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 Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 9:58 pm
Team Spectre's Room This room is ultimately very simple and bare in appearance, but it is also quite small. A steel plaque adorns the front door, bearing the team name and room number.
Inside, a combination desk and bookshelf is fit into the corner in front of the door. This is for eating, completing paperwork, and the storage of the team's personal belongings. In front of it, a wide, cushioned stool is present for Ghost to sit on while she completes her work.
The other side of the room includes a large, water-filled basin. The water is constantly cycled through to maintain a clean supply, and is multi-purpose for drinking and bathing.
Beside the bath is a large, steel-framed bed that takes up much of the room. This frame is well-padded and structurally the strongest thing in the room, as it is necessary for it to support Atius' weight while sleeping. A small wooden staircase is bolted into place at its side, allowing for access to the much smaller, more private bunk above. This is where Ghost, the team captain, resides.
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Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 9:59 pm
Ghost & AtiusThe snowy white Absol hissed nervously, her fur standing on end as she perched on the top bunk, staring down at her new roommate. The Pokemon was very large in comparison to her, and covered in sharp metal spikes. She doubted that her teeth could pierce his steel skin if this argument were to come to blows. She would have to trust in her ability to fight, and in her type advantage against the psychic.
Atius, meanwhile, rested patiently on the lower bunk. He held no ill intentions toward the feisty female, but felt rather confused by her aggressive behaviour. He understood the concept of territory, as grown Metagross often established formal territorial boundaries, but surely there was a different reasoning for this.
As far as he understood, this Absol was to be his charge- he was to defend her at all costs. The guild had described her as a co-captain. Still, he had originally been informed that his partner was to be male, so this was an interesting gap in accumulated knowledge.
There was another hiss of warning from above, and though he could not hear it, he could sense her nervous shifting. She was a flighty creature, perhaps easily intimidated, but she was still a dangerous predator, particularly toward him.
"I am assigned as your partner and guardian. I will see to it that this role is fulfilled, regardless of your displeasure, Miss." He stated, golden-orange eyes seeming not to blink as he directed his speech upward.
There was another hiss from above, but this time it betrayed something. She was afraid.
"Are you afraid of me, Miss?" There was an answering silence. "I am not here to harm you. I have been told to protect you, and I will follow this directive with my life. I will remain still- you may approach me, if you desire to a better understanding of what I am."
His voice was quiet, as he was trained to do. It was often this way with Beldum, too. The single-clawed units were often very cautious at birth, and it could take a great deal of time and effort for parental units to earn their trust. It was a survival skill, but one that was often problematic in their early years. Perhaps other species were the same.
Silently, the Absol descended from above. She truly was of phantom-kind, her white-coated exterior and icy blue eyes bringing tales of the dead to mind. She was beautiful, though perhaps not in the friendliest of ways. She was still very nervous, her legs and shoulders tensed in anticipation of the slightest threat.
He said nothing, merely watching as the Absol approached him more closely, darting back for a moment as if to dodge an attack he had not made.
This process continued for several minutes before the Absol had settled to sit on the edge of his bed, her posture much more relaxed than it had been before. Perhaps it was a good time to introduce himself again.
"My name is Atius," he began quietly, though he had no mouth to truly speak the words. Instead, his voice seemed to emanate from within his steel body. "I am a Metang, a Steel and Psychic type Pokemon. I am half-grown, and wish to hone my skills in order to evolve. During this process, I will practice guarding and defensive techniques with you as my charge. You will not be harmed, and I am well-equipped for the purpose of your care."
The Absol had flinched as he spoke initially, but did not move, seemingly listening to his words. When he finished, the timid creature finally spoke to him. "I have no name, but you may address me as 'Ghost' if you desire," she answered the greeting, her voice much more feminine than he'd expected from such a lithe predator. She sounded soft. Now he understood the need for a guard.
"...You will- ...you will protect me, correct?" She was cautious, asking questions he had already answered.
"That is correct," the Metang replied smoothly.
He saw Ghost shift a little, and nodded. She did not seem like she would hiss at him again. "I am sorry for my behaviour. Your kind and mine do not often cross with fair intentions."
"Not unwise. Your apology is understood. Perhaps you will come to trust my behaviours in time- from now on, I act as your guard."
Shyly, Ghost nodded again. She understood the intentions, clearly, but Atius could not tell if she was grateful for them. Other species had remarkable methods of communication, and due to her typing, he could not sense her anxiety the same way that he might from another psychic.
