http://united-mods.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] united-mods.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] united_one2011-09-01 12:03 pm

EVENT - Pokemon attacking and stuff

So. It's morning, in winter. It's a nice time, nice and cool. Well, cold, but whatever. This is a short part, because the majority of this EVENT OPENING will be in comments below this.

So yeah. Pokemon are wrecking shit, looking for you guys from other universes.

[OOC INFO POST]

These will link to the comments - in case LJ derps and has trouble loading the comments.

[ACCUMULA] [NIMBASA]

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-02 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
[Thomas, half-leaning against the wall of a building, shakily removes his hands from his ears when Zorua interrupts the second Psywave Thomas has been accosted with today. The noiseless sound echoes in his brain for a few moments, and he slowly realizes that he's dropped his gun again. As he leans lethargically to pick it up, it sinks in that someone has just said his name. And wait a minute, that was a Zorua wasn't it...?]

What! [He steps back, looking slightly wild-eyed. He's missing his cap, as well, and he's quite disheveled. He's got a nosebleed, probably from the Psywaves.] N! Oh, you're here, I didn't think you were! But you've got a head wound! [Somewhat delirious, here. His head is pounding, both from the Psywaves and the gunshot, and really he isn't sure N is actually there at all. He's treating the sudden appearance of his friend very suspiciously. There could be illusions, after all, couldn't there! Everything's weird right now. He picks up his gun finally and opens the cylinder, checking the chambers, then snaps it back into place. Two bullets, still.] N, the world's gone mad. Oh, and those bloody birds are the worst of them, too. They get inside your head, N. [He turns towards the Sigilyph and Zorua, not yet taking aim but pulling back the hammer of the revolver with his thumb while it's still pointed at the ground.]

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-02 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
[N heard the first shot when it was fired, and seeing the gun itself in Thomas' hand confirms his fears. It's nothing short of terrifying. He only half-listens to what Thomas is saying-- the man is obviously delirious, and, as N glances around, he is distracted by the evidence of what he feared-- the scattered remains of the Baltoy. Simple dust and clay to anyone else; a bloody carnage to him.

He clamps a hand over his mouth. He feels horribly sick; his knees are suddenly weak and he has to fight back the urge to scream.]
Ohh... Oh no. No... [He was too late. He looks back at Thomas, eyes wide but oddly void, as if he's in shock.] ... What have you done? [And what has he done, leaving this man alone with a gun? Trusting him so easily-- that was his first mistake. Expecting everything would be fine, that he would be able to save any threatened lives-- that was the second.]

They're guardians. [His eyes glisten with tears, and he narrows them, expression suddenly vengeful.] It was just trying to protect this world, and you killed it!

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-02 02:25 am (UTC)(link)
What? [Thomas turns back to N, his eyes darting rapidly over his friend's face. Something about N's reaction manages to break through Thomas's terrified delirium, and, losing the false sense of calm that had given him, he immediately looks upset.] N! N, my god, they're attacking! [He looks down at the scattered pieces of the Baltoy, taking a step away from them as if they were dangerous. He tilts his gun sideways and looks at it guiltily, as if suddenly remembering what he had done.]

Oh, N, I'm sorry! I said I wouldn't do that. I did say that, I -- [The anger in N's voice makes him look up, shocked.] Protect the world!? I didn't do anything to this world! I was playing by the rules! I -- I bought a book! I caught a bloody... Pokemon with a Pokeball! [He frowns, clenching his fingers on the handle of the gun tightly.] You said they were good, N!

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-02 03:38 am (UTC)(link)
[N listens, but he doesn't look at Thomas. Instead, he has his head lowered, and is looking at nothing but the bits of clay around his feet. Blown apart mercilessly. He heard its scream. Thomas may be correct-- they didn't purposefully do anything to this world. But that didn't make the Pokemon evil by any means. N was wrong; Thomas doesn't understand. How could he?
When N speaks again, he doesn't sound angry anymore. He just sounds weary.]
They are good... All they want is to protect... We are outsiders here-- they think we're threats to the natural balance. [He looks up.] And perhaps we are. Maybe we're more dangerous than they ever could have imagined.

