⇨ ALOLA

[ringleaders]

Who: EVERYONE.
When: Day 73 - Day 87
Where: The islands of Alola.
What: The Carnival arrives at its next touring location, a series of tropical islands inhabited by a species of animal called Pokemon and their trainers!
Warnings: Pokemon is pretty PG-rated.

IT'S A POKEMON WORLD↴ Alola is broken up into four different islands, with a number of unique points of interest. Boats can easily be rented in order to get between the islands, or you can just pay for the fair of a scheduled trip. If you can prove you have the skills for it, you can also call on a "Ride Pokemon" - that is, either a Charizard or a Lapras that will fly or swim you between locations. ► POPULATION: Though the islands appear very small as an abstraction in the actual games, that doesn't hold over into the actual reality of it. When interacting with the different locations, imagine that they are about as big and spread out as they would be in real life. It's about on the same scale as Hawaii is on earth. Ignore any wikis that say the population of each island is like 200 people, because that's just adding up all the scripted NPCs, and there are realistically more than six houses per town. ► AMENITIES: Even if they aren't overtly listed on island maps, it can be assumed that all towns and cities will have basic amenities - that is, places to eat, place to go to the washroom, places to buy souvenirs, and the other things one would expect in a tourist heavy area. You can also buy malasadas pretty much anywhere. ► POKECENTERS: You'll be able to find a Pokecenter in pretty much every town - a Pokecenter is a public building in which Pokemon Trainers can rest and get their Pokemon healed. Think of it like free international Pokemon healthcare. You can also buy Pokeballs here, as well as potions and other healing items for later use. ► AETHER FOUNDATION: A peace keeping organization that shelters Pokemon from harm and abuse. If you kill/maim any Pokemon or otherwise act violently in public, they will come to try to take you down with their Pokemon. They also are the main force working against Team Skull. MELEMELE ISLAND↴ [MELEMELE DETAIL MAP] [GUARDIAN DEITY TAPU KOKO] [WIKI LINK] ► TRAINER SCHOOL: A full fledged for young, aspiring Pokemon Trainers! Students go here to learn about Pokemon care and battling before setting out on their own journeys. It would be sort of weird for an adult to show up here, like it would for an adult to try to attend an elementary school, but you can probably learn some of the basics just from touring the facility. ► HAU'OLI SHOPPING DISTRICT: The biggest shopping district on Melemele, you can do a lot here, from eating out to getting your hair dyed. A lot of shops are, unsurprisingly, completely Pokemon focused - but there are some that aren't, too. There are also some very nice beach fronts nearby. ► BERRY FIELDS: Berries come in a lot of different types and have different effects when used. Mostly, Pokemon love to eat them, regardless of what type they are. This is a big field of them, most of which are free to take if you catch them when ripe. ► TEN CARAT HILL: The secluded interior of a small mountain, filled with some rare types of rock Pokemon. You have to be able to bypass the left overs of some recent rockslides to get in. ► TRIAL SITE: There is only one trial on this islands, which is the Normal type trial. All you have to do is fight a bunch of Pokemon ferrets, and then fight an even bigger Pokemon ferret that thirsts for your blood. It's not so bad. AKALA ISLAND↴ [AKALA DETAIL MAP] [GUARDIAN DEITY TAPU LELE] [WIKI LINK] ► TIDE SONG HOTEL: A big ass hotel near the port - if you want to stay on Alola overnight, this is a pretty good place to go. It isn't too expensive, and is also rather nice. ► DIMENSIONAL RESEARCH LAB: Alola, on occasion, has been the site of various dimensional breaks (haha) in which extraplanar creatures called Ultra Beasts have crossed over. There isn't much information about these beasts, but they are something that are being actively studied. Characters who are nerds might find some of this information interesting. ► HANO GRAND RESORT: The inevitably big, fancy resort that tends to take route in touristy places like this. If you actually pay to spend some time there, you can enjoy all the things you'd expect to find in a fancy resort, except with way more Pokemon. There is also a fancy, secluded beach for resort goers only. ► BATTLE ROYALE DOME: A battle area in which 4 trainers fight each other all at once, with teams of there Pokemon. The trainers here are mostly quite expert, and you need a team of three Pokemon to play, so player characters probably won't be able to participate. However, you can still come to watch, if you like seeing a bunch of colourful monsters slapping each other around. ► PANIOLA RANCH: A large ranch that keeps a lot of Pokemon that resemble earth farm animals. You can leave Pokemon here to stay for a while if you need a break from the strains of trainer life. Quite often, however, your Pokemon will end up getting knocked up and leave you with another egg to care for. ► TRIAL SITES: Brooklet Hill is a lake filled area that contains the Water Trial. You have to fight a bunch of schooling Wishiwashi, and then an even bigger schooling Wishiwashi to win. Wela Volcano Park contains the Fire Trial, where you must climb to the top of the dormant volcano, and spot the difference between a series of ceremonial island dances. Then you gotta fight a team of Marrowaks and a giant Salazzle. The Lush Jungle contains the Grass challenge, in which you have to find a series of rare organic ingredients in order to brew something that will lure out a giant Lurantis. ULA'ULA ISLAND↴ [ULA'ULA DETAIL MAP] [GUARDIAN DEITY TAPU BULU] [WIKI LINK] ► MALIE GARDEN: A nice big garden to hang out in and chill. Also, there are Pokemon there... and also, Pokemon battles? There's really no end to it. ► MOUNT HOKULANI OBSERVATORY: Up at the top of the local mountain, you can go see a space observatory. Like most things in Alola, it's like a regular observatory, except with more Pokemon, since some Pokemon just straight up come from space. You can take a bus up here, but you can also hike if you want. ► HAINA DESERT: A shitty desert in the middle of the island. Mostly only good for if you want the kinds of Pokemon that live in shitty deserts. ► ABANDONED THRIFTY MEGAMART: A Megamart, but haunted. Extremely haunted, filled with the kind of ghost Pokemon that would actually kill you. You have to take a bunch of pictures of ghosts on your way through here if you want to beat the Ghost Trial. ► PO TOWN: The ramshackle remains of the town that Team Skull have taken over. It's completely walled off from the rest of the world, and is pretty terrible. No point in going in there unless you're fighting crime, in which case you can expect to get challenged to Pokemon battles by a lot of Team Skull knuckleheads. ► LAKE OF THE MOON: A huge, round temple thing in the middle of nowhere. It's used to praise a legendary Pokemon that existed years ago, but there presently doesn't seem to be anything around except cool architecture. ► TRIAL SITES: The Observatory contains the Electric Challenge, during which you have to fend off various kinds of electric grubs, before eventually taking on a giant Vikavolt. The Abandoned Megamart must first be cleared before challenging the Ghost Trial officially, at which point you will have to defeat a powerful Mimikyu. PONI ISLAND↴ [PONI DETAIL MAP] [GUARDIAN DEITY TAPU FINI] [WIKI LINK] ► SEAFOLK VILLAGE: A village made of nothing but houseboats and other water fairing homes. It's the only major town on Poni Island. ► ANCIENT RUINS: Most of Poni Island has been reduced to ruins, over time. Not many people live here, relative to the other islands, but there are a lot of abandoned buildings from when they apparently used to. ► VAST PONI CANYONS: Most of the island is comprised of canyons, caves, and valleys filled with particularly strong Pokemon, and also a lot of fight-hungry Pokemon trainers. Most of them will want to fight you as soon as they see you, since they are there mostly to train, but they will back down if you tell them you're not a trainer. Though, at that point they will strongly urge you to go home, because it's too danger for anything other than the strongest trainers. ► ALTAR OF THE SUN: A matching altar to the one found on Ula'ula, except this time dedicated to a legendary Pokemon of the sun. If you play some magic flutes here at the right time then apparently a giant lion might show up, but there's no way to be sure. ► TRIAL SITES: The only Trial here is the Grand Trial, which is a fight against the leader's ground type Pokemon. You may also get lucky and have the Fairy Trial's kahuna deign to fight you, with her fairy types, if she randomly wanders into your path. Both of them are very strong, and are not advised to challenge for new trainers.

Comments

Greg Universe | open

[fragileandsoft]

A. Melemele (Day 73-74)

The weather is warm and pleasant, the view of the sea is lovely from this high up, the smell of fresh ripe berries and blooming tropical flowers fills the air. All this comes in stark contrast to the Yungoos's claws prodding a little too eagerly at Greg's shins.

"Ow, owow, hey, you already got some, don't get greedy, all right? Woaaah, gimme some space, bud." He waves off a Cutiefly trying to sneak its way closer by perching on his shoulder, while an impatient Chikorita rears on its back legs to try nipping at the bottom of the bag in Greg's hands. "Come on, guys, wait your turn, there's plenty if you just--no!"

Greg hadn't planned on gaining this little entourage of Pokemon around him--he hadn't even bought any Pokeballs in town. All he'd wanted was to enjoy the nice view and chow down on all these malasadas he'd splurged on, and what's the harm in sharing a bit with curious Pokemon who came close? (The harm is he's going to get bowled over at this rate if someone doesn't come and help, is what.)

B. Akala (Day 76)

He stares over the list he's been handed. "Mushrooms, berries, seeds... we're just... foraging?" He'd heard these trials were supposed to be pretty tough, but this didn't sound so bad at all. Sure, the thick jungle foliage has turned the day to darkness, and already the humidity has soaked through his clothes, but being around all this plantlife makes Greg feel... nice. Energized. Hidden under his glamour, the flowers growing in his hair are blooming in the perfect environment.

Greg's nostrils flare, and the smells of the Lush Jungle feel sharper. "Yeah... yeah. We can do this. It'll be fun."

