1 � [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE GOLDENROD ROCKET BASE/ROUTE 34]

[fauxtographs]

[ACTION]

[It's a quietish, average day in the Goldenrod Rocket base, although that silence is soon broken rather aggressively by the sound of a shout-]

I'll show you what I think of your "uniform violation"!

[Suddenly, there's another shout, and if you're lucky enough to be standing near the doorway where first one came from, you'll be treated to the sight of a Random Grunt being hurled out of it.

That...yep, he's definitely airborne, and doesn't seem too pleased about it. At least his flight is short, as he soon lands in a heap amongst a nearby group of metal bins with a deafening crash. He seems uninjured, if...extremely dazed, and it isn't long before his assailant comes exploding out of the door.

...all five, furious feet of her.]

There! Right in the rubbish, where bullies like you belong!

[The source of the argument quickly becomes apparent now that the young woman is in view; she's wearing the typical female grunt uniform, but only the hat, shirt and skirt. Instead of the regulation boots, she's wearing a pair of knee-high green boots, and a pair of white tights underneath her skirt.

Apparently, someone hadn't agreed with her alterations. To add insult to injury, a Lillipup immediately runs up and starts furiously barking at the Grunt (as tiny dogs are want to do), although her trainer doesn't seem interested in doing anything to call her off.]

Hmph!

[Gripping the brim of her cap, the woman straightens it angrily, muttering darkly to herself as she looks up and down the hall. Her anger is quickly abating in favour of confusion, and perhaps a little bit of despair.]

And I still don't know where the exit is...this place is more of a maze than Misthallery!

~~

[VIDEO]

[Some time later, Emmy has finally managed to puzzle her way out of the Rocket Base and into the heart of Goldenrod City (ensuring, of course, that she changed out of the uniform before she left). While a few subtle things are slightly different, on the whole...it feels like she never left.

It's enough to make her want to just...sit down for a bit - so she does, after walking briskly to the outskirts of the city and collapsing on the grass with a sigh. Her two Pokemon, Lillipup and Scraggy, having been in dutiful pursuit since she left the base, similarly crash down to the ground nearby and look at her expectantly.

All in all, they make a rather amusing picture. It's now that she's using the Gear - still lying in the grass, with it held up in her outstretched arm.

Her chosen camera angle is about more than just a lack of desire to stand up, however - the last time she was brought to Johto, she arrived in New Bark Town. Of course, the last time she was in Johto, she hadn't been automatically enlisted in Team Rocket, and the whole fiasco has made her rather suspicious. If there is a chance that Goldenrod City arrivals and Team Rocket are linked...she can't afford to broadcast her current location to the entire network. Best to be safe, and solve the puzzle later. This way, with only her upper body and the grass in view, she could be anywhere. Hopefully, people will assume she's somewhere between New Bark Town and...oh, what was it called...Cherrygrove! Yes!]

Ah, hello there! My name is Emmy!



[With a slightly awkward, yet friendly wave, Emmy chases any negative thoughts out of her head and focuses on smiling for the camera. It's been so long since she's done this - the whole experience feels rather surreal, yet there's a strong feeling of deja vu.]

I was just wondering...well, if any of you happened to recognize me! You see, I've actually been here in Johto before, and it looks like it wants me back for Round 2!

[To her credit, she looks and sounds completely sincere. Continuing to smile, Emmy shifts slightly on the grass and adjusts her grip on the Gear.]

I don't really expect any of my old friends to still be here, but I thought I'd ask anyway! Other than that...well! Do any of you have any good battling Pokemon to recommend?

[Laughing softly, Emmy beckons to something off-screen; soon, her Lillipup trots into the frame and rolls onto her back so she can look at the camera too, tail wagging furiously.]

At the moment I've only got this cutie, so I'm going to need some suggestions! I'm no beginner, so hit me with whatever you've got!

Thanks for listening, and have a good day!

[And with that, the feed is cut.]

