dear_mun | [homeless: vague Legends spoilers]

Unfortunately, I have something in common with you, now. I wish it didn't have to be this way.

At least I can still remember them here…

Who did you lose, madame? Or where did you go?

Likewise. I cannot recall any information about my prior life at all back home; I'm originally from Hoenn -- or an alternate version of the one that exists where I am now.

[ She pauses slightly, uncertain what to do with this information she has now but doesn't have any other time. It's a strange place and a stranger situation. ]

I was found a decade ago on the beaches of Alola with no memories other than my name. I couldn't even remember the pokemon at my side. [ But she was fortunate enough to come with hers, at least. She can't complain. ] I believe the International Police know something about the phenomenon that took you and I, but they've left me in the dark even as the Chief.

[His breath hitched in his throat, even as his expression shifted only slightly, a flicker of pain in his eyes.]
A decade ago… so you were—a child?

[She seemed young. If she weren’t a stranger or a woman, he would have liked to give her a hug or some other comforting gesture, but as it stood, neither would be very welcome or polite, in his mind, not to mention painfully awkward.

He sighed heavily.]

I forgot my home, my time, my region… it returns to me only in faint impressions. I still speak in the same manner, sometimes recall things that haven’t been invented yet... I could not remember my beloved Chandelure either… only the warmth, the flames, but not the name.

[Chandelure was not with him, but he still considered himself lucky not to be torn away from everyone so young as Anabel was.]

Were they trying to protect you from something? It seems cruel otherwise… but I do not know much.

Just barely. I was eighteen when I arrived in Alola, just barely alive. I was fortunate enough that good people found me.

[ She understands the need for comfort when they both can relate like this; it's something she never thought anyone else would understand and something she's tried hard not to address. Anabel just wanted to live the life she could now and being Chief of Interpol seemed like a good enough way to find answers if they were out there, but so far she'd come up mostly empty. ]

It seems we both have that in common. I recalled the person I was; my personality, I think, remained intact and my likes, dislikes, morals... things such as that, I believe, remain the same. My tenacity and strength, I suppose, as well. [ She hesitates because it's all very intimate, but she feels the need to be more exposed, to offer more to someone facing the same tragedy. ] I'm so sorry. I, at least, was spared my dear friends and had them at my side, though I cannot say why they came with me and yours did not. It's another mystery to solve.

[ Anabel was lucky, though. She knows that much. She had people she could count on, after all. ]

The men who saved me, I know here that they withheld information and were trying to protect me but I'm in the dark back home. I know nothing of what they did or my origins. It's... it's frustrating, but I also understand why they would do what they did. They care as deeply for me as I do them. I feel some... anger toward it, I suppose, but I also cannot deny that there is not always a clear correct path to take in something as complicated as this.

[ She hesitates a moment before stepping into his personal area and offering him a gloved hand. ]

Anabel. I am the Chief of the International Police where I come from, but I cannot say if it aligns with your world or not, I'm afraid.

Edited 2022-02-13 17:20 (UTC)

[Older than he assumed, perhaps it was her height and petite stature that threw him off. It was reassuring, but still not by much.]

You are as old now as I was when I was last with my brother and my partner.

Yes… [The core personality remained. He closed his eyes a moment, hands softly closing around air.]
My name. They couldn’t take that from me.

[He was surprised to see her draw near and, despite his reserved nature, felt immensely grateful, because this conversation, while so necessary and so relieving, also left him he on the verge of breaking.
He took her hand in his, similarly gloved. He was very careful, despite how badly he also needed comforting. His shoulders sagged from his previously imposing height and he cut a smaller, less imposing silhouette.

His uniform here is neat and presentable, not the tattered and torn coat, gloves, and hat he refused to part with there, clinging to the traces of his past.]

Subway Boss Ingo… one of two, my twin brother, Emmet, and I head the Nimbasa subway system. In the ancient land of Hisui, I was Warden Ingo.

