#cruisearccomic

Caris commands forward, "ARMALDO! Free that ancient Pokemon! IRON TAIL!" Armaldo winds up, tail glowing and metallic as it prepares a powerful swing of its tail. The background is streaks of color, inspired by the pokemon anime

Armaldo's tail shatters the glass, red Genesect roaring and whirring to life as it leaps upwards from the tube it was contained in. Shards of glass show Caris, Colress, Joseph Stone, and the shocked, scrambling crowd

Colress bends down to check on Genesect, Caris walking the bow of the cruise ship with wig in hand. They stop and face where the onlookers seats were. Scowling down at the crowd, they yell for their target: "JOSEPH STONE!" Shattered behind glass, their younger self with a horrified expression. A band-aid lays over the broken ego. This revenge cannot undo the past, but may still heal. Colress looks back, climbing genesect's flying form. They wait hovering over the water on the side of the ship

6/? #cruisearccomic

10:00pm, SHOWTIME Colress is on a podium onstage the cruise ship, giving a foreword beside the red Genesect, which is wired, but deactivated in a tube for all to see. Colress: I must give my thanks to Mr. Stone, for hosting this event. Bringing lovers of science together. While not lead researcher, I do have some personal history with this specimen. Designed as a Team Plasma weapon, but also a perfect display of the intersection where the past and future lie. Devon's own fossil revival department showcases the same relationship, the brightest minds revealing that looking at prehistory can allow us to deepen our bonds with the present.

Caris sneaks behind the crowd, around to the back of the stage Colress is speaking on. They let Armaldo out of its pokeball in preparation. Colress: Doors to answers I've worked my life for have been cracked wide open, but as I'm sure you all know well, the journey for knowledge is never ending. Who you work beside...it sets your sights even higher, right?

He reaches in his inner-jacket pocket Colress: It's been so, very eye opening, this cruise. I ought to take my leave now- Pulling out a remote and pressing the button, Genesect awakens Colress: GOODBYE!

5/? #cruisearccomic

7:00 pm, 3 hours to go. The cruise ship ballroom is bustling again, couples dancing together inside, while Colress and Caris skip the crowd dancing on deck instead. A shadow exits the room, heading outside where they are. He says "Ah, Mr. Achroma, there you are." It's Joseph Stone, head of the Devon corporation, and also organizer of this scientist cruise event. Caris's face darkens seeing him again. Joseph: Just the man I was looking for! May we chat a moment?

Colress: What is it? Joseph: I was thinking... before the unveiling, could you give a bit of a preamble? I know you have some history with this specimen... Colress: You came to the right place! I'd be thrilled to. The two continue to talk, Caris staring in frozen shock, veins turning cold. They vividly recall the moment they were terminated, remembering snippets of Joseph yelling for them to clear their desk, get out of their office. Their ears ring, heart rate rising...

Colress leans, steps forward in front of Caris. They snap out of it,looking relieved. Joseph: So, do we have a deal? No worries or grievance for its arrangement? Colress: Worry not, Mr.Stone! His expression is intimidating under his cheery exterior. Colress: I want nothing, but the very best, for that Genesect. Joseph tips his hat: I appreciate your cooperation then. See you tonight. He walks away into the ballroom again. Caris turns to harshly whisper to Colress. Caris: Hey! Is this really okay!? Colress: Absolutely. In fact, may be even better than we planned.

4/? #cruisearccomic

Caris: Woooow, haha. Sure do LOVE small talk! I'm psyched! ha.... Colress: Caris. (Their attention is pulled from stress for a moment) Colress: Don't worry! I was thinking...

"...we could skip the crowd?" They're shocked, but relieved to not have to repeat the painful socializing of the previous night. They reach past his extended hand, and instead yank him by the wrist onward. Caris: Why didn't you say so sooner!? How sweet! Back to business! The two head to the deck instead of the ballroom

Caris: Look at us! We don't need bosses! Ghetsis and Joseph can kiss with tongue for all I care! Colress: Wow! I really didn't need that mental image! The pair dance and twirl, carefree and alone on the ship deck. Colress: ...Caris? Caris: Yes? Colress: I always preferred research solo, but...I look forward to your Genesect research. There must be more answers to uncover, not being alone. Caris: Oh? I really misjudged you, Genius. Don't get ahead of yourself now, you haven't seen everything I'm capable of yet!

3/? #cruisearccomic

Caris: "Okay, just one more outing. (I hate crowds!) Just one more Monica appearance, and in hours, I RUIN Joseph Stone's day!", Caris laughs abundantly Colress: "Monica? (And don't forget the Genesect!)" Caris: "Monica Achroma. Even a wife for a weekend needs a name! Now, before we go..."

