exeggutorhead | 24th Transformation [video/text]

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24th Transformation [video/text]

[When the video feed first comes on, the only thing visible is the face of a Lucario and the ceiling fan right behind her head. Not for long, though, as the Pokemon makes a satisfied sound at having gotten the Gear on and turns it around towards the window. Envy's sitting in a chair next to it--a loose definition of 'sitting', with one knee up and the other leg loosely crossed behind it-- and leaning his elbow on the sill. One cheek is resting against his fist, giving viewers a good view of the other side of his face, which is sporting a fair sized bruise. There are other bruises visible on his arms, souveniers from the fighting tournament. It looks like he's dragged a blanket off of one of the room's beds and draped it over his back and hanging off one shoulder. Outside is nothing but gray drizzle and buildings, but anyone familiar with Olivine might notice that he's back there and no longer in Goldenrod. Envy doesn't seem to notice he's being filmed, because his focus is shifting between the tower of coins he's building on the sill and the nasty weather outside. He's looking bored and restless as hell, wearing a petulant frown more suited to a little kid than a centuries old homunculus.]

[He places the last available coin on top of the wobbly tower, looks it over for a few moments, and then flicks it over, the coins rolling and bouncing onto the floor with a clatter. He looks mildly pleased at the small act of destruction, continuing to knock over what remains of the base until there aren't two coins left on top of each other. But it's a short lived distraction, and then he's left with frowning out the window with the universal expression of 'screw this weather' on his face. But there's something a little thoughtful about it, too.]

A year isn't that long, not even one in this place. It's not that big a surprise. Keep me here ten, Johto, then maybe I'll be impressed.

Heh. [He rubs his temples, looking some combination of frustrated and amused.] Long enough to make everything really damn complicated, though.

[What he says next is mumbled, quietly enough that it would be difficult to catch all of what he's saying.] I really hate being human.

[His restlessness finally getting the better of him (he can only look out a window for so long before he completely loses interest), he gets to his feet and starts to turn, and that's when the Lucario decides that maybe she ought to turn it off before she gets caught messing around with the 'Gear again, and the feed ends.]

[TEXT locked to Lust, Tulio, France, and Miguel, sent a few minutes later]

Hey, where are you?

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_{[It's a moment or two before Heather decides whether or not she's going to respond.]

[When she does, it's with a small smile.]}

Happy Anniversary.

[Envy looks surprised at getting a response; he didn't know that had gotten filmed.]

[But he guesses it wasn't anything particularly embarrassing, aside from being caught talking to thin air. He's just...not going to draw attention to that. So he'll return her smile with a half grin.]

It's been an interesting year.

Yeah, I think we can all agree with that...

_{[Don't worry, she doesn't care that you were talking to yourself. IT HAPPENS.]}

[You know it's been interesting when Johto's shenanigans make the technicolor magical animals seem normal.]

You know, that makes it a year since we met, too.

[It's an interesting thing for him, to know people that long when they aren't other homunculi or long term targets.]

... Really?

MAN. ... Doesn't seem like that long, does it?

Heh, well a year isn't really all that long to begin with.

Although, come to think of it I'm surprised you still wanted to talk to me after how I was acting when I first showed up.

Y'know, to be honest I don't even remember too well.

Whatever you were acting like, I've probably met people who were worse.

Yeah? You know, considering some of the people I've seen running around here, I'm completely willing to believe that.

[Not to mention the people from her world. But how Envy acts in Johto really is considerably better than how he does back home. There's no killing here, no large scale political machinations or manipulating alchemists to be done. He was just laying low at first, then it turned into not wanting to piss off the people he was coming to care about or drive them away...but it had affected how he acted even when he was back in Amestris too. He's not sure what he thinks of it anymore. Heather might notice him making an oddly thoughtful face before it's back to the humored, easygoing expression from before.]

_{[She'd probably be surprised to see what he was like back home, no lie... even if he HAD told her that he was a monster.]}

Yeah, there've been some pretty nasty pieces of work showing up here over the months...

[Yeah, there's a reason he's kept the details pretty under wraps, especially now. But he nods at what she says.]

