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Destiny Village ~ Library

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IFBench

Rescue Team Member
Location
Pokemon Paradise
Partners
  1. chikorita-saltriv
  2. bench-gen
  3. charmander
  4. snivy
  5. treecko
  6. tropius
  7. arctozolt
  8. wartortle
"So, am I right? Y'got some doubts as t'whether yer a real person, or at least th'real person y'remember bein'?"
"Yeah, pretty much," Burhalla answered. "I don't know if I'm Burhalla, or just someone pretending to be him."
 

unrepentantAuthor

A cat that writes stories.
Location
UK
Pronouns
they/she
Partners
  1. purrloin-salem
  2. sneasel-dusk
  3. luz-companion
  4. brisa-companion
  5. meowth-laura
  6. delphox-jesse
  7. mewtwo
  8. zeraora
Luz folded her arms in a show of confidence.

"Easy. Yer a shade what got the memories, character and cares of some fella called Burhalla. And that gives you as much right as him to go by that name and think of yerself as him. Y'ain't him, but yer th'same as him."

She shrugged. "And ya could choose t'change that someday, if'n y'wanted to. Just as he could."
 

IFBench

Rescue Team Member
Location
Pokemon Paradise
Partners
  1. chikorita-saltriv
  2. bench-gen
  3. charmander
  4. snivy
  5. treecko
  6. tropius
  7. arctozolt
  8. wartortle
"But is that really true?" Burhalla asked. "I've only existed for less than a week, and the real Burhalla has existed for years. And my friendship with Saltriv...is that real, or is that just from the real Burhalla?"
 

unrepentantAuthor

A cat that writes stories.
Location
UK
Pronouns
they/she
Partners
  1. purrloin-salem
  2. sneasel-dusk
  3. luz-companion
  4. brisa-companion
  5. meowth-laura
  6. delphox-jesse
  7. mewtwo
  8. zeraora
"It's what I reckon is true," drawled Luz, smirking. This one really was a brooder!

"Say, you sure are a philosophical one, ain'tcha? I'm willin' to bet the flesh 'n' blood Burhalla would be ponderin' th'same sorta questions if he were here in yer place. Is there anythin' you've done in mind, heart or deed in yer existence so far that yer original wouldn't've done?"
 

IFBench

Rescue Team Member
Location
Pokemon Paradise
Partners
  1. chikorita-saltriv
  2. bench-gen
  3. charmander
  4. snivy
  5. treecko
  6. tropius
  7. arctozolt
  8. wartortle
"...I don't think so," Burhalla answered.
 

unrepentantAuthor

A cat that writes stories.
Location
UK
Pronouns
they/she
Partners
  1. purrloin-salem
  2. sneasel-dusk
  3. luz-companion
  4. brisa-companion
  5. meowth-laura
  6. delphox-jesse
  7. mewtwo
  8. zeraora
"Then that's good enough fer me. Pleasure t'meetcha, Ultra Shade Burhalla."

Luz scratched her chin thoughtfully. "Although, I'm curious. What d'you make of those folks as ain't based on a specific person their host has memories of? I mean there's Puddle, there's Cal . . . there's even technically me. Brisa never met the real Luz."
 

IFBench

Rescue Team Member
Location
Pokemon Paradise
Partners
  1. chikorita-saltriv
  2. bench-gen
  3. charmander
  4. snivy
  5. treecko
  6. tropius
  7. arctozolt
  8. wartortle
"Good to meet you too, Luz," Burhalla said. "And I haven't actually met any yet, besides you."
 

unrepentantAuthor

A cat that writes stories.
Location
UK
Pronouns
they/she
Partners
  1. purrloin-salem
  2. sneasel-dusk
  3. luz-companion
  4. brisa-companion
  5. meowth-laura
  6. delphox-jesse
  7. mewtwo
  8. zeraora
Luz raised a brow. "Well I hope I'm makin' a fantastic first impression fer the ultra shade community at large, such as it is," she quipped.

