Continuing the 'I Woke up as a Pokemon, So What?' AUPrevious Thread: >>58422111
>FAQ>What is this?People are turning into Pokemon. Some are having the time of their lives, and some are struggling to survive. These are their stories.>How do I join?Just start posting.>What's the lore?People and animals (and at least one tree) are changing at random in their sleep, waking up still in the real world, but now as Pokemon, and nobody knows why (that includes you. Please don't try to explain it). Just enough transformations are occurring to notably change day-to-day life without collapsing civilization. This is not the apocalypse, even if it might feel like it to some characters in the moment. Some people are more in touch with their instincts than others, and some have lost more of their humanity than others. That's about it. Avoid legendaries if possibleOngoing Stories:>Transformed Into a Lucariohttps://pastebin.com/dNfCG4se (embed)>Herding Catshttps://rentry.org/HerdingCats>Copanon the PokeWhispererhttps://rentry.co/PolicemanPokemonStory>Super Macho Monhttps://rentry.co/MachampStory>0332https://pastebin.com/WMdqhP8H (embed)>Digigirlhttps://pastebin.com/rvUJh1Vd (embed)>Professor Decidueyehttps://pastebin.com/SqhmjjPB (embed)>VetPhoxhttps://rentry.co/DelphoxStory>Tinkanonhttps://rentry.co/TinkatonStory>Serpent and Wyrmhttps://rentry.co/SerpentAndWyrm>A Loser and a Very Lost Snowpixhttps://rentry.org/tcab223e>The New Police Animalshttps://rentry.co/larsonkurt>Kartanimatorhttps://rentry.co/kartanimator>One-shotshttps://pastebin.com/UtXMsyyD (embed)>One-shots that were too spicy for pastebinhttps://rentry.co/wokeuponeshotsArchived stories:>Not a Pikachuhttps://rentry.co/notapikachu>Lopunanonhttps://pastebin.com/ecBem3sz (embed)
I plan to actually write more of my story, but I decided to polish this section first because I felt like it(and I also forgot to write the part where Valentine describes himself.)
>So yeah. Hyuuuge nerd. WoTLK is peak wow.>FiteMe.gif>I'm not about to let the fact I'm short one finger stop me. I own a mouse with a keypad on the side because I am absolutely lazy.>The hiss crack of a Dr. pepper fills the air and I ignore how badly my nose and senses recoil as I drink it.>If I got used to near beer overseas, I can get used to drinking this. It could be worse, I could still be craving Bolani from the shitty 'don't ask what is in it' stand just outside the base.>The cigar gets ashed to the side as I finish tallying up tonights haul, I got lucky and got the chest piece I needed for my tank set, groovy. Repairs weren't that bad, and we did actually earn our Kingslayer titles tonight. I can't be too angry.>Why is my screen blurry anyways?>Wait... Why does that clock say it's seven AM?>Oh for fucks sake. I shake my head slowly and get up and stretch. >And stare at my arch nemesis across the hallway.>The Dreaded Shower. It awaits thee. >I'm going to smell like wet dog after this, ain't I?
>>58514485>...mmm...>I really need to shake the sleepiness off, but...>Agh, no, focus.>I need to tell them sooner than later.>I think I'll do a voice message with a picture.>They've seen the news, maybe I was worrying over nothing, thinking they wouldn't believe me earlier...>Just...>Suck it up.>Get it out of the way already.>...Ah shit, right, need to use WhatsApp with 'em, it's what everyone their age uses...>Good thing I also got the desktop for that one, even if Zuck can still go choke on it...>...>Please don't bombard me with questions...>...Here goes......lortnoc ym fo edistuo saw yllear ti ,deneppah siht irros ...m'I .ti hctac ot yrt t'ndid raews I .gnihtyna ro sselkcer t'nsaw I esimorp I .thgin tsal .deneppaH ...tsuj ti tub ,luferac oot neeb ev'I gnihtyna fi ,em dlot uoy senilediug eht dewollof I .ti htiw tih tog I ...yletanutrofnu dna swen eht draeh ev'uoy wonk I .dad yeh, mom yeH<>...add the reverse filter...>Take this picture...>...I hate looking at myself like this still...>And sent.>...>I thought I didn't have heart anymore...>So why is my chest beating like crazy...?>...>Please... Don't think it's my fault.>Please don't think I was being stupid and gambled my life away for a chance to be a Pokemon...>I swear I didn't mean for this to happen...>I know you always worried about me getting too into fantasy, but...>This isn't like that...>please answer>please>i swear i didn't mean it>i'm sorry>please don't be mad at me>you don't deserve to have this happen to you>I promise I->...>...please...
>>58518345>"We're sorry for taking a minute, we had to... talk things over." -Pa>"I'm sorry." -Ma>"How do you feel? Have you had any headaches? Can you take tylenol still? Is your throat okay? You sound awfully stuffy." -Ma>"Please be careful, don't make contact with others." -Pa>"We know it's not confirmed to be a virus, but... please be careful just in case. Try sheltering if you can." -Ma>"Just... promise us you really didn't mean for it to happen." -Pa>I-I didn->"But... Since it already happened anyway..." -Pa>"You... liked that one, didn't you?" -Ma>...>"I didn't look at it proper due to the shock earlier but... You did make one of the pokemones you are out of origami when you were little, right?" -Ma>"You were so proud of it too." -Pa>"Is it hard to draw like that? If you have issues with work, we can help you while you get back on your feet, just please tell us." -Ma>"I'm sure we can find some job for you to do around here, I mean, you have superpowers now, right?" -Pa>"Just be careful not to break something with them!" -Ma>I...>"...Maybe I could make you some wood sheathes if they can help? I remember you said that that thing was a paper sword or something like that." -Pa>"It's... a difficult time for all of us, but... We know you're probably dealing with the worst of it..." -Ma>"Please, if you need help, don't be afraid to tell us, we'll be there as soon as we can." -Pa>I really...>"If you need to talk, please, call us." -Ma>"For now, just... take it easy mijo." -Pa>I...>Really don't deserve them...>...>T-that's... Funny...>I can feel like... I want to cry, but...>It's n-not happening...>But...>My vision is... getting blurry anyway...>I...>...
>>58518379>S-so that's what it will be like, huh.>It... almost looks like dew on my arm like that...>What was I so worried about?>I was... ashamed?>At somehow having failed them?>That I'd be a smear on our family history...? Our family name...?>But... That's silly, isn't it...>We... Did talk about how we'd feel if any of us caught it...>And we agreed we'd all help each other no matter if it did...>Moron...>Really should've believed them.>I'd hug the screen right now if I wasn't worried about cutting it open...>....neht noos uoy eeS .uoy knahT .niaga yrroS<>...>And now the beating's gone...>Just like that, huh?>"We love you." -Ma>"Stay safe." -Pa>Heh...>...What was I even worrying for...>Well, that's another weight of my shoulders.>I don't... Think I need to tell Toei about it today. Tomorrow'll do.>I can't handle trying to do another message...>...I need to get my mind off this, but how should I->Oh, right.>Right!>Before I forget, let me...>Yeah, I think 5 kilos should be enough...>...>Lets check for sword training dummies too while I'm at it...>Should get a strong one...>...Somehow they have it.>They things you find online!>Wish I could order a rock too while I'm at it, I feel like the wooden one won't last too much.>...I'll get 10 just in case...>Good thing they're cheaper than I expected.>...>...let me also get some instructions on making one for myself...>Aaand there.>Same day delivery too, huh? Guess the local warehouse has all this.>Somehow.>Won't complain, should get here in a couple hours or so, perfect.>Well then, with all... that, done...>How can I waste my time in the meantime...
>>58518381>...man i can't even finish my Z-A playthrough now...>I wonder if someone'll develop Poke-accessibility controllers soon.>Hm...>Well, I guess I could try carving something out of...>Actually.>Shit would that work?>So far the transformations seem "faithful" to the source material, at least for the most part.>Who's to say it wouldn't...?>...>Alright I know what I gotta do.>Just gotta look up a wooden flute tutorial and a wooden pokeball tutorial and...>Alright, there it is.>If this works I'll be so damn happy.>...>That Snorlax has blocked the road for too long anyway.
>>58518302Small proofreading snarls in paragraph 5, but pretty good overall. I think the stark, Depression Quest realism of Val's afflictions also helps with it not feeling like it's falling into pity party territory. Heh, when you got to the part about his beard, though, I just started picturing Ross Scott, and now that image won't go away. Ross doing his best Garfield/Eeyore is now forever the voice I will read Val's narration in.>>58518311Trying to decide who's nerdier between you and Kartanon at this point, VetPhox. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll discover showering isn't ALL bad, considering Lucarioanon's experiences with it.>>58518381Wow, Kartanon's parents reacted A LOT less shittily than Lucarioanon's parents or VetPhox's mother did. We should all be so lucky. Even the intrusive thoughts that had our boy worried were kinda wholesome... in a toxic honorabru kinda way...>>58518386Oh dear. Be careful you don't wind up doing something you'll regret there, Kartanon.
So, how closely should we stick to the Pokedex sizes? The pokedex sizes are a great baseline but also they fall into the problem of "the Japanese cannot do sizes properly.">>58518562Great, now I can't see my own self-insert as anything other than a Ross Scott knockoff. Thanks a lot... At least he can make an interesting series about being in the mind of Red or something.
>>58518670My logic for Kartanon is just that the dex's suggestion of 30cm just kinda makes enough sense? But he's slightly bigger just so it's not as miserable. I mean, a bit bigger than the average ruler, yeah I can see that for a funny little paper man
>>58518677Kartana's makes sense, especially with what we're shown across all other media.It's mostly the older Pokemon that are plagued with really weird heights and weights that aren't consistent across the media. Granted, part of the discrepancy is that the word they use in Japanese isn't exclusively height, but also length, so Dratini's "height" is actually their length for example.
>>58518670I think Lucarioanon's Lucario got scaled up to the size of a human IIRC, so I'd say do what you want in that regard, honestly. >now I can't see my own self-insert as anything other than a Ross Scott knockoff. Thanks a lotTo be fair, there are far worse things "that we have at home" that you could be than Ross Scott that we have at home. But nah, seriously, just ignore me. My brain works in strange ways.
I'm not happy with the dialogue, which is part of the reason why I haven't shown much of it. It feels incredibly fake, for some reason. Exchanges longer than 4 sentences are really hard for me to write without doubting myself. Hopefully I can get past that.Anyways, 7,477 words, and finally in the last 3 points I wanted to write around.>>58518732>LucarioanonAlright.I'm going to use the Pokedex like I normally do: It's a rough estimate, but it's really rough and outliers both big and small are incredibly common.>My brain works in strange waysNah, I get it. I have a similar brain that likes to make references when it can feel natural. Also, Ross Scott's funny, I like him.The Type: Null's going to be making a LOT of those references, especially when the tard wrangler 9000 comes off for the first time and they lose control of themselves.
