bottlecaplogs | August Catch-All

[After their last encounter, he's been trying to give "Siffrin" some space. Not that he's avoiding them or anything like that, but with everything else going on... it's a lot to balance. Just being out of the timeloop was already a big adjustment. The last thing he wants to do is scare them away by acting weird.

Besides, they seem like they're doing well. He should be happy for them, not... sad, because they don't remember him. That's so selfish. Stop thinking like that. Let it go already.

They're starting over fresh, in a way. It'd be nice if they could be friends this time. So when he's invited to go on a quest with Siffrin, of course he accepts. No matter how he feels about it all, he can't not accept. This is his chance to make up for that awkward "first" meeting! Just act normal, don't bring up any weird topics, don't call them the wrong name... don't call himself the wrong name, stars, he still needs to correct some people before that name spreads around—

It's fine!! It'll be fine. Everything will be fine. Stop thinking about it so much, stars, this quest hasn't even started yet and he's already like this.

Thankfully, "Siffrin" arrives and drops a hat at his feet, cutting off any further mental spiralling for now. At first he just looks blankly surprised at the object, but...

They a brought a hat. For him.]

Oh... are you sure? I'll be fine, if... I mean, I'll take good care of it. Thank you.

[Gingerly, he picks up the wide brimmed hat. It's not the same as the one he lost, but it should keep the rain off his head and neck... and his ears should fit inside comfortably, too. A lot better than getting drenched. He slips it on, tail perking up behind him.]

I'm ready to go when you are!

[For a moment, when Stardust is just staring at it, Siffrin is worried that they made a mistake bringing the hat. Maybe they were overstepping; if Stardust wanted a hat he could've gotten one himself, probably. Maybe he hates it?]

[But then he thanks them and puts it on. Siffrin's tail perks up at, honestly, just about the same time as Stardust's - okay! Okay. At least they can do something right. They nod.]

It's kind of tough showing up here without anything that's yours, right? Even your body gets changed. So... so you should have one thing that belongs to you! Even if you swap it for something better later.

[They already feel like they're babbling. Siffrin snaps their mouth shut. They nod a bit more emphatically - yes, they should go ahead and get started. Maybe it'll feel less awkward once they're actually on the move.]

Tell me if I start going too fast?

[Though, despite them being slightly taller than Stardust even when he's upright, and much longer-legged to match, they somehow feel like it's not going to be an issue... (The real issue is whether there'll be any awkward fumbling if, maybe, both of them autopilot towards being in front. Either way: one way or another it eventually gets straightened out.)]

[The woods here are particularly dense, even compared to the thick Northern Forest closer to the Bay. Siffrin, for once in their life the bulkiest person in the party, makes an effort to forge a path through the underbrush and shove aside uncooperative foliage. It's not long before it does start to rain, though for now the trees overhead ward off the worst of it. Siffrin's fur starts to collect little sparks of static, jumping between the points of individual hairs.]

[It's a familiar sentiment. He's been told something like this once before, under another set of circumstances. It's nice, to have something he can hold onto and call his.

Quietly, he reaches up to touch the coin on his head... then masks the gesture by adjusting the brim. Time to get a move on.

Letting the other Siffrin take the lead feels weird, definitely. It helps that he's still adjusting to his body. He manages to keep pace for awhile on his hind legs, but it does start to feel uncomfortable as they traverse further into the woods... eventually, he relents and tries walking on all fours. It's a bit awkward at first, but once reflexes take over... it's a different kind of weird. This shouldn't feel comfortable at all, but...

The rain starts to trickle and pour before he can dwell on it too much. The hat does it's job well, shielding part of his back along with his head and neck. Siffrin shivers, pulling up a bit closer to his other.]

You're sparkling. [hopefully this isn't a bad thing because he just thinks it's neat]

[Every once in a while, Siffrin checks behind themself, making sure they haven't lost Stardust somehow. They're surprised to see him down on all fours the next time they do; it makes sense in retrospect, since he's also cat-shaped, but they didn't realize he could choose! It does make him look even smaller, though. Siffrin can't say that's not part of the reason they slow down when they catch Stardust shivering... they never quite close the distance entirely so that they can huddle together, though.]

[Sparkling...? Oh!] It happens sometimes, when there's a lot of static in the air...

