sonore | ♮ [001] ♬ video

H-hey cut that out I’m trying to—
[ Don’t mind Neku as he fumbles with the communicator, a burst of flames appearing on the screen as orange locks of hair come in and out of focus. At least he's had enough sense to wait until he's relatively calm to even think to use the Gear like this. ] I know you’re hungry but just wait a sec—

[ Which was followed by the PokéGear Connect dropping to the ground, showing a rather lively cyndaquil climbing up on his owner, perching on his shoulder. Thankfully, his fire had disappeared for the time being, and he was currently nuzzling the young man’s cheek. ]

I really hope that’s not broken… damn… [ Despite his rather grumpy statement and crossed arms, there was a hint of a smile appearing on his face. How could anyone be mad when a cyndaquil was nuzzling you? ] Geez, you’re such a pest… [ It was spoken with a gentle warmth before Neku leaned down to snatch up the PokéGear Connect. They're surprisingly similar, what with their spikes and whatnot. ]

--Uh, sorry ‘bout that. Would someone be willing to give me a heads up on where to go from here? I’m kinda stuck walking around in a circle.

[ yeah there’s a lot of trees and Neku isn’t so great with places that aren’t cities so he just lamely tilts the PCG to show his surroundings. Definitely near New Bark Town, just outside of it, in fact!!… ] ...Thanks.

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...Yeah, I'm not really going anywhere.

Someone mentioned a place called Cherrygrove or whatever. I'll just meet you there?

[ ... How fitting. He'd been in Cherrygrove with Neku previously when Neku had vanished. ]

Sounds good to me. It's a small enough place, so don't worry about being able to meet up.

Yeah okay that works. [ a pause. ]

Be careful, ok? I don't need another reason to worry. [ He's already got himself and his...pet-thing to worry about Joshua. ]

That's my line. You're in plenty more danger than I am.

[ And on that encouraging note, Josh out! ]

[ Neku really didn't go that far, and had just managed to get to Cherrygrove later that day and set up camp outside it. Apart from that, he stuck close-by and figured it'd be a good time to catch up on some reading in the Gear and 'bonding' with his pet...thing. It didn't help that he wasn't used to living and roughing it up outside the city. This whole...forest and nature thing was strange. Not impossible but just really strange. ]

[ Meanwhile, Joshua decided to take advantage of Sigilyph's flight and make his way to Cherrygrove.

Of course, he's a fair distance away, and it's cold dammit. So it takes Joshua a good five days to finally make his way all the way from Mahogany to Cherrygrove.

Finally, in the late afternoon of the 27th, an hour before the sun begins to set, Sigilyph finally swoops down to the ground and Joshua jumps off it to the ground, a golden, one-tailed Vulpix clutched in his arms. He immediately looks around, searching for a familiar head of orange hair. ]

[ Neku's actually not too far away, curled up on a bench playing with the Gear - likely some sort of game - as his cyndaquil rests contently on his lap, munching on some pokefood. He's not paying attention entirely, but he's pretty hard to miss, considering the bright orange hair in the middle of town. It's totally fine. ]

[ Oh, good. Josh was worried he'd have to send out a text. He withdraws Sigilyph and places Vulpix on his shoulder for the warmth. As he walks over towards Neku, he lets out Espeon and carries him over.

Espeon immediately realizes something's up. Joshua never carries him in his arms, and he looks up inquisitively. Joshua ignores him and walks straight up to Neku, then turns around Espeon and holds him out. ]

Here. This is yours.

[ .... have an incredibly flat look as he stares at the foreign creature for a long period of time. His cyndaquil is already reaching out with tiny arms to try and say hi. ]

....No, it isn't, but thanks for the offer. [ A small shake of his head, and he's completely unimpressed. ]

[ It takes Espeon a moment, but then it perks up, tail twitching as it recognizes Neku. ]

I told you you've been here before. This is the one you started with.

I don't remember. [ It's honest, really it is, and he hesitantly turns his attention away from Joshua to stare at Espeon. Hesitantly, he extends his hand out a safe distance. It's kind of like a cat, right? That's how this works, right? ]

[ Espeon tries to lean forward and sniff at the extended hand. After a moment he moves back to where he was before and stares Neku straight in the eyes.

Then he turns to Joshua, and in a moment, Joshua understands what Espeon has realized. Sure enough... it's Neku, but not exactly the same.

But Joshua supposes he knew that much already. ]

If you want him, he's more yours than mine.

I think he likes you more. [ Just saying. Though it does get the tinniest of grins to creep up on the edge of Neku's lips before he leans back on the bench again, tapping the spot next to him for his cyndaquil to move over. ]

Just saying.

It took a while for him to get used to me. [ But Joshua shrugs and places Espeon on his free shoulder, where Espeon moves to get comfy, but keeps an eye on Neku the whole time. ] But the offer is there.

How have you been doing here so far?

It's weird. Just different, I guess.

[ To say the least. Definitely not Shibuya. He pays a random glance down to the cyndaquil who has curled up and already is snoozing. ]

.. Took you long enough to get here.

Forgive me for being a ways away. I suppose I could have pushed my Pokemon harder, but the hypothermia didn't seem quite worth it.

I did warn you.

[ He's just rolling his eyes at you Joshua! ]

Be glad you didn't show up right away. Probably would have punched you.

[ He's had time to mull things over and ponder on where he stands with you, jerkface. ]

You should be glad, too. I doubt my companions would be very happy with you if you tried.

Ha ha. [ Neku shook his head and he looks off to the side. ]

...what now, anyway?

That depends on what you want to do. [ He giggles. ] Do you want to be a Pokemon master? There's a gym in the next town over.

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