@starryskied asked: " Would you and your Zoroark like to join me for a picnic? A certain Eevee decided I was working too hard... and thus..." Astesia trailed off, a hand gesticulating at the fox-like Pokémon perched atop her ground-based telescope. Really. There was work to be done, and reports that needed to be filled! " I was kicked off. "

Nothing like dealing with a bit of sassy attitude from her future companion.

He really hadn't meant to laugh at the sight of Astesia's Eevee deciding on its own that she needed a break. Truly! But...The sight of such a small Pokemon claiming an entire telescope for the sole purpose of making its Trainer take needed breaks was just...Oh, it simply caught N off guard, and he'd let out a most unbecoming chuckle for it.

But...He'd quickly compose himself, coughing a bit before a few more chuckles fled his lips, unbidden. He would definitely make this up to his Liberi companion later.

"H-Hahaha...Haha...I-I apologize, Ms. Astesia. I-I don't mean to laugh, but...Your Eevee looks quite content in its success! But...T-To answer your question, we would love to. Give me a moment to release Zoroark from its Poké Ball, and we'll be ready."

A moment's pause, before N pulled a red and white sphere off of his belt. It would only take a moment for him to enlarge it with the press of a solitary button on the front, before chucking it upwards to release his close friend.

"Grrrrwwwff..."

At first, the Illusion Fox Pokémon had believed he was going to get to battle as he materialized from the released light, his eyes narrowed and claws primed to strike as a warning for any threats to back down escaped his throat...Until a glance at his Lord N told him everything he needed to know, a quiet huff escaping the vulpine Pokémon as he crossed its arms and relaxed. Right, so he didn't need to battle...But, to go on a picnic, as had been explained to it after settling down?

His Lord N certainly did indulge in some flights of fancy, didn't he...? Not that he cared, so long as he was genuinely happy. For a moment, it glanced to the Eevee, before letting out another, more relaxed growl at N and opting to curl up next to his friend's feet.

"Right, I'll let her know...Zoroark says that he apologizes if he startled you at first. He prefers battling, so he likes to keep his guard up. But, I couldn't ask for a more reliable friend, Ms. Astesia. His Ability can even be used to misdirect enemy Pokemon into using Psychic-type Moves on him, if he takes the right disguise...But, he's amenable to the idea of a picnic."

Also, did you know off the top of your head or did you have to scroll back a ton on your calendar?

@blastburned asked: ⭐: What would their type specialty be? If they already got one, what is it and could think of another type they like using a lot?

I'm terribly sorry for the wait! I needed to feed my dog, and then I had a phone call to take...But, let me get back on topic before I derail!

N actually doesn't have a type specialty, considering the sheer variety of Pokémon he's raised. But, if he had to pick a Type to eventually specialize in, it might be a toss-up between Dragon- (to honor his time with the Legendary Pokémon, whose wisdom gave him much to contemplate) or Dark-types (Due to being so closely associated with the Zorua line at his own discretion).

Speaking of...Today is World Pasta Day.

I am going to enjoy today greatly as a pasta lover.

@skullkxd asked: If your muse was a Pokemon, what would they be?

That would definitely have to be a Zorua...And not just as a nod to the theories I've heard sometimes regarding N actually being a Zoroark. I personally feel like the Zorua line would just be the perfect fit for him...That, and I just really like it anyway, to be quite honest.

@jcurneysend asked: ⚽: Not everyone cares about battles, do your muse and their Pokemon do other activities? (ex. contests) ��: Do they have a "ace Pokemon"? If so what is? If not, what Pokemon you think fits that role the best?

Not particularly! N has briefly entertained giving the Musical in Nimbasa a try, but he decided against it because it looked like it might be difficult to actually stand out in. That, and he didn't have a Prop Case to call his own. He does, however, like to camp with his Pokémon! He even know how to safely light a fire, and what to look for as kindling...Though, he also has his Pokémon friends lend a hand, too.

As far as having an Ace goes...His was, originally, the Legendary Pokémon, but after surrendering it, that role would likely fall to his Zoroark due to the rapport he shares with it. That, and it does happen to have plenty of coverage moves (and Retaliate)...Even if Focus Blast isn't the most reliable Move.

Pokemon Asks

Is your muse from Pokemon, got a OC, a AU, or just want to answer some for fun? Here are some asks for you!

If you can't use emojis, send the whole question.

⭐: What would their type specialty be? If they already got one, what is it and could think of another type they like using a lot?

