Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Aug 20, 2024 19:06:28 GMT 9
The Dragon, Ruby immediately related to the myth and was in awe. The Koi that had climbed the waterfall and not only ascended into the skies but into the heavens above and beyond. But not just any Dragon, a constellation. Something that people could look upon the heavens and be guided by, take inspiration from. She was quiet, just staring in awe with a soft smile on her face.
Ruby knew exactly what she was going to be making. She had read Mom's cookbooks out of boredom so many times, it was an obvious decision in her mind.
It was time to make poffins. But not just any poffins.
Massive ones, just like Mom would make.
And for a sweet dish, there was no better choice than Custap Berries. They were an incredibly rare berry, and she rarely found them while foraging in the Birchwild Grove. Their skin was tough to pierce, but underneath? Ruby couldn't help but smile softly, immediately popping one into her mouth to truly embrace the flavor. It was so sweet and practically creamy soft already, although the skin was ever so slightly bitter, she found it helped add to the overall taste when utilized as an ingredient.
"Sorry Rem, I need a new buddy for now to help cook." She'd reach over to give the sleeping Koala Pokémon a little fist bump before returning them to their log and recalling them. Next out came her most dedicated little helper, Dear the Indeedee. The male bowed almost right away, a soft grin on their face.
"You helped Mom cook before too, right? We have a big task ahead of us!"
"Indeedee!"
"Indeed so! Let's make her proud, and surprise ourselves with what we can do along the way."
The two of them got to work quickly. They had to assemble a whole set up to cook things properly, a pot that was even bigger than Ruby was tall sat atop a roaring flame, water already set to boil as the two wheeled over every single Custap Berry they could find on a wheelbarrow.
"Now, we're going to be altering the recipe a bit." Ruby spoke to her Indeedee as they finally brought it all over, who tilted their head curiously. "Well, we're making this for The Dragon, but they're so much more than just that. Constellations are meant to be interpreted, and I see a symbol of progress, that you can in fact accomplish impossible odds and prosper. Do you have any memories like that, we can add?"
The Indeedee paused, closing their eyes to process their thoughts.
And suddenly in their minds eye, they were no longer Dear. They were Earl Slamson of Breakcourt, assisting Duchess Rubella and many others challenge the Princess's unjust rule over the Dream World. An impossible task, facing against something that could overpower minds wholesale, and yet- Here they were.
A smile formed on the Indedee's face and they nodded.
"Good! Just pour that memory, the emotions of victory and the challenge into the pot as we pour it all in."
Once the water was boiling, the two had to work together to lift the wheelbarrow above their heads to pour all the berries into the massive pot. As Indeedee closed their own eyes to embrace the emotions within, Ruby did the very same. The struggle of education, getting a Doctorate was the hardest thing she had ever done, but nothing had made her more proud of herself than seeing that PH.D. attached to her name. That was her Dragon.
Once all the berries were within, Ruby would hand a massive spoon to the Indeedee, helping them set up a massive ladder to stand atop of. "Alright, you gotta stir the berries now. It'll take longer than normal, with as many as we got. You have to spin them clockwise for a bit, then counterclockwise, and rotate evenly. Not too fast, not too slow, we want to make sure all the berries are properly cooked. You got that?"
The Indeedeee would give a cute salute, immediately moving to stir as Ruby slapped a button on a kitchen timer.
"Good, good! I'll start gathering the ingredients for our bonus surprise. Give me a shout if you need me." And with that, Ruby set right out to grab the rest of the dish.
Poffins were simple really, she didn't even quite understand how they worked either. Berries in hot water, stirred and cooled eventually made a pastry? Regardless, she did know that some tasty pastry cream to fill them with would be fantastic for both Pokemon and person alike.
Grabbing a whole bucket full of Salac Berries, Ruby began carrying the whole host of ingredients back over towards her cooking corner. The Salac's both sour and sweet to balance out the taste, Beta-Island Cane Sugar, Heavy MooMoo Cream, Moon Rock Salt and Unsalted Butter, 2% Dragon Milk, Swirlix Sugar, and the Yolk from one single Massive Coocoo Egg.
It reminded her briefly of the Giant Omelet out on the plataeus in the Surge Steppes she heard about once upon a time. What even laid the egg?
And boring, Normal Cornstarch. Unfortunately, there was nothing special about cornstarch.
Unfortunately, she had no time to debate on anything when she still had the harder ingredients to find! Liquid Determination in a jar proved easy enough to find, but Star-Studded Sprinkles seemed more challenging. She eventually found it, tucked behind box labeled "Everything" which seemed pretty impossible, but who was she to judge? After finally grabbing a small dropper of Stubborn Optimism and a few flakes of that ever so rare Sense of Accomplishment. Definitely the most expensive ingredient she had worked with so far, if one could attribute a monetary value to metaphorical concepts as physical ingredients.
She wanted the Dragon to be reminded of its journey with every single massive bite.
By the time she brought it all back, the timer was just about to go off and Dear had been hard working stirring. The water had somehow, almost as if by magic or game-logic, turned a bright pink color. No berries remained floating within, just a solid liquid. Setting everything down, Ruby would immediately grab the massive pans almost like muffin tins. Each indent was practically big enough that the Indeedee could have curled up inside it. It took a lot of pushing around and wheeling it out, the most physically demanding cooking she could imagine! The pot was heavy and hot, hard to pour with any grace, taking so much time.
And yet, once they were in the pans, they were literally done. All that mattered was letting them cool, and they'd suddenly turn into deliciously Sweet Poffins!
For now, they had to finish the cream before the time ran out! The two were in a rush, mixing and whisking all the ingredients together, once again cooking it all in a massive pot. They were rushing at the end, having only 8 minutes to inject the Sweet-Sour Pastry Cream into the Poffins, placing the massive stack of nearly a dozen massive poffins atop a massive platter, and drizzling a bit of cream across them all for that little extra decoration and style, as well as the Star-Studded Sprinkles atop. Couldn't forget that.
