Anzu@Mirai: "Well hey there! How's the day treating you?" Anzu smirks as she sits next to Mirai, one leg crossed over the other as she eyes the Gothitelle curiously. "Don't mind me, just passin' through, guess I lost my way, but I can spend a li'l time here! Heh, this is quite a pretty property you have here, reminds me of where I once lived! Have ya lived here long, or is this a new home for ya?"
The Gothitelle let out a small giggle, as the other’s up-beat personality was somewhat new to her. She gathered her composure enough to reply with a smile.“My family has lived here for quite a few generations! My Mother absolutely loves redesigning the rooms from time to time with the space we have~” She touched a hand to her lips to politely hide another giggle, though she began to sway her legs back and forth to work out the hyper energy.“Though I won’t prattle on about my family’s history. My Father would just tell you that our family’s successes have been the product of blessings from the Heavenly Ones. I don’t care for it much, so I’ll spare you too. Oh! I forgot to introduce myself! I’m Princess Mirai from the Lunaire Family! What’s your name, miss?”
The spritely Medicham held up her friendly smile as the fellow Psychic type elaborated on her experience and relation to the home. Anzu tilted her head cutely as she chimed in the following response:
“Ya don’t say! So it’s been here as long as your family’s been throughout the ages huh? How lucky for them! Ahh, a serene abode like this would make a wonderful vacation spot with how ‘at home’ it feels, at least to me~”
Those last few sentences is what caused Anzu’s face to freeze, however. Blessings? Heavenly Ones? A religious establishment? That makes it very important, Anzu thought to herself, up until Mirai raised this particular detail; ‘Princess Mirai’, from the Lunaire Family.
Princess.
At that moment, the red meditator’s eyes literally sparkled as she stared at the Gothitelle.
Yun@Sino: The icy, robed Medicham approached the green-eyed Dusknoir with an arcing wave, calling out tranquilly: "Peace be upon you, spirit. I, am Yun." Despite the aura Sino gives off, Yun remained at peace, tenting his hands and fingertips upwards together in a relaxed manner. "You seem to be ailing... weathered by trials. Would you be willing to accept assistance from a stranger?" He pulls out a Sitrus berry from his robes. "It is little, but I am in no need of it."
Yet another human-shaped Pokémon had appeared into theclearing, but this one was not a hybrid this time. Something about hisappearance sparked a sense of familiarity in the dusknoir. It put a quiet drearinessin his heart for a brief moment but vanished quickly so as not to attractattention to his feelings. Weary, he allowed the serene psychic to speak hispiece, and upon being offered some assistance, he lit up. “Why, yes, that wouldbe most appreciated, kind sir. Anything will do-”
And then he pulled out something only a carnivorous beastlike Sino could not bear to consume.
A dreaded fruit.
Oh. Oh, no.
He had to accept it. With the nice act he was putting up inhis disguise, there was no other choice. Resisting the urge to sweat, hetentatively took the berry from Yun’s outstretched palm. “Oh, goodness, you shouldn’t have. You’re too kind, misterYun. I, Sino, am grateful for your… generousgift. This will surely alleviate some of the pain…” But it will surelybring a whole different kind of pain altogether.
Now for the worst of it. Opening his jaw, he popped theyellow berry into his mouth and chewed on it.
He stiffened. Internally he was screaming. It was so bitter,so sour, so disgusting! Illusive clear tears burst from his eye. Thegripper was full-blown sniveling and sobbing because of how repulsed he was bythe taste. But he had to save face, and fast.
Curling inward, he sniffed, “I-I’m so sorry, I shouldn’tcry, but… this is the kindest thinganyone has done for me!” He choked. “Th-Thank you…!”
His mind told a different story. Had Yun been listeninginto the dusknoir’s thoughts, he would hear him groveling, ‘You’re lucky you’re not my kind of prey and you remind me of someone,otherwise I would be tearing you topieces right now.’
Despite his suffering, Sino recovered slightly due to the healing properties of the berry. However, his humiliation at that verymoment was far more damaging than the pummeling he had taken previously.
… Well… that reaction was anything but expected for the blue Medicham.
To see this ghost not only taking the piece of food with hesitance, but to see them crumble into tears upon consuming it? If Yun wasn’t so calm, his eyebrows would be arcing high, that’s for sure. Even if he was Psychic type, he knew better than to prod into the likes and dislikes of the individual, going purely by what he deemed to be good will and courtesy.
Sadly, such a mindset didn’t seem to be the case, despite the ghost’s attempt to make his pain seem to be an emotional reaction to the icy meditator’s act of charity. If this was truly the case for the ghost, Yun couldn’t help but feel a slight tinge of guilt attempt to worm up the back of his head. At first, the monk was close to dismissing this tearful response from Sino by taking his word for it… but that was shattered upon feeling what could be the mental equivalent of a burning glare needle into his mind.
Again, he didn’t prod, but Yun knew he made a mistake, perhaps a grave one, one that made more sense of this response than being moved by a mere offering of fruit. The cycloptic wraith gave off resentful vibes beyond his tears, vibes that seemed to be cloaking the tranquil zealot’s form… seeing as how he’s a psychic type, it was very difficult to just ignore this sensation.