C. Carnival Grounds (closed)

Greg really hadn't planned on making a habit out of it--warning people away from carnival activities. It started with only purest intentions, truly. He catches a frustrated kid in a skull outfit on the verge of making a little property damage, he cuts in and points them to the hammer game to blow off steam. A giggling couple would ask which way to the dunk tank, and he'd point them instead towards games a little less rigged.

Before long, Greg realizes he's overemphasizing the importance of ticket management to any patron he speaks with. He points out which games they can afford, and reminds them to always double-check the cost. He's not sure when that habit started, but he sure knows the source. It's only right, isn't it? Things have progressed past him getting bitter over his employment. People have gotten hurt, nearly killed. Warning people away from working here is the least he can do. Heck, better to avoid bringing up the carnival at all to anyone he meets out on the islands.

After that, Greg gets a little more active in his helpfulness. He keeps an eye out for anyone who looks unsure where to go next, and starts the conversation himself. He starts keeping an extra roll of tickets on him to let people do quick exchanges when running low. Before the performance week is through, he's started butting in on any conversation veering towards payment or I.O.U.s, commenting a little too loudly on the killer interest rates around here. The pointed stares from interrupted workers is blithely and pleasantly ignored. Don't mind him. He's just fixing the lights.

C is for Carnival Grounds

[lordofthering]

Maybe it won't be a surprise, then, when he gets a call from the Ringmaster on his radio towards the end of the performance week, asking for him to meet her in her office. The words are somewhat terse, and not very lenient in terms of schedule. This is something that isn't optional.

When he comes, she'll be waiting at the desk in her tent. She remembers that the last time he came in here, it was because he wanted to be friendly towards her. Apparently he didn't mean it after all!

Though only time will tell.

"Sit," she'll say once he enters, and leave it at that for now. She wonders if he knows why he's here.

B!

[starseedling]

Steven is looking similarly perky as they pass through the trees, his dad looking over the list of what he needs. His mossy fur feels all the more vibrant and plush with the humidity of the jungle, and an extra rose or two is already starting to bloom in his hair. There is some tension in the air of the forest, but the flora feels well nourished, at the very least.

He follows after Greg, looking around in amazement. He doesn't have any Pokemon to his name at this point, so he's just going through to stick with his dad. The refs didn't seem to have too much of a problem with that, anyway.

"Yeah!" Steven agrees. He knows he's gotta leave this to Greg mostly, but that doesn't mean he can't be supportive. "You guys can hunt, and I'll keep a look out!"

A

[amusicaladventure]

"Wow, you are just Disney-princessing it up here." Ash gave the Chikorita a gentle shove as she strolled on up, like one would a big dog who was way too eager. "You sure you aren't breaking into any musical numbers? Because I'll break you if you infringe on my gig."

She winked at him -- only kidding, promise!

A

[stillwinningthehardway]

"You're gonna get eaten alive!" Scout's laughing. She curls her long furry tail around herself, using it to press her Togepi between it and her stomach so she can free her hands to prop on her hips. Her tail's not prehensile but it's strong and flexible enough to do this for a little while. "Want me to scare them off, or..."

GONGENZAKA | OTA

[otoko]

[Do These Shorts Make My Tail Look Big]

[While it hasn't been long since he was wearing clothes as a 'person', it's a little strange to do so under glamor rather than as a digital being. Gongenzaka himself still feels aware of his fur, and his extra legs-yet, as he tries to do good by the Ringmaster's request that they 'blend in' nothing he tries on doesn't...fit.

It just sort of changes itself around, rather like how he's even getting into the store to begin with. He thinks he's done a good job? Obviously, he is keeping his sashes. Those are a must. In the end though...he settles on a simple t-shirt and shorts. It works best, and in this heat, it's already warm enough being furred. He's half tempted to see if going shirtless would be acceptable...

In fact, anyone passing as he walks out of the store will notice that Gongenzaka seems a little out of it...

...He should probably get some water actually...]

[A Breath of Rain]

[This is far better. Poni Island is a bit of a dead-zone, but it is a rainy dead zone, especially on their neighboring islet. Gongenzaka isn't visiting Execcutor Isle, but he is at least wandering the grasslands now-at least until it starts to rain. Even he can only handle the falling rain water so much, and while he's managed to somehow avoid wild pokemon thus far, it seems he's going to have to leave the 'beaten path' now.

So he finds some trees, their branches just covering a nearby mound of stone and dirt, and sits there to wait out the more brutal part of the storm.

That is...when he realizes he is being stared at.] Hmm?

[...Stared at by what seems to be a tiny pink and blue ball of fluff with an underbite, the thing's wide eyes looking over where his glamor's head should be.

And where his actual head is. ...Erm.] Auh...h...hello little one... [Carefully, he tries not to reach out or do anything sudden-he had been warned at the docks that most creatures here were very strong, and appearances were always misleading, so-]

Sn...SNUAHHH..!

[Annnnnnd now there's a puppy running over and worming its way under his forelegs, glamor be damned.] HMM!? W-What?!

SNnnnnuuhhh~

I-I, the man Gongenzaka, am not what you think-

[No use. The Fluffy Puppy must snuggle and sleep.

Gongenzaka merely sighs in the end, and crosses his arms. Well, he supposes at least while it rains, it's fine...]

[GOIN' ON A GHOST HUNT]

[In the end, 'Suzu'-so named because every now and then as they were running from something that set them on fire/shocked them/froze them, he'd hear her make a 'bell ringing' sound-stuck with him. She followed him all the way to the Seaside village, at which point a rather kindly old woman handed him a bright red pokeball and noted that it might be an idea to give the little one some rest.

...So he supposed that Suzu was 'his' now.

They travelled off island from there, heading for 'Ula-Ula', and after some wandering and walking, well...]

....Keep...very quiet, Suzu-chan...

Snnahhh...

[Well, now they're wandering around in an abandoned Thrifty Megamart. Supposedly there's lots of ghost pokemon here. Which he supposed, meant this place was haunted.

testofcouragetestofcourageit'satestofcourage-] Very....very quiet...

Bull...

[Please god no one sneak up on them-]

[Home Again, Home Again-]

[Well, 'Suzu' is very wide eyed now.] Sahh, Suzu-chan, this is where we live... [It's just a trip back for bed; they admittedly did a bit of camping out for the sake of the 'Trial', but that just means they absolutely need their rest. Especially since once the gates open for patrons, it'll be Work Time!

So now the Snubbull is pouring over the trailer.] If you wish, naturally, I, the man Gongenzaka, will not confine you to the pokeball...

Snnnahhhhhhh?

[The conversation continues along these sorts of lines all over the Carnival grounds-with Suzu the Snubbull staring, Gongenzaka rambling as if it understands, and...Suzu the Snubbull staring at anyone who works there as if they're the greatest things she's ever seen.

WOWW....POKEMON POKEMONTRAINERS...]

GHOST HUNTERS INTERDIMENSIONAL

[raynos]

[POKEGOD DOES NOT HEED YOUR PRAYERS, GONGENZAKA.

There's a fluttering of leathery wings, and then - ]

Oh, hey. I didn't know there was anyone else here.

[It's a Jamie, accompanied by a lone Zubat that's flapping around him attentively. The boy is dressed in a hooded sweatshirt, long pants, a hat and gloves despite the tropical climate, but doesn't look the least bit distressed. Nor does he seem too put-off by the supposedly haunted building they're in.

He also...doesn't seem terribly aware of Gongenzaka's nervous tension. Sorry Gon.]

CARLY | OTA

[insidescoop]

[A Tale of Woe]

[Carly has thus far done her job fairly well. Day one of scouting and she had a pokedex, some information on basic medical care for pokemon, basic information on...Pokemon in general...one would think she's currently a good image for the Nightrunners!]

AAahh...aAUUAaaAAAAAHHHHHHHHH-

[Except right now.

Carly looks to her current travel companion with absolute rivers of tears running from her eyes, pointing toward the cubone some distance away in the volcanic brush. It doesn't seem to be minding anything aside from its own business, but Carly had taken the opportunity to take a scan with the pokedex and...well...]

L...LAMBERT, IT HAS NO PARENTS..!! It's a defenseless little baby that's so sad..!!

[This is what he has to put up with.]

[A 'REFRESHING' INTERMISSION]

Hmmm-hmm-hmmm~ [Well, now that this Cubone-currently called 'Nuna'-has been safely caught in a brilliant black and gold 'luxury ball'-Carly is taking every chance she gets to make good use of a little bag that's been steadily gaining weight each time they stop at a Pokemon Center. The thing about Pokemon Centers here is that they have cafes. Which means Coffee. And, since she brings little Nuna everywhere now...]

'Ohh! What a cute pokemon-here, have some Poke-beans.'

Hahhh, thank you~

[She's got a lot of these weird beans. And Nuna likes eating them, so that's even better! The little one gets to eat them whenever they can, and whenever they come out of a battle the first thing that happens is pets and a wipe down with a towel and-

Come to think, watching Carly pull out a portable hair dryer is probably making it Pretty Clear that Nuna is...Spoiled rotten to put it gently.] Hmnnn, I wonder if you'd look good with ribbons...

[Absolutely Rotten.]

[A Tale of WOW]

'Vikavolt', the 'Stag Beetle' pokemon... Hmnn! Okay, Nuna! Let's go!

[This trial hasn't been so bad. The idea had been that they were just going to summon what was called a 'Totem Pokemon' right to them so they didn't have to find it, of course, but a black-out wasn't too hard for her these days. She could TAKE IT. And so could Nuna! Against electric attacks, she'd be fine, and so far all these bugs were going down easy under her bone club!] It's still electric type, so don't worry!

[...There's just one problem, now that they're fighting the Totem.]

...Nuna?

Nuu! Nnnnn-U!

