Legato senza una gabbia

“Yeah.” Heaving another sigh, he rose to his feet again. “Regardless of our decision, though, she’s gonna be stuck here until then. She better not pull anything again. … Not like she can in her condition right now.” Torch snorted as he made his way towards the door, and opened it. He gave Nadia a single nod, then walked to his chair.

He waited until Nadia was seated as well.

“Well. I’m just gonna say it, Selma: We can’t let you join.”

Nadia simply nodded and followed him out to the office and sat in her previously occupied seat. She wasn’t exactly looking forward to seeing Selma get disappointed, but it was unavoidable. They just couldn’t keep her; it wasn’t where she belonged.

“I’m sorry, Selma,” she added softly. “But this isn’t the right place for you. You belong in RdM. When you regain your memories, you’ll be thankful that we didn’t lock you into a position here.”

#niggas i hate you i mean i love u hahahaha </3

Well, it was worth a shot. Though, it still didn't stop her from feeling a little upset over their decision. As much as they liked her, they knew that they couldn't keep her as their own. She nodded quietly, grabbing her crutches and pulling herself back on her feet.

"It's alright." she replied simply, "I'm sorry for asking. It's nice to know that you guys still have hope that my memory will return."

Selma gave them one last smile before hobbling out the door.

Selma: Interrupt the reunion

“… Nadia, a word.”

He forced himself on his feet again—was this the third or fourth time? damn—and attempted to stagger towards the dealing room hidden behind the bookcases. He turned to Selma then. “Don’t take this the wrong way, kiddo. But we’re going to have to deliberate on this.”

Nodding, Nadia stood up wordlessly. However, before she met up with her boss over towards the hidden room, she tried her best to shoot Selma a reassuring smile. She may have been exhausted and low on patience, but the Jolteon still had a soft spot for the poor girl.

As soon as she was alone with Torch, the smile then dropped. It was down to business. “No. She’s only saying all of this now because she’s lost and confused; this is the only home she knows and remembers. I don’t want to lock her into a position here that she won’t want when her memories return.”

Maybe it was a bad idea to ask if she could stay here permanently. It was already clear on both of their faces that they wanted to refuse her request. Perhaps her explanation wasn't clear enough for them to be convinced. Selma already made up her mind though. Even if her memories were to return, she was already well acquainted with the L'Accension.

She watched the two of them go into another room. Nadia gave her a smile but it didn't help her mood one bit. Selma slumped into her chair and dragged out a sigh.

Selma: Interrupt the reunion

Torch nodded at the report on the soldier. “Well, looks like she learned her lesson not to fuck up again.” It was kinda sad, though. The kid was always eager to please. “Though, if you or anyone else catch sights of her, I’d like to talk to her myself.” Just to make sure she was doing okay. (Arceus was he getting soft.)

He was rather shocked at Selma’s request, however. Once again, Meir came to his mind instantly. He shot a look at Nadia again, holding back the automatic “no” that almost slipped out.

“….Any reason why?”

“Will do.”

Almost immediately, Nadia sat back up from slouching, and her relaxed demeanor was gone. No. No, no, no. Sure, she’d grown fond of little Selma, but she was Meir’s, not theirs. She couldn’t stay. They were only there to nurture her until she was good enough to return to where she belonged.

“That’s a…bold decision you’ve made, Selma.”

"I'm aware that the both of you want to say no. I know I sound crazy for asking but... I honestly feel like I have no place back with the Royal de Metro." she sharply took in a breath.

Selma glanced at the two anxiously before exhaling and continuing to explain herself. It was about time she shared her thoughts with the two of them. "I may not have regained all my memories, but I know for sure that... I want to stay with you guys more than anyone. Even him."

It was always hard for her to convey her feelings to others.

"It's as if I can call this place home."

Selma: Interrupt the reunion

Torch was silent as he listened to Selma. As much as he wanted to yell at her, he couldn’t. He still remembered that she didn’t remember Meir. It’d be a little unfair to yell at her for doing something so stupid when he promised the guy that he’d take care of her until he was ready to see her. What if he asked for her right now? How the hell was he supposed to show his face when she was their responsibility?

