pipers_son | Entries tagged with *ic

[The video suddenly flickers onto a familiar pair of faces, both of them leaning close to another 'Gear. Considering the name registered to the video, it must be Joker's that's being used for filming and Jimmy's that the pair are using. The rest of the room is dark, just leaving the light from the Pokegear.]

[Joker is looking a bit jumpy, and the expression on his face is one of a man from 1880s who is not entirely sure if what he's looking at will steal his soul or not.]

I'm tellin' ya, they can't just bleedin' well teleport, and they wouldn't give us this camera thing if it was useless, would they? Go on, switch elsewhere then.

Alright, lesse…

[Jimmy lifts a hand to switch to a different camera, lingering only for a second or two on each one, giving them enough time to glance around to be sure nothing is really there. The gym floor, lockers, bathrooms...everything seems pretty empty, yet they could have sworn that they saw something a minute ago.]

I...I don’t see anything else, do you?

Somethin’ was off but bugger all if I could tell what it was.

[Joker makes a face before giving a helpless shrug.]

Hell with it, let’s put it down then, everythin’ seems in order this time.

[Jimmy looks back down at the screen, at the camera that is currently looking out over the entirety of the gym. He nods and moves to switch the camera off…

When suddenly, the view of the screen is filled with the limp body of what appears to be a Frillish, shining a strange hue of gold in the darkness. It’s lying up against the wall, staring back at them with dead, hollow eyes. And Jimmy’s reaction, naturally, is to nearly drop the Gear entirely as he chokes back a strangled scream.]

W-what is that!?

[Joker’s reaction is a lot less verbal and lot more punching Jimmy’s Pokegear right in the keyboard, making it clatter back onto the desk they’re seated at. There’s a muffled swear under his voice as he quickly grabs it back.]

Aw ‘ell, switched it back ta the cameras- wait, where’d the bloody thing go?!
[Because yep, that sure is an empty video game office and no creepy Golden Florence Frillish about! Joker’s expression has changed from ‘unsure if going to steal my soul’ to ‘DEFINITELY going to steal my soul, well dammit’.]

I- I don’t know!

[This game is suddenly a lot less fun as opposed to outright terrifying because where the heck did it go. Not to mention the fact that the lights near the doors are still flickering every so often, and Jimmy’s almost certain that at any minute something is going to come charging through.]

We only got an hour left and like...15% power or something. Do you think we can make it not watching the cameras?

I think we should-

[And that’s when something seems to enter the room causing Jimmy to fall out of his chair with a yelp and Joker to swear- louder this time- and throw the ‘gear somewhere. Whoever is filming this ridiculous scene seems to be having a hard time not laughing as they change it to show three Pokemon standing in the doorway- a Vulpix, a Houndoom, and a Bunnelby.]

...So, me and Jimmy aren't allowed in the hotel in Violet anymore.

[Joker says it with a bit of a grin on his face as he's seated outside near Sprout Tower as it's night time. There are still probably hundreds of Noibat flapping around. There's at least a dozen attached to him and Angel the Mime Jr who's sitting next to him.]

Guess yer not allowed ta hundred bats or so in yer hotel rooms.

...Or spillin' out inta the hallways.

...Or gettin' inta the coffee pot although that wasn't on purpose.

Lesson for us all, innit?

T E S T I N G
TESTING!
USER L E V I A T H A N IS CONNECTED!

GROUP CHAT
UNLOCKED!

HELLO HELLO HELLO!

POKEMON IN ATTENDANCE : TWELVE (12)

COUNTING:
ONE (1) PORYGON
ONE (1) ZOROARK
ONE (1) MIME JR
ONE (1) CHARIZARD
ONE (1) PHANPY
ONE (1) ABRA
ONE (1) WALREIN
FIVE (5) UNOWN

ATTENDANCE RISING EXPONENTIALLY BY THE SECOND! ALL NON-CIRCUS POKEMON ARE WELCOME TO JOIN!

Hello. This is Invidia and the rest of Joker's troupe. We have just been allowed to have a spare Pokegear for ourselves for studying and fun. We are all very excited. Levi is the most excited. Does anyone have any suggestions for what to do on the Pokegear besides communicating with other people? We

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ASND TELL USSS SOEMTHGIN GOOD THAT HPAEPND TO YOU TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS SIS OUR GOOD THING SO TELL US INYUORS

Mornin', folks. Don't suppose ya would mind entertainin' a couple questions?