[Vikavolt's ability is 'Levitate'. Now that the bone attack-or 'ground' attack can't hit, it doesn't matter that Nuna's immune to the electric attacks. Now that bug can just start chipping away with other moves, and nothing Nuna's throwing can hit-leaving Carly frantic as she shouts to the poor thing.] N-Nuna..! Nuna, you can do it..! Use a headbutt..!! You can still headbutt..!

[She can, but it still misses. And the bug gets faster, and faster, and faster...

Until finally at the brink of the battle, something miraculous happens.

Nuna 'glows'. Before Carly's very eyes the pokemon changes form, brown hide going black and grey, their helm seeming to fuse with their face.]

MMMARROWWWWW..!

[And suddenly, after one slight hit, the Vikavolt can't use that bug move any more.] H...HAHHHHHH-!

[Of course, it also means they just lost the electric immunity, but...] Q-Quickly, Nuna..! While you can..!

[It seems Nuna at least has something of an advantage now that they've evolved-

And with a flame wheel, that bug goes DOWN.] H-

Hhahahhaaaaa... You did it..!~ Nunaaaa, you did it~~

[They are So Celebrating now-and to that end, everyone can find these two at the nearest Malasada shop, both seated and eating some deep-fried pastries.]

INTERMISSION

[dorkypantsuit]

[Of course Psi's grubbin is getting equally spoiled rotten. The troll in question walks up, his Grubbin resting on his shoulder, both of them sporting the same equally dope shades.]

Or how about some killer shades?

renzo shima, ota

[perverses]

BUG TROUBLE IN LITTLE ALOLA

[ Previously on Pokemon Shima’s terrible, horrible, awful life, he was trying to warn the carnival about bugs, big bugs, giant bugs, bugs with superpowers. Naturally, no one took heed his warnings. That probably had a lot to do with no one else having a bloodcurdling fear of insects, so—

This is where he finds himself now, lost on his way back to one of the villages after scouting around a little more. He’s since broken off from the other workers or, more specifically, the other nightrunners, but that’s typical enough for him. Scouting means covering a lot of ground at once, not a little ground in a group! Buuuut all it takes is, like, nine steps through the tall grass before it appears. Buggy eyes, buggy legs, buggy everything, and that leaves Shima announcing exactly where is with a harrowing shriek from somewhere out there, among the grass and trees. ]

AAAAAGH, NO, COME ON! NOT AGAIN! HOW MANY OF THESE THINGS ARE THERE OUT HERE?!

[ He may have split off from the rest before, but it’s only a matter of time until he comes screaming and crashing right back out through the wilderness and directly into, well, whoever is unlucky enough to find themselves in his path. ]

SALANDIT? MORE LIKE SALANDON'T...

[ Team Skull was an inevitability, especially for a scout. Enough Team Skull run-ins and it eventually occurred to Shima to actually pick up a Pokemon of his own. The easiest way to do that? Take one of the pokeballs off of a goon's belt in exchange for letting them go without another thrashing (because he was legitimately beating them up the old-fashioned way). Good deal, right? Right? Well, you would think so, only— ]

It's just a lizard. [ Shima's camped out at a little outdoor cafe table back in Hau'oli, a Salandit sprawled out flat on the table, squinting right back at him with those shifty narrow eyes it has. ] Better than a bug, I guess. A little small for a salamander, though, so...

[ He inches a hand forward, going in to poke it on the snout with a finger. Baaad idea. Real bad. ]

Not too impressiv— OW! Hey! [ He jerks his hand back. ] Don't bite!

TEAM SKULL VS. THE CARNIVAL [ DAY 82 - DAY 84 ]

Wuh— uh oh.

[ Yeah, and that whole thing where Shima spent his off-week harassing Team Skull for shits and giggles when he wasn't a) running from horrible bugs or b) lazing around on a beach somewhere? What he failed to realize is they count as Pokemon Trainers, which means they're right here, in the carnival, and Shima without a glamour looks pretty much like Shima with one, save for the added extra eye in his forehead.

Don't mind him, ducking around into whatever booth, game, table, tent, or even the kitchen at the cookhouse that you're busy working at and the reason is immediately obvious when a whole pack of Team Skull goons come loudly grouching and beatboxing the same way he'd come from. ]

Yo, yo, where did that pink-haired bozo go?! You ain't getting away with Team Skull's Pokemon!

[ Oh boy. Shima, doing his best to hide right now, waves his hands frantically and whispers a little too loudly for comfort, ]

Ignore me! They'll leave soon, promise! They're really dumb, y'know?

TEAM SKULL VS... TEAM SKELETON??

[spaghettimonster]

[Papyrus heard plenty of rumors about this Team Skull group, and more than a couple of trainers have gasped at the sight of him. But somehow he's avoided encountering any yet, and their beatbox movement style really draws the eye. Even if you don't have eyes.

So when Shima runs from them and behind the large trash container Papyrus is pulling around, it's obvious who he must mean.]

How can they be dumb... if they love skeletons so much??

[Yeah, don't mind the janitor skeleton just hanging out watching you guys, Team Skull grunts.]

Doll || Open

[steadydollypegs]

[Carnival Grounds - Day 73]

[It feels like she's been in that tent for days. Maybe weeks? She doesn't really know, but she does know that the scenery outside seems a little different than it was when she went in. But maybe that's just her imagination.]

[But here she is-- a part of the carnival now, officially. She's got jobs to do! Real, legitimate work to engage in! Another chapter in her admittedly stranger life is starting, and that is at least a little exciting for her.]

[First things first though, she should find Joker again. And then he can show her where she can sleep! As she walks through the sunny grounds, looking around for her brother, she wonders what her roommate is going to be like. Who she'll be working with in the makeup tent, who she'll be performing with... Despite Joker's reservations, she can't help but smile with excitement as she wanders around, taking in her new home.]


[Melemele - Day 74]

[Doll isn't sure how this portal works or why they're stopping at a place that seems to be full of very... odd looking animals... but it's not like she's in a hurry to get somewhere. As long as it's her and Joker and Snake, working for the safety of the rest of their family, she'll be happy as a clam.]

[But a trip to a beach with real sand and real waves and real sun isn't going to go unappreciated. The locals are very helpful pointing her towards a nice beach, and once she finds it, it's almost overwhelming. The water is so beautiful, and the weather is so warm!]

[Doll plunks down into the sand and starts stripping off her shoes and socks, rolling up her trousers, and starts wading in. It's like nothing she'd ever dreamed of when thinking about the beautiful Spanish beaches or exotic Caribbean islands, because it's real and she's experiencing it. She takes a long moment to look out at the ocean and feel the breeze, and she smiles even if it feels uncomfortable the longer she thinks about her luck.]

[The sound of something smacking the sand draws her attention, and she double-takes when she realizes it's a giant orange fish flopping around helplessly on the sand.]

Oi, how'd you get all th'way up 'ere? [Poor fish... she should help it. Cautiously, Doll grabs the flopping fish's fins and drags it back into the water, despite its attempts to flail and flop into her. But thank goodness, it makes it back and swims away, and Doll seems pleased.]

[Until she turns around and sees three more have beached themselves. What in the blazes is up with these fish...?!]


[Day 80 - Ula'Ula]

[Whilst exploring, Doll caught wind of a place people could go to look at the stars-- an 'observatory' they'd called it. And while her experience with stars was more or less limited to laying on top of some of the animal cages and looking up at the night sky, the fact that people had places specifically for looking at the stars caught her interest. It must be vastly more beautiful and amazing if these people had built a place specifically to look at stars!]

[There's a bus yes, but Doll doesn't exactly have much in the way of funds-- plus, she tells herself, the best things on these islands have happened when she's just walking around, so why not hike? She sets off in the morning, looking forward to an afternoon of looking at stars.]

[...the walk is longer than anticipated, and Doll has to take several breaks. She sits down heavily on the side of the road and breaks out some water and a snack. Her exhaustion is just a setback though, she's determined to make it to this observatory if she has to spend all day getting there!]

[Melemele]

[raynos]

They're kind of dumb, aren't they? [Jamie doesn't quite nudge one of the floundering fish with his shoe, but he still seems more perplexed than sympathetic for their plight.] Or maybe they just have a death wish.

[Speaking of a death wish: he's essentially dressed for winter, with a sweatshirt, long pants, gloves and hat, standing here on the beach underneath the glorious tropical sun. He's also...conveniently ignoring the fact that he should probably be dying of heat prostration.]

Or wait, aren't there animals that climb up out of the water to lay eggs on the sand? Maybe they're doing that. [...that's sea turtles, Jamie.]

Zecora | OTA

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

Day 73: Melemele

[The berry fields are a unique and exquisite place, one Zecora had been in a hurry to visit. And for perhaps half an hour, she had the delights of the place to herself -- exploring the trees, picking berries and testing them, collecting several for use in potions...]

[Now, however, her peace is shattered. A ball bounces off her flank, making her jerk her head up in surprise. A nearby kid stomps his feet and bemoans that the Pokemon had broken free of the ball -- but a dozen of his friends are close on his heels, all of them holding the same red-and-white gadgets.]

[Zecora pelts out of the berry fields at a gallop, with a host of eager aspiring trainers right behind her.]

Day 75: Carnival Grounds

[So yeah, Zecora is assuming a human shape for their duration here.]

[Those seeking out the zebra doctor will find a woman in her place, whose warm rhyming cadence ought to be instant identification as she greets visitors to her tent with a smile from amidst the bubbling cauldrons. But Zecora doesn't confine herself to her tent; she can often be found wandering about the carnival just watching everyone work.]

[Later in the evening, she takes a seat near one of the food booths with a funnel cake heaped high with fruit, an eager look on her face.]

Day 77: Lake of the Moon

[Well. Time to see what all this hype is about.]

[Zecora, properly a zebra now, slowly creeps through the tall grass towards the great temple that might have once held some great legend of a beast, her eyes on a barely-there creature drifting faintly on the wind. In her teeth she clutches a Pokeball. Slowly, carefully...]

