bottlecaplogs | a general April catch-all;

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a general April catch-all;

Who: Emmet and you!
What: Fun with Illusion, a question, and W, for wildcard and/or Weird Wet Wdog. If he is not Doing something at all times he will get zoomies. Please provide your local Battle Facility Head with sufficient enrichment lest the zoomies win.
When: at some point during and throughout April (+ potentially early May depending)
Where: Up and down and all around!
Warnings: will be added as necessary, though I'm not foreseeing anything in particular; currently none?

a. zoroark, what zoroark. no zoroarks detected here

i.
[ Along the curving stretches of sand down by the southernmost portions of the coast, there might be some sort of loaf or large ball of mixed dark and cream fur dozing off and taking a nap in the cozy late afternoon sun. It might look pretty familiar, actually: if anyone's seen one before (which isn't hard, given that there's one in residence over at the Oran Berry guild quarters, and especially not so for the Oran Berry members, whose nighttime accommodations mean that they've almost certainly seen a sleeping one before), then they'll recognize the curled up loafball as the ferrety, badgerlike creature that is a Typhlosion. ... Hisuian flavor.

... It might not be the best idea for a fire type to be napping this close to the water, actually, especially if it seems like the tide might be coming in soon. Maybe you should give them a nudge and tell them to relocate? ]

ii.
[ The definitely-a-Typhlosion-trust seems to be enjoying a nice stroll through town, wandering through and between various stalls and storefronts in what seems to be good spirits, at home in the bustling crowd, and perking up even further whenever something, whether it be a tasty looking spicy treat or a particularly well-crafted and useful seeming good, catches his attention.

To whoever might also be wandering around, and just so happened to stop by whatever stall they're both in front of at the same time as him: ]

It's nice to see all the different things on display, right? How often do you think they hold those drives?

[ A sharp, attentive eye might note a few things if they watch for long enough or are looking specifically for it: he doesn't carry himself like someone unsure of or still adjusting to being newly quadrupedal, but his movements might seem somewhat stiff and a little awkward at times nonetheless. Do his paws always make full contact with the ground when he moves? Do his teeth look just a little too sharp when glimpsed through his smile?

And do the flame collars give off faint amounts of heat even when they're not ignited? That's why there's something like a very faint heat haze clinging around the nape of his neck, no? It's a nice and warm day out, though; maybe fire-types just run warmer than other types? ]

b. what kind of pokemon are you, how do you do the things you do—

[ Some fine day, you will probably (maybe) be minding your own business and enjoying a respite between missions if you're one of the more involved persons among them who apparently all can't stop Working or Doing, or ... maybe you're just vibing, because you're one of the few people here who apparently knows what a work-life balance is, and how to not overextend yourself into a pile of exhaustion and sore paws from trying to Help. Seriously, what is that. Or maybe you are in fact looking for something to do, restless without something to be actively working on. Regardless.

Some fine day, you might just run into him, or he might run into you, completely coincidentally, but whichever the case is, the white fox is going to greet you with a cheerful grin all the same. ]

Oh! Hello! Verrrry good timing. I wanted to ask you something!

[ Sweep. Dramatic gesture. Point. ]

You should tell me the moves you've learned here so far. The things you've figured out and the things you're still working on, yup.

[ wait which part of that is a question— ]

c. general wildcard option + bonus

[ Remix any of the above as you please, or, if not:

Given the nature of the Oran Berry guild headquarters, if you're an Oran Berry member it's not hard to just run into him randomly in some odd tunnel or room at the Spire. He spends enough time in the training rooms that it's a fairly safe bet to try there first if you're looking for him and don't want to do it via Grumpearl, but he can also be found out and about doing odd jobs around the city as well as just outside it, closer to the outskirts of town whether on the edges of the forest or up and down the coast. He's certainly in and out of the forest often enough for the various foraging quests that are a constant part of life in the settlement, so even if someone's not specifically questing with him it's still fairly possible for them to come across each other that way.

