Roleplaying Olympics: Virus

[RAziken]

"Huh?" Sindi suddenly looked at her Kirlia, who was rapidly chirping.
"Kir! Kirlia! Kir!" A tingling in Sindi's brain told her that her Kirlia had spotted something, but what was it?
Kirlia's two red horns pointed toward the fallen Aquas. Near one of the Aqua's pockets, were approximitely ten gold coins.
"Whoa! Those must have fallen out when we knocked them over!" Sindi's voice was that of astonishment and excitement, but was also one of confusion. Would it be stealing to take those coins? Still, these Aquas had been so evil, and she was in serious need of some food, and with that, she could buy a lot and some decent clothes, too. Sindi hurridly stuffed the coins into her pocket and ran. Their boss wouldn't be to pleased about this, but if she could get away from her current location in western Vermillion she should be safe from Aqua attack.

Not wanting to attract attention, Sindi decided to return her Kirlia to her pokeball. Turning south to the harbor, she found a long row of shops. Should I?, she thought in her head. Yeah, I guess it would be for the better. Sindi went into one of the brightly decorated clothing stores, and opened a shiny, polished wood door. Taking one look at her raggedy, tramp like appearance, the cashier yelled, "Show me the color of ya money before you get your dirty feet in here!"

Sindi, nonplused, took a few of her newly acquired coins from her pocket. Satisfied, the cashier went back to his business. The selection in the store wasn't to good, as according to the cashier most of the new shipments had been cancelled due to the virus. However, when Sindi walked out, she was only one coin poorer and wearing some quite decent clothes.

Sindi's stomach rumbled, and she remembered her interrupted supper. Aware of the constant jingle of the coins in her pocket, she decided to go to the harbor in south Vermillion. There were quite a few cafes there.

 

[Aiya Quackform]

There had been little else to do but wait and make sure they stayed on a straight course since the Maiden's crew had decided to join Skyla. The five men anxiously swabbed the deck and cleaned every nook and cranny on the ship. Skyla had ordered them to do so. 'They need something to do to keep their minds occupied,' Skyla had reasoned. 'There is too much at stake. If they dwell on the possible consequences...' she shook her own head free from that line of reasoning. Morale could mean everything, escpecially during dark times like this.

"Miss Skyla!" called crewman Kobin. "We can see the coastline! We should be in Vermillion within an hour!"

Skyla allowed herself a small smile. "Good. I'll contact the port through the radio to ask for docking priority." She walked over to the radio in the cabin. Before contacting the proper officials, Skyla put her dark blue hair up in a thick ponytail, seeing as the Vermillion climate was a bit warmer.

"Vermillion port, please come in, over," she spoke into the radio.

There was a crackling noise from the speaker followed by a man's voice. "This is Vermillion Port Official Winslow. Identify yourself, over."

"I am Skyla Branek of the USS Maiden. We're a fishing boat asking for docking priority, over."

"Oh, yes, of course. There's a desperate need for the water Pokemon. But you should be aware that there are pro-water Pokemon activists around here just waiting to start a riot. Be careful! You should be able to dock in 36J, over."

"Thank you, over and out," Skyla said cutting off the communication. She walked outside the cabin breathed in the air, savoring its purity. They would soon be in the hellish activity of the Vermillion port.

Within an hour, as Kobin had predicted, they arrived in Vermillion and quickly docked. Vermillion was even busier than Lilycove had been, and Skyla wanted to get away from the place as quickly as possible. "OK, boys," she said to her crew. "If anyone asks where the water Pokemon are, just tell them that we couldn't go out to sea until we got supplies, and our last stop was sold out due to the obviously increased demand. A little flimsy, I know, but they're so busy they won't be asking too many questions. I'm going to meet someone. I should be back in a few hours, but this may take longer. See about restocking our supplies, too. We need them and it will help with our excuse. Goodbye, gentlemen." Skyla proceeded to walk of the Maiden onto the boardwalk.

"Ma'am!" called Matthews. She turned to face him as he continued. "Should you be going alone? This place is bound to be volatile with the virus controversy."

"Agreed, Matthews," she said. "But the man I'm going to see is a bit paranoid and doesn't take to groups. Besides, I can take care of myself." Skyla walked away without further comment out into the bustling city streets.

