revivalproject | [Open] Where There's Smoke There's Tommy

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[Open] Where There's Smoke There's Tommy

WHO: Tommy Shepherd, You?
WHERE: The open space just south of the Diner
WHAT: Building A Brick Oven
WHEN: Early March
WARNINGS: Explosions possible, which could lead to injuries

I. The Build Phase

This shouldn't be that hard. It was what Tommy told himself as he looked at the materials he'd been gathering for a while now. Some of them were scavenged, some of them were hand made the best he could from a book he'd replicated about construction, some of them were... Well, he'd just got things together, alright? But the goal had been there for a while now, and filled with nervous energy like he was, Tommy needed to be active. To be doing something. To be anchored in the here and now rather than letting his brain run wild.

That was always the danger with being a speedster. The way that his mind worked he could easily mentally live weeks in a few minutes, utterly alone. It was terrifying and in this moment he needed anything but that. So here he was, stacking chunks of rock and packing the space between them with a mixture of wet mud and sand.

"Keep slow," he reminded himself, a mantra whispered under his breath. "Keep slow."

II. The Testing Phase

It had taken nearly a whole week of work for Tommy to get his work done. But hey, there it was, it looked more or less right, and Tommy looked proud at his creation, comparing the details of it to the details of the book he'd been working from.

"Alright, so... This will make Pizza."

Considering it for a moment, Tommy finally nodded and moved to the pile of wood stored by the diner.

Only then did he notice someone approaching.

"Hey! Wanna help me make pizza."

III. Oh, That's A Fire

Shit. SHIT. SHIT!

"It's not supposed to do that," Tommy said to himself, cursing under his breath. Actually, that was getting a bit louder and faster as he started working.

Because there was smoke coming from all the wrong places of his little oven. Which meant everywhere that wasn't the chimney.

"Fuck!" he shouted as fire leapt from the door of the thing.

"Shit fuck," he added creatively as he started picking up handfuls of snow to throw at the flames.

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"Dude, that is insanely irresponsible for people from your world to do," Tommy points out to the kid. "What if you get hurt? What about fucking strange danger?"

And then he turns to Wesker because oh seriously fuck off.

"First of all, it's my building, so fuck the hell off. Second of all, the nearest building to my building is an insane distance away. Thirdly, the thing is twenty feet from the side of the building because I'm fucking cautious because I've spent years taking care of the diner and I'm not losing it over pizza. And finally."

He turns an angry hand toward the smoldering oven. For Ash and Pikachu the hand would seem to blur, but perhaps Wesker's eyes were sharp enough to see it wasn't Tommy's hands, but rather the air around them distorting, much in the way that heat might distort the air, but far more intense.

His anger and annoyance were strong enough in the moment that the power caught quickly, and he found the point of resonance with ease. The thing collapsed inward on itself, shaken apart, before exploding outward as Tommy pushed the molecules to an even higher state of activity. Of course different materials went at different points, so in this case it was all of the water and the remains of the wood that went, meaning it wasn't a full scale explosion. But the force of the steam and water bursting outward did send pieces of the thing flying.

Which of course in turn meant that Tommy, though highly annoyed, had to move around at just short of the speed of sound to knock aside larger pieces to protect those present, and keep things from shooting into the buildings. Yeah, it was not the best choice to have made the thing blow, but he was doing it anyway.

"I've got more than enough ability to serve as a fire break if I'm not trying to salvage what I'm working on," he concluded while the sound of the explosion rang around them and rocks and pieces of dirt and even some burnt bits of dough flew through the air to the ground.

And, just for good measure, Tommy looked to Ash.

"And that's why I wanted you to stand back."

It's weird that this man is so upset by the concept of going on a Pokémon Journey. Truth be told, Ash has been hurt a number of times- falling into Team Rocket's lame pit fall traps doesn't exactly come with a soft landing- but since he usually has his friends to help him out he's never really thought about it. Besides, he's smart enough to figure out how to get himself out of most situations.

