XIII. [Rocket-only video - Joint post with Agnus (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
tickleironysjudgment)]
[Hello, and welcome back to Rotom Channel! Yup, that's still Rotom in the lower right corner of the screen. At least, this time, Gorthan has figured out a way to put this tendency of Rotom's to some use - you'll see how in a moment.
The laboratory is dark - quite frankly, Gorthan would not have it any other way. Atmosphere is important, and the Evronian scientist is, at heart, more of an aesthete than he usually gets credit for.
What seems to be the only source of light is meant to illuminate a very peculiar device, shown at the center of the video that is being broadcast. Decidedly circular, for it is made of rotating rings with a round core in the center, and, all in all, not unlike a gyroscope at all. In fact, that is exactly what it would look like at first glance - a somewhat fancier kind of gyroscope. Could it be that what Agnus and Gorthan have been working on is nothing but the kind of expensive, yet tacky ornament you would find in the house of someone pretentious, extravagant and with money to burn?
Of course, that's what it only looks like. It is, in fact, their first joint brainchild. To be fair, Agnus was responsible for most of the work, as Gorthan had been busy with the Rocket mutations, which included his own. Dist helped out, too, by the way!
In spite of the little light, Gorthan can be seen in the feed as well, pensively staring at something on his wrists - two bracelets that he has never been known to wear. After a moment, he raises his eyes, showing his companion a small smile. Judging by his words and by the way he seems to sometimes look into the Gear, he seems to be aware that they're being broadcast.]
The moment is solemn, Agnus. Is there anything you want to say, before we begin testing? I used to know someone here - testing was literally the reason she lived and breathed. While I doubt that you are exactly the same way, surely the trascendence of our work is not lost on you.
This project has come far indeed, and your mutation is quite fortunate. This prototype is the culmination of our efforts so far, the materials we have synthesized to produce the greatest reactions all molded into this opus. Artistic design and scientific prowess, married into these glorious devices. [Agnus' gleeful smirk does little to hide his enthusiasm for the current endeavor. He eagerly prepares his notepad for the data they will accumulate and record, a steady hand despite his excitement awaiting the first round of testing.]
To see my knowledge of alchemy, your knowledge of biology, and Ser Rose's knowledge of design and mechanics all married to produce such results is glorious indeed. Let us go forward, then, you may proceed when ready. We will start small. Observe the reaction to low-level abilities before we move upwards.
[[OOC: This is a joint post with Agnus! (tickleironysjudgment). Obviously, turquoise is Gorthan, orange is Agnus. Much testing and experimenting - all public for Rockets to see, unless stated otherwise - will be in their thread together.
Edit - Also IMPORTANT: This is backdated to before everyone loses their powers.]]
The laboratory is dark - quite frankly, Gorthan would not have it any other way. Atmosphere is important, and the Evronian scientist is, at heart, more of an aesthete than he usually gets credit for.
What seems to be the only source of light is meant to illuminate a very peculiar device, shown at the center of the video that is being broadcast. Decidedly circular, for it is made of rotating rings with a round core in the center, and, all in all, not unlike a gyroscope at all. In fact, that is exactly what it would look like at first glance - a somewhat fancier kind of gyroscope. Could it be that what Agnus and Gorthan have been working on is nothing but the kind of expensive, yet tacky ornament you would find in the house of someone pretentious, extravagant and with money to burn?
Of course, that's what it only looks like. It is, in fact, their first joint brainchild. To be fair, Agnus was responsible for most of the work, as Gorthan had been busy with the Rocket mutations, which included his own. Dist helped out, too, by the way!
In spite of the little light, Gorthan can be seen in the feed as well, pensively staring at something on his wrists - two bracelets that he has never been known to wear. After a moment, he raises his eyes, showing his companion a small smile. Judging by his words and by the way he seems to sometimes look into the Gear, he seems to be aware that they're being broadcast.]
The moment is solemn, Agnus. Is there anything you want to say, before we begin testing? I used to know someone here - testing was literally the reason she lived and breathed. While I doubt that you are exactly the same way, surely the trascendence of our work is not lost on you.
This project has come far indeed, and your mutation is quite fortunate. This prototype is the culmination of our efforts so far, the materials we have synthesized to produce the greatest reactions all molded into this opus. Artistic design and scientific prowess, married into these glorious devices. [Agnus' gleeful smirk does little to hide his enthusiasm for the current endeavor. He eagerly prepares his notepad for the data they will accumulate and record, a steady hand despite his excitement awaiting the first round of testing.]
To see my knowledge of alchemy, your knowledge of biology, and Ser Rose's knowledge of design and mechanics all married to produce such results is glorious indeed. Let us go forward, then, you may proceed when ready. We will start small. Observe the reaction to low-level abilities before we move upwards.