 

[RAziken]

Sindi walked to the docks and onto a wooden platformlike harbor. There appeared to be a boat docking in the distance. Not expressing much interest, Sindi walked in a small, wood- built fast food style cafe. She walked up to the service counter.

"Order code #59, please," She spoke to a frazzly haired lady in a greenish uniform with a pin that pronounced: the Wooden Cafe.

"Ah yes, honey, here's your receipt, you're number 100..." The lady hurried off to get something. "Here's your Firefly-watch, honey, because you're the lucky winner for tonight's number 100 order!"

"Thank you," Sindi replied courteously, and she took a seat at a nearby table. What a lucky day I've been having, she thought. Not long did she obtain a large amount of money, for a change, but she also had won a brand new watch! But don't let that ruin your sun time estimate skills her brain cautioned.

"Order number 100," went to loudspeaker. Sindi took the bag and walked over to a table near the water. There definitely was something interesting going on...

As the ever-starved Sindi munched on her double cheeseburger with dripping cheese and crisp, fresh lettuce, she noticed a large amount of Aquas, carrying large signs. Demonstraters, she thought. Still, it was stupid to be that obvious. They would be rounded up by wharf police. Meanwhile, she turned her attention back to her food. It was really good. To a little poor homeless girl, it tasted heavily. It had been a long, hard, but lucky, day for her. Dreamily, she put her cheeseburger down, and- snore.

***

Two hours later, Sindi woke up with a jolt. Looking at the bright night sky, she knew it was after curfew. Frantically, she looked outside from what was now a deserted cafe. The Aquas were still demonstrating. Who would be that stupid to be out that late after curfew? she thought. You, Sindi the idiot, was the direct answer. Sindi scrambled out the backdoor and into the moonlight. Her usual hiding places were to far away. She would have to do with a small motel or such in southern Vermillion.

 

[Aiya Quackform]

Skyla walked down the main road through the heart of Vermillion, keeping a sharp eye open for trouble. The sun was setting over the mountains of Kanto, bathing the city in orange and pink light.

"Remember, everyone," she heard someone say. It was a police officer speaking on a megaphone. "Curfew is at eight o'clock sharp! That's ten minutes from now. If you are caught wandering around after curfew, you will be taken into custody for endangering the lives of your fellow citizens."

Skyla frowned. 'This virus is causing so much paranoia. The curfew might make the citizens feel protected, but it is truly useless. It's not making my job any easier, either. It will take me at least thirty minutes to find Javin, and I need to get something to eat before then.'

Looking around, she could tell that everyone was making their way home. People were running out of stores and onto the smaller side streets. If she was going to get food from a restraunt, it would have to be now. She noticed a small sandwich shop next to a cheap motel and walked inside. "One turkey sandwich on french bread, please," she ordered. The lady of the shop took her money and quickly got to work on Skyla's order. The sandwich maker?s home appeared to be above her shop, so she was in no hurry to oblige the curfew.

Skyla soon received her sandwich and walked outside the closing deli. She would now have to worry about the police. Glancing around, she remembered with an odd sense of nostalgia where she was. The motel next to the deli had been her home for over a week at one point, and Javin's place was not far away. Getting him to let her in was another story. 'Gotta love the paranoid,' she thought dryly.

 

[RAziken]

When Sindi rushed outside, she noticed here watch glow in the semi-darkness. It read a adrenaline rushing 7:56. Wow! Despite her assumptions, the curfew had not been imposed yet. Sindi had been a good sprinter when she was going to school back when she was very young, and even now she frequently had to dash around alleyways to get away from certain people and things she was uncomfortable with.

Sindi ran like the wind to Main Street, Vermillion. This was the keystone of the city, and she definitely was going to find a motel somewhere along the lines around here. The street was already pretty much deserted, almost like an open track. Sindi accelerated. 7:58. Bad day, bad day, she thought. Up ahead, she saw a small deli, and a- was it? Yes, it was a motel!

Look's like I've made it, she thought. Huh? Sindi, at the last moment, skidded to a halting stop. She had almost run right into a young woman with midnight blue hair.

