battle-subway-twins

[battle-subway-twins]

The silence was near deafening to Ingo as she stares at him and contemplates her words. While there was this lull he couldn't help but feel horrible for ever bringing up the topic. He should have just kept it to himself like he'd been doing all this time. Daedra didn't deserve to hear his fears and anxieties when all she'd been doing is helping him recover and adjust.

However, deep down, Ingo knew he'd needed to get this out... To let someone else know about what he was feeling and worrying over. If he didn't do it now it would have come out in a worse way he's sure, one that would only upset everyone and possibly hurt them all. Oh Sinnoh he wishes things were simpler but alas they weren't.

When Daedra speaks up Ingo snaps out of his thoughts to regard her thoughtfully. Well... That was true... It was impossible to remain stagnant and unchanging and he really hadn't had any control over being whisked away to some other time and had his entire life thrown out the proverbial window. "That's true... It just normally doesn't seem to happen quite as abruptly as what I went through..." There was no argument from him, just a rather upset sigh.

Ingo remains quiet once more as she speaks of how she thinks Emmet and her feel about his return - missing memories and all. It came as something of a relief honestly to hear that they just wanted him back no matter how much he'd changed. Of course he was certain that once he was back to work and the fans and employees saw how different he was these worries would come back. Even though he tried to tell himself those opinions mattered little in comparison to his family and friends the worry was still there. How would the others react...?

"... I know you're right... I should talk to Emmet about all this... I know he would understand and do his best to help me work through it but then it feels like admitting I failed him somehow... It's ridiculous I know. This was beyond my control and these are the results I must live with but I still hurt him by vanishing in more ways than one."

After heaving a sigh and blinking rapidly to avoid tears coming from his eyes he looked over as she says his name again. Hearing that question makes his eyes widen a bit before he sombers up with a sigh.

"...No, I wanted to return to my home station once I learned that it was possible... Of course there are times when I greatly miss Hisui and the friends I made, but I want to stay here... Even if it feels alien to me now I know this is where I belong."

Sure, he was more suited and used to the past now but he was no longer grieving for things and people he couldn't remember. The pain of that was gone now and it was honestly a relief to him.

She was quiet for a brief time, standing silently as she watched him. Some part to give him all the time to collect and air his thoughts, and another for herself. So, she could respond appropriately.

"Everyone changes, Ingo," Daedra began in a quiet voice, once she was confidant enough to speak again. "That is just an inevitable of life." She didn't intend it to sound so harsh or blunt, but there was very little to get around it. "No one is the same forever..."

"Sometimes people change of their own choice, and other times it just happens unconsciously. Your gaps in memory sound like it was something beyond your control, much less something you'd be aware would happen. You can't blame yourself for that and neither should anyone else." The redhead was rather firm on that statement. Like she would not accept a debate of it.

"I can't speak on part for Emmet," she admitted, almost hesitantly. "- but I'm confidant he doesn't think you're the 'wrong' person or anything like that. I know I don't feel that way, as you've shown you -do- remember things. That only solidifies you're the Ingo we've known. No one expects you to force fit yourself into the mold of your past self.... We just want you to be yourself, whatever that entails."

Perhaps there would be some people who would feel different. That their once beloved Subway Master has to remain exactly as he was, or there would be no point. Such people's opinions didn't matter, clearly... Things would be different, and while it was okay to be sad about it, it could only be for a short time. Life was about adapting and taking the disappointments for what they were.

Despite the topic switch and book dates, Daedra found that perhaps this was a subject a bit too sensitive and important to just gloss over.

"You know, Ingo..." The redhead parted her lips to speak, but found the words would not come out, no initially. She had to hold herself again, really think over the words she would say to him. She felt them important, and maybe it was already too late to go back on it.

"I know you may not want to but... perhaps you should bring these things up to Emmet," the petite woman offered in a gentle voice. "I know you let it slip before but I think you should let your brother know about these feelings. He wants to help you more than anyone."

There was another thing that this topic had made her grown concerned with as well....

"Ingo.... did you actually want to return back to this time? I have to imagine there's people you miss from when you were in Hisui."

If he felt he didn't belong here, did that mean he felt better suited in the past? Where he had been?