[They squash down the urge to lick their shoulder and try to smooth some of the static out - that would just be weirder!! Anyway... on second glance, Stardust doesn't seem to be especially put off by it? Or he's just being polite. Either way, it's probably for the best they're not actually huddling.]

[Siffrin is expecting this forest to be as deep as the one closer to the Bay, so when they shove through a particularly thick bunch of plants, they're not anticipating stumbling right out onto an open area. The rain is coming down in sheets at this point, and they backpedal to the trees automatically, trying to shake off. Their fur would be bristling, but they're too wet...]

[They poke their nose back through the brush and squint with their working eye, trying to make out what's up ahead as thunder rumbles overhead. Through the rain everything's just dark, rocky shapes, but -] There's a cave, I think. Maybe we can run to it?

[They don't sound very confident. Sure would be nice if they had depth perception, huh!! Either of them!]

[He's trying to keep the gap between them consistently huddle-free. It would be too weird, to get up in their personal space like that on their second meeting... but he doesn't expect them to suddenly backpedal the moment they breach the treeline. Siffrin makes a startled noise on collision, jumping back an extra foot like he's been shocked.

... well, he probably was, but it isn't nearly that bad. This is the socially awkward energy at work, mainly.

"Siffrin" is saying something—he gives his own fur an instinctual shake, which also doesn't do much, and tries to focus back on the conversation. A cave, huh...?]

Well, it's not like we can turn back now. We already made it this far. [That would be silly, if they came all the way only to turn back over some rain. They can probably make it! What's the worst that could happen!] I'll be right behind you!

[Siffrin also jumps when Stardust starts backward - oh great, they did shock him, didn't they? Good going, Siffrin!!]

[It's already too late to say anything, though, Stardust has moved on. Siffrin winces and bites their tongue, then opens their mouth again for a mostly unforced,] Y-yeah! Let's go, then!

[They don't wait any longer, darting out into the rain. It's immediately even harder to see than it was from the trees, and it's only Siffrin's general sense of direction that keeps them even close to on track. It kind of helps when lightning arcs down to some barren, blackened trees around them, lighting up the surroundings and showing that the two Pokemon are nearly to the cave... at least, it helps until one bolt strikes Siffrin directly. (Surprisingly, it's not the hat - it's their raised tail.)]

[Apparently they're negatively charged enough to be a lightning rod. Whoops!]

[The Shinx yelps and bounds forward several awkward leaps, more startled than hurt - and then there's the cave. They skid in with their paws pinwheeling, leaving wet streaks across the rocky floor.]

[It's a straight line to the cave, it can't be that far, he just has to suck it up and run through a bit of a mud and everything will be fine. It's hard to see where he's going once they're out in the open and under the rain, but he can see the tail in front of him and that's more than enough for this. All he needs to do is follow. It's not so hard, with the way their tail seems to spark and glow like a miniature star.

He only has a few seconds to think huh, was it always this sparkly? before a bolt of lightning crashes down on the Shinx in front of him. This also makes him jump, understandably, and if he almost shouts the wrong name by accident it's smothered by the boom of thunder. He slips and stumbles in the slick mud, but adrenaline carries him through the final sprint.

And now they're even, since it's this Siffrin's turn to accidentally bump into them. He backs up only enough to circle around, panic overriding politeness.]

Are you okay?! [but not enough to actually try and touch them, so instead he has to stand there with his paws up like he wants to check but realized too late that it would be Weird, so now he's just gesturing. The tail?? The... the rest of them?? Are they good??]

[Siffrin's fur is poofed out in all directions, having been practically flash-dried by the lightning, and they're almost jittering in place. But -]

I'm fine, I'm fine! [Which probably isn't all that convincing, with how much any and all versions of Siffrin like to use that phrase. Even if it really is true this time: it did sting, but Electric type resistances did a lot for them here. Their heart's still hammering, though!]

[They lift a paw to smooth down the fur on their face, which is sticking out in an... oddly familiar shape... but while the rest of them is only a few seconds' worth of wet, their feet remain coated in mud. Siffrin hesitates, then scrubs their face against their shoulder instead. It only kind of helps; they really will have to lick their fur smooth now, if they want it to settle down.]

[Stardust is still hovering, paws up like he doesn't entirely want to touch them. But there's a frightened expression on his face. It's startlingly intense, and if they didn't know better, Siffrin would think it was personal...]

[They can feel their gaze trying to slide away, but they give Stardust a smile.] I'm okay, really! It was just... a shock.

