Bout 003 (Video/Action): Silliness in Violet. (backdated to Mon. 1/17)

[usedgalacticpunt]

[We open on a truly bizarre sight. Is it a new Pokemon never before seen? Some horrifying Frankensteinian creation?



...No, it's just Chie's Hitmonlee and Snorunt being silly. The Hitmonlee is shaking with silent laughter, while the Snorunt is trying to pretend she's above this foolishness (despite her own faint giggling).

An amused voice comes from behind the camera.] You do realize you guys look ridiculous, right? Here, Bruce, hold this for me for a minute. [The Pokégear trades hands to reveal Chie, pulling on and zipping up her jacket as she speaks.] Hi, everyone! Thought I'd check in, since it's been a while. We're all doing fine! Working hard and getting stronger, you know the drill. Although I guess these two were getting bored waiting for my shift to end. [Her brow furrows.] Hey, I just realized, that's my scarf. [She reaches past the camera to grab said scarf and sling it around her neck.]

Anyway, I wanted to say, we're heading to Goldenrod in a few days! I've got a friend there who's gonna get me past that weird tree thing. So I was just thinking, if anybody here in Violet wants to meet up and hang out, now's our chance! I've kinda been too busy training to meet people here, so I really should change that! Now, we're probably gonna leave...

[Before Chie can finish that thought, the local Nurse Joy approaches.] Excuse me, Miss Satonaka?

What's up? Oh, shoot, did I forget to clock out again?

Oh, no. I'm afraid we found this poor dear when we were doing some computer maintenance. [The nurse hands Chie a Pokéball.] He was sent to you from Goldenrod some time ago, but ended up in the wrong PC box.

Goldenrod? [Chie looks blank for a moment, but then her face lights with comprehension.] Oh! This must be the Pokémon Rise-chan was saving for me! Great, thanks! [Nurse Joy smiles and returns to her work, and Chie turns back to the gear.] I can hardly wait to see what he looks like... Okay, come on out!

[Chie tosses the ball to the ground, and poof! Out comes... an adorable Dunsparce, which immediately leaps into Chie's arms. Oh my gosh my trainer is back!!! She... doesn't take it well.] Aaugh! W-What are you, some kind of weird bug? [The Dunsparce jumps at her exclamation. What, what's going on, what's wrong? Clearly I have to hide in my trainer's jacket now!] Hey, cut it out!

[And then Chie's foot hits a little puddle left by someone coming in out of the cold, and down she goes. The Pokégear goes flying as Bruce rushes forward to try to catch her, and the feed goes black.]

Comments

[action]

[herolegs]

Well, yeah, but it's more fun this way. Bruce -- my Bruce, I mean -- likes to be the strong silent type, though.

[action]

[combat_butler]

Mm... Well, I'm not about to deny it's fun to yell out a special attack name when you let loose a big attack! That's one of the basics when it comes to fighting.

[action]

[herolegs]

Definitely! So do you fight a lot yourself? I remember you said you were good at kicking too...

[action]

[combat_butler]

I just fight when it's necessary.

[action]

[herolegs]

Ah, gotcha. To protect yourself and your friends?

[action]

[combat_butler]

Actually, it's mostly for Ojou-sama... But I'll always be willing to throw myself in the line of fire for a friend.

[action]

[herolegs]

Ojou-sama? Is that someone from home? [This sounds like a story.]

[action]

[combat_butler]

--ah, yes. Ojou-sama, milady, master... Whatever term you prefer. I'm her personal butler, so she always get priority.

[action]

[herolegs]

Oh, I see! So you're a butler? Sounds like kind of an interesting job. [Oh, if she only knew.]

[action]

[combat_butler]

Interesting...? Well... It certainly has its moments.

[action]

[herolegs]

Haha, I bet.

[The conversation hits a slight lull, and Chie bites her lip, pondering something. She's having a great time chatting with Hayate. He seems like a really nice guy -- which makes a certain situation all the more inexplicable.]

