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Post by DataNinja on Aug 23, 2019 4:06:22 GMT
"Oh, uh," Polaris says, "well, to be honest, 'coffee' is really just an expression. Just... meeting in a public place, getting to know each other better. Maybe leading into something else if you hit it off. And I wasn't lying about that. I did think you both were cute, when I first saw you back in Hawi. And I love it when people have the backbone to stand for their principals. Even if they're not quite the same as mine." She gives a sad smile. "Wasn't expecting to meet you ever again, that time, though, to be honest. That's usually what happens. Just some flirting through the mask, and then moving on. Not used to... proper face to face."
She sighs. "It'd be nice if everyone could get along. But... the problem is, when one side starts ignoring the other, treating them as the obstacle, you have to fight back. Otherwise... well, the obstacle gets destroyed. That almost happened here. I want to stop fighting. I just want them to acknowledge us, to realize that we're not just another place for their entertainment. To see us as individuals. That's the change I try to make. They never listened to me before... so destruction is the only way that I can be heard." Small tears form in the corners of her eyes. "But... nothing's changed. The League is still there. The people don't care about their buildings. It's just money to them. And they have endless amounts of it. You'd need to strike at them directly. ...and nothing's worth that cost."
Polaris looks up at Mica, extending a shivering hand from the warmth of the blankets she's wrapped in. "I'm... I'm sorry. I'm being inconsiderate of you. Wallowing in my own misery, the realization that not a damn thing that I've done since the day he died has mattered... but you're going through a broken heart. You helped me, even when it was going against your friend. That's a wound that cuts deep. When a support that you always thought you could count on breaks. Your principals have hurt you. I've hurt you. And... I'm sorry about that."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 24, 2019 7:19:40 GMT
Mica removed her glove with her teeth and clasped a hand around Polaris' forearm, giving a firm squeeze, far more contact then someone would normally offer in such a gesture. "It isn't a contest." She replied with a soft chuckle and a warm smile before her expression fell. "It was only a matter of time before Donovan found something wrong with me. If it is... this, whatever this is, I am okay with it. Mom and Dad would have understood if they were still alive."
Taking a deep breath and not missing a beat,though the mood might have been forced, she continued in a bright tone. "I have my Pokemon still! And Gran and Gramps! And my big sister sensei thingy, she's great too! Just... No Donovan."
Having found suitable shelter she went about building a fire with the wood gathered. "I like simple things, playing a grasswhistle on a warm summer day, watching Dusty get all excited over bugs (they're her favorite), the rustle of wind through fall leaves. Food. Having my hair stroked." At this there was an awkward pause and the most forced wink anyone had ever attempted in the history of winking. "I didn't know girls could kiss like that and have it mean the same thing as when boys do it, but it was nice. I think I like that too."
Orange lit her face and the stone around as the fire got going. With a few pitons, Mica secured a tarp to break the wind and help keep the heat in. "So, your name? I can't keep calling you "Renowned Terrorist Polaris", and I do want to hear your story."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 24, 2019 19:16:56 GMT
"I mean... I don't think that there's anything 'wrong with you'. Not that I've seen," Polaris says. "There's certainly nothing wrong with any of the things that you mentioned. Summer nights were always my favorite. Just being there, staring at the stars, nothing around. Not too hot, not too cold."
Polaris blushes a little at Mica's kiss admission. "Well, uh, glad that I could show you, I guess. I'm not much of a teacher, admittedly. Don't... really actually spend much time getting close to people. But, glad you liked it, at least."
"And, uh," the girl seems to have a very hard time getting the next words out, "the name's Aurora. My dad named me that because he said that the lights in the north were the most beautiful things that he'd seen. You can, uh, call me Rory, though, if you want. That's what I usually go by."
