Jean-Pierre Polnareff (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
fivenareff) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
calling_logs2016-08-25 04:45 pm
fivenareff) wrote in calling_logs2016-08-25 04:45 pm
Entry tags:
There's bound to be a ghost at the back of your closet
WHO: Trip and Jean-Pierre Polnareff
WHAT: Pokemon showing off! Stand comparisons! Feeling bad because your Stand died! All the usual fun stuff.
WHEN: Let's call it around 8/15
WHERE: Nicholson Park, in the City of Romance.
[It's not a Stand, Polnareff knows. That Lampent that had floated in front of the camera and chirped its own name-- it's something entirely different. Linked to Trip, maybe, but it might not even be something so intimately interwoven as a Stand is. That being said: it's not the same, no, but it's still interesting.
Maybe he's torturing himself a little. Why expose himself to others' abilities when his own was lost forever? But he isn't about to turn away an interesting source of information just because of hurt feelings. It isn't as if sitting in Giorno's mansion all day is going to help. So he might as well set out and meet the kid-- Trip-- in person. If his own Chariot comes to mind, well, he'll just push the thought away. It's been six months. He has to learn to let it go.
Polnareff waits patiently in the park. He'd pushed to meet in the City of Romance, leery of being caught by Dio anywhere else. Setting up his wheelchair beneath a tree, he skims through old entries on the network, waiting idly. Hopefully the kid will actually show up. He'd seemed game, but he's also pretty young; Polnareff doesn't have a whole lot of faith in the reliability of kids.]
WHAT: Pokemon showing off! Stand comparisons! Feeling bad because your Stand died! All the usual fun stuff.
WHEN: Let's call it around 8/15
WHERE: Nicholson Park, in the City of Romance.
[It's not a Stand, Polnareff knows. That Lampent that had floated in front of the camera and chirped its own name-- it's something entirely different. Linked to Trip, maybe, but it might not even be something so intimately interwoven as a Stand is. That being said: it's not the same, no, but it's still interesting.
Maybe he's torturing himself a little. Why expose himself to others' abilities when his own was lost forever? But he isn't about to turn away an interesting source of information just because of hurt feelings. It isn't as if sitting in Giorno's mansion all day is going to help. So he might as well set out and meet the kid-- Trip-- in person. If his own Chariot comes to mind, well, he'll just push the thought away. It's been six months. He has to learn to let it go.
Polnareff waits patiently in the park. He'd pushed to meet in the City of Romance, leery of being caught by Dio anywhere else. Setting up his wheelchair beneath a tree, he skims through old entries on the network, waiting idly. Hopefully the kid will actually show up. He'd seemed game, but he's also pretty young; Polnareff doesn't have a whole lot of faith in the reliability of kids.]
Amazing what one single symbol can do
[He raised his hand to push his messy fringe back, to show his unmarked forehead. Choppy as his haircut was, his hair was quite soft and fine, so it lay rather flat against his head and wasn't too difficult to sift through— nonetheless, he'd rather do it on his own, he hated having someone touch his hair or pat his head... but he couldn't exactly see anything out of his range of sight.
Serperior does try to inspect, though.]
... he only offered friendship and made an offer. Do you have to be a certain age?
['When the time comes,' he said.]
no subject
[But from what he can see, the boy is unmarked. Good.]
And no. There's no age requirement. I only knew of a few others who had that process done to them, but he's perfectly fine with working with anyone, children or adults.
[Even infants. That had been a weird day.]
But friendship . . . that's how it starts. Friendship, or an offer for something you desperately want. Sometimes they're the same thing.
... now I gotta wonder, what would you even need brainwashed babies for
[Children too? This... actually frightens him a little and makes him take this more seriously.]
... and under his control, is there any way to break it? Do you have any awareness of what you're doing?
[Even so, it sounded like he was still considering accepting that offer.]
... I'm sorry if I've reminded you of something bad, you don't have to answer if you don't want to.
it was such a weird episode i'm ngl
[Even so, Polnareff takes a few seconds to answer.]
. . . you're aware of what you're doing. You can see yourself doing things you'd never do, but you can't stop yourself. No matter how repugnant or horrific the action, you simply do it, because you don't have a choice.
[He pauses for a moment, letting that sink in. His memories of what he did under Dio's control are blurry, smears of color and snatches of conversation, but what he does remember . . . well. He tries not to think of it.]
