united_one | [action] Crowd of Silence

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[action] Crowd of Silence

[Cassandra found herself walking amongst countless people. It was a crowded city...her city, in the middle of the day, and though clouds hung low in the sky, it was still bright, too bright. Worryingly, she looked down and was at first relieved to find she was not wearing her costume. But upon focusing her eyes on the light colour she saw, she soon was filled with dread that she was wearing one of the dresses her father used to make her wear when she was... training...]

oh no...

[She looked at her hands, no blood, but then again, her father had trained her to be efficient and clean. She looked around, everyone was still standing, walking, going about their lives... but something was wrong. They all towered above her. Suddenly tears, the tears of her older teen self, and not the emotionless tears of her childhood welled in her eyes as she ran to one of the many random strangers. She tugged on his shirt, but as she did, the man stopped walking. Taking a few steps back in shock, she spun around, and struggled to remain grounded and composed. Despite hundreds of people around her, none of them were moving. She ran to a shop window and looked at her vague reflection. Despite all her memories seemingly being in tact, she had regressed to being a small child. She took her hand gently to her face and then turned around, hoping it would all just be come type of dream.

But the forest of mannequin like humans remained. With human body movement as her first language; she reluctantly, and with a great deal of fear, stepped out into a world of true silence.]

((Of course, if anyone wishes to enter, please feel free to move around and speak normally.))

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[N has been wandering from dream to dream, but this is the first that places him in a group of people. It's bad enough that he's lost in a crowd, but he soon realizes it's not an ordinary crowd. He instantly feels a bit ill; even if it's a dream, it's still sufficiently unnerving to be a part of the stillness.

His eye catches the first hint of movement he sees-- the young girl walking out into the crowd. He doesn't recognize her, but he gets an inclination to follow her. And so he does, albeit at a slow, cautious pace.]

[As she walks into the crowd of stillness she starts to slow down. Even a few minutes of being in this place is enough to tell her she will not be able to reach any of these almost petrified people. It doesn't take long after N's arrival for Cassandra to notice the movement. She turns around. Despite him being obscured by the crowd, any human movement is easy to pick up upon. Whoever it was, they were just as disturbed, if not a bit more disturbed at the stillness as she was.

As he comes into view, she recognizes the boy as N, one of the first people she communicated with upon arriving... that was right, she had recently arrived in a strange world of these "Pokemon" creatures. It was a strange world, but the boy following her was knowledgable. After wiping the remnants of tears from her face, she turns a bit and walks toward him slowly. She stops once she believes she's within speaking range, though in this place, perhaps that would have been far further away. She hesitates, not knowing exactly what to say, so she decides to simply, and sheepishly ask a question.]

Do you.... know anything about this place?

[He's a bit startled when he finds Cassandra approaching him, and he instantly stops. At her question, he blinks and glances around.]
This place? [He shakes his head, then tilts it questioningly.] No. I would have assumed you would know more than I do. [The fact that she was the only other that seemed to be moving and his sudden urge to follow her gave the impression that this was her dream... though he could not be entirely certain.]

[Her eyes widen with surprise and disappointment, and perhaps surprisingly a little bit of fear; something she had not really felt in quite some time. This situation, this regression... could it be affecting her more than she realized? She composes herself and closes her eyes for a few moments... She slowly opens then, and casts her gaze down at her dress for a moment before looking back up at N]

Right. I understand I have become a child and am without costume, but I am Batgirl. A while ago you taught me much about this world, and Pokemon. [She looks to the side, casually at still crowd.]

I thought maybe... this was just something you forgot to tell me.

Batgirl...? [He's baffled, but smiles with recognition all the same.] A small you, hm? [He follows her gaze to the surrounding crowd, remembering his own dream in which he too became his child self. At least Cassandra seems to have her memories intact, unlike he did.]

No. I can't say I've ever experienced anything like this before. It's not normal. [He looks back at her.] I do know, however... That this is a dream. Your dream, I suppose, if you have been so affected, though I am sharing it.

A dream...

[Yes, that would make sense, but a shared dream? She had surely heard of and experienced stranger things, but it still seemed suspicious.]

