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

[battlestandby]

[After losing to Ash in the Sinnoh League and being denied a rematch by Brandon until he conquered Kanto's Battle Frontier, Paul endured a lengthy trip by sea to reach the Vermilion City port and begin his new journey, this time with a couple of tagalong companions that Paul had mixed feelings about. After getting past the port and into the actual heart of Vermilion City, Paul had a sudden black-out and woke up here.

The sudden change of scenery and absence of his companions is immediately alarming, though Paul's other belongings are still in his possession. Trying to suppress his urge to have an angry outburst of confusion, Paul cautiously investigates these new surroundings and eventually finds signs of where he is: Levanta Town? Paul had been through Kanto before, and he definitely never heard of such a place then.

While he continues walking along, he attempts to fiddle with his Pokedex to get an idea of where he might be if he can kind any Pokemon species around. He doesn't really trust the town natives as far as he could throw them.

A lilac-haired grump surely stands out in a crowd, doesn't he?]

[ohcrumbs]

[Maybe not quite enough! Cynthia bumps into him as she's excitedly charging around in her exploration.]

Yikes!

[battlestandby]

--Hey!

[For a boy his age he's surprisingly easy to push aside, especially when he doesn't expect it. She actually came close to knocking Paul right onto the ground, but his desire to not be made out to look like a wuss in front of a girl saves him... this time.]

[ohcrumbs]

Ah, I'm sorry! I wasn't looking!

[She bows politely! That blonde hair hiding her face.

...Though those barrettes are familiar...]

[battlestandby]

[That style, too. The voice even vaguely sounds familiar; at least the tone does. Paul just stares at her for a moment before giving a nod.]

... From now on, start looking.

[ohcrumbs]

I will. I'm sorry.

[She stands upright, smiling at him.]

I'm just very excited to see everything!

[notinmtsilver]

[Purple hair... purple hair... Why did that seem so familiar? A slightly older looking Ash is staring at you, Paul.]

[battlestandby]

[Okay...

Now Paul's wondering if he was transported forward in time. Ash is quite distinct in appearance but he's so...]

Ash...?

[notinmtsilver]

[Your name is... Ash doesn't remember it.

Shoot.]

Hey! How's it goin'?

[battlestandby]

How can you be so casual? Don't you see something wrong with this picture?

[notinmtsilver]

What's wrong with it? [Other than your hair color-- but it's pokemon! That's normal.]

[falsified]

[Whatever, like he cares. Weird purple hair or not, Ash doesn't look up at him. He's grumpily walking past with Pikachu on his shoulder.

He had things to do.

So Paul, have you ever seen an Ash this annoyed at the world?]

[battlestandby]

[No, never at all. Ash is making Paul-faces, what the...

More importantly, the only other Ash Paul saw was a lot older than him, but this one looks to be the age he should be. Paul must get to the bottom of this!]

Ash!

[falsified]

[He seems to stiffen for a moment, before relaxing and turning around. All traces of a scowl are gone, maybe you imagined it?]

What's up?

[battlestandby]

That's... impossible, I just saw you but you were older... what is this?

[falsified]

[There's a moment. A very short moment where Ash has to wonder if you're crazy.

Before shaking the feeling off.]

What are you talking about?

[hoennmaihime]

[He does. It's not like her own situation is any different, but May's actually pretty okay with things! This stranger on the other hand, doesn't... exactly... seem pleased. Therefore, who better to spread her good mood to?

Smiling, May walks over to Paul, coming to a stop a few feet away.]

Hi, I'm new here too! My name's May, what's yours?

[battlestandby]

[who the wha-- oh dear, a girl. Paul doesn't do well with girls on his own. But he'll TRY not to be entirely unpleasant.]

Paul.

[hoennmaihime]

[You can do it, Paul! May nods in acknowledgement and continues.]

So, seeing as we're both new here, how about exploring this place together?

[battlestandby]

I don't know anything about you, besides your name and that you don't come from here.

[Said rather matter-of-fact like. His trust isn't easy to gain.]

[hoennmaihime]

Oh, that's a good point, I didn't think of that. Okay, I'm a Pokemon Coordinator and before I came here, I was travelling through Johto. I've got three ribbons so far, and I was heading towards Olivine City to participate in a contest there for my fourth. Also, I love trying new food, shopping, and swimming, especially in the ocean.

Is there anything else you'd like to know?

[yeah she can be a tinyyyyyyyyyy bit oblivious]

[championed]

Paul!

[It's Paul!

It's another older Ash. But hey, at least that one recognizes you.]

I didn't know you were here too. Is everything okay? I haven't seen you in a while. [Dear god, what did you do to deserve this fussiness?]

[battlestandby]

[Oh now what is this.

Another older Ash, based on what he's saying? What's he even talking about...]

What are you talking about...?

[championed]

What do you mean what am I talking about?

I'm asking how you're doing.

[battlestandby]

... You're older than me. We're supposed to be the same age. How can you be familiar with me when I'm like this? Don't you see what's wrong with this picture?