Ghost left, heading back up to the nest she had created on the top bunk. She settled nervously into the scraps of torn pillows and fabrics, surrounded by a protective layer of threads and feathers. It was comforting, a reminder of home. Though she did not fully trust her new companion, she had determined that his presence was not directly threatening to her. She would see what sort of person he truly was, given the time.
[[ / End post ]]
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Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 10:23 pm
Continued from here. Ghost & AtiusGhost padded down the hall, her pale eyes counting each of the numbers on the doors that they passed. She knew exactly which was hers, of course, but it gave her something to calm her nerves as she stepped up in front of her own doorway. The broad door seemed nearly twice as large as the others, for reasons yet unknown to her companions, and was made of a very sturdy-looking wood. Even the frame appeared reenforced. Emblazoned across the door in carved, clear lettering was her team name. The silver plaque was polished to a perfect shine against the dark wood.
She gave the door a light rap with her claws, letting Atius know that she'd returned, before opening the door and stepping to hold it with her hind legs. The interior of the room was spotless, aside from the two packs that had been set on the desk, a couple twisted blankets on the beds, and the massive shiny Metang who stared at the group from the centre of the lower bunk. He levitated slightly, gold eyes glowing bright with agitation.
She cleared her throat nervously, and his gaze flickered back to her. "This is Team Venari. They came to discuss a prophecy with me," she told him as clearly as she could. There was anxiety in her eyes, pleading for him not to argue. Her credibility with this team still seemed tentative at best.
Atius looked between his suddenly very bold captain and the guests she'd brought. Another Guild team? Visiting them? That was certainly a first, but he could tell from their expressions that they were not eager to socialize. The word prophecy struck a chord, though. As a Psychic, he knew well the power of certain predictive abilities, but an Absol's were stronger than most. He was only bothered that she had not awoken him the moment her vision occurred; tracking down the subjects of a vision did not always go well. How difficult could she make it to protect her?
"Of course," he replied smoothly. "I will remain here to make room for your guests."
Ghost contained her gratitude and surprise quite well, though Atius could by now read her subtle moods without trouble.
He glanced at the team she'd brought into their home, regarding each with momentary suspicion. "I am Atius, vice captain and guard to Ghost. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." His voice was still smooth, but the more he spoke the more obvious the metallic echo was in each word. It was best to be upfront about his position on the team, if only to emphasize that he would not take kindly to threatening behaviour in his presence. Their room was considered a safe space, namely for his anxious captain.
Ghost moved from the doorway as the rest of her guests filed into the small space, and she moved to perch on the edge of Atius' bed so that someone else might take the stool or sit on the desk. The space was not well-equipped for more than herself and Atius.
As the introductions faded and everyone was settled as best they could be, Ghost looked again to the blue-eyed sword. "Where would you like to begin, Arturius?" she asked him, uncertain if the Honedge would immediately respond.
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Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 2:06 pm
Venari
Katherine, Arturius, Rebecca
By the time Venari, sans Ty, found themselves at the team room many of the more combative aspects of Katherine's mood had receded. She still wasn't happy about the whole thing, seeing it as little more than a waste of time, but since it was happening she wasn't going to be pointlessly fussy about it. It was obvious enough that she still wasn't happy to be there, and in a sense her somewhat lazy posture and expression could be seen as a passive-aggressive expression of displeasure, but pettiness aside she wasn't fighting it anymore. She would be there, she would listen, maybe say some things and then she'd go back home and take a nap or something.
Once they stepped inside, all three would passively glance about to absorb information about their new surroundings. Rebecca would take to the floor rather than awkwardly position herself on a stool she could potentially crush under her weight. She simply slipped back onto her behind and, when she needed to get up, she would rock forward and press against the ground with her tail. Katherine took the stool that Ghost had avoided. She had long since turned Arturius around to face her front by loosening the belt he rested on slightly, turning it around and tightening it as she did from time to time when he wanted to look forwards rather than back.
Arturius received Atius's greeting in kind. "I am Arturius, vice captain and Hunter's Blade. It is good to greet you, Guardian." Rebecca also extended a friendly wave, but said nothing due to the dire nature of the situation and her own lacking rank.
And then quickly moved onto the task at hand. "I would like to ask you more of your vision and of yourself. An Absol's visions aren't so simple that they can be conveyed in a single sentence, and what is absent may be as important as what is there."
