The 4th Storm [4th Wall Four; Video/Action for Olivine Pokemon Center]

[soggypastry]

[Normally there would be some kind of comment from Lightning about this, being that she currently has her memories of this being the fourth time things have gone to chaos in a handbasket, but instead of that, her gear feed is focused on something else in the Center room she still occupies; something that Sen is pawing at in curiosity. It appears to be a regular old Clefairy doll, but the moment that Sen gets close enough to sniff it, it giggles and transforms into something else entirely. Something that sends Sen skittering back in surprise and has Lightning blinking.

Not that she has time do much of anything about it, though; the creature is already forming pink bubbles and launching them everywhere, bouncing on one and sending the rest bouncing across the room, walls and ceiling included. Sen immediatly starts yipping in amusement, chasing and popping bubbles, while the Skitty that had been on Lightning's lap does the same. The creature continues to giggle and make more bubbles for the two mons to chase, and Lightning? Well. She just smiles and watches for a bit. It could be a lot worse, right?

Definitely could be a lot worse, especially since the creature is floating in front of Lightning's face now, blowing a small bubble that pops right in Lightning's face and makes her jump, soft amusement now replaced by a most definite lineface as the creature nearly falls over itself laughing, Sen and the Skitty doing the same no matter the looks she gives them. Anyone coming in for a visit is likely to get the same treatment, so watch out. At least it's friendly, though! That's good, right? ....Right?]

Comments

[soggypastry]

[The chocobo-hair throws her off, at first. It's been a year since she last saw him and of course things have changed for both of them, but...she knows that voice. She'd know it in a crowd no matter how much he changes or how much time passes. So it's with a small amount of actual relief that she looks up, arms crossing over her chest as she stares him down, Mew floating over to peer at his face and tug at his hair. Who you be, new person?]

About time you showed up.

[encountersbarriers]

[He gets distracted by Mew briefly, lifting a hand to poke at its belly; he makes no gestures to make it stop playing with his hair though. Snow just grins good-naturedly before turning his attention back to Lightning.]

What, you don't see me in... [Two years? Three years? Kind of hard to tell these days, what with all that time travel...] You don't see me in a couple of years, and that's how you greet me?

[He walks a little closer, resting his hands on the side of the bed.]

Can't say I'm used to seeing you down and out like this though.

[He looks like he wants to give her a hug, but... Well. It's Lightning. Stuck in bed or not, that doesn't change the fact that she's Lightning Farron and has socked in him in the face a few times.]

You been alright?

[soggypastry]

[Since Snow doesn't try to move it away, Mew continues to tug on his hair as he walks over, looking much like a bright pink ponytail attached to his already messy hair. When he puts his hands on Lightning's bed, the woman in question looks up and remembers just how much she hates the height difference between them. Really...is it just her or has he gotten taller somehow? If it's been a couple of years for him, she wouldn't be all that surprised.]

Considering you disappeared on me a year ago? Yeah, that's how I greet you.

[She looks like she wants to do more than just give him stern looks and half-lectures, but he's out of reach and she can't really sock him from here. That and she...almost doesn't want to. Almost. She really has missed him.]

If alright means being pinned under a tree during a storm that put Bodhum's entire storm season to shame in just under fifteen minutes two weeks ago, then yes, I'm alright. It could have been worse.

[A lot worse. So she sighs, lowering her hands into her lap and shaking her head. No use fretting over it now.]

[encountersbarriers]

Huh?

[A year? And she's been here that long? But isn't she supposed to be in Valhalla? Come to think of it, can she even leave the place? Is he dreaming again?

Her statements doesn't register properly in his brain, and for a moment, he just stares at her, confused. Snow hasn't seen Lightning since Cocoon fell--aside from in his dreams, at least--but here she is saying that he disappeared on her. There's also the matter of the weird animals(?) in the room, and the fact that he doesn't recognize the place at all.

It hadn't bothered him at first to be in a totally alien place. It became something of the norm when you jump from time to time, place to place, but having Lightning here just throws... everything out of whack.]

Hey, Light? Where are we?

[soggypastry]

[She's about to ask if he's feeling alright, since that's a bit much for even his normal level of "in one ear, out the other" listening she grew accustomed to, but even if he doesn't remember this place, he's honestly confused and she can't leave him like that. Not after all this time.]

