I'll be there when the world stops turning

[these_balls]

ACT I:
Around the stroke of noon on Sunday, something causes a disturbance at our venue’s reception hall. It’s fairly quiet, as disturbances go, but it does involve a lot of growling. Wild Pokémon haven’t been turning up inside, so what could it…?

Well. It could be that.

Arceus stands in the entrance to your temporary lunar abode, looking...kind of amused, actually. Something dark is trying to huddle behind it, hissing first in the struggle to get to the door, and second at itself, uncomfortable with the attention. Arceus waits it out with the patience of the Dalai Llamagod.

Eventually, the reluctant shadow steps out to be seen. Well, hello, kitty.

It’s like the sky outside, for anyone who’s spent any time looking out that wide dome in the ballroom. Its fur is inky black, absorbing light but somehow hosting it: billions of tiny, glowing sparks lie scattered across the Pokémon’s body, yellows and reds and blues and whites, faint pink-green nebulae shimmering under its skin. Its eyes glow like stars themselves, shifting from yellow to a more sedate rose.

It flicks one of six ears uncertainly, looks back at Arceus, then sighs and plops its butt down, staring at the trainers before it. Its mouth and pawpads glow, too, as if inside all is starfire hidden in the vastness of space.

...Hi.

Its tail is so. Fluffy.

...Have you been having a good time?

Holy smokes guys it looks like your host is a brand-spanking new Legendary.

[Both Arceus and Route’s new game-specific Legendary are available to chat! Talk to Arceus here and New Guy here.]

ACT II:
Anyone visiting the Holodeck after noon on Sunday will find that, if no one else has been using it, its default selection is not the familiar yellow-gridded room but a scene of Kanto and Johto being remade from the ground up. Hidden glitch damage is restored as new, flowers dissolve and then bud and open again, brighter; even water seems a little more wet, now, as if the years have been lifted from the very material of the world.

People might catch sight of their houses or businesses being remade, too, exactly as they left them. Any Pokémon left behind sleep through it, safe, untouched.

It might be disturbing to watch at first, but it’s calming, too: The grass grows back soft and green, and who knows what new discoveries will be made in its tallest blades…

ACT III:
Seven forty-five P.M. Several of the wild Carbink, Elgyem, and members of the Clefairy line have been darting excitedly to and fro, whispering to each other and then sneaking off with barely-restrained glee.

At exactly eight, the first crystal rockets into the sky, and then bursts into fragments of pink, glittering light that drift slowly back down. Then another, and another: blue, violet, yellow, your favorite brilliant color or many at once, a small green star inside an orange sun, a cerulean flare. These are the moon Pokémon’s answer to fireworks, and they’re as quiet as they are beautiful. The moon’s reflected light refracts off of the falling shards in entrancing, magical ways, and the music plays on.

The light show goes on for half an hour, finishing with a glorious cascade of rainbow bursts.

Enjoy, everyone. Make this a night to remember forever.





[[Starting with what is undoubtedly the most important information in this section: Y’all get to name the cat. I mean legendary. I mean Mewssingno. Just leave a suggestion in the comment below any time before 11:59 P.M. Saturday, June 4th and we’ll put it to a vote starting Monday, June 6th.

Anyway, that concludes the final reveal of our Promageddon and our lead-in to the New Game. Thanks a ton to Alex for putting such a fabulous blowout together, and to her, Sunny, Steven, and Aren for all the rest of our events this month, the CRAPLOAD of work that’s gone and is still going into our move to Victory Road, and the combined years of love that have gone into making Route the wonderful, thriving playground that it is. You’ve all been a treat to work with and learn from, and I hope to continue the tradition of this game sporting super sweet mods over in Season 2!

Thanks also to Luc for the fantastic design and artwork for our own game-specific Legendary!

Don’t worry if you’re not done and/or have barely begun having the time of your life at prom: VR’s first event, while dramatic for our characters, will be neither high-commitment nor time-sensitive, so feel free to backtag prom and the rest of May’s closing events to your hearts’ content without fear of overwhelming yourselves.

