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Post by DataNinja on Jul 26, 2021 2:34:00 GMT
"Just because we might never reach it," Thel says, shrugging, "it doesn't mean we shouldn't keep trying. I... probably have a different perspective on that than most, granted, but... the world is so large. It always surprises me, each new thing. We never know what we might find if we just keep our gazes outwards."
He looks over at Harmony, gently chiding, "You're doing a wonderful job, but I think you're crowding him. How about half of you come over here and take over for me, like the other day, and I'll start the food, okay?"
Turning back to Ophelia, he says, quietly, with a touch of melancholy, "...the world is hard. I know that oh so well. There are so many things that I just need to not think about, just to make it through the day." Magma, Aqua, Rocket, the possible fate of all his friends, Mable, the flower, other worlds, Patience, Diva... "But we have to live our best in spite of that. There are times when I'd love to just... huddle away, try and be perfectly safe, and hope that problems go away. But that's just letting the problems win, letting them affect us all the time, instead of occasionally. If we don't try, things will rarely get better." He closes his eyes, seeing those who he cares about in his mind's eye. The promise of a quiet life. "It's important to at least know what drives you to be happy, to hold onto that as a spark of light in dark times. To know what makes life worth living for you. Living, not just surviving."
He slowly exhales, just letting out his tangle of emotions. "I don't think that I have, no. Though, I might have... I've heard so many names of Trainers, they all kind of blur."
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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 27, 2021 0:22:26 GMT
"Living to thrive.". Ophelia commented to herself as Harmony split into two groups, making both Ampharos significantly less nervous in doing so. "Well, Red is from this little lab town called Pallet, in our sister region, Kanto. Doesn't talk much but he has this aura about him that gives you chills. He's been talked about for years as a living legend, a multi-regional champion that thwarted the criminal organization "Team Rocket.". That's the kind of person I want to be.". Ophelia rubbed her arm self consciously.
"Already had my largest failing. Nowhere to go but up I guess."
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 27, 2021 0:33:01 GMT
Team Rocket... that's a name that brings a bit of a chill to Thel's spine. While this organization that includes the people who want him so bad may not be the same, the fact that the group's defeat is something notable for someone described as a "living legend"... it's disconcerting. Even more intimidating, because he never really considered the scope of it all.
He realizes he's getting a little distant off in his own thoughts. "Well, I think that's a wonderful goal to have," he says, smiling. "Working to be strong, and to help people with your strength. That's very admirable, and I have no doubts that you can make great strides towards that." And, he thinks to himself, a little dryly, with me around, it might mean that your chance at fighting people like that is sooner than you think... An internal sigh. He doesn't want to cause trouble for others.
"Just... don't beat yourself up over the past, okay?" he says, gently laying a hand on her arm much like Chrysanthemum had. "Everyone makes mistakes." Even someone like Jasmine. "It's part of being human. What matters is that we learn from them, and make ourselves better from them. And I know you can do 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 Jul 27, 2021 21:32:53 GMT
"I think maybe it's more that he built his strength on toppling a criminal empire. Being a respected pinnacle through hard work and guts." Ophelia quieted as Thel settled a hand on her shoulder, and gave it a gauging look with a quirk of her brow but didn't say anything.
"There's nothing for it. I failed Diva as a trainer, I won't fail Chrysanthemum the same way. I just wish I knew what it was that I didn't have, that Diva needed. Some quality she thought she would be better off alone in the presence of it. What I did wrong.". She brushed a little wet from the Lurantis' shoulder and watched the Falinks rub down both sheep.
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 28, 2021 0:00:55 GMT
"You did nothing wrong," Thel says quietly. He sighs. "You deserve to know what went on, the strange tale. You may think that I'm crazy, and... you'd be understandable to. But, I just ask you don't dismiss it."
"The first time that I saw her, that first afternoon on the contest battle grounds... I heard her. Understood, exactly as I understood you now. Made me almost jump out of my skin, to be honest." Well, in more ways then one. But, this is just the human truth.
"I don't know why her. I've never had that happen with another, before or since." Even if he's a Salandit at heart, why just his evolutionary line? He could understand all sorts of Pokémon before. It makes little sense.
