Baymod Helpers (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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bopbay2025-09-10 10:16 am
bayhelpers) wrote in bopbay2025-09-10 10:16 am
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005 ⟡ SEPTEMBER TEST DRIVE
⋆✩ test drive 05 ✩⋆
The day begins like any other.
Routines, eventful scenes, and boring errands — no matter what you were in the middle of, there's a moment where everything begins to feel wrong. A searing pain tears through your body, so intense that it feels like every nerve has been struck at once. Muscles spasm, joints scream in protest, and as you double over, you find yourself clawing or clinging at anything within your reach. As your attempts to maintain composure fail you, your bones begin to twist with an agonizing force, the pain rising in a crescendo until it becomes unbearable to even breathe. Then, as quickly as it began, everything stops.
For a single, terrifying moment, there's nothing. No sight, no sound, no touch, no taste, no smell — just the weight of nothingness swallowing you whole. The absence of sensation might even be worse than the pain, leaving you adrift in a void you can't escape. Hopelessness threatens every fiber of your existence, and try as you might to fight it, your darkest thoughts begin to surface, flooding your mind in an onslaught of suffocating feelings and ideas.
In the darkness, you hear a voice.
It's faint, a gentle flashing of something warm along the edges of your mind, like sunlight itself. It's a voice, but you can't identify who or what it comes from, how it sounds, or what it means — still, you know it's directed at you. Something tugs at your heart, a powerful ache that throbs once and ripples outwards. You can feel the aches again, like fresh sores throughout your body. You feel off, like something isn't quite right, like you're not where you should be, or who you should be. But the voice continues, whispered just beyond your understanding. The sound is warm like hope, and it wraps around you, distant yet intent, before you wake up.
i. arrivals
HIDDEN IN THE TALL GRASS
All around you now, is the scent of loam and plantlife. It is just slightly damp - the morning dew has not yet dried, and the sun’s light visible even while the sun still crawls up from the horizon. The grass around you is somehow ridiculously tall however.
Or perhaps you’re just small?
It’s difficult to see much of anything in the fields you’ve arrived in, but at the very least you can see yourself. Your limbs, no longer what they should have been. Your very skin, covered perhaps with fur, scales, or something else entirely. There is much about this situation that bears no answer, but maybe that will change as you wander through the sea of grass.
The sounds of other Pokemon soon become clear to your new ears. Other confused wanderers, fumbling with their new bodies. One by one, you make your way through the grass to each other - or maybe, someone finds you. Pokemon who didn’t wake up dazed in the grass also begin to appear, and they bring with them offers of help and explanation. All of them point toward the same place, eagerly indicating a series of gleaming lights through the blades.
Don’t worry friends - Malamar is here to help!
Or perhaps you’re just small?
It’s difficult to see much of anything in the fields you’ve arrived in, but at the very least you can see yourself. Your limbs, no longer what they should have been. Your very skin, covered perhaps with fur, scales, or something else entirely. There is much about this situation that bears no answer, but maybe that will change as you wander through the sea of grass.
The sounds of other Pokemon soon become clear to your new ears. Other confused wanderers, fumbling with their new bodies. One by one, you make your way through the grass to each other - or maybe, someone finds you. Pokemon who didn’t wake up dazed in the grass also begin to appear, and they bring with them offers of help and explanation. All of them point toward the same place, eagerly indicating a series of gleaming lights through the blades.
Don’t worry friends - Malamar is here to help!
ii. The Town of Death Blood Murder Skull
AN OMEN OF THE SEASONS
Shortly after the sun sets, on the very same day that new arrivals began to wake in the grass, eerie lights and music drift down from one of the distant mountains. They wind their way into the valley, bringing with them an unseasonable chill. Something is coming.
Something is Froslass, queen of those dead by frost and in lonely spaces, and she is on her traditional visit down from the mountains. Does this happen yearly? Every few years? It's hard to tell - Ghosts aren't always the best at keeping track of living time - but however often it is, she is delighted to see that the Ghosts of the forest and valley have built an entire town this time, just for her!