It was exhausting, but standing before it all was so rewarding. Little bits of Hard Work had soaked into every single bite, regardless of their awareness.
A cute little fist bump was shared between Trainer and Pokémon. "We did that, together."
"Dee."
"Well?" She'd finally turn to look at Dear, who was beaming with such joy on their face as well. Indeedee's thrived on the positive emotions of others, and seeing Ruby so satisfied made them incredibly satisfied. "I think it's time for the final ingredient. Whatever you think you can add to make this perfect."
Dear paused visbly for a moment, looking at the massive stack of Poffins that was piled up above them. They closed their eyes again, deep in thought.
The Dragon was thematically a being of progress, the Fish to Dragon, but also intense power and it was important to not forget such a crucial detail. Perhaps giving the Dragon a taste of his own strength would be a rewarding endeavor. Dear would open his eyes once again, suddenly reaching out with their hands. Stored Power would flow from the Pokemon, infusing his very strength within each massive mouthful.
A beautiful combination of wholesome sweets as a reward for a job well done, reminders of the passion and dedication it took to be where one is now, and the intensity of carefully controlled power.
Giant-Sized Sweet Poffins with a Sweet-Sour Pastry Cream Filling with Proud Memories.
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Aug 11, 2024 13:38:42 GMT 9
Ruby wasn't entirely sure what she was doing at a cooking competition, but Chanda Mama seemed so intriguing. In the way that even after all this time, spending years wandering around this beautiful and dangerous world, she had still yet to see the most interesting things in it. She really should get out more.
The first challenge was to feed the Sun, an impossible challenge from the get go. But she was no stranger to the impossible.
It was all just what you believed you could do.
"It's time we get started, Rem." She spoke, grinning softly to the Komala clutching her arm in sleep. Their log, carefully sitting at Ruby's feet. A soft smile formed on the Koala Pokémon's face and Ruby took that as an affirmation to get going.
Starting with a large, wooden bowl, Ruby decided to fully embrace the nature of the Fae. If there was one way to win, it would be to embrace the spirit of the challenge with everything she had. Eyes slowly shutting, she allowed her eyes to wander as she searched for the right ingredients for her dish.
Searched within her memories.
Eventually, she found what she was looking for. Sunlight filtering in from the slightly open curtains, a brilliantly warm beam of light washing over her sleeping face. The start to a day, and the start to a dish.
She'd grab her backpack off her shoulders, setting it down atop the log as she began to pull the rest she had gathered around. A bag of sunflower seed kernels, already painstakingly shelled by someone else was poured into the bowl with the memory before mixing to thoroughly infuse the warm, cozy feeling throughout every single seed.
Set aside in a glass bowl with a glass lid was a bowl of honey, which Ruby set aside into the sunlight to warm up naturally over time.
Honey was many things. The culimation of many, many things all working together to create something beautiful. The sun would bring the flowers to life, and the bees would pollinate the flowers, and create honey. She'd drip a few drops of an Appreciation for Life, slowly mixing it in as she added other ingredients to the mix. Rock salts from a sun-dried beach and a neutral oil to help mix things together.
And yet, it was missing a few things. More seasonings to add to the dish. There was stronger flavors she could add to make everything truly pop, pull it all together into one cohesive dish. Solar Cayenne Pepper for a proper spice, mixed with twice-baked Cinnamon to truly create a unique flavor, enough of both to give you that kick to truly keep you up at night to watch the setting sun. Unfortunately, it looked like she was starting to run out of Baking Thyme, she couldn't add any more than just a tiny sprinkle.
After the Spiced Honey was all mixed together and allowed to warm, she'd slowly mix it in with the Sunflower Seeds of Memory. A long wooden spoon she had carved eons ago was used to throughly coat every single seed in her Passion, which had already been infused within every grain of wood within the utensil. The Sun was many things. The sun was the source of all life, blessing the universe with its warmth, and should be thanked. But it was powerful and dangerous, and while the spice alone could enforce that idea, it wasn't truly enough. These seeds needed roasted!
It was a miracle the battleground was transformed into such a cooking arena, but all the spirits in the stands had her unable to stop smiling. It felt fun to do something competitive for once in her life, something she was comfortable doing. She had grown an appreciation for cooking after living with Mom for so long. The woman must be so proud of her children. She should give her a call and invite her out to watch.
She'd eventually find an oven, spreading out the seeds atop a pan that was already covered in wax paper. "Any last additions Rem? You've been pretty quiet since we started."
The Komala never spoke, not really. But they did seem to act, reaching a hand out to the seeds as they added their own unique experience to the dish. The warmth of naps in the sun as it passed overhead filled their dreams. It has never seen the sun, it has never even opened its eyes, but it knows what the sun is. The sun is warmth, and it seems they plan to make sure all tasters know that very same feeling that they experience within their dreams. The concept of being warm, of being happy. Raw happiness and joy was poured across the seeds in a fine coating.
"That'll do." She'd kiss the top of their head, finally allowing the seeds to roast for the next 20 minutes, leaving her plenty of time for the rest of the challenge. She'd take her wooden spoon full of passion and stir it about halfway to make sure it was evenly roasted on each side, but not burnt.
Just as the sun could grant such life, it could so easily destroy. A careful balance was important.
Once done, she'd allow the seeds to cool completely before breaking them up. The spiced honey made the seeds stick together a bit, but it was a simple task to break them into far more reasonable individual seeds and small clumps, back into the very same wooden bowl they began their journey in, cleaned in between then and now.