There's a way to break it, but I can't do it. A friend of mine can, but even then, it's risky. Dio implants a . . . I suppose you could call it a parasite. It wraps around your brain; it's why it's nearly impossible to break away from his control.
it sounds like a real trip...
... ugh.
[The description of a parasite invading his head sounds absolutely nightmarish, but, not knowing how to react to it, decides on a whim to reach for Polnareff's hand to hold it.
He doesn't give hugs and normally hates physical contact, but. He really felt like Polnareff could use something, even if he says it was a long time ago. He still looked upset.]
...
That's horrifying!
That's so wrong.
I'm sorry for running and not listening, before.
... what should we do? If we meet him again? If he tries to make good on his "offer"?
no subject
Run.
[He says it simply.]
That wasn't a bad instinct. It saved my friend from that fate once. He ran the second his instincts told him to. If it's daylight, run for it-- he can't be out during the day. If not . . . call me. Myself or a Giorno Giovanna.
[He articulates the name clearly, trying to make sure he remembers it.]
If you can run and hide long enough for one of us to come get you, we will. I promise.
no subject
Toiuch was uncomfortable and unfamiliar, still, but this wasn't too invasive, all things considered, it was actually kind of soothing... did he need to calm down too? He hadn't realized it until just now.]
Giorno Giovanna...
Is there any way to fight him? I don't want to hide behind others forever, like a weak child.
[He was still quite proud, but he didn't take offense to the running advice, so much as the idea of hiding perpetually, given that Polnareff said it saved a friend too.
But he has too many questions now and delivers them rapid succession, with brows stitching in worry.]
What if you're both indisposed?
... I've never met this Giovanna person, how will I recognize him?
And can I take your picture? I'll remember better that way.
no subject
There's no way for you to fight him. The first time my friends and I went against him, it took all five of us to take him down. There isn't anything that would take precedence over someone's safety, but if we somehow don't respond, stay hidden. I'll show you a picture of Giorno. And no, you can't.
[He digs into his pocket for his communicator. As he skims the network for a picture of his don, he adds:]
I'm still hiding from Dio. It won't last forever, he'll learn of my existence sooner or later-- but a picture isn't how I want him to find out. Once he does, though, I'll let you know. Here--
[He shows him the video.]
That's Giovanna.
[I apologize for his priorities]
[He was proud, but not foolishly reckless. Polnareff was very convincing, so he had no reason not to listen.]
He said no, too. [Neither of them wanted to be found, it seems.]
... once he does, what will you do then?
[He didn't like the sound of that and held his hand more tightly. He wished he could promise to fight by his side, but it didn't sound like he'd be anything more than a burden fighting Dio. He felt so useless and it frustrated him and made him feel intensely guilty, a fact that reflected quite easily on his face. That is, until he sees the video, when his eyes light up.]
Oh, he's beautiful!
[Now why was that his first reaction?
Focus, Trip.]
I mean... that'll make him easy to remember and recognize.
no subject
He is.
[There's no denying it, okay.]
He's a good person, too. Tell him I sent you-- that Jean-Pierre sent you-- and he'll help you.
[As for Trip's other question . . . Polnareff squeezes his hand. Carefully:]
Once he finds out that I'm here, I suspect he'll be angry. But killing me would be a stupid move, so I think I'll be all right. Besides which, I'm hardly going to tell him where I am.
no subject
... thank you.
For helping me. For thinking this far, even though I have nothing to do with you. —I didn't mean to get mixed up in all this, I swear, I was just finding food for Lampent and the body happened to be...
[He felt his blood freeze over and paled visibly, sp he quickly ended that particular train of thought.]
Not against him, but, if you're ever in trouble, we'll back you up too, okay? [Very earnest, giving him a smile.]
Shake on it?
[Might as well, right? Since their hands were joined to begin with.]
no subject
Dio often lures people who didn't mean to get mixed up with him. Half the people who ended up under his control didn't mean for it to happen. Don't think less of yourself because of it.
no subject
His cheeks colour and he soon lets go, waiting for Polnareff to release his grip too, so he can pull his hand away.]
It's not... thinking less of myself, it's just— frustrating. To know I could still be taken advantage of, tricked so easily. [He doesn't mean to insult anyone else, this frustration is aimed solely at himself. Serperior understood and butted its head into his shoulder, with an air of affectionate concern, until he stroked its head.]
I thought this sort of thing didn't happen when you're an adult.
That it only happened to naive children.
