TWO YEARS AGO, A CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION GOING BY THE NAME TEAM IMUM WRECKED CHAOS ACROSS THE LAND, DAMAGING CITIES AND KILLING THOUSANDS OF CITIZENS. While Imum itself has long since been disbanded, however, the region remains broken: entire towns have been laid to waste and the Association struggles to find homes for those who were lucky enough to survive the attempted genocide. Reconstruction trudges on as usual... but with three factions - the Association, the corporations, and the people - each wishing to take the rebuilding of an entire region down opposite paths, how long will it be before Lyeant's last leg gives out permanently?
03.01
first activity check is currently underway. regardless of your green status, please be sure to check it out and make extra sure your characters make it safe and sound after the eighth of march.
01.28
we're officially re-opened! come check out our event, the pokeathlon forever to enjoy some fresh restart activities. let leap know if there are any skin bugs, and they'll be sorted out accordingly!
Care to hear about our lord and savior Operation: Mindcrime? In all seriousness: Hello, hello! I'm Pharaoh Leap – or just Leap – local head admin and rock opera enthusiast. On the rare chance you catch me in a time when I'm not bawling about characters entirely written into song, you may see me actually doing work around the site, like skinning, making too many characters, and encouraging others to also make too many characters. I only know how to write angst, and in no fewer than six trillion words an app or post, so if you like dying while reading like I like dying while writing, I'm the girl for you. ;o
Howdy guys! The names Astro and I am your resident Brit & Red muse (you'll honestly see me more on him than any of my other characters). I'm a moderator and my main job is to make sure everything is running smoothly so the Admins can focus on other things, you'll often see me within the apps and shops, etc when I'm not on Red. What can I say about myself? Apart from being a Red fanboy I like music and games and yaoi huehue, I honestly never now what to put into these sort of things but ohwell, I'm more of a "ask me and I'll tell" sorta guy. Anyway, from my personally I hope that you enjoy the site and what we produce here but also if you're new, please look around and if you like what you see please consider joining for rad plots that everyone gives! :D
Hey there~ Nano over here! I uh.. Wait, I'm doing this right, right? Bleh. So I'm a moderator over here - fun, fun - who kind of just.. Keeps an eye on everyone. You know, the whole app thing and what not. Uh.. Lets see.. When I'm not doing school work (because I may or may not be trying to be a good student) I'm probably storming up new ideas like events and etc. Or plots. Plots are always good, too. As you can see, I uh.. Have the horrible habit of making way too many characters. I swear, I was tempted with plots, ships and angst. It's like, the holy trinity. Uh.. What else is there about me? Oh, right! Please excuse my obnoxiousness. I'm just really loud in general so don't be surprised if I start screaming as loudly as I can caps. So yeah. Nice meeting you!
tbe: take two! is inspired by, but not associated with nintendo's pokemon franchise. the current skin was created by pharaoh leap using font icons primarily from ion icons and fonts from google fonts. banner art by vav of pixiv. characters, with the exception of canons from the manga, belong to the members who write them, and all posts and templates on site are credited to their respective authors and artists. we claim nothing that is not ours.
It was after work hours, about five, and Sasha was doing something a little different. Normally his time was spent at home, though now? Well, he was out on the street dressed up in a new gig. He had on a costume that was like that of a magician seen in circus acts and whatnot, flaunting various nifty little tricks out in the street to a small, but enamored crowd. He had an air of confidence to him and a bright, but powerful presence that seemed to resonate through the area and draw even more people into the crowd as he performed various tricks with a lot of the props he had.
"Alright, now, for the next trick why don't I pick out an assistant!" He called out, many of the people starting to raise their hands or call out to him. Clearly he had them hooked, a big grin on his face at this. He looked around the crowd before he pinpointed someone. Approaching, he took a small bow. "How about you, would you mind offering me a bit of a hand for this?" He asked of them, looking up at them with a friendly smile. Hopefully the person was a wiling one, so he could pull off the final act of the day and then call it good.