Comments

[video]

[enjoymyatelier]

...Ms. Altava?

[WELL, AT LEAST SOMEONE SEEMS TO REMEMBER HER]

Well, it certainly has been a long time indeed. I'm not even sure if I remember the last time we spoke --- but regardless, you've returned at a very interesting time.

[video]

[fauxtographs]

[KAYNETH SHE IS SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU

LEGITIMATELY]

Lord Archibald! Hello!

[That will even make her sit up off the grass!

...ensuring that hasn't got Goldenrod City behind her, of course]

You don't know how glad I am to see a friendly face! Have you been here all this time?

[...

...wow that. is a while, isn't it um]

[video]

[enjoymyatelier]

[AH YES IT'S SO NICE WHEN SOMEONE IS ACTUALLY HAPPY TO SEE YOU]

Ah, yes, I have. I haven't gone home once, actually...

[...

...

]

--- Well, anyway, it is good to see you again, even if you're... starting again from the beginning, I presume?

[video]

[fauxtographs]

[...WE'LL HAVE TO MEET UP AND HAVE TEA, AND YOU CAN TELL HER ALL YOUR PROBLEMS, KAYNETH

it beats thinking about her own, so]

Ah, I am, yes!

[It's...technically true? Obviously Goldenrod City must...count as a beginning...]

Unfortunately I only have one Pokemon, now. But that's alright! I mean, I'll just have to catch some more! You must have an incredible collection now, Lord Archibald!

[video]

[explosivecombat]

My, my - it's been a while since I've heard from you, Miss Altava. I was beginning to think you didn't like us anymore.

[And will you look who it is. He's even deigning to do video for once, just for you; he's come to rather hate it over his time here, but, well. For certain people he'll make an exception, let's put it that way.

He sounds rather pleasant, as always, despite the light teasing in his words; his location is a bit difficult to discern, but it seems he's back in that house in Mahogany town that he...un-lime-greenified all that time back.]

It's a pleasure, as always; I trust you're doing well?

[video]

[fauxtographs]

[Oh hello alright - for a moment, Emmy stares at the Gear in shock, before quickly pushing herself off the grass (without any recognizable landmarks behind her, thankfully...) and crying out-]

Kimblee!

[...it's safe to say that she's happy to see you; put it that way.]

Yes, I'm fine, I mean...well, I'm not great but I've been worse! I'm so glad to see you, I...

[No really, it's...frankly a massive relief, especially after everything that has happened recently; both here and at home.]

How have you been? I...goodness, I don't know what to say! I'm so glad you're here!

[explosivecombat]

I find that I can't complain.

[Not particularly stellar himself, but it could be far, far worse, and it's mostly circumstantial as opposed to anything direct anyway.

He sounds content enough, anyway.]

I returned home for an extremely brief period myself, but otherwise there haven't been too many new developments.

[action]

[evilfrenzy]

[Rideaux and his two minions Pokemon happen to be making their way down the hall when this all goes down. It's a good thing he decided to stop at the sound of the shouting because he very well could've been in the way of that flying Grunt. Instead, he and his Pokemon watch with mild curiosity as the poor dude goes sailing by, their gaze following his movements until he comes crashing down.

What surprises him more is who's behind this debacle. To be honest, he was not expecting it to be a young woman throwing a full-grown man across a hallway.

This is hilarious, he won't lie.

He watches in silence, allowing her to finish her tirade before smirking a little once she looks in his direction.]

I'm impressed you even bothered to put some of it on.

[Yeah, he...hasn't bothered to change yet. At least his colors are sort of TR-related...!]

I couldn't help but overhear... [It was totally very difficult to eavesdrop on that yelling, you know how it is.] You're looking for the exit?

[action]

[fauxtographs]

[Emmy is still fuming to herself, so the sound of Rideaux's voice takes her by surprise.]

Sorry?

[...oh. Right, there are...people around, aren't there...

