X. [Fourth Wall Weekend! Video-Action for the Goldenrod Rocket base.]

[shakespearealien]

[The light in Gorthan's room is dim, making the images all the more eerie.

The PokéGear's backlight reveals an orange bill attached to a large violet head with large blue sclera-only eyes, black eyelids closing around them as they become narrowed and peer into the feed with a judging stare. The clear giveaways are the blond dreadlocks and the silvery circular marking on the strange being's forehead - this is how Gorthan normally appears as an Evronian.

... Is it really Gorthan, though? While the Gorthan you probably know has two circles on his forehead - a smaller one on top of a larger one - this... being only has a single large one.

The Evronian speaks, and his voice is indeed, identical to Gorthan's. Only, perhaps, slower, slightly more poised, and with a certain ragged note about it, as if this being were much older than the Gorthan that Johto and Kanto have come to know.]

It figures that someone like you would keep an Eracolator. Given those books... Don't tell me you've read so much of their literature that you've become like them. Of course, having an Eracolator, per se, is not a bad thing. The great Zartas, the Beacon, the Invincible, had one of his own, where he would store the full extent of his powerful, infinite imagination. But what do you have that can compare to his greatness? Nothing, probably. You are nothing but treacherous scum.

[When the being turns his head to face the one he has been talking to, it becomes clear that...

... there are two violet alien ducks in the room. And both of them are Gorthan. The one who has not been speaking into the feed is lying on the floor, unconscious. They are each other's splitting image, except that the unconscious Evronian is wearing an earthling's clothes, while the standing Gorthan wears a large, flowing turquoise robe accenting his broad shoulders. The standing Gorthan looks down at his double with a mixture of contempt and sadistic amusement.]

You will learn, dear impostor who tried to steal my place as head of the Evronian army, that there exists no one who can trifle with Gorthan, the Warrior King.

[A large metal goblet, adorned with what seem to be precious gems and exhaling a column of glowing light blue smoke, appears into view as Gorthan lifts it to his bill. Upon closer inspection, there seems to be a dent in the cup, though it certainly doesn't seem to bother Gorthan. Who smirks, as a third being comes into view - Gorthan's Gallade.]

Right, creature?

[An identical smirk appears on the small lips of the Rocket-aligned Pokémon. To him, that his trainer was just replaced by a more ruthless and uncomplicated copy of himself is just as well.]

[[OOC: For the purpose of the 4th wall weekend, Gorthan has been replaced by warrior_king, Gorthan's other self from "Superduck", PKNA's reboot series. You'll find that he's very different from the original Gorthan, and almost his opposite, in some ways.]]

Comments

[warrior_king]

[Gorthan steps back. The room is really quite small and dark, so he risks stepping on his unconscious double as he does so.]

Keep your distance, earthling. It makes sense that you would know my name, as I am Evron's supreme ruler, but I am ignorant of yours. And of everything else about your person, actually. When was this "last time" you speak of?

[He's old, but not so old that he forgets stuff from the past so easily.]

[her_mouse_jesty]

Huh? ... Are you feeling all right? We only talked a week ago...

[She 'hmmms' a little, trying to think.]

I wonder if people's memories can be affected by this... event. It does seem like anything can happen, but it's the first time I've heard of it.

[She continues mulling, until she sees a lump in the dark...]

... Gorthan, is someone else there?

[warrior_king]

[In the dark, the scientist Gorthan stirs a bit. He recognizes Minnie's voice and weakly opens his eyes.]

Run, Minnie... run!

[Hearing the other speak, the standing Gorthan wrinkles his bill and delivers a firm kick to the scientist's head.]

Silence, impostor!

[But Gorthan's features soon relax as he realizes something. Now looking at Minnie, he tips his head slightly to the side.]

Oh, I see. You are... his friend, perhaps?

[her_mouse_jesty]

What the...

[Minnie is confused, but no longer oblivious. She looks back and forth between the two, and then glares at the 'warrior'.]

You... how dare you do this to him! I don't know what you're planning, but I will not allow anyone to hurt my friends! Leave this place at once!

[That's right, the girl who probably barely comes up to your legs is giving you an order, even pointing a finger at you. Seems pretty serious about it, too.]

