astrum
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Weekend Warrior
Player Character
Posts: 26
Trainer Class: 
Player Name: Hye-Seong Moon
OOC Username: starlit colors
Arena Points: 10
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Post by astrum on Aug 28, 2023 11:07:38 GMT 9
The moment he steps out of the Pokémon Lab, Astrum is momentarily distracted by the jingling of a Quest being unlocked. Scratch that, multiple Quests, because apparently just the one isn't enough for a Tutorial. Well, at least he isn't really surprised by it; from the research he'd garnered, the Tutorial Quests were entirely optional, could be done in any order, and one can even pick and choose which ones they want to do rather than the whole bunch. There's already one in particular Astrum is keen on doing — the Rival Quest, as it involved a quick Tutorial Battle, as well as the Catching Quest, if only for the Item it gave out at the end — but there's one Quest that he honestly would rather avoid entirely.
The Running Shoes Quest.
Fake or not, the thought of needing to interact with "Mom" honestly leaves the man with knots in his stomach...
As the ravenette peers at the Quests that have begun to accost his UI HUD, his little Quaxly takes the moment then to waddle up to his feet. The small duck still seems rather uncertain about the man, but is still clinging tightly to Astrum's pant leg...
"...Aren't you just a sweet little thing," the ravenette sighs as he decides to temporarily shift his attention back to his Pokémon. The Quaxly's legs are so small, and they've an entire world to explore... Without any more hesitation, Astrum holds out a hand. At first, the Quaxly simply stares at it in confusion. "Come on. Climb up and I'll let you ride around on my shoulders. Having you walk around by yourself would just be mean with those small legs of yours, and you can't see the sights if you're stuck in your Poké Ball the whole time."
At that, the little duck's eyes widen a smidgen, before he wordlessly hops onto Astrum's hand, and then the man straightens up and raises the Quaxly up to his shoulders for easy access. The Pokémon seems like a pretty quiet little guy... Well, not that Astrum is meant to be a man of many words, anyway. As the Pokémon hops off onto his shoulders, it also occurs to Astrum that he also hasn't given the little one a nickname yet. Well. That just wouldn't do.
"Say... I just realized I haven't given you a name yet. You cool with that, or should I think of one?" Astrum asks as he glances back at the line of Tutorial Quests, trying to decide which to start off with first. It sort of seems like battling so soon after meeting isn't a good idea, considering how shy the little Quaxly still is around him, so maybe he should give the Delivery Quest a shot... But the thought of seeing Dr. Bunya again so soon to pick up the supposed parcel to deliver seems kind of...
'Ugh, wait, these Tutorial Quests require another Player? I guess it makes sense... Pokémon's always been about collaboration, but come on... I wanted to Solo this game.' The ravenette sighs as he wonders how he might fuddle with this. There doesn't seem to be a way to fake out the system, and it isn't like he can make an alt account on another device just for this...
< U-Um... > The sound of his Starter's voice makes Astrum jolt, forcing his hand forward. Gah... He really needs to get used to that. The Quaxly only looks somewhat contrite, as if apologetic for startling him. The little Pokémon immediately clamps his wings over his beak, and if he were a turtle Pokémon, Astrum is sure he would have retreated into his shell. The man is quick to let the duck know that there's no problem; he'd just been lost in thought. After a few more seconds of reassurances and urging him to speak, the Quaxly shyly pipes back up. < I, um... I wouldn't mind a nickname. Being called 'Quaxly' all the time would get confusing if there are others... >
Awh. Seeing how adorably shy the duck is just makes Astrum want to melt. It's of course no problem at all, he just needs time to think of a nickname. And considering his own naming convention (being an astronomical theme and all), it's only fitting that his Starter is named accordingly.
"That's fine with me. I just need some time to think of something, alright? Probably something cool and majestic, like your final evolutionary form..." Astrum hums, already deep in thought even as he glances back at his HUD to select his Ques—Wait a fucking minute.
"...God fucking dammit."
He'd already made quite the catastrophic mistake. When his little Starter had surprised him earlier, his hand had certainly moved...
And selected "001 - Pumped Up Kicks" as his first Quest. Astrum can almost cry, but there's no real point in it now, is there?
< U-Um... Is something wrong? >
Nope. Not at all. Astrum plasters on a smile and tells his little duck friend that everything is fine and dandy... He just hopes he can find a Player to tackle this on with quick and just get it over with...
