's nothing to be seen.

The world appears to have vanished all around them, but they're not suspended in space but for a moment, their feet soon touch solid ground. A change of location? Somewhere barren, empty, with a few stubborn patches of grass still withering. The same sick feeling returns.
There might've been fields or forest here once. It's hard to tell, but there's a sign up ahead!]

[ She eventually felt herself collide into her companion in this town as she was vaulted forward. She let out a cry, but when she opened her eyes and her mouth again to ask if he was all right, all she could manage to do was stop, completely mute.

Something was definitely happening. She remained quiet until everything stopped. She felt sick again. Was he feeling that same feeling? Was he confused, too? Touko finally managed to look at him, and find her voice. She's more concerned about him for the moment. She'll notice the sign up ahead later. ]

You okay? That was weird ...

[ And nauseating. ]

[ Satoshi stumbles back when Touko was vaulted towards him but he managed to keep himself steady. Before he could even think about doing or saying anything he watches as the world vanishes.

That sick feeling wasn't any better than it was before. Arguably it was worse. But he tried to ignore it and focuses on Touko instead. ]

Yeah, I'm okay. Where are we now?

[ He'll look around and notice the sign. He can move so what he wants to do is focus not on himself but trying to figure out what's going on. So once he notices it he'll point to it and question what he might say as he walks over. ]

[The proud proudly greets you to: Ｋａｎｏ— oh, dear, the rest of the name seems to have gotten defaced by a bunch of claw-marks and scorched by flame. So much for that.

It's a port town, judging by the faint smell of the sea carried over by the wind that blows past. It'd be peaceful if it didn't look so lifeless.
But, a cursory look past the sign, at those quiet little suburban dwellings, just below this once-grassy hill— they would be so much easier to recognize if there were still trees and and foliage all around. The place is at least a little bit familiar, isn't it?]

[ She moves closer to the sign as it's pointed out, inspecting it closely. The sign itself, though the name was cut off, gave her a sinking feeling. Touko decided to remain optimistic that this wasn't her hometown, though there was definitely something off about her voice when she spoke again. ]

We should keep going.

[ Even if Satoshi didn't follow, she was going to go see for herself what was beyond that sign. As she stepped in closer, though, it dawned on her even more that her first fears were correct.

This was it. This had to be Kanoko Town.

This had to be her home.

But it couldn't be her home. It was far too eerie and lifeless. It may have been a relatively quiet town despite the port being right there, but it was still far more lively than this.

What had happened?? Why didn't she know of this?

Tears started rolling down her cheeks, before she could stop them. Her entire body started to tremble, pent-up emotion building within her. ]

[ Satoshi does follow after reading the sign. He couldn't really figure it out from the sign but this place did seem familiar. Like he was there not too long ago on a past journey of his. Maybe if Pikachu was here he would be able to get a better idea but...

No, can't think like that. He'll find Pikachu. Definitely.

Though he can't get rid of this feeling in the pit of his stomach. It only increases when he notices that Touko seemed to be trembling and were those... tears? ]

Ah .... you okay?

[ No, she probably isn't. But it's the best way to figure out an answer, right...? ]

[ Those were definitely tears, Satoshi. As her brain begins to register the words Satoshi was asking her, it was all she could do to shake her head. Talking wasn't coming easily. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing would come out.

It took some time of her trying to speak and failing before she finally succeeded. ]

T-This ... this is my home.

[It was so quiet, it would almost seem peaceful if it weren't for how lifeless and barren it all was. There was no real sign of a struggle aside from the very small-scale damage to buildings and signs, almost as if all the life had quietly drained from the place with no more than a desperate clawing at the walls of places that could no longer house them.

A Lampler flies over, drawn by signs of life. The Ghost Type's appearance is ominous, but its flame is actually burning quite small and low. It clearly isn't responsible for the destruction and death, but Touko might not notice that detail in her shaken state.]

It... it is?

[ Satoshi looks around the place again. It... feel really familiar. But that doesn't matter if Touko can tell that this is her home.

That her home was destroyed.

Satoshi cletches his fist at the thought of that. Who would do this? Who would cause the world to become nothing but barren? With no one other than him and Touko-- ]

Huh?

[ A Lampler. The first sign of life other than those two here. And just like the town... ]

That.. That Lampler....

[ It takes a moment for Touko to respond to what Satoshi was saying. She slowly looked up, blurred vision locking onto the Lampler. She furiously wiped at her eyes to try and see it clearer.

Come on, Touko. You can't break down now. You have to find out what happened ...

Thinking that only brought on more tears, though. She just kept wiping at her eyes. ]

I-I wonder if Lampler saw anything ...

[Happy to hear them speaking, the Lampler immediately turns around, calling out to someone.

Floorboards creak and, peering cautiously around the corner of a building with tired eyes, is a waifish blond boy. He quite literally looks dimmed, like a fading light. He looks quite surprised to see other people, gripping the wall for support before he tries to talk:]

... hey, how are you two still here?

[Then, he recognizes Satoshi and the surprise settles back into a quiet resignation.]

... oh.

You two weren't here when it happened, were you?

Shootie!

[ Even though the boy looks tired Satoshi still was able to recognize him quickly. Partially thanks to Lampler. He goes over to the other boy to help support him. ]

Whaddya mean? What happened here, Shootie? Where is everyone?

[ Oh. Another person. This was a good thing! That meant there was more than just them here. And a person Satoshi recognized, to boot. Touko tried even more to wipe away her tears, with more success this time (probably in part due to there being a new person among them). She made her way over, following Satoshi, but not really making any effort to help support the new guy ... Shootie, right? That's what Satoshi had said. Touko didn't really know him, and Satoshi seemed to have things under control where that was concerned. ]

We just got here ...