[warrior_king]

[He huffs haughtily.]

How can you even be friends with such a vile, dishonorable being as this one? Someone who lusts after the immense power that I have worked all my life to gain? This despicable serpent, trying to impersonate me! ... Such underhandedness. How can you call him your friend?

[her_mouse_jesty]

You don't know anything about him! He is a kind and wonderful person... he has sinned, but his light continues to shine even in the depths of darkness! I will always believe in him, and I will always be there for him, no matter what he's done! Gorthan is my friend, and I will not allow you to harm him anymore!

[One of her hands starts glowing, a holy white...]

This is the last time I'm telling you this - leave now!

['or else'?]

[warrior_king]

[He would twitch an eyebrow if he had them.]

What "light" can there be to a treacherous fiend?

I will not leave. From now on, this being's place in this world, whatever it may be, is mine.

[He does see the threat, however, and he soon turns to Gallade.]

Ready yourself, loyal creature!

[The other Gorthan's Gallade, obeying the new Gorthan, is soon standing between Minnie and the one who is now his new trainer.]

[her_mouse_jesty]

[She hesitates, clearly. She doesn't want to drag innocent Pokemon into this, but she's not being given a choice.]

... Poor thing. Please forgive me. I'm sure you'll understand.

Light!

[She then raises her hand - and for a few seconds, a pillar of white-hot light shoots out of the ground, almost blinding, and shooting up and at Gallade. It's not meant to burn or severely injure, but it carries one nasty punch all the same. She merely wants the creature sat aside, after all. The light vanishes as soon as it's gone.]

There now. Please stand aside while I deal with this.

[warrior_king]

[After Gallade is down, joining his original trainer on the floor, Gorthan is quick to grab his large goblet, emptying its contents in a single draught. He then closes his first around the long stem, holding it as if it were a mace.

While he does not attack Minnie with the blunt object yet, he will not hesitate to do so as soon as he sees her prepare an attack against him.

Even so, Minnie's magic successfully manages to surprise him.]

What kind of sorcery is this?

[her_mouse_jesty]

I don't wish to harm anybody. I just want to help my friend. Don't make me do otherwise.

[That said, she begins walking toward the 'original' Gorthan, wanting to help him. However, she takes her time doing it, in case 'new' Gorthan is the kind of coward who attacks from behind. Since her hand is still glowing, she's still ready to give him a whoopin' if he tries anything.]

[warrior_king]

[Fortunately for her, warlord Gorthan is from a canon point when would never attack from behind without any sort of justification. And so he simply stands to one side, setting down his cup. He folds his arms across his chest and surveys Minnie's movements as he grumbles something under his breath.]

Friend of a traitor and impostor...

[As for the scientist, he's still very much unconscious. At the very least, he's breathing regularly.]

[her_mouse_jesty]

[She kneels besides 'original' Gorthan, petting his head and checking him over.]

Poor dear. I'll do what I can for you.

[And by that she means the spell 'cure'. There's no guarantee it can revive people, but it can at least make sure you're not in any pain whenever you do get up. She focuses both hands over his head, glowing a weird combination of white and green.]

As for you - [other gorthan, of course] - if you're anything like him, you're well versed. So try to remember this one... "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

[warrior_king]

[Warlord Gorthan huffs grumpily.]

Implying that all one is allowed to say is words that will please others? What a foolish notion. I resent it.

[As for the scientist, he begins stirring slowly, as a result of Minnie's spell.]

Why... are you still here? I told you to leave...

[her_mouse_jesty]

[She smiles, relieved to see Gorthan all right.]

I could never leave you behind like this! I'm going to stay here and protect you. We're friends, after all.

[She then cuts Warlord Gorthan a glare. By walt, you're a jerk.]

I guess you won't give an apology either. You still haven't left. Do you really want me to force my hand?

[1/2]

[warrior_king]

[Councillor Gorthan wrinkles his bill haughtily.]

I will give you the... time alone you two seem to need. What a deplorable sight you two make. An Upper Caste Evronian, bonding with a woman from Earth... what a disgrace.

[That said, he will leave, slamming the door loudly behind himself.]

