A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes

[these_balls]

Who: The participants of the Dream Plot!
Where: A mysterious dream castle far away!
When: All day and night on April 19th!
Summary: The journey is over, and at last you've arrived. Looks as though there's a reception waiting for you, too; maybe it was worth the trouble, after all...
Rating: PG, and please warn for threads that may go higher!
Log:

[After a period of dreamlike travel, the journey has finally drawn to a close; at last, you've arrived at your destination for the next twenty-four hours...

...a Majestic Dream Castle™ filled with light and music, standing out like a gleaming jewel amid a light white mist.

And it looks as though you're just in time! There's a party underway, and when you look down you may just discover that you're dressed for the occasion as well. So go on in, have a ball, and dance the night away; there's no telling what lies beyond tomorrow morning, after all!]

~
THE VENUE


KEY:

• AREA A — the Fountain Garden.
The obvious object of note here is the pretty fountain bubbling merrily away, nestled in the center of this odd little patch of indoor flora; it's made of white marble and is your standard three-tier affair, surrounded by a modest "courtyard" of grass and wildflowers. Something of an oddity to come across in the middle of a castle, but if you're looking for a quiet place to unwind, to sit with someone you're fond of, or even just to cast P10 into the waters to make a wish, this is probably the place for you.

• AREA B — the Grand Ballroom.
While there's music audible all throughout the areas that fall within the boundaries of this dream, this is the part of the place that's going to look the most like a traditional ballroom. The floor is polished wood and the decor is classic; there are chandeliers overhead and plenty of room for mingling and making merry with your fellow dreamers. Good luck not chipping those glass slippers!

• AREA C — the Pristine Palace.
The least-defined and most freeform part of the dream, this wide expanse of the dream castle is consequently the most likely to become subject to the whims of the people wandering through it. Though the general size and shape won't change much, the way it looks may well vary from person to person. Is that grass beneath your feet, or is it concrete? Hardwood? Rose petals? The details are in the eye of the beholder; here's hoping that won't lead to too much confusion!

• AREA D — the Terrace.
Accessible solely by the not-so-secret passage marked on the map in brown, the Terrace is pretty much exactly that: a big open patio ringed with mist and fairy lights along the railings that run along its perimeter. Occasionally, a gentle breeze seems to waft by; though it's impossible to see further than a foot or two into the mist, this part of the castle feels more like it's legitimately outdoors than any of the others.

If you decide to hop the fence off the terrace, you will find yourself returned to the Fountain Garden in the blink of an eye. Don't you know it's impolite to go wandering off when there's party taking place?

• AREA E — the Banquet Hall.
Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you...aren't likely to be here, anyway! This area of the castle is entirely dedicated to meeting its guests' demands for food and drink; it's filled with buffet tables piled high with just about anything you could dream up, and those platters never seem to empty no matter how much the guests take from them.

Oh, and there's no need to BYOB; age-appropriate characters in Route will be able to find alcoholic beverages, though underage characters cannot. If an over-age character attempts to give an alcoholic beverage to a minor, they'll quickly find that it's turned to water instead.

• AREA F — the Overgrown Bower.
Watch your head as you enter this room; the ceiling is surprisingly low, and the dangling vines might give you a fright if you walk into one without paying attention! There isn't much of note in this room, outside of the plants seeping through the cracks in the cool gray stone and the delicate scent of flowers lingering in the air; that said, if you're tired of all the merriment and are looking for a quiet place to wind down, this is a pretty little alcove that's just perfect for some solitude — or some quality time alone with a special someone.

Comments

[these_balls]

[EVERYWHERE]

[Something blankets the region in weird mysterious, probably Pokemon related feathers? Well, of course that needs to be looked into so that was what Proton had been doing before all this happened. And he doesn't really see why he should stop now that he's asleep. Dream research is still research after all.

So he'll be around everywhere collecting readings on his...dream tablet. What? It's a dream. He can have a dream tablet if he wants.

And no, he's not in his Rocket outfit. But there's probably an NPC Scientist somewhere back on Day 2 who's wondering where his labcoat went. And is recovering from being KO'd in a dream by dream Pokemon, or something to that effect.

But yeah, go ahead notice the sciency guy. He might just be taking readings or in some cases, actually asking people if he can scan them with once again, the dream tablet. That won't exist outside of here, but hey, it helps with trying to feel at home in the middle of all these crazy dreamland shenanigans.]

[ortion]

[Admittedly, Proton stands out not only because of his more casual attire in contrast to the possibly overdressed prom-goers, but also because he's a pretty big deal to certain members of Team Rocket's Science Department.