>>58518311MMO mice for the win. Praise be to having thumbs. Though maybe Phoxanon could have learned to press the keys with his psychic powers eventually like Emma figured out. Hopefully Phox stocked up on shampoo, he’s gonna need it lol.>>58518386Glad to see that Kartanon has good, supportive parents. I feel like that fear of being rejected by family has got to be one of the worst things about transforming. Curious to see where the pokeflute leads, I think this is the first time we’ll see a Pokémon item used?
>>58518902Jesus H. Tapdancing Christ! This guy's faculty (it sounds like, judging by the paperwork comment) and he not only attempts to mind rape the student that tripped over him, but also then brutally assaults them in a way that could EASILY have been fatal? See, there's a stark difference between being angry at a character for their actions and angry at the author for writing a character to take those actions. Fortunately for you, right now every single bit of INCENSED outrage I feel is firmly towards this unmitigated SHIT WHEEL of a Ninetales (great job there, by the way, phenomenon, giving someone like THAT the power to curse people. Well done) and no, your instincts are NOT a fucking excuse, sunshine - get some self-control, you fetid, dog-slobbering throwback! You need to be fired, mate, preferably out of a cannon! However, I am slightly concerned that if Val runs into too many more people like this, who act like COMPLETE barbarians in what is supposed to be a professional setting for really no reason at all, that it'll quickly start to feel forced, like the universe actually IS out to get Val and it ISN'T all in his own head, and from what we've seen so far it seems like that's not your intention.
https://rentry.co/serpentandwyrmSerpent & Wyrm Chapter 3: By Royal Decree, is finally released! Simon's first adventure into the forest beyond the mountain where he experiences the joys and troubles of being a leaf-snake.Feel free to leave comments, concerns, requests on what you'd like to see. I greatly appreciate everyone's thoughts! Sorry this took so long! This honestly might be the longest singular thing I've written outside of college research papers lol.
>>58519406Nice work! I did not expect the “royal decree” to actually work
>>58519406Your style of writing is very novella
>>58519406Very nice! Really enjoy your writing a lot Snivyanon, you do a great job at scene setting and character acting, I definitely feel a bit bad for Simon but at least he's getting the hang of it (a bit) better by now! Also agree with the other anon, royal decree was a surprise, the wonders of being able to talk in a pompous manner (and having a big ol' dragon by your side also helps)
>>58519297>NinetalesGood, I'm glad he feels naturally hatable and doesn't feel forced whatsoever. This is kind of an important scene for potential future writing(see next response.)When I made the paperwork mention, I was thinking something akin to assault allegation defense, but now I realize that colleges probably don't even offer that as an option, so maybe he's a sheriff or something. In any case, he seemed like a fine and well adjusted individual before transformation, and is totally not power tripping or anything.>like the universe IS actually out to get ValMay you live in interesting times ;)To be fair, I plan for that curse to be more of a Wild Wasteland-esque perk. An excuse for me to keep a somewhat grounded story that can sometimes go completely unhinged(which is also why Valentine couldn't feel anything different. You can't feel your luck swinging faster than Mike Tyson's punches, you just have to be good at recognizing patterns.) At the very least, it makes good justification to why he of all people will end up encountering Type: Null.We'll see if I actually make use of it or if it's just an empty threat though. I'm pretty bad at keeping things like this intact.
>>58518386>I really hope this'll work out...>...And I wish I'd taken my dad up on his woodwork lessons more often than I did...>But I still think I'm doing alright.>Carving out the PokeBall part was much easier than expected, just had to hold my right hand out in a curve that'd be half the diameter of it, and spin the wood around with the left one so it'd get carved into shape.>Carving out the inside was harder though, much more finnicky, but I think I got it down good enough.>Also needed to do the line around it and the button, although for the button I mainly chopped some bits off a stick and they looked pretty on-point, just had to polish them up a bit.>It hurt a bit to "ruin" the PokeBall but I did need to drill a hole through the top and bottom for it to connect with the main flute.>The flute was a bit more annoying since it's nearly as tall as I am, had to be very careful to cut it right...>Holes were easier than expected, if I make tubes with my arms I can basically just... Poke into the main body, and then pull out the bit of wood.>I considered making the parts they were on slightly concave like flutes usually have them before remembering that that's meant for... human fingers, specifically...>...>...At least I could use the same technique to make the inside hollow...>I really wish I had some paint to spare, this'd look amazing with it, but it'll have to do...>It's been very relaxing working on this while listening to the music admittedly, always loved the HeartGold arrangement for the radio...>It's odd, listening to it I feel relaxed, but also... More focused, awake.>A very lovely tune.>...can't believe the first thing I'm going outside for will be to wake up a Snorlax...>I should just think of it as community service.>...>Just in case the flute itself doesn't work out, let me...>There we got, Pokeflute Theme downloaded.>Can't hurt having a plan 2.>Really hope this bag'll be good enough for the stuff I need to carry...
>>58519779Thank you! Sometimes you just need full confidence and a seven foot tall, pissed-off dragon to get people to do what you say.>>58520072Appreciate it! Definitely trying to stretch my writing chops with S&W. It’s been hard, but fun and worth it.>>58520429Thanks! I’m glad that everyone’s been enjoying the scene and character action details, it’s been interesting to play around with. Poor Simon’s trying in the best way he can to adapt to the situation. How mentally healthy that is over the long run we’ll have to see, especially considering his intense distrust of his instincts.>>58520671>curse to be more of a Wild Wasteland-esque perkThat’s actually such a good way to introduce all these wacky scenarios for Val to encounter, I love it.looking forward to the full chapter!
>>58521360>The wonders of freebies in Japan.>It's... uncomfortable I'll admit, but at least it leaves my arms enough room to spare.>I'm... glad I'm strong enough to carry it. Seems like my... god what even are these, frills? Collar? Pauldrons? Whatever the hells, are pretty damn solid if need be. At least they keep the bag from slipping off.>I should have the audio app at the ready in case I see anyone...>Hopefully I won't, but you can never be too careful.>Locking the house isn't hard, thankfully.>I did learn a bit more about myself through turning the key though.>These arms are really weird.>I think it's like... I can control their stiffness somewhat? It's like... having blood rush to them to strengthen it, but I don't think I have blood, it's very very weird...>At least it's something worth knowing.>The Snorlax shouldn't be too far, just up at the exit to the highway.>I wonder if I can lure it away from the road without a confrontation though...>I can take him on if need be.>I think.>...why am I getting cocky preemptively...>Hm.>I think it's one of the neighbors' dogs, it appeared the same day the dog disappeared.>That dog was always... really lazy, he wouldn't even get up to start barking at you and would just kinda look up from the porch.>Must be having the time of his life.>Sorry buddy, I just want to make our lives, and I'm sure you can have a better spot than the road...>...not particularly great for you to raid the gas station in that corner every day either...>Alright, I should be ready.>...>The evening Sun is very nice...>Stretching out my arms like this... I can almost feel like I'm holding its light close to me.>I'm ready.>This dumb idea better work...>I've gone through this road a lot of times before.>Feels bigger now.>IS, bigger, objectively, at least to me.>I wonder how long it'll take me to get there on foot, or I guess, through flight, compared to driving...>...Here goes.
>>58521761>...The wind feels just like that dream...>I think I get what it was trying to tell me now.>Focus.>I see as I pass by the houses in the neighborhood. Some are starting to turn the lights on...>Guess it's that late in the day.>I'm not sure a fight at night would be ideal for me.>But I'm too far away already.>...I pass by the many stores and office buildings on the way there...>I think I've seen a few people turn their heads, but a good few of them shrugged afterwards.>A lot probably figure seeing a Pokemon do Pokemon things is just a fact of life now.>I mean, that's what I did when I saw some Manectric literally bolt down the street a few days ago.>There's an odd noise as I stop and go.>It almost sounds like the wind is whistling as I run.>It sounds encouraging.>...My legs really feel like they're made out of paper now.>They dangle in the wind, but I keep moving forward.>Still feels like running.>Running like I never have before, but running nonetheless.>I'll keep going until I reach that turn. Used to be the route I took to uni.>Alright.>...Snorlax still there.>At least there's some open field off to the side.>If I can wake it up and lead it there, that should do the trick.>...man I can't imagine the traffic the freshmen have to deal with due to this, my heart goes out to them...>A part of me is telling me this is a very, very dumb idea.>And another feels like it's nudging me towards it.>Hope listening to the latter won't be a mistake.
>>58521806>...I forgot how freakin' big this guy was.>Christ.>Even as a human he was huge.>If I tried climbing it the way a human would it'd seem like a damn odyssey.>...>Well.>I'm already here.>Came too far just to get stage fright at the last moment.>There's not many people around, but a few are watching.>Some are confused about the little paper me standing in front of them.>...I think a few either know Gen 7 or are just baseline worried about Pokemon.>They all keep their distance, makes sense.>Shouldn't make it too theatrical, just... Tell them what's going on.!tnemom a em evig tsuj ,daor eht ffo mih teg ot aedi na evah I kniht I dna god s'robhgien ym saw xalronS siht ,uoy tcartsid ot yrroS !olleH<>...play it back on the phone with the reversal and...>There.>Ok seems they get it even if they look confused.>That kid looks excited.>I guess I'd be too in his place.>Mom's doing good to hold him at bay.>Something mine would've done in her place.>Alright.>Now, about you big guy...>I made sure to properly memorize the melody as best as I can, at least it's simple enough and conveniently accessible to my weird arms.>...>...man this melody's really nice...>Ok, its ear twitched, I think it heard it.>They look... worried.>Just keep playing so it faces the field and...>Ok it's moving it foot, good, good!>Just a bit more...>Alright, it's awake!>It worked!>Maybe I should make more of these>...>Ok, it's... Standing up...>Just gotta back up into the field...>Keep following me...>Ok, I think we're in a good spot, now just go back to sleep and...>...>It's... looking at me very intensely.>Oh.>Y'know.>I never thought... a glare from a Snorlax could be scary...>...>I think I did in fact make a mistake.>Oh no.
>>58521889I'll be honest, I'm not even sure what Kartanon's plan was here. To catch the Snorlax so they couldn't be a menace any longer? Everybody knows you need to make some Heavy Balls out of black apricorns to catch one!Well, good luck to him.
>>58522246He may or may not have forgotten that the flute doesn't JUST wake the Snorlax up more often than not
>>58521889>You know how hippos can be some of the most unassumingly dangerous animals?>Multiply that by 10 and you get Snorlax.>Hell hath no fury like a Snorlax rudely awakened.>...>HOW THE HELL CAN IT RUN SO FAST?!>I'm lucky I can fly if not->AGH.>Fuckfuckfuck.>I think it just tried to body slam me...>Maybe if I run deeper into the field it'll be safer for everyone back there and then I ca->FUCK that was a Fire Punch, why did it have to be Fire Punch?!>It's still not giving up?!>I think it's trying to run on all fours...!>Of course, it WAS a dog after all!>Can I even keep outrunning it if it does that?!>These things eat their weight in food, right?! Is that how it has THIS much damn energy?!>I thought I could just calmly Piper of Hamelin him off the road and leave it at that so everyone could be happy, I didn't think it'd get pissed like th->...>huh?>Wait it... stopped?>Is it letting me go?>Why are its eyes...?>What's it even do...?>...>Oh.>Oh god it learns Hyper Beam doesn't it.>...>What am I doing?!>Get out of the way you moron!>Do you want to die like this?!>MOVE!!EVOM<>Why can't I move dammit...!?>Dammit body, just let me run away!>I don't want to die!>Please!>Just let me do something, anything...!!---esaelP<
>>>/v/724423119>Professor Decidueye walking between buildings on campus
>>58521761This picture is super cute lol.>>58522616Well, saw this coming. You don’t wake a snorlax up from its beauty sleep and get away unscathed. Luckily it seemed like he was able to draw it away before it started shooting off moves, that would have been a mess to manage if it stayed in the street. Situation doesn’t look good though, overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer. Maybe Kartanon can tap into his mysterious past memories and parry the hyper beam.>>58522664When he gets distracted by something and doesn’t realize he’s hopping around. He later finds out what happened after a student showed a video of him doing it.