A note: If you are planning on bringing a character with existing Route CR, whether or not that character is currently in game--e.g. if you played here three years ago but dropped last year--please fill out the easy-peasy lemon squeezy TRANSFER APP by 11:59 P.M. on Saturday, June 4th. After that, you will have to submit a normal app form like everyone else.

Speaking of apps, VR’s first round of apps WILL ALSO close at 11:59 P.M. on Saturday, June 4th. Because it’s so close, we’re doing an ATP/Enable Me meme so people can popcorn ideas for future apps, so tell your friends! And if you miss this one, the next round will close at 11:59 P.M. Saturday, June 18th.

See you again at the Indigo Plateau, folks!

- Asher]]

Comments

WHAT'S NEW, LLAMAGOD? WHOA-OA-OA-OA-OAAAA.

[legendarybeasts]

[When was the last time we saw the ten-foot llama that reigns over all of Pokemon existence? Evidently, long enough that it's felt the urge to once again put in an appearance among all of its subjects — though it does beg the question of whether it or the Sparklecat Formerly Known As Mewssingno is the "plus-one" in this unlikely duo situation.

Arceus is, however, as stately and dapper as always. It can also occasionally be spotted wearing what appears to be a magnificent hat.

Hello, PokéChildren, it's Legendary time.]

[quickattackjack]

_{[Jack can spot an important figure from a mile away (what with being so tall and all) so naturally he approaches with wide-eyed curiosity. He offers the shimmering cat beast a nod but it's Arceus he's here to see. The skeleton offers the spacellama an elegant bow before getting to the point.]}

Good evening. I fear I may have...quite a few questions. Can I trouble you?

[legendarybeasts]

[Unlike some of its counterparts, Arceus has never been much of one for conversation. Or at least — not one for the spoken word, at least, though it has been known to occasionally make its point with thoughts, visions, or judicious application of its world-altering powers. So the look it gives Jack is steady and solemn and silent, which isn't actually a yes, but it's certainly not a no.

From the looks of things, it's waiting. Patiently.

So yeah, that's probably a "go ahead".]

[quickattackjack]

_{[The skeleton clasps his hands and waits. When it seems he isn't getting exactly brushed off, he launches right into it.]}

Are you the one who brought us here? Why are we here? Why are the ledges one-way? Where is the music coming from--not that I'm complaining, it's quite catchy.

[yanginthere]

[ You know, Yang had thought Ryner was messing with her way back when he was talking about and describing Arceus but looks like he was right. ]

Oh my god, it really is a goat.

[ Did she. Say that out loud? Whoops. ]

[legendarybeasts]

[Wow, rudeness. It is a llama? And a god llama at that. And a dapper god llama with a very excellent hat. Do you not like its hat? For shame.

Still, though, the look it throws her from its vantage point ten feet in the air doesn't seem to be offended or annoyed at all. If anything, there's a sort of calm amusement to it, as it seems to look Yang over carefully.

Mmm.

An Electric-type, probably.

They do have a tendency to say things in bursts and jolts, and have them come out a little bit shocking.]

[yanginthere]

[ No, that would be the tiny spider-ling hiding in her hair that they're picking up on. Yang herself is definitely Fire/Fighting.

Though one look her way and she's less about either of those. She seemed to be rethinking her decision to pipe up. ]

...oh. Uh? Hi! [ Yes, let's start with that. ] You're really him, aren't you? The Pokémon god...?

[monge]

MOOONGEE!!

[It's just expected that Komasan shouts like a moron at this point. But more importantly, he's shouting as he charges right for Arceus, as fast as his legs can take him.]

I'm gonna--

[He slides to a stop for dramatic effect, spinning around as he pulls something from out of his sleeve. Without missing a beat, he holds it up towards the majestic llama god and its amazing hat.]

--feed it an apple, zura!!!

[If it eats it, all of his dreams will come true.]

[legendarybeasts]

[Ordinarily, there would've been a flurry of deep and insightful llamagod thoughts here — ones attempting to suss out the nature of what appears to be a strange little Pokemon called a "mongezura", or maybe "zuramonge", given the noises it makes. It seems like an enthusiastic type, too — perhaps a Fairy- or a Normal-type. These are the sorts of things that the llama creator of the universe thinks about, frequently.

