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It was getting late. Not so late that most people would already be asleep, mind, but late enough that there was a good chance they were already working on heading to bed.

You know, that perfect time for Thoughts to happen.

"So... what do you think decides what kind of Pokemon we turn into? Everyone from other worlds, that is. Like, is it just kinda random? Or does whatever brought us here in the first place decide somehow? Or is it maybe based on something about us...?"

Yeah, good luck sleeping now. Might as well join the speculation?

(OOC: entirely unrelated to the post, but since I forgot to mention in my test drive toplevel, the followup player quest to the one from last one is here for those interested!)

digitalprincess

[Some of those in Cheri Berry Guild might have noticed her absence. Normally, Aelita would be found spending a few hours every day collecting berries from the treetops and bringing them into storage. But the area visible around her as she held her pearl up.

Cause she was in the clinic.

There was a few bandages wound around her but otherwise she seemed unharmed. No cuts. The joys of fur hiding bruises. ]

What are you supposed to do in the clinic exactly?

[Help. She still had a few days here and not being allowed to explore was so BORING.]

swordarc

[The video shows III, looking... not quite nervous, but definitely like he's choosing his words carefully about this topic.]

...For those of you who have evolved since coming here, what was it like?

A pause, where he seems to think-]

...And I've heard that Ralts can evolve two different ways, depending on the circumstances. If I get the chance to evolve, how would I influence which way I go?

[AKA being a tiny Ralts is chafing on him and he wants to be a Gallade with built in arm blades so bad.

lightofchaldea

"Hi guys."

Those paying attention to their Grumpearls right now might notice a broadcast coming from a certain Rufflet from Cheri Guild, sounding as bright and enthusiastic as she ever did. Though, the more she spoke, the more one might get the impression that some of her comments were also being said aloud to someone else...

"So a lot of stuff needs to be fixed because of the storms, right? And we were thinking--yes I was just going to say that--we were thinking that it'd be a good time to improve things a bit, too. Like how last year Flowey got a bunch of roofs added to the Cheri housing, but doing more than that, you know?"

A brief pause, and a vague feeling that she was listening to something that remained unheard over the pearls.

"I was getting to--uh, yeah, okay."

Followed by the mental equivalent of clearing one's throat.

"Rocky and I have some ideas for how we can fix the housing up more, so that people can have as much shelter as they need, but still leave things open for the Pokémon that like it that way. But first we need a lot more materials! So if anyone wants to help with that, you can gather what wood you can find or--if you have other ideas let us know, or help with cutting the planks and things once we have some to work with. It'll take a while, but it'll be great when everything's done!"

If nothing else, Ritsuka was positively radiating enthusiasm about the project. And for those paying attention, there might be an almost melodic hum of similar feelings joining in...?

Well, in any case, now that the message was sent those interested or who had questions could certainly seek either of the two out, whether over the pearls or in person.

(OOC: grumpearl replies will come solely from Ritsuka, with a small chance of Rocky backseat driving interjections, though both are available for in-person interactions! The quest itself is here for those interested.)

guilmon

[Guilmon stares at his Grumpearl, contemplative. There's something that's weighed on his mind for a while, but now...]

Maa... Guilmon doesn't know how to feel about evolving.

[There. That's a start! He's already talked to Archnemon, but still...]

When Digimon evolve, it isn't forever. They can go back and forth, getting bigger and stronger when they need to, but not having to stay big. But Pokémon aren't like that, so if Guilmon evolved here, he'd stay bigger.

Probably not as big as Growmon or MegaloGrowmon, because they're really huge!

[So huge that he has to project them through the Pearl, starting with the modestly large Growmon, followeed by the much larger MegaloGrowmon.

Astute observers will note the familiar coloration to Guilmon as he is now, right down to the markings.]

It's hard, because Charizard has wings! But Charizard's also super weak to rocks, and that's not very fun. And it'd be harder to deal with the snow, too, since flying's weak to ice but fire isn't.

How's Guilmon supposed to decide? If Takato was here, it'd be lots easier...

astronope

[ Grace has a vague idea of how to use his Grumpearl. He's replied on it before, like it's no big deal.

