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 Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:56 pm
 Tolin
Tolin gave a smile. Things would work out. If Alfred needed to know, he would find out a time that he could handle it--this wasn't something he needed to deal with now. He did not need a name to curse for all that had happened to him. That wouldn't help him. That wouldn't help anybody. All that would do is give him a place to focus his rage and in turn bring it bubbling back up from the depths of his mind. As it was, there was merely helplessness to carve through--nothing as brutal or difficult as anger.
Tolin bended over slightly to take a look at the sheets. If he noticed the more "colourful" language in Alfred's repertoire he did little to show it, as he was instead briefly absorbed by the paper on the table. "Working on things, it seems. What all is this?"
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Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 12:03 pm
Alfred glanced up briefly as the Scyther spoke, noticing the pages on the table that had slipped from his notebook.
Frowning he quickly snatched them out from under the Scyther's eyes and stuffed them back into the folder with such haste the paper was crumbled accidentally though the pages would survive such small damage.
"Th-that was-I'm not-It isn't done..." He squeaked out, frustrated by his own clumsiness. Without taking his eyes from the pages he flicked through them before plucking one out from the gathered mess and extending it silently out to Tolin.
First impression of the note was that it had been written by a child's hand. The letters seemed untrained. Their uneven strokes either faded into nothing or were heavily etched into the paper. There was no sense of flow in the letters that spelled out the words at the top. Each had been undertaken separetely as a new and daunting enterprise.
It was then the thought occured that this was no child's handwriting. It was that of an invalid. Someone disabled or elderly.
Someone unable to create more than just barely legible script.
Or perhaps someone like Alfred who was still adjusting to mundane tasks such as writing and forcing himself to learn rather than seek out someone to teach him.
Revised Guild layout.
smaller groups work more efficiently, past guild reports show no activity within ice, fire, or star.
can be compressed
replace current ice/fire with new guildmasters. productivity and efficiency increases.
frost ortez, fairly experienced, young but intelligent
replace ice, weaviles useless as leaders
four core guilds would be sufficient
sun-to eclipse-rookie guild. less hassle with solaris who is reported to be an idiot.
note: minerva hates his guts apparently, but he's a popular guild master for sme reason or another. kicking him out would be counter productive.
{illegible scrawl}
dividing territory layouts would make the guilds more organized
dividing guilds into specialites would make missions easier to manage
Littered with spelling errors and incomplete sentences, it was hard to understand at first unless one knew the context.
While Tolin read, Alfred kept his gaze averted to the side, possibly embarrassed over his handwriting or ideas in general.
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Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 2:14 pm
Tolin
Tolin gripped the note lightly with the tip of his scythe through what limited psychic he felt capable of using. Contrary to the Gardevoir's anxiety, however, his handwriting was more than acceptable. Computerized text and the like wasn't all that common as it was and this was especially true in the Scyther's much more elderly experience. Even though the technology existed and it had the capacity to become more and more advanced, it was far from prolific even within the cities; with wild pokemon often coming to become members of the city itself and at times members of the city leaving for the wild, there was hardly the advancement or demand of such technologies, so many books that one would find were hand-written. Though much less efficient than a printing press of any sort, for the pokemon of many areas it was the only way to reproduce a copy. So, of course, he was more than used to poor handwriting. His own was far from fantastic, given that he never had the desire to write a novel or pen a letter by any means.
The contents of the letter itself however was at worst unnecessary and at best a fine idea. It was obvious enough, however, that it had been based off of second-hand information--much of any guild activity that had taken place for quite some time likely wasn't reported, given the fact that Rebirth had first been left in shambles and then destroyed not long after. Beyond that, this was the guild of the Sun so it was hard to say what kind of records they had. At the very least he knew that Frost kept his guild decently active, though his experience with the other guilds was limited. All the same, though, he couldn't really contest what had been put down; it was true (though very crudely put) that the Ice Guild was under poor management. Scarface himself had largely been put in place due to his imposing frame and his strength in combat as opposed to any real qualities that he bore as a leader. Sometimes having your guild master look really scary was just as good as having an actual leader, but it was true that getting someone more suited to the task would be desirable. Not that any of the current leaders "failed" in their duties so much as they did simply lack the drive or capabilities to step forward and better their organizations. That had been acceptable in the past, but as they pushed forward past what had happened they needed someone that could inspire those who worked below them.
"It's fine. Imperfect, but fine." But that wasn't the point of concern--the plans were fine, but there was something else to say. Tolin looked up from the sheet of paper to look directly at Alfred. "You want to take over Rebirth again?" It was a simple but important question. He wasn't sure what the Gardevoir had planned on doing with himself now that things were settled.