Feel free to have your character bump into or find him wherever you like, but if you have questions or want to plot anything specific out you can drop by any of my PMs, DMs, or my plurk over at ellipsesinaction! Timing is flexible for all of these, so truly they can more or less be happening Whenever (unexpected exploration results notwithstanding). This is also a blanket "if you want to have your character challenge/be challenged by him to a battle/spar then by all means go for it".

... Oddly enough, sometimes it's difficult to find him at all. Wonder where he goes. He might show back up dripping wet and completely soaked through, though, depending; surely he's not just out taking a swim? ]

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[Most people don't like him having fun. They say it's "creepy" and "requires us to call the hospital".

But the reasoning does take the sour expression off of Anasui's face and replaces it with mild curiosity. He nods.]

I can swap.

[And since Emmett is technically on the same 'team' as him, Anasui is going to do an Ally Switch. Suddenly, Anasui's standing where Emmett was and vice versa.]

I can swap pretty well.

[ Oh. Ally Switch. Yep. He knows that one pretty well, even if he doesn't necessarily run it on any of his team. Fun mindgames for doubles, but works better when you're in an opponent's head. The sudden swap in perspective is a little jarring but it's an interesting enough experience he just seems to brighten for having gone through it rather than let himself be disoriented. ]

So you can! That is not a move you see every day, even. Usually see it used more by Pokemon with more defensive ability or immunities.

[ Which isn't quite the same as which ones can learn it, but anyway. ]

But that seems like a verrrry useful move to have! How far can you make it work from?

[ Positioning well can be key in battles after all, and that definitely applies even now, far removed from the standardized league-approved formats used for normal competitive battling. ]

[Anasui wasn't expecting any particular reaction but he definitely wasn't expecting Emmett to smile. He tries to shrug as best as he can but without the arms he's used to the motion sort of just ruffles his wings.]

It's similar to a power I had at home. I can take a hit better than most people, so I'm guessing it may be similar here.

[But the question does make Anasui pause. How far can he make it work from? The bird tilts his head as he wracks his brain for the usage.]

I've used it successfully on targets at least 20 feet from me. But I haven't tried it further than that or with obstacles in the way...

[He's wanted to do some tests but he hasn't bothered finding allies who are willing to try it out with him.]

Hmm. Espathra as a species is not one known for being especially defensive, but honestly. [ Eyes Anasui a little appraisingly, head tilted in a very canine fashion, before nodding. ] Yep. You probably could still take a hit better than a lot of those here.

[ So many of them are unevolved species, and of some of the ones who don't have any evolving left to do, a not-insignificant number of them are of types that also, typically, are not known for their excess of vitality or durability.

Or, in other words: 95 base HP sure is a lot more than you can say most ghost or electric types have. ]

But even without having to take a hit for each other. Trading places like that opens up a lot of options for you and your partner both. Especially if you can get it to work through obstacles, or without line of sight.

[ Useful battle applications! General utility applications! Fun new combinations and possibilities always tend to excite him with the potential they might hold. ]

You were a human with powers, then? Or something else?

[ Since apparently all sorts are ending up here. Can't exactly default to assuming everyone was human before this. ]

Annoying but good to know. [Someone on the team has to take the hit and he's not going to leave it to someone who will get knocked out in one hit. Guess he'll just have to press his body to the limits then so he can take hits better than the average Espathra.

Translation: Anasui is going to invest in EV training when he figures out what that is.].

...I guess there are several utilities here. [He can really stretch the limit for the move if he uses it like how Emmet is suggesting.] I'll need to do testing then. See the limits.

[Anasui gives a small nod.] Yeah. Diver Down let me store force of an impact in any surface and release it when I see fit. When I put Diver Down inside someone's body, I can also transfer any damage from them to me. Alternatively, I can have Diver Down manipulating the internal structure of someone or something.

...What about you? You're familiar with Pokemon but don't sound like a native one - I'm assuming you were a human too.

I am Emmet. I was, yep. No powers though. Not a psychic or a medium or anything like that. Just me.

[ Diver Down, though. Huh. Something like Akechi's Personas? But not just cognitive, whatever that means. ]

So you were capable of something like Pain Split, Bide, and ... hmm. That just sounds like some general applications of psychic power. Is Diver Down just what you called the power, or was it like a partner you could call?