And yet, while he's taking a quick break from looking through the Archives (don't ask him when was the last time he slept) he is resting over his Grumpearl like it's a freaking massage roller. Which means that now, you too, can hear his thoughts. ]

I'm just not sure if I'd be able to run a school here. Would people even need it? Besides, a good chunk of this is basically public information, if they can't get it that's kind of on them. So should I tutor? Why would I tutor, I know almost nothing about Pokemon! Could I turn it into a physics lesson? What about biology? Would I be able to develop a decent taxonomy for Pokemon? Heck, that would first imply that I can divide us into different taxa. And really, I'm a molecular biologist, not fudging Carl Linneaus. I don't even have a microscope.

And besides, who's going to listen to someone that looks like this? I feel like I should be in a gift shop being sold as a stuffed animal, not a middle school or university teacher.

Okay but surely there must be enough interest, right? Maybe astronomy...

[ Needless to say, please enjoy the stream of consciousness from a sleep deprived Ryland. It's a mix of possible lesson plans from varying subjects, including biology, astronomy, chemistry, and even physics. Please shut him up before he starts counting the decimals of pi. ]

edgewater

[ parvati wipes sweat from her brow as the last piece of the printing press is slotted back into place. it had to be slightly dismantled to be moved from her house to the post office - with transport courtesy of her roommate courier six! it's been a long time coming, delayed by parvati's general aptitude for time blindness and also by everything going wrong in the bay. but, being stuck inside with not much to do for most of july meant she could really knuckle down and iron out the kinks. most of that time had been spent troubleshooting, figuring out how tight things needed to be and how much lubrication she'd require.

the video itself is parvati moving away from the press itself, pointing her pearl in its direction. the staff of the post office all seem thrilled by it, with pelipper in particular seeming almost enamoured. there's a bundle of rolled-up posters she's yet to put up stacked next to it, but she can get to that in a second. for now, it's time to officially reveal the bay's first printing press to everyone! and hopefully all of the hard work will pay off. ]

Hi, everyone! Just wanna let you all know the printing press is finished and fully installed at the post office!

[ she puffs out her chest proudly. a hisuian arcanine briefly crosses into frame, sniffing at the contraption before stepping away with a contented expression. she seems to say something to pelipper, but the pearl doesn't pick it up. ]

You can use it for basically whatever you want. For now, folks at the post office like Hitmonlee are gonna help operate it for safety. But I hope that eventually you'll be able to learn to use it on your own. And obviously, the staff here will be more than happy to help someone who can't use it with their printing.

[ her hope is that this means more pokemon can send each other letters or put up quests - but there are so many other things it can be used for! she knows mayaka has been considering starting magazines every month, and maybe more folks can put together their own little publications like newspapers or journals. maybe people can even print actual books! but that may be more for the archives, who will be receiving their own printing press at some point soon. now that she's got everything figured out, the second one hopefully won't take as long to make.

eager eyes around the bay will see a new poster on the questboard - clearly made and designed using the machine! it's an invitation from parvati and the post office staff to come and try it out. ]

sharpjustice

[ Mayaka is on her Grumpearl today because she is in desperate need of fresh ideas for the new manuscript she’s working on. She’s going to challenge herself to not resort to the usual shoujo manga stereotypes, no matter how timeless they may be! The problem is, she can’t possibly share her true intentions in public. It’s fine if everyone knows she’s into art, but it’s another thing to casually mention her aspirations to be a manga artist. Not gonna happen.

And so, the Sneasel has come up with an indirect way to search for compelling plot points to incorporate into her current work-in-progress. ]

Hey! I have a question for everyone: what do you think makes a good love story?

I’m just curious. If you have any recommendations to read or watch, I want to know too.

[ She’s not going to regret asking this on the network, right? ]

((ooc: absolutely feel free to threadjack!))

autumnrainrunaway

[ It has been good few days since the rescue job with a few such as Mayaka and Noelle getting to see Dolly in the form she now has before the video broadcast. Dolly should've followed Akechi's lead to do it the moment she had the chance, but at least it's being done now rather than later. ]

[ The grumpearl broadcast is a bit fuzzy, trying to focus as Dolly handles the pearl while trying to keep it away from two tiny periwinkle colored paws reaching for it.

From what others could tell, this is being broadcasted from inside Dolly's living room area with the star charts in the background and Aegiomon's drawing. Though...should't it be ribbon feelers rather than these soft pink paw-hands holding the pearl? ]

Curly, no that's not a food item.