She stays quiet for a few minutes afterwards. "And... I'm not a terrorist. I never did what I do to cause fear. I don't want to hurt people. Just things. The League's symbols." She sighs. "You want to hear my story? Well, my dad worked for the biggest construction place in Vesperia. Did most of the infrastructure, everything. Meant that he tended to move around the Region wherever there was something big going on. Mom was too sick to work, usually, so, we needed the money. But, he always wrote, wherever he was. A letter to come home whenever he was paid. He always said that he sent letters because they'd be forever. And so he could be with us always, even when he wasn't there."
"When the League started all of their building stuff here... well, the company he worked for was the one they contracted. He worked on their Gyms, their uniform buildings, all of that. Except... one day, there was an accident. Several workers were killed. Including dad. And the worst part?" She has tears streaming down her face now, falling to the ground where they freeze, and her tone grows bitter, "We didn't know right away. Only the lack of letters told us anything. The first time, we thought he might have forgotten... the second time, I went to investigate. Their letter of 'condolence' apparently got stuck in their system. What balderdash. And there was no news about it. It was all covered up. It was then that I knew that the League didn't care about us. Just their own agenda. We were just resources to expend in creating their grand vision. Couldn't tarnish their happy-friendly visage, could they? Mom didn't take the news any better than I did. She just... kinda lost the will to live. Just grew sicker until she quietly passed away in the night."
"That's.. that's when I put on the mask. Prisma, a gift from my parents to remind me that I could be anything that I wanted to. ...what would they think of me now?" She blinks her eyes clear before looking up at Mica. "But... you understand that, too. You said that you lost your own parents. But... you're stronger than I. You've been able to let go. I just would do anything to spend another day with them."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 25, 2019 1:34:41 GMT
"It.. Isn't that simple.". Mica's brow knit as she settled in against Drampa's downy forearms, and started to slip out of her winter gear with the warmth of the fire starting to pick up. "Mom and Dad were Pokemon Rangers. They lead dangerous lives, the same way your Dad did, there are a lot of things safer then construction. They were proud of what they did, and they loved Pokemon very, very much."
There was a warning grumble from Drampa, and his head rose. The girl paused her story. "Easy, it is just an old memory, nothing is going to hurt me anymore today." Rubbing his throat, the dragon eventually settled his head across her legs.
"Poachers became a bigger and bigger problem back home. Mom and Dad got involved and we're busting these people hurting Pokemon left and right, they were doing great things for the world! The criminal element had finally had enough and... Mom and Dad became an obstacle to be removed." Stroking her Pokemon's eyebrows, a shivery breath escaped her. "Gran and Gramps told me at first that Mom and Dad were busy. I asked about them for years after we moved here. I knew but I always wanted to believe they were okay out there, still doing good."
Rubbing a hand along the back of her neck, she searched for a way to explain it. "They were good people, and they put others before themselves. I miss them every -single- day, even though I was barely old enough to remember when they disappeared. I -hate- that they were taken. That someone could be so cruel to the world."
"But... Mom and Dad would have raised a daughter that loved Pokemon. They would have raised a daughter that stood up for what she believed in, and saw the best in people even if they didn't see it in themselves. The...they would have raised a daughter that put the needs of the struggling before herself. I wouldn't be able to look them in the eyes, after using the plates selfishly."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 25, 2019 3:45:33 GMT
"Ah, I... see," Aurora says. "My condolences. It sounds like they were trying to do as much good as they could. But... I think I understand. In part, at least. They were people prepared to give their lives for their causes. It's admirable. As is the fact that you want to put others first. But... I'll admit, I don't actually know what's with the 'plate' stuff. Is it like the Jirachi stories? You only get one wish, and then it's gone forever? No... I very much understand now, if that's the case," she nods. "You're certainly your parents' daughter, then. Willing to put the happiness of others before yourself." She smiles sadly. "Just always remember. You're an 'other', too. You deserve some happiness."
