Welcome to Gaia! ::

While her own tone always seemed to tint toward a more cynical hue as the days wore on, especially when burdened with the weight of captivity over extensive periods, it didn't become a very obvious tone preference until she heard the spike through others' words. Of course it hadn't come to her attention before, it wasn't as though the girl had really attempted much conversation... It was both a relief to hear, that she was not alone in the animosity of such preferential treatment and discrimination, but also a disappointment, that it had grown to be so widespread through Gaian populace. Beta winced through the wry smile, -If only it could be so simple. Words seem to only take a person so far, and many of them are not a trusting lot. The humans believe only what they see, and even then they can be stubborn against changing their views. It is human predilection.- If only she could be more supportive, but Beta's own views seemed often displaced toward looking at the glass half-empty. There was not much "good" the girl had been exposed to, after all, and she felt she was not alone in the experience here, either. It was... unfortunate.

Her fingers did not release their entanglement in the cloak about her shoulders, but she felt her consciousness ease toward stepping back from her own personal vendettas. Perhaps it would be difficult for others to understand what sort of being she truly was, as appeared to be the case with Truffles. However, it was also perhaps the eevee-girl's sincerity to that respect that caught Beta's attention. It did not seem like it really mattered what Beta was, not as much as it mattered who she was. The mewtwo's grip slackened, and finally released their hold when Truffles made sure she was listening.

Her smile came more easily now, if a tad sheepishly, -Ah, a-apologies. Beta... she sometimes forgets... it is not what's outside, but inside that counts.- She straightened out her cloak, albeit absently in her touch of nervousness, -Beta thanks you for that. Truffles is... is a good friend. Thank you.-

“That sounds about right,” Truffles agreed. Humans were so short-sighted and stubborn. One couldn’t help having a sour tone when talking about them.

It wasn’t until Beta’s apology that Truffles relaxed and let the space between them open up again. Honestly, from what she could see, Beta was fine! There were many pokemon that were stranger looking! Truffles had an outwardly proud and cocky look to her now, but, inside, she was feeling rather warm and fuzzy. It really was nice to help others, and to see the girl relax.

Of course, she wasn’t ready for that last part. Truffles blinked a couple times, and felt that warmth in her belly. Friend? Beta saw her as... a friend? Recovering quickly, she grinned and stood straighter. “Yer darned right I am!” she stated confidently. “And yer welcome.. friend Beta. Just don’t ya be forgetting it. Others are gonna think whatever they want, no matter what ya do. Just keep doin’ right by yerself, and it’ll be okay.” She stuck out her chest, and pointed at herself with her thumb. “If anyone gives ya trouble, come find me. I’ll set ‘em good an’ straight.” Her posture relaxed, giving Beta a warm smile. “..Yer alright, Beta. Don’t forget it.”

There were very few past situations that really made Beta take a step back and evaluate how she was handling a situation, to try walking in another person's shoes and see what they saw, in a sense of the phrase. To be honest, there were few times she cared enough to give it a try, and it was obvious the perspective was a new feeling. It required practice, patience, and perhaps a little guidance. This encounter proved to be a good step in the right direction, it seemed, especially with someone so understanding. Maybe it was because of the like-mindedness..?

Truffles' confidence was certainly reassuring; perhaps it wasn't a bad thing, to rely on others a little, every so often. An alien concept, sure, but adaptability was a highly sought trait. Beta countered with a smile of her own, -With friends like Truffles, Beta does not need to concern herself with the views of others, or to pretend she's someone she's not.- That, of course, would take some work... but giving up was not among her priorities. -Please allow Beta to offer the same. She will gladly aid Truffles if requested,- the girl nodded, seeming almost enthused at the idea, -And she wishes Truffles the best of opportunities in her quest!-

Truffles grinned brightly. She.. was grateful for running into Beta. Considering how things had been going as of late, it was a nice reminder that the whole world wasn’t bad. Despite what had gone wrong, she did have good things still in her life.

The returned offer made her expression soften slightly. If Beta really meant it... But she honestly saw no reason to doubt the girl’s sincerity. Beta was pretty straightforward with her speech. “I’ll keep ya in mind, then,” she assured with a nod. In trouble or not.. she thought it wouldn’t be so bad to see Beta again someday. “Thanks! I’ll get on with my quest then.” Chuckling, she turned and waved her hand. “Stay cool, Beta~”

FIN!