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[islandshore]

[Well, he probably should've seen this coming. After last year's turn out, it's no wonder Clair opted for another prom. And, well, after getting nailed on the head by at least three of those invite balls, Riku appears onscreen in what looks like a kitchen, leaning back against a counter.]

So, I know everyone's getting amped up for the prom, and I can't really blame you guys. Tohjo's a pretty sweet resort, but something about it still bugs me. That place is supposed to to be the Elite Four's private getaway, and we haven't even seen them over the past few years, let alone heard from them.

[He narrows his eyes, shifting his position against the counter.]

Gotta wonder what their deal is. Supposedly, they're the toughest trainers out there, but ever since I came here, they've been MIA. No challenges and no explanation, but the locals talk about them like they're these big-time celebrities.

[He waves one of his hands.]

Maybe this year will be different. Beats me, but I guess if anyone wants to hang out during the party, we can work something out. That's what parties are for, right? Not fussing over battles that might not even happen...

[Sigh. With that all said, he'll switch to a private channel.]

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Heads up. I know the timing's kind of bad, I figure we won't have a better chance then this. Sometime during the party, we need to meet up and touch base. It's been a while since the incident down in Olivine, but I doubt the Rockets will stay quiet for long.

If you're worried about getting caught, don't be: the place is huge, and I'm sure almost everyone will be too busy with the party to consider tracking us down. But just for added security, we can pick a secluded spot and talk there.

Comments

[paopuprincess]

A prom? Is that what those weird monsters were dropping on us?

[Kairi is sitting at the kitchen table, carefully nursing the pink egg in her lap.]

[islandshore]

Yeah. Clair's kind of a drama queen, so she's gotta make a show out of everything she does. That includes pelting us with invitations.

[He snorts, tossing his invite up and down.]

So, you want to go? I think the three of us could use the vacation, especially after what you went through back home.

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[babel_hacker]

Thanks for the head's up. I'm planning on attending, but I can come in for the meeting once I know the time and place.

Although I am still curious about the Elite Four's deal. No challenges after all these years and not a hint of explanation? It does make you wonder what's up behind the scenes.

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[islandshore]

Still trying to work out the kinks. The time's gonna depend on everyone else's plans. As for the place, Cecil suggested using the bedrooms while everyone's out dancing, so I might stick with that.

If I had to guess, maybe the Elite Four's too overwhelmed with all of us. I mean, think about it. There's still gotta be at least a hundred of us. What would happen if an outsider beat their champion? It's probably a huge mess for them to deal with.

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[beholdmydemons]

I think I'll be there.

Who are these elite four?

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[islandshore]

Good. The more people who show up, the easier it'll be.

Anyway, the Elite Four are supposedly the toughest trainers around. Once you get all the badges, you're supposed to be able to face them up on the Indigo Plateau, and the locals act like it's a big deal. Beat the Elite Four, and you're the champ. You'll probably be remembered for generations.

That's just based on hearsay, though. I'm sure there's a lot more to it.

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[paladinlost]

If we meet during the day, the sleeping areas should be empty enough. They'd be large enough to keep a few security Pokémon on standby, too.

[A beat.]

...Personally, if I knew dozens of people were hoping to challenge me at once in my own home, I'd choose that moment to take a long vacation. Preferably very far away.

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[islandshore]

Hey, I like the way you think. Bet if we slip in there while everyone's down on the dance floor, nobody'll even notice.

[He grins, more than a little pleased now. Here's hoping this doesn't blow up in their faces.

And when the topic of the Elite Four pops back up, Riku lets out an awkward laugh.]

Touche. Maybe they're worried about dealing with all of us. I mean, it's not like we all play by the rules. We're from totally different worlds, and they probably don't know how to deal with that.

[heartdive]

I wouldn't count on them showing. It'll be last year all over again.

[ pauuuuse. ]

Are we really going to go?

[islandshore]

Probably.

[He groans, swishing his head back and forth.]

And of course we're going, unless you don't want to, but...

[Well, it could be nice. After all, it'd be a different experience this time around.]