[ It takes a moment or two for the pearl to focus in on Dolly and....she looks entirely different than before with three little mice-like creatures, the periwinkle culprit looking on in distain for not getting to nibble on the pearl. ]

Hey everyone, I figured it would be well advise to do this to avoid any future surprises. I don't understand what happened, I thought Sylveon was a final form, but, my form changed somehow and my familiars are here with me...

[ Dolly gently goes to pick up Curly after his umpteenth time trying to nibble on the pearl. There's a momentary pause from Dolly as she considers how to bring this up without looking like a weirdo... ]

I guess the other reason why I'm making the video chat is to ask those that evolved, did you end up feeling like you were in the wrong body or that you didn't even belong to this world moments before evolving?

digitalprincess

Hi everyone! [It was Aelita again, this time she was going with video and not just audio. Enjoy her free paw giving a frantic wave while the other clutched something.]

I know everyone is busy with the fires so I won't take much time. [She opened her paw to show off a...small polished stone that had been attached to a hooked barb.]

Prior to arriving here, I wore a earring in my left ear. I have this now, but I don't have a hole in my ear to put it through. So um... if anyone knows how to do that, I'd really appreciate it.

[And she's put a quest up.]

friendlyflower

What do you MEAN everyone wins?

[Togetic and Smeargle are nodding thoughtfully. Flowey sits near them, exasperated. It's the end of the art show, and all that's left is to give out the awards to the best entrants!

... Except that appears to be everyone.]

It's not MY fault that you idiots let two entrants get tied for second place! Can't you make them fight in a tiebreaker or something?!

[Smeargle shakes their head. They have to depart today, anyway-- there's so much wonderful art out there to discover! Meanwhile, Togetic already seems to have moved on to planning the next big event for the hobby clubs.]

Ugh, whatever. [He turns his attention back to the Grumpearl.] You artists can either take your art home or let the guilds display it somewhere. If you take it home, you'll have to figure out yourselves how to split custody of it. I'm not a judge anymore!

[Togetic grabs the Grumpearl and begins rambling like an overenthusiastic person speaking directly into a camera lens. "Great job, everyone! You're all winners to me! I'm glad it turned out this way!"]

Without further ado, it's time for the awards!

⟡ Shoka & Archnemon: 1st place with aggregate rating ★★★★☆ for their painting of an unknown Pokemon. Each receives an aquamarine ribbon that says 1ST PLACE on it.

⟡ Mayaka, Eleanor & Anasui: 2nd place (tie) with aggregate rating ★★★⯪☆ for their viral handsome posing Espathra piece. Each receives a bright pink ribbon that says 2ND PLACE on it.

⟡ Neige & Maya: 2nd place (tie) with aggregate rating ★★★⯪☆ for their nature inspired clay bowls. Each receives a bright pink ribbon that says 2ND PLACE on it.

⟡ Catrina & Emporio: 3rd place with aggregate rating ★★★☆☆ for their ... extremely cursed clay dolls... Each receives a ~~restraining order~~ green ribbon that says 3RD PLACE on it.

["That was so much fun! What kind of club event should we host next?" Togetic asks. Flowey can be seen jumping in a futile attempt to get his Grumpearl back.]

tempredmental

[Guess who finally figured out video network...

Guess who also is now shiny instead of normal.]

So, uh... is changing fur colors normal?

Current Mood: curious

shotinhead

[ It sounds like Courier Six hasn't been sleeping much, and his voice is quiet. No, not today, he won't tell them today. That thought echoes slightly, before he gives a grunt, visible on the camera, on his usual walk. He's deep in thought, though. ]

Hey. What do you think's goin' on back home? Your homes, I mean. I-- fuck, it's been more then a year, so probably lots of shit we've missed.

I mean, if weird shit isn't going on with home, either. I dunno, it's just all a bit worrying. Don't you think? It's not like we're not missed, unless you're the sorta person who'd not be missed...

...Fuck, I'm bad at this speakin' thing.

[ He hopes to just get people talking, honestly. Maybe he'll learn more, maybe he won't. (yes, that is an invite to use this like a mingle post--) ]

sharpjustice

It’s done! It’s done!

[Mayaka’s excited voice will ring over the Grumpearl network. On video, those watching will see the Sneasel holding up a few pieces of paper. After meticulously compiling the dessert reviews she's received over the last month into a proper publication, she's now ready to share the news.]

Thanks to the guild, there’s now a tablet in the Archives that lists the best sweets in town. I also have the original paper copy with me if you prefer to read that.