 

[Aiya Quackform]

Skyla ate off her sandwich, thinking about her next move. Javin would not be easy to find. His base had been and would still be in Vermillion, but his exact location had certainly changed several times since she last saw him. Those who knew how to look for him would surely be able to find him eventually, but it would take time, something she didn?t have. Help would be needed. ?Perhaps I should have brought one of the crew after all,? she thought briefly. ?No, best they not get too involved in case something goes wrong.? But despite the possible difficulties in finding him, Javin would be sure to know more about the virus? origins than anyone among the general public. Indeed, possibly more than the government officials.

Skyla was about to go down a side street when she heard something behind her. Turning around, she saw a young girl standing there, panting from a run. "Goodness, what are you doing out so late?" she asked the girl. She was thin, too thin. "And what is your name?"

Before the girl replied, Skyla added, "I tell you what, if you help me find a building, I'll pay you 100 pokedollars, and escort you to wherever you want to go. It is already past curfew, and if the police catch us, they won't think it your fault, being a minor, but blame it on me. And since I'll be out late anyway, it doesn't really matter to me. So, what do you say?"

Skyla waited for the girl's response, and again thought of her search for Javin. This girl could help her hasten her search. She would also be likely know the geography of Vermillion better than Skyla. It was always good to have a native on hand in any search.

 

[RAziken]

Sindi nearly dropped her mouth in surprise that this strange woman had addresed her. She then had unexpectedly given her first name. You idiot, don't act stupid, said a practical voice in her brain. Kirlia's powers were definitely starting to get more powerful, she thought with a smile. Perhaps a bit annoying, but still very useful. But now she had a thought to comtemplate.

This woman might have something that was illegal, or something dark about this, Sindi thought. Why else would she address a 'minor,' me, to help her find a building? And that much money...

Sindi uneasily shifted toward the motel. It was getting late, and her watch glowed 8:03. If any police came by, they would pretty much quickly and without much question be taken in for questioning. Sindi decided to play it safe with a counteractive, safe, and polite response.

"Miss, what's your name, and what is your business here?" Sindi awkwardly paused for a second and felt she had to say something else less rockily straitfoward. "Let's go into the little lobby of motel to discuss this. We won't be as noticed much in there.

Sindi felt quite happy with her answer. If they did work something out, then this strange woman would probably be able to worm their way out of that lobby without being really questioned for coming in and out without doing anything. On the other hand, if whatever this woman didn't appeal to her, she could just get a room at the motel without any bad rap.

 

[Aiya Quackform]

OOC: If you think about the value of Pokedollars in the games, I'd say P$100 is about $5 (USA). BIC:

Skyla was surprised and amused by Sindi's answer. It showed a maturity and healthy suspicion that was quite valuable in these dangerous times. She smiled and responded. "Forgive me, I was being quite rude. My name is Skyla, and I command a small fishing boat. I am here to locate a friend of mine. Quite frankly, I'm not exactly sure where he is, but I know I can find him. The problem, though, is that it might take a little time, something I don't have a lot of. Having some help would surely speed things up. I assume you know Vermillion's streets better than I do and could help me find my way around. I understand your suspicion. I wouldn't trust me either. Perhaps we should talk inside the motel," she glanced at her watch. It was 8:05. Skyla walked a few steps to the motel and walked inside, holding the door open for Sindi.

The motel was obviously inexpensive, but clean and cozy. A soft yellow light permeated the motel lobby, a small room with a check-in desk, three chairs around a table, and stairs in the back of the room. No clerk was currently at the desk, but a small bell stood on the desk waiting to summon someone for a customer.

 

[RAziken]

OOC: It really depends. How in the world is medicine that expensive in pokemon? (IE the stat boosters are pretty expensive) Let's just put it to be pretty high, to play it around =P

BIC: Sindi walked through the door and quickly, said a polite thank you. She walked over near one of the chairs and leaned on a wooden beam that penetrated down from the ceiling to the floor near the stairs. It was cozy and warm in here, she thought. If I do spend the night here, it should be a great step better than sleeping on a ratty sheet in a corner of a deserted alleyway.

"I guess I may help you," Sindi said quietly, trying hard not to be impolite. " What are your motives for visiting him? If we do get into the deal, it really depends on where he is. I do know quite well these parts, although Western Vermillion is my area. If he is in one of those more wealthy suburbs, I may not be able to help."