He gives a wry smile. "Maybe all people have something like that, and just never find the one they can talk with." A shrug. "Figures that of all the ones in life it could have been, it was one with such vitriol. The words that shocked me were those of... well, calling me an impostor. Muttering about what sorts of things she would violently do to one of her kind that tried to do such a thing. Involuntarily reacting was... a mistake. Because then she knew I understood her crystal clear."
He sighs, staring off into the rain outside the lighthouse. "That's why she left you. Because no matter what she did, you would never be able to be manipulated and intimidated in the same way as someone who understood. She would never be able to get exactly what she desired."
"That evening, she came to me after the group I was with all split up to go home. She tried to tempt me, then intimidate. It was terrifying. Only my sister being unexpectedly around managed to save me. If that hadn't happened... I don't know what would have. He gets a bit of a haunted look in his eyes recalling that night. "I don't think I'd have had the spine to act out when everyone I cared about was threatened. And, of course, you know about my room getting burned down afterwards. Anger at my escape. And probably a message."
"She came at me again, in the greenhouses. She'd charmed the male Pokémon in there, and trapped Chrysanthemum, who was very clever in keeping herself safe. Diva lost that time, thanks in a very big part to Chrys. At the very least, her pride was wounded and she fled. I don't blame Chrys for not wanting to stay in the greenhouse after that. So... I thought of you. Two souls needing another to support them. I... didn't tell you this before, because I felt you needed to meet her on her own terms. Not associating her with Diva at all."
"I have to look over my shoulder a lot. Worry about my sister's safety. Because Diva threatened to kill her, to kill all of my Pokémon. It's... it's not a good feeling. The rain's the only thing that's saved them all for now..."
He lets the words just hang for a bit, trembling a bit, before he composes himself and manages to eke out another wry smile. Though this one's a bit more uncertain. "And here we have come to now. Believe the story or not, it's up to you. I'd just... appreciate if you didn't spread it around like so many of the rumours I've heard about myself. I think it's weird, I can't imagine how others would take it. Anyways," the smile's much warmer and more comforting now, "just... it's nothing about you. You were a perfectly fine trainer. It was always Diva. She discarded you, because she felt she had found someone who would make a better pawn..." He sighs. "I'm sorry you were caught up in all of this. You certainly never deserved it."
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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 30, 2021 19:00:47 GMT
Ophelia listens quietly, stroking one of Chrysanthemum's forelimbs. She doesn't interrupt or protest, just seems to be numb, a mix of shock and confusion from the directionnthr conversation has gone. "It's still at least partially my fault.". She states at last.
"The trainer she was purchased from was very particular about how to handle her, but I was not them. I have no badges, and Pokemon seem to inherently recognize a trainer's strength and accomplishments. She took to that path because I was a weak trainer who wanted power and command without earning it."
The Lurantis nuzzled into her. "I refuse to believe a Pokemon can just inherently be so terrible... I'm sorry Thel, that she put you through that."
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 30, 2021 19:16:22 GMT
"It's not your fault," Thel says, shaking his head. "We're always learning. From what I gather, this was your first real taste of being a Trainer. Your first Pokémon. Who that is... it really matters. They teach you just as much as you teach them. I certainly wouldn't be the same person I am today without my Pokémon, my friends. Especially not my first one, Hope, who helped me come out of my shell. And still gently encourages me to this day."
"Diva, well... she had no interest in teaching you things that would be helpful, I would assume. And... that's the thing, really. Pokémon are just as much people as humans are. Just as varied. Even if we can't understand them verbally, you can tell. Not everything is on the Trainer. It's a pairing. And sometimes… sometimes it seems it just doesn't work out."
He looks at Chrysanthemum and smiles. "It looks like you've got a friend there who will help you out, and is willing to be helped in return." It's not clear which of them he's addressing. "I think it will all work out fine."
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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 30, 2021 22:10:28 GMT
Chrys chirrs and pets Thel's hair gently, then does the same with Ophelia, comforting and perhaps grooming her trainer. The girl gets a bit flustered, a confused expression on her face, becoming very still. "I appreciate it Thel.". She ceded even if she didn't seem very sold on the idea. "What's she doing?"
