[NRP] Havard & Melomar's Journal (295 views)

[melomar]

Prelude: Indulgence is Always a Mistake
Date: 8-10 June 2014
Word count: 315
Interactions: Between Havard and Hazan

SPOILER: Click to show

Noticing the stacks of books around Havard's chair, Hazan asked, "Whatcha reading?"

Havard glanced up from one particularly large, gilded old book, took note of his place on the page, and closed it. Handing it over for Hazan to see, he replied, "The other day you mentioned a rumor about a shrine. Do you remember?"

Testing the weight of the book, Hazan nodded and opened it, skimming its contents. It was a book about pokémon mythology. "Three gods together have power over Nature. A team of archaeologists thought they had pinpointed a location of the old shrine to Landorus. They’ll be leaving in a couple of weeks."

"I gathered some reading material about it."

"Oh wow! All of these?" Hazan made a second pass over the stacks of books.

"Yes."

The shiny chikorita boy was always excited to explore new places, and this expedition to the shrine of Landorus sounded like a great learning experience. Thanks to Havard, he could read some of the lore in books in addition to word of mouth. In the end, Hazan was almost meant to be there.

The mewtwo would not join him, however. He wasn’t the “outdoorsy type.” He was always too busy to do great fun activities with Hazan, it was a shame, but no amount of pouting or stomping his foot would work. After all, Havard could pout and stamp his foot with far more elegance and soul-crushing gloom. His first experience with it had been an excruciating experience. This time, however, he had armed himself, determinedly squeezed his eyes shut and gave his friend a bear hug before setting off on his trip. Let him choke on that!

“I heard that.” Havard was not pouting, but his arms were crossed across his chest and he spoke with flat, dry humor.

“Ah!” Hazan chuckled hastily and waved over his shoulder. “I’ll call or write or something.”

Interlude: Blast and Sunshine
Date: 10-22 June 2014
Word count: 777
Interactions: Between Havard and Jocosus
Note: Learns TM 52: Focus Blast. The actual use of Focus Blast is shown later, within the meta.

SPOILER: Click to show

It was a problem that Havard had no desire to discuss with anyone. It was a very personal deficiency, after all, and his stubbornness would not allow him to admit defeat even to himself. Havard’s difficulty in matching precisely his former abilities had taken a toll on him. His body, his energy, his aura, his power; it was all too different from before his transformation. He had never desired so much to learn abilities that quite frankly had little use outside of battle, and that desire was matched equally by his frustration. The trio of pokémon ruining the land in their wanton tantrum-throwing had changed his mind. Now his desire to protect had extended to his friends. But he had little time to spare in re-learning what had once been all too easy.

He had resorted to studying the humble, in his opinion, section of TMs in his library to see if there was something that would help him reach and exceed his goals. Yes, indeed, he had found what might be the perfect one. TM 52, Focus Blast, would help him to re-learn Aura Sphere.

In his search, he had found something for a friend with even more immediate need. With a triumphant smirk, he began the meticulous process of packing up and securing his home. He was on his way in a surprisingly short time.

Before searching for Hazan, the mewtwo boy made a detour. The volcano came to view long before the hidden village at its base. Like Havard, this small group of pokémon wanted to maintain its obscurity. Very few trusted individuals knew of its existence. Havard was one of those exceptions, and he knew the route that would keep them all the safest. He also knew that even if he could not detect their presence, they were nearby and preparing for his unannounced visit.

He was not disappointed, nor should he be. Each resident of Matsutta village knew some form of ninja art, from meditation to concealment to fighting. But the audience that came to meet him included every able body, surrounding their wild deity at a respectful distance.

“Greetings, Jocosus. I bring a gift to you.”

“Oh? Is that so?” The heatran, god of the volcano, stepped forward. Behind him, his minions remained where they stood. The air around these two was filled with the group’s energy of excitement and the gravity of awe. One god, The Child of Man, as they called him, had offered a gift to their own, The Child of the Mountain. “What is it, Havyurd? It better not be another joke,” he added with a lowered voice and a confidential hiss. “My people have been preparing for Natyure’s wrath.”

The heatran’s strange accent never failed to uplift the corners of the mewtwo’s lips, if nothing else. “Have no fear, Jocosus. This will help you with that problem.” By now they had moved far enough away from the others to obscure the majority of their conversation and gestures. Havard knew better than to step foot on this ground without expecting shoes to melt and feet to blister and bleed, yet he hovered closer to the huge pokémon. The faint crackle of his barrier surrounded him, shielding him against the heatran’s scorching heat. He held out his hand to show what he held, and it lifted from his palm. “It’s called Sunny Day. If you learn it, you can surround your village with sunshine. No other weather will encroach. I believe that with your raw power, the other gods will not see fit to challenge you.”

Jocosus nodded. He was already familiar with the concept of TMs, but only thanks to Havard. “Yes, I need to assimilate this thing,” he agreed, referring to the TM itself. “To control the weather, I never would have considered within my power.”

“But your heat could burn away the clouds and dry the loose soil,” Havard replied. “As a consequence, your subjects will need to take precautions against the dry air. They will need to prepare for strange weather of another kind.”

“Indeed.” Jocosus spoke up again, his booming voice reaching everyone. The shock wave from his shout seemed to cause the leaves overhead to shiver, until a young squirtle fell out of the branches, landing on his shell. Struggling in that position for several second, he finally righted himself and scurried back to his twin brother and began an animated conversation comprised of stage whispers. There would be no secrets in this place. “Thank you, Havyurd. Your gift will aid this village greatly. Right guys?”

“RIGHT.” The reply was simultaneous, as was the immediate break-up of the crowd into every direction.

NOTE: someone give Heat Rock to Joy to lengthen the duration of Sunny Day

Meta Event: Wrath of the Gods
Date: 7 June - 13 October 2014
Post count: ?
Interaction with: Good question

Link: here

[melomar]

Messenger RP: Aftermath of the Gods part one: Searching for Friends and Foes
Date: 04 - 28 November 2014
Post count: 93 (46 Havard, 47 Koujen)
Interaction with: Koujen
Link to Koujen's journal entry: here
Notes: Takes place immediately after meta and references the response of the gods

SPOILER: Click to show

Koujen flushed a bit knowing he looked just like a damsel holding onto the handsome, though short, hero. He looked at Havard a small bit confused. He had never been near another munna all his life so he did not know what he could learn. "Wait....I can learn to fly?" He asked a bit confused he never thought it would be possible to fly. He would have to ask later or maybe this other could teach him to fly.

"Yes, or at least levitate." He was not well-versed in the physiology of munna but he did recall that they were known to fly. Perhaps this one was not at a high enough level, if it was not an innate ability? In any case, he was unable to now and learning would take too much time. Already the funnel cloud was visibly weaker, which could mean anything. "Ready? Hold on tight," he said, hooking his free arm around Koujen before propelling them toward it.

Koujen gave a small nod, "I could Hoover a small bit when I was youn..." He stopped as the other asked his question, "yes I think I am ready." He looked down at the thing arm was wrapped around him and he shifted to hold onto the mewtwo a bit more closely gasping as the jetted off. He hid his face in the crook of Havard's neck and they flew. He hoped he would be more useful.

"Then you can do more now," Havard replied. He continued at a rapid rate until he remembered something the munna had mentioned, and slowed down into a slower arc. "You said you were following a trail then lost your way. Would you be able to find the trail again from the sky?"

