✘ .//. one » video; action {new bark, r29}

[usedwatergun]

--eriously? If I have to see that room and walk out that door one more time I think I'm gonna go crazy. What was even the point of sending me back...?

[It's still daylight out when Katara makes this post to the PGC. "Mom's" front door behind her as she heads away from the building. She addresses the gear much more politely.]

Hi, my name is Katara. If you know or remember me and you're here in New Bark Town, meet me by the town's exit. I know I'm not the only one that just showed up here, and I've already met one person from home.

The offer goes for anyone that's new here that might want some help figuring things out, too, even if we haven't met yet.

Comments

[usedwatergun]

Definitely not. People came and went all the time when I was here.

[She's kind of getting the feeling he's looking for someone particular, but for better or worse?]

I've had a few friends come and go who still remember. I'm talking to one right now on another line.

[beforethedarkness]

... We'll see if it happens again.

[Doesn't seem like he's too willing to share just what he means, but then another question comes to mind.]

If you come back, do you have to start all over with training?

[usedwatergun]

You're waiting for someone to come back? [She won't pry further than that unless the subject continues that way. It's more an observation-- and she shifts onto the topic change, giving him an opening to ignore her question if he wants.]

I guess it depends on how you look at it. I have my original starter back, but she was brought back down to level thirty. She was already at level one hundred when I left. My badges are gone, so is everything else I earned while I was here. If my Pokemon went to friends then I might get some of my old team back. Otherwise? Yeah, I'm definitely starting over.

[She doesn't give two craps about the stuff, except for the keepsakes from Sokka and Heiji, but she will miss hers and her friends Pokemon.]

[beforethedarkness]

... Someone I knew disappeared about a month ago.

[God Sasuke you can't even admit that Kairi's your friend? Listening intently now with a nod. So if it ever happens to him, he'll have to start over... That'd be frustrating, especially with the work he's put into training.]

I guess it's good to know if it ever happens to me or someone else I know.

[usedwatergun]

I'm sorry to hear that. [And she means it. She is going to read between the lines and derive her own meaning from it. She assumes it was a friend.]

Well, most of the time people you knew end up with your Pokemon, and if you're traveling with someone then they'll usually find your stuff, too. That would account for your HM's and TM's, clothes, money, that kind of stuff. You'd have to re-earn the badges though, still.

It looks like the people I was with aren't here anymore, or left and came back. Still. [Winry is here, and she has three of her Pokemon. Korra is here, even if she doesn't remember, that's a huge help.]

[beforethedarkness]

They might come back again too, if you did.

[Somewhat distracted, but still listening. Kind of.]

[usedwatergun]

They might. [She offers a smile, but notices he doesn't seem to be paying that much attention.] Is everything alright?

[So what if she doesn't know you? THIS IS WHAT SHE DOES.]

[beforethedarkness]

It's fine.

[That might have been a little too quick.]

[usedwatergun]

If you say so...? [Nope, doesn't quite believe it.]

[beforethedarkness]

[Wise choice, you shouldn't believe it Katara.]

...

Be careful. Some of Team Rocket's newer members have gotten more aggressive recently.

[He might still have a broken arm from one of said encounters with Team Rocket.]

[usedwatergun]

I appreciate the warning. I guess I should probably pick back up with the self defense lessons... Someone else mentioned that, too. [She frowns.] ... Are you a friend of Riku's?

[beforethedarkness]

[A little tense because he isn't quite expecting that.]

... Yes.

[usedwatergun]

It's just... he mentioned a friend getting into trouble with them.

[She still remembers Danny being bombed, for that matter, and all the attacks they'd staged.]

[beforethedarkness]

[That earns a sigh and he relaxes a little.]

Yeah. I was recognized when I was trying to mess up one of their plans and I'm not risking letting them know where I am for a while.

[usedwatergun]

I don't blame you for that. I know we just met, but if there's ever anything I can do to help, let me know.

[beforethedarkness]

... I'll keep it in mind.

[Except he probably won't, but Katara's trying right?]

[usedwatergun]

[She is, and she'll probably manage to butt in uninvited if it looks like he needs it and she's able.

But for now just have a friendly smile.] I never did catch your name, though.

[beforethedarkness]

. . .

Sasuke Uchiha.