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 30, 2021 22:26:41 GMT
"I imagine comforting you in the best way she knows how," Thel says, smiling up at the not-bug. He appreciates it.
"Just remember, Ophelia. Not all humans are the same. So too are Pokémon not all alike. Different Pokémon react differently to things, and some don't really want to partner at all. Some need different structures." He sighs. "I had an... acquaintance, he very much had a pack mentality when it came to his Pokémon. An authority. He was the important one, and the others were subservient to him. I... didn't really like that, conceptually, but his Pokémon seemed okay enough with it. He showed them respect, made them stronger, and let them work out their urges, so long as they did what he said."
"But other Pokémon... that definitely wouldn't work with mine, and I wouldn't want to do it. My Pokémon are my friends, and... I feel a little bad asking them to fight and everything. I don't want to ask them to do anything for me that I wouldn't do myself. I've made it very clear to all of them that at any time, if they want to leave, they can make that clear to me, and there will be no hard feelings. I consider it the pinnacle of trust and friendship. If they can go, and still choose to stay."
"And I think that's what you have here with Chrys," he says, gently. "There's that trust. There's that care. I can see it, even with the worries that you won't be enough."
"I know I always worry myself that I'm just... not treating my friends right. That I'm not understanding them. That I'm abusing what a Trainer is, and the position of authority that society sees me as. They're my friends, just as important to me as any human that I've met. And I want to do right by them as much as anyone else. I don't know if all of those worries will really ever go away. But, through all my ups and downs... it's taught me things. And I'll tell you that the important thing is that you try. That's what matters. Even if you aren't perfect - and nobody is - what matters is you're making an attempt, and so are they."
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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 31, 2021 0:10:53 GMT
"Okay I get it, you're supportive and believe in me.". Ophelia laughs and waves Thel off. "Not everything has to be an impassioned speech about friendship and understanding.". She rubs Chrys between the eyes gently. "It's good you have yourself and your Pokemon figured out. Chrysanthemum seems to like only certain kinds of attention, and not a lot of it at that. Probably prefers not to be noticed at all. Might make this hard down the road, but what can I do besides be patient and pay attention?"
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 31, 2021 5:43:28 GMT
He opens his mouth to speak. Then closes it again, before finally saying a small, "...sorry." He's flushing a bit.
He concentrates on the food for a bit, before turning back to Ophelia. "I just... rarely got to speak my mind growing up, so... I go a little bit overboard now when I can, I guess."
"Being patient and paying attention seems like it will do just fine.," Thel says, smiling. "As long as you listen, that's what's important..."
He does try and not ramble on too much this time, instead concentrating more on the Ampharos. More conversation can come over breakfast. Well, assuming she stays for that. He isn't sure if she will.
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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 2, 2021 18:43:30 GMT
The lighthouse descends into a comfortable silence for awhile. Ophelia calmly tending the little touch-needs of Chrys, and Harmony looking after the Ampharos' comfort until feeding time where they conglomerate again and appear to be comparing notes. Unlike the time at the mountain, where one was completely out of sight and unreachable, they seem okay working in smaller groups and continue to coordinate with each other even over short distances.
The Ampharos, as always are thankful for the added rest and little bit of attention.
"Thel, if your Pokemon are your friends before anything else, why use balls at all? I've heard of a couple places that eschew them completely. They view it as a mark of a system that struggles to work at best.". Ophelia asked curiously at last.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 2, 2021 18:59:45 GMT
"I didn't even know that was an option, to be honest," Thel admits. "In trying to learn to be more independent, people pointed me towards the path of a Trainer. So... I just sort of assumed that's how it was."
"At the very least," he says, after a moment of thought, "it seems prudent to help everyone get from one place to another. I can't imagine everything needing to be built to accommodate both something as large as some of the Pokémon I've seen would need, while not being impossible to traverse for some of the smaller ones. But, in general, I try and use them sparingly. I feel bad places like the school, where they don't want Pokémon out at all. So I've tended to let most stay with my sister at the Gym. Better for everyone involved, I think."
"As much as I don't like fighting, and asking my Pokémon to fight... there are those who revel in it. My Tsareena, for instance, she always perks up after a tough combat. So... it's a system that can work, as long as there's communication."
