solnet | ~♥FOUR♥~

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~♥FOUR♥~

[Audio]

Hey there ho there fellow denizens of the Castle, coming to you live from the heartland of our war effort, it’s Kida Radio! Of course, I’m not sure we can call it that anymore, because in addition to the dulcet tones of yours truly, we have another rising star with is today. And so in honor of the fact that we’ve evolved as a program, it might be better called Kida Blue!

Kida Blue, Kida Blue! That sounds like some mysterious action hero! Maybe one that transforms into a car. ♥

Nyohoho… you might have a point, and I’m not even able to transform! … Well, not in that way at least, right, Blue-chan?! Hahaha. But okay, okay, what about Blue Kida? It is often said in the annals of history that you should go “ladies first,”

But that sounds kind of depressing, too! You don’t have the blues, do you? Masaomi, if you’re feeling down, I’m sure I can think of a few ways to cheer you up!

[ !!! ] Eee- eeeeh?! If we’ve been reduced to that state, those sorts of untowards things are probably best done off the air! [ He’s smirking, right next to her, but on the air what he puts out there is a clearing of his throat. He then “seriously” throws out, ] Kida Kida Blue Blue? Kida Blue Blue Kida?! It’s not nearly elegant enough to account for the both of us!

Or maybe Blue ba da ba ki da ba da? If only we played top hits.

[ And of course, at that, what else can you do but burst out laughing. And so he does, ending their introduction by way of clapping for her. That was brilliant. And stupid. And brilliant ]

Okay, no no no no so basically you’re listening to the top Radio Show in this whole castle. Of course, there’s because it’s the only one but these are the sort of details which turn you blue! No need to think too hard on it!

Buuuut speaking of blue, that actually brings us to my nw co-host here. There one, the only, the beautiful, and the mysterious… Blue-chan! Say hello to the listeners at home, Blue-chan.

Hello, everyone! Blue here! The Evolver, Pokédex Holder, and third place in the Pokémon League! I’ve heard that a lot of you have bright young Pokémon, fresh from the daycare! Well, I happen to know my stuff when it comes to Pokémon, so if any of you need a helping hand, let me know! I’ll cover everything from how to care for your precious pals to some of the best training and strategy tips you could ask for! Isn’t that right, Wiggly? You’re definitely big and strong!

[Her Wigglytuff bounces around and makes some obviously pleased noises over the network.]

Ah, it does us all well to hear that, Blue-chan. I know that my dear partner Linda’s actually been itching for a battle since the moment we arrived her. She’s trained with the best of them, but alas, I wouldn’t want to bully some of the younger tykes here…

Ahh, it’s been so long since we’ve had a good battle! I know we’re all cute, but don’t take it easy on us, okay? You’ll definitely regret it.

Oh, oh, I know better. Even the likes of the the gorgeous Shiemi-chan can give me a run for our money. Well, and beat us. A tit for tat rival situation, if there ever was one!

[ A sage nod … that the audience can’t see. ] In the same vein though, my new compariot for Linda, Julia [ Which is to say the baby Kangaskhan he recently adopted ] might not be quite as gung-ho, but I also don’t want to neglect her training or deny her battles, even in this strange world. I imagine a lot of fledging trainers here feel the same way, not even sure if their younglings are fit for the battlefield.

Well, baby Pokémon aren’t exactly my area of expertise. Too bad Gold isn’t here, huh? What I can tell you is that baby Pokémon can be just as strong as adults! You didn’t hear it from me, but I’ve heard my little bro complain about dealing with a particularly rambunctious Togepi more than a few times. When in doubt, ask your Pokémon! They can’t use the same words we do, but if they’re eager to battle, you’ll definitely know about it.

[ Masaomi’s expression, for Blue alone to see, becomes vaguely complicated at the mention of Gold and the implication of Silver. He swallows, but in terms of what the audio picks up, he just ends up slightly more pitchy as he responds, ]

So what you’d say, as a practiced veteran, is that it’s not really the worst idea out there to see of the younger Pokémon might want to battle each other.

Of course not! Pokémon love to battle, you know? It’s a trainer’s duty to help bring their partners to their fullest potential!

[But Blue can tell that something is off, even if she isn’t quite sure what, so she slides into Masaomi’s lap.]

It’s too bad that I can’t bring you to your fullest potential too, isn’t it?

