#pmd july

[hanatsuki-esperanza]

PMD July Day 31-Return (Hello)

Series: General Spoilers: None, Really Notes: Angst*

Continuation of this. I recommend you read it, if you haven’t.

You drift, in a sea of nothing.

Waiting for someone, something to awaken you.

You have been walking your life in a daze.

How long have you been here, how much longer will it be?

You are a piece of clay, waiting to be molded.

You are a block of wood, waiting to be carved.

You can be anything, you are nothing.

No. You were someone. You were a hero. You had a friend who stood with you. You remember them.

You remember the world you left, the world you saved.

You want to return to that world, but it no longer exists.

You abandoned it, when you were told to grow up.

You left it, when they told you to stop being a child and stop doing childish thing.

How foolish you were, to listen to those who did not understand you.

They laughed at your childishness, at your imagination.

You gave in to stop them from laughing at you, mocking you.

But they kept beating you down.

That world you love, it no longer exists.

Right?

Right.

---

(I'm tired. So tired.)

(I'm alone. All alone.)

(Why did I leave?)

(I wish I could go back. But...I can't. It's gone.)

The darkness squeezing tighter on you.

(It's...no use. I can't...it's too hard...)

"Ḩ̴̨̨̣̻͇̠͓̜̼̘̺̼̯̽̋̔̎̆̈́̉͐̓͌̕̕e̷̛̲̝̞̮̐̊̓̂̍͐͋̑̿̚̚̚y̸̪̫̻̱̅͘͠... ȟ̸̡̢̛͍͉͍͉̻̭͔͐̐̂͜͠ȩ̵̳̭̙̮̫̘͎͇͎͙̿ͅẙ̵̙͙̂...ḧ̴̜́̚ey!"

(Who...?) A hand reaching out...no, that's a paw.

"D̴͎̫͒̿i̴dn't you tell me once before never to give up? Didn't you tell me once before nothing was too hard?"

Recovering file...

File recovered.

Saving file...

File saved.

The darkness peels away, the lights gather into your chosen form.

Above you, a face, one you know so well.

Shouldn't be, can't be, can be, is.

"Hello. Want to go on an adventure together?" A paw, offered to you.

(Yes, thank you.) You take it, and are pulled into a hug. The tears flow; of regret, for leaving, of sadness, for the time you have lost, of joy, for being able to come back.

(I have returned home.)

---

*Notes: Angst with a Happy Ending

To all the people who say that video games, especially pokémon, are childish: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything to us and just let us be.

[[Find more PMD July stuff at this parent list.]]

[hanatsuki-esperanza]

PMD Day 13-Villain(s)

Series: Explorers Spoilers: MASSIVE spoilers for mid-to-late game Notes: POV of a certain pokémon...trying to figure out thoughts...may be expanded into a more complete short at a later time. Summary: The future was to be preserved, and the villains needed to be stopped at all cost. But when do things ever go according to plan?

When Master Dialga had first given him the quest to save the future, Dusknoir had thought it would be an easy one to fulfill. After all, his targets were a half-evolved grass pokémon and a human of all things. They were going to a land Dusknoir knew more about, and according to the influxes of the Passage of Time Master Dialga had observed, something had happened to them, although the details could not be determined. So Dusknoir developed a simple five-step plan to capture the rogues before they could destroy the world. Step One: Travel back in time. Very simple and easy to accomplish. Master Dialga opened a portal to the past, allowing Dusknoir and a pack of Sableye to travel to where the villains had escaped to. Based on the influxes of the Passage of Time that Master Dialga had observed, Dusknoir was able to calculate exactly where in the timestream they had landed, and had planned to arrive a good amount before them. Step Two: Establish himself as an explorer of great acclaim and prowess. This was in order to gain access to information that would help with the capture of the villains. By gaining an understanding of the world in addition to what he had studied in the future, he would have 'a leg up' so to speak. The pair of criminals would know nothing of this world and be thrown off-balance. There was no Planetary Investigation Team for them to seek shelter with, and if they proved extremely obscene and difficult to catch, well...he could always throw a mass of well-trained explorers and mercenaries in their direction. They might be thieves, but put a high enough bounty on them, and even outlaws would turn on them. Step Three: Before the pair land in the past, send the Sableye  to the Time Gear locations he knew of, and wait. If he knew that Grovyle right, and assuming the human was cut from the same cloth, they wouldn't wait to settle. They would immediately jump into collecting the Time Gears in an attempt to destroy the future world. He didn't expect the Sableye to stop them, oh no. He had seen the results of an ambush on the pair, and knew that even four Sableye packs wouldn't be enough. No, the Sableye were there to keep an eye on things, and hopefully give Dusknoir a place to start tracking the pair. Grovyle was very good, Dusknoir would give his nemesis that, but the human would slow him down. And that was very bad, for them at least. It was very good for Dusknoir. Step Four: Capture the pesky pair, either by himself or by using help from the past. Dusknoir had his pride, and he would prefer to catch the pair by himself and keep this between enemies, but he was also very practical. This mission was too important to fail, and if he needed to, others would be involved. No matter what, they had to be stopped, and whatever damage they had done would be reversed. The world of the future must be protected. Step Five: Return to Master Dialga's side with the rogues in-tow, to be executed in the most excruciating way possible. The future would be saved, they would all be alive, and the timestream would continue as it should be. He would continue to exist, gain the approval of Master Dialga, and be a hero. It was a good plan. A solid plan. Simple, but effective. ... ...but...when do things ever go according to plan?