[If there was some thing good about being an adult, it was being more aware and much more stronger than a weak and naive child, wasn't it? That was his view of things and he didn't much like having it challenged.]
no subject
Dio is extremely charismatic. Most of his followers followed him willingly, not because they were all entirely soulless, but because he inspired such devotion.
[He doesn't mention that Trip is still a child; that thirteen is a child by nearly anyone's point of view.]
I was twenty-two. My friend was seventeen. But some of his followers were far older than that. Being tricked like that . . . it isn't a matter of intelligence or canniness. He's a power unto himself. It's why he's so dangerous. Not just because of what he can do, but how smooth he is while he does it. Does that make sense?
no subject
... yes, I understand.
It wasn't aimed at you, by the way. My words were only for me. You're an adult at ten, where I'm from... and I have different reasons for having needed to grow up quickly.
[Well, the age issue is a bit more complicated than that, but he feels no need to explain the legal workings of his world. As for his own reasons, they're not something he discusses unprompted, but he wanted to catch up with someone much, much older.]
But— I see now this has nothing to do with that. He's charismatic, he's powerful, but in a subtle way you won't notice until it's too late to escape...
That was a close call, wasn't it?
[This dreary talk's gone on for a while, maybe he should try to lighten the mood... he's not exactly good at that, but... Serperior picks up on that and tries to nudge Polnareff's shoulder. It'd nuzzle him if he let it, it was very affectionate despite the rather arrogant air about it. Meanwhile, Trip had to think of something to do: maybe let him pick who to meet from the rest of his team....?]
no subject
[But Trip is sufficiently warned, and there's no need to terrorize him. Polnareff strokes two fingers over Serperior's head, smiling as he does.]
Show me what you two can do, hm? I still haven't gotten a proper demonstration.
no subject
Flashy attacks, like a Contest battle, maybe... they'll be showcasing their abilities, right now.]
Alright, Serperior! Use Frenzy Plant!
Lampent, counter with Flamethrower!
[Serperior's leafy tail rattles, glows with a light, then, it strikes the ground, sending large, thick, and twisting roots ripping through the ground, weaving in and out of the earth, covered in, sharp thorns. The ends shoot out towards Lampent, but with a quickly executed flamethrower, it scorches the roots, stopping them dead in their tracks.
They fall heavily to the ground, then, they, along with the rest of the roots from the point Serperior struckk the ground, wither and crumble away, as if they never were.
Trip glanced Polnareff's way with a proud smile, assessing his reaction.
More to come if he's interested! It'll be Serperior's turn to shine next.]
no subject
When Trip looks towards him, he grins. That's rare for him nowadays, but the display is well worth it.]
Well done! Any others, or should I start applauding now?
no subject
[He calls out Frillish, this time an eerie, but also cute-looking creature that looks like a cross between a jellyfish the size of a human child and a fairy tale prince replete with a broad, frilled collar and a small crown. Its eyes are blue, blankly staring and unblinking, with red sclera and dainty lashes.
It swims in the air as if it's water, gliding quite effortlessly.]
Water Pulse!
[It brings up two of its frilled tentacles in front of it, forming an orb that quickly grows, filling with churning, turning water.]
Serperior, Dragon Tail!
[Serperior's tail glows white, sharpens, and when Frillish's Water Pulse has reached the appropriate size to launch Serperior's way, Serperior knocks it away with a strike of its tail that's almost too fast to see. The orb flies off and collides with a tree a little way off, surrounding the tree as though it were its target, locking it inside as waves crash around it in a pulsing manner, like being trapped in a miniature ocean at high tide. After thoroughly dousing the poor tree and shaking its branches rather roughly, the orb breaks and the water crashes out in all directions, before being swallowed up by the earth.]
Well, what do you think?
—I've actually got two more that battle and one that's still learning.
[The last one is more likely to hug Polnareff and try to make friends while ignoring any battling than battle without direct orders...]
no subject
But it's the question, proud and yet eager for praise, that has him truly smiling. He's always liked kids; that trait, at least, the years haven't crushed.]
I think they've been taught very well. You've obviously trained hard with them.
[It isn't just mindless praise, either: he'd trained often enough with his Chariot to recognize someone who's done the same.]
How do you teach them?
no subject
Uh-huh, we really did!
[Erk, speech slipped, a bit, and maybe he nodded a bit too eagerly saying that. Hands in pockets, straightening his back, raising his head to look proud and dignified again and not so... boyishly seeking approval.
(Do you see what easy prey this child is?)]