Well, that explains why my body's been changed. [She somewhat uncharacteristically smiles] I'm glad you found me though, this place is so quiet, and since no one was moving-

[She stops herself, realizing that was acting strangely. Despite her rather fancy dress, she regains composure and focuses her gaze almost as if she was still wearing her cowl and costume.]

I do not know why you are sharing my dream, and I don't think you do either. We should find a way out.

[She takes a few steps, but as she does, she realizes that the city streets are more crowded than they were before. And far more terrible, she notices that several of the figures had become like still corpses, lying on the ground unmoving. She steps back, and tries another direction only to find a thicker cluster of bodies, both standing, and horizontal, unblinking... She backs up closer to N, but still scans the crowd for any opening or clue. With a hint of fear, and her voice slightly regressed yet again, she speaks.]

N... you got here, maybe, we can leave that way?

[He nods.] In my own dreams, sometimes I become a child again as well. The things we see may be frightening, but... we cannot let ourselves believe they are real. [Easier said than done, apparently, and it's also hypocritical, considering the why N's dreams affected him.

... And the way even Cassandra's dream is affecting him now. He looks around restlessly and subconsciously keeps close to Cassandra. Even if she's a good deal smaller than him, he notices what she means: it is more comforting to be with something else that moves, in a place like this.

At her suggestion, he frowns in thought.] I don't know. [He looks over his shoulder but, finding nothing, look back at Cassandra.] I did not choose to come here-- I don't know how I did. One cannot easily escape from the subconscious, I suppose. Though... perhaps you can make an exit yourself...?

[This world may not be physically real, but Batman... Bruce had taught her that psychological attacks could be just as real as physical ones. She had been trained from birth to defend against any physical threat, but this... She looks up at N. Despite his knowledge and overall confidence, she could tell that this was indeed something beyond what he knew.]

Make... an exit myself?

[She closed her eyes. This was just like physical training, and just like learning English; she likely just needed to concentrate. This was her dream, all she had to do was will an exit into being. After a few moments of concentration, she opened her eyes, and ahead of her, several blocks away, a tall office tower materialized before her eyes. This had to be the exit, she could escape this dream and-]

No....

[The crowd had mostly parted, forming a path toward the tower. But along that path, the bodies laying on the ground which had previously been randomly placed had concentrated. At this point, the formally random assortment of people all morphed to appear as one man, a seemingly nondescript businessman. Each of them had the same terrified face; a face of a man experiencing his last moments. Almost instinctually, she took a few small steps closer to N and grabbed at his pant leg. She knew how this must look, and her child state mind caused her to further ignore her normal composure and secrecy.]

Please N, don't be afraid of me. I didn't know what I was doing. Not really. I was a child and I...I didn't know...I know this place isn't real... but the feelings, and what I did when I was a child; those are still real things.

[He draws back a bit in confusion and revulsion at the sight of the faces that form. It's startling, and strikes a sudden terror in him. He's seen Pokemon die before, but this is his first time seeing the death of a human, even if it's just a face. On edge, he flinches when he feels Cassandra grabbing at his pant leg, but it seems to bring him back to his senses. He looks down at her silently with sympathy. Hesitantly, he raises a hand and places it atop her head. It's a gesture he's used to calm Pokemon before.]

Hush. [He looks back at the bodies briefly.] I understand. My own were... similar. [Surreal, but based on true memories. Prying his gaze from the bodies, he glances around, looking for another pathway to take.] It will be alright. And I don't fear you. How could I? [What did this mean, though? Had she killed that man, then? Or had she simply witnessed it? He decides to save his questions. Instead, he reaches for the hand that is clinging to his pant leg.] Where shall we go? [He looks forward, past the bodies and to the tower.] You wanted to go in that direction, didn't you? Past... them.

Edited 2012-02-07 00:13 (UTC)

She looks up and watches N's face. At first, her eyes begin to well up with tears. He was afraid, he was repulsed... but as she payed more careful attention, she saw something else. It was a feeling she knew. His face and body were saying the same things hers did on that day. As he looks down at her, she sees quite a different expression. And while, based on the scene before them, she knew it was a complex one; she understood.