Just as the sun rose in the east and set in the west, and would do for the rest of time, there would be no shame in the simplicity of her task. The best things are worth doing simply, but consistently. The bowl placed atop a red, plaid fabric encouraging memories of picnics during a Summer's evening, and one single sunflower beside to bring it all back home.
"Think we did good Rem?" The Komala once again grinned, holding up a small little fist for Ruby to gently bump. They were remarkably aware for a being that never, ever awoke. "Knew I could count on you."
Sun-Spiced Honey Roasted Sunflower Seeds with Warm, Happy Memories.
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Aug 8, 2024 12:33:32 GMT 9
#s://i~imgur~com/QuIo3YX~png Ever since Zapdos.
To think that one choice, one day, one event, would change so much for the world. Articuno was right. A delta.
Queen Rubella would slowly stand to her feet, hands cradling her egg so close, as if it could hear her heart beat. Hear how her heart beat so fast, the dream of actually, truly bonding with her Pokémon for real was almost too much. It was admittedly hard to keep herself from tearing up, overcome with emotions.
The Dream World really only embraced your emotions, amplifying them. It was a collective dreamscape, after all. None of it was real, but it was almost more real because of that.
She... supposed that was probably important to write down for VMT's studies. And yet right now? She couldn't even think about doing so.
Her "Real" job could wait. Not today.
"I promise, I will try."
She'd lead Orion up to her chambers, walking towards the stained glass window before stairs formed of pink clouds from nowhere, as if they had always been there. She'd calmly lead him up towards the window, only to press right through it, like walking through a mirror into another dream.
And inside, was the picture-perfect vision of a Disney Princess's bedroom.
Incredibly ornate furniture filled the chamber, pink wood with beautifually inlaid silver metal shimmering like water in waves. But the middle of the room rested an absolutely massive bed, filled with blankets and pillows of all kinds. It was as if everywhere you looked, you'd somehow find something else, something new. Like a sea of bedding that constantly changed, infinite cool pillows. Six different Pokemon of hers all cuddled up in the middle of the bed, making themselves incredibly comfortable. Two other eggs remained atop the bed as well, one spherical covered in darkness, and one very simple, small blue egg.
Faye the Fennkin laid at the foot of the bed, legs splayed out. Their ears twitched as Ruby and her guest stepped back into the chamber, eye opening slightly. [tangent="You brought guests to bed? Scandalous."]"Fen?"[/tangent]
Next to them, an adorable Eevee was laid completely asleep, as much as one could sleep, when one was already asleep in the world of dreams. They were pressing up against a Komala, still clutching his log. The Komala was always asleep, but maybe it didn't need to be in its own dreams? Did it know anything different? Ruby certainly didn't know, but maybe one day in the Dream World she'd attempt to wake them.
A Munna laid across the pillows at the top of the bed, rolling over as soon as Ruby came in. [tangent="Don't be like that, gross. They have the same mom."]"Muuur."[/tangent]
[tangent="Oh..."]"Fen..."[/tangent]
However, the two remaining Pokémon were certainly awake, and deep in conversation. They didn't seem to notice right away when Ruby walked back into the room. Two Indeedee, a Male and Female, sitting next to each other on the bed, idly holding hands as they spoke to each other.
[tangent="Ruby doesn't travel as much as she used to, does she?"]"Dee?"[/tangent]
[tangent="You noticed it too? I think she has something on her mind lately. She's been writing in her research documents a lot lately." ]"Indee? Deedee." [/tangent]
[tangent="You didn't read them, did you?"]"Deedee?"[/tangent]
[tangent="She wrote them right next to me! Of course I had to look a little bit, I was worried for her! I think she's worried what the Doctors will discover."]"Dee! Indeed, deedee."[/tangent]
The Male started to speak up again in response, only to finally notice Ruby and Orion. They paused their conversations, despite being fully aware that Ruby couldn't understand them. The two only ever gossiped when they were alone, anyhow. It was polite that way.
Two little waves were given from their free hands, never letting go of each other.
"W-well? Here we are." Ruby would speak with a soft, nervous voice, slowly moving to place the egg in her hands back down onto the bed, entirely unaware of the conversations depth that she couldn't hear. "What do you think, Orion? Did you... um, hear them already? I have no idea how it works."
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Jul 17, 2024 16:10:36 GMT 9
#s://i~imgur~com/QuIo3YX~png Achilles, Hades, Ares, she tried her best to memorize these names but without any faces to put with them it wasn't the easiest. At least she could presume to follow the same Mythology theme, at least.
But then, it seemed like Orion read her mind. Reasons for blocking their voices? How in the world could he have known? Was it something about this place, that made her thoughts reality? She didn't think so, but she couldn't help but frown regardless.
She just slowly stared into the distance, holding her egg gently. Her fingers brushing against the smooth shell, as if to calm her nerves and settle her thoughts. She didn't reply for a few moments, trying to focus.
"I-" Ruby started, only to sputter and have her words fail her. She sighed softly, standing back up to her feet as if that might somehow help. "Orion, it feels like you've given this speech before. That this is not the first time you have attempted to convince someone to speak to their Pokémon. I ask simply what they are like, and you come to me talking about a better future."
She finally laughed quietly, but her anxiety didn't quite melt away like she had hoped. "I- I don't know if I can, Orion."
For perhaps a second, it seemed like she was unable to speak to them because she was an NPC. And yet, she continued on, finally shedding at least some amount of light of the truth. "For all that I understand of the mind, of the depths of our emotions and the thoughts that we think every single day. The ins and outs of psychology, how people tick. I am... horribly inept socially."
"I suppose, it has been selfish of me." She frowns even deeper, slowly looking away from her friend. "Intelligent beings that can understand my words and emotions, but without the complexities of social interaction? I suppose I thought of it as a blessing. They're such sweethearts, always looking after me. And yet, here I come to understand that... That I've been taking advantage of that. I've been neglecting their own emotional needs, wants and desires, even if that was never my intent. It still happened, and I can't pretend that it hasn't."