What? Malamar wants her to know it's not just for her? Of course it is, silly! It has Death and Murder and Skulls in the name, doesn't it? She'll even magnanimously accept all these living participants, since they so graciously showed up to pay her tribute.
Quibbles over the town aside, Froslass's presence heralds the beginning of an undead ritual. Ghostly flames make delicate, flickering paths through the valley, visible only at night but felt even during the day. Trip through one of them and you will find yourself shivering, maybe even feeling slightly disconnected from your body.
Froslass herself holds court in town, expecting attention and entertainment, particularly near dawn and dusk. While she's not outright hostile, she is rather volatile: she's easily delighted by anyone who puts in a genuine effort, no matter how unskilled, but she's very quick to anger if she thinks someone isn't sufficiently motivated - or worse, avoiding her! Be ready to either participate or stay far, far away to keep unnoticed. Even that might not save you, as her presence seems to have a very odd effect on Ghosts and even other Pokemon in town. You may be subject to encouragement... and some of it might not be gentle.
Something is Froslass, queen of those dead by frost and in lonely spaces, and she is on her traditional visit down from the mountains. Does this happen yearly? Every few years? It's hard to tell - Ghosts aren't always the best at keeping track of living time - but however often it is, she is delighted to see that the Ghosts of the forest and valley have built an entire town this time, just for her!
What? Malamar wants her to know it's not just for her? Of course it is, silly! It has Death and Murder and Skulls in the name, doesn't it? She'll even magnanimously accept all these living participants, since they so graciously showed up to pay her tribute.
Quibbles over the town aside, Froslass's presence heralds the beginning of an undead ritual. Ghostly flames make delicate, flickering paths through the valley, visible only at night but felt even during the day. Trip through one of them and you will find yourself shivering, maybe even feeling slightly disconnected from your body.
Froslass herself holds court in town, expecting attention and entertainment, particularly near dawn and dusk. While she's not outright hostile, she is rather volatile: she's easily delighted by anyone who puts in a genuine effort, no matter how unskilled, but she's very quick to anger if she thinks someone isn't sufficiently motivated - or worse, avoiding her! Be ready to either participate or stay far, far away to keep unnoticed. Even that might not save you, as her presence seems to have a very odd effect on Ghosts and even other Pokemon in town. You may be subject to encouragement... and some of it might not be gentle.
SOIREES AND SERVICE
Fortunately, the festivities required aren't particularly deadly or horrifying! Froslass expects to be well fed and entertained as recompense for her very important role, but she is very happy to share with everyone as long as she's getting her dues.
Pokemon can choose to help make and serve elaborate dishes for Froslass, and attend on her needs - she'll require them to be well-decorated if so, to match her brilliance! Those who are less skilled with food can choose to sing, tell stories, make music, or dance for her - she particularly enjoys performances with fans or ribbons - or offer her little Ghost Pokemon figures made out of harvest fruits and vegetables. Barring that, Pokemon can decorate Skull Town and their less crafty townmates, making sure everyone is adequately adorned for the occasion (or crafting necessary props like those fans and ribbons)!
Pokemon who aren't particularly artistic have at least one other option: help maintain the ghostly flames throughout the valley. These lights were originally made by Froslass, and while they're currently placed to guide other Ghosts into town, they're being saved for another purpose later. She'll be very put out if any of them are snuffed! Fortunately, the lights are easy to keep flickering. It takes days for one to die, and the judicious application of a Ghost, Fire, or Ice move - or, lacking any of those, the addition of some completely normal kindling - brightens it right up again. There are, however, rather a lot of them...
Froslass outright expects any Pokemon who has taken a turn contributing to the festivities to have some time to enjoy them, too. Come, sit down, have some good food served to you by Pokemon in elaborate outfits, and enjoy a fun diversion! Or at least take a relaxed stroll through town with her and her retinue and take in the atmosphere!
Pokemon can choose to help make and serve elaborate dishes for Froslass, and attend on her needs - she'll require them to be well-decorated if so, to match her brilliance! Those who are less skilled with food can choose to sing, tell stories, make music, or dance for her - she particularly enjoys performances with fans or ribbons - or offer her little Ghost Pokemon figures made out of harvest fruits and vegetables. Barring that, Pokemon can decorate Skull Town and their less crafty townmates, making sure everyone is adequately adorned for the occasion (or crafting necessary props like those fans and ribbons)!