Even still, Dist has to do a double-take when he spots his boss, mostly because he can't think of a time when admins actually appeared at large gatherings like this. Then again, this is a very different circumstance, isn't it?

Dist isn't quite sure how to approach, or if he should approach at all. Is it a good idea to converse with a admin of the team in such a public setting? ...Well, this is a dream, so does it matter in the end? Either way, he decides to approach, but makes note to keep things low-key.

He clears his throat to announce his presence.]

I see even you couldn't stay away from the strangeness of this all, sir.

[these_balls]

[It's not that Proton's ignoring Dist, but there's some things on his tablet he's going to take care of before looking up. It's either saving data...or he's getting a notification that this dream supports in app purchases. Who knows?]

It's not like I had a choice, but there's no reason to overlook this opportunity.

[Tap. Tap. Tap.

Followed by a quick glance to make sure they're not being overheard by anyone.]

I'll be expecting a full report on this from you after this ends.

[...as well as from any other Rocket here. Even though it's a dream, he's handing out paperwork to anyone who talks to him.]

After all, the possibilities presented here are limitless, and I would be extremely disappointed if something were overlooked. And believe me, no one wants that.

[ortion]

[He gets it, at least. From what he knows about Proton, he's a huge note taker, always buried in that tablet of his. It reminds Dist of a certain fellow Science Department member he worked closely with until his disappearance several years ago.

But enough about former members. Just as Dist is about to open his mouth to agree that yes, there really wasn't a choice for everyone present, Proton decides to drop some work on him. In the middle of prom.

Sir, please.

Then again...]

Oh, don't you worry, Sir. I would have written one up regardless.

[He's not exactly wrong either- he does see the opportunities Proton speaks of, and has been taking some mental notes of his own during this entire process.

It's just the fact that it ended up becoming a formal task that kind of takes away from the carefree atmosphere that prom tends to provide.

Easing into a slight smile, Dist crosses his arms as he watches Proton tap away at that tablet. He likewise keeps his voice down in case of eavesdroppers.]

I do hope you've been taking the time to enjoy yourself as well, in-between business, of course. After all, this is meant to be a pleasant dream if it's presenting itself as the annual ball.

[these_balls]

[He just sort of stares because Dist what are you even trying to say here?]

This isn't my idea of a relaxing time.

[As to what is, let's just say that quite a few of the native Rockets were glad that in his absence there was way less of a need for people to volunteer as test subjects. Not that. Being ordered to participate in a test of god knows what really counts as volunteering anyway.]

But I am enjoying collecting data on an environment and persons I wouldn't normally get the chance to encounter. Most of these people would normally be beneath our radar.

[That's the not so nice way of saying that outside of future victims of Team Rocket's crimes, he's not really seeing too much to worry about. Aside from the fact that he's pretty sure he saw Sinnoh's champion walking around here. That could be a problem. Oh and that pirate buffoon from October. Him too.]

[ortion]

[It takes all he can muster to not roll his eyes. But he refrains, because he values his job is more than certain he would have said the same thing during his first prom. Things were different back then- he didn't have certain people in his life to allow him to reap the benefits of a gathering like this.

He takes a moment to have another look at their surroundings, including the people around them. Yes, there do appear to be guests from previous proms present too...]

It truly is something- and we can gather that these effects might not be limited to just Johto and Kanto if guests from other regions are present.

[But who knows, they could also just be dream fragments. It's tough to say right now.]

[these_balls]

[Yes, please refrain from rolling your eyes, Dist. He appreciates that. Especially since he's in charge of the lab budgets and it would be unfortunate if the magnetic chair budget got slashed and redistributed to oh say, Slowpoke Tail advertising. Then again, there is no magnetic chair budget, so that's not really an issue. Where was this going again? Oh right. Yes, don't roll your eyes at him. He spent months in a submarine scouring Hoenn for the boss, so how is he supposed to know who these people are?]

So it's likely those feathers were more widespread than we thought. I should have collected more.

[Because the connection is pretty obvious.]

Perhaps if I had, we could've easily taken this place.

[Hindsight is 20-20, but man, the idea of dream prom becoming a Rocket nightmare obviously appeals to Proton, judging from the grin on his face.]

Now that would be my idea of a fun party.

[ortion]

[You never know, the Division D budget very well could include the magnetic chair. Those Magnemites/Magnezones don't recharge themselves!