While Sindi was talking, she was really stalling time and trying to get through to Kirlia in her mind. Can we trust her? Her? Unfortunately, Kirlia was tired out from the battling and the longilivity of the day, and wasn't open to messages. Sindi was going to be on her own tonight.

 

[Aiya Quackform]

Skyla made herself comfortable in one of the plush chairs, putting her feet up on the table. "Well, Sindi, as you must know this virus is causing a massive amount of conflict. The only cure is to sacrifice water Pokemon. So many are and will be infected, that it will wipe out water Pokemon almost entirely. Not only that, but the resulting damage to the aquatic ecosystems is incalculable, and it will undeniably affect everyone and everything we know. I cannot let that happen. At the same time, this is the human race we're talking about. It cannot be allowed to die, either. So, I am searching for a third option, a different cure. You may have heard that the government has discerned that the virus is man-made, by one of two men. Those would be either Dr Henry of Team Snagem, or Dr Anderson of Team Magma. It's very possible that whoever created the virus would also have a cure. Hopefully, one that doesn't involve the death of Pokemon. I know that involves alot of "hopefullies", but what other choice do we have?" Skyla was quickly getting wound up and paused to take a relaxing breath. Looking up to Sindi, she suddenly had the odd feeling she could trust her.

"Honestly, Sindi, I haven't led the most honest life until very recently. I know certain people who don't exactly inform the police about their movements. My going to see a contact of mine, named Javin, isn't illegal, but he doesn't accept visitors too easily. It will be hard to find him, much less get him to talk to me. I could really use some help in finding him. I can assure you he won't be in any aristocratic neighborhoods, he'll likely be in some abandoned part of the city. He disguises 'signs' to his residence as graffiti. Here," she took a small tablet of paper and a pen off the motel's table. They were both labeled with the motel's name. On the paper she roughly drew a small symbol. It was a circle with a square inside, and an "H" in the middle of the square. "This is the symbol I need to find. It will be spray painted on the buildings surrounding Javin's, well, hideout, but not on the actual building he's in. I need your help, and you must realize the seriousness of this virus situation, Sindi. Now I understand if you don't want to help me. If you need a few minutes to decide, take it, but I can't wait long."

Skyla placed the tablet back on the table and planted her feet on the ground. She waited anxiously for Sindi's response.

 

[Raichu_tamer]

The sun had fully set in Vermillion. Unaware of the curfew, Julia and the Cipher who's name hadn't been revealed, sat at the edge of the harbor, gazing upon the large boat in front of them, recalling the experience the two shared earlier that evening…

After spending hours walking back to Ollivine, Julia quickly kept herself within the shadow of the Cipher. After looking twice before turning the corner, Julia and the Cipher both walked up into the harbor, right in front of Julia's home. In front of the harbor was a shabby, old building. The golden sun engulfed the city within it's intoxicating rays, as if the sun were never to set. The two of them entered the building, and approached the old man behind the desk. Too frightened of attention, Julia avoided eye-contact, and continuously looked out the window.

"Hey, we need a boat for a… About a week!" The man gave the Cipher a peculiar expression. He walked out from behind the counter, and into the back door, where many of the boats were hanging from the roof.

"Which of these do you need?" He asked the Cipher, while Julia stood in the main shop.

"This one here is a tad more expensive than the others…" He told the Cipher, in front of a large, white boat. Behind it was an average, wooden boat, just big enough for the two of them, with a bunk-bed within the cabin that stood upon it.

"How much will that one cost?" The Cipher asked the man, reaching for his wallet.

"It will be about $980 for each day, and a $5000 deposit…" The Cipher seemed to be amused,

'Just 5000 for such a decent boat… So as long as I have it, the only money I'll be losing is that $5000! Great…' He reached for his wallet, and gave him a metallic looking card.