[Joker is on what some might recognize as Route 39, not too far from Olivine itself. He's sitting on the ground crosslegged, a Phanpy in his lap. For some reason, he's moving a finger slowly in front of the Pokemon's face. The Phanpy doesn't react, although her ears do twitch everytime he speaks. Not too far from him is Joker's Zoroark, cradling an egg in his own lap and seeming strangely concerned. Even the Ringleader himself seems a bit subdued, lost in whatever he's doing.]

A friend a mine and I were wonderin' about the kind of Pokemon that were most popular, least, and just tend ta get forgotten around here.

So! What're yer favorite Pokemon, either by looks or by skills? What are the kinds ya just plain can't stand? And finally, what Pokemon do ya think tend ta get forgotten?

It'll be fun ta hear what ya have ta say.

[For a moment longer after he finishes speaking, he keeps moving his hand about the Phanpy's head and even makes a sudden jabbing gesture in her direction although he doesn't actually touch her. Still no response. Finally he looks to his Zoroark.]

I think ya may be right. Ha, I wonder if this is what that letter meant?

That certainly was somethin', wasn't it? Glad ta see we all weathered through it! But Goldenrod ain't lookin' so golden after all that.

I suppose flyin' sharks do that ta a city.

Anyway, first order a business! Since we're fixin' up some things over here in the Circus ta begin with, I figure we might as well add somethin'! [The camera moves to show him leaning up against what looks like an unpainted Rapidash statue.] Got a carousel on the way, some a the parts already here. Got good word it should be ready by the end a next week!

Also, since I know there's plenty a folks workin' on fixing things up and helpin' around the Pokecenters, come down to the park anytime today on yer break and we'll treat ya right. Reward for not gettin' carried away by that storm.

Cheers ta Hurricane Bloober, eh?

[Action]

[For anyone doing their best to fix things up around Goldenrod- or even just walking around- they might find themselves approached by one of Joker's MANY Pokemon with an offering of a balloon attached to a small bag of treats.]

[If they decide to follow after the gift giver, or just wander near the Park anyway, they'll find a nice little set up with plenty of blankets spread around to sit on and some tables about. There are some particularly long ones, with a variety of drinks from water to soda to those weird sporty drinks. It's manned by even more Pokemon, from the likely familiar little Mime Jr. to a Gardevoir-Gallade pair.]

[Joker can be spotted dropping by now and then, laying back on one of the blankets and humming.]

[Feel free to mingle, bother any of the Pokemon, or just chat with the ringleader himself.]

Oh Tom, he was a piper's son~
He learnt to play when he was young~
And the only tune that he could play~
Was Over the Hills and Far Away~

Over the hills and a long way off~
The wind shall blow my top-knot off...

[For those who are still up at midnight and tuning into the network, they'll hear that little bit of poetry. Joker, seated on a bed with a glass of wine in his hand and looking out at the rainy streets, starts to hum the rest. He notices something, however, and turns to face the camera. For once he's not actually wearing any makeup.]

Angel, why'd ya go and turn that on? Don't think too many folks are awake. [He gives an amused shake of his head.] Ah well- it's on, it's on.

Feels a bit strange ta celebrate another birthday! [Especially considering, y'know, he's dead.] But here we are~. Forgot ta mention it any earlier. But don't worry- for all of ya in the Circus, we can celebrate it if ya like after our next show later. Just a day, yeah?

I'd be just fine with well wishes, 'tho.

[He makes a vague gesture with his hand to Angel to have the 'Gear be clicked off.]

[From the looks of things, Joker is somehow stuck in a tree. Also from the look of things, he fell in it.]

Well, that was a bit of a failure, far as things go.

So, any folks wanna suggest somethin' of the flyin' variety? Me and Torch gave it a try but, well, she's a bit too fond a goin' fast and doesn't care for the gloomy weather.

[Action]
[Anyone actually in Goldenrod and passing through the local park... Well, you can probably spot Joker still stuck in the tree. Every now and then he gives a bit of a wiggle, shifts to the one arm, looks down... and then apparently decides to stay stuck. The Charizard flapping about and giving dismissive snorts doesn't seem impressed.]