She's quiet for a few moments more, letting out a very long sigh again. Ruby's eyes finally flicker over to Orion's, a question on her lips. "Can, you talk to them for me? Real quick? I can lead you to my room, where they are resting."
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Jul 12, 2024 17:20:13 GMT 9
#s://i~imgur~com/QuIo3YX~png Ruby once again listened calmly to his words, nodding along. Something had attacked the city? A potential source of the corruption? It sounded odd that where the source began, is also where it was free of corruption. But if they truly did repel it back then, then perhaps it wasn't so odd after all?
Feeling a bit of nerves, she slowly brushed her fingers down the shell of the cool egg. Such a terrifying world to be born into, and yet so exciting all the same.
She wasn't part of this world, she knew that. And yet... she was invested in a way she couldn't really comprehend anymore. She wasn't on the front lines, but her job was still special. The Dream World needed to exist, it needed protecting too.
Besides, she was good at talking to people, not fighting. Sticking with what she knew best wasn't a bad idea. After he finished speaking, politely waiting not to interrupt, Ruby would finally begin to speak herself.
"I am aware of these creatures you speak of. I have captured one myself, after it whipped up so much sand I must have made mud in my stomach. Although it-" She pauses, a soft frown slowly forming on her face. "It scares me, admittedly. I can't really make heads or tails of it."
With a wave of her hand, a shimmering mirage would swirl around them as her memory seemingly took over the scenery for a moment.
The Dune District, sand rising as a Celesteela burst from the ground below. Powerfully whipping up roots from the ground, and then sand as its rocket-like thrusters roared to life. Eventually felled by the combined efforts of her Munna and a friendly Piplup before it falls and collapses like a falling building as the mirage suddenly fades, and the Palace is just as it always was. Constantly changing, but the same.
"I was informed, that it is an Ultra Beast?" She mumbles softly, continuing to gently rub the Articuno egg, as if to comfort herself. "Said to be from another dimension. If one other dimension exists, perhaps the Corruption came from another?" She shrugged, not confident in the theory before simply returning her full attention to Orion.
"But, uh, ahem." She suddenly cleared her throat, feeling a little flustered for a second. "I've never spoken to my Pokémon, as the rest of our siblings have done so freely, or any Pokémon for that matter. King Articuno being the only exception, given our unique bond." Surely, all she'd have to do is flip the switch in her settings. But, after this long? Being within UNOVR for over two years, and never activating it?
Her expression shifted for a bit, seeming more contemplative as she looked down at the egg. Originally, she just wanted the same experience as any other inhabitant in this world. But if they could speak, and she was missing out on what they said, what was she to do? Was it the wrong choice to leave it deactivated? She had communicated with them just well enough so far, but if she had the option to listen to her new friends, and simply chose not to? How rude was that? What if they had concerns, questions, thoughts and feelings they couldn't express with simple mumbles of their name? What then?
This world was so beautiful, but the implications of everything was so terrifying sometimes. She could only imagine what the Doctors back at VMT must be getting from their studies.
Queen Rubella hummed in thought for a moment, her frown only growing despite her best efforts to not let it show. "... What is it like, speaking to them? Or, I suppose I should be more accurate, what are they like? Your Pokemon friends? I apologize, I know we are drifting in conversation, but I can't help but ask. I fear that- Well, I've never wondered before, even though I feel like I should have."
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on May 20, 2024 11:35:36 GMT 9
The references to pop culture went straight over her head, leaving her only wondering why one would even wish upon an airplane. Was it a simple mistake presuming it to be a shooting star? Regardless, she just chuckled softly at his words as she continued to listen to him speak.
His pauses when he mentioned a Wizard named Wikia gave had her raising an eyebrow in curiosity, but didn't interrupt. A prophecy, instructions to hatch his own eggs. How curious. She had seen a few people hatch their own eggs, but she quite frankly didn't know how it happened.
She took a few mental notes, humming in thought. Returning the egg to the shrine, comforting the egg, and... baptized? She didn't fully follow, slowly pursing her lips in thought as she gently hugged the egg in her hands a little bit closer. "Well, I must admit, only some of this prophecy makes sense to me. If one is to hatch a God, one clearly can not rush the process neither. For a God shall come into their existence as they will it. I picture this as a... manner of convincing, perhaps? To encourage them to exist and become more than whatever primal aspects their soul inhabits before it is made flesh and bone."
She hums in thought, slowly moving to sit down where she stood. Almost as if it was always there, a massive pillow seat formed beneath her in the blink of an eye. Ruby just lets the egg rest atop her lap, gently brushing her fingers along its shell. "I suppose we shall see. I picture nothing more appropriate than for a child of dreams to be hatched within these halls."
"However, my own eggs have yet to hatch, despite their long time within this realm. I have long since accepted that the three eggs entrusted to me shall hatch upon their own time, and I would not intentionally impose peril upon them to hasten hatching, as implied by said Prophecy. It is quite plausible that you understand how to hatch an egg more than I do." She'd let out a long sigh, slowly looking down at the egg. Her hand would gently cradle it, her smile softening dramatically.
"That said... if this is to be a social visit as well, I ask of you a question plaguing my own mind lately. What of the realms beyond the seas?" Ruby would finally look up at her virtual sibling as she spoke. "I have only made the journey once, to that ruined bastion of mankind. Has any progress been made in the seemingly eternal quest to rid the world of Corruption?"
She genuinely didn't know, no knowledge of what story developments have occurred unless she was informed. It wasn't as if she could read people's records of quests online anywhere, she had to hear everything directly. "I know you are incredibly capable in combat, I watched the whole conflict with Zapdos from my throne, you know. Have you, yourself, discovered anything?"
