Oneiromancy Is The Loneliest Number (Thel)

It's a little awkward to control his body without the innate feedback of being present, but he manages with the help of Em's senses to run his fingers through her hair.

"I'm not sure yet what kind of strength will be needed," he murmurs, "but the thought is very much appreciated. The thought of you is always in my heart. And I will do all that I can to come back to you."

"Should the worst happen, though," he continues, hesitantly, "please, I ask that you help Patience. She's had it worse than any of us did, and... just needs a little guidance to help her stand on her feet."

"But... I hope that that won't happen. My heart is sure that it won't, even if my head says otherwise. I will come back. And then we can figure things out from there. What we want to do." And in this moment, it's true. It feels like everything will be okay. That there can be a happy continuation.

"That's..." not what I meant. The words die on his lips. He knows that Em knew what he was saying. But that she said what she needed to say.

"I will remember it, too," Thel says instead, almost a whisper. "This and every other moment that we've shared. You are why I am who I am today, Em. It's something that I always think about, and am always grateful for. My life truly began when I met you that day, when we first became human. And you will always be in my heart. I will always love you."

There's nothing more that needs to be said. Instead, he just comforts her as best that he can, trying his best to shield her from the looming darkness, in both body and soul.

It's a little disorienting, being back alone in his own senses, even more so after walking far enough away that the emotional connections with his Pokémon couldn't reach.

"I... oh," Thel says, surprised. "Thank you, but... it's okay, you don't have to do this now. The storm's still going and..." he trails off. He really doesn't know why he's protesting. He's earned it, sure, but... it doesn't feel like it, is all. All he was doing was what little he could. Human life was, at its core, still very confusing.

"Thank you, Jasmine. I'm sorry that I haven't been more help around here. And, uh," he's a bit sheepish, given that she'd graduated from the school, "that I skipped out on class today. Probably not what I should have done, but I needed the rest."

Thel wonders if she knows what tomorrow will bring, but dismisses that thought. How could she? Regardless... he will most certainly take the time to refill his medical supplies, and restock on snacks. Put some aside for... for when he comes back. It won't be an if. He can go clothes shopping then, they can pick out something nice. That'll be another thing to look forwards to...

"Thank you, Jasmine. I'll do what I can to make you proud." Impulsively, he gently sets the bundle on the ground and gives her a hug. She's been there for him so much. "Thank you for everything, really."

"Oh, well that would have been good to know before I said I wouldn't want a badge," Thel teases. "Thank you, Jasmine. And, you're right, I should get going. Got some obligations to fulfil." And with a smile and a nod, he returns to his family. With the strangest inkling that Jasmine knows.

"Okay, it's about time for me to go and help in the kitchens," he says. "I'm not sure who wants to come with..." The words die off in his mouth as he registers a lot less individuals there than before. There's a brief panic, but then he remembers the whisper to Patience earlier, and he's sure that it's okay. They're just up to something.

Thel's very confused all the way to the school - and a little anxious. This is the first time he's been entirely without his Pokémon since he'd got them. The first time he's been entirely alone since before becoming human. Even in his dreams, he's rarely truly alone, and those have always been the worst ones.

The confusion grows as he feels the pair of them closer the closer he gets to the school. ...maybe he's not so good at this.

So, even with the feelings, it's still a surprise when he sees everyone there, at the school. He blinks and rubs his eyes, sure that he's seeing things, and being wistful. But... no, they're there.

"W-what," he says, finally finding his voice, eyes wide. A wide grin steals onto his face, though, as he gets over his shock. "What are you all doing here?" he asks, laughing. "Is this what you were planning in the morning?"

Thel shakes his head, still grinning, turning to Jazz and Jesse. "I can't believe you said yes to this. ...can't imagine anyone else complained, though."

As much as he teases, though, he's grateful. They all cared, and they wanted to do this to be with him. He didn't deserve all their kindnesses.

Thel can't suppress a giggle at the antics. "Well, I'm just impressed they got it all handled that quickly," he says. "Uniforms and all! Which, hey, they look good on you. Should consider becoming students." He giggles again.

"I think Patience is being a little over-exaggerating there, though, Jesse. I don't think Em counts as my wife right now!" Also, she might be exaggerating their food prowess a bit. But... that's fixable. He looks over at Jazz and winks. "You'd better keep an eye on my sister, eh, Jazz? Make sure she keeps out of trouble."

"What's for lunch today, Jesse?" he asks, as he moves over to squeeze Em's hand in both thanks and support. He knows how awkward embarrassment can feel in front of new people.

Thel laughs at the antics, the specter of tomorrow vanishing from his mind. "Oh, I know she's competent enough, don't you worry," he says to Jazz, as he gives Serenity neckrubs. "Just gotta make sure, though, that she doesn't pull something else on me. I won't be able to keep up with it all." He winks.

"Haven't heard of crème brulee before, but, hey, I'm willing to give it a go." Under Jesse's guidance, he helps to set up his Pokémon to help, too. Hope is a little too small, and Serenity somewhat... the wrong shape, but Bliss and Harmony are able to help out.

He finds that the amount of complexity that the Falinks seem to be able to give to a task is how many of them are focusing on it. So, for the individuals to each be given tasks, he assigns them simple duties like chopping a particular vegetable, attempting to cajole Bliss into helping with managing taking things between stations. He figures she'd like to stay away from the stoves, too.

As things go on, he does have to admit that the general atmosphere is a lot more enjoyable than the other days. Even with Jesse and Jazz here, he doesn't really feel the pressure to measure up to the other girls. And can just enjoy being able to help people with his family.

Thel feels bad for Serenity, but is glad that Hope's able to keep her company some. He resolves to make sure to give the Ninetales some extra long brushies this evening. She deserves it. Whenever she wanders in, though, he makes sure to give her pets. (Before washing his hands. That's important!)

The sense of comradery and acceptance is... it's nice. He didn't realize that's what he was missing from the school. There was never really this open friendship. There was... guarded acceptance at best for a lot of people who didn't know him. Or indifference.

"I... thank you all for this. I... really needed this, it seems, after the week I've been having," he says, laughing a little. That's an understatement. Everything from Diva onwards, really...