But… “You’re damn right, Selma. It was your fault. Your decision.” He slowly sat back down. But he needed another cigarette.

As he lit up, he looked at Nadia. “Say, what happened to our trick pony, anyway?”

Grimacing, Nadia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Her gaze darted back down at her lap, quite obviously uncomfortable. “She got her own punishment for letting Selma out of her sights. Since then, she’s been laying rather low and keeping out of trouble for once. Come to think of it, I haven’t heard from her in a while…”

Shaking her head, the blonde quickly regained her composure and looked back over at Selma.

“Not that it isn’t lovely to see you, but what could possibly warrant you sneaking out of your room at an hour like this to visit the office? You have to have considered the possibility than you could have gotten into more trouble for this, so I assume you have a good reason?”

Selma felt a pang of guilt when Nadia had informed Torch of Eli's current status. The rapidash probably wasn't having as much fun as she used to since she received her punishment. She made a mental note to apologize to the younger girl next time she runs into her.

When Nadia directed her attention back to Selma and asked her why she was here, she had almost gotten the reason why.

Clenching her fists in her lap, she opened her mouth to speak. "I... have a request actually." This was much more difficult to ask for than she realized. "If it is alright with the both of you. I would like to stay with the L'Accensione... officially. As an member."

Selma: Interrupt the reunion

Arceus.

Had he… Had he really been away that long? Waitaminute—he suddenly remembered that this happened quite a while ago.

The memory of anger seemed to reflect in his face, burning up. His knuckles were smoking.

Somehow though, he kept his voice controlled with grinding teeth. “So, Selma. Taken any x-rays. Know how many broken bones you’ve had from punishment.”

They didn’t really sound like questions, but they weren’t rhetorical either. Torch was literally trying to estimate the damage the young lady had taken.

As if losing her memory wasn’t bad enough.

Sensing the tension, Nadia remained silent in her seat, opting to look between the two. Besides, she’d said enough and it didn’t seem like the proper time to jump into the conversation. No, this was between Selma and Torch. She’d only intervene if things got out of hand.

The last thing that they needed was to really get into anymore fights tonight.

"Ah... It was just a few broken bones. Nothing too alarming! I'll be able to walk again in a month or so. I'll be limping for a bit but--" It was probably a bad idea to try to sugar coat things. Selma knew it would only fuel his anger more. The look on his face was already beginning to frighten her.

She laughed weakly, "Please don't worry about it. I deserved it."

Selma: Interrupt the reunion

Somehow, seeing her current state was able to raise Torch to his feet (with some support—he was leaning on his desk as he slowly rose up.) He quietly looked at her, head to toe, then eyed the crutches.

How he had any anger left in him at this point, was something.

He shot a look at Nadia, then at Selma, though his voice was cold and calm. “What. Happened.”

“Ah…”

Nadia pursed her lips and closed her eyes. She took the moment to think of a proper explanation.

“Well… Selma thought it would be a good idea to run away from Eli while she took her out for the day. When Selma got back to the base, she had to get punished for what she did, and she’s still healing from it.”

Her back immediately straighten itself when the atmosphere in the room thicken. Nervously looking at the two before nodding her head. "It was my fault, Torch. I thought it would've been a good idea to run to Nexus to jog up my memory."

Selma hung her head. Feeling a bit ashamed that she went against the people who took her in when no one else would because of her selfishness. "Clearly, I wasn't so I took the consequences when I returned."

Selma: Interrupt the reunion

Torch chuckled, and was about to say something snarky, when there was that knock at the door. “Hm? Come in—” Wait. There was something strange about that knock.

It seemed too low, but it didn’t sound like someone was kicking it, either. He tried standing up again, though it still hurt to try. “… Nads, could you get the door?”