[battle-subway-twins]

Ingo knew he should have kept quiet on the matter once Daedra stopped and looked to him with that expression. Damn it... He shouldn't have brought it up. The man glances down to the book in his hands as she just stares and it's apparent that he feels guilt for upsetting her. When he hears that he can't help but sigh and shakes his head. May as well elaborate.

"... It's frustrating... To know that I have come from here but I cannot recall most of it... I know that Emmet is overjoyed to have me back but I can tell it still hurts him when I don't recall certain things. It feels like I'm the wrong man to have come back when everyone expects 'Ingo'... I don't think I can be that 'Ingo' ever again... I'm sorry I shouldn't have said anything."

It hurt to admit all that and he hated doing so but in a way... It made him feel a bit better to air it out in the open. Like he wasn't bottling it up anymore. Perhaps because he'd been doing that it was why it felt so bad now. He really should have spoken of it earlier, especially to Emmet but he didn't want to burden anyone else with his ridiculous worries.

Thankfully for them both though the mention of going to the book store cleared the air a bit of the gloom clouding around them. He gave a small smile at her excitement and nodded.

"That sounds perfect actually, I'm not sure how I would handle a chain store yet but smaller ones should be alright." The less crowded the better. Thankfully he was getting better about the crowds thanks to his small random excursions to the parks around the city but even then he needed time to decompress after he got home. When she offers to let him pick the day he blinks and chuckles, "I can go at any time Daedra, it's not like I have a set schedule at the moment. Just tell me the next time you are free and we can go then."

His words sobered her up real quick. Daedra paused in her general activity to turn his way, her attention solely focused on the elder twin for the time being. Surely he didn't -truly- think that, the redhead pondered to herself silently. However, it seemed a pressing enough topic that she knew it would be wrong of her to just brush over.

"That's not true at all, Ingo," the words came quite suddenly, and quite assuredly. "Surely you know that it's far from the truth..."

Daedra had little doubt Ingo would overlook the overabundant joy from his brother. There were plenty others, herself especially, who were ecstatic to have him back but.... maybe that was the issue.

The petite woman frowned a bit deeper as a thought finally struck her: that maybe Ingo felt out of place because he preferred the time in Hisui.... It would make sense, she realized, as it was a more tangible set of memories. Why wouldn't someone long for the familiar?

Daedra was adamant not to press much further on it, atleast for the time being. She really didn't want to put that dilemma on him. Of perhaps having to choose, or atleast be honest on that choice.

Once again, the first chance of a happier topic and the redhead was quick to latch to it.

"I'd be more than happy to take you to a bookshop, Ingo-- it would be no trouble at all," the small woman excitedly declared, her face back to it's usual enthusiastic joy. "I know a few smaller ones; we could go there! They don't have as big of a selection as the chain stores, but they're really homey and rarely get so crowded. I know--" Daedra visibly perked upward as her hands clasped at her chest.

"-you pick the day you'd like to go~ I can move things around if I had something prior; it wouldn't be trouble!" It never seemed to be concerning her personal endeavors.

[battle-subway-twins]

New icon art courtesy of @tactful-kind-daedra :D :D :D I love how the blorbos are drawn you do such good art omfg aaaaaaaaah!!

[battle-subway-twins]

"That would be wonderful if it was true... I must admit that sometimes it feels like I don't belong here anymore with how little I remember of this station and its tracks." It wasn't something that Ingo wanted to admit aloud, especially in front of Emmet. It was a worry that had been growing louder the longer he was here and struggled to remember things. Of course he would bury it deep down again whenever it reared its head but it was hard to do.

With his idea readily accepted it made him smile again and nod. "I'm sure that Professor Laventon would have done something similar to a memoir or journal of sorts. He had quite a number of books in his space on various topics and some of them looked handwritten like the Pokedex. He may not be the father of all Pokedexes worldwide but I do know he was the first in Hisui... no, Sinnoh to do so."

"Thank you for helping me with all these books also Daedra. They've been a great help honestly... Perhaps... Perhaps next time you go i can go too? I'll take my headphones and see if I can tolerate being outside better now that I've adjusted some." Ingo knew he wouldn't improve if he didn't leave the apartment more but it was still fairly nerve wracking to think about doing alone. This way he wouldn't alone and he would have a goal in mind versus just wandering.

