Set in the original region of Arciel, Legends Rising is a route-inspired, but not strictly route-based, Pokemon roleplay. Pick a faction, pick a class, and strike out into the wild to take on the League, master Contest coordination, research the mysteries of Pokemon and Arciel, and much, much more. Will you be a classic trainer? A criminal? A farmer? Choose your destiny on Legends Rising.
What a night for leaving her troubles behind her! It was Halloween, a night where for years she's just allowed herself to let go, to take the eeriness of the day in stride and enjoy it to the best of her ability. Whether that's through dancing, dress up parties, spooky karaoke- it's always something she adores doing. She found herself this year however entering the ball with expectations that were fairly low. She knew most of Arciel weren't good dancers, and that there was no way this could make her feel better, even without a phone- however, as she entered the manor a very soft, audible gasp left her lips.
She had been wrong- oh so very wrong. Like- everywhere she looked was an astounding costume, bodies pressed against each other as costumed people rocked themselves to the beat. Bodies moving in time to the rhythm, with no inhibitions and a total lack of care- could it be due to the fact that nobody would recognize them? That all fear was gone? She assumed as much, but still the sight alone made Arietta giddy. Dancing, moving, just enjoying the beat and escaping the world. That's what she was here for, and that's what she was going to do.
Dressed to the nines in an outfit inspired by Gardevoir the girl quickly gave herself a once over. She knew she looked good- but she couldn't compare to half the people here. Her hair had been dyed green for the occasion, plaited in a half-up style. She wore a flowy white number that upon first glance looked light a dress, the bottom puffing out elegantly, however Arietta decided upon a secretive pantsuit number to make dancing just a tad bit easier. The parts of her pants that were on her inner thighs were a green colour, the fabric being made of silk for easy and graceful dancing, as well as mimicking Gardevoirs appearance. Her sleeves were also silk and green, and met together in the center of her chest with a melodramatic red bow. To put together the whole number she had a large, swooping mask that swooped off her face in slight, but sharp edges mimicking that of Gardevoir's ears. It was something light, something easy to move in, and something she could work with.
Feeling lost in the atmosphere, Arietta made her way through the close-knit bodies, gently weaving between them before finding her place just off center. She knew the night was young, and that it'd be better for her to pause, drink something and get her energy up before starting strong, but the way things were laid out, the very aura of the place set her heart ablaze and pulled her towards the dancefloor before she was even thinking. In time to the music she found herself twisting and twirling, grabbing outstretched limbs and weaving her way around them with expert grace, being a dancer, she knew what she was doing. Hips sashaying, and a goofy grin on her face, Arietta was loving it- until the music dulled to a stop, a softer beat replaying the once poppy tunes.
Taking that as her cue to take a break and grab something to replenish her energy she maneuvered her way out of the bustle of bodies, a hand moving to pat her hair in place before she picked up some strange, red drink labelled 'Pumpkaboo Tears'. Taking a sip and savouring the sweet savour she looked upon the crowd before her, and a hearty giggle left her lips. "This... is truly amazing."
Gabe had made plans to swap costumes throughout the night. Even with the assurance that the ball had a magical air about it that distorted perception, he wasn’t going to not add his own illusion to the mix to reduce the chance of anyone recognizing him that much further. By then, he had already been through one costume and changed into another. This one was much much more feminine than the last.
The bulk of the costume was a deep purple and black dress. It technically had very thin lighter purple sleeves, but he draped a black petticoat around his shoulders so as not to show them off. The top portion of the dress was black and had many sequins and other sparkling pieces to it. They shined against the light of the manor, but it was a necklace of red gems that would take the cake. The lower portion of the dress flowed out in all directions and had differing streaks of purple and black that gave an extra layer of depth. He wore flat that ended up being hidden by the dress— if only to keep from being too much taller than other dance partners.
Part of his hair had been pulled back into a bun while the lower layers were allowed to fall downwards, some braided into shorter locks, others not. Atop his head, though, was a witch’s hat that faded from purple to pink.
He had a few small accessories here and there one being a ring on his left index finger that was a glossy red similar to the gems around his neck. The opposing hand had a black glove and a red gem bracelet instead.
Whereas many would wear a mask concealing their eyes, Gabe’s concealed the lower half of his face. It was roughly a black medical mask, but sewn into it was Mismagius’s signature smile. Overall, it was much easier to see that way.
