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Post by DataNinja on May 14, 2018 2:46:53 GMT
The trip back to town is uneventful, with the sky beginning to slowly alight, and the only sounds being the noises of the early-morning Pokémon waking up and calling to each other. It's a different kind of noise to the forests, though - and much warmer much quicker, as the sun makes its way towards the top of the sky.
When Mica makes her way back to Elisha for more training, the woman seems surprised to see her. "Oh, uh, you're back," she says, a little bit of uncertainty present in her tone. "I thought you'd already left town or something. Figured that I'd maybe said something that had upset you, last time, and you just... didn't want to return. Are you still wishing to continue your training?"
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Post by Breakthelevee on May 14, 2018 6:39:03 GMT
When Mica went to the dojo to see her master, Donovan went to the Pokemon center and holed up in a private room. Pulling out the Grass and Fairy Plates, he laid them out on the bed and just stared for a few minutes.
These contained so much power, keeping things alive for millennia, creating abundant plant life, and even making an entire illusion world and tapping into their memories. He held his head for a moment and flinched. This is the second time since he started this journey that something in the Temples has been able to go into his mind and take information without his consent. It felt wrong, he felt...violated. His memories were....pulled and possibly changed and he had no way to know.
Resting his hand on each Plate at once he frowned. Good things came from them as well but he was done with things going into his mind without his choice. He would find a way to stop that someday. In the meantime, he would continue to try and find out how to activate the Plates, hoping that maybe the powers they granted would give them a chance if Axiom showed up. He would have to find a way to match....whatever it is that she was capable of doing. These gave him his best chance.
After a few hours, he stopped his studying, setting his Pokedex down and just exhaling. Looking at the time, he wondered how long until Mica would be back....
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6,670 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on May 14, 2018 11:27:14 GMT
"Whuh?" Mica was dumbfounded. "Sensei I was just here yesterday afternoon? We were gonna go to the Temple, and we were in like all night. I'm not mad at you at all, just sleepy and kinda hungry. The one right here is dedicated to Fairy types."
Scratching her head she looked around the dojo. The candles were down quite a bit for only a day. "It... Was just yesterday right?"
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Post by DataNinja on May 14, 2018 12:53:47 GMT
"Yesterday?" Elisha asks, "No, it was the day before. Yesterday you didn't show up at all. If you, uh, say you were in the Temple, though," there's still some skepticism present in her voice regarding that turn of events, but she doesn't press it, "Then maybe you just lost track of time? Easy to do if you're having fun. And if there are no windows. If you've been up for a full day, though, do you want to take a power nap or something? There's not too much comfy in here, but I can pull up a few mats."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on May 15, 2018 20:46:26 GMT
"It wasn't fun at all." Mica protested somberly. "The whole inside was like a waking nightmare. It pulled stuff from our minds go try to make the place seem more real and palpable. We fought our hardest against Axiom there, even though she wasn't real. Someone we were protecting from her died. Only she didn't actually, we just experienced it."
Mica rubbed her eyes and looked plenty bedraggled, bowing deeply for Elisha. "I am sorry I didn't get here yesterday Sensei. If I could have, I would have. I also think... That I will take your advice to rest and reflect on my stressors. Donovan and I discussed staying a few more days, but now I worry even training won't be enough for me to compete with Melody
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Post by DataNinja on May 15, 2018 21:56:51 GMT
"Oh... my," Elisha says. "That sounds most unpleasant, yes. But, you didn't give up, no? At least that is what it seems like from what you say. In which case, I hope that you are not beating yourself up about failing. Especially because it didn't actually happen." There's a little bit of silence before she asks, "Would you like to talk about this 'Melody'? Sometimes speaking your mind to another who knows nothing about the situation can help you reflect. Or would you like to just think about it on your own? I'll go and get the mats, you can think on it."
She disappears into a side room for a little bit, before coming back with a pile of mats that she puts down for Mica. "Do not worry that you could make it here yesterday, by the way. I was just worried that I had failed you. My students are important to me."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on May 15, 2018 23:06:47 GMT
"It's all pretty convoluted but I guess? I kept trying to save Thrianna until Axiom left, but it didn't matter, she was dead but it was all fake too. Thrianna was okay, and ended up being real unlike everyone else in the nightmare. Professor Maple was pretend there, so was Melody. Thrianna was a tall Pokemon with green hair and a flowing gown, she almost looked like a person!" Mica hunkered down onto the mats and patted beside herself, looking up at Elisha with a relaxed but tired expression.
"You didn't do anything wrong." She assured, flopping onto her back. "Melody is someone Donovan thinks the world of. She broke Axiom's suit with one attack from her pumpkinwife, and she smells like flowers, and she's super pretty." Pink tinged her cheeks and along her ears. "I asked him about her, and he was really dismissive... and he kissed me, but there were no sparkles or feelings. It just felt like he was doing it to do it. He told me he liked me how I was... but my tummy is all knotted up about this and I don't know what to say or do... I just... I want him to look at me that way, you know?"