And yet… Yun didn’t showcase any fear. Nor did the Medicham even flinch. With a deep breath and a closing of his eyes, all Yun did in response was clasp his hands together before finally responding:
“If you say so, spirit. May this offering bring you to your primed potential.” The way the arctic monk toned this was less one of believing the ghost and more in an… ‘apologetic’ fashion, before waving off the Dusknoir and walking past.
Now, Yun could have left it at that, but he stopped just short of his path before turning over to the Dusknoir, bearing a benevolent smile, as well as a friendly gesture. Or at least, a gesture that’s foreign to him, but is seen as peaceable in other regions:
“I certainly hope you can find it to forgive me for any inconvenience I may have caused. Peace be upon you.”
He knows.
Or at least, went with the strongest hunch he had. And with such a kind, composed stride no less, bearing no trace of fear, just genuine good wishes. Did he say this having a feeling he won’t actually be harmed? Or was it to try to stay on the massive phantom’s good side? Either way, Yun left it in what he deemed was a good note, before calmly making his way, leaving Sino to recuperate.
[ @thetakenpokemon / @thetakenpokemon-rp, continued from here ]
Jirou’s face stretched in to a bit of a smirk. He had a hunch as is, but to hear and see it presented just to confirm his thoughts made him feel pretty good. Being correct has that sort of effect, after all, not to mention the white and purple Bisharp was definitely quite enjoying what he was seeing. The fine black fur, the minimalist but fancy accented attire with pretty whites and golds as a contrast, and her confidence were all aspects that Jirou approved of, folding his arms with a nod.
“Hah, nice, I can tell yer pretty proud of your lineage. Can’t say I’d blame ya,” responded the opal warrior with a grin.
Before he could continue however, Jirou noted Tetishuri circling around to his back. At first he just raised a brow as he turned his gaze over his shoulder, but upon feeling her presence inched so close to his from behind, and hearing her whisper to him with such an alluring purr? ... Jirou’s eyes widened for a split moment.
He was actually quite surprised. The Bisharp was pretty confident about his own looks, and knew how to flirt the right way, but it was rare for him to have such moves returned to him when it came to a woman of Tetishuri’s caliber. With how friendly and admirable this encounter became, Jirou regained the smooth, lidded look in his eyes as he smiled back at Teti, holding his chin as he chuckled.
“Hah, ya flatter me, miss,” Jirou continued in a similar mischievous fashion, but with a fairly welcome look in his eyes to boot. Tetishuri was definitely right about one thing aside from his looks; he did know how to charm. “But hey, I’m just tellin’ the truth over here, considerin’ I coulda sworn ya really do look ya were finely chiseled from such a fabled strikin’ stone.~”
Seems as though Jirou managed to turn his task into a source for some cheesy stone-related pickup lines. Points for resourcefulness, at least? Even if it was cheesy, Jirou topped it off with a wink, sealing his confidence. Turning himself over, the Bisharp faced Tetishuri with a lidded smirk, holding his hand out to the dark yet sophisticated Lucario.
“ ... Heh, all this complimentin’ and I didn’t even get the lady’s name? What’s wrong with me,” Jirou joked with a little chuckle. If he was going to flirt, or even just talk to someone interesting, he definitely needed introductions out of the way before he were to continue.
“Not gonna lie, even though we just met, I wouldn’t mind gettin’ to know ya more. Not often I get to see a lady like ya with such class, looks, ‘n’ such a powerful air ‘ta boot, ‘specially with those choice weapons o’ yours. Wherever this ‘Venhara’-place ya come from is, ya got good taste. I’m sure Tats would agree,” Jirou noted with a little laugh. The Opal Bisharp then raised up a thumb and jabbed it toward himself with a more rowdy but still confident grin, still having that other hand held out to the girl.
What an uplifting child. Not only was she more than willing to enlighten Renshu on the matter of ‘selfies,’ but she also showed him examples of how to take one for clarity, and once again placed the offer for one on the table. And all without judging him or looking hesitant about the disclaimer he placed for her?
Granted, he was very vague about what nation and why it’s spoken of in bad tones... but the Jianshi Bisharp had his reasons. He was away from it right now, which means he can just focus on what’s going on right now, which was indulging in the light-hearted acts of taking pictures of fun and silly expressions. Even with Hus.La’s examples of showing more ‘cute’ and ‘fun’ faces for the camera, Renshu was a man who took a matter seriously by playing it safe.
Or at least, what he deemed was the more safe and common route to take.
[”... I suppose it wouldn’t hurt,”] he wrote for her, before flipping the board around for another message. [”With all due respect, I wish to keep my mask on, but to make up for the lack of facial expressions... I shall do what is deemed common and appropriate for this ‘selfie.’”]
Once wiping both sides cleaned, Renshu presented on message to Hus.La, [”Will this suffice?,”] before flipping the board over and presenting the following.
Keiko@Seraph: "よぉ!" the Lucaritales greets the Decidueye from behind, her eyes in a friendly arc but bearing her signature unnerving fanged grin. She giggles as she holds and taps her muzzle, as if looking over the chivalrous avian, ears flicking. "Heh heh... aren't ya a ~treat~ for the eyes? Everything about you's so pure and... ~golden~★" She keeps smiling before looking directly in Seraph's face. "I wonder where a holy-looking dame like you comes from, are there other Deci's like you~?"
[PoV: Third Person]
The unusual words spoken makes the Decidueye pause, since although she doesn’t understand what they mean…the way it sounds seems as if it’s something Minat- Silence would say.