It started off as a pleasant stroll through the city, a chance to clear his mind. Bogged down by past memories that surfaced in his dreams, made up his nightmares, all he wanted - needed - was some alone time with his thoughts. So, leaving their temporary lodgings and his pokemon behind, he travelled the city streets, going wherever his feet would take him. For the most part, it was uneventful - he kept away from the drama and the heart of the activity, doing his best to stay on the sidelines. It was only when he saw - heard, at first - a magician's show that he joined the fun, weaving his way through the crowd that gathered around the man performing to get a better look.[break][break]
Magicians never failed to amaze him; their skill at sleight of hand, at diverting one's attention from what truly needed to be focused on, their skills at illusion and the tricks of their trade was simply remarkable and was something he always wanted to learn. But, being part of high society and all - or perhaps just his family - he was never allowed. Something about it being a commoner's stunt, too crude and fake, about how magicians were simply conmen, tricking others into believing things that weren't real and getting rich off of it. As if we didn't do the same.[break][break]
It irked him, honestly, at how hypocritical his family could be - but, he stopped himself there, pushing those thoughts from his mind as he reminded himself that, right now, there was something else worth paying attention to - the man that was currently entrancing the crowd. His eyes followed the magician's every move, dancing from hand to hand, scouring every bit of every prop used as he tried to decipher how the tricks were pulled off. For him, this was just one big, living puzzle, and he loved puzzles.So imagine his joy when he - even though his arms laid by his side, his voice silent since he'd join - was approached by the man to join in the act.[break][break]
It was pure, childish happiness that filled him - finally, I get to see - experience - a magic show up close! I have a chance to learn how it's done! He was confident he'd be able to figure it out, all he needed was...just to be a little closer, even if an elderly man skilled in the trade once told him, 'the closer you look, the less you actually see'. He returned the magician's smile, a brief, quick bow, and agreed.
Sasha gave a small grin when the man he had picked agreed to come up. And so, Sasha lead the man in question up to the area where he was acting and then turned back tot he crowd. All of them looked quite excited and expectant, Sasha knowing what he had to do now. "Well, folks, with our volunteer I shall be performing my final trick of the day! Make sure you really watch, because you might not believe your eyes, or perhaps you will?" He said, adding a bit of wonder to the situation before he turned to the man.
"Alright, good sir. Mind giving the crowd your name?" He requested with a friendly, kind smile. He stood to the side though and stepped back so that the man had center stage. Meanwhile he mapped out how to go over this final trick in his head. Hopefully this would be the show stopper. Then afterwards, Sasha figured he could treat the other man to a meal as thanks for being willing to lend a hand with the show.
He followed the man to the stage, only minorly regretting his decision once he stood before the crowd. Right, what had he been expecting? He was asked to be a magician's assistant for Arceus' sake! Oh well, no turning back now - he kept his smile, looking over the eager observers. Were they waiting for him to mess up, to make a fool of himself? It's a scowl he managed to keep off his face, but the vexation lingered. [break][break]
"Alright, good sir. Mind giving the crowd your name?" [break][break]
Ashton glanced over at the performer, amused when the man sauntered off to the side - he was now at the center of attention, all eyes on him. "Ash." He responded with a bow - not a lie, but not the whole truth either. A nickname, he decided, would suffice for a street act. Turning to the magician, he raised a brow, "So, what would you have me do?"
When the man, Ash, introduced himself to the crowd is when Sasha then took some steps forward again and stood beside him, an idea brewing in his head. He was inquired about what exactly Ash was to be doing in this act, and Sasha gave a reassuring smile that said he knew what he was doing for certain this time around. "Well, Ash here presents a question we all much be wondering. What am I having him do for me?" The crowed cheered and called out for him to reveal what was being done as Sasha let the people do so for a moment, then raised his hand as they hushed.
"Well, did you know that everyone can work magic, as long as they try hard enough? Whether it be a total miracle or something as simply as making somebody else smile, it's magic if you put your mind to it." He announced, then finally cleared his throat and spoke his plan. "Our friend here is going to help me sprout wings, and fly!" The crowd at this point looked mostly like they were in disbelief as well as denial that such a thing was legitimate. Though a few Gijinka in the crowd looked as if they understood, to a degree, but clearly were keeping quiet in order to be smug after the doubting humans saw what was coming.
"Ashton, if you could, please. Press your hands to my back, between the shoulders. Close your eyes and with everything you have, wish for me to fly." Sasha instructed, turning his back to Sasha and peeking over his shoulder at the man with a reassuring glance. The crowd now was dead silent and expectant, wanting to see whether this was a flunk or a success.
