001 | Action

[ideologic]

[There was really nothing to be said about the state that Union currently was in. News of the attack the city had endured had reached the surrounding areas quickly and, although Kon had planned on waiting the season out in Caldera before he trekked down the cold passage to Union, waiting wasn't an option any longer for a city in need. His passage with the band of Calderans who had trekked south to help the ruined city had been seamless-- no one questioned his joining in their caravan, and the offers to assist with manual labor and cooking had been much appreciated.

Sure, he didn't have much experienced as a trainer or an organized fighter under his belt, but he knew his way around bartering very well...and he was far from actually useless.

And, just as he had fallen into place with the caravan that he had travelled to Union with, he fell into place with the relief efforts as best as he could. The gangly young man in the floridly bright overcoat and the messy bun was easy to spot in the crowd, but among the sea of new faces milling about his presence could hardly be counted as a surprise. His trusty Litwick was perched on his shoulder, looking out for anyone or anything that looked vaguely familiar from it's long journey...but, in the wreckage, nothing in particular stood out.]

Sheesh, [Kon could be heard grumbling on occasion,] Can't believe the Valkyries actually beat me here.

[Not that it was a problem-- Kon had actually been closer to the city than they were, and they still beat him.

He can be found anywhere that an extra hand is needed, probably bartering his physical skills for a safe place to sleep. There was no place to do anything more as the city currently was, but that was to be expected in the aftermath of a rampaging god. Setting up a regular residence was out of the question for the moment, there was so much to do.

It was a small price to pay for a city that somehow managed to survive such a disaster...and, at least Kon wouldn't have any reason to be bored.]

Comments

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[Lenna's been busy in the past few days, too. Burying her father, welcoming a new roommate, and trying her best despite her own grief to help those in need. She really should slow down and allow herself the proper period to mourn, but it's hard to turn a blind eye to the needs of the city even now. And since she keeps such good track of comings and goings and new faces, it's not long before she notices Kon is someone she's never seen before.]

Ah... hello. Are you new to the city?

[ideologic]

[He barely noticed the young woman, to be honest, until she was speaking to him-- his attention had fully been focused on trying to clear some space for people to work as best as he could. While physical strength wasn't his virtue, he wasn't above using the terrain around him to erect basic tools to move large objects. A sturdy board with a rock shoved underneath it could act as a decent fulcrum to get heavy pieces out of the way with a few people jumping on the other end of it.

Was he crazy? Perhaps. But his creativity had gotten him this far, so why couldn't it take him further?]

Is it that obvious?

[He asked, jumping down off of the rock he had been standing on so he could talk to the young woman properly. So far, most people had avoided idle conversation; there was simply too much to be done. Kon was saving the niceties for later on, after night fell and people wanted food. So long as there were dry grains in the area and edible liquid-- even alcohol, he could whip up something tasty.]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[It's easy to miss Lenna, for the most part, even with her Dragonite horns and wings. She's short and soft-spoken. But she smiles all the same as Kon turns around to address her, nodding.]

Not especially, but I do try to meet most people. My name is Lenna Tycoon.

[ideologic]

Well,, thanks for being so considerate, Lenna. Everything's been such a mess that no one's had time for proper introductions yet.

[Understandably, too. The air in the city still felt cold from that ice god.]

I'd say 'it's good meeting you,' but it doesn't look like your city's ready for guests right now. So, since I'm here, I figured I'd help. The name's Kon Shinonome, and I came here from Citadel by way of Caldera.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Yes, things have been rather... busy.

[The ghost of a frown crosses her face during that pause, but she doesn't want to burden a newcomer with her own issues.]

That's a rather roundabout way of getting here, but if you're here to help, then welcome. You're not exactly seeing us at our best right now.

[ideologic]

I've been travelling for a few months, and I wanted to try the food there.

[A lopsided shrug. A short stay had turned into a longer one when winter set in, and his stint in Food Tourism had turned outright into working in some of the kitchens. But the food was hot and the beds were comfortable, so it was a fair enough trade in his opinion until he had heard about what beset Union.

And it was plain even to him that this young woman was putting on a brave, professional face for the sake of a stranger. Considering the situation, he knew that such a reaction just wouldn't last for long...]

If I expected to see you at your best, I wouldn't be here. Besides, you guys helped Citadel when we had our problem with a God. It's only right to return the favor.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

It's a little too spicy for me, I'm afraid.

[Lenna's a delicate little thing. Also, she has a bit of a sweet tooth.]

Well, on behalf of Union, then, thank you for your help.

[She smiles, bowing her head gratefully for a moment.]

What sorts of things are you good at? I may be able to point you in the direction of a place that would need someone with your talents.

[ideologic]

Whoa-- no need to be so formal. I didn't come here for any thanks, either.

[It was a bit embarrassing, and he scratched at his head as he looked away at those words. Compliments were never something he expected, or anything he sought. He just liked to keep busy.]

But since you sound like you're on the up-and-up around here, you might have a better idea of where people are needed. I like to cook and I like to make things....you could say I'm something like a regular craftsman if you want, but right now you need people who are good, hard workers regardless of their skill. Tools for travellers won't exactly be useful right now.

[He was a very lanky individual underneath those baggy layers, Lenna would note if she was observant, and he was notably not using his right arm for reasons that weren't apparent yet. Yet despite this, it was clear that he was used to physical work on some level...even with his strange typing combination of Dark and Ghost.

By Union's standards, he was clearly an Engineer....even if he didn't think about it in quite those terms.]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[Lenna's good at being overly sincere. It's just a thing with her.]

It sounds like Redwall could use someone with your skills. That's the name of a sanctuary created to house refugees and the underprivileged while they get on their feet. I imagine they're rather overloaded right now.