"I am sorry, for bringing up such sad topics. It's been a... hard enough day as is." She glances over concernedly at her Ditto, who's awake now, but really hasn't done much else. "Look, rather than stay out here in the forest overnight or something, I don't know if you want to head into the city. I've got a bit of a loft by the docks. Done a few favours for people, got something small in pretty much every city, so that I don't need to risk Centers. It'd be pretty tight, but better than freezing out here with a fire lighting up our location. At the very least, I need to go in to get some some clothes. Prisma usually provides, but... well, he seems to be having troubles concentrating or something. Or maybe it's me. He's special, in that he doesn't need to see something, as long as you can focus really, really hard on it. But... it's not working. So... yeah. Clothes."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 25, 2019 11:00:14 GMT
"We don't know how the plates work, and there is no one to teach us really, which is a huge problem. So far, we have only managed to draw knowledge, weapons and armor from them. They are fragments of the universe though right? I can't imagine what they would be capable of if they were used by someone that knew what they were doing. The Psychic tribe might know, but I doubt they would share that information. I could try asking Junthem, he is the closest thing to a rock dad I had when we visited that temple, but we'd probably have to fight before he told me anything." Looping some hair behind her ear she considered the offer for shelter.
"Yeah alright, Rory. Winter isn't the best time for camping anyway." A pause and a clear shift in her demeanor. "I... went by Mica for the longest time, but I was born Millicent. My grandparents call me Millie, so you can too. I might be Mica again later, when I feel sturdy again. Come on, let's get you warm and home. Drampa can fly, and he is a big fluffer, he can get us there in no time."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 25, 2019 21:01:30 GMT
"Ah, I... see. Kinda. Okay, not really," Rory shakes her head. "You're talking about tribes? There're none of those in Vesperia. There wasn't anyone here when people founded this place. And psychics don't exist. Human ones, at least. They're just hoaxes. So a tribe of them... that's just crazier talk."
"Though, uh," she adds, "I guess I don't really have much ground to stand on with regards to 'crazy.' Weird stuff's going on. So, uh, okay, there's a group of psychic people who might be able to help you. Or might not. And there's that Axiom lady, who creeps me out a little. ...are there, like, vampires and demons and all that stuff that you'd find in fiction, too?" She sighs. "What a day this has been that I can ask that, and it's a serious question. Uh, I guess we can talk on the flight, though. Or where it's warmer."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 25, 2019 23:05:55 GMT
"The world and humanity hasn't actually existed all that long." Mica explained as she helped Aurora get situated on Drampa, and wrapped up warm enough to make the trip. "Around eighty thousand years ago, eighteen tribes existed, one aligned with each type of Pokemon. They embodied their values, and were both human and Pokemon at the same time, able to transition between the two. Each tribe congregated around a plate, the very essence of their other halves. They guarded these with their lives."
With a trill and a squeeze of her thighs Drampa took to the air and started for civilization. "The Psychic tribe predicted a great calamity was coming, that the plates would need to be brought together to avert it, but they could not find peaceful common ground with the others." Mica pulled her scarf up over her face. "So each tribe attempted to protect themselves with their piece of this cosmic puzzle."
"It didn't really work out in their favor." She added after a pause to correct Drampa's direction. "Their human halves were lost or ripped away, each tribe trapped in a prison they cannot escape of their element. The world outside the temples, our world, carried on with humans and Pokemon being separate beings."
Millie tapped the side of her head several times. "I know it is a lot to take in, but every time one of the plates is recovered from a temple, the world changes a little. Nobody remembers but those of us that can access them. So Donovan and I have been into seven of these now, and Axiom at least two."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 26, 2019 6:43:25 GMT
"...that sounds horrible," Rory says, after Mica's finished. "To have a piece of yourself ripped away. Confined. The world changing without your knowledge. Trapped forever. And... well, also sounds completely unbelievable. People and Pokémon being once the same thing is literally a fairy tale. Like... geez. That'd make things really uncomfortable. Catching people."
"Even with all the actual goddamn magic going on from before... this kinda stuff is just... way too much, you know? Like, it can't possibly be real. We'd have to have known something about it before. In... more than just a bedtime story way. People into Pokémon into people..." she repeats. "It's just... that wouldn't even work. They're completely different things. Just... how?"