Open!
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Comet
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The Creed
Posts: 130
Trainer Class: 
Player Name: Vernon Quinn
OOC Username: Peony
Arena Points: 25
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Post by Comet on Aug 28, 2023 11:40:18 GMT 9
Ping!
001 - Pumped Up Kicks
astrum is currently looking for a tutorial partner!
Would you like to join the tutorial?
Comet let out a small noise. If he remembered right, the game actually restricted you from running a lot until you got the Running Shoes. He had been so wrapped up with all the other events that, well, he didn't realize that he was without shoes (wait, was he? Or did they just remove it whenever he went to the tutorial? Hmmm. Well, he didn't bother to check, and so he decided that the detail was irrelevant). Anyway, would you look at that, another tutorial opening up for him! It sucked that he couldn't do these alone, so jumping on open ones seemed like a good opportunity to get them out of the way to focus on bigger and better things.
Also, now that it sort of processed which tutorial this was, he actually kind of excited. Mom in real life was...mm. A bitch, his intrusive thoughts would say without remorse, but he reeled it back because he was taught to be a nice young man. If he was being mature, she...did she have his best interests at heart? Nah, she had her own interests at heart, even if she said it was for his sake. He let his hand run through his hair, annoyed. Mom was mom, and this Mom was different. It wouldn't replace his real mom, but it felt like...he was visiting a friend's house. Yeah. And their mom was nice.
After trying to sort through that mental gymnastics, he pressed Accept and saw the marker on where the other player would be waiting. Kimchi had been watching him all the while, wondering what his trainer was up to this time, so he asked.
❝We're going to Mom's house.❞
There was confusion on the Cinderace's face at first, <Oh, I don't think I've met your mom before.>
❝Well, she's not my mom mom, but like...a mom...friend? Err, no, that's gross. She's just mom. I think she's nice.❞
<You think?>
❝Yeah! Be nice, Kimchi!❞
<Shouldn't I be saying that about you?>
They shared smiles before they saw another person standing around with a large exclamation point above his head. Also, there was a duck. A Quaxly! Comet wondered if they were a newbie that joined after the raid or before. ❝Hey! astrum , right? I'm Comet, and this is Kimchi! (<Hello.>) Did you just come from the Starter Lab? I wonder how Mom will be like! Hopefully she can just give us our shoes and we'll be done, huh? Isn't that how it always was in the original games? Your Quaxly's really cute!❞ |
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astrum
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Weekend Warrior
Player Character
Posts: 26
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Hye-Seong Moon
OOC Username: starlit colors
Arena Points: 10
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Post by astrum on Aug 29, 2023 4:55:12 GMT 9
In all honesty, Astrum hadn't been expecting someone to snag his open Quest so quickly. The Quest itself isn't a particularly interesting one, after all; while a mild inconvenience to have restricted running without the Running Shoes reward from the Quest, it's still just a mild inconvenience. Oh well, maybe someone just got fed up of hearing the whole "There's a time and a place..." spiel. Or, maybe they just want to meet Mom. (Ugh, that feels so damn strange to even think. "Mom"... Here's hoping this Quest is a quick one.)
...Astrum really hopes this guy isn't a weirdo like that. He'd rather not have to risk getting in trouble for trying to hit the guy if they got too weird around the NPC. Estranged relationship with his own mother or not, Astrum respects women, alright?
The ravenette glances up when he hears a voice call out to him, looking up just in time to see a boy with blue hair approach, clearly Comet, the Player that snatched up his open Quest. The moment the blunette gets close, though, Astrum's attention winds up drawn to the horns seemingly growing from the side of Comet's head, as well as his glowing cyan eyes. Man... Those look so damn sick.
'...I'm starting to regret deciding on a completely human avatar... I avoided any of those options in the avatar customization because I didn't want to stand out, but I really did want some beast ears or something...' Astrum spends a quick moment to lament his strong desire for catboy ears losing out to his fear of eventually being recognized, before returning his attention to Comet as the blunette apparently continues to talk. Whoops. Astrum totally had not caught any of that. Had he heard something about kimchi? He's not sure how fermented cabbage had come up in the conversation, but the ravenette decides to just settle for a silent nod. A nod is always safe in conversation. ...Right?