[[OOC: This is a joint post with Agnus! (
tickleironysjudgment). Obviously, turquoise is Gorthan, orange is Agnus. Much testing and experimenting - all public for Rockets to see, unless stated otherwise - will be in their thread together.Edit - Also IMPORTANT: This is backdated to before everyone loses their powers.]]
XII. [Rocket-only Video + Action for Goldenrod City.]
[Video.]
[This time, Gorthan's Video feed is 100% free from Rotom interference!
Except, wait. What is that small-orange top-like thing in the bottom right corner of the screen, occasionally moving and and spinning on itself like a top and overall closely resembling the brightly colored moving logo of a kids' TV channel?
... Oh. It's a Rotom. Make that... 90% free, maybe?
So Test Subject #3 the Rotom - you can thank GLaDOS for the creative nickname - is still very much inside Gorthan's PokéGear, except it has figured out a way to be simultaneously less invasive and more annoying, if you can believe that. Gorthan himself has learned not to mind - after all, this reminds him of home, in a way. Artificial intelligences are all pretty smart on Evron, often interacting with Evronians as if they were living beings themselves. So, a living being inside a machine? Not a big deal.
Anyway, as for what the video shows... Nothing of interest can be seen for now except for a wall and a few uninteresting pieces of typical lab furniture. Then why-]
- I SAID. NOT. THE CHILD.
- Aaagh!
[The cam jitters for a moment as Rotom makes the Gear spin on itself so the cam can show where all the commotion is coming from. The order, given in a loud, cold voice, and the pained scream.
There's Gorthan, with his arms spread a little at his sides and his brow furrowed in anger. ... Speaking of his brow, his forehead markings seem to be glowing, a mild silvery light.
And there's a poor NPC Rocket scientist, on his knees on the ground, both arms clutching his head, and pleading.]
- Make it stop! Make it stop, Doctor Gorthan, please!
[Gorthan stares down at the poor scientist for a few more moments. Then, lifting his head slightly, he closes his eyes and takes a slow, deep breath. The glowing lights on his forehead progressively dim down until they disappear completely. He then takes a slow, solemn step towards the man he was psychically hurting a moment before.]
- The child is a delicate case. I will take care of her myself. You stay out of it.
- Y-yes, sir...
[And at that, Rotom resizes itself to cover the whole screen and winks, grinning mischievously at the viewer, before cutting the feed out.]
[Action for Goldenrod City (both Rocket and non-Rocket).]
[This is perfectly normal for Gorthan, you see. An important, large-scale power enhancement experiment means that Gorthan is going to be a part of it. In many ways. By lending his thorough knowledge of biology and genetics to the researchers in question, and... by being one of the Guinea pigs.
Physically, he hasn't changed much. There's his forehead markings, however - they seem... shinier somehow, and somewhat larger and more in relief, as if they were jewels. And they glow when he's using his powers. Said powers being the ability to cause splitting migraines with Confusion and to quickly put people to sleep with Hypnosis. He's managed a Psybeam, too, once or twice, but that seems to require a certain amount of effort. He wants to be working on psychic barriers, hoping he can manage a Reflect or Light Screen.
As he experiments with his new self, he will be easily found either at the Rocket labs or strolling around Goldenrod. The latter in spite of the fact that Bug Pokémon, ever-so-common in summer, are something he really, really detests right now. Silly side-effect. Whenever he finds a group of trainers bragging about the recent Bug-Catching Contest... well, he changes his course or otherwise gets the hell away from there. The buzzing of those wings, the idea that they may sting or bite at any time... it's just unbearable.
And then there's the whole childish can't-sleep-with-the-lights-out thing. "Fear of the dark! I have a constant fear that's something's always near"... you know the deal.
Silly, silly side effect...]
[This time, Gorthan's Video feed is 100% free from Rotom interference!
Except, wait. What is that small-orange top-like thing in the bottom right corner of the screen, occasionally moving and and spinning on itself like a top and overall closely resembling the brightly colored moving logo of a kids' TV channel?
... Oh. It's a Rotom. Make that... 90% free, maybe?
So Test Subject #3 the Rotom - you can thank GLaDOS for the creative nickname - is still very much inside Gorthan's PokéGear, except it has figured out a way to be simultaneously less invasive and more annoying, if you can believe that. Gorthan himself has learned not to mind - after all, this reminds him of home, in a way. Artificial intelligences are all pretty smart on Evron, often interacting with Evronians as if they were living beings themselves. So, a living being inside a machine? Not a big deal.