She feels the hand on her head, and is indeed calmed, but is still horrified by what is before her. As she is about to back up yet again, she feels N take her hand. She looks up, and is at once comforted... but also embarrassed. She may look like this, and be literally a scared child, but in the waking world she was this boy's age or older... and trained to deal with much worse. She attempts to compose herself, nods, and speaks confidently.]

Y-Yes. That building resembles one owned by my... second father I suppose. When you asked me to try and make an exit, it appeared along with...

[She looks back toward the path of still bodies on the ground. She takes a few tiny steps toward the path and shudders, coming to a stop. Before taking another step, she looks down at her feat, tightens her grip on N's hand and blushes, remembering again the appearance of her situation.]

If I remember, I will repay you for this one day.

[She will then proceed to cautiously and slowly lead N through, the grim path. Stopping at several points to both compose herself, and look around for additional clues.]

[He smiles reassuringly, with a hint of amusement.]
You've said something like that to me before. Strange-- I don't ask for repayment. [Helping a friend-- albeit a new one-- through the difficult time shouldn't require repayment. At least, N doesn't think so.

He's patient when they start walking, his eyes wandering over the bodies again. He idly wonders who the man could be, but doesn't ask about that.] What do you mean... "second father"?

[Cassandra tries her best to ignore, or at least move past the bodies as they walk. But she is careful not to completely try to block them out, she fears that doing so may cause this dream to take a more drastic turn. While she's afraid, and partly falling prey to her form, and the memories this place has presented, she's still conscious enough to remember the dangers of psychological warfare. She softly smiles and speaks simply despite the nature of N's words and question.]

I just want to be useful to those who help me. I have spent a lot of time accepting help; I wish to do the same; even if I don't understand this world and its creatures yet.

[Taking a few moments to think about N's question, she decides to close her eyes. If this world was indeed her dream, perhaps she could manipulate this place again, and explain in a way she could more easily communicate.

Slowly, in front of them, slightly off to the side, a member of the crowd suddenly shifts to become a relatively well built middle aged man with white hair, and a black uniform. His expression is that of a sick smile, but is not overtly sinister or crazed. He starts to move, performing combat techniques at thin air. Cassandra looks up and points.]

That is my real father. He trained me... I was to be a perfect body guard, so he did not teach me to speak or read language, but movement.

[She then looks down at one of the bodies along the path to the tower and stops]

When I was eight, I was... tested. I passed, but I felt what I had done, I saw that expression, the moment before nothing. I ran away.

[She closes her eyes again, and suddenly, most of the standing crowd vanishes, though the figures on the ground remain, as does one standing figure directly ahead of N and Cassandra. A tall, looming figure dressed in black, similar to Cassandra's Batgirl outfit, but with an exposed mouth and jaw. He does not move, but is prepared to at any time. She opens her eyes again, but did not point as she felt she did not need to.]

In time, this man, Batman found me. He protected people, and brought fear to criminals... like my father. He gave me the title of Batgirl, and he and his family trained me, to be like them, and also in language and other skills I did not have.

[The projected Batman then turns to thin air, where an image of Cassandra as Batgirl, but with her mask pulled down appears. He embraces her, but upon doing so, both figures vanish leaving again only the trail of bodies leading to the tower.]

Recently, he adopted me. Though he has taught me many things, he has not been exactly like a father. Though my real, or first father was not quite one either.

[As she finishes recounting her story, she closes her eyes once more. Upon opening them, she sees that while some of the bodies remain, the path was becoming far more open and clear. Seeing their expressions still caused her to hesitate and continue to grasp N's hand, but somehow, his curiosity, and apparently her willingness to share had led to the path becoming slightly easier. She then quietly speaks]

To you, from such a bright world, this childhood must seem strange.

[He stays silent and lets Cassandra explain each figure to him. Understanding relationships between humans is usually difficult for him, but he feels an amount of sympathy toward Cassandra upon hearing her story. Even the face of the first man-- that smile-- reminds him eerily of expressions worn by his own father. Once the image of Batman has faded, N finds that he's come to a few conclusions.

At Cassandra's question, he frowns slightly.] Mm. Not entirely. Unova may be a bright place, but my world was not always so vibrant. [And he has so little knowledge of how "normal" human relationships work that he has no way of thinking of any as "strange".

