006. [Text/Action for Goldenrod City/Northern Route 34]

[explosivecombat]

[TEXT]

While I suppose it matters relatively little in the long run, morbid curiosity compels -

Exactly how driven are most of you to complete this 'challenge' that's been set forth, and what drives you to complete it in the first place - what do you have to return to?

[ACTION]

[A short time after that text hits the network, Kimblee can be found just outside of Goldenrod City, on the northern end of Route 34; if the question is at all related to anything he's currently doing, it's not obvious in the least...outside of the part where maybe the Pokémon he's dealing with might be making him not want to live on this planet anymore.

Basically, his Yanma evolved.

Fortunately for him, the hellbug she has become seems to have retained her personality despite the evolution. She's honestly always been more like a dog than an oversized dragonfly; now she's just...well, a sufficiently larger dog. As such, she's bringing Kimblee a decently-sized stick to toss off into the nearby cluster of trees for her to chase; Kimblee is complying with her, albeit warily - he's never had much of a poker face, and while he seems generally calm, it's reasonably plain that he's half-expecting her to do something odd.

Like snap his arm off to get at the stick. Or maybe bring him back a person, or something.

Either way, he's clearly wondering what the hell his life has become. Good afternoon, Johto, it's been a while.]

Comments

[Text]

[vengefulyears]

What exactly do you mean by 'challenge?'

[Clive can think of a number of things that would fall under such a category, but he can't tell which one Kimblee is referring to.]

[text]

[explosivecombat]

I imagine you've heard about the badges, and how they supposedly provide some means for which to return back to our world of origin? It's a fairly popular rumor, from what I understand.

[voice]

[thesportygal]

I am! I don't mind staying here, I just like a good challenge.

[voice]

[explosivecombat]

Ah, so it's less about the ultimate goal, and more about defeating the challenge itself? A good way to look at it, I think.

Video;

[junebugfuji]

I don't know if I'll try to actually complete it. It does seem like a good way to let the Pokemon exercise besides training. As long as the people I care about are here I don't really mind staying in Johto at all.

[video]

[explosivecombat]

Fair enough; most of those I know are rather anxious to return. Though given the fact that our world is having its fair share of conflict at the time most of them seem to come from, I can't say that I blame them at all.

However, while you said you don't mind...would you choose to stay here, if presented with the option, or would you return?

text;

[derpsaboutfamily]

That's a rather morbid, don't you think?

[ He's not even going to answer, because you already know the answer to that question. All of Johto kind of does by this point ]

[text]

[explosivecombat]

More for some than for most. Believe me, this is far from a personal attack on you.

[Action.]

[shakespearealien]

[The northern end of Route 34 is really one of Gorthan's favorite places lately. He simply cannot get enough of the sight of the blue sea - so much different from Xerba's red one - and of the soothing sound of the waves.

He has not checked his Gear, because he's currently sitting on a folding chair on the small beach, reading while his Gallade sits in the nearby grass. The giant bug, however, soon catches Gorthan's attention. Closing the book and leaving it on the chair, he stands and walks closer to the huge dragonfly, narrowing his eyes a bit and mumbling to himself as he inspects it.]

... compound, clearly. Expressionless, much like our low-rank soldiers... Spike-like plates, always a good deterrent... Spots, too? Assuming there are predators that...

[... and so on. Be patient, Kimblee. He'll notice you, eventually.]

[Action.]

[explosivecombat]

[...well, if it makes you feel any better, Abdiel is completely ignoring you, too, in favor of the fairly large stick Kimblee's holding; Kimblee is a bit less oblivious than both of you, however, and once the stick goes winging into the stand of trees (and Abdiel is off like a shot after it), he turns to Gorthan.]

...are you just that opposed to greeting people normally, Gorthan?

[Despite his words, however, he isn't annoyed.]

[ACTION]

[determinator]

[Oh look, a Kimblee text. They've had similar conversations before, so Archer doesn't bother answering it; instead he begins an immediate search of the surrounding areas for Kimblee. They'll be leaving soon, so it's safe to assume he's out training somewhere. He finally locates the alchemist and approaches. If that bug is around, he hasn't noticed her yet.]

Taking a break from your training to question Johto as a whole? Dare I ask why?

[Archer is obviously teasing, though that doesn't lessen the curiosity any.]

[ACTION FOREVER BECAUSE LAZY]

[explosivecombat]

[He would have been surprised if you had answered that one, to say nothing of a bit linefacey - that would have been incredibly redundant, and he doesn't feel like playing therapist for you right now besides.]

Surely you can't fault me for wanting to get to know those we're surrounded by, Archer; you never know what will prove useful eventually.

[The bug is off rooting around for the stick somewhere, as she seems to have lost it; Kimblee is honestly hoping she comes back with something less than a full sapling or something.]

[snapandscoot]

Well, it's not so much returning home as it is solving the puzzle of how to return home! That's what I'm doing it for, anyway.

[explosivecombat]

Ah, so you're in it for the challenge! I wouldn't have expected anything less of you, really.

[Text]

[babel_hacker]

I choose to take the challenge because I love a good challenge.

[Text]

[explosivecombat]

As good a reason as any, I think - so it's less about the possibility of returning home for you, then?

text;

[skillspanner]

U mean the badges?
haven't rly bothered w/ them... don't rly think its got much 2 do w/ us being here

text;

[explosivecombat]

I'm inclined to agree with you on that front, actually.

So are you simply...waiting until you're sent home, or have you taken another course of action? Or are you content to remain here?

[Text]

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

I’m assuming you mean the Gyms. Aside from obtaining an item I needed from one, I haven’t bothered with the rest. That rumor about going home if you obtain all the badge is a complete lie, anyway.

