cambox | subways part 3

[Hilbert is a special kind of cat. Yes.

The Subway ride is pretty short, since Driftveil is fairly close by; they roll into the station sooner rather than later. Ok! Can't miss the stop! Yaaayyyy hometown.

... Oh, come to think of it...] Hey, Emmet? Since Clay works underground a lot... did you guys have to work with him to build the Subway?

No, the subway is actually quite a bit older than that! Clay works with us sometimes on renovations or moving tracks, but the subway itself has been in place for a long time.

Huh. [He nods. Okay, cool beans.] Been around a while, then... So it's just the battling part that's newer?

[Hilbert leads the way through town, still linking his hand with Emmet's. His house is on the other side of town, but it's not too far a walk... ]

[Emmet follows diligently, happy to have a hold of Hilbert's hand all the way through.]

Absolutely! Ingo and I, we were the ones who implimented it! We thought it would increase the subway's popularity and its use!

Say, Driftveil is undergoing a lot of construction, I see!

You thought right, seems like. [And he's glad you did!!]

Yeah.... Clay is setting up an attraction kind of thing, I think. [Hilbert grins a little, sheepishly.] It'll be good, but... right now it's kinda noisy.

Hahah, well, it won't really get less noisy if there'll be a lot of people here. I hope that's not what you're trying to avoid!

It's not people noise I mind, but jackhammers get a little jarring to wake up to, is all. [He laughs a bit.

Let's see.... a left down this road, and.... ]

Over there. [HOUSE IN SIGHT! (Don't freak out.) It's a bit big for only three people, but they have their Pokemon too, so...]

Ah, well! I guess it's time, isn't it?

Mmhmm. Brunch is kind of odd mealtime, but whatever Dad makes is good, so it should be fine. [Hilbert is so unconcerned about this... ...

Even so, he does notice Emmet's sudden apprehension. Hilbert squeezes his hand gently, trying to reassure him. Hey.]

Don't worry about it too much, Emmet. [Gonna be fine. Really.]

I'll do my best...

[Okay no, let's... let's just go. Lead the way, Hilbert, you introduce him pretty please.]

[Don't worry he's got this. Leading the way like nobody's business!

He doesn't bother knocking, just going ahead and opening the door, but he does call out a questioning "Mom?" into the foyer. There isn't an immediate answer, but an older-looking Archeops appears around the corner, happily fluttering toward Hilbert for headpats and then checking out Emmet with equally happy curiosity. Hilbert's father can be heard before he's seen, gently chiding the Archeops. "Don't go bothering them right away, now..."

When he rounds the corner and Archeops relents obediently, he greets his son first with a quick hug and a pat on the shoulder.] Hilbert, welcome back!

[He turns to Emmet next, offering him a handshake and a friendly smile. He looks just as calm as his son-- it's easy to see where Hilbert got it from.] And you must be Emmet. M'name's Blake, nice to meet you.

[Alright, gameface on! Emmet smiles right back, giving Blake a firm handshake in return.]

Yes. I am Emmet. I am a boss of the Battle Subway! It's a pleasure to meet you.

[Firm handshakes, so manly.

Blake welcomes them into the house, chuckling over the mention of the Battle Subway. Ah, yes, the place Hilbert tests himself at! It sounds like quite the facility-- really, he's quite envious that Hilbert has such a place at his disposal during his Trainer years. It's a very commendable setup!

When they enter the dining room, Hilbert's mother looks up from finishing the table setting and beams, coming over to introduce herself as well.] Ah, Emmet! I'm Gwendolyn. Hilbert's said a lot about you...

[Hilbert looks only mildly put out by this, as if he's used to it. He should have warned you, Emmet-- his mother is a gentle tease....]

[...Honestly the teasing doesn't throw him off. Come on, he's best friends with Elesa...]

You must be his mother! It's nice to meet you, ma'am. Though Hilbert didn't warn me about how lovely his mother is!

[It's not necessarily flirting, he's just teasing back. ELESA, YOU TAUGHT HIM WELL. And for all his worrying before, he was doing just fine right now.]

[She titters at his response as she ushers them to the table, pleased.] Well, I'd think he would have better things to talk about than his mother! Right, Hilbert?

[Hilbert rolls with it and just shrugs, focusing instead on making sure he sits next to Emmet. It's hard to get ruffled when there's food in front of him.]

Thanks for brunch, Dad. [can he eat it now. (His father laughs. Yes, yes, you're welcome; and go ahead and eat, he knows you're eager.)]

[Mmm good food! Emmet remembers his manners, putting his napkin in his lap. He removes his gloves, too, just for a better impression.]

Yes, usually our casual conversation involves battling. Your son is one of my very best challengers, after all!

That so? Hey, Hilbert, good for you! [THAT'S HIS BOY. Hilbert smiles in response-- aah, so one-track-minded when it comes to battles.]

Archeops helps a lot. [Referring to his father's Archeops. --Oh, and that reminds him--] Emmet has an Archeops, too.

[(they are a very pro-Archy household, considering that Hilbert uses four of them....])

[Emmet lights up, himself. He's also very fond of Archeops!]

I do! She's a sweetheart, and she's never a sore loser. She's perfect for taking on challengers on the Subway!

Yeah. And they like the same kinds of petting. [Hilbert smiles up at Emmet, recalling the time he'd tried it out on Emmet's Archeops. Blake and Gwendolyn exchange a knowing look.]

They're certainly very cute, aren't they. [She's talking about the Archeops, but... ...] What other kinds of Pokemon do you train, Emmet?

The rest of my party consists of Garbodor, Durant, Galvantula, Crustle, Klinklang, and Eelektross! Though sometimes I share my brother's Excadrill, Haxorus, and Chandelure. My team is, of course, structured around what line and how far into the line the challengers reach!

Oh, you share Pokemon with family members too, then! [Yay, similarities!] And you've fought against all of them, Hilbert?

[He nods.] Some more than others, but.... [Yeah. That sounds about right, huh Emmet?]

He's gotten to know my team's strategy in and out! Even when we switch things up, he's very quick to realize where I turn in the tracks!

Every now and then I still get thrown for a loop, though. [Like just recently. because Luceti.] So I still have a ways to go.

Well, you're certainly over there enough to get it down completely soon! Though I suppose you have more than a one-track mind over there, now.

[MOM........ mmnrrr, finishing off his drink and pretending he didn't get that last bit!! (His father laughs.) ]

Actually, Hilbert has gone above and beyond to be helpful in the Battle Subway. Because of a recent incident with my brother, we nearly closed the Subway - but my son and Hilbert both stepped up to temporarily take our places until Ingo recovers. And he's done an excellent job! He's shown a lot of devotion to the Battle Subway itself, it's wonderful.

Really? [Blake raises his eyebrows in surprise, and both his parents look impressed. (The addition of a son into the equation is an interesting one, however. Well, everything will be explained in time.)]

That's wonderful! I'm proud of you, Hilbert. That was very responsible!

[Aaah, aah, praise from both sides..... and he finished his food oh no what does he do to avoid looking bashful]

I just... wanted to help out how I could, is all.

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