Freedom Justifies the Means

Greetings. My name is Cathal, a Knight of Plasma. Allow me to help you realize the ideal of liberation and equality between Pokemon and their trainers.

[poisonouspunk-blog]

[She shakes her head.] No, it’s fine.  I don’t know what else there is to do besides wait for Akuroma.  I have to trust he has some good intentions…which probably sounds really silly to you.  He’s…he’s different when he’s with me though.  I had no idea about any of this Plasma business until the other day. [She sighs.]  

And yeah, I’ll help you.  It would be nice to get out of the room.  Plus I think ey—…Jasper is going to try using Tempo as some sort of power supply if I stay in here any longer.

[plasmacathal-blog]

...I will not argue about his intentions or what he is really like, considering I know so little of him beyond what he did to Jasper. If it makes you feel better, I would hold onto the hope that he is as good around you as you believe. 

[He smiles kindly.] All right, just help with clean up, especially with Tempo making something of a mess earlier with his fly-by into your room, and if you want, considering your specialty as a gym leader, you can help manage some of the Trubbish the grunts have gathered-- a more educated hand would be welcome in their upkeep. 

[poisonouspunk-blog]

It’s okay, I’m the one who should be sorry…I shouldn’t really be acting so mean to you guys.  It’s just been really…upsetting learning some of the things I have recently.

[She shrugs.] Sorry…if you want I can…try helping out around here.

[plasmacathal-blog]

Only if you want to-- I suggested it so you do not have to spend your time in the room, alone. [He sighs, brushing a hand through his red blonde hair.]

...I can understand what you are going through though. I have had difficulty being close to Jasper and I am worried over why New Plasma would try to take away your gym...but there is little I can do and I feel helpless for it.

But if you want, you can help however you like. 

[poisonouspunk-blog]

[She freezes up then shrinks back, looking away.]

…I….

Oh…alright…

[plasmacathal-blog]

[He sighs and looks elsewhere as well.]

I am sorry. I should not have spoken like that. But I really do not understand your attitude. We have been nothing but kind to you and tried to make your stay comfortable enough.

But if you really despise us so much, maybe we should just send you elsewhere.

[poisonouspunk-blog]

Been through enough?  What, did he fall out of one of these ugly castle windows or something?  Would explain why he’s such a fucking nut.

But whatever, if you say so.  What do you do around here that keeps you so damn busy? I get you manage the castle and grunts and crap, but there seems like there’s enough people here that you wouldn’t have to, unless you’re like their boring leader.  If so, then it makes sense why everything’s so grey and shitty.

[plasmacathal-blog]

[He snaps at her.] He was kidnapped by your 'precious' Akuroma and his New Team Plasma! Ugh. Watch your mouth.

And I am acting leader while we are without a Sage or King to lead us. And I just keep things in order. I do not dictate how things look around here! Stow your attitude or I will just lock you in your room. You should be so glad that we even bother to feed you.

If I had it my way, you would be handed over to our rivals without a moment's consideration if it would make that Akuroma suffer. But I am more concerned for Jasper's safety.

[poisonouspunk-blog]

[She shrugs.]  Well I don’t really see or hear you talking or anything, except for now. And when you do talk you only have things that are boring as fuck to say.  Like, you just seem so bland.  Do you even have a personality?  Then your friend never shuts the fuck up and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him catch on fire 3 times today so far.

[plasmacathal-blog]

I only speak when necessary and only when spoken to, most of the time. [He sighs, rubbing his forehead in some minor annoyance over this.] I have plenty of 'personality' but I am often busy with keeping up the castle and managing the grunts that I do not often have time to stop and chitchat.

...and Jasper is just...well, never mind, you may have a point on that one. Just be nice to him is all I ask. He has been through enough as it is-- I just let him have his invention time to help cope with that.

[poisonouspunk-blog]

Why would I help with chores in a place I don’t live in? I don’t even do the fucking chores at my own house.  And hmph.  No thanks, don’t want to talk to anyone else around here if they’re as weird as you and eyebrows. 