Pokemon who aren't particularly artistic have at least one other option: help maintain the ghostly flames throughout the valley. These lights were originally made by Froslass, and while they're currently placed to guide other Ghosts into town, they're being saved for another purpose later. She'll be very put out if any of them are snuffed! Fortunately, the lights are easy to keep flickering. It takes days for one to die, and the judicious application of a Ghost, Fire, or Ice move - or, lacking any of those, the addition of some completely normal kindling - brightens it right up again. There are, however, rather a lot of them...
Froslass outright expects any Pokemon who has taken a turn contributing to the festivities to have some time to enjoy them, too. Come, sit down, have some good food served to you by Pokemon in elaborate outfits, and enjoy a fun diversion! Or at least take a relaxed stroll through town with her and her retinue and take in the atmosphere!
iii. Fête of the Forgotten
VESSELS SAILING AWAY
As the festivities welcoming the immaculate Froslass settle down, the end of the month gradually brings the true meaning of the occasion to light. When she first arrived, it was easy to lose the facts among the fanaticism - not to mention, Malamar’s frustrations. It’s always difficult when friends fight. However, as the leaves slowly turn to the color of flame and the air begins to crisp for harvest, Skull Town gathers more and more Ghost Pokemon ready to bring forth their core traditions.
A tradition of remembrance. Of connection. A celebration of ‘ghosts’ who no longer walk the mortal realm.
During the final week of September, Pokemon such as Spiritomb and Oricorio begin to reach out to the Outpost citizens to collaborate for their final tradition. Having spent some time among the Pokemon of Bottlecap Bay, they feel confident that the communities of Spectrunk and Bottlecap can harmonize with its meaning. They spin tales of boats sailing across distant seas, and of faint lights floating through the blackest skies to guide spirits to their new home. Here and now, as the summer season officially greets the autumnal one, Pokemon may be granted a chance to reconnect with those who sailed ever further.
Those who sailed beyond, to their final place of rest.
Where the weeks prior were filled with festivities and excitement, the final week of September is a somber time as small boats to carry spirit flames are prepared for the final day. They will sail them down the river and out to the sea as the sun sets in those last moments - a tribute to the departed, as well as a message to those who still reside in the places they came from.
To the quiet surprise of Pokemon beyond this world, it seems there is something to this ritual. As their boat sails outward, spirits of those they left behind in their homes - whether deceased or otherwise - appear before their very eyes! It is a chance perhaps, to get some closure.
Or to simply say hello, as the Ghosts would say.
A tradition of remembrance. Of connection. A celebration of ‘ghosts’ who no longer walk the mortal realm.
During the final week of September, Pokemon such as Spiritomb and Oricorio begin to reach out to the Outpost citizens to collaborate for their final tradition. Having spent some time among the Pokemon of Bottlecap Bay, they feel confident that the communities of Spectrunk and Bottlecap can harmonize with its meaning. They spin tales of boats sailing across distant seas, and of faint lights floating through the blackest skies to guide spirits to their new home. Here and now, as the summer season officially greets the autumnal one, Pokemon may be granted a chance to reconnect with those who sailed ever further.
Those who sailed beyond, to their final place of rest.
Where the weeks prior were filled with festivities and excitement, the final week of September is a somber time as small boats to carry spirit flames are prepared for the final day. They will sail them down the river and out to the sea as the sun sets in those last moments - a tribute to the departed, as well as a message to those who still reside in the places they came from.
To the quiet surprise of Pokemon beyond this world, it seems there is something to this ritual. As their boat sails outward, spirits of those they left behind in their homes - whether deceased or otherwise - appear before their very eyes! It is a chance perhaps, to get some closure.
Or to simply say hello, as the Ghosts would say.
✩ OOC NOTES.
⟡ TDM CWS: Disorientation, Grieving/Death (as a topic of conversation), Hypnosis/Mental Influence
⟡ TDMs are game canon and act as events for the month they are posted.