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Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 9:06 pm
Alfred closed his eyes. He had expected the question at one point or another, but had not really prepared an answer in advance.
He fell silent, not rushing his response for by instinct he'd reply with the answer he thought Tolin would most like to hear; a childish habit of false pretense that he wanted to break then and there.
The Gardevoir sought out the response he could live with, the answer that he truely wanted to give.
Any pressure or unease was lessened simply by knowing this was Tolin he spoke to. The Scyther would not rush him or act impatient at all, he'd allow the Psychic to take his time sorting through the unheeded detris of his mind before pressing for answers.
Opening his eyes he tugged absentmindedly on the loose paper of the notebook he held.
"...I'm lying if I don't say I feel some responsibility for this, that what I want most is to repair what was destroyed by some fault of mine. Whether intentional or not."
His gaze dropped to the ground, arms tightened around his work.
"...though what I really want most is things to return to as they were before, but...I've already accepted that this is the closest I'll get to normalcy again."
He tightened his grip on the notebook, papers tearing from motion and he kept his gaze to the ground as he continued.
"...I don't want to think I'm alive because I lucked out. I have to have some other purpose...I have to...if I don't-I just..."
Why am I even alive then? went without saying.
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Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2012 11:25 pm
Tolin
Tolin was, simply put, quiet for some time lost in his own thoughts. What Alfred wanted to do wasn't necessarily something he hadn't expected, but at the same time it was a precarious situation--he wasn't exactly in the best condition at the moment and whether or not the guildmasters would accept him after all that had happened was something else entirely. Whether Rebirth would even stay in existence was yet another matter, given that the guild had been set up by Arceus in the first place and it was obvious to anyone that there would be little love for the god after what had happened. Even if Alfred was capable it was possible there wouldn't be a place for him to return to, and even if there was it was possible he wouldn't be accepted. It was a complicated issue and it wasn't something Tolin wished to comment on rashly.
It took him time to speak, his face stoic all the while, but speak he did. "...Leading a guild isn't something you merely do, but something you must earn. To lead is to have those below you trust in your judgment, your character and your capabilities. A leader must be capable of lying to and manipulating not just their enemies but their friends, for at times you won't have a choice. But, at the same time, you must always be honest and straightforward. Being able to lead is being able to control while maintaining that control, but also while being compassionate. A leader is someone one follows, not someone who forces others along." Although difficult to explain, it was simple enough to understand; the difference between a dictator and a good leader is whether one is forced to follow them or chooses to follow them. This meant a lot of things and it was a heavy burden.
"You must be strong, wise, intelligent, charismatic and empathetic. If you wish to lead Rebirth, I will guide and aid you as I see fit." Which, of course, was two-sided; if Alfred was incapable, Tolin wouldn't allow him to take the position. He had to earn it. "It's your choice."
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 2:16 pm
The Gardevoir maintained his own visage of calmness as he listened intently, his ears were flattened but he heard each word as clearly as if he was reading them rather than listening. Words on paper were easier to catch, he could block out most of what was around him but voices were another thing entirely, it was fortunate that he felt determined in that he took in each word and the underlying warning that was subtly laced in them.
Alfred waited a few moments after Tolin had concluded to ensure there was nothing else the Scyther would say.
Content that Tolin was done he inhaled slowly and gave a soft nod with no real purpose than to simply state he'd heard the insect.
He began with one brief sentence, or rather quote, before launching into a response of his own.
"A leader leads by example not by force. Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization.A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective. Sun Tzu; the Art of War."
He narrowed his visible eye briefly though not in a manner resembling anger but more akin to a set resolve,
"You can't learn everything from books, I've realized that already but I've applied what I remember to what I learned and I came to the same conclusion. I can do this, I'm not-It isn't like I'm 100% confident but at the very least I want to try. I feel I can manage, it's essentially a business in some ways and I'm well-versed in micromanagement thanks to constant studying but I understand what's required, I know what I have to be and I can be exactly that..."
He trailed off for a moment as though losing his train of thought but shook his head to clear it of idle nonsense and pressed steadily onward.
"I can't remember much, but that won't be an issue. My past has no bearings on the future and because I have no idea what I was I can start from scratch and be what I must for the guilds. If it's my choice then I stand by it and I'll do what I can..."
And when he paused for breath at the end of the sentence he gave the Scyther a quick look to let him know whether he was allowed to speak or whether Alfred intended to go on speaking himself.
It wasn't particularly disconcerting, but all the same it was a far cry from how he spoke before with each word a laborous task and ever sentenced hitched with stutters and whimpers as though the very act of speaking was a terrifying thing.