She turns her head, a wide smile on her face. “Good morr-” The words immediately die in her throat when her eyes lay upon the unusual hybrid. Although she looks rather elegant, the air around her and how unnerving her smile is…it sets off many alarms in the bird’s head.
In fact…she feels something, an aura of death. Not just any death…but the death of souls.
Grins, snickers, smiles… nothing more, nothing less was met with the Lucaritales as the feathered templar explained herself. Upon the point being raised about dealing with sinful characters, and having this Decidueye so up close and personal to the deceitful canid, Keiko’s ears all but flicked. Her expression wavered only briefly, paused in a look of silence before regaining that rather toothy smirk.
“Well, you’re as righteous as ya look! How nice, I bet you lead quite a good life! Well good for you~” Keiko congratulated, albeit with a bit too much friendliness than one would expect. Upon being challenged in such up-close whispers, however, was where the suspecting sniper would have her suspicions confirmed, as the fox-like multi-tailed creature leaned in with her.
It was at this point that Keiko’s expression began to twist. What were once happy arched closed eyes narrowed inward into sketchy slits, her eyebrows crunching towards the center of her face, and the edges of her lips raised with some crookedness. All the while, gum began to peek… the result? A truly devillish smile, befitting of the speculation that Seraph pinned on her. And yet, Keiko kept that sweet voice, yet now from supportive to sinister… and mocking, all while using a paw and even her large ponytail to cover any view of this disturbing visage.
“Heh, how cute… you know, even GODS can do little when the uglier side of Mother Nature takes its course…” Keiko merely giggles silently, as a chilling whisp left her lips. If Seraph saw it, it seemed to have a saddened, melted imprint on the whisp… almost like a pained face, before the essence faded. From there, Keiko merely continued…
“ … what makes you think YOU have a chance? Or do you really think your little heralded imaginary friend will be able to pry your neck from my jaws…~? I’d love to see it. I really would. Just try challenging me next time… provided I don’t devour you first~”
Upon backing up, Keiko seamlessly returned to her cheerier look, even closing her muzzle so she befits a far ‘cuter’ smile, free of unsettling showing of fang. “Well, you keep up the good work, milady~ I got places to go, so you go do what YOU gotta do, m’kay? Sayonara~! ” she taunts playfully, meant to sound like a harmless joke to all others who heard, before swaying around and sauntering her way away, her many tails wafting behind herself. As she walked away, Keiko looked over her shoulder one more at the bird. To lay insult to… well, threat, she stuck her tongue out, again playfully, but to Seraph, it was easy to tell she was laying the challenge on even thicker.
Well that was a fun encounter… only question now is, WILL they see each other again? For now it’s best that they don’t, just as Seraph has advised… lest someone falls.
Eira put a hand over her horn and squeezed it a bit. Was the life of many worth more than a promise to one? And now that Eira thought about it were Momoko’s wounds because of Percy? So would that mean it would be the life and promise of one for the lives of others? It gave Eira a headache just thinking about it, but the situation at hand wasn’t something she could just put aside; it demanded an action, but the Gardekiss couldn’t figure out which was the right one. Her morals said to help them both however she had a closer connection to Percy than she did Momoko so would that out prioritze her promise? But didn’t Momoko tell her she was innocent and wrongly accused?
The solemn look on her friend’s face didn’t help her with the decision making at all either and him pressuring her with the outcomes of her breaking her promise only put her back to a wall till inevitably Eira looked down and sighed.
“I’m sorry, Momoko…Khabalah forgive me…” she mutters before then looking up at Percy.
“She’s…in that forest…I just finished healing a bit of masty wounds on her so she may be recovering…please tell me she’ll at least be alright? She’s not going to be harmed is she? You didn’t do that to her right?”
A wave of relief washed over Perceval's head once he was given confirmed information on Momoko's whereabouts. Before he could properly thank his friend, however, Eira interrogated him with great concern. This was when Perceval's face became conflicted, feeling pinned by the Gardekiss's words. Thus, a heavy breath left Perceval's lips upon seeing Eira's face coupled with that question. There was... really no way around answering that.
"... I won't lie to you, mon amie; I... do, take partial responsibility for her current state, however, that wasn't all my doing." Perceval brushed one of his side shocks of leafy 'hair' before returning his look to Eira. "I merely wore her down with poison and pierced her; my comrade Naida, however, was the one that..." he glanced to the side with a bit of annoyance and disappointment, "... gave her the larger gashes."
That aside, the Roserade held his focus. He didn't like shifting blame, even if it was true that he wasn't responsible for the more brutal parts of Momoko's injuries. "I understand if you're, well... disappointed to hear what I've done, but you must understand... I truly need to claim that bounty of hers. My family is counting on me, they cannot return to Yuuto, and probably have their own funds claimed by the invaders at this point. This is the only way I can save them all at once... if you were in such a position, wouldn't you do the same, for those that you care about so dearly?" The plant argued, his face returning to a stern look.
"Life's full of difficult and gritty decisions... and desperate times call for desperate measures. Being a nurse, I'm certain you have had your moments such as those, oui?" he inquired, hoping to raise a level of understanding for his friend rather than make it sound like he's pressuring her any further. Buckling the mask back around his face, the Roserade waved off to his golden white winged childhood friend.