He pauses as they go on, and speaks carefully to sort out his thoughts.] So the first-- he taught you... to kill? [Considering his own bleak parental education, he supposes he only ever learned to protect.] And the second, he adopted you. What is... adopt? [He knows the definition of the word, but applying it to this case is puzzling.]

[She nods.] The training, was not just to kill. It was combat, protection, understanding. But, it was assassin training, yes.

[Looking at the bodies as they walk, she remains silent for a moment, reflecting on her only real "success" when it came to her father's training. She then continues.]

Yes, Batman adopted me. It was, signing papers to make me part of his family officially. [She pauses] ... It was not needed, I was fine being on my own most times, and I was already being helped by him and his family and friends but still.... it was a kind gesture.

[They were almost at the tower at this point. About half a dozen of the strange still bodies lay before them and the tower, which at this point extended so far into the sky the top was obscured by clouds, or fog. The area in front of the building entrance was enclosed by layers of police tape on somewhat random angles. The tape's origin seemed to disappear to the left and right, as the city street had at this point been replaced with the same sort of fog as that which hung in the sky. She the speaks, mostly to herself, but out loud so N can hear regardless.]

I wonder, if my dream is trying to prevent me from continuing; or if this entire thing is a test... or manipulation...

[She looks down, discouraged at the potential hindrance.]

... I see. [He should probably be a bit unnerved at learning that, but he finds that he isn't. He almost expected it, considering the way Cassandra spoke and carried herself. Again, she reminds him of the Shadow Triad.

Listening to her explanation of the adoption, he looks fascinated.] Oh. That... does sound kind of him. [N didn't even know that was something that could be done.

He wants to press further about that relationship out of his curiosity, but stops himself when Cassandra voices her concern.] I don't know. Still, I believe we dream for a reason. [He looks over the tower, squinting his eyes against the fog.] Even if the images you see may pain you, perhaps you are meant to reflect on them. I see them more as tests. [He lifts her hand a bit for emphasis as he continues:] You aren't alone. Don't let fear stop you.

[She decides to take N's advice, and just as the two approach the police tape in front of the building, she closes her eyes again. Perhaps what she had done as a child didn't matter. Or maybe, it did matter, because the events that occurred afterwards, and because of that action which continued to haunt her, led to her doing so much good.

The path she had walked, was paved with fear and regret, but just as she had done now, she walked along that path, striving to move beyond it, and move above it. As she feels her hand being lifted, she hears N's words. She smiles slightly, still in awe of this strange boy's kindness despite her being a relative stranger. Suddenly the barrier in front of the building vanishes. She leads N into the lobby of the building, and as she does show, her dress transforms into a miniature version of her Batgirl costume. The lobby is simple, with nothing but double elevators ahead of them to dress the room.

Standing in the lobby, is a teenage female figure in a purple cloak, with only shining white eyes visible. Cassandra instantly drops N's hand and runs toward her, instantly forgetting this was all a dream]

Stephanie, it's me. How did you get here?!

[The girl kneels down and starts talking, but as she does, Cassandra takes a few steps back before running and almost hiding behind N.]

I... I don't understand anything she's saying, not her words, not her movement... not...

[Her eyes glaze over slightly, as she begins to tremble. The girl she called Stephanie takes a few steps forward and addresses N.]

You, you're the boy from the screen aren't you? [she jerks her head suddenly to the side before returning it facing forward] I am... this girl's partner, but I'm not really sure how I've been given a human body, or why I'm here...[she rather suddenly switches focus] You... can understand me can't you? You can understand Pokemon?

[Stephanie/Sableye jerks her head again before fixing her gaze on N's and speaking sadly.]

Batgirl... my partner... she cannot.

[Cassandra's reaction startles him, as does the realization that a figure in Cassandra's dream is speaking in the language of Pokemon. Still, he smiles, happy to see a Pokemon-- even if it's in a human guise.]
Yes. I have yet to meet another human with the same ability. [Not counting Dragonite because, well... she used to be a Dragonite.] It's sad, I think. But that does not mean you two will be entirely unable to understand one another.