"...I'd like your help, I'm not sure how well it will go at first but I've got to at least try. I need a purpose...I need a reason...I'm willing to put everything into it if it comes down to it and I'd be perfectly content dying to hold it together."
And he stopped then, biting his lip and casting his gaze back to the flor for a split second before forcing himself to lift his head and maintain eye contact with the Scyther.
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:34 am
Tolin
"...We'll start in a week, once I've made sure affairs are running smoothly. Combat training is first. Take the time for now to recuperate." Tolin was, simply put, not quite sure how he felt about it. He said he would support Alfred in his endeavours as he saw fit and that claim was earnest. But all the same, it was in one way odd and in one way fitting to see him strive for such a thing. The position he desired was a lofty one especially for one as damaged and fractured as Alfred, but at the same time it fit him to strive for such a thing. How it would go, beyond that, was largely up to Alfred. He had a lot to learn in an extremely short time and while Tolin fancied himself a decent teacher, it was an almost unfathomable amount of information and skills to impart upon someone in such a short period of time.
"But never be content with death, Alfred." The comment seemed to come out of nowhere, but it had stuck to the Scyther's mind. I'd be perfectly content dying to hold it together. It was nonsense. "Death is an end to all things. Your life and everything you hoped to do, so long as it was within your control. So never be content with death; never accept it. You might die of age, disease or war but never merely be content for so long as you live, there will always be more to do. You must always struggle and fight to live another day. If you can truly be content in death, then it is because your life had no further meaning."
It was, perhaps, harsh but it wasn't entirely untrue. Everyone died with regrets, even if they were mundane; it was a part of living. Death meant you couldn't finish what you had started. Even if you made sure things would continue on past your death, if there was no regret it meant your life was merely a formality. After all, any man would regret not being able to see things through to the end.((Edited the Puer post too.))
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 4:05 pm
Alfred gave a single, curt nod to the Scyther's words. He'd expected the term 'combat training' to come at some point but so soon he had not. He wasn't comfortable with the idea at all, he didn't see the need to learn how to fight when he could learn ways to avoid having a conflict in the first place.
But he didn't argue, not now. Not after the Scyther was so freshly back from the grave. Alfred didn't want to quarrel with him over anything and so he meekly nodded though his expression held the semblance he was in disagreement anyways.
He had no 'poker face'. He could lie with words but not with emotion.
The Gardevoir doubted Tolin would call him out on it immediately anyways.
While he waited the insect to continue he could sense or rather guess what it was he was thinking.
He was worried Alfred couldn't handle the job. It was...afterall, a very high and prestigious position with stress and power all molded into one. It wasn't something to take lightly, though Alfred had no intention to do so.
This was his purpose, he'd decided. Without memories to hold him back he could pave a path forward without regret, without the things that bound others to their previous life.
It would be a lot of hardwork, a lot of learning and training...but it wasn't as though he had anything else to do...any other things to attend.
He'd sat on the sidelines long enough.
As the Scyther launched into his next topic the Gardevoir stiffended in his seat as though he was being scolded before realizing what it was Tolin intended with his words.
He gave a small smile and nodded once more in confirmation.
"...okay." He understood, there was no need for questions or further explainations.
Alfred allowed the silence to continue on for a few moments, staring idly down at his hands. The way Tolin spoke made it clear the Scyther had other matters to attend to that he couldn't wait for...
It didn't bother the Psychic, he understood.
"...I'm glad you're back." I missed you.
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 10:54 pm
Tolin
Tolin smiled. It was simple, really. It was. "I'm glad to be back." And... back meant a lot, really. He wasn't dead, for one. It also meant a lot of work because there were likely a lot of pieces to pick up--he wasn't sure exactly how much had gone to hell while he was gone but he had little doubt in his mind that there would be a lot of work beyond simply imparting a lifetime's worth of experience to Alfred in a short time period. Guilds likely needed to be updated, communicated with and repaired and there was no doubt all sorts of work here and there since the long period of absence likely resulted in various areas coming under a very natural siege. Most likely the fact that the "guilds were dead" had sent subtle but perceptible ripples throughout the city and the wilds and they would need to dispatch teams quickly to check up on the circumstances. He would also need to talk to Minerva to see what was going on in the world at large since obviously his knowledge had a bit of a gap in it.
And, beyond that, well... There were other things. Things that needed to be dealt with. "I'll come visit when I can. For now, I need to make sure there's still a functioning guild system for Rebirth to manage. Take care, Alfred."
And with the crack of a teleport, he was gone as if he had never come back.