"I wish I could stay and catch up, as they say, but... time is of the essence. I must take my leave now, but before I do... Let me just thank you properly, mon amie. You've truly done me an immense, wonderful favor... my family will be elated to have a second chance at a peaceful life in a new land."
And thus, the tall rose-like warrior darted towards the forest, wanting to track down that elusive Gardevoir.
Eira took a step back as he made his advances and started the interrogation. “Oh no..” she muttered as he bombarded her with questions about Momoko. Her ear fins folded themselves back and angled down as she responded by shaking her head, but she only stuttered while trying to respond back.
“I-I swear P-Percy, I only know her because I-I-..”
It was no use, she had already given herself up and was painted guilty.
“I can’t tell you..she made me promise!” She tried only to find herself taking another step backward yet again as he took another step forward. She was slouching beneath him and his look of desperatism made her tense up, but it was when he mentioned his family being at risk that Eira squeezed her eyes shut and turned her head away.
“Perceval…I promised her I wouldn’t tell..”
Perceval’s pulse raced through his veins, feeling like he could be very close to knowing the whereabouts of Momoko’s location, and what luck that his friend that he hadn’t seen in years would’ve ran into her. The Roserade could feel it, victory would soon be his. Unfortunately, even this proved to be a roadblock of sorts; Eira didn’t seem to be budging from her promise that she made to Momoko. Not surprised to hear that Momoko would tell her to keep quiet about her whereabouts, it’s only natural, but the flower warrior desperately needed to know.
Stepping forward once more, Perceval cleared his throat and tried to clear any pressure from his throat, holding out his bouquets in the closest ‘please listen’ gesture he could manage.
“Eira, please, look at me,” he pleaded quietly and calmly, his eyebrows sloped upwards to emphasize his need, “ ... I realize you made a promise... but please understand... if you could just tell me where she is, then you would not only be doing me the greatest favor imaginable, but you could save numerous lives in the process. My cousin and her brother, their own families and children, and the siblings of my friend Naida... they could all be saved from the danger that infests their home island. It’s a difficult decision to rip someone from their homes, but what other choice could there be in such a time of life-threatening crisis? And what would happen if I don’t bring Momoko back? What if the Hakumese settlement’s defenses were breached and thus raided by the enemy nation...?”
Once more, Perceval took a step forward, while pledging an arm across his chest. His face is somber and yearning, looking like his trust could be broken depending on Eira’s answer.
“You and I have known one another since we were but children... you know I’ve helped you numerous times in the past, and vice versa... and this would be the greatest favor you could do for me right now... Would you really withhold such information from me...? Would you really slow down me, your friend, from protecting what I hold dear, all for the sake of a wandering stranger...?”
There was a moment of silence that followed suit. Tension in the air was thick, but the soundless of the moment was so profound that they could almost hear one another’s heartbeats. All Perceval could do was plead one more time...
“Sil-vous-plais, Eira... I MUST know. I will pay you back greatly for this, if you could please tell me this one thing... even a general direction would work wonderfully.”
Eira only heard of Hakumei as a place that waa prided on its heavy advancements in fine arts and beauty. She wouldn’t have ever been able to imagine it as a place to fall under warfare and rivaling feuds off of that description, but it seemed that there was more to it than just the good things she was told.
“I can’t quite imagine why they would allow the enemy in, but at the same time…I do kinda get it.” Eira commented while looking down for a moment at nothing in particular; a slight smile of hope forming on her face as she shrugged. “Whoever was the one who allowed such an infiltration was probably thinking like I am. A sign of good will, yes? It’s risky, but to try and show that they were willing to coincide with this supposed ‘enemy’ by letting them in during a time where tension is high…” the smile then faded and Eira looked off to the side while bringing a hand to her mouth a n mumbling. “Too bad it was in vain… It’s a shame really. There could have been potential if that was the case…”
Eira finally returns her gaze onto Perceval, a concerning look washing over her face as she heard his story and came to understand his fear for the safety of his family out in the foreign country.
“I…Really wouldn’t mind loaning you the small bit I have Percy…Honestly! I can probably make it all back anyway within maybe a month or two..” she then notices the slip of paper he holds in his hand, but only pays attention to it for a moment before focusing on him again.
A bounty that big? This person must have been some sort of ex military official leader assassinator or maybe some sort of cold blooded serial killer, the thought made Eira’s chest go cold just thinking that Percy would have to come into contact with such a brute. In her mind she pictured sone sort of scarred and rugged looking machamp or maybe a zoroark. Something strong or maybe something hyper cunning; deceitful and quick, but then the paper was shown to her and the instant reaction was a sharp gasp from the Gardekiss followed by her clasping her hands over her mouth and spreading her wings out.
“M-momoko?! I-I-…” Eira paused. She couldn’t just rat her out, Momoko after all did make her promise not to give up her position to anyone so the Gardekiss choked on her sentence and gulped once. “I…know of her, b-but I don’t know where she could possibly be..” she tried while feeling a sudden hotness in her face and doing her best to be convincing, though her heart rate went up. Was she aiding a criminal…?
Eira’s shock certainly had Perceval’s attention. Her gasp and surprise over seeing who it was, as well as resounding the Hakumese Gardevoir's name and saying she knows her were big tip-offs to the Roserade. Thusly, the rose warrior's eyes lit up with hope. Stepping forward, Perceval kept his gaze locked onto Eira's face, his stance firm, and voice calm but tinged with a pleading infliction.