💼: Being a trainer doesn't pay all the bills! Does your muse have another job or role?

😈: Is your muse a criminal? Are they part of a evil organization or doing their own thing? If not, what team you can see them joining?

⚽: Not everyone cares about battles, do your muse and their Pokemon do other activities? (ex. contests)

💪: Do they have a "ace Pokemon"? If so what is? If not, what Pokemon you think fits that role the best?

👊: Are they part of the Pokemon League (ex.gym leaders, Elite Four)? If so what is their role? If not, what could you see them being in a Pokemon League?

🐻: If your muse was a Pokemon, what would they be?

Astesia certainly looked surprised as their guest of honor had emerged from the grass. If N had to hazard a guess, she probably hadn't expected things to go this well...But, he didn't want to assume overmuch, either, so he would leave it there. More importantly, the Eevee seemed to pick up right away that he could hear their Voice...That would make this easier.

Though...He hadn't expected it to do a dive into the pile of Oran Berries face-first, as comical as the sight might have been. And, of course, even as pointed as it was, Astesia did have a fair question. If this was to be her first Pokémon, then it only made sense that she would want to know how to care for it.

Fortunately, N was all too happy to offer his insight. After all, he was getting to witness the potential union between Pokemon and Trainer right before his very eyes! He could hardly deny his excitement, truth be told.

"That depends on both the species and the individual, I'm afraid. Some species of Pokémon, like Munchlax, are known for being gluttonous...While even a Pokémon like Eevee can be gluttonous if it has a predisposition for it. Their tendencies even affect how they battle, to a small degree. For example, a Pokémon that loves to run might be faster than others of its species, or one that loves to eat might be able to take more hits, even if it might not be more durable. I get the feeling this Eevee might be of the latter, though...It might not hurt to have it taken to a Pokemon Center later, either. Learning what Moves it has will benefit you if you ever find yourself in a situation that demands you battle. As far as a sandwich goes, though, as long as the ingredients are all natural, it should be fine. I recall the Paldea region is rather big on sandwiches, if my research is correct...But, I have plenty of food I can share, too. I have to be prepared to spend days on the road at a time, after all, with all of the traveling I do."

❝ ....!! ❞

An Eevee? It was truly an Eevee in the flesh and blood. She couldn't believe her own eyes. Or actually, she could. Eyes are the so called windows into the inner soul. How truthful is that? Can she trust that her eyes aren't deceiving her? The astrologist cants her head slightly, chest rising and falling in rapid succession.

Breath withheld, the Liberi kneels instinctively onto her knees, arranging the satin fabric of her gossamer skirt as she settles in place. Perhaps the Pokémon would feel more at ease if Astesia and N made themselves diminutive in stature, and less threatening. But she remains deathly silent besides her companion, cerulean irises flickering back and forth.

Hungry. The Eevee emerged further into the open, steps tentative. Will hunger win over instinct? Or would the instinctual desire to flee overpower it? An ear swivels, N's gentle voice catching its undivided attention. Oh?! Someone who understood them? A true rarity, indeed. This brand new discovery enticed Eevee closer and closer, until the Pokémon stood less than an inch from the Oran berry pile.

Another quick sniff, followed by a sudden face-first dive into the berries. Seems the Eevee possessed some... gluttonous tendencies.

❝ Well... Mr. N... Color me impressed. Also.... would you kindly enlighten me on how much a Pokémon eats? ❞ Astesia mutters pointedly, as she reaches into her satchel. There isn't much in the form of edible food, but perhaps a sandwich would do? Maybe. To sacrifice her lunch for a chance at befriending an Eevee. ❝ You think Eevee will accept a sandwich? It's all I have on me, unfortunately. ❞

Hello, hello!

...I might have gotten sidetracked by watching YouTube after waking up, ahaha...I think I have one or two drafts to do, but after that, I might look for an ask meme or something? Or put out a small plotting/starter call...I haven't really decided yet.

I hope everyone's doing alright, though!

N could hardly blame Chatot's explanation on the Guild's typical stance on interfering with the business of other continents. It was reasonable enough, at least on the surface, and reminded him of how different regions would have their own ways of approaching certain things. And, as a bonus, he'd been directed to the Guildmaster!

Though...That almost pleading expression was very much hard to ignore. He had said that he'd come to offer his assistance, after all...And besides, apprenticing with the Guild could provide much-needed insight into the ways of this world. N doubted very highly that it would be easy, but...