There is… no clearly defined path for us to follow, as we are in uncharted territory, but with your resilience and sharp mind—you must have one to be Chief of Interpol—I can be sure you will arrive at a good destination.

Perhaps there will be many unintended stops in your journey, but proceed, onwards, at full speed.

[The sentiment would be corny or trite coming from anyone else, but perhaps she could sense he genuinely meant to encourage her and him both? The smile is earnest, if a bit tinged with sadness still.

~~The train metaphors are absolutely corny either way, but that is simply his nature~~.]

[ She's a very small woman, both in height and body shape. She doesn't seem physically like she'd be up to being the Chief, but she clearly must have the ability to protect herself and others if she is. She stays in shape, but struggles to keep weight on and while she has muscle, it's rather slight. Thankfully, she usually fights battles with pokemon and not her fists. ]

I see. It must be difficult. Has a decade passed for you, as well, in that case? [ Their names. They were given that grace, at least. It's nice that they both can share something like that -- something that shouldn't be personal and intimate yet as the only secret they can truly hold from their past it becomes so. He's still much larger than her, though, but she doesn't falter in her approach despite that. ] Ingo, then. Your name is familiar it's... Unova, correct? I'm afraid I've not had many missions that take me there personally. Most of the time I tend to be behind a desk but when it's called for I make my way out.

[ She wishes she could offer some help, but even the name "Hisui" is absolutely foreign to her. Where could it have been? Or is it still a place but one unknown, perhaps somewhere far off in the world she came from or somewhere else entirely? She has the knowledge here that it's Sinnoh, but otherwise she'd never have known it.

Her hold is gentle despite the nature she holds in her occupation, careful but without concern or worry. She only shakes it slightly before pulling away, gloved fingertips tracing his palm on the way out. ]

I can tell you at the very least that the name we are given are Fallers. It seems rather direct to what we are, but it's somewhere to start. I believe we both must have come from a crack in the sky -- reality, perhaps. It seems to care not for time and space or the universe we're from. [ But she smiles mildly, her eyes ever softer and sweeter. ] Thank you. Are you at least comfortable where you are?

[At the name of his home region, he smiles.]

You have arrived at the correct destination: Unova.

[He felt more calm and at ease, now, and loosened even his gentle grip when she tugged her hand to free it, although the fingertips brushing his palm made his cheeks burn scarlet and he pulled his hand shyly back, closing his hand tightly, as if burned.

He tugged down his hat, to hide his eyes, and cleared his throat.]

[He focused on her words, instead of his own awkwardness, taking a step back and adjusting his coat, in an effort to regain his composure, before standing at full height once more. Stiff and strait-laced, modest and reserved.]

Fallers… that does seem apt, but I think it better suits another I met in Hisui. A young trainer in modern clothing fell, quite literally, from the sky.

I… cannot recall such a thing, unless my memories of that are fragmented too. I only remember awakening there, without my memories.

Comfortable… yes, I was accepted into the Pearl Clan and do my job well. I keep people safe and tend to a Noble Pokemon in the Coronet Highlands.

Hisui certainly lacks much of the ease of everyday life here, the people largely live in fear of being killed by Pokemon… they are hostile in their fear. The humans and Pokemon both…

Navigating the tunnels is not so difficult when one had been accustomed to the underground and inspecting the railway… it did seem almost planned, to play to my strengths.

I see. Nimbasa is quite well known for its entertainment, correct? While I've only been to Unova a handful of times, I typically remain behind the scenes and do not get to enjoy the places I go.

[ But she seems alright with her hand in life and isn't complaining about it, merely offering information and facts about her traveling.

