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Post by DataNinja on Jul 9, 2021 4:26:25 GMT
Confusion crosses Thel's face at what the other means... and then he wakes up. The first few moments are disorienting, before... oh, right. Dreaming. He should have realized. But he didn't, he'd been so caught up in it.
But... wait, that shouldn't have happened! It was a good dream, and Darkrai'd said that he'd only have nightmares until things were over. And they definitely weren't over. Lysander was still out there... and even in the dream, he'd realized that.
Could it have been from the other? From Cresselia? But why? The thought crosses his mind that perhaps he won't live past the coming endeavor, and this is just one last comfort. The thought doesn't worry him as much as he feels it probably should.
His thoughts are interrupted by actually registering his surroundings. Oh, right. Morty. Who... was watching all of that. Realizing exactly how much personal... everything happened, and how emotional he'd gotten, Thel feels like he's as red as a Bounsweet right now. He really doesn't have it in himself to look Morty in the eyes, so instead he stares intently at the pendant that he has now. ...somehow.
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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 Jul 9, 2021 19:14:45 GMT
Morty's eyes are closed and his breathing even. Still asleep, or perhaps nodded off during the boy's odd journey. It had been a long night.
The pendant itself was black and dark gray, with a large red oval stone set in the top. The main piece has a rough, pebbly feel to it, the stone is glossy smooth. A small piece of gold that attaches to the chain, reads the word 'Ideals' in a tight looping script.
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 9, 2021 19:31:04 GMT
It's a quite unexpected gift, and very pretty. He feels bad that he couldn't thank N for it... and then gets rather confused at how he even got it in the first place. Dreams can't affect reality... can they?
He's not at all tired anymore so, after putting the pendant around his neck, he gets up and wanders out to the Gym lobby to just watch the rains outside, trying his best not to disturb anyone. Staring off through the rain-streaked windows into the dark sky, he whispers "Thank you..." despite knowing that nobody it's meant for would ever hear it. And he just watches the rain until others begin to stir.
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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 Jul 11, 2021 21:56:50 GMT
Soft footfalls and the shush of petals caught the edge of Thel's hearing, before Ophelia had a seat beside him, Lurantis to her left, the not-mantis freezing as soon as she's settled. "Hey Lucasta." She greeted him casually, "You've been keeping some weird hours lately... everything alright on your end?" The question was a bit on the awkward side, but her intentions were pretty clear. She wanted him to know that she cared without saying so.
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 11, 2021 22:07:59 GMT
"Oh, Ophelia, hi," Thel says, shaken out of just staring up at the sky. "I'm... fine enough, thanks. Just had some problems sleeping lately. Everything's sort of... heavy right now. It'll be better when the weather's nicer though, I'm sure." He gives her a smile, taking care to not acknowledge the fact that she came out of her way to come to the Gym. That would probably just make her feel awkward.
"How have things been coming along with your new friend?" he asks, giving a smile at the Pokémon, too. "Have the pair of you figured out her name yet?"
Looking at the Pokémon has him wondering about the dream last night. If there was... more than nothing to it. Wondering if he can reach out to the Lurantis in the same way.
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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 Jul 13, 2021 1:21:36 GMT
"We decided on Chrysanthemum, after a little reading and polling.". She explains quietly as Thel's focus narrowed on the not-bug, her eyes flicking to meet his. Inquisitiveness, a hesitant nature, craving food again though she just ate, wishing the sun would return. She squares fully with Thel and cocks her head, side-eying him.
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 13, 2021 1:31:44 GMT
"A lovely name," Thel says, nodding. "Names are such a peculiar thing... You can find meaning in the one you have, or choose one that gives meaning to you." He wonders how many Pokémon really do have names. Bliss and Patience didn't before they met, and Serenity just brushed it off. But all of the ones Magma held did. Had he had a Trainer, would he have been given a new name, and bonded with that? It's a peculiar thought. He didn't really have much connection to his own - isn't even sure who gave it to him - but it's still his. Well, his first name, at least. Lucasta, on the other hand... that one was his. One of his first choices as a human. ...in life, really.
But... it's clear the dream was certainly more than just a dream, as he focuses on Chrysanthemum. He can feel the emotions and desires of the Grass-Type. It's a strange feeling.
"Would the two of you like to join the rest of us for breakfast? Everyone else is probably stirring about now, so I should probably get started on that anyways." He gives a warm smile to the Lurantis especially, knowing just how it is to be hungry.
