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Post by NPC Slot on Jul 13, 2011 11:40:02 GMT -5
(Post Parade RP that contains a slight spoiler regarding Terrance and Ignus' battle. If you're not too fussed, read on!)
'The Diner' in Gamboge City was bustling at this time of day, lunch time. Terrance was casually sitting alone in a booth at the side; just tucked nicely out of the way by the bar. He looked to be waiting for someone, judging by how many times he seemed to be checking his watch. In front of him was an empty mug, which only a few moments later was promptly refilled by a pretty looking waitress. Terrance flashed her a smile as she left and tried to ignore the trainers that were eyeing him up from elsewhere in the little cafe; he was grateful something was keeping them at bay, maybe it was that slight look of frustration on his face, mixed with confusion and impatience.
He was waiting for Vera, he knew she was around and had contacted her and asked for them to meet up again here for lunch to catch up on things. What Vera didn’t know was what Terrance’s true intention of this little engagement was about. The Gym Leader was torn up over he lost his battle against Ignus, his first official battle as a Gym Leader and he goes and stuffs it. He didn’t want a reputation that he was weak; despite the fact he had thwarted any trainer that had tried to challenge him since. The final moments of the battle kept replaying in his mind, he needed out. Terrance wasn’t cut to be a Gym Leader, but Vera was.
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Post by Vera Marlene on Jul 13, 2011 13:11:35 GMT -5
Vera was still scouting for houses on the island, so when she set off for Gamboge City she had to make the journey from the mainland. Fly was probably the most useful HM she'd ever taught to a Pokémon, she reflected for the hundredth time as she clung to Mantine's rubbery shoulders. It made the journey a hundred times faster and easier than if she'd had to go by land.
Skip forward to her arrival at the Diner. Her Mantine was safe and comfortable back in its ball. She was prodding her hair back into place after the windy flight, and it was stubbornly remaining as much a bird's nest as ever. Staring around as she walked through the diner door, she spotted Terrance hermiting in his corner and threw him a salute.
"Hey over there!" She started threading her way through the crowd, trying not to knock into too many people in the swarming diner. "How's it going?"
She'd seen his defeat, of course. There had been no way she was going to miss his first match as a gym leader. But maybe she'd let him bring it up first, if he wanted to; didn't seem like 'so you lost the match to that one guy' would make a great conversational opening gambit.
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Post by NPC Slot on Jul 13, 2011 13:19:33 GMT -5
Terrance looked up when Vera finally showed up, he rose from his seat to go over and give her a big ole hug for old times’ sake. “Hey Vera. No see, long time.” He grinned, and then invited her to come and sit with him. He would hail over the waitress again and get her to give Vera a nice big mug of coffee, once that was over and done with. Down to business.
“So how’s life been to you? Been busy?” Okay, maybe not. Sorry Vera, you’re gonna have to put up with a bit of small talk before the big topic.
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Post by Vera Marlene on Jul 13, 2011 13:41:57 GMT -5
Vera hugged with enthusiasm, blissfully unaware that the Big Topic was even on the horizon. "Far too long," she agreed.
She shifted sideways onto the booth seat opposite him. "Oh--" Oh, he was getting her coffee? "Oh, it's okay, I can pay," she says, a little embarrassed. It's not that she isn't grateful, especially since she's between jobs at the moment, but she's always felt a bit weird accepting charity. Her mum and dad were both the same way.
"Yeah, I've actually - I've actually been training again." Training professionally was a difficult life, but it was one she'd missed for a long time. Staying in one place too long made her antsy. "For a lot of months now, actually. I'm gonna dethrone you, just you wait."
Ex-rival banter. She had no idea how close to the mark she'd gotten.
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Post by NPC Slot on Jul 13, 2011 14:09:36 GMT -5
Terrance shook his head, he knew she was like this, he always expected it. “No, I’m paying. It’s a coffee and well, I’m a Gym Leader, it’s hardly a tax for me to get you a drink every once in a while.” He chuckled, though when he said Gym Leader he seemed to hesitate somewhat.
He listened as she told him that she was training again – that was good! “Really now? I’d like to see you try.” He gave her a sly grin, but soon fell into silence as he stared into the bottom of his coffee mug when he finished it off.
Okay, now he was going to tell her. “I’m quittin’ Vera.” He said flatly, placing the mug down, eyes still locked upon it. “I’m no good as a Gym Leader. I’m not the right type.”
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Post by Vera Marlene on Jul 13, 2011 18:12:35 GMT -5
Vera was all ready to respond with another tongue-in-cheek challenge -- but then he said that, and suddenly, she was not sure how to respond.
"Re... really?" She was surprised enough that her stutter came out a bit, though she could usually control it these days. "But, uh..." She took a few silent seconds to work out the next sound in her head. "But you were a... you won Leagues."
She'd been going to say 'were a Pokémon League champion', but stupid P sounds still gave her trouble. And so did the idea of Terrance throwing away this life as a gym leader that seemed idyllic from where she was sitting.
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Post by NPC Slot on Jul 14, 2011 1:03:14 GMT -5
Terrance frowned, he wasn't entirely sure how Vera would react and really, this was much better than what he had expected. He ran a hand over his head and exhaled deeply, "Ever since that battle at the parade, I just haven't been feeling right. It's just.. he just knocked the courage I had out of me, I can't get my head back into that game." He explained, apparently beating the truck full of trainers since wasn't sating his needs. "Anyone can be a League Champion if you work hard enough, it's not something that special." Except for that one kid Ash, he was what, 30 now and still trying to beat the first league?
He leaned his elbows on the table, hands lacing together as the waitress came over again to refill their coffee, Terrance thanked her and then resumed the conversation. "I've got another job lined up, that's already arranged. Something good, something I'll be able to do." Terrance looked up to her, the corner of his lip tweaking up in a lopsided smile, "All I need to do now regards who will be my replacement."
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Post by Vera Marlene on Jul 18, 2011 15:25:58 GMT -5
"Oh. Well."
She was still a bit thrown, to be honest. But on the other hand, this was the same guy who'd decided Pokémon battles weren't for him just before he became a champion for the first time. Maybe he just needed some time out again.
"What's the new job?"
Way to miss the point he's trying to drive at, Vera.
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Post by Terrance Fletcher on Jul 18, 2011 15:49:24 GMT -5
Terrance gave her a sort of > face when she didn't get the hint that he was offering her the role (whether she liked it or not). He shook his head slightly and took another drink from his delicious coffee. "Island Warden. Essentially a ranger, except I don't need to wear that shit uniform and I get better pay." He explained simply, he should be helping the group out hunting poachers - but he had only just been given the role, he needed to adjust before getting into it. He stared at Vera for a moment, he figured that perhaps it'd be best to just tell her flat out. "Vera, I want you to become Gym Leader. I've already talked to the Professor about it and she's fine with it - all you need to do is sign the contract saying you'll do it and away you go!" In case that didn't convince her, he leaned in slighty - as if what he was about to share with her was a secret, "They'll pay you a cubic crap ton for it, Leader pay is amazing. I have a penthouse right here in Gamboge after only a few months as one." Which Vera will totally move into soon, not that Terrance is aware of that yet.
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