[Could you look any less uncool, trainer?]

...So. I mighta gotten a bit displaced with our last little fun weekend.

[The people Joker was traveling with probably know what he's talking about. Considering he sort of went missing for a while. Why? Well... He carefully holds up his hand, the wrist of which is bandaged up. There's a small ice pack sort of attached to it.]

When I got transported, all of a sudden like, I mighta lost my balance and... sprained my wrist a bit. [He's still smiling, as usual, but anyone good with expressions can probably pick up the small trace of are you bloody well kidding me annoyance on his face. He only has the one to rely on, after all.] I was a bit in the middle a nowhere ta boot. Guess whatever powers may be don't particularly like me, eh? Good thing Angel's been about ta help.

Joker, Jimms, sorry 'bout that. I'm in Cianwood right now. I'll try and get back ta ya when I can. Won't be ridin' for a while, that's for sure.

...Don't suppose there's a fancy future way ta fix a sprained wrist quicker, is there?

A party! That's definitely some cause for celebration, innit? Looks pretty high class, too. Back where I'm from, wasn't often common folks got ta go ta secret fancy places like an Elite Four's home for things like that. Course, that sorta thing ain't much interestin' if not for the people, if ya ask me.

Good thing it looks like a lot of us are goin', then, huh? And some celebrities, too! That's definitely gonna liven things up.

But enough about that for now! Callin' all breeders and folks with businesses in Johto! As Ringleader and owner a the Eve's Garden Circus, I'd like ta extend a hand ta all of ya. I got an idea in my head the other day and was wonderin' if some of ya would like ta have stalls ta sell yer wares and eggs on the big days. For ya business owners, we can talk about settin' up permanent stalls. For breeders, we'd have a whole section for the lot of ya where ya could make yerselves comfortable.

Let me know what ya all think!

Oh, an' one last thing.... I don't suppose any of ya know things about Clair, do ya? Things she likes, favorite flowers, things like that. [JOKER, NO.]

[Filtered to Circus Members]

Back ta this prom thing, don't worry 'bout me holdin' ya back. Yer more than welcome ta take a bit a time for it. I ain't a heartless monster, ya know, and besides- I'll be goin' there too as ya mighta guessed.

Just make sure ta work extra hard ta make up for it!

WE DID IT!

[That sure is Joker popping up on the screen, a grin nearly splitting his face apart and his face nearly flushed with excitement. There sure is a lot of excitement going on in the screen- a crying Mime Jr. being held by Goldenrod Gym Leader Whitney, a Gallade puffing himself up proudly, a Gardevoir clapping her hands cheerily, and a Charizard flying around at speeds that could make anyone dizzy. Good thing these gyms sure are large, huh?]

[Coughing once into his hand, Joker seems to reign himself in a bit although he's still grinning widely. He takes a step back, making it apparent that someone else is holding up the 'Gear.]

Grand news, everyone! Thanks ta the lovely Whitney over here- [Who's still cooing and cuddling a Mime Jr., for the record. Those are tears of joy on its little clown face, everyone, we promise.] -we're backed! Now, backed for what, ya may be askin'?

A proper circus here in beautiful Goldenrod!

I know some a ya have never experienced the wonders a good circus can do for ya, so look forward to an openin' in April! Date's still a bit foggy but I'll let ya know when things clear up a bit! That said!

I need some talent- or a willingness ta learn if ya don't think ya got any. Acrobats, knife throwers, clowns, the works! If ya know some tricks, tell me 'bout 'em and we might be able ta strike up a deal! I'm willin' ta all sortsa things~. An' if any a ya know some medical or technical, I'd like ta talk ta ya too.

We're also acceptin' donations, if ya would like ta see this get done a wee bit quicker~. Or if yer just feelin' generous with all that P burnin' through yer pocket!

[A whistle, and the chaos seems to subside a bit. Angel the Mime Jr. hops down from Whitney's arms to go off-screen for a second, dragging back with her a little Ralts. The group shifts a bit, until it's Joker in the center of the shot with the Gallade and Gardevoir on either side of him a bit back. Angel and Ralts go in front of him, the Mime Jr. much more excited looking than her companion (who's still smiling just not as much).]