Curious, what on earth was the man going to do? He didn't think there were wires or any of the like hanging about, so the trick's success would come from somewhere else entirely - an illusion or a pokemon, perhaps? He wondered how the blue-haired magician would pull this off, but kept his thoughts to himself as he to the man. He'd figure it later, of that Ashton was sure. Well, somewhat sure. How hard could it be? [break][break] There's a moment of pause before Ashton lifted his hands and placed them between the other's shoulder blades, a hesitation stemming from his dislike of human touch. Closing his eyes - tight - he exhaled, a quivering breath of anticipation and fear; there's a part of him that doubts the magician, a part that hoped the man knew what he was doing, that the performer wouldn't fail. Even the trick failed, and it was likely it'd be only the magician who would be made a fool of, he couldn't help but feel that he'd be blamed or similarly looked down upon
Sasha stayed put as the crowd watched anxiously and after a moment of feeling the hands pressed to his back he stepped forward and out of the blue, from underneath the cape, a small pair of fluffy white wings appeared. They were nothing impressive, but also resembled clouds. Suddenly, fluttering a bit, the wings started to slowly lift Sasha off the ground in a small hover before he then was set back down.
The crowd at that point went insane and it was a while before they finally calmed down. But when they did, Sasha made a low bow and prompted Ash to do so too, so then they could end the show. After a moment, Sasha stood back up and then watched as the crowd left. Once they did, he reached behind himself and then pulled out a little Swablu, which he set on top of his head to rest. "Nice work, Ahavi." Sasha told the Swablu as he nestled down on top of Sasha.
Then, turning to Ash, he gave a big smile. "As thanks, would you mind joining me out tonight for dinner?" He asked. Sasha had to give a little compensation to the assistant after all. Best not to leave them with just nothing.
[attr="class","part2"] His breath caught when the wings appeared and he took a step back out of shock - that, he wasn't expecting. Yes, the man had said he'd 'sprout wings and fly' but Ash had thought he meant it figuratively, not literally! At least, he supposed, they served their purpose, lifting the man off the ground after a few beats. It didn't seem as if they could take his weight, however, when only after a short flight he returned to the ground. Or perhaps he simply didn't want to show off more than necessary?[break][break]
With the crowd, Ashton clapped, impressed and nodding his approval. It didn't turn out quite the way he thought it would, but he was sure he figured out the trick - those wings looked very familiar, belonging to a certain blue avian he knew...uh, unless those were props and it was just levitation with added illusions. Then, wow, that was very elaborate and the magician was definitely dedicated to his work, which was a good thing.[break][break]
When the cheering died down, he was prompted to bow with the star, and so he did - with that, the show was over and after a few disappointed groans from the crowd, they dispersed. Looking as they scattered, Ash thought to do the same, but decided he'd stay behind and ask if he'd understood the trick corrrectly - even if he mightn't get an answer, it didn't hurt to try. So there he stayed, eyes on the magician annd waiting unntil the rest had left. At which point, he drew closer to the blue-haired man, only to stop when the man reached behind him.[break][break]
Ah, so his first assumption was right - the little helper had been a Swablu! With his curiousity sated, Ashton was prepared to leave, but then was addressed by the magician who now carried about the little bird on his head. "Mm...that would be lovely indeed. But, isn't it a little rude to keep your name to yourself when you already have mine?" Ash replied with a light laugh, hands on his hip. He didn't care if the man took offense to his words - if he did and it showed, he'd simply decline the invite. After all, he couldn't really go around calling the man 'dude' for well...the rest of the evening, could he?[break][break]
Sasha started taking off his cape and also the overshirt he had on, now just in his t-shirt as he put the extra stuff into a small bag he had to the side as well as some of his props. When Ash asked about his name he chuckled a bit. "Of course, my bad. I'm Sasha. Oh... And just so you know, I'm not really a magician." He mentioned with a smile, his whole demeanor now a lot less out there and clearly calmer with a serene sort of air. "I just do cosplay and acting as a hobby of the sorts, but it's fun to put on some shows from time to time." He explained.
"Almost forgot. The Swablu is my friend, Ahavi." He pointed out as well, Ahavi giving a glance toward Ash, looking a bit groggy, before he just closed his eyes again and ended up going back to taking a nap of the sorts. "So, where do you think we should go? Is there anywhere you know of that you like?" He brought up, referring to where they would be going to go out and eat.