⟡ New characters can link to their top level beneath the NEWBIE DIRECTORY
⟡ All new arrivals are not assigned to any one guild. However, they may assume themselves to share rooms within any one of them during the course of the TDM.
⟡ Remember that at least one thread for your application must come from the TDM! There is no comment minimum, but we will be looking for engagement, as well as for players and characters who take the time to delve into things like character thoughts, emotions, morality, and other deep themes. Take this time to engage with the setting as you would in game!
⟡ As a reminder, reserves and applications are permanently opened. Please see their respective pages for details on processing time.
⟡ Have any questions related to the TDM? Ask here! If your question is more general for the game, please make sure to direct it to the FAQ page instead. Thank you, and happy threading!
⟡ TDMs are game canon and act as events for the month they are posted.
⟡ New characters can link to their top level beneath the NEWBIE DIRECTORY
⟡ All new arrivals are not assigned to any one guild. However, they may assume themselves to share rooms within any one of them during the course of the TDM.
⟡ Remember that at least one thread for your application must come from the TDM! There is no comment minimum, but we will be looking for engagement, as well as for players and characters who take the time to delve into things like character thoughts, emotions, morality, and other deep themes. Take this time to engage with the setting as you would in game!
⟡ As a reminder, reserves and applications are permanently opened. Please see their respective pages for details on processing time.
⟡ Have any questions related to the TDM? Ask here! If your question is more general for the game, please make sure to direct it to the FAQ page instead. Thank you, and happy threading!
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[But when they make it to the top of the ladder themself, they resume watching with at least some amount of alarm. Dolly really looks like she's struggling. She's new here, too, so she's probably not so used to moving on four paws yet. (For once, Siffrin doesn't instantly start blaming themself for not getting Dolly to stay on the ground - it was Froslass's request, after all, and Froslass absolutely can't do anything wrong.)]
[Instead they trot to catch up, perhaps a little recklessly. One of their paws skids on a shingle at least once, but they're very used to compensating with the other three by this point.]
It's sen-tense up here, isn't it? Here, here's the next ladder -
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[There was a small little popcorn bounce from Dolly upon seeing blurry Siffrin skid a little. Thankfully she didn't skid and was more relieved that Siffrin didn't take a tumble down.]
Sure is, certainly sets the tone, right? Thank you..I definitely need the help.
[Carefully, Dolly starts to follow Siffrin closely as to avoid taking a tumble herself (or crab walk again). Dolly goes to look up at Siffrin now that she is a bit closer now to them. Does Dolly make eye contact or does she dodge it?]
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[Eye contact time it is!]
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[Oh..here comes the eye contact.]
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[They haul Dolly the rest of the way up, trying to make sure she's stable and then backing off as quickly as possible. Fortunately, the roof up here is flatter than the one on the second floor. Someone's even left a box of decoration supplies up here already!]
You normally wear glasses? [Hm.] The clinic might be able to help with that, maybe...?
[Come to think of it, have they seen any Pokemon wearing glasses...?]
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[ Was Dolly that obvious? She pauses a bit in regards and realizes yeah she has been squinting a lot. The careful walking hasn't been much help either. ]
Yeah, I used to back where I came from. Don't know where they could've gone or if they'd even fit. [Oh!] I hope the clinic can help, just its just so blurry without them.
[ Living in blurry Monet world has been a task of sorts for the fae turned Pokemon. ]
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[Well, that's a little weird, but. It's fine!] There's some of the staff here, but the real clinic is back in Bottlecap Bay, and that's at least a day's walk through the woods...
When Froslass is done with her visit, I'm sure someone can guide you! [Including them, really, they just don't want to assume. But, of course, Froslass is the most important! Clearly.]
[Speaking of which - Siffrin turns to trot over to the decoration box and start rummaging through it, coincidentally breaking eye contact. (You know. For now.)]
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[ Oh, its a coastal town? Was Dolly on an island?] Bottlecap Bay? That's a really sweet name, I like it.
