|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 6, 2021 20:36:09 GMT
"Oh, I see," Thel says, nodding. "That must be exhausting for them. You're doing a great thing. I'm glad you've been taking care of yourself, too. It seems I'll have to up my food game before I next see you again." He laughs, though there's an internal bit of sadness, as he remembers Mable. "I've been learning a lot from the head chef in the kitchen at the school especially."
He sighs. "I probably shouldn't put things off longer. I just... I saw dreams of the future, like I mentioned last time we talked, and now that I've had time to really... process things, I thought that you should know. Since many of them did involve you. I don't want to keep these things from you. Though, it seems like some of them have passed the possibilities, and others were branches of different pasts. Ones where we met even earlier."
"One that seems like it's passed now was the first I'd seen. In that one, you'd not regained your abilities at all, and it was... too much. They found the way to return us to how we were and... we found a Trainer together. You'd evolved, too... He trails off as his eyes suddenly widen, as he realizes something. "...that's the Pokémon I saw myself as during a waking vision one night. I didn't see me looking at myself, or in the mirror. I... I saw that Pokémon. ...what could it mean?"
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 6, 2021 21:07:31 GMT
"You'd need to give me more details then that, but my family is known for empathy, which you have shown to have plenty of. Maybe it was reference to how much you feel for others?". She listens to him talk about pasts, futures, and futures past with great interest.
"The future is... it's tricky Thel. There isn't really a set path. The outcomes with the greatest chance of coming true are the ones that... Everyone acts the way they most commonly would. Omega's most likely futures are shaped by his choices, but conflict and injury will shape it because that is just who he is.". She rubbed an aye and moved closer to the camera.
"It's when we choose to act against our base natures, and be different, when those strange outlier results happen. The future you described might have happened if we'd never gone to the gyms, or met with influential people here."
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 6, 2021 21:27:39 GMT
"That's all I really have. I saw myself as that Pokémon, before I fell asleep and dreamt of myself and my world falling apart into blocks with eyes..." He frowns. "Those were in my waking vision, too. You haven't seen any of them around, have you? About this big," he makes gestures, "with bright blue unblinking eyes?"
"And that... it makes sense. I went down some of the paths that were not very trodden. Probably the less likely paths, thinking on it..." he says, musing. "In the grand scheme of the world, at least. Me being completely alone, us taking care of Pokémon with a daughter... As opposed to some of the ones like, well..." he sighs. "Like the world flooding. I hope that one does not come to pass, but it took up a lot of space..."
"I'm so glad to have you in my life for this, Em," he says, gratefully. "For so much else, for everything, but... I know I would probably be paralyzed by a lack of knowledge about this were it not for you. You've helped me approach it in a way that's... it's not completely worry free. But I know that it's a known. That there's knowledge out there, people who have experienced it."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 10, 2021 21:30:06 GMT
"No personal experience with something like that no, but I have seen something like it.". She bent off to one side, and held up the front page of the Johto Journeys newspaper, a photograph of a rainbow hued sky overtop angry stormclouds, and beside it a building up on four legs moving not unlike a horse. Steel gray blocks with bright blue eyes. She tucks it beneath the camera's view to read.
"The science communities are surprised and disturbed today, as with a burst of yet unidentified energy a drone captured this unusual skyline. Not an hour or two later, a sizeable portion of the ruins of Alph began moving towards the mountains north of Violet City. Attempts to capture or contain the odd living structure have been met with failure so far. Nearing sundown, it hunkered into a small fort like shape and remained stationary."
She cupped her hand against the camera. "I'll be safe Thel. I have plenty of people looking out for me, just like you do, alright?"
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 10, 2021 21:48:07 GMT
"I... oh... that's... those..." he fumbles for words, a chill running down his spine at the sight. "Those look like what I saw... yeah. Though not in that sort of form. I... I hope this isn't something else akin to that bird, and the storm..."
And it's the Ruins of Alph. He remembers that, that's what Morty was talking about. With the Unown. And their seeing things. Including him, apparently. ...what could that means for the blocks? He doesn't know.
"I know..." he says, reaching out to her, though the distance is so far. "I just... I can't help but constantly worry. It's in my nature. I know we have strong people around. I just... I guess that I'll probably not stop worrying until the dreams stop."
