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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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May 13, 2024 13:05:48 GMT
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Post by Robot on Jan 11, 2021 22:49:20 GMT
"That might be nice. I notice you don't touch Patience's hair anymore.". Serenity presets Thel with her back, and access to her mane. "Is it because she is so much bigger now? She used to be done with grooming so quickly before, because she was so little and you worried about hurting her."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 11, 2021 23:04:46 GMT
"It's... because humans aren't really supposed to touch each other much," Thel says, as he starts brushing Serenity's long hair. "There are rules, and a lot of them seem really unnecessary and confusing. So, I do when there's not anyone around, and we're just resting. But it's not something I can do normally without people being all weird about it."
He shrugs. "I wish that things made more sense, because I miss all the closeness, but... it's something I need to learn more. I ended up hurting Violet today, because I didn't understand the rules. I'm going to do better, though. I'm... I'm glad for all of you, where I don't need to worry about that. Because you understand." He smiles, even though she can't see it from where he's sitting.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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May 13, 2024 13:05:48 GMT
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Post by Robot on Jan 12, 2021 1:09:39 GMT
"Eww... I don't like those rules at all. I like being able to lick and nip, and bury people in my tails. It makes them so happy, most of the time anyway.". She stuck her tongue out at the very idea of not being allowed to frolic with friends. "I think Patience is less lonely with you around. She always seemed so frustrated before. This was a good change for her."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 12, 2021 1:22:22 GMT
"Yeah it's... really limiting," Thel agrees. "It's not as bad for me, because I didn't have those sorts of enjoyments, but I really miss just... having others next to me and feeling their warmth and their breathing."
"I'm glad that I've been able to more properly talk with her. Of all of you... she was the most isolated. I couldn't give her the help she needed. That she deserves. I'm glad that she's been able to smile some, too. Thank you for helping with that, by the way," he laughs.
"I don't really give you the thanks you deserve," he adds. "For everything. But... I definitely wouldn't be where I am now had I not met you in the forest that day. We probably would have lost to Whitney. Which would have probably meant we didn't go to the casino, and I wouldn't have met Bliss. I wouldn't have been able to find Whitney that evening. So I would have never met Patience. Or come out here to this school, or met Violet. Or any of that." He leans over and gives the girl a hug, much like he would in her fox form.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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May 13, 2024 13:05:48 GMT
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Post by Robot on Jan 12, 2021 21:09:42 GMT
"Thanks, like praise, when given too often or too greatly, begin to lose meaning. I think you have given me enough, not to mention saving my life! If you want to get into why things are the way they are, it has been your choices the whole way here Thel. It was you that saved me. It was you that saved Patience, it was you that won the battle against Whitney. Yeah, I did like you said cause I like you, but you made the decisions that needed to be made!"
Leaning back into his arms, Serenity flopped her neck against Thel's shoulder. "You can do as much good for People and Pokemon as you think you can, and I will always be eight there to help you. No spiders though."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 12, 2021 21:15:42 GMT
"No spiders?" Thel teases. "Well, Patience isn't going to be too happy to hear that."
He shrugs. "I did what was the right thing to do. At least... what seemed like it at the time. I was just lucky enough that it was the right thing to do." He gives a smile, before again adopting the teasing tone. "But, I know that not accepting any compliments is just going to end poorly for me, so I guess I can accept them. But just this once." He laughs, before squeezing her close.
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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 Jan 12, 2021 21:18:35 GMT
"It's... What?". Serenity visibly sweats. "Patience only has four legs, spiders are supposed to have eight and spin webs... And be poisonous. Patience isn't a spider is she?" The girl begins to fidget until she is held and steadies, relaxing in his arms with a slow exhale.
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 12, 2021 22:17:23 GMT
"Oh, I'm sorry, Serenity," he says, upset that he upset her, but struggling to remain calm and relaxed so that the land around them wouldn't falter. He keeps petting her hair to calm her down, much like he would outside. "I.... don't actually know," he realizes. "I always assumed she was, but I guess... I never really knew exactly what makes a spider. I've never seen a web from her. Or anything like that. I guess... I put the long, flat bugs in 'insect', and the short flat ones in 'spider'. To know which were more likely to bite back. ...but not always."
"Spider or not, though," he reassures her, "I know she would never do anything to hurt you. That's not who she is. You've seen it so far. Been with her all this time."
"Regardless," he adds, clinging to her, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have teased you at all over that. I... should have considered it to be like myself and Salazzles."
He closes his eyes, before letting out a shuddering exhalation, trying to leave that as the worst expression of his mood. "Please don't treat her any different because of this. Especially since... well, she's human now. But I'm so, so sorry."