"That's true," Daedra offered in agreement. "Perhaps your memories weren't 'lost' like you initially thought. Not entirely. Just simply forgotten for a time. I like to think that way... that people don't really forget what's important. It just takes a while for it to come to the surface sometimes!"

It would be a nice sentiment in Ingo's case. That his time missing didn't erase everything prior. That with enough time, the important things would simply fall back into place. Like that funny saying: no one every forgot how to ride a bike once they learned...

It atleast seemed true in concern to Ingo's battling prowess...

"Ah, I hadn't thought of that. I suppose it couldn't hurt to look up that professor's research. Pokedex research gets a bit tricky to find, considering it's constantly changing and almost every region has it's own sub-branches," Daedra explained. She was still hopeful though!

"I'll try and focus getting items from the bookshops on those subjects next time I go," the redhead assured happily. "Perhaps at some point, the profession wrote a memoir or something similar. That would surely offer some good insight!"

[battle-subway-twins]

Emmet didn't quite jump at the young man's voice but he was close to doing so. He tried to control himself as he looked down to the other. It was an almost welcome distraction from the dread of putting up the flyer he needed to in his arms.

"Ah... Well, it could be better yes... But um, more importantly is there something Emmet can help you with?"

Even if he was off the clock Emmet was still a subway master and it was his duty to help the commuters after all.

Clemont seemed rather worried, holding a flyer of his own. He noticed Emmet standing there in front of one of the terminal billboard spaces which made him a bit worried and yet he approached Emmet. "Is everything alright, mister?" He questioned Emmet, noticing the paper that Emmet is holding. He felt his heart drop a bit as he stood there, unsure what to say next.

[battle-subway-twins]

Pendra doing what she does best~

Featuring: @seaglassmarigold , @starzfield , @battle-subway-twins , and @eclectical-muses (because you gotta be extra and have like 4 here lol)

[battle-subway-twins]

"That sounds similar to an alpha indeed. They might be this time's equivalent... Which people are lucky for because Hisui's alphas were very territorial and weren't afraid to try and chase out any intruders by whatever means necessary... I sadly learned this lesson the hard way when I first woke up there with no memories."

Ingo shook his head sadly as he mentioned that because it was true. He didn't go into detail about the horrible injury he received, how it would still sometimes flare up if he moved about too much or turned too quickly, and certainly not how he almost froze to death from the injury hampering his escape to civilization. There was no need to bother either his friend or brother with such details when he was here and moderately unscathed... Sort of.

When the subject changes he is immensely grateful for it. He chuckles a bit, "that's true. Emmet has told me stories of certain passengers that were uneasy around certain Pokemon which was rather interesting to me. It sort of helped me connect to this time better knowing that that hasn't fully changed."

At her rather excited affirmation to wanting to meet his new team he brightens a bit himself. He loved all his Pokemon but was a bit more excited for his newer team to meet other humans so that they could acclimate to this time period better. "I think they're ready honestly if you don't mind meeting them one on one? Thankfully they're fairly used to humans being around from when I was staying in Jubilife Village towards the end of my time there. Tangrowth is even a hugger for most people he meets that aren't scared of him. I was mostly waiting until the noises of this station didn't upset them as bad."

"Alpha Pokemon?" The redhead couldn't help it as her head tilted to the side. She seemingly got a better idea once Ingo explained.

"Oh, I see--- Those sound a bit like 'leader' Pokemon you can occasionally come across in large groups. I've never heard of them outright attacking others before, they usually tend to keep to the deepest wild areas."

There had apparently been such in incident with a bunch of Venipede is Castelia some time ago. Unfortunately, Daedra had been out of the region at the time. Though it was a big hassle for the city, Daedra would have atleast liked to have been around. She was bias to Ventipede for... expected reasons.

Through her wandering thoughts, the redhead's eyes noted Ingo's subtle movement towards his side, how he seemed to hold his hand there a moment. Like an injury... Strange, how he and Emmet would both occasionally do so, given certain instances. She was aware of their collection of scars, atleast in knowledge as she didn't pry enough to actually see them. Not if either didn't wish to show.