>And you thought the eagle nests were annoying on the job.
>>58520671I think what makes the Ninetales work is, funny enough, how mundane it all is. This isn't some grand super villain conspiracy; a complete asshole just decided to act like the lowest form of slime in response to an unfortunate accident - very simple and straightforward. All the possible flavours and he chose abject evil. It still beggars belief on a college campus, but is just believable enough that, again, you want to throttle the Ninetales and not his creator (and yes, I'm still mad even after sleeping on it. That should tell you something). I hope bro gets all nine of his tails slammed in a particularly fast and heavy door for not only assaulting a student, but wishing for them live in abject misery for the rest of their days - infinite punishment not only for a finite crime, but for no crime at all. God, at least most villains have the decency to make your demise quick...And yes, the advantage of this setup is that it can have as much or as little impact on the rest of the story as required. The ambiguity there leaves the audience to wonder, but doesn't feel like you're being jerked around with a mystery box.
>>58519406Damn, I GOTTA catch up here...The luscious forest descriptions are gorgeous, but it's almost a shame the watchtower's abandoned. The reactions of an incredibly boring dude like Henry from Firewatch trying to figure out how to react to the sight of a dragon stomping around would be pretty amusing. Hmm, something powerful, but cowardly. Ghost type, maybe?Ouch. I don't think we've seen such extreme cognitive dissonance from our transformees before. Even Ben was kinda switching between the two mindsets freely (at least before his mind started to crumble), but here it's like each is actively paralyzing the other. I wonder if ProfD had similar philosophical worries early on and that's part of what prevented him from embracing his instincts and Pokemon abilities. Better and healthier to just assume that you're still you and carry on, I say...I always love those little moments of animals treating an equivalent Pokemon just like the animal they replaced. Really adorable stuff. One might wonder how fire (or electric) types don't burn down the forest, but that doesn't seem to be an issue in Pokemon proper, so...>He was a grown manShit, now I see the problem. Pokemon are creatures of strong emotion - they need discipline and mental fortitude to improve, but rely on vibe and feeling to tap into their powers to begin with. So if you've spent your whole life forcefully suppressing your emotions, well... Yeaaah, until he learns to unstick that mental block, he's gonna be VERY reliant on Miirym...And then, of course, the Wurmple. Man... wish I could give ya a hug, Simon... Between the human half being slowly subsumed by the Pokemon half as in Ben's case and the human half remaining very much in the driver's seat but going completely batshit insane, as seems entirely possible in this case, I'm honestly not sure which would be worse...What can I say? Your writing's sublime, man. I gotta go, but I promise not to wait until chapter 4 to read chapter 3 this time.
>>58522616>I... I can't look...>...>It feels like everything stopped.>I can still think but for how long?>Even if it's supposed to be a normal move...>I can't live it.>I have decent defense but it's defending such a small life that I won't stand a single chance.>I don't even have some stupid affection gimmick to deus ex machina my way out of this.>God...>It's a Snorlax.>I have never fought in my life.>What the hell was I thinking?>Why would I even do this?>I had been so rational about this up until now.>And it just ends like this?>I'm dead.>I have to be.>For no good reason.>Just because I wanted to play around.>God dammit.>I'm well and truly dead, aren't I.>...>...But I shouldn't say that, should I...>If I'm still here, I can stand a chance.>And if this is that chance...>I should just...>Focus.
>>58523959>I can see within the frozen time.>I can't afford to escape.>But I have no way to truly defend myself.>Yet... I have to have some way.>...>Kartanas can cut through anything...>...>I must be able to cut through anything.>A simple thought fills my mind.>"A good offense is the best defense.">...>I'm staring at the gaze of death approaching me even as I think.>It's a desperate gamble, but I have nothing else.>My body moves without deeper input from me, as if on auto-pilot.>Muscle memory from a battle I've never fought.>As if on instinct, I cross my arms before me.>...And slash a an X through the beam.>My arms burn like all hell.>I've never felt anything like this before.>I burnt myself a couple of times in the past.>But nothing like this.>It feels like it would've burn my muscle tissue in the past.>But I can't let myself scream.>I can't give up.>Not when I'm this far.>Forged through pain, a slash must be seen through, specially if it's necessary to survive.>I keep expecting the rest of the beam to strike my body whole, to annihilate me.>But it doesn't happen.>Time continues, and I keep watching...>...My slash dispersed the beam, as I see a green X fly towards my opponent.>It's splitting the Hyper Beam apart.>...A blade beam of my own.
>>58523967>...And eventually...>Contact.>Time resumes.>The Snorlax is knocked back on its back.>...>...And doesn't get up...>...>For whatever reason...>Despite having just done that...>I feel a surge of energy within me.>Like adrenaline.>I'm ready to keep going.>...>...But there's no other opponent to strike.>...>Agh, what did I even do just now...>...>Blades look... burnt...>...>...should I grind them against each other or just buff them or...>...Problem for later.>Make sure you didn't just kill the fat dog first.>Seems our spat made a bit of a mess...>Good thing this place is public property...>...He's...>Already asleep again huh.>I... guess that tracks.>It was a Hyper Beam it used after all. My attack likely just pushed it straight past NREM.>...Please stay here, will you?>Well, if the dex is true, then...
>>58523973>No wonder it said what it did, wow.>What a soft belly.>If I didn't have those packages to pick up I wouldn't mind staying here to sleep.>...It's already dark out after all...>...>...この手、だれの手?>...>Guess now I can understand why cops don't try using these flutes to lure them away.>Doubt they have enough able-bodied mons who can deal with the brunt of a Snorlax attack.>...>...ugh...>I'll probably keep it as a caffeine substitute.>...>I... really should be headed home...>Sorry for waking you up Popeye.>Get some good sleep, you deserve it.>And I should probably do the same...>...>...Surely my orders must've arrived by now...
I've done a terrible job incorporating this so far, but I wanted Valentine to be the type to want to really, REALLY like touching things and feeling their sensations, so... here's recompence I guess? I'll have to go back and write some descriptions on how things feel earlier in the chapter to make this feel less left-field, but for now, have him wonder how every Pokemon he sees feels :P(Hah, I need a thesarus. I don't know what else to really call touch stimulus.)I really oughta start commenting on other's stories again. Sorry again, I just haven't been in the right state of mind. Writing Valentine has, in a turn of whiplash, led me to believe I was bipolar, only to realize I probably am not bipolar because I don't have a manic state, JUST a set of relatively emotionally healthy and depressive states. Talking about a bipolar belief, heheh.>>58523710I wonder how much of this attitude towards the Ninetales will change once you read how Valentine actually feels about the campus. He really fucking hates this place, and is actually shocked to see people not look miserable.Ah well, you'll get to read all about that once the chapter's posted.
>>58518311I was gonna suggest a sand bath but apparently foxes don't do that. Maybe with the right amount of fire control Phox can have an on-demand hair dryer.>>58518379This bit was very sweet>>58522616Pic made me laugh. Shame it was the last known image of Kartanaon before he got turned to ashes>>58523979Sweet, the art for this section was extra cool?>>58519406I wish I had a more specific compliment than "great stuff" but great stuff, excited for what's coming next.
>>58524671>Sweet, the art for this section was extra cool?Thank you! Honestly the way I go about it is mainly just picturing the scenes in my mind, and whichever I can see the most vividly, I put pen to paper n' draw 'em. I'd like drawing for every chunk of text but I only have so much time and energy
How about a double feature today? This has the longest unbroken chain of dialogue in the chapter, and felt strangely okay to write.I need to find a way to git gud when it comes to dialogue. I can prose about the finer details of a car's bumpy plastic on its steering wheel all day, but dialogue's pretty damn important to keeping interactions interesting.
Damn I wish I could stick it out to do art. Well, there's always time to do it someday soon, but definitely not right now. College is starting to crush me, send help.I forgot to mention that I have settled on a very, VERY unorthodox solution for the website. I think I'm going to double host the website on Cloudflare Pages and Nekoweb. There's very little logic behind this decision, I just like the concept behind Nekoweb and see this as an opportunity to experiment, despite its unfortunately restrictive site size limit of 500 megabytes.>>58523647For the record, I've added Skarmory on the list of Pokemon that Valentine would like to pet, thanks for the inspiration of a weird one :P
>>58521889Well gee, who could've seen that coming, apart from everyone? I think Kartanon might be a chucklefuck. Eh, we'll blame Pokeinstincts, I guess - chronic hero syndrome like Lucarioanon has.>>58523959>I had been so rational about this up until now.Darwin Awards can strike any time..>>58523967Some proof-reading snarls here. This whole situation becomes a helluva lot funnier if you imagine that both Kartanon and the transformed dog are level 5 and this is actually nothing more than a Little Cup slapfight. Fun fact, Snorlax Hyper Beam doesn't even one shot an equivalent level Kartana.>>58523979The well-deserved couch of victory. Still, I hope you learned a valuable lesson today, Kartanon. No, that lesson is NOT to go hide in your room and never do anything again other than ruminate. Of course after a taste of battle like that your instincts probably won't let you vegetate anyway.>>58524115Hmm. Reads well, not really seeing much in the way of typos or tense snarls, but isn't this an awful lot of Pokemon to be wandering around this one college campus, especially as this is, IIRC, still relatively early into the phenomenon? Also, wouldn't this massive proliferation of 'mons immediately put pay to Val's earlier weird notions about the status of Pokemon in California and all that kinda stuff? Certainly proves that there isn't a soul who's listening to the government's advice to give Pokemon a wide berth, at any rate.For a second there I thought the guys with the Growlithe merced a Cherubi. THAT certainly would've validated Val's feelings toward the place...>>58525062The dialogue is maybe a LITTLE stilted, but not too bad. What I'm wondering is why Val cares so much. Like he sees a cherry explode and suddenly he goes from depression session to Gord Brody, "What are you doing to that horse!?">>58525108College? Huh, from the way you talk that I had you pegged for being MUCH older than that. I'm sure whatever you do with the website'll be fine.