[She does pause to think for a moment, though, cheeks darkening ever slightly in advance of her next question.]

Ah... if you're an Engineer, though, I wonder if I might ask you to make something for me when you have time between the repair efforts. It's a bit of an indulgence on my part considering everything, but it's... something of a thank you gift for a friend of mine who helped me through the recent crisis.

[ideologic]

Redwall, hm? I'll need to keep that name in mind once this mess clears up some. If they're overloaded, they don't need another person taking up a bed, though I'll definitely offer them some help.

[It was a worthwhile consideration, although he was loathe to impose upon anyone for his own lodging needs. He would just go camp with the Calderans or the others from Citadel outside of the city, if need be.]

But I think I can scrape together something for you if we can find the materials. What sorta thing are you looking for?

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

I'm sure they're in need of repairs as well. And possibly looking into building an expansion. I'm not sure they were ever prepared to house quite this many people.

[Just as a way of clarifying things a bit. But yes.]

It shouldn't be too difficult. Some time ago, a friend of mine made me a very warm pair of Fire type enhanced slippers shaped like little Flareons. My friend is moving in with me and seemed rather taken with them when she visited once before, so I was hoping to have a matching pair made for her as a welcome gift.

[Yes, it's silly, and she's looking duly embarrassed about it. But it's also a very forthright desire on her part.]

(OOC: For reference, here's the original Engineering request for those.)

Those things are so cute I swear to god

[ideologic]

Well. We'll see what becomes of it, though thanks for the tip. It's much appreciated.

[He smiled at her now-- a genuine expression with no hidden agendas.]

And that sounds like a cute gesture for your friend. I'll see what I can do-- free of charge. Sewing isn't my specialty, but I'll make an exception for a nice person like you.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Thank you!

[Lenna's smile is practically sparkling.]

I'll get you the original pair to work from. I know it won't be exactly the same, but it might help to have the reference. And I insist on paying something. Let me cover the materials, at the very least.

[ideologic]

[Aw, man. This girl was really cute when she smiled. It was hard to turn away.]

All right, since you're insisting on it. Mind if we arrange a time for me to head over to...wherever you're staying at right now so I can take a look at the slippers? With how things are right now, we don't want 'em getting lost.

[Especially since he was essentially living out of a backpack for the moment...]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Of course. If you're busy now, we can meet up later and I'll show you the way, or I can take you there now.

[Wait until he sees her fucking mansion. Lenna generally doesn't make a huge deal of her status unless the moment calls for it.]

[ideologic]

[Oh, he's gonna freak out, all right. Just wait. Kon cast a glance back at the rest of the people working, as if to make a decision, before responding to Lenna.]

Looks like they've got it covered for now, [He said, jerking his thumb at the Rhydon that someone had dragged in to help.] They won't be needing a skinny guy like me for a while.

Lead the way, Lenna. There's still time to get something going before dark.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

I won't keep you long, I promise.

[Nodding, she starts leading him toward her house.

Which just happens to be in the noble quarter in the middle of town.

Large, with a big yard and surrounded by Dragonite statues.]

Ah, here we are!

[ideologic]

[Just. Full stop.

The little Litwick on his shoulder squeaked in awe while Kon just stared, flabbergasted. After a moment, he let out a wry little chuckle.]

Da-ammn. Should'a figured that a girl with your mannerisms would live in a swanky place like this!

[It was huge, bigger than any personal residence that he had seen! And here he was, disheveled with his feet and clothes covered in dirt.

He felt like he needed to go jump in the nearest lake to wash off before entering such a nice, nice place.]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Oh... yes. Sorry.

[Lenna gives a slightly awkward laugh, scratching at her cheek as she turns to open the large double doors leading into the foyer.]

I try not to make a big show of... well, all of this, so I often forget when I'm meeting people who haven't lived their lives in Union.

[ideologic]

It's cool, it's cool. Modesty can be a good thing!

[Pulling his coat tighter around him so it wouldn't snag on anything, he gingerly stepped into the pristine foyer and looked around to survey everything.]

Did you...want me to take my shoes off or something? [he asked, carefully watching where he stepped so he wouldn't get any dirt on the shining tile...]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[It's all very Dragon-typey. There's more statues of Dragnonites, a suit of armor and a helmet in the style of that particular Pokemon displayed prominently in the main hall, and a picture of Lenna's parents hanging above the entrance to the rooms on the upper floor.]

Ah... yes, if you'd prefer.

[ideologic]

[Clearly, this was the den of a Dragon clan--- not that it was in any way problematic. Fascinated by the elaborate displays of armor, statues, and the incredibly detailed painting that was proudly on display on the upper levels, Kon kicked off his shoes in an out of the way corner.]

This is a really nice place, [he repeated, still looking around.] You come from a family of status? Or is this from business?

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Yes, the Tycoon family is one of Union's oldest noble families. We trace our lineage back to the Savior.

[As does every noble family in Union, honestly, so that really only means so much. But Lenna's the type to believe that sort of thing wholeheartedly without any thought to the obvious ulterior motives of claiming something like that.]

[ideologic]

Is that right? No wonder you sound like someone who has a lot of influence here.

[It was something in the way she spoke, and in the way she carried herself, that leant itself to Kon's observation. He was a stranger in this city, so he ultimately knew nothing....but, interacting with the people often was the best way to learn.]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Not as much as you might think. I'm the current head of the family, but I don't have a voice on Union's Council. I simply try to do what I can with my family's resources to help as many people as possible.

[Up the stairs and back toward her chambers they go. She stops at the door.]

I'll go in and get the slippers for you. I'll only be a moment.

[This is, after all, her bedroom. Scandalous!]