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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 Jan 13, 2021 1:04:13 GMT
"I'll try, she's never been that kind of thing to me before.". Serenity commented sheepishly. "The spider that tried to eat me before wasn't much bigger than her, but she's okay. I'm okay, she's a person now... And she's not going to eat me or web me or make me sick by biting me.". The girl assured herself, taking a few steadying breaths as Thel tended her anxiety with techniques he knew well. She calmed in a few short moments.
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 13, 2021 1:17:17 GMT
"You know how to make your fire leap out, now, if anyone tries to eat you," Thel reminds her, gently. "I don't think any spider would be willing to try. Bugs don't like flames at all, and you're a master at controlling them. Making them dance around like that."
"And I'm here, too," he reassures. "I'm not going to let anything eat you. Not going to let anything get any of you. That's my promise to you as a Trainer."
He sighs. "I should probably try and wake up soon. So that we can call the Gym before it gets too late. But... I'd like to lay here a little longer. If that's okay with you."
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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 Jan 13, 2021 18:21:52 GMT
Time passes, relaxing in an unobserved place without consequence. It lends to the idea that the mind is a safe space so long as Thel has the will to keep it that way. When he does at last wake, Serenity has curled against him. The fire has burnt down to embers and smokes lightly. The dull glow from the embers, and the light from Violet's Pokemon keep the cave comfortably lit.
The Falinks, a trail of water following the column, are offering soggy berries and the odd larger fruit to the injured Golbat in the corner, despite the squeakstorm coming from the smaller bats huddled against it. Violet is reading quietly, and the morning is a peaceful one otherwise.
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 13, 2021 18:50:43 GMT
Despite being internally conscious... it's a more restful night than it has been the last several. He doesn't know how long he was there with Serenity, but eventually... he was able to wake. Which was, admittedly, a weird feeling, given that he already felt awake during the dream.
He gets up, and gives Serenity a few light pets for good measure, her physical closeness comforting. Slowly he wakes up, a little sore after the uncovered rock of the ground, and looks around. "Ah. It must be still raining," he says, quietly, looking at the Falinks. "You're so brave to go out in that. Especially when it's to get things for others."
He stretches, turning to Violet. "Sorry about just... falling asleep on you all, Violet. I think I really, really needed it. Were you able to get some decent rest, at least?"
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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 Jan 13, 2021 19:23:55 GMT
"It's alright, I could tell the cold was really wearing on you. It's been interesting just watching the wilds come and go from this place. It's almost like, in a time of hardship they can put their rivalries and predatory relationships aside and come together for safety and comfort."
Indeed there were a few new faces among the assembled, most some degree of waterlogged or careworn. Several grass types among the more common normal, rock, or ground Pokemon.
"We could try to brave the weather to get back to the school, but it might be safer to try roughing it until the rain breaks."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 13, 2021 19:46:43 GMT
"I... I don't think it's going to let up soon," Thel says, shaking his head. "It doesn't... feel normal, if that makes any sense. And I'm running low on food. I really only packed enough for a day trip."
"I should probably call the Gym, though, if you don't mind. Let Jasmine know that... well, I won't really be there on time tomorrow... today? I don't know what time it is." He sighs. "Not one day in, and I'm already disappointing people."
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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 Jan 13, 2021 23:28:16 GMT
"Thel... These things happen? You didn't plan or cause the storm of the century. I am sure Jasmine was getting by before you volunteered and will get by just fine after.". Violet passed the boy her phone.
"If the rain is really that bad, would people be travelling anyway? I thought humans had more sense then that?". Patience asked.
"You'll need to get near an exit or be outside for the signal to work."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 13, 2021 23:48:43 GMT
"I know it's not my fault, but... it still feels like I'm letting people down. I made a promise, and I couldn't honour it." He shrugs. "Can't do anything about it, really, or change the past, I guess. Just need to keep moving onwards, and doing the best I can."
"People aren't always as logical as you are," Thel says, giving a smile to Patience. "And I've learned there can be some very stubborn people out there. So you never know."
He looks to his Pokémon. "Is there any of you who wants to come with me to the entrance? It would be nice to have a bit of a guide and company, if you don't mind." Hope and Serenity both know where the entrance is, but he doesn't want to exclude Bliss.
He's also thankful for Em's calls making him learn how phones worked. That would be very awkward to have to admit to Violet.
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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 Jan 18, 2021 4:40:53 GMT
The Falinks, and Bliss both accompany Thel topside to get a signal. There are still more Pokemon huddled in what safety is afforded them by the mountain, and certainly more wet then he'd like. The phone call with Jasmine is a pleasant one, and when she hears of the plights of the local Pokemon, Thel and Violet included of course, the mountain is soon bustling with rescue activity. Pokemon Rangers in all walks and sizes, and Jasmine herself, arrive to treat the injured and disoriented wilds. After a few hours of work, tending alongside their fellow man, Thel and his company are safely returned to the Olivine city gym, sometime around mid-afternoon.
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