[Polteageist had been intrigued by the idea of documenting food preferences of former humans (and other assorted creatures), so they allowed the use of the Lum Berries' pressing machines to record the reviews into tablets.]

If you’ve already seen it -- what do you think?

[Those who’ve been to the Archives to read the inaugural issue themselves will find the original submissions reproduced in full.]

[take the tablet off the shelf!]

ISSUE #1: Sweets



Dish: Spiced hot chocolate w/ cheri berry juice 
Made by: Golisopod
Reviewed by: Cater & Siffrin
Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dish: Fried doughnut ball
Reviewed by: Eleanor & Oko
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dish: Piece of moss
Reviewed by: Eleanor & Oko
Rating: ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Dish: Homemade gingerbread cookies
Made by: Noelle
Reviewed by: Shoka & Bigby
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dish: Toasted pollen-dusted croissants 
Made by: Burrow Lounge Bug Cafe, reheated by Tomoro’s electricity & Catrina’s flame
Reviewed by: Tomoro & Catrina
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Dish: Chansey Toast 
Made by: Swirlix’s Diner
Reviewed by: Akechi, Ren & Maya
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Dish: Chocolate cake with buttercream frosting
Made by: Dolly
Reviewed by: Aelita
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Dish: Spicy cheri berry and sour iapapa berries with cream
Reviewed by: Aelita
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Dish: Mysteriously delicious butterscotch-cinnamon pie
Made by: ???
Reviewed by: Flowey & Hatenna
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dish: Chocolate ganache birthday pie
Made by: Neige & Ritsuka
Reviewed by: Mayaka
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
 

code

By the way, does anyone have ideas for topics we should review next?

What would’ve been useful for you to know when you first arrived in town, for example?

[Mayake is no stranger to putting publications together as part of her club duties in school. It seems she’s keen to produce more if there’s interest from the rest.]

digitalprincess

[A vast majority of the time, Aelita was cheerful. There wasn't any of that cheer in her voice as she palmed her grumpearl, nor was there a 'Yoohoo' or exaggerated 'hi' as she started the call. ]

Um... Do those visions you have when sleeping mean anything? [And then because those love grumpearls connected mentally. Everyone could get fun glimpses as Aelita mumbled along. Something small running through the undergrowth, glowing gold eyes.]

I keep having ones where there are pokemon. Uh, they look like Mme Mightyena and they're chasing me through a forest, then they try to bite me. [For a moment there was the lovely look at the inside a wolf's mouth, but it suddenly changes. For a brief moment everything shifts, the wolves become a group of faceless men in suits.]

Is there anyway to make them stop?

lightofchaldea

On the one hand, Ritsuka was quite the extrovert, never hesitating to approach someone and strike up a conversation, whether in person or over the pearls. On the other hand, she was very much not used to making announcements, especially entirely on her own initiative, which meant the Rufflet seemed just a tiny bit unsure for all her clear determination.

"So... I was thinking. If we're already doing everything we can to prevent a fire, and one might happen anyway, we should try to be ready in case one does, right? Which means that we should try to stock up on supplies like food and stuff if we can."

A pause as she tried to figure out how she was supposed to conclude this.

"Anyway, I'm going to try to go gather more supplies myself, so if anyone else wants to help out, that'd be nice?"

(OOC: Thanks to a conversation with Agnes Ritsuka's submitted a quest! Even if she was... less than clear about that in her message. She tried.)

truthdecided

[An 'unfamiliar' face projects through the Pearls... except if you look closely, it's not that unfamiliar. The shape of the plumes on his head carry the same general silhouette as a certain Rookidee...

But now he's larger, longer, and has a noticeably bigger beak. In fact, he looks far more like a crow than he did before!

And so Akechi fluffs up his feathers a bit and addresses the Pearl at last.]

Greetings. This is Akechi. I realize that this transformation may be a bit alarming, but I thought it best to announce my recent evolution so that no one believes I've disappeared.

This new form is far more suitable, though I wish it hadn't been so overdue. Still, it seems that being put into highly dangerous situations is one way to provoke evolution.

I suppose this does bring up a curious question, though. To evolve, or not to evolve. For me, it was a no brainer, but others may be less enthused about changing their physical forms yet again. Evolution is, after all, irreversible.

So humor me. Do you wish to evolve, or are you content as you are?

seacub

[A little bit into the month, and Emporio's voice comes through the pearl network. As familiar as ever, and perhaps as nervous as always, he stammers his way through with an aura of anxiety ever permeating his words.]