She gestured vaguely with a paw. "You'd do well to socialise a bit, t'be honest. I never much minded bein' what an' who I am, but the folks'at did, they tended to get over their identity crises a mite faster once they weren't alone to go through 'em. Perhaps I can introduce you to some, some time."
 

IFBench

Rescue Team Member
Location
Pokemon Paradise
Partners
  1. chikorita-saltriv
  2. bench-gen
  3. charmander
  4. snivy
  5. treecko
  6. tropius
  7. arctozolt
  8. wartortle
"I'd appreciate that, though right now probably wouldn't be good, since there's, ya know, that that needs to be fixed," Burhalla said, pointing with a hand up towards the Blacklight That Burns The Sky.
 

unrepentantAuthor

A cat that writes stories.
Location
UK
Pronouns
they/she
Partners
  1. purrloin-salem
  2. sneasel-dusk
  3. luz-companion
  4. brisa-companion
  5. meowth-laura
  6. delphox-jesse
  7. mewtwo
  8. zeraora
Luz looked up at Joule. Her fanged smile didn't fade in the slightest.

"I'm not too worried about our sire. The posse always outdoes theirselves come time for a showdown. If'n yer worries concern facin' Joule, I suggest you get workin' on some form of solution to our predicament, though. I'm thinkin' of attendin' this strategy meetin', I guess. I figure the best use of my time is keepin' morale up, though. I've quite literally got an endless supply of courage, an' I don't mean the liquid kind."
 

IFBench

Rescue Team Member
Location
Pokemon Paradise
Partners
  1. chikorita-saltriv
  2. bench-gen
  3. charmander
  4. snivy
  5. treecko
  6. tropius
  7. arctozolt
  8. wartortle
"I'll proabably head to that meeting soon. I have an idea that I think might help, though it'll require access to a mystery dungeon," Burhalla said. "Thanks for chatting with me."
 

unrepentantAuthor

A cat that writes stories.
Location
UK
Pronouns
they/she
Partners
  1. purrloin-salem
  2. sneasel-dusk
  3. luz-companion
  4. brisa-companion
  5. meowth-laura
  6. delphox-jesse
  7. mewtwo
  8. zeraora
Luz put her hands astride her hips and beamed. "Why, th'pleasure was mine, partner! Be seein' ya round, then."

She eyed Destiny Tower as she strolled past the charmander-shade. "Say, Burhalla. Y'might wanna get up there. Time's a-flowin'."

She wasn't worried, though. The odds were always better than folks reckoned, and besides: fretting never helped a soul.

<><><><><>​
 
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R10 - One's Cup of Tea (Icetales & Koa)

Flyg0n

Flygon connoisseur
Pronouns
She/her
Partners
  1. flygon
  2. swampert
  3. ho-oh
  4. crobat
  5. orbeetle
  6. joltik
  7. salandit
  8. tyrantrum
After the tree incident, he'd found himself wanting to just... be alone for a bit. As happy as he was about everyone being back, he felt restless. He didn't know what to do with himself. So he returned through the portal to Destiny Village. Almost subconsciously, he found his paws leading him to the one place that felt truly familiar - the library.

Stepping inside felt like... coming home. Sure, the architecture was different, and the style wasn't the same. No worn couches in the far corner or familiar plush of Mew. But the books! Thousands of glorious, beautiful books surrounded him, and more on a second story. Might as well be heaven! There had to be everything here, so many topics and stories he could never find back home, and he had access to it all. With shining eyes, he trotted through the library, practically drooling.

For hours he wandered the shelves, reveling in the comfort and familiar feeling of being surrounded by books.

Here everything felt simple. No awkward dynamics, no being looked at like a child, no judgment. No feeling like an outsider. He could be alone. Maybe he would read here for a while, then try that colosseum place Rocky mentioned? Training could help get him used to his new body. At the very least he could help the team in that way. A way he knew.

Eventually, he found himself in a section filled with books on legends. Perfect. Selecting a few books for himself, he carefully carried them (a tedious task with four legs and no arms) to a quiet table in a corner and sat down to read. There didn't seem to be any other mon around at the moment either.

Yes, he decided. Maybe it's better this way.
 

