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[rocketman]

✆ Crystal | Messenger Bird | In Person

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[rocketman]

[There is something like mental static from James as he tries to push through a mind fog.]

Mareanie, hush, the voices in my head are telling me something...

[broceanic]

Arceus, if you got me as a voice in your head then you're buggered.

[he snorts, which doesn't come through the connection.]

It's like a phone! But with no phone. So... not like a phone...

[rocketman]

Well, that makes me feel....better?

You can't read my thoughts, can you?

What am I thinking about right now?

[broceanic]

No. No offense, but I don't really want to know what you're thinking, either.

[...]

You can't hear mine, right? Other than what I'm saying right now. To you.

[rocketman]

Are you thinking about fish?

[He's guessing.]

[broceanic]

I'm thinkin' about what I'm gonna feed Sharpedo today, so close enough.

[ah... the feeding problem.]

Y'know the lake near the edge of Verens? I'm there. You wanna bring Mareanie down so they can hang out?

[rocketman]

Are you? Small island, I suppose...

I'm here too.

[It's a place to drink and bathe, after all.]

[broceanic]

Yeah. I doubt it's even as big as the Hoenn mainland...

[well, anyway.]

Ah... which side are you on? I'll walk and meet you.

[rocketman]

Verens side, near the stream.

[A beat.]

I'll see you soon.

[broceanic]

Got it.

[he returns sharpedo for now, setting off to find james. who... wasn't really that far away? jeez, he really should've just looked... ah well.

archie's mightyena runs up to him first, panting happily and wagging its tail. hello friend! new friend! hello!

archie follows a few minutes later, stopping right at the edge of the stream.]

It's nice out here. [he glances over to james.] Good spot.

[rocketman]

[James crouches down to pat Mightyena then looks up at Archie. From beneath his cap, purple skin is visible, but at least James is moving comfortably.

He's riding out the last bit of poisoning.]

Hidy-ho, Archie.

[He looks the other man over as Mareanie comes bouncing cheerfully out of the foliage and starts splashing around in the water.]

Did you want to talk to me about something?

[broceanic]

[he winces when he sees the traces of poison but... it doesn't seem that bad this time?]

Hey. [he crouches down to watch mareanie, smiling.] An' no, not really. I just wanted to see how you were doin'.

[rocketman]

We're fine.

[He glances down into the stream, catches a glimpse of his reflection and shakes his head like a wet dog.

His skin clears and he perks up as the venom leaves his system.

Oh, speaking of venom....]

I say, did you ever manage to make your way around that Welcome Center? I remember you collapsing and it's all a bit of a blur after that...

[broceanic]

[god that's so weird and not even close to how a human system works, but he's not gonna question it. not his business.]

Yeah, somehow. I found a place, even, then accidentally set it on fire, so I'm... looking for a new one. I guess. Thinkin' near the lake, for the fire and... Sharpedo.

[he exhales lightly-- mightyena starts towards the stream, going to sniff at mareanie as close as it can get.]

What about you?

[rocketman]

[Mareanie lashes out with a tentacle in an attempt to slap Mightyena across the face.

James snaps at her.]

Be nice!

[Then, turning his attention back to Archie.]

I've been here.

[broceanic]

[archie watches the two pokémon interact. mightyena yelps and jumps back at the swing, but isn't hit. which is good, because archie has no idea how to deal with poison. it doesn't give up, though! it just... stays out of reach, laying down on the grass at the edge of the stream to watch mareanie with a cocked head.]

Here? As in, right here?

[rocketman]

No, of course not, don't be absurd.

"Here" as in over there.

[He hooks a thumb over his shoulder to indicate a large, sturdy looking tree.]

[broceanic]

[archie looks to the tree.

then to james.

then back to the tree.]

Y'know what? I can't judge. I lived in a cave before I got here. House livin' is hard, I get it.

[rocketman]

Oh, you too?

[James clasps his hands over his heart.]

I miss my cozy cave.

[His eyes tear up as he thinks about his cave, though he continues to smile. Jessie and Meowth are probably still there.

Do they miss him?

He misses them...]

[broceanic]

[he leans back, resting his hands on the grass, looking over at james with sympathy in his expression.]

Yeah. Me too. Did you live with anyone?

[rocketman]

My two mates.

[He answers wistfully.]

What about you?

[broceanic]

About the same.

[and... all his grunts, but y'know. archie looks back out to the stream where mareanie is splashing around.]

...'Least our Pokémon are here.

[rocketman]

It'd be even lonelier without them, wouldn't it?

[He looks over at Mareanie as memories of Jessie and Meowth wash over him.

The tears in his eyes start to stream down his face as he slowly sinks to the ground.]

Aw, Jess....

[broceanic]

[oh good job archie, just find this guy and make him cry. amazing job. you god damn moron.

he gets up and walks over to james, putting a hand on his shoulder.]

Hey-- hey. Sorry. [he gives his shoulder a squeeze, then drops his hand down.] It really sucks, yeah. Maybe they'll show up here, huh?

[rocketman]

Oh, I hope not!

Someone needs to man the shop.

[Mareanie, seeing her Trainer in distress, stops eyeing Mightyena and hops over to James's lap.

"Reanie!"

She reaches up to lovingly wrap her tentacles around his neck and he gently pushes her away.]

Please, no...