route_1065 | the party don't start 'til we walk in

[It's the early morning after their arrival in Celadon and they've decided to start things off right by heading out to a lovely outdoor cafe for breakfast and coffee. Continental breakfast at the hotel is nice and all, but they want to enjoy the cool morning air before it gets ridiculously hot.

So here they are with their coffee, waiting for their orders to arrive.

Dist takes a sip of his coffee and sighs contentedly.]

You know, I didn't realize how weary from work I had become until I awoke this morning and actually felt completely refreshed. We truly needed this.

[Kato smiles (alright, smirks...) in response to that, idly stirring his coffee as he flicks his eyes around the cafe. He's decided to be casual, forgoing his coat and mask, instead just wearing a plain white shirt with his usual black pants. Dist certainly has a point - the labs were beginning to feel stifling, lately.]

Mhmm, I agree - it was an incredibly generous gift, Dist.

[Seriously. He was almost touched. But being kind of crazy will do that to you.]

I do hope you'll allow me to pay for the food. Don't force me to insist, because I am completely prepared to.

[Kato without his mask? That's almost as unheard of as Dist without his flower collar...which he decided to go without too, what. He's still decked out with flowers though, don't worry about that. He's wearing some pretty rose cufflinks that Aradia got him for Christmas and has a fresh red rose in his shirt's breastpocket.]

As I said Kato, you deserve it. Consider it a thank you for everything this past year.

[He then glances up from his coffee with a look of surprise. He was perfectly content to pay for this entire thing, so that request comes out of nowhere. Well, it's not really a request so much as a thing that's going to happen apparently.]

While that wasn't what I planned...if that is what you'd like to do, then I won't object to it.

[Don't worry Dist - Kato still insisted on spending half an hour in the bathroom this morning making sure his hair and make-up were perfect. Apparently we're incapable of even having a vacation without ensuring we are sufficiently fabulous.

He likes your rose, by the way.]

Excellent. It's only fair I contribute something.

[Taking a quiet sip of his coffee, Kato smiles again - this time it's...vaguely less smirk-ish, if that means anything. He's trying!]

We are partners, after all.

[NOPE. And oh how unfortunate it must be for two vain men such as themselves to have to share a bathroom in the mornings and evenings before bed. Hours set aside just for that.

And Dist is pleased to see that mask off for once. Kato's eyes are really quite stunning.

He nods, returning the smile with one of his own as he glances off toward the interior of the cafe to see if their food is on its way.]

Indeed we are, and I do appreciate it.

[The contribution...and the fact that they're partners. Seriously he never would've expected to have one after spending so many years without one.

Their conversation is momentarily interrupted as their breakfast arrives. So once they're all settled into their meals, Dist continues.]

I've been meaning to ask you what your opinions of our colleagues are. It's not so easy to discuss at the base where they are, after all. And in general, what do you think of the current state of things in the department?

[Thank god we're actually capable of sharing and not just fighting it out. Someone would be getting their hair pulled, and it would not be pretty.

As for that question regarding their colleagues, Kato's smile quickly becomes a smirk once again when he hears it - ah, their esteemed companions...]

I must admit, I'm enjoying the chance to talk about them properly - Caroline is highly unpleasant, and Alexia is tolerable, I suppose.

[...is he forgetting someone-

...

Oh well!]

I'm yet to see anything from them that signifies they're anywhere near our level, however. What do you think of them?

[If it was anyone else they would be SOL though.

He's in the middle of scooping up some of his egg when it's his turn to talk.]

Oh no, you're absolutely right. In all honesty, it's an utter shame that we haven't been recognized for our efforts. Sometimes it feels like we're pulling all the weight, and everything remains the same!

[He quickly realizes he's raising his voice and some people are staring. Oops. So he kind of sulks a bit and takes a breath to calm down.]

My apologies, we're supposed to be relaxing, not getting worked up. But ah, as for my opinion of individual members...I hate to disagree with you, but I'm actually quite interested in Caroline's work myself. I think if anyone has been showing some effort, it is her. The machine she gave to me over the holidays is simply fascinating.

[He really enjoys his little turret. It reminds him of his smaller robots back home.]

Edited 2014-01-21 02:49 (UTC)

[Dist, please do not remind him of his turret. Caroline programmed his to talk just like Ryuunosuke and he can't seem to kill it-

...ahem. Let him just...take another perfectly calm sip of his coffee.

...

stupid turret]

Don't apologize. I can't blame you for getting upset - the situation in the Team has been frustrating for a fair while. It can be grating to display brilliance and not have it recognized.