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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 Jul 16, 2021 19:05:56 GMT
Keeping his concentration on Chrysanthemum, Thel has his conscious thoughts filled with recent memories the plant. Being pushed to use Solar Blade in training despite the lack of sun. A gentle wash of her petals and leaves afterwards and a quiet conversation. Some of the details aren't there, as the understanding of English is limited, but Ophelia expressed regret, and it was about Thel.
"Chrys should definitely eat, I don't normally have anything till after a run. If you're in a hurry to look after breakfast I won't bother you."
At that, the Lurantis' eyes widened, and she pressed a forelimb into Ophelia's side before freezing again. A sense of encouragement, and unrest.
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 16, 2021 19:19:37 GMT
Thel feels a little embarrassed and awkward at the memories. Those are private moments, he shouldn't be intruding. With that, he does his best to withdraw from the emotional entanglement.
"Ophelia," he says, gently. "It's no bother. I have no issue with you, no resentment. Trust me. Even if you don't eat, you can still be there, with company if you want. If you don't want to, that's okay, but... I'd be happy to have you there. Can introduce you to everyone."
"I understand, though, if that's not something you're comfortable with. You can just think about it." He gets up, and gives a smile and a bow to the pair. "If I don't see you, Ophelia, have a good run. I'll see you tonight, since it's my dinner project." ...with the dinner's mention, a little anxiety worms its way into him. It may not be apocalyptic, but it's still something important. He hopes the dress he got from Whitney's gym is good enough for that. He isn't sure it's right for the expected presentation. "And thank you," he adds, "for coming out here. I appreciate it."
With that, he begins to head back into the gym in order to start work on breakfast, leaving Ophelia to make her choice.
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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 Jul 21, 2021 2:20:54 GMT
"A-actually.". She spoke up. "I was maybe, sort of hoping, you might run with me? It is wet out, but moving always helps me clear my head when something is bothering me. Half hour, once around Olivine? I've been reporting things I notice while I'm out and helping the disaster teams keep ahead of things..." She added sheepishly.
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 21, 2021 2:35:30 GMT
Thel's surprised at the offer. "Oh, sure," he says, smiling. "I'll let everyone sleep in a little bit. I'll just poke my head in, let anyone who's up know I'm heading out for a bit. Just so they don't worry when I'm gone." He's not really a fan of the rain, but... she needs someone right now. He knows that.
He thinks, before asking, "Do you mind if we end at the Lighthouse? I've been helping take care of the Ampharos there, so, even if it's a little bit earlier than usual, if I can take care of them, that means not needing to double back after breakfast. I... don't know if you'd want to be there, and join me in that? If not, that's okay. It's not your job, after all."
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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 Jul 23, 2021 1:37:19 GMT
The run is as wet as Thel expected, jogging isn't the sort of activity one braces beneath an umbrella, after all. Chrysanthemum keeps pace, and to his pleasant surprise, Harmony decides to join as well. The Pokemon's rhythmic, chanting-style cries as they march in a line through the pounding rain is strangely heartening. The collective steps, and disciplined cheer at being able to just move again lifts the mood despite the perpetually gray-black sky. Winded and soaked, they stop to take a break at the lighthouse to tend the Ampharos as Thel had requested.
The Lurantis shakes out her leaves, Ophelia wrings water from her hair and laughs. "Glad I decided to start wearing swimwear out for these... makes cleanup a lot easier." Harmony seems to be content with just being wet, but gather around Thel the way they did when they looked for instruction without their leader some time before.
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 23, 2021 1:45:09 GMT
It is very wet, and Thel's glad he decided to not wear his school uniform. It would never get dry by the time school actually started. Also, a skirt seems awkward to run in.
"Oh, and you couldn't have told me that?" Thel teases Ophelia, though he doesn't actually have any swimwear. He laughs, and says to Harmony, "Okay, let's all wring out and shake off as best we can so we don't drag too much water up to them. I'm sure they see enough of it as-is."
He's glad to have some more time with the Falinks - there really hadn't been much time for one-on-one (well, six-on-one?) with how everything's gone recently.
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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 Jul 23, 2021 3:37:02 GMT
"I figured you'd wear something practical, but you rushed out the door without giving it much thought." Ophelia teases back. "You're old enough to dress yourself Miss Lucasta."
Harmony shake themselves off as best they can. With round bodies that don't have fur, or much in the way of nooks and crannies, they don't retain water like Thel's other Pokemon do, or even Thel himself in his clothing.
"So you have an entire team of this one kind of Pokemon? They must be pretty special." Ophelia remarks, studying the Falinks.