Koujen looked up after a few moments as he felt them slowing a bit. He shook his head, "I should be able to but I can not see down there from here..." His glasses really were rather worthless being the wrong prescription of him. But they were better than nothing. "I am not much help sorry but I am sure it leads the same way you are going...at least it was last I checked."

Because of Koujen's position it was difficult to get a good look at him. Koujen's sight was impaired, despite his glasses? Finally he nodded. "Then I will continue the way I was going," Havard agreed before doing just that. "When we get there we will confirm that the one or ones who victimized you are at that site." No sense in making the same mistake twice, or rather four times in this case. As the construction site grew nearer, it was apparent that the storm would abate before they arrived. Would the Kami Trio have dispersed as well? Regardless, they would follow the evidence where it lead them.

Koujen did not like the sound of being victimized but really there was not better way to describe what happened. He no longer had a place to live and he had lost his only friend somewhere along the way. He nodded, "I shall try not to attack the wrong person." He turned a bit to squint at the storm. "wait...is it really calming down already? But it was so wild...how can it be calming?"

Havard smirked faintly. He had not felt the need to mention the headbutt again but Koujen didn't seem to mind blaming himself. "Yes, it appears to be dying down. It would only do that so quickly if someone had made and is controlling it. It may be over before we get there." He glanced down at Koujen. "I'm... sorry."

Koujen could not help feeling a bit dejected that he might not get to face those who ruined his home but he knew he could not have stood up against them and he had no idea what he would have said. Looks like he might never get an answer for what happened. He looked up his plump face a bit surprised at the apology. Why was this god apologizing to him? "We did our best. I guess I will never know why everything I know was destroyed. But at least we can still find your friend sir. I will stay with you until we do. I promise. Thank you for trying." He said softly with a smile.

"We might still learn something." Apologies, promises, and thanks. These interactions were difficult. He may have felt more awkwardness if he had seen Koujen's smile. "You have no obligation to help me with that. I don't know where he is." Finally they reached the clearing and the construction site. "Here it is." He touched down lightly and let go of Koujen, then adjusted his cowl and mask to cover his face again. They could not appear to be a more dissimilar pair.

Unlike the difficultly the mewtwo was having it was not noticeable in the slightest to the Munna it all seemed like a normal conversation and came out with ease from the stronger pokémon. He let go of the other as soon as he felt his feet it the ground and almost fell to the ground thankful to be back on solid ground. "I hope we find out something...but it is looking rather clear too." He could see that this was a place of main action just a bit ago but it was just the remains. It was almost like everyone had left and it was simply the aftermath cooling down. "I know I have no obligation but I know what it is like to be missing a friend and I said I would help find them for you so I will." The thought of being and inconvenience did not strike the munna as he looked around his baggy shirt falling off one soft pale shoulder.

Havard watched Koujen stumble once they landed. He seemed unsteady on his feet after his first flight. He had the urge to ask if the other boy enjoyed it, but in this situation seemed inappropriate. "Maybe someone is still around." While he glanced around Havard wondered what Koujen would do after this. "Your friend, were they lost during all of this? Will you be able to rebuild your home?"

Koujen finally got his land legs again and flushed a bit, "Maybe someone is...what does your friend look like so I can help search for him?" He paused and looked down knowing that there was nothing left, "Well...I lost my friend before this. I don't know where he left too...and there is nothing to rebuild..." He gave a soft humorless laugh, "the field I sleep in was complete burned to the ground...until it can regrow I have nothing." He turned and gave a smile to the other. It was not the mewtwo's problem to fix. So he moved to try and start the search.

"He's a chikorita, a child like us, and bright yellow. His leaf is orange." He glanced at Koujen. So his situation was that bad? He seemed incapable of truly protecting himself, despite living in the wild. I don't suppose he would fit in with That Village. It was hard to say. But surely he would never be alone. "The field will regrow. The land can usually heal itself, though it may take many years. You will not be homeless for long." He investigated the cleared land and the muck everywhere. There were no bodies, only stragglers in the distance. He searched the sky for an errant god or three and sighed. Perhaps Hazan had never been here? But no, he had sensed him...

Koujen did not like hearing the truth actually spoken. He knew he was homeless now and he was friendless. What was he to do? He could not see those in the distance but as he pushed through the rubble and muck he could find no bodies and no one trapped, "I don't see him...nor any sign he might have been here...at least we did not find him hurt...I think those responsible have stopped...and are running away from the mess. I know they could not fix the field but I guess they will get away without punishment." He was now covered with patches of mud, dirt and gunk. "I will just have to find a new field. I am sure I can find another one soon enough..." He tried to sound optimistic. "Where do you think we should look for your friend next?"

"I agree," Havard replied darkly. In the mud he found the large footprints of three clearly large pokémon. "Over here. Do these look familiar? Were footprints like these left at your clearing?" If Koujen had not seen footprints back then, they still may have caused it. Only if he recognized them would they be proof. He waited for Koujen to examine them closely before speaking again. "I do not normally read minds or listen to thoughts, it gives me a headache. But on the way here I got an impression of someone powerful saying thank-you. At the time I thought it was you thinking it loudly. Did you hear it too? Perhaps it was them?"

Koujen moved over to look at the print. His lips turned into a ground under his large nose. "No there were no prints at my field. It was just a storm I followed here...it was not a natural one...but the creator of it never landed." He tilted his head at the next question and tried to think back to their flight. He had been too busy concentrating on making sure not to fall to focus on anything else. But he gave a small nod of his head, "I got an impression of gratitude but I thought it was you appreciating me helping to find your friend. Reading mind would cause a headache I would think." He sighed and then looked back at the print, "why would they thank us for them destroying our homes and lives? Stupid beings!"

"Hm." Havard had expected as much. The damage had been so widespread that making a physical appearance was unlikely, but it had been worth asking. "I don't know why they think that way. The elder gods feel entitled, that people should worship them." If I had my old form I could have put them in their place if I'd cared to. But I didn't. I cared only for Hazan. This person is different; he suffered from their arrogance. "Maybe they assumed that we would rebuild their shrine," he chuckled darkly. Ironically, Hazan's group had come to do just that, before the mess had started. "Ah, Hazan. His party is probably camped somewhere nearby, if they weren't driven off."

"They were going to throw a fit this whole time until the shrine was built back? Those selfish gods! I will never build a shrine to them!" He said and sighed and sat down on a pile of rubble. He nods, "well then we should look around and try to find the camp...should we split up? I can call you if I find him first and you can call me if you find him?"

"Perhaps. I believe the shrine was very old and destroyed by humans. Perhaps the shrine meant more to them, like nostalgia," he paused, looking squarely at Koujen, "or like home. I think I could understand that kind of anger." About Hazan, "yes the question is where the camp would be, nearby or hidden in the jungle? If we go there we should stay together. There should be a road because of the construction. We could look for that," he suggested.

"Ah well yes I guess I can understand that." He replied looking more than a bit sheepish. "If it was their home than it sucks that it was destroyed...I guess if they have calmed down then they found peace of some kind right?" He listened about their next move and gave a bob of his head, "okay we shall stick together. Did you want to fly above and I can search the ground along the road for signs then?" He really hoped he could find the other child's friend. At least then the other guy would not be alone.

Havard noticed Koujen's expression, one like guilt, ah no, actually, struggling to understand. Koujen may be slow but he was not dumb. "It would seem that they found some peace. Does it amuse you that old men like these can be so childish? It does me." But he was not smiling. He was an old pokémon trapped in a human child's body while they had never matured despite his age. For one so logical, the world seemed so insane. "Ah, well. I agree with you, it would be good for me to fly and you to walk. We will see more that way."