There have, I've talked to a couple of them. They haven't seemed to cause much trouble, though.

A lot of people turning up from Amestris all of a sudden, too. [And all but one of them from some weird, headache-inducing alternate dimension where different things happened.]

Really? Is that where you come from?

_{[She's sort of interested-- she's never actually talked to anybody from Envy's world before. ... Well, that she KNOWS of, anyway. She doesn't know that the little blond guy with the metal arm is from there too.]}

Yeah, that's the name of the country anyway. It's run by the military, but it's not a bad place to live for humans.

Just about everyone that's here is a soldier or an alchemist, or both. [And then there's Lust but she's laying low right now so he's not going to give her away, even if he does trust Heather.] Greed used to be here, but after he left it was just me for a while. Seeing so many others appear has been...interesting. I'd half expect my master to turn up one day. [That's said with a shrug, completely casual and offhand.]

Edited 2011-10-24 05:11 (UTC)

_{[Little does Envy possibly know, Lust's already started putting the moves on Heather, manipulation-wise.]}

Yeah?

Would that be a good or bad thing?

_{[She doesn't like the sound of 'Master'... She'd been treated in such a way by somebody once, and the very thought of that particular kind of bond leaves a sour taste in her mouth. For all she knows though, Envy might be fine with it.]}

[Y-yeah, he has no idea about that.]

[The question, though, does give him pause. He frowns, looking a little uneasy at the thought of Dante appearing here. It's a possibility he's considered before and always quickly stopped considering, just because of how truly conflicting it is.]

...I'm not sure.

... If you need anyone to watch your back...

_{[She obviously doesn't know what's going through his head... but given the people who've shown up from HER world recently... she figures it might be nice to make the offer.]}

[Heather might catch the brief flash of involuntary 'oh no' that passes over Envy's face. After all, Dante's main targets for body-thievery are teenage girls, and even though she wouldn't have alchemy to do that with and Heather is clearly capable (she took out that monster in the nightmare, and presumably much more than that in her own world), he still wouldn't want any of his friends exposed to Dante's manipulation.]

[But he's quick to hide his general unease under a confident look.] I'd be fine, it's nothing that bothers me. It's other people that might be in trouble if she showed up. And she might not in the first place.

[Envy is grateful for the offer, though, and gives her a small but genuine smile.] But if I ever do need my back watched, I'll know who to ask.

_{[Having attachments to people really makes you rethink your original loyalties, huh Envy?]

[She nods a little bit. She won't push.]}

Well, don't worry. We don't take shit from people who come here looking to hurt others.

[Oh yes, they make everything so complicated. But at this point, he wouldn't ever want to lose them.]

...Yeah. Didn't think you guys would. [He nods too, and gives a hint of a grin before he lets his expression fall back into a more thoughtful one.]

If she ever does show up though, just...be careful.

I already have to be careful with plenty of people. One more won't hurt.

[The girl that appears on the screen remains silent for a long moment. Honestly, she couldn't care less what he feels in regards to his (apparent) anniversary, so when she finally speaks, she only addresses one important matter.]

... 'A year'?

Yeah, that's how long I've been stuck here. What about it?

[Envy doesn't see much point in being polite to strangers unless he wants something from them.]

[She expects nothing less, really. Why would anyone be polite to strangers? Chidori would find it odd if he did.]

That's a long time.

People have been here longer.

And in the scheme of things, a year is a pretty short time. [Envy should know, he's four centuries old. Thus his bafflement at how this particular year seems so much longer than normal.]

[She looks away from the camera, causing the following to come off more like she's talking to herself rather than Envy.]

How long will I be trapped here...?

[Rhetorical or not, Envy will answer her question anyway, in a dry tone.]

Until Johto decides it's done with you, probably. But hey, you could always fall into a coma and dream about going home like some people do.

[That doesn't...sound particularly reassuring, Envy.]

That's impossible.

[She says that firmly, although her voice remains indifferent.]

[Shrug. He doesn't care if she believes him or not.]

Nothing's really impossible, you know. I've got a friend that used to say that a lot back home, and as far as I'm concerned this place has proved her right.