Cresselia92

Gym Leader
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Partners
  1. ho-oh
  2. sneasel-nyula
  3. rayquaza-cress
  4. celebi-shiny
“…We really cannot help but be concerned about our resuscitated folks, can we?”

“In all fairness, psychological damage is not something that can be seen on the surface — we both are aware of what happens when thou art stuck in madness for too long. And… I desire to be ready for them. To give them the shoulder they need, the comfort they silently seek, the light they can follow.”

Walking through the aisle of the library there were the two Ninetales, one made of flesh and bones and the other made of shadow matter. Icetales was carrying a pile of books in six of his tails, a notepad filled with notes in his seventh tail and a pen in his eight tail. The remaining appendage was free to pick whatever book piqued his interest, which… were basically almost all books of that library. The fox had to fight hard to not empty entire shelves.

“Golly, how much I missed just enjoying some good time among books…”

Keo’Keo, however, was not as enthusiastic. He followed his host because he had no other option, and preferred to focus all his energy into keeping watch of their surroundings. What if there was some threat ready to lunge at them? There were so many good hiding spots. So many chances to ambush them and…

“Canst thou just… not be so agitated?” muttered Icetales, staring at his own shadow. “This is a library, a quiet and relaxing place. No need to be so alert.”

“We never know,” hissed Keo’Keo, glaring at the innocuous papers and the harmless covers. “This place… could hide booby traps.”

The Ninetales stared hard at the Shadow, unamused. Why did he have to feel so tense all the time? They weren’t in Chaos anymore, were they? There was no need to be so nervous. At least, for the time being.

“We are safe. Alright? Father cannot hurt us here.”

Somehow, uttering those words made Icetales feel nervous, but he crammed those thoughts deep inside his soul. No, he had to focus. He had to help his comrades.

Yes… much better. Helping comrades… his comrades. His friends. Yes. He felt… calm.

“…Oh? It appears that we are not alone.”

Icetales blinked and looked at his Shadow, whose gaze was locked in a direction. His blue embers were burning steadily, so he didn’t seem anxious. If he really was, he was hiding that remarkably well.

Then, the fox followed the dark entity’s glance and spotted an Electrike looking at the pages of some book. He tilted his head: didn’t he see him both during the conference in the woods and by the Tree of Life? Was he one of the newest recruits?

“Hmph. Apparently Sir Diyem wanted to replace our dead comrades with fresh recruits, hm?”

“I… do not believe that was the case…” said Icetales, before straightening his stance. “Regardless, it is ideal to make his acquaintance, especially if we will have to cooperate for the great cause. Unity is our greatest strength, and it is ideal to gain his trust and friendship.”

With that said, Icetales strode toward the table where the Electrike was sitting, and beamed a bright and friendly smile as soon as he was close enough. “Greetings, good sir. Dost thou mind if I accompany thee in savoring the joys of reading books?”
 
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Flyg0n

Flygon connoisseur
Pronouns
She/her
Partners
  1. flygon
  2. swampert
  3. ho-oh
  4. crobat
  5. orbeetle
  6. joltik
  7. salandit
  8. tyrantrum
A voice interrupted Koa's reading, and he looked up to see two strange pokemon that looked vaguely like Ninetales. Specifically, an Alolan Ninetales, judging by its primarily pale white fur. He spoke with a strange voice, with words that were just a little off from what he was used to, but fascinating.

Behind him stood what looked like some kind of shadowy version of Ninetales, but it remained oddly silent. Another one of the familiars or something?

Koa's mind raced as he tried to remember if he knew the names of the newcomers. They had definitely been there at that meeting, and on the trip to the Tree, but he'd never actually spoken to them directly. Offering a hesitant smile of his own, he nodded. "Sure, go ahead." He gestured to a chair beside him. "My name is Koamaru. I guess everyone's heard of me already, I'm one of the latecomers." At least he wasn't the only latecomer anymore, he reflected.

And by the sound of it, this Ninetales appreciated books. "You like books too?" he asked, somewhat hesitantly, somewhat hopefully.
 