" ... So you know her," he started in a leveled voice, not wanting to startle nor pressure Eira, at least not too much right away, "... How do you know her? With the way you reacted to seeing her picture, it doesn't sound as though you know her as a wanted woman..."
Perceval stood up straight and pledged an arm across his chest, his gaze still yearning for those whereabouts, but since Eira is his friend, he remained pleading rather than using his usual stern, soldierly voice when interrogating others.
"Please, Eira... how? How do you know her? Have you... run into her, perhaps?" The tall Roserade couldn't help but take a little step forward, his tone having a slight boosted height of urgency to it. "Any visual sign of her at all? If you do, please... please tell me, mon amie, my family is at stake!"
[ @tales-of-a-selucian-refugee, continued from here ]
“Ah, I’ll keep it brief as possible for you, mon amie.” After pressing one of his bouquets into his head and clearing his thoughts, Perceval straightened himself out and readjusted his collar, looking Eira straight in her golden irises as his face returned to being firm and determined.
“ Me and a friend of mine were visiting Hakumei as vacation from Ghalidor, to see our relatives that we both had over in that island. For the most part, it was going quite nicely in that Yuuto area, but erm, we noticed criminal activity was gradually on the rise... up until Pokemon from another country, Nobu, were permitted to immigrate to Yuuto as per the leader’s grant...” Perceval glanced off to the side with a grudging sneer, gritting his teeth, “... even though Nobu is the enemy nation of Hakumei... needless to say, panic and chaos took place shortly after.” Shaking his head before such potent emotion could lead his explanation astray, the Roserade continued for the Gardekiss.
“With how many amassed to Yuuto, me and Naida quickly relocated our relatives to another Hakumese settlement, where we soon alerted the guards to strengthen their defenses just to be safe. Though how long they’ll be at peace there, we are uncertain... ” Reaching into the satchel at his hip, Perceval held out a folded piece of paper and spread the sheet out, glancing at it.
“That was when we heard of a bounty... a bounty for a refugee, labelled as a criminal. And the reward is quite high...” the tall Roserade looked up at Eira from his sheet. “... high enough so that we can legally immigrate our relatives off the island via boat. If there weren’t so many Nobuans we would attempt to fight them off, but as of now, it would be foolish suicide to do so. Oui... as grim and drastic as this route is, it is the quickest way we can gather such a high amount of profit in very little time, enough to afford tickets for everyone.”
Patting the paper, Perceval kept his stare at Eira, this time looking a little pleading. “Please don’t worry about your own funds... besides, I’m not sure how much you could lend if it would suffice... and who knows when we could meet again for me to pay you back, if I were to accept it? I insist, please, keep your money. Instead... if at all possible, I wish for you to assist me in another way. A simple answer, if you could.”
It was right then that Perceval turned the paper around so that it could face Eira. From there it was clear as to what he pulled out; it was a wanted poster, and the face looked shockingly familiar to Eira...
“ ... Have you seen this Gardevoir Momoko anywhere, Eira? Anywhere at all?”
When the Gothitelle agreed to her terms as well as followed up with a vow, Meikakuna could feel herself relax somewhat…as if her body was incredibly tense.
With the deal made, it only leaves her now to follow through with the bargain.
Nori grit his teeth somewhat at hearing how long it would take, however he could not complain. He was on a time limit and he had already made it this far from Hakumei, to let up now would go against everything he stood for, as well as his duty. Pounding a fist determinedly to his chest, Nori nodded his head affirmatively, a burning fire lighting in his eyes.
“Yoshi,” he agreed. At least he was on the right track, and that was good enough for him to go with this information. “I shall head there immediately... you have my gratitude.”
It’s a good thing he didn’t dart off right then, as he was about to ask her name to complete his thanks. Not only did Meikakuna give it on her own, but even bid him farewell in the same tongue they shared. With his culture keeping hold on him with this gesture, the Gothitelle clasped his opened palms together and bowed to the Greninja, his stern stare lightning to a genuinely hopeful glance.
“Thank you once mroe, Meikakuna. You may very well have helped me save not one, but two lives, should things go according to plan.” His brows quirked in confliction for a moment. “ ... Admittedly... I’m not sure if merely telling you about my homeland would be enough for this, thinking on it. Perhaps I’ll ponder more on my end depending on how it goes. In any case... Mata yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”
It felt... nice, reassuring in the ‘at home’ sense, to have been able to make such an exchange like this with someone outside of his troubled nation. It gave the psychic a sense of familiarity and comfort amidst the madness and his task. With the farewell, and a wave of his palm, the Gothitelle leaned forward and speared towards the direction of the forest, almost cutting through the wind.
Seeing the spark of hope in his eyes return followed by the expectant look of his body, Meikakuna wasn’t surprised since if she herself was looking for someone…she would feel the same way if someone described seeing those that fit those descriptions.
Now Meikakuna even though Meikakuna doesn’t know the exact locations, she’s very well aware of the direction and general area due to Evelynn being rather…descriptive. Telling him would be the right and obvious thing to do, since he is a man who desires to reunite himself with the one he’s charged to protect.
And yet…a selfish part of her didn’t want to simply give this information for free, even if it would be good. There is something she wants in exchange for this information, even if it is a minor thing…
At first Nori wasn’t sure what to think about having to barter for such information, his brows furrowed in conflict. The male psychic had little time to spare, and for a moment he came close to a sneer.