As usual, Daedra merely took her cue to change the subject a bit!

"I'm glad you were able to bond so well with your newer Pokemon like your original ones! I guess it really just goes to show that Pokemon haven't changes so much, other than maybe appearance in some instance. It's not really their fault if people were more hesitant back in the day-- it even still happens now! Funny how often things change, but also remain exactly the same in such instances!"

"I'd love to meet all your newer Pokemon, Ingo, but I understand the needed wait! it's probably been even more unsettling for them, since atleast you're used to basic human socialization. There's no rush, as everything happens in due course!"

[battle-subway-twins]

Emmet listens patiently and then nods in understanding. "Ah yeah, Emmet understands that desire to get one's sibling to relax. Ingo is very much the type to push himself too hard when it comes to our job." However, unlike the gym leader's situation, he didn't have a triplet to help take on the extra workload that Ingo would leave on a break. He could manage certainly but it would be very difficult. "I'm glad that you're focusing on yourself and traveling though! That's going to be a fun time for sure!"

“Oh I-…” Cilan hesitated before going through with their response, “Cress and Chili are taking care of the restaurant while I’m taking a very long break. It’s just something that Cress and Chili pretty much forced me to do after I may have been pushing myself a bit too much?” He smiles awkwardly, shaking their head. “I’ll be fine though, I’m just spending the time to explore the entire region all over again.”

[battle-subway-twins]

Ingo could only chuckle in agreement and nods, "true. Despite not remembering most of the details or elements of trains I find the information given to me easier to digest than I suppose a nonenthusiest would. That could also very possibly be a result of already having known these things before hand. It's been nice to get eased into the knowledge once again."

Sure he could have turned to his twin for any questions or knowledge he desired on the topic but not only was he certain Emmet would just dive right in out of enthusiasm and forgetting that Ingo had forgotten near everything from the present. So getting more easily tailored snippets of information had been a huge relief. He gave her another smile before it returns his more neutral as he nods in agreement.

The man nodded and gave a weak chuckle at the mention of digging down for the research. Of course he had all the time in the world right now to do such a thing actually. He had a feeling once he was acclimated and back to work time would become rather precious to him. Or at least that was his guess given what Emmet was going through at the moment. He hummed a bit when she said how he hadn't been that far in the past which seemed to be true.

"Perhaps looking for the professor would get us better results? He was the first to have the idea to create the Pokedex. It would be a good starting point at least. But a general history of the region would be nice to learn too."

"I'm not sure, honestly," Daedra countered back with a giggle. "I've come to realize that any proper 'train enthusiast' seems to be a different breed of person entirely, no matter the age! Maybe I should have left the train talk to your brother!"

While she'd been looking for books on them, it wasn't uncommon for her to overhear younger enthusiasts with far more knowledge than the average adults! Toddlers able to say quite advanced words and phrases, so long as it pertained to their beloved locomotives. In truth, Daedra realized that perhaps she should have left any of the train-teaching strictly in Emmet's corner of the ring. He was probably equipped with all the easily digestible bits of knowledge compared to her trying to decipher what books were too childish or too advanced for Ingo.

It made her feel comparable to an out of touch Grandma, getting her grandkids things she thought they'd like and only ended up embarrassing herself and them... Oh well, nothing to be done on it. She tried!

"It's definitely information that would require a good deal of digging!" Finding things about Sinnoh when it was more 'Hisui' was like doing a research report back when she'd been attending school. Not impossible to find, but it was a bit more complicated than simply opening a book or asking on the phone.

Plus, Ingo seemed more involved in the more 'personal' part of that history. Important events were easy to pick up, but a lot of a the simple every day-to-day tended to get lost as time progressed. It happened with almost any place and culture.

"On the plus side, the time you seemed to have been in wasn't that far back from where we are currently," the redhead offered. "A century or so -is- still a very long time in relation to the average person, but the information is certainly more attainable compared to eras ago! It just seems like a lot since things advanced pretty quickly in this century compared to the past!"

[battle-subway-twins]

That's not true! You'd be quite a catch, Mr. Subway Boss~ But we must be realistic - it's not very fair to say no one is interested if you don't try to see who is interested in the first place.