[That's not the question of belief in this particular case.]

No.

In that world, I am no longer...

[... See, she's certain there's no way for her to go back.]

[Envy had been getting ready to go outside (after picking up all those coins off the floor because losing any wasn't an option) and look for people if he had to, because to hell with the weather, sitting inside by himself was boring even if he had just finished traveling.]

yeah I'm still here

[Yay for typing and walking at the same time. Envy opens the room door and looks out into the hallway for France.]

Welcome back!

[Envy brightens to see France too, and goes over to accept that invitation. He puts an arm loosely around France's shoulders, and leans up to kiss his jaw before pulling his head back to grin at him.]

It was an interesting trip, flying back in the rain.

I can imagine. You didn't encounter any problems on the way back, did you?

Just wind and rain, nothing I can't handle. [Except not really, he was a baby about it and that's why it took him an hour of wrapping himself in a blanket back in the room before he called anyone.]

I won a fight in the tournament, though. [...And then lost the second fight to Nanao. Also France is the only person who gets the truth about how far Envy actually got.]

Then you'll be alright with me stealing your body heat now.

That's excellent? Who were your opponents?

Of course.

[Envy is totally fine with this snuggling, especially because he gets more warmth out of it too.]

I won against this girl named Talim I hadn't met before. Good challenge, but I was better even with her having weapons. [He is still smug about this. But...]

Went up against Nanao next, though. She put up more of a fight than I expected. [To say the least.]

Nanao is a person full of surprises, I've noticed. But I like your surprises better.

Much better.

[Envy's expression falters briefly. He'd already been thinking about home and what had changed since he'd arrived in Johto, so what France says just reminds him that there are a lot of surprises about him that aren't exactly pleasant.]

[But then he tries to hide that under a fond smirk.] Well, I do try. Let's go back into the room, it's too wet to go outside.

Of course. Do you have anything in particular in mine to do?

Not really. I just... [was bored, was lonely, wanted to see him. Didn't want to be alone to think. Honesty catches in his throat, so he just shrugs and leans against France as they go back into the room.]

Hey, how well do you know how to fight?

I am the Republic of France. Fighting is something that I've done from birth. Do you wish for me to demonstrate my combat finesse?

[Envy smirks at the question, much more confident in this line of conversation.]

Sounds interesting. Sure.

It's not really something that should be done inside of a building.

And I would need either a sword or a rifle...

I guess not. [Envy sighs over-dramatically before flashing a grin at France.] ...Well, the lobby might have enough room, I'd bet anyone else there would clear out quick.

[Oh. Hmm, weapons. Envy misses those.] It's too bad those don't exist here. What sort of sword? A good stick might work for a demonstration.

_{[He will not TYPE back. Because it'd take an embarrassingly long time and also look like a six-year-old attempted it.]

[So the audio clicks on and there's the general background street noise.]}

Uh, heading to the inn. Did you just get back from that fighting thing?

Yeah, just an hour ago, that Pidgeot service flew me back. [And by the way Tulio, flying is THE BEST THING.]

Did I miss anything?

_{[...HM. He hasn't flown yet but if Pico ever decides to grow up he's totally going explore it, maybe. (He doesn't trust Bicho with it. Obviously.)]}

Doubt it. Nothing really happens here, you know.

So how did you do? Last?

_{[Actually doesn't think so, but dryly teasing Envy must always be done.]}

[Even if Yanmegas could learn Fly, Bicho is likely not to be trusted to carry people through the air safely.]

Ha, of course not, I wound up getting far enough.

[Lies, out at the second round. Where he lost to Nanao.]

_{[He'd make a loop for fun and there'd be injured people on the ground, and it would not be pretty.]

[... and what Tulio needs to find out about this.]}

Yeah, how far? ... did you win anything?

_{[Greedy bastard]}

Not far enough for any of the nicer prizes, but I did get a basket with potions and berries. [Which he is not going to eat.] Which I guess is useful.

[Dodging specifics~]

_{[Ohoho you tricky bastard.]}

Sure, as long as you don't eat them. _{[Never going to live it down, Envy. Never.]}

[Never ever going to live it down. Tulio can't see it but Envy is basically making Chel's face in that icon at him.]