[With a flourish, Joker gives a bow and the rest of his Pokemon follow suit.]

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, folks who ain't quite what they seem-

The Eve's Garden Circus will be comin' ta ya soon! We'll be sure ta shock and amaze and make ya laugh. One thing's fer certain, whether you're joinin' in on the fun or plan ta be there in the stands-

Nothin' will be borin' for sure.

[Private to Mayuri and Snake]

[This comes a few minutes later, Joker still grinning wide.]

We should celebrate tonight!

Y'know, I gotta say that the future sure is somethin'. All these fancy gadgets, new food, and lookit this make up.

[With an opening line like that, it's probably not surprising to see that Joker... appears to be in a cosmetics store. The 'gear is apparently propped up against a shelf while Joker casually flicks through various lipsticks and eyeliners. He's already applied something to his eyelids along with his usual make up because why not.]

[Somewhere in the background, there's... hissing? Anyone looking closely might be able to spot a Luxray on top of the shelf behind Joker, back arched and fangs bared. Joker doesn't pay her any mind.]

I've never much tried for lipstick before, but I suppose if there's ever a time ta give it a good ol' go... [Joker holds up a lavender shade of lipstick to the 'Gear, humming.] think it'd go well with my eyes?

[The Luxray hissing has finally evolved to bursts of upset yowling and Joker sighs.]

Oh, an' Rogue found a new friend. [Setting down the lipstick, he adjusts the 'Gear so that the camera is pointed towards the ground. That sure is a positively slime soaked Furret wrapped up tight around one of those... weird slime ball Pokemon. Is it a Pokemon? Joker is assuming so for the time being. Either way, both Furret and slimeball have looks of giddy bliss on their faces.] Tried ta separate 'em, but they wouldn't have none of it. Needless ta say, Lightning isn't particularly pleased. Too wet for her likin'. Oi, aren't ya supposed ta be strong against them water types?

[Just more angry electric cat yowling. Joker sighs.]

And it ain't comin' up on our little gadgets either... Ah well. I'll leave that for ya more intelligent types. Me, I'll just focus on the more mundane matters. Don't got a special someone for the romantic day myself- [And he gives a wink to the 'Gear.] -but best a luck for all of ya who do~.

[For anyone in Goldenrod, well, Joker will be in that cosmetic store for a while... angry hissing Luxray, slimy but extremely happy Furret, Bloober, and all.]

[Oh, but if you have CR with the ringleader... You might find something anyway.]

( Have CR? )

[I went with this site for meanings.]

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, hello!

[That sure is Joker, the backdrop being... somewhere near Azalea maybe? The forests look familiar enough. Anyone who hasn't seen or met him before can probably see very clearly that his right arm is completely missing and the shirt sleeve simply hangs limp. No prosthetic for him, not that he'd want that one in particular anyway... In his right hand, however, there are three brightly colored balls. He's as chipper as usual.]

I've been teachin' my Invidia a few tricks of the trade, as it were, when it occurred ta me that I could show you fine lot a thing or two. Invidia, say hello. [There's a beat, and then the hand of a Zoroark slowly comes into frame to give a quick wave before retreating. Joker chuckles.] He has a bit a stage fright, but nothin' that can't be worked on. Anyway, we've been workin' on jugglin'! I can't show the whole thing, bein' a bit impaired, but knowin' how to juggle three balls in one hand is really just somethin' ya need ta learn anyway if ya want ta juggle six with both! [He clears his throat and starts to speak a bit slower and more clearly, accent less noticeable. Thanks to one Maka Albarn, he's remembered that not everyone is from dear ol' England as he is.]

So let's get started, shall we?

( A juggling lesson )

So that's how you do it! It's a bit harder than it looks, I'll grant you that, but you should get the hang of it if you practice. Got that, Invidia? [There's an affirmative sound from the Zoroark. Joker finally stops juggling, hopping a little bit as he rushes to catch the balls.]

So what about the rest of you? Anyone else have fun little tricks they want to share? What kind of things did you like to do before coming here? I'm all ears!

Nah, it's tied on well enough, don't you worry.