Hahaha… [ NO ONE CAN SEE THIS. HE CAN PLAY IT COOL ON THE RADIO. ] Okay no, but seriously, seriously, we should probably move on to current events here. We’re on the eve of Halloween, ladies and gentleman, and with a masquerade dance in front of us. So those of us out there with an inclination to the woman persuasion might find ourselves asking a truly simple question, for the fairer sex can be a complicated thing for simple minded people like myself.

[ He’s far from simple minded, of course. But hey, keeping up the act is important! ] So Blue-chan, as a girl, so you have any special insights for our listeners out there on how to ask out a similarly beautiful young woman, perhaps to such a dance?

Oh, asking out girls is simple! Just bring the most lavish jewelry you can find. Or offer them a nice, expensive dinner! I heard there’s a place in a faraway region that makes the best sushi you’ll ever taste! Ooh, if someone took me there, I’d jump right into their arms! ♥ I heard you get to battle with your meal!

I see, I see! [ Doesn’t that just relate to money… and is a battle the best thing for a date… Oh well. He’s got his set up! ] And you know, to match that enlightening conversation, I’m going to turn this around to the best, the most efficient, and most surefire way that you can seduce many a young man, no matter where you’re coming from…!

Probably just ask.

[ GET IT? BECAUSE MEN ARE SIMPLE? Clearly, the heights of comedy. That way way too long of set up for a really stupid outcome, joke wise. But details, details. ]

Buuuut only if you have a cute face. And a cute outfit to match. We can help you out with the latter, of course! Masaomi, would you mind showing everyone the works?

[ A grin, and the sound of him clicking a button on the phone later-- ]

[Video]

[ When the video clicks on, there are two people standing there, with a focus on their upper bodies. Both of them are smiling, and in the background of them is the new Clothing Shop which has been moved into the seventh floor of the housing area, now attached to the Laundromat. Some of you might have noticed it before now, but it seems like the true point of this radio broadcast might’ve been to show it off to the public. Either way, Masaomi is wearing this get up, though it’s worth noting that because he’s somewhat older, taller, and more muscled the upper body looks a little bit sillier. Blue, meanwhile, is in a similarly cute if somewhat ostentatious outfit of her own.

Behind both of them, on a counter which divides between the front room in a back room which isn’t clearly visible in the video, Linda the Raichu lies dozing, curled up upon herself, having apparently lost interest in the situation. But, perhaps showing herself off a little and wanting to get in on the fashion, Wiggly the Wigglytuff is wearing a cute hat with tassles that doesn’t fit her ears at all.]

And how right you are, Blue-chan, this is really a time to celebrate, regardless of what else is going on. Because it seems that Ozuma-san has blessed us with this fine establishment where you can get outfits to look nearly as good as the two of us whenever you please.

And what a relief that is! It’s no good having only one bra, you know? Ditty and I are pretty close, but I’m sure Ditty’s not going to mind the break! I wonder if i could find one with frills. Or maybe even glitter!

[ . . . Goodnight, everybody.

But no, seriously, Masaomi snorts at that, and he can’t help but have his eyes briefly glance towards her chest before he self-corrects and gives himself a twirl to flex. ]

Not to mention seasonal! The material on this clothing alone’s way better than anything I’ve had for the last few months here. Plus, layers! Real layers! And I have to say, [ And he tugs a little at his ugly ass yellow scarf, ] I make this look good.

I make everything look good, of course, but I could make much better stuff than this. [There’s a pause before Blue runs up to and grabs a nice black trenchcoat.] I stand corrected! This stuff is Beautiful. [...Was that forced shitty English?]

[ Okay, he can match that, with shitty English, ] Gorgeous. [ And snap his fingers before, ] You might have the lower end of the trumps on you chest, but I’ve got to say, you’re all spades in the hearts of us all!

[ shitty 90s laughtrack . . . Okay no just them laughing ]

[ Note this end part is video (as well) ]

So Blue-chan, after that journey that we just went through through together, I’d say that we’re closer both mentally and emotionally. Maybe even physically.

[ And cue him leaning far too much into her personal space here on camera, batting his eyelashes like the ham he is. Clearly, this is the aesthetic of pretty people. Or something.]

You’re right! This whole experience really was touching. ♥

[Blue leans up closely to Masaomi, calm and confident, and… Stops, with a falsely surprised expression.]