Almost worried that it could have been Xander at the door, woken up by the commotion from the beating, Nadia frowned and nodded. Heading over towards the door, she tugged it open, raising her eyebrows at seeing Selma on the other side. What was she doing without an escort?

“Selma?” Nadia furrowed her brow and stepped aside to allow the girl to hobble into the room. She didn’t have the heart to yell or turn her away. “What are you doing out of your room?”

She was relieved that Nadia didn't react negatively to her sudden appearance. Selma gave a weak smile to the jolteon before entering the room. Carefully making her way towards the nearest chair.

"Well, I heard that Torch was back. So, I decided to take the opportunity to welcome him back--" Glancing over at Torch, who looked like complete shit. "But it seems that I've already missed the party."

Selma plopped down onto the chair, setting her crutches to the side.

Selma: Interrupt the reunion

Nadia nodded and stood up from her seat, walking over to the shelf. There were two gifts sitting idly: a Buneary plush and something squared wrapped in gift paper. She quirked her head to the side and picked up the wrapped gift. ”I take it this one’s mine?”

She pulled at the wrapping paper until it all unraveled, revealing the cover to a record. The scrawl of the title nearly made her snort. ‘I’m a Member of the Midnight Crew’. “Cute.” She gave another small, fond smile. “But thank you. I’ve been getting sick of listening to the same music over and over in my office.”

#selma ran away again #the end

There was a rumor going around in the air that Torch had returned to the base. Selma had been waiting patiently for his return since she came back from Nexus. Even if it was reasonable to see him the next day, she couldn't wait much longer. She even left her room without an escort-- which was forbidden.

Selma hobbled down the hall on crutches. Feeling a bit awkward to be finally off the wheelchair. When she finally got to the door, she lifted a crutch and gave a quiet knock.

lightningbreath replied to your post: ……

I'm sorry, Selma can't come to the phone right now. Please leave a message after the tone.

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP.

The Plan.

Miyazaki Police Department Officer O. Avon's office.

Ozzy: Wait... you seriously can't be kidding me. You got here through... the window?

Selma: < She laughed and shook her head. He really did believe her? And here she thought she was a terrible actress. > No, no, I had some tricks up my sleeve and managed to get to your office by using the public entrance.

Ozzy: They don't usually... let civilians up here unless you were a relative or something. [ He scratched his cheek. ]

Selma: Details, who needs them? < She shrugged her shoulders in a nonchalant manner. She took a seat on one of the chairs in front of his desk and cocked her head to the side. > Let's just say no one got harmed along the way.

Ozzy: ...

Selma: Hey! I'm a psychic type! It's not that hard to confuse people for about five minutes.

Ozzy: [ A nervous laughter was all he could muster up at his point. Why did he always make friends with the people who have a scary side? ]

Selma: Eh? Whaaat?

Ozzy: You've changed. Back then you weren't as talkative. Is it because of the people you're living with now?

Selma: ... I guess. I'm always talking to someone there. I'm not so lonely. < Her expression softened. It was nice to have people around to talk to. > I think... back then I didn't have anyone to talk to. When you left anyways.

Ozzy: It must've been pretty lonesome. But you had that guy keeping you company.

Selma: < She blinked. > That... guy?

Ozzy: You don't remember him? Hmm... he was your caretaker. Meir, right? [ His ears twitched a bit. That name didn't sound right whenever he said it. Though, he had no qualms about the guy. Even if he was-- ]

Selma: Meir... took care of me? Since when?

Ozzy: What I can remember... ever since you transferred into the school we attended.

Selma: ...

Ozzy: [ As expected, her happy expression was replaced with a melancholic one. It was time to return her the items she had left for him for safe keeping. The officer got off from his chair and walked towards the file cabinet. Beside it was a box. He carefully picked it off the ground and returned to the desk. ] This is what you left me before you disappeared.