[Kato will purse his lips slightly at Dist's compliments towards Caroline, but he won't say anything negative. After all - they're on holiday.]

I don't suppose you've heard anything regarding our benevolent overlords?

[... Kato has Dist's utmost condolences.

He actually finishes that bit of egg now, but he continues to tensely grip onto the knife and fork. Maybe he didn't calm down as much as he would've liked.]

Nothing, same as always. They handed out a round of promotions shortly before you returned— [intense frowning here because he didn't hear word of any for the science department people] —but they have been annoyingly silent since.

Perhaps our recent displays will dredge up some activity. Surely they must appreciate useful contributions.

[Because if they ignore what they've currently been doing, then he doesn't even know what they want anymore.]

[ONE DAY, TURRETNOSUKE]

We're still getting paid, so something must be happening in the higher echelons - apparently nothing worthy of us lower lifeforms, however.

[Kato's grip on his cup also tightens visibly; clearly, they need to shift topics before they both start yelling and something gets destroyed.]

But enough about that. We're on holiday, we shouldn't be talking about work. Let's talk about this lovely city.

[And really, it actually is fairly nice. He would so crash a bomb-laden ~~trolley~~ train into this place, man.]

Have you been here before?

Ah...yes, you're right.

[Thank you for saving the conversation, Kato.

Also does he have a scale for "would raze the entire place with explosions"?]

I have not. Though from what I've read in the travel guides and what I've discussed with you already, it seems like our kind of city. Apparently it's a getaway for the upper class. [He sets down his knife and places a hand on his chest, just below his rose.] The refined, the beautiful. While I cannot say for certain if anyone here is quite at our level, they shouldn't be too far below it either.

Celadon City is also home to a Grass-type gym, complete with an enormous greenhouse. I must admit, I am rather excited to see it for myself.

[Flowers, Kato. Live flowers.]

I must admit, this place does seem to have a certain air to it that Goldenrod lacks. It was an excellent choice.

[Of course he has a scale! While he wouldn't say no to destroying anything and everything, there is something so much more poetic about destroying something beautiful...they always make the most wonderful sights. You'd make a fantastic target yourself, you know!

...

...you know what, let's make sure he never says that out loud, shall we...

Taking another silent sip of his coffee, Kato can't resist smiling (okay, smirking...) over the rim of his cup.]

Why am I not surprised that you want to go look at flowers?

[That was said in a teasing manner, however.]

We'll have to make a day of it.

[...Kato...

Yeah. Yeah, that's for the best. ~~lbr he wouldn't be sure whether to take that as a compliment or not.~~]

What can I say? Beauty seeks out beauty.

[He'll add in a hair flip here for emphasis.]

But yes, that would be lovely. [He works a little more on his breakfast before speaking up again. Don't want it getting cold, y'know.] Are there any locations you would like to see? If you need ideas, I brought along a travel guide.

[Midway through the week, our duo has found themselves at Celadon Gym's greenhouse. Dist had always found it an injustice that it was summerlike in the middle of winter yet they still had to deal with the drab landscapes of dead trees and grass (how he ever dealt with living in Keterburg is a mystery). Being stuck in their underground base with little to no plants didn't help the situation. Since he found the lack of flora absolutely depressing, of course he was going to jump at the chance to visit a well-maintained greenhouse.

Once they're inside, Dist's eyes light up immediately. The variety of plants is absolutely astounding. The building is practically an entire jungle of exotic flowers, many that Dist has yet to ever see before.]

My word...this is incredible.

[He immediately walks up to the nearest display to examine its contents. Not long after, he's signaling for Kato to come over.]

Kato, you must take a look at this. The colors on this species are fantastic!

[... He's basically a kid in a candy shop except with flowers.]

[...good lord, Dist; he knew you loved flowers, but he didn't think you'd get this ecstatic over the greenhouse. He knows what he's getting you next Christmas. At the moment, he's just concerned with ensuring they don't trip over any hidden Grass Pokemon; he will, however, come over to see whatever it is you're looking at.]

It is rather beautiful, I must admit.

[...surprisingly enough, he's being sincere. Obviously he has spent too long inside the lab, if he's also willing to be this excited over flowers.]

Are you considering challenging the Gym, while we're here? I might give it a go - apparently the rewards are useful.

[He calls himself Dist the Rose for a reason!

Once they're done discussing that flower, Dist quickly moves on to gaze at other species. The expression on his face is complete, honest bliss.]

Ahh...they are all absolutely gorgeous, though I have to admit that my own radiating beauty fully completes the look of this garden.

[Did he just...he did. Wow Dist. Wow.

He then turns to Kato and taps his chin in thought.]

