usedlaserbeam | 022 | Goldenrod City

[So here's an idyllic scene for you: Yagyuu, back in Goldenrod City (wait a minute, how did he get to Goldenrod, he was just in Cerulean a minute ago—) and hanging out in the grass near the Tennis Haus, which has miraculously recovered from the wear and tear it took from the influx of garbage for this temporary weekend and looks as spiffy and well-kempt as ever. The paint job is clean, the grass is trimmed, the tennis court is spotless, and Yukimura's garden is flourishing — and currently inhabited by one rather large levitating man-eating plant, scaring off humans and animals alike who might try to trespass into the domain it's guarding.

And then there's Yagyuu himself, surrounded by a veritable swarm of seven Eevees, one Espeon, one Umbreon, and one Flareon, all of whom are happy and rambunctious and look like they may very well pick him up and carry him off if he should happen to let his guard down.

(Somewhere in the background, a Slowpoke duct-taped to a skateboard with model rocket engines attached to it goes hurtling by, making a noise that sounds suspiciously like eeeeeeeeeeeed.)

Needless to say, Yagyuu is a little perplexed.]

...Ah. How did I—

[But then he looks down again, and double-takes, because those seven Eevees have all just evolved in the blink of an eye, and he is now sporting two Flareons, a Vaporeon, a Jolteon, a Leafeon, a Glaceon, two Espeons, an Umbreon, and one very dopey Eevee who seems to have failed at evolving in general.

He's almost afraid to look away from them again, for fear that more of them might crop up.]

...It's going to be one of those days again, isn't it.

[OOC: COME HIT HIM UP! Anytime, anywhere, he's in Goldenrod by the Haus but he can easily move wherever you'd like him! COME TO ME, FOURTH-WALLERS, I WANT YOU IN THIS POST. ♥]

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[Oh, now there's some praise. The Carnivine perks up at once, noodling over to present herself for inspection and approval. Oh, yes, she keeps everything out of that garden, it is impeccable under her watch. Ohhh, yes.

Meanwhile, Yagyuu is fielding the Eevee question, while one of the Espeons looks highly smug.]

Lady is the one responsible for that. She didn't take well to...what she perceived as being ignored. Six of these were the result.

[Meanwhile, another of the pack has perked up at once — Yukimura, you remember Aya, don't you? Because she certainly remembers you, and is coming running to see you again.]

[Yukimura pats the Carnivine gently on the top of its head. Who's a good horrifying Venus fly trap monster? You are!]

I see. Well, she always was very fond of you, I'm not surprised she'd get a bit jealous. But six? I'm surprised you can take care of them all.

[His eyes widen a little at the sight of Aya - last thing he remembers, she was safely in her Pokeball. He kneels down to greet her.]

What are you doing out here?

It's been quite the adventure, believe me.

[Audrey II is fairly preening at this attention; hey, she's a plant, and Yukimura's green thumb is legendary. Of course she'd take to him at once.

Aya, meanwhile, is probably going to happily rub all over Yukimura as soon as she's within reach.]

...Where would she be, other than out here?

[He gives Aya quite a bit of attention, now why is she so needy? Something it really quite off about all this. He levels his gaze on Yagyuu, of course, expecting an explanation.]

In her Pokeball, of course. What exactly is going on here, Yagyuu?

[...Oh. Well. And this is what creates the age-old conundrum, in which there's something Yagyuu really doesn't want to say and yet he's even more loath to deny Yukimura anything. So after an uncomfortable moment: ]

She...hasn't seen you for several months now, Yukimura-kun. Not since she came into my care.

[Slowly.]

You left, some time ago. You and Sanada-kun both.

We left?

[He's silent for a long moment, still petting Aya. He doesn't remember being gone. But it's obvious that things have changed - his garden, the Eevees, Aya. There's no reason to doubt Yagyuu, and Yukimura doesn't think Yagyuu would lie to him, anyway. Not about that.]

I'm sorry, Yagyuu. It wasn't our choice. You haven't been alone, have you?

[He nods slowly, hating to be the bearer of bad news.]

You left. And Jackal-kun, Niou-kun...even Kirihara-kun, in his turn.

[At his feet, Lady weaves in and out between his legs, then rubs her head against his calf.]

Marui-kun and I have been traveling together. You'll be pleased to know he's defeated all the gyms in Johto, and we've moved on to take Kanto as well.

So many of us...

[He's quiet for a moment.]

At least you weren't alone, and I'm pleased to hear of Marui's progress - and to see your achievements since I... left.

[Carefully making sure Aya is out of the way, Yukimura steps closer and reaches out to place a hand on Yagyuu's arm.]

Nevertheless, I apologize, Yagyuu.

[He's trying hard not to show it, but he appreciates that hand on his arm more than he probably should. He'd almost managed to will himself into denial and complacency in the time he's spent here without them, but now seeing them all again is just reminding him of how much he truly does miss his team, his captain, his partner.]

I'm sorry to have been away so long.

[It never, ever feels right to hear Yukimura apologize. Especially not to him. Never to him.]

If I knew how to leave here, I would. I don't...know why my time hasn't come yet.

It isn't your choice, I know that.

[And how could he blame Yagyuu? He doesn't remember Yagyuu being gone. He doesn't remember himself leaving this place. As a captain, he should be there for his team, but he has no control over it - and that frustrates Yukimura.]

No doubt you're being kept here in order to spread the name of Rikkai across this place. [He smiles a little.] They ought to be terrified.

022 | Goldenrod City | Video / Action;

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