... I'm Anasui.

[This guy was knowledgable which makes him more powerful than anyone else Anasui's met so far. He may actually learn something here.]

Seems like there's more overlap between Pokemon and Stands than I thought. Especially if you can translate that to moves so easily. ...Diver Down is sort of both. it's my power - the manifestation of my soul as another entity. Any damage it takes I take. I've had it since I was born - which is apparently rare.

[It's strange... being without it...]

Though... that's worrying if general applications of psychic power involves rearranging bones and organs. [Hey what the f-]

[ An ear flicks at that last comment, but otherwise ... his demeanour remains pretty unfazed-seeming? His tone certainly doesn't shift at all, as cheerfully flat as ever. ]

Someone else here has mentioned a similar concept. Didn't call them Stands though. There was something else about them being mental but I did not receive a complete explanation. [ He paces a little, back and forth, left and right, working off excess energy before eventually settling back into a standing position in front of Anasui once more, cocking his head again as his fur billows. ] The moves I mentioned. They are not perfect one to one analogues probably but the general idea is there. And psychic is... well.

[ Not the move, but the general abilities ... One paw raises, held up and out to the side before wobbling in that universal kindasortamaybe gesture. ]

Psychic is more what you do with it. Flexible, not as strictly defined always. There is an evolutionary line that can temporarily twist dimensions enough to create miniature black holes. There are human psychics who have to restrain their power to keep it from becoming destructive. Or at least direct it somewhere appropriate.

So you will too, right?

[Excellent. Someone sensible that isn't going to freak out at every little thing he says. Anasui stares back at Emmet unblinkingly, his head watching the Zoroark stalk back and forth, not unlike how a cassowary eyes a dingo trying to prey on it.]

I'll have to look into it then. [Anasui says simply, watching the ghost Pokemon come to rest.] Both the concept and the moves. It'll be good to know what I'm capable of.

[The bird keeps eye contact with Emmet before he clicks his beak.] Obliviously. I've never hurt anyone that didn't deserve it and I don't intend on starting now.

Okay! If that's the case. Then everything will be just fine.

[ His job was both public facing and involved regularly handling both battle maniacs (who can sometimes be just a little off kilter, himself included) and Commuters During Rush Hour. Somewhat (okay, fairly) morbid comments are hardly the worst he's ever fielded. Cause for concern, maybe, if it's something that persists, but Emmet's smile doesn't falter.

Anyway, he's already introduced himself, sort of, but ... ]

I am Emmet. I am a Subway Boss. That is a title that does not mean anything here. But it does mean I am familiar with Pokemon battles.

Once you've looked into things some. Or sooner if you like. Come find me if you want to try to find out what you're capable of in a fight. Yep!

Subways? Like trains? [Interesting. Anasui's never been compelled to dismantle a train before but he's still interested all the same. And how a subway relates to Pokemon at all.]

So you're already experienced with your moves? ... Any advice for trying to unlock mine? I'm fine to practice fighting but it'd be more like a scrap than any conventional battle, I'd imagine...

Like trains, yep. Being a Subway Master is one thing during battles or if a crowd is getting unruly but otherwise I am a conductor.

[ just a perfectly normal conductor from not-new york city, as you do. ]

And as far as moves go ... to a certain degree! I am unfamiliar with my subspecies specifically because it is either very endangered or extinct in my time, or both uncommon and living remotely enough that no one's seen it. There is a different variant I am basing some of my estimations of what I should be able to do off of, but it is a lot of trial and error even with someone else reliably informing me what this shape should be capable of.

My advice? Get into a spar and lean into what your instincts say. If you have no idea what to do then do what feels like it comes naturally. And then you can experiment with and develop things from there. A lot of moves can be like that. Iterations on previous things I mean, things getting stronger with experience.

[Anasui nods as if that makes sense. Then he moves on, figuring there's not much else he can say on the matter.

The man quietly digests the information and then nods. The long sentences take a moment for Anasui to process but he gets the idea. Emmet is still learning about himself - even if he is more informed.]