"What's Stranger Danger?" He can't help but ask. He has a guess based on the two words alone but he's never needed to be wary of anyone aside from maybe certain leaders of certain criminal organizations. Even so, he can always rely on his Pokémon to protect him.

Ash and Pikachu just glance at each other. Well, the fire's out so maybe now would be a good time to head back to the hotel? Especially since someone seems to need time to calm down.

"Why don't we-" He stops in the middle of addressing his Pokémon when the explosion goes off and instinctively backs up, throwing his hands up to protect his face and Pikachu just in case.

"What was that?" He blinks in surprise. Could everyone here do special things like that?

While Wesker agrees with Tommy's view on the apparent irresponsibility of the adult population of Ash's world and Ash's confusion regarding Stranger Danger in theory being yet another reason for concern, it's the action Tommy takes in his anger that quickly take priority. Hidden behind his mirrored shades, Wesker's eyes narrow. Everyone here seems to be some sort of magician. He is well aware of the impending explosion even before it happens.

Wesker moves about as quickly as Tommy himself, but not entirely with the same intent. While he catches a rock or two in the motion, the man doesn't dart around to deal with potentially harmful projectiles and instead plants himself firmly between Ash and the explosion. A firm wall that tracks Tommy's every movement and yet remains ready to spring into action should that anger be turned anywhere else.

Once the immediate danger has been dealt with and Tommy isn't flying around the space anymore, Wesker's red glowing glare is directed at him yet again. "It doesn't matter whether or not you own anything in this dead city. I signed up with handling security and while you may call some interesting tricks your own, those won't stop me from detaining you should you prove unable to control yourself and pose a danger to those around you." Letting his words sit for a moment, Wesker then finally turns around to Ash and Pikachu. "And we will have a talk about not blindly trusting everyone you meet. Whatever carefree world you're coming from, this one is different. And so are the people living here."

This shouldn't be his job, and yet there is something oddly familiar about this situation. Something to do with reigning in Dr. Birkin's mounting frustration while at the same time teaching the other man's young daughter about proper lab safety when she shouldn't have been brought to said lab in the first place. It's odd how these responsibilities always end up with him...

Okay, Ash, he'll happily teach you about stranger danger, but apparently Resting Cop Poser has decided to be full on pig, and Tommy's always had an issue with those.

"Yeah, no you won't be doing that. I'm doing nothing wrong, and you're NOT in charge of us. Not that you even could detain me."

Jon could. Billy could. This guy? Hardly. Even if it was weird that he was over there by Ash already. Huh. Oh well.

"Danger he calls me, like I haven't spent the last years of my life making sure everyone was fucking fed. If I was going to be a danger, it wouldn't be safe to eat at the diner. So bite me, Cop-face. As for you kid, stranger danger is definitely a lecture you need but I'm a really shit person to give it, so..."

Who could he be most entertaining to unleash on?

"Go ask Tony Stark about it."

"Pika...."

Pikachu does not like how close Wesker has gotten to Ash and growls in warning, little sparks of electricity dancing ominously by his cheeks.

"Pikachu, stop." Ash chides gently at the lightening mouse. He stops sparking and growling but he's still eyeing Wesker like he doesn't trust him. If Tommy tries to get any closer the growling and sparking might start up again.

Things certainly seem to be going in a direction. Apparently neither of the two men get along very well but both seem concerned about the fact he doesn't know about this 'stranger danger' concept. How could he? In his world it's perfectly acceptable and even encouraged to approach someone you don't know and challenge them to a battle. Ash doesn't think that's a bad thing.

If he were anyone else he might have pointed out that he doesn't know Tony Stark which, would in turn, make him a stranger but the irony is, sadly, lost on him and he just looks at Pikachu, the two of them exchanging a look. Should he go or hang around just in case?