"It is good they found peace but are all gods like them so childish?" He sighed and dusted his hands off, "I guess everyone can be childish...however most people do not destroy acres of land and attack beings just because they are upset and throwing a tantrum. You would not do that would you? You are like them...powerful strong? And a God?" He sighed and looked around them, "shall we head east then?"

"I don't know many gods. As for myself," Havard paused to consider it some more then spoke with conviction, "I do not consider myself one of them. I am a Child of Man. I am unnatural. But if my home were destroyed... I suppose I would have done what you have done: follow the evidence to the one who did this to me. And I would have killed them, no one else." He nodded and sighed. "Yes, east, then." Before rising into the air, he spared Koujen a small smile that reached his eyes despite his mask: Koujen was courageous to come this far. Did he know that?

Koujen tilted his head. Could gods be manmade? We're gods not all equal? It did make him feel good though that his companion would have done what he had Dow in following the trail. It had made him feel very smart. He was not sure about the killing part though. He watched the other rise up in awe and he did not know why but the soft glint in those cold eyes brought heat to his cheeks and a smile to his lips, "I don't know if I could kill but I would like to make them pay...and even if you are not like them if you think about it...we do make our own gods...if you do not believe in a god they are nothing special....nothing more than another powerful creature. But still ordinary..." He did not know if his meaning would get across but he still wanted to try, "so even if you were man made someone at one time believed in you and what you could become. They created you for some reason and you shall be better than these childish gods who hurt so many and run off without care or punishment for all they did. You are better by far sir." He said and gave a nod. Taking a breath he started off east trying to feel and pick up any signs of pokémon and pokéchildren. If nothing else he would find Havard's friend so at least they would not be alone. He would do some good that night.

What Koujen had said was shocking. Though some of it was true, such as that he would not have fled, this boy seemed to have the wrong idea. "Be cautious with your thinking. Do not mistake me for some noble god lest you be disappointed. I do not wish to be burdened with your lofty expectations." It was then that he realized that they did not know each other's name. But Koujen had already headed off, leaving Havard to wonder if he had heard what Havard had said. Shrugging, he set off to follow, keeping an eye out for Hazan.

Koujen glanced up and squinted to see Havard flying above him now he had heard the words but honestly how could he be disappointed if he did not know anything about the mewtwo. He had never met one before let alone was he familiar with this one so he could have no expectations with him so he then could not be disappointed. He turned his head back down to the search and gently gave the mewtwo a mental nudge when he found the remains of a campsite. He did not know if it had been humans or that of Havard's friend. He could smell both pokémon and humans though.

Koujen's words never left Havard even though he had dismissed them rather harshly. Many questions filled his mind. How could one be a god without worshippers? How could Havard think of himself as anything but a more powerful, unnatural being, when these gods were aspects of nature? Was he then some aspect of the unnatural? The opposite of a god was, then, a demon...no, another god... He sighed and tried to put it from his mind. It was an internal debate for another time.

Though he did not see a tell-tale yellowy form, he did find traces that he wanted to investigate. Koujen found intriguing evidence as well. Havard returned to the ground. "You called me. Did you know you could do that?" Should he try to do the same to Hazan? "This campsite... he was with a large group. They would have trucks and tents. This isn't it but I think we're close." He pointed to a well-worn trail that lead deeper into the woods.

Koujen smiled at the knowledge his call got through. "I used to be able to nudge my friend's mind so I thought I would try to do the same to you. Oh so this is not it?" Well he did not really expect to find it, he knew he was not that good. Though he could not help but debate one rooting through what was left to gather up a few thing he could use later on. He would try to remember the place and come back. He looked at the trail and gave a nod, "that looks...promising?" He moved towards the trail.

Koujen kept mentioning this friend who seemed to have suddenly disappeared leaving no trace and no way to contact. Thinking of it filled Havard with a feeling he could not recognize. "I think they may be connected. They left supplies so maybe they're still nearby, or maybe they left in a hurry." He followed Koujen through the trail on foot.

Koujen lead the way this time. He really did hope they could find Havard's friend. What would they do if they could not find him. He really would hate to leave even such a powerful pokéchild alone like this. "I do hope he is nearby. I think I shall give up punishing the gods who did this...it seems they are long gone."

"Will you forgive them?" Havard asked, wondering why Koujen would give up his pursuit so soon. What would he do if not try to find them?

The forest was dense such that they might walk past an encampment and never know it. Keeping an eye out for more trails was key. Perhaps if he "listened" for nearby thoughts, he would know if they were on the right track. So he tried that, hoping he could control it without developing a migraine. A rush of voices hit him and it was all he could do to push them away again. Holding his head he hissed, "We're close."

Would be forgive them? How could anyone ever forgive someone for purposely destroying so much. But if they had nothing else to go on what could they do? "I won't forgive them...but I don't think I will be able t..." He stopped as he heard the hiss and his mind felt the brush of Havard's mind. He winced and rushed over to cup the mewtwo's head with his hands and used his defensive curl around his companion's mind to try and protect it and help stop the discomfort he saw. "Good, close is good..."

Koujen's reaction to Havard's distress was overwhelming. "Thank... you..." he managed. For several moments he focused on simply breathing, which worked to wash his mind of outside thoughts. Koujen's extra help made his recovery that much faster. "Many minds are in turmoil. I try to isolate myself so this won't happen. But, he is near. So it wasn't a mistake." He stood straight again and awkwardly patted Koujen's shoulder. "How are you in groups normally? It's a big camp."

[melomar]

Messenger RP: Aftermath of the Gods part two: Finding the Wrong Foes
Date: 04 - 28 November 2014
Post count: --
Interaction with: Koujen
Link to Koujen's journal entry: here
Notes: Takes place immediately after meta and references the response of the gods

SPOILER: Click to show

Koujen was glad to feel the burden easing from Havard's mind but he did not release the other until the mewtwo started to stand. He could not hide the smile at getting a thank you. Maybe this made up in a small way for the zen head butt. "I can reach out next time if you like or be faster on the curl?" He offered and looked down. He was not a fan of groups and never did well alone in the city, but he was not going to worry the cloaked one, "I can manage." He hoped it sounded more confident than he felt, "we can split up again...I will call if I find your friend...you won't have to open your mind. I can knock." He smiled and tried to open his mind to the feeling of others following the feeling on those who were unconscious.

Havard did not like depending on anyone, but should anyone ask, Koujen had not once felt like a burden. He had already dismissed the zen headbutt from mind. "Ah, no... that's not necessary." How could Koujen improve reaction time next time? He wasn't sure what to say. "You and I dislike crowds. One on one is easier. Then, would you prefer to stay together?" Recognizing then that Koujen had opened his mind to their thoughts, Havard's hand latched on to Koujen's arm.

They both might not like crowds but wouldn't splitting up not be a better and faster way to find Havard's friend. If everyone was starting to go on the move shouldn't they hurry? Koujen had turned and was starting to wander off when he felt the grasp of a hand on his arm, it startled him to shutting his mind down and he looked back a bit shocked. "I would prefer to go with you... But time is important here...if we don't hurry we might not find your friend...I can face a crowd for a friend." He smiled and reached up to pat the other's hand, "we won't be in the crowd long." He turned again to try to focus on the dreams and step away from Havard again.