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on May 19, 2024 18:37:59 GMT 9
#s://i~imgur~com/QuIo3YX~png Queen Rubella often didn't take naps within the Dream Palace itself, but when she did it was almost akin to heaven. Her pillows were next to perfection, the temperature in the room flawless, several of her Pokémon acting as the best cuddle buddies the world had ever known.
In fact, it was such a peaceful afternoon that she had no intention of getting out of her royal chambers anytime soon.
A yawn erupted from her Komala that stirred her further to proper consciousness, although it really was debatable if her naps within this realm were truly a state of sleep, or if she was just believing that she was actually asleep and that mindset inspired silly stories to play out in her mind.
Or perhaps, they actually did happen before she just returned to her bed when she 'woke.' It was a little hard to tell the truth in this realm. She was well familiar with how easy it was to imagine yourself as someone else and to firmly believe it. Simply believing she was asleep, in a realm where you were technically always asleep. The thought debate echoed in her mind even as she slowly clambered to her feet.
As she stepped up out of the bed, her Munna let out a soft noise that drew her attention. It was currently cuddling amidst three different eggs that sat perfectly still atop pillows atop her bed.
One egg perfectly spherical, pitch black and gently tucked partially beneath a blanket so that it could enjoy the darkness that it often rolled towards.
Another egg that was ice-cold, mist slowly swirled across the surface of the egg. Unmistakably a descendant of King Articuno's.
And the last, a small little light-blue egg, far smaller than the others.
"Good morning, little ones." Ruby spoke, moving around to pat the eggs. "I know not when thee shall hatch, but thine should know my patience is unending." Her words were certainly far more old-english than typical, spending time with the King was certainly influencing her language, not that she minded.
"YO RUBES!" A voice suddenly broke her serene moment of peace, having her head twist around to the door of her chambers. She recognized that voice, but she wasn't exactly expecting visitors.
"Mur?" Her Munna began to slowly float upwards, only for Ruby to just smile and shake her head.
"Stay here, darling. I'll call for you when I need you. Watch over the other sleeping beauties." She'd give a smile, and simply pick up the Articuno Egg into her arms, cradling it gently as her attire slowly shifted into that of her signature Kimono. The Crown Jewels began floating about her head as she slowly moved towards the door and opened it. "I'll take this one with me, they should see more of the palace, their home. Perhaps then, they shall hatch."
Only to not appear outside a door at the other side.
Within the Palace itself, she'd appear as if walking through a stained-glass window, one that showcased the moment she and Articuno were both crowned again. Floating on soft pink clouds, she took slow steps down them as if they were stairs, vanishing from behind her. Her bedroom hidden within the window all along.
As soon as she saw Orion standing with his own Articuno egg however, a wide smile immediately spread across her face. "Salutation, Duke Cayge." She greeted him warmly, her tone soft and slightly teasing. Nobody needed to go by those names or titles anymore, but it only felt appropriate at times. There was nothing wrong with playing pretend when it was at your own desires.
"It is a pleasure to see you once more, I have not seen you since, what, the Wishtaker perhaps? How have you been?" She'd chuckle quietly, gently lifting her own egg aloft in her arms. "Although, it seems today not be solely a social visit then? You wish to become like a father to the child of the lord of dreams, correct? I know not how to help, as one can see my own egg has yet to blossom, but I am willing to listen."
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Feb 7, 2024 8:38:35 GMT 9
Ruby didn't need to have a PH.D. in psychology to tell that Mimiqueue was timid and shy. The way they spoke quietly, the hesitation in their words, but that smile meant so much more because of that. She instinctively grinned widely back, it was a nice feeling to make a new friend.
She nodded, slowly reaching into her backpack to pull out a long sheet of paper. Ruby had long ago translated the map in the UI that she never used, onto paper for her own uses. It just felt better, more tangible. Sure, she checked the UI map now and then when something changed, like the entire Giant Shrine being taken, but she'd just update her paper map.
It was covered in notes with tiny, delicate handwriting. Little words scribbled all across the paper. "Danger" wrote all across the border of Asper and Mistra, as well as many other seemingly random locations. Little dots drawn in specific spots to denote locations. Descriptions like "My Flower Field." within the Misty Timberlands, and "Relaxing Pond." in the Birchwild Grove were pretty easily noticeable and many other descriptions like them covered the map.
Ruby just slowly lays the map down, letting Mimiqueue examine it as much as she liked. "I travel like, every day." She explained with a nod. "I already have a few favorite spots. The flower field there, I go there at least once a week. It's got the most beautiful flowers. I think you'd like it."
"Maybe I can uh, walk with you there sometime?" Ruby spoke again with another soft smile. "It can be a little dangerous getting there, but it really is worth it. So, safety in numbers, yeah?"
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Jan 29, 2024 16:31:29 GMT 9
CURRENT BYTES: 9,023 DATE OF CHARACTER APP: MAY 27 2022 CLAIMING TYPE MOD: Secondary EQUIP TO?:
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Jan 25, 2024 13:54:24 GMT 9
The massive beast was trapped against the ship, tied in a net and stabbed with harpoons. They had done it! The plan had worked flawlessly! Ruby had cheered out in excitement, dashing back towards the rest of the crew with her Mr. Mime shortly behind her.
She watched as everyone took action, orioncayge leaping in without seemingly any hesitation. Same with Silvermoon and Saint . Some of them tied ropes, others just leapt straight down into the belly of the beast. Ruby herself paused for a second, wondering the best course of action. Diving in seemed like the logical progression of the quest, but she couldn't deny the thought was intimidating for sure.
Up until now, she had avoided ever trying to intentionally draw aggression, or leaping into danger.
What changed?
She didn't have an answer for that, but maybe the time for self discovery wasn't in the middle of the quest. The young woman was just building her courage to take the furthest leap she has made since starting, when the last player on board spoke to her.