Anyway, as for what the video shows... Nothing of interest can be seen for now except for a wall and a few uninteresting pieces of typical lab furniture. Then why-]
- I SAID. NOT. THE CHILD.
- Aaagh!
[The cam jitters for a moment as Rotom makes the Gear spin on itself so the cam can show where all the commotion is coming from. The order, given in a loud, cold voice, and the pained scream.
There's Gorthan, with his arms spread a little at his sides and his brow furrowed in anger. ... Speaking of his brow, his forehead markings seem to be glowing, a mild silvery light.
And there's a poor NPC Rocket scientist, on his knees on the ground, both arms clutching his head, and pleading.]
- Make it stop! Make it stop, Doctor Gorthan, please!
[Gorthan stares down at the poor scientist for a few more moments. Then, lifting his head slightly, he closes his eyes and takes a slow, deep breath. The glowing lights on his forehead progressively dim down until they disappear completely. He then takes a slow, solemn step towards the man he was psychically hurting a moment before.]
- The child is a delicate case. I will take care of her myself. You stay out of it.
- Y-yes, sir...
[And at that, Rotom resizes itself to cover the whole screen and winks, grinning mischievously at the viewer, before cutting the feed out.]
[Action for Goldenrod City (both Rocket and non-Rocket).]
[This is perfectly normal for Gorthan, you see. An important, large-scale power enhancement experiment means that Gorthan is going to be a part of it. In many ways. By lending his thorough knowledge of biology and genetics to the researchers in question, and... by being one of the Guinea pigs.
Physically, he hasn't changed much. There's his forehead markings, however - they seem... shinier somehow, and somewhat larger and more in relief, as if they were jewels. And they glow when he's using his powers. Said powers being the ability to cause splitting migraines with Confusion and to quickly put people to sleep with Hypnosis. He's managed a Psybeam, too, once or twice, but that seems to require a certain amount of effort. He wants to be working on psychic barriers, hoping he can manage a Reflect or Light Screen.
As he experiments with his new self, he will be easily found either at the Rocket labs or strolling around Goldenrod. The latter in spite of the fact that Bug Pokémon, ever-so-common in summer, are something he really, really detests right now. Silly side-effect. Whenever he finds a group of trainers bragging about the recent Bug-Catching Contest... well, he changes his course or otherwise gets the hell away from there. The buzzing of those wings, the idea that they may sting or bite at any time... it's just unbearable.
And then there's the whole childish can't-sleep-with-the-lights-out thing. "Fear of the dark! I have a constant fear that's something's always near"... you know the deal.
Silly, silly side effect...]
XI. [Video + Action for Goldenrod City.]
[All that Gorthan's feed shows today is this.
Fizzling blue noise and the Rotom that was formerly GLaDOS'. The voice coming from the Gear, however, is unmistakably Gorthan's. Dark, deep, pensive... and with the slightest hint of irritation.]
The songbird has flown back into her cage. A completely foreseeable outcome.
I understand that you miss her, and trust me, I feel the same way. I also understand that getting you to like me as much as you liked her will be no easy feat. But how are we supposed to get to know each other if you won't get out of there?
[The Rotom doesn't seem to be paying any attention whatsoever. It's just floating around the screen, smiling mischievously and making the blue noise fizzle some more.]
... You are broadcasting this, aren't you.
[Rotom's mischievous grin remains unchanged as it nods.
Guess whose PokéGear just got possessed by an electric ghost.
As for Gorthan himself, he's in his room at the Rocket HQ in Goldenrod, staring at the Pokémon currently in his device and wondering if the best way to successfully get it to come out is to just ignore it for a while.]
Fizzling blue noise and the Rotom that was formerly GLaDOS'. The voice coming from the Gear, however, is unmistakably Gorthan's. Dark, deep, pensive... and with the slightest hint of irritation.]
The songbird has flown back into her cage. A completely foreseeable outcome.
I understand that you miss her, and trust me, I feel the same way. I also understand that getting you to like me as much as you liked her will be no easy feat. But how are we supposed to get to know each other if you won't get out of there?
[The Rotom doesn't seem to be paying any attention whatsoever. It's just floating around the screen, smiling mischievously and making the blue noise fizzle some more.]
... You are broadcasting this, aren't you.
[Rotom's mischievous grin remains unchanged as it nods.
Guess whose PokéGear just got possessed by an electric ghost.
As for Gorthan himself, he's in his room at the Rocket HQ in Goldenrod, staring at the Pokémon currently in his device and wondering if the best way to successfully get it to come out is to just ignore it for a while.]
Entry tags:
X. [Fourth Wall Weekend! Video-Action for the Goldenrod Rocket base.]
[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 bywarrior_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.]]