Havard immediately let go realizing his mistake. Koujen neither needed nor wanted support as he scanned those up ahead. He was not suffering as Havard had, it must be an easier process for the munna. Unless they were in danger he doubted they would go. But he could not be certain. He turned away from Koujen and headed off to search for Hazan. He broke through to the large clearing that was the size of a small village. Try again, he told himself, and passively but narrowly scanned each tent for a familiar mind as he passed.

Koujen had not known the mewtwo had been trying to help him and support him. He did not open his mind as much as the other had his was a more direct approach and focused soupy on the unconscious minds. He could find none belonging to who they were looking for. He found himself however stumbling into a camp of humans. He bit his lip and looked around. They seemed to be stragglers trying to salvage what they could and gather up the fallen men. Could Hazan be in this group? He winced feeling the pains of injured minds waking up to the pains of injured bodies. Maybe splitting up had not been such a good idea.

Havard came upon a larger tent with lanterns on inside. Adult voices discussed heatedly whether to try to find the shrine, build a new one, or pack up from home. At least he was in the right place. He continued on looking for Hazan.

Koujen tried to sneak around without being seen. He had a harder time focusing with the pain brushing his head. How could gods hurt so many? Even if these people had been bad it was no reason he should not help right? He knew he had to find Havan but couldn't he ease the pain and fear of some first? He moved closer to the pained feelings coming more out of the shadows and in plain view.

Havard had yet to locate Hazan. He was not even sure what he would do once he saw him. Would he even notify him that he was there? Perhaps he shouldn't. Hazan probably did not want to leave. Seeing Hazan would fill him with doubt. Realizing this, Havard pulled the cloak lower over his face as he continued on. So many tents!

Koujen started to nibble the pained dreams finding them to leave a sour taste in his mouth. He did not like painful dreams he decided. As he fed he did not notice he was being watched as he was nibbling and looking for Hazan. He wondered if they could find the other poke-child. He hated the thought of Havard being without his friend and alone. He hardly had time to send a mental yelp before he was knocked out.

Havard had just caught a glimpse of what could have been Hazan when he heard Koujen's mental cry. It was shocking, almost painful to Havard, so he took a moment to regain his bearings. He thought he could follow that call back to its source, so he took a chance and leapt into the sky. He heard someone call out his name and knew it to be Hazan. At least he knew he was safe. Keep at it, he sent back with a faint smile. 'Munna!' But there would be no reply from someone unconscious.

Koujen had been knocked out and dragged off into a transport truck. His hands were tied behind him and his legs were also bound. It seemed at least if the Rockets that were retreating they were not going to go empty handed. As the truck started to drive off the vibration began to wake Koujen up.

Havard saw lights and hid beneath the cover of trees. The sound of humming machinery became immediately recognizable as the trucks began to drive off. Havard remained hidden before investigating the scene. Before long he found that no one remained. 'Munna!' Could he possibly hear his mental cry?

Koujen felt a call in his mind but he was so hazy right now and his head hurt. He tried to shift and sit up but winced his mind hazily reached for Havard before he started to black out again. He was never good in a group and it looked like he messed up again. He hoped at least Havard was safe and found his friend. //so tried...//

'Munna! Stay awake! Where are you?'

For now Havard's best guess was that Koujen was inside one of those trucks. So he followed, skimming the tops of the trees to stay out of sight while keeping them within his.

Why did the God almost seem concerned and why could be not sleep. Surely this was all just a dream. Of course he would dream of a god worrying about him. His fuzzy mind though complied and he tried to stay awake only to feel a surge of pain //ahng! It hurts! I...I am tied...everything is spinning// he opened his eyes and could see other pokémon in balls and cages around him. //stay away....I don't want you hurt....you need to find... Hazan//

Koujen was like a beacon in his mind and it grew fuzzy, winking in and out of consciousness as he kept pace with the caravan. Could he land on top and break inside without alerting them? He would need to know which truck!

'Your head hurts? What hurts? Hazan is fine, I found him. I will not be harmed if we are careful!'

Koujen almost gave back into the painless embrace of sleep when he heard that Hazan had been found. He smiled but just as he was about to slip back out the truck he was in bit a bump and the jolt caused him to whimper and pain to fill his mind. // my head and neck...I am glad you found him// was Havard coming to rescue him? Who could say they were rescued by a god. He though could not let someone, even a god risk things for him. He shifted to look towards the front of the truck and tried to focus sending zen head butt to the driver. It was weak but caused him to swerve the truck bouncing along as he tried to correct.

His head and neck? Was a concussion the reason for his grogginess? He had little time to consider it before one of the trucks swerved. He used that cue and landed softly on the roof of the trailer, looking for a discreet way in.

'Nice move. I'm coming.'

He was still coming? Why was Havard still trying to help him? //please be safe...// he struggled and tried to get his arms and legs free. //how can I...help?//

'This is no safe situation. I am trying to get in from outside. Is there an easy way that you can see? Are there guards inside? Any details are good.'

Koujen looked around; //no guards...the pokémon are balled or caged. Back door...only way in// he got himself to sit up and tried to scoot over to a cage to try and get untied.

Pokémon? Others were inside the truck with Koujen? Havard positioned himself at a safe angle to peek over the back. He saw a handle and not much else. When he opened the door it would be dangerously easy to fall. 'When I open the door I will put up a barrier.' He slipped down the side, cushioning his landing with the same sort of power. Turning a resisting heavy handle and pushing the door up was not flipping a switch but similar. After a moment he was inside and the outside was muffled by the barrier. Inside...how many pokémon had Rocket stolen? "I'm here."

Koujen could now hear movement atop the truck and around it. It was very soft expect the loud grinding of the back door being opened. The light of it opening was painfully bright. There were cages and balls along the left side of the back. Even if Rocket was doing other plans there was always room to catch pokémon. There were about twenty full cages and balls and the rest were empty or spares. Koujen was leaning against the edges of an empty cage his hands still behind his back his glasses nowhere to be seen and his shoulder and wrist bloody, "I am back here...you did not have to come. Is Hazan alright?"

Havard looked around at all the prisoners and sighed. Whenever he went looking for a friend he seemed to find trouble so effortlessly. He reached for Koujen first to untie him: he had thumbs and could help free the rest. "Hazan is fine. Your glasses. Will you see well enough to help me with them?"

"I can help..." He said as he moved to hug Havard. He could not stop himself. No one had ever came looking for him like this. No one ever stayed. He let go. "I can see enough to help...I will steal new glasses later." He was dizzy as he stood but he would worry about it after he friend those trapped. He did have a nasty gash on the lower back part of his head that as plan to see when he moved to help release the trapped pokémon. He started with the small ones in cages knowing the bigger ones must be in the balls.

Havard was unable, really, to respond to the hug but with great delay. He had only ever hugged, very rarely, Hazan. But this munna was quickly becoming "friend" too. Havard nodded, but waited long enough to learn that he managed just fine without glasses. "New ones, it would be best to get a real prescription for." Havard found several belts and bags with full pokéballs and either strapped them on or slung them over his shoulder. Then, one by one, opened the cages as he came across them, including several with his mind. "I will fly everyone out of here together, but are there others in the other trucks?" Hopefully someone would know.