Day 75

[sunflowerfields]

[On the other side of the funnel cake, a face appears, its red eyes glowing eagerly.]

Rita Mordio | OTA / will match format

[anti_nonsense]

(melemele: hau'oli city / so cheery it's eerie)

[Rita can hardly believe it. After signing a contract for a full year of work with the ever-suspicious Ringmaster, her first order of business is a tropical vacation, of all things!? Naturally, she's skeptical. There has to be a catch.

But the locals who pass by greet her amicably, and some even offer samples of local food items. When a friendly older lady hands her a malasada, she takes it, but doesn't eat it right away. This easygoing, harmonious atmosphere, the strange creatures seen throughout the city… all of it is incredibly alien to Rita. Her foreign clothes and tense demeanor make her stand out as she stands around on the sidewalk, squinting suspiciously at the sweet-smelling food as if trying to determine whether it's safe to eat or not.]

Just what the heck's with this place, anyway...?

(melemele: hau'oli city beachfront / casual theft)

[While it wasn't easy for Rita to acclimate to her new surroundings, she's at least changed her appearance to something more Alola-appropriate. She now wears sandals, shorts, and a tank top, and her goggles have been temporarily replaced with a pair of sunglasses resting on her head.

She even made a new friend! A stray Litten seems to be warming up to her, and while she hasn't officially "caught" it, it's started following her around, and she rather likes its company. However, it's not exactly tame. The Litten does what it likes most of the time, and having found a human it's fond of, it now seems to want to show its affection to her in a very catlike way: with gifts.

If your character happens to be carrying something that isn't all that secure – a food item, accessory, trinket, maybe even their wallet – they may find it unexpectedly snatched by a stealthy cat Pokemon. Following the little thief will lead them straight to Rita, lying back in a reclining beach chair, reading a book. Oblivious to the crime, she doesn't even look up when the Litten deposits its prize on the sand in front of her.]

(ula'ula: abandoned thrifty megamart / spooky sightings)

[Rita approaches the creepy-looking abandoned Megamart, holding a borrowed Poke Finder and scowling as if the building itself offended her somehow. The Electric Challenge went easily enough for her, and if she wants to complete the Island Trial, she just has to get past this… nonsense. Easy, right?

Still… a "Ghost Challenge"? How is Rita supposed to take pictures of ghosts when obviously they don't exist? When she steps inside, she half-expects to find some kind of stupid trick waiting for her. It doesn't take long for her assumptions to be proven wrong. The rattle of a shopping cart draws her attention, and a mere moment later, a Haunter materializes and appears to lunge at her. It may be doing so out of mischief more than malice, but its intentions couldn't be farther from Rita's mind right now. All she knows is she doesn't know what it is, it came out of nowhere, and it's coming her way.

From outside the Megamart, a bloodcurdling scream can be heard, followed by an explosion. Should anyone come to investigate, they may find a terrified Rita conjuring and flinging fireballs at the offending Pokemon, while her Litten lazes about unhelpfully on a nearby counter.]

CHEERIE

[dorkypantsuit]

What do you mean?

[Psi asks, seemingly coming out of nowhere. In reality he'd just been walking nearby and overheard her.]

Oh, hey, are you going to eat that?

Papyrus | ota | action/prose both fine

[spaghettimonster]

Trial Challenge, Take 1
► [Akala Island, Wela Volcano Park, sometime D73-75]

[A firey mountain... Snowy mountains were one thing, and lava-filled chasms with all kinds of terrible transportation were another, but this was strange and intriguing enough to draw Papyrus to exploration.

It had an excellent hike up the mountain, with even the occasional monster interested in a fight! A trial at the top, testing skills of observation, even better! But apparently the trials are for trainer and pokemon, not a lone disguised monster summoning his own bones.]

Wait... don't you have any pokemon with you? How did you make it up... [The trial captain frowns and vigorously shakes his head.] That won't do! The trial is only for a team, trainer and pokemon. We cannot perform our most spectacular dance for you alone.

[Whoops.]


Sandcastles are friends! Probably.
► [Akala Island, Hano Beach and Grand Resort, sometime D75-77]

[Another world full of oceans and sand, another chance to grace lives with the sight of sand Papyrus. With a little asking around, he learns the best beach on Akala Island is Hano Beach, accessible only through the most expensive resort. The resort is an opulent place, and Papyrus moves through it to reach the beach quickly. It's not nearly the sprawling and addictive maze that the celebration was, but... Still. Building sand skeletons is more appealing. Problem is...]

Hey, is that some Team Skull thing you're making there?

[The people here don't like skeletons! There's some rough, criminal group besmirching the good name of skeletons everywhere. Tempting as it is to offer the example of a good, admirable skeleton, there are other things he can make. Things like sand castles! They're very popular on this beach, some of them seeming to pop up around him the longer he sits here sculpting.

In fact, it turns out... some of them are even alive. The scouts mentioned 'animals' but it seems like pokemon really are a different kind of monster, made of all kinds of strange materials. He cheerfully greets the next sandgast that passes him, and invites it to enjoy his growing model of New Home. It... sure is interested in offering him its shovel, despite seeing that he's using the ammolite.]


Seasickness is no excuse for missing school!
► [Melemele Island, Trainer School, sometime D78-D83]

[As much as there is in just Akala, there are other islands in this world, and all sorts of ways to get to them. With how familiar he is with the Riverperson's offered rides, Papyrus opts for traveling by boat.

Traveling on the ocean is terrible. The choppy waves, bouncing them up and down. The motor, constantly running, keeping them moving forward.

Eventually they reach land, and he ever so briefly considers never leaving. But that wouldn't work for many reasons, least of which is that he does still have a job to do! Multiple jobs. One of which is learning enough about how friendship and fighting with these pokemon work. And where best to learn that than going to school?

The people at the school don't seem interested in sudden enrollment, though. They're much more keen to give him a visitor's pass, letting to walk around and learn the basics.]


Trial Challenge, Take 2
► [Akala Island, Wela Volcano Park, sometime D84-87]

[In his visits through the last several days, a few pokemon have gathered around Papyrus, connecting through curiosity and friendship.

The Cubone who'd followed him down the mountain the first time, fascinated and pushy about wanting to see more bones... The Sandygast that did just wanted to enjoy making sand sculptures, changing its designs a little to imitate his New Home design, and growing really excited about how the ammolite could change the color of sand... The Cutiefly that's been insisting on perching on his crystal crown, a nearly weightless friend that tickles without itching...

They've been enough for him to learn about being a trainer, shouting encouraging instructions to them in playfights with other pokemon. And now, they're surely enough to try that trial a second time!]

GO TO CLASS

[fortuneglass]

WwwwwhhhhHEEEEE~~

[What's that in the air? A BIRD? A CHARIZARD? A PLA-

No it's actually a bird, and it looks like a weird one even next to those here. Possibly because, once it's sure only Papyrus is looking, it turns back into Carly...complete with proper Alola garb and a pokeball at her side.] Whoo~ That really is the only way to travel, after driving! [she cheers, throwing her ball down. Out comes her own spoiled-to-no-end cubone, the creature giving a yawn and a stretch. Recognizing her spa-mate from the Celebration, Carly now gives a wave...seeing how she has the arms to do so.] Papyrus~

How are you~?

[She's a scout so she has no questions about this place. SHE'S SEEN IT ALL...]

Jamie, OTA

[raynos]

A: I wanna be the very best (Day 73 - closed to Yamato)
Hello, newcomer to trailer #28. If you assume that the dwelling is unoccupied, well, that's understandable, given that the half that's actually lived in is so meticulously kept up and devoid of personal effects that it's indistinguishable from the other half. There also...doesn't appear to be anyone here?

Probably because the door is open and letting in horrible, wholesome sunshine, so Jamie is pressed into whatever corner he can find that isn't exposed to the light. "Hey, could you maybe shut the door? Please?"

Vampires, man. Have fun with your new roommate, Yamato.

B: Like no one ever was (Melemele Island, Day 73 - night)
Anyone strolling by the vicinity of Verdant Cavern on this fine evening might find Jamie being followed by an eyeless blue bat that squeaks and chirps at him constantly, ignoring his attempts to wave it off. Jamie is becoming increasingly flustered.

"What does it even want?!" he demands of the nearest person, gesturing at it with a longsuffering look.

C: To catch them is my real test (Days 74-79)
Going out during the day in his current state means covering up pretty much head to toe, which explains why Jamie can typically be seen wearing long pants, a hat, gloves, and a coat or sweatshirt as he prowls the city, still trying to keep to the shadows. It's not as though he can get overheated and die of heatstroke, after all, and at worst the residents of the area give him curious looks for his choice of attire. Nighttime is a little better, as he can forego the extra layers and stroll around wherever he pleases, dressed almost like a normal person.

Transports to the other islands in the archipelago run, accommodatingly, day and night. They're finite in number just like any other resource, though, and other travelers might find themselves approached Jamie and his Zubat, eyeing up that last private boat.

"Where're you headed? I'll split the fare with you."

D: To train them is my cause (Day 80-87)
Performance week starts off fairly dramatically as one of the midway rides breaks down with a gout of ugly black smoke and a shower of sparks. Thankfully no one is hurt, but it's a big mess that needs fixing, so a good chunk of the week finds Jamie meticulously poring over the guts of the machine, which are spread out over part of the back lot for a thorough inspection.

The components are amazing, from an engineering standpoint, wrought of metals he's never seen before and assembled in ways he never would have imagined. It had all fascinated him when he first arrived here, even delighted him, but now it's just...it's whatever. A thing he has to do for one more day of a term of service he might not even live to see the end of. He's grown pretty fatalistic in the past week or so.