H-Hi everyone...

[Perhaps he's aware of how it looks, having completely eaten shit in a heavy quest once again.]

I've been slowly talking to everyone in the clinic and getting filled in on...uh. Just what happened...

[Considering the feelings coming through the pearl, yes, that's exactly it.]

I wanted to say thanks again to everyone who came out to rescue us all. I can't really say if it could happen again or not, considering just what did happen, but there's definitely been a lot to learn coming out of it...

..A...anyway...

[There's something of an awkward cough through the audio.] I've, uhh.... ...I've got a lot to work on now that I'm clear to leave the clinic again, but did anyone want to look at the questboard with me maybe? They don't normally have too much happening after a crisis like that, so I'm pretty sure anything there should be safe!

[THIS FUCKING GUY.]

friendlyflower

[Many people won't see this at all because they have him blocked. And he deserves it.

Flowey very much learned the consequences of his actions last month, when he tried to reach out to several of the Pokemon who vanished only to find that they had blocked him. He knows he can't just undo things the way he used to, and yet...

... anyway, his hope is that the ones who have him blocked will hear this message through the grapevine at least. He knows that will likely mean little to them, and this message is also very much 'too little, too late' to those who don't have him blocked. He will have to apologize to several people face-to-face. But if he does a full apology tour to every single person he's wronged since coming here, it would take him weeks.

... That's a disconcerting thought.]

Howdy.

[The video shows Flowey in his dorm. His outer shell is scratched and scuffed, and one of his leaves has several holes torn through it. He hesitates, then sighs.]

... So. It's, uh. Come to my attention recently. That maybe I got off on the wrong foot with some of you.

[Talk about an understatement. The stem sprouting from his head droops as if he's hunching over.]

Okay, I've been a heartless jerk to several of you many times. I'm sorry. Okay?

[Several Pokemon are in the clinic after last month's heavy quest. Anyone who might have visited the ward with the comatose patients recently might have noticed that fresh flowers have been left for several people Flowey once was close to. Lusamine, A.B.A, Aegiomon--

And recently, Kris.

He can't even do the same for Fireheart or Laios. The latter left without ever forgiving him.

Flowey apologized to him, just like this, the little good it did.

It isn't guilt per se that transmits through the Grumpearl so much as a deep, deep self-hatred.]

That's all. I'll be talking to some of you in person, but I wanted to put this out there. I'll be in my house if you want to come see me or get your revenge! [He says this in a faux-chipper tone, but it quickly fades away.]

Just spare me the pity. Anything I did, it's not because of my past. It was my choice to act out.

[It's there, if you happen to be Psychic-type, or just very adept at using the Grumpearl-- his lack of soul. He's like a jack-o-lantern, scraped down to the rind and carved up to look scary.

But even so, there's still some pieces left. Despite everything, it's still him. While what he has for his friends who remain- Emporio, Shoka, and others- isn't 'love' or 'attachment' as normal people might feel it. But it's something that looks enough like it if you squint.]

sharpjustice

[Mayaka should feel satisfied that she's completed the draft at last. It didn't matter that she'd been thrown into another world and had to figure out how to draw shoujo manga with a pair of claws. Through sheer stubbornness and the holiday miracle of having received her half-finished drafts covered in glitter, she's now closer to her goal. The rest of the way there though, is a cavern she can't cross.

She's always dreamt of winning a magazine competition by the time she turned 18. Out of principle, she'd committed to finishing the draft on her pink desk in her Lum Berry apartment the last few weeks. But what's the point of doing that, if she has no way to submit it now?

Is this what turning 18 is really going to be like? Trapped in a crummy poison-producing body, half-finished goals, and being separated from the people that she thought she'd be spending her birthday with? Even the fact that she's missing out on the stress of impending college entrance exams feels unfair! She can't stand it! It really irritates her!

She grabs her Grumpearl, ready to express her exasperation, not caring who'll overhear or who'll join the conversation:]

Hey! Is turning 18 really supposed suck so much?!

[The Sneasel pauses to collect herself. She won't apologise for her outburst, but she knows that might've startled some others.]

It's just... I had plans for what I wanted to do once I turned 18. But now, we're all stuck here.

==

(ooc: feel free to threadjack / treat this as a mingle post! esp if touching on topics that your char might not want mayaka to overhear, u can assume she's mentally tuned out or too busy responding to others)

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