[He pauses to glance back at Cassandra and offer her a reassuring smile.] Don't be alarmed. This is Sableye-- your partner.

[He looks forward again, addressing the other girl.] You are in a dream, friend. I assume that is why your form has changed. [He tilts his head with a concentrating frown.] Though... I'm not certain why Batgirl has picked this particular one.

[Cassandra looks up at N's smile. The dream world was not something she was having an easy time comprehending or coming to grips with; even if the themes and purpose of her dream was becoming more clear by the minute.]

Sableye... [She stares at the Pokemon in human guise for a moment before closing her eyes, trying to control her dream again remove the human veil, but her attempts seemed to meet with no success. Sableye cocks her head again before addressing N's comments.]

A dream? Well, that explains why she is almost as small as I am... or was. Though it doesn't explain why you or I are here. [She rapidly shifts her head to face Batgirl and her eyes express a frown] I have not known my partner long, but I know she is stronger than how she is acting now. I am... concerned.

[Cassandra speaks out somewhat suddenly, fear still in her voice, but slowly adjusting to the scene before her.]

I don't know what... Sableye said. But, she looks like a friend I have from my world. In that costume, she was called Spoiler. We fought as a team many times.

[He nods somewhat absentmindedly to acknowledge the figure's physical identity.]
I see. A partner of sorts-- a fitting form, I suppose.

[But the Spoiler figure spoke in fluent Pokemon language that Batgirl clearly couldn't understand. Did that mean all their Pokemon could be sharing in the dreams as well? He shudders at the thought; there are certain nightmares he has that he definitely doesn't want his Pokemon friends seeing. He addresses Sableye:] Hmm. Dreams... and nightmares, have a way of exposing parts of ourselves we do not want to accept-- parts we perceive as weaker. Perhaps Batgirl will become stronger through overpowering this weakness. I would not be concerned-- only hopeful.

[Sableye nods.] I want her to become stronger. I can hope, or I can act!

[She didn't quite know how to work with this human body, but she lightly runs towards Cassandra, and attempts to kick her. Instinctually, the tiny Batgirl sidesteps and looks up with mild shock and confusion. Before she can react, Sableye kicks again, this time hitting Batgirl in the chest knocking her over. The Pokemon in human form brings her hands to her mouth and steps back in shock as Cassandra returns to her feet.

The small Batgirl runs toward Sabeleye and jumps slightly before exclaiming softly] Defend yourself. [To which Sableye responds to; Perhaps too well. She grabs Cass' tiny arm with relative ease and tosses her forward. Cassandra lands on her feet, and then runs toward her again, this time kicking a specific point on Sableye's ankle, causing her to fall over.

Cassandra removed her fabric mask and looked at Sableye, who was getting back to her feet. She looks up and smiles, but then turns to address N, still not sure if Pokemon can understand human speech at all.]

I still can't read Pokemon movements as well as human; even if that Pokemon is a human. But, this Sableye, is also young and not well trained. Yet still, only knowing me a short time, she tried to help in a way I would understand. It was crude, but I got the message. [She turns to Sableye] I have heard some trainers refer to their partners by name. You have earned the name of the girl my dream has made you. Spoiler. [She turns back to N]

Before we get to the top, I fear there will be other... parts of me which I may not want to accept. But I think I am starting to understand why I am here, and perhaps why you are here as well. [She pauses briefly] Are you someone who tries to bring Pokemon and humans together?

[N gives a short cry of alarm when the two start their tussle. He isn't sure how to react; he hates seeing violence, especially between a trainer and a Pokemon, but as he watches, what they're doing doesn't seem to have malicious intent behind it. So he keeps his distance, watching worriedly and ready to step forward if it gets out of hand, even if this is just a dream.

He gives a relieved sigh when they stop, and manages to smile at Cassandra's words.] Pokemon... tend to reach out to humans for companionship, especially those in this Unova, that are given the title of "partner". [And she gave the Sableye a nickname. N himself never uses nicknames and very rarely refers to other trainers' Pokemon by those that they've picked. Even so, he understands the sentiment, and seems pleased by it.