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Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2012 7:20 pm
Tolin
Tolin, inwardly, was furious. Things like this were to be expected but he had thought that the Gardevoir even as he was would know better than to do something so brazen without any warning. Had this been put together and presented properly it would've went seamlessly and it would've shown a good level of initiative from Alfred. Along with some experience in management and planning it could have been a great start but now it was apparent that something like that was still far beyond his grasp. The sole saving grace was that Arceus had arrived and repaired most of the damage Alfred had done, but even then what was left would be difficult to deal with for a long time. As inwardly furious as he was, however, there was also a sense of understanding. One that served as a reasonable voice to restrain his anger. At least enough to let Alfred calm down and get his mind back into the world before the two of them would talk. There would be words.
"That was stupid, Alfred. That was very stupid." Stupid... barely began to cover what it was. Tolin couldn't even fathom what had run through Alfred's mind. "What were you thinking, trying to do something like that?" He was angry and as much as both time and reason had stolen the edge from his voice it was still there, but beyond that there was something else; disappointment.
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Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2012 7:28 pm
The Psychic glanced around briefly, his expression lost. He hadn't realized they'd teleported as he'd been otherwise distracted and finally turning to the Scyther he quickly regretted meeting the insect's eye.
Tolin was angry and rightly so, Alfred frowned and quickly redirected his gaze elsewhere.
"I don't know." He folded his arms across his chest tightly, "I don't know-I just thought-the idea hit me out of nowhere and I thought maybe-I'm sorry-I didn't-It wasn't suppose to..."
The Gardevoir bit his bottom lip til it bled, holding back the scream building in his throat. This had just been horrible. He still hadn't found a way to cope with what he'd just been told either and to have Tolin furious with him as well was just as bad if not worse.
But he wouldn't dissolve into tears again, he refused, he wouldn't go back to that and so he stood there trembling and trying to keep his composure less he crumble again.
"...I'm sorry."
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Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 2:33 am
Tolin
Tolin let out a sigh. He couldn't maintain any kind of anger at the Gardevoir in front of him, who though an adult stood as no more than a frustrated, pitiable boy who was on the verge of a breakdown yet bore a pride who would not allow him such an escape. But, at the very least the event had hit home a certain truth and it was one Tolin would carry with him for the time being. "Sit down." A guiding scythe would lead Alfred (somewhat forcefully if need be) to a chair in which he would sit down whether or not he liked it. Tolin himself simply remained standing directly in front of Alfred, leaving the Gardevoir little choice but to face him.
"I don't care what Arceus says. You aren't ready. You will be. I'll train you." At this point, it wasn't a question of whether or not Alfred would lead; that had been answered for them. But Tolin refused to allow him to take that position without being ready for it; that was true before and it still was now. His voice softened from his previous, more commanding tone. "You have that potential. But until you've fulfilled it, it's my job to see to it that things operate fine. Until you're ready, the decisions you make go through me. I will teach you. If you err, it can be explained and if you do well than it can be confirmed but until you can stand on your own I will make sure that you walk the right path."
It was, in a way, very arrogant and commanding but it wasn't meant as such; given the Gardevoir's broken state it was clear that he couldn't handle such a burden yet. With the time until the guilds returned he would train Alfred heavily to help reach that potential, but he would be a far cry from being capable of leading the guilds--and until he could manage that, Tolin would be there to make sure everything was fine. Rather than an act of hatred or disrespect, it was more an act of comfort; he wasn't alone. He would stumble and he would be caught.
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Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 8:24 pm
He didn't want to sit down, he wanted to remain standing but there was really nothing he could do to stop the sudden move outside of protest vocally and for the time he couldn't find any words.
Sitting now it was all he could do to maintain some eye contact but his nerves shuddered and he quickly kept glancing off to the side at random in obvious distraction.
All the while the knot in his chest tightened like a noose and tears began to messily stream down his face as he nodded a quick ascention to each command.
Yes, yes, yes, of course. He understood and he agreed but it did little to ease the panic and feeling of being overwhelmed. Alfred found himself, much against his own wishes, pulling his knees up to his chest on the chair and folding his arms around it before promptly just letting it all go right there.
There'd be no time for it later, may as well get it out of his system.
With his face buried in his arms and pitched, muffled sobs escaping him he didn't hear what sounded next from directly above and as such made no reaction.
Though this was probably for the best given his dislike of legendary.
"Well, isn't this touching~"
Perched idly on one of the blades of the ceiling fan and slowly rotating around with it was a familiar shiny Mew. His red eyes peered down at two and his tail flicked back and forth as it swayed beneath him.
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