I'm not going to, I'm not stupid.

[He's not really all that super indignant, but still. It was a while ago! He's learned his lesson!]

Nah, you're just occasionally hit by idiocy.

_{[Which, by Tulio's standards, is not actually the same thing, and that was basically saying that he doesn't think you're stupid. So there you go.]}

[It is nice to hear that Tulio doesn't think he's stupid!]

You do seem to attract that type.

[But then after saying that, something occurs to him.] Huh.

_{[Long suffering sigh.]}

That's too true, I swear-

_{[Wait what was that]}

What're you 'huh'ing about?

It's been almost a year since I started traveling with you guys.

[And wow their relationship has changed quite a bit since then.]

Yeah.

_{[He's been thinking about that himself, actually. He pauses on his end, not really sure how he should answer that...]}

And hey, you don't hate me anymore.

Yeah, I guess you're not so bad.

[His turn for some teasing. But no he does like you by now, Tulio.]

I'm guessing you don't find me completely insufferable anymore, either.

Sure I do. But these days I tolerate you. You should be honoured.

_{[Part true, part yeah I don't want to admit that you're totally okay.]}

Oh, incredibly honored. I could just dance for joy, being tolerated by a petty thief with a bad temper.

[Like Envy can talk on either of those points.]

_{[HA, exactly.]}

Hey hey hey, like you're one to talk. Besides, that seems pretty important to you every now and then.

_{[What's this? Tulio actually picked up on something? Why yes, it looks like he did - like ... a year too late, but you know.]}

[Envy is now glad this is audio because he definitely made a startled face at that.]

Ha, you must be imagining things.

[Nooo how did you pick up on his ~~not so~~ secret neediness he was sure he was hiding it so well. Good luck getting him to ever admit to it.]

_{[He shrugs on his end, not really all that bothered.]}

You're still thieving with us, aren't you?

Well, of course.

And I intend to keep thieving with you. [Yeah you guys couldn't get rid of him at this point even if you wanted to.]

That's good, cause you're not half bad at it.

_{[Which is a big compliment by Tulio standards.]}

See, now maybe I can feel honored at being so highly considered.

[He does recognize it as a big compliment though, and is having a hard time not sounding overly pleased about it.]

_{[Lap it up Envy, lap it up.]}

Oh, sure. The highest.

_{[Have another conman who never got to learn to write properly.]}

Just outside of town, close to the inn.

How have you been doing? _{[What do you mean he's trying to make up for being a sourpuss to Envy for many many months]}

[To be fair, Envy hasn't exactly been the nicest person ever to Miguel either. And he is really not sure what to make of Miguel trying to make up for all that. He's been half wondering if it's a trick, just because that's something Envy would do, but it doesn't seem fitting for someone like Miguel.]

Fine. I won some matches in the fighting tournament. [Actually he only won one of them but he doesn't have to tell anyone that.]

I just got flown back in, so I'm at the inn now. [Pause. He's not sure if he wants to ask, but he is really bored...] What are you doing?

Congratulations! Did you get anything for it?

_{[Miguel is Friend To All Living Things and Envy is nowadays included in the All Living Things-list]}

Oh, just training my Pokémon. Sparring them against each other. _{[A moment of silence as he ponders whether to ask or to not ask if he wants to join in]}

Most of them are pretty tired by now but Tiburra could go a few matches more. _{[Well that's.. kind of an invitation.]}

Just this basket with berries and potions in it. Nothing big, but I guess it'll be useful.

[Envy notices that kind-of invitation. Hmm, Pokemon sparring, that seems alright...]

I guess I can come find you, the tournament did make Izumi restless for some fighting herself.

That'd be great if you did. I'm near the inn.. nnnorth of it, I think? You should be able to see Tiburra if you walk around behind it.

Shouldn't take me long, then.

[He puts down the phone then, and it isn't too long before he'll have gotten downstairs and found Miguel. Tiburra the giant landshark is pretty easy to spot. He's wearing his jacket with the hood up to keep out at least some of the drizzle. Izumi is walking along behind him, looking pleased in the rain.]

