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PMDU - Hiyayakana Matsuri (Part 1)

Published: Oct 18, 2014

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Description

Note: Permission was given by Admins to post twice because this is a hybrid COLLABORATION - not team.

Next >> Part 2

This is a collaboration between me and the awesome DeathByGnome for the FF contest celebrating PMDUnity one-year anniversary. It was a different experience collaborating with a visual artist compared to a writer, but that does not make it any less fun. I had an absolute blast doing this with her, and we look forward to many more opportunities to do more collabs in the future.

Happy One-Year Anniversary, PMDUnity!

NPC Cameos

- Jean-Pierre Garfield the Linoone © Me

- Cassidy the Floatzel © ChillySunDance

Cameos

- Ruby and Artemis of Team Artifice belong to feralynn

- Sparky of Team Psychic Thunder belong to SHADOWFAN996

- Cassava and Chicle of Team Fits and Starts belong to emlz

- Shimshon of Team Escapade belong to Tanglecolors

- Lucian and Mia of Team Biosphere belong to Chibi-Castform

- Void and Empty of Team Lost at Sea belong to xSabinaxx

- Sakiko and Chloe of Team Specialty Dish belong to meshibe

- Rowly and Rune of Team Unity Star belong to Eve-Of-Halloween

- Todd and Deluge of Team Murky Water belong to IceFireDrag

- Tays of Team Exploiting the Dawn belong to Dracyor

- Benji of Team Jetstream belong to MuriArts

- Lily of Team Animus belong to MuriArts

Team Applications

PMDU Official Writing App! Temperate MaelstromEXPLORERS GUILD: Temperate Maelstrom
Date Joined: 30|09|2013
Current Funds: 12 St
Merits: [+][+]
Strikes:
------------------------------------
Xiao Fon
Species: Frogadier
Nature: Calm
Characteristic: Alert to Sounds
Gender: Male
Age: 19
Ability: Protean
Strength: [x][][][][]
Agility: [x][x][x][x][x]
Intelligence: [x][x][x][][]
Charisma: [x][x][x][][]
Total Points Left: —
Type Bonus: Water >> Agility
Move 1: Water Pledge
Move 2: Aerial Ace
Move 3: Waterfall
Move 4: Brick Break
Inventory:
Héxié Waistcoat
Description: I mean the Explorers no offence, but the Guild-issued vests on offer were too shoddy and scruffy for my tastes. The material irritated my skin, and I am obliged to put forth a presentable appearance as one of noble blood. As such, I acquired Miss Chantelle’s services via my Full Customization Voucher. Needless to say, I was very pleased with Miss Chantelle’s work. I opine that this lime green-hem

=====Written Portion=====

The sun-baked streets appeared to give back the heat that was beating down on them from the cloudless sky, and the passers-by dragged their feet along them wearily; oddly enough, some of them seemed barely affected by the scorching rays of sunlight. Xiao Fon conjectured that the Avalodge played some role in negating the hot and humid atmosphere. The area within a one-kilometre radius of the Avalugg-inspired establishment was practically drizzling with irrelegular-but-fortunately-soft lumps of ice, evoking relieved expirations of air from those who patronized the place. Having been brought up at the northernmost point of Iapon, the cold did not particularly bother Xiao Fon, hence why he chose to attend the Iaponese Ambassador’s party clothed in only his waistcoat. He would have donned his yukata which he had brought from Iapon, but that kind of festive attire would only serve to impede him from involving himself in the activities on offer: he also was reluctant to subject it to excessive wear.

“…”

Masamune’s familiar voice pulsed in the Frogadier’s head, prompting him to eye the lodge in greater detail. A sign denoting the name of the place hung between the ‘jaws’ of the head-like protrusion of the building as a chilly air drifted out from the entrance, contributing to comfortable environment. The longer he gazed upon the Avalodge, the more he could not help but wonder about a certain detail: how did the ice-based establishment remain standing despite summer wreaking havoc throughout Andalusst?

“If memory serves me correct,” he pondered, “I think the material goes by the name of Nevermeltice.”

“…” Masamune did not even bother to smother the exasperation from creeping into his tone of voice.

Xiao Fon sighed, shaking his head with a sheepish simper. He reasoned, “W-well, it would not sound very obvious if you utter it rapidly, Masamune. Pokémon nowadays are always chasing after time, a bit different from how things were in your past life, yes?”

Masamune tended to be overcome by feelings of lament and ruefulness whenever his wielder manoeuvred the colloquy into a topic which touched upon his bloody background: it was no different this time around.

Though slightly wracked with guilt, Xiao Fon preferred his Doublade partner to fill his head with nostalgic mutterings of the olden days over frank criticisms of the present. Nodding to himself, he advanced towards the entrance of the Avalodge, only to stop when a soccer ball rolled to a stop near his feet. Experiencing a sudden rush of adrenaline, he lobbed the ball into the air with his right foot. As the ball began its descent and was about to touch the ground behind him, he expertly used his left heel to lob it back into the air. Once again, gravity kept its hold on the ball as it was attracted back down. This time, Xiao Fon caught the ball in his hands, a faint smile adorning his features as he recalled the times he used to juggle his worn-out soccer ball at home.