...at least, judging by what he's said, this one doesn't appear to be, you know. Important.]

I mean, yes, I...I'm looking for the exit. Have you seen it?

[action]

[evilfrenzy]

[He nods, sternly watching his Houndour as she makes a move to communicate with Emmy's Lillipup. Fellow dog!]

It's pretty difficult to miss, if you're actually paying attention.

[Apparently that wasn't rude at all to him, because he just keeps on going.]

Did you just arrive?

[Video]

[awesmazings]

I don't recognize you, but it's nice to meet you anyways!

[Bark bark bark! follows Jimmy's intro there as he switches on the video of his Gear, and sitting in his lap is a Lillipup of his own, paws propped up on his trainer's knees and tail going a mile a minute as he stares at the screen.]

Heh, if you've been here before you prolly know way more than I do, but I've been here...

[He pauses to count on his fingers, mouthing off numbers before continuing.]

Siiix...seven months? Yeah, that sounds about right.

Anyways, it really depends on what types'a Pokemon you're after, but I really recommend Electrike! Buizel, if you want a strong water type...and Larvesta and Houndour are great fire types!

[He isn't biased, shhhhhhh.]

My name's Jimmy, by the way!

[Video]

[fauxtographs]

[Ooh! Lily the Lillipup will immediately start matching that furious tag-wagging, and giving off a few barks of her own!

...despite the fact that she's...kind of right next to her trainer's ear, but that's alright...]

It's lovely to meet you, Jimmy! My name is Emmy. Emmy Altava!

[Hang on, let her sit up so that Lily isn't barking right in her ear-]

Thanks for the recommendations; I had a pretty large collection of Pokemon last time I was here, but unfortunately...well, my PC is empty.

[Haha...yeah, that was a fun discovery. But! She's totally fine!

Totally fine!]

But that's alright! All the more room to catch new ones! I see you've also got a Lillipup...

[subject change subject change]

I don't suppose you could tell me a little bit about them? Lily here is my starter, so!

[Video]

[awesmazings]

[Outwardly, Jimmy doesn't miss a beat. He's smiling and his Lillipup, Buster, is starting to calm down a little even though he's still wiggling all over with excitement.

But coming back to your PC totally empty? ....He can't even imagine. He's gotten to the point where all of his Pokemon are like his family, basically. A family he never had back home, really. Sure he had his friends, but these guys are different somehow.

His expression softens slightly as he pets the top of Buster's head.]

Well, I haven't had Buster for too long, but he's a great Pokemon! He's kindof hyper, but that's fine.

[He never said he wasn't hyper. The little belled collar around Buster's neck jingles softly as he licks Jimmy's hand as he scratches behind his ears.]

He's a normal type, but from what I've learned he's able to learn loads of TMs, like my Furret, Cherry. Actually, I taught her Surf not too long ago...so that was pretty funny.

video

[islandshore]

[Hmm, she looks vaguely familiar. Maybe he's seen her over the network before? Well, he can't do much about her first questions, lack of familiarity and all. Still...]

Johto's funny that way. Just when you think it's had enough, you're right back where you started.

[It's said with a faint smirk. Having been around as long as he has, Riku's seen plenty of people come and go.]

Anyway, have you ever thought about training a Metagross? They're a bit tricky to work with at first, but if you're looking for a good steel type, they're a great place to start.

video

[fauxtographs]

[You know, Emmy is also being pinged by a bit of deja vu when you pop up on her screen, Riku - did she talk to you once or twice, before? Hmm...]

A Metagross? I don't think I've even heard of that Pokemon, although I am rather fond of Steel types. Do you happen to have one?

[Admittedly, the name does make it sound rather fearsome!]

video

[islandshore]

Yep. In fact...

[He sets the 'Gear down for a second, then moves over to the PC. It might take a minute or two, but before long, he's back with a Heavy Ball in hand. From that ball, he summons...

A big, metallic spider-tank thing. Said tank is currently dozing, completely unaware that he's been removed from his ball at all.