>>58523754Thanks a ton, glad you enjoyed it!Having someone in the tower to react to Miirym would have been fun. The kinda unfortunate side effect of dropping the two in an incredibly isolated location is that you miss out on those human reactions and interactions. I realized that like halfway through writing chapter 2, which is one of the main reasons why I started up the Larson and Kurt stories. Still trying to figure out a way to introduce some human and human-mon characters into the story without making it easy for Simon to just ask them where the nearest town is and just leave. I have some ideas, but need to stew on it for a while.I love the mental struggles in these types of stories, so it’s a big theme for Simon. Herding Cats was a great inspiration for me, actually. You’ll see more human vs instinct stuff in chapter 3, and how Simon warps his perspective of those to cope. And yeah, he’s a chronic worrier, so this stuff is nightmare fuel to him.Yeah Pokémon are typically emotional creatures, so having an internal strife about your own nature makes using your new powers with any amount of control impossible. It’s why people who accepted what happened are way more capable of using their new bodies and moves, at least in my head.>>58523979Hell yeah, we got a beam clash!! Super cool sequence, and awesome art! Very fortunate that Kartanon has some hidden strength enough to part a hyper beam, or that could have ended horribly. Now we need him to fight a mecha-paradox with blade mode so he can rip out its fuel cell and make a metal gear reference.>>58524115Maaan I wouldn’t be able to contain myself either, Val. Gotta pet ‘em all. He needs a little notebook so he can tally off what ‘mobs he’s pet. Make it a bucket list for his road trip.>>58524671Thank you!
>>58525062Dialogue reads alright here. I struggle with it too sometimes. Usually I’ll write out just what I come up with first, then go back and edit it a few times when I realize more natural ways of saying things later (sometimes in the middle of the night lol).>>58525108Good luck with college stuff, I definitely don’t miss that stress holy hell. Cool to see an update on the website, I don’t really know much about that stuff so go with whatever you feel would work best. Skarmory is a good ‘mon and deserves all the pets.
>>58525611>>58525058...y'know Snivy, between you and Kartanon, we just have two of the gentlest, kindest, most wholesome chungus dudes on the entire board constantly making this thread an absolutely delightful place to be. I gotta ask; what are you two even doing here on this toxic pimple of a board, situated on the left buttcheck of the Internet that is this website?And no, I don't what the right buttcheck is. Reddit, maybe?
>>58525640Lmao. I found myself on /vp/ through pure abject boredom. Only really browsed here occasionally because I like PMD, and when you work a 12 hour graveyard shift you run out of distractions pretty quick. I just got lucky this thread was up and active.
>>58525789Believe it or not, one of my closest online friends is an extremely wholesome nightshift worker. Well shit, now I have an Invader Zim level mighty need to get to know you better...
>>58525864Haha, appreciate it. We got a good crowd here!
In the heat of the moment, as MT/OT heals on a healadin, sometimes you don't have the extra mental capacity to hit buttons with your mind because you're muted and yellin' at people for not catching callouts.and yes, I love my gaming mouse - I'm an OG healer that refuses to use healer addons to make it easier. If I can't keep a tank or party alive, I've screwed up somewhere.>>58518311>I feel like soaked rat.>Check that, I look like a drowned rat.>also, obligatory 'Hey did you guys know, Vaporeons...' copypasta here.>The shower was nice however I gave up halfway through and just took a bath instead.>Much better results, until I got out of the tub.>Here I stand, wet and weary.>Eyes red and bleary.>Trying my damndest to figure out how to - ... I'm a special kind of dumb, apparently.>No, I do not need a towel.>I am a goddamned magical fox.>With fancy magical fox powers.>I gave up on the towel ages ago, I'd probably end up with friction burns and still look like a wet dog, I do, however, understand how a blow dryer works. >No, I do not own one. That would've made this easier to figure out.>Waves of energy roll off me like some aura farming JoJo stand. Heat wavering in the air around me as I focus, add a little spin around me and... nothing. >This takes some serious concentration.>Fuckit. We Ball. >Magical girl Mode: engage! >Manifest the flames, spin them around me, use the psychic energy to keep it actually off me, and from torching the tub.>After a few practice runs we tighten the spin, let the heat through without the flames.>I like big flames and I cannot lie, all you other fuckers can't deny.>I'm short, I'm strong, and these flames gonna get the friction on!>And now I look like a fuckin' poodle. >God. Damn. It.
I haven't got any idea how to write stories in the modern world. How do you guys do it?
>>58526496Mostly thinly veiled self inserts or wish fulfillment.
>>58525607>PokemonEh, my timescale's probably pretty fucked up, though there is a bit of an untold reason for why the campus has so many Pokemon, which was that people were gathering the Pokemon here to make a centralized fortification to prevent the CDC from doing their job of quarantine. The logic of this isn't supposed to make much sense, and is meant to be emotionally and politically charged.Currently, Valentine points out that during COVID, he was beaten with every restriction possible during the lockdown, and was surprised that the CDC wasn't getting listened to here. Valentine WAS going to ask, but I couldn't get the sudden snap from "optimistic future" to "miserable and surrounded by sharks" and Matsui's subsequent "this is a really creepy place" reaction good enough, so I settled with Valentine resisting the urge to ask an obvious caricature of a man.>why Val cares so muchDistraction mode. He's desperately trying to find anything to keep his mind off things. One of the first things following this is "I need to do laundry, and now."Also, wouldn't YOU be mildly interested if you caught someone putting a knife in a freezer, followed by this violent reaction from what appeared to be a cherry?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3NI9Y6nDZQThanks for the feedback on the dialogue. I'll see if I can come up with something more natural on the second pass.>ageI'm the same age as Valentine(22), I just kind of fucked up my life and failed to get either my bachelors or associates on time because I couldn't hold it together and cracked apart.Valentine, for his part, managed to hold it together to get his associates(among other feats I wished I had accomplished,) but clearly he hasn't held up since then considering he's alluded to destructively removing his entire social support structure.>>58525611>notebookYeah, that'd be interesting. Professor of tactile right there, the Pokedex of haptics :PWonder if anyone would even buy something like that.
>>58526496Take inspiration from yourself. Exaggerate some personality trait of yours until it takes a life of itself.Valentine's burnt out nature is just a consequence of me bringing my overachieving nature and trauma to its final conclusion.Matsui's innocence and attempts at dignity is the innocence I still hold, as fake as it can be sometimes as well as the part of me who fights back when I can't outwardly care anymore, ironically mixed with the Japanese cultural trait of shikatanai(literally "I can't help it." Basically, the trait of "I'm just an insignificant being who has things happen to me.")Even the minor characters from my current chapter are like that.The Ninetales that wasn't even in the story for very long was a nasty reflection of my own rage and suppressed attempts to spread my own misery.The trio of "scientists" are just different takes on my own willingness to explore the world, doing dumb and ill-thought out things out of sheer curiosity.The professor's so far the only one based on someone who isn't me.
Managed to tear myself out of my bed, let's see...>>58525607>chronic hero syndrome like Lucarioanon has.He just wanted to see if the damn flute'd actually work like in the games while doing some good. Unfortunately he forgot what happens after using the flute in the first place.>Snorlax Hyper Beam doesn't even one shot an equivalent level Kartana.Someone else in there might've known that, but definitely not him.Glad to hear you enjoy it still!>>58525611>Now we need him to fight a mecha-paradox with blade mode so he can rip out its fuel cell and make a metal gear reference.Did say I want to maybe write for a Paradox transformee, so you never know... I actually have a couple ideas for a few mons but I feel like I want to get further along Kartananon's story before starting up any others. Specifically had one with a certain peach, but I'd need to try and have the same amount of tact Lucarioanon has with Kat so he wouldn't be too powerful while still a force to be reckoned with in the stories...>>58525640Mmmm, for me it's a bit of a mixture of things. I find the modern internet to be unfortunately kinda dumb, 4chan somehow feels like it respects my intelligence more in a way? Weird to say, I know, I'm just not a big fan of modern social media. That and I also think that, if a place allows you fully to be an asshole... Well, going out of your way not to be means more than it'd usually do, right? So I try to do that. I mainly stick to a couple specific /vg/ and /vrpg/ threads, but Z-A got me to look this way again, and like I said, premise hooked me, hard, so I'm very much glad to help contribute to this place!>>58526496I can write for modern day Pokemon just fine, but writing for the "real" world? Yeah I do admittedly fall a bit into the self insert angle even if I'm giving the guy a few key points making him distinct from me.
>>58526325Pfft, yeah what did you expect after flash drying all that fur? Time for the hours of brushing fun. I laughed when he mentioned magical girl mode, now I’m just imagining him in the opening of Sailor Moon or something. I love how you write your greens btw, they’re super fun and goofy.>don't have the extra mental capacity to hit buttons with your mindYeah that’s completely fair, youd probably end up breaking something because some moron died to the easiest mechanic because he wanted to greed for the parse (he would have gotten a blue anyways).>I love my gaming mouseI miss my Logitech g600 so much, probably my favorite mouse ever.>>58526496Yeah it can be tricky. I usually just end up randomly coming up with a scenario that I think could be fun to write about and fill out the details as I go. Other times I pull inspiration from something I see online. >>58526995>want to maybe write for a Paradox transformeeCould be cool, and given how great the kartana stuff has been, I got full confidence you could make it work! I barely know much about the paradox Pokémon since I haven’t played the series since Moon, I think, so I’d be interested to see ‘em.
>>58527423I’m like 80% sure Veteran Delphox is a woman?
>>58527423>>58527885Yarp.
So I'm sort of "done" with the chapter, though I've yet to go through a revising pass so a bunch of the tensing issues, the dialogue's still pretty bad, and some logic problems remain. If you want to read this 10.6k monster of a chapter early though, here's the link, valid for 3 days. As per usual, I'm open to criticism. I want this to be really good.https://litter.catbox.moe/dly8q5hz1nimtju7.txt
>>58527885>>58528323Holy shit how did I miss that, reread the earlier stuff and I feel dumb lol.>>58528571Sweet! I'll take a gander at this tonight.
>>58526325Well it could've been worse. VetPhox could've burned her whole apartment to the ground pulling that stunt. Maybe she can learn to embrace the floofiness?>>58526496Take boring, everyday things and now put a Pokemon in the position of needing to try to do them. Presto - lierary gold.>>58526657So it's like what I suggested to Not A Pikachu's writer - this college is one of the first in the country to throw up a big, "Pokemon welcome!" sign, but in this case the place suffers from toxic positivity and is a bit of a false utopia. I can get along with that, so long as Val at least acknowkedges the weirdness internally and gives at least passing thought to how this contradicts his earlier beliefs (even if just wave the contradiction off).>Distraction modeUnderstood. That might be a case of me being thick as opposed to it being genuinely unclear.>>58526995So 4chan will hold your work to a higher aStandard, you reckon. I guess that's fair.>>58527774Bro has a pilot license? Huh. I'll admit that paragraphs a little pity partyish, but talented and successful youths burn out and spiral until depression all the time. Maybe have him acknowledge he's not the only one in such a situation, even if the thought doesn't help at all ("other people have it worse" never helps, in my experience).Might wait to read the big 10K version until you've given it an editing pass. I lazy.
>>58528912Was wondering when THIS faggot would show up.
Anyone remembers what happened to the /poc/ thread? did they just die alongside other generals when PLZA got leaked/released?