"So... what about you? Are you one of them? Are you... even human? Or a fairy? Or something else?"
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 26, 2019 8:24:36 GMT
"I'm a Millie." Mica blinked a couple of times, wide-eyed over her shoulder at Aurora. "Truth is I am not sure anymore. I am still just a teenager, I couldn't turn into a Bonsly before. Donovan's even evolved. I never asked if we were being taught to be what we were before the calamity, or if she was fixing us. Oh, we met a ghost from the electric tribe, out here in the real world. She was a big help."
"Even without Donovan, I will have to keep trying. I think... I will head to the Steel Tribe. Steel and Ground. At least when I am ready, I want to take some time with you, and Sensei. Making sure my Pokemon are ready. Learning what you can tell me about Axiom and what she is doing."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 27, 2019 2:04:56 GMT
"You can... uh, turn into a Pokémon?" she asks, before nervously laughing. "You're going to have to show me that trick at some point because, man... just... I have no words, really. I like the answer, though," Rory adds, her laughter lightening somewhat, "even if it wasn't very helpful. Of course you're a you. What else would you be?"
"And, uh... when you say a ghost,do you mean, like, a Ghost-type? Or a ghost-ghost-person-ghost? Or... what?"
The lights of Pasquia come into view in the distance, illuminating the clouds above the flying dragon. The great ocean stretches out to the horizon, a handful of large ships barely visible.
"Look... Millie," she says, barely audible over the wind, "You don't want to spend time with me. I'm not a good person, fundamentally. I... want to make the region a better place, but my actions hurt peoples' lives, even if they're not physically hurt. I just try to make sure it hurts the League more than anything else. I know this. I've accepted it. But I do it so that others don't have to taint themselves with it. Some want to, of course, so trying to direct them is the best I could do. But... yeah, you don't want to be near someone like that."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 27, 2019 10:59:17 GMT
"You don't remember Donovan doing it in our fight?" Millie posed curiously, cocking her head to one side, and waiting for an answer. "She was one of those hybrids once... I don't know if the calamity killed her and made her a ghost, or she was always half a ghost, but she wasn't a person ghost anymore. I could show you the monument she built to her girlfriend that passed away." The girl offered.
Listening to what Rory had to say on a friendship with an infamous criminal, Mica bobbed her head. "You are probably right, that is totally worse then meddling with the fabric of reality, upsetting social balances where elder figures attack or kill one another and nobody knows but you. If Donovan and I fail, no one will ever know. Everyone in the temples dies, probably, and Axiom becomes god Queen or whatever." Flippant mini-rant over, she shook her head. "Motive matters, execution matters, doing the wrong things for the right reasons means you are a good person. It is why I am here with you instead of Donovan right now. He was trying to do the right thing for the wrong reason, and in the wrong way."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 27, 2019 17:54:01 GMT
"Ah... ahhh…. that did happen, didn't it," she sighs. "That fight's all kind of a bit of a blur for me, went by fast. And then dark. And I didn't really want to accept all that weirdness. Easier to just focus on you. But... I'm not going crazy. That all happened. This is all happening. The world's all gone crazy, and I don't know if that's worse."
"And, ah. I see. Maybe. So... a Pokémon ghost. Is... that where all Ghost-Pokémon came from? People dying?" She thinks about that for a moment, before shuddering, "No, no, then there'd be way more of them. And, uh... how creepy is this memorial? Because ghosts usually... are a little strange, from the stories."
Aurora listens to Millie's mini-rant with a bit of a shocked look on her face, before bursting out laughing. "Well... I guess when you put it that way... I mean, all of that is terrible, and everything, and is that all stuff you've done, or just hypotheticals... but just the way you said it all." She shakes her head. "Ah, I might be a little loopy right now. Not usually this giggly. Probably should lay down or something once we get there." Thankfully, the Drampa is fast, and the city's not too far away.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 28, 2019 9:32:22 GMT
"It is an enormous statue of a woman and her Pokemon form, carved out on the insides of a mountain. It is really stunning." Assurances finished, she descended to the city docks rest and meditation sounded good right now. A moment to herself. Perhaps a call to sensei. There couldn't be too much dawdling.