[ Dolly perks up a bit upon hearing that and yep, that little golden window of Pun-notunity is right there in the open ]
Wood it be okay to ask if you'd be up for helping me reach town after Froslass is done with her visit? [ Nailed it! ]
[ Dolly did seriously enjoy the puns from before as she went to help Siffrin out with the decorations. Surely nothing can go up in smoke. ]
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[Whether Siffrin will actually be in any state to help after the last week of Froslass's visit is, uh, up in the air at the moment. But at least while responding to Dolly, they do intend to!]
[What's in the box? Siffrin rummages through, pulling out garlands - oh, these are decorated with little faces like Spiritomb's, cute, they wonder what Spiritomb thinks of them - bells shaped like Chimechos, and some ghostly, fluttering banners. They peer back inside - besides the twine to tie stuff up with, is there anything else?]
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[ The fates can clearly be a fickle lot, especially with what's up ahead for Dolly pretty soon, the boat is gonna be a disaster. For now though, Dolly would be looking forward to it! ]
[ Dolly goes to join Siffrin in checking out the decorations box and is pretty impressed by the Halloween levels of cute going on in there. Dolly goes to pull out a decent sized, paper mache Pumpkaboo lantern covered glitter. Upside, it'll catch a lot of light! Bad news, that glitter is gonna be all over Dolly's ribbon feelers..]
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[Now everyone is going to be covered in glitter! Siffrin sneezes, and tries to shake themself off. It's a good thing their hat is on a hat string, or it would've gone flying too.]
[...slowly, Siffrin grins again.] This building is going to have our pawglints all over it forever, now.
[Froslass is going to love it.]
[The last ladder sways precariously in the wind, but for now it doesn't fall. Unfortunately, Siffrin doesn't even notice that this has happened - it's on the side with their bad eye.]
Pretend this is a happy Dolly that isn't snarking
[Oh! OH! Pun time! Dolly hones in on it eagerly.]
We're definitely going to get a shining reception for this one, I'm sure Froslass will A-peach-ciate the sparkles. [Dolly grins right back to Siffrin, turning her head towards them.]
[The wind was making the ribbon feelers flutter a bit as Dolly tries to keep a good footing on the roof, doesn't want to be blown off to the Merry ol' land of Oz next.]
[Dolly's abhorrent eyesight and being focus on puns doesn't notice the ladder swaying one bit...this bods well.]
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We'll make sure she knows she was right to gust us!
[The gust dies down... again, for now. Siffrin takes the opportunity to start tying some garlands to the edge of the roof, holding the twine in their paws and mouth to try knotting it as fast as possible.]
[Muffled through the twine, but still audible:] Pass me that lantern? [They think they can get it attached nicely in the center, right here...]
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We'll definitely Be-gale her with how gust-worthy we are.
[Oh good, the gust has died down big time! Dolly had been getting better with the ribbon feelers as she goes to pick up the lantern with the neck feelers.]
[Carefully, Dolly attempts to go on her hind legs to make it easier for Siffrin to grab hold of. Dolly is seriously hoping for no mishaps from this one.]
[Humorously that lantern is about the same height as Dolly's body height] Oh, here you go! [Here's one Pumpkaboo Lantern ready to be hung! Man this thing could double for a disco ball]
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[Especially when the sun is reflecting off the lantern and half-blinding them. (No, hang on, they're already half-blind, heh. Quarter-blinding them?)]
[...there! It's tied up and swinging cheerfully. Siffrin's shoulders relax, and they back away from the edge.] What's next?
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[OH! Okay checking the box now, Dolly goes to shuffling through to pull out the streamers and Spiritomb decorations out to be hung.]
I think these are the next ones to be put up before placing the little whip cream looking fox decorations up.
[Dolly's ribbon feelers flutter a bit from the next wind gust...please be kind Mister Wind, be kind!]
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[Whipped cream foxes...? Oh! They peek down at the Zorua-shaped decorations.]
Looks like Emmet! But a cub Emmet...
[Is this to do with the evo-whatsit that Emmet talked about Pokemon doing, at some point?]
...I never thought about it, but I guess his hair does kind of look like whipped cream.
[Now they won't be able to unthink it, the next time they see Emmet. Dolly what have you done.]
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[Emmet? That's a new name. A grown whipped cream fox too?]
