Saint
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Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Oct 5, 2023 9:17:55 GMT 9
Saint flinches, not having realized just how– huge this guy was. He knew he was tall, but it’s not until he sees him climb out of the carriage, legs-first, as if it’s only a clown car and not a full-sized vehicle, and has him standing so close that the reality of it hits. With the billowing coat and the tricorn hat (even after being blown away; it mostly just added dramatic effect), it really did feel like he was in the presence of a captain. A breathtaking storybook hero – with dog ears and tail.
“Midlife crisis boat?” he repeats, confused. “Is that what people do when they’re middle aged? Buy– er, make boats?” He’d been under the impression most would have settled down, but it wasn’t as if he could judge.
At least it appears The Captain knew more about this seafaring business than he did. He frets a little as the man just jumps straight into the waterborne deathtrap, high-fiving Gumball who has basically pledged undying allegiance to the man if the glitter in his eyes is any indication. (If Saint is a little jealous, he doesn’t not show it. Gumball deserves friends.)
But he does finally entertain the notion of boarding. “Okay,” he says quietly, taking the offered hand. For as flippant as he may seem, The Captain has a firm grip, and Saint feels steady until his feet land inside the boat. The moment he’s released, he white-knuckles the railing.
As if detecting all passengers were aboard, the ship sets off as if it hadn’t just been tied to the crumbling dock.
He freaks out. Of course he does. Saint frets quietly as Gumball bounces excitedly all over the deck, being a disruption to every attempt at manning the fishing boat and making it rock even harder than it already does. The storm rages on, waves slapping the vehicle as if attempting to tilt it– but it never does.
He’s forced to relax eventually. “It’s a lot more stable than I thought.”
The open waters welcome them, the waves lapping their path like tall grass in a windy meadow, the sky thick with storm.
As they drift ever closer to the border, the thrashing waves stir.
And shatter.
And part.
“Uh. Cap… tain…?” Saint’s eyes follow the pillar of water as it rises, far, far above their heads.
THE KALEKEN God help thee, Old ManYer Aboatta Go Kelput!
A massive red eye stares at them from behind thick tendrils of fern. Moss and seaweed have layered so thickly on its surface that its body has become an ashen green, the color of tile grout. It emits no sound, and all around them, the storm becomes chillingly silent.
“Meep,” Saint squeaks, having fully receded into his collar, holding onto Gumball in his arms – the popplio flapping desperately to be freed of the man’s death grip.
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Saint
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Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Oct 5, 2023 6:48:08 GMT 9
#s://cdn~discordapp~com/attachments/1107895957519081622/1145884362253021254/200_casual~png He couldn’t help smiling a bit. Not in delight, but the kind that accompanied tilted brows – a sympathetic smile. Empathetic, if anything. “Of course it is. Who doesn’t want a rice bowl after all that?” If anything, dessert would’ve been warranted, but he was glad Kasey was eating a proper meal.
Angelo took in the menu as Kasey asked him about his order. “… I know I said rice bowl, but those tacos look insane.” He likely wouldn’t ever get used to the culinary marvels out here. “I’ll take the chicken taco and the lemonade too.”
He paused, noticing the wallet. His hand shot up immediately. “Kasey– no, you’re not– I’ll pay for mine.” He would’ve assumed they were just paying for their own order, but from the big watery eyes they were shooting him, he kind of felt like someone being apologized to.
Which didn’t make sense. He was in the wrong.
He took out his wallet, staring them down with the same intent his parents employed when facing off with other relatives during a dinner-checkout-manners-face-off. “Seriously, don’t worry about it. Thank you.”
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Saint
•
Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Oct 5, 2023 6:31:16 GMT 9
It’s unfortunate that Saint was too busy being a human shake weight, else he might have been able to stop Finn from talking and given them a chance of survival. But the man had sealed their fates with an ‘oogie boogie’.
How sorely he wanted to tell Mimiqueue – there is no friendship here. No escape. Only die.
Everything turned black. Saint held his breath on instinct, screams dying in his throat until the color behind his eyes shifted to something brighter, and the ground turned into something surprisingly cushiony.
“Oof!” He bounced on the dusty bed, coughing at the clouds that puff up as he re-centered himself. He blinked a few times and took in the bedroom, and came to a very simple conclusion:
“This isn’t– they wouldn’t try to design a SAW scenario in a Pokémon game.” He was not saying this in hopes of getting a response from Finn, who was jiggling the door as if his fratboy wrists could fell locks. He was saying this to stave off a panic attack.
Okay. Okay. Well, the TV wasn’t shutting on and there was no scary mannequin threatening them with their lives, so this was likely just another puzzle. Carefully, maybe too carefully, Saint slipped off the bed, dusting himself off as he began to investigate.