He’d been dancing with another person when the music had shifted, and a cheeky ‘thank you’ had been exchanged before he stepped off the dance floor. Note to self, don’t dance with the Totodile again… He filed that away as he made his way over to the refreshment table. Picking up a glass of water, he shoved a straw into it, twisted his mask a bit, and took a sip. This is …. Truly amazing… Gabe’s eyes flicked over as he heard it. A young Gardevoir was giggling happily. Heh… How beautiful. They’d really worked hard on such a costume— unless it was ordered from Hoenn online, perhaps.
Setting down his downed drink, Gabe readjusted his mask and stepped sideways over. “Beautiful Gardevoir, may I have this dance?” he asked playfully.
The girl had been savoring the taste of her drink when she heard a voice call out to her, and her fluttered over to take in who was speaking to her. "Oh?" Tall, dark and beautiful, Arietta couldn't help but give the stranger before her a once over, dolled up and gorgeous the Mismagious before her was simply out of this world. She felt her cheeks flush and was thankful the pretty stranger before her couldn't see. Another giggle floated out of her mouth and she tilted her head, bringing a finger to her lip as if thinking over the statement.
"Dance with a gorgeous Mismagious like yourself?" Arietta moved to put down her drink, giving it a side-eye if only for a short second. She had intended to finish the drink but... such pleasantries so early on sent her gut a-flutter. Yeah, this was what nights like this were all about! Getting lost to the rhythem surrounded by pretty people- maybe this could be an opportunity to show off? The Mismagious before her was stunning, sure, but she didn't know how capable they were of dancing- her eyes practically glimmered as she realized that she could possibly for once take the lead- she was so small in dance classes that she never had the proper opportunity-but here...
Everything goes. Her ears took in the tune for a few moments, if only to familiarize herself with the beat and get lost in it again before she fully turned to the purple toned stranger, excited and eager to get to the dance floor. She batted her eyelashes one more time before outstretching her hand to offer to them, her smile growing, "It'd kinda be a crime if I didn't let somebody as stunning as you steal a dance or two, wouldn't it?"
Oh, so sassy. A chuckle escaped from Gabe. He was not unaware of that glance over nor did he waste the moment to get a better look at her costume. Cute… very cute. As that hand was offered to him, Gabe clasped it back gently. “No crimes happening here,” he chuckled at those words. Not yet anyways… If he just so happened to come across a wealthy and vulnerable friend, he wouldn’t mind starting some. For now, though…
Fluidly walking with her out onto the dance floor, Gabe turned and clasped both of her hands. He waited, counting the beats of the song to try and get a better feel, but if she started to move before then, he’d quickly fall into step. The music was slower than any of the previous songs, but it made falling into step easier. And…And… Gabe’s eyes met the Gardevoir’s. She’s keeping up with me… Or he was keeping up with her. Gabe couldn’t tell from how in synch they were almost immediately. If he didn’t know any better, he would have said he’d danced with her a thousand and a half times already.
One, two, three, turn…yes… A chuckle escaped from Gabe. Goodness… “You are very talented…” he noted only a minute into their step.
Anticipation flooded her veins as the gorgeous stranger lead her into the masses, a slow song, a simple beat. It was something she didn't have to think much about, muscle memory truly was a blessing. Hands held in the strangers, and eyes raised upwards with a cheeky glint she'd begun moving without so uch as a thought, however was quickly thrown into a daze when the Mismagious opposite her managed to not only keep in time- but keep up.
Her eyes glanced down to their feet, just to be sure, before trailing back up to meet their gaze. It almost felt as if the stranger was trained in some way, it felt almost... right. She felt a soft gasp leave her lips as she spun, gracefully moving back to position before she heard them speak.
The corner of her lips turned up more and she let out a laugh, "Says you? You're super good at this~" She moved a pace closer, her hand moving to settle on their waist as her grin only widened, and her head tilted to the side slightly to gauge their reactions. "If you think that's talent, then why don't we step it up a pace?"
Her eyes stayed watching the stranger for a few beats more before she moved her arm up slightly to guide her, leading herself around the stranger before leaning back, "Are you familiar with a slow rumba, Mismagious?"
