bottlecaplogs | August Catch-All

[The breeze has been blowing from the direction that Mightyena picked for them, carrying a wet, cool smell. For once Siffrin has had a modicum of foresight: they're trotting toward the meeting spot at the edge of the Outpost with an extra hat in their mouth.]

[It's not just foresight, admittedly! They... keep getting the feeling that they've upset Stardust, somehow. He's been nothing but friendly, if a little jumpy, but if they pay attention to the the way he smiles at Siffrin it still looks - strained, they guess? It's definitely their fault: Stardust was clearly let down by not finding any of their friends on the beach, and Siffrin shouldn't have even brought it up!! Or maybe it's the fact that they keep getting an uneasy feeling around him, even though he's done literally nothing wrong, and it's showing on their face. Or maybe it's something else they haven't even realized!]

[But! Whatever it is they messed up! They're going to put in an effort to make up for it by being extra helpful. They really don't want this to turn into another awkward Flowey situation.]

[They give Stardust a greeting when they see him, muffled through the fabric, then drop the new headgear in front of the Meowth's feet.]

It smells like it's going to storm. So I thought you might want this...? [Siffrin nudges it forward with one paw. They weren't going to use it anyway, not now that they've got their hat from Shoka.]

[And there's a reason besides just plain old comfort:] The rain gets weird, here, sometimes, so we should try not to get too wet.

[Around them are a wide array of picnic benches, cots, and tables, all in various stages of construction. (Or "construction", in a few cases.) There's even more entirely disconnected boards lying around on the grass, and they keep losing and then re-discovering nails.]

[Are the two of them using Shoka's tail as a hammer? Maybe.]

[Miraculously, both have refrained from making a "nailing it" pun... so far. It's only a matter of time.]

[But for now, Siffrin drags over the next giant board, sliding it over the grass. This one's particularly oddly shaped - when they drop it next to Shoka, they take a moment to inspect it.]

So... bunk bed, drying rack, or torture device?

[Today at the Outpost-in-progress, Siffrin and Archnemon have been assigned to a giant wagon.]

[...fortunately, they aren't expected to pull it. Instead they're supposed to perch atop it and hand out tools as requested!]

[Rhydon happens to be the first "customer" of their shift, lumbering up placidly and asking for something to sharpen his drill-horn on. It does, indeed, look rather worn down - the end is dull enough to almost be round.]

[Oh!] I saw a file earlier, in the back!

[When Rhydon nods, Siffrin bounces off to dig around in a pile of miscellaneous objects. The last shift left the wagon pretty disorganized.]

[In the meantime, Rhydon peers at Siffrin's giant hat, and then at Archnemon. He comments companionably:] So, are the pointed hats a new Cheri Berry uniform?

Edited (typo...) 2025-08-06 16:47 (UTC)

[Siffrin didn't intend to reach the front desk at the same time as anyone else, but here they are! And here Reuben is, on the side with their bad eye! They very nearly bump into him before they notice - then they jump back on reflex, giving Reuben his personal space. Or maybe reclaiming their own.]

[Either way, the mild commotion attracts the attention of the Pokemon that's in charge of store room unlocking duty today. Pidgeot swivels her head, inspecting them both.]

[She definitely seems to recognize Reuben, but he's also the newbie. So it's Siffrin she ends up giving a very severe look.] If you're here to have him make you a sandwich too, you should know we're almost out of bread.

[Siffrin swivels their ear back, baffled.] Um??

[ As much as Archnemon preferred to be the one giving orders, this task that they had been assigned at least seemed as though it should be more... simple? Reasonable? Or perhaps she was being underestimated. She couldn't quite tell yet, but having an opportunity to go out and do some work seemed far more preferable than being hovered over.

It's not a bad set up. Maybe if they had enough time to reorganize... but that didn't seem likely with the murmur already going around that more supplies had arrived, and having a first "customer" already. Great.

She watches her assigned partner -- what was their name again? Ah right, neither of them had bothered that part -- bounce down to start searching, before turning her attention back to the Rhydon in front of them. Why did this already feel so draining...? ]

-What?

[ Oh. Right. She was still getting accustomed to this new form... remarks should be expected. "Tolerated" was something else entirely. Hopefully they would find that file soon... ]

No, we're simply fashionable members... why, are you looking to change up your style?

[Rhydon rumbles out a laugh.] If you have suggestions, I'm listening.

[It's hard to tell how serious he's being... it's not exactly easy to be fashionable in a construction zone.]

[But either way, here comes Siffrin, trotting back with the file in their mouth. If they heard the hat comment, they aren't responding; they deposit the abrasive rod with a smile and nudge it over to Rhydon with one paw.] Here you are!

[Rhydon moves over to make room for the next Pokemon. He's already whirling his drill horn, grinding it against the rod - the noise it makes isn't exactly pleasant, but it also doesn't stand out against all the other sounds of sawing and hammering and building.]