“Heh, that’s some nice skill ya got there.”

The Frogadier raised his field of vision, his blue eyes registering the hat-donning Glameow and Squirtle standing in front of him. Interestingly, both were also decked out in sporty attire as if they were part of a team. Xiao Fon figured that the soccer ball he was holding had something to do with that. He focused his attention on the Catty Pokémon from which he was positive the remark originated: the suave-esque voice just did not fit the ruby-eyed Squirtle.

“Granted, it’s in a lower league than mine,” the Glameow bragged, pawing his chest and tossing his nose up. “Then again, almost everyone’s is so no need to feel bad or anythin’. You’d do great in defence.” For his cheek, the feline got a hard elbow to the ribs, courtesy of his Water-type teammate.

“You high, Shimshon?!” she intoned incredulously. “We don’t need that high-and-mighty attitude of yours right now! We’re down a goal to a Researcher team for peep’s sake, and we seriously need that control of his to give us some good crosses! I say winger!”

Shimshon snorted and pointed out, “I’m the captain so I have the final say, Tays.” For extra emphasis, he indicated to the captain’s armband he was wearing.

Tays was not amused in the slightest. “A team’s only as good as its weakest player, and you’re doin’ a pretty fine job so far!” she retorted.

Xiao Fon ignored their bickering in favour of looking back down at the chequered ball. ”Me? Playing in a team?” Part of him could not help but be elated, but their offer unintentionally unearthed an opposite side to the memory about which he was reminiscing: he was always alone due to being ostracized by his fellow clansmen.

“We don’t want to associate with the likes of you. Go away.”

”You’re born with warrior’s blood in your veins. Where’s your pride?!”

His grip on the ball tightened, the Frogadier gritting his teeth concurrently as his voice came out in a small whisper. “Sorry.”

The soft intonation evoked a turn of the head from Shimshon who head up a paw to signify to Tays that their argument was on hold for the time being. “Come again?” he prodded with a raised eyebrow.

“I just…do not play well in teams.” Xiao Fon could not lie very well in all honesty, but luckily for him, Shimshon and Tays were not perceptive enough to notice it. “Thank you for the offer regardless. I am appreciative of it.” He subsequently tossed the ball to Tays and entered the Avalodge, his footsteps becoming just a tad heavier.

Tays tilted her head at the weird behaviour she had just witnessed. “Think we might’ve said somethin’ wrong?”

“Beats me,” Shimshon replied offhandedly, giving a shrug of his shoulders. “It’s his loss that he doesn’t wanna be led by an awesome guy like me.”

Safe to say, Tays lost patience with the Glameow then and there as she threw her arms up in exasperation, lobbing the ball high up into the air at the same time. “Un! Be! Lievable!”

Nan swept their hollow gaze about the ice-themed interior, the red, glowing ovals within the holes of the stump functioning as their head figuratively boring holes on a single Pokémon before moving on to the next. Pursing their lips, the Phantump morphed one of their stubby arms into a set of claws, extending and retracting it nonchalantly. Claiming that they were uncomfortable in the current setting would be a euphemism of sorts, as Nan truly did hold an aversion to such festive celebrations and other Pokémon in general.

“Roped in by the prospect of telling a scary tale.” The Stump Pokémon narrowed their eyes ever so slightly. “How petty.”

Whilst they were rather sceptical about their ability to showcase genuine emotion, they at the very least admitted that they did derive an inkling of joy from terrorizing the hearts and minds of the living; in fact, Nan found themselves unable to stem the elation from their words once Comet mentioned that a storytelling contest would be on the cards. “Comes with the package of partially being a Ghost-type, I suppose,” they drawled to themselves before they emerged from one of the hand-crafted masks on display. “Might as well observe the other patrons to kill time.” The Phantump promptly peered down and witnessed the interaction occurring at the bar.

“My my, you’re pretty cute for a guy with a beak~” an auburn-eyed Linoone teased, drawing circles on a flustered Togetic’s feathery chest. “Let’s you and me get together at my place and…get naughty, hmm?”

“I…I say!” the Togetic stammered, doing his upmost best in attempting to push the mildly drunk Linoone away. “Have some self-control and decency, my good sir!”

“Na-uh, both have no place in a party, monsieur~” The Linoone started to become more bold with his advances as he slinked back into the angelic creature’s personal space and dragged his lips along his target’s neck. “Mm, tasty~”

The Togetic shuddered, absolutely flustered at his predicament. “R-Ruby,” he pleaded, peering at the Mawile casually paying him no mind in favour of gulping the contents of her drink down her throat. “I-if you may offer your…assistance, I would be immensely grateful.”

Ruby met her partner’s gaze, looking as though she was considering helping him out until she gave a dismissive wave of her free hand, sending the latter spiralling into despair. “Nah, don’t really feel like it, Arty,” she replied aloofly, masking her glee at the sight of the uptight Togetic looking extremely out of sorts. “You need to get laid anyway.”

Safe to say, Artemis did not react too kindly to that remark. “You dare think lightly of my chastity, woman?!”