Dist is about to agree that it would be good to have more of the feathers for research purposes, but then Proton takes it to a completely different level. There's no holding back raising his eyebrows here, because he's genuinely surprised.

Thankfully he doesn't forget to keep his voice lowered though.]

You would consider taking over a dream?

[...]

I could see it working with some preparation, but we currently don't know the limitations at play here.

[Like, he's not sure if Proton just wants to stage a takeover for the hell of it or if there's actually something to gain in the short term. But he may as well voice his thought on the matter anyway.]

[these_balls]

Not permanently. People wake up, after all.

[Unless they stop that too. ...maybe this is why Proton doesn't attend social functions. He's a horrible human being.]

But people remember nightmares. And I'm sure a mass Rocket related nightmare would do wonders for our reputation.

[See? Horrible?]

But like you said, the limitations aren't known, so it's merely a hypothetical situation.

[Beep boop goes the tablet as he enters some more things.]

One I look forward to discussing with the others after this is over.

[Because apparently none of them attended dream prom. Or if they have, he hasn't seen them yet.]

A why not they can do science by the fountain

[imperfectscientist]

[He can't possibly ignore a fellow man of science. Especially when he's clearly doing sciency things that Carlos could potentially help him with! Carlos has his labcoat on too. Granted, it's his formal labcoat, but labcoats are made to do science in!

Excuse me! I can't help but notice that you're doing science! I'm Carlos, and I'm a scientist too. So, if there's anything I could do to help, I'd be more than happy to give you a hand.

[these_balls]

[Proton looks up from the science he's in the middle of doing over by the fountain because who are you and why are you talking to him?]

Proton.

[That's his name. He's not doing some sort of weird things with particles. And he doesn't really see a reason to not give it because really, how many people here know his name? And even if they do they're going to do what with it, exactly?]

So then, as a fellow scientist, I'm sure you've been researching our current situation. What's your take on it?

[No doubt not looking at the possible applications of dreamspace when utilized by a criminal syndicate in the Pokemon world.]

[imperfectscientist]

Proton, huh? That is such a scientific name! [Carlos you are an adult and a professional keep it together.]

[Except. Carlos brand of science is more than half enthusiasm.] Well, based on what everyone's been saying, we're most likely in some sort of shared dream. Which is pretty cool! I'm not sure how much effect an individual can have on the whole or if there's someone who has more influence than everyone else just yet. I'm just going to have to keep asking around and collecting more data, I think.

[these_balls]

[Hey, Proton can be enthusiastic about science too. It's just that when he is, no one else in the immediate area usually shares that feeling.

Anyways, he's about to make a comment about Carlos stating the obvious because wow, a shared dream, really? This is new and shocking information to tablet guy...but it's okay, that's not happening. Because the comment about influencing the dream is exactly what he's looking into too.]

I haven't found an answer to that either. The area outside the fountain seems to be the most easily influenced, but its range seems limited to the individual perceiving it.

[Meaning that it looks like the Goldenrod base to him, but to somebody else it looks different, and there's really nothing that can be done about that.]

Though if there were a way to change that, it could certainly...

[...what's some nonsense that doesn't make him sound like a terrible person who's mainly interested in using it to steal Pokemon?]

...open up new avenues of communication and understanding among people and Pokemon.

[There. Ugh. When he wakes up, he's going to go run tablet simulations of blowing things or hijacking a train or something to make himself feel better about saying things like that.]

[imperfectscientist]

The fountain, huh? I'll have to look into that. [He smiles.] Yeah, absolutely!Being to project certain images to your Pokemon and getting them back would be amazing! [He totally just bought that, wow.] I have to wonder about the intent here too. So far it doesn't seem malicious. After all, I arrived here in the clothes I would have chosen for myself and not something embarrassing or otherwise damaging. And I seem to have full control over my actions, although of course, it's difficult to assess whether you're being controlled in the midst of being controlled....

[these_balls]

It's almost certainly not malicious.

[He would know.]

If it was, something horrible would've happened by now. Some sort of nightmarish Pokemon or Team Rocket would've made appearances.

[Because he just has to namedrop his own team. He just has to.]

I don't think we're being controlled either. But it is an interesting scenario, isn't it?

[And one more that's going to be entered into a list of potential dream schemes.]

[imperfectscientist]

I suppose you're right! [Carlos says, surprised he didn't think of that.] Still, it's not too late for something to happen. We'll have to stay observant. It's certainly interesting to consider, anyway.

[these_balls]

No you're right. It is. A Pokemon that can control people through their dreams. I wonder if something like that exists.