Falling into step behind Aurora after thanking Drampa and giving him many headpets and a snack, Millie was quiet and thoughtful. She would leave a message for Donovan at the Pokemon Center, she didn't really want to talk to him right now. Some work in town, supplies, a brief layover or two to give herself a moment with friends and family. Then back to the temples. Back to the daunting task at hand. Alone.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 29, 2019 20:52:16 GMT
"...I'll take your word for it. The only image I have in my head is that of a werePokémon," Rory admits, "And that frankly sounds terrifying. Uh, land around there." She points to an area. "I'd... rather spend as little time as possible outside like this."
The area that the Drampa lands in is amongst a row of tiny-looking dwellings, all stacked a few stories up. Aurora leads Millie up, and pries a board away to slip a key out. Inside, it's extremely cramped. A tiny food preparation area basically buttresses a place to sleep, with a bathroom off to the back. But, it's warm, at least.
"It's not much, but... better than nothing. Sorry that I don't exactly have a guest room," Aurora says, wryly. "I've got a couple spare blankets in case, like, the power goes out, because it's really, really cold when that happens. So, if you don't want to bunk at the Center, you can either nest on the floor, or I guess try and squeeze on the bed with me. Some soup and stuff in the cupboards if you're hungry." She yawns. "Anyways, I'm gonna lay down. See you in the morning. Or not, if you decide to head off to go elsewhere, I guess." She gives a smile to Millie. "Uh, thanks, by the way. For not leaving me out there."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 30, 2019 9:32:51 GMT
"Who would ever want a huge place when you can have one tiny and cozy and full of crawl spaces like a secret base? This place is great!" With a breathy yawn, Millie gave a stretch. "I will have a talk with Prisma for a bit, and probably join you afterwards."
A curl crept to the corners of the girl's mouth. "One way or another I can't leave without a goodbye kiss. Goodnight Rory." With a 'ta-da' sort of pose, Mica gave way to light and the much less crowding bonsly shape.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 31, 2019 0:04:12 GMT
"Eh, I much prefer the wide open spaces of outside," Aurora says as she gets into bed, Ditto keeping watch on one of the counters. "I like the sense of freedom. Something like this... it all feels too confining. It's got the necessities, but there's a weight like the roof's gonna fall in on me. Guess it just really doesn't feel like a home. And, uh, sure, I guess you can talk at him. he never really says much, though. Mostly just laughing if he's having fun. And looks of disbelief, usually, if something seems stupid." She chuckles. "Couldn't ask for a better companion, though. Willing to do stuff for someone, even if you think it's an awful idea." She yawns, and starts to lay down, before stopping and staring at Mica as the girl turns into her Bonsly form. "...yeah, even seeing that, I don't believe it. I'll... deal with it all in the morning."
Prisma looks down with curiosity at Mica, peering from the counter at the Bonsly.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 31, 2019 1:06:24 GMT
"Sorry we ended up having to hurt you and Rory." Mica offered genuinely. "I am just glad she got home safe. How are you feeling? She said you have been having a little trouble concentrating since our scuffle?"
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 31, 2019 1:47:55 GMT
"Is fine," the Ditto says, softly, after a moment. "Fighting happens. Is life. She is safe, I am safe. All that matters." It frowns. "Trying to change hurts. Not normal. Too much power before? Don't know. Is all confusing. All felt different then."
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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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Post by Robot on Aug 31, 2019 9:20:15 GMT
"Was it something you did on your own, or did you have help?" Millie leaned to one side. "I can't imagine a Pokemon so strong it can hurt itself just by pushing harder." Thinking on it, being a little guarded couldn't hurt, there were nuances here that Mica didn't fully grasp, but she genuinely liked Rory even though she broke stuff and upset people.
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