That's a self-fulfilling prophecy there, and that will not do!

You can't hide behind your work schedule all the time you know! That's not good for you! You need to get off that underground platform and get yourself ready for some dates!

"Oh geez, you guys really think people would be interested in me? Emmet is just... Emmet. I've nothing to offer back to any potential dates..."

He blushes hard and is super flustered by the compliments. He huffs and crosses his arms. There was another problem he thought of too.

"Uh... Also, Emmet has no idea how to even find potential dates."

[battle-subway-twins]

If others knew you were interested, you'd have a station more packed than Castelia City during peak hours! Crowds and crowds all pushing and shovin' to get a fun filled evening with Mr. Subway Boss!

Your real problem will probably be picking who you like best! But you can't pick unless you put yourself out there.

"That's not going to happen! No one would be that interested in Emmet... Perhaps Ingo but not me."

Anon used Charm, it's super effective! Emmet is now flustered!

"Besides! I'm far too busy to find a date right now anyway!"

[battle-subway-twins]

So you're really single? That won't do!

Especially not for the Subway boss handling the -DOUBLES- line. That's just a bad image! You should get yourself some potential daters - posthaste!

"Eh...??"

Emmet is flabbergasted indeed. He huffs a bit and crosses his arms with a blush on his face.

"It-it's not as though I have a whole slew of suitors or potential matches just lined up to date Emmet! It's fine if I remain single."

[battle-subway-twins]

There's a rumor going around you liiiiike someone, Emmet? Who is it? What's their name-- inquiring minds need to know!!!

"Eeeeh??? Where did you hear such a rumor?? Emmet doesn't have anyone in mind like that. Nope, not me, no sirree!"

He is bewildered and caught completely by surprise by this unexpected question!

[battle-subway-twins]

It was rather silly how Emmet celebrated getting that apology but he didn't mind and chuckled a bit himself. When his twin apologizes as well he nods, "thank you Emmet. Now you can hold down the fort for a few minutes while I go find something else for lunch."

He didn't want to mention that this surprise was one of the reasons he hadn't really slept last night. That paired with his insomnia had definitely left its toll upon him. But at least that meant when they got home it would a quick thing to prepare the surprise. For now though, he was standing up to go find a vending machine to get lunch from.

"Perfect!" He chirped, celebrating by throwing both of his arms into the air for a moment. He was quick to adopt a more serious demeanor though and as he lowered his arms, one lingered in the air as he used a hand to cover his mouth before clearing his throat. He'd given his word that he would apologize as well and it ought to be a formal one.

"Thank you, Ingo. I am Emmet. I am verrrrry sorry for eating your sandwich." There! Now Ingo could still prepare that surprise he'd mentioned. All is well in this world.

[battle-subway-twins]

Ingo nodded when Daedra notes that they were progressive lines of Pokeballs since it was true. He didn't know much about them all and certainly none from today outside of the basics that his own Pokemon were caught in. Perhaps he could ask either Daedra or Emmet for a book on the topic. He didn't know if it was worth pursuing or not but oh well that wasn't as important right now.

"That could certainly be the case but I believe I recall seeing Pokemon of certain types being caught in those specialized balls based upon how strong or unique their locations were. Especially if they were alpha Pokemon..." There was a quiet shudder that went through him at the memory of those large, territorial Pokemon as his hand subconsciously went to his left thigh. "They were particularly powerful Pokemon that you didn't really want to try and catch in a standard ball unless you were desperate.. They also put Tangrowth and Probopass's size to shame."

Ingo then smiles again at how she compliments Gliscor. "They definitely can be formidable and mine is rather protective of me, he's a very sweet Pokemon once he gets to know you. His wing had been pretty badly injured after a fight it seems and I helped nurse him back to health with berries and a couple of potions I made. He's still getting used to being here at this station but is making good tracks towards being fully adjusted. You could probably meet him now if you so desired. I've admittedly been waiting until they were more used to their new home before introducing them to others outside of Emmet."