[Or well, one that can be turned to Team Rocket's side.]

[capitald]

[Like proton, Ringabel's out and about, exploring this castle from top to bottom. He's got a journal in hand and is humming to himself as he takes careful notes on his findings.

At the moment, he's hovering around the fountain, looking up occasionally in case he spots a familiar face. But, while Proton is far from familiar, he does stand out. A lab coat is difficult to miss, not to mention his curious device.

This merits a closer inspection, or at least conversation, so he'll go ahead and address the stranger.]

It's all rather peculiar, isn't it? I've seen many strange things, but even the most powerful magic could never create such vivid dreams.

[At least, not that he knows of. But then, that was Luxendarc, and this is a new world. Who's to say what is and isn't possible?]

[these_balls]

[Proton looks up from the tablet and..okay, he can't place Ringabel, but the face looks familiar. He'll look back down instead of responding, checking a file to confirm his suspicions, and yup, there it is. Ringabel, Grunt, current assignment: Game Corner table waiting. It's a dream, so he doesn't have access to any sort of detailed file, but the list on his tablet's more or less accurate.

...minus the dancing Skitty that are in the corner of it that he cannot get rid for some reason. Because dreams are stupid.]

It's probably not magic. More likely the effects of some sort of Pokemon. Though which one, I'm not entirely sure.

[It's a short list though. It's not like it's Ditto or something like that.]

Also my name is Proton. I'm one of the people responsible for keeping the organization you're a member of on track and running smoothly.

[He figures he should introduce himself now and spare himself any future headaches.]

[capitald]

Oh! Well, this is unexpected.

[Best to keep on his best behavior, then. He's still trying to get a feel for the organization itself before he does anything careless. That, and it generally pays to be courteous, so he'll offer a smile in return.]

I suppose I needn't introduce myself, but it's a pleasure to meet you. And as for our present circumstances, I'd no idea these Pokémon possessed such a power.

[But then, he's still learning about their overall capabilities. This is certainly getting an extra note in his journal. Right now.]

[these_balls]

It is. Normally, we don't have much reason to interact with you all beyond giving orders and...disciplinary measures.

[Which he is in charge of. Not that he really has much to do. Aside from a few bad apples here and there (..or would they be good apples?), Team Rocket is fairly well behaved for a bunch of malcontents and occasional megalomaniacs.]

And there are a few suspects, though I really have no idea which one. The feathers narrow it down, but I hadn't had much opportunity to study them before this happened. You'll quickly find that Pokemon are capable of the most amazing things, most of which are incredibly useful to people like us.

[capitald]

Well, I'll have to remember to remain in your good graces.

[It's less about fear or submission, of course. If need be, he will face the risks in time. He and his friends have gone against the Eternian Forces and lived. He simply needs to adapt before he does anything reckless.

So, for the time being, these mystery feathers seem a solid discussion topic. Nodding, he takes another quick note.]

I've already seen some of their abilities firsthand, so that doesn't surprise me in the slightest. Teleportation is a particular nuisance, while the various elemental attacks are as impressive as they were on Luxendarc.

[That is to say that he's familiar with beasts slinging fire, ice, and all manner of magic.]

[these_balls]

I would certainly recommend it.

[If anything the recent expulsion was him being lenient, but every time he proposes locking AWOL people in a tiny cell again or KO'ing them and leaving them in the middle of the Whirl Islands without a map, he tends to get shot down by the others.]

Oh good, a quick learner. Keep that up, and you'll probably go far.

[But not too far since they're not giving up the reins any time soon.]

[capitald]

Why, thank you!

[Go far indeed. But how far? Rising through the ranks would potentially allow him greater access to inside information. Perhaps it'd pay to stay with them for a while in hopes of achieving success...

Though the smile on his face masks any hidden agendas, pleasant and polite as ever.]

I've done my best to adapt, though I do wish weapons weren't seen as taboo. As wonderful as the Pokémon are, I'd feel much more comfortable with a sword.

[these_balls]

Not much to be done there. Even if we supplied those sorts of things, they'd just get confiscated. Besides, Pokemon are better tools than the majority of weapons anyway.

[Okay, yes Team Rocket has various status grenades and stuff like with the Suicune mission, but what's better? A sword or...some sort of of bladed monster that can slash and shoot lasers and learn HMs for getting around easier? In Proton's opinion, it's a pretty obvious answer.]

But if you must have a sword, I'd suggest you go find a...

[What is that one again, he'll just check his Pokedex app and...]

Honedge. They seem promising even if they're rather...difficult.