[Excuse Joker. He was going to start things right off, but he's currently busy gently shooing away what looks to be a couple of vines. If you guess "grass type Pokemon", you're right... Although the shy thing won't be making an appearance on screen. Joker reaches up to pat at what the vines had been fiddling with- a very thick knitted scarf, some faint yellow color. It's obviously been handmade, and well worn.]

[He finally smiles to the camera.]

Well, that was a surprise! There was a lad worried about Santa's reindeer, wasn't there? I'll be glad ta let ya know that apparently when you try to catch one of them, ya get a gift instead! Clever man, our good Saint Nick is. Very practical too! With this weather, a scarf will be put ta good use.

[There's positively no mention that this was his before it appeared in a little wrapped box, or that the last time he was handling it, it was to give to someone else. Joker prefers to keep his personal life quiet.]

Hope you've all had a very Merry Christmas! But I've been meanin' ta ask something of ya for a while now.

I heard a little while ago that an ol' friend of mine was here but then he left. Just wonderin' if ya knew him! His name's Snake- pale hair, green eyes, a bit of scales on his skin... Had snake Pokemon with him, no doubt.

That's all! Let's hope Christmas night wraps up nicely, eh? And Suit- a word if ya have the time?

[He gives a little wave to the camera and once again lightly touches his scarf before he reaches over to turn the 'Gear off.]

[For a moment, the video just shows the floor rapidly moving beneath it and maybe a hint of fang in the upper portion of the screen. There's the sounds of things sizzling and knives chopping, and then the camera moves again as whoever is holding it straightens up. It's the kitchen of one of the inns, and there's Joker in rather plain clothes. His empty sleeve is tied up, and he seems busy chopping up an onion with his Mime Jr. keeping it in place for him.]

There we go, that's a nice grip. Don't worry, now the first time I've handled a knife, I won't nick ya. Water's ready? [The Mime Jr. gives a cheerful nod.] There's my girl, now just dump this in it and keep an eye on it from time ta time. Beef next, right?

[As the Mime Jr. goes to dump the onions in a nearby pot and get some beef, Joker starts to set up some other things like ginger and some soy sauce. Of course, then he notices the little thing recording him... He looks surprised for a moment before laughing.]

Rogue, ya sneak! [He comes over and retrieves the Pokegear.] Thought you were supposed ta be stayin' with Lightnin' and Haru watchin' over that newborn and the egg. Ah well, supposed that was expectin' too much of ya.

[Now, to the Pokegear-] A good mornin' to the rest of ya! Just arrived in Violet yesterday with my new friend Mayuri, but my Rogue evolved on the way. Looks like he's gotten more excitable for it. [He turns the gear to focus on the camera-pokemon, which turns out to be an excited Furret who can't stop wiggling.] Wasn't expecting that to happen so soon, but there ya go. Angel was about to do the same, but I think she's a bit scared of it... [Now to focus on the Mime Jr., who does look a little concerned...] Had to remember what the book said to make it stop, got fairly lucky. I was just wonderin' if anyone knew a way to keep it from happening permanently? Angel doesn't seem to be in much of a hurry to this evolvin' business, and I'd rather keep her happy..

[Joker turns the camera to his smiling face.]

Just remembered! Who's still in Violet? I wouldn't mind meetin' up with some folks after I finish my little job here.

-like any angel I've ever seen, but it wouldn't be surprisin' if they'd got it all wrong in the first place, would it?

[The speaker doesn't appear to be paying much attention to his Pokegear and it looks like it's just balanced on his knee while he's sitting down. Chances are the redhaired young man doesn't even realize it's on. Anyone with a good memory might recognize his surroundings as New Bark Town- oh dear, it's another new arrival unfamiliar with modern technology.]

[Tucked in one arm is a little Mime Jr, sagging in what looks like exhaustion and sadness. His other arm... Well, wearing a Juggler's outfit shows that the other sleeve is completely empty and just limply laying at his side. Joker continues to move his hand about, apparently looking through the things that strange woman gave to him. (Must be something in her head, thinking he was her son, it wouldn't be the first time he's seen that sort of thing.)]

[The Mime Jr. suddenly leans forward, pointing at the screen and making some noises. That draws Joker's attention again and he picks the Gear up.]

What about this, then? [More noises from the Mime Jr.] ...I don't know a spit of whatever it is they speak in Heaven, so you'll want to stick to English with me.