Hey. [Liiittle bit unsure of how to act around Miguel at this point, but he's not feeling antagonistic. So he's got on an easygoing, slightly competitive smirk.]

Hey. _{[Slightly awkward gesture of greeting.]

[Tiburra the Garchomp is pacing restlessly. He's got a lot of spare energy to waste and it shows. If he's not digging furiously at the ground, he's swiping with his claws or roaring.]}

I think we'd have time for a battle or two before I freeze to death. _{[That's what he gets for being from Very Warm Spain. Miguel is not a big fan of cold.]}

Heh, you guys really need to get yourselves warmer clothes. After all, we've got the money for it now.

[Izumi spots this challenge! Envy doesn't even have to say anything to her before she's stomping over towards Tiburra, flapping her wings and giving a battle cry. She's not afraid of any dragons. >8C ]

Were you letting yours fight on their own before, or giving them commands?

In my defense, I didn't know snow existed before I came here. Can't say it was a thing we expected, but now we'll be prepared for it.

_{[Tiburra rears up from where he is standing, rising up tall and stretching his arms out to the sides, he roars. COME AT ME BRO]}

Nah, I just let them go about on their own. But we could make this 'proffessional' if you want to. _{[Said with the hint of a smirk]}

[Oh, it's Victor. Archer hasn't spoken with this man since he arrived, but his information has been very useful. He can at least listen to what the other man has to say.]

[He takes a moment to think about how to properly respond to Envy's statement, only to be surprised by that last comment - one so quiet he's not sure he heard it correctly. It sounded like this man just commented on being human. But if that's the case...]

[Well, there are several Homunculi he doesn't know about.]

You're not impressed that this place pulled you from Amestris? [The comment is rather light-hearted and Archer continues quickly.] It's been quite some time. How have you been? Did you participate in that tournament? [That would explain the bruises.]

[Right now, Envy is hoping that Archer hadn't caught that bit about being human. But there's not really a way for him to ask without drawing attention to it...he'll just pretend it didn't happen for now, and put up a false friendly expression.]

I'll admit that part's impressive, but there have been people here longer than me. I don't think I'll count its hold on me especially noteworthy until it's been longer than just that.

I've been doing alright, the tournament was a good distraction. There's not much chance to fight for ourselves here without calling down that joke of a police force. What about you? [AKA, do you still believe the total lies he tossed at you?]

Edited 2011-10-12 05:28 (UTC)

[He'll leave it alone for now; it's not something he really wants to get into if he did mishear it.]

No, I suppose there isn't. [Not that he'd be interested in picking fights anyway, he's a pencil-pusher for a reason!] I've been doing quite well; again, thank you for the information. [Yep, still totally in denial!]

It was no trouble, really. We Amestrians have to look out for each other, right? [You'd never guess Envy was so amused by this statement just by looking at him. The only Amestrian Envy looks out for is Lust, and judging by what he's seen of Archer, the other man doesn't seem to be much of a 'look out for the others' guy either.]

You still in Mahogany?

[He likes keeping track of where all you people are.]

Of course. [Yeah right, like Archer looks out for anyone but himself? But it doesn't hurt to play nice for the time being.]

Yes, I am. From what I understand, if we earn all the badges here we can return home. I'm looking into the one that's in this city at the moment. [It seems that Ice-types are good against Flying-types, which means he's going to have to find something that can stand against that...]

I've heard that rumor going around, yeah. [And has seen a few people collect all eight and not go home, but he doesn't feel like sharing that. He doesn't actually remember which gym is in Mahogany off the top of his head. Envy has been incredibly lazy about badges thus far, and has only collected two in the year he's been here.]

It's certainly a tidy way to earn your return. Collect all the right keys, and the door opens. I wonder if it would count as equivalent exchange.

[Yes, let's not dash Archer's hopes any, that never ends well.]

Not everything relates to alchemy. Are you an alchemist, then? [Ugh, alchemists are such a pain.]

[Envy actually agrees with you on that point, Archer. Blech, alchemists.]

Oh, no, I never was able to get the hang of it. But I have worked closely with a few, and the way they see the world seems to have rubbed off on me.