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Post by DataNinja on May 15, 2018 23:34:22 GMT
"I... I see," Elisha says, nodding, and taking a seat besides Mica. "I'll be honest, and say that I've never really been one to be able to give out relationship advice, but... just be yourself. You're here, after all, in person. He's telling you he likes you who you are, so go with that. I get that sometimes people can... idolize people. Put them on a pedestal. When they aren't there, it's easy to do no wrong."
"In the end, though," she continues, "just being there is important. A memory has nothing on a real person, given time. And... if he kissed you, that means that there's something there. If you want there to be something, don't give up, don't let go. Remember, just because you think that you'll fail, that's no reason to not try it." She gives a smile. "That's something that applies to most things in life. Think of that as part of your training."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on May 15, 2018 23:47:27 GMT
Mica kicked her feet in the air slowly, with measured impatience as she tried to digest what Elisha was explaining. "Trying even if you could fail... despite how things look." It made sense, she did it with a lot of things already. Most of the time when someone said 'no, don't!' she did it anyway. Not out of any sort of spite or malice, but to see if she could achieve what she set out to do.
"I guess trying is how we learn." The girl came to the conclusion at last. "Eli.... Sensei? I know you said discipline is important, and I'm trying really hard at that, but that seems like something that takes a long time to master." At this she made a face. "How did you get strong enough to get by without a Pokemon?"
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Post by DataNinja on May 16, 2018 0:06:50 GMT
"It very much does take a long time to master, yes," Elisha nods. "But, what matters is that you try." She runs her fingers through her hair at Mica's question. "Well, truth be told, Mica, it's mainly because I never travelled. The League likes to promote the idea that everyone should have Pokémon, and all... but, for most people here, if you aren't in a job that requires it, or someone who leaves the cities, it's not something you need to have. Sure, some people'll have them as companions and all, but me? I never saw the need, really."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on May 16, 2018 0:14:22 GMT
"Oh." Mica's expression flattened out with uncertainty and mild shock. What do you even say to that? "I think you're really cool still." She beamed in her special, goofy way. "I feel more confident around you, and even if you didn't really answer my question I think it was probably a silly one anyway. I have my own path to walk to get strong, even if I want to be as confident and disciplined as you."
A thought niggled at the back of her mind. "Oh! Do you have a shower here?! I could try cleaning up for Donovan, I've never done that before! He even got me some nice smelling soap a town back..."
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Post by DataNinja on May 16, 2018 0:24:50 GMT
"I'm sorry that I couldn't really answer it how you wanted," Elisha says, "it's just that... you really don't need a Pokémon to get by if you're just living in town. It's not because I'm strong or anything... just that there's not much that you need Pokémon for. That's all. I'm glad that I can help you, though."
She shakes her head at the shower question, though. "I'm afraid not. This place is rather small. I've got one back at my apartment, though, if you wanted to use that. And," she gives a smile, "if you really wanted to make a day of it, we could try going dress shopping or something, pick something out you like. My treat, you've been through a lot, and I don't often get to do things like that. I've got no lessons or anything for today, so it's not like I'd be missing out on anything."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on May 16, 2018 0:30:46 GMT
Mica didn't have to think about it for very long. This was almost how she'd imagined having a big sister when she was younger. Or maybe a Mom, but that made her sad inside so she pushed it away. Big sister hangouts! "Only if you'll let me help you with your chores when we're done."
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Post by DataNinja on May 16, 2018 4:26:14 GMT
"I can't let you do tha-" Elisha starts to protest, before seeing the look on Mica's face. "Fine," she sighs. "It's not that much anyways, since I'm rarely there. But, if you insist..." There's a bit of a smile. "I see you're already taking that 'try even if you think you might fail' lesson to heart already."
The woman takes Mica a short ways through the streets, first flipping a sign around indicating that she's not currently at the dojo. Her apartment is fairly small, really just a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and a small living space. Like the dojo itself, it's fairly clean, but there are a good few piles around of books that look to have just accumulated over time.
Elisha busies herself out in the small kitchen while Mica washes up, having some chilled fruit drink of some sort ready for the two of them when she eventually emerges. She can't quite tell what individual berries are in it, but there are a lot of fairly familiar tastes.
Once that's all done with, the pair heads out towards some shops. While the city isn't the largest in Vesperia, there's still a fair bit of selection, especially given that it's getting towards summer. Eventually finding one that Mica likes, they head back to Elisha's apartment where the dojo master acquiesces to letting Mica help with cleaning around the place.
Once that's all tidied up, and Mica's in her new dress, Elisha helps the girl apply a little bit of makeup before heading back. "I just want to thank you, Mica," Elisha says, "As a person, not a trainer. I had fun today. It's the kind of thing that I always wanted to do with friends or family, but, well, family never wanted to do it, and I was too busy taking care of them to really have too many friends. So, I appreciate it. Now, go knock his socks off, okay? You look great. Let me know how it goes, and if you'll want to do any training tomorrow or not." She hands over a sticky note with a number on it. "Either way, remember, be yourself."
It's a about an hour before dinnertime(ish, for Trainers) when Mica makes her way back to the Pokémon Center, where she sees that Donovan looked to be just finishing looking over and pondering the Plates before him.