Whether intentional or not, she pays no mind to his flushed face or the gesture. She can tease a bit, but she often limits it to Looker because he's simply so easy -- and frankly rather cute -- when he does so. She remains composed, rather, and gently folds an arm over her chest while the other bends at the elbow and gestures vaguely in accompaniment to her words as if to punctuate them with each movement if not just a simple idle gesture. ]

I see. I do not know if I fell because I do not recall it, only brief recollections of being at sea but I was badly burnt by the sun and dehydrated so I dismiss the vague in-and-outs of that, usually. [ She'd washed up ashore without any chance of survival if no one had come by to give her aid. For that, she's forever grateful to both Nanu and Looker. They'll never know exactly how deeply she adores and respects them, but she hopes some day she can express an iota of those feelings toward them. ] I see. Someone like that, perhaps we both have what happened to us in common with them even if there are some differing points.

[ After all, they already differed in that she had her pokemon and he didn't. The only thing that seems similar across the board is the suddenness of it all. How often did this happen? Were there others in the world she lived in who were the same as her or were they spread out through time and space? Was there even a purpose to it? ]

I thought that -- perhaps I still do -- there must be a reason for this. Perhaps I was needed sorely in a way that I'll never understand without the absence of my presence? Perhaps the same for you. [ Her hand comes to her chin as she ponders, idly and aloud. ] I've never heard of the Pearl Clan let alone the phrase "Nobel Pokemon" or the location you speak of. I've been informed they were locations of the past, but...

[ That doesn't help either of them. Stuck, such as it is. ]

That is... deeply disheartening. I imagine pokemon fear humans all the same, in that case. It's horrible to think of a time when we did not act as one and frankly, I cannot imagine my life without my team.

[ She again admits to her great fortune and she seems sheepish about it, as if she's accidentally wounding him by talking about having her own team with her. ]

No, I imagine it isn't particularly difficult once you learn a system and mentally map it if you've dealt with the subways of Unova previously. It seems we retain our skills and sense of self, at least. I know I've always sought out justice so... it seemed natural to join Interpol. [ She gestures to herself then a little toward him. ] It seems we at least did not lose ourselves, even if it feels rather... poignant if not cruel to give us that and only that.

That is correct, Chief Anabel.

[He kept his gaze averted, still shy, although with his austere expression, one might think it dismissive or cold.]

I think so too... the only way forward is if the humans and Pokemon treat each other with respect and trust... I was given my post there because they saw my manner with them as a natural talent. I wish they would likewise open their hearts to them, the Pokemon can sense it, when they're not so agitated or frightened...

I also believe there must be a reason for everything. Even if we cannot see it at first, these tracks must lead somewhere.

[Hearing her tone shift, sounding likewise embarrassed, he quickly turned surprised, then sympathetic, eyes up to her.]

I... have them here. They are here. It is a welcome reprieve. Please don't worry about me... you're very kind, Chief Anabel, and strong. Your happiness doesn't... hurt me.
[It was lonely. It was a terribly long and lonely time, and his heart did hurt, but he was not someone to envy others, not truly. Even if it made him sad, he would never wish his pain on others or wish others suffered all the same hurt.]

I am happy you were given that. Truly, I am.

[About still having themselves, he briefly looked away, this time, to his side, where Emmet would often stand, were he with him. The loss of his twin did feel like a very core part of him was carved out of him. but his heart still choked full of feelings he couldn't name of a man who looked just like him, but spoke and behaved so differently. He knew his name here. He could meet him and remember him fully. He would absolutely embrace him if he did! That should make up for some of it.]

... in Hisui, there was a rift above Mt. Coronet, in fact. I truthfully do not know much about it, but the trainer who fell from the sky arrived some time after... that must be it.

The people of Hisui worshipped a deity of the same name, although the two clans clashed over differences in their beliefs about it...

[His eyes widened with the realization.]

... Sinnoh.

Please, Anabel is more than acceptable.

[ Being used to a man like Nanu, she's hardly left feeling bereft. If anything, she takes his ongoing conversation as willingness if not interest in discussion -- and that's more than enough for her. If anything, she could use the company with someone other than Looker for the moment. Especially someone who seems to have inside information the same way she does, even if it doesn't take them any closer to finding out the answers they both seek so desperately. ]

That must be incredibly difficult, dealing with people who fear pokemon more than cherishing their partnerships. I can only imagine it must be difficult, as well, in such a period of time compared to what you knew before.