Olivine City, Johto. It's nowhere on Cocoon or Pulse, it's...it's a whole other world, Snow. I've been here for almost two years.

[encountersbarriers]

[He straightens back up and whistles low. Snow takes a slow turn around the room before ending right back where he started. He crosses his arms across his chest and shakes his head lightly, disbelieving.

Alright, well, where does he go from here?]

And how did we end up here? Fal'Cie magic? Etro?

[soggypastry]

[For starters, he could sit down while Mew is distracted. If he want all the details, Lightning will give them to him, but it's a lot to process standing up.]

No one knows yet, but I doubt it had anything to do with anything from our world. There are people from dozens of worlds here, not just Cocoon or Pulse. There's no way the Fal'Cie could have done this.

[At least, she hopes not. The Cocoon Fal'Cie were all gone, last she knew, and the Pulse ones generally left them alone. If they did have something to do with this...well. It wouldn't be pretty.]

And before you ask, no one knows a way back, either. People just appear and disappear at random, with no warning for either event. You and Hope have done it twice already, no matter how close an eye I kept on you.

[And that...well. It should be obvious that's still a sore point with her. Can't even keep her own family together anymore.]

[encountersbarriers]

[Should he be apologizing? He feels like he should be apologizing, even if he doesn't remember anything about this place.

It's more than a little troubling to know that he's been here before but doesn't recall any of it, but hey, they'll work through it. Snow's not the type to dwell on something like that too long or too much, and he bounces back quickly. Heroes never give up, give in, die, or (apparently) worry too much about large gaps in their memory.]

Hope, too, huh? Guess we're always gonna be trouble for you. [He cracks a grin as he moves to grab the chair in the room, bringing it closer to the bed.] Who else is he--whoooa!!

[And just like that, Snow falls back onto the floor, the chair decidedly not where he had thought it would be. It's probably a good thing he's got a thick skull if the crack of head meeting floor is anything to go by.]

[soggypastry]

[He could apologize up and down until he was blue in the face; it wouldn't matter. Lightning knows it's not his fault he left before, and it's not his fault he doesn't remember. It's just the way of this place, that's all. She hates it sometimes, but other times...well. It's become a second home, for the moment. She can deal with that. Just like she can deal with him being his regular old self, even if it causes her to shake her head like he's given her a migraine.

At least, before he tumbles to the ground and she leans over the side of her bed, slightly concerned. Even he's not invincible, and that was a fairly loud crack. Is she going to have to call a nurse?]

You okay?

[It's an honest question; she'd get up to help him but can't because she get out of bed yet, and the only other one in the room who can help is Mew. Well as much help as it can be, being that Mew just giggles, the chair still floating a few inches off the ground directly where Snow had been attempting to sit. Talk about a successful prank!]

[encountersbarriers]

[A moment later, there's a low groan from the floor, and Snow flops an arm over his eyes. L'Cie or not, that did still hurt, and it takes him a moment to reorient himself.]

I'm okay, I'm okay.

[He waves a hand in the air from his spot on the ground before propping himself up on his elbow. After shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he turns an eye on the Mew, a wry grin crossing his features.]

A trickster, huh? Yeah, you keep laughing, but you're going to have to do better than that to take a hero out!

[Snow gets back to his feet and dusts himself off before holding out a hand for the chair.]

Can I get that back? [And after a moment.] Please?

[soggypastry]

[There is a hint of relief to Lightning's sigh as Snow finally gets up, and she turns to watch as Mew tilts its head, chair still floating as it contemplates Snow and his hand like it's actually going to listen and give it back. But it seems to think that course of action is a terrible idea, because it instead blows a small pink bubble into Snow's face, giggling as it pops right there. It's more of a shock value than anything, feeling like a light breeze, but it's still enough to get Lightning to roll her eyes.]

Don't bother. If there's one thing I know about this place, it's that they never listen to us.

[Gesturing to the foot of her bed after a second; plenty of room there, Snow. Not even you're that big.]

[encountersbarriers]

Whoa, hey!

