Testrun meme (January & February)

[bravenewmods]

TESTRUN MEME

1) New Years Celebration! There are fireworks all over the city! And that means your Pokémon are probably hiding under the bed. No matter how big they are. What do?

2) There's been some heavy snowfall and the connecting bridges are overloaded. They're really slick and icy and need to be plowed for safety. You and your Pokémon have been selected for this "honor". Have fun!

3) With the winter coming, the Hot Springs have been overwhelmed by an abundance of monkey Pokémon. They've been attacking citizens who are trying to soak in the pools and it's creating a big problem. Go resolve it!

4) Caldera has been working on a project to restore some of their fortifications, and that means they need strong trainers and Pokémon to help carry and work the stone and metal. Time to help out!

5) The Tropical Island has become something of a destination in the wintertime, and it's getting really crowded. Some Pokémon researchers need to conduct studies on the volcano but the throng of tourists is simply too much. Help clear a path!

6) Wildcard! Make your own prompt!

Comments

Right - Ressha Sentai ToQger

[lunchleader]

2) [Right never liked staying indoors on snow days. One should always enjoy being outside, in his mind, regardless of the season. And while this is work and not fun, he was only too eager to help out as a way to get out of his cramp living quarters.]

C'mon guys! Let's clear this pathway for everyone! [He was just talking to his Pokemon companions - a Riolu in a sweater and a Lillipup in a full-on doggy winter outfit, complete with booties - as he pointed to a rather large lump of snow on the right side of the bridge.] We'll push that over the side on a count of three, okay?

Liiil! [~Iyaan~! Can we really move that?~ The Lillipup whined.]

[The Riolu tilted his head to look over the side. ~Right, you sure we should be doing it like this?~] Ri, Lu-ri?

Relax, you two! If we work together on some of the bigger stuff, we can definitely get this done by supper time. It's simple, really! I'll just put my shovel in here... [He demonstrates by putting the shovel deep into the pile.] ...and then, on the count of three, we all push to shove it over the side - like this!