Selma: What's in it? < She rose from her chair and peered over the box. >

Ozzy: Well, I didn't want to open it. [ His hand reached out for the box cutter knife from one of the drawers of his desk. He opened it. ]

Selma: ... < Inside the box were many things. From a storybook, photos, a sea-shell, and other small trinkets. Gold eyes scanned the contents and she felt her heart pounding faster. Her head was spinning. All these things were familiar but yet they didn't ring a bell. >

Ozzy: [ He looked at her with a sad smile on his face. ] All these are the key to your past. They're going to be your guides to regaining your memory back, Sel.

Selma: Thank you... for keeping this for me up until now. < She dug her hand through the box and took out an address book. This would most likely come in handy for the next step. >

Ozzy: No problem. So, er, I guess you should get out of here soon or Leon will find you. I don't wanna make it sound like I'm kicking you out but--

Selma: I understand. I'm sorry but can you give this box to the Rapidash who is probably loitering around in the entrance. < She grabbed a few more items and stuffed them into her backpack. >

Ozzy: Eh?

Selma: Don't worry, she'll return it back to the base. But I don't plan on returning just yet. I... need answers.

Ozzy: Don't tell me--

Selma: Just promise me you won't tell her I'm going, Ozzy. < After all, they wouldn't allow her to go to Nexus if she did ask for permission. > Thank you, Ozzy. I'll try to keep in touch.

Ozzy: Wait! Sel-- [ He tried to reach out for her but it was too late. She walked out the door. The oshawott couldn't follow her. It wasn't his place to stop her. ] ... Alright, I trust you on this one.

Reunion and Refusal.

meir: [He's alone, without his usual guards or fellow members by his side. He steps onto L'Accensione grounds and is escorted to Torch's office] It's been quite a long time... torch: [Torch sits in his office, feet up (as usual), staring blankly towards the door, ignoring paperwork again. Meir said he'd be coming today. It should be soon. Finally, the door opens and his guest is escorted in.] Hey there, Meir.