Once Meikakuna laid down her conditions for this exchange, however, the Gothitelle’s face faltered, then relaxed as he gave a promising nod, making a promising hand sign gesture.
“That is all? ... If so... then that’s acceptable,” he complied, “On my honor, by this balanced commitment, I’ll be more than willing to tell you whatever it is you’d like of my home island in the future. Perhaps after I regroup with them, that would be ideal.” An equivalent exchange, that was definitely something that his nation and culture taught him as a virtue, and thus he himself valued at heart. It was easy and harmless enough too, which helped his dwindling time.
“Now then,” he started, cutting to the chase with the Greninja with a sense of somewhat suppressed urgency, the self-disciplined shine in his eyes alight once more, “Their locations, if you would?”
When she continues to listen to the Gothitelle, she could feel her expression softening somewhat. It seems that Nori’s time has been filled with hardships as of late, perhaps even making her question her own difficulties… But one thing he says causes her to pause, specifically ‘as petty as it sounds’.
“I do not think it is petty.” She speaks up, her gaze turning hard as if she’s disappointed in him for even uttering such a thing. With her mind made she approaches him, with each step she closes the distance till she’s right in front of him. She makes sure he has a clear, close view of her face to see the judging gaze in her eyes.
Nori wasn’t expecting Meikakuna to approach him as such, much less with such a reassuring lecture. Given her voice, her tone, the power she exerted as well as the remark she made earlier, he almost expected her to agree with him on how much he blames himself. Not that he would’ve minded, as he takes it very seriously.
“ ... If you’re certain,” he finally answers, the faltering uncertainty in his eyes shifting back to the devoted glance on his face, “... but I will not forget my responsibility at the very least. Would be dishonorable should I fail this.” He topped off his answer with a nod; even if he was still holding onto his self-discipline, he at least accepted Meikakuna’s words.
At first, the Gothitelle huffed and rested his knuckles on his waist, not surprised by the lack of confirmation -- at first. One of Nori’s brows arched up as the Greninja informed him, through one of her acquaintances, that an Audino taking care of a wounded Gardevoir was sighted.
That alone made Nori’s eyes widen, a spark of hope coursing through his blood as he tightened his hands once more. The fact that the agile amphibian noted that a Salazzle spotted them, with said Audino reacting with fright... it all lined up perfectly. Thusly, the Gothitelle stepped forward with renewed motivation.
“Precisely,” he exclaimed in a sudden breath, “It can’t be a coincidence! That must be them! So they’re alright...!” Nori rest a palm over his chest and emitted a relieved exhale. The gothic esper glanced at Meikakuna as he clasped his hands together in an expectant pose.
“... One more question, if you can answer it. You wouldn’t happen to know where they would be located, would you? Even the slightest clue would be most appreciated.”
Again with those words from a different tongue, the more she thinks back on them the more she remembers on how her mother tried teaching her the language…which she refused on the fact that she didn’t want to learn anything her mother tried to teach her.
When he began to describe his own land, she studied his face with her own resolute gaze. Seeing the emotions dancing within his stoic and unmoving face to how he occasionally averts his gaze in anger, it tells her everything more than the story himself is speaking of.
One of the edges of her lips curve upwards, more in amusement than anything. This individual seemed to have gone through some tough times as well, although from a war as it seems.
Now her land isn’t going through any sort of wars at the moment, it’s only a matter of time till her clan starts one. Lately the relationships with all of the other clans have been very tense seeing how her father and Elder has been seeking to combine his clan with others in order gain more power.
However at this point she’s letting her thoughts wander too much, she needs to focus more on the present than the past. As of now…she has learned enough on this individual to give a proper verdict.
Even with Meikakuna catching herself on what would be easily considered a very biting speculation, Nori merely closed his eyes, raised his shoulders, and let out a silent breath through his nostrils. His expression, while still firm and serious, looked like a blend that was warring between raw determination as well as sullenness. Nevertheless... she asked a question, and he needed to answer.
“It’s... a bit of both, as well as more. My first reason for crossing over from my island was one out of urgency of another, admittedly.” The gothic star-reader glanced up at the frog ninja, his palms balling into hard fists.
“One of my responsibilities at home was to protect an Audino medic and priestess, Kari. Although while very generous and caring for others, often deemed as the sweetest girl in Yuuto, her deep-rooted sentimentality has often put her in danger... to the point that she was to officially be assigned an escort.” Nori rested a hand over his wounded chest for emphasis.
“ ... as Yuuto was falling to the Nobuan Pokemon, I noticed her running through the danger all on her own after slipping from my sight. To assist her dearest friend, a fledgling dancer by the name of Momoko. Kari even went so far as to cross the sea just to assist her, claiming she was in grave danger. Naturally, she couldn’t resist... and as her guardian, I couldn’t allow my most important duty to fail. Especially not when someone else, someone I bear great respect for, has become tangled in peril all her own.” From this point, the Gothitelle finally rose from his seat and glanced off-ways, his hands still tense fists.
“ ... The stars are not reading her location very well right now... nor Momoko’s. It’s difficult to sense either...” His fists shook for a moment, tightly packed with tension to the point his knuckles became pronounced through his gloves, coupled with audible cracks. It was then Nori calmed himself down, running a hand through his hair before continuing....