[[Find more PMD July stuff at this parent list.]]

[hanatsuki-esperanza]

PMD Day 8-Nicknames

Series: Explorers Spoilers: None Notes: Fluff and Guild Family

It would come as a surprise to no one that the members of Wigglytuff's Guild were extremely close. Part of being a guild meant that you shared quarters, swapped stories, and helped each other on jobs that were too much for one pokémon by themselves.

But the Wigglytuff Guild was more than just a guild. They were a family, supporting each other in a way others might not understand. And so it was inevitable that they would create nicknames for each other, based on their personalities and the things they had accomplished.

Without words, everyone agreed that Wigglytuff was "The Guildmaster," "Our Guildmaster," or just "Guildmaster." There was no need to discuss it or debate it.

Chatot had a lot more names to his feathers than Wigglytuff. The self-titled "Right-Wing Pokémon of the Guildmaster" was called "Jabbermouth," "Sir Gets his Feathers in a Ruffle," "The Info Dump," and "Birdbrain," among others, when someone was in a less-than happy mood with him. Wigglytuff called him "my dear friend" and everyone had to hold straight faces or risk getting sent to Apple Woods for a week.

"Sunflower" was an easy one for Sunflora, and it was also a very generic one. The Wigglytuff Guild did not do generic in any way, shape, or form. So she was dubbed "Snowdrop" when she was annoyed at something the boys were doing and became chilly, and "Fireflower" when she was mad, particularly when Loudred was involved. She became "Ghostbuster" after her capture of the Invincible Haunter(s). Loudred privately called her "Floral" although if he were asked if he had a nickname for her, he would deny it until he was red with anger.

"Strange One" was a title Croagunk took to wearing as a badge of honor, because in his own words, "better to be strange than boring. Meh heh." "The Great Swapmaster" was a name that had to be put on hold after his Swap Cauldron was damaged. He regained it after fixing the cauldron. Speaking of, "The Mad Hatter" was given to him after an incident involving a dozen dapper hats and his Swap Cauldron, the details of which were best left under the rug.

Privately, a good number of the guildmembers called Loudred  the "Walking Alarm," though no one dared say it to his face after one unfortunate soul did so. The ringing of their ears hadn't gone away until mid-day. A certain human in the guild called him an "Alarm Clock," though no one really understood the expression. The one nickname he did accept was "The Dinner Alarm," because although Chimecho did a perfectly fine job of letting everyone in the guild know when dinner was, you could hear Loudred yelling 'DINNER!!' all the way at the Crossroads. Corphish called him "Dude" and Sunflora called him "That Idiot" or "You Idiot," getting huffy if anyone else called him by that name.

To Diglett, Dugtrio was "my father" and "papa." The senior members of the guild knew him as "The Seacomer," due to his coming to the land of Tokai from Kigen many years before. "Digger" was a very simple, self-explanatory one, but sometimes simple was best.