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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 2, 2021 20:48:06 GMT
"Maybe something for someday, then.". Ophelia nodded. "Pokemon that have been balled also can't be stolen casually. Even if you have them out all the time, a PokeBall sort of... Innoculates their energy signature against other balls. There is a super illegal bit of tech that *can* do it, but I don't think it's even really been seen outside of the Orre region. Just some things to consider."
With everyone groomed and fed, Ophelia rose, clearly getting antsy to finish her run, and hungry to boot. "Your breakfast is sounding pretty good about now."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 2, 2021 20:51:22 GMT
"I see," Thel nods, thoughtfully. That makes sense. It keeps them safe. They can leave if they want, but they can't be taken.
"Well, the offer's still open for you to join in," he says. "Whenever we get back. I'll follow your lead when you want to head there." He'll definitely be glad to be back in the gym and able to change into dry clothes, though.
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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 2, 2021 22:01:26 GMT
The jog back through the rain was short lived and afforded Thel little aside from being wetted again. A parting of ways, and a change of clothes later (something Harmony seemed particularly interested in), and Thel was off to the gym to start breakfast for Olivine.
There was a little bit of commotion in the main gym area, which seemed still more crowded then usual. At the center of it all was a tall, pale green haired girl with an easy smile and large expressive eyes. There was a strange, faraway look on her face, but it all comes into focus when she sees him.
Em throws herself against Thel, pulling him in close and exhaled. "You're here... And cute..." She teased. "I like the skirt a lot... You would make a very handsome Gardevoir... It's good to see you again..."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 2, 2021 22:19:20 GMT
It takes a moment for him to believe what's in front of him at the Gym. Or rather... who.
He wants to ask her what she's doing there. Wants to tell her what's been going on since they last saw each other. Wants to know what she's been up to, and how she's been doing. Wants to say how much he loves her, how much he'd missed her. And so much more.
But he doesn't. He can't form any of the words, it's all just too much. Heedless of anything else, he just embraces her tightly, and cries quiet tears of relief over her shoulder. The world around him seems to fade away.
It would be okay. They were together again.
He's not sure how long he stays like that, but eventually he pulls away, wipes the tears from his face, and smiles. "You as well," he says, finally finding his voice. "I've missed you so much."
"I'm just about to start breakfast, so we can catch up over that, if you want. Your Pokémon are free to join in. But, should probably make some proper introductions first." He gently grabs one of her hands, lightly guiding her to where Patience probably was.
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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 2, 2021 22:40:37 GMT
A hand splays across his back, applying soothing pressure and comforting warmth as he emotionally vents. "I couldn't take it anymore... so I tried to come on my own... That didn't work either. One of our friends from the mountain brought me here." She whispered softly in his ear, gently kissing the lobe. "I would love to meet everyone, and introduce my friends too.". She slowly withdraws from the embrace and looks deep into his eyes.
"I'm sorry for not staying put love. I know you have a lot to worry about, but I hoped that it would be easier for us together then it was apart.". She squeezes his hands gently. Thel realized about this moment that a lot of people are watching. Em seems either unaware or unconcerned.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 2, 2021 22:55:36 GMT
"You know what's best for you, Em," Thel says, smiling. He's at first a little confused at the mention of friends from the mountain, but then he thinks he understands. "And I'll support you every step of the way."
Thel isn't quite as immune to the gazes of everyone. He really doesn't like being the center of attention; it still often feels like he's done something wrong if it happens. "You must have had a long journey," he says at last. "Follow me, we can get you a place to rest and eat." And they can talk out of the earshot of all these people. "I've been staying in among all the Gym's Pokémon, helping keeping them settled a bit with the different accomodations. So, may be a bit cramped, but I'm sure you don't mind."
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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 3, 2021 0:05:55 GMT
"That's very kind of you.". She holds his hand as he leads her down into the caves, looking around with some interest, and some growing concern. "They have you sleeping in a cave? Doesn't that bring back bad memories?"
Patience was rousing slowly at the sound of voices, Bliss and Hope both watching the pair with different degrees and tones of interest. Harmony formed a circle and kept casting tentative glances about. Serenity lazily opened an eye, yawning.
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