... Then you're volunteering? You approached me and wanted to know about my moves. If that's your advice, then I assume that means you want to battle. I'm ready to go.

I am willing. Admittedly! If there was any likely overlap between us, and you were more used to your current cab already. I would have asked how it feels to use certain kinds of moves.

But you are relatively new and adjusting still I bet. [ Even they, the ones from the first set of arrivals still are, so... ] I am Emmet. You will find that I am always up for a battle. Might as well give you the chance to warm up your engine, stretch your muscles, so to speak! Even if you've already done battling here, more experience never hurt.

[ His weight settles backwards a little, rebalancing to let him stand a little taller as he glances around and mentally marks out a couple points in their surroundings. There should be enough space for them here. Emmet's built for speed and Anasui looks to be too (though he wonders a little about short burst agility and tighter, sharper, close-quarters maneuverability, as opposed to mostly-straight distance runs). They want enough room to be comfortable leaning into that advantage, but maybe just restricted enough so that they can't only rely on it... ]

A few precautions and ground rules to start. Formal battles where I come from normally go until one party can no longer continue. Either by knockout or surrender, but in this case it will simply be until one of us taps out or wants to stop. Which we will do immediately whenever one of us wants it! I do not think we have to worry about any too potentially destructive moves like Earthquake or Eruption but all the same. Low power, pull your attacks as appropriate. We are prrrretty resilient but actual intent to harm is prohibited. Field boundaries will be from the end of that street over there to the edge of the grass over there, covering the area in between that's paved over with cobblestone. But, if we have to relocate we can.

Any questions?

[Current cab? Oh! Train lingo. He gets that. And he's following the logic too. Finally, someone who spoke sense.]

More experience never hurt. [Anasui echoes Emmet as he straightens up. Anasui casts an idle glance around them, taking into account the terrain of the battlefield like it was second nature. Here was fine for fighting - worst case scenario, they would practice here and then choose somewhere else to practice a different day.

Admittedly, Anasui looks... surprised when Emmet mentions rules. He knew this was training but still... Fighting was usually no punches held, life and death locked against one another and sharing a single breath. Anasui knew how to hold back, of course, but the formality of it all is... interesting.

Not that he vocalises it. Anasui just gives a solemn nod.]

I can do that. No questions.

... All the same, I'm not going to go too easy on you. Especially if you have more experience than me.

I wouldn't expect you to! After all, if a battle is not serious, it is not fun.

[ He's not going to insult Anasui by going easy on him either? He's pretty practiced at matching the level of his opponents. They want to explore their capabilities and limits, not have the battle end too quickly. That's no fun either. ]

No serious injury. To either of us. Those are the rules. Otherwise you can go as hard as you want. I will call it if one of us seems a little too determined to push past safe limits... But I do not think that should be an issue. [ Emmet says, pacing over to an spot a decent distance away from the Espathra to start, double checking his distance from the boundaries he'd set earlier momentarily before nodding.

You know what, this isn't all that formal a match anyway. He can abbreviate his usual scripts even as he draws himself up into a point-and-call. ]

Okay. Check safety. Everything's ready. Aim for victory. All aboard!

[ If he'd wanted to get a cheap shot in, he'd probably just let Snarl tinge that final declaration, but again: that would not be fun. So instead, he'll start by crouching low and bracing himself against the cobblestone, ready to move— but for now letting his claws play against the stone in Hone Claws. ]

[Anasui nods again. It's good that Emmet is keeping an eye on them both - Anasui's limit for what 'safe' was whatever let him fight another day. Safe just meant not dying. And Anasui has no intention of that.

The man stretches slowly and then tenses, waiting for the countdown. And, while by no means a conventional, Emmet gives his one. As soon as Emmet starts clawing at the stones, Anasui stamps the ground and unleashes a bright, peculiar light: Lumina Crash.

But that's not all. Even as the light is leaving his body, Anasui is going to dash towards the Zoroark, using the light of the attack to mask his movements.

...Maybe a Snarl wouldn't have been the worst idea.]

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a general April catch-all;

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