"I'll take that one, sir!" He said, as he looked around the cabin to see if any good were left behind since it's last voyage. He walked into the main shop, Julia taking a note of the Cipher's sense of accomplishment. After the man helped prepare the ship at the dock, Julia and the Cipher both jumped into the boat, immediately leaving. The man treated it like any other day, and walked back into the shop… But out of the corner of her eye, Julia saw something. The door to her house swung open, it was Ali and Fox, with Raichu and Gypsy, Fox's Espeon, both at their side. Julia and Gypsy has both been very close before Julia left her family, and Gypsy being a psychic pokemon greatly increased the chance of her presence being sensed. Julia sunk into the ship, looking up at the Cipher. He chuckled mischievously at Julia,

"What are you hiding for? Am I that scary?" He winked, now standing at the edge of the ship, steering it to the right. Julia sighed under her breath, and peeked over the low walls of the ship, seeing Gypsy's ears perk up. Gypsy seemed to know exactly where Julia was, she almost jumped into the water before Ali had stopped her. Seeing the ship, Fox and Ali both sent out their water pokemon, Pelly, Ali's Pelipper, and Fox's Vaporeon. Ali sat atop Pelly, while Pelly kept it's mouth wide open for Fox to step into. Vaporeon quickly jumped off the edge of the fence keeping Ali and Fox from the water. Soon after, Vaporeon was followed by Pelly, who was slowly flying towards the ship, being dragged down by Fox's weight. Julia tugged on the Cipher's pants.

"Hey… Erm… What do you think of maybe going a bit faster?" She asked him, nervously.

"What the… What are those pokemon doing coming after us? Do you have a fear for birds?" The Cipher asked Julia playfully, looking down at her. She began to become slightly frustrated,

"No just gooo!! Please?? Pretty please with a cherry on top?" She said, as she continued to look out at the sea. The Cipher nodded,

"Okay, if you say so!" The boat jolted forward, and began to move extremely quickly towards a city of some sort… But Vaporeon was very close behind. Within minutes, Pelly had faded away, being very slow… But Vaporeon managed to vigorously jump onto the ship, startling Julia. She shrieked loudly, flinging her arms from side to side, throwing the Cipher's steering off-trail. After calming down, Julia bent down to Vaporeon's height, and began to communicate with it. The Cipher continued to steer the ship, watching the two talk. After a simple nod, Vaporeon jumped into the water, stress-free…

*

The boat reached the great city of Vermillion… Which wasn't nearly as busy as the Cipher and Julia expected it to be. It had gotten dark, and the two stepped off the ship after docking…

 

[RAziken]

As Sindi listened to Skyla talking about the woman, she decided she had definitely seen that sign before. Sometime in the past... Of course, she still had to know whether to trust this strange person or not. Then the memory grasped her mind.


That sign, that sign. It had been a clear sunny day, a day around the time when she was 9, and first arrived in Vermillion. She was running around, happier and more innocent in the days before the terror of the virus had begun. It was in North Vermillion, the place where she first settled when she ran away to Vermillion. Suddenly, at a sudden dead end, she had turned around to notice that in the side alley there was a large "H" in a square inside a circle. The building it was on was old and deserted, and then abruptly there was a loud crash- an outdoor rusted metal stairway had come falling down, dangerously near her. She had run, and that was all she remembered after that. This Javin must have something to do near the building...

At the end of her long, memory, she heard a faint signal and tingling in her mind. You... can...

Kirlia?! You're back?, Sindi thought wildly.

Tr... ust...

Again the signal. Concentrating her energies, she tried to communicate to Kirlia. Trust what? she messaged.

Her... Kirlia resonated in her mind.

Skyla?, Sindi asked, now very concerned and psyching open her mind.

Yes..., the..., woman... ... the power ceased.

Her Kirlia must have been tired out. Trust her, trust her. That meant I could do what Skyla wants me to do. But maybe if I bargain, I can get more out of this. It was not like Sindi to bargain excessively, but she felt that she had to do something to look profesional and ready to do whatever she wished tonight.

"Well, miss Skyla, I will be happy to accompany you in finding this 'Javin.' I do agree with you in trying to find an alternative to what is currently happening, as the virus must be stopped and both water pokemon and humanity saved, but it is not like me to break the law. If I am to go with you, than you must pay for my motel room tonight. I need a bit of compensation for our break tonight," Sindi quite thought she had given a satisfactory response. This person does have almost the same views as I do, she thought. Just a very different past.

 

[praetoritevong]

It was not a peaceful rest for Foxy. It couldn?t be really, considering all that was plaguing her mind. So much had happened, both to Foxy and mankind in general. Her mind was far from undisturbed, and despite her body?s urgent need for rest, her subconscious mind was as active as ever. Nightmares constantly attacked her mind?