Whoops, that’s not family friendly!

[Masaomi gets a quick kiss on the cheek instead.]

That’s much better. Maybe some other time, Masaomi.

[ For his part, he blinks once, then twice. And his cheeks color - of all things, his hand actually briefly starts to raise to touch the spot she just kissed him. Fortunately, the angle of the camera from the phone doesn’t catch the nearly raised hand, and he snaps his fingers with before grinning and turning back to the camera. ]

But let’s end this with a sign off for the fans! [ Totally not abrupt. Looking back to Blue, ] Tell us, Blue-chan, is there anything that you’d like to know about our “beloved” castle or your fellow warriors of light?

Well, of course! It’s not like there are posted rules around here, you know? Or a handy dandy list with everyone’s names and faces! So why don’t you guys tell us? What’s your name, what’s something you like, and what would you tell someone new around here?

[ OOC: This post is posed from Masaomi’s phone, but as you can see it’s a joint post between him and Blue (

withabigsmile) so responses can come from both of them. If you want to specifically target one or the other feel free to tell us otherwise we’ll both just respond to people with our own threads. We reserve the right to threadjack if we find it appropriate! ]

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what do you mean by focused ?

Focused, focused! Training with an eye on the prize and the battle song in your hearts, of course!

[Rob thinks about what Masaomi says more deeply than was perhaps intended, and his next response takes a lot longer to appear. He can't remember the last time that he had a "battle song in his heart". Maybe when going out on the Skyway and getting beat up fighting monsters was still fun? Before he learned that those monsters grew up into sentient beings? And what prize was he even working towards anymore?

Is he focused?]

not really

Hooooh... [ He wondered, really, if that was reflected in how the man died. If that was reflected in how the man was before he died, for that matter. He had asked a while ago to tour his Bastion, but that ... well, no, he's got a show here. ]

Well, R-san, I'll add here that your comrades, your Pokémon, can sense that cloud you have going on. I'm no expert, but my own experience says that getting in sync with what you both want seems about right.

[What he wants? He wants useful work to bury himself in so he doesn't have to think about the deaths of everyone he ever knew in his home world. All of that work is back in the Bastion, out of reach.

As for his own death? He's alive right now and has no new scars to show for the experience. If he didn't remember being torn open and becoming a puppet of the queen so clearly he could dismiss the whole thing as nothing more than a dream. Sure, he has the occasional nightmare about being unable to control his body while it kills people he knows, but aside from that he no longer considers death to be a big deal here.]

what i want isnt in this world

Okay, R-san, but what about your Pokémon?

[ He says this much more muted than the stuff before this. He didn't know how -- well no, he did know how to respond, which is why he's doing this the way he is. ]

i make sure theyre fed and safe

[Having that priority is all that kept him alive while he was on Earth. If nothing else, he needs to ensure that they get to the Bastion safely.]

[ ... Okay no, he'll go to text now, fine, let's go off the air. ]

That doesn't answer to their desires.

[...]

crichton just likes to fight but i havent been leaving the safe zone

kresh sleeps and hangs around me all the time

i walk sparky but not for as long as i used to and he hasnt battled in a while

shenzin has been spending a lot of time around plants and hasnt wanted to do much when i ask

i havent been training them since i got back i need to do more with them i know

ive been sleeping a lot its hard to get out of bed in the mornings if i didnt have to piss or eat id prolly stay in bed all day

[ Four? ]

And what are those Pokémon to you? Is that a matter of your burden, to look after them?

ive never thought about that but i guess theyre pets ?

im the reason two of them exist so i have to look after them

with the other two i found their eggs here and decided to look after them too

[ Pets. ]

Pokémon aren't pets. They're much smarter than that, and they have much more identity. If you've been through some rough things, that's fine, but I suggest that you have some conversations with them about where you stand.

i dont know what else to call them theyre not weapons minions or livestock

theyve been through stuff too youre right i should sit down with them ive been focused on just keeping them alive for so long i keep forgetting that theres other things they need

[ Livestock? Weapons? Is he--

Is he serious? ]

I challenge you to a Pokémon battle.

[If he could see Masaomi's reaction he'd realize that he didn't phrase that like he'd meant to. Since he can't, the challenge comes out of nowhere. He almost says no right away, just from his current lack of motivation, but the conversation and the knowledge that Crichton hasn't been able to fight in a while puts a quick end to that idea.]

where do you want to meet ?