Koujen was rather surprised that the mewtwo was willing and wanting to help those who had been captured. He really was a god worthy of respect and awe, far more than those who were destroying because of a tantrum due to a shrine. He was again just like a hero from a comic or cartoon as he slung the balls and belts around him, "it won't be too much a drain on you? There are so many here and I don't know if the other trucks have more." He let the comment about glasses go. He knew he would never see an eye doctor. Heck he could never afford to go. "Let me see if I can feel...others" he opened his mind up and swayed at the wave of mental activity all around them. He stretched it past their truck but could feel no signs elsewhere. He almost voided his stomach at the effort and revealed in his mind as one of the fellow captives finally spoke up that this was the only truck carrying pokémon. "I can help levitate them out...maybe."

A portion of the building inside Havard's home had been done with his mind. "Carrying us should be fine. Besides you have injuries that need attention soon." Hitting a psychic type in the head was stupidity, who would do such a thing? But Koujen was hanging in there so Havard would simply keep an eye on him. "Don't strain yourself," he replied warily regarding scanning the other trucks. After that he turned green and still offered to help carry them. "I will carry us. You've done enough." Havard glanced around to be sure no one would be left behind, before carefully lifting them off the floor and levitating them outside. Once there they floated up over the trees and back toward Hazan's camp.

"Please don't worry about me...the other trucks are empty." He felt like maybe he had said it before already. His head was throbbing now that he had used his physic ability and he did not like being a burden. He tried not to cling to the other as they were lifted up. He tried to send a small head butt to the driver to keep him distracted and tried not to black out as the world spun. The fact he could not see and was flying he was very dizzy. He just wanted to go home and sleep in his field.

Whether Koujen noticed it or not Havard kept a close monitor on him, including a grip on his sleeve. He really looked terrible, especially after the second zen headbutt. Finally he clutched the munna child to his chest and instructed him to close his eyes. "It won't be long."

Koujen relaxed into the form of the mewtwo when the arm was wrapped around him. He breathed out slowly and did as instructed shutting his eyes and holding onto the god's robes. He felt for the first time in such a long time safe. Havard had come back for him and saved him. It was a nice feeling. "Thank you..."

[melomar]

Messenger RP: Aftermath of the Gods part three: Friendly Camp
Date: 04 - 28 November 2014
Post count: --
Interaction with: Koujen; cameo from Hazan
Link to Koujen's journal entry: here
Notes: Takes place immediately after meta and references the response of the gods

SPOILER: Click to show

Havard "called ahead" to make sure someone would examine the prisoners when they got there. Not knowing if he had a concussion, he monitored the feel of Koujen's body and thoughts without reading them. He let the other pokémon touch down first and carried Koujen to a stretcher where they could examine his injuries.

Koujen found the flight a bit more smoothly. He would have to find a way to repay the mewtwo's kindness and he felt himself slipping back into sleep every now and then until he felt a shift in his weight and how he was holding onto the cloak. Was he being carried princess style now? He felt the cloth of a stretcher wrapping around him and he held tightly to the god's arm for a bit before letting go to be shifted and examined. He did have a concussion and needed a couple stitches in his head to close the wound and his wrists were wrapped in bandages and he would just need his sleep monitored for a bit but it seemed he should be fine after a few days.

Once they were separated Havard kept his distance and kept his tell-tale tail hidden. But he watched from afar to monitor Koujen's status. Who would watch over him while he healed? That would have to be Havard, it seemed like a natural conclusion. While he waited he heard the gossip about the harrowing pokémon rescue, a debate on how to find their homes, and more gossip about the mysterious figure that most people were afraid to approach. Havard went on guard about this until he realized they were talking about him. It brought a smirk to his lips and Hazan to his side once the commotion died down a little.

"Don't tell them who I am."

"I won't, of course. Who's that, a friend?"

"Perhaps." Of course, Havard had to tell Hazan what happened. And Hazan insisted that Havard introduce himself as soon as he was able. Honestly!

Koujen had been giving some healing aids and laid on the stretcher. He had been cleaned up but his shirt was still bloody. He would have to go into town and 'borrow' a new one as well as some glasses. Then he would have to start finding a new home. He wondered if the mewtwo had left. If they were in a friendly camp it must be where Hazan was. So Havard found his friend and there was no need for the munna to stick around. He turned his head slowly to check if anyone was watching and tried to get up. As the room spun he laid back down. As soon as his head stopped spinning he planned to sneak out. He could not stay in this group, they all made him rather nervous, and with the raging gods calmed he should be able to find a safe place to stay.

"Why don't you go see him? Maybe he'll sleep better."

Havard wondered if Hazan would have trouble sleeping. "We will stay only as long as necessary, but your work is important and you should stay until it's done."

He had lived most of his life alone and by choice. But it was difficult to watch Hazan's growing distance. He had suddenly left home to pursue adventure, would he one day do the same to Havard? Some of that melancholy came with the mewtwo boy when he visited Koujen, who remained on the stretcher. "They said we could have our own tent here for as long as we need. You will need several days to heal at least."

Koujen was rather surprised to feel Havard walk into the room. He had just shut his eyes but with the damage to his head he could not fully turn off his natural physic feeling and the God's aura was hard to miss. He tried to sit up when he hear the voice but swooned and laid back down his indigo eyes opening to look up at him, "Our own tent?" He was confused did it seem like they were that close to be offered their own tent? "I did not mean to make you stay in a crowd...I am sure I can manage on my own." He said trying to give a small smile but it faded feeling the god's melancholy vibe. He reach out before he knew what he was doing and took a hold of the mewtwo's wrist threw the cloak, "is everything okay? Hazan is not hurt is he?"

"Your head injury is the cause of your dizziness. You should stay down for now. The tent they offered is too large for us, but it's in a quiet location toward the edge of camp. I'm sure if you wandered off it would be your choice and I could convince them not to follow, but it would be unwise." Havard was taken aback by Koujen's sudden gesture and struggled for a reply. "He is uninjured. And happy, unshaken by everything somehow."

Koujen listened to the description and could not help but hear what might be the slightest bit of dejection at the mentioning of him wandering off. It could just been because his mind was forced open but being near the god right now was keeping the others' emotions at bay. "I am glad your friend is well and unfazed...." He felt the slight tension at his touch and brought his hand away. He did not know really what to say but he spoke anyway, "thank you for coming back for me...and saving me." He looked up at the hooded figure his large eyes accepting the blurred image so for once he was not squinting, "I will stay at your side....until you say it is time for me to leave."

If Koujen were to inquire about an air of melancholy or dejection Havard would have shrugged it off, weren't they all tired? But Koujen's final statement took him by surprise. Havard had been expecting to insist he stay or even for Koujen to insist that he leave. "Ah... in that case you should know my name properly. It is Havard. We'll have you moved when you're able. Until then you should rest."

Koujen could hear the strange notes to the mewtwo voice. Was he shoved at the compliance of the munna or was it annoyance that Koujen was choosing to stay with him. He felt rather bad if it were the later. As the mewtwo asked about letting him rest his pale yellow hand sought out the cloak again, "I will rest...but please say here until I fall back asleep. I feel better with you here. Just until I sleep this once Havard." He felt a bit childish and then sighed and let go. It was clear that with the block of Havard there he was already fading to sleep, "Koujen."

"I won't leave for now. But I was outside this tent most of the time." Koujen, so that was his name. Havard sighed. So now his household counted three. He wondered how he would do in a cave. Perhaps he would wander off to see the stars as Hazan wandered off to be in the sun.

"You were outside? You did not leave me? T...thank you Havard." He said softly and gave a smile. He knew that he would not stay long with the god. How could he? He did owe Havard a lot. So maybe once he repaid him he could leave. He did not want to over stay his welcome and chase out another friend away.