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.]
[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.]
[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.]
[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.]]Entry tags:
IX. [Audio for the Rockets involved in the garbage missions; especially Group 2.]
[This takes place after the first phase of the plan.
Gorthan's voice is dark and deep, but clear, and with a somewhat amused edge to it. It's obvious that he's rather excited about the situation, though it's an emotion he's trying, and mostly managing, to contain.]
I trust Group 1 should be mostly finished by now...?
Good evening, Group 2.
Agent Gorthan here, stationed in Celadon City, Kanto. Remember to report to your assigned Group Leader. Who will, in turn, report to me.
Good luck, Agents.
To Archer (determinator) and Hughes (derpsaboutfamily):
Anything to report yet?
Private to Cobra Commander (cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa):
Still doubting, Commander?
Private to Ivan (meatysoviet):
Was that fun for you?
Private to "Caroline" (neurotoxined):
[For this message, Gorthan's voice actually sounds a little... sad.]
I imagine how you must feel, Caroline. Leaving the laboratories, something which, if I recall correctly, you had no desire to do, only to receive this kind of sensory stimulus...
... If it helps, I will personally make sure to supply your newly acquired nostrils with something that can make up for this.
Gorthan's voice is dark and deep, but clear, and with a somewhat amused edge to it. It's obvious that he's rather excited about the situation, though it's an emotion he's trying, and mostly managing, to contain.]
I trust Group 1 should be mostly finished by now...?
Good evening, Group 2.
Agent Gorthan here, stationed in Celadon City, Kanto. Remember to report to your assigned Group Leader. Who will, in turn, report to me.
Good luck, Agents.
To Archer (
determinator) and Hughes (derpsaboutfamily):Anything to report yet?
Private to Cobra Commander (
cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa):Still doubting, Commander?
Private to Ivan (
meatysoviet):Was that fun for you?
Private to "Caroline" (
neurotoxined):[For this message, Gorthan's voice actually sounds a little... sad.]
I imagine how you must feel, Caroline. Leaving the laboratories, something which, if I recall correctly, you had no desire to do, only to receive this kind of sensory stimulus...
... If it helps, I will personally make sure to supply your newly acquired nostrils with something that can make up for this.
Entry tags:
VIII. Video/Action for Ecruteak City. + text.
Video/Action:
[The first seconds of Gorthan's Video feed show his profile through a doorway. He seems to be talking to someone who is obscured by the presence of a white wall. And judging by Gorthan's words, that someone is more than one person.]
I will be leaving soon, my dear ladies. My presence is needed in Goldenrod again. But worry not. All of you are healing up well and should be able to return home soon. I will personally keep in touch with that incompetent who was originally assigned to you as a doctor to ensure that my recommendations are being followed at all times. It was a true honor to assist you. I can already assure you that part of my salary will go to you, so you will be able to rebuild your theatre as soon as possible.
[After which Gorthan himself disappears from view. There are a few unintelligible words, women's voices along with Gorthan's own. About a minute later, Gorthan walks out of the room and closer to the camera.]
Noctowl. Do not worry, I have no intention to replace you yet. Now, kindly let go of my Pokégear, if you will.
[The video cuts, only to resume again in the open. Buildings and trees can be seen in the background while Gorthan speaks to the camera, his expression pretty much neutral.]
Will someone inform me of the events that took place in Goldenrod? I was so absorbed in my work here, I seem to have missed something.
Private text to "Caroline" (neurotoxined):
[Um, Gorthan's been texting her regularly, at least once a day. Small, inane things. Like "Good morning"s and "Goodnight"s. In what is some really mild flirting, whose mildness is due to the fact that a) Gorthan has been really busy, b) it's not that he doesn't know how to flirt (although that is partially the case), he's just been wondering if he should do it at all. Today's text is a bit different from the others.]
I am now on my way to base. Are you still there? I am looking forward to meeting you.
[The first seconds of Gorthan's Video feed show his profile through a doorway. He seems to be talking to someone who is obscured by the presence of a white wall. And judging by Gorthan's words, that someone is more than one person.]
I will be leaving soon, my dear ladies. My presence is needed in Goldenrod again. But worry not. All of you are healing up well and should be able to return home soon. I will personally keep in touch with that incompetent who was originally assigned to you as a doctor to ensure that my recommendations are being followed at all times. It was a true honor to assist you. I can already assure you that part of my salary will go to you, so you will be able to rebuild your theatre as soon as possible.
[After which Gorthan himself disappears from view. There are a few unintelligible words, women's voices along with Gorthan's own. About a minute later, Gorthan walks out of the room and closer to the camera.]