When questioned about food, Ashton shrugged. "I don't really have a place in mind. Do you have any suggestions?" He really wasn't too picky, so he'd just leave the matter of their dinner to his new acquaintance. Besides, it'd be a great chance to get to know some good places to eat at while in the city. It wasn't as if he knew too many good restaurants or cafes or anything of the like; he didn't often spend his time in Eirenhyre.[break][break]
"Sasha..." Ash gave a low hum as he repeated after the other. "It's a nice name, same as Ahavi. And for not being a magician, those are some pretty neat tricks nonetheless. I doubt I'd be able to pull something like them off; doubt many could, to be honest. ...Or maybe I'm wrong there?" At his admittance, Ash grew suddenly self-conscious - what if magic tricks were easily learnt and performed and he'd just confessed that he couldn't do something simple? He fidgeted, quickly going on to the next topic.[break][break]
"Cosplay, huh? Do you make your own clothes?" He knew some bought theirs while others made their outfits from scratch. "Well, if this is just a hobby what do you do?"[break][break]
Ash didn't have anything to suggest, so Sasha nodded and thought a bit about a few places he knew of. Hmmm, well, he did have one place in mind that may be worthwhile. Yeah, he'd bring Ash there. "Well, I know of a nice little place we can go, then. Just follow me." He commented, as he would then make way toward where the place was. It was nearby so he just brought his bag with him and he could then head straight home from dinner once he was done.
Ash spoke up about his name, Ahavi's and also regarding the tricks. "Ah, thank you. From both of us." He mentioned with a soft smile. "As for the magic tricks, I just kind of picked them up after a while." He commented with a small hint of amusement. "Although I am certain you would be able to to so as well if you put your mind to it. There are a few tricks of the trade that you need to know but as soon as you get them down, you'll never forget." He pointed out to Ash.
"Mmm, sometimes I do in my spare time. Though other time i just buy some of the props of pieces that I need to save some time." He told Ash as they walked. "My real job is actually managing that flower shop we were out front of. What about you? What's you're line of work if you don't mind my asking?" He questioned in return.
[attr="class","part2"] "Yeah. I guess I have time to pick up the skills, moreso now than ever before." He admitted with a chuckle. Since leaving his family, he had a lot more freedom on his hands, so it wouldn't be all that hard to find the time to learn - he just needed to get the motivation to start the ball rolling. He may like magic tricks, but it was hard to start a new hobby when he already had so much else he wanted to do. "I just have to start trying."[break][break]
At the other's question about his job, Ash fell into silence, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he gazed up at the sky above. "Nothing glamourous." He replied after a while. "I'm...an accountant." It wasn't entirely wrong, since he always had to consider budgets and profits and the like, but it wasn't the truth either. Still, it was a reasonable cover, he thought, since those who took such a position had reason enough to be well-off, so there wouldn't be too many questions about his wealth. Worst case scenario - that thankfully hasn't happened yet - he could always play it off as being some rich deceased Aunt's favourite. [break][break] "Being a florist seems much more fun." Ash quickly continued, wanting to steer the conversation away from himself. "You get to be around flowers all day - though I suppose since it's your job you might grow tired of them..." He hummed thoughtfully. "Do you? Huh, with all your skills, your customers must have really lovely bouquets if you make them..." The last bit was an afterthought, since so far the man seemed to display a good sense of style. [break][break]
Sasha nodded in response to what Ash said in regards to starting and actually trying it out. "Well, if you would like, I would be more than happy helping you learn a few tricks of the trade during my free time?" He offered the other man as they moved along. The streets were still a bit busy, but calming down. As much as a city could calm down, that was, which probably wasn't too much for those not used to city life. It took a while for Sasha himself to ease himself with the city living, honestly.
When told about what Ash did for a job Sasha gave off a small, thoughtful nod. "Perhaps not glamorous, but certainly important." He commented on it. Sasha definitely didn't see it as a bad or dull job. Though, the thought of peaceful silence was his idea of a nice job. Yet in a way, he did love keeping the flowers going and making sure they were healthy and looking brilliant for any of the customers who came by and bought some. When Ash seemed to somewhat reflect Sasha's thoughts he gave a soft chuckle. "Hmmm... Perhaps it is. I think the primary reason I chose this job was more so for the calm atmosphere I typically am greeted with alongside a nice aroma." He pointed out. "Tired? I couldn't exactly say so. I've never been a lively or very 'out there' type, so it never really came across my mind to think that doing my job could be tiring." He said in return.