Hey, Hayate-kun? Can I ask you something?

[action]

[combat_butler]

*blink. That's kind of sudden.* ... if you want me to make you a steak, I'm going to need some prep time.

[action]

[herolegs]

[Snort.] Nothing like that. I just... [Subtlety. Tact. Consideration. Chie very carefully contemplates all these things.

And then dismisses them.] What's going on with you and Rise-chan?

[action]

[combat_butler]

--er! Huh? Wha... what do you mean by what's going on? D-Did you hear something...? *definitely averting his gaze from her now, haha*

[action]

[herolegs]

[Yes, because being unable to meet your eyes will totally convince me that everything is fine.]

Well, for starters, I heard that you supposedly can't stand her any more.

[action]

[combat_butler]

Th-that's, um... Not... Entirely inaccurate...

[action]

[herolegs]

Ugh, geez... So what's the story? Do you really hate her that much?

[action]

[combat_butler]

--I don't hate her! I-I never have! I just... I just can't look at her. *clinging to his Ralts now, mostly to reassure her as she's staring up at him in concern.* Or more to the point... I just, um... I can't help but get scared and nervous just thinking about looking her in the eyes... Or any part of her body, really...

[action]

[herolegs]

[At that last little comment, Chie winces. Yeah, in case she hadn't already had an idea of what happened, that was 100% confirmation right there. She puts a reassuring hand on Hayate's shoulder.]

Glad to hear it. I couldn't figure out why you would, so I wanted to hear it from you. But y'know... as long as things stay like this, she's gonna keep thinking you do.

[action]

[combat_butler]

*Hayate is glancing over his shoulder back at her at that, putting up a pretty sad looking smile.*

Isn't that fine though...? I've already messed things up with her far beyond what any normal person would want to recover from... Not to mention the fact that I was only an acquaintance at best before all of this. She really would be better off just forgetting about someone like me who can't even look her in the eyes. *He lets out a small chuckle and faces away from her again* Rather than that, I'm sure she'll forget about me entirely in due time...

[action] sorry I'm so slow -- spazzing over characterization, sob

[herolegs]

Wha -- no, it's not fine! [Hold on to your Ralts, Hayate, because Chie is turning you toward her and putting her other hand on your other shoulder and you are NOT ALLOWED to turn away.] She doesn't want to forget you! She wants to be your friend! Are you happy just ignoring that?

[action] pffft s'cool

[combat_butler]

*ffff he is indeed holding onto his Ralts, clinging to her tightly as Chie turns him about.* --eh?! Th-that's... I... *he might not be able to turn away, but he can sure avert his gaze downward to his Ralts.* I've already avoided her for so long, even if she wants to try and fix things, it won't ever be 'normal' again...

[action] you'll tell me if my Chie is terrible right

[herolegs]

You'll never know if you don't try... right? Maybe... [Chie frowns, struggling for words and feeling like she is the absolute worst person to be trying to do this.] God, I don't know... Maybe you can... find a new "normal"?

[action] Chie is my favorite P4 gal so I would BUT YOU'RE FINE

[combat_butler]

I'm not sure I would be able to find the old "normal", even if I tried... *He is looking back up to Chie now, forcing another weak-willed smile.* Maybe the "normal" for me now is to just be the one guy who she doesn't talk to? If she posted to the network about this, it's probably for the best... I mean, I'm sure that a bunch of her friends replied and likely all think ill of me just on principle now. I'm perfectly fine with being the target of their enmity; I'm used to it, after all.

[action] t-thank you ;;

[herolegs]

Ugh! I'm trying to tell you you shouldn't be fine with that! [Chie groans. It's like she has a switch labeled "sympathetic" and "infuriated" and he just keeps toggling it.] Look, just answer this. Do you want to try to be her friend? Or would you rather give up just 'cause it's easier to avoid her?