[plasmacathal-blog]

I only suggest such so you have something to do. I am sorry we cannot be more stimulating company for a 'rockstar' but you know you could stand to be more gra-- weird? What do you mean by weird? [Narrows his eyes at her.]

[poisonouspunk-blog]

Akuroma…asked him to keep her safe?  From what?  

Huffing, Homika looks down at her blanketed lap, trying to sort this all out.  When Akuroma battled her, he kept saying he didn’t want to.  Maybe he was forced to?  Then that would mean someone was possibly out to get her?  But why would that be happening…she couldn’t think of any reason why someone would be after her, but what Akuroma said, the way he looked, it seemed like he legitimately didn’t want to battle her.  He just wanted to keep her safe.  That was why he was asking her about trust, wasn’t it?  He wasn’t using her…

That pained sickly feeling in her stomach was returning.  She got so upset with him, let her anger take control of her, when they could have just talked it out like she said.  Now she was here with two strange men and Akuroma…she didn’t know where he was, or if he was okay even.

Some tears start to form in her eyes as she looks back up to the two men, but she tries to ignore them, act like they’re not there.  ”I see…so, what’s keeping me from leaving then?  I want to see Akuroma.” 

[plasmacathal-blog]

Watching, keeping an eye on Jasper and Homika as things were explained and laid out as much as they could be, Cathal then rubbed the back of his neck. Though he knew only the barest of details about this Akuroma, he knew very well what he was involved in and it was probably best to only say what facts could be said and leave the rest for the scientist to explain. If he could say anything or visit her again. With a sigh, he shook his head, answering her concerns, "I am not sure exactly, Roxie. But we have an idea why you have to be here, with us, for a little while. Whoever this Akuroma works for is a very dangerous person. Jasper and I know that very well. He may come looking for you and thus, here you are." He gave a concerned glance to Jasper and gestured to the room at the last of his words.

He then turned his gaze back to her, trying to smile, "But do not worry. We have some hope that Akuroma will turn up again and then, you can go where you want-- until then, it is best if you stay here and let us keep an eye on you." 

[poisonouspunk-blog]

There’s still a frown on Homika’s face as she looks between the two men, not saying anything for awhile, just looking at them.  The freckled one, Jasper, was annoying her already just by talking.  The other one, Cathal, looked just plain weird.  His name was weird too.   

“Well, that’s fucking great and all, Jasper,” she finally speaks up, glaring at the man, “but would you mind telling me why the in the hell I’m here?  I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m a fucking adult and I don’t need a baby sitter.”

[plasmacathal-blog]

Cathal had entered while giving Jasper a look of 'what' over the business involving the Cleaning Pokemon. Crossing his arms in front of him, he assumed a formal stance out of habit. He then shouldered in front of Jasper to try and calm Homika down. "Let us calm down, miss. We are very aware you are an adult, but Jasper and I were put in charge of you."

He cleared his throat, side eyeing Jasper before glancing back at the girl, "Jasper more than I, of course, do not mind his strange manners. But please, we are only trying to help you."

"I do not know all the details, but Jasper does." He motioned for his partner to explain. "Keep it concise. She seems to have a short fuse as it is."

[plasmagruntjasper-blog]

[He holds up a photo that was attached for Cathal to see.]  This one! Her name is Roxie.  I’ve always wanted to meet her, man.  Though…not like this obviously.  [He puts the information back into the envelope, frowning.]  He said I had to do it, and if I didn’t I’d end up in the cell again or dead.  It doesn’t seem like it’s something that will be too hard to do at least.

[plasmacathal-blog]

[He glances at the photo and then shrugs with a sigh.] All right then. I will try to help you out with this, even if I do not like it. I want you to stay where I can see you. [He hugged Jasper, smiling again as he did so.] 