[He laughs when it blows the bubble in his face and shakes his head after it pops. Snow shrugs his shoulders when Lightning speaks, and briefly reaches over to poke the Mew in the belly again. The look on his face clearly suggests that while the little creature has won this round, the fight's definitely not over yet.]

Gotta try, don't I?

[Snow takes a quick look at the spot she's offered him on the bed. He considers it for a moment, but instead of taking a seat there, he leans over where she is, pulling her in for a bear hug. Snow lingers there long enough to make it clear that he's happy to see her, not just as a friend but as family, before drawing away.

That done, he finally takes a seat.]

Who else is here?

[soggypastry]

[Mew just giggles at the poking, still floating with the chair as it floats off to play with more bubbles. Of course it won this round. What else was the human expecting?

Snow may have been expecting the impossible, but Lightning certainly wasn't expecting that hug. Her ribs are still tender from being stuck under that tree, but this...well. She won't complain about it. In fact, she actually hugs him back for a moment; they are family and she's missed him and she knows he can tell through these few moments. They're all he needs to know, really, so she doesn't hold on when he pulls away. Back to business? Yes indeed.]

Fang, Hope, and Serah. I'm not sure where Fang is, but Serah and Hope are in the city right now. [A short pause, before she grabs her gear and starts punching in a number. If she's right, which she probably is...]

You want me to call her?

[encountersbarriers]

[Everything sort of feels more... more right after that embrace, and while he hadn't exactly been uptight or stiff before, there's definitely a more relaxed air around Snow as he sits there, one arm propped behind to support his weight.

Of course, his expression lights up when he hears that Fang and Hope are here, but the smile he wears when Serah's name is mentioned is something akin to a boy waking up to a pile of presents on Christmas morning. There is simply no denying the pure and unadulterated joy that's there, and he nods his head once, enthusiastic.]

Serah's here? [Snow shifts a little, twisting his body so he's facing Lightning full on.] Yeah! I'd love to talk to her.

[soggypastry]

[That hug didn't make all things right in the world; it can't make him stay like she wants, but...it's something. Something she vows to remember even if she's right and she's going to forget all of this, but it's something. It's hope and family and if Ven and Sora are right, her heart will remember.

But in any event, she was right. Just as she expected to be, and the look on his face is enough to make her smile softly. He really does love her. She doesn't need any more proof of that, which is why she sends out a quick text to that number she punched in, telling Serah to hurry over before setting the gear back down on her bed and looking to her companion.]

Give her a few minutes. Knowing our luck, it's messier out there than it is in here.

[So many people outside, so many bubbles inside. Ah, what a mess.]

[chasingstorms]

[It doesn't take Lightning's text very long before it has it's desired affect. Serah's not quite running when she enters the room, but it's certainly faster than a walk. After all Serah isn't used to strange things happening here the same way Lightning is, so she's busy marveling over some amazing sight or another when she first enters the room.]

Lightning! You won't believe what I just.... Snow?

[Her train of thought is completely abandoned as her brain tries to process just who's sitting at the foot of Lightning's bed. Is she seeing things? Comically enough this is going to take her a second, sorry Snow.]

[The Espeon at Serah's feet doesn't know who this stranger is, but it's weird hearing his trainer say his name like that. So he's just going to pad over to stare up at the large....thing warily. Hurt his person and they're going to have a long talk, pal. It doesn't matter how big you are.]

[encountersbarriers]

[While he's not quite vibrating with excitement about the idea of seeing Serah again, he's definitely psyched about it, fingers drumming lightly against the bed in anticipation. His head jerks toward the door the second it opens, and then he sees her there. Snow stays seated just long enough for the Espeon to come over before he's sprung to his feet and crossed the room in three long strides.]

Serah! You're here! You're really here!

[It's not that he didn't believe Lightning, but still! His arms are wide open, and he sweeps her into a fierce embrace and quite literally off her feet. Snow swings them around once, twice, three times, and then finally sets her back down.

He keeps his hands on her shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze.]

Hey. Sorry. Your hero's a little late showing up.

thread without me for a bit, you two. :3 she'll be there.

[soggypastry]

[It's a familiar sight, that. One that, in Lightning's eyes, has been a long time coming. It's obvious that they need this, and so she won't get in the way. She'll just keep an eye on Serah's Espeon to try and keep him from interrupting, Skitty going over to Snhim for a quick greeting...and maybe to keep him busy. Maybe.]