Cresselia92

Gym Leader
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Partners
  1. ho-oh
  2. sneasel-nyula
  3. rayquaza-cress
  4. celebi-shiny
“Sir Koamaru. Hm.” Icetales smiled and bowed courteously, his tails shaking off some snowflakes while still grasping the books and notes. “Pleased to make thy acquaintance. My name is—”

“Ninetales Kyukon Keo’Keo X, son of Ninetales the Magnificent and Thievul the Maid,” interrupted the Shadow, his voice monotone and his gaze unblinking.

Icetales sighed and stared at the other Ninetales, unimpressed. “Huh. I have dropped these formalities aeons ago — folks do not use royal titles nor honorifics here, after all.”

Keo’Keo shrugged with nonchalance, before walking toward another aisle. He stared intently at the shadows, mane and tails sputtering red embers.

Well, that was one way to make a first impression, no doubt.

“Hmm…” Icetales turned to Koa, chuckling sheepishly. “Dost not heed that title. Thou canst call me Icetales. That is not quite the mouthful, is it not?” He laughed with mirth, before flashing another friendly smirk. “Regarding thy query about books, I sure fancy them!”

To prove his point, he dropped the pile of books at the center of the table, making the wood rattle. Then, after a graceful jump, he sat down on the chair.

“Anyway, much appreciated. I take great joy in sharing one of my interests with a good fellow. Never… got the chance to find a partner, what with recent events…”

Icetales coughed and dragged one of the books toward himself: Mastering the Dark Arts. He frowned and flipped it open, hoping that the Electrike didn’t read the title.

“So! How art thou handling this hero business so far?” he asked, glancing curiously at his teammate.
 

Flyg0n

Flygon connoisseur
Pronouns
She/her
Partners
  1. flygon
  2. swampert
  3. ho-oh
  4. crobat
  5. orbeetle
  6. joltik
  7. salandit
  8. tyrantrum
Koa blinked at the name, trying to take it all in. His head was cocked to the side and he stared at Icetales for a couple seconds, and the shadow. Did everyone here introduce themselves by long titles? Maybe he was supposed to be introducing himself that way this whole time? No, more likely it was just a custom wherever this... Ninetales hailed from.

He watched the mysterious shadowy being leave, then turned back to Icetales. "Ok, Icetales it is then," he said with a smile. His smile widened a little more upon the confirmation that he too loved books. Finally! Someone who appreciated the wonder of books.

He couldn't help but take notice of the book Icetales selected, catching a glimpse just before he opened it. Mastering the Dark Arts? Huh. What was Icetales into, exactly? Not that he could judge, given the scorn he would receive for reading certain books. More than anything, it incited his curiosity. He was so enamored contemplating the Ninetales choice of book he almost didn't hear his next words.

"Oh. Well... it's fine." He shrugged, not really meeting Icetales eyes. "I just figured I'd come here and do some research, you know. Learn more about this world, and take a little break." he chuckled, moving to rub the back of his head before realizing the best he could do was paw at his ears. Darn it.

His gaze returned to Icetales book, then to the shadow lurking nearby. "Is that your familiar?" he asked curiously, nodding towards it.
 

Cresselia92

Gym Leader
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Partners
  1. ho-oh
  2. sneasel-nyula
  3. rayquaza-cress
  4. celebi-shiny
Icetales glanced at the shadow, before sighing and looking again at Koamaru. “No. That is… my Shadow,” he muttered, his ears flicking. “From what I have understood, he is a manifestation of my deepest thoughts and fears. As well as… something else.”

When Icetales said ‘something else’, Keo’Keo growled and shook his head. The mane took a crimson shade for a split second, before returning to its blue hue. The event unnerved the real Ninetales somewhat, so he decided to be a bit more specific.

“Well, I have… ties to the darkness, thou see, and they have manifested physically…”

Icetales paused for a second, before shaking furiously his head. He knew well that darkness was not something that many folks saw under a good light… literally! So, he decided to dispel any potential doubt.

“Oh, but dost not misunderstand me! That is not the kind of evil sorcery! It is just,” he lowered his muzzle, “a fragment of my being.”

The Ninetales dragged the book closer toward himself, almost as his he could absorb its knowledge by just touching it.