>>58525611>Herding Cats was a great inspiration for me, actuallyAw, I'm flattered. Looking forward to the next part of your story, I really like it.>Still trying to figure out a way to introduce some human and human-mon characters into the story without making it easy for Simon to just ask them where the nearest town isYou could try some half-feral types like Kat from Lucario-anon's story. Smart enough to talk, not necessarily smart enough to help. Plus it'd probably freak Simon out pretty bad to see a human reduced to that. Actual humans are pretty tough, but maybe one got caught up in a psychic incident like Matsui and got teleported out to the forest.>>58526325A fate worse than death>>58526496Usually I don't. Herding Cats was originally a Mystery Dungeon story.
>>58529498It wasn't really getting a lot of traction. Everybody stopped doing pity bumps during the leaks, and nobody has brought it back since.
>>58529498POC?
>>58530050I think it was actually called /pog/, it was a general for Pokemon OCs.
>Kurt felt his eyes glaze over as he began to finalize the last report of the night.>His chair groaned as he leaned back before he pushed the mess of papers and folders away from the digital clock on his desk.>12:43 AM. His head hit the top of his chair as he shut his eyes and grumbled to himself.>Today was a complete mess. Both him and Larson ended up breaking up what seemed like some backyard fighting ring after getting a noise complaint about excessive roaring and clanging.>Not a great thing to leave alone. Someone was bound to go overboard and burn a house down.>The place looked like a party and smelt like something was burning not too long before. And booze, lots of booze.>There were about 30 or so people all crammed in the backyard, cheap flood lights lit a basic, patchy ring.>Kurt was pretty sure he saw a Kecleon sitting behind a fold-up table taking bets, but they vanished as soon as they spotted the officers.>The stars of the show, however, were a Tyrantrum and a Honedge.>You’d expect the Tyrantrum to be the more destructive ‘mon, but that Honedge was something wicked.>Tyrantrum was obviously on the backfoot, chest heaving and littered with cuts and knicks.>Honedge on the other hand just floated there, almost bored. It honestly seemed relieved once they started breaking everything up.>The arena was totally wasted. Patches of ash, craters, and deep gashes marred the ring. >Luckily the dinosaur Pokémon was relatively sane-of-mind and had been talked down before they had to escalate.>The sword was either wild or too far gone. Kurt wasn't sure it could understand what they said to it, but it seemed to get the general idea that the fights were over.>It seemed to bow to the Tyrantrum before it regarded both Kurt and Larson with a discerning eye.>Kurt was poised to blast it if it tried anything, and Larson gave a rumbling growl in warning, but after a moment it seemed satisfied with what it found and melded into its shadow, which darted off.
>>58530148>Hopefully that wasn’t something to worry about later.>Larson seemed peeved that he didn’t get to fight something. Kurt was honestly relieved for once. Meant less paperwork for him to write up.>Anyways, unsanctioned prize fighting was technically illegal, so a couple guys, including the Tyrantrum, got booked.>Which led him to now, stuck in his office doing the work no one else wanted to.>Kurt rested his elbows atop his desk and rubbed his eyes before he grabbed a cigarette.>He promised himself that he’d stop smoking after his transformation, but between the long, stressful shifts, honing his new instinctual urges, and familial drama, nicotine sounded really, really good.>He took a long drag. He wasn’t supposed to smoke inside the office, but it wasn’t like anyone would be able to stop him, really.>His stomach growled. Luckily Larson ordered some chinese food for him so he didn’t have to make something when he got back home.>Kurt glanced at his phone and smiled when he read Emma’s latest message in the group text asking about the movie plans on halloween night.>He was glad that she was open to joining their little group. He hadn’t had much of a chance to hang out since the Porygon incident due to work, but it seemed like Larson liked her.>Good. The guy desperately needed more friends.>He popped his knuckles before getting back to the grind. Just had to finish up this last page and he could finally head home.>After roughly twenty minutes, Kurt typed in the final information and hit save. The computer processed for a second before half the page went blank and the screen froze.>Kurt internally screamed at the thought of losing all that work to a glitch.>Fortunately the cause of the issue popped up in the corner of his monitor.>In pixel-art form was the damn Porygon-Z, seemingly dozing away with a slightly distended belly.
>>58530159>Kurt tapped the screen over the Porygon to wake it up.>”No, bad, spit it out! I need that so we can go home! Seriously, we talked about this sort of thing NOT being ok. How did you even sneak into the computer?! Get back in the damn phone!”>After cleaning Larson’s computer of Porygon related damages, Kurt was made responsible for looking over the corrupted digital duck because the captain wasn’t sure how they’d contain something that could basically just hop into someone’s phone and disappear to who knows where in the world.>Slightly annoying, because of these exact scenarios. Emma provided an out of date desktop for him to use as its ‘home’, where it usually stayed, but sometimes it hitched a ride on his electronics when he went to work.>Even though the creature was absolutely mad, it did seem to respect Kurt in that Pokémon way where they respected strength.>Shooting it in the face that day was probably the best outcome that could have happened, it turned out. Or maybe a curse, Kurt wasn’t too sure.>The Porygon startled awake at his angry shouts before it spewed the document out. It jittered around before undigitizing through the screen, where it floated above Kurt’s desk.>Kurt gave it a flat, annoyed glare before he pointed to his phone. The Porygon let out a harsh, staticky warble before it melted into the device.>Kurt sighed and really hoped it wouldn’t start messing with his social media accounts again.https://rentry.co/larsonkurt
>>58530166I was wondering what happened to the Porygon, tough break for Kurt. I wonder what it's been posting on his socials.
>58503726>It wasn't the best start to the day for you.>Not because you had to go to work but because you got sick.>You were a manly man, and you got the manliest man flu to ever man flu.>You felt like shit, barely able to breathe with your nose being like a Niagara Falls of snot.>Thankfully you didn't have to worry about having to be online, as is the case in gridlock again.>The detective forgot to inform the EPA, and now there are 4 feds arguing over if the police have the right to destroy a part of the forest in hopes of luring out a tree ghost.>You were just glad that the ATF didn't show up to kill the Houndoom at some point.>You knew one fire type.>The problem was that she wasn't exactly fit for the task at hand.>Either way, unless you found another Fire type, Houndoom was your best bet at luring that thing out.>You heard your doorbell ringing.>You were lying on the living room couch so you could see through the window who it was if you slightly leaned over.>A guy in a hazmat suit.>It was the CDC again.>"Comming!" you said as clearly and loudly as you could.>Your throat started aching from it.>You opened the door.>"I'm from the CDC. Moss sent me to check on you," said the agent at your door.>"Moss? Ah, right, Moss. I assume he didn't send you with some chicken soup?" you said.>"Unfortunately chicken soup isn't part of our policy. I've come to collect blood samples from you," replied the agent.>"Let me guess, to check if I don't display any symptoms of turning? Ehh... Fine, make yourself at home," you invited the agent in.>It didn't take long for him to disinfect your skin and jab the needle into your arm to collect some blood.>"You know? I and Moss made a bet about if you were still human before I showed up here," he said with a jolly expression.>"Yeah who won?" you asked.>"Me," he replied, smiling.>"Moss really thought I'd turned by now?" you asked.>"He is getting tired of nothing ever happening," he replied.
Ah, yeah.That reminds me.Fuck.I really need to address the CDC.I don't even know where I want chapter 3 to take place, and now I have to deal with that.
Feels weird thinking that I somehow haven't gotten around to the Mystery Dungeon games, I do have Explorers of Sky on my Wii U, maybe I'll let it fast track my backlog queue once I'm done with Z-A, I know people like EoS a lot. Although, I could also play Rescue Team, have access to it too, is RT worth playing before EoS if I don't know if I'll fully commit to it? Or should I jump ahead so I'd be more easily "sold" on the series whole by the sequel?>>58527423>haven’t played the series since Moon, I think, so I’d be interested to see ‘emIf that's the case I oughta try and make a good impression, I do still genuinely love the Switch games a lot so if I ever get around to that I hope to do those mons justice, some of my favorites in the series honestly.>>58528905>So 4chan will hold your work to a higher standard, you reckon. I guess that's fair.It's moreso that I don't really like how the algos and the like are on most sites and how very "open" they are in a way, with 4chan as a site it feels more like you do genuinely need to go out of your way to find stuff you care about, so if you find a thread with people talking about said stuff, it feels more... "earnest" in a way. It's much more of a "you chose to be here" situation compared to most other options. That and the anonymity, in a sense. Feels like stuff can stand on its own more instead of being attached to a broader name, makes it so having something that clicks with others at least feels more significant. Add onto it that it still feels kinda like the "old" internet I was promised as a kid even if I know it's not? Shit can get nasty and its up to you to manage your experience and all instead of being nannied by the system, so like I said, it feels like it respects your intelligence more. I've thought about this a lot in general, I guess I'm just weird and like being nice in a hellsite known for being a hellsite. Some of the nicest people I've met were because of threads on this site, funnily enough.
>>58530474Rescue Team is very scuffed though the ideas are still decent today, and Explorers of Sky's extra postgame is kind of rushed, though it definitely has the spirit of fun behind it. I'd start with the sequel personally.Just don't start with Gates to Infinity. I don't recall the game being bad, but it's the weakest entry from what I remember and was told.
>>58503726>>58530328>"Nothing ever happening? Am I hearing it right?" you asked.>"In the medical context, I mean. The man has been reading papers about what is happening, and none of them provide any solutions or explanations to the issue," he said.>"I'd assume you would have at least some knowledge of what was going on," you replied.>"Well functionally speaking, we have none. Someone publishes a study that it might be transmissible, and the data presented doesn't reach levels of statistical significance. Another study has all the hallmarks of AI all over it with all the meaningless nonsense AI is known for. The third one is just theoretical bitching and complaining about not having enough funding, small sample groups, and not having twins for twin studies. The fourth and fifth look decent but are contradicting each other," he replied while pulling the vial with your blood away.>"Just two more times just in case the first one was wrong," he said while putting another vial into the strange twin-needled syringe.>"It is aVacutainer. The vial has a vacuum to suck out the blood. Neat, isn't it?" said the agent after he saw you looking at the syringe.>"So you don't know?" you asked.>"Nobody does. At least with Covid, you knew that it was a virus. Here we are throwing around theories ranging from viruses and prions to epigenetic factors and literal magic at this point. Trust me, it isn't much better sitting in one of the labs and banging your head against the wall with the hope you find something," he replied with a bit of bitterness at the situation while putting the second vial into a container and preparing the third one.>"I'm kind of surprised that you didn't turn with that fat thing in front of your house. Besides, shouldn't the military have taken it away to that Lax Ranch or however it is called?" he asked.>"To my knowledge, they only go after those that block critical infrastructure, and my driveway doesn't count," you replied.
>>58530474RT's gonna feel a bit dated if you start with Explorers and come back to it, but I think if you're on the fence you should just go straight to EoS.How's ZA so far? Hearing mixed-to-positive reviews even from friends who didn't like the Switch games.>>58530569>my driveway doesn't countDamn. I know a guy with a flute who could help you out but he might be retired after his last job went sideways.