Do you not like alchemists much?

At the market. Food just doesn't fall from the sky here, but if it did, I wouldn't be surprised given this place's penchant for the extraordinary. [ The scathing tone is incredibly obvious. ]

Do you need anything?

Free food would make things much too easy for us, Johto would never do something like that. [Likewise on the tone.]

Not really, but I did just get back into town.

Edited 2011-10-15 18:27 (UTC)

If Johto became helpful then Gluttony went on a self-imposed diet. Oh? Where, exactly? I'll meet you there, soon.

At the inn, I can meet you in the lobby. Miss me while I was gone?

Fair enough; I should be there in fifteen minutes. I was too busy being able to think to properly miss someone [ she misses her silent time ;; ]

Come on, it's not like I hang off you all day like Gluttony. But I'll see you then.

[He'll be waiting down in the lobby when she gets there, just like he said.]

Of course you don't, but at least Gluttony knows better than to think on his own.

[ And then she arrives. Hood, and basket filled with fresh delicious groceries for all! :D ]

[Hooray for groceries! Envy glances at the basket to see what she got before turning to her with a grin.]

Hey, Isabella. Why don't we go upstairs with those? [He gestures at the elevator with a flourish and a smirk to go with it.]

And as for my thinking, you know things would get boring if I didn't. [Yes he does continue text conversations from fifteen minutes ago out loud.]

Very well then. [ She doesn't see why not.

Oh, Envy. Envy, Envy, Envy. You really are just like the one from home. She'll resist the temptation to facepalm. ]

Boring and peaceful aren't synonymous Envy.

[He just thinks that carrying the groceries around would probably be a hassle.]

They might as well be. [He makes an amused noise in the back of his throat. She's not so far off from the Lust he's familiar with, either.] Next you'll start going on about philosophy.

[ She'll still carry them. She doesn't trust any of her siblings with food. Mostly Gluttony but whenever she gives it to anyone else, it mysteriously ends with Gluttony eating it. ]

It's like you've known me my whole life, Ferdinand. [ that smile means HELL YES. LET'S TALK ABOUT PHILOSOPHY

in the most classiest of ways ever. ]

Congratulations are in order, I suppose.

{And she pauses for a moment.}

...you're not the only one who misses their original form.

Considering all Johto likes to throw at us, I guess surviving a whole year here is worth the congratulations.

[He nods, letting out a small, frustrated sigh.] You heard that, huh?

I'll certainly be amazed if I make it to Christmas, considering what's happened to me. Still, you've practically thrived, haven't you?

{She gives him a rueful smile.} Unfortunately, the whole network did.

Hey, you'd better make it to Christmas with all of us making the trip to see you for it. [Deadsis you need to be more careful. Although it's been a while since anything happened to you so he's not so worried. He's not quite sure what to do with that comment about him thriving, though.] ...Depends on what you mean by thrived.

[He rubs the bridge of his nose in frustration at being overheard.] Figures. That thing always seems to catch me when I don't want it to.

{She pauses for a moment, eyes going wide - you've managed to startle her.} All of you? Well...

Hey, you've survived, and come out the better for your experiences, haven't you?

{Have a supportive and understanding shrug, deadbro.} I think these devices run on schadenfreude sometimes. They certainly do catch more than their fair share of embarrassing moments.

Is there room? [Well if nothing else there are several people who can share rooms.]

[Oh Nanao, and you didn't even see him when he first showed up.]

Survived yeah...I don't know about better.

There should be. I'm hardly using the second floor. {Plus there's always the option of sleeping on couches/tables/the floor.}

{Welp. She may be glad of that.}

I don't know about that. You have friends, now.

[He nods at that, looking a little relieved. She was so surprised that been worried for a moment that he wasn't allowed to bring anyone. Or something. Nobody ever invites murderous homunculi over for the holidays he is not familiar with how it works.]

[The comment about friends does give him pause.] I...yeah, I do have those now. [And considering that he used to insist on referring to them as allies and nothing more, even to himself, this is quite the step forward.]

That doesn't stop everything from being complicated, though. [And in fact makes his confusion even worse.]

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