I hadn't considered it, no. The thought didn't cross my mind, to be honest. Do you have an idea of what the rewards are?

[WOW DIST, WOW.

Don't worry, though; that makes Kato laugh. Ah, your arrogance is refreshing...he never thought he'd meet someone who could equal his own...]

Clearly, compared to you they are merely weeds.

[You are very pretty, alright.]

From what I've read, the badge here allows us to use 'Fly' outside of battle, which I really should obtain. The cash would be nice too, I suppose, and my Pokemon could use the training.

[Ugh, Dist, he is still so asspained that his original team of Pokemon was taken from him when he left. If it wasn't, you know. Obvious.

...

Ughhhhh.]

But I'm happy to admire the Greenhouse, for now. I admit; these flowers are rather incredible.

[Imagine a bomb set off in here, strategically placed to ensure all the petals exploded into the air...how beautiful that would be...]

[Wait, did Kato just agree with him? Dist's eyes widen considerably. No really he wasn't expecting that.]

Do you truly mean that?

[There's a hesitant pause before he blurts out again. He doesn't want to find out that Kato was just saying that.]

Ah, but of course you do. It's the truth, after all!

[Yes, good save Dist.]

Oh, I see. Yes, that is rather useful. However, I've already received the proper badge from the Johto side. It was during the time you were gone, when I took an extended leave from the base.

But perhaps I'll challenge the gym anyway. As you said, there are other benefits for doing so.

[... Kato no, we're not blowing up the pretty flowers. Dist will only allow so much and that's not one of those things.]

Yes, they certainly are. Shall we venture further?

Of course I do - why would I say it otherwise?

[That was rather smooth, Dist, yes. Don't worry - Kato is still very obviously amused. He'll save you any further floundering by shifting topics, okay.

...speaking of which

...

Dist can he please blow up the flowers

how about just some of the flowers

pleeeeeeeease]

A bit of extra cash is always useful, at least - and I'm in the mood to watch Hydra destroy something.

[Said in the tone of voice most use to comment on the weather.]

However, for now I'm happy to continue to admire the greenhouse, so yes - let's head further in. Do you have a favourite type of flower?

[...ah.]

Besides the rose, of course~

[Nnnngh no one actually agrees with him on these things so how does he react--okay Kato you're seriously a lifesaver.

But no means no!! Look, he'll get to blow up plenty of flowers during the gym battle. That works, right?

He nearly laughs when Kato asks for his favorite flower.]

Honestly Kato, if you hadn't caught yourself I would have been very concerned for your attention to detail. But...

[He crosses his arms as they continue along, intensely glancing at the various flowers as they pass by. He's digging deep to pick a runner up.]

Aside from roses, I am quite captivated by lilies. They are elegant, beautiful, and look stunning when arranged into a bouquet. Much like roses, really. But lilies are unique in that they represent both prosperity and death.

[He stops as they just so happen to come upon a large display of lilies. He leans down to examine one with a gloved hand.]

What about you, Kato? I'm sure you, someone with an equal eye for beauty, has a favorite flower.

[....siiiiiiigh alright fine, he'll settle with blowing up some Grass-type pokemon. You're lucky he likes you.]

Don't worry - I could never forget your fondness for roses.

[...really, could anyone, if you have anything to say about it...

As it stands, however, he actually seems rather transfixed by those lilies, a smirk quickly forming on his face.]

Prosperity and death...creation and destruction...what a wonderful choice.

[Well, he was going to say white chrysanthemums, but you know what? This sounds better. Leaning down besides Dist, Kato reaches out and similarly examines the lilies, continuing to wear that oddly hypnotized expression on his face.]

I think they've become my new favourite.

[He glances at Kato beside him, and chuckles when he sees the look on his face.]

Ah, have I swayed your opinion? I hadn't considered it before, but when you word it that way, they really do suit you.

[And Dist knows they suit him too. They both deal with the concepts of creation and destruction, but for different reasons. Dist, going to extreme lengths to create something impossible in the wake of destruction, and Kato, putting all of his hard work and passion into creating the ultimate destruction.

Just thinking about it like that, Dist smiles at the fact that they really are quite the team.

After a few more moments of admiring the lilies, he straightens up and scouts the enormous room for something specific.]

Now, where are the roses...I'd hate to visit the greenhouse and not get to opportunity to see my favorite flower.

[Their week in Celadon is near its end, but they don't want to leave before checking out the Rocket base. They had heard the labs are the best in the adjoining regions, so they have to verify that for themselves. And if it really is the best, then there had better be some interesting projects going on in there or it would be an absolute waste of resources.