But there's nothing to be done for it other than keep his head down and do his job. Jamie's Zubat is with him more often than not, burrowed into the hood of his sweatshirt during the day and flitting about catching bugs by night, screeching inquisitively at anyone who wanders by. Jamie's a little less friendly.

"Watch your step," he sighs, looking up from the schematics spread out in front of him - and this might be aided by a subtle mental nudge imploring the target to halt before they scatter the machine components underfoot. "I've got those pieces lined up that way for a reason."

E: Wildcard!

B for bats

[sunflowerfields]

"Well, it seems to me that it likes you!" Hinawa lets out a small laugh. "Lucky you, you've already made a new friend."

Sherlock Holmes | OTA

[thevictoriandetective]

[Akala Island]

Normally, he'd find a tropical resort place sort of boring. He wasn't necessarily one for unnecessary vacationing. But after what had happened at the Celebration, even Sherlock Holmes could use a break. The sun and sand was doing wonders for his healing injuries, as well as being the absolutely perfect climate for a reptilian man. Being under a glamour was quite admittedly, a big relief, but it was slightly disappointing it had no effect on how he saw himself.

So he spent his time half-exploring, half lying shirtless on a beach with bowls of shave ice piling up behind him, letting the sun warm him and sorting through his mind palace, without a care in the world.

That was, until, something knocked over his impressive pile of paper bowls, the sound of licking catching his attention.

A blue eye shot open, until he lazily rolled over and saw a small, brown animal desperately licking the leftover condensed milk and melted flavored ice in one of the spilled bowls. Oh yes. One of the 'Pokémon,' animals indigenous to this world. Sherlock wasn't all that particularly interested in them, this whole world seemed obsessed about their creatures, but this little fellow looked like a puppy.

Sherlock had an extremely soft spot for dogs, Pokémon or not.

"Hello," he offered a hand. Wondering if the animal could smell his scent and would be frightened off.

Nope. The curious creature came over and sniffed, and promptly began sniffing over his nearby bag. A laugh.

"You're hungry." The detective unwrapped a spam musubi he'd been saving for later and removed the meat, and handed it to the little guy.

He must have been starving, because he scarfed it up in an instant. Sherlock laughed and produced another spam musubi, which was consumed in the same manner.

"Right, well, I don't have any more..."

The dog-creature looked at him with big blue eyes.

Ah, this wasn't fair. Not at all.

"Come on," the detective sighed, getting his things. "We're going to get you a bigger meal."

--and that was that.

Even hours later, as night fell and Sherlock, tried as he might, could not shake the little guy.

"You have to go home, you can't follow me,"
Sherlock said fondly, crouching down to pet him one more time before he left the beach shops. The pup rubbed against his legs, the weird rocks that circled its neck clicking against his scales. "Seriously, I can't take you with me. It's dangerous, where I live..." his voice softened. "I don't want you to get hurt."

Even if Redbeard wasn't a dog, he still carried that scar. Courtesy of childhood trauma.

"Ruff!" barked the little pup. He shook his head, refusing to leave.

The intelligence in these animals was impressive, Sherlock admitted.

But his heart couldn't take getting attached to this animal.

"Go on! Get out of here!" He tried to growl, stomping sand around, but his voice got caught in his throat as the puppy Pokémon shook his head again and stepped forward, rubbing up on his leg and placing his paws on them.

"Ruff!"

"I can't..." Sherlock bent down, and with a quick look to see no one was watching, hugged the puppy tightly. He licked his face. By now there was no way that the dog-like Pokémon didn't know that he wasn't a human, and yet he loved him anyway?

Yeah. Sherlock's willpower had faded to a 0. The little Rockruff was there to stay.



[Melemele Island]

After hanging out with his new friend for a couple days, he figured out how to use a pokeball on his little Rockruff--silly name, but it was endearing. Sherlock decided on the name Toby, not unlike the Bloodhound he'd so adored back in London. He'd ended up at a bookstore at the Hau'oli shopping district and desperately bought as many wonderful books as he could afford, hauling them back to the Carnival and to his trailer (which took several trips because there was a really good sale, okay?) Toby was not at all bothered by Sherlock's true appearance, which only served to endear him to the detective even more.

Begrudgingly he'd sat down at a cafe in the bookstore and learned all about the creatures in this world and how 'battling' was done, and since he really had not much else better to do, obtained several pokeballs and went out to go catch some and see what these 'battles' were all about. Initially he was appalled at the idea of his precious Toby getting hurt, but the little fellow seemed to quite enjoy the bouts. Sherlock was a boxer and a fencer in school and knew the excitement of such fights.

In short, after many battles, Sherlock Holmes made several children cry with his taunting and arrogance and found himself owning entirely too many ratattas. Which to his horror, the scent of which made him hungry.


[Melemele Trial]

Sherlock wanted to be the very best, like no one ever was. So when he heard about the island trial, he scooped up Toby, gathered up his pokeballs and went off in search for it.

The ferret-things...were odd, and Toby and the fleet of ratattas only just barely won. Apparently he'd have to train more if he wanted to get any more advanced trials, but he hugged his little dog close, the poor thing was exhausted and would have to go to a center.

"You did such a good job," Sherlock patted him on the head. "You're a good boy."


[Patrol at the Carnival]

A couple members of Team Skull were causing trouble at the beginning of the performance week, and Sherlock found them trying to push around some patrons.

"Toby, let's have a little fun, shall we?"

"Ruff!"

He checked to make sure he had his other pokeballs on his belt before challenging them to a battle. By now Toby was stronger, faster, and had learned more moves. This would be no trouble at all.


[Performance Week]

"H...hey! I'm not a Pokémon!" Sherlock bellowed, as someone threw a pokeball at his head.

This was the third one today, and it was still early.

"Oh my gosh, he can talk!"

"I'M NOT A BLOODY POKÉMON YOU IMBICILES!"

Sherlock shot his chameleon-like forked tongue several feet into the air and grabbed the next pokeball that was shot at him.

"I'm keeping that!"

"We...we don't want it back...."


[Wildcard!]

Sherlock pretty much made a circuit of everything there is to see, everywhere on all the islands. When he's not exploring he can be found sunning himself on a beach or jungle area with a Rockruff curled up on his stomach.

Performance Week

[otoko]

Indeed, you do not...

[While it was only really the snubbull seeing the 'arcanine-like' state of Gongenzaka's form outside the Carnival, inside it has been rather clear. And apparently unlike with Sherlock at least, Gongenzaka gives of just the aura of DO NOT MESS to make trainers think twice about pulling out more pokeballs. (Though one appears to consider it, fingering a blue and yellow one)] Now then-I, the man Gongenzaka, suggest that you cease pelting our employees with pokeballs, lest we BOTH escort you from these premises!

SNUH!!

[SUZU-CHAN AGREES.]

Jonathan Strange | open!

[kingsroads]

sometime in days 77-80, thrifty megamart
[ The idea was to hang out in the abandoned building so that he didn't really have to deal with certain Pokemon (Exeggutor) and certain people (Childermass). Strange wasn't hiding, per se, he just didn't want to have to explain the rationale behind the accidental snow day over and over again (this is a lie, he is totally hiding). However...this wasn't really working out so much. Apparently everybody's coming to take pictures of the ghosts for some Island Trial or something? Which really, is a bit annoying.

Considering his reluctance to deal with certain Pokemon, it comes as a bit of a surprise that Strange has been getting along wonderfully with all the various ghost Pokemon. They've pretty much accepted the magician with his weirdo magic powers as just a friggen bizarre Pokemon of some sort. The problem here is that ghost Pokemon are massive assholes and Strange is just having a little bit too much fun being a massive asshole himself. It makes the ghost Pokemon happy which makes him happy which gets his mind off of the fifty different things he's dwelling on.

So sorry whoever's just trying to finish this Island Trial, you get to deal with Strange being a douchebag. To the delight of his new ghost friends, Strange has been adding onto the creepy atmosphere with all sorts of cliche horror movie nonsense that includes some of the following: odd creaking noises, spontaneously generated atmospheric mist, creepy laughter that seems like it's coming from nowhere, creepy whispers that seem like they're coming from nowhere, boxes falling over despite nobody touching them, a drop in temperature, a spooky breeze, that feeling that you're being watched, and so on and so forth. It's all just Strange using his magic to be a bit of a dick, much to the delight of all the ghost Pokemon who are also taking the opportunity to be a dick.

The problem here is that Strange hasn't realized A: his voice is still recognizable despite creepy laughing and whispers, B: if someone puts in effort to find him, he can be found fairly easily (he's not the world's best hider), and C: that he's probably gonna get punched in the nose for all this nonsense. ]

day 81, the big top
[ He's back at the Carnival now, having swapped from hanging out with the ghosts to actually practicing for his magician act. For some reason, Strange is still having trouble with birds. Sure, if he concentrates hard on that feathers to magical birds spell then he's able to turn the feather into a beautiful swan or a dashing peacock. But if he tries to make a flock of birds out of feathers, they still default into chickens.

Not even ravens or anything like that, if he summoned a flock of ravens then that could at least be thematically appropriate. But chickens? Chickens are just degrading. And of course, it's at the time when Strange is turning the chickens back into feathers that a couple of enthusiastic trainers stumble into the big top and start asking so many questions. Do chickens actually exist in Pokemon world, hell if I know, but these trainers certainly don't know what one is. ]

It's not a Pokemon, it's a chicken, [ Strange can't help but grumble to whatever poor Alolan trainer is trying to use their Pokedex on the chicken and coming up with nothing, partly because of the magic thing but again, because it's a chicken. Ignore the fact that Strange is a bit embarrassed about the created-from-magic chicken that's just pecking at a rock as if it expects the rock to be food. ] You can't fight with them, they're just chickens. They--I don't know what type it is, it's a chicken!

[ This is going nowhere fast. He shoots a slight frown over at another employee who's hanging around the big top. Help him out here? ]

Day 77

[whattaprick]

[ At this point ... Lambert hasn't said a damn thing about being the new Nightrider yet, but the changes are obvious enough. He's taller -- a lot taller -- which means his clothes suddenly fit a lot tighter than they used to, and are six inches shorter besides. At least the pants were baggy, but the tank top has unfortunately ridden up his stomach and won't stay down. In the darkness of the Megamart, the sharper quality to his teeth and new claws are less noticeable ... but there's no way to miss that long, spade-tipped golden tail, lashing restlessly behind him as he steps inside.

Nightrider or not he's keen on continuing to make as much money during his stay here as possible. While this world doesn't have anything near as convenient as witcher contracts, the townspeople talking about a haunted building seems like a promising start. He's completely missed the fact that it's also supposed to be a trial site, though. Whoops. ]

Come on, Pig. [ He says over his shoulder, somewhat impatiently, at the Mudbray lingering in the doorway, unwilling to step inside. ] You're not scared of a bunch of ghosts, are you?

SANS | OTA

[osteothropy]

► GLAMOUR SHOT IN HAU'OLI
It's so relieving to know that when the people in Alola look at Sans they aren't seeing the real him. The glamour makes him look human, presumably, which would usually make him a bit uncomfortable - so often it's made him feel like he has to change what he is to appeal to human sensibilities. This time, though, his desire to not be seen is so overwhelming that he's glad to be obfuscated by just about anything.

It's also nice that the glamour affects his dogs just as well, so for the first time in a while Sans is able to bring Times and New along for the trip without it causing too much trouble. From outside feedback, apparently they are taking the form of something called 'Houndoom', which turns out to be a dead ringer for them when he finds an actual photo for reference. The two of them are positively hype to be out and about, and are getting their skeleton noses into just about everything, digging holes all across the beach.

Sans just tries to enjoy the sight and not think about why there aren't three of them. He basks in the sun while wearing too many layers of clothing to truly enjoy it. He's emptied his flask a few times by now as well.

Though his time out will eventually be broken by New digging up a burrowed Staryu.

► THE MORE YOU KNOW (for established Sans CR)
Sans doesn't like to go on about how much of a nerd he is, but sometimes he can't help it - even when he feels the worst he has for a long time. He'll probably have to know you in at least a somewhat positive way for this, but if he does, he is going to wander up to you late one night about halfway through the week. Most likely if you happen to be caught on Ula'Ula Island.

Tapping you on the shoulder from behind without otherwise signalling his presence, the skeleton will lean in real close and whisper:

"Hey. Wanna do crimes?"

He is probably drunk.

-RAINBOW SPARKLE TRAIL OF KNOWLEDGE-

[betheman]

[Seeing how he JUST HAD TO FIGHT GHOSTS...

This is maybe not the best time to be a skeleton tapping his shoulder on Ula'Ula Island. Actually, it's a little impressive just how far into the air Gongenzaka may have jumped just now, holding a pink puppy.] H-HAAAUUHHHH-!!

[WHYWOULD YOU DO THIS-

And for that matter.] Th-This is not the time for such a joke! Why would you even suggest such a-

[Actually, he thinks back to the last time they had a conversation like this, back when it was on a radio.] ...Nevermind, I, the man Gongenzaka, feel I already know...

[He huffs, frowning at his boss.] But all the same! I, the man Gongenzaka, will be staying out of it! ...whatever 'it' actually is, other than crime...

[...Though. Now he's curious...] ....What is 'it'..........

[Well Gon, when you're as possibly inebriated as this guy, it's Probably Actual Crime.]

Jimmy Novak - OTA

[empty_vessel]

Melemele Island

The first thing Jimmy had done was go shopping. Get himself a camera and go full tourist, and refused to care about how much of an idiot he looked like. Blue shirt with pink flamingoes, messenger bag (with lunch, sunscreen, extra water and extra batteries and storage for the camera,) The first half of the first day was spent taking pictures of everything.

About lunch time, he ends up outside the Trainer School. Where he is offered a tour, takes even more photos of (in his opinion) ridiculously photogenic kids and their very odd pets., and has a Very Serious Conversation with a group of them about how, since he doesn't have a Pokemon himself, he needs to take this ball (A pink Heal Ball, covered in 'good luck' flower stickers) and go across the street to Ten Carat Hill and get himself a friend.

Which he does, after getting spectacularly lost, taking even more photos, and swearing that he walked by the same boulder four times. A break for water leads him to run into a dog?, and after sharing the last of lunch and splitting the water, Jimmy ends up with with a female Rockruff, named Sweet Pea, after a little thought, and finds his way down the mountain with Sweet Pea acting as a guide dog.

Pokecenter - Melemele Island

And there's no vets here. Or places to drop off strays. Jimmy ends up directed to the Pokecenter where they can answer all of his questions. After a few suspicious looks from the Nurse, and Jimmy trying to convince her that this really is his first Pokemon and he's from out of town, he's given a book on Care and Feeding of Rock Types, a clean bill of health for Sweet Pea, a bag of Pokemon food and ushered out the door. And proceeds to do more touristy wandering, except now he has Sweet Pea with him.

Wildcard!

Jimmy and Sweet Pea are wandering all over the place. They could easily end up on any of the Islands, looking for food, photo ops, and (eventually) maybe battles once Jimmy finds out that nobody really gets hurt in them.

Pokecenter

[pipers_son]

By the time Jimmy comes out of the Pokecenter, there's a lot more shadows than sun. Enough so that Joker has no problem in going out himself for once now, and he's more than glad to do so. He needs a little fresh air from the carnival.

Seeing Jimmy makes him grin (something habitual, but shows off some too sharp teeth now), and he waves a hand. Ignore the fat owl that is aggressively occupying the space of his empty shoulder. "Jimmy! How's the island air treatin' ya?"

Tamaki Yotsuba | open

[puddingemote]

Mitsuki is gone.

Tamaki can't help but think about it when he sees the empty bottom bunk in his trailer. He's not sure why Mitsuki got to go home before he did, but he thinks it's not so bad. He's gone back to his little brother, the rest of IDOLiSH7, and his many friends, and Tamaki is going to stay here and finish his contract.

It's fine. Everything is fine.

It'll be easier to not think about it if he distracts himself, though. So he leaves the trailer, and heads out into the Alola sun.

A: Rock-A-Hula Baby (Melemele Meadow)

The townspeople warned him that it would be dangerous to travel without Pokemon on Route 3, but he didn't listen. Then a few Vullaby divebombed him, and ran, taking shelter in a much more friendly looking meadow, filled with beautiful yellow flowers.

Still feeling a bit down about the Mitsuki situation, he goes to sit on a ledge above the flowers, watching the Cottonee and Cutiefly that occasionally buzz above the tops of the flowers, his chin resting in his hands.

Then a sound like a cooing bird catches his attention, and he looks down.

A pom-pom Oricorio is at his feet - not that Tamaki knows yet that that's what this species is, but he'll learn soon enough. When it sees it has his attention, it starts to dance, waving its pom-pom like wings.

Tamaki is instantly delighted.

"Hey!"

He hops to his feet, moving back so the Oricorio can hop up on the ledge to join him. When Oricorio shows him a move, he dances to match.

It's not long before a giant teenager and a two foot tall bird are having a dance-off near the edge of the meadow.

B: Malasada, Malasada~ (Hau'oli Malasada Shop)

Now having caught his new friend (who he has dubbed Riori), Tamaki heads back for Hau'oli. He fights a few trainers on the way back who invite him and Riori to battle, and is pretty surprised when they hand him money when he wins. He takes some time to do some shopping (and buys a lovedisc tank, some cargo shorts, and some aviator shades) before heading for the malasada shop. He doesn't know what malasada is, exactly, but it smells delicious.

He's pretty excited when he learns that not only is Riori allowed inside, but the malasada are safe for her to eat. He buys two with the last of his money, and they sit at a table.

"These are so goooood!" Tamaki shouts, loud enough for all the unfortunate patrons of the malasada shop. Riori chirps in agreement.

C: Don't Look Him In The Eyes (Melemele Route 2)

Other trainers have told him the best thing he can do for Riori is train her to get stronger, and participate in the Island Challenge if he wants. And when in Rome, do as the Romans do: that is, stand on the side of the road and wait for someone with Pokemon to come into sight.

As soon as they do, he calls out. "Hey! Battle us."

D: I Need To Report A Lost Child (Hau'oli)

On his way back through Hau'oli, Tamaki stumbles on a little kid, only six or seven. He's crying; apparently, he was on a field trip with his classmates from the Trainer School, but got lost when he left the group to chase a Meowth.

He can't leave the kid like this, so Tamaki offers to help him get back. Scooping the kid up and putting him on his shoulders for faster movement, Tamaki is off!

"Hey!" he yells when he sees someone. "Do you know where the Trainer School is?"

c

[stillwinningthehardway]

Scout pauses and looks him up and down. Dressed in floral prints and a giant hat, she's still clearly from the Carnival, with bronze fingernails, forwards-facing forehead horns, and a very long tail covered in long white fur. Then she smiles. The birdlike Togetic on her shoulder leans forwards.

"You mean Pokemon battle and not like sparring, right? I'm down with either."

Peridot | OTA (mostly)

[periphrasing]

AROUND THE ISLANDS

What's that? It's weird for strange adults to attend the Trainer School? GOOD THING AGE IS A JOKE TO GEMS, AND PERIDOT DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN, because school was absolutely her first stop on the islands. She had wanted to learn as much as possible about this place before going out exploring, and, given that it's Peridot that we're talking about here, you can bet she has committed every little bit of information she heard in class right to memory.

While she's kind of smug and obnoxious about her extra knowledge, the information she can provide can also be a boon to any carnival members who cares to approach her. If there's a Pokemon you want to catch, or a trainer you can't seem to beat, consider her your walking, talking cheat sheet to Pokemon training in Alola. All you have to do is ask.

GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT (ULA'ULA ISLAND)

Now this is interesting. Peridot generally has a low opinion of the technological capabilities of humankind, but she has to admit... harnessing the raw power of the Earth's molten core? It's an impressive feat. She spends a good couple of hours just ogling the displays here, reading up on the equipment... but what she really wants to know about is the geological profile of the island.

"Hmm... It's a real shame I can't get closer to the plant facilities here," she sighs wistfully. "And these displays could really use more information on what kind of lava these volcanoes produce."

As a fellow Carnival member, you get her attention, and she keeps rambling like you've been engaged in this conversation the whole time. "Judging by what I've seen so far, I'd say these islands are largely comprised of basalt formations. Imagine the resources Homeworld could derive from a place like this!"

FEELING HOMESICK (HOKULANI OBSERVATORY)

It's nice to have a huge telescope to get a look at the sky with, but it's not mandatory. The view from up here is pretty great even without it, which is why Peridot has no qualms about sitting outside in the dirt and doing some stargazing.

It's strange to think that a mere few years ago, she would have been completely averse to this sort of activity. A waste of time, she'd call it. It's still kind of a waste of time, but she can see the benefit to it now as well. It's grounding.

"No Homeworld visible from here, either," she sighs, not at all surprised by this discovery. The night's still young, but there are a lot of stars to look at.

ROUTE 8 (BEACH OUTSIDE OF LUSH JUNGLE) (Closed to pre-existing CR)

If you know Peridot, you've probably seen her do a lot of strange shit before now... but this is whole new level of ridiculous.

First of all, it's worth noting that of all the beaches available in Alola, she has definitely picked a pretty dumpy one. It's all rock, no sand, no easy access to warm clear waters for splashing around in. Just hard, sharp, unforgiving igneous rock on all sides.

Second, and probably more importantly... She's perched on top of one of said rocks like a vulture, gripping with sharp claws that are invisible thanks to the glamour she has cast on her right now. Her green eyes are narrowed, laser focused on a hole in the rock face opposite. She barely blinks at all. It's possible, even, that you maybe went into the jungle to complete a trial, and when you come back out? It seems she hasn't budged an inch.

Might be worth asking her what the heck is going on.

WHO'S THAT POKEMON? (MALIE GARDEN)

"...I have no idea how we're going to get you to replicate any of these moves."

That would be Peridot, talking to none other than her faithful pal Pumpkin, who has left the carnival grounds with her today. They're hanging out in the shade of a tree while Peridot thumbs through what seems to be a guide-book about Pokemon attacks, her brow furrowed with concentration. She's also in the company of Stumpy, her brand new wimpod, who is jittering nervously by her side and staring fearfully at Pumpkin.

As for the gourd herself? She's sporting a brand new hat. A very strange hat. One that makes her look like... Um...

Well.

Someone should probably intervene here.

somewhere around the islands?? Poni, probably

[mirrortide]

"Anyway, I've heard a bunch of the people say that there's other lapis around here." She explains, motioning to the beach in front of them. "So this is probably the best place to look, right?" Well, minus some of the higher cliffs in the Poni canyons, but Lapis figures they can work their way in.

Also there's a lot of Ocean around anyway, so it'll take a good long time regardless.

"I don't know why they'd be helping the humans move from island to island, though."

Scout | OTA

[stillwinningthehardway]

You're On Vacation Right(Pretty Much Anywhere)

[Scout spends a lot of her time exercising - running, swimming, testing herself against gravity in different ways, unarmed combat drills. When she's at the Carnival or in parts of Alola where she can be away from the locals she may be seen practicing fighting with her lightsaber. Or her blaster, using low-powered basically-just-light settings against targets. Or telekinetically lifting and throwing things up to half her weight. Or meditating.

You may have seen her doing that before, but now she's including a Togepi in this. Strapped to her back, sitting out of the way playing with this and that, in an inflatable donut, being levitated, playing with her tail or trying to imitate her as she sits still. She does teach it to slap at things and swim.]

This Is Totally Vacation (Ula'ula, near the Observatory)

[Several days into this jaunt she sits besides the road near the top of Hokulani Observatory, looking out at the dramatic view and seeming really content, for once. A five-foot metal bird that's deigned to join her for a while stands nearby, methodically working through a bowl of hard Pokemon food. And her Togepi has become a winged creature, two feet tall and possible to see as a bird, perched on her forearm and leaning into the wind as she talks.]

-Trispzest? I don't know, is that too heavy for you? It does mean 'heart palpitation'.

Look, you're gonna need a name, kid. You're gonna have to like one of these.

You're on vacation right?

[detonarrator]

[Sophie hadn't seen Scout around before, but she knows combat training when she sees it. And she's including her uhh, egg? thing? in it? Is that what she was supposed to do to 'train' her pokemon? She'd been treating her skunk thing like a dog for lack of a better idea, with mixed results. She'd chalked that up to her ignorance about training dogs as well, but maybe she was just coming at this completely wrong.

Stunky trotting along at here heels, she approaches Scout in the midst of levitating her buddy there and interrupts.]

Hey, 'scuse me. So is this what you're supposed to do with these guys? I've been trying to make sure mine is house-trained but honestly I can't even tell that.

lambert | ota

[whattaprick]

[ DAY 76 ]
On this day specifically, Lambert can be found bitching up a storm at the Carnival and holding his own party of one at a beach in Alola. Nothing particularly exciting there.

[DAY 77+]

After Lambert accepts the Ringmaster’s offer? The glamour doesn’t hide the new changes he got stuck with from other carnival workers, so it’s hard to miss the tail that waves restlessly behind him, curling and uncurling with a mind of its own, or the fact that he’s grown nearly an extra foot in height — or even the fact that he’s sporting patches of golden scales along his lower back and arms, especially since everything just fits him so much more poorly than when he first got it. The sunburn he'd been sporting in his first few days here has faded into a tan -- he'll never really look like he belongs on these sun-kissed islands, but at least he looks like he's been around long enough to feel at home.

A. Back to the Sea
Half because it’s habit, half just because Lambert wants to see how much he can rack up to buy stupid shit from the mall, this means he’ll be looking around for ways to make an extra buck.

During mornings, he can easily be found at the beach near the resort on Akala Island, picking up strange, blobby Pokemon with dull spikes out of the sand … and chucking them overhand, into the ocean. He’s actually got a pretty impressive throw, actually.

B. Tag Team Battle
Of course, errands can only earn him so much. Beating people for money is much more rewarding, and as soon as he gets the hang of this shit, he's actively picking fights with anyone who looks like a likely opponent. However, on one of the routes, he can be spotted arguing with a pair of (frankly terrified-looking, even if they can’t see his changes) Team Skull grunts, his Mudbray pawing impatiently at the ground with a hoof. It’s actually kind of funny, since the black and white tank top he’s wearing isn’t so different from what they are …

“I can take you both on any day, you—“ When he spots another Carnival worker, his tail perks right up at the sight of a potential victim. “Hey, you! Do you have any Pokemon?”

C. To the Victor go the Spoils
In the middle of performance week, after however many battles he’s finally managed to get through, Lambert emerges triumphant. For where once a little, somewhat neurotic Mudsdale stood, instead he’s got this fuck-off-huge horse that towers even over him. He rides it around the Carnival — there isn’t much for a Nightrunner to do, with all the performances going on, so he’s simply keeping an eye out for any trouble.

Whatever it is, a hoof to the face should make quick work of it.

D. WILDCARD
Generate your own scenario, or yell at me if you want me to set something up!

a heartwarming tale of two assholes [for childermass]

[whattaprick]

Out of curiosity, Lambert's loitering at the edges of the Pokemon Training School, casually watching the bustle and chatter of the students among themselves. It certainly doesn't bear much resemblance to Kaer Morhen when he was growing up. They all look so happy he could puke, but mostly? Mostly he's thinking it's a bit fucked up he can't even really remember being that age anymore. Maybe getting thrown around by monsters so much really did knock a few memories loose...

But his thoughts are interrupted by a voice that pipes up from a height somewhere in the vicinity of his navel, and he glances down to see a little girl in a sun dress with a hat.

Um, excuse me... you're a trainer, right?

Lambert glances around. There isn't anyone else around she could be speaking to, so he shrugs and nods.

"Yeah." At the confirmation, her eyes light up, hesitation replaced by sudden determination.

Then, let's battle! I want to try out the new moves we learned today! Someone else might have laughed and politely found a way to brush the girl off. But Lambert looks dangerously speculative, crossing his arms and leaning down to come closer to meeting her eye to eye, grin sharp and toothy.

"You're on. Show me what you've got."

susan // ota

[wild_magic]

day 76 | melemele island

It's been a tough few days for Susan by the time he finally makes it to Alola to explore with his brother. Anyone who sees him when they first arrive to the Pokemon world can see how quiet he's being, at odds with his normal behavior...

But of course that all changes when he meets a Pichu just outside of Iki Town, and Susan's mood instantly brightens when the little guy takes a liking to him and starts following him around. And by the time Lauren decides it's time to move on, the little Pichu has decided that it's coming, too, to Susan's delight, and the rest of their time on the island is filled with much happier and more excited exploring as Susan's distracted from everything else by his new friend.

night 76 | tide song hotel

Somehow Susan managed to convince Lauren to stay overnight in Alola (he can be very convincing when he tries to be). The excitement of exploring a new world has already brought them to Akala Island, and so staying at the Tide Song Hotel is an exciting choice for Susan. He's mostly camped outside in his life, so even the occasional time he's stayed in an inn has been exciting enough - staying at a hotel like this is even more exciting, and he can be seen all through the evening running around the place, exploring the halls and seeing what there is to see, his Pichu on his heels the entire time.

day 77 | akala island

Early in the day, Susan (and Zap, the newly named Pichu) can be seen going for a swim at the beach... Or, more accurately, Susan is taking a swim, while Zap watches from the beach while playing in the sand with Fluff watching over. Susan's seen a lot in his life, but an actual beach with an ocean is new to him, and so he would easily spend all day there... But Lauren eventually convinces him to go elsewhere, and by the afternoon he's off again, exploring more of the island.