Another giggle escaped from Gabe. “Am I now? I wouldn’t know,” he teased softly. As she moved closer, though, he did as well shifting his hand to her shoulder in turn. She wouldn’t see the curl that held on his lips, but she would see the particular fire in his yellow eyes. “I’d love to,” he answered with a soft affectionate tune.
The question that came after, though, earned a hum and a head lean one way and then the other. “Also known as the box step, isn’t it?” Gabe asked for only a second. “Very familiar.” And fluidly, he fell into the step back, side, and then forward. “Care to set the pace, Gardevoir?” Quick, Quick, Slow— but in time with the music, it’d be a bit different now wouldn’t it?
Arceus, with every giggle and tone the Mismagious let out she felt her stomach do a small flip, and she could note the eager glint in their eyes too. Arceus, what was this stranger doing to her? First they could dance, and they they knew their dance terms? At their question, she let out her own laugh, mimicking their earlier tone "Oh- now i'd love to~" She felt her body move before she could even register the steps she was taking, adjusting her movements and holds to the beat.
Soft steps and fluid movements, her gaze didn't falter from the stranger across from her. Perhaps a strange sight for those around them, but there was now room from others who had moved away. If people were watching, Arietta hadn't the slightest hint, too focused on her movements, on the beat that flooded through her, on her dance partner. Slow- speed up- careful.
Arietta for a brief moment was thankful for her choice in outfit, pants were much easier to dance in, and much smoother for transitioning between steps. She found herself altering her pace and timing- even progressing up from a box step towards a few more advanced ones as a means to challenge the stranger opposite her, to test them even. As she moved she found herself talking, wanting to learn more about the person before her "Where did you learn to dance- if you don't mind me asking? Are you perhaps from out of region? There's not many studios in Arciel and your movements..." Her head tilted as she accentuated a step, "Are spellbinding."
Gabe found his eyes locked on Gardevoir’s. The rest of him moved to the familiar step in time with the music, but his eyes and heart were locked forward right then. Each motion, each step, each glide. It felt so familiar but exhilaratingly so. As they turned, the dress swayed out once before closing in again. Electricity ran through Gabe. Forward, side, back, side. Turn this way, that way. Pause. He followed along with her shift in pacing and rhythm. Forward, side, turn, back. It probably should have registered as a test, as a challenge, as a mark for standard, but for Gabe right then, all that was registering was fun.
Gardevoir’s words caught his ears, and Gabe found himself talking back, never once breaking the step. “I had a very good teacher here in Arciel, actually,” he mused. “What about you? Where did you learn to move so fluidly?” A thunder reverberated in his chest as he found himself wanting to know just as much in turn. “Your lead is so fluid. I haven’t had a dance partner in so long who can keep up.”
They were good- if they had found the movements and steps difficult arceus they didn't so much as flinch or break a step. Light fabric mingled with dark as the two traded steps, creating a strange yet alluring visual display between the dancing duo. Turning, swinging her hips and keeping in time the girl listened to their words, a soft hum leaving her lips at their response. "Intereeesting~ I've been to and from dance teachers for years- but I did sports when young so it's almost second nature to be moving, y'know?"
She twisted once more, a furrow to her brows as the songs suddenly sped up, flicking through her brain on what style to go with, what the stranger might be familar with. At their next words she felt a giggle bubble out of her throat, a hand moving to adjust her hold, "Maybe you just haven't found the right dance partner? Leading can be simple- with experience and time, but I guess..." She moved a leg back, "You just haven't found the right one till now?"
Coaxing them into a tango, she brought her body forwards and snaked her arm firmly around them. "Arceus, I miss this- just being able to dance without a routine to follow."
To and from dancing? A small chuckle escaped from Gabe. “How versatile,” he answered back. As she picked up the pace, though, he waited wondering what she would do next. Had she met her match of sorts on songs?
Oh— No, he was wrong. Color came to Gabe’s features at such a simple but straightforward accusation, and he was thankful the mask encompassed the lower half of his face right then. “Maybe so,” he answered after a small pause feeling her press right up against him. “You might just be the one.” As she closed in, though, he leaned in as well twisting and turning into the feminine role of the tango. One step, one lean back, one turn.His breath caught more than once. Goodness, his only wish was that she was taller.
