bravenewworld | (no subject)

(no subject)

Who: Everyone!
Where: The newly discovered island
What: After recent events, the people of Union could use a bit of R&R. What better place than a tropical island?
Warnings: Drinks with little umbrellas in them, swimsuits, idek

An island paradise, discovered just off the southern coast, less than a day's travel from the city. A strong enough Pokemon could easily carry their partner and others out there. It was hard to say just who sent the original message, but pictures surfaced, with the tagline "Don't you wish you were here," came over the warp bands' feeds, and, like Venomoths to the flame, people began clamoring toward this new found tropical get-away. Those who wanted to go would find it easy enough--with so many people making their way to investigate, for whatever reason they claimed (but let's be honest, it was probably the beach), one could just hitch a ride.

The island itself appeared untouched by human contact. The Pokemon were strange and different compared to the fare immediately around Union. A warm breeze blew through palm trees, carrying the scent of hibiscus flowers. The water, blue as the summer sky, was warm and inviting.

This truly was a paradise.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

-- you've. Been to it before, haven't you?

[Armin looks first startled, then embarrassed to be caught in a lie.] I-I mean...I suppose I mean that...that I will be fine. Eventually.

It's...you don't need to worry about it, really.

I- [crap] Yeah, I have. Awhile ago.

[But that's not important right now. Instead, he focuses on Armin] You're my friend. Of course I'm gonna worry.

What happened?

Really? When you were young? [Accidentally Tactless: The Armin Arlert Story.

The question gets pondered quietly for a moment, as he figures out how best to say it -- honestly, because Sora deserves honesty, but without dramatics.]

...the doctor taking care of my grandpa, um...doesn't. He doesn't think...he thinks I should start saying goodbye.

Yeah. That's right. [it isn't a lie. He was younger last time he saw it]

[And he waits. When he gets the answer, his expression fills with sadness. He didn't know Armin's grandpa. But, he was his only family, wasn't he?]

Armin, that's terrible. I'm sorry.

Has it changed much? If you can remember, that is.

[Armin shrugs, staring intently at his feet and willing himself not to be a big baby and cry.]

It...people don't live forever, after all, right?

[He gives an amused little smile] Not really. The ocean hardly ever changes.

[At least, not in their lifetimes. That's what he's learned. He scoots closer to Armin, reaching over to put a hand on his shoulder]

No...but, it's okay to be still sad about it, you know.

That's true. It takes water a great deal of time to erode away anything of statistically significant measure.

[When in doubt, use big words. Armin sort of shudders in on himself when touched, hugging his knees up to his chest.]

If...I start to be sad, what if I never stop?

Uh...yeah.

[Whatever that means. Sora's family were fishermen, not geologists!]

It doesn't work like that, Armin. You're sad now, aren't you? Even if you tell yourself otherwise. It's better to let yourself feel those feelings than completely deny they're there. That way, you can control them better.

[Another little shudder and Armin nods, squeezing himself into a ball, then forcing his muscles to relax.]

Okay. I'll...work on that.

But not today. It's too nice of a day to ruin.

Okay...

[That's fair enough. Deciding maybe it was time to change the subject, he'll move off the log and look back at Armin]

Hey, wanna see something cool?

[Bless ur heart, Sora. Armin perks up, lighting up like a hopeful little lightbulb and nodding vigorously.]

Yes, please.

[He nods back and heads over closer to the shore]

Okay, come over here!

[He walks over until he reaches what looks to be a tidepool, full of colorful plants and critters. He kneels down next to it. It's like a little world]

Have you ever seen this before?

[Armin follows along, curiously, leaning over and -- uh-oh, Sora, you hit the nerd switch. He instantly gets starry-eyed and overcome with geeky joy, dropping down to his knees and letting Famke scamper free, staring into the tide pool.]

Tide pools! We must be in the intertidal zones! These zones are submerged by the sea at high tides and during storms, and may receive spray from wave action, enabling great biodiversity among vegetation and other organisms!

[Have a look of absolute awe.] I've read about them, but never seen one!

[He smiles and laughs at Armin's geeky joy. Even if the words do sound like they are right out of an advanced textbook, watching Armin's reaction is like watching the little kids back home react.]

Yeah, that's right! It's low tide right now, so it's a great time to look!

[He points at the different creatures]

These are Sea Anemone! They look plants, but they're actually animals! And I think there's a starfish in here somewhere...

[Armin is hunched down now, as close to the tide pool as he can get without actually submerging his head in the water. He listens raptly, propping his chin in both hands and giving the anemones a beaming smile.]

You know all about these things, don't you?

[That catches him off guard and he falters. Did he go too far? He was just trying to cheer someone up by showing them something cool!]

Uh- y-yeah. You could say that.

I think that's wonderful. [Have a happy, sunny little smile, Sora.]

[Wait what-]

R-Really?

Of course really! I think it's amazing how much you know.

Heh...thanks.

It's just about the ocean, though. Any other places I'm still pretty clueless.

[It's nice to hear though. Having someone be impressed by what he knows]

But you'll learn more! Especially as part of the Rangers. They go everywhere.

[Ooo, a little tiny Krabby, hello friend.]

Yeah, that's true...!

Maybe I'll learn so much, I'll be able to teach you stuff!

Right! Since I...will likely not ever go as far out into the world as you do.

Hey, you don't know! Maybe you will get to see lots of places! You're here right now, aren't you?

Mmm-hm! [Have the happiest little smile ever.] And so are you! It's so nice, I wish we could stay forever.