Immediately, Ruby's eyes locked over at him. He could what? Her trained eyes scanned over his expression, and found a familiar feeling staring back at her. Anxiety wasn't hard to recognize, nor was the self-insult that swiftly followed as he began to finally move. It was in that moment, Ruby immediately made up her mind.
"And I'll go with you!" She spoke to Nero , not even bothering to tie a rope around herself. She'd be fine. Worst came to worst, her Pokémon could open a portal to the Dream World, and she'd escape that way. "Nobody goes at this alone! We're all together. No sibling of mine jumps into the belly of the beast alone."
"Mr. Crime?" Ruby would twist around to look at her Mr. Mime, who was still standing there all smugly. His hands were suddenly behind his back, as if he had almost been caught messing with something he shouldn't be. All the ropes still looked tied tightly... But she still narrowed her eyes at him. He simply shrugged in response, remaining silent. Suspicious. She didn't trust him at all, but she still had to rely on him.
With a sigh, she spoke quickly. "Stop whatever you were doing, I need you more than ever. Step into the jaw, make your walls. Protect. Keep it from closing, keep the path open for us to return."
The Mr. Mime suddenly saluted with a downright malicious grin at the idea of causing some dental destruction. As soon as Ruby leaped down into the darkness, The Pokemon's hands outstretched, forming it's invisible barriers that spread around it like a forcefield. It just danced around, mocking the massive beast for its utter misfortune and suffering.
Even sliding down into the darkness, thoughts continued to pop into her head. Wishes, dreams, hopes, goals. Sometimes there were Wishes that could only become reality by sheer luck, fate bending to do what it can. But this seemed like the other kind of Wish.
The kind where to make the Wish come true, they needed to make it happen themselves.
Despite all her anxieties, the fear of the darkness and what may lay beyond, there was one thought stronger than all the others. She wished for fun, and she was having fun. An excited laugh immediately echoed from her, a smile impossibly wide that was only illuminated by the light of her next wish that formed right beside her.
"I wish I had decided to seek out fun sooner."
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Jan 8, 2024 2:31:32 GMT 9
Ruby didn't quite understand, but she didn't need to fully process it all. Literal manifestations of Wishes were being formed by the wishes they made as they climbed down. They just happened to be incredibly cute and adorable. The teen-appearing trainer quickly leaned over the side of the ship, looking out at all the wishes.
"Oh my god," She began, admittedly distracted from the briefing Captain was giving. "They're stars." Ruby would turn back in awe, a grin wide across her face. "You say, they used to be everywhere? Filling the sky?" She grew lost in her thoughts. To travel by the lights of the hopes and dreams of hundreds, if not thousands of people, was such a romantic dream.
She rarely ever got involved in these events. Anything more involved than the two parties she went to tended to not really be her scene. First had turned into a murder scene real quick filled with evil corruption monsters, and the second one played nightmares with her brain and tried to control her dreams. So not really a great track record for her casual parties there either.
But this, this had her attention.
Something was literally eating, devouring wishes. Destroying dreams in a most literal manner and she felt almost obligated to act. As Queen of the Dream World, her duties didn't fade as soon as she woke.
Hopes, Wishes, Dreams, they weren't always that different, she imagined.
As soon as the beast came into view, Ruby's fist clenched. Without even thinking, she activated her UI intentionally and began purchasing move upgrades for her Pokemon. It was like nothing she had seen before, but for perhaps the first time, she was allowing herself to actually Play the Game.
It dawned on her that her wish for fun was out there floating amidst the others, she refused to allow it to come to harm. Ruby quickly tossed out her Pokémon, Mr. Crime the Mr. Mime. Upon seeing himself on a boat, he seemed to dawn an invisible Captain's Hat, standing straight up, leaning back and forth with the rocking of the vessel.
"Come on, we got a job to do!" Ruby called out, running past her friends towards the back of the ship as her Pokémon swiftly followed along. As she passed by orioncayge and Nero, Ruby called out quickly to the two of then. "If I fall overboard, tell Mom I'll be home by dinner time!"
Once at the very back of the ship, her Mr. Mime had that signature evil grin on his face, but at the moment Ruby couldn't care less. His talents would be far more useful than how much he unnerved her. "Alright, those Wishes are sitting ducks. So... We're gonna give him another target. Make him think we have a Wish."
She gulped nervously, steeling her nerves. "Dazzling Gleam! Now!"
Mr. Crime, gave the most smug grin he has ever had. Twirling on his feet, hands held up and outstretched. Suddenly, a bright ball of shining, glimmering light would form between his hands before being launched upwards into the air. An intensely bright beacon, hopefully drawing the aggression of the hungry Wish-Eating Beast.
"... Hope this isn't a mistake. But we're committed now."
_axGqDFt1-100
1-100
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Jan 1, 2024 7:26:16 GMT 9
"It's really nice, yeah." Ruby just smiled in response, staring out under the setting sun. It was ultimately peaceful. Growing up in near London, she had never really made her way to the coast. But this? It was close enough, if not better.
The way the fading sunlight just reflected off the water, descending down over the horizon, it was stunning. But she could spend every evening down here by herself, enjoying the moment. She didn't have company with her every day, it was genuinely nice.
She'd turn her head, carefully examining Mimi a little bit more up close, before suddenly moving. She'd dig into her backpack, pulling out a juice box. It had a cute picture of an Applin on the front, little plastic straw stuck to the back and everything.
"Juice?" She'd offer politely, handing it over if they other girl wanted it. "I tend to bring lots of snacks, drinks, and candies with me. I tend to walk around, find pretty places to just spend some time relaxing, maybe take a nap."