As to what I have to return to, a bunch of traitors that need dealing with.

[Text]

[explosivecombat]

I thought as much - I take it you've spoken to someone who's managed to do so, then? Might I ask for a name?

...as for your...situation, I'm not sure whether returning to that would be more unfortunate or satisfying. I suppose that depends on how much one enjoys doling out due punishment.

[action]

[exeggutorhead]

[The problem with owning all these giant animals is that they want to go play outside, even though it's cold. Envy doesn't have all of his with him, but he does have his Tyranitar and Houndoom playing chase with each other along the route while he follows behind them, bundled in more clothes than Kimbley's probably ever seen him wearing in that form.]

[And said Tyranitar has spotted Kimblee and his Yanmega. Chimera's best Pokefriend is also a Yanmega, he should go be friends! Have a giant dinosaur lumbering towards you, Kimblee. Envy'll catch up in a moment.]

[action]

[explosivecombat]

[Given what Envy usually wears, Kimblee would be concerned if he actually managed to wear less clothes than he usually has on without violating some sort of laws regarding public decency, to say nothing of common sense because it's rather...ah, brisk out here. More clothes is always a good thing, Envy. Always.

However, he's not exactly paying attention to any trainers in the immediate vicinity, if for no better reason than that is a giant helldinosaur moving in this general direction.

Good god. What is today. He can't with today.

Abdiel, however, most definitely can with today, and once she notices her trainer staring blankly into the distance like something in his brain just kind of...popped or something, she'll just be seeing what is over there and oh god a newcomer let's get in its face 'sup Tyranitar how's it going]

[Text]

[papas_bunnydoll]

Tot's not sure why someone would want to since people go home anyway without completing the gyms.

[Text]

[explosivecombat]

[...what is this even..."Tot"?]

Sometimes they do, though I've also heard of people having been here for more than a year. I suppose some just don't want to leave it up to chance.

[text]

[darkenedgales]

course I've got stuff to go back to. my hometown, my friends and most importantly, my kids.

sides, it's not like I've got anything better to do while being stuck here anyway. might as well get those badges - that's what you're talking bout, right?

[text]

[explosivecombat]

That's what I'm referring to, yes, and I can't say that I disagree with your reasoning; might as well make the best of it, I suppose.

You have children, then - are they terribly young, or...?

[springoflife]

Challenge?

[To be honest, she only knows what she's gathered from Team Rocket, and the thing about the badges supposedly allowing one to go home wasn't exactly among the things she was briefed on.]

[explosivecombat]

Yes - the task we've been set to involving the collecting of these badges from the various gyms. Are you familiar with the rumor?

[text]

[meatysoviet]

None really- was interested until was told they do not grant you access home.

[text]

[explosivecombat]

Oh? And might I ask who informed you of this?

[usedshooshpap]

I'M DRIVEN BECAUSE I HAVE TO BE, BECAUSE NO OTHER SHIT HEAD WILL GET ANYWHERE WITHOUT ME TAKING THE REINS AND TELLING THEM TO GET THEIR SORRY ASSES IN GEAR.
IF I COMPLETE THIS CHALLENGE, I REALIZE THAT WHAT I GO BACK TO MAY OR MAY NOT BE THE END OF ME
THE END OF MY RACE
FUCK, THE END OF TWO UNIVERSES.
I KNOW THAT, BUT I STILL HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LEADERSHIP.
THERE ARE MORONS BACK THERE, IN THE CORRECT TIME LINE, THAT HAVE DIED AND IF I JUST SIT HERE TWIDDLING MY THUMBS AND ENJOYING THE FRESH NIGHT AIR?
THEN WHAT THE FUCK HAVE THEY DIED FOR.

[explosivecombat]

Spoken as a true leader should. If that's truly what's at stake, your determination is nothing short of admirable.

Might I ask what the situation is that's leading to this possible impending destruction?

[text]

[failures]

You mean the gym challenge? I'm planning to get all of the badges, even the Kanto ones if the gyms are still open there.

We kind of already know that getting all the badges doesn't actually send you home, but I want to get them anyway. It's part of living the Pokemon dream!

[text]

[explosivecombat]

[...the...Pokémon...dream...dear lord what is he looking at]

Well, I suppose that's a good way to look at it - challenge for the challenge's sake, then?

And have you discovered this fact about the badges firsthand, or were you informed by someone else?

[Text]

[isahero]

Of course I'm going to take on the challenge! I played the video games though, and completed those so it only makes sense.

[He's going to ignore the rest of the questions up there. Yup.]

[Text]

[explosivecombat]

The "video games"...?

[I AM FROM TECHNOLOGICALLY BACKWARDS 1915 AND WHAT IS THIS]

Text;

[8etterl8]

I am the most driven to complete this challenge! The most!
All those 8adges will 8e mine!
Mine I say!!!!!!!!
As for drive, what other drive do you need other than to 8eat everyone else?
Proving I'm the 8estest of the 8est is what's important!

Text;

[explosivecombat]

Well, well! As ambitious as ever, it seems - somehow I'm not surprised that you'd be taking this challenge for the sake of it; I can't say that I disapprove.

[Even if you do sound like a regular supervillainess in the making, Vriska. Really, all that needed was a good evil laugh at the end and it would have been perfect.]

Am I to assume your...fish has been faring well since its evolution, then?

[Text]

[suzakufeather]

I think I'll only be taking part to get the HMs. That's how you get the ability to fly, isn't it?

[Text] - goodness I'm sorry for that huge delay there

[explosivecombat]

Yes, it is - if it can be done another way, I can't say that I know how.

Might I ask why that's your only reason?