laplaceattorney | First Day. [text/action for rocket base.]

Current Location: Goldenrod City; Rocket Base.

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First Day. [text/action for rocket base.]

[Keisuke's not really feeling up for too much talking, given his situation, but he feels the need to take care of some basic business between his Rocket training seminars, etc.]

I've already figured out that this isn't a dream. Though it may not seem normal, the universe itself makes too much sense for that. Knowing that doesn't solve my problem, though...

Why am I here? Is there a way to get back home so I can finish something I need to do?

...If anyone knows Atsuro Kihara, Midori Komaki, or any of their friends, I would appreciate it if you'd tell me. I can't be the only one here, after all.

K-T

[God, he hoped he wasn't the only one here.]

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[Loki might do that, for kicks...]

I guess I shouldn't really be too shocked, considering all that's going on back home... If demons are real, why not teleportations to a video game.

[...It takes a while for him to tack on another thought.]

I've been told that Midori used to be here, too.

K-T

Pretty much. Or teleportations to another world the games was based of. Or created because the games come first and the multiple world theory pops in.

[Atsuro, no, don't nerd out right now.]

Yeah. Midori used to be here months ago. Her, "him", Yuzu, Naoya and that weird gigolo guy.

[So, almost the whole gang! ~~and then they left~~]

[The nerding out is a bit comforting, at least. Still the same old Atsuro.

For Keisuke that's...basically everyone of importance. Except Izuna and that guy that wanted him dead. Time for more questions.]

And they've all gone back to the Yamanote circle? How long have you been here? Have I ever been here, before?

K-T

Yeah. Back to the same time and place they're taken from, as if they're never gone in the first place.

[Oh, the other question...]

I've been here for a little over a year. As far as I know, you have never been here before.

I've been told, but it's still a strange concept to grasp...

[A year... That was a long time. Much longer than their five days. Even if it's something he had no control over, Keisuke can't help the knot of guilt forming in his gut.]

I see. I thought as much, since I didn't have any recollection of it, but I was still curious.

Where are you?

K-T

I'm in Goldenrod right now. Where are you, New Bark Town or Mahogany?

[The last time "he" was here, his best friend appeared in Mahogany.]

[What?]

Neither--I'm in Goldenrod, as well.

K-T

[SILENCE.]

What? But how? New trainers usually get dumped in New Bark or hard mode Mahogany?

[GET ON WITH THE TIMES, ATSURO...the last part, anyway.]

[Keisuke pauses at that, weighing his options. He couldn't exactly give away the apparently reason for his location--he wasn't sympathetic to Team Rocket's cause, or anything, but he didn't want Atsuro to know. He needed the other teen's acceptance now more than anything, vulnerable after his justice streak back home.]

You're asking like I should have a clue, Atsuro. Maybe it's medium-hard mode?

K-T

Possibly. Johto can still bring out surprises.

[A pause. He feels rather nervous to ask this next.]

Since we're both in Goldenrod, let's meet up.

[Oh.

...He wants to. Like, really, really wants to because he needs his friend.

And looking around, it doesn't seem like it should be a problem--the hallway he was in was pretty clear. Still, it wouldn't be long before another training seminar and Keisuke guessed they wouldn't take kindly to a newbie Rocket skipping out.]

Atsuro...

We will, okay? I have to do something first, but how about we meet up somewhere in an hour?

Please understand.

K-T

[...What was he saying? Screw this.

Another text comes almost immediately.]

Nevermind, that can wait.

Where?

K-T

We can meet at the Pokemon Centre.

[One of the most important buildings in any city here.]

You know where it is?

I should be able to be there pretty soon.

K-T

[Not...exactly an answer to that question, but Keisuke had yet to go about the city. Navigating a map should be easy enough, though, and he'd seen the functions for one on the gear.

He heads back to the room provided for him upon his arrival, swapping out the uniform for the now-raggedy clothes from the lockdown, then begins making his way out of HQ. On his way to the center, his eyes are pretty much glued to the map to make sure he's headed in the right direction.]

[He's waiting outside of the Pokemon Centre, looking around for his friend. Atsuro stops when he see Keisuke. What will Keisuke think of him now, after spending in Johto for so long?