"I'll do what I can, though. To try and not fret, constantly." He gives her a smile. "I love you. Forever and always. I just want to be able to be with you again, and for both of us to be happy. It just seems so far away sometimes..."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 12, 2021 1:49:32 GMT
"Close your eyes, and concentrate on those special nights we've shared?". When he did so, there was silence, then the feeling of her lips against his. A heady warmth, her scent. As soon as his concentration breaks it's all gone. She looks pale but happy, shivering from the exertion. "I love you too Thel... more than words can say. Always and forever."
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 12, 2021 3:35:11 GMT
"Whoa..." Thel says, exhaling after the experience. There are no real words. It was unexpected, but very welcome. "I have no doubt that you're finding your center." He smiles. "From this and... well, before."
He sighs, the warmth fading a little. "You were right. There is something that I've not been telling you, but I just... I can't. You are my love, my everything. You complete my soul, and I've never kept anything from you. So... I just hope you can trust me when I say that I... that I can't talk about it. I want to, but... I can't yet." Tears start to form in his eyes, but he blinks them back. Or tries to, at least. "I never want to hide anything from you. I want you to know that your center was right, and that your training worked. I don't want to worry you, and I just... I want to be honest. I know you'd worry yourself even more if I didn't say anything at all."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 12, 2021 19:05:32 GMT
"Thel, if... If it was something that would put you in danger. That would separate us forever, wouldn't you rather have a chance to... To face that without regrets? To know you did everything you could. Shared the love you had?". Her expression was concerned, tears welling in her eyes.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 12, 2021 19:27:18 GMT
"I... I want to, Em," Thel says, eyes closed for a moment. "I just... if I do, a lot of people could be hurt. Including you. It hurts, Em… there's no good solution. Can you just... can you trust me on this, my love? I'll explain more when I can, but I just... I can't right now. I just can't..." Trying to hold back the tears has completely failed by this point.
It hurts. He's hurting Em, but he can't tell her what's going on - can't tell anyone - or they could just... all die. All everything would end. This is the only way out. But he can't tell her. He can't explain.
Why did it have to be him? Once again... he's just a plaything for those much more powerful than he, used with no regard for who it will hurt. He can't handle something like this. There's just... so much. So much crushing him. He's barely had time to relax and realize what being human might mean, when he's always thrown into a new pain. Something new that tears him asunder. He just wants it to be over. So he can be happy with Em. So he doesn't have to hurt anyone anymore...
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 15, 2021 22:27:07 GMT
"Please don't cry Thel. I know it isn't because you don't trust me." Em comforted him softly. "I know you would do anything to protect the people you care about. I just don't want to see you have to do this on your own. You are a lot stronger then you know, and you look to others whenever you can... a circumstance where you can only rely on yourself... you mustn't let your confidence falter. I'm with you, heart and soul." She sat back slowly, and relaxed, looking deep into his eyes.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 15, 2021 22:44:53 GMT
"I'm sorry..." he says, closing his eyes and trying to calm himself. Centering his emotions like Serenity had caught in his head, and steadying his breathing. He feels better after the attempt, but... there's still a lot tangling him up inside. He can try and sort that out slowly later.
"Thank you, Em. There's still so much that I have to learn about even myself. It really helps to have someone there to be able to anchor to. To reorient myself when I flounder." He sighs. "I really wish I could spend more time with you. And that it was in better circumstances, without a storm, or anyone else looming over us. But I probably should head out in not too long. I talked with Morty earlier, and he said he'd be waiting for me in the Gym here this evening. So I shouldn't keep him waiting."
"That does remind me, though!" he says, remembering. "I met Clair over the video call, too, and she seems like a wonderful person. I'm glad that you have someone like that helping you."
"I love you Em, and... who knows. Perhaps now we'll able to properly see each other in our dreams," he beams at her.
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 18, 2021 21:37:56 GMT
"I love you too Thel. Clair is harsh but fair in her day to day. Just make sure you don't mumble or slouch when you are in her presence. She really doesn't like it.". Color flooded her cheeks and she laughed in spite of herself. "I'll see you in your dreams...". She gave the boy a coy smile and kisses the camera before shutting the call down.
The walk back to the gym has the world a little lighter, a little warmer. Less miserable. Morty and Jasmine were talking in the lobby at length about Olivine's concerns in the moment. "Oh good, there's the...". Morty paused considering his outfit. "Woman? Of the hour?"
