bravenewworld | The White Wolf's Successor

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The White Wolf's Successor

[Action]

[One of the rangers returns to Union from outside, his duties over for the day. He's clad in a white coat and pants, with black boots and gloves. He removes his cold-weather gear from his head, revealing his face and his hair.]

Phew. That took too much being careful. Next time I go back, it's with someone else.

[Voice]

Hey, can you hear me? This is Asemu Asuno of the rangers. You all heard the report about the cold, right? Well, for now, if you really want to train, the best place to go is the Scorched Woods. It's a little warmer there because of all the Fire Pokémon.

But be careful, OK? The Pokémon there are stronger than they are in most of the forest. If you're just starting out, you should go with other people. Even one person can make all the difference.

And I'm willing to go out with people who need help. Just ask, and I'll go along with you. I know I can handle things if I've got someone to work with.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Elly arrived back from today's patrol a little earlier, too. She already hung her jacket up, and has the gloves hanging off the peg with her her jacket, while she adjusts the long-sleeved shirt she wears under it. She smooths her shirt out, then she spots Asemu walking in. She turns and looks at him.]

[She shoots him a smile.]

Did things get complicated out there?

Hm?

[He hadn't been paying attention when he walked in, so he hadn't seen Elly. It takes him a moment to realize who she is. One of the newer recruits, as he recalls.]

A little, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. The Pokémon there are a little too strong for Bullet, so I stayed away from them as much as I could. It was a bit tricky.

[New and not. She was new -- then she was in an experiment that went wrong, and she only came back on the job recently. Despite being in the Rangers for a few months, Elly isn't that experienced.]

I was out there earlier, too. I could take them, but... it got hairy a few times. Ah, I did meet this little guy out there.

[She glances to the side, and a Fletchling flutters up, then perches on Elly's shoulder.]

You got a Fletchling? I've got one, too. He's actually the first Pokémon I ever had. I bet I could help if you need it for training it.

Oh, really? That--ah, yes, actually, that would be very appreciated, sir. I've only had about an hour to work with Severain.

[She scritches the Fletchling's neck, and he chirps softly.]

Oh, you can just call me Asemu. You don't have to call me "sir." And it looks like you already found a good spot to pet it.

Ah--ah, all right, then, Asemu. [She nods, then she smiles.] I did. I wanted to make sure he felt welcome.

That's a good start. Do your best to keep him warm, too, especially this time of year. Fletchling evolves into a Fire-type, after all.

Ah, is that so? That's one of my types. [She scratches more under his chin.] I'm not surprised he gets cold easily. Especially this time of year.

Really? That's a coincidence, so am I. I do best with Fire-types and birds.

Yep. I think some birds may migrate. I have no idea where, though.

Past where we've explored, I should think. [Though the ocean is south of Union. Do they cross it? Elly has to wonder.]

Maybe we'll find out, someday.

We will. I'll make sure of it personally if I have to, but we'll find out more about our world.

I'd like to know more. There is... I feel like I should learn more. I can't quite explain why I feel that way, though.

I think that's just a part of being human. We're always pushing forward, right? We want to learn as much as we can to make things better for ourselves and each other.

Yes. Part of being human is curiosity and... always moving forward. It's enough to push us past Union's walls.

And if we keep growing in number, we'll need more room. I want to see humanity grow back up to a good number someday. We'll have to find more places to settle to do that.

New towns. It's almost hard to imagine, after we've spent so long in just Union.

[There's a smile at the idea, though.]

That's my second-biggest goal as a ranger. I want to see us found a new village. If we can do that, I know we'll be on the right track.

Mm, yes. It must happen sooner or later! I hope that I'll be there for it.

By the way, what's your name? I don't think I caught it.

Oh, it's Elhaym van Houten. Elly, for short. What's yours?

Asemu, like I said before. Asemu Asuno.

[She knows that name. Flit Asuno isn't a stranger to her; she never met him, but she knows her father had a few times, in the line of work. She looks up, then.]

Ah, any relation to...?

Flit Asuno? Yeah, he's my father. I don't seem very much like him, do I?

[He's no longer bummed about that; he's gotten over that. He has acknowledged that he and his father are different people, so he's following his own path instead of vainly trying to emulate his father.]

I never met him, so... it's hard to say. But we're... not always like our parents.

[She shakes her head. There's a thoughtful look on Elly's face for a moment.]

My father was a Ranger, too, before he started working at the Agricultural Tower.

He was? Huh. Maybe he worked with my dad back then.

He certainly could have. My father probably worked with him, before he transferred. He didn't mention everyone he worked with to me.

He didn't? I'd think he'd mention someone like my dad. Maybe they didn't meet after all.

Hm... maybe not. My father could have already transferred or they missed each other. I might ask him sometime.

Could be. I'd ask my dad, but...he's usually too busy to give me any time.

[Cue Elly's maternal instincts.]

Oh... I'm sorry, Asemu. It shouldn't be like that.

Well...okay, maybe not, but he's got a lot of responsibilities. It's just how it is. And I get by okay.

[After all, he does have the rest of his family.]

That's good, then... I think sometimes, they get wrapped up in the world around them, and can forget about us. Especially that we're older, and we see and know more now. It isn't right, but it... can be easy for a parent to do.

I don't think it's entirely accidental, though. I mean, I'm legally an adult. I can't keep relying on my family for everything. I need to learn how to better take care of myself.

Mm, that is true... it's part of growing up. But your family probably wants to look after you, a little, too. [She smiles.] That's how they are, I think, too. It must be complicated.

Yeah, there's a bit of that. Mom's pretty good about giving me free rein. Vargas is a little stricter, though. Always giving me advice.

[She nods, looking happy enough about that. She likes seeing happy families. Hers is -- except, of course, for that one thing... but it's not always true of people in Union. Life can be hard in the city.]

They seem nice. My father is... well, he can be nosy. My mother is less so, sometimes. And the maid who helped raise me looks after me a lot, too, even now.

Maid? You have a maid? It's starting to sound like we come from the same social class...or somewhere close to it.

Oh... yes, my father did well for himself. We're not nobles, but... he could afford a maid.

Oh. Huh.

[He's not sure what else to say.]

Where are you gonna head now that you're off?

I think back to my quarters and get off my feet for a few hours. I have a book that I've been reading.

[She considers for a moment.]

Cook dinner too, I think.

Sounds like a good plan. I'm planning on heading home, myself. I don't want to be late for dinner again.

Good idea. Nothing beats a home-cooked meal! I miss the food at home, now that I've moved out.

[She grabs the leather handbag she carries off a peg, and slings it over her shoulder.]

Yep! So, I guess I'll see you another day then, huh?

I don't doubt it. We're on the same team, after all.

[She smiles, then, and waves one hand.]

Have fun at dinner, Asemu. See you later.

I was in the Scorched Forest a few days ago myself, I definitely agree with that assessment.

That's good. It's better when I'm not the only voice on something. Did you do any training while you were there?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The White Wolf's Successor

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