"I still don't get what the big deal is, no one here's struck me as bad" Well, except that Wesker assuming Pokémon were a kind of weapon put him on high alert but he has no reason to suspect anything at the moment.

It doesn't necessarily surprise Wesker that he is being underestimated by this young man that by all maens and definition could be a B.O.W. himself. But little does Tommy know that Wesker has ample experience in that field. Petty insults and shows of muscle have little effect on the man behind the dark glasses.

"I don't need to be in charge to take my task of protecting those that can't protect themselves seriously." He comments neutrally. "Meanwhile you're barking insults, challenges and orders yourself in a remarkably oblivious display of self righteousness. Even the irony of sending Ash to seek out a man he may have never encountered is lost to you."

Shaking his head, Wesker makes his point by fully turning his back to Tommy and instead setting his full attention on Ash and his pokemon. The phrase 'No one here's struck me as bad' is an odd one to hear especially since Wesker is right there and could hand the boy a phone book filled with names that would readily disagree with that observation. The boys's odd little pet seems to have more sense if it comes to self preservation at least, even though Wesker has no intentions of harming either. He sighs inwardly.

"Since Mr. Shepherd needs to calm down, I will escort you back to your home. You don't have to talk to me, but do yourself a favor and listen to your electric friend more often. He seems quite capable of recognizing potential danger." By which he is, indeed, referring to Pikachu's reaction to himself. Realistically, any man of Wesker's build and stature could pose a danger to a boy like Ash and Wesker is the last person to claim that he isn't dangerous by any means.

"First rule, kid: people who act like cops aren't your friends."

He glares at Wesker. He's prefer if the man would leave.

"And Tony's safer than you are, Cop-Face."

He just wants the guy to go away. Now. The guy's pissing him off, and he should not be allowed to deal with people when he's pissed off.

There is a lot happening right now and far too much for Ash to really focus on. He knows exactly why Pikachu has been a little over protective lately but that's no one's business but his and his Pokémon's so he doesn't mention anything about it. Besides, that would really drive home the whole point about Ash being too trusting.

What he's mostly concerned about is that these two really, really don't get along. One of them has resorted to name calling and Ash isn't really sure how he feels about that. Aren't these adults that were just talking down to him because he was a kid?

They haven't tried to hurt each other yet so there's no need to bring in a Thunderbolt.

"Hey, I don't think name-calling is gonna calm any situation down." He tries. "If it means that much to you, sure, I'll go find-what was his name again?"

"Don't let him pressure you into anything you are uncertain about." Wesker points out while at the same time looking through his phone.

"I can't say I understand Mr. Shepherd's problem with the police, but the man he mentioned is Tony Stark. Not someone I have personally met, but his most recent appearance on the network included talk about- Gently touching machines." The stop that follows is abrupt and filled with a heavy silence who then slowly, very slowly turns his head back around to cast a look back at Tommy.

He doesn't voice his question, but it's there. What kind of pervert is Tommy trying to send Ash to?

"Maybe I wouldn't be using names if he didn't come over here when I'm having a really fucking bad day, when a project I've been working on all week to give us all some damn treats goes completely wrong, and just accuse me of being a criminal. Like I haven't dedicated twenty-six hours a day, seven days a week, for three and a half years to feeding people here!"

So yeah, he was mad at Wesker. And, frustrated as he was while being unable to properly vent he just went over to the remains of his already departed brick oven and kicked at them a bit. Damn thing was supposed to work. He could have made pizza and breads and so many other things.

Though he has to laugh when Wesker brings up Tony.

"He's a robotics expert. On an impossibly high scale. So yes, if he says he's got a gentle touch with machines, he means he's a miracle worker. So if you've got to build shit here, ask him. He'd appreciate a cop at least, seeing as the only real violence ever done between people here was targeted at him."

The veiled implication completely flies over Ash's head and honestly he's more caught up on the 'twenty-six hours a day' comment because he's fairly certain there are Twenty-four hours in a day. Maybe it's different here?