“It’s liberating,” Gabe answered back. “I haven’t felt this free in a very long time.” It was almost embarrassing in retrospect how much he enjoyed having another take the lead, though, heh. Not that he hadn’t been more embarrassed before.
Was she smiling too much? Arceus, Arietta was literally having the time of her life, and it helped that she had years and years of training- the stranger was tall. Tall and pretty- tall and really, really stunning. A soft laugh left her lips as she moved to lean them back, her movements sharp and in time with the beat. Her giggles however were caught in her throat at their you might just be the one, the words swirling around in her head. Phrasing- phrasing!Dance partners. She might just be the right dance partner. Her movements became more fluid, her hands ghosting and lingering on the strangers skin, listened to their words with a soft hum escaping her. "Better stay on the dance floor for as long as possible then, to treasure that feeling, hm?" Her eyes flickered from the stranger, then to how she positioned herself, making sure she kept her steps and movements steady. "I don't plan on leaving anytime soon- especially when i've got such a pretty Mismagious in my arms."
Arietta continued moving, simply savoring the feeling. All of this was so familiar to her, so reminiscent of a time past. But it was welcome, she felt like a giddy team again and she absolutely loved it. "Tell me something~" She practically drew out, her eyelashes fluttering behind her mask, "It's always interesting hearing random things from strangers, wouldn't you agree- and whatever comes out of your mouth somehow reminds me of sweet honey-" Focus on your wording, Arietta! She moved to dip them again, leaving them to linger for a few seconds, "And I want more, duh."
Oh? Oh my she was indeed dipping him back. Gabe couldn’t help but grin from under his mask shifting one free arm up and back to add a flare to the pose. Being righted again, he’d fall into step again just as easily. “Oh Gardevoir,” Gabe couldn’t help but tease. “Are you offering to dance the night away with me?” Why was he feeling so light, airy, and playful. As if Gabe needed an answer. The atmosphere alone had put him in a wonderful mood. Finding a suitable dance partner had elevated that sky high.
Tell me something… Heh… Always interesting hearing random things from strangers... That was very true, very very true, and though Gabe normally would have been the one to say such a thing, having it returned was well…. His heart was high. His head was heavy. Leaning in right up to her ear, he started to whisper. “Flowers Dancing in the breeze / Lets see which ones we see / Roses blossom from patches of green / Bending on a slight lean / How many are there? Seventeen / Roses blossom from patches of green….” It was the start of a poem, one he liked very much and that seemed so very fitting here right then. Rather than speak on himself, he’d enjoy the song and dance of the moment.
Their teasing caused the girl to almost miss a step, the way they spoke 'Gardevoir' had gotta have been illegal, right? A cheeky smile crossed her features as she quickly back back into it, watching herself and piecing over what to say in her head. She had the freedom of anonymity, the freedom of saying whatever, of doing whatever. "Does a Pas De Deux include an adagio~?"
She continued leasing, moving along and softly counting the beats in her head, however she could have died right then and everything would have been find as they leaned closer to her, their voice reverberating through her system- it wasn't a phrase, or a comment about their life... it was a poem. Her contact-ridden eyes gently shut for a moment, enjoy the voice, her movements, the feelings on her skin.
Lovely. That's all Arietta could think. A very, very gently sigh left her lips as her eyes flickered open, "Flowers, how romantic." She had to say something- and that's what she chose?! She could almost slap herself, if she wsn't so busy moving around- and thankfully she didn't have to be embarressed for long. She heard the beat begin to change and her features yet again lit up, and she got up on her tiptoes to get closer to where Mismagius was- Ari was small afterall. "You hear that?"
Her head tilted as she glanced around the room, taking in a few people pairing up and attempting to ignore the staring of a few patrons of the masquerade. Her eyes moved back to meet her partners and a giddy grin smothered her features, she began moving hr hands, wrapping them around the strangers. "Got any more surprises to show me, Mismagius?"
Oh. She was funny too? A giggle escaped from Gabe at the response. “Oh my, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were after my heart.” And she was quickly stealing it, somehow. He promised himself it was just the effect of the spiritual energy in the air and the vibrations of the music, but he’d be lying if he didn’t still feel it. His heart thudded loudly in his ears. How romantic… Yes, yes it was.