“... in any case... once I locate them, I do intend to return home, but not just with us together. Our enemy could have the ports manned at this rate... it would be best to gather outside help to overwhelm them, much like how they’ve overwhelmed us... until then, I...” Nori let out a disappointed breath, shaking his head as he tilted it down.
“... I suppose, as petty as it sounds, I could use this time away from Hakumei to clear my thoughts... now that I’m no longer being pursued and have escaped that burning hell, I can focus more on any plans of action to take as I search for those girls... Koichi and Amaya protect them until I can...”
With that all elaborated, the psychic fighter turned to Meikakuna at last, his golden gaze meeting with her ruby irises.
“You seem to be quite experienced in your own right... based on what you’ve told me, you must have done your fair share of travel, as well as fighting. Tell me... you haven’t seen said Audino, nor a dancer Gardevoir lately, have you?”
With arms curving over and under one another, the Gothitelle kept a straight face as the Greninja spun the diverse class of clans in brief but unique detail. Nori was curious to say the least; clans of specific Pokemon... while Hakumei had similar gatherings, they weren’t limited to any particular species. Bobbing his head once it was all over, he lifted his head out of his thoughts and upheld his attention to Meikakuna’s face.
“Daijobu,” the Gothitelle reassured with overlapped arms and a bob of his head, “I don’t intend to leave right away myself, especially since you have answered my question in more detail than I had anticipated. However, I apologize if I have stirred any negative memories from having you elaborate on your home. Regardless... Arigatou gozaimasu,” he thanked with a bow, a lighter but still grateful. Upon being asked about his island of Hakumei, conflict started to crack on Nori’s resolute outlook. His fingers curled over the muscles of his own arms through the fabric for a split second, before relaxing and letting out a silent inhale through his almost invisible nostrils, hidden further under the oshiroi make-up.
“Hakumei, is it? ... I suppose it is only fair. Excuse me... ” Nori brushed his fingertips through that bang across his face as he lowered himself to the ground with both knees to the grass. Hands in his lap, he took in one more inhale, then exhaled.
“ ... Hakumei is an island located in the coast far to the west of Unova and across the world from Alola. It is a peculiarly shaped crescent island with miniature isle dialed around its form, resembling both a sun and moon at once. It is a nation that is steeped in culture revolving around the lore of the Solgaleo and Lunaala, Koichi and Amaya. That, coupled with not only the many festivals it celebrates regarding the sun and moon, but also the curious phenomenon that twilight seems to last longer to those who inhabit Hakumei, it has been named The Eventide Island to foreigners.” The Gothitelle nodded, glancing off to the side as his glare-looking stare became soft in what... is possibly fond rememberance...? It’s difficult to say given he always give such a zero-tolerance sternness through his gaze.
“It’s a beautiful island, full of exotic plants and wildlife, with tradition steeped in maintaining balance of light and dark, one that often sees visitors from other countries just to behold its scenery and cultures...” he trailed off, before that familiar glare in his eyes returned, his fingers curling into a grip over the lower half of his bamboo-patterned garb.
“ ... including...” his teeth grit just slightly, “... the recent immigration of our radical enemy country, the Pokemon of Nobu... but with how much they’ve amassed, it’s become more akin to an invasion...”
It was then on that Nori blinked, realizing that he turned the topic really sourly himself. Letting out an exhale, he brought himself at ease before looking up at Meikakuna.
“ ... My apologies, I didn’t mean to go in such a direction. It’s just... troubling what has become of Yuuto, my home from that island... I doubt you’ve heard of such news, despite the...” once more Nori glared off to the side with a gritting sneer, “... casualties.”
“... Erm, in any case... I won’t keep you with the details, that is, unless you’re truly curious as to what’s happened, and what I’m doing out of it. I realize it’s difficult to overlook seeing someone else wearing similar cultural tastes to your home all the way out here.”
[Continued from here, @askaninetales / @asktaintedribbon / @askdivinealphas ]
Kari was astonished… this Sylveon’s restorative will was admirable. Even if she wasn’t the target, the Audino could feel the soothing effects of such a potent healing skill. Moreover, the effects were quicker and more visible; the pink Gardevoir’s scars seemed cleaner and paler…
“ まあ …” she murmured quietly in awe, “… Such power…!”
Kari’s heart felt at ease; even Momoko’s pained expression seemed lessened. She was still under rest of course, but her suffering definitely seemed to have been lifted. This alone urged the Audino to clasp her hands together and rest them over her own chest, a big relieved smile forming over her round, tender face. Ever-grateful, she turned to Seirei.
“Ahh, arigatou gozaimasu…!” she cheered with a watery look in her eyes. “She looks even better!” Before her emotions could be riled further, Kari collected herself and bowed to the Sylveon.
“… She must still be tired… so she might not wake up right away, but this has definitely helped! I can feel it… thank you so much! How… How can I repay you? Please tell me! You’ve been a tremendous help for her…!”
Shiki’s lips part into a bittersweet smile when the Roserade answers. Of all the chances, this hunter seeks the dancer that the Toxisharp met weeks ago.
When he ask them if they’ve seen her, the hybrid grins. “Seen her? In fact…yes.” They chuckle. “I’ve heard of her deeds, stranger. So I sought her out.” They start circling the Roserade, their talons leaving shallow holes in the dirt. “Her tale…holds beauty, such tragedy…such drama… It is quite…wondrous.”