"Man, crazy to think all this happened because of an accident." Ash mutters, adjusting his cap.

"Pika." Pikachu nods in agreement.

"Why don't we all just take a breath? No one got hurt, so it's fine. Sorry about your project though-I have a friend that's always having his projects blow up on him-but he never gives up, so it it's that important to you, you just have to keep going."

A robotics expert, huh? That’s something to keep in mind.

“A lot of things start with accidents.” Wesker has to agree as he pockets his phone and crosses his arms instead. “But what remains important is that we don’t make our own frustrations the problem of others.”

“Also allow me to clear up some of these assumptions Mr. Shepherd likes to make. First: I am no cop. I worked special tactics and rescue missions. Second: Not everyone here knows what everyone here has been doing during their entire stay here. Just as I know very little about Mr. Shepherd, he knows hardly anything about me. And lastly,” He tilts his head slightly, now rather addressing Tommy himself. “I am very well capable of detaining you if necessary. But I believe that particular assumption is based on the fact that up until now no one here has been able to keep up with your superhuman speed. Is that correct?”

"I'll get it right next time," Tommy tells Ash. "You and your Pika can have pizza when it's fixed."

Clearly Wesker can't. That's the implication. Pizza is too good for him.

"Don't call me that. It's insulting. You can call me Thomas. The kid can call me Tommy. And you can't catch me."

Billy could, Jon could. They have the powers for it. This dude? He's just a cop wannabe.

"Really? You mean it?" Ash is immediately distracted by the idea of food. Pikachu is of a similar mind it seems as both their eyes seem to shine in interest. It's short lived though and Ash looks at Pikachu.

"Pika, Pikachu." Pikachu states and then touches Ash's cheek with his paw. "Pikapi."

"Pikachu says his name is Pikachu." Ash offers. "And my name's Ash. Despite the misunderstanding-it's nice to meet you. But, why do you not like the police? Where I'm from Officer Jenny's always super helpful."

Oh, Wesker understands the implication, but he couldn’t care less. He still makes a mental mark that Tommy apparently likes to abuse his power over the diner to punish people he dislikes for whichever reasons by barring them from accessing basic necessities such as food.

And yet somehow Tommy remains convinced he’s the good guy here. Self-righteous, indeed.

It’s Ash’s reaction that stirs up the lingering tension, leaving Wesker to cast a glance between the boy and the young man that still tries very hard to antagonize him. Even if his behavior has now shifted to a more passive aggressive tone, which Ash appears to be oblivious to, unsurprisingly. Why dd I’d be even bother trying to help this child?

This entire encounter certainly has taken various odd turns. And to think Wesker’s own involvement in any of this is the result of him responding to a call for help. No good deed goes unpunished. He shall keep that in mind.

Without bothering to say another word but with various things to consider, Wesker uses his own inhuman speed to disappear as abruptly as he has initially appeared.

Okay, that was... weird. The guy's gone and Tommy had watched him go, and he hadn't expected that. But he's still pretty sure he's a lot faster than that guy. He's Speed after all.

"Listen," Tommy said, left alone with the kid, "just because you know the one good cop doesn't mean they are all good. A lot of them become cops not to help people, but because it gives them power. Power they abuse. Cops aren't inherently good people."

Ash did notice things were still tense but he was trying to keep things from escalating any further than they already had. And then Wesker just... left. Ash feels a little bad since things certainly didn't go well.

He turns his attention back to Tommy and blinks a moment before something clicks. "Oh! I guess it's different for you, but where we're from there's an Officer Jenny in every town and they're all related to each other in some way- like I'm pretty sure the Jenny in Saffron City is the second cousin of the sister in law of the Jenny in Cerulean City." Ash explained. After a moment he glanced off in the direction Wesker might have left in, it's really difficult to tell since he left so abruptly.

"You know, I really do think he was just tryin' ta help. But he did ask me if Pokémon were weapons and in our experience, people that think like that, never turn out to be good."