[His eyes wander to the gun, and a few tears roll down his face.] ... I-I made a mistake. [A pause.] Put the gun down, Thomas. Stop this. No more killing. Please...

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-02 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
[Thomas shakes his head once, frowning. He speaks angrily as he wipes the blood from his face with his coat sleeve. The damn coat's probably ruined now.] I'm having trouble caring about that when they're tearing my bloody brain apart with their minds.

[Still, his vindictiveness is tempered by N's obvious distress. He does feel guilty about the Baltoy, and for breaking his promise. He'd known when he made the promise that it was going to be hard to keep; he just hadn't realized how prophetic that was going to be. He holds onto the gun like some kind of lifeline, the knuckles of his hand white. A few Sigilyph fly overhead and Thomas watches them, shuddering. He hears N's plea but doesn't seem to react to it.] They hurt you, too. And you must have talked to them?

[He sighs deeply and looks at the gun. He doesn't think he could possibly put it down, not now that all his fears had proven real. He understands the implications of what N said -- the outsiders' presence here could be threatening the entire world -- but he is finding it much harder to empathize than N is, apparently. He shakes his head again in disbelief.] Are we not allowed to defend ourselves, then? Should we just let them kill us?

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-02 06:22 am (UTC)(link)
[He tries to shoot a glare at Thomas, but it's weak and far from convincing.] You do not have to kill to defend yourself... Mindless violence is never an efficient s-solution. [Heaving a shaky sigh, he raises his hands to his face, wiping at the tears. He is rarely shameful about crying-- especially over a Pokemon-- but it's getting too difficult to see straight. Meanwhile, his head wound is starting to ache anew. He glances sidelong at Zorua, who is growling warningly at anything that dares to get too close.] Y... You battle. The attacks of other Pokemon subdue them without killing them-- keep them at bay. You saw Zorua fend off that Sigilyph. She has done the same with several others. [And if she got injured, he rushed her to the Center. That idea is so simple and obvious to him, and he knows that is not so for Thomas. But he can't help but be frustrated by it. Maybe if he explained a few more things, this could have been avoided...

His gaze falls onto the gun again, and some of the previous anger works its way back into his expression-- hatred and disgust.]
Put it away. Your head hurts, doesn't it? Go to the Center-- Zorua and I can take care of this. [His voice is cold, lacking in any concern he would have had for Thomas. His friend the murderer... It feels wrong. He can't muster any more sympathy-- not now. And he's fairly certain a part of him will never forgive this.]

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-02 07:09 am (UTC)(link)
[At first he wants to respond petulantly, questioning why the Pokemon are allowed to participate in mindless violence but he's not. But as N goes on he just begins to feel more and more awful. About everything. His head is pounding, it's slowly dawning on him exactly what he's done, and now... The coldness in N's voice is shocking. He's really done something terrible hasn't he? Thomas lifts the gun, holding it sideways, noting how tensely he's gripping it, the way his hand shakes. He closes his eyes.]

I made a mistake. N. [His eyes open, and he looks at N imploringly.] I did, I made a mistake; you told me not to do this, I should never have even...

[He suddenly scowls at the revolver, forcefully opening the cylinder. He shakes it toward the ground and the two bullets slip out, jingling on the street.] There, look! It's useless now. [He seems to realize the truth of the statement only after he says it, and is rather less enthusiastic as he closes it. He puts the gun in his coat pocket out of habit, remembering as he does so that the pocket has been repurposed to hold his Pokeballs. Quite guiltily, he pulls out Dodger's and looks at it sadly.]

I want to help. I - I promise I'll do exactly as you say. Please don't be angry with me. [He feels somewhat ashamed pleading, but he can see he is so much in the wrong that it almost doesn't matter. The prospect of losing N, his guide and confidant, is terrible.] I swear, I'll just do whatever you say.

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-05 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
[He just stares stubbornly, his expression staying just as cold.

But the removal of the bullets does seem to have an impact on him: his eyes widen, and he flinches slightly when the bullets clatter to the ground and roll by his feet. He stares down at them silently for a moment, calculating. The action does speak volumes, but...