As the beat changed again, though, Gabe felt himself pulled into… even more of this silly chaotic romance. Yes, yes he heard it well. But as she moved to clasp his hands differently, Gabe this time clasped hers taking the lead. “Yes… let me show you…” And with that, he pulled her to himself and started the lead steps this time, fluidly moving them both in that signature step. He found himself… wanting to show her all of what he could do… Even as comfortable as he had been following suit, he would take this one dance for himself. “Tell me something….” he murmured her words again. “Anything.”
"Maybe I am?" Came her soft reply to his statement- she was half-joking, at the very least. Drunk off the atmosphere and moment, she'd truly lost herself in the here and now. There was something mysterious about the stranger by her, it was like she was viewing things through a new lens, and she was loving every second of it. She barely had any time to further contemplate as the Mismagious moved and took her hands, taking over the lead she held and turning the duo into a dance that Arietta was more than familiar with. A Waltz.
Arietta welcomed the change in lead with an excited gasp, now this- this was fun! Her eyes practically sparkled as she marveled in the atmosphere, in the music. This stranger was certainly something, and now she had to think even less, letting her body follow in his movements, graceful, floaty and utterly enraptured by everything going on. As their voice called out, capturing her in their very tone she let out a soft hum.
The girl, truthfully, wasn't good at speaking at the spot, she typically ended up rambling and that just... wouldn't fit in with what was going on. Perhaps... lyrics? She knew songs like an encyclapedia, so if she just... focused...Softly her voice carried out, but she wasn't talking, no, she was gently singing- perks of being an idol, singing lessons. "How about something like...Will you share your soul with me?" Her head tilted as she leaned into the stranger's movements, feeling herself moving, "Unzip your skin and let me have a see."
A hand moved up as she further carried herself, focusing on her steps, on where she was going, "Paint me in trust- i'll be your best friend." A soft, teasing smirk rose upon her lips as she carried on, "Call me the one, this night just can't end, mmmm..."
She paused, the lyrics escaping her, "And... something about being human- i'm too mesmerized or whatever by your dancing to remember, honestly- was that something an... enough something?" She felt herself rambling and flushed, Arceus she ruined it, didn't she?
Gabe’s breath caught in his chest. He tried to force it out but found it unmoving. She felt it too— this connection between them. Well of course. How could she not? The air was practically buzzing around them. Against the din of the dance floor, though, her voice came to his ears. It sounded… so familiar, but he couldn’t place why. Of course, just thinking about those words had his chest thudding to a slightly different rhythm. Even as she forgot the rest, he could only smile a bit.
A step, a step. He couldn’t forget they were still moving there, and he was the lead now in this case. Was that something enough? No, not nearly enough, but Gabe wouldn’t say that. Instead, he spoke fluidly, sweetly. “I would gladly… peal apart these layers between us,” he murmur sang. “And dance all through the light and night.” And just as they had started to turn, he couldn’t help but lean forward and press his mask’s lips against hers, his eyes locked on hers. It was for only a second. Kisses like that couldn’t really be deep… but surely there was fire there.
She was sure her small slip up would perhaps ruin the rhythm the two had built up, but instead the dance continued, the timing never once dying down and continuing at a steady pace. The way they were looking at her had her head spinning- or maybe that was just her senses following along with the waltz? Either way, her fumbling was easily drowned out by the strangers words, and for a small moment she could only think about how the stranger was feeling- she wasn't able to see their mouth afterall. Could they be smiling? Frowning?
An outstretch of her leg, a follow-through, she kept her movements steady as she moved her eyes back towards theirs, attempting to read them. She couldn't let herself get lost, get spellbound in such a whimsical environment after such short a time- but the more she watched them the more she found herself falling deeper- there was something warm about their gaze, something that itched at the back of her mind and reminded her of a place once lost.
She'd been so caught up in her own head for a moment she almost missed what was said by the Mismagious infront of her, their words again reminded her of something sugary sweet, delictable, something she can never get tired of hearing, and yet they held a need- for more dancing, for more connection? She felt her cheeks flush as she dance continued, preparing to balance herself for another spin-
Only for the stranger to lean in and capture her in something brief, something that could have been missed if not for the jolt that surged through her heart. It was nothing proper and yet... it felt right. Her eyes practically shimmered as she stared up at the stranger, caught in a moment of wonder and rendered speechless- the sound in her chest being the only thing she could focus on.