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Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 4:54 pm
Ghost & AtiusAtius blinked in reply, not shifting his arms to wave in turn lest he accidentally knock Ghost from her seat. He watched as the heavily armoured Armaldo struggled to find herself a seat, and quickly settled for dropping down onto the floor instead. The gesture was familiar to the Metang, though he tended to remain levitating rather than try in the first place. Small rooms like this weren’t built for larger Pokemon; he was lucky enough that they’d found a bed his size.
Ghost was less focused on where her guests settled down, and more on the subject of her discussion with Arturius. The Hunter’s Blade, as he’d called himself, was as eager to get to business as she was. The sooner she gave them their information, the sooner they could leave. And, hopefully, be safe from the grim future she’d foreseen. ”The vision I can speak of,” she answered him nervously, shifting anxiously next to her shining metal guardian. ”There’s not much to say about me. I have no name, but am called Ghost in all my paperwork. …You can likely guess why.”
There was a thoughtful hum from Atius. His charge was a curious creature, but having no name was still very strange to him no matter how many times it had been explained to him.
Ghost tried her best to ignore him, shifting to look away from the glittering silver Metang. ”I suppose I could start with how my abilities work,” she relented, looking back up to Arturius instead. ”It’s important for helping you and your captain.” She took a soft breath, trying to think of how best to explain them. The intricate details wouldn’t really be necessary, but she could simplify the basic concepts enough that most Pokemon would grasp the idea, even if they weren’t particularly convinced. This was one of the few times that anyone had asked, anyway.
”I see the future through prophetic dreams. They’re sort of a… state of induced sleep. I lose awareness of this time, and experience the perspective of a different time. I can see, feel and smell normally, but I can’t typically move or hear. Sometimes I can sense the emotions of Pokemon involved, too, but that’s still… rare.” She swallowed nervously, aware of how intently some of the room’s occupants were staring at her. ”The dreams aren’t ‘true’ prophecies. They’re more like predictions, if that makes sense. They’re only accurate if the path you’re on hasn’t changed. Prophecies come true no matter what, but can happen in different ways.”
”That’s because time isn’t a straight line. It changes based on what you think, or do, or sometimes actions of people around you… It gets more complicated, because things like weather and natural disasters are usually a little more predictable, but when something bad is set to happen based on those things… That’s what I see. As long as your future choices are the same, the vision stays true. It only changes when you do.”
Ghost looked at her paws awkwardly. That explanation in itself was why Absol prophecies were disregarded by so many. It was difficult to prove that your powers were real if in revealing them you would tamper with the stream of time. Warning someone was sometimes enough to change their behavior, and nullify the prophecy. With how severe this vision was; however, and how stubborn Katherine was, she wasn’t sure that the warning in itself would be enough. It would take active precautions from her team to make any significant differences.
”The vision I had about Katherine was… Very grim. I remember that she was on the floor… which was… stone… maybe tile or something? I don’t recognize the location, but it had very smooth floors and a lot of blood. It was definitely an enclosed space, even if it wasn’t inside. Katherine was badly hurt, and lying on the floor. It was probably her blood I remember.”
“It comes in flashes, so I don’t know…” She would have apologized then, for a lack of information, but for the interested nudge to her side by her vice captain. Atius stared pointedly at her, urging her to continue with the details.
Ghost obeyed, though she frowned at the contact. Closeness wasn’t particularly familiar to the Absol. She kept explaining to Arturius, hoping that he’d at some point interrupt her to ask for something specific. Just going through everything was difficult, tiring. She had to try and recount everything from memory, and she worried that she might be forgetting something significant. ”There were shards of something blue. They were a little reflective... enough to stand out. Most of them were centered around one of these pale lines on the floor. I can guess they were blades of some kind, but I can guess that at least one of them was you- it wore your sash. Neither was really moving."
“I don’t know if she was there or not," Ghost added belatedly, gesturing to Rebecca with a lifted paw. "I didn’t see her, but the vision doesn’t show everything. If anything, that makes it more dangerous. The less I see, the harder it is for that future to be changed.” Her tone was apologetic, keeping her front paws heel to heel in front of her.
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2016 2:56 pm
Venari
Katherine, Arturius, Rebecca
Arturius and Rebecca listened intently to everything Ghost said from start to finish. Rebecca fidgeted slightly in discomfort. She wanted to take notes but she didn't have the supplies to do so, as much as she would have liked to. Even if she dug through the room, which she wouldn't, it was unlikely they had materials suitable for an Armaldo to use. She could only write with the tips of her claws and most jars of ink had openings far too small for her massive exoskeleton. Arturius himself was the picture of... something. Swords were, after all, rather hard to read even for the most socially apt of individuals. Not having a real body, or even a real face, lent particularly well to that quality. The only indicator of his disposition was the clear focus of his eye which lay squarely and unwaveringly on Ghost. If nothing else could be told, it was that his focus was on her.