>>58530569>"Well that sucks, but I get the logic of the military behind it. How long has that thing been there anyway?" he asked.>"About since the Aggron attack," you replied.>"And it hasn't moved from in all that time?" he asked, confused.>"I think it changes position sometimes, but I haven't seen it move," you replied.>"Either way, it was nice to have a chat, but my work here is done. Have a chocolate for your trouble," he said while pulling out a bar of chocolate.>"Thanks," you took the candy.>"No problem. By the way, I know you, and you don't know me. You can call me John," he extended his hand for a handshake.>"Nice to meet you," you replied while shaking his hand.>"So I have to go and take these samples to the lab. So... See you whenever you get better," he replied while leaving your house.>Now you were back alone, holding some cotton to the place where the government worker sucked your blood.>You decided to turn on the TV with the hopes of something interesting.>For the first time in a long while, you weren't disappointed in the TV content.>An interview with an "expert" about how to Pokemon proof your home just in case you turned.>Honestly speaking, his ideas weren't exactly bad.>Making sure you have some reliable way of communicating with other people, stocking up on a diverse array of food, getting a step stool ect.>Too bad the interview was ending because the guy seemed knowledgeable about what he was talking about.>Maybe he also had to deal with some people who turned.>Either way, you asked your colleague to get you your groceries as you weren't exactly in the shape to get them yourself.>After an hour, your colleague arrived.>"Man you look like shit," he said when he saw you opening the door.>"Thanks," you said sarcastically.>Your colleague entered your house with two big grocery bags and took them to the kitchen.>"What would you do without me?" he asked.>"Be hungry, most likely," you replied.
>>58530741>"Anyway I still have to get something from the car," he replied.>He rushed back to the car and returned with a pot of some sort.>"Some soup for you," he said.>"Did your wife make it?" you asked.>"Nah. It was our mutual lizard friend. When you told her you wouldn't be able to visit her tomorrow because you were sick, she texted me to pick it up for you," he replied.>"Very kind of her," you replied.>"Yeah it is very good. She gave me some when I went to pick it up. Not sure if it tasted so good because I was hungry after having not eaten anything since morning or what," he said.>"On a different note, how was the day at the station?" you asked him.>"In short, a circus. In long four feds arguing, and the captain verging on a stroke because of them," he replied.>"So the usual. And our fed friend?" you asked.>"She didn't do anything out of the ordinary, mostly reading reports and staying on the sidelines. She didn't even bother me about going on patrol," he replied.>"By the way, apparently the CDC has sent one of their guys to check up on you. Is this true?" he asked.>"Yeah. Guy showed up, took my blood, and gave me a chocolate bar before leaving. Being fair, a chill guy from the impressions he gave me," you replied.>"For a fed," he replied.>"For a fed," you affirmed.>"Anyway I have to leave. I have some errands to run, and it is getting late. So see ya," he said while going back to his car.>"See ya," you replied to him.>You heard your front door close, so you quickly unpacked the grocery bags.>You got yourself some of that still-warm soup and returned to watching TV.>Your colleague wasn't lying; this was some good soup.
>>58504027“I’m fine, Mom.”“…”“It’s okay, Mom.”“…”“I get it, uh, yeah, I get it.”“Tell them I said hi, okay?”“No. No, please.”“Keep it secret.”“…”“You too. Bye.”>You weren’t fine.>The man would have cared.>Try as you might…>Nothing.>Not truly indifference. >No, some part of you cared.>Recognized the wrongness.>You tossed the bills on the table.>The top ones slid across the lowest, fanning out.>You should feel more.>Threading your tail through the back of the chair came easy now.>Swishing gooey, raw egg in your mouth provided another blessed, free moment.>Enough money for another month.>Maybe two, if you begged your folks.>Anything to avoid man’s definition of productivity.>You were so irresponsible. >Work.>Build a nest egg.>Save for retirement.>Thoughts of becoming an elder in this body made you shudder.>Would you be bedridden?>The notion terrified you more than the electabuzz threatening to fry you alive.>How long would you even live?>Would you live no longer than a canine?>You felt healthy as could be, but there was no fighting biology.>Except, perhaps, with money.
>>58530952>If you had a shred of business sense, you’d…>What would you do?>Monetize it?>Could you make money off fighting other pokémon?>Pest control with your fists?>It felt so dishonorable.>Shameful.>Selling your services like some mercenary?>You massaged your eyes, rubbing circles in them.>You’d manage.>No matter what, you’d survive.>Whether you still had a place of your own…>Whether vigilante or sanctioned…>Anyone’s guess at this point.>The box holding the world was violently shaken.>Given the news today, things could go in any direction.>In the week since reaching mainstream consciousness, pokémon caused thousands of problems.>Some small.>”Dragons Delay Denver International Flight”>”Waillord Blocks Cruise Ship”>”Farmer Loses Acre of Corn to Hungry Torterra”>Some big.>Fires.>Hauntings.>Damaged bridges.>The shock of how many pokémon used to be people hit the public with the grace of a freight train.>Not everyone was as docile and well-mannered as the brionne and her espurr playmate.>You avoided the worst.>Nasty stuff was all over today.>Talk of relief packages, stimulus checks, and government ongoings was completely drowned out.>Couldn’t be everywhere.>At least you’d make here worth living in.>Hopefully, others shared your dumb altruism.>Someone had to be a model pokémon.>Set a good example.>Bring order to chaos.Updated aurabin: https://pastebin.com/dNfCG4seGlad to see so many people having fun with writing. Dealing with grad school stuff. Time is a luxury right now. Can't write much.>>58530927Yeah, that tracks for scientific papers and their unreliability.>>58530166Boy's gonna spit out dirty brown water with that smoking habit.>>58526325Create a sauna with this one simple trick.>>58519406Will have to read later. Thanks for writing!
>>58523979>...Taking it easy on the way back was the right choice I think.>I think I'd normally feel more tired after a fight like that, but that... surge after knocking down Popeye really did reinvigorate me...>I've seen a few people turn and point.>I think none got to see the fight itself, probably just the light show from it...>I'd try walking instead of flying if it didn't mean dragging my phone behind me.>...that and the flute...>Wonder if they'll put out some PSA about not playing the Pokeflute melody to Snorlax after my total jackass stunts just now...>Maybe they already did and I just missed it.>...ugh...>I think nothing I did affected the surroundings that much and there's barely anyone around.>If anyone posts about it at all it'll likely get swept up in the news whirlwind like many others...>Seriously, fuckin' Geodude asshole ran around the other day making potholes everywhere and they still haven't said shit...>Guess I shouldn't be too surprised.>Probably not as interesting to report on compared to the stuff happening in that city.>Heh, if I could get an interview with that guy and pitch him a manga I wonder if he'd take it.>Although I did see a few doujin ones about it published on Pixiv.>Probably very convenient for all the people who already did aura dog shit to be able to channel that into an actually true story for once.>Oughta go to Comiket again, wouldn't be surprised if they dedicate a whole building in the venue just to Pokemon stuff now...>Guess it'd somewhat count as "non-fiction" now, huh.>Maybe we could get some official Pokehus now in ZUN's simply masterful art style...>Heh...>...>God, that looks real nasty...>Even if it's not fire that Hyper Beam still leaves a very bad burn...>A part of me is telling me I should scrape my arms against each other so I can grind it away but I'd cringe at the thought if I physically could.>Guess that'll be another conflict, huh...>Human logic, Kartana instincts.
>>58531116>It's so easy to think "Pfff, I totally could control myself if that happened to me" all the way up until it actually does.>I'll compromise with myself and... try, when I'm home.>Road feels longer than usual, but again, I'm tiny, makes sense...>Been a minute since I walked down the city at night...>It's nice.>I think I stopped doing it since I was worried about the safety of doing it...>...Well, if anything, I guess now I'M the thing to be worried about at night...>Although, after earlier...>...>Ah, I shouldn't think about it too hard...>If I really need to get something out of my system I did order those dummies, better to just use them...>...>Doesn't seem anyone's outside at the neighborhood, convenient for me so I won't complain...>...>Fuck.>I... Didn't think about how I'd carry these packages inside anyway did I.>...>...why the hell did i order 10 anyway...?>At least the sand is easy enough to carry, but...>...>no that'd be stupid i'd just get stuck on the boxes if i tried slamming into them to shove them>Ughhhhhhh...>I'll just... leave them here overnight so I can think of something tomorrow.>It better not fucking rain I swear to god...>...Feels weird going back to my home...>It's the same as always, but it feels so...>Imposing.>I know it's just my size now but...>...>And here I thought it'd be future proof.>That was dumb.>No one can predict the future after all.>Let alone predict being turned into a Pokemon in said future...>Ugh... My neck... Or whatever it is...>Glad I can lug that bag around but it's still a workout...>Can't even stretch properly anymore...>...>I should go look up Toei's accommodations before I sleep...>Who knows, maybe reading 'em will be the kick I need to tell them my situation...>...man having to type one letter at a time with each hand still makes me feel fuckin' stupid...>...let's see what we have here...>"Statement regarding contract policy around ポケ人間 (MHLW Label)."
>>58531123>Well, they're the most publicized on studio about the matter due to the Nihilego, makes sense they'd have to do PR about it...>"We Toei Animation Co., Ltd. have been closely communicating with Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare officials over the risks and inequity tied to the recent Pokeningen (Tentative classification) phenomenon around the country...">...yadda yadda yadda, no one knows how it works, still looking into it, pokemon development halted...>"The Company possesses deeply developed support networks for remote work, built up since the SARS-COVID epidemic, that we have strived to upkeep even with the return to local work. We intend to provide support to any of our contractors, Japanese national, Immigrant, or International, who have been subject to the phenomenon as they go through these challenging times, in order to aid them in preserving their careers, or, were they unable to continue in their field of work, help them in finding alternatives through many of our different associates. We send our deepest regards to those affected and their families, as we at Toei provide the best support we can for our workers who've been afflicted by the situation.">...Guess maybe telling them won't be that bad of an idea...>I'll check their response when I wake up.>"こんにちは、八島さん。今日、私はポケ人間の病気人になりました。でも、来週で、私の バックグラウンドフレームお完了したいよ。私はちょっと遅いです、しかし、まだ描けるよ。ご不便をおかけして申し訳ありません。">...that should do it...>Hope he won't be too mad at me...>...>>58530527Fair enough, will probably do EoS then.>>58530653>SpoilerAlways wanted a continuation to Emma's story so it met my quota, but really though it's been great so far, very interesting lore going on with AZ and Zygarde, Lumiose is very cozy, and the combat's been fun, I like a lot!