[ Oh no, she was going to cry again ... no, hold it in, Touko!! She wanted to ask What happened as well, but she'd just be echoing Satoshi at this point. It was better to just let him do most of the talking right now. ]

[He looks from Satoshi to the older brunette on the verge of tears beside him and back again. With a bit of a weak sigh, he pulls the door open.]

... you should sit down.

If there's one good thing about this situation, it's that you can sit anywhere you like.

[Quite morbid and certainly in poor taste, but he couldn't really help it.]

Edited 2015-07-09 21:49 (UTC)

[ Satoshi frowns a little at that, but he slips in through the door and looks around.

Empty. Of course. ]

Let's sit over there.

[ There's a few chairs over there. Better than sitting on the floor? ]

[ Yeah, definitely. The state of the building wasn't helping her emotional state, but she didn't want to completely break down. Not here. She took in a deep, trembling breath, then found a chair and sat herself into it.

She was quiet for several moments. There were a lot of questions she wanted to ask. ]

... So you know what happened?

[ That was the primary thing she wanted to know. ]

Yeah. [It's a surprisingly detached, calm tone.

One of life's gifts is that the worst kinds of shocks and pains aren't felt at the moment of their occurrence, but only in the aftermath. He doesn't expect to last 'til then, judging by how flickers in and out of view, glancing with only mild interest at his nearly see-through hand, before carrying on.]

As you can probably guess, everyone died. Everything that has life has vanished. The plants withered and the people and Pokemon just... faded. One second I'm hearing an urgent report about the same thing happening in Kalos and then, it hit us. There wasn't enough time to fight back, we didn't even know what it was.

... hey, do you think it's some sort of weapon? Maybe half a century of peace was all we got...

[The placid expression breaks and he smiles a bit ruefully, speaking now with the slightest tremor.] You know, if I'd known that's all we'd get, I'd have... done more...

[Lampler floats closer, its already weakening fire now a meager flame, like a candle about to go out. Seeing that, Shootie speaks in a more urgent, but still quiet, tone. (Are they only still here on borrowed time?)]

... you two should get out of here. Before whatever it is gets you too.

But, isn't it lucky, Satoshi? Kanto's still safe. You can still accomplish your dream. Your friend, too...

Isshu is finished. Adeku-san is gone too. [Naturally, that thought troubles him the most.]

... you'll remember this place the way it used to be, right?

[ Satoshi was frowning the moment he notices that Shootie seemed to have flickering in and out. One of the few people here left and yet...

He listens. Quietly. Perhaps a bit too quiet considering how loud he usually is. He doesn't even say anything a moment after Shootie is done speaking. And when he does, it's steady. And much quiet than his normal volume. Though still loud enough to be heard. ]

How can I accomplish my dream when the world is like this...? How can I call myself lucky?

[ He doesn't even have his Pokemon. He doesn't have Pikachu. People are suffering because of this. There's no way he can accomplish it the way things are. There is no way he can considering himself lucky. ]

Edited 2015-07-24 22:50 (UTC)

[ Another pause before he lifts his head. There's a flash of determination in his eyes, despite how upset he seems about all of this. ]

There's gotta be a reason for this! Maybe it was some sort of weapon. Maybe it's come kinda machine that is causing it. Kalos and Isshu aren't gone. Not yet! Maybe if we find what is causing it we can reverse it and everyone will come back. You and everyone else will be able to get to do more, Shootie! It's not the end. I refuse to believe it!

I'm not leaving before I find Pikachu and everyone else. Until Kalos and Isshu are back to how it used to be. No matter what I havta do I promise I'll get to the bottom of this.

Edited 2015-07-24 22:51 (UTC)

[ Touko can't bring herself to say anything. The information they received was shocking enough, but then there was the sight of Shootie flickering in and out. Almost as if he were a hologram of some sort, and the reception was terrible.

Then again, they were essentially in a dead zone, right? So that analogy made a world of sense ...

Still, she knew it really wasn't her place to talk, and even if it were, she was so full of emotion that she couldn't coherently say anything even if she wanted to.

All she could do was stare. ]

tropicalmandiblesattack[He listens to Ash's words, silently, a small hand clutchly tightly at his heart.]

I—

I want to believe in you. I-I don't want it to end like this... I don't want our home to disappear and I'm scared. [His voice cracks and his head drops, withdrawing into himself. He's quickly vanishing from view.]

I still want to battle him. I still want to see more. I want to live.

[But that's when he disappears. Lampler drops beside him, with a clink, the remaining fire within it extinguished just as quickly.

It's about time for Pikachu to wake now too and it's called by a familiar voice, not spoken, but telepathically conveyed, 'Hello, old Friend. Are you lost. . .? Let's look for Satoshi-kun together. It's quiet enough to hear him. . . and another?']

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Prelude and Premonition

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[Sorry for the delay!]

[ noooooo prob ♥ ]

[ I'M SORRY FOR AN EVEN BIGGER DELAY ]

[SPOILERS: it's Kanoko Town... Nuvema! I'm sorry, Touko.]

[ CRIES A LOT ]

[ OH NO TOUKO IT'S OK??? ]

[ NO IT'S NOT OKAY NOTHING IS OKAY ]

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[....... it just hit me it's my turn, AHA]

[ HAHA it's okay! ]

[ ♥ ]

[♥♥♥ ... aaaand soon as he goes, we'll be bringing in N so can make this duo a trio! o/]

[ whoops sorry this was late ahaha...ha. also 1/2 ]

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[Aaand N joins the team! Well, almost-and it's definitely Touko's place to talk, it's her home too!