Whatever the case, apparently there was a compliment for his Quaxly in there somewhere since the little Pokémon's cheeks are bright red. Yeah, okay, that makes Astrum feel a little better about this Comet guy. Anyone who treats Pokémon well is a good guy in his book.
< W-Whose 'Mom'...? Are we going to meet your Mom? > his Quaxly nervously pipes up, prompting Astrum to realize that he hadn't explained what they would be doing yet to the little duck. Ugh... Hearing it said like that is just sapping all of his willpower...
"...Something like that," Astrum mumbles to the duck, not really keen on elaborating, before he turns back to Comet, now taking the moment to size up this other Player instead of staring at the still really cool, really sick custom avatar features he had. Seems young, probably mid-teens. Clearly friendly, judging by just how much the kid has talked already. It's not much of a bother for Hye-Seong, but for Astrum? It's just plain too much talking. The ravenette sniffs, crossing his arms in what's probably obvious disdain for human interaction. But, hey, it's all just an act! ...Mostly. Hye-Seong does actually dislike people, but for other reasons entirely. "Might as well make tracks."
The Quest Location has been annoyingly blinking at him at the top of his HUD for a while now, so he'd very much like to get going.
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Comet
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The Creed
Posts: 130
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Vernon Quinn
OOC Username: Peony
Arena Points: 25
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Post by Comet on Sept 1, 2023 8:21:33 GMT 9
Comet took the other player's quiet nod as a "yes" to the starter lab question. Exciting! Someone that actually was more of a newbie than him! That meant...he was actually the one who can lead! It was Kimchi who noticed that his trainer was very much dominating the other in conversation, but thankfully, the little water duck's question was loud enough for the younger player to stop talking about how he also met his starter and how the Scorbunny was very cute before he evolved into the Cinderace he was today.
❝She's like, all of our moms, I think? We're just gonna drop by to get some shoes.❞ he had to focus his brain power to hear what the other player was mumbling, but it basically sounded along the lines of "let's get going." That was cool by him! Kinda broody guy, huh? Well, he would take that over someone who was mean and stuff. Since he appeared to be sizing up Comet, he also did the same, though there wasn't much to see (all he could really pick up was that he looked older, but who was to say if he actually was? That was the beauty of UNOVR, he supposed; anyone could really be anything. Hell, he could even be a she!)
Anyway, enough of that. ❝Right, at least the map says it isn't far from here.❞ did this guy needed to be led along? Nah, it looked like he got the UI down, unlike a certain someone. He did walk ahead though, talking with Kimchi mostly all the way, since the other guy didn't look very talkative nor receptive to his questions. No worries! He knew people who had a tendency to clam up like that, and sometimes all it took was time. <I don't know if having a full fire team is a good idea.>
❝Because of type coverage? Yeah I know, but until I get enough bytes to fully upgrade my current class, it just seems the most practical. We just gotta steer clear of water types.❞
Perhaps other players would find it odd that a player was conversing meta strategies with his Pokemon, but the Cinderace was also of the same mind that he wanted to become stronger. Of course, that was impossible to do alone, hence the whole team building thing.
Eventually, they did make it to a quaint house a little further away from the settlement, and the lights were also on. Comet turned around to face the other player (he was checking every now and then if they were still following) and asked, ❝Would you like to do the honors?❞ he was referring to the door, which was wooden and brown and expected of a homey home. It even had a hanging panel that had the text HOME SWEET HOME.
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astrum
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Weekend Warrior
Player Character
Posts: 26
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Hye-Seong Moon
OOC Username: starlit colors
Arena Points: 10
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Post by astrum on Sept 2, 2023 13:18:22 GMT 9
Astrum watches as the other player seems to decide to take the lead, glad that at least the kid seems to have picked up on the fact that Astrum isn't too keen on conversation. Quaxly (Nickname Still Pending) is still perched on his shoulder, and though the little guy seems a bit curious about Comet and the other Pokémon, he’s sticking fairly closely to his Trainer. Astrum supposes he’s just being cautious. The man is pretty sure Quaxly (Name Coming Soon) is still being cautious of him.
That being said, though, Astrum can't help but admit Comet's Pokémon is pretty damn cool. He hadn’t been paying attention before, but Cinderace rocks. Astrum's always been a bit partial to Fire-Types, and Cinderaces are a rarity in the form of final evolution Fire-Type Starters remaining adorable yet still formidable.