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 23, 2021 3:47:57 GMT
"I don't really have much in the way of clothes," Thel admits. "Only was able to get out from a bad situation a few months back, and… well, wasn't able to take anything. Basically just got this stuff, my uniform, and one nicer dress I won at Whitney's Gym. Hoping after I get in some work, I'll be able to get a few more. Lot more important things to do with all this rain going on, though." There's the vague thought in the back of his head that he shouldn't really share this stuff, that it would hurt how the people at the school think of him, like his comments about his parentage, but... he doesn't really care. He's seen as strange enough as it is, from the rumours he's heard.
"No, Harmony's one Pokémon apparently," he says, laughing and shaking his head. "I... don't really understand it myself. They talk amongst themselves and get lost without them all there, but they also seem a lot more adept at communication and teamwork than just talking. But they are special, from what I've seen. Kind, and very resourceful. And surprisingly sneaky," he giggles. "They met me on the mountain last weekend, and then snuck down to follow. Isn't that right?" he asks the squad.
"If you come back to the Gym for breakfast after, I can introduce you to the others, though." With that all said, he recalls Harmony, and readies to set up the ladder, but does offer a snack he brought to Chrysanthemum. "I didn't forget you were hungry, by the way. Just... didn't want to give it to you before running. Never fun to run right after eating."
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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 Jul 23, 2021 23:58:47 GMT
"I can see where that would have been really hard for you, surrounded by all these girls... Many that had everything just handed to them, and having so little that you have had to scrape for.". Ophelia doesn't make eye contact while offering her condolences, finding it easier to engage in the discussion while fixated on the stairs.
"I guess that makes sense. Hydreigon, Exeggcute, and Metagross are all singular Pokemon that have multiple minds. It might be a topic of a professor's research someday if it isn't already.". At the top of the tower, everything is as it was left. Lurantis partakes of the offered snack and moves to one of the windows to eat.
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 24, 2021 0:07:58 GMT
"Eh, it's not really that bad," Thel says, shrugging. "I feel sorry for a lot of them, honestly; the ones who don't want to be at the school. I want to be there, and it's helping me learn who I want to be... I'm doing things to be better as a person. And I'm getting that, so I'm happy. I don't resent any of them. Besides, I've had the kindness and generosity of so many people helping me along the way. It's why I try and give back."
"Besides," he adds. "When you start with nothing, you appreciate everything that much more. So I don't mind at all."
He greets the Ampharos as they get up, and introduces Ophelia to them before starting on the tasks with Harmony and explaining them to her as they go along. He doesn't push her to join in, just content to let her sit and watch if she wants.
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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 Jul 25, 2021 18:52:13 GMT
"You ended up at a school that what you have and where you come from, your pedigree is most of what matters.". Ophelia shakes her head in disbelief. "And you're winning over teachers, gym leaders, and your peers with that soft touch of yours. I hope it gets you wherever you need to be. It's impressive any way you spin it."
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 25, 2021 19:08:24 GMT
"Ophelia," Thel says quietly, looking up at her, still brushing the Ampharos in front of him. "How many of the people there seem happy? Truly happy? From the sounds of it, they've been told what matters, but... it only matters because they've been told it matters. Lives have been laid out, all for them. Regardless of it's what they want or not."
"The greatest thing in our lives is the ability to choose our path. Choose what we want in life. And that's what it sounds like the girls there don't really have. So they have to believe that what's there matters most, so they can take some happiness from it. ...I know that well enough from my own family. You spend long enough pretending to be happy with what you have, you end up lying to yourself that you actually are."
"I just want to help people," he shrugs. "I think that's why people trust me. Especially here. I don't know how much genuine care you all have had. I know you worried that your family would be mad and think you a failure when it came to Diva. You need people in your life that will care, and help, and not kick you when you're down. That's what I want to help people with, the same way people helped me."
He pauses for a moment, thinking. "What do you want to do with your life, Ophelia?"
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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 Jul 26, 2021 2:13:03 GMT
"Never really gave it much thought before. I'd say two in three are at least satisfied with things as they are. True happiness is a little idyllic for the world we live in, don't you think?" Ophelia challenged in her usual firm way. "Being separated from people you care about. People losing their homes. Nonstop rain for a week that is threatening to swallow the coastline. That's not even getting into regional politics or global concerns. Yeah... I get it though, I think we've all heard it at some point in our lives, a gilded cage is still a cage."
She picks at a seam on her bottoms and watches the Falinks as they attempt to groom the other Ampharos, aping Thel's motions, which it does not at all seem to enjoy being crowded.. "Have you heard of a trainer named Red?" She asked in answer to his question.
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