"I did not leave you," he confirmed. He wondered if he would have come sooner but for the extent of Koujen's injuries. Giving medics room had seemed most prudent at the time. He wondered also of he should stay with Koujen until morning. He wondered what would become of all of those stolen pokémon. Realizing his mind wandered from fatigue, he stifled a yawn behind the mask.

Koujen's mind gently washed waves of gratitude and care over the figure at his side as he did finally drift off feeling comfort at the hidden figure being so near.

One of the medical staff approached, "he is asleep now sir if you would be so kind to leave the tent. We would let you stay if you are really worried but your dress is causing stress or the others injured." She said a bit shyly, clearly talking to him was not her first choice.

Those gentle feelings of Koujen washing over him left Havard's guard down. But when the woman arrived and spoke to him his sense of well-being was shattered. He nodded curtly to her and glanced at the now sleeping munna boy before rising and leaving the tent. If not for Koujen he would not hesitate to leave the camp. Instead he headed for the isolated tent that had been offered to them temporarily.

After a few minutes of Havard's leaving and blocking of Koujen current open mind the Munna was forced awake by the thoughts and feeling of those around him. He could feel their pain, worry, determination and even a trace of two of lust. He did not open his eyes but reached a hand out to feel if there was still the cloaked figure at his side. But there was none. He struggled but forced himself not to reach out or call for him. It was just now that he had the liking to a friend again he did not want to lose it. He hated to be alone so very much. Carefully he rolled to his side and curled up into a tight ball.

The tent provided to them spared a floor barely large enough for two sleeping bags as it also doubled as a storage shack. How dismal. Complaining about it would have made discovery of his identity more likely, so he remained silent on the subject and actually wandered off into the woods.

Now knowing Koujen's mind, he could easily find it and discovered when he awoke. 'I am still near but I am not welcome in that tent. So call for me if you need me and I will come.'

Koujen had not been prepared for the words in his mind and opened his eyes though he did know the voice was in his head alone, not even Zeke had ever talked to him like this. And now when they were not in danger and hurried it felt so different. Havard really was a god and the monotone voice felt so very comforting and it was all he could do not to call out for the mewtwo to come and take him away. But his tightly balled body loosened a bit and his tense mind eased, //If we have a tent...should I not be moved to it to leave more room for other injured?//

'Koujen.' The name came through more deliberately and gently than Havard's other words. 'It would be difficult to move you without feeling sick right now.' Havard returned back toward the camp now that Koujen was awake. 'Does the medical tent bother you?'

Koujen took a slow breath glad for the change in tone in his mind. He knew he should not be acting so sad and weak. He had been alone for so long now though that even the slight bit of friendship meant the world to him. He wanted to cling to the mewtwo but he knew if he tried he would be a burden and scare his new friend away. Well he was sure scared was not the right word what God would be afraid of a munna? //I can't shut them out...I can feel them all...pain and fear...I can feel one of the nurses...I will stay if I can not move...I will try to shut them out again. I won't trouble you Havard. I can ask for something maybe they can put me to sleep...//

Under his hood and beneath his mask Havard's violet eyes widened and he hurried back. 'You cannot block them out? I do not know if this other tent will help but I can move you without disturbing your head.' Havard entered the camp followed by the medical tent quickly and quietly, soon by Koujen's side. Unfortunately, he did not come along with Koujen's glasses as intended.

'I am here. Do you want me to bring the cot you are sleeping on?'

Koujen would have felt embarrassed making such a fuss but it was true he could not block things right now. His mind was laid open to all the emotions around him. But no sooner than the flaps of the medical tent open then the swirling or emotions went away. He still remained in the ball but he opened his eyes slowly and glanced up at the hooded figure. "I can not block them but with you near I can't hear them. We should leave the cot, they might need it." He said softly and gave a small smile, "sorry to trouble you again Havard. I am normally not as useless as this."

It had become clear upon his return why Koujen was having so much trouble. He had not realized that the mental blocks he set up for himself might affect others, not even psychic ones. Since Havard could not stay here, both of them had to go. "No, I should apologize. Now, because of my own condition, you must leave this place where it would be easier to treat you. I will leave the cot then; they gave us sleeping bags." Koujen was lifted from the cot still rolled up in a ball, his blanket fallen back upon it. Koujen's form slowly rotated to face their direction of travel and kept pace with Havard as he walked back to the edge of the camp.

Koujen would have shook his head but he just smiled, "it is not your fault. I am the one causing the issue. I got hit and messed up. I should have been more careful." He stayed as still as he could as he was moved. He would repay Havard back one day but all he could do now was minimize his current burden. "Oh they gave use sleeping bags? That is decent of them. I should be fine with that. Thank you again."

"True, you should have been more careful," Havard admitted, but what was done was done. Their sleeping bags were unrolled and mashed into a corner of the storage room. There was just no room. "I cannot say that this will be any better." He pulled one open and gently set Koujen upon it before folding it down again. "I suppose I will rest for the night as well," he said and did the same with his own bag.

Koujen had not expected such gentle treatment. He could see that their tent was no more than the storage tent but at least with Havard around and not so surrounded with others his mind was not completely being onslaughted. He gave another small grin. "Thank you again Havard. It is much better here and I shall be more careful if I am ever in that situation again." He promised and his balled up body eased a bit as he pain ebbed too and he started to doze off.

Havard watched him silently for a moment without a reply in mind. But as he watched, Koujen relaxed visibly under his sleeping bag. "It's enough that you are safe and will learn from this. It's the same for everyone." He too began to doze but it would take quite some time before he'd be able to sleep.

Koujen smiled and nuzzled under the bag. It was great that he was told that everyone does this sort of thing and that he could learn from it. He did hope he could and he was very glad for a friend in the god. He fell into a full sleep then for now.

[melomar]

Solo: Name Games
Date: 22 June 2020
Word count: 1371
Interactions: Between Havard and Hazan, cameo by Jocosus

SPOILER: Click to show

Today was going to be a cascade of firsts for Hazan. Havard was to introduce Hazan to someone special, another god! Apparently Havard was friends with Jocosus the Heatran who had caused Matsutta Volcano to erupt out the side. Not only that, but Havard could carry Hazan to the site where the heatran lived-- by flying! He had not considered the possibility of Havard taking someone with him, though he knew he could, thanks to Koujen. That was how they met, when Havard dropped in from the sky with Koujen at his side. Now thinking back he realized his jealousy that Koujen had flown with him first.

Hazan was full of anxious excitement though and did not dwell on it. On one hand, meeting an archaeologically important figure would be a fascinating and important opportunity to learn about worship from the god's point of view. Did he really take offerings? What were his favorites? What was his feeling about pokémon worshiping pokémon? What about pokémon worshiping other gods? Did he consider himself a god? And then on the other hand, there were the What If's that plagued and interfered with his mind. What if's filled and tumbled around in his mind, over and over. He shook just a little. "What if he doesn't like me?"

"Relax. He may be powerful but he will not harm you."

Hazan nodded. Then he started. "What if I fall?"

"I will catch you."

"Okay." He reached for Havard and followed his lead. They held each other by the waist. Havard's ascent was gradual. Was it because of Hazan? What if he was too heavy? Or was Havard just trying to be gentle? What if! He needed to calm himself! He took a deep breath.