[He's wringing his paws, not entirely convinced that everything is fine. Isn't that what they'd say anyway? What if they got seriously hurt because he said this was a good idea? They're the one who said to be careful about the rain, and he just ignored that and then this happened.

Siffrin circles them one more time, just to be sure... they're wet, muddy, and shaken, but nothing worse seems to be happening yet. Just a "shock".

... he huffs a quiet laugh, finally breaking through the wall of anxiety. They're fine, they're fine, they're fine...]

Sorry. [It's not his fault, but he still can't help but feel like it is. Typical Siffrin behaviour.] I'm glad you're okay.

We should probably wait for it to pass, before we go back. There's grotto be something in here worth checking out.

[...heh. Heh heh. Siffrin's grin becomes slightly more natural.]

We wouldn't be becaveing like good explorers if we just turned back, right?

[They shake themself off one last time (it continues not to help) and sniff the air near Stardust, just in case. He seems okay too, though - mostly just very wet, despite the hat. Wet cat smell...]

[Well, it's not like they don't smell like wet cat and ozone right now.]

[The cave would be dark, aside from the flashes of lightning from outside, but Siffrin's glow from being charged up more than makes up for the lack of natural illumination. They breathe in and out to settle their heartbeat, then start inspecting the cave, poking into crevices.]

[With them ducking around rocks, it becomes a lot more noticeable that one of the crevices is flashing intermittently. The initial impression is probably just that it also leads to outside... but on closer inspection, it's definitely going deeper. Is there another Electric Pokemon in here?]

Den we're in agreement. [The puns are helping. He should focus on thinking of more of those instead of all the other things on his mind. Maybe something about rain next...

Or light, since Siffrin has become their sole source of it. He copies the breathing exercise on reflex, following a step behind them as before. They move in silence for awhile, taking in the surroundings with the caution of two trap experts. The flashing up ahead is hard not to notice.

Could be something dangerous... or maybe another Pokemon avoiding the storm? It'd be better if they could check before heading in, but sneaking would be difficult with a glowing Shinx.

... Unless!!]

Maybe I could scout ahead? [trying to keep his voice low, though it still feels like it's echoing way too loud in here. He pads to the front either way.] Just in case. Someone might live here, you know?

[Siffrin opens their mouth to say that it's a good idea, but it's okay, they can take care of it - and then realizes. Duh, Siffrin, you dummy, you're lighting up the entire cave right now! Of course it'll have to be Stardust.]

[They settle down to their haunches, tail flicking awkwardly. And Stardust has been moving at least as quietly as they have, despite being new to being a cat. Kind of feels like they're more of a liability than a help, right now...]

[They make sure their tone stays energetic, even if it's under their breath.] Sounds good! I'll, um, try to discharge myself a bit while you do that...

[They can always light themself up again, if they need to. But with a lightning bolt's worth of electricity, they probably should get rid of it while Stardust's not nearby to get zapped.]

[His ears perk straight up at their approval, hopelessly incapable of hiding his need to feel useful in this body. Helping...!!]

I'll be quick! [... but he can also guess how Siffrin might be feeling. This is their wheelhouse too, after all. He manages to reign his own energy in, looking back at them with a softer smile.] Just don't shed too much light, or I won't be able to find my way back here, hah.

[except... they should shed more light, because that's kind of what glowing is...? Aughh, it's fine!! He turns away quickly, slinking off towards the light at the other end of the tunnel. A quick in-and-out scouting mission, he'll be back in no time at all!]

[Siffrin blinks. Stardust seems so excited to be able to scout that it's kind of making them feel better? Their tail stills, the starred tip curving up.] I won't!

[And there Stardust goes. On the bright side (heh heh, there's another one, they should save that for when he's back), aside from getting rid of the excess electricity... this is their chance to quickly lick their fur back down without it being all awkward! (Not that they ever have been or will be perfectly groomed, despite Firepaw's best efforts to teach them. But it's also embarrassing to keep running around poofed up like a cotton ball!) They get to it, hurriedly.]

[For the other Siffrin in this little party, meanwhile... the pulses of light grow more and more bright, rapidly chipping away at any night vision someone might have left. The distance is longer than you'd think, but when the tunnel opens up it's to a giant room covered in crystals, all sparking with electricity. The surfaces are weirdly hexagonal and smooth, shiny enough to see your reflection in... but is there something weird about that reflection, maybe...?]