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 19, 2021 1:13:41 GMT
Thel collects the freshly healed Bliss and Serenity from the Center before heading back. While he'd like to talk with them, and make sure Bliss especially knows that she did amazingly earlier... it's probably best to not keep the others waiting.
He just shrugs and gives a slight smile at Morty's comment. "Hope I wasn't keeping you too long. Had some stuff I needed to get done. Got some of the fruits of my labours here, though," he says, pulling out some of the food, "if you're wanting some. I know you both have had long days, don't know if you've eaten yet or not. Should get some to Patience, too. She'll probably not have eaten since this morning..."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 24, 2021 12:21:28 GMT
"No, by all means, keep going about your business as though I weren't even here. We will see the best result if I am just a background character in passing. Causes dream entities to take less notice of me.". Morty explained with a smile.
"I know it sounds hokey, but there is really a lot of things that only make sense to an occultist. Stuff science can't explain because it functions on belief instead of provable constants."
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 24, 2021 16:26:14 GMT
"O-oh. Okay..." Thel says, taken a little aback, before shrugging. "I guess... I guess I just expected we were going to talk about dreams I've had or whatever," he says, laughing. "I guess this is just a good lesson to just... never necessarily be sure of what to expect..."
He does leave food for the pair of Gym Leaders if they indicate, before heading further in to meet back up with Patience.
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 26, 2021 23:54:51 GMT
"We will after I've seen the way of things without my interference, promise. It was good seeing you again Thel.". Morty returns to his conversation about the state of the town and ways he might help while he is there.
Patience is in Jasmine's personal kitchen, staring into an empty bowl that likely had food in it at one point. She seems stunned when Thel comes in, blinking at him a few times before it registers. "Oh, welcome home Thel... What time is it?". She glances around until she finds the clock, and rubs her eyes. "When did it get so late?"
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 27, 2021 0:10:25 GMT
Thel exhales a breath he'd not known that he was holding until that moment. "Oh... I'm so glad you're okay, Patience. I... we ran into Diva again today. And she made it very clear she wanted to kill you, to make me suffer... I was worried she might have done something when she ran off..."
He gently moves the bowl to one side, and clasps her hands in his, giving a gentle pull. "I know you've probably been lost in thought after this morning," he says, softly. "Let's go get you some food while I cook for the others. We can talk about things if you want, or... if you just want me to be there while you think, that's okay, too."
For a moment, the greater worries of the day have vanished from his head, and he's just someone worried about making sure his little sister's okay. "I've got fish, as well as noodles. You can have some of both, too, if you want..."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 27, 2021 0:48:40 GMT
"Can we just eat in here, together? I don't really feel like being around other people right now... I am really hungry though.". The blonde offered sheepishly. "I forgot to have anything all day, even though the fridge is only a few steps..."
She covered her face in her hands. "You went up against Diva all by yourself... Thel I'd have helped... I... I don't want to be treated like I'm frail just because I'm human now."
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 27, 2021 1:00:20 GMT
"Oh, of course. It's more than okay," Thel says, pulling up a place to sit. "You've been alone all day. It's the least I can do. And... I know what thoughts can do, to just paralyze you."
And now it's his turn to be sheepish. "Well, I wasn't exactly alone. I had my Pokémon. But... you're right. I probably shouldn't have done it. But I wasn't thinking straight at the time, and Bliss definitely wanted some payback, so..." He sighs. "I knew if I didn't go, she'd have gone alone. I... couldn't lose a friend like that. It all turned out okay in the end, but... there are so many ways it could have gone wrong. I can't defend what I did."
"I don't think that you're frail, though, Patience," he says, reassuringly. "Not at all. I know I wanted you to rest the other day, but that was just after having the Nurse readjust your unit. I wanted to make sure it didn't get worse, that's all. I wholeheartedly believe you're far stronger than I. You've put up with so much, it's unbelievable. I sincerely do believe that you're the strongest person that I know. It was just an... in the moment thing, and you weren't there."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Jun 7, 2021 16:19:21 GMT
"You think everyone is stronger than you.". Patience quipped dryly and gathered up one of Thel's hands in both of hers. "There are more kinds of strength then there are Pokemon though, and you have at least a few of them.". The little blonde squeezed his hand firmly, looking up into his eyes with a worried expression. "I want...". She hesitated, not normally one for vocalizing such things, she briefly became tongue tied.
"I want... Every opportunity to he good to you, the way you have been good to me."
|
|