Still, at Cassandra's question, he looks a little stunned. Bring humans and Pokemon together? Half a year ago, he was doing the exact opposite.] I... I don't know. Is that what I seem to be? [He smiles, almost shyly.] I used to think the two had to be separate for Pokemon to truly be happy. There were too many cases I saw of trainers mistreating the Pokemon that only wanted to be their friends. I mistrusted them all-- tried to keep them away. However, you and others continue to disprove that ideal. So... perhaps I am, now. I want to see my friends be happy-- and help humans understand. [He tilts his head at her.] Is that why you think I'm here?

[Cassandra smiles and nods]

When I could not speak, I only wanted to... communicate with everyone easier. But... [she glances at Spoiler] sometimes I forget that my first language can be useful too; even if now I have to adapt it for Pokemon.

You share a connection to these creatures, one I guess very few others share. Even by wanting to separate them from humans, I think you still represented that connection.

[She walks toward the elevator, and reaches up toward the button, but it is beyond her current form's reach. Spoiler's eyes widen as she sort of scampers toward Cass and with the human arms she still isn't used to, lifts her up so she can press the button before gently returning her to the ground.]

This world may not need heroes like the ones on my world. Instead, I think it needs those like you. That's why I think you're here. For now, I am part of this world; and given my past regarding...communication; your appearance here makes sense. I could be wrong; but even if I am...

[The elevator door opens, within seems to be an unnaturally pitch black room. Cass steps back a bit, only to run into Spoiler's leg. She looks up at her, and then at N with the most resolved face she had worn since entering this dream world.]

...even if I am, I am glad you are here. Both of you.

[He observes the two interacting with curiosity and a faint smile as Cassandra speaks.]
... I see. That is a reasonable explanation. [At the mention of "heroes", he chuckles lightly.] Do you really? If that's truth, I suppose I'm... honored. [It means a lot to him, actually.

He eyes the room ahead warily.] I think it is best to be in the company of friends, when faced with trials and hardship. [Still, the next room looks rather ominous...]

[The trio enter the elevator. As soon as they enter, the door closes behind them before anyone can say or do anything. The room inside is completely black, obscuring all normal vision, perhaps Spoiler can see, but if she can, she says nothing indicating as much. The sound of elevator movement is faint, but present; though considering the dream-world they are inhabiting, that may or may not mean anything. Though it is challenging for her, Cassandra tries to break the relative silence and speaks.]

So far in this dream I have faced my past, as well as my present situation regarding this world. Both of you have also helped remind me not to ignore the help of allies.

[She pauses]

It isn't like, everything that remains is without conflict, but I can't think of anything else... except for...

[Suddenly, the door opens and a voice speaks from beyond it.]

The future.

[The room the door opens to reveal is still dark, but is slightly illuminated by 2D images that seem to hang in the air like haphazardly placed posters. There are symbols, such as the one on Batgirl's chest, as well as the one on Batman's. Some of the images are more signs with text, reading "All Who is One" and "Black Bat." But two of the images would likely be recognizable by N. Two simplified, but very clear graphic images of Pokemon are repeated throughout the room, that of Celebi, and Dialga. In the room before them, is a woman in a wheelchair. Most of her features are obscured by shadow and the weak light from the images, but she wears glasses and has roughly shoulder length red hair. Cassandra speaks somewhat cautiously...]

...Oracle?

[The woman looks up, not at any one of the group in particular, but something tells N she is directing her comments to him. She begins to speak, again in the language of Pokemon.]

She won't be able to understand me. But that's okay, there's more she'll be able to understand. I wonder, why I am Oracle? That's the false name of the body I have been given, it will also be my nickname soon; but I am Natu. I think this form is important to her, like the girl Sableye is, but I am unsure exactly how... Maybe this time it's not important.

Do you know anything about the future? I believe I am here in this dream to help Cassandra come to terms with it, but I was entrusted to her at a young age, what little I can see is cloudy. The images in this room were the best I could come up with. Maybe you can help her...

[As the now second Pokemon in a human body speaks to N, Cassandra's original surprise at seeing another old friend disappears, as her gaze is distracted by the images "pasted" onto the void-like room. A somewhat glazed look returns to her eyes as she stares at the symbols mesmerized as Spoiler, right behind her looks down with a sad and concerned expression.]