Caris: "Sweetheart! C'mere!" Colress is stunned in flustered confusion. Caris runs past him towards their Anorith instead, kissing her forehead. Colress: "Oh! Okay!" Caris, to anorith: "Just a little while in the ball, sweetie. You're so cute! Yes you are!" Colress: "Shall we get going...?"

2/? #cruisearccomic

A groggy morning on the ship, the last needed before meeting their goal, Armaldo is awakened by the scent of Colress making coffee. His steps thud, approaching like an expectant puppy, staring. Colress: Early riser, huh? Earlier than your trainer! He laughs and points at the old shrimp Pokemon, startled by groaning nearby.

It’s just Caris, who awakes ungracefully. Caris: He’s hungry. I feed my Pokemon when I make Coffee. Colress: Oh! Ok! Not a morning person?

The duo’s Pokemon have a breakfast on their own while they sit outside on their rooms balcony. Caris: …Thanks. For coffee. Colress: No need to thank me, I did it because I wanted to!

START OF ACT 2 - started jan 2024 - part 1/?
#cruisearccomic

chibi drawings of Colress in his alola outfit sitting on top of magnezone with a wink, and pokemon oc Caris affectionately hugging a shiny anorith with hearts beside them. text reads "END OF ACT 1, but the show goes on!"

END OF ACT 1 - thank you if you read it!! its fun seeing my art evolve a lot in between pages #cruisearccomic

Colress: Did I ever tell you? The Genesect I befriended was a red one. I suspect that’s the one they’ll display tomorrow. Caris: Ohh, a shiny, huh? Now you’re speaking my language! Ohh… That makes it likely the fossil Pokemon within is shiny too…Poor thing!

Colress: What are your plans with Genesect? Caris: Why, study the prehistoric Pokemon! Once I understand its needs, I can give it upmost care! Colress: Humor me, what strengthens a fossil Pokemon more? Your scientific research and revival process, or, your unwavering bond with them? Caris: How foolish! My research is my love for them! Meeting their needs, finding their strengths, appreciating them outside of a time of their own, this maxes out the potential you seek! Colress: I see, I always found it ideal that bonds are the beacon towards power…You must be very kind. Caris: HEY!!

Colress: Checking the ship’s itinerary, they’ll unveil the Genesect at sundown. 24 hours from now, the Paleozoic Pokemon will be ours. That is, as long as you don’t run off on your own with it- Caris: HA! You said we’re seeing this through as a team, didn’t you? Keep your end of the bargain, Genius. G'night.

6/6 #cruisearccomic

Caris, appalled: ONE BED!? Colress: You just noticed? In fossil themed pajamas, they flop into bed. Their long hair takes up the entire other side of it, though. Contently, they wish a snarky “Goodnight!” Colress: HEY!! You’re taking the whole bed!? Couldn’t you at least tie it up? Caris: Too tired. Colress: Shall I do it for you?

They take the offer, the two chatting while Caris’s hair is braided. They’re left being reminded of Fen in this new style, thinking ”I look like that damn Professor now…”

Afterwards the two sit on the edge of the bed, but Caris now notices Colress’s scarred, rarely ungloved hands. They insist, “Hey. What happened?” Colress: Oh, these? Haha…Frostbites, other work related wear and tear. It’s kind of funny…Even after all this, I still consider Kyurem and Genesect friends of mine. Caris inspects the scarring carefully, then sitting back with a smug expression. Caris: A friend? After all their pain? Surely they’d laugh. Colress: You aren’t wrong. It’s selfish of me. But, I’d like to think we have some sort of bond, ideally.

5/6 #cruisearccomic

Colress: What’s the matter? Caris, exhausted: Just these heels killing me… Colress: Oh! I planned for just such things! here-…Metang! Mind giving them a lift? Metang is summoned out of its Ultra Ball. After all, why wouldn’t one be prepared with a Pokemon getaway ride during an incognito mission?

The iron claw Pokemon backs up, scooping Caris up as a floating seat. Visibly flustered, they pull out a Friend Ball of their own. Caris: Hmph! Well, it’s only fair if I do the same! Archeops! Colress interjects with a concerned “Wait-” Caris: He carries me all the time! Don’t worry! Carried by the scruff of his coat by Archeops, and Caris floating rather lavishly, they’re both whooshed off to their shared cabin.