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on May 16, 2018 10:10:03 GMT
"There is nothing wrong with taking time to just feel good, Elisha." Mica smiled shyly. She had really enjoyed the day too. She certainly felt like a whole different person. Her skin was cool from the deep scrubbing, the weight of her hair hung different braided. The dress left her feeling lighter, as though her body could breathe. She even smelled like something that wasn't dirt for once! "I would really like to do this again sometime, till then...". The trainer slowed down for a moment and considered what would be best to say. "Don't make responsibilities your everything. Give yourself a day to just be free.'
Mica was nervous, walking through the center doors. Her long blonde hair was braided in a kalosian style, three separate braids wound through each other and tied at the bottom, pulled back away from her face. The dress she had chosen was a combination skirt and green summer halter, tasteful and free in it's execution, more baring then her usual overalls and shirt had been. She smelled pleasantly of the soaps Donovan had given her, and slight hints of color accented her face. A light pink to her lips, a tinge of blush, faint hints of eyeshadow. Even mascara (though Mica had hated that part. She smiled warmly for him. "Hey Donovan, you busy?"
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Post by Breakthelevee on May 17, 2018 0:21:35 GMT
"Yeah, sorry, I'm waiting for someone" He responds lazily before blinking a few times "How do you know my name?" A few more seconds of blinking occurred before he looked closer "Wait, Mica? What....what happened to you?"
He looked her over, confused above all else. This wasn't his Mica. His Mica was dirty and smelled like the forest and the mountains and freedom. She was everything he wasn't and more. It's what made her so wonderful to travel with. This Mica was the same as so many other girls he had met, and smelled like dried flowers and trying.....Wait...he recognized that scent "Is....is that the soap that I bought you?"
A few more seconds of blinking followed before he looked closer again. This was still the same Mica, just....unlike him she was actually trying. He let a small smile creep across his face, masking the fact that his stomach was in knots and seeing this was more confusing than anything. Why was she trying. He had been nothing good to her lately, being nothing more than a burden and hurting her with his actions....And yet she was trying. His stomach churned once more.
"You look great" He finally manages to squeak out.
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on May 17, 2018 0:43:34 GMT
"It is. I don't think I've ever gotten this clean before, it feels really different. Elisha and I made a day of doing something we'd never done before. Being pretty is a lot of work, but I guess I do feel a little bit better about everything else." Mica had been gradually easing herself closer to him, like she might when trying to get a hold on a wild Pokemon, and finally she struck, but must have broadcasted her intent a bit too much as Donovan moved out of arm's reach.
"How'm I supposed to knock your socks off if you won't hold still?" She puffed her cheeks up in a genuine pout.
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Post by Breakthelevee on May 17, 2018 1:06:08 GMT
Donovan ducked as Mica swung at him before popping back up, ready to yell at her when she said she was trying to 'knock his socks off'. He stifled a chuckle "You don't have to hit me to do that. You already did by using my gift."
"So you spent the whole day doing things you've never done before? Then let's keep that trend going. I'll go change into something a bit nicer and make some calls to find out what types of restaurants are in town and then we can go get a nice dinner. I can bug Dad for a little bit of money to cover the dinner and everything so you don't have to worry about it."
She was trying, and even if he wasn't sure how he felt, or even who he really was anymore, he knew that seeing her try this hard made his heart flutter a bit. So he would try too. He would make her feel as special as she made him feel, at least for tonight. They could deal with the rest the next day
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on May 17, 2018 1:16:41 GMT
"...They're still on though, I can see them." She squinted at his socks with one eye and turned her head a little, but seemed to forget the concern when he mentioned getting a meal together. "I like your cooking, but if you aren't feeling up to it..." Mica trailed off and looked down at her outfit, then up at Donovan. "I'll gladly have dinner with you, Mister Fleur, on the condition that we only talk about our lives before we met. No temples, no villains, no plates... okay? Just us, having a nice time."
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Post by Breakthelevee on May 17, 2018 4:18:43 GMT
"Alright, but I still want plates for the food" Donovan says with a wink before heading back to his room.
Searching through his clothes he realized just how ill prepared for this he was, so used to wearing near the same thing every day, since his shirt almost never mattered and his coat was the main thing that was seen. Thankfully after hunting for a bit he found a white button up near the bottom of the bag, still in the extra plastic bag he had put it in to keep it clean. His initial plan had been to wear this if they ever met with anyone important, but this is an important night too. Unfortunately he didn't have any especially nice pants, but with some cleans ones, and a bit of flair like rolling them up just a bit, the outfit seemed to come together. He looked in the mirror and frowned, something was still missing.
He tried rolling up the sleeves halfway, just beneath the elbow, and it helped but it wasn't quite enough. Thinking back to Mica and how she looked today, he realized it was his hair that was the problem. His regular shaggy look, just letting it fall wherever wouldn't do. With a bit of work, he slicked it back just a bit, though some of his bangs still hung in his face.
Satisfied, he began to walk back towards the central room, making a few calls to set up a last minute reservation for dinner, and sending his dad about fifteen messages in order to make sure he had the money.
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