[plasmagruntjasper-blog]

To be honest, I don’t even know what he set for me to do, really.  [Jasper steps away from him with a frown, taking the envelope out of his uniform.]  I skimmed it earlier, but I was too excited about seeing you again to read what it was about.  [He opens it and takes out the papers inside, reading through them.] Huh… so I guess we’re gonna be looking after some rockstar, man…

[plasmacathal-blog]

[He glances at the papers as well and then frowns as he hears what is to be expected out of them.] Rockstar? What 'rockstar'? Do you really need to finish this task for him? Did this scientist not lock you up in the first place?

[plasmacathal-blog]

plasmagruntjasper replied to your post

That one dude, Akuroma, let me free! Sorta. I got one last thing I got to do for him, but then that’s it. [He nuzzles against his chest.] I don’t even care though, I’m just so happy to be with you again, man.

[He blushes some as Jasper nuzzles against his chest, still not quite back to normal. But he smiles and pats Jasper on the back.] I am glad then. But worried what he could have set for you to do...but I am much more relieved by your return. [He smiles sincerely.]

[plasmacathal-blog]

[Runs up to him and hugs him tightly.] Cathal! I missed you so much, man.

[Almost falls over from that, but catches Jasper in time as he gets hugged.] Jasper?! How did you get out? Are you okay?

[joroa-blog]

Zorua carefully listens to everything Cathal says to him, and through out it, becomes more and more excited, and his wagging tail makes that obvious.  He could be anything he wanted! Any time he wanted! He’d be a master at illusions.  And he’d be strong and powerful, too!

“Then I’ll do it!  I’ll grow up and evolve!  And I’ll become strong, too! ”  He stands  tall, puffing out his chest at that, looking stoic.  Then he starts laughing.  ”But no one will know! Because I’ll pretend to still be a Zorua! Heheheh!  It will be fun.”

“And I’ll always have my Momma in my heart.  Forever and ever.” He moves over to him, nuzzling his trainer’s face again. “Thank you for helping me decide, momma.”

Giving him a couple licks on the cheek and a final nuzzle, Zorua then steps back.  A white glow engulfs him.  It starts out in the shape of a Zorua, but slowly becomes larger until eventually it disappears, and where Zorua sat is now a Zoroark.

The Pokemon seems confused for a moment, looking down at its new larger body, then to Cathal.  Zoroark grins and then jumps at the grunt, hugging him and licking his face.  ”Momma, look! I did it! Heheh, I evolved!”

[plasmacathal-blog]

Though he knew what was coming, he was still taken by surprise as the light passed and Zorua's evolution into Zoroark completed with a sudden leap. Cathal, though, didn't miss a beat, catching him and hugging him back. He was practically beaming himself with pride, even as his face and hair started to become a drool-ridden mess from all the licking. "Ha! I see! Look who is finally grown up." 

He held him back, seeing how much bigger he was, though not so much so that Cathal couldn't hold him. If anything, he was still fairly short, wiry framed, but a perfect Zoroark all the same. A little heavier, too. But he grinned and gave him a scratch behind the ear and under the chin. "We'll have to figure out your new moves soon. And get you trained! You will be a right force to be reckoned with, I feel. You already make me proud. You can only do better from here." 

[joroa-blog]

Hesitant to start, Zorua nervously kneads at Cathal’s chest, looking down at it. “Well…I’m pretty sure you’ve noticed that I’ve been a Zorua for a long time now.  And Zorua’s can evolve, into Zoroark.  And I’m at that point where I can evolve! I think I’ve been at it for a long time now! But…I couldn’t! I didn’t want to!”  Zorua suddenly jumps up on all fours and shakes his head.

“Zoroark are different than Zorua.  They’re bigger, and they’re not as cute, and they can’t get away with things! But most important of all, they live a really long time!  And…I didn’t want that.” He sits again, ears drooping down and his head lowered.  ”Because if that happened…I wouldn’t have you anymore, momma…”

“There are other reasons too, of course! I’d be huge! I couldn’t sit on your head, or hide in your uniform, or sleep with you or, or…any of those other things I love to do!”  Moving closer to Cathal, he nuzzles against his face.  ”I want to be close to momma forever, he’s my best friend…”

[plasmacathal-blog]

Now he understood what all this was about and for the first time in days, he picked up Zorua as he nuzzled him and held him close. He didn't say anything for a while, just hugged him and pet the top of his head, resting on the pillow together. After a few moments of this, he sat up again, meeting Zorua eye to eye. 