However, that's not what it's thinking about right now.

Right now, the only thing it is thinking about are: SNACKIES.

Is that an apple? It looks delicious. And it takes a slight step in the direction of the proffered fruit, not quite asking permission but certainly conveying its intent to eat this apple, assuming that's what it's here for.]

[monge]

[So close, so close. Komasan can only continue to stand there as he holds the fruit up, careful not to make any sudden movements lest he spook the giant creature. Because as we all know, Komasan is a terrifying beast himself.

Although he does begin to wiggle the apple juuust a little bit, as if to coax his new favorite friend over faster.]

C'mon, it's reeeeeaally yummy, zura~

[Talk to god like its a baby, just do it.]

[foolishwren]

<sub>[So Heather had spoken to Llamagod exactly one (1) time before. And hadn't been very nice. Heather Mason and gods just don't get along.]

[But, uh.]

[She's done some growing up in the last year.]

[And while it would be easier to skulk around and pretend not to notice the dazzling deity and its magnificent hat... it's not every day that Llama Jesus is in the house and she owes it an apology. So a little awkwardly, Heather sidles up and clears her throat slightly.]</sub>

Uh... hey.

_{[That's definitely now how you're supposed to greet a god. But baby steps amirite?]}

[legendarybeasts]

[Ah, yes, look at that. It's little deer-legs, who's evidently found her footing a little better in the time since last they met.

The look it gives her is one of silent half-amusement, and for a second the air around Heather shimmers with the translucent rainbow of Protect — like a soap bubble, almost, that dispels shortly after its creation.

Maybe that's Arceus's way of saying why yes, I remember the last time we crossed paths. Naturally; it is llamagod, after all.]

[foolishwren]

<sub>[IT IS INDEED.]

[She remembers that iridescent bubble-shine, too. Swallowing, she scuffs the heel of one shoe on the floor. Better to get it over with.]</sub>

--Last time, uh... last time, I was pretty rude.

I... was working through some stuff, and I guess I was kinda desperate for something to blame, you know? But you've never just taken things away. You've always given, too.

Before I came here, everything was always defined by loss. And I guess it just took me awhile to realize...

_{[A pause in the stream of 'oh god IT'S GOD I'm just gonna make mouth noises until it comes out the way I want it to' babble as she glances away from Arceus and at the milling crowd in the rest of the ballroom (well, more specifically, at a few individuals, like a shy sleepy-eyed fellow with a Shellder at his feet, snapping a photo of some posing people, and someone in a dress with long green hair, standing nearby and offering pose suggestions while a VERY fat Pikachu munched on a bowl of potato chips next to the Shellder).]}

... that it didn't have to be that way anymore.

So... thank you.

For everything.

[lieutenantantichrist]

[Blake has seen that before. Feels like a long, long time ago. He approaches the creature slowly, hand out, whether to placate it or steady himself, he can't say.

His voice comes out strangely soft.]

Hey.

I remember you.

[legendarybeasts]

[The long neck turns slightly, bringing Arceus's calm and penetrating stare to hold on Blake fully. Ah, yes, it's this one — and for a few seconds its gaze drops deliberately down from Blake's face to fix on his knee, which looks as though it's doing fine these days, thank you very much and you're quite welcome as well.

For a few seconds, though, that's the only reaction. Just a deliberate look, and the llamagod's silence.

Then, gracefully, it ducks its head and offers its neck.

Seems like maybe it remembers you too, Blake.]

[lieutenantantichrist]

[Never a twinge in that knee, which is saying something for an old bastard like him. He feels a tingle at the monster's glance. Probably his imagination.

Calm and silence seem to radiate from the creature. Blake remembers once when he was a kid, ducking into a church during a storm, with the thunder muffled and the rain tapping on the windows. It's easy to remember that feeling. It's not one he gets real often.

He approaches, uncharacteristically. He tries to joke,] You're not gonna bite me, right?

[He'll find out when he places his hand on the arch of its neck.

I was pretty pissed off at you, back then. You using my dad's voice. I thought you were screwing with me.