Katherine herself simply looked around, only half paying attention to what was being said. She still didn't buy into it and nothing would make her buy into it. But there really wasn't anything to look at, the whole room was... really boring. It was empty, aside from the necessities, and the few oddities that were present (including the emptiness of the room itself) would just prolong her time spent if she spoke up about them. So she just kept her quiet and didn't say anything at all.
Once Ghost was done speaking, the questions from Arturius began. "The blood. Was it all the same? Did it belong to more than one person? The sword, the one with the sash. Was it sharp, or dull? Was there anyone else present, possibly a Pancham or Pangoro? Did Katherine look as she does now, or was there anything different about her appearance?" An Absol's visions weren't simply a highlight reel of a tragedy, they were something much more abstract. Concepts, information and ideas could be present in them that defied simple explanation. There were some things that Ghost could simply "know", things that might have not risen to the surface without a prodding. Or things that she might know if the vision returned to her, as Arturius hoped it would. He suspected that the vision would not come to pass for a long time and building a rapport with Ghost would increase the specificity of the vision. The better she knew them, the more likely they were to get vital clues.
And of course, it was never a bad idea to have an Absol for a friend. There were many reasons for that, altruistic or otherwise.
Rebecca shifted uncomfortably once more, but this time for a different reason. "Blue fragments?" She hadn't been in the vision, but she also hadn't not been in the vision. She looked down at herself somewhat uncomfortably. Her exoskeleton wasn't exactly "reflective", but it certainly had a shine to it. It didn't sparkle, but she had a very healthy diet and it certainly wasn't dull! "That couldn't be me, could it?" Until that moment, it didn't seem likely at all that it included her. But now it kind of did, which was scary. Rebecca had never faced the jaws of death before and the thought that she was doomed to was... unsettling, to put it lightly.
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Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2016 2:05 pm
Ghost & AtiusGhost stiffened under the intensity of Arturius’ focus. In truth, the Hunter’s Blade could probably be described in his entirety by the word ‘intensity’ itself. He was a being of focus and discipline, two things which Ghost had a very healthy respect for. Focus and discipline could bring down innumerable foes even despite an imbalance of strength or type advantages. She’d watched strong warriors fall to less. The reminder that Arturius was an ally was her only comfort as she continued to describe what she had seen.
-the tears couldn’t wash away that blood that covered her face and body, nor could her pained, sobbing gasps drown out the trio of silent screams that echoed within the deepest parts of her mind.
The subject itself certainly wasn’t going to bring her comfort. Trying to remember, to recount every detail of the horrific scene, was anxious work even for an experienced prophet. Ghost’s track record for predicting misfortune was remarkably clean and she’d warned many before this, but it didn’t make it easier to think about innocent blood smeared across the floor.
The Absol’s pale eyes seemed to darken as Arturius questioned her, frowning slightly. The conversation passed rapidly between the two as she relayed the answer to each request, Ghost never needing to hesitate as she brought the vision to mind. ”No. It was… varied. From more than one victim, yes. The sword was sharpened, and I saw no one else.” Her words were clear and quiet, not one to mumble in spite of her discomfort. It wasn’t until his inquiry into the Kirlia that she was uncertain how to respond. ”…That is hard to explain. She felt different, but I can’t accurately describe how. It could be the situation itself that changed her, or by unrelated means.” Ghost’s quiet voice was troubled now; she wished that she had a more specific answer to give him.
The Armaldo spoke up, her anxious voice breaking the tension between Arturius and Ghost in an instant. The tense little predator immediately twisted to stare back at Rebecca, narrowing her eyes in thought. Had they been similar to-
Blood seeped through her fingertips as she vainly cluthed the pieces of the shattered blue gem; broken as it was, it would never again be whole.
Yes. Yes they had been. Ghost’s eyes flickered shut and she shook her head politely. ”They were not Armaldo scales.” She swallowed the relief that threatened to choke her. If they had more questions, it would be her responsibility to answer. She had no right to let her emotions interfere.
There was a deep hum of reassurance from Atius behind her. The Metang’s voice was too deep to be heard by those without keen hearing, but she shivered as the vibrations settled in her stomach. She was happy to have his support, but it made her uneasy to know how transparent her emotions seemed. With every eye on her (outside of the Kirlia’s, thankfully), maintaining professionalism was a struggle.