The doll on the table was first. It was the only thing that stood out. His hand stopped where it began curling around its neck, and he began to gently pet it.
The doll did not respond, but it was very soft, so he took it in his hands. “… Finn, the door won’t break. Stop that.” He looked around, brows furrowing. Puzzles were… he liked them enough, but it was hard to concentrate when there was another participant. “Have you ever done an escape room?”
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Saint
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Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Oct 4, 2023 18:02:47 GMT 9
What emerges is a Magikarp. Unlike every other magikarp he’s managed to capture so far, this one is covered in random patches of gold – a sign of its rarity.
<Hey, you’re not that guy,> the fish drawled, unfazed at seeing a different trainer holding his Poké Ball. <Who are you, kid?>
Saint blinked. “I’m Saint. By ‘that guy’, do you mean Kazuki?”
<Beats me. Barely knew him,> the magikarp chuckled, water bubbling around him. <Glad for it, though. You a fighter?>
“Oh, a… no. I’d rather not.” He was cautious, wondering if the fish would be disappointed by this fact.
But instead, it appeared to sigh with relief. <Thank Lugia. The last thing I need is a life spent doing that… gung-ho ‘on the grind’ shit, you know?> He nudged the blue magikarp that had swam up beside him. <Magikarp were put in these lakes to show off their scales and chill.>
The wild magikarp snorted a bubble. <Sounds like someone’s never going to evolve.>
<We can evolve in other ways,> the golden magikarp insisted. <Violence doesn't always have to be the answer! Peace and love on Asper, man.>
<It's not violence if it's in defense. How are you gonna earn that evolution if you won't fight?>
<By protecting my trainer, duh. And bonding with him. And eating treats.>
<Are you a magikarp or a meowth?> the wild magikarp blurbed irritably.
"Do... do you two want to test it out?" Saint finally intervenes as the two begin blowing bubbles at each other. "I could train you both. And we can see who's the stronger Gyarados by the end."
The blue magikarp huffed before smacking her neighbor with her fin. <Oh, you are getting served.>
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Saint
•
Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Oct 4, 2023 17:40:58 GMT 9
#s://cdn~discordapp~com/attachments/1107895957519081622/1145884362253021254/200_casual~png He’s surprised to find himself back here, actually. Angeo blinked at the innocent little ticket in his hand. 2 prizes over the course of 4 days was not bad! He honestly hadn't expected to win anything during this event, and after the — trials, predominantly Finn-related ones, it was a much-needed mood lifter. He was excited to find out what he got this time.
“Hello again,” he greeted Bethany as he reached the front of the line, already knowing to have his con pass and ticket ready for processing. “Got another one! This one’s from Gamma Island Snap. Thank you.”
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Saint
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Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Oct 4, 2023 17:28:28 GMT 9
Angelo was beginning to inch away. Tuesday proceeded to compare the beast to Mothra, a comparison he had to concede was a very, very likely inspiration, and Lord Darien Blackthorne’s reassurance did not entirely assuage his worries of becoming some flavor of barbecue.
He did take pictures, though. Volcarona was one of the most aesthetically-pleasing pokemon in the game. If this one didn’t feel like a scene from Nope, he’d be quite thrilled.
His hands paused at the sound of a familiar voice. “Oh, it’s you! The– the girl from the wheel!” The talented little tap dancer herself, and now he could actually see her face rather than her bubbly shadow. The smile on Angelo’s face lasted about five seconds until Rose Garden began adorably rambling about mangling a giant Pinsir for armor parts, the image of her standing victoriously over a pile of insect carcass one that made his brain short-circuit.
“That’s… great! That’s um, that’s very brave of you,” his eyes darted back to the terrifying bug. “Maybe we should all continue on the track? We all have the photos of it now, right?”
Mothra had noticed them, the flap of its wings deafening as it changed course.
d_i9CiI71d101d10 1d10·1d10
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Saint
•
Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Oct 3, 2023 18:10:58 GMT 9
Oh, this was nice. The two players he had barged in on were quite accommodating, although he couldn’t help squint a bit at Tuesday. Before he could ask any further, he saw Lord Darien Blackthorne raise his camera, taking shots. When he turned, he’s delighted to spot the same flock.
It’s a distraction that only lasts for a little while. The pretty lady called out something in the distance, and Angelo turned from the fancy flock to see an absolutely monstrous bug. Its wings glowed an ominous, heated red.
“That’s a… Volca… rona…” Angelo said, slowly receding into his collar. “But it’s not supposed to be that huge!”