Growing rather weary of the scene playing out before them, Nan phased back through the mask and emerged on the other side of the lodge where they had left Comet. The Frogadier noticed them immediately and, much to the Phantump’s ire, he was making quite a bit of inroads in his goal of befriending the fellow patrons judging by the Zangoose and Mienfoo flanking him.

“H-hey, Nan,” Comet greeted them in his usual tone of voice, albeit accompanied by occasional chattering. “L-look, only five minutes in and I’ve made a couple of fr-friends…”

“I can see that,” Nan deadpanned, giving the aforementioned friends a cursory glance. There was nothing particularly distinctive about them in terms of appearance except for the pair of gloves the Zangoose was sporting.

Comet indicated to the Zangoose and intoned, “This is Benji—” He then swept his arm across to introduce the Mienfoo. “—and her name’s Lily. Guys—”

“They rhyme. Great…”

“—this is my partner, Nan.”

Benji grinned and stepped forward. “Hey, your pal’s told me a lot about ya,” he said, punching a fist into an open paw. “Said you were pretty strong. Maybe you’d be up for a late-night spar? Easier for me to get to know other Pokemon that way.”

“Hey hey, what about me?” Lily whined good-naturedly, folding her arms. “You didn’t forget about our spar, did ya? Ghostly limbs better than real muscle, that what you’re trying to say?”

The Zangoose moved his paws in a placating gesture as he assured, “Nah, I just think a three-way would be more exciting. Keeps ya on your toes.”

Lily mulled over Benji’s words, ultimately nodding with a satisfied smile. “Cool.”

Nan, being the anti-social stump creature that they were, ignored them in furtherance of observing Comet. They did not have to look very hard to notice that the Frogadier was still bothered by the cold environment, if the intermittent shivers were anything to go by. Tonelessly, they queried, “You would subject yourself to such discomfort just to make friends?”

“O-of course,” Comet replied, rubbing his arms a little. “All the Pokémon in Andalusst are interesting. Wh-what’s wrong with getting to know them?”

The Stump Pokemon had no real way of countering that. They and Comet were undead and alive respectively, as different as night and day: they do not possess similar thought processes. Lingering their stare on the Frogadier, Nan floated down and sunk into the ground.

An awkward silence encapsulated the three Pokémon.

“Uh…” Benji rubbed his head, his brows in a furrow. “Was it something I said?” He had been told by a fair number of Pokémon that he had to tone down his zeal a little.

“Nah,” Comet assuaged Benji with a grin. “Nan’s always a bit shy. Nothing to worry about.”

Benji looked unconvinced, but was willing to let the matter slide. “Anywho…” He glanced around the Avalodge as his eyes spotted a fun activity about to commence. “Wanna try some apple-bobbing?”

“I’m game!” Lily chirped, raising her paw for emphasis.

Comet held reservations about splashing his face into a cold body of water, but the pull of being a good sport ultimately won out. “Sure.”

They soon enough found themselves standing in front of a tub of water with some apples floating on the surface. Each of them had their arms folded behind them, as per the rules of the game.

“Awright, listen up!” Cassidy spoke up, acting as officiator. “First one to pull up an apple wins the most points for their Guilds, simple as that. Just gotta be fast…but I guess it’s kinda hard t’ do since, eh, the water’s pretty cold. Righty then…” The Floatzel suddenly paused. “Threetwoonego!”

Benji, taking his Guild Leader’s advice rather literally, splashed his face into the water to grab an apple, the thought of actually aiming failing to register in his mind as he pulled back up immediately. “Fwa, th-that’s d-d-damn cold!” the Zangoose stammered, face soaking wet and teeth chattering audibly. Even more unfortunate for him, he ended up inadvertently aiding his competition as the ripples in the water pushed some of the apples closer to them so it was a simple matter for Comet and Lily to simply lean down and grab an apple.

“It’s a tie between Researchers and Hunters!” Cassidy announced. “They get 5 points each while the Explorers get 1!” While waiting for other competitors, he took some time to berate Benji for his performance. “The heck was that?! When I said ya hafta do it fast, I expect you t’ remember to aim!” Given his role as a sharpshooter, his annoyance was understandable.

Comet spat out his apple, chuckling sheepishly. He was about to come to his friend’s defence until he noticed a waistcoat-wearing Frogadier entering the Avalodge from the corner of his eye. Blinking a couple of times, he narrowed his eyes and spotted both the braided Frubbles and the unique Doublade swords crossed behind said Frogadier.

“It’s him!” he mused happily, covering the distance between them with just three powerful jumps. “Hey, fancy meeting you here!”

Xiao Fon tilted his head at the smaller Frogadier who had dropped down in front of him. The latter looked rather familiar to him, but it was not until he caught a glimpse of the fellow frog’s red eyes that realization dawned upon him. “Nice to meet you again, Comet,” he replied with the inclusion of a smile and his usual gesticulation.

Image size

469x1701px 1.07 MB

Comments4

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feralynn

Feb 19, 2015

THIS IS SUPER LATE I'M SORRY BUT--
aaaAAAA I couldn't stop smiling as I read the cameo, your characterization of Artemis and Ruby was perfect.
Thank you so much for writing them. ;__;