[What might be more grating to an emotion-sensing Psychic Pokemon is the air of general malaise hovering around the wagon. There's a lot in there - anxiety? guilt? anger? grief? - but the prevailing note is that someone here really doesn't like themself. Whoever it is isn't showing it outwardly, though... the people in line all seem cheerful enough. It's too early in the day (and too soon after breakfast) for anyone to even be frustrated yet!]

[Speaking of the line... who's next?]

Hmm...

[Shoka takes a few moments to study the board, eyeing it, then the other, smaller pieces lined up before her.

She has absolutely no idea. What the hell is that shape even for? No way is it going to connect to any of these other pieces... (Then again, she has been surprised many times already throughout their construction journey. Furniture is truly mysterious.)]

How about all the above? Dry out your clothes while you're tormenting your hapless victim, then turn in for the night right there after your long, productive day of torturing. Now that's efficient design.

Well - it seems now's not the time! Good day.

[ A bucket or straw hat had come to mind, but she wasn't too certain what was even available here yet. Saved by ???, thankfully. And the loud noises brought upon by the drill. Sounds of construction zones are never pleasant, but she's not sure how to weigh that against the other, more invasive malaise.

Loud outside noises would seem far easier to tune out than that. The mire brought to mind for her the thoughts of someone not in that world, which was an odd thing to realize, but maybe that just was the invasiveness of feelings... nothing here seemed like it was too amiss though? Maybe it was something leftover from those grumpearls, they were already proving more bothersome than most... ugh, why was she even wasting time thinking about it right now?

Thankfully, that next Pokémon in line hops up. It's a Pancham! He just wants... something to chew on? He seems so excitable. What was he saying...? Ah, he's looking for a bag of small wooden posts or nails. ]

Right, right - we should have a few of those...

[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!

That must be it. I've often thought, "Ah, I need to do my laundry, but I'm too busy interrogating someone... if only I could sq-wash their spirit and my clothes at the same time!"

[Hm. Actually, maybe it is a bunk bed? Siffrin tilts their head from side to side, letting their working eye stare at it from more angles.]

[...nope! They still have no idea. But there are some notches marked around the edges that at least seem like a logical starting point. They start pawing through the other pieces, looking for something that looks like it might fit even slightly.]

[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.]

Something to chew on...? [Does that count as something that's needed for construction?]

[...]

[It's probably fine...?]

[But:] I don't remember seeing any. They might be buried...

[That or it's just their terrible memory, as usual. Could be either one! Siffrin circles the bed of the wagon, nudging boxes around as they look.]

Need help there?

[ Pancham is practically bouncing on the soles of his feet trying to peek up around the wagon, and when he notices Siffrin poking around, he starts to move around toward the side of the wagon. Archnemon has to hop down to try and stop him from going around the back and getting into Siffrin's way. ]

No, no, we've got it... stop - bouncing. Are you sure you're describing it correctly?

[ The Pancham nods eagerly, not seeming too dissuaded by the words at first, but does back up just a little. ]

Timburr said we need them for the next item we're building... they're just little posts, he said.

I'm fine!! Let me just -

[Okay, there, Archnemon wards him off. Siffrin gives her a grateful look and keeps digging. They were starting to feel crowded. (Some of that general malaise spikes up, then settles back down.)]

[This bag definitely has wooden things in it. They yank it out and drag it to the front, tugging on the rope wrapped around the mouth until it loosens enough to look in.]

Does this look right?

[ More of that feeling... was it that fog from before rolling in again? No, this area was clear. Ugh. She starts to move back to her position once Siffrin brings the bag into view. ]

Hey, thanks!

[ Chimes the Pancham, eagerly trying to scoot around to help once Siffrin has the bag in play, already reaching for the rope to peek inside. He's not too much bigger than them, but he seems stronger, swinging the bag with a little more force. ]

Hey, settle down -

Sorry! Gotta get back. Thanks for the help!

[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!]

I'm always saying that. Now it really can be part of the pun-ishment!

[Also noticing the notches at the same time Siffrin does, she reaches for one of the smaller pieces—a flat plank about as long as she is tall—and slots its end into one notch. It slides into place easily, almost as if belongs there... But it doesn't connect to anything else, and she still has no idea what kind of shape they're aiming for. For all she knows, this might be another Fucked Up Chair™ incident! With a theatrical sigh, she lets her arms flop uselessly onto the ground.]

Ugh. Seriously though, you'd think this would get easier... Sorry I suck at this.

[Somehow, she feels like she knows less about furniture assembly than she did when they first started, even though her amount of starting knowledge and experience was none. Still, she's apparently been having a good time, judging by how much she's been laughing.]

[Sheesh. Okay.]

[Siffrin relinquishes the sack... not that they have much choice! They hop back into the wagon, one ear flicking. As it turns out, they're just in time for the Rhydon to come by around the back to return that abrasive rod - Siffrin trots over to grab it. They pause, trying to decide where to put it away. Same place as before, even if it's not the most logical spot? There's no way they'll remember a second location. Or should they just keep it with them, in case someone else needs it soon...?]