[chasingstorms]

Snow!

[She would have tried to meet him partway, but he moves fast enough that she doesn't hardly have a chance, not that she minds. The swinging is a familiar thing by now, but she can't help but laugh as he spins her around a few times. When he sets her down Serah's bright eyed and pink cheeked as she stares up at him.]

[Snow.]

It's okay, I knew you'd come.

[She's always believed in him, that's not something that will ever change.]

[No worries there Lightning, Snow the Espeon is a pretty relaxed guy and when it's obvious his trainer is beyond happy to see this other Snow he just settles down out of the way to watch. He's actually pretty impressed by how happy she is right now.]

[encountersbarriers]

[He grins and nods his head before punching one hand with the other. Snow's the type of guy to do a lot of crazy things for the people he cares for, but if there's one individual he'll go to hell and back (multiple times) for, it's Serah.]

Got hung up along the way. It's not easy being in such high demand.

[His expression softens then, the smile taking on a more affectionate curve to it. How long has it been since he last saw her? How long has it been since she last saw him? And how long has she been here hanging out with Lightning? His eyes briefly leave Serah's face to catch a quick glance of the elder Farron.]

When did you get here? Have you been busy?

[There's so much he wants to catch up on, but back in their world, they'd never had enough time--ironic though it may have been. Here, in a foreign land with a different time stream, Snow feels like he can actually spare a moment to take everything in.

And he plans to do just that.]

[chasingstorms]

People know a good hero when they see one.

[She's not so covertly looking him over, trying to memorize every detail of this visit in case he vanishes again to go do hero things somewhere else. She does understand, after all a hero has to do what a hero has to do, but... that doesn't mean it doesn't get lonely without him sometimes.]

I've been here for several months now. It's been really busy, but I don't mind. It's nice to have something to do. Like right now there's so much about pokemon I have to learn.

[Her attention switches to a different Snow briefly, because she really does what to introduce them. Sensing the unspoken summon he detaches himself from whatever he's doing to keep entertained and trost over to Serah's side.]

This is my partner, Snow. He was my very first pokemon.

[Yes she named her Eevee after him, just like she'd named the cat after him too.]

derp. html.;;

[encountersbarriers]

[Pokewhats?

But hey, at least Serah doesn't keep him wanting for an answer for long. Before he can even ask, she's calling over the curious little creature that'd been eyeing him earlier. Admittedly, when she tells him the name, the tiny bit of "first pokemon" goes right in one ear and out the other.

Snow blinks and stares at, well, the other Snow. So, uh, she named something after him? He should feel honored, right? He grins a little awkwardly and reaches out a hand, as if to pet the Espeon.]

Hey there, buddy. [Snow scratches him behind the ears.] Thanks for taking of Serah while I wasn't around.

So these animals are called Pokemen?

[Man? Mun? Mon? Something along those lines...]

[soggypastry]

[Thanks for taking care of Serah, hmm? More like lead her headfirst into trouble a few times. Her entire team does that and it's given Lightning more than a few headaches...especially when she remembers that the human Snow did it too. But this isn't the time to bring it up; no, this is the time for her to make an amused sound and shake her head. Good old Snow...she hopes he never changes much. Getting a little less reckless, though...that should appreciate.]

Pokemon, Snow. I think it's short for 'monster'.

[encountersbarriers]

[He turns his gaze away from the Espeon, casting a look over at Lightning instead. Snow rubs the back of his neck and shrugs his shoulders; he grins.]

I get the "mon" for monster part, but what's a poke? It's not the name of this world, is it?

[Because he thinks that that would be a silly name. Does it really matter to him that his question is... not an especially important one? Nope.

Always trust Snow to ask the least relevant things.]

[soggypastry]

[Trust Snow to ask the least relevant of things? She does. She just shakes her head, trying to hide her amusement and not really succeeding. Why did she miss you again, brother?]

We don't know for sure, but I doubt it. The natives haven't mentioned a name, but I've heard some people call it 'The World of Pokemon'.

[Granted that was by a native and they've never been good at valid intel, but still.]