[ Briefly, she comes to touch his bicep as a sign of camaraderie. It can't be helped. With those she knows, at least, she's quite tactile. She pulls away almost hesitantly and with a taut, reassuring smile. At least as much as she can muster in the face of a situation like this. ]

I do not disagree. There surely is a reason for what has happened to us, even if to some degree it's random. I can't say I'm unhappy where I am, of course, but the loss of what I had... I can't ever possibly know. [ She offers that same sad, solemn smile back to him both understanding and hurting for him even if he wouldn't allow her to help burden that pain. ] We were both fortunate, though, weren't we? To find people that would help us belong.

[ The statement on a rift catches her attention like a whip crack, her attention snaps to him even though it had already been there. Her eyes widen minutely and she worries. ]

I recall that. Do you remember anything like that, connecting to you? We had them again and pokemon that... that weren't pokemon came through it. We called them Ultra Beasts and the International Police had a great deal of information on them. [ She waits, pauses, tries to decide how to deliver the information. ] They just appeared randomly and disappeared similarly. I'm afraid we don't have information of what is on the other side, either...

[ He breaks new information again, however, and she listens intently. ]

So is that where you are now? Sinnoh? In the past, if I understand correctly?

Edited 2022-02-20 01:05 (UTC)

I— cannot do that...! [Sounding a bit strained. Anabel, please excuse him, he addresses most people in this formal a manner! Not to mention, he's shy and a bit overly-polite, let him be. No need to fluster him!

Unfortunately, he can only stare a bit helplessly at her questions, before shaking his head and adjusting his hat.] I'm afraid I don't have answers... I couldn't even remember how I arrived... the other faller dealt with the rift more closely. I stayed in the village... I did start to regain more memories of what the world was like... of what it's like when humans and Pokemon live together with trust.

[By all means, he really was more of a bystander in that world.]

It... might be. Technology is nowhere near what it is in my time, but it's possibly taking a different course... [Or some other iteration of it, but that would make for a complicated and confusing timeline.]

I have not seen anything that cannot be described as a Pokemon, however, I did see many variations I have never encountered in my time... there were even Zoroark, who are native to my Unova, but in Hisui, they had perished in the snow, and became Ghost types consumed by a grudge against humanity.

... they can still be won over with kindness, but they are dangerous to encounter.

I see. Then how might I address you in order to offer equal respect?

[ She defaults to "mister" or "miss" most of the time, but when someone has a title and she doesn't know them particularly well she thinks it's for the better. She considers herself someone polite and overtly professional, but she feels comfortable in this moment; perhaps too confident, for that matter, too. This place has made her bolder now that she has information. She feels a little more like she's in control than she's previously been.

She nods faintly, bringing a gloved hand up to her chin to lightly clasp it while she carries on. ]

I see. Do you remember now, though, in this place? Or is it still a grey area? I still cannot remember the moment of being taken or arriving, just falling in and out of consciousness and the sound of the ocean waves lulling. [ That was all. There had to be a reason that she was taken, there had to be a particular point in time, she must have been doing something even if it was just sleeping. ] It must be difficult, not living with that same trust even if you can only recall parts of it from the life you had led previously.

[ Technology, though. It's not something she really considered to be an issue but now that she has thought of it, that must be incredibly frustrating to deal with -- at least if you can recall what you had previously. ]

I see. It could be an alternate universe, in that case? I'm afraid I only know about that sort of thin in theory and... my knowledge here, that I was from one prior to my arrival in Alola. [ He'd likely never live to see his home time (is that a phrase that even makes sense, she ponders?) again, but the idea that even if he could it might deviate is scary. ] That's fascinating, how they can adapt to their surroundings. I've never seen a Ghost type one in all my travels so perhaps it is unique to... Hisui? I've seen regional variants before, of course. I'm uncertain if you're familiar with the Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales, but it takes on a thicker coat of fur that pales to a pure, icy snow white. To my knowledge their personalities are similar, but they're very cautious of people considering the young Vulpix are considered cute and thus are popular.