Rioooo! [~Waitasec--~ The Riolu was too late to warn his trainer that the latter was actually dumping snow over the side of their bridge...only to have it land on the bridge below them. More specifically, on the people walking on said bridge below. ...Oops?]

~~~~~~~

6) [Ahhhhh, nothing beats a relaxing meal after a long morning's work. And it looks like this young man is spoiling his Pokemon a little by feeding them a big box of Poffins! The young Riolo's munching on the one it's holding in its paws, while two more are being fed to a Lillipup dressed up in a cute dress and a pink bow on top. And their human Trainer...is eating a Poffin himself?!]

Mmmmm...these are always so good~

[actsmagnificent]

[ So Haruka has this bad habit of coming up behind people and waiting until the last possible minute to announce her presence. Thus, as the snow falls: ]

I'm not sure that qualifies as help.

[lunchleader]

[Right jumps a little at that voice. His Lillipup, though, is even more startled; with a surprised yelp, she whirls around to face the newcomer with some startled yipping. ~Iyaaan! Don't do that!~] Lip! Lillip!

Easy, Wagon! I'm sure this guy doesn't mean any harm-- [Right was bending down to put a comforting hand on his friend, but gets cut off as he suddenly hears a yelp and some swearing from below. Almost instantly, he cringes as he looks over the side...to see a couple of angry people brushing off the snow that he accidentally dumped on them.] ...oops. Sorry about that! [He calls down to them...only to cringe further as he gets chewed out for not looking where he's shoveling.]

Rrrriiii... [Oh, Right... The Riolu sighs in exasperation as he puts his face in his paw.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ The Pokémon seem to have figured it out. Haruka chuckles, walks right past Right to any remaining snow on the bridge, and raises a hand. Gust flies out, sweeping the snow up in its wake and blowing it to the other side. This also isn't a perfect solution, but it's a lot faster.

Plus she's proving a point. ] Been at it long?

[ A Vulpix trots onto the bridge behind her Trainer, late but unrepentant. She fixes the gathering before her with an expectant stare. These are her assistants? My, how standards have dropped. ] Vul.

[lunchleader]

Li?! Pup Lipup! [~"Assistants?!" How rude!~ Wagon starts to scold the Vulpix. However, she, her Riolu friend, and their human all end up staring in awe as Haruka clears a bunch of the snow off with the latter's Gust.]

Whoaaaah! That is so cool~! Isn't that cool, Softy?

[The Riolu, "Softy", nods in agreement. ~Very impressive. She appears to be well trained with that ability.~] Ri Riolu.

I know, right? [Right grins for a few moments, brain not yet realizing what his companion had just indicated. He then turns back to the "guy" in front of him, upon hearing that question.] Oh, well, not really. We're just getting started, actually. But thanks for your help!

[actsmagnificent]

[ Haruka smirks, stepping up to a patch of ice that hadn't been lifted when Gust blew by. ] Just get the snow out of the way.

[ This means Vulpix has to work, doesn't it. The Pokémon licks a languid paw. Flamethrower, she supposes? Very well. ] Pix.

[ And she proceeds to evaporate the ice. Again, physics decrees this won't be a permanent solution - but it will make the bridge safe to walk on until the next flurry. ]

[lunchleader]

Yessir! [Right saluted, and then turned back to his two companions.] C'mon, guys, let's go clear the next drift for them.

[Both of his Pokemon nodded, and they started to head towards another pile of snow as the Vulpix got to work. However, Right's brain started to catch up with him.] Oh, yeah - what's your name, both of you? Mine's Right...Right Suzuki. This is Wagon, and that's Softy - Soft Steel. [The last bit was added after he felt the Riolu nudging his elbow against his human's leg.]

Lillip! <3 [~So kind to meet our future fans!~ Wagon did a cute little dance and tail wag in greeting.

Soft Steel, however, simply bowed his head in his own greeting.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Cute Pokémon. Haruka smirks. ] Haruka Tenoh. The one with the tails is Passion.

Vulpix. [ Burning Passion, thank you very much. She will, however, answer to "Miss" or "my lady". There was a brief glorious period where she answered to "Princess", but alas, that was the Dream World acting up. Now, before they all freeze, shall they please continue?

She looks pointedly at Riolu, since he seems to be the sanest of the bunch. That's the one. That's the one she has to charm. ]

[lunchleader]

Burning Passion, huh? That sounds like a good name for you. [Right hardly ever acts like there's a difference between when he's talking to a human and when he's chatting with a Pokemon. It's always been the same for him, as far as he could remember.] Nice to meet you both, Passion and Haruka!

[He beams for a moment or two...and then, his brain finally clicks the pieces in place.] Wait...Haruka...as in, the Divine Theater Haruka?

[Soft Steel, however, is returning Passion's look with a confused head-tilt. ~Why are you looking at me like that? It's not my fault if my human's brain doesn't work right sometimes.~ Rrrr?

[actsmagnificent]