They decide to go after taking a day of touring off to recover from a day at the beach. It was clearly not the best option to go in the middle of a sunny day. Even though their sunburn was very mild, it hurt terribly and they were both miserable. That's what they get for spending far too much time in the dark labs! But it worked out though, because it rained for much of their time spent indoors.

They're standing in the middle of the Celadon Game Corner, and Dist is trying to be inconspicuous as he searches for the entrance to the base. He turns to Kato and speaks softly so they're not overheard.]

I was told the stairway containing the entrance is near a poster, but there are so many of them. Let me know if you spot the correct path.

[Kato nods curtly at that, irritably picking at a small (but painful!) burn on his hand. He knew he should have warn his gloves, ugh.]

I'm more concerned with how most of the posters are in full-view of the patrons - I'm really hoping our Kanto colleagues aren't that painfully inept.

[Although really, he wouldn't put it past them; after all, they are the best scientists over both regions. Really, the Kanto base should be grateful for their visit!

Meandering around the machines, Kato spies a poster near the back of the room; almost out of sight, but not quite.]

Dist.

[Indicating it with a flick of his head, he makes a move over to it.]

Hmm...you have to admit that it would be equally suspicious to place them all in ill-fitting locations. Posters are meant to be seen. It's simply a lose-lose, honestly. They should have picked a better indicator.

[He's just...really hopeful and doesn't want to think that they really are that inept.

Dist is near a different row of slots behind Kato when he hears his name called, and when he turns he sees him moving toward the carefully placed poster. Well, hopefully that's it. He quickly moves to catch up with his partner, and before long they're in front of it. Sure enough, there's a dark hallway nestled into the corner beside the poster. An old weathered door at the end reads, "employees only."

Dist glances around to make sure no one is watching them, then gives a nod to Kato and begins his descent down the hall.]

This has to be it. It's inconspicuous enough, and I don't believe many people would come back here for no reason.

[Placing a (now gloved, thank you very much) finger against the door as they pass it, Kato's expression sours when it comes back dusty.]

I'm hoping the entire base doesn't have this level of wear. Ugh.

[Admittedly, though, it's a decent disguise for the entrance. Perhaps. Following Dist along, Kato peers around the hallway. They're definitely leaving the Game Corner behind, and don't appear to be being following. Always a good sign.]

Do you know anyone who works here? I know Descole used to spend a lot of his time in this city, when he was here.

[He misses that crazy little fellow. He was always so much fun to rile...]

[Once they're past the door, they come across a dimly lit stairwell that only leads down. Well, this isn't creepy at all. Maybe it's to deter the poor souls who don't have an actual reason to come down here? Nevertheless, they push on and start heading down.]

I don't believe any non-natives currently work here. They would've spoken up on the network by now if that were the case. It seems that the entire non-native science department has remained in Goldenrod for the time being.

[Man though, that is a name he hasn't heard in quite some time. Ah, the days when the science department was actually substantial in size...

Once at the end of the staircase, they come upon a much cleaner sliding door with a keycard scanner equipped.]

This must be it.

[He reaches behind the rose in his breastpocket and produces his Rocket ID card. With a quick slide through the scanner, a ding echos through the stairwell and the door slides open.

With a smirk, Dist steps aside gives a small bow for Kato head in.]

After you.

[Honestly, it almost hurts to remember the good old days when they had plenty of similarly insane colleagues to bounce ideas off. Nowadays, the labs seem so empty in comparison...

...ah well!

Returning that smirk and nodding his head in thanks, Kato walks through the door and instinctively places a hand on his Hydreigon's Pokeball. Even though they're in 'friendly' territory, it can't hurt to be cautious.

His concerns appear unfounded, however, as there is a distinct absence of any hostiles in the gleaming silvery hallway...or, well, anyone at all. Raising an eyebrow, Kato turns back to Dist and beckons him to follow him through the door.]

It's practically deserted - I can't hear anyone.

[...]

At least it appears to be clean.

[Focusing on what's important!]

[Oh well. They carry the labs well enough on their own, right?

Dist pokes his head through the doorway to examine the empty halls before fully stepping in. A confused frown appears on his face, and narrowing his eyes, he takes a few steps down the hall in each direction. It's like he's pacing, but not really because he comes to a stop when he's beside Kato again.]

What's going on? The base should be bustling at this hour! Is there a mission going on right now that we're not aware of?

the party don't start 'til we walk in

Cafe - let's talk nefarious things over coffee

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

The Gym's Greenhouse - let's see some nature that's NOT dead

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

The Celadon Rocket Base - scoping out the competition

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject