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Post by DataNinja on Oct 5, 2023 0:13:45 GMT
"I... do have to hide what makes me, me, though," he says, quietly. "Regardless of whether I'm moving or not. I need to keep what I am hidden, except from my family and a few others. But, you're right, it does make it hard to settle down. The longer I was at Charm School, the worse it felt to basically have to lie to everyone about where I came from. It... it was nice to be treated like a person, but it just felt... dishonest. And it would have made things so much easier to explain. ...well, I guess only if they believed me. Otherwise it would be a lot harder to explain."
He tilts his head at her suggestion. "Are you sure? Since I know you said it might be taken the wrong way while stuff is all... like it is," He makes a vague gesture around at the city. "Maybe it would be better to try and find those master tradesmans or whatever it was that you said might be in Pryce's city before we do? So as not to risk making things worse and all. Though, you're probably a better judge of the people here. And what the city needs. I've been here in total less than a week, after all."
"I guess," he ventures, "we could try and do both? We could see about getting some help for at least the Radio Tower, while you work on arranging things for here? Or something? I don't know, this is all... a lot."
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Post by Robot on Nov 3, 2023 18:54:14 GMT
"We make it a celebration for all of Johto, not just Goldenrod. A day of unity. People from all walks banding together for a common good. Goldenrod is the hub of this region, and it's having a really rough time. If you send out invites, both personal and general, and center your recreational events around the rebuilding, I don't see why it would cause any social fauxpas. You might even attract the craftsmen you are looking for." Patience offered helpfully, her face coloring as Em gave her an appreciative smile and a gentle backrub.
"I think that's a stellar idea." Em piped up. Whitney nodded her agreement and echoed Em's sentiment. "I think that's settled then, I will get the word out. We'll see where it all goes from here."
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 3, 2023 23:45:41 GMT
"You really did get all the brains in the family," Thel says, lightly laughing. "I should clearly just leave the problem solving to you from now on. Since that's a way better idea than what I was thinking."
"It reminds me of what Lysandre was saying," he muses, after a bit of thought. "That he felt that people were ultimately selfish. But... throughout all of this, I've seen the opposite. People have come together when times are tough. When nobody knew what was going on. People were scared - I know I sure was - but they kept trying. And I think they'll continue to do so."
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Post by Robot on Nov 4, 2023 9:24:21 GMT
"It's... those in positions of power." Em says with a hint of self consciousness, holding herself. The statement causes Whitney to look up with a confused expression on her face while Thel's fiancee continued in a very soft and somewhat mournful tone. "To have power, you have to take it, or be given it. While the gym leaders took theirs, it was earned. They made their teams of Pokemon and attained a pinnacle of strength with their partners that was recognized by the community. It is very direct and fairly honest from what I've experienced so far. A deep breath cut too short, before she looked up at Thel. "In business, shrewdness and cutthroat practices are what bring the highest tier of return. The powerful few can upset the balance of the entire world, by having a difficult past or believing too strongly in a given goal. Legendary Pokemon and the people capable of wielding them see to that. Team Rainbow Rocket is evidence of that, and it's hard to dissuade someone when an entire society is built around the idea that the strong make the rules."
Gesturing weakly to Whitney, she repeats softly. "The strong make the rules."
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 4, 2023 19:11:42 GMT
"...I guess that sort of thing is true, yeah," Thel says, nodding. "And it works so long as nobody goes out of their way to upset the balance of the world. So long as nobody goes looking for the power to upset it. But clearly that doesn't always work. Somebody searched for when power did force its way. And then brought those people here to do it again."
"I suppose that's why Lysandre didn't necessarily believe things could be different. That power had to be used in the way it was. Because he would have only been brought here if they couldn't have been different, because that's what led to him being where he was... maybe, I don't know. Thinking about other dimensions and other versions of selves and whatnot makes my head hurt." He sighs. "I do sometimes wonder, though... if there are other versions of me - of us, really - that are out there and also human. Or if we're the only ones that it happened to, because it required multiple worlds or whatever. I try not to think about it too much, because it's a bit of a lonely feeling."
He shakes his head, moving on from his digression. "...was all of this inevitable at some point? When the wrong person gained the right strength and made the wrong rules? Did Rainbow Rocket just speed it up? It's... not something that I'd like to think about. But I guess what you don't want to think about is probably worth thinking."
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Post by Robot on Nov 17, 2023 21:35:33 GMT
"I like to think that people will ultimately do what's right over what is self serving, but I've been wrong before." Whitney heaved a sigh, the tension seeming to leave her with the sound and when she finished straightening her eyes were bright, clear, and proud. "Idealism will carry us through the harsh truths of the world, because we're young. It's something I can believe in. That hope matters. Come on, better we get off the doom and gloom ride before it gets too rocky."
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 18, 2023 0:53:30 GMT
"...yes, it is a sort of idealism to push through like this, no matter what, isn't it?" Thel muses. "I met... well, sort-of-met, I guess, someone who felt much the same. He gave me this pendant." He gestures to the item in question, with its looping 'Ideals.' "In fact, I was rather hoping to see if I could find him... which is what made me first think of looking for a carnival."
"And, yeah, I agree," he nods. "I don't feel like dwelling on things will ever help. It's better to try and fail than to just sit around worrying things will go wrong."
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Post by Robot on Nov 26, 2023 18:14:19 GMT
"Sounds like a keeper as friends go." Whitney chewed her lower lip. "Might not hurt to have somebody check in on Pryce or Clair. Things have been quiet up that way for a bit. Same goes for Professor Elm." Whitney rolled her eyes to one side. "Don't suppose... I could convince you two to go as just... Pokemon Trainers looking for a casual battle, to a few of the gyms we don't hear from much? It'd give us some time to set things up here."
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 26, 2023 18:23:35 GMT
"...I mean, they've both seen who we are, right? So... I'm not sure why we'd need to-" Thel begins before realizing. "Oh, in case something happened. Because... there's been everything afoot. I don't know what we could do about that, but, sure, we can do that. Even if the thought of meeting Clair again makes me nervous. And... uh, I don't think Pryce was very happy with me before."
He looks at Em and laughs. "What do you say? Do you want to go pay your old mentor a visit? I think you'd have to lead the way." He turns to ask Patience, but his brow suddenly furrows and he looks back at Whitney. "Wait, you said two of us. What about my sister? Is she supposed to not come along?"
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Post by Robot on Dec 3, 2023 23:54:33 GMT
"She's welcome to join you, but she isn't a trainer... It just... didn't really occur to me, I'm sorry Patience." Whitney scratched at her cheek, clearly embarrassed. "It's fine, honestly Thel, I wouldn't mind helping out with the radio tower. There's plenty of stuff I can work on before they have the actual steel together again."
Thel's sister almost seemed to be pleading with him to give her a chance to stay behind. They hadn't been apart since her inception, and the troubles that she had been through. Physical or otherwise. Her former Trainer was still on the loose though, as were the Ultra Beasts. It left a lot up to consideration.
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 4, 2023 0:45:08 GMT
"It's entirely your choice," Thel says, giving Patience a smile. "If you'd like to stay here, and work on the tower, that's okay. I want you to do what you want to do. As long as you do that, I'm happy for you. I promise."
"If you'd like some company while you're here, he offers, "I'm sure Hope or Serenity would be happy to accompany you if you asked them. But... I also understand wanting to be alone, and finding your own path. If you want to do that, I'll support you. But," he adds, "I'll only be a phone call away if you need to talk. Or for any other reason."
There's admittedly part of him that doesn't want to let part of his newfound family go, but seeing her choose her own path is even more important. And it's not like she's defenseless. Even ignoring Whitney, Courtney, and all the other no-longer-Pokémon in the city. He knows she can take care of herself.
...that still doesn't stop that little bit of worry, though. He figures this must be what having a sibling is like. Nobody ever said it would be so emotionally complicated.
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Post by Robot on Dec 16, 2023 17:58:01 GMT
"I guess I could look after Hope for awhile... maybe.. try to make friends with Shiv and them, even if they aren't really my type. Kursz sounded nice, what you told me about him." Patience offered, clearly trying to gauge her brother's reaction and struggling with it. "You worry enough to make a person sick, Thel... I just don't want you to worry yourself sick because of me, okay?"
"It has been awhile since we had a little time just the two of us, and we were apart." Em settled her head against the side of his. "I'll make sure he takes it easy, and you can have a little time to yourself Patience."
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 16, 2023 20:00:56 GMT
"He was nice, I guess," Thel says, nodding, "though Muku was mostly the one who spent time with him. ...the fact that he takes part in the underground fighting stuff scares me, though. I don't know if it'd still be going with all this going on, but, uh, don't go anywhere near there, please. Especially not while you're healing."
He looks around for wherever Hope's fluttered off to, asking "Would you be okay with keeping Patience company while Em and I go and check some things out for Whitney?" Much like with his worry for Patience, this does twist his stomach a little bit. Hope's been there for him since... well, day one of being human. Essentially hour one. But... it's more important that his sister has someone to keep her company and help keep her safe. And nobody's better for either of those than Hope.
"Hey!" he protests against Em. "I take it easy! ...sometimes. I just... stumble into things that mean that I can't."
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Post by Robot on Dec 25, 2023 13:18:49 GMT
Hope, per the usual, was just in the process of considering something that was too likely to get her in trouble if she was caught touching, eating, or otherwise interfering with it when Thel called her. The Ribombee flew lazy circles in the air in front of him, watching the boy with bright eyes, before settling on Patience's shoulder with a little nod. "Bomb, Bombee." Hope stated firmly and lightly tapped patience on the cheek. His Sister seemed suddenly very surprised, and gave the bug a scrutinizing look.