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Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 1:43 pm
Venari
Katherine, Arturius, Rebecca
Rebecca sighed in relief. It wasn't her then. That was good then, she wasn't ready to meet her maker just yet! Of course, though much less dire, it raised a question of no lesser importance. If it wasn't her then that was good but whatever it was was obviously important. So... what was it? It had to be something, of course, but what? Well, no matter what the case was that was a question that could be answered at a later time. It was just a relief for now to know that whatever it was that was going to happen, it wasn't going to happen to her. It was still all very disconcerting for so many reasons but it was much less panic-inducing when it was someone else.
Though it was all still very disquieting. And it wasn't a lot to work with. Someone died and if there was blood there was likely someone else hurt as well but it didn't say much at all. Things were just all so very vague. "Is there nothing else you can remember?" To ask hopefully was all that she seemed to be able to do. Surely there had to be more to it--more that could be known and more that could be done about it. It wasn't as if they could simply avoid every place with smooth floors for the rest of their lives.
Arturius didn't speak. The information was sorted through in his mind as carefully as possible. The sharpness, the death, the injuries. They spoke far more to him than to Rebecca, who knew not what clues the information truly bore. It was a grim and dangerous prophecy, much moreso than anyone else realized. There would not be an easy way out. There would not be a simple solution. Which was why, though he spoke not, it was imperative that he tried to find a solution as effectively as possible.
Katherine was no more or less interested than she had been before. The details were grim and jarring, but no more jarring than the greeting of "You're going to be badly injured and covered in blood" they had received. It was an uncomfortable thing to listen to--it was stupid, pointless and there was hardly joy to be derived from hearing about how you were supposedly going to die. She wanted it to be over, so she could leave and do other things instead. But it wasn't, so she just continued to sit at the stool and let her head hang backwards so she could stair at the ceiling.
If anyone noticed Ghost's uncertainty, the retching of her mind against her purpose, they said nothing. The same went for Atius's deep, reassuring hum. If any of them had noticed either, it was certainly Arturius; the disinterested Kirlia and the more personally concerned Armaldo weren't apt to notice.
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Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 2:33 pm
Ghost & AtiusThe Kirlia’s disinterest was entirely ignored by Ghost, the Absol long since lost in the intensity of the discussion at hand. She had no business worrying over the attitude of a young girl, even with her intimate involvement in the situation. Instead, it was Atius who seemed to trace her movements as she fidgeted behind her teammates. His blank golden stare was disapproving of the lack of discipline, but he wasn’t entirely sure of the context leading into all of this. He knew of the prophecy Ghost had given, if only because she'd just explained it all, and he was more than aware of the mythology behind Absol as heralds of disaster. What he hadn't known was how determined she would be to deal with them alone.
The thought made him uneasy, as it reminded him of how little trust his charge still placed in him. He was supposed to guard her, protect her. That was difficult to do if she disappeared and dabbled in matters of death and ancient myths. His indignant frustration was easily suppressed. No one in the room would be any the wiser of his displeasure, at least not that directed at Ghost.
Ghost wished she could offer more to the Armaldo, but at such an early stage there was no way to guarantee specifics. There was more to this than she grasped, yet, but Arturius seemed to have the right idea so far. She wondered vaguely if he’d experienced this before. ”If you were to know that you died from drinking poisoned tea, you would perhaps never touch such drinks again. The fault in this thinking is that it may be the cup which holds the poison, rather than its contents. Perhaps instead it is the water from your tap, which you would have used to brew that first cup.” Her voice was strangely philosophical now, clearly repeating the words of another before her.
”A vision is only that. I can see the result, but not how it comes to pass. I can only offer you what the vision guides me to understand, and hope that in time those details will guide your instincts,” she finished calmly, only her icy eyes filled with the apology she couldn’t express. The meaning was no, however disheartening it would be for Rebecca.
This was more than she’d spoken to him all week. Atius, in spite of himself, was both impressed and annoyed with his diminutive captain. It was even more distracting with how beautifully formal her accent became when reciting speeches. If there was something a Metang could appreciate, it was structure, and the unusual but measured rhythm of her voice belayed a confidence grandfathered in from generations of knowledge and experience. If she spoke like this more frequently, his job would be substantially easier.
She glanced back at Arturius. ”If I dream of this again, I’ll return to you.” She wasn’t asking his permission. Even if he ordered her away, her duty would bring her back to find him. She could only leave him having tried to do right by him. That couldn’t happen if she didn’t at least attempt to bring warning.