meir: Hello to you too Torch. [Looks around the office and takes a seat with a small bag in his hand.] So...how has she been? torch: [He sits properly and waits for the other members to leave.] Well, she's been... fine, for the most part. Nads has been looking over her, especially. [snorts.] She's suddenly a maternal figure ova hea' meir: Miss Nadia is? [Smiles at the idea] Goodness, so she can be a nurturing figure, how nice. torch: Heh. Y'know, when she leaves, she's gonna have empty nest syndrome. I'm bettin' on it. torch: No really, the nitrocarcia and I have a pot goin'. meir: How terrible! But I wonder...[He trails off and shakes his head] Ah, I will save that for later. [He's silent and then looks up] I would like to see her. Is she with Miss Nadia currently? torch: [He gives a single nod.] Yeah. You sure you're ready to see her? torch: 'Cause if you aren't, too bad. I'm still bringin' her in. meir: Yeah, I'm ready. [He nods with a small smile] torch: Good. [He smirks as he picks up his phone and calls Nadia on speed dial.] nadia: [She answers the phone barely after it's rung once.] I take it he's here to see her? torch: Yeah. Bring 'er in, Nads. nadia: Will do. [She hangs up the phone and turns to Selma, nodding towards the door] C'mon nadia: you've got a visitor waiting for you in Torch's office. selma: A... visitor? [She tilts her head.] Really? Why? nadia: It's just an old friend who'd like to visit. [She offers her a smile and opens the door, leading the way to the office.] selma: [She nods before quietly stepping into the office. Her eyes land on the stranger who was sitting on the chair. She looks to Torch after, looking a bit confused.] Hello. torch: 'Ey, Sel. How ya doin'. selma: I've been fine. Nadia and I were running a few errands earlier before you called us both. torch: Well, they can wait. How 'bout you have a seat. We have a visitor, as you can see. selma: Uhm... alright. [Her feet shuffle towards the two, taking a seat beside the stranger. She glances over at him before giving him a polite smile.] meir: [It had been...so long. He felt as if time had stopped. He couldn't help but smile back at her.] Hello Selma...I heard what had happened and I'm sorry I couldn't be there to save you. [He speaks softly as his expression turns from affectionate to regretful] selma: Ah... It's alright. I'm just thankful I made it out alive. [She laughs weakly before lowering her gaze to the floor. Who was this man?] I apologize but... could you please tell me who you are? I've... lost my memory and I have no clue who you are and... It seems we've known each other very well by the way you're speaking to me. torch: [Torch sits quietly, sideglancing over at Nadia. He doesn't know how Meir will react.] meir: ...ah. [He looks down a bit before closing his eyes. This was harder than it appeared.] nadia: [She returns the glances before looking back at the pair, lips pursed.] meir: I...ha, I don't know if I'm worthy enough anymore. We used to both be very close and I meir: told you some terrible things. [He murmurs as his fingers dig into the bag] I'm sorry Selma. This must be all so confusing for you. [He says, trying to retain the smile on his face] selma: ... I see. [Her brows furrow. Her lips pulled into a tight line.] So... something... had happened between us? meir: Well, yes. In many ways, many things did happen...some good and some bad I suppose. meir: [He feels like there's an explosion ready to set off and before he's ready to fall back to safety he stand to walk to her, kneeling so they're face to face and hands her the small bag in his hands.] I only came here to see you. It would be best for the both of us if you remained her where Miss Nadia can look after you properly. She's doing a hell of a better job than I ever did. Take care Selma. torch: [Torch's brow furrows as he turns his head to look at Meir. What the hell?] selma: ... Ah... [No words were able to leave her mouth. A lump was begining to form in her throat. Why were her eyes watering? She did not remember him, so why was she sad by his words?] ... Bu... can't you... selma: [She turns to Torch for help. Giving him a pleading look.] meir: [That look. No, he can't. He looks to Torch as he stands.] Torch, please, if I may have a word? torch: [He stands swiftly, wordless, expecting Meir to follow him through another door-- supposedly, a negotiation room.] meir: [He follows him and doesn't even take a second glance. He feels terrible, more so than before but he knows what has to be done. They both arrive and he closes the door as they both enter.] ... torch: [The room is small, almost claustrophobic. Except for a plain black light fixture over the square table, there isn't much illumination. He considers taking a seat.--there are two chairs at the table. Taking a look over Meir, perhaps the guy should sit down. So he gestures to the other one as he pulls out one chair for himself. He crosses his arms and leans back.] Talk to me. meir: [He sighs, expecting things, or rather Torch's reaction, to end up this way.] She can't return with me. I am not...what would happen if the same thing happens to her again? The way she looked at me Torch, you saw it. She's better off here, away from me. As far away from me as possible. [He sighs heavily and pushes back strands of his hair with his hand] torch: [Torch sighs deeply, and leans forward, elbows on the table.] Look, Meir. It ain't gonna happen again. I still don't know the details of what happened between you two and friggin' --[he sighs again, deciding not to say /his/ name and tries again.] I can't tell ya what to do. ... ... ... [He stares at the opposite corner of the table, attempting to sympathize.] I bet it's hard. I mean, in a way, this is kind of a second chance, yeah? torch: But... torch: Whether you think you're worth the second chance is a whole 'nother matter. meir: A second chance would be bliss and maybe somewhere down the road but right now...I'm in no condition to be with her, to protect her. I thought I was doing her good by letting her go but instead, she returns and she's just as she was the day I met her. [He clenches his fists and exhales sharply.] I have asked for so much ofyou lately but if you could please just keep her here...for now. I know she's better off here, believe me. It would only hurt her to return. [He slowly rises to his feet while his gaze remains focused towards the ground] torch: ..... Sit back down, Meir. This negotiation isn't over. torch: [He sits up straight, businesslike.] I would like an approximate amount of time. torch: It doesn't have to be set in stone. torch: But I wouldn't feel good holdin' on to something that isn't mine for so long. torch: Which is funny, considering who I am. meir: [He turns to the other with a slight chuckle] You tell me. Or rather, when she tells you. Memories are...fickle. I'm not expecting all of it to return in short amount of time but I can only hope enough returns so that she can tell you herself she wants to go back. torch: ... So, you're leavin' it up to her. meir: Naturally. If I took her back, it might as well be kidnapping. meir: She doesn't recall me at all and even if I spent my whole life trying to recreate artificial memories, what then? And, what if she does remember when she's with me? Everything...all that I've done? I'm not as perfect as I'd hope I would be. [Chuckles weakly] torch: Pfft. Meir, no one's perfect. [He gives him a grin, though weak as it is. He actually... feels bad for him...] Fine. [He rises to his feet and pushes in his chair.] I'll take care of her until she says the word. [He holds out his hand to shake on it, like any deal.] meir: [He shakes Torch's hand firmly and slips away moments after.] Well, I believe I'll take my leave then. torch: [Torch points to the wall behind him.] Do you wanna take the secret entrance out. meir: ...hah, this place is even more magical than my own base. [Chuckles and opens up the secret entrace. He turns to Torch with an grateful look and then makes his leave.] Thank you Torch.

