puddlesoverdios | [Pokégear Inbox]

[God, he really hopes he has this right given just watching has only done him so good for the last... day or so.]

Erina.

I'm sorry that I have to do things this way without a proper introduction, but unfortunately circumstances require this. I need you to do me a large favor, first, and that is to promise me that you will not let Jonathan know that I'm here.

For reasons I'll explain shortly, but I need to know that you can agree with that.

[He's fairly certain that these things have some kind of coding on them to let someone know who is messaging who, so he won't really... sign it or anything.]

Speedwagon!

I'm so happy to see you're doing well and safe.

[But why is he here?]

I do not much like keeping things from my husband, but I will keep your confidence for you. Whatever is the matter?

[The rare moments when he's serious should be more than concerning enough, really! He's almost glad it's not video, because he is smiling like a dope behind the screen.]

Well and safe is relative, but this place is certainly safer than London...

But, ah, right.

Do tell me, are you aware of a... particular criminal organization here? Natively, that is, if someone not native to this place has thought it a grand idea of striking out on their own.

I promise you this is all related to my point.

Yes, I am aware of the Rocket organization; nasty lot, too. They are apparently running about stealing pokemon. Jonathan and I have both been fortunate to not have fallen victim to their machinations.

Though I suspect that is because Jonathan would defend them ferociously. But where are you, Speedwagon? Do you require help?

[Hah. Hahaha. He is in trouble.]

Mmm. This is precisely why I asked you to keep this from him.

Unfortunate as it is, it seems that while people get kidnapped into this place for... mundane reasons, the same can be said of that organization. And from what I've been gathering, you hardly get a choice in the matter.

I'm sure you can see what I mean with all of... that.

[He's been forced back into being a criminal, it sucks.]

Oh, Speedwagon! That is terrible!

Is there anyway that you can perhaps get out and escape them?

[Worry is beginning to set in; and though she promised to not tell Jonathan, perhaps Speedwagon will tell him in due time. Perhaps sooner than later.]

Please let me know how I can help - aside from keeping this from Jonathan. I dislike the idea that we shouldn't be able to outsmart them somehow.

Considering they're requiring mandatory training on the most basic of things in regards to stealing and I want to, more than ever, leave this mortal coil? They aren't the sharpest of intellects and it seems to be confirmed from the others who aren't native.

Though, perhaps it might be better to have an inside look at what's just going on here. It's not as if I haven't been successful in turning people around in the past. [Ignoring the fact that those people were people he already knew for years. It's fine, probably.]

I'm not intending on keeping this from him forever, I would just rather... I suppose if I am running on the assumption of an eye from the inside that Jonathan has a tendency to be... [Too honest? Too honest.]

As much as I adore the man, he is honest to a fault.

[She certainly can't argue on that front; Jonathan is as honest as he is passionate about doing the best thing. She pinches the bridge of her nose.]

Unfortunately, you are quite right in that assessment.

Do try not to leave this mortal coil too soon, I think that would upset Jonathan greatly. Perhaps if you are successful in gaining a foothold there and learning more... then maybe they can be stopped. But please promise that you will be cautious.

I mean it.

[He can't help a bark of a laugh at this whole being cautious thing. Who does she think he is? Honestly.]

It doesn't take long to come to that conclusion.

If others are to be believed, you cannot leave it here to begin with. At least not permanently, which may be better for all of us in the long run. If... well, you know. [How do you say that there's a dead man walking among them? He doesn't even know if she knows and is just running on assumptions at this point! Goodness knows he's seen weirder things both here and back home at this point.]

While I may not look like the most cautious of people, I am certainly aware of that, this sort of business is a completely different beast. If any of us were to be able to learn what is going on, it would be me. Perhaps, for once, my background actually is useful for something.

But I suppose I can promise to be careful if it does mean that much to you.

[So help her, Speedwagon, she will fight you.]

If you mean Jonathan, then yes, I very much aware of what happened. Though I knew him to be alive and well before I came here. He explained thoroughly when I arrived. What do you recall happened?

And yes, of course it means something; if not for my sake, then Jonathan's.

I... not much more than what the papers said happened. As far as I am aware, the boat had an engine malfunction and they later found you and an infant in a... coffin? In the ocean? It's all very strange but I hadn't had yet a chance to ask any specifics of it. [Something something respecting a widow, something something.

ALSO WOW, HOW DARE YOU USE JONATHAN AGAINST HIM.]

Sometimes is truly does amaze me that you go so casually for a blow beneath the belt, Erina.

Yes, a malfunction by the name of Dio, apparently. It is approximately four days from happening to us, from where I was plucked.

[That earns a chuckle from behind her screen.]

Speedwagon! A lady never hits below the belt, she simply points out what would be most disappointing to certain people when necessary.

Malfunction is certainly a nicer word for him than I would use.

[WOW.

OKAY, WOW, ACTUALLY.]

Oh come on now, you're going to scar me with how much you're going for the throat. So vicious. [If it were voice there would be nothing but amusement and fondness in his tone, he knows better.]

You wound me; you know I am simply the most delicate of women.

And yes, we all have our names for him, don't we? Save Jonathan, of course. He is too kind by half regarding all things Dio Brando.

[She sighs very deeply.]

If you were the most delicate of women then you certainly would not have been able to handle a man such as Jonathan. You and I both know what I mean.

Yes, well, we hardly factor in his opinion on that man. Or monster, the latter may be far more appropriate at this juncture, I think.

[It's probably good that he's found himself a nice little private space for this conversation because he's just laughing to himself. It's perfectly fine.]

[She is glad Jonathan is elsewhere, because Erina has, in fact, turned redder than a tomato.]

I shall not grace that with a response!

I do appreciate how he has an eternal hope that he might be redeemed. It is one of the things I do adore about him. Still, Dio remains several things I would prefer not to place in print.

[Then he has done his job!]

Of course not, you're a proper and respectable lady. How dare I forget.

At least there is the knowledge that that fiend is destroyed at this point. Because, really, how on Earth is someone going to survive a boat sinking while on fire?

[If only he knew.]

Indeed I am!

[It's hard to stay upset at him, as he is a cheery chap.]

And yes, there is at least that, after everything. I confess, I've little desire to see it come to fruition. But enough of upsetting things: we're to be going to Sinnoh in six days' time; do you think you might be able to join us? We've quite a few relatives here, surprisingly.

[It's hard to stay mad at him when he's just lightly poking fun at her.]

Sinnoh? I'm not entirely sure how that works, but I am in some place called Goldenrod? If it is possible, I would not mind meeting some of this... extended family of sorts. How many are here?

Let's see... there's Jolyne and Johnny. Emporio? I'm not sure if he's related, but he's a young boy that is often with them if I am to understand correctly. Joylne's significant other, Carly. I do believe that's all of us.

Jolyne seems to be our great-great-great-grandchild. Johnny appears to be an American cousin. I cannot tell you how young Emporio fits into it all, but I shall claim him anyway.

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