[ Haruka isn't that phased by the fact he can understand Pokémon - it's notable, but not comment-worthy. Unlike his reaction to her name. ] ...You've heard of me?

[ The plays must have a farther-reaching audience than she'd thought.

Burning Passion shrugs, rearranges her tails, and adjusts her glance to be more alluring than critical. It's simply easy to tell whose company is most worth cultivating, that's all. ] Pix.

[ Aaaand she grooms her nose. This demure act sets the curls on her head bouncing. ]

[lunchleader]

It's kinda hard not to! You guys are getting to be well-known by the all the other theater groups - even mine. [Right has a big grin across his face while he speaks - except for the last bit. Upon saying the last two words, his grin faded a little, as if some of his exuberance had gone away.]

Soft Steel did smile a little upon hearing Passion's clarification. ~Well, sounds like you have--~] Rio--

Lilliiii Lillipup! [~Iyaan! You have a sharp eye for who's worth hanging out with! It's only natural, of course, that one seeks out such great potential!~ Wagon happily interjected, prancing over to Soft Steel's side as cutesy as possible in her winter outfit while batting her eyes at Burning Passion. Maybe this is the big break that she and her human need - their one true chance at the big times!]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Another actor, huh. With some issues in his troupe. Haruka can't say she's unsympathetic, but chatting without working won't get this bridge - or the next bridge, for that matter - clear. She whips up some more wind, brushing the snow off the road, and gives him a half-smile. ] Bridges for now.

[ Whatever you're going through, this too shall pass.

Passion is a bit surprised that she's allured the wrong Pokémon, but manages to hold her composure. You're - rather forward, aren't you. What do you expect of her? ] ....Vul?

[lunchleader]

[It's not so much as Wagon being allured as that she loves to show off her own good looks - especially when she thinks that Passions and Haruka may be on a talent hunt. ~Poor Right and I have been stuck with an intensely awful theater group for a year now, and we're trying to find a new group to be with!~] Lilliiii!

[Soft Steel, on the other hand, is glaring in annoyance at his canine companion. ~Wagon, please! We're supposed to be working.~] Rrrrrrr-ri!

[Right, however, appears to be oblivious to the tension between his two Pokemon. He digs his shovel into another mound, and digs it deep.] Okay, on three, we'll shove this over the side! And don't worry - there's no one beneath us right now; I've checked, Softy.

[Both Pokemon scrambles to either side of their human, putting their paws on the blunt edge of the shovel.]

Ready? One...two...three! [And all at once, they start pushing the mound of snow through the shovel. It doesn't appear to be moving at first...but then it budges a little, after a couple of moments. Finally, it starts to shift over the edge of the bridge.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Oh. You want her to put a good word in for you. Vulpix lifts a paw and studies it, apparently considering contemplation of her own fur more interesting than the Lillipup. Well, since your plight is so dour....pull your own weight today and she'll consider it. Perhaps. ] Pix.

[ That should get her out of having to exert herself today. Satisfied, she stands and trots over to join Haruka in chipping and melting any exposed ice. Haruka's keeping an eye on that shifting snow pile, though. There has to be a better way to dispose of this stuff, but she wants to see what the group has in mind. ]

[lunchleader]

C'mon...just a little more! [Right mutters between his teeth.] I can see it...us pushing this over...together! [A warm light extends out from him to Wagon, giving her a boost in her physical strength.Right uses Helping Hand!]

Lilliiiii... [~That's right...we need to show them the strength of teamwork!~ A similar light extends from Wagon to Soft Steel, boosting his physical strength as well. Wagon uses Helping Hand!]

Rrrrriiiooooo. [~I see it...I think I'm seeing your image, Right.~ Soft Steel glances up at his human, a knowing gleam in his eye. Soft Steel uses Mind Reader!]

Together then...Full Speed Ahead! [Right's personal Work Up kicks in, giving him that final physical boost that he needs. And with all of them giving one final push, that snow pile suddenly and quickly tips up and over the edge of the bridge, falling down and away from them until it faded out of sight. All three of them cheer at their success.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Huh. So he can pull through if given a goal. Haruka's not an Analyst, so she can't follow the details of Right's plan, but she watches this teamwork unfold as Burning Passion Embers more ice into oblivion. The kid just has to watch where he's aiming.

Passion, for her part, is cooking up a scheme (in addition to cooking the snow). Though she hates to degrade herself by speaking up for such simpletons, if she puts in a good word for them and they join the theater, they'll owe their reversal of fortunes to her. And the Riolu at least seems...honorable. He might acknowledge his debt.