Noctowl. Do not worry, I have no intention to replace you yet. Now, kindly let go of my Pokégear, if you will.
[The video cuts, only to resume again in the open. Buildings and trees can be seen in the background while Gorthan speaks to the camera, his expression pretty much neutral.]
Will someone inform me of the events that took place in Goldenrod? I was so absorbed in my work here, I seem to have missed something.
Private text to "Caroline" (
neurotoxined):[Um, Gorthan's been texting her regularly, at least once a day. Small, inane things. Like "Good morning"s and "Goodnight"s. In what is some really mild flirting, whose mildness is due to the fact that a) Gorthan has been really busy, b) it's not that he doesn't know how to flirt (although that is partially the case), he's just been wondering if he should do it at all. Today's text is a bit different from the others.]
I am now on my way to base. Are you still there? I am looking forward to meeting you.
Entry tags:
VII. Video + Action for Ecruteak City + two more things.
Video/Action:
[It's the dead of night, and Gorthan is in a room at the Ecruteak City inn. If the scientist doesn't look happy in the least, it's because he is not. He is, in fact, very, very angry. Angry about what happened to the Kimono Girls and their theatre. Angry at the people who did it, whoever they are.
And most of all? He's angry at himself, for being part of something that allows and even encourages this level of horrible cruelty.
The video is a close-up of Gorthan's face, the focus being on his narrowed eyes and furrowed brow, his usual circular markings very visible.]
"O, be thou damned, inexecrable dog!
And for thy life let justice be accused.
Thou almost mak’st me waver in my faith,
To hold opinion with Pythagoras
That souls of animals infuse themselves
Into the trunks of men. Thy currish spirit
Governed a wolf who, hanged for human slaughter,
Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And, whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed dam,
Infused itself in thee; for thy desires
Are wolfish, bloody, starved and ravenous."
[As he recites the quotation, his voice is loud, deep and scary, almost a growl in some parts. At times his hands tremble with rage, making the camera shift a little. When that happens, one may catch a glimpse of Gorthan's Elgyem in a corner of the screen. And while it's hard to tell an Elgyem's emotions, it's pretty easy to tell that this one is seriously intimidated right now. It recoils away from its trainer, its eyes open wide and its colorful lights blinking wildly.
At the end of the quotation, however, Gorthan appears to regain a certain degree of composure. He sighs, throwing his head back a little for a moment, takes a few deep breaths and picks up his Elgyem, pulling the smaller alien into his lap. When he speaks again, it's clear that he has successfully managed to calm down.]
I have arrived in Ecruteak City. I believe I do not need to inform you about what has occurred here. All of you know by now, I am sure.
To the rescuers of the Kimono Girls - thank you sincerely. I intend to help out as well, now that I am here. If any of you are watching this, I ask that you contact me.
Private text to Minnie:
I must ask that you reach me here in Ecruteak. Even though the original plan was to visit you, I will be here a while. Something horrible happened, as I am sure you know, and my help is needed.
Private text to Descole:
Report.
[That is totally how it's done. On Evron, that is.]
[It's the dead of night, and Gorthan is in a room at the Ecruteak City inn. If the scientist doesn't look happy in the least, it's because he is not. He is, in fact, very, very angry. Angry about what happened to the Kimono Girls and their theatre. Angry at the people who did it, whoever they are.
And most of all? He's angry at himself, for being part of something that allows and even encourages this level of horrible cruelty.
The video is a close-up of Gorthan's face, the focus being on his narrowed eyes and furrowed brow, his usual circular markings very visible.]
"O, be thou damned, inexecrable dog!
And for thy life let justice be accused.
Thou almost mak’st me waver in my faith,
To hold opinion with Pythagoras
That souls of animals infuse themselves
Into the trunks of men. Thy currish spirit
Governed a wolf who, hanged for human slaughter,
Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And, whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed dam,
Infused itself in thee; for thy desires
Are wolfish, bloody, starved and ravenous."
[As he recites the quotation, his voice is loud, deep and scary, almost a growl in some parts. At times his hands tremble with rage, making the camera shift a little. When that happens, one may catch a glimpse of Gorthan's Elgyem in a corner of the screen. And while it's hard to tell an Elgyem's emotions, it's pretty easy to tell that this one is seriously intimidated right now. It recoils away from its trainer, its eyes open wide and its colorful lights blinking wildly.
At the end of the quotation, however, Gorthan appears to regain a certain degree of composure. He sighs, throwing his head back a little for a moment, takes a few deep breaths and picks up his Elgyem, pulling the smaller alien into his lap. When he speaks again, it's clear that he has successfully managed to calm down.]