[Either way, looks like this is the source of the flashing! No Pokemon are to be found. ~~At least not here, watch out, there'll be Zubats galore on the way out or something~~ -]

[He's crouched low up until he reaches the wider room, staring up in awe at all the glowing crystals and sparks of light. With another quick glance around, it doesn't look like anyone else is here... this must be the source of the light, then. He stands up straight, cautiously stepping up to one of the crystals.

He thinks, for a moment, that he should head back now and tell Siffrin before doing anything else... but the reflection catches his eye first. The Shinx is standing right next to him. He jumps, holding back a startled yelp.]

Stars, I didn't even hear you! I guess you're still... stealthy...

[As he turns his head to them, his voice trails off. In the space next to him, right where Siffrin should be, is...

is nothing.

No one is there.

His head whips back around, and the Shinx is still there, face shrouded in the shadows of their hat, expression unreadable. The reflection moves and all the hairs on his body stick straight up.

In the next moment he's skidding across the stone, bolting back towards the way he came like his life depends on it. Nope nope nope noooot doing this not even taking a chance, cave's haunted he's not staying here alone—]

[Cave's haunted!]

[What with the pulsing of the crystals, their own zapping as they discharge excess electricity, and the distance, Siffrin doesn't quite hear Stardust's exclamation. Their ear twitches, and they look up, but then hesitantly decide they were imagining it.]

[That doesn't last long when Stardust comes running. Siffrin springs back to their feet, a line of fur along their spine bristling against the rest of their now-smoothed pelt.]

Are you okay?? Was there someone there??

[They're bracing their legs to run too, in case Stardust just dashes right past them.]

[He might've done just that, honestly, if Siffrin wasn't in the way. He skids to a stop just short of bumping into them this time, eyes wide and fur puffed out, and for a split second he considers bolting down a different path. Is this Siffrin?

... of course it is. He left them back here, didn't he?

And... and they spoke, unlike the other one. They're right here in front of him. He takes a few deep, slow breaths, willing himself to calm down.]

Th...there was something. [... but now that he's thinking about saying it out loud, it feels kind of stupid. It can't be a ghost. They're not dead? But he doesn't think he imagined that. He rubs his paws down his arms, trying to smooth down his fur.] I thought... it looked like you, but then you weren't there? So I, um. Ran back here.

[They totally weren't scared of a "ghost" that just Stood There.]

Edited (bu) 2025-09-30 05:59 (UTC)

It... looked like me...?

[ In the corner of your eye, you can sometimes see someone that looks just like you. ]

[Siffrin's long since gotten used to the Ghosts around, but something about this in particular still sends a shiver down their spine. That uneasy feeling in the pit of their stomach is back.]

[They lean a little to the side, checking behind Stardust, half expecting to see a spooky doppelganger slowly creeping up... but there's nothing.]

[...]

[They can't just leave, right? They haven't done enough exploring yet. But...]

...let's go back together? [They suggest, weakly.]

[He doesn't move, trying to smile in a reassuring way and failing. If he had the choice, he wouldn't go back there at all. He's faced enough malicious doppelgängers for a lifetime, thanks. He doesn't know what he'll do if that thing starts talking at him like that one did.

They're all bad news, except for Loop. Loop can stay. The rest... no.

On the other hand, it's still storming outside. And if they go back empty handed because he was scared, that's just going to make Siffrin think less of him. So, despite his obvious discomfort, he forces himself to turn back towards the tunnel.]

Yeah! If we're both there... we'll outnumber them! [If he says it with enough confidence maybe he'll actually believe it. He's not moving an inch until he sees Siffrin next to him, though.]

...yeah. Yeah! [Exactly that! They'll be fine!]

[Right?]

[Even though Siffrin's uneasy, Stardust seems to be even more unsettled by this than they are... was their doppelganger really that terrifying...?]

[Siffrin resolves to take the lead, though the fur along their back continues to spike. They stick close to Stardust, their footsteps slowing a little as they get close to the crystal room - then speeding up as they force themself to keep moving.]

[They nearly jump at the first Shinx they see as soon as they step through the doorway(!!) but that's just a reflection in a crystal. There's a lot of crystals and a lot of reflections, actually - they scan the room, ear folding back.]

[It doesn't even cross their mind that Stardust could have seen a reflection. He's a Meowth, after all!]

August Catch-All

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