4oYauUlu1d101d10 1d10·1d10
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Saint
•
Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Oct 2, 2023 17:34:03 GMT 9
Angelo was excited. He had heard of a photography mini-game and had made a quick dash as soon as he could, having spent – however briefly – a childhood playing Pokémon Snap. It had once inspired him to actually pursue photography.
The environments were lush and carefully designed. Angelo rode the track in the little mobile they allotted to players, snapping photos of whatever caught his fancy – which inevitably became every single cute Pokémon he could find. He paused the ride as he spotted two players, and the excellent view of a Skwovet stuffing its face with a berry.
“That’s a Skwovet, miss!” he called, answering a player's (Tuesday) question, unable to help himself. Snap snap snap his camera went, trying to get the closest and best angles of the little Pokémon.
_Lc_N3YH1d101d10 1d10·1d10
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Saint
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Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Sept 30, 2023 21:25:01 GMT 9
Whatever fear the encroaching darkness of the venue had on him had ebbed away, only to come crashing back to him with a familiar hiss.
“Finn?” Angel’s foot stepped back automatically. He couldn’t see Finn’s face, but he could already imagine what it looked like, from the barbs already flung at him.
And this time, he couldn’t just attribute it to the guy being naturally God’s worst creation. This time, he actually had a reason, and it involved him, and it was terrifying.
He flinched, seeing that obscured shape reach past him, grabbing the wheel and spinning it, heat burning over his face at what he thought to be one of those ‘gotchas’.
“Why do you care? I thought you wouldn’t be talking to me,” he spat back, surprised he even managed – and without stuttering, to boot. Well done. At least in VR, he can’t get decked, but he’ll need to book it once he leaves the booth.
When the wheel finally stopped, he gave it one last spin. fmkk1vJ41d101d10 1d10·1d10
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Saint
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Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Sept 28, 2023 1:30:53 GMT 9
There was a thoughtful hum as he heard Rose Garden slump about the event, as clueless as he was. He wished he had answers to give her, but he had barely been playing for more than a few months.
“You fought giant bugs?” Perhaps it was hyperbole. The world was so much bigger to little kids. Angelo dreaded the idea of a little girl being chased by Mothra. And then there came the sound of a bonk, a familiar, undeniable one that had him impulsively step forward, hand outstretched to check for a bump on a little skull, but all he found was air.
“Are you alright? Your head doesn’t hurt?” he asked, still flailing a bit in the darkness, but she recovered just fine. He let out a small sigh of relief at the giggling and the tapping of happy feet, unharmed, and still enjoying herself despite the circumstances.
Even more surprising were the new sounds: the wheel coming to a stop, celestial mechanisms locking in place, and the clunk of a compartment snapping open.
“Holy—you did it! That’s amazing!” Angelo cheered, giving the dancer some well-earned applause. That certainly answered whether they were playing the game right.
And then it was his turn.
"This... might not work," he murmured sheepishly, doing an awkward little foot shuffle before he made his spin. KuBxZPpM1d101d10 1d10·1d10
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Saint
•
Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Sept 26, 2023 0:43:39 GMT 9
He smiled, hearing her laugh. What a precious kid. She reminded him of his younger siblings back at home — albeit with better manners. No mangoes thrown at his head. “That’s alright, it’s been a while since I watched it myself.” And really, most of his knowledge came from memes.
He squinted, remembering said memes. But Wheel Of Fortune was a family program, wasn’t it? A girl this young could watch it, surely.
He stepped back as Rose Garden took her turn again. Lady Luck was not favoring them for the first round, but he made an impressed noise at Rose coming to the same guess. She seemed to be concentrating quite hard, although he couldn’t recognize her expressions well in such dim lighting. “You make a very fair point.”
He observed the space beyond them. It was as if the game was missing an audience. “I’ve never seen a game show take place in the dark, but they did give us a neat little poem, right? Don't mind the dark, just move by feel. It's probably a feature.“
At his turn, he placed his hand back on the wheel and was glad for the dark, for it hid his grimace. “... Then again, this is based on an event called Dancing With The Stars and there hasn’t been any dancing yet.” And he did not have any sort of fancy feet. He would prefer not to slip on his face in front of the girl, even here. He pulled the wheel and hoped it wouldn’t demand choreography. ZQMkZhLR1d101d10 1d10·1d10
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Saint
•
Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Sept 23, 2023 19:08:05 GMT 9
“I don’t think you need an outfit change.” A voice called, followed by the steps of a newcomer.
Angelo had arrived just soon enough to see the little girl attempt to coax the Wheel’s favor by shouting presidents. Never being one to rush, he had waited, curious how the game worked, and wondering if treating it like the actual Wheel of Fortune would be the correct path.
He bowed his head politely at Rose Garden. “Your sweater is pretty enough as it is. Maybe try some more letters? Or a different president?”