Once they had gained a certain altitude, Havard shot them through the air at a dizzying speed. Hazan watched Havard for a moment, whose face was set and focused on their trajectory. It was impossible to converse with all the air rushing past, so Hazan focused on the view. It was what one would expect. The trees were smaller, the pokémon tiny, rivers reduced to ribbons. But to Hazan it was beautiful and remote. He felt like he was on a minute island looking at the shore all around him, so close but too far to swim. And on that island, it was just him and Havard. He hugged the mewtwo boy more tightly and listened to the wind blowing past them.

- -

They had been seated in the shade on the grass chatting with the heatran, who sat in the sun, when a touchy subject came up. Hazan was glad he was just listening.

So yeu want tyo give yourseylf a name that has tyo dyo wiyth where yeu cayme from?

"I have considered the notion."

The heatran stepped closer. It was just a small step, but it sounded like a pile driver pounding the earth and grinding the rocks. Can I call yeu Petryie? Like a petyrie dish?

"Shut up, or I will kill you." Havard's face was, as always, deadpan but his brows seemed a little heavier.

How’s yit going, Petryie-boy? Jocosus snorted and roared.

This was the mountain god? How childish! Hazan was not sure what to think. He simply sat there and watched the two pokémon gods squabble, unable to speak even if he wanted to.

"Do I even need to mention that you were expelled from the earth like the contents of a huge pimple?" There was a long pause in which Jocosus did not move nor even breathe. Hazan turned to stare at Havard. The mewtwo's large violet eyes shone with unexpected intensity. "Angry?"

...Diyd yeu know that yeu were born from thye wrong tyube?

So, he wasn't pausing out of anger or annoyance, he was trying to find a good comeback? And Havard too? How could he behave this way? Did Jocosus simply bring the behavior out of him? Hazan's dismay was tangible somehow, like a massive weight upon his shoulders; or stifling air, and it had a flavor.

Hazan was starting to get a headache. They just continued, on and on. And then it escalated. Voices were raised and the ground began to shake. And people wonder are they really friends? Can they even consider themselves friends? Hazan flopped on his back in the grass. At least he could trust that he would come to no harm. Havard had guaranteed it. So he just listened while looking up at the undersides of tree leaves and at the bright blue sky.

- - -

After Havard and Hazan's return, the subject of names and surnames came up again. It seemed natural that Hazan would become part of the conversation. Havard was nursing a large bruise on his cheek and some very stiff muscles, but his mannerisms spoke of someone who was proud of himself. It was not as if he had won the insult contest, nobody did. But that was part of the fun.

A cursory glance would reveal a common sight strewn about on the floor with books piled high. But this time, books of names and surnames and dictionaries and thesauruses and books written in cryptic languages that were probably about names; they were all there. Havard had studied how to dissect a name to find its roots and discover their meaning. He had become obsessed with new names, surnames with meaning. Even ones with no known meaning he could get a general idea, or just a list of possible meanings. All of this, he had done before his meeting with Jocosus.

Hazan remembered 'Jocosus Matsutta,' and how his surname reflected the mountain he came from: Matsutta.

"Yes. He is the mountain. It is part of who he is." Havard paused, hands spread before him on the pages of an open book. "I've been thinking of adding a name, something to mean 'unnatural'..."

"Petrie? Like a petrie dish? Jocosus already suggested this and you did not favor it."

"No."

"Names have special meaning, but to change them is strange."

Havard tilted his head as he watched Hazan remain uncharacteristically resistant to the change. "Did you know that 'Hazan' is a feminine name? Does that bother you? What about using Hasan instead?" The name 'Hazan' was pronounced hay zin, but 'Hasan' was pronounced hah sahn.

"No. It is my name and has special meaning. I like the meaning." Hazan replied stubbornly. He sighed. "Look. To change it would change its meaning to me. It would be like changing your name to 'Harvard.' It’s not the same anymore." The name 'Havard' was pronounced hah vahrd, whereas 'Harvard' was pronounced hahr verd.

Havard’s eyes bugged out.

"You could change your name if it is meaningful to you. But I won't change mine." Hazan was firm on this. There was no way he would change something that had been given to him by his cherished family.

"Joy’s name is homage to his home and things that are still part of him." Havard looked down at the current volume, and the print between his fingers, thoughtfully.

"So, is the test tube still important to you? What is more meaningful?"

In the end, Havard kept his name the way it was. 'Havard' had never been in question to him; he had named himself after all. But he did not add on any names, either. His name meant guardian, and he was a guardian of pokémon, always. He did not think about it, he just did it, as it came natural to him when he was needed. The name was simple yet meaningful enough as it was.

- - -

Later however, he used those books to name the pokémon who needed one and whom had stayed with him after the ordeal with the Forces of Nature. So the research had not been completely in vain, even if the initial search had been over vanity.

But then his adopted pokémon found the books fascinating. In particular one they related to the name 'Havard'. When they decided to add on the surname 'Urd,' to their given names as a shortened version of his name, to mean of Havard, he was surprised and mystified. Did he really have so much meaning in their lives?

[melomar]

Solo: Walking in the Air
Date: 14 February 2015
Word count: 478

Notes: Got a random inspiration. I was actually looking for music to write for Lilac. Found this instead.

SPOILER: Click to show

Flight was a familiar theme to Havard's dreams. Initially, he thought, I've had this dream before, when inevitably the dream shifted focus. Tonight it began the same: the view of the world below speeding by as if he were the one stationary. His life seemed to have come to a halt for him lately, stationary, as the world sped along without him.

And yet, as he looked below, the fledgeling night donned robes of murky navy blue below and a paradoxical washed-out mix of blues and yellows but very little green above. Focus shifted and the warm glow of country and city lights alike cast a brilliant auburn glow in their immediate vicinity. Through windows the warmth was obvious: families, friends, lovers, all sharing an evening together with food and entertainment of various tastes. These sights met his widened eyes as they peered inside, not as a voyeur but as a passenger aboard the traveling dream.

He was alone: that feeling struck him the most, moreso than the biting wind as his breath escaped him in a cloud of his body's precious heat. He was alone. The heat and the color from those lights felt like the sunny glow of his best friend's smile as he gave it freely to everyone he gazed upon. But they were isolated and barely touched him. Was the chilly twilight, therefore, Havard himself?

But he was not alone. He turned away his gaze and there beside him was one other. Pale and small like himself, this figure somehow stood out like the lights within the reach of which his gaze and body lingered hungrily, jealously. But this figure seemed content, even if it was as alone and searching as he was. And what do you search for, Koujen?

I am no longer searching.

Searching no longer? The world now passed beneath them leisurely, slowly and gracefully, as only a dream can pass by. It was as if his search had become less of a journey and more of a tour. Not something to be searched but enjoyed in its own time. I see.

He looked down at the lights, so numerous yet tiny. He was no longer alone in a crowd, nor searching alone. Initially, in the dark the figure beside him may have seemed the same on the outside but he now realized the depth of strength and patience that he could hardly begin to fathom, yet would never again fail to recognize. No one but Koujen stood by his side, always. Yes, I see.

Somehow he knew that the figure was smiling though no distinctive features could be seen, just as he could feel the smile upon his own face.

When he awoke, an errant tear slipped from his dark eyelashes and into his hairline as a feeling of nostalgia welled up inside and escaped his lips carrying Koujen's name.