Chimecho was "The Greatest Chef" after an incident forced her into bedrest for a week and Chatot took over doing meal prep. The guildmembers agreed without words to wipe that week from their memories. "Morning Bells" was given because the chiming sounds she made when moving were a nicer way to wake up than Loudred bellowing at you that you were going to be late.

"The Sentry" may have been a repeat of his job title, but sometimes people tacked on 'little' and 'child' to make Diglett "Little Sentry Boy," or sometimes he was called "Digger Jr." Dugtrio called him "my boy" and "my son". Some of the oldest members privately called him "The Future of the Guild."

Corphish was dubbed "The Chill One" because there was very little that could rattle his shell. Loudred called him "Bro" and he was also called "Scuttle" on occasion for no other reason than it just sounded right.

Although Bidoof wasn't the newest member of the guild anymore, he was still "Rookie" in everyone's eyes. The nickname made him blush. "The Wisher" was one that held a great deal of meaning to him, especially after the arrival of a pair of new pokémon...

[[Find more PMD July stuff at this parent list.]]

[hanatsuki-esperanza]

PMD Day 1-Hero/Heroine

Series: General Spoilers: End of Pre-Credits Game Notes: Angst, Drama, and Character Study/Self-Awareness

Hero/Heroine: -a mythological or legendary figure endowed with great strength or ability -a person admired for achievements and noble qualities -one who shows great courage -the principal character in a literary or dramatic work

I was chosen. Like so many before me. I answered the call, not knowing what or why. But who called me? The call was to save the world. Why do we always have to save the world? I met someone. They are stronger than they believe. As a team, we worked to save the world. But the crowd only looks to me. I lead onward. They follow behind. I am brave, putting my courage before me. I must be brave, and mask my fear. I need to be the voice of hope. I must not give up, even when I just want to rest. We grow strong, leveling up. Is it because I am wise, or because I am human? The weight of the world is on my shoulders. I wish it wasn't. I wish I could just enjoy this life. I say few words, listening instead, because what would I say? I have to be the responsible one. I have to make decisions. If we mess up, it's on me. Where do we go? What do we keep? How long do we wait? These are decisions that I must make. Each one is important. A single failure could end us. Everyone says we'll go on to do great things. But will we? My friend stands behind me, a pillar of strength. I wish they could stand beside me. I wish they could have a chance to lead. The crowds look to me, whispering about who I am and what I can do. Why don't they look at my partner too? We saved the world, but heroes are only remembered when they are gone or dead... We saved the world together. But only my story will be told. Not theirs. But I am not of this world, merely a guest, and in time I will have to return 'home'. I will return to my old life in time, leaving this world as if closing a book. Life will go on, but for some it will end. Looping the day until the story begins again. History repeats itself. These calamities will happen again. The world will need a hero, someone to save them. Me, or a naïve soul who doesn't know what they are signing up for? But for now, the weight of the world is on my shoulders. I wish it wasn't. Why must I make the hard choices? We all have our roles we must play. Why do I have to be the hero?

[[Find more PMD July stuff at this parent list.]]

[hanatsuki-esperanza]

PMD Day 20-Lookalike

Series: General Spoilers: None Notes: Thinking. :] General Drabble.

A trap is sprung, or an attack will hit. Whichever the way, it does not miss. Failing health, burning pain. The end comes if you don't beat fate. Reach for it blindly, trust it is true. Crack it under your teeth and chew. A seed of hope, a seed of life. All will be well, all will be right. The pain is gone, you can see the sky. And yet the darkness continues to rise. It's just so funny you can't-won't stop. Oh, you see now, there was a swap. A seed of hurt, a seed of lies. Has turned success into something that dies.

[[Find more PMD July stuff at this parent list.]]

[hanatsuki-esperanza]

PMD Day 18-Team Base (Home)

Series: General Spoilers: None Notes: Drabble of an older hero & partner(?) and...in honor. Summary: If a stranger were to look at the place, they would see...

