008; video/action; we were never in kansas in the first place [FOURTH WALL]

[tensai]

Uh.

I think I'm lost. This isn't Cerulean, is it?

[it's so not.

Marui's standing in front of the Safari Zone. Not that he knows this is the place beyond the cliffs if you go through Cyanwood. He never bothered to explore the area after getting his badge there. What a genius, huh?]

Anyone seen Yagyuu? I, uh. My team... isn't the team I had before I got here. I mean. There's only one PokeBall on me right now and it's got this guy-- [there is this orange thing, hovering around Marui, looking so very pleased with itself.] Is it even really a Pokemon? I've never seen it before...

[Marui just sighs, shoulders slumping forward.] Just. Can anyone tell me how to get back to Cerulean from here? Or anywhere with people? Please?

Comments

[action]

[restardom]

Really? 'Cause I'm sure I could leave...

[ honestly, this is like the seventh time she's popped up somewhere. ]

[action]

[tensai]

What? No, don't go! [he makes a hurried grab at her arm.] You can't just leave again!

[action]

[restardom]

--!

[ she pauses, blinking at him a little owlishly. ] Marui-kun?

[action]

[tensai]

[ack-- okay oops sorry he'll just let go of rise's arm there.]

Sorry... it's just- You left without saying goodbye a while back, and it's been a little lonely. [a lot of people marui knew had left one by one and he's been bummed by it (though he's redirected all that negative emotion to getting all the badges!!!) and it probably isn't the time to start being a kicked puppy but it's better than panicking about being lost, right???]

[action]

[restardom]

...

[ after a minute, her surprise fades and she moves in for a warm hug. ] I'm sorry... I didn't want to leave like that.

[action]

[tensai]

[marui's still a little weird about physical contact with girls, but this is rise! she's totally different, and she's his best friend, too, so he returns the hug.

it's been a while.] You're back though... I mean, today's been weird so far, but you're back! That makes today a little better, if you ask me!

[action]

[restardom]

Makes sense to me! I was hoping I'd see you.