[N seems a bit hesitant in entering the elevator, and once he's inside, though it can't be seen in the darkness, he shrinks back against one of the walls in a sudden stab of panic. He doesn't like the enclosed feeling of it; it's claustrophobic, and he can't see the others in the pitch blackness. He's grateful for Cassandra's breaking of the silence, but before he can really say anything in response, the door opens. He steps into the next room cautiously, but grateful again for the wider space.

He glances around it quietly, recognizing some of the symbols from Batgirl's disguise, but apparently stunned to see the images of Celebi and Dialga. They look like pictures he's seen in the books he used to read as a child.]

Natu. [He says it quickly and softly, just as the new figure begins to speak, to explain her identity to Cassandra. Then, he quiets so he can listen.] The future? [It takes him a moment to respond.] I see the future in calculations-- probabilities and repeating patterns. [He glances back at Cassandra, frowning at her glassy expression.] But I... I cannot. Everything is cyclical-- particular things are always certain to occur-- but I don't know what becomes of her. Not really. Only until the point that she meets me. I cannot see her future yet.

[He pauses.] Unless... You mean what her dream has shown me? And still... I suppose her future is what she decides to make of it, in the end. She can either let the past govern her, or move beyond it. [He averts his eyes to the floor.] My own future, I suppose, is the same as the past. Repeating events. But for her... I don't know. [When he looks back up, he seems a little desperate.] How could I help, when that is so?

[The woman in the wheelchair smiled somewhat impishly. If Cassandra heard N's information regarding the identity of Oracle, she was too lost in the area's images to fully take it in.]

You're an interesting one. You see a future of numbers and patterns, while I barely see more than a colourful expanse of emotions. But for now I'm still young.... Yet it is interesting, for someone like you... to be able to understand us. [She propels herself a few feet forward before pivoting and pointing at a few of the images dimly illuminating the area. First, she points at the images of Dialga and Celebi.]

I did not ask you a question for which you answered, though your answers were correct anyways I suppose. Take a look, those two legends. In some way, they both represent the same thing, or do they? I'm not sure, but it's interesting. I bet many humans wonder about that... But, even if we take their abilities as the same, somehow, depending on which Pokemon you're looking at, the thoughts, emotions, colours and sounds of that ability changes hm?

[She then points at the two pieces of text, "Black Bat" and "All Who is One."]

These too. Both intended futures that probably won't happen. But that's okay, really. As for how you can help...

[She closes her eyes and lowers her head as Cassandra walks from behind her wheelchair and looks up at N, her eyes unclouded and wearing an expression mixed from hurt and surprise. She walks to within a few feet of him and questions-]

How can you say I can decide my future, but you are stuck with repeating the past?

[He glances over the etchings of the legendary Pokemon, recalling what he's read about the two in stories.] Time. But they are different, as every Pokemon is different. One created and governs the force. The other manipulates it. [He wonders if the two get along, then if they're present at all in this new Unova.] But... Yes. I suppose you're right.

[He looks at the words and squints, trying to make sense of them. Wasn't Cassandra already a black bat? He doesn't know what either really means. He turns at the Natu's silence, and looks at Cassandra with a bitter smile.]
In a quite literal sense... I am from a world in which all the events of this world have already occurred. You heard that man-- Ghetsis' speech in Striaton, didn't you? I have heard the very same speech before, long ago. Currently, at least, I don't have the power to stop what I know will come. I tried to leave this place and start anew before, but I only returned. My world view is narrow, and-- I fear I cannot widen it enough to keep myself from repeating my mistakes. [The words are spoken alarmingly fast. He's voiced the same concern before, but in different words, and to Hilda. He isn't sure why he's saying it to Cassandra, a person he hardly knows, or if his words even make sense. He decides to blame it on the dream and continue.]

Mistakes... That is human nature, I suppose. And it is only natural for history to repeat itself. But that is not meant to happen in the manner I do not doubt I-- and others, perhaps-- will experience. [He sighs resignedly and smiles again, more optimistic.] But you, Batgirl-- or, should I say... Cassandra? You are in an entirely different world now! A new land, new powers... You called this world "bright", didn't you? You're right. The possibilities are endless, for you.