[2/2]

[shakespearealien]

[The scientist slowly sits up and checks if he's still all in one piece. Obviously, he ends up trying to rub away the pain in his skull. And then he notices that said pain is mostly gone.]

... Was it you who healed me, Minnie? Thank you...

[It's hard for him to express this, but the look in his eyes is one of genuine gratitude. If he was still in his human body, he would be blushing a little.

As he lowers his gaze, he notices Minnie's hands. Four fingers... just like his. He stretches his hand out as if to compare their hands, though he's not touching either of hers yet.]

[her_mouse_jesty]

[Goodbye to bad ducks. She's happy just to stay here and tend to her friend. She stays on her knees and dress for now, the magic having worn her out just a tad.]

I'm afraid I can't heal you any further than that... Compared to my husband our friends, my magic is relatively weak. But I managed to scare away... whoever that was.

[Here's hoping the warrior didn't hear that. Then she notices the odd hand comparison she's making, and chuckles softly.]

See? We're more alike than you knew.

[shakespearealien]

We are, indeed... [He seems pensive as he keeps staring at their hands.]

... I think I know who that was. [A heavy sigh.] But he's not from my world... or universe, even.

[He looks up intensely at Minnie as he explains.]

At an early point in my life, I was given the option - rare for an Evronian who is born a scientist, like myself - to choose the military career path instead. Even then, my thirst for knowledge was strong, so I refused. I think he is... what would have happened, had I agreed to that.

[her_mouse_jesty]

[If it wasn't for this game, I'm sure that news would be relatively shocking. But now, she slowly nods, thinking back.]

So it really was you... just a different you. It's not the first time I've seen an alternate version of the same person... Given what's become of both of you, I think you made the right choice. You're a much better person this way.

[shakespearealien]

[With slow, heavy movements, Gorthan stands to his feet.]

A... better person? I am not sure that is the case.

[He goes to his bag and finds a Revive there. He then walks up to his fainted Gallade and proceeds to heal him.]

But I like to believe I am at least smarter than he is. I know better than to pick a fight with you.

[her_mouse_jesty]

[She's about to thank him for the... compliment? But then notices the fallen Gallade.]

I'm dreadfully sorry about hurting your Pokemon, but he gave me no choice... and in all this transportation, I haven't been able to take any of my Pokemon with me. I guess it's the only time I've been grateful for being the weakest magic user.

[shakespearealien]

It is quite alright. It's what Gallade deserves, for defecting me in a moment of need.

[He sighs, slowly massaging his Pokémon's blade-like arms as he waits for the medicine to take effect.]

This Pokémon species is not supposed to behave like this. Their loyalty to their original trainer is supposed to last to the end... But this one was trained from birth to serve Team Rocket. It must have sensed that the other me could serve Team Rocket's purposes better than I do...

... It's not like I don't know of a way to reprogram its behavior. But Gallade is my starter, and I have no intention to disrespect him.

[When Gallade's eyes open again, Gorthan meets them with a very sad and empty stare.]

[her_mouse_jesty]

[... well, Minnnie's not going to take this nonsense. She stands up, brushes down her dress, and then goes on haughty princess mode!]

How dare you, young man! This man is your trainer, the one you have been with from the start!

[She even goes for the finger wag.]

Has he not cared for you and done everything for you? Has he not trained you well and given you good companions? And this is how you repay him? You ought to be ashamed of yourself! I have a right mind to cast more spells on you all over again for that betrayal! I demand you apologize to your trainer right this second!

[shakespearealien]

Allow me to correct you, Minnie - this one was trained for a few levels by Team Rocket officers, before it was entrusted to me.

[He closes his eyes gravely.]

I suppose I should not expect it to be as loyal as other specimen of Gallade are to their trainers.

[At first, Gallade is determined to sit through this without batting an eyelash. He sits up, his brow furrowed as he stares up defiantly at them. But then... as Minnie and Gorthan scold him, each of them in their own way, Gallade lowers his head and lets his shoulders fall apologetically.]

1/3

[her_mouse_jesty]

... Still. It appears we got through to him.

[She smiles, relieved.]

I really do hope I remember this. In all honesty, I -