Most moves are learned as they level up, so we have to find and battle stronger and stronger opponents. It's absolutely vital to get stronger and learn more. Others require special training just to activate them. Serperior had to try and concentrate on focusing its power and striking at boulders with its tail for a long time before it could use Dragon Tail— it's a Grass Type, not a Dragon Type, so that kind of thing requires special training.
Vanillite was specifically bred for to hatch with a move it can't learn naturally, like Ice Shard— got that one by the mother breeding with a Snorunt. Inherited the ability from its father. Basic stuff.
One thing's the same, all moves are refined with practice
[Oh, right, he mentioned Vanillite without bringing it out— he casually take a pokeball out of his pocket, unshrinks it, and releases it at his hip, not tossing it this time.
This one is an unexpectedly adorable creature! It's the size of, perhaps, a teddy bear and looks about as darling. It honestly looks like soft-serve ice cream with an ice crystal-covered cone. And it immediately takes an interest in Polnareff, flying over with a wiiiide smile, breathing smoky-white puffs of air as though it carries winter's frost with it, leaving a trail of snowflakes in its wake.]
no subject
Focusing back on Trip, he says:]
I've a pretty good mind for tactics, if you ever want to learn some more.
[Because that seems to be what fighting with pokemon is: tactics, and directing his animals to fight to the best of their abilities. Pretty good isn't quite a fair description for what Polnareff can do, but he won't go around bragging to a kid.]
no subject
He likes Polnareff more and more! He'd be bothered if he actually knew he was being treated like a child, but as far as he knew, he was respectful without the aggressively overpowering aura Dio had. He did like the raw power Dio exuded, but Polnareff's subtler confidence wasn't offensive either. He suspected he was stronger, smarter than he let on!
He certainly felt safer to be around, which could only be a bad thing if that made him lower his defenses.
Polnareff's phrasing earns a few reactionary blinks and a funny sort of expression, as though he said something very strange:]
Of course! What sort of trainer would I be if I stopped learning? I'm still a long way from defeating that man, so I need to learn everything I can!
Teach me, please.
no subject
[But it's not cruelly meant. Just a little surprised.]
Before I can teach you, I'll need to know a little more about you and your pokemon. My Chariot was based on speed and precision-- he fought with a blade, you see. Most of my initial lessons in tactics came from there. But applying those lessons to a pokemon that fights at long-range, or uses fire, or what have you, would be foolish.
Your Frillish seems based in water. I can guess that Vanillite is based along the theme of ice, hm? [He strokes the pokemon again, smiling as he does.] Serperior, you said, was based around . . . Grass? What does that mean, exactly?
[weeeeell, you asked for it]
I... never had anyone help me train, sorry. [That did seem to hurt him, but he tried to brush it off.]
You're right about the elemental attacks.
Serperior is bred for speed! Opponents can't follow its movements, so it's very good at sneak attacks. Primarily short-range, physical attacks. Frenzy Plant and Solar Beam are its long range attacks. What that one means is that Serperior can absorb energ from the sun and fire it at opponents. It's pretty strong! It can wrap its opponents tight too, strangle them into submission. It's very powerful! But its endurance... I didn't really train it for that.
Frillish... is Water, but also Ghost, and it's bred for overpowering strength, to induce helplessness.
Cursed Body means any attack that makes physical contact on its body is cursed. Sealed away for the rest of the battle, so the opponent can only land a hit with a physical attack once.
Hex increases damage on a Pokemon already suffering from confusion or poison or anything else. Night Shade locks the opponent in nightmarish visions in order to paralyze them...
Oh! Speaking of paralysis, Frillish naturally secretes a numbing, paralyzing poison from its tentacles. Its mostly used for hunting, when it needs to drag its prey underwater to consume its body... oh, and soul too. It eats human souls, like Lampent, you know.
That's why sailors consider them bad omens. Lampent's considered an omen of death too.
[He lists off these horrors with a surprisingly casual, conservational tone. He might've gotten a bit side-tracked... the Ghost Types definitely seem to be his favourites, after his partner, Serperior.]
... in fact, the only one with great defense is Vanillite. You know, it can take on fire head-on? It's pretty gutsy. All its attacks are long range and ice-based.
no subject
Better to just focus on one at a time. Polnareff nods towards Serperior.]
He sounds like the one I'm most familiar with, so why don't we start there?
[Not that he doesn't like the others.]
You said you didn't train him for endurance. Is there a reason for that, or is he simply not built for it?