Talking about a nap, she chuckled quietly to herself at all that implied, but it was a joke only really funny for herself. "Maybe, next time I find a cute place, I can send you the location? If you wanted, of course. If you appreciate the beach here, there's so many other peaceful places out there, admist the chaos."
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Dec 19, 2023 1:57:35 GMT 9
Ruby had only ever walked past this well before and had never thought anything of it before. It wasn't until one of her daily walks took her close to the well that a Quest suddenly appeared. She blinked, and blinked again, still unused to all the UI, always trying to minimize most of it as possible.
She just stared at the Well for a long time, debating on what to do. Should she just go home and ignore it? She was feeling kind of tired, but then again, what kind of adventure awaited her? Maybe it wasn't going to be that dangerous? What if it was just something innocent and fun, and she walked away from it fearing the worst?
Pulling her backpack off her shoulders, she'd examine the soft blue egg sitting in her bag. She's had it for so long, and she doesn't even know what might be inside it. But, maybe it just wanted adventure? Could a Pokémon see beyond its shell and choose when it hatched? Did it need something specific? She didn't know, but it hasn't hatched yet doing her normal daily tasks, she might just have to step outside her comfort zone to find out.
Ruby had just let out a long sigh, finally making up her mind. "This is stupid, I'm going to feel so silly in a few hours. I bet the egg still won't even hatch," she mumbled to herself, climbing down the ladder into the well.
At the bottom, aboard a boat within a well, her eyes would widen dramatically looking all around. This felt straight out of the Goonies. Only, it wasn't a pirate ship, and it wasn't filled with skeletons. Probably.
And it seemed she wasn't the only person to have descended down the well, finding quite a few other people and a familiar face in orioncayge. But, what was this about a Wish Beast?
"... Uh," was all Ruby said at first, her eyes blinking slowly in confusion. "Is it like, a Pokemon? How did anyone even build a ship down here?" She looked back up the well, curiously wondering how long it would take to drop all the lumber down from above.
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Dec 3, 2023 16:25:49 GMT 9
#s://i~imgur~com/QuIo3YX~png Queen Rubella would watch with a wide grin on her face, slowly sitting back on a small little pink cloud that formed beneath her. Her eyes would gaze across the halls, watching everything there was to see. This was what the Dream Palace was missing. Life, color, and beauty. As things began to wind down in the party, the queen would get up from her seat and begin to mingle herself. She'd wander to everyone's works of art, taking them all in and enjoying them.
Her eyes wandered from the beautiful swirling paint that Kallisto wielded, to the glowing keys that Comet discovered. It was such a joy to see people in the midst of creation, she couldn't wait to see what they made.
Wandering over towards the mural, titled Catastrophe made by Kazuki and a few others, she couldn't help but giggle. A few soap bubbles formed in the air around her, only to pop as she laughed. "So colorful! I adore the shading!" Ruby would reply, just grinning ear to ear. "And the footprints, of course. Very true to its name, lovely!"
From there, Ruby continued to wander enjoying the atmosphere and sneaking a few biscuits off the dining table herself before finding her way over to Verai 's poetry, Another Way. She always was such a sucker for poems. "Simple, sweet, and elegant. Hope is always the answer."
While devouring her biscuit with polite little bites her own Munna, Murmur, would suddenly float over towards her side catching her off guard. Normally, the lazy Pokémon wouldn't budge for nothing! And yet, they seemed to motion with a foot of theirs for Ruby to follow. Curious, she walked right after them only to run straight into ozone 's artwork.
Cute, adorable Munna sleeping amidst a much larger one. An evolved form, perhaps? She should check one day, but it seemed her own Munna was quite content with the art made in her likeness, settling up on a small stand and sleeping beneath it. "Cute, my dear." She'd affectionately pat their head, only to turn and look at the other work of ozone 's art.
King Articuno leading a charge, filled with birds of all kinds and other Pokémon she recognized. Such effort to paint all the different Pokemon, she couldn't help but be in silent awe for a second. Perhaps in his youth, that might have been exactly what the king looked like. Maybe she should ask him. With a soft smile, she'd turn and head back on her way to explore the rest of the halls.
Biscuits devoured and feeling a bit peckish for more, she'd wander to grab a fairly large one, having to carry it in both hands. It was absurd! But no more absurd than something Mom would have made. Oh, if only she could have been here. Could they even come here? Perhaps something for another time.
She'd pause to eat in front of the next poem that she found, written by Morpheus . War of Ideals. With a nod, Ruby would whisper to herself. "Rhyming violence with malevolence... I should have thought of that one." Some poems left you wondering what they really meant, but this one shared its message strongly right in front. Given the context of the recent Thunderfall Event, it felt only more fitting.
Despite all that she had seen before, however, it was Torino 's work that made her gasp out loud, dropping the biscuit half eaten onto the ground in shock. She politely picked it back up, only to rush her little feet straight over towards it, only for it to change its look to resemble her. She blinked in shock, ever so slowly pacing back and forth in front of the stature formed from light itself. It was almost chilling, seeing someone make anything that resembled the "Princess." But, it was clearly metaphorical, The Warmth of Choice. She liked to think that she did the Dream Kingdom justice.
It was better than whatever deluded ideals of power the parasite had upon this land, at least that was something she could know for sure. Feeling in awe, she'd place a hand across her lips, only to blow a heart-shaped bubble like a kiss towards the statue. It popped, and before she could say any words she heard orioncayge calling her over.
With a laugh, she'd pull herself away from the beautiful statue to go and look at his mural. She'd start at the very beginning, her hand's gently trailing across the wall. From Beta Island, all the way through the whole region of Asper. She'd pause on the image that he had made of herself, and just smiled faintly. "My crown, isn't a traditional crown, so I'm am amazed at whatever you have made, my dear." She'd mention to Orion, motioning to the spinning jewels that orbited her head slowly. The Crown Jewels, all that remained of the Precipice Crown. "But art is art and need not represent life. Sometimes, life imitates art."