He was quite sure the entire thing was pure chance, but it couldn’t hurt to try; he was one of those types of people who still smashed A whenever he tried to catch Pokémon. And most importantly, he didn’t want to soil the girl’s fun.
“Let me give it a go.” Reaching out, he took hold of the wheel. “Let’s see… how about—” Shit, American presidents? He didn’t exactly move here to study history or politics. “Er, Barack Obama.”
He sent the wheel turning. kmkfsRlG1d101d10 1d10·1d10
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Saint
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Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Sept 19, 2023 12:24:12 GMT 9
Cinnamon took the little paw gently, smiling with maternal warmth as she noted the espurr’s grip. <There, there…> she soothed, her free paw unfurling one of her ears, the feeler acting as a stethoscope that she used to check the little one’s pulse.
Saint continued listening to Lacrimosa, his concern only growing as the man informed him of his purpose here—of his intention to enter Mistra. “Hardly? You’ve been there more than once?” And he was still going back in? Saint couldn’t help looking at him as if he’d gone mad.
But Lacrimosa continued, answering his next question. The mention of a dear friend being injured by corruption made him tense. His mind dug up images of Silvermoon’s wound, a flash of panic that subsided as he failed to recall any unusual behaviors. From how Lacrimosa described it, what their friend was experiencing almost sounded like possession.
If it was him in Lacrimosa’s shoes, would he do the same?
"is that not why we're here? to heal?"
Saint chewed the inside of his cheek, before sighing. “How… how long do you plan on staying there? If it’s for only a brief visit, then you should be able to escape before you white out.”
Cinnamon paused. <What’s wrong?> she asked the espurr quietly. Their physical signs were fine, but emotionally—
“And I could accompany you. Should anything happen, I can pull you out.”
AUDINO || 100/100
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Saint
•
Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Sept 19, 2023 11:24:48 GMT 9
There’s an uncertainty in Silvermoon’s voice. In – well, their mannerisms really, but it’s a point Saint can empathize with rather than deride them for.
“Thank you,” he says as they allow him to inspect their injuries. He keeps his touch minimal, only gently moving their leg to get a better angle on the bite. He grimaces at the sight of it – the punctures and torn skin reminiscent of a bear trap. “Whoever’s in charge of wounds in this game should be proud,” he mumbles absently as he cleans and dresses it.
He pauses, antibiotic still in his hand as Silvermoon asks if he’s a doctor. It’s a familiar pang in his heart. A burn like a parent’s glare. “Not in real life, no. I’m only a student.” His eyes shift to the side. “Pharmacy major.”
“But I was in medical school for a while, and I have first aid training.” Hence why he doesn’t fumble, for once in his life. His hands are quick and deft. “Which I know doesn’t mean much in virtual reality,” he chuckles. “But if it means making your return to the shrine more comfortable, then it’s worth it.”
And in no time at all, he’s done. He sits back and tilts his head. “Can I ask… why were you at Mistra?” There is no blame in his voice, just pure curiosity that he’s never been good at tamping down.
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Saint
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Weekend Warrior
Round 2
Posts: 386
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Angelo Alvarez
OOC Username: Sleepy
Arena Points: 10
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Post by Saint on Sept 17, 2023 13:34:23 GMT 9
Saint chuckled. “Some pokemon tend to wander. Gumball—I mean, uh, my popplio is always running off to play. It’s nothing against you, just how they are.” He glanced down at the cute little thing being petted. “At least your espurr’s energetic. Mine only sleeps.”
Cinnamon squinted at the kitten, meeting its wide eyes as if attempting telepathy. She had not met many espurrs in her time, but something about this one’s stiff posture made its naturally unending gaze both existential and fearful.
Saint paused at the question that followed. It was a simple one, delivered so politely, with a tilt of the head and soft tones; yet the edges of his mouth tightened in a flash of distress.
“I… No. Not yet. I’m still a student.” He was not lying, and yet it felt like he was. Shame flushed hot on his neck and in his head. “I’ve heard some ailments can’t be healed by the shrine, and I’d like to study them.” He shrugged. “And some players just can’t be bothered to heal up before they run around the most dangerous areas in the game, so—” he gestured to the camp.
Cinnamon had walked over as her trainer rambled. <May I check on your pokemon?> She asked Lacrimosa, before smiling at the espurr. <If that is alright with you, dear. You seem a little tense.>
“She says she’d like to check on your pokemon,” Saint clarified, in case this player didn’t have speech enabled. “I’m not going to pester you if you’re in a hurry, but I wouldn’t recommend wandering around if you’re not in perfect condition.” He eyed the arm held tight to Lacrimosa’s body with open concern. “It isn't safe.”
AUDINO || 100/100
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