Eventually the boys find their way to the Lush Jungle, where Susan and Zap can be seen attempting to fight the grass Pokemon there... Too bad Zap only has electric moves. It's still fun to explore, though.

wild card

[Susan is really enjoying a break from the sibling drama he's ended up in at the Carnival, so he'll be spending every chance he can until performance week in Alola. If you want to bother him some other time, just hit me up!]

LUSH JUNGLE

[mylastchance]

Quite predictably the jungle is lush, filled with plant life of all kinds. The canopy of the trees above them is thick, which would make it difficult to see if they didn't have dark vision thanks to their elven heritage. For one reason or another Lauren is on edge. He's honestly not sure how this trial will go or what to expect. All he knows, at the exact moment, is that they are looking for ingredients.

"Is it cheating if I use magic to find them?"

childermass, ota

[atouts]

MALIE CITY LIBRARY, ULA'ULA ISLAND [D74 - 75]

It took a day to get out to where he really wanted to start. Not where there were supposedly easier Pokemon to deal with (whatever that even meant) or anywhere particularly "cool" to check out, but a library. Of course, it's a library, what else would it be? While there was a lot that he's picked up simply by talking to the ever helpful trainers and people in general of Alola, the real research to be done is here, with a few select books.

A Trumbeak is perched up on the books he isn't currently searching through, watching with mild interest, but considering birds can't read, it's not a whole lot and Childermass isn't exactly paying it attention in return.

Occasionally it flies off to do whatever it wants and he doesn't particularly care. It's probably going to land on someone more interesting at some point and that someone is definitely going to be another carnival worker, so, surprise?

LUSH JUNGLE AREA, AKALA ISLAND [D78]

"A miracle seed, a tiny mushroom, and a revival herb," Childermass is idly reciting the list to himself and, frankly, feeling a little silly for it. He picked this trial specifically because the Growlithe at his side can burn through just about any Grass-type easily, so this should have been a simple task. Show up, set everything on fire, call it a day. Instead, we now have a forty-something Englishman in a purple-and-white Alolan shirt and sunglasses — overall, he's dressed to fit in and a hilariously far cry from what he usually looks like (not terrible, mind, just... different) — wandering around a jungle, looking for ingrediants.

Of all the things they could have asked for...

Well, he supposes just reading about the trials couldn't truly prepare him for what they are. It's kind of funny, actually.

Anyway, he's at least thought to pick up a little guide to the Lush Jungle in general, since a Pokedex isn't going to tell him much about the jungle itself, right? He and his Growlithe can be found stopping to check out various plants here and there along the paths.

"Does that smell right to you?" He'll seriously ask the small, orange dog-like creature like he expects him to know any better. Considering how intelligent he's found Pokemon to be thus far, though, he probably does expect something.

THE LAKESHORE, THE CARNIVAL [PERFORMANCE WEEK]

And onward into the performance week, he's since taken the Growlithe back to the carnival with him. His other Pokemon were released back into the wild once he had made sure he got to keep the happy little pyromaniac, so it's the Growlithe and only the Growlithe.

It's before and between shows that Childermass will be hanging out with the Pokemon way, way over by the new lake's shore. It's safely away from the trailers, which might be flammable, as well as his coworkers, who may also be flammable. It's also near water because he knows for sure that he's flammable. Out there, he's dragged a few other items to set up. A few different sizes of stools, the big red cape he uses in his show to throw over whatever it is "attacking" him during one show or another, a few things to play fetch with, and, of course, a pocketful of treats.

Right now he has the red cape wrapped around one arm and he's trying to goad the dog into charging.

"Okay, like before," he says slowly and clearly, the Growlithe's attention unwavering. The magician steps forward, putting the arm wrapped in red out towards the Pokemon. As if on cue, the little guy falls into an attacking pose and begins growling at Childermass.

Jungle

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

The crash and crumple of jungle brush around them offered a brief warning before a Lucaria burst forward from the depths before them, landing in a dramatic three-point stance before rising. The Pokemon turned his paw over as he stretched it out to trainer and Growlithe, curling it inwards in the universal 'bring-it' gesture -- right before Zecora stepped out of the bush behind him.

"I thought I gave
You orders to behave," she said with a patient calm that hinted at irritation beneath.

Foster | OTA! | I can't believe they called it haole city.......

[control_freak]

A. Fun in the su--oh right, Foster hates fun, nevermind.

The problem with Poke-Hawai'i Alola is that it has... a lot of sun. A lot of sun.

Of course, the Host's party had been indoors, and Hell wasn't really known for its sunny skies (or... having skies at all...), so this was probably a much-needed breath of fresh air (literally) for most of the Carnival's members.

For those few who had been turned into vampires during the aforementioned party, though, it was incredibly rude.

But Foster, true to form, has come up with a solution.

Since his weakness is to sunlight, he's covered up. In a not-at-all conspicuous full-body Poke-kigu, just like the local Pokemaniacs and Pokefans.

This is not stupid-looking at all(?) and has the added bonus of keeping sand more or less out of the places he doesn't want it while he stomps around the beachfront.

While he is, by and large, a supremely uninterested in anything this world has to offer, there's a small possibility you'll find him harrassing the local wildlife outside Hau'oli City and beyond.

Exhibit A: one (probably not terribly) helpless pyukumuku, which he's got in both hands while he crouches in the sand... squeezing it repeatedly?

Yeah, maybe it's better when he's disinterested.

B. Hey, you... you've got a little.... somethin.... there...

Eventually the sun goes down, and Foster sheds his ridiculous monster costume to walk freely under the cover of night.

But in his shadow is... something else. Or... maybe it's not in his shadow, but attached to it.

He doesn't seem to notice it. It follows him down the main street of Malie city, into the Pokecenter and shops, even into the tall grass, where he really shouldn't be walking on his own anyway. But risk of physical injury always seems to have the opposite effect on him; the riskier the proposition, the more magnetically he's attracted to it, moth to suicidal flame. There's no way he hasn't noticed his malicious stalker, right? After, all it's right there--with its ominous, staring eyes, burning in the dark like two lit cigarettes.

He definitely notices you, glancing out of the corner of his vision to nod, flashing his vampiric pearly whites in a grin.

"H--no, Alola, right? Alola!"

...okay. M... maybe not? Well... on the plus side... it does seem to be scaring the wild Pokemon away.

C. Wild PROMPT appeared!

[Wild PROMPT is undefined! Make shit up. Or hit me at railehatesfun or on Discord at railehatesfun#6621.]

[dontpokethat]

...Um.

"H...hey." Ginko isn't great at remembering things like specific local greetings to begin with, but also. "Uh, Foster, there's... hang on."

He moves a little closer, leaning around to try and get a better look at the... whatever it is behind Foster.

Sora | ota | why did this take me two weeks

[destiny_key]

Week 1 - Melemele Island

Trapped under the umbrella still, Sora is getting the full Pokemon Moon experience; which is to say, he's doing most of his traveling at night, and sleeping during the day, much like a traditional vampire. He's well aware of the irony and he hates it.

For the most part, he's just chilling during this week, wandering around the island and exploring at a leisurely pace. Early on, he finds a Shinx and, following his tradition of making party members out of pets, decides to keep it and name it Sparky. No one ever said he was good at naming things.

Maybe you'll find him on the beach, staring out at the ocean. More than anything, this place reminds him of his home.

Day 79-80 - Carnival Grounds

Finally, finally, during the evening of Day 79, Sora finally manages to get to a point where the Ringmaster can rip out the vampire and bring him back to life. It hurts, and it leaves him exhausted, but he's human again. Alive. He sometimes holds a hand up to his heart to make sure it's still beating.

He spends the next day curled up with Sparky in his trailer, resting and trying to fix his sleep schedule. Might be a good time to catch him, if you've been trying to track him down.

Week 2 - Akala Island

Now that he's no longer a vampire and it's no longer snowing on a tropical island, Sora is absolutely tickled to be able to be out in the sun and allowed to do whatever he wants. Without the stupid umbrella.

He's in his element here, with the islands and the sun, and he's loving it. He wants to see everything, now that he can, and when he's not working the carnival (as it is show week, after all), he's out with Sparky and anyone else who'd like to come along, enjoying the taste of the sea in the air. You'll find him anywhere on Akala this week, trying to soak it all in.

Day 84 - Brooklet Hill Water Trial

Sora's never one to back down from a challenge, and this is no different. Well, it's more of a test of Sparky than his own combat skills, but still. As soon as he's let go from his Carnival duties for the day, Sora races to the site of the Water Trial and excitedly waits outside for the trial to begin, chatting to anyone else who seems to be waiting outside with him.

"Hey there! Are you gonna try this trial too?"

Traveling

Sora will welcome any travel companions who'd like to come chill out at any time. Or maybe he'll join you instead. Either way, it's nice to not be alone, right?

Wildcard!

(Come at me, bro!)

Week 1

[whattaprick]

"Nice view, isn't it?" The witcher pops up more or less out of nowhere, his new dragon-like tail lashing lazily as he crunches through the sand. Unlike Sora, he doesn't have his Pokemon out, though there are three Pokeballs clipped conspicuously to his belt. His changes mark him clearly enough as a member of the Carnival, visible to other workers; in the dimness of twilight, the rune-like fae marks inscribed on his collarbone glow a dim amber.