#this was such a good rp u guys #i mean

Tending to the Lost Bird.

“Between you and me, I’m surprised he’s a mafia boss himself. But.” He shrugged. “He still does some of the standard crimes. They got the moolah, for sure.”

Torch stood up from behind the desk—it usually meant he was going to get serious. He shook his head as he walked around his desk, and sat on the edge of it in front of her. “Now, now, Sel. I don’t know where’d you get that.” He crossed his arms and thought about it. “I know your memory is spotty at best, and no lie, I dunno what I’ve must’ve missed these past few months, but I’m tellin’ ya, it’s hard to… wrap my head around that, y’know? I don’t know why he’d let go of you just like that.”

Her head moved back to it's previous position. She shrugged and stood up from her seat. This conversation was beginning to make her head go towards different directions, and she was not ready to pass out when she finally woke up from her last episode. "Well, perhaps you could contact my former boss, Torch. Maybe he can answer your questions for me."

Selma wrapped her scarf around her neck. "If you'll excuse me... I feel a bit light-headed. I'll be heading back to my room. I'll... make sure to behave myself. Thank you, Torch... Nadia."

With that, she quietly left the room, stopping at the door to bow slightly to them before leaving the room.

Tending to the Lost Bird.

Torch stifled a chuckle. “Don’t think of it a ‘mob’, persay, Sel. I have to say, your boss is… sorta soft. Like a genie, Granting wishes. Taking in people that have no where to go. Not to mention he gives out crowns like candy on Halloween, which is fancy-schmancy coronations and shit.” He smirked, thinking about Meir and his wiley ideals. He was an odd one, sure, but Torch had to admire the guy who made so many allies. He was unorthodox when it came to the standard definition of “mafia”. Nevertheless, he was good company.

“… Wait, what?” He raised an eyebrow, rather surprised. “No. That—that doesn’t sound like him, Selma.” But then again… why hadn’t Meir contacted him about her being missing yet? It was an answer to the mystery, but it didn’t make sense.

"You make him sound like someone who didn't seem like the type to be involved with the mafia..." Selma mumbled. If only she could bore holes into the ceiling by just staring. She brought her hand in front of her face, spreading her fingers out like a fan. "Even so... he didn't want me anymore. That is why I spent almost half a year in Kagoshima."

It all added up. She was forced to leave her life. If her boss cared about her, she wouldn't have ended up in Kagoshima, she wouldn't have left the Royal de Metro. But she couldn't assume that for sure. There were still holes in her mind before she could piece everything together.

Tending to the Lost Bird.

“… Got it.” Torch’s gaze lowered to his desk surface, at papers that still needed his signature. Seven years lost—that was a lot to cover. A lot that suddenly became his burden to fill. A part of him felt a pang of sympathy. She really did seem lost and innocent.

He closed his eyes and began to speak. “Well. For one, Selma, we met during a meeting,” he said slowly before opening his eyes. “Between our mafias. You were Royal de Metro’s captain, while I was the captain of L’Accensione myself. But… after some unprecedented events, I became boss as you can see. But that’s beside the point.