"Pika." Pikachu nods in agreement.

"But I don't like to just assume people are up to no good- people can always surprise you."

"So you're saying all law enforcement where you're from is one family? That sounds a bit iffy. I mean, they are good now, but if all power is with one family, it's easy to get corrupted."

Still, Tommy's looking hard at Pikachu now. Interesting. He thinks he likes the thing, especially if seeing it as a weapon means the guy is evil. Tommy already thinks the guy is fucked up.

"A guy that wants to arrest me for trying to improve the food offerings at the diner I have been working hard over for everyone's sake for years wants to arrest me for improper building, I don't trust them. That's someone who is going to throw their authority around in bad ways. I hope he surprises me, but seriously, it's attempted pizza. Never heard that being against the law."

"Maybe, but most of the Officer Jenny's we've met were only patrol officers. We did meet one Detective Jenny but honestly, she was jumping to so many conclusions my head was spinning by the end of it." Ash states as though just thinking about it is making him feel dizzy, Pikachu also looks a little dizzy but shakes it off with a subject change.

"I don't really know how it works, but I do know if things are really bad the gym leaders get called in, and if they're really, really bad then the elite four or the region's champion gets involved." Ash paused to try and think about how exactly law enforcement worked back home. When did the Rangers and the G-men get involved? He must be missing some steps.

"Anyway, I think he was more concerned that you seemed to be losing your temper than anything else." He supplies helpfully. "And hey, if you two had never met before, how was he supposed to know all you've done to keep everyone fed?"

Yeah, Tommy still thinks that is suspicious.

"Maybe people in your world are just nice. And it's not all ACAB all the time."

No he isn't explaining ACAB.

"Back home with things go wrong it's people like me that deal with it. We're superheroes. We protect people. And I hadn't even begun to lose my temper until he got high and mighty."

As for the food thing, he rolls his eyes.

"Not my fault he decided to declare himself the law and not learn about people."

He MIGHT have asked about what ACAB was but he is a ten year old boy and Tommy just so happened to tell him something he finds really exciting.

"Whoa! Really? A Super Hero? That's so amazing!"

"Pikachu!?" Ash's and Pikachu's eyes seem to sparkle with excitement at that admission.

"Pikachu and I have met a couple of super heroes before but they didn't actually have powers since humans just don't have them where I'm from. Well, except for the Aura Adept, I guess but there's only one Aura Guardian Left and he's off on a journey somewhere." Ash is, of course, neglecting to mention that he is Aura Adept, but since he's not a Guardian and never will be, he's not technically lying when he says there's only one left.

However, Pikachu does give his trainer a quick glance and rubs against his cheek as a means of comfort.

Woah, that was not what he was expecting and he likes it. Tommy smiles at seeing it. Not that he gets what an Aura Adept is. Sounds like a mage.

"Yeah. I had a team and everything. I go by Speed. Even got my uniform here and everything. My brother Billy and me, we were on a team together. That's also why I know you can trust Tony. He's a super hero too, has been for a really long time. He's called Iron Man. He's pretty cool, for an old guy."

Ash isn't the best one to explain Aura anyway, he knows it's the life force everyone has and he knows exactly what happens when you channel too much of it at once. It's not something he really likes to think about.

"That's so cool!" He's still excited to hear all about Tommy's super hero life and team. "But wait, I thought super heroes didn't like for other people to know their real identity."

That's fair. It's not like Tommy would get it either. It's fine not to have answers.

"Dude, you see my hair, right? It's rare. Rare enough that everyone would figure out who I am."

"Is it? It doesn't look that rare to me." Ash frowns and then looks at Pikachu who offers a small shrug of its shoulder.

"Pika." He voices.

"Although, I guess I never really thought about it. Hair's just not something I think about much." Clearly from the mess of untidiness tucked under his cap.

[Open] Where There's Smoke There's Tommy

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