If a stranger were to look at the place, they would see dusty, white painted wood, stones that had once been painted but were fading, and dirt that was packed down so hard that no plant life grew from it. They would look at (and probably judge) the furniture, old and worn, several years out of the newest styles and trends, the mix-match of dishes and cups in all shades, patterns, and materials, and the clutter of books, papers, and knick-nacks piled in the corner. They would look over the structure, with windows, doors, chimney, roof, and walls, with a few plants in the front and berry patches on the side. They would notice the two small, scraggy trees planted nearby, so short compared to others nearby, and the random concrete slab that stood alone on the side of the house. 'Why not move closer to town' they would ask, 'surely it would be better for you. More convenient' They would look at the place and probably think it was nothing special. They would look, but they would not see, know, or understand. They could not see wood that had held up to all the storms the world had thrown at them. They could not see that the stones were painted with symbols and pictures in memorial of those that had left and those that had gone. They could not see the dirt that had been walked dutifully a hundred and one times, that would not wash away like the loose soil or dead plants when the winter rains finally came. They could not know that the furniture had been with them from the beginning of their time together. They could not know the story behind each cup, plate, bowl, and silverware piece, and how each was obtained. They could not know that each book had been read a dozen times, the knick-nacks had been gathered with a tale behind each, and the papers were organized in a way that their owner knew where to find them. They could not understand the importance and significance of the building, and how it had stood strong throughout all the years. They might understand that having berries and plants around was good, but they could not understand the hard work of planting them by hand, by watering them everything, or the sweat that been put into them, when there was an easier way, it was their way. They could not understand that two greater trees had once stood nearby, some of the greatest in the area, but they had gotten old and diseased. They could not understand how to protect the house, the old trees had been brought down, and these little ones, children of the originals, now stood in their places. They could not understand how nice the concrete was, how long after the sun had left the sky, the concrete retained the warmth of the day, and it was the perfect place to lie back and watch the stars as they came out to play. They would see a building, but they saw something more. They saw a place that had been theirs for so many years, through the good and the bad, the exciting, the dull, and the in-betweens. A claim to a place, a sense of belonging. They would know it provided shelter, but they knew it was more than physical shelter from the elements. It was a place to hide from the tragedy of the world, a safe place to curl up and cry with each other when the pain was too much, a place where you didn't have to wear a mask, where you could just be yourself. They might understand the importance of having a strong base of operations, but on that point, they would be wrong. They knew it was more than that. It was a place where the lights of the city did not pollute the sky and the murmurs of life settled once the sun set, allowing for rest. It was more than just a team base. It was a family base. It was home.

Six Songs Placed Here For You [[Find more PMD July stuff at this parent list.]]

[hanatsuki-esperanza]

PMD Day 2-Partner

Series: General Spoilers: End of Pre-Credits Game Notes: Angst, Drama, and Character Self-Awareness

Partner -one associated with another especially in an action -a person with whom one shares an intimate relationship -one of two or more persons who play together in a game against an opposing side -a member of a partnership

I found them one day, a pokémon that was not a pokémon. A human. A hero. I found them in a forest-on a beach-in a village-having fallen from the sky. Before I met them, I was alone. I was nothing. But together, we are something more. I still am nothing. I stand in their shadow. They are brave, strong, smart. I am not. They know what they are doing. It's like they're following a script. They say that I am brave, that I am strong. But it's a lie. I know it’s a lie. When something bad happens, I cower, while they stand tall. It's an honor to be a hero's friend. I have my own name. I am a member of the team. That is my identity. I’m happy. Why can't I just be myself? But...who is 'me'? I cannot be trusted to make decisions for the greater good, so they call the shots. They lead, making decisions. And I will listen and obey. I have to. That's fine; I wouldn't do good at that stuff. Only because I'm not supposed to be. I know who I am supposed to be. It is written out for me. Like a script. We grow strong, leveling up. Only because of their guidance. If it were just me, it would never happen. They lead onward. I follow behind. I am not confident at all. I am overemotional and easily depressed. I do not like the role I have been cast as, but what can I do? I am not a hero. I am not fit to be the hero in our stories. They will leave one day, and I will be left behind. This is their world. I'm just living in it, playing the role I am coded to. We saved the world together. But I must tell their story. Not ours. Everyone will remember us. Everyone will remember you. We all have our roles we must play. But why must you always be the hero, and I the coward?

[[Find more PMD July stuff at this parent list.]]

[hanatsuki-esperanza]

PMD Day 25-Mission Failed (s)

Series: ... Spoilers: ... Notes: ...

It was quiet. It was too quiet.