She barks at Haruka. That was almost impressive, Trainer! With menial laborers like that at hand, they should finish this quickly! ] Vulpix! Vul vul!

[ Haruka barely spares Passion a glance - what's your game, young lady? - before addressing Right again. ] Have you been together long?

[lunchleader]

Wagon and I have, yes. [Right kneels down to pet his Pokemon as his way of saying thanks.] I found her shortly after the earthquake last year, and she's been with me ever since. Softy here, I picked up from the Breeding Center a couple of weeks back, since we clicked so well.

Lillip! Lipup! [~Right is intensely friendly and supportive. I couldn't ask for a better partner, on or off the stage!~ Wagon hops up and licks Right's face, tail wagging 100mph as he laughs in response.]

Ri Riolu. [~It helps that Right talks and feels like one of us, even if he's human in most other ways.~ Soft Steel couldn't help but smile with pride. Right's not the brightest human he's seen so far, but he's their human.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Wow guys. Keep up that level of warmth between you and you'll melt the snow from affection alone. Haruka stifles a smile.

....and seems like she's going to leave it at that, so Vulpix trots over to Right and presents herself for pettings, too. She likes these people, Trainer. They would be a useful addition to any cause. Look. She's going to let the human touch her. Human, touch her. Sell this. ] Pix.

[ Haruka begins to suspect something is expected of her. ]

[lunchleader]

Ahh, so you want some petting, too, huh Passions? Alright! [Right, for once, made a smart move by moving his hand from Soft Steel onto Passions and starts petting the Vulpix. Maybe some scritches behind the ears will help?

The Riolu himself didn't mind his own petting stopped. Unlike a certain other Pokemon, he's not eager for physical affection very often. ~He has a good heart, and he works hard. Just don't burn him if he acts idiotic.~] Olu ri.

[actsmagnificent]

Vu- [ An impossibly clever comment revolving around the phrase "if he acts idiotic?" is nipped in the bud by the most delightful sensation behind her ears. Oh, dear. Oh dear he's. He's good at this.

Passion tips her chin up so Right can pet her better. Haruka stops moving snow around with wind to watch. That's sincere, isn't it. He's actually getting her Vulpix to warm up (hah) to him. ] ....you're an interesting guy.

[lunchleader]

[Right's had a lifetime of practice from petting stray Pokemon. Even so, he grins as he sees Passion happily tilting her head up for more. He obeys the silent request, hand slowly moving from behind the ears to below the chin. Most Pokemon likes getting scritches at that spot, too, right?

He doesn't stop, though, when he looks up at Haruka.] What d'ya man?

[actsmagnificent]

Vvvvvvv. [ Foxes don't purr. But Vulpix, finally being properly worshipped, is not about to let a silly thing like that stand in her way.

Haruka soaks up the scene and tosses the context around in her mind a bit before responding. ] ....You said things aren't great at your current theater?

[ Vulpix's tails curl. Hah. Haruka's got what's going on now. ]

[lunchleader]

[Right winced a little at the reminder.] Yeah, pretty much, I thought it'd be nice to start out with this one group, [insert name of third-rate, minor theater troupe], and they said that they'd let us move from behind the scenes to the stage within a few months.

Well...Wagon and I did get a couple of small roles for a play once, and it was fun! There weren't many people for our shows, but I enjoyed it. So did Wagon; she even did better in her role than I did in mine.

[His pettings faltered, though as he added] But we haven't been allowed back on stage since, though. They keep saying that the one time we did go on stage, we made everyone look terrible, and they didn't want that to happen again. [The look on his face was one mixed with confusion and frustration.] I still don't think Wagon and I were that bad...

[Soft Steel shook his head. ~You're not. They are.~] Lu.

[actsmagnificent]

[ Hmm. On the one hand, apparently he can't act. On the other hand, it sounds like most of his frustration might stem from being unable to try again, not from taking others' opinions to heart. Haruka knows what her fuzzy companion expects of her at this juncture, but she's not sure whether to give it just yet. She clears her throat. ] So you still want to act.

[ Vulpix clears her throat, too. Ahem. Human. That thing you were doing. Rhythm is important. ] Pix.

[lunchleader]

[He's been told he couldn't act as good as the other members of the troupe could... But in truth, he may have outshone them that one time, and they didn't take the idea that he could upstage them very well.]

Of course, I do! My heart's still set on being on the stage. It don't matter what part of part I'd get; long as I get to be out on the stage instead of just stuck behind the scenes. It's just...I wish I knew how.

Liii... [~Oh, Right...don't be intensely upset about it.~ Wagon whined and nudged comfortingly at her human's spare hand.]

Lu lu-ri. [~Besides, it won't do to keep her in suspense.~ Soft Steel nodded towards the Vulpix.]

Wha--Oh! Sorry, Passions. Is this better? [Right quickly resumes the pettings, making sure that he finds a very good spot for his scritches.]