I have arrived in Ecruteak City. I believe I do not need to inform you about what has occurred here. All of you know by now, I am sure.
To the rescuers of the Kimono Girls - thank you sincerely. I intend to help out as well, now that I am here. If any of you are watching this, I ask that you contact me.
Private text to Minnie:
I must ask that you reach me here in Ecruteak. Even though the original plan was to visit you, I will be here a while. Something horrible happened, as I am sure you know, and my help is needed.
Private text to Descole:
Report.
[That is totally how it's done. On Evron, that is.]
VI. [Text. More like, pictures.]
[Something beautiful has happened in Gorthan's life recently.
In the form of a healthy, lively specimen of Elgyem hatching from a certain mysterious egg.
It is the first other extraterrestrial being that the scientist has encountered in Johto. It has strong psychic powers, like Gorthan used to have. And apparently, it enjoys literature as much as Gorthan does. Of course, it doesn't really read as much as it... displays interesting reactions to what Gorthan reads to it. Much like Gorthan, the Elgyem is not particularly expressive in and of itself, and yet it is capable of such a wide range of reactions and emotions...
Of course, that is bound to make Gorthan's starter jealous. The Gallade has used Gorthan's Pokegear to take a series of snapshots of the scientist and his new Pokémon in attitudes that are most definitely not befitting of an esteemed member of Team Rocket's scientific branch - and absolutely not befitting of a high-caste Evronian. While the Psychic type has, for the moment, no intention of reporting Gorthan's odd behavior to Rocket authorities, he assumes that, for now, a bit of public shaming will be enough to remind him to keep himself in check. And so, a selection of the pictures Gallade has taken is all over everybody's Pokégears.
In the first picture, it is night, and Gorthan and Elgyem sit on the lush grass of the National Park, stargazing together. Gorthan has his arm up, pointing at stars and tracing constellations for Elgyem to see.
The second picture shows Gorthan and Elgyem examining a curiously shaped seashell. On the background is the sea as seen from the small beach on Route 34, which is now officially Gorthan's favorite location.
And finally, in the third picture, Gorthan is sitting at his desk, on top of which a large hardcover book lies open. But Gorthan is not reading it. Instead, what he's doing is hugging the smaller alien, holding him gently in his arms. They rest their heads on each other's shoulders, their eyes closed and their expressions unreadable.]
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V. [Video visible to Rockets only. Action for the Goldenrod City Rocket HQ.]
[The Video feed shows a profile view of Gorthan, working on something at his desk. To the untrained eye, he seems to be drawing on the graph paper laid out before him together with a set of drawing tools including, aside from the obvious pens, pencils and erasers, rulers, a compass, a protractor and set squares. ... Also, Gorthan's Noctowl is perched at the end of the desk, and Gorthan looks at it from time to time as if his Pokémon was posing for him. And yet... that isn't quite it, because he also seems to be making rather extensive use of those technical tools, picking each of them up to work with them quite often.
What he's really making is a blueprint, the good ol' fashioned way.
But what does his Noctowl have to do with that...? The viewer won't know until Gorthan speaks, about two minutes into the video. And even then... He keeps working at the blueprint as he speaks, not once turning to face the camera.]
I intend to rebuild and perfect a certain robotic device I had designed and created in my home world. If you possess skills in one or more of the following fields - mechanics, electronics, robotics, telecommunications, advanced computer programming, metalwork - please do not hesitate to contact me.
... There was someone who was willing to aid me with implementations, but he... seems to be temporarily unavailable. At this stage, I also would not be surprised if he had been kicked out of the Team entirely.
[He's referring, of course, to Robin.]
... It goes without saying that if this project is as successful as I plan it will be, any and all helpers' names will be credited accordingly. Thank you for your time.
[At which Gallade, who has been filming all along, switches off the feed.]
What he's really making is a blueprint, the good ol' fashioned way.
But what does his Noctowl have to do with that...? The viewer won't know until Gorthan speaks, about two minutes into the video. And even then... He keeps working at the blueprint as he speaks, not once turning to face the camera.]
I intend to rebuild and perfect a certain robotic device I had designed and created in my home world. If you possess skills in one or more of the following fields - mechanics, electronics, robotics, telecommunications, advanced computer programming, metalwork - please do not hesitate to contact me.
... There was someone who was willing to aid me with implementations, but he... seems to be temporarily unavailable. At this stage, I also would not be surprised if he had been kicked out of the Team entirely.
[He's referring, of course, to Robin.]
... It goes without saying that if this project is as successful as I plan it will be, any and all helpers' names will be credited accordingly. Thank you for your time.
[At which Gallade, who has been filming all along, switches off the feed.]