[He looks back at the words etched in the walls.] I don't know what those words mean. But perhaps they are futures that were not meant to be. [A pause.] Do you believe in destiny? Fate? I do believe that certain things cannot be changed, but some variables of an equation can always be manipulated. [Would that be true for him as well, though...? He isn't sure.]

[As N stares at the words and symbols, they begin to flicker like old neon lights until suddenly, they fizzle out. Yet somehow, both N and Oracle remains illuminating, light reflecting from the latter's wheelchair metal and glasses. She smiles.]

Interesting. Did you end up knowing more about futures than you thought? I am young, so I don't understand dreams, or the future, but I can still feel them both. And, this dream feels like you helped Cassandra. I think maybe both my normal self, and this human I am portraying would thank you if we could.

[Suddenly, the void started to lighten slightly... and then slightly more before revealing a fairly clear night sky. The ground was now that of the roof of the tower the party had entered minutes ago. There was still a layer of fog or clouds obscuring the ground below, but this time, they seemed far less intimidating, and more simply a part of the dreamscape.

Suddenly, Oracle disappears in a flash of light, which arched like lightening to a pokeball a now full sized Batgirl was holding. She pulls down her cowl and reveals a black domino mask covering her eyes. She smiles and turns to Spoiler, who nods as she turns to light and travels to within the pokeball in Batgirl's other hand. She stores them in the pouch on her waist and walks toward N. She points to her mask.]

Oracle told me it was a gift from my dream. She told me... "even if an ideal future cannot be reached, doesn't mean you shouldn't aim for it." I don't know... how she told me. Or if she was really the Natu under my care... [she pauses and produces a somewhat serious expression)

N, you mentioned that before, in your world, you made mistakes. Even if you make some of the same mistakes, they will be different because you will think of them differently. Eventually, your body and mind will learn. And once you learn to take a step just a second earlier or later....you too will find many new paths I am sure.

[She walks to the side and stands near the edge of the tower. As soon as she gets there, a massive mixed species swarm of woobat and zubat rise up like a wall from below before dispersing into the sky.]

I... know this is a dream... [she looks down] but in that small form, I was afraid, and ashamed. [She sighs and tilts her head slightly, with a small smile] Thank you, N. I can now take my past, and maybe my... "destiny"; and use them both in this new future.

((OOC: Thank you kindly, *bows* I have enjoyed this thread quite a bit. It felt like a good place to wrap the dream up; N was amazing in assisting Cass through the stages of the dream, it's been amazing to work off. Also so hard to avoid/control meta-knowledge, though in some ways that was part of the fun. XD Please though, feel free to have N finish off in some way or continue; I just felt the main dream stuff had more or less reached its conclusion.))

[He recoils slightly at first, startled by the sudden darkness, but Oracle's words are comforting. He smiles and lowers his head in something of a nod. He wanted to help and hopes he really did, but it's somehow difficult to think he deserves thanks for what he's said.

He tilts his head back as the void opens to the sky, but his eyes wander back to Cassandra as she walks to his side. He chuckles.] Hm. Dreams are interesting. It could have simply been a message from your subconscious. Or, perhaps... telepathy.

[As she addresses him, he falls silent to listen, his smile fading briefly only to return with more strength to it.] I hope you're right. [He follows her as she moves to the edge, and watches the Zubat and Woobat swarm with an almost childlike wonder. He sighs contentedly before turning to Cassandra again.] You're strong, Cassandra. I believe you will find your way. [He beams.] I wish the best for you.

((OoC: Aaaaah I really enjoyed it too!! ;u; I can't hold all these feels let me tell you sdklfjdslkf. You made a really well-developed dream, and it was great having N wander through it. I think he learned quite a bit too! ;u;))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[action] Crowd of Silence

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/woah used the wrong icon oops

Re: /woah used the wrong icon oops

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these don't seem as long until I hit preview ;-;

haha story of my life ;u; Don't worry about it! Just keep doing what you're doing!

Re: haha story of my life ;u; Don't worry about it! Just keep doing what you're doing!

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