[ She never considered about taking her pokemon away from their families. Perhaps she's done that, but it's a little sad to consider... ]

Do you mind if I inquire about your pokemon team? Now and... previously? I believe that it says a great deal about a person, the pokemon they choose to keep by their side.

Mister would suffice, or Sir, I suppose, if you insist on running on parallel lines. My Unovan title's a bit wordy... but I'm Warden Ingo in Hisui. I do not mind at all if you wish to only call me by name; it is Ingo.
["Subway Boss Ingo" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue!]

Yes, I think it is. They failed to adapt in their original, Unovan forms... [He began correcting, a bit grimly, gripping one sleeve with the opposite hand.] They could not survive in the ice and snow. The people of Hisui feared them and chased them out, where they met their deaths.

Their terrible illusions can cause damage to the body and mind. Their intense hatred for humanity lacerates their own bodies. I pray the circumstances that gave birth to such sad creatures never repeats in any other time or place.

[Having said that, the tension eases from his hand and the intensity leaves his gaze.]

I have not seen the Alolan form of Vulpix nor Ninetales, but they do sound beautiful... unfortunate that people should separate them so young. They do sound rather like the Hisuian Zoroark and Zorua. They are also primarily white, with even longer tufts of fur... they flicker and wave, like ghostly flames.

[He quietly placed his hand in his pocket and withdrew a pokeball.]
My partner in Unova is Chandelure. I also train a Haxorus, Excadrill, Klinklang, and Garbodor...

In Hisui, it seems, I was tracing the faintest impressions of our Pokemon in Unova...
A Machoke is similar to Gurdurr, as Magnezone is to Klinklang, Tangrowth to Garbodor... Probopass to Boldore...

I also trained a Gliscor and Alakazam in Hisui.

I wouldn't find it acceptable to call you by your given name alone unless you felt the same in return, Warden.

[ Subway Boss Ingo definitely beats some of the titles she's heard. It's smoother than an island name followed by Kahuna and given name, she'll give him that at the very least. ]

I see. That's terrible and I'm glad we've mostly moved on from that sort of behavior and lack fear of the average pokemon. Admittedly, I tend to be drawn to the mischievous and difficult sorts, either to get along with or raise. I enjoy the challenge. I can understand why they'd develop such a defense mechanism, considering.

[ She folds a gloved hand over her heart, frowning lightly at the thought. It's terrible that pokemon were driven to this. She could understand if it was in their nature to be fearful, but you only work harder to befriend them in that situation. ]

I suppose the color was developed to be camouflaged better in the snow? To my knowledge, I believe that is why the Alolan Vulpix's fur changed in such a way.

[ She tries not to look too solemn or forlorn at his reveal of team; it must be painful to recall them as much as it must be a relief. ]

Quite a varied powerhouse of a team. Many build a type theme, I find, but it was not for me. I'm familiar with those pokemon, as well, although I've only met them in passing or in battle. [ But she seems delighted, briefly at his last mention. She moves in closer, but not to an extent it's within his personal space (too much) and nearly goes for his hand out of excitement. ] Oh! I also love Alakazam. I have one on my team. I think I've... had it since it was an Abra, but I'm not sure.

[He only nods quietly to answer her questions. When she brings her hand to her heart, he seems to adjust his hat, but the gesture is only meant to hide his eyes.

So, when she suddenly came close enough for him to see her even under the rim of his hat he had been trying to withdraw into to hide his own pained look, he blinked in surprise, flustered again, yet also… he couldn’t help laughing, because of how unexpected it was.]

Then, you should meet! I wonder if I have them at this station, it’s a rather irregular stop—there we are!

Alakazam, depart!

[He releases an Alakazam, distinctly male, judging by the long whiskers.]

I do like Steel types, but a well-balanced team will take you to victory!

[ It's something that they can relate to and while Alakazam aren't unpopular, she finds that Abra and Kadabra seem to be the preferred counterparts. Anabel adores her pokemon, though, and were it another day he might catch her brushing the mustache of hers, especially if it were to transform into the Mega version.

There's still a little bounce to how she holds herself, eager to relate to someone else, especially on more intimate levels. ]

Oh? [ She's not expecting it when he lets his pokemon out and she nearly covers her mouth, instead gently clasping at her chin before going into her pocket and gently tugging out a pokeball of her own. When she tosses it and hers is revealed, it's also clearly a male albeit impeccably groomed with a bit of a curl to its fur. ] This is mine, he's one of my oldest friends.

[ She's had him since before. Now she is aware of that, that she had him with her in Hoenn. That she had him when she arrived on the shores of Alola, thank goodness, and that he was still at her side. ]

A friend of mine favors Dark types and admittedly, I also see their charms. The only Steel type I have is a Lucario, which I've had since he was a Riolu. It's wonderful to see a pokemon evolve, isn't it?

It's a pleasure to meet you, Alakazam.
[Both Alakazam have a chance to meet, as well! IT must be a rare opportunity.] You look very well taken care of... you must be deeply cherished.

[It's... strange, he didn't expect to be so moved by the sight. It should be ordinary. It should be a given. It shouldn't feel like an unattainable luxury. But, the environment's so harsh in Hisui, the focus is more on surviving than bonding this way, the way the humans still have much to learn about how to live together with Pokemon, that the sight of a Pokemon so clearly loved and well taken care of, it made his heart ache.

He placed a hand on the back of his own Alakazam.]

... of course. [Ingo smiled faintly.] It feels like growing up together, reaching new heights... passing from one station to the next.

Every type has its charm, Dark types included. My partner is a Ghost type. Both types are somewhat maligned...

Haha.

Did you see? Someone made a comic. If we both were pulled through.

I'd resemble verrrrrrry much the Zoroarks of Hisui.

[ white and red, looking like a pale ghost of another. zoroark, who are so angry and bitter it harms even themselves ... he'd be left behind, of course. ]

[He couldn't respond, his breath hitching in his throat, and his gaze narrows—he wasn't angry, but overcome with emotion and fighting back tears. No use, really, and he runs to pull him into a tight hug, even if it knocks a hat off.]

[ Ah-? Well, there it goes. But that doesn't matter! His brother doesn't often initiate this sort of thing, so it's all the more significant that he is now. So he can allow this and hug back! He's not even going to tease him for it later. ]

[Good, because he only wants to keep holding him, as if to be sure he was still there, as if he might vanish if he were to let go.
If you'll excuse the hug, please also excuse the way he shudders with unvoiced sobs.

He does eventually loosen his grip on him, especially as he realizes he might be hurting him, although he tries to quickly brush off any tears before pulling away enough to face him.]

... yes. Yes, you would. [He smiles ever so slightly, fetches his hat, dusts it off, and places it gently atop his head.]

They're pitiable creatures, but very fierce...

They might see you as an ill omen too.

[ To that, he just raises his hands and waggles his fingers some: ]

I am Emmet, and I can be very spooky. Verrrrry scary!

But really! I've heard in some places twins used to be considered unlucky. Is Hisui one of them?

I am uncertain, Emmet, as I never encountered any other twins, but… I think the original inhabitants and, of course, the modern day people of Sinnoh would view us favourably.

Palkia and Dialga are twins, after all.

[… yeah, the people of Hisui probably wouldn’t like them.]

Hmmm. But Sinnoh isn't Hisui. Parallel tracks but not the same. I guess we'll never really know, then. What a shame.

[ He rocks back on his heels a little, before settling again as he points. ]

And you! Have you been checking safety? Stayed behind the yellow line? Chandelure fusses, you know!

[ You know, definitely just Chandelure, and definitely not anyone else. ]

… I never could quite understand it. The whole situation is… rather irregular, an unscheduled and unprecedented stop.

[At the question, he laughs briefly and draws himself up to full height.]
Of course! I pride myself on safe driving. No room for mistakes…

Even traversing a dark tunnel is easier once you’ve memorized the route.

[It’s simpler than the tracks of the underground, if more dangerous, but Emmet doesn’t need to worry about that!]

Tell Chandelure not to worry, it’s only made me stronger. I could never forget its light. Give my Pokemon my warmest regards… [Were they with Emmet? He supposed his own are here with him now, but were they with Emmet where Emmet is? It hurt to think about any of this too much, paradoxes and all.]

Are you keeping well, holding things down at the home station, Emmet? It’s a comfort to see you still smiling.

Hahaha. Well, you know! What I do. What I say. Always the same. Follow the rules. Safe driving. The trains have to keep running. The integrity of the Underground must be upheld, regardless of unprecedented interruptions.

[ So he just smiles a little wider, definitely not wobbly at all. He's holding things together! He's Subway Master, after all. It's not a title held for nothing!

Even if for the past while, it's supposed to apply to a two-car train. ]

Follow the schedule. Everyone smile. We're headed for victory. [ ... ] Aaaaaah, but you know, when I say that it's important to explore other stops and get a change of scenery every now and then, I didn't mean take this much of a detour. And with no connecting lines or transfers, either...

Really, you didn't plan this one out at all, Ingo! It's not like you in the least! Think of all the work I've been left with because you decided to go on vacation all of a sudden!

[ Points. Accusingly! Because mock offense and a maintained cheer is better than the alternative. ]

[He's breaking his heart, hiding behind all of these everyday words. He was trying so hard not to break down...]

Good work, Emmet. You've done a fine job.

... [He took hold of Emmet's hand.]

You don't have to force it anymore. You've been strong more than enough... you held your post well and continued your journey, even after being uncoupled... even though we were supposed to be a two-car train...

You've made it to the rest stop.

[Ingo placed his other hand on Emmet's shoulder, patting him a bit awkwardly, but he really did want to offer comfort.]

Forgive me, little brother.

It's okay. Everything's running smoothly. It's full speed ahead in the Underground.

And besides! Here, I know what happened. I don't have to wonder. Really, that's reassuring! So ... it's fine. I'm fine! I'm the one who still has things like air conditioning. And ice cream! And a world where Pokemon are partners, rather than things to be feared or revered? It doesn't sound like there's anyone fun there to battle at all. The way I see it, I got the better end of the deal? We're both uncoupled, after all, not just me.

But I'm not going to be sad here, because this isn't the end of the line.

[ If them meeting on the same platform again is only temporary, he's not going to bog it down. That said, he is going to yank his twin into another tight hug. ]

[He’ll hug him back just as tightly.]

You’re absolutely right! This isn’t the end.

… I do miss air conditioning… and coffee.

There were a few good opponents, although I certainly don’t have as many choices or variety there…

Speaking of battles, would you like to have one, Emmet?

[If this is temporary, shall we end it on a high note?]

[ He just has to muffle a snicker into a shoulder at that. ]

Haha! Not all that much caffeine to be found in Hisui, huh? What a tragedy! And then few trainers to battle against on top of that!

[ Poor, poor Ingo. If he keeps things light and doesn't think too hard about it he doesn't have to dwell on what other things Ingo might be lacking in Hisui!

Emmet lets his brother go, rocks back on his feet, and hooks his thumbs into his pockets, coincidentally where his Pokeballs will be in easy reach. ]

Weeeell. One of those, at least, we can fix here. If you're up for one, I'm up for one. Have to make sure everything's well-oiled and running smoothly, right? Can't let yourself get rusty!

Not much at all, unless you're devoted to tea. Up to my ears in it, really. [A overwrought sigh, as if it were the most pressing matter!