Let's meet up in the Altar Room. Should be very little we can damage there other than the Sarcophagi. Or if you have a better suggestion I'll take it. I just wouldn't want t destroy anywhere.

altar rooms fine im heading there now

[Compared to their previous meeting, the only things that haven't changed are his battered leather satchel and the rabbit leg bones and glowing-eyed skull around his neck. Instead of hides and fur, Rob's wearing a hoodie, skateboard shoes, and cargo shorts. His shoulders are slumped and his movements have the sluggishness of someone who struggled to get out of bed this morning. That said, his expression is neutral and shows no signs of the exhaustion gripping the rest of his body.

In contrast to their trainer, the Pokémon with him seem more energetic. A Tyrunt is leading the way and running back and forth excitedly. A Growlithe walks beside Rob, and a Turtwig and a shiny Squirtle follow a step behind. Alone out of the four, the Turtwig is the only one who seems to show any of the same exhaustion that Rob does.]

Hey.

[There's no force to the greeting, nor is there an accompanying wave. His hands remain in the pockets of his hoodie.]

[ Honestly, it's hard not to be sympathetic to someone who you saw die in front of you, and with perfect knowledge and perfect empathy, Masaomi might be more understanding of the guy and his circumstances. But right now? Right now, Masaomi Kida is righteously angry and feels the need to prove a point. In his case, a baby Kangaskhan hangs out behnd one of his leg, but the actual contender, standing in front of him was his Raichu, matching her trainer's crossed arms, though while Masaomi has a stern expression on his face, Linda is instead smirking, eager and hungry to destroy whatever competition comes against her.

As for Masaom though, he rolls his neck and nods ]

Hey, hey. Glad that you could make it.

[ If anything, he's surprised they got here around the same time, but works for him. For his part he's still in that outfit linked in the post ]

It was a long and tiring journey, but I'm here now.

[Is he trying to make a joke? His voice is so monotone that it's unclear what he's going for.

Conversely, it's very clear what the Tyrunt is going for; she roars defiantly at Linda and stomps her feet with a big toothy grin on her face. Out of Rob's side, she's the most invested in this battle.]

Don't get overconfident, Crichton. They've evolved, so they might out-level you.

[Rob pulls out a double-roller scroll and opens it, aiming its sensor at Masaomi's team. It reads off data in a synthesized voice.]

Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon. Raichu exudes a weak electrical charge from all over its body that makes it take on a slight glow in darkness. If the electrical sacs become excessively charged, Raichu plants its tail in the ground and discharges. Scorched patches of ground will be found near this Pokémon's nest.

Kangaskhan, the Parent Pokémon. Kangaskhan raises its offspring in its belly pouch. It lets the baby out to play only when it feels safe. If you come across a young Kangaskhan playing by itself, you must never disturb it or attempt to catch it. The baby Pokémon's parent is sure to be in the area, and it will become violently enraged at you.

[With his "Seen" count updated, Rob ponders to himself. He recognizes that the Raichu could be a problem, depending on its moveset. Crichton is a pure melee fighter, and the ranged fighter of his team - Kresh the Squirtle - is weak to Electric. Crichton has a defensive advantage, but no offensive advantages. Shenzin the Turtwig would be the next-best choice, but he's both low-level and not likely to want to battle right now. This is a bad match-up for him and he knows it, but there's nothing he can do about it right now.]

Did you have a particular format in mind? I haven't done many Pokémon battles so I don't know exactly how this works.

[ Was that... a Pokedex? Masaomi's eyebrow twitches just a little at the sight of it and the sound of t. t's all he can do to hold onto the smirk that's plastered over his face, so great is his offense. That said, you might not even sense that's the case, so theatrical is his delivery of the reply. He's a bit tense, but unless you knew him well or were particularly observant, you'd honestly never know it was a big deal.

Said theatrics include snapping his fingers at Rob's joke (applause?) and leaping off his upper step to get more level, landing with a bit of a crouch. Linda the Raichu, for her part, punches into her other paw.

A format, huh... ]

I'm sure Linda here actually wouldn't mind if you mashed all of them against her at once! But no, how about a series of one on ones until such time that you can knock out my partner here? That sounds sporting, right?