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[imthe_shit]

Gives me actual motivation to go to this damn event. I'm not much of a party-person, but if there's going to be a meeting, then I'll head over.

Gives me something to do while I'm there anyway.

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[islandshore]

Hey, look on the bright side. Even if you're not big on parties, it's a new place, and one that's usually off limits. I'd say it's worth it for the view alone.

Current game plan's to slip into the sleeping area while the party's going on. You're the stealth guy-- you think that'll be enough cover?

[Video]

[tallandproud]

...there's been nothing from them at all? [Why would that happen? Where did they go? That's a mystery. He doesn't like it.]

Would anything at their private vacation spot possibly hint at what happened to them? [This...could be a reason to go there. Possibly.]

Or have people already looked and nothing turned up.

[Video]

[islandshore]

Nothing.

[And at that, Riku's brow creases, and he slaps a hand over his face.]

And I didn't see anything suspicious last year. There's a few places that're off limits to guests, but the most I really saw were group photos of them and their Pokémon. If it weren't for that, I'd almost think they were myths.

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[soundmind]

That's a good idea, actually I think I might want to introduce my friend to the group. If I told him about it he'd definitely be interested in joining, he's someone from my world so he works for the Academy like I do, so I can vouch for his trustworthiness.

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[islandshore]

Hey, if you want to tell him, go for it. The more members the better, especially since we lost a couple already.

Just make sure you run it by Tenten-- and I'll want to see him in the flesh, too. Not that I don't trust you, but I gotta make sure I know every face in the organization.

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[friendyousohard]

Not a bad idea, since our original plan fell through due to the attack on Olivine. The question is where. The ballroom? It'd be a bit noisy, but that might cover up our conversation as well. And leaving it in a group would be suspicious.

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[islandshore]

Hmm, good point. See, I was thinking of going with Cecil's suggestion; he thought we should slip into the sleeping area while the dance is going on, but I guess the ballroom could work just as well. We'd just have to be more cautious there.

[pipers_son]

Looks like we've got quite the mystery~. Me, I'm hopin' they show up. It'll be an interestin' chance ta talk ta them all!

[Amongst other reasons, maybe more than some of them to do with circus things. Maybe.]

Ya plan on goin' with some folks?

[islandshore]

Yeah, maybe we can figure out what their deal is. Wouldn't mind seeing what the world's top trainers think of us, anyway.

[Surely they know about the other worlders by now, even if it's just from rumors. Whether or not they believe it is another story.

But when Joker asks if Riku's going with anyone, he coughs, eyes widening for a split-second. It's one of those blink and you miss it moments, as soon his expression shifts to a smirk.]


And I'll be going with Sora and Kairi. Wouldn't have it any other way.

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[ghostytrainer]

you got it, boss man! sounds like a good plan to me. (`･ω･´)ゞ

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[islandshore]

Boss man... I don't know if I'll ever get used to that.

But don't worry, I won't keep you that long. You've gotta spend time with Rose, right?

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[in_praetego]

I wouldn't mind. It would be good for all of us to finally meet face to face.

Also, I guess you're aware but my brother's gone home. So... I'm afraid he won't be joining us.

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[islandshore]

Yeah, no kidding. We'd be a pretty lousy team if we didn't at least know each other as acquaintances.

Sorry to hear about your brother, though. You holding up okay?

pgc filter; (ooc: I pinged you on plurk about this)

[punches]

Sounds better to meet up at a place like that anyway. Everyone's going to be so busy with the party they won't notice a group getting together like you said.

Do you think the hostess will notice?

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[islandshore]

I doubt it. Clair's the kind of person who wants to soak up the limelight. She'll probably try and take center stage on the dance floor.

And c'mon, she's a gym leader. I doubt she'd fuss over "common" trainers like us.

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[bestofthebest]

You realize parties like this aren't my thing, but...I wouldn't wanna pass up the chance to see my friends again.

(A beat.) Where would we all meet?

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[islandshore]

Current plan's to meet up in the sleeping area while everyone's busy dancing. We'll just have to keep our voices down and hope nobody follows us on the way out.

[The question is, is RD up for the challenge? He already heard from Twilight how it might prove tricky.]