Idly finishing the turn she could practically feel the fire on her skin, the soft outtake of breath following her initial surprise. "You gladly would...?" She echoed out, her eyelashes batting as she moved around the stranger, she could feel the songs beat change and yet- she didn't want it to. Not yet. "....Arceus- there's something... like...about you Mismmagius..."
Her thoughts died on her tongue and she continued moving, her thoughts were muddled, what did she do, what did she say? She adjusted how she was again, this time slightly more closed to the stranger, and one of her hands brushed through their hair in order to get a better grip. "...What are words, when how you're currently feeling can be...carried through a touch?"
Gabe felt drunk, oh so pleasantly drunk. For a moment, it felt as if he had completely run away from himself and become someone else entirely. Perhaps somewhere off in another world, he was just a Mismagius dancing with a Gardevoir. How nice. It sounded foolish. It sounded nice. “Something about me?” he murmured. As she drew in close, he found himself doing so in turn. Oh…. The feeling of her hand through his hair was invigorating. His hand shifted on her waist clasping a little more and drawing their bodies closer still. “Your touch is … fantastic….” he breathed.
“You know…. I believe I’m falling for you.” A soft, playful breath escaped from him. It was so easy to say right then. Any other instance, and he was sure he’d have been a little more reserved at least (or treating it much much much more playfully)— but there was a sort of honest sincerity in his heart then. He’d missed this, craved this.
Her heart beat continued at a steady pace of by arceus she shouldn't be feeling this way. Every thump driving the small girl crazy. The strangers soft question didn't need an answer, as the girl before them only grinned wider, a cheshire smile appearing on her face momentarily. Yes. There was something about them. Something strange, something welcoming, something warm- and that left her unable to breathe every so often- she could recognise this feeling from a mile away, but refused to believe such a feeling could be brought on by somebody unknown, somebody who's name was never once uttered- somebody unfamiliar yet so, so familiar to her.
Their distance kept shortening, at this point she was basically flush against them, save for a small pea-sized space. A soft laugh left her as their hand held tighter to her waist, trying to ignore the sparks that cascading through her veins from the spot and shocked her right to the core. Perfect. There was something so perfect about the simplicity of it all. Her finger continued to run through their loose strands of hair until eventually settling on their back. "Oh? Well you a have the touch of a flaffy- soft- welcoming... and utterly electrifying." Another hearty giggle escaped her and she curled in closer to the stranger.
Their next words, breathy, calculated and utterly spur of the moment sucked all sense of rationality from her, leaving her utterly limitless. She continued swaying, her eyes staring up at the stranger, watching, waiting, thinking. Their words, albeit short, and simple, had utterly captured her. "...For a simple stranger? How utterly fantastical~" She craved more until she was left defenseless, before all their words were stamped upon her like a tattoo- was that too much to ask?
Her fingers danced upon their back as she moved back up on her tiptoes, angling her face towards their ear and letting her breath softly fan them for a moment before uttering, "It's funny you say that, darling Mismagious..." Her heart swelled as she was griped by everything going on around her, a soft pause in her speech as she gathered herself. "I first fell in love on a dancefloor, much like this..." A soft giggle left her lips as her fingers moved back up to the strangers hair, gently threading through, "And now, I can safely say... I think i'm falling again- isn't that magical?"
He wanted her to yank. Snap his head back and let him relish a different feeling for that short interval. He wanted to suddenly lift her and carry her off into the sunset if the sun was still out even. Damn…. Either way. Her lips were so close. His eyes closed so he could focus on that voice of hers. Funny? How so— Funny that there was such chemistry between them out of nowhere? Funny that it was at the Halloween gala of all things? Funny that—
Gabe’s heart clenched tight. Yellow eyes flashed open. Suddenly the sense of familiarity was more than familiar. Suddenly he was aware that all those steps had been practiced before. It wasn’t just that they were good dancers— it was… it was.
Suddenly Gabe was pulling back nearly bumping into another set of dancers in the process. He didn’t see them, though, only stared forward. “Ara????” His voice raised, and he was only half-heartedly keeping down the shriek that welled up in him. Suddenly he was pulling down the mask over his face and looking more squarely at her. “Ara are you kidding me?”
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