>>58530166I'd love to get that Tyrantrum's story. You're an entire T-Rex and yet you're so inept at fighting that you get whooped by a tiny ghost sword and pretty much let yourself get taken in when the cop 'mons show up. Poor guy might be less Rexy and more Barney, me thinks.Hopefully Pokemon lungs can handle the tar better than human lungs.Ha. Talk about responsible for the life you save, 'ey Kurt? I'm sure he'll grow to appreciate his glitchy pal in time, but for now, bro is getting a timely taste of what it's like to be Larson.>>58530741The experts may be frustrated, but in the absence of useful government advice the world is adapting in its own way. Slowly slowly. If only Copanon weren't sick, he could hang out on the sidelines with Fedorark, hurling popcorn and taking bets on who wins between cap and the four feds. Must be quite a sight to behold.>>58530474I seeee. That's fair, I get that. Well, happy to be enjoying the simulacrum of old Internet with you, in that case. I actually prefer Rescue Team to Explorers myself, as it's better to be an independent operator than to toil under Chatot's taloned jackboot, but I'm definitely in the minority there. If you can get Super Mystery Dungeon I highly recommend it. GTI isn't bad, but I gotta align with the broader consensus here that it's the weakest overall.
>>58530978I've said it before - Lucarioanon is definitely taking too much responsibility solely onto his shoulders and definitely needs a posse backing him up. I suspect him not caring that he's not invited to family dinner or whatever is less his humanity slipping and more the normal psychological defense mechanism after your family rejects you the way his parents did. Social isolation bites, be you man or 'mon.As for work, that is admittedly a tough one. Maybe construction could work with his need to help people? I dunno.>>58531131Kartanon's already having a very different experience with the Japanese response to the phenomenon as compared with Val. Interested to see how the scraping he doesn't want to do goes. If he can't find a way to manoeuvre the boxes, maybe it's time to inform a neighbour and ask their help?
>>58531477To be fair, Val's news cycle happens early on in the timeline. By week 3 it'll be obvious what's happening and the veil will be lifted, but to clue you in on my plan...The internal Japanese response is different to what's outwardly broadcasted by the west, and though not touched on by what Val's observed so far, this is the same case for a lot of Asian countries. There's a certain large country who wants to make sure they don't look like they've got the worst response this time around, and they're trying to make sure their neighbors look as bad as (in)humanly possible by preying on barely living history, and are attempting to prevent those countries from exonerating themselves to the outside world.
>>58531477>very different experience with the Japanese response to the phenomenon as compared with Val.Admittedly I was mainly zeroed in on the story I wanted to go with for that specific segment, however, I do have some reasoning to make it compatible with Val's situation that I might as well explain here since it won't come up much in Kartanon's FOV. Everyone knows about the whole aspect of not wanting to "rock the boat" in Japan, so the opposing responses are 2 camps assuming the "standard" would be one approach or the other, Toei aligning with wanting to aid those affected like some companies did in the pandemic by helping provide resources to people afflicted to help them keep a lifeline, so that stability can be preserved. Having to deal with the Nihilego thing being publicized kinda pushed Toei to lean one way or the other I figure, so providing resources while allowing remote work is the approach they took in my mind . That and I also figure some members of the MHLW likely got turned so there's more internal bias towards pushing the stigma away.
Where did my spoiler go?>>58531855No, no, don't worry about making your story compatible with mine. There's no real overarching "plan" here, and no requirement to actually interlock or be remotely compatible beyond the initial story.I actually got criticism for my Japanese response, which I do admit I did overdo, but now I've actually found a good way to make it work. China's politics are literally nothing BUT optics so it would make total sense for them to try to sabotoge their neighbors to look better after how badly they botched COVID, for all 3 people that actually remember the atrocities. As for how they managed to launch special operations so quickly, I'll never say it in the story, but my internal logic for how is that they mustered those resources to cut off Taiwan originally.I do intend to make Japan /kind/ of miserable though. Italy got the most transformations in my story, but Japan will most likely be a contender for #1 with the sheer number of human ferals, due to how many just give in due to shikatanai.I feel like 2ch's countless mass suicide threads is enough justification for that. (I've been toying with the possibility that they will not be truly feral though, and instead just playing the part because they THINK they should be feral.)All this said, I really like your logic.
>>58531855>>58531910I should point out that I made that point about the Japanese response not to criticize Kartanon's writing, but merely because it made for an interesting contrast. It's worth noting that not even Japan is as monolithic as Japan would like you to believe, so I honestly think the difference in Kartanon and Val's experiences can work even without Chinese interference.
This would have made a better image to go with my last update. Surprisingly apt.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmKZXZ3wD3Y
Machomon-anon I dunno how much longer I can keep editing this, I can already feel my exasperation growing over having to reread each paragraph to find fucky tensing, especially since I don't feel like I'm finding many. This is in spite of the fact that I KNOW that more than a few are still left in here, because I DID NOT correct them when you originally pointed them out.My eyes are set squarely on the dialogue, which I'm not even sure how to improve...>>58531997I didn't think it was criticism, I was just pointing out that Val's story was rather early in the timeline after the Lucarioanon epoch compared to Kartanon's who seems to have placed his story a fair bit later, which adds another level to why the response seems so radically different.
>>58532033Ha. This is brilliant.>>58532037Well let me know when you've edited it as much as you can. By the way, I should mention that I do like the idea of the phenomenon finally laying bare some of the darker aspects of Japanese society nobody wants to acknowledge. Someone braver than me, who would actually be willing to touch Russia with a barge pole in this setting, could probably do something interesting with the notion of smekalka as well.
>>58532033Maybe it’s when he tried to recreate the recipe back at home.
>>58531123>...>Just get it over with.>It'll probably be like cutting your nails if anything...>...>Putting my arms against each other knowing how sharp they are is stressful.>But... It also feels natural.>...>You're just getting rid of dead tissue.>That's all.>I'm trying to remember that dream...>Dammit, why does it have to be so fuzzy now?>I swear I remember hearing swords grinding against each other...>But why...?>Come on, can't you give me a better hint?>Does this NEED to be a "learn as you go" thing...?>...>Wait, was the Snorlax encounter also meant to...?>...>Funny.>I think I'd never questioned if my decisions were my own until now.>I hope they still are.>And if they're not...>I hope whoever actually made them would explain himself.>...>...please don't hurt that bad...>...
>>58532275>H-huh.>That... Actually feels rather nice...>It's very... strange though...>I don't even know what to compare it to.>Should I allow myself to think that way again...>I would say a cleansing of the blades brings about a cleansing of the mind.>...>..s'pose that makes enough sense at least...>I guess it's like... Rubbing alcohol on a cut to heal it...>It... stings at first.>You regret doing it in the first place.>But the more you peel back the damage... It feels more relieving.>It also feels... Cool, despite the fact it should cause friction.>Like I can feel the wind around the area more intensely due to my... maybe nerves, being more exposed.>It... does hurt.>It still hurts.>But I'm doing this now will make it so it doesn't hurt later.>It just... takes some time...>And here I thought cats bathing themselves through licking must be cumbersome...>Ow.>Need to remember not to use the tip for this else I poke myself...>But just... Gotta keep at it until at least most of the charred parts are gone...>The rest will be my battle scars or something I don't know.>Ow.>I guess I just need to be more cautious if I don't want to deal with this in the future.>Definitely not hoping to pick fights any time soon.>...>Ow.>>58531910I have a very "if A and C factor, then B between makes sense" thought process when writing, seems to lead to fairly logical outcomes at least! Japan's pretty multifaceted so I think the contrast helps make it a bit more real.>>58531997>It's worth noting that not even Japan is as monolithic as Japan would like you to believeCan confirm!>>58532033To his credit he did try.>>58532037>Kartanon's who seems to have placed his story a fair bit laterI'm trying to keep specifics a bit vague for the time being, but I still do want it to "fit" neatly with the rest.Also: fuck you Machomon-anon because every time I see your posts the crusty ass "Super Macho Man" voice clip from Super Punch-Out plays in my head dammit
>>58517952>I Woke up as a Pokemon, So What?You have to sleep on the doggy bed, that's what.
>>58530474>is RT worth playing before EoSHonestly either or, gameplay-wise they're all pretty similar, maybe EoS if you aren't sure you'd commit to both. Super is good too, just kinda annoying storywise since they abandon like, the entire first half of the game's set up to go back to guild shit. GTI is considered the black sheep of the series because it cut down a ton of mechanics to try to make the game simpler, and it had a huge dex cut due to the 3D jump, but otherwise its fine. The big appeal of the series is the world and the characters, so you can't really go wrong with any of them.>>58530927Good 'ol research science community taking shortcuts in the race to be the first on a breakthrough. I can imagine all the shitty top 10 tips to poke-proof your house articles being printed by AI onto the internet. You won't believe number 6!>>58530978I feel so bad for Lucario, being rejected by your family is awful, and I can't imagine the stoicism is purely from his pokemon side considering his pack mentality from earlier in the story when he thought of his parents. Hopefully the guy can get some more friends. Found-family can sometimes be better.Good luck with grad school stuff!
>>58532049Alright SUPER MACHO MOOON, I think I've caught most of the tensing errors that I could. I haven't done a proper dialogue pass yet, though I DID rework a small bit of dialogue involving the test brothers.https://litter.catbox.moe/szqpsi24remld4ox.txt3 days as before.>>58532300>thought processYeah, it works out.I'm going to be honest, I only have a very specific angle of Japanese culture, which sucks because I REALLY want to do more with it. Unfortunately, I've only got the most basic bitch parts of it, but I'm going to try to do what I can with it regardless.It's the same with Russia but I may touch on Russia's state of affairs and effectively how they're imploding, and unfortunately not just due to internal factors.That all said, I would like to imagine that the phomenon is causing a soft reset on the social climate and by extension politics. The current day system is easily argued as fragile by design and meant to be a powder keg to violently shuffle power around when it detonates, but what happens when that powder keg is punctured and drained of its explosive before it can? Pokemon seem like the perfect curveball to do that. Perhaps I'm too optimistic about that though.>machomonHere, I'll give you a different thing:MACHO MACHO MACHO MOOON~I WANNA BEA MACHO MON
>>58531131Officially it seems like he'll be fine with letting work know what happened, we'll just have to see I guess. Definitely needs to rip the bandaid off sooner rather than later. And yeah, might have to ask a neighbor for assistance if he can't get those packages up. >>58531325>Poor guy might be less Rexy and more BarneyJust because you're big and look scary doesn't mean you actually know how to fight, as seen by plenty of human-mons so far. Between getting his ass kicked by the Honedge, then the two policemons involved with almost every pokemon-related altercation in the town showing up, he knew he was screwed lol.>>58532033Lmao, yeah that would have been perfect. (Also lol'd at the Torterra getting watering canned)>>58532300Monster hunter whetstone animation.gif
>>58532879Alright, just finished reading this chapter. There were a few tense issues (I would just ctrl f every instance of “I’d” or “I would”) and some awkward sentences to try to parse what was being said, but overall solid stuff. The relationship between Val and Matsui from his perspective is interesting. You have this dichotomy where he gets intensely peeved with how she treats him, yet he simultaneously sees her as this way to cope with his self-loathing. And it ties in with his selfless-victim carding where he wants to help her out best he can by leaving her in more capable hands and doesn’t think he deserves help in kind, yet also kinda whines about the “who helps the helper?” sort of thing.I do sort of wish Matsui spoke up during Val and the professor’s exchange. It seemed sort of odd that she would least attempt to get into a conversation about her situation, especially when the two are speaking in a language she doesn’t understand. Maybe even just a short comment or her thoughts, just to get her somewhat involved.Val daydreaming about stuff like the phoenix wright court case or his projects is fun, I’d like to see more of those. Helps balance out the long paragraphs of either self misery or abject hatred (I really hope the story moves out of Cali soon). I’m also amazed he hasn’t wrecked his car with how often he zones out while driving.Keep it up, I’m interested to see where this goes.