Emmet must have been very adorable as a cub I take it? What do the adults look like?
[Dolly figured it was like the natural lifecycle of animals on earth instead of the magical world of Pokemon evolution. This will be magical to explain!]
I mean, the fluff really does look like whipped cream, just needs a strawberry to go with the red markings.
[Right, time to check and see what decorations need to be brought out to help Siffrin out.]
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[Hmm.] He's a lot taller than I am - he hunches over a lot, but he's still taller! And he has a much bigger mane than that little fox cub. It's almost the size of the rest of his body.
[So much whipped cream.]
[Unfortunately, Siffrin also can't really explain evolution... that job will have to go to someone like Emmet. Have fun with that, whipped cream fox!]
[Ah yes. Red, a color they can definitely see and definitely know what Dolly is talking about.]
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Woah, a giant sundae fox? That sounds insanely adorable...
[Dolly is definitely buying Siffrin knows what the color red is, but Dolly certainly is going to have fun with the giant whipped cream fox that may or may not be a sundae fox.]
[The wind picks up again and the sound of the ladder tipping is easily heard as Dolly slowly turns her head towards it..Oh sweet Mac Lir no..]
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[Siffrin hears the sound and also twists their body around to look - then dives for the ladder as it starts to swing away from the roof, skidding across the shingles. But they don't think they're going to be in time -]
[They swipe their forepaws out, reaching desperately, perhaps a little too far. Okay, definitely too far. But if they'd been able to catch the ladder, they could have used it to regain their balance, probably. Unfortunately, the thing is already too far away, and it's a swing and a miss...]
[The ladder goes clattering down onto the lower-down roof and slides across it, taking out the second ladder on the way. Both tumble all the way to the ground. Siffrin is too distracted to pay attention to this, though. They've overbalanced.]
[The claws on their back paws dig furiously into the roof, trying to get them back up when their entire front half is dangling off the edge. It's not enough, though, especially with all the momentum they had; they're slipping -]
[Suddenly they stop. Good news! They managed to get their front paws braced against the top of a windowframe. They are only barely balanced, but they're not falling.]
[...]
[. . .]
Um. I don't think I can get myself up.
[Please help.]
CW mild body horror? Maybe?
Hang on! I'll help you out!
[Somehow...oh right ribbon feelers! Instincts are taking over at this point as Dolly goes to moving the ribbon feelers forward.]
[It's a weird sensation extending the ribbon feelers much like having a built in measuring tape inside as the neck ribbon feelers extend in an attempt to get a good hold on Siffrin. Congrats Siffrin, you're getting the ribbon feelers to the rescue!]
This sure is a cliffhanger..right? Sorry this is scary right now...
[Slowly, Dolly starts trying to walk backwards, her little nails digging into the shingles as she looks for something to hold onto herself to make it a bit more secured.]
I..I think I got you!! Can you push up on your fore legs?!
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I-it's fine! I'm fine!
[They brace their forelegs when Dolly tells them to, then push off as hard as they can, trying to rear backwards. Dolly might be tiny, but most Pokemon are deceptively strong - Siffrin scrambles for a moment, then safely tumbles backward onto the roof.]
[...they take a deep breath in and out, lying on their back and staring at the sky. Pheeeew.]
[...]
[. . .]
That was a close fall, haha!
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That it was, it definitely had me hanging in suspense.
[After a quick checkover for any injuries, well the best she could anyways, Dolly glances over to where the ladder had formerly been moments ago.]
[Great...okay breath in and out good...there's a solution somewhere, there's always one. Dolly remembering that one important rule, don't panic, she goes to collect herself silently.]
So...how are we getting down? Should we call for help?
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[And their immediate instinct is the same: wait, no, they should try to get out of this pickle by themself first, so as not to cause more trouble. It's more muted under Froslass's influence, but it's still there.]
...let's see if there's some way we can get down ourselves first! And if not, we can at least finish decorating first!
[They roll back to their feet and start trotting around the edge of the roof, checking over the edge. And, well... speaking of decorations, there are quite a few rope-like ones, like the garlands and ribbons. But are they sturdy enough...?]
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