The small woman blinked in surprise as Ingo listed off a sizable collection of Pokeballs. It seemed the past was not so 'destitute' as one might have imagined. than again, there was never a shortage of items when it came to the care of Pokemon. Even in people were more leery of them in ancient times, it was clear they couldn't remain apart from them - not really.

They were all beings in the same wonderfully, vast world, so it would be impossible for them to keep in their 'separate worlds'. Though, Daedra supposed that was much easier to see in her current standing compared to people back then when things were so much harsher.

"Oh... from how it sounds, all those types seem to be progressive," the redhead hummed thoughtfully. "Like from Pokeball to Ultra Ball, while the variety today are mostly uniquely specialized. Though... I think most trainers get the ball variety they simply enjoy for visual appeal, aside from select situations."

Dark balls were still exceptionally popular to those that had Dark type Pokemon, while Luxury Balls and Heart Balls were a favorite for Pokemon-pet owners over trainers.

"A Gliscor is such an impressive first Pokemon to have though! I hear they're very formidable, but I suppose it all depends on their disposition more than anything. Pendra is similar, as she's far for gentle than what most others expect for Scolipedes!"

[battle-subway-twins]

Ingo was happy that his own apparent joy at receiving the gifts made his friend happy as well. It wasn't like it was a rare occurrence these days for him to get gifts from others but it always made him feel a little special. Like he really had been missed and they were glad he was home. Of course, such thoughts were silly since he knew he'd been greatly missed by his brother and friends but there were times that he doubted thanks to his amnesia that he hadn't really come back home entirely. He was grateful that everyone was so patient with him as he recovered.

"I suppose that's true... Given how mechanically advanced trains are little children could use all the help they can get in identifying certain aspects of them. Despite the strangeness of seeing them with faces it did help me grasp certain things anyway... Though Emmet pointing out things over my shoulder certainly helped too." He chuckles a bit since his twin, while having a little bit of a laugh at the books first, did indeed help with his questions rather readily when he was home from work. He was glad that Emmet didn't seem to mind that he wasn't ready to resume work yet and that the League was giving him time to recover as well. There was still a guilt there but it wasn't as bad as it could be

"Ah that would make sense... It wouldn't make a lot of sense for people outside of Sinnoh to know of its ancient past... Normally anyway. I think the only reason Emmet knows as much as he does is because he looked it up on the internet... Outside of what I've told you both." Which granted wasn't a lot, it was still more than most of the populace would know or belief. Either way he was still interested in learning what history had to say about the topic.

Unlike Ingo, Daedra had no issue displaying the full range of her enthusiasm. The merry, self-satisfaction of getting him items he enjoyed was written clear upon her face, no different than the words upon the page of a book. Perhaps she didn't have to get him so many items in one visit, since she tended to bring him 'treats' in some form often, but it all seem justified in her head.

It wasn't like Ingo was some spoiled child. He was an adult, a mature one at one, and had been through enough. He deserved an abundance of nice things! Plus, Emmet had gotten similar from her during his 'needing a constant distraction' period while Ingo was.... 'away'. Plus it was simple to just trade in older books she'd read and didn't want to hold on to in exchange for new.

His remark on 'the trains with faces' bit did make her giggle as well. "I suppose the faces were supposed to let really little kids identify better to the trains, or perhaps make them more appealing in some fashion. It's quite common to do so, but I wouldn't have gotten those if I thought the more mature books would be just as manageable for you."

And less embarrassing, too. However, even the more serious children's books on trains really expected the reader to have some advanced understanding of the machines and their history. Perhaps she should have left the 'train lessons' strictly to Emmet, but it hardly mattered now. Ingo was well passed the bare basics for his beloved railways. As the brothers liked to state - it was only full steam ahead now.

"Perhaps it's a regional occurrence," Daedra suggested. "Afterall, it would be more common knowledge for those in current Sinnoh, compared to where we are in Unova. I imagine Sinnoh wouldn't know much on what Gear Station was called before it because the Battle Subway or the updated names for our major bridges and highways. Unless they really looked for it~"

[battle-subway-twins]

I finally managed to finish the commission for @electrifying-supermodel! Hopefully I captured the dumbassitry energy for these 3 dorks in this silly picture :D Poor Ingo man but at least you know he won't let you down.