Their gaze never once left the Roserade when they spoke, but when they stopped their circling…their eyes contain a certain glint that no normal individual would have. “Yes, I have seen her.” They hiss, but their eyes narrow as their lips widen into an even larger smile. “But I will not tell you where, it would ruin it.” They click their tongue. “It must flow alone. To tell is to disrupt it, to rush poetry.”
Shiki’s metal finger touches the edge of their blade, letting its claw feel its sharpness. “Still…it’s bittersweet, that you suffer just as her. It is…beautiful.” From the tone of their voice and the way their eyes are narrowed, the Roserade can obviously tell that the Toxisharp is smiling. “Both have families that are at the risk of death, I say…I love it.” In their eyes a crazed look burns, one that is hungry…like that of a predator. It quickly leaves Shiki’s visage however as they let their arms fall to their sides, their form looking more collected. “I will not tell you, you must find her own your own.” They tilt their head slightly, a soft chuckle escaping them. “But…there’s something else…”
Perceval felt a locking sensation ride through the fibers of his limbs. A scowl formed behind his mask; to be denied Momoko’s whereabouts when the one he questioned has claimed to have seen her was deemed cruel to the rose. The hunter faltered a bit at the mention of family, but it didn’t tide over his anger much. What Perceval REALLY wanted to do right now was to step over and request her location once more with a firmer tone, perhaps one that’s more demanding as he had no time to be teased. However Shiki had his attention by that lingering last sentence of theirs.
“Nngh...”
Perceval thus overlapped his bouquets together and kept his obscured attention on the fellow masked hybrid. The sunset gleamed over his green metal mask as a quiet yet tense, begrudging sense of cooperation filled the air around the thorned flower.
“ ... something else, is it?” he finally muttered, keeping his tone low yet pulled together as to not give in to impatience; rather, to remain objective in order to hear out this individual. Who knows what they’d say and do next? Perhaps it could be something useful in another way, or at least something for Perceval to possibly keep in mind...? Shiki was certainly mysterious and had a dangerous impression to go with it. They were armed with that massive blade, after all.
“ ... Very well... what would that be, then? Go on sir, what else wishes to leave your lips, while my attention is yours?”
Perceval@Shiki: “Hmm…” the masked rose eyed Shiki curiously but in a mindfully wary sense. Mostly, he looked over the weapon on his arm… that massive blade. “Comme c'est intéressant…” After whispering that to himself, the flower approached the poet with a step forward and a pledging pose, his shielded arm across his chest. “Pardon monsieur, my name is Perceval. I couldn’t help but notice that blade… such a massive and powerful weapon… was it custom-made for you, or something you acquired otherwise, such as trade? I realize you’re a hybrid of sorts, so I suppose you wouldn’t have cutters of your own like a purebred Bisharp would, oui?”
The hybrid lets out a hiss of distaste at a particular word that the Roserade said, ‘purebreed’. The word is a most wretched word, it’s as if they say that those who contain only the blood of one creature are superior than one who’s blood is of many. There is nothing ‘pure’ about blood, for they all flow the same in the end.
Nevertheless, they’ve asked a question. It’s a rather simple question, one that Shiki would have no problem answering and have no worry of risk to themselves.
“This weapon was forged.” They reply, tilting the blade slightly so that the knightly rose can get a better look at its fine steel. “Made for me and me alone, for I have no blades.” Their slitted eyes flick to the mask of the stranger. “Misfortune was it, to have no natural steel. So I got my own.”
The more they look at the rose, the more their eyes narrow. This masked Roserade, they contain a particular air around them. One that Shiki recognizes, perhaps…they are connected to something. Something grand, something…poetical…
They contain something that Shiki recognizes instantly, the spirit of a hunter. This Roserade seeks something, and so Shiki must know what they seek.
“I must ask you, rose.” Shiki whispers, lowering their blade and taking a step forward. “You contain a bold air that…surrounds your being.” Their lips part into a knowing smile behind their mask “You’re after something, you seek something important. I ask, what is it?”
If one could see Perceval’s eyes through the Y-shaped slit visor on his mask, it would be clear to see his eyebrows arc upwards. This was quite a keen hybrid, being able to make a judgment based on his looks alone, but then again, to be taken as a formidable fighter as seriously as possible, looking the part was just as crucial as was training for it. Lowering the pledged shielded arm, the Roserade overlapped his bouquet arms and nodded at the Toxisharp.
“You would be correct sir,” he stated firmly, before raising his other arm over his chest but in a stern conveyance of determination, “I’m in search of a white and pink Gardevoir that’s currently passing through these parts. She wears a foreign-looking white and red dress and pants with pink swirls, and a red headband. A fan-dancer, an elegant-looking one, might I add,” he continued before his voice lowered to something more grim. More serious than before.
“... and such a woman is wanted by her home settlement Yuuto of Hakumei. She’s branded as a felon, an assassin, and is wanted back alive, even if by force.” Perceval looked into his tri-colored flowers on his right arm... if he could make a fist, the sound of popped knuckles would definitely be heard. “There’s quite a bounty on top of that pretty head of hers as well... one that could be used to relocating my Hakumese relatives off her doomed island. They’re safe for now, but I don’t intend to disappoint them with the clock ever-ticking.”
With that said, the rogue-like flower lifted his head and returned what would be a hopeful look at the dressy artist. “ ... You wouldn’t have happened to come across such a maiden, have you monsieur?”