“You’re quite an important person to your boss, so it’s quite a shock to find out that you’re now here. He must be worried.”

Wait a minute-- Mafia? She was apart of the mafia? The thought of her being part of a criminal organization. That was preposterous. It boggled her mind, literally, she was beginning to feel a bit light-headed. She placed a hand over her forehead. This was too much information for her to even process properly.

Selma shook her head, "I'm sorry, but that... that sounds so unreal. Was I... really part of the mob? Not to mention I was a high-ranking member."

She leaned back and rolled her head back. Her eyes staring up at the ceiling. Torch was telling the truth. This was something she couldn't deny. Because as of now, he knew her better than she knew herself, unless she were to meet-- her boss?

Maybe she could talk to him. Torch said that she was important to the him. But... that didn't seem right to Selma. "... But why would he be worried?" Why should he be worried? "If... my... memory... I came to Kagoshima because I..."

"...leave Selma. Leave and never come back to this place.”

A lump in her throat began to form. That was right. "He told me to leave."

Tending to the Lost Bird.

Torch was hesitant to answer her question. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. “Well, first off, Selma. I’d like to know how much you remember, if you don’t mind me asking first.” He wasn’t sure if… mentioning Meir would be required. “Just so that I know how far back I’ll have to cover for ya.”

"I have no recollection of the last seven years. If that answers your question." she answered simply. "Names, faces, important dates, everything. They're all... gone."

Selma tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. This all complicated everything. Surely, this was going to be a challenge for everyone. "The only memories I have are my time in Kagoshima... and bits and pieces of my childhood. Other than that... I'm pretty much a white canvas."

#its ok bby #:'D

Tending to the Lost Bird.

Very few things could freeze Torch’s heart, but in that moment, he felt like he couldn’t move. Everything stopped. His mind went racing for a minute, but it seemed like hours. He tried to figure out just what was okay for him to say. What wasn’t. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her.

Which, considering his track record with people, wasn’t an easy task.

Finally, he opened his mouth. “Well. Damn.” He leaned back. “You’ve must’ve been through a helluva lot for that to happen, Selma. But, I can tell you this much: we’re allies. You can trust me, and you can trust Nadia.” He gestured toward his underboss. “We just want to help you.”

She mouthed their names quietly. They were familiar, it was vague, but when she repeated their names in her head. It was beginning to click. By the way Torch sounded, he was being sincere, she could trust them. She was in very safe hands. Selma relaxed in her chair. She could breathe easy for now.

"Thank you very much. The both of you. I'm happy that I've... stumbled on people I know I could trust." she folded her hands neatly on her lap. Though, there was one thought that lingered in her mind.

Would it be alright to ask? She was afraid that it might trigger something and make her fall back into a come-like state once more. "Torch, perhaps you could jog up my memory," she hesitated, "How do we know each other?"

Tending to the Lost Bird.

Torch tried to smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “As we know.” He watched her carefully as she sat down. He took a breath, and let it out slowly. Arceus, he needed a cigarette right about now. But not in front of the guest.

Something was bothering him, though. How she seemed to not address them by name. He shot Nadia a look, hesitant to ask the question on his mind, but turned back to his ally’s captain. “Okay, let’s address the donphan in the room before we let this awkward fest linger any longer.” He tented his hands. “Do you remember either us?”

Everything was wrong. Well, maybe not everything, but something was definitely wrong. This wasn’t the Selma she remembered— of course, physically, it was, but she wasn’t all there mentally. Catching Torch look over at her, she met his gaze and gave him a brief and subtle nod. She knew exactly what he was thinking, and it wasn’t a far fetched theory in the least.

After all, Selma had been knocked out for quite some time, and memory loss would be… Well, it would be not only normal, but expected.

As Torch spoke, Nadia smiled earnestly over at Selma, hoping that she would be able to remember them and just dismiss the whole idea of her being utterly lost. It was far too worrisome.