Inspired in part by:

SPOILER: Click to show

- vodka
- Walking in the Air (The Snowman)
See these versions on YouTube, then moosh them together thusly:
- Tarja Turunen’s emotion, accent, and orchestral accompaniment
- - (see, not Nightwish)
- Elena House’s voice, timing, and piano accompaniment
- -
- Cyberdesign’s eerie.
- -
They sound GREAT together in my head. I bet you wish you were there warping time and space too. Or not.

[melomar]

Solo: Potions: Psychokinetic Hands and Chibi
Date: 22 June 2020
Word count: 807
Interactions: Cameo by Ken the Fennekin and Velvet the Swinub

SPOILER: Click to show

Havard dragged himself into his lab with a cup of coffee. He had not been sleeping much lately and he felt like crap. His hair lay flat with absolutely no body to it. He was pale and dark rings encircled his eyes. His posture was terrible. His face was even more deadpan than usual. In fact, it held the look of death for anyone that should cross him.

In the background, he could hear a commotion and laughter. The pokémon were at it again, he thought blandly. They were free to go outside but they liked to be rambunctious inside. Overturned books, chairs, and once even a table had all occurred during a game of tag. He had even seen paw prints at about eye level as they used it as a platform to tackle another. By the sounds of it, they had done much of this, today.

The hand holding his cup shook ever so slightly. It may be after noon or midnight, didn't matter... but he had just woken up and they needed to learn some boundaries. He turned around and approached, aimed to intersect with their trajectory. "Will you not--" They were so blind to their surroundings, though, that they, Cinead and Velvet respectively, pushed him to the ground (and at his size it was not hard) and set his rack of potions rocking. He was right under it.

"What have you done?"

But as he exclaimed those words the worst that could happen, did. Several potions popped free of their stands and rained down around Havard. Two landed on him; glass bottles, they all broke on impact. Then behind those potions, the rack fell on top of him. Havard's cry of surprise and pain stopped the hellions in their tracks. They swerved and dashed back toward their master. There was no laughter in their eyes.

From the other room, Richelle came running: "Father!" After a pause of horror, she called, "Shamira! HELP!"

One potion had landed on his hand, sending shards of glass deep into the flesh and bone. Almost immediately his hands both began to glow. Another potion had hit him in the chest. His cuts were far more superficial but pulling them out would still be challenging. This potion did not seem to affect Havard right away. That's strange, he thought to himself, despite his pain and the pressure of such a flimsy but heavy rack.

Shamira took one look at the scene and began to remove the rack from Havard's prone body. Seeing that he was being helped, Richelle turned and ran off again: "First aid!"

- - -

Later on, he was bandaged and clean, with a bump on his head and several extra bruises from the rack. It was not solid enough to support those potions, so he would need to reinforce it, maybe bolt it to the wall.

The potion that burst open on his chest was a Psychokinetic Hands potion. His new appendages grew while in the shower. While reaching for a bottle of shampoo with a new hand, a second new hand held up the conditioner. They were hard to see, reality-bending vectors that could do whatever he wanted, without conscious effort. Just like his first set of arms. Fascinating.

It had taken him some time to realize the effects of the other potion, the Chibi potion. Recently Havard had had a growth spurt. He crossed the five-foot line and was smirking all day when it happened. He had tried to hide a little jealousy of Hazan and Koujen, his stature was diminutive in this form. He had once been over six-feet tall, as a pokémon. He had felt the wrong size for quite some time now. But this potion... this potion... it took that all away! He was now round-faced and short --less than five feet tall!, looking much the way he had since becoming a pokémon-child! And over the coming weeks and months he would see his friends grow and leave him behind...

"Chibi potion," he growled softly to himself. Psychokinetic Hands potion had been an unexpected boon, but the Chibi potion had no use at all! He had to hover to reach anything.

He returned to his lab to find the culprits mopping up their mess. He was surprised. He had been prepared to clean it up himself. But he was not their parent, even if some gave him that name. He was something else. Master. Maybe.

"Once you've finished that, I want everyone to go outside. There is no need to stay in here." Wordlessly the two pokémon nodded in dismay, but they did not seem surprised. "It's not punishment. You just should be outside more."

What about you? asked the fennekin.

"I was born in a lab. Where else should I be?"

But he was just being crabby...right?

[melomar]

Meta Event: To Catch A Fallen Star
Date: 27 July 2015 - 22 February 2016
Post count: ?
Interaction with: Dr. Murphy; Dooma's Koujen, Burschli Mayzel; Kitomyx's Shadow; Frank, Havard's pokemon
Link: here

[melomar]

RP: From Rubble and Destruction (post-meta wrap-up)
Date: 16 February 2016 - ?
Post count: 7 (incomplete)
Interactions: Dooma's Koujen and Bürschli Mayzel; Havard's pokemon
Link: Here

[melomar]

RP: Revelation on the Dance Floor
Date: 21 October 2017 - ?
Post count: 4 pages (incomplete)
Interactions: Dooma's Koujen and Bürschli Mayzel; Havard and his pokemon
Link: Here

[melomar]

SOLO: Epiphany, After the Dance
Date: 05 November 2023
Word count: 568
Interactions: Havard, about Koujen

On the night of the dance, Havard had not taken Koujen immediately home. Outside the club and away from the interfering adults, in the grungy alleyway Havard had confessed his feelings for Koujen. It had been a long time in coming; he had realized it on that night, and he thought about it now.

All of things he had done for Koujen over the years, without a selfish thought or desire, he had simply done. At first it was because Koujen was another victim of Team Rocket. Instead of swatting Koujen away like an annoying insect, he had acted to protect and support Koujen. He had done some admittedly callous and even stupid things to put Koujen in danger, and Koujen had never once blamed Havard for his misfortune. He could have and he would not have been in the wrong. But he had done what he must to make things right. Havard was not a "good" person, he was his own neutral party. But he had done right by Koujen. How else could his actions be described as but --?

Time had passed, as time always does. Today he was going through his notes. Old journals, old notebooks full of his experiments, his studies, all had pointed either nowhere or in a similar direction. It had been one conclusion that he had been incapable of coming to, before the night of his confession.

His studies were over. He no longer needed his papers, his experiments, anything. Everything was over. He had his answer.

The reason why Jirachi's Children had become as they were. There was no spontaneous mutation, nothing in the genes. Nothing in the atmosphere. Nobody realized it, not Rocket, not anybody. But Havard knew why they were now so human-like.

It was because Pokémon couldn't do what the Children of Jirachi could do. They couldn't love. They could not make it like humans can. They did not make love. He felt a little strange putting it to words. But with Koujen he felt like he had never felt before, whether a Child or a pokémon. It had made so much sense at the time of his epiphany. Now it just felt weird. Love does not factor into logic and scientific methodology. It has no weight or any other measurement for that matter. But it had changed his life. It was limitless. It was what he had thought his science should be, once he cracked the code of the universe, as it were. But it was nothing compared to love. And yet, love was so fragile, like Koujen was fragile. Big to Havard but small to the universe. So fascinating.

He did not know what he would do now. Close the lab? Perhaps. He might need it sometimes. Better to leave it unlocked. Otherwise, he was turning away from it. He had no desire to use it. That chapter of his life was over. This next chapter was unwritten. There was not obvious direction he should go. So when he was finished organizing everything and putting it away, he left the lab and closed the door behind him. Perfect darkness filled the lab.

In the test tube beside Havard's desk, a pair of weird eyes were very much open, watching the mewtwo move slowly, reverie surrounded him like a warm blanket, then leave.

There was no light for Kimbley to see. But he didn't need to.