The way the duo are discussing strategies is honestly pretty cute, too. Astrum would be lying if he said that he hadn't dreamt of doing the same. He glances at Quaxly (Name TBD) and wonders if they might get the chance to talk like that, too... Well, seeing as how they're still on their way, he might as well get to know the little guy that's become his Starter, right?
Astrum squints at Quaxly (I'll Figure Out A Name Soon, I Prommy), noting how the little duck has very obviously noticed his staring, but is remaining silent, either out of politeness or simple anxiety. Considering how the Pokémon has acteed thus far, the man is pretty sure it's the latter. ...If the little guy is this shy in basic social interaction, will he even be able to fight? "...Hey, uh, how do you like to fight, anyhow?"
< ...Huh? > the duck Pokémon blinks, clearly not expecting a question like that. He awkwardly shuffles his feet a bit, nearly slipping right off of Astrum's shoulders from the movement if it hadn't been for the man's quick reflexes. The Quaxly flushes, embarrassed to have nearly fallen off, but he still seems flustered about the question being asked of him. < I-I don't get what you mean... >
Alright, fair. Astrum hadn't quite been specific. He tries again, elaborating that he wanted to get a feel for the little Pokémon's fighting style, whether the Water-Type prefers waiting for the opponent to make a move first, or if he instead likes to hit hard and fast before the opponent even gets a chance. But Quaxly (Name a WIP still, wow, Astrum really needs to name him) just keeps his beak shut and stares at the ground. Oof. The Pokémon doesn't seem ready for a talk like that yet. That's fine, Astrum can wait. It isn't as though they're about to enter a fight any time soon. Plus, apparently the group has arrived, and Astrum is face-to-face with a rather quaint little house. It even has the standard HOME, SWEET HOME plaque that Americans love so much.
The man balks when Comet turns around and asks if he wants to "do the honors". Do the honors. As in. Knock on the door. So that MOM comes out.
"I, uh. M-Me?" The ravenette stares at the door. The house isn't at all like his childhood home, far too European for that, but... It's still daunting. As he hesitates, Quaxly (insert a name here, Astrum) stares at him, looking somewhat thoughtful. A few more seconds pass as Astrum tries to muster up the courage because, come on, i-it's just a game, this isn't real and MOM isn't Mom.
But he just... Can't.
< ...C-Can I do it? >
It's the little duck Pokémon's voice that breaks through the silence. Astrum looks at him with wide eyes, making the Quaxly shrink back shyly.
< I-I mean, if... If it's o-okay. I just, um. I want to meet your MOM. >
Astrum blinks again, still staring wide-eyed, before nodding slowly. His Pokémon gives him a weak grin before waiting as Astrum approached the door (with very obviously shaky legs that he's trying to get back under control, please work with me, legs) and rapping a wing against the door.
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Comet
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The Creed
Posts: 130
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Vernon Quinn
OOC Username: Peony
Arena Points: 25
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Post by Comet on Sept 4, 2023 12:22:34 GMT 9
Glancing at the nervous duck every so often, Comet wondered what would've happened if his partner's personality was a lot meeker than he would've liked. He supposed he was lucky that the Scorbunny now Cinderace had been willing to match his energy, even if he was pretty unsure. Was Kimchi actually 100% on board with his evolution? He hoped so, but it was a rather awkward time to bring it up, and at this point he already looked like he was used to it.
Anyway, Player 1 here was pretty flustered when he passed the baton to him.
❝There isn't any other guy here, unless you want Kimchi to knock?❞
But astrum froze up. For a few moments, Comet couldn't figure out what was the matter. It was just Mom; an NPC that wasn't going to hurt them in any way. Heck, this was probably one of the safest spots in the game, right? Wild Pokemon shouldn't be popping up here, and the game even said that there was going to be free lunch! (or snacks, or dinner, whatever!) He then thought, okay, why would he be scared of Mom? Unless it wasn't really the NPC he was scared of.
And then the teenager kind of got it; the realization a bit too obvious on his face.
Before he could try to convince him that hey dude, this mom isn't your real mom, the Quaxly spoke up, looking very small amidst two players and a Cinderace. His trainer conceded (really? He wasn't going to muster up the courage that the duck just showed?) but then Kimchi elbowed him, shooting him an expression of Play nice, Comet.