IV. Video/Action for Route 34 + Text
Video/Action:
[The video feed doesn't show Gorthan anywhere, but those are some pretty good shots of the sea from the beach on Route 34. It appears that the scientist is using the cam to film his newly evolved Gallade as the Pokémon uses his Confusion attack to levitate poor, defenseless Tentacool out of the water, sometimes two or three at a time. Then, once they're within close range, Gallade proceeds to kick their jellyfish butts by quickly slashing them with Psycho Cut and Leaf Blade before launching them back into the water. The process is repeated four or five times throughout the video - it's hard to tell exactly how many times it is, since the succession is incredibly fast, more than one jellyfish occasionally go down at once, and the whole video doesn't last longer than a minute and a half. And through most of that time, Gallade is hardly more than a white and green blur, his sword-like arms and lithe body moving at amazing speed.
And this is why Gorthan wanted his Kirlia to evolve into the Fighting and Psychic type. The entire spectacle is a pretty good mix of sadistic and completely awesome, with water sprinkling in all directions while Gallade makes fast, precise movements, as if dancing in a light drizzle glittering in the sunlight. Why, if it weren't cruel and punctuated by the sounds of Tentacool being brutally crushed, it would be pretty beautiful.]
( Text to Robin )
( Text to Kimblee )
( Text to Cobra Commander )
( Text to Fuu )
[The video feed doesn't show Gorthan anywhere, but those are some pretty good shots of the sea from the beach on Route 34. It appears that the scientist is using the cam to film his newly evolved Gallade as the Pokémon uses his Confusion attack to levitate poor, defenseless Tentacool out of the water, sometimes two or three at a time. Then, once they're within close range, Gallade proceeds to kick their jellyfish butts by quickly slashing them with Psycho Cut and Leaf Blade before launching them back into the water. The process is repeated four or five times throughout the video - it's hard to tell exactly how many times it is, since the succession is incredibly fast, more than one jellyfish occasionally go down at once, and the whole video doesn't last longer than a minute and a half. And through most of that time, Gallade is hardly more than a white and green blur, his sword-like arms and lithe body moving at amazing speed.
And this is why Gorthan wanted his Kirlia to evolve into the Fighting and Psychic type. The entire spectacle is a pretty good mix of sadistic and completely awesome, with water sprinkling in all directions while Gallade makes fast, precise movements, as if dancing in a light drizzle glittering in the sunlight. Why, if it weren't cruel and punctuated by the sounds of Tentacool being brutally crushed, it would be pretty beautiful.]
( Text to Robin )
( Text to Kimblee )
( Text to Cobra Commander )
( Text to Fuu )
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[[OOC: Christmas Gift List.]]
Gorthan and Christmas. The most awkward combination ever. But he supposes that there is no such thing as people having enough books. So.
( Books. Books everywhere. )
( Books. Books everywhere. )
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III. [Accidental video + Action for the Goldenrod Tunnel] | Fourth Wall Event
[Gorthan should have known.
He should have known that the human body he had been granted was merely a temporary condition.
And now he's an Evronian again. Thick violet-magenta skin, four fingers on each hand, a beak and webbed feet, pupil-less blue eyes. Sure, his de-humanization has come with a fully functioning set of tanks full of emotional energy that will be Gorthan's nourishment. But what will happen once they run dry? Will he be forced to turn the denizens of Johto into soulless, brainless Cool Flames in order to live? Or have all the new emotions that he's been experiencing since coming here finally rendered him capable of feeding on himself?
... And while he's busy reflecting on all this, he hasn't noticed that his Kirlia is freaking out, holding Gorthan's Gear in Video mode and pointing it at his Trainer. Where is Kirlia's trainer, and who is this duck monster?! Johto needs to know!
In response to that, Gorthan tries to cover his face with a four-fingered hand, while his other hand gestures for Kirlia to stop filming him.]
... Don't! Please, don't. It's just me, Kirlia, don't be afraid! Put it down, now!
[But Kirlia won't listen. Because Kirlia is afraid. And he will continue to be afraid, so long as Gorthan continues to be afraid of himself.]
He should have known that the human body he had been granted was merely a temporary condition.
And now he's an Evronian again. Thick violet-magenta skin, four fingers on each hand, a beak and webbed feet, pupil-less blue eyes. Sure, his de-humanization has come with a fully functioning set of tanks full of emotional energy that will be Gorthan's nourishment. But what will happen once they run dry? Will he be forced to turn the denizens of Johto into soulless, brainless Cool Flames in order to live? Or have all the new emotions that he's been experiencing since coming here finally rendered him capable of feeding on himself?
