second train → ...literally a train (days 2-7)

[infinitefrown]

[So lately there have been a bunch of crazy body changes the poor people of Luceti have had to go through. Ingo is no exception, but even after being turned into a Pokémon yesterday, he definitely wasn't expecting this.

SUDDENLY, SUBWAY SYSTEM.

There's a new set of stairs near the fountain that descend underground. The sign beside it helpfully spells out LUCETI SUBWAY. Elsewhere in the enclosure, similar staircases can be found, or the subway simply emerges from underground at the end of its path (such as the one near the beach).

Going down the stairs near the fountain reveals a rounded room with a number of platforms like this. The maps inside depict where each subway line goes. Most of the subway lines are pretty normal, but there's one that just goes in a circle labled "BATTLE LINE." There's an instruction sign on its platform explaining that it's a Pokémon battling line, and if you board you will be expected to specify your battle type and face 20 hologrammed trainers before reaching the SUBWAY BOSS(a hologrammed Ingo and/or his brother). GOOD LUCK CHALLENGERS.

Yep, other than that and the suspiciously Ingo-sounding intercom, it seems like a totally normal subway!

...Except one more thing.



Why do the trains have sideburns?!]



[Feel free to use the subway as you please! Tag in traveling groups, run into each other on the cars, or strike up a conversation with intercom-Ingo, whatever works. There can be stations wherever, and they can be underground/aboveground, either is fine! YEAH.]

Comments

[infinitefrown]

...I am currently a machine, Gold. [Shouldn't that explain things?! Subways don't eat, or sleep... or use the bathroom, for that matter!

Aaaaaanyway, loadin' up the next Trainers. A distraction from contemplating a subway-person's inner workings! There two are a Backpacker♂ and a Waitress, looks like. Whenever you're ready...]

[noexit]

[...Yeah, she feels bad knowing he's bound to and limited by his suit. Leaning against him now, lowering her voice a little.]

You know...just because I didn't bring a swimsuit doesn't mean I can't still go swimming~

[tellmejohn]

[WOW WOMAN THE TRAIN IS LISTENING...

But he likes that] Ah, that's quite true~

[infinitefrown]

Hmm. Is that so? Their names are certainly similar... [Well, that's interesting. Almost-but-not-quite the same thing...

Pidove will hop closer to make it easier on Firo! And if he sits, Minccino will climb into his lap. AW YISS.]

Not on the trains... [WELP, THERE'S A DIFFERENCE.] Well, I suppose not. This type of subway line doesn't seem common, after all. [A-hah.]

[infinitefrown]

Naturally. [Who else would it be?] Welcome to the Subway! You're free to keep exploring if you so wish.

[mischiefbreeder]

[He's not finished with you yet, Ingo! But it can wait until after this battle.

This time, Gold leads with Politaro!]

[tsuntrader]

[And Silver leads with Feraligatr!]

[infinitefrown]

[The opponents have a Blitzle and a Roggenrola, this time around. Blitzle's fairly fast, and Electric-type, but still nothing powerful compared to Silver and Gold's Pokémon, even if it gets a Spark in. Roggenrola is nothing except mildly annoying with its Sturdy ability. (I strongly dislike that ability.)]

[findafamily]

They are, I guess.

[Firo does plop down on the floor and gives a squeak of pleased surprise when Minccino sits on his lap. He keeps petting both critters; he's as close to heaven right now as he can ever see himself.]

It's not common. 'Least I've never seen anything called a "Battle line" back home.

[i_speak_softly]

... Can I come in the engine?

[mischiefbreeder]

[This time, there isn't a thought bubble here. Gold just nods at Silver and then points straight ahead.]

Surf!

[tsuntrader]

[Yep, ditto. No thought required.]

Surf! [Have fun with all of that water, Ingo.]

[infinitefrown]

[Come in?] I'm afraid there's not engine room to enter, as the engine is below the train. [...] However, you're welcome to inspect it as you please [within reason] at a stop.

In the meantime, you could perhaps enter the conductor's car? [other interesting things are okay too right?]

[i_speak_softly]

Conductor's car. That's what I meant. [He's never done this before okay.] Um - I'll be right there.

[He'll climb from one car to the next until he reaches the front of the train.]

[infinitefrown]

Ah, fair enough. [THAT WORKS!

When Don reaches the front car, Ingo speaks up again before the door opens.] One note, however-- ah, due to Luceti's current.. circumstances, the conductor's car appears unoccupied. Do not be alarmed.

[HE'S NOT A GHOST. HE'S JUST A TRAIN. With an empty conductor's car, you know. The car is pretty neat, though. There's a panel of buttons and something like a joystick on the dashboard. Yay buttons! Yay steering!]

[infinitefrown]

[are you guys trying to turn this car into a fishtank

WATER WATER EVERYWHERE but not a drop to drink! It's an effective enough move, the waves pounding down on the Pokémon and rushing along the car sides. The subway is then drained swiftly of excess water, preventing the occurrence of a wading pool. don't ask me where the water goes. POKEBULLSHIT. Looks like the other team went in too deep... they're all washed out. (YEAAAHHHHH)

Without further ado, the programs send out Gothita... and Vanillite. Yes, that's an ice cream.]

RIGHTO

[infinitefrown]

No, it's not quite like the Magnet Train. [magnetism IS pretty dang shiny, but....] It is powered by electricity through the third rail on the track.

[WHICH IS WHY PEOPLE SHOULDN'T GO DOWN THERE]

[i_speak_softly]

[That's strange, but Don is almost immediately distracted by the control panel. He resists the urge to play with it - there are innocent bystanders on this train, after all - but he sure is looking.]

[mischiefbreeder]

[Is that an ice cream? As a Pokémon?]

[Don't get used to being dry, Ingo.]

Surf!

[tsuntrader]

[An ice cream Pokémon...?]

Surf! [Yep.]

[infinitefrown]

[ :|

The competition is washed away, of course. No hope for them. GOOD JOB YOU TWO

The Trainer programs fade away with the water's draining, leaving the coast clear. The healing machine seems perfectly undamaged by the water, as well.]

[infinitefrown]

[Watching this unfold is quite cute... This isn't strictly the battle program's purpose, but Ingo's still happy to see it used. The little guy certainly seems to enjoy it, too...]

Considering its purpose as a Pokémon facility and the lack of Pokémon in other worlds, I'm not surprised. [Minccino is purring, kind of. It curls up on Firo, snuggling into him. Pidove closes its eyes and chirps quietly, enjoying the attention. Yess. More pettings. Keep with the pettings.]

They seem to have taken to you. [Ingo sounds a bit amused, this time.]

[findafamily]

People fight with some animals back home, though. Just not on trains.

[He's never actually been to one of the places where it happens, but he's willing to bet this train is a much nicer sort of place. Especially since the Pokémon seem nice and happy.

Firo continues to pet them, blushing a little at Ingo's last observation.]

Y-you think so?

[He's not entirely convinced, but sounds cheered by the prospect.]

[noexit]

[SHUSH, that's why she lowered her voice...!]

You'd like that, wouldn't you~? [She already knows the answer to that question, but...]

[hark_a_suicune]

[Appreciative nod. It's a bit disappointing (magnetism is so much cooler!), but it works.

He points to the instruction panel, specifically the part about the battle line trainers. Hey, if you could see he was there you can totally see what he's pointing at, right?]

Are the trainers usually holograms?

[Maybe what you're lacking in magnetism you make up for in holograms! Holograms are awesome. He even designed an hologram machine himself, that's how awesome they are.]