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Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 6:26 pm
Venari
Katherine, Arturius, Rebecca
"I see..." What Ghost said was a little hard to follow, being more of a general statement than a direct response, but the meaning was apparent enough. There wasn't anything more she could say that would be helpful, and saying things pointlessly was just as likely to cause problems as it was to stop them. They just had to be careful and do their best to avoid... whatever it was when it came up. Rebecca was, quite visibly, rather torn; she wanted very much to answer questions, but as much as she wished to she knew it was pointless. Ghost certainly knew more about Absol. Rebecca was just an outsider to a culture and a species that existed long before her family had even been conceived. They had their own ways and, surely, they were effective. At least, effective enough that there was no way any questions she could come up with in a moment's time would be enough to help. If there had been such an obvious thing to ask, Ghost would have already offered such an answer. Rebecca could only squirm uncomfortable under the weight of her own thoughts.
"No," Arturius would reject it, much in the same tone that Ghost herself had made the statement. She would not be visiting. "I will visit here every few days. Unless new details of crucial importance become apparent, there will be no need to seek us out. Instead, you will tell me of any visions you have whether or not they relate to Venari." Much as Ghost, he was not asking permission. It wasn't an order, it was simply a statement of fact. Ghost was going to tell him of her other visions. If she requested, or needed, a reason then he would state one--but as true and sharp as his edge, there was little question as to the meaning behind the words. There was a purpose behind them and Arturius was unyielding on the matter. He believed, likely not erroneously, that he and Ghost were crafted of a similar steel. Purpose. Absol were beings of purpose who lived and breathed their needs. They often separated from others to avoid the feelings of betrayal and, at times, to keep their visions from focusing in on loved ones. There was a hardness, and a certainty, that both were to act with. As a sword, he would unerringly strike down those who demanded such a response. As an Absol, she would unerringly warn those who bore blackened fates. Everything else, to those purposes, was secondary. There was little meaning in an act that failed to support that purpose and an act that came contrary to it wasn't an option at all. Perhaps, no it was likely, that she was a person unlike him. But certainly her purpose stood above her person.
Atius, in any case, went almost entirely ignored. He was more-or-less unimportant at the time and most certainly inactive. He just seemed to be... being there doing really not much at all. Ones focus was better cast elsewhere.
Katherine, of course, was no more or less inclined to follow along than she had been any time earlier. She passively acknowledged what was being said and, ever-so-slightly, furrowed her brow. This was where it all came in, of course. "Those details", what details? "Guide your instincts", oh so just do whatever and if it randomly didn't happen that was all fine and dandy, right? There was an explanation for every success and failure, no matter what actually happened. It was all so stupid.
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 12:19 pm
Ghost & AtiusRebecca’s response was accompanied by a frown, masked by the stiffness of her skin and her unyielding armor. Armaldo weren’t the most facially expressive species, evidently. Ghost wondered if tone of voice was more instrumental in communicating emotion, or even if their species bothered with that at all. Some didn’t, s she knew from experience. Most Absol were much more distant than she was. It was probably the result of staying in such close quarters with others, something she hoped to remedy over time. Still, she could sympathize with the larger female. She knew that feeling of helplessness and frustration.
She wasn’t terribly concerned with answering that feeling now. Arturius still drew the attention and respect of the room, outside of her own authority as a captain and messenger. She would have to listen to him, particularly if he was as skilled as this at lapsing into a voice of command. She felt her respect for the Hunter’s Blade deepen.
There were several moments of consideration for his demands. He asked for more information than he needed, and such a thing could be dangerous. On the other hand, unrelated experiences often wove themselves together. Coincidences were rare, and similar situations could shed light on their own situation. She supposed, then, if she felt it endangered lives to share then he could not make her speak. He was unlikely to pry if she refused a demand, however much it might frustrate him, and he was insistent to meet in her own quarters. That gave her control over their meetings, even if they were by his arrangement. An exchange of information was possible, if she played her cards correctly, and that could save more lives than she was currently able.
Ghost nodded sharply to him, the equivalent of a salute between peers. ”That can be arranged,” she told him in turn, never dropping her own tone of authority. This was as much a business negotiation as it was securing their safety. She wasn’t entirely familiar with the process, as most Pokemon were ignorant of the old rites, but most Absol parents were quick to instill the general importance of the matter into their kits. If her limbs shook from lack of confidence or her gaze dropped in inexperience, her voice never betrayed it. ”Be cautious in seeking counsel, and bring no one outside your team. Knowing the path ahead risks as much as it protects, and you have asked for more than you have right to.”