[The next one to the front of the line, meanwhile, is Dodrio. Two of their heads start speaking to Archnemon at once, making what they're saying illegible; the third pecks the other two heads furiously.] Shut up!

Yeah, how dare you not be a master carpenter on top of sewing and fighting. If only you wood take it seriously instead of slacking!

[It's not like Siffrin's been doing any better... honestly, it's probably a miracle they have ended up with so many successfully put-together pieces. Or a sign of thoughtful work on the furniture designer's part, despite all evidence to the contrary!]

[They hold up a few smaller boards to the notches, but nothing seems to go in as well as the one Shoka found.]

Maybe it slots into one of the other ones we have halfway done...?

[Now that it's got an angle to it that can snap, they have to drag it more gingerly, but they pull it over to some of their other Mysterious Objects. The first few they lean it against don't look right, but this fourth one...]

[They let go with their mouth and shove with their paws, trying to get it to slide in. Under their breath, unconsciously, they mutter:] Please fit together, please fit together, please fit together...

[...aha! It totally fits!]

Edited (actually you know what. this totally works. It's Time) 2025-08-18 02:38 (UTC)

[Again, she laughs.] What can I say? I just can't get on board with it...

[Speaking of boards—she straightens as Siffrin starts moving the pieces, keeping her arms out just in case they need someone to spot them. While she's hovering close, she hears them saying something quietly to themself: one request, three times, like a mantra.

Without thinking, she says the same thing she said to the last person who did that very thing in her presence:]

I don't think the pieces can hear you, buddy—

[An uncanny feeling of déjà vu, then. Taken aback, she trails off prematurely—but before she can dwell on it long, there's a satisfying click as the pieces slide into place.]

Oh. Huh! [Maybe they were listening after all!]

[Oh. Shoka overheard them. How embarrassing! They always forget they do that - actually, they're not sure they even remember the first time someone pointed it out to them? Then again, it's not like they've had much reason to be making things recently, until right now...]

I wasn't talking to them, really, it just... helps me concentrate? Stuff turns out better...

[Anyway, it worked, it fits! Some notches still aren't filled in, but their Object has a more definite shape now. It's tall! It's got shelves! It's... what is it.]

[That feeling of déjà vu only seems to be getting stronger.]

Huh. Well, I—guess it's working.

[She's trying—convincingly enough, thanks to her lack of a changeable expression—not to look completely weirded out, even as her mind starts connecting dots against her will. The one she heard use a similar mantra was that other feline Pokémon who washed up on the beach with the others—the one that was blind on the same side as Siffrin.

It might be nothing; she'd managed to convince herself then that it was just a wild coincidence. And if it's something, she's not sure she wants to know what it is. Something about it makes her shadows crawl a little.

Still, it's distracting enough that she can't even comment on their latest creation. Instead, she can't resist asking,] So is that a common thing where you're from, or... Just a you thing?

[Huh? It sounds like... Shoka thinks something about this is important...?]

...maybe I learned it from someone? I don't remember. [Just their usual terrible memory, nothing more complicated than that. They. They don't want to get into the rest. It's not like they remember anything to say about it, anyway!]

[Still, that does kind of imply that it's not common, to the point that they can't recall anyone else doing it!]

[Except... that's not right, isn't it? Stardust, on the beach, was muttering like that too. It kind of weirded Siffrin out, and then they weren't thinking about it, and - and their mind's dancing around it now just as much. For some reason they're desperate to focus on the awful furniture rather than this.]

[But now they feel bad. They promised Shoka they'd talk to her about things, and now they've avoided talking about two things in a handful of seconds. This shouldn't even be a big deal! So they have a slightly embarrassing habit and someone else shares it, so what??]

So I don't know about where I'm from... but I did catch another Pokemon around here doing it, haha! So I'm not the only weirdo around here! [They're trying to play it off as just a funny anecdote, what a silly coincidence, and they are smiling and half-laughing, but it feels a little forced?]

[Out of nowhere, for no reason, they're convinced that the air should smell like burnt sugar. When they sniff, though, it still just smells like lumber.]

[Something isn't right...]

[Shoka isn't buying that smile, but she does snort, hoping to lighten the mood (and also make them both a little less uneasy).]

That's for sure. If there's one thing the Bay's got, it's plenty of weirdos.

[Herself included, of course.]

But... I did, too, actually. Catch someone else doing the same thing, I mean. Which is sort of why I'm asking... [There's a hesitant pause before she asks,] Which Pokémon was it?

August Catch-All

Exploration: Yellow (Siffrinsquest)

Home On Arrange (Shoka)

Home On Arrange (Archnemon)

Cheri Berry Front Desk (Reuben)

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me looking up the other sif's thread with a :]c face

>:3c

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