...Welp.]

Okay, so believe it or not, they're not actually metallic Snorlaxes with spider legs. They're kinda on the slow side, but they make up for it by being sturdy, reliable, and heavy-hitters all in one. Kinda makes them stand out compared to other Psychic types.

[Video]

[friendyousohard]

Emmy! [Twilight beams widely upon seeing her old squadmate.]

I didn't think I'd be seeing you again. This is a nice surprise.

[Video]

[fauxtographs]

Ah, Twilight!

[Oh she certainly remembers you - what incredible timing you have! She was just wondering if there was any way she could find out if the PGC was still in operation, because....well, she's having a lot of Team Rocket-related problems right now!

...so hopefully you won't mind if she kind of. jumps up excitedly, there-]

It's so good to see you! How have you been?

[Video]

[friendyousohard]

Decent, though I've lost a few friends since I saw you lost. But now I've gained one back!

[She wants to say something about hopefully getting her back into the PGC quickly, but Twilight is nothing if not discreet. Even under filters she's loathe to discuss even the group's existence in case they get hacked.

Instead she's going to focus on something else she can use to help that goal.]

I'm in Azalea now, picking up Applejack's last Johto badge. I have all eight myself. We're thinking of going to Kanto soon, but we might be able to swing by and see you before then if you can think of a good place to meet.

[She's assuming Emmy's in New Bark Town, but she doubts Rainbow and AJ will really want to fly back there after spending this much time out in the equally-boring Azalea.]

[video]

[usedwrench]

[Hmmm. Somehow her mind connects to a conversation about ...Luvdiscs, if those were the heart-shaped pokemon. THINGS A GIRL IN LOVE WOULD REMEMBER. Well, it's something. And it might also mean that they've seen around in the network even if they've never talked much. The name Emmy might be more familiar than the face, thanks to traveling and living with Flora while she was still here a long, long time ago.]

Is possibly, maybe vague recognition good enough, because then we can maybe start from the basics like hello Emmy, I'm Winry?
[Look, you could start from that point anyway, but details like she doesn't even remember if she ever told you her name -- if you ever really even spoke, but she's pretty sure about those discs at one point, very short conversation etc.]

Welcome back, hopefully round two will be very nice for you.

[video]

[fauxtographs]

Winry...

[Let her stare at you for a minute...she's usually pretty good with faces...!

...

...oh!]

Ah, Winry! Yes, I remember you! My goodness, it's been so long!

[Again, the fact that she had forgotten all her friends here...it stings a bit. But that's alright! She's back, now!]

Have you been here all this time?

[video]

[usedwrench]

It really has been a long time. [Have a sheepish smile.] It's great to see you back here.

[...well except it's rather unfortunate for most people to be here, but well, Emmy is a nice person right? RIGHT?]

Yeah, I've been here all this time. I guess this place really doesn't want to send me home... But it's okay, my friends from home are here now too, so it's been fun.

[Let's just skip the part where it hasn't been fun, because wow there's been a lot of that too especially with Ed being the master of coming here and disappearing soon.]

[VIDEO]

[glaciates]

Emmy!

[Well someone looks happy to see you! As usual Isaac doesn't seem to realize what he's doing with his face, so sorry for... that.]

It's been awhile! You just got back? That's great!

[...wait.]

Well, uh, it's not great that you were dragged away from home, but uh...

[...Nothing has changed with him, obviously.]

[VIDEO]

[fauxtographs]

[...ISAAC, YOU TRIED VERY HARD

But that is okay, because she appreciates it!]

It's okay, Isaac, I know what you meant!

[And she...might be giggling at you, but not in a mean way!!]

I did just get back, yes! I won't say it's too great to be back, but there are worse places to be! How are you?

[glaciates]

I'm good. Nothing much to report though. Ah, I don't mean that's a bad thing though! It's kind of nice that everything just sort of stays the same here.