... And while he's busy reflecting on all this, he hasn't noticed that his Kirlia is freaking out, holding Gorthan's Gear in Video mode and pointing it at his Trainer. Where is Kirlia's trainer, and who is this duck monster?! Johto needs to know!
In response to that, Gorthan tries to cover his face with a four-fingered hand, while his other hand gestures for Kirlia to stop filming him.]
... Don't! Please, don't. It's just me, Kirlia, don't be afraid! Put it down, now!
[But Kirlia won't listen. Because Kirlia is afraid. And he will continue to be afraid, so long as Gorthan continues to be afraid of himself.]
II. [Video/Action for Route 43]
[It's the dead of night and, judging by the scene being shown by the video feed, a certain scientist is very, very eager to show off his new catch - a Mareep. Even though the screen is mostly black, there is a yellow circle of light somewhere around the center - the lightbulb at the tip of its tail - and yellowish and blueish flickering sparks from the tiny Pokémon's fleece that make it instantly recognizable. The little sheep tilts its head from one side to the other as it tries to make sense of what Gorthan, who stands right in front of it, is doing. That is, simultaneously filming it and narrating a passage from one of his favorite books by heart.]
"For millions of years flowers have been producing thorns. For millions of years sheep have been eating them all the same. And it's not serious, trying to understand why flowers go to such trouble to produce thorns that are good for nothing? It's not important, the war between the sheep and the flowers?"
[A long pause. When he speaks again, he is still off-screen.]
From "The Little Prince", by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Now, I ask of you all - what is important to you? And how often, if ever, do you feel that most people's priorities in life are vastly different from yours?
"For millions of years flowers have been producing thorns. For millions of years sheep have been eating them all the same. And it's not serious, trying to understand why flowers go to such trouble to produce thorns that are good for nothing? It's not important, the war between the sheep and the flowers?"
[A long pause. When he speaks again, he is still off-screen.]
From "The Little Prince", by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Now, I ask of you all - what is important to you? And how often, if ever, do you feel that most people's priorities in life are vastly different from yours?
I. [Video - Mahogany Town]
[The face that will be appearing on your screens is that of a forty-something with tan skin, deep blue eyes, an exceptionally orderly head of blond dreadlocks and odd silver circular markings on his forehead. Kind of like a Tauros', except one small circle short.
Something is definitely bothering this man, as evidenced by his dark eyebrows knitting together in a stern glare as he looks down at the off-screen thing that is likely the reason for his current annoyance. He spends several seconds like that, just frowning and staring down in complete silence, before he finally holds the small Pokémon up in his arms so it's finally on screen - it's a cute little Ralts, who flashes a big happy smile to the camera as soon as it realizes it's being caught on video and broadcast to the world.]
Is there a way to get it to stop reading me? I understand that this... little one has potential, but power is meaningless if the one wielding it lacks the necessary control and discipline. Psychic powers are, of course, no exception. Ralts here needs a lesson in respect for other people's privacy. At the same time, I will admit I have next to no experience working with these creatures, and I worry that any punishment I might administer would be too harsh on so frail a being. Any advice on this matter will be greatly appreciated.
[Throughout Gorthan's message, Ralts' expression has remained unchanged - it looks very happy to be in Gorthan's arms. Evidently, it's not something that happens very frequently. And it seems that the small Pokémon was reading the odd man's mind - or at least his intentions - all along. Because it seems to know exactly when its trainer is about to cut off the communication, and waves its tiny white hand at the viewers shortly before the video message ends.]
Something is definitely bothering this man, as evidenced by his dark eyebrows knitting together in a stern glare as he looks down at the off-screen thing that is likely the reason for his current annoyance. He spends several seconds like that, just frowning and staring down in complete silence, before he finally holds the small Pokémon up in his arms so it's finally on screen - it's a cute little Ralts, who flashes a big happy smile to the camera as soon as it realizes it's being caught on video and broadcast to the world.]
Is there a way to get it to stop reading me? I understand that this... little one has potential, but power is meaningless if the one wielding it lacks the necessary control and discipline. Psychic powers are, of course, no exception. Ralts here needs a lesson in respect for other people's privacy. At the same time, I will admit I have next to no experience working with these creatures, and I worry that any punishment I might administer would be too harsh on so frail a being. Any advice on this matter will be greatly appreciated.
[Throughout Gorthan's message, Ralts' expression has remained unchanged - it looks very happy to be in Gorthan's arms. Evidently, it's not something that happens very frequently. And it seems that the small Pokémon was reading the odd man's mind - or at least his intentions - all along. Because it seems to know exactly when its trainer is about to cut off the communication, and waves its tiny white hand at the viewers shortly before the video message ends.]
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