All too glad to battle, however, and he smirks and reaches for a pokeball of his own too.]
Of course! The gears might be a touch rusty, but I'm sure a battle will bring them back into working condition! Now, without further ado...

Chandelure, depart!

[Appearing in a beam of white light and a shower of sparks...]
Shashashaaan...

A habit more for those in Galar, I think. Or I suppose at this junction, Hisui, as it were?

[ He likes a decent cup of tea as much as the next person, but devoted to it? Definitely not.

But he'll mirror Ingo's smirk with a grin of his own! If the thought of competition sharpens it a little, well, that's neither here nor there, right? After all, battles aren't fun if they aren't serious. ]

Anyway, everything's ready! Aim for victory! All aboard! Rusty or not, we're not going to go easy, you know!

[ So in another shower of sparks and white light: ]

Eelektross, depart!

[Of course! That's the Emmet he remembers.]

Wouldn't dream of it, Emmet! It'd be an insult if you did...

[Out-of-practice though he may be, a full-throttle battle should bring him back up to speed!] You like winning more than anything else, after all.
Whether you'll arrive at victory or defeat remains to be seen... nevertheless, full speed ahead!

Chandelure, Will-o-Wisp!

[Rather than an array of small, flickering flames, Chandelure spun and fired them all together in one blast towards at Eelektross!]

Edited (I don't know how to spell this Pokemon's name, that's why.) 2022-02-27 14:21 (UTC)

Mm...a real tragedy, indeed. I'm so sorry.

Here, I can remember him, see him, and hold him. And… my Pokemon are always with me here, too.

I… am grateful for this stop, however brief.

You are… the Sinnoh Champion, are you not? You visited us for the Junior Cup sometime ago.

I am, yes. I'm also good friends with Elesa, which is something I assume we have in common.

Our Gym Leader! Strong and dazzling, isn’t she?

I was unaware you two were close!

[Ingo keeps rather to himself, so even being called a good friend of Elesa’s feels a bit much to him, but he’s certainly exchanged polite words with her more than most people, so… perhaps it depends on one’s definition!]

Oh yes, I sometimes vacation with her and a few friends at my villa in Undella. Though, it's been a while.

[ A long long while.. ]

But wait no, I'm more interested in what happened to you. How are you holding up? Are you okay?

I am safe and have my memories fully intact here

There, I have… adapted to the climate. It can be dangerous, but the Pokemon there can be befriended, like the Pokemon here, even if they can also be hostile.

I trust you are keeping well? What is it that’s keeping you busy, your Champion duties, or… perhaps your Mundane has sent you on another adventure?

[homeless: vague Legends spoilers]

no subject

[I thought it sent earlier! But it didn’t…]

i know this song and dance well

[it is a very tiring and repetitive one!]

i often will leave stuff on my netbook and not realize it's there because i'm on my normal pc :x

[1/2; I submitted it, but it apparently failed to go through because it signed me out!]

[2/2]

bless you for this meaty tag

[1/2; thank you for being a rare human being who appreciates them and isn’t bored/daunted!!]

[2/2; I actually worried when I hadn’t sent it that I’d already scared you off, fff]

never! i live for introspection and breaking the wordcount!

[1/2; I'm so glad we met, then! Thank you for tagging me... ^^]

2/2

;A; that's so sweet, thank you for tagging ME!

no subject

no subject

[1/2; sorry for the delay earlier! ^^;]

no subject

no subject

1/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[Mau!! I JUST tried to contact you again yesterday, but no longer had a tumblr ;__;]

I mostly haunt Twitter these days!

[1/2; which is yours? Mine is dollanities, but my pkmn only one is dappleddeerling! ;3;]

[aaaand I just searched for that comic and found it and GOD, that first part's painful... ;__;]

Kyufufufufu. Lemme hit up your PMs.

[yay! \o/]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

-tumbleweeds back into town- sorryyy…