>>58532300Let's hope Kartana's healing factor is up to snuff. Future interactions with his instincts are sure to be interesting in light of all this.>voice clip from Punch OutMission accomplished, although the one looping in my head is the one from Wii Punch Out.>>58532879Here's my proofreading pass of the chapter, with some additional commentary about the actual story on top of what I've already given in response to the various snippets:https://files.catbox.moe/scc84g.txtThis was a lot of work, so I'm thankful the quality of your work substantially improves over the course of the chapter. Mostly really good, too, balancing unflinching exploration of the worst a human mind can subject itself to with interesting set pieces, moments, and musings. Kinda iffy on the laundromat scene at the end of the chapter, but I won't reiterate what's already in the link, so just give that a read when you can. I do agree with Snivyanon that a little more from Matsui as she's being dropped off would've been nice, but it kinda fits with Val's very "here today, gone tomorrow" outlook on everything. Does kinda feel like it leans in the direction of her not returning later, but if she does there's potential there for her to be even more frustrated that she's stuck with this guy AGAIN, and Val even more tormented by having to perpetually disappoint this cutie AGAIN, before they finally manage to break the ice and start to develop a real bond.>what happens when that powder keg is punctured and drained of its explosive before it can? Pokemon seem like the perfect curveball to do that. Perhaps I'm too optimistic about that though.Maybe, but I feel that's exactly the sort of thing we want from our writings in this thread - just enough realism to keep things grounded, but just enough optimism to keep things fun.I will say that if Val does manage to overcome his demons it's going to be INCREDIBLY satisfying to read.
I don't like writing the depresso espresso, to be honest. It's such an ugly magnified reflection of my past problems, and I'd rather believe I've mostly moved on from that beyond the occasional quiet return. I still occasionally have conversations with my friends where I question why I haven't removed myself from their lives though, so I'm not out of the sewers just yet.>>58533776>ctrl+fI did.That's literally the first thing I did. In fact, the first draft I posted wasn't even the original first draft, I had already DONE that to it before I uploaded it.That's not good news if I've failed to catch much of anything relating to it after I went through every instance of the word "would" and "I'd" *twice.*>MatsuiYeah, okay. I'll see what I can do. Unfortunately the perspective isn't omniscient or anything, and the last time I've tried perspective switching, it confused the shit out of people(even though there was a VERY CLEAR demarcation line and I had only done it once in the entire chapter.)>moves out of Cali soonYeah, he's not sticking around. This probably won't be the last time he's in California, but the next chapter is him near the end of his recovery in Literally Anywhere Else Away from the West Coast, USA. >>58534515Thank you so much for all of your hard work. I dunno how I'd make good stories without your hard work to be honest.>the ungodly amount of mistakesHoly fucking shit, how did I miss THAT fucking much? God damn it, that is UNBELIEVABLY disappointing. Oh well, time to implement the feedback. Again, thank you.>laundromat sceneYeah, I didn't really know how to end the chapter. The events of chapter 3 can't really be predicted by Valentine(who the hell predicts encountering a biologist who turned his would-be meth lab into a genetics lab to study the plants he found) and probably will take place after a substantial time skip too.Maybe I can have him do his rumination in the car on the WAY to Nevada, or something.
>>58535531>Unfortunately the perspective isn't omniscient or anythingYeah it doesn’t need to swap perspective. Maybe have her pipe up near the end of the convo that ‘she’s right there’ instead of Val being the one to mention that the prof should be asking her the questions. Again, doesn’t have to be a major shake up to the dialogue, and to be honest a change isn’t really necessary as the dialogue is fine as is, I just figured given her personality she’d be slightly annoyed that she’s being left out of this conversation.
>>58532300>Feel real stupid for thinking this'd be a lazy week for me now...>I think I've had my fill of excitement for the whole month already...>...>Arms seem to have healed up nicely after grinding them against each other...>Good to know even if it still isn't particularly fun to do...>...>Ugh.>...a fuckin' kartana, huh...>I guess that's how rolling the dice goes when that dice has over a thousands sides to it...>I guess I'm lucky I at least still somewhat look humanoid...>...really couldn't have had the charity to at least make me into one with more human hands huh...>...>I shouldn't keep trying to distract myself from this, but...>...>...Ah, Yashima replied...>"わかります。このフォームに記入してください。サポートを提供するために必要。">...guess they need me formally registered or something like that, I'll get to it tomorrow...>God, I feel like shit and like I just had like 5 energy drinks at the same time...>I should try and see why that might...>...just open WikiDex and...>...Shit.>That was a Beast Boost, wasn't it?>I guess that'd explain that adrenaline rush, but...>...>Not particularly comfortable with the idea that taking out others makes me stronger...>I'll just pray I never have a reason for that to even come into play.>At least... not again.>...>Man, how do people even figure out what the fuck to do with their lives after they turn...?>Guess it's not too different from being crippled by an accident, in a way...>Could've lost my hands just as suddenly as a human...>...Wish I knew if the ones I have now are even my own...>I wonder what it's like for those who just give up and go feral...>Would you call it hedonism?>In a way, you're giving in to your basic desires and impulses I suppose.>Some just... keep trucking on as if nothing had changed.>I wish I'd be in the camp that could do that.>If only I'd kept my fingers with me in the change.
>>58536408>...>I've heard of people finding new callings in life.>Some just change careers according to their new abilities.>I think some just choose to follow the behavior of the mon they were turned into.>What's it like, to have your whole personality be flipped on its head like that overnight?>Is that what's happening to me?>Or are those cartoonishly "anime" thoughts just the usual that I never brought forth much before?>Is this just... enabling me, to be even more "me"?>...>I'd like asking why but somehow I feel like that'd be the least likely question to ever be answered...>...>Wonder how long it'll take the neighbors to notice...>I've always been a bit of a cryptid, even before this, so I doubt they would notice if they don't see me outside for a while...>...>I should stay more positive through this shouldn't I?>...but then the fucking realization hits me like a freight train...>Ugh.>...>Am I even any better than Takumi if I just keep hiding away...?>Wasn't that the point I was supposed to take from that story...?>...>But it's not like I could uncover some wild conspiracy, I'm just a loner otaku nerd who gets too stuck up on his own art farts.>Fuckin' hell it's not like I even have the power to manifest shit with my mind.>All I can do is cut good.>...>I'm sure I'll find something worthwhile in this situation at some point.>I have to.>...>Funny. I always loved thinking about the cool stuff I'd try doing if I was stuck in different series' plots.>Now something like it happens and I just... freeze up?>...>Not like I even have much I could do in the first place...>...>How dull...
>>58536412Ahh, there's the existential ponderings. Its kinda funny how Kartanon isn't sure that the shonen thoughts are a result of Kartanon transformation, or if its just amplifying their own weebness. Hopefully they dont fall deep into that slump, it seems like there are plenty of support systems in place now for transformees, so if they can get some direction if they feel like they need some sort of new 'purpose'.
Pretty quiet tonight so here's a bump. I know some of you guys are pretty busy, but I hope everyone's doing alright! I'll try to get something written tonight and brainstorm some Halloween ideas.
>>58538460I'm not busy, I just don't know what to even contribute right now. I guess I could mooch your ideas for chapters 3+, because my chapter ideas are kind of ass and you guys have REALLY good ideas.>HalloweenI really would like to participate but the few greentexts I managed to throw out are kind of special cases, and you saw how long it took me to make chapter 2.The irrational part of me is trying to make me feel inaedequate because of the story progressions of everyone else, but there's not much I can even do about it. One thing has to happen at a time, and I SUCK at making things short and sweet. At the very least, maybe I can find solace in the fact that I'm pretty sure that I've outpaced every greentext story here in word count?
>>58537000>Its kinda funny how Kartanon isn't sure that the shonen thoughts are a result of Kartanon transformation, or if its just amplifying their own weebness.There's a lotta things I wanna go into with Kartanon tying to that aspect that I'd love rambling about but it's probably better letting the story reach that point rather than spoil it. I'm at a slight crossroads internally since a part of me does genuinely want to have some more "big" setpieces and action going on, but what I established from the start was an idea of someone who got a not-great pokemon to turn into, but still does genuinely have stuff in his life to make that situation "easy", just... someone who got relatively lucky all in all. My writing tends to be spur-of-the-moment so I think I'm finding out the story at the same time as anyone else reading it is admittedly, even if there are a couple things I do have planned...>>58538460I slightly worry I might've overexerted my creative muscles these last few days since the 2 posts I did write earlier felt like they had a bumpier road to being put to text than the previous updates had, but that could just be the storybeat they were built around...>>58538569Will say, I kinda didn't notice updates on Val's story since I was mostly checking the OP rentry links to see if any story'd been touched, at least until I realized you were tossing 'em in catbox earlier, very solid stuff so far! Definitely agree on the Ninetales being a solid "meant to be hated" character, y'did good!
>>58538460The captcha keeps playing dumb for me.>HalloweenI don’t remember Halloween being too big on my campus. Any ideas?
'kay, I think the cutoff to delete posts is 30 minutes.>>58538693You know, you've just made me realize, I've literally never once spent Halloween on campus. I went home to see my family the one October I actually lived in a dorm, and all my classes somehow have managed to avoid October 31st.Anyways, uh... costume party that gets rowdy with alcohol? Seems like an obvious thing.>>58538629Yeah, don't worry about it. I'm only litterboxing them for proof reading purposes. The rentry will update, and I think that will be the last time that the rentry gets updated as I'm going to try to focus on getting the website up and running.
>>58538693>The captcha keeps playing dumb for me.Is it the "type only the letters with a circle" thing?>I don’t remember Halloween being too big on my campus. Any ideas?Well I was an art student so we mainly did stuff themed around that in my area, really. Never really did parties but generally speaking people'd dress up, we'd have some casual vidya tourneys, do themed timed drawing stuff, was nice. Though that was just us art nerds, more broadly speaking there were costume contests and spooky movie showings.
>>58538569Yeah that's fair, no worries.>>58538629I'm pretty spur-of-the-moment as well with my writing too, sometimes just gotta wait until an idea pops up and just see where it goes. And yeah you've been a green machine these past few days, I don't blame ya for slowing down a bit lol. >>58538693Costume parties, horror movies or games, haunted houses, dealing with trick-or-treaters, that sort of stuff. Could also parody horror movies and tropes. Pokemon side you could theme it around dark or ghost type shenanigans!
With all the talk about Halloween, I... did end up getting inspired to draw again, whoops. Samurai are basically Japan's equivalent to cowboys and vice versa if you really look at them next to each other honestly, so this costume for him felt fitting. If any of you can guess which cowboy I referenced specifically I'll do a doodle based on your story.>>58539108>I don't blame ya for slowing down a bit lol.Well now that I finished this thing up I do feel like it was just a slight lull for me earlier. Wouldn't be surprised if I'm still awake an hour from now actually writing something...