4/6 #cruisearccomic

Caris: I’m just taking in the view. Colress: Come on, be honest with me. Caris and sighs, lamenting: I’m getting the idea I was never cut out for this, being some big time scientist. The crowds, events, it’s like I’m not made for the appreciation I feel I missed out on. Colress: Well, you aren’t alone there, this kind of environment is not my preference- Caris angrily interjects: You make it look easy! Colress: S-Still! There’s a reason I gave this up for an any means necessary approach. Caris playfully punches the other in the back, whining Caris: Least you can do is not abandon me then!! Colress, teasing: Teehee! I didn’t know you liked my company so much!~ Caris: It’s not that!!

Caris: It’s just…You’re the only one I can say respects me. You get me. They’re lit by the moon over the ocean, smiling genuinely. Colress is briefly stunned by such sincerity… Colress: Well, I truly apologize. I’ll be sure we see this through as more of a team. Would dinner make it up to you? Caris: Sure. (We need to anyway?)

Cruise ship attendees begin ending their Saturday in a luxury golden dining hall. Caris: So, anything else special happen while you were chatting up the whole ballroom? Colress, thinking: Well…I did run into someone from Opelucid City…No need to give me such a cold shoulder! Caris: Pfft-! Ahaha…

They explode into louder, robust laughter, pounding the table and flipping a wrist. Caris: AHAHA…You almost got those people KILLED! AHAHAHAHAHA! They continue cackling, Cilan, a waiter on the ship, leans in concerned. “Um, sir-” He’s cut off by Colress, who’s grinning with fascination and amusement. “One moment.”

3/6 #cruisearccomic

Wattson: You there boy! I’ve seen you before! Colress, internally panicking: (uh oh, uh oh…) Wattson: The world tournament! You use steel types, right? Colress: Right, yes. (Do not know me for anything else.) Wattson: Mind tellin’ me what;s best for polishing Magneton? Electric’s more my forte… Colress: Oh! Of course! I made a machine for it, but you could also buy…(trails off)

Fennel, off screen: E-Excuse me? (Caris is caught completely off guard) Fennel: Your hair’s so pretty! Caris: Hah? I don’t do much to it… (My actual hair’s a lot like yours, actually…) Fennel, beaming: There must be a secret! How do you maintain such length so effortlessly!? Wicke, joining the conversation: Wooow, really?? Great volume too… (The two are absorbed into small talk from sunset to dusk)

Watson: (He elbows Colress playfully) So, boy, how’s the wife? Colress: (tapping his fingers shyly, surprised at the question) M-My wife? Ah, um, well… After a glance, Caris is spotted through a window across the ballroom. They’re leaning on the railing outside on the cruise ship. There’s a hard divide between the bustling golden interior, and lonely blue exterior. Colress, waving and on his way out: You’ll have to excuse me, thank you again for your time! Watson: Of course! (him and his wife wave, thinking “young love…” to themselves) Colress meets Caris out on the rails. Colress: Are you alright? Caris: Me? What about you?

The two sigh and exclaim “UGH! The night so far!”, then complain simultaneously: Caris: Those ladies are so kind, but I’m so out of my element…Can’t you ask me about rock types!? Colress: I’m happy to oblige, but Mr.Watson asks a LOT of questions…Even I tire of talking about steel types! Colress: I see we’re fairing similarly. That can’t be all that’s making you look so gloomy though, is it? Caris: Hm? Me? I’m fine.

2/6 #cruisearccomic

Cruise flyer: Are you and/or your beloved in the sciences? Enjoy an invitation to our exclusive couple’s cruise! *Featuring a display Genesect specimen!* Colress: *Unbelievable!* After everything I do? My life’s work turned into a mere attraction? That was one step closer to the truth of the pinnacle of a Pokemon’s power, and yet I’m disrespected- (ramble) I need it back! Caris: *Poor thing!* Oh, how scary it must be! To be 300 million years old, suddenly revived, and then suited with a ton of unnatural armor! How cruel! (ramble) It needs to be freed! SHARED GOAL + “COUPLE’S CRUISE” = ?

Caris: /Great/. An event teeming with people who don’t want to see me. Maybe if I was unrecognizable…HA! This’ll do! Heh, my first fancy event. Undercover to laugh in their faces? I don’t think I’d wanna spend it any other way! Colress, too fascinated by their resemblance to Kyurem White: GAH!? Before…(they looked like shiny Genesect), After…!? (They look like Kyurem)

SATURDAY: A group shot of a cruise ship's ballroom, a full crowd and golden lighting. Caris and Colress stand at the entrance, Caris commenting "Pretty lively, huh?"

1/6 #cruisearccomic

CRUISE ARC THREAD 🌐🦐🛳️ - #ocxcanon #pokemon #cruisearccomic - started may 2022
2 odd scientists find themselves posing as a married couple for a weekend to pull off a heist of a rare Genesect!
part art experiment, part character exploration