The Grand Opening

[driftingmods]

[A large WELCOME sign is hanging from the buildings when you walk into Levanta Town, but that seems to be the only sign that today is any different than any other day. The villagers are simply going about their daily business. However, if they are approached they are more than happy to explain the region as well as they can to any new arrivals.

Welcome to Levanta Town in The Drifting Land!]

Comments

[tinylord]

[Nodding. That still hadn't changed, even if Paul doesn't remember that.]

Someone like you once told me that he did that, using Pokémon for strength and such, but he'd changed. He had a nice singing voice and his Pokémon seemed to like him, but I still didn't believe it very much. Humans lie more than they tell the truth.

[battlestandby]

Ash, we're supposed to be the same age.

[heroineoftruth]

[Yeah, yeah, all right. Let him just rub Hilbert's leg and then Hilda's, just to let them know, before scamperin' on up.

Hey bud.]

I'm pretty sure Mom would've let me know if there'd been a decent-looking guy living next door, though... [...But wait a gosh darn minute.] You said Bianca had a Tepig?

[battlestandby]

But that would take a long time...

[ohcrumbs]

True! But my Gabite is on the road to success.

[notinmtsilver]

We are? [... Who are you?]

[powerfulwarrior]

I thought Mom would've told me if there was a nice girl next door too--

[Hold on Hilda he has to shiver ugh ugh oh heavens it rubbed against him HE DOESN'T JUDGE POKEMON BUT

IT'S UNNERVING AND QUIET sob.]

Y-Yeah, she did. It's a big, strong Emboar now. I keep thinking she'd ride on its shoulders. You have one too, right?

[battlestandby]

[Now the similarities are getting downright creepy.]

We all have a reason for being the kind of people we are...

[Though Paul still lacks a reason for working with Pokemon to begin with; a matter that still clearly troubles him.]

[sans_eyepatch]

[Ghetsis stares back at Zozo, his own glare full of daggers.

Well, at least until he hears N's last name.]

Wait, what did you say?

[tinylord]

[Zorua can tell that, and he's quick to nudge N's chin to it too. He's got issues, kid. Still got them, I mean.]

I don't suppose you know your reason?

[heroineoftruth]

Uh huh. I remember her picking Snivy, though... And Cheren got Oshawott.

[Also she really cannot miss your shiver, Hilbert.]

Are you afraid of Galvantula or something? [Snerk.] He's perfectly harmless.

[tinylord]

[See, it worked! The Zorua hops off Pops and sits back beside N, who just shakes his head with a smile.]

I don't think that's what did it. I'm N Harmonia. I told you I was your son, and that proves it, right?

[powerfulwarrior]

Oh no, I'm not scared of him at all! It's just... He's a bit unnerving. I bet he makes opponents too scared to move, right?

[While he's talking, he's taking out a PokéBall and tossing it out, a Samurott proudly appearing. And immediately taking her spot next to Hilbert, peeking around his front shyly at Hilda. Hey, even if she recognizes you, you've got to give her a bit of time to adjust to the grass they're moving over. Stoutland's just rolling his eyes.]

This is Samus. I got her from the Professor, Cheren got Snivy, and Bianca got her Tepig. There can't be two of them, can there?

[battlestandby]

Small children like you shouldn't assume such things about total strangers.

[typeadvantage]

[well, if he was here, and Hilbert was here, as well as plenty of other people, it would only make sense that Bianca was here, as well. At least she showed up where he was, instead of making him go looking for her. It's easier to try to keep an eye on Bianca and keep her out of trouble when he actually knows where she is, after all.]

I shouldn't be surprised that you're here, as well, Bianca. Are you all right?

[sans_eyepatch]

[That's what he thought.]

J-just because you have the same last name as me... [God, this is so messed-up.] Anyway, I can't be a father, much less yours. I've never... you know.

[pkmntrainer]

[It's not the first time Red has wandered to unfamiliar lands, but normally he had some idea of how he got there. He stands at the entrance of Levanta Town looking around at the city, its buildings, and people coming in and out. Pikachu sitting on his shoulder looks just as lost. Realizing there's nothing he could do but move forward, he pulls his cap down a little and starts on his way towards the Pokecenter while keeping an eye out for familiar faces.]

[tinylord]

[Please explain to the smiling child why you cannot be his father for the second time.

Zorua's just snickering.]

[sans_eyepatch]

[OH GOD WHAT HAS HE DONE?]

Don't look at me like that!

[battlestandby]

[ahhhh no doubt this is the same Cynthia who squashed most of his team with just her Garchomp.]

... I'm sure it is.

[pkmntrainer]

[As Red passes through the outside parts of town, he catches the swish of brown hair from the corner of his eye. He stops his walk and turns to get a better look. Pikachu on his shoulder notices his movement as well and follows suit letting out a little noise of surprise. For a few seconds, Red can't believe his eyes, but he finally finds his voice.]

Leaf...? Is that you?

[feelsgoldman]

[Ethan emerges from the Pokécenter, having given his team a cursory check-up. He's been here for several hours now, but he still hasn't run into anyone he knows besides Juggler Irwin. You can imagine his excitement when he catches the flash of yellow and red approaching the building, and he's quick to readjust his hat and run over.]

Hey! Red!

[He comes to a stop just in front of him, puffing slightly from the sprint.]

Man, am I glad to see you. Did you just show up?

[battlestandby]

Stop playing dumb.

[ohcrumbs]

It's called "IV Breeding". Have you heard of it?

[notinmtsilver]

I... really don't remember you.

I'm sorry.