She'd wave a hand and with a burst of bubbles, her crown jewels would twist, perfectly matching his drawing, floating paint strokes and all. "I love the message, Duke Cayge." The crown would twist back to normal in another explosion of bubbles, giggling to herself. "Or whatever you want to be now. This world is yours too."
With a polite wave, she'd slip off to continue her tour. Finally finishing off her massive biscuit, she'd turn to discover Mimiqueue 's Serenity of Acceptance. A handpainted landscape of Briarbane, with the world alive. People, Pokémon, everywhere there was a few space. It brought a smile to her face. As much as the Dream Kingdom had become her second home, these days, Briarbane was her actual home. She lived there, and it was amazing to see it regarded with such love. Acceptance was such a powerful thing.
In this world, the virtual world, the Dreamers could be whoever they wanted, not just in their dreams. There was a magic to that. Even she had made the decision to give herself pink hair, to live out her youth again.
Speaking of her crown so recently to Orion, her eyes would grow wide at the tapestry made by Alistair titled Crown. She was in awe, reaching up to grab her Crown Jewels. They'd float, following her hand instead of her head as she held it out to compare against the tapestry. It was simply wonderful. There was no need to make it match exactly, it was abstract, but the resemblance was uncanny. She couldn't help but smile, there was so much weight to this.
The Precipice Crown, broken. She certainly wasn't the only one who had claimed it's jewels at the end, but hers were certainly the most famous, she supposed. Fame didn't really matter, nor was it something she ever sought for. The power of the crown was back with the people, where it always should have been.
Her role was never that of a ruler, she only ever wanted to help people. She supposed in that way, that was what a true Queen did.
And last but not least, Ruby was drawn to Rose Garden 's adorable jack-o-lantern. It was a Seedot, shining through. Cute, adorable, and her eyes wandered to the discarded knife and pumpkin bits nearby. Perhaps it wasn't intended to remain part of the art, but she liked it. There was something charming about seeing the aftermath, the mess art took to make, that spoke to her.
With her wandering having taken quite a bit of time, she finally moved back up towards her throne. She'd gaze out across the whole hall of players she could see, and smiling for those that she couldn't. This was what the Dream Palace should be. With a slow movement, her hands would slowly raise, and the music echoing through the halls would slowly quiet down to draw attention back to her. As Queen Rubella spoke, her voice echoed across the hall once more, so all could hear without needing to stop what they were doing.
"Thank you, all of you. You have made the Palace so much more beautiful, pouring your hearts out to make art that speaks your soul. Some funny, sweet, thought-provoking, and even some incredibly emotional." She would lower her hands, folding her arms across her chest in the sleeves of her kimono. "The Dream World is yours, just as much as it is mine. All are welcome, always. I know not what the waking world holds in store, nor what other dreams the worlds have suffered, but so long as you believe in yourself you will accomplish acts far greater than you could ever imagine."
"Dreams might one day be lost, but the memories you made tonight, the bonds you share, they will always last. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I have, one last gift for you all."
She'd hold out both her hands once more, bubbles slowly forming. Images of the night replaying within them like a mirror to the past before eventually forming like large, single shimmering window. Familiar faces flickered within of everyone who had gathered tonight. Artwork flashing by, delicious food, and music and laughter echoed from within.
With a cheer, Queen Rubella would stretch out her arms as the shimmering bubble window flew towards a wall, solidifying itself within as a door. "A glimpse into my memories," the queen would explain, once again folding her arms. "For there are those who were not able to join us tonight, and they do not deserve to miss out. Walk within, and the banquet will always exist for you."
"Even when we are done, the food packed up, the music gone, and the party done, it will be there. Just enter and the banquet will play again, and again, for all to celebrate, to watch the art of creation begin. To see the halls of the Dream Palace to come alive with color. Thank you, all of you. May those who dream big always find comfort in these halls."
The music would raise once again, and instead of returning to her chambers, Queen Rubella would simply twirl down onto the dance floor, to join everyone in the rest of the Banquet. She hadn't ever smiled so much in her life and she had absolutely no plans to stop.
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Ruby
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Player Character
Posts: 155
Trainer Class:
Player Name: Dr. Ruby Walker Ph.D.
OOC Username: Magnere
Arena Points: 60
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Post by Ruby on Nov 13, 2023 16:26:07 GMT 9
Ruby happily allowed the bubbles to swarm her body, the water soaking all the sand, making it far easier to wipe off. If only she could even see with all the different bubbles. She opened her mouth to speak back, only for a bubble to pop on her face that had her sputtering for a few seconds.
"Bluh, so many bubbles." She certainly wasn't upset though, just laughing and shaking herself off, smiling politely over at Peri the Piplup. "I'm Ruby! And that there, is Murmur." Ruby pointed over at the lazy Munna who had already settled into a nap, silently snoozing.
"Thanks for coming for the quick rescue though, I don't know what I would have done if I was alone, and-" Ruby blinked, pausing in thought as she picked up the Pokeball with the Celesteela inside, holding it carefully against her chest. "And... This sure is weird."
"... Uh, I've never seen anyone flying super high! But I know you can ride Pokemon though. Are you... You're totally thinking of using it like a rocket, aren't you?" Her eyes drift back to the Pokeball, holding it gently, as if somehow just dropping it would have the alien-like beast come back out as aggressive as ever. And yet, she couldn't help but laugh quietly. "If you can find a way to control that thing, by all means. Just be careful! I don't want to have to explain to Mom that one of my siblings got squished by falling to death." Then again, Ruby didn't really have a good idea what happened if someone 'died' in this game. She had never done it before.
Was it painful? She didn't really want to find out.
"... But then again, it would help me climb atop the buildings. Hell, it's taller than some of the buildings here!"
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