There wasn’t disapproval in her tone, simply warning and respect. She wasn't sure how to feel about this. Arturius was obviously smart, and his education likely exceeded her own by far. The only advantages she had were Atius and the prophecies themselves, which she'd just agreed to share with him regularly. And his team was- her gaze flickered over them briefly, noting the fear and frustration of Rebecca and the indignant anger of Katherine- not a group she was keen to engage with right now. She rather hoped to avoid the Kirlia in particular. Even well-adjusted children weren't much to her liking.
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Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 2:30 pm
Venari
Katherine, Arturius, Rebecca
"Agreed." It wasn't at all "more" than he had the right to ask, no. An Absol had the right to do whatever it was they wished with the information they had and it was only unusual for others to act in their stead due to the reclusive nature of the species. "It is paramount that the visions not be meddled with fruitlessly. Interventions will be quick and precise." Arturius did not intend to simply hear the visions out in order to gather information. Simply hearing about other visions wouldn't be enough. If he was right, and he believed he was, the vision wouldn't come to pass for a long time. But it was almost a certainty that it would. Where, how and why were likely in flux... but there was a certainty that it would happen. It was simply one of many mutable fates, but to see it so far ahead meant that the many "natural" choices of their lives would lead them there. They needed to create something different. "It is unlikely that the vision can be prepared for. Instead, we will disrupt the future."
Ghost had a sense of unease about her, a sense of disquiet in it all. She was not unlikely to reject the proposition but Arturius would not relent. The lingering memories and knowledge were enough. He knew what it was that he would have to do in order to truly and completely distort fate.
Rebecca's disquiet and Katherine's disinterest wouldn't lapse at all, though the former would ask a question if the "negotiations" had come to an end. "Would it be alright if I came to visit as well sometime?" She would only hazard the question if Ghost and Arturius reached an agreement, otherwise choosing to avoid inserting herself into the conversation. "I'm a pokepologist so I study cultures and history as my profession and I would love to speak to you sometime if I may?" It was a question somewhat uneasily asked, due more to the atmosphere and meaning of the meeting than the question itself. It was all just a tad much, but she wasn't about to let an opportunity slip by.
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Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 4:21 pm
Ghost & AtiusGhost’s eyes narrowed as the full scope of Arturius’ request dawned on her. He didn’t just want to know about the other visions; he wanted to act against them directly. She bit back the growl that threatened to rise from her throat. He understood the importance of discretion in these matters, at least, and wouldn’t spread information without reason. He was calculating and logical enough that she fully believed him when he declared swiftness and precision in his actions. The only hesitation she held was in question of his character. She hadn’t known much about the Honedge to begin with- she’d only researched enough to find Katherine. She didn’t know their pasts, or the methods they preferred in battle. But if they were here, she would have to trust that the Guildmasters had assessed some potential or strength of character in him.
”You intend to disrupt your path through intervening in other visions?” It wasn’t a strategy she’d heard of before. It was as likely to work as it was to fail miserably, but she supposed that there wasn’t necessarily a downside for the people they might save in doing so. ”It’s an interesting tactic,” she admitted, the growl thankfully absent from her voice. ”As long as you act within the expectations of the Guild, I see no reason to disagree. It may bring relief where it is needed most.”
She couldn’t exactly refuse when he was basically offering to help shoulder her responsibilities. It would only be unreasonable, and probably lead to more pain and frustration in future.
The Absol nodded once more in final agreement, having no other stipulations to raise about the subject. Arturius wouldn’t refuse, given that he was already bound by the expectations of the Guild to start with. There was no change, for him. All she had done was remind him of his duty, one which he was unlikely to have forgotten anyway.
Rebecca’s voice broke in as the pair finished their negotiations, and Ghost’s ears twitched. She glanced back at the Armaldo, eyes slightly widened with surprise as Rebecca asked to meet with her again. That wasn’t what she’d expected. She’d been more at ease with the rock-type, at least enough to ask that she take on the burden of protecting her teammates, but inviting her as a personal guest was further from her comfort zone. She wasn’t social enough to want flocks of Pokemon within her space on a regular basis.
…But she had just allowed the same thing to Arturius, and he was by far the more intimidating person. Rebecca herself looked nervous enough to faint out of her own plates. Or perhaps that was excitement. She couldn’t tell how Atius felt, either. Stiff plating made it too difficult to tell.
”That… should be fine.” She sounded less assured in answering Rebecca, but not all of her professional tone had fallen away.