"You attempt to take it easy, all the while agonizing about things that might be going wrong or the social fauxpas you've made. Even when the rest of the world leaves you be." Em gave her fiancee a peck on the cheek. "Let's get going, old men aren't going to ungrump themselves."
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 25, 2023 19:14:56 GMT
"Okay, well, you two have fun," Thel says, with a wink. He's hoping that Patience is able to keep Hope out of trouble - and that Hope is able to drag Patience into some. Nothing serious, but just to shake up her routine a bit.
"Sorry that I wasn't able to get you the nail polish I promised," he says to Patience, before passing over some money. "But, here. You can pick out some if you'd like, or use if for something else that makes you happy." He turns to Hope, saying in a mock-stern voice. "You better make sure she spends it on nice or fun things. I don't want to come back and find you two didn't get to enjoy yourselves!"
"But, Em's right, we shouldn't drag this out any longer. Otherwise I'll never be able to leave! I... don't actually know how long we'll be gone for. But I'll call with an update when we have a better sense of that."
He turns to Em. "And, hey, it's not the grumpy old man I'm most worried about! You may have trained with Clair, but she still scares the living daylights out of me. I can deal with people grouchy with my existence. But that intensity... not looking forward to that."
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Post by Robot on Dec 25, 2023 20:40:04 GMT
"We'll do our best." Patience declared confidently, though she gave Hope a sideways glance, and the little fairy offered a serene and guilt free smile, both to Thel and her charge.
The journey to Mahogany town was a several day affair with the young lovers making stops to visit with the Tea House in Ecruteak. Strangely, Morty refused to see Thel or his young bride, speaking only of dark portents in hushed tones through a cracked door. The far wall of his gym lit by candles and plastered with paper sigils bearing writing in a myriad of languages and colors. Despite his usual airy, relaxed demeanor, he spent the few words they explained mumbling and refused any attempt at help barring full on forced entry.
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 25, 2023 23:22:23 GMT
Some of that twisting anxiety lessens as Thel sees the confidence in the pair, but it doesn't mean that he doesn't miss them on the trails. He's gotten used to hearing Patience's thoughts and experiencing Hope's mischief, and several times he feels the absence of such things.
He certainly doesn't press Morty at all - from experience, he knows some things are not to be disturbed, and what the Gym Leader is doing seems important. ...not that he could tell if it wasn't important, but it's not like Whitney asked them to look in on this Gym. So it's probably fine.
"...it's amazing how fast you get used to things like boats and airplanes to get you from point to point quickly," Thel comments as they get closer to Mahogany. "It's been a while since we walked anywhere. I don't mind, but I am a little envious of Muku apparently having a Pokémon big enough to carry her through the air." Okay, and maybe he's a little bit stressed out about Patience and Hope. He's never been away from them more than a day before!
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Post by Robot on Jan 1, 2024 19:19:16 GMT
"Something I've noticed." Em offered slowly, quietly. "From my time in Ecruteak up until now, is that the more convenience humans have, the more of a rush they are in to get where they are going. Moments of quiet and peace, mindfulness and tranquility, it's all put by the wayside in the name of 'next'. I do... sometimes miss working at the tea house. Everything, first thing in the morning, was meticulous. From the temperature of the water, to how fine the leaves were ground. The speed of the pour, the scent, the motion of your body. Down to the finest detail, just absorbed until the task reached its conclusion and moved seamlessly into the next. I think more than anything, I've found how fast and blurred events get jarring. You are one of the few comforts I have, and I'm in no hurry to be about whatever's next."
Thel's fiancee smiled mischievously. "Well... maybe that's not always true."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 1, 2024 21:10:40 GMT
"You're probably right that this is important, just slowing down and taking time for things. I sure can't wait for this all to be over, so I don't have to worry about... everything. But," he admits, "I get the feeling that I'll always be able to find something. Even if it's not... such a big catastrophe as this."
"It's just... hard. If something happens, I don't want to feel like if only I could have gotten there sooner. Fixed things. I know that's not really the healthiest way to look at things... but it's just who I am." He sighs. "Nobody can do everything, though. And I can't change any of this, so... might as well try and enjoy things for what it is."
"And, hey, maybe when all of this is done, you might be able to go back to the tea house. Or even," he teases, "open your own." He stops, suddenly pensive. "Actually... huh, I wonder if it's something that could help some of the others that Magma hurt. Having that structure and everything."
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Post by Robot on Jan 11, 2024 22:14:04 GMT
Em blinked a few times, color flooding her cheeks. "Opening a place for people like us? Somewhere to tend the needs of the soul?" She considered, truly considered the idea with a sense of wonder and ease. "You have always been your happiest when you are helping people, and smaller difficulties probably seem so simple after one world ending catastrophe after another." Her head settled on Thel's shoulder, arms around one of his in an escort position.
"I think it would be wonderful... a nest to call our own where anyone is welcome."
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