"Oh Zorua. I knew you would eventually grow up on me. It has always been your decision. I never really knew how hard it would be on you though," he said this as he lightly scratched his cheek. "But, you see, you are a Zorua! And your specialty is illusions. As a Zoroark, it would be even better, even stronger. You would not have to stay in just one shape if you did not feel like it." He smiled in a playful fashion. "Just think! You can be as small or big as you like, any color, any shape. You could be a little Zorua every day, only to show your true shape when danger approaches." He made a fist, as if signifying strength in the face of that danger. His smile became proud but sad, "But I do not wish to think of you as alone though. Or have you think that way either."

"Because, if you think about it-- Momma will always be with you. Because you will remember me. Right here." And Cathal pointed at his head. "And right here." He touched over his heart. "True, one day I will be gone. But that time is a ways off, I feel. But you will never be alone. You will carry every memory we have made in the past, today and every memory afterward with you. You will only be as alone as you allow yourself to be."

"So, if you are ready, and remember that Momma is always here, then I think it is time you grew up, Zorua." He smiled warmly and nuzzled him close before sitting him down on the bed again to think that over.

[joroa-blog]

It was time.

Well not yet, but it was going to happen soon.  Zorua could feel it. He’s been able to feel it for awhile.  But he’s been ignoring it, forcing it away.  It was something he’s been trying to avoid.  But after what happened with Ghetsis…he needed to talk to Cathal.

Going into the grunts bedroom, Zorua jumps up onto the bed, landing on Cathal’s stomach, then sits down on him, looking serious for once.  ”Momma, we need to talk.”

[plasmacathal-blog]

For a time, Cathal had secluded himself to his room for a few days, not bothering to really interact with anyone at the castle. Except his Pokemon, but they had taken notice of his change in mood and kept to themselves as well. He felt bad about that, but he was too focused on figuring out a solution to Jasper's situation. Zorua's restraining collar was in the hands of a friend, trying to figure out the mechanism. All Cathal could really do was wait. 

He didn't sleep much, didn't really eat either. And so when Zorua came around, he was seriously surprised, shocked a bit by the reserved way the little fox was carrying himself for a change.

"What is it, Zorua?" He rubbed an eye tiredly and sat up some, giving his Pokemon his full attention.

[plasmagruntjasper-blog]

[He looks around a bit nervously before picking up Cathal’s old Plasma uniform from the table it was on, wrapping something inside of it.  He holds it out to Cathal, making sure he’ll be able to feel that he’s hidden something inside of it when he takes it.]

No, not really.  [He smiles.] But maybe you can let my friend, Demetri, check out your uniform whenever you get back.  You know how he’s weird about things being cleaned, and this cell’s kinda dirty.

[plasmacathal-blog]

[He wasn't able to register what Jasper was doing or stowing in his old uniform and he didn't question it as it was shoved into his hands. He simply nodded.] ...All right, Jasper. I will do that when I get the chance.

I will try to go home. 

[plasmagruntjasper-blog]

Akuroma says there’s still much more work I need to do. [He frowns.] I might not be able to go for awhile… but you can.  And you should.  I don’t want you staying here in this prison just because of me.  It’s not good for you, and it’s especially not good for Zorua.

[plasmacathal-blog]

[He stares down at Zorua, still frowning, but he pets the Pokemon between the ears. He doesn't look at Jasper, wanting to argue but finding it hard to get the words out. Deep down, he knew he was telling the truth.] ...but...after everything I went through...just to get here and suffered through that humiliation. And seeing Zorua suffer...it feels like a waste, Jasper.

...but you maybe right. Is there really nothing for me to do? Do I just sit at home and hope you will be okay?