Rei - Solo RP & Special Missions

The first couple pages of D'Mara's notes are some of the most absurd things Rei has ever read. Apparently she had been observing members of the Guild for some time and had, seemingly out of boredom, begun to list possible romantic pairings separated by age group ("adults/branch leaders" and "regular Guild members"). The strangest pairing seemed to be the only one Rei was aware had actually happened: Nalkeya and Aubrianna. Apparently D'Mara thought it would never work since Aubri desires commitment and Nalkeya is the least likely person (in her mind) to commit to a serious relationship with anybody. The whole 'shipping' thing is surprisingly detailed, with small blurbs about the personalities of each person on the list and what they like/dislike in potential romantic pairings. On the flip side of the 'shipping list' for the Branch Leaders, was "Nalkeya x All", implying that D'Mara fully expected Nalkeya to sleep with everyone possible at some point. Alas, this little project seems to not have been updated since she became obsessed with claiming the Throne of Kanto by force.

What is especially strange is that this desire seems to have come completely out of nowhere. Not to mention that, with D'Mara's connections, she could probably have easily achieved her desired result purely through politics. The current Queen has no named heir, and D'Mara is actually pretty high on the list of replacements should something happen to Her Majesty. Some of the later pages appear to be akin to journal entries, and the change in personality is quite obvious and sudden. Approximately three years ago, D'Mara just suddenly became obsessed with power, and a strong desire to claim the throne. There appears to have been no reason for it, and the change in personality is never addressed directly in these journal entries beyond an occasional reference to her past self.

Thanks mainly due to the surprisingly detailed 'shipping' records, it took Rei longer than expected to get through the translated paperwork from D'Mara's home office. By the time Team Reilly gets back to the castle, Lady Sorra has finished her patrol of the city. In fact, the girls' arrival just so happens to coincide with Sorra's return. A few minutes later, they are sitting down in Sorra's private quarters.

"Hello again, girls. Was there something I could help you with?"

Sorra nods. "Well, I can certainly help you in getting the basics of working with a sword and shield in tandem down. Naturally, to truly excel at it, especially having been trained in an entirely different style, would take much longer than just a few hours every day for a week. However, given that you already know the basics of swordplay, that cuts down somewhat on the time needed for your training." She takes Rei to a training room and hands her a wooden training shield. "Hold this shield in your off-hand, the one you wouldn't use for your weapon." As Rei does so, Sorra begins to drill her in basic blocks. Low, middle, high. Every time Rei misses a block, she gets swatted with the wooden training sword that Sorra is using.

Several hours later, a bruised and worn out Rei is dismissed to go rest up and receive any healing that she needs. Sorra will attempt to make the most of her free time to continue Rei's shield training tomorrow.

Holly giggles, reminding Rei that she was the one who wanted to get into the field of combat again, even if it was forced by circumstance. She lays down next to Rei and snuggles closer.

Holly rolls her eyes. "It really is the best option, you know. You wanted to get back into the fray to protect me or whatever, but your body can't handle all the direct attacks that some of these Pokemon we've fought are capable of. Even I have trouble with them, and I'm used to taking big hits when I fail to dodge in time. So obviously, a shield is the first step. You could even try to get some armor or something if you wanted, but that doesn't seem like you."

Holly smirks at the implications of Rei's words, but only offers a shrug. "Well, as Queen, obviously you don't need anything more. Your kimonos are beautiful enough as is. For battle though, it might not be a bad idea to at least get some sturdier clothes. Though I'm sure you make that dress-maker back in Saffron quite happy with all your orders."

Holly sighs. "Rei, what's wrong with going back to Saffron? D'Mara has proved multiple times that she can pop up wherever and whenever she wants. I see absolutely no reason that we can't make a brief trip back to pick up all your old repaired kimonos or do other stuff."

Holly nods. "At the same time, you know you can't hide from it all forever. I'm not saying we need to go back right away, or even at all, just that being in Celadon won't keep D'Mara at bay forever. If anything, trying to avoid all of this could cause more problems on its own." She sighs. "I don't like thinking about these things anymore than you like hearing about them, but I'm just trying to understand you, Rei. Are you... afraid? Afraid that if you step outside of this bubble we've made for ourselves that it'll all come crashing down on us?"