...It would be worth the opportunity to help others in need.

"...As it happens, I was just thinking that working with the Guild could help me better understand the situation. You see, I come from...Very far away, and happen to be ignorant of how this continent does things. So...If there is room for me to help those in need and learn, then I ask for permission to join the Guild and do my part to help. I believe now is as good a time to introduce myself as any, though. My name is N."

“Hmmmm…” Chatot said, putting a wing to their beak. “Truth be told, we try our best to stay out of other continents’ affairs, but this is a special situation. The Guildmaster’s quarters is right behind me.”

“Though if you wish to apprentice with our guild, that’s not mutually exclusive!” Chatot added, an almost pleading look in their eyes.

"The fact they mean well is more than enough, though...I would have thought Beheeyem's Psychic powers might prove to be useful if it weren't for the fact that I don't recall their species being able to learn Hypnosis to actually help put you to sleep... I apologize, the only other Pokemon I can think of that could help are those that can either learn a Sleep-inducing Move, like Yawn, or the Munna line native to the Dreamyard near Striaton City. I did recall hearing that a Musharna had been sighted there long ago, too, speaking of...Though, I don't know what became of it. Either way, it may not hurt to consider."

N didn't seem too surprised, all things considered. Togedemaru's small size probably didn't lend itself too well to trying to help others sleep...That, and its Electric abilities probably couldn't help much either. But, the fact that it had still tried to help its Trainer was beyond commendable, and deserved to be respected in N's opinion.

Though...N did regret that he couldn't offer any real advice beyond, coincidentally, proposing that Colress go and capture a Munna or Musharna. It was, all things considered, simply the most standout example that came to mind of a Pokemon that could help Colress get more sleep.

"Beheeyem and Togedemaru have tried to help."

The rest of his Pokemon would definitely struggle to help. It was one of the downsides of training steel types and mostly object-Pokemon.

Hm. Maybe he should catch a Munna? He recalls hearing they don't make much of a mess.

"Beheeyem gets a bit farther than Togedemaru, since.." Yeah, he's not mentioning Lucian right now. "..I don't need to worry about accidentally crushing him."

"Hmm...That does sound quite inconvenient, doesn't it? Have you asked your Pokémon if they would be willing to lend you a hand in helping you sleep? I know that whenever I have trouble sleeping, I tend to ask my companions for help...Though, now that I've actually said it, I realize that might not actually be applicable for everyone..."

The important thing was that N had tried, in the end. But...He did genuinely feel like that must be rather...Difficult to deal with, at the best of times. Even if he couldn't understand how it felt to lose that much sleep normally, he at least wanted to try being helpful on the topic, regardless.

"I do agree." He admits with a sigh.

The grand total of 2 hours he got last night wasn't from lack of trying. That damn Yamask just won't escape his mind. Curses aren't real.

"Though it's not something I have much control over. Even if I'm actively trying to sleep, it somehow finds a way to evade me."

He even lied down in his actual bed last night, rather than the cot Beheeyem dragged into the lab, or simply passing out slumped over his work.

"...The fact that you can say that with such a face is...More than a little concerning, I admit, Colress. I'd think it would still be agonizing, though..."

N would likely be even more concerned if he ever heard about the "literally clinically dead" part, admittedly.

"The first time it wasn't so bad."

That's because he was literally clinically dead.

"I believe I'll take your word for it...But, please, I insist that you try to get more sleep, at least. I'd think it would be inconvenient to your work if you fell ill with something due to a lack of restful sleep, wouldn't you agree?"

It was...Probably for the best that Colress didn't tell N about that. Either way, he seemed content to take the other's word for it, concern about his sleeping habits notwithstanding.

"It absolutely would be. Trust me."

Even with the nerve damage, it was still excruciating to saw his own leg off. Not that N needs to know that. Not that anyone needs to know about his cybernetics.

"And I don't think any variant of myself gets enough sleep."

"...That would, absolutely, be just a touch too far though? Even if you have expertise in cybernetic technology, would the process of cutting your own leg off not be an excruciatingly painful one?"

"don't worry Lord N, I'm simply wondering wether or not cutting my other leg for the bit wouldbe too far."

@cryogenic-achromatic said: “Probably.”

"I'm...Actually more than a little concerned, if I may be honest. Has he had enough sleep? And...Would the process not be excruciatingly painful to undergo?"

"...Sh-Should I be concerned by whatever Colress is...Erm, discussing?"