“And I desire to learn how to master it. Not for dastardly purposes, but to keep everyone safe.” He flashed a small smile. “Yes… Even thee, Sir Koamaru.”
 
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Flyg0n

Flygon connoisseur
Pronouns
She/her
Partners
  1. flygon
  2. swampert
  3. ho-oh
  4. crobat
  5. orbeetle
  6. joltik
  7. salandit
  8. tyrantrum
“No. That is… my Shadow,” he muttered, his ears flicking. “From what I have understood, he is a manifestation of my deepest thoughts and fears. As well as… something else.”
...
“Well, I have… ties to the darkness, thou see, and they have manifested physically…”
Koa froze up for a full second at Icetales words. He saw the Shadow's mane flared red for a moment before Icetales continued.

The way he spoke made Koa uneasy, not for fear of Icetales. What would it be like, having a shadow like that follow oneself? The thought was... frightening, to say the least. To be haunted by the fear that you might one day turn evil, give into that darknes- Shaking his head ever so slightly, he pushed the errant thoughts away.

An eerie sense of familiarity and sympathy crept through Koa. Part of him wanted to say something. Anything. Maybe comfort Icetales, reassure him. But that might bring up questions, questions he couldn't answer, much less even think about. He swallowed carefully and cleared his throat to speak in a normal tone.

"Oh wow. That's sick," he murmured. "Learning how to do that."

He grinned, hoping to come off as composed and at ease. "I want to help the team like that too! I don't know a lot about using any powers yet or even how to be a pokemon, but I'm want to learn."

Icetales had mentioned things like sorcery and dark magic, things he'd really only read about in fictional books of his world.

"What kind of world are you from?"
 

Cresselia92

Gym Leader
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Partners
  1. ho-oh
  2. sneasel-nyula
  3. rayquaza-cress
  4. celebi-shiny
"Oh wow. That's sick," he murmured. "Learning how to do that."

Icetales beamed a sad smile. “Heh. Thou must do what thou must do for someone’s sake.” His smile widened somewhat, showing a bit more of hope. “And I shall do everything in my power for my friends.”

“Even traversing literal hell.”

Icetales’ smile waned for a split second, before becoming radiant and confident once more. “That, and more than that.”

He grinned, hoping to come off as composed and at ease. "I want to help the team like that too! I don't know a lot about using any powers yet or even how to be a pokemon, but I'm want to learn."

How to be a Pokémon? Oh. That meant…

“…Thou art a human, art thou not?” inquired Icetales, leaning a bit closer. “We have a fair amount of humans in our cortège. Some of them are even… huh,” he rubbed his chin with a forepaw, “what was that term? Hmm…”

Then, the Ninetales blinked and yipped in realization. “Ah! Yes. Trainers was the term. Trainers that use spheres named Pokéballs.” He glanced at Koamaru. “Art thou from one of those worlds, too?”

"What kind of world are you from?"

“Ah. My world.”

Icetales extended a couple of tails toward the pile, shuffling through them as fast as he could. Then, he perked up when he found what we was looking for.

“Here it is.”

With a swift movement, he dragged the book toward both of them. On its cover there was the image of a castle, with some duck-like Pokémon and ghostly swords standing in front of the main door. A fairytale, or something like that.

“I live in a world where we have castles and fortresses, as well as kings and knights,” started explaining Icetales, flipping through some pages. The pictures were a tad more cutesy than how his world looked like, but it should have sufficed. “My home… was in the royal manor of Borealis, the empire of winter. Ice-types and Rock-types are among the most common species, and our primary resource are the crystal mines — useful to extract shards, which can be used for multiple purposes like… enhancing someone’s magical power or as energy supply for machines.”

Icetales looked at Koamaru. “In comparison to this world, we are far more archaic. There is no such thing as ‘technology’ where I come from, and even something as simple as a badge utterly boggles my mind.” He chuckled, somewhat amused. “So, I reckon thou might see me as some kind of old-fashioned relic, in a sense. Not that I mind that too much, however.

“What about thee? How is thy world?”
 
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