At some point the small eatery came into view. It was a nice little place that served various pasta dishes that Sasha loved to go to every now and again. It wasn't uncommon for Sasha to eat out instead of at home. It was simply more convenient seeing as Sasha typically would get very caught up in other home life activities such as working on costumes, certain recreational activities or other such things. Still, he didn't mind eating out either. As they arrived he opened up the door and held it for Ash. "This is a rather simple, rustic and easy-going place. Although I certainly think they have some of the best pasta dishes around. A lot of their pasta is made by hand here and so are most of the sauces as well." He told Ash with a smile.
He gave a enthusiastic nod when he heard the other man offer to teach him. “Definitely! I’d love if you could spare the time. I’ll learn quicker with you there, no doubt. After all, you’re experienced, so you’ll be able to correct me when I’m doing something wrong. Whereas if I tried learning it all by myself…it mightn’t go so smoothly or easily. Thank you.” He said with a smile as he trailed along beside the man. It was quieter now, with most everyone heading inside a building for dinner - either home or a shop, a restaurant or cafe. Much better and he hoped that the place they’d be going to wouldn’t be too crowded or he’d have to strain to converse with Sasha.[break][break]
“Yeah, it is. Someone’s got to make sure the books are all in order, to keep track of how much we’re spending and making. It’s not the most interesting but…yeah, it’s important.” Though, he’d much rather have a more active job. Something where he could move his hands, legs or talk to others. Thankfully, he never just did finances or he’d have died of boredom a long, long time ago. Then, he wondered what it would have been working as a florist as he listened to Sasha speak - it wouldn’t be exciting but it would have been nice. All those flowers, the smell, the different colors…mmm…yeah, it would definitely be calming.[break][break]
They lapsed into silence for a while, until their destination came into sight. Its name was plastered on a sign that hung at the front, a menu laid out on a stand near the door. It seemed cozy and, as he passed it by, he caught a glimpse of what the place sold for food and his stomach rumbled. Oops, he hadn’t realised how hungry he was. With a sheepish grin, he gave a curt nod to Sasha and said his thanks as he slid into the establishment through the door the other held open. “It certainly seems cozy and I do love pasta. Can’t wait to see how their dishes here taste.” He said as he sat down at the table a waitress guided them to, passing them the menus before taking her leave.[break][break]
“Do you come here often, then? What do you normally have?” He asked as he flipped through the menu, eyeing several dishes shown. Looks like he might have to return a couple more times… “Mmm…everything sounds and looks good…wonder what I’ll have…? Would you recommend anything?” Since Sasha’s been here before, he’d definitely know what was good, right? But didn’t the other say that most of the dishes were great? …how to choose, how to choose… [break][break]
"You're very much welcome. I can always give you my number and that way you'd be able to contact me and swing by the shop or just to my place during free days, then I can give you a few lessons." Sasha suggested in response to Ash. Well, that seemed like the most reasonable option anyway. Seeing as both of them worked, it would be kind of tough just having to try a drop by situation. Especially seeing as each had their own social lives as well, it would be best they be able to coordinate and plan appropriately.
Sasha nodded when Ash brought up about his job. "Perhaps some day a nice opportunity will appear for you, and by then it could be your chance to grasp at something you really want." He mentioned the idea. It was sometimes a little far fetched, but at times one could never tell what the world would throw at them. All they had to do was wait for that one perfect opportunity to arise and take it before it left. It was how Sasha has gotten most of his gigs, really. He took a chance and grabbed the opportunities given to him before they got away.
When they sat down Sasha glanced over the menu simply to check the special, but seeing as it wasn't exactly of interest instead he decided to fall back on a usual. When asked about what the options were he mulled it over for a moment and decided to suggest his favorites. "The seafood ravioli is quite nice, as is the lasagna and the pesto pasta. Although the alfredo is another good one, too." He said. When the waitress appeared again he looked over to Ash. "You can go first, if you would like." He told the other man with a smile.