Atius chose this moment to speak, his firm and authoritative voice breaking through the softer tones of his captain’s. ”I’d prefer it if you came after noon, where possible. Most of our work is done after nightfall.” Despite the phrasing, he did not sound as if he was requesting it at all. The third person present to assert his authority over the others in the room, though he managed it with much greater ease than Ghost had. Ghost wasn’t sure if that was intentional or not; perhaps it was the formality he used? ”I trust you understand.”
Ghost shifted uneasily, her gaze flickering up to the Metang’s as he stretched his stiff metallic limbs. He was floating slightly, their difference in size now very apparent. Her instincts still made her want to flee for the top bunk, but she was by now accustomed enough to Atius that she could feign comfort in sitting beside him while he moved about. ”…If you’d like to visit tomorrow, before we leave for training…?” She offered mildly, hoping to smooth over the abrasive nature of her guardian.
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Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 5:59 pm
Venari
Katherine, Arturius, Rebecca
"I do. And I will." No matter what it was, all they had to do was anything and everything that they otherwise wouldn't. They needed to go places and do things that would have never have happened if not for the vision... and if not for the vision, they would never have been able to ask. Fate was both immutable and chaotic. Once one knew it, the solution wasn't in avoiding it but tearing it asunder entirely. Though he did not nod or move as if to do so, indeed he had been almost entirely immobile and unflinching for the entire conversation, it would seem well enough as if he had. "It is a seer's role to find victims and a sword's to protect them. We will find one another to be helpful." Especially in the troubled times they lived in. A sword was a simple tool, capable only of cutting down. It could not seal a wound. But pointed correctly, it could stop things that were yet to happen--and pointed well, it would stop those that needed to be stopped. The violent, the mad, the greedy. Together, they would surely find themselves in a strong partnership just as it had been long ago.
"Oh of course, that's more than fine. I'm a bit of a Noctowl myself, the best time to read is always at night." Rebecca still wasn't totally comfortable emotionally or mentally but the shift of conversation, the willingness of Ghost to accommodate her and a desire to think about other things helped. The true meaning of their late night work was unapparent to her somewhat bright world view. "I can come by any time you're available, you're the one doing me a favour after all." Though somewhat more muted than the usual, Rebecca's tone was quickly shifting to mirror her normally cheery and friendly self. And it was spoken without a trace of dishonesty; Ghost really was doing her a favour by being willing to talk to her about her history. Absol were a very reclusive and often driven species, so for one to be willing to speak to her was a wonderful opportunity that would be treated with the appropriate significance.
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Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2016 3:49 pm
Ghost & AtiusGhost’s eyes brightened slightly but the expression was gone as quickly as it had come. Allowing herself to hope, when the situation for Arturius was as dire as it was, seemed wrong. As much as he could help her and others through her guidance (a good thing, to be certain) he was also running on much more limited time than another who could act in his stead. It was somewhat humbling to see how he’d choose to change his fate; fighting instead to change someone else’s, and hope that through that he would change everything.
She was far from bold enough to express that admiration. The Absol wouldn’t let herself hope for a brighter future but maybe she could step a little closer if Arturius had enough time to act on her visions. Maybe the world wouldn’t be so overshadowed by death as it was now, even if it was just this tiny part of it.
Rebecca’s cheer broke through a lot of the tension and solemnity of the room. Ghost’s heart lightened, glad that the Armaldo seemed to be pleased by the meeting they’d agreed to. She wasn’t sure that the armored Pokemon did particularly well with death and gloom. She was ashamed to admit that she was used to it, but she could understand why someone else wouldn’t be- and she was a little envious that it was possible.
The Absol rose from her seat on the edge of Atius’ bedframe and stepped gracefully to the floor. She wasn’t surprised when a gentle burst of psychic swung their door open for the departing team, noting that Atius was at least polite despite his lack of enthusiasm for the company. She politely dipped her head to Arturius, who had acted in place of his co-captain. For the time being, at least, he was solely in charge. And Katherine would not have appreciated the gesture of respect, regardless of her intentions now. Ghost then turned to Rebecca, hesitating for a moment, before she addressed her softly and outside the hearing range of Atius. ”Tomorrow at fifteen-hundred, after Atius leaves. We’ll talk then.” She trusted Atius to protect her, but that didn’t mean she entirely trusted Atius as a person. For now, it was better if she worked things through alone.
”Thank you for coming.” Her last words were addressed to the team as a whole, Ghost stepping back to give the trio ample space as they stepped out of the room.
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