[His voice softens as his fingers sink into the fur.] You weren't, were you.

[tearsofademon]

[(Ryner doesn't know what a llama is okay. Hence, goat.)

He nods, politely, at the god of all Pokemon. He's met him once before, and Arceus seems like a decent enough deity.]

Hi.

[legendarybeasts]

[Hello to you too, polite human. You're the sleepy one, aren't you? Did you ever get that dango you wanted? It hopes so.

Arceus waits, patiently, watching in silence as if curious to see what Ryner might have come here do.]

[tearsofademon]

[He did, in fact. And it was delicious, so he's grateful for the pick-me-up, Rose even moreso.

...And again, he runs into the issue of, what do you even say to the god of pokemon? But the party seems like a good enough start, as well as... well, the company.]

Pretty impressive party you and your friend there put together. Never thought I'd actually get to see the moon up close like this.

[charcoalfeather]

[Pokegod, meet not-angel. It's. It's really not that difficult to spot Arceus, nor note that this particular creature is an important one.

So, naturally, she approaches it. Rakka did know she would meet some big Pokemon someday.

This is pretty big.]

Uh, hello! [waves!] Did you really bring all of us here for this party?

[legendarybeasts]

[Hello, not-angel. Or maybe it should say, Flying-type, which really makes much more sense anyway, which is why it created the universe that way. So, Flying-type it is, then. Hello, Flying-type.

Arceus turns to look at her in calm silence, listening patiently to her question. But when she's finished asking it, her answer comes in the form of it turning its gaze rather deliberately toward the other legendary in their midst, as if in indication.

Kids these days, right? Give 'em an inch and they'll teleport everyone to the moon.

(Says the llamagod that once teleported everyone en masse into the mountains once, but obviously that was Completely Different™.) ]

[charcoalfeather]

[Flying-type is as good a type as any. Rakka would probably be one of those normal/flying types that sucked at the beginning of the game but secretly held great power if utilized properly.

But that's besides the point.

Rakka follows the... deer... thing... god's gaze to the other legendary having it's own conversations.

....What can she even say to all this. Boy things sure do happen around here.]

[exeggutorhead]

[It's the giraffe god.]

[Who...actually Envy is hoping isn't godlike enough to have overheard any somewhat recent conversations about finding it and beating it up if certain people vanished. But he'll take that risk, because he remembers his last talk with Arceus, and he's got something to say.]

[Because thinking on what he'd been told last time had wound up meaning a hell of a lot.]

[So how do you start up a conversation with an all powerful being? Envy meanders closer and closer, before finally getting in range to speak in a normal tone, and then--]

Nice hat.

[Nailed it.]

Gotta say, it's a lot nicer being summoned to a fancy space party than to fight giant monsters.

[legendarybeasts]

[Well, well, well, it's the Exeggutor once again. Hello, there, you're looking rather dapper. Fancy meeting you again — and yes, we can all definitely agree that these circumstances are a lot better to meet under than the previous ones.

Good job on the complimenting its hat thing, too. It's very proud of its hat. It is on the cutting edge of PokeFashion.

Arceus cocks its head slightly, regarding Envy with a patient look. Obviously it doesn't mind the small talk in the slightest, but it was also not born yesterday (far from it, if you really think about it), and you definitely didn't come all this way just to shoot the breeze about this space party, now did you?]

[exeggutorhead]

[No, he didn't.]

[The problem is, what he did come over here to say isn't the sort of thing that leaves his mouth very often, or easily. He's gotta work up to it.]

[He even glances around, briefly rubbing the back of his head, as though to make sure that nobody else was close by enough to overhear.]

...thanks.

I don't know if you're what brought us to this world in the first place, but you're the closest thing we've ever found. And I guess you're in charge of things around here anyway.

I dunno. Last time you told me that you called who was needed. And nobody'd ever needed me for anything good where I was from. It...helped. So...for that. And for this whole thing, if you did that too.

I needed it. And a lot of other people I care about needed it too.

[He just trails off there, awkwardly. Ugh, talking about feelings. But it was important. He's gotten better at saying important things, lately.]