Foxy stood in shock at Celadon City, with several other volunteers beside her. Most of the city was on fire. Shouts of angry hoodlums could be heard, followed by several loud bangs. Indeed, several men could be seen running from Foxy?s position. A group of three violently kicked open a door, no doubt to steal from that house. A window of another house was smashed, and a man jumped out carrying a large sack, probably filled with stolen goods.



A teenager crowed with glee as he set a fence on fire. Nothing expressed the terror and panic more starkly than this. ?Come on, let?s move out!? ordered Foxy finally. But in her mind, she was thinking the same as every other person on the team-what was the point? Celadon was lost. Soon it, and its citizens, would be but ashes and rubble. She had her duty however, and so went to find any in need of help.



It seemed that most were too busy panicking, however, to even think about looking for help. She did glimpse a mother holding a sobbing child, and quickly ran over. ?My? Husband? He?s still in there!? the woman cried, and pointed to a burning house.



Immediately, a small group of three, various water pokemon ready, ran into the inferno. ?We?ll bring him out,? assured Foxy. The woman only nodded grimly, fearing the worst. There were several shouts from inside, and the woman seemed to lighten up a little. Hope re-entered her eyes. After several intense moments, the team came out, carrying a burnt and obviously injured man. Foxy and the woman smiled, despite the wounds.



Suddenly the huge Pokemart, which had so far been untouched, burst into flames. As Foxy looked over in shock, several more explosions rocked the building. Foxy could only stand by and watch in immense sadness as the large building collapsed.



A tear hit the ground.



Foxy awoke with a start, the gentle, smiling face of Gary filling her vision. Foxy frowned as memories of her dream were recalled. The panic, the terror, the destruction? Standing up abruptly, Foxy paced around for a moment, not even noticing that they were at Gary?s lab. Then, the answer hit her. Her hand went to her chin just as abruptly. Of course-it was so obvious to her now. The events had not yet happened. But that is what would happen should they fail to find another cure.



Civil War would ensue.



?We must find a cure, and quickly.? Though both Foxy and Gary knew this well already, Foxy felt as though she had to say it. ?Lead the way, Gary. Should we have a look at the intestines first, if you have some, or if you can examine some without killing a pokemon?? she asked. ?Either way, we need to find out which part of the intestines forms part of the cure,? she stated. ?Or? Or even what the other ingredients are, that may give us a clue as well, or link it to a culprit? You know the top two suspects of course,? Foxy added quickly.



Foxy pushed away the tiredness in her body and her mind, thankful for the few hours of sleep she had gotten, however little it had helped. Trapping it into a corner of her mind, for she knew that tiredness would only distract her, Foxy pushed her body determinedly to and past its limits. She snorted at that thought telling herself that her body could and would take more than the stress it was currently placed under. Looking up, she waited for Gary?s answer.

 

[HKim]

The last week has ended and now all that's left is to tally up the scores (once I get all of the judges to send me them). I congratulate all of the Olympics participants for their hard work. From what I've seen, this has been the most creative and detailed of roleplays I've ever read. Each forum should be proud of their members.

Also, I would like to thank the judges for their hard work. I know this has been a tough time with school ending. Heh, my fault for not considering it.

Anyway, on to the totaling of points. Who will be the best roleplayer and which forum will win? Only time will tell. Stay tuned...

 

[Aiya Quackform]

Woah, it's over already?! *just knows razkn is going to kill her for not being here over the last week*

 

[RAziken]

Relax, I wasn't hear for most of it either (so coughIcoudn'havepostedeithercough) No one posted in the last week. Aiya, why were you a day late?! =P

 

[praetoritevong]

And I couldn't post because Gary didn't... sigh. There goes that.

 

[Aiya Quackform]

Well, I'm off to find some relaxing, non-deep RPG. After "Race of Tairo" and the Olympics, I'm totally burned out. Anyone for a simple good 'ol fashioned Quest RPG? I haven't done Kanto in awhile, and yet I love the complexity of the Hoenn region... *cough**realizes she is babbling**cough* Anyway, I'll be drifting around so if anyone has an RPG I might be interested in, please PM me.

 

[Jesus Freak Josh]

*Claps hands* It was a great olympics! You did great!

 

[RAziken]

Erm, AQ, wasn't that a bit offtopic? =P

I'm itching for the results. They figure to be close.