He's still Atsuro Kihara, but he also grown a lot.]

Keisuke!

[He calls out, waving his hand to get his attention. Atsuro would look a little different to Keisuke. His clothes are different, no longer the Lockdown-ragged clothes he usually wears, as well as being a little taller than his 17 year old self.]

[He finally looks up when he hears the familiar voice, the hint of a smile curling at the edges of his mouth. It's strange, to see Atsuro like this now, even with the feeling of safety settling comfortably in him--this is someone who's changed fate several times over, after all. He had saved Midori, as well as Keisuke himself.

Still. A lot can change, in a year, if his friend's appearance is any example. Plus, when Keisuke's from, he had yet to really make any atonement. Would Atsuro really want to hang around a murderer like him when he probably has plenty of better friends here in Johto?

...He doesn't rush his way over, but his feet don't falter and he does wave back.]

Atsuro...

You're...you're really here.

[It's been many months since he saw Keisuke. A year long, really. When Atsuro first arrived in Johto, he was spoiled by the knowledge, and comfort, of having him and Naoya here.

When they and everyone else from their world left, Atsuro feels lonely. He made many friends here, but none of them really knows what it's like to survive.

But he adapts and Survive. Isn't that what you want, Naoya?

Then, his usual cheer returns.]

Man, I'm so glad to see you!

You are?

[It slips out before he can bottle up that gust of surprise. He doesn't return his expression to one of neutrality, however, allowing a full smile instead.

It's been quite a long time since he's smiled, really--a true smile, at least. Not since before high school. So try not to be too surprised when he hugs you, okay Atsuro? 'Manly' interactions be damned.]

I was afraid I was going to be the only one here...

Yeah, I am.

[The hug surprised him. He's not the most affectionate kind of guy with his friends. A shoulder pat, arm around the shoulder, those things? Alright. A hug? It's closer than he's used to.

But goddammit, who cares? Keisuke seems relieved.]

...Don't worry about it. I'll be here as long as it takes. [It's a risky promise, he knows this. What if Johto sent him home and leave Keisuke behind?] And I won't leave this world without you.

[Keisuke shifts away again, taking a deep breath to collect himself. He knows by now that Atsuro really isn't in any position to stick to that promise, but he is glad to hear it be made, anyway. Clearing his throat, the teen switches back to being fairly reserved.]

Thank you.

[More for the sentiment, than the actual words.

Keisuke's next question is fairly awkward. He's not used to having bundles of free time, and even if he knows he'll need to return to Team Rocket at some point, he wants to be out and about as much as possible.]

What do you want to do now?

Well...

[He actually don't know. Atsuro wasn't expecting to see his friends in Johto again, but he did play around with the thought. Imagined all the things they could do if they're together again. But now that Keisuke's here, he's at a lost.

...So he defaults to something familiar.]

Before we can do anything, you should have gotten a starter. Which Pokemon did you start off with?

[Oh right... Pokemon. There had been two Pokeballs set out for him with his uniform, as well as some empties in the bag. Keisuke finds the two, opening them up. He hasn't taken the time to find out what types he's received himself, to be honest.]

These two, I guess...

[The Shellder doesn't move much--he seems to be watching--but the Ekans let's out a friendly hiss before slithering to investigate the two teens.]

[Atsuro blinks and give Keisuke a confused look.]

...You got two starters?

[Odd. Every Trainers and Breeders he knows started off with one Pokemon. But why did Keisuke have two?

A possible idea pops up in his mind--but is it true?]

[Keisuke shifts a little under Atsuro's gaze before focusing on the two Pokemon instead. Maybe that would make him feel a little less guilty for lying to his friend.]

I guess. I don't really know why... Maybe for the same reason I started here? A different 'mode'?

[He crouches down to allow the Ekans to bump its head against his palm.]

[There's a question Atsuro want to ask. But not here, in public where anyone could overhear them.

Who knows what happens if the NPCs overheard that question?]

Probably.

[He's not convinced, yet. But he bring out Antec's Pokeball and release his Lanturn.

...Just don't ask how the fish can move on land.] This is Antec, my Lanturn and starter.

First Day. [text/action for rocket base.]

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