[Rob isn't observant of people's reactions at the best of times, and that's even more true now. He does notice the emphasis on the word "partner", which strikes him as odd; Masaomi has two Pokémon with him, and "partner" implies one member of a pair. It strikes him as a bit heartless to exclude the Kangaskhan like that, but maybe it's not actually his and has just tagged along from the Daycare? Without knowing the complete situation Rob's not willing to pass judgment on the other man.

There are also other things to worry about right now, such as the impending battle. He nods to Masaomi.]

Yeah. Or at least until one of us runs out of Pokémon who want to continue.

I take it you want to go first, Crichton?

Ty!

[The corner of his mouth goes up slightly at Crichton's vigorous nodding. Her eagerness makes him feel bad that he hasn't been giving her opportunities to fight since he got back. He hopes she enjoys herself, regardless of the outcome.]

Thunder Fang won't work, but the others will.

[Rob opens his mouth to ask Masaomi and Linda if they're ready to start, but Crichton is tired of waiting and starts charging in. She's not giving any signal of what her first move will be.

Rob makes a wordless sound of surprise at the Tyrunt jumping the gun.]

Deal, that sounds good to me!

[ Despite everything, Masaomi even smiles. Perhaps he's channeling the spirit of his highly combative Raichu in this moment, because while he does resist the urge to use his own Pokédex to get data on the dinosaur or a few others he doesn't recognize there... he wants to trust his instincts and Linda's instincts. He did mean for this to be instructive, after all. He'd trained under Silver and Green-san and the champions of that world, proved himself to them. Linda and him survived a war together, and had been partners through anything.

He could beat someone who called Pokémon pets or livestock and prove that point.

The moment that the Tyrunt closes in for its attack, the Raichu flares up for her own counter attack. Trusting her to chose wisely, Masaomi lets her close in for the cross-counter she's got planned: charging up a paw with electrical energy to go in for a powerful Thunderpunch right to its snout. Or so she aims, at least.

As she does this, her Trainer slides along the Altar Room to keep his proper vantage point and remain within a few meters of her ]

[Crichton's not so outmatched that she's going to go down from the first hit. The speed difference is unexpected though, and she's unable to prevent Linda's paw from brushing against the horn on top of her snout. The impact is avoided, but the electricity on Linda's paw still transfers. It's painful but not particularly damaging, and it doesn't stop the Tyrunt from twisting and attempting to bite the arm that just used Thunderpunch. Flames play around her teeth for an instant as she charges the attack - a Fire Fang, with accompanying chance for a flinch or a burn. It's made even stronger by the support behind it: high Attack, a Muscle Band, and the Strong Jaw ability, which gives the equivalent of STAB to all biting moves. All of Crichton's moves are biting moves.

Her trainer remains motionless, with his datascroll still in his hand. The only motion comes from his eyes following the action. He's keeping track of what moves Linda uses; one down, three to go.]

Nice. [ Masaomi mutters that almost to himself as Linda struggles to throw the dinosaur off her arm. She knows she connected with a lot of force, and this one didn't look that strong! Maybe she was arrogant, and- ]

Linda, keep going with it, flip this around!

[ Flip it around?

Ah okay. The flames hurt, and while she isn't burned, it does singe at her body and does give her a serious blow. Still, static rolling around her body, the Raichu makes to follow her partner's command, grabbing hold of the other side of the dinosaur's jaw and attempting to roll/lift Crichton for an improvised throw. It's not a real move, not really, but it's something that both her and her trainer hopes will throw them off ]

[The throw succeeds perfectly. With Crichton's combat experience being almost exclusively against uncreative shadows, she hasn't encountered a maneuver like this before and is completely taken by surprise. Rob is also surprised by it; he's never fought anything that's tried to pull a move like that, nor has he seen a Pokémon use a martial arts move before. He has the sudden feeling that he's underestimated exactly how outclassed he and his team are.

Crichton doesn't bother to think about the implications of Linda being able to use that maneuver, aside from having a brief moment of jealousy that her opponent possesses usable arms. She twists wildly, both to break whatever grip Linda may still have on her and to try and get her jaws around any part of the Raichu she can reach. This time her breath fogs in the air as she tries to use Ice Fang. With its chance to make Linda flinch or freeze it might provide a needed opening. Not being able to use Thunder Fang for this battle is starting to become a handicap.]

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