020. [Text/Action for Vermilion City, and one other thing.]

[explosivecombat]

[TEXT]

This seems to be a time of loss for many; while there are several who have joined us in Johto, there are several others who have left us. Some may have come as a shock; from what I understand, many had been here for years.

My advice to you now is to mourn, but not stagnate; acknowledge the loss without allowing it to define you or your actions. If this is the first time this has happened to you, take this experience and know that while it may be repeated, it is bearable. If you've lost many during your stay here, know that you will continue to survive, as you have in the past. Draw your strength from previous experiences.

This world won't stop for you, nor will it stop for those who are gone from it. Move forward, but don't forget. Never forget; the most insulting thing you can do with the memory of those you care about is to ignore or defy it.

And yet moving on is essential. Those you have lost can no longer have an impact on this world, nor will they be able to until the day that they return. The best thing you can do to remember them is continue to affect the world in their stead.


[ACTION]

[Kimblee can generally be found at the docks today; he seems to have given up on training for the time being, despite the fact that he's kind of in a tournament-deciding match tomorrow. He seems calm enough for the time being, though there are some signs of tension if you know him well enough; he's shivering once in a while, despite the weather not being nearly cold enough to warrant that, and his gaze is strange and unfocused - he's looking at the water but not seeming to see anything in front of him.

There's also a Pokéball he pulls out once in a while, for the sake of toying with it; he has no idea why he received this particular one, but it's been weirding him out. It's something he's wanted for a while, species-wise - the ball contains a high-leveled Magmar - though he has to admit the source surprised him; it seems his original assessment of this "Minnie" woman was entirely accurate, and she really was too giving for her own good.

However, for the time being he's content to not dwell on it; he'll just be relaxing(?) by the ocean today, trying to keep himself calm in preparation for tomorrow.]


[PRIVATE TEXT TO RYUUNOSUKE URYUU]

I trust you're prepared for tomorrow?

Comments

[determinator]

[Not something you need, clearly.]

I'm not worried.

[Tsun tho.]

I just don't want you to lose.

[explosivecombat]

And I've already said that I have no intention of doing so. What's your point?

[determinator]

A little last minute training never hurt anyone.

[explosivecombat]

[Archer...]

I've been doing nothing but for weeks; I think I'll be fine.

[determinator]

If you say so.

[Ugh, fine, fine, he'll give up.

...If you lose to that Scizor he will flip every table. Just saying.]

[explosivecombat]

...Archer, you're fully aware of what I've been occupying myself with. Some time away from training won't hurt, and if anything it'll allow me to clear my head a bit. Relax.

[determinator]

I am relaxed. I trust you know what you're doing.

[explosivecombat]

...all right then.

[SOMEHOW HE FAILS TO BELIEVE YOU.]

Besides, it's not my performance I'm concerned about tomorrow.

[...seriously archer this is the last time he leaves anything to one of the bbthings

plans tend to go horribly awry when they're left to the bbthings

horribly arwy]

[determinator]

[THIS IS SO TRUE OH MY GOD...]

Hopefully everything will go according to plan. I trust you've given him instructions on what to do should things go badly?

[explosivecombat]

I've told him what to do regarding Teleport; I've also instructed him to get in contact with Kato should things get too far out of hand for him to handle. Other than that, there isn't much to be done at this distance.

[determinator]

Try not to let it distract you. You've done all you can do to prepare him.

[...oh man this is gonna suck.]

[explosivecombat]

[........]

Never again, Archer. We are never doing this again. The next time I get the brilliant idea to do anything like this, remind me of this entire experience.

[determinator]

Oh don't worry about that. You're not exactly the sort to command from far off at all.

[Let's face it, this would have worked better if he had planned it. But since he lacks juniors who are willing to do just about anything for him... welp.]

Everything will be fine, Kimblee.

[Ahahahahaha... haha... ha... he's trying, okay.]

[explosivecombat]

[If you and your entire one catastrophe pretending to be field experience planned it, you mean? Please.]

At least he doesn't strike me as the sort that would sell us out.

[determinator]

[WOW RUDE OMG]

Well that's certainly useful... You're sure this is going to fail, then?

[explosivecombat]

I'm not entirely certain, no. People have a way of defying expectations, after all; however, even if it does fail, they'll have someone else to pin this on, unrelated to us for all outside appearances. It will just take some creativity to explain away - difficult, but possible.

At the same time, my optimism levels are not terribly high.

[determinator]

It would be best to have a scapegoat in case things come down on us.

[Hmm. Perhaps this can work to their advantage?]

Regardless, we'll deal with it either way.

[explosivecombat]

[...y-yeah...]

Well, we don't have much choice, I'm afraid.

Either way, if this goes as I intend it to, then suspicion should be cast off us, at the very least; it will also gain us support within the PGC, which will be incredibly useful in the months to come.

[determinator]

Of course. If it comes to it, you can always claim innocence and blame me, should it help you within the PGC.

[But that's the only time you're allowed to blame him for anything, alright?]

[explosivecombat]

What do you think I've been doing all this time?

[He'll...try to keep that in mind...]

[determinator]

[Archer rolls his eyes at that.]

I meant for this instance specifically, but yes, yes, as long as the organization doesn't attempt to target me, we'll be fine.

[Because seriously, if the PGC goes after him he will flip you.]

[explosivecombat]

Oh, I doubt Miss Farron will directly target someone I'm trying so desperately to save, don't worry. She seemed interested in that angle; I'm not opposed to using it.

[determinator]

To... save.

[................OKAY YOU KNOW WHAT, HE'S JUST GOING TO DIE LAUGHING IF YOU DON'T MIND.]

She believed that?

[explosivecombat]

Oh, yes - clearly, I only joined this organization through concern for you; I don't want to see you hurt or anything. You know how it goes. She seemed receptive to it, anyway~