❝Hey, I didn't say anything!❞ he whispered, which had no point since the whole group was standing pretty close to each other. In any case, the Quaxly knocked on the door; it wasn't very loud since he was using his wing. A few seconds passed before a motherly voice came from behind the door, telling them to wait for just a few moments. Huh, she didn't even ask who they were, but he supposed the game would already tell her that.
And then the door opened. Mom...actually had a bit of a resemblance to his mom in real life, but that was because she was a Chinese immigrant. Were they different raced moms in this game?
"Oh! Comet ! And astrum !" tears actually welled up in her eyes, just a little, "It's been so long since I've last saw you, look how grown up you are! I remember when you were still so small...but come in, come in! You're just in time for afternoon snacks." she ushered Comet in, with Kimchi following closely behind them, leaving the other player to come in on his own.
<This is your mom?> the Cinderace asked in hushed tones.
❝Not my mom, just Mom. There's a difference! But don't tell her that!❞
"Oh Comet, is this your starter Pokemon? He's so big now!"
❝We trained lots, Mom! He's saved me a number of times now, you know!❞
"Oh my! I really should thank you then for taking care of my son. I don't think I need to tell you how reckless he can be...hah, takes it from his father!"
It looked like Kimchi was taken aback by the sincerity of it, especially since they were created from the same cloth (or were they? Perhaps Mom also had awareness of who she was). <It's no trouble, that's what I'm here for.>
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astrum
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Weekend Warrior
Player Character
Posts: 26
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Hye-Seong Moon
OOC Username: starlit colors
Arena Points: 10
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Post by astrum on Sept 8, 2023 13:19:51 GMT 9
Astrum just barely hears some commotion behind him — likely that Comet guy talking with his Pokémon — when the door opens. The ravenette's breath catches in his throat as mom walks out, already gushing over the duo. There's some solace — mom doesn't look at all like Mom (not that Astrum really knows how the game would have even been able to know what she looks like) — but the NPC's mannerisms and demeanor really are so...mom-like. He counts it a blessing that mom had gone for pushing Comet in first, and though it feels like a daunting task to cross the metaphorical bridge into mom's house, Astrum manages to make it inside without his legs rebelling against him. The interior of the house is simple. Cozy. Homely.
It looks laughably European. The ideal Western home, complete with wooden furnishings and a cottagecore theme. The only thing it's missing is the white picket fence.
Astrum is thankful that the house looks so foreign. He can... He can detach himself from his personal life, his real life, this way.
< S-So, this is your mom...? She seems...really nice. > Quaxly pipes up, prompting the man to glance over at the little guy. Astrum had almost forgotten the Pokémon is even there...
"Again, you're sort of right. It's...hard to explain, but for now, just know that she's... Well. mom." Surrounded by such unfamiliarity here, the ravenette finally feels more in-control. He just has to keep reminding himself that this is mom, not Mom. There's... There's a very big difference. Astrum glances over to where Comet and mom are very busily conversing. They seem to be talking about Comet's Starter. From the way the NPC is speaking, Astrum could almost think that Comet has already been here before. But if that were true, then the guy would have had this Tutorial Quest done already, wouldn't he?
"Oh, and what about you, Astrum, dear?"
Astrum blinks when mom suddenly breaks away from her conversation with Comet to involve him. The woman smiles sweetly at him and, for a moment, the ravenette sees someone else in her loving grin. But the moment passes and he chews on the inside of his cheek, reminding himself over and over that this is mom. This is mom.
Mom would never be caught dead speaking to him like that ever again.
"I-I, uh. Just g-got my Starter." The man feels his cheeks dust slightly with pink at the embarrassment of barely being able to get a word out. The devs, uh, really upped their game when programming mom, huh. mom blinks as she glances at the Quaxly currently quaking on his Trainer's shoulder, before the woman lets out a loud screech.
"Oooh my, this is your Pokémon? Oh, he's just so precious!" the NPC cries as she practically shoves herself into Astrum's face to get a better look at the Quaxly.
< S-Squaawk?! P-P-Precious? > The little duck Pokémon can't help the flustered squawk that leaves him as he tries to process mom's rather boisterous words and behavior. Astrum has practically turned into a statue, frozen stiff from how close mom has gotten, until his brain seems to wake up and he takes a single step back. Fortunately, mom doesn't seem deterred in the slightest by his behavior, her AI program seemingly moving on to offer the two players a plate of freshly-made cookies that she acquired from...somewhere.
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