He raises a hand to rub at his eyes.]
One mistake too many... [He sighs shakily and drops his hand to his side, looking at Thomas somberly as he speaks.] It is not only that you have betrayed my trust-- it is that you have destroyed a life so recklessly. [He can't be sure if Thomas can really understand that.] It is not something I can easily forgive you for... And perhaps it is not my judgement to make.

[Hesitantly, he crouches and reaches for the bullets, picking them both up in one hand before he stands again. He briefly examines them in the palm of his hand, then pockets them, keeping his eye on Thomas.] ... If you truly want to help... So be it. You will follow my lead. [As conflicted as he feels, they can use all the help they can get. And he's really not in any shape to be fighting alone. He glares sharply for a moment longer before he turns, surveying the battle scenes again, clamping a hand over his bandage as he thinks. Zorua glances over her shoulder at him and barks something.]

I know. Stay on guard.

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-05 08:32 am (UTC)(link)
[A lifetime of privilege does absolutely nothing to soften the blow of N's disapproval. One mistake too many. Thomas winces at that and looks down at his feet, his eyes wandering uncontrollably to the Baltoy's remains. It is a person, he thinks, trying desperately to feel properly upset about it, to empathize with N: It is a person that I have killed.

When N reaches for the bullets, Thomas can't stop himself frantically taking stock of how many he has left. He watches N silently and tries to recall the last few minutes -- only minutes! -- and what had happened to the rest of the bullets. He'd loaded three, dropped three... lost one of those dropped and fired one of those loaded. So... as a slight weight in his pocket seems to confirm (he does not dare actually check): two. Two bullets left in the entire world. And where is his walking stick, his clever secret sword? Somewhere between here and the Pokemon Center; who knows where he'd dropped it. Thomas sets his jaw, lost somewhere between anger and despair. And guilt.

The fact that N took the bullets on the ground means that there really is no trust left, Thomas realizes. He senses the great reluctance in N's voice and tries to be as tactful as possible with his response.]


I will release Dodger; perhaps you should instruct him? I could just... keep an eye out for you.

[Warily, Thomas releases Dodger from his Pokeball. The Teddiursa seems fairly prepared for some kind of action, but he looks around the street with concern. So much chaos! Thomas gestures towards N, taking a small step back.] Listen to what N says, Dodger. It's very dangerous out here.

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-07 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
[N glances over his shoulder at Dodger, quietly considering the idea.]
... No. You must learn how to solve a problem like this without killing. For yourself. [He stares critically at Thomas, just briefly, then turns away again, distracted by an approaching pair of Baltoy. He winces at their apparent vengefulness, and gestures to them with a sweep of his hand.]

Zorua, Pursuit. [Zorua's fur begins to glow again, and she launches herself at the approaching couple, agilely knocking one back and vaulting off to attack the other. He begins to speak to Thomas without facing him:] If you are going to stay here, you need to learn how we accomplish things. In battle, one strategizes, plans, calculates-- it is nothing so mindless as pulling a trigger on some impulse. You have to think before you strike.

[The Baltoy lash out in retaliation, and Zorua, stricken, tumbles backward. Concern crosses N's expression, but Zorua is back on her feet before he has to call out to her. He reaches for another Pokeball, releasing Zigzagoon to fight at her side.] Growl. [Zigzagoon does so, and the Baltoy flinch slightly. Decreased attack strength. N continues fluidly, his usual quick speech pattern reclaimed:] You do not kill-- you subdue.

You can learn to do that, can't you, Thomas? [It sounds slightly condescending as he says it, like it's the most obvious lesson to learn in the world, but it's an honest question. A part of him is screaming in protest-- he shouldn't be leaving Dodger in Thomas' control at all, and he should liberate any other Pokemon Thomas had caught! But he doesn't do that anymore, does he? He frowns, cringing slightly as the Baltoy begin to rush for Zigzagoon.] Observe and learn. Prove that you are not deserving of my rage. [Getting him to understand the ways of Pokemon seemed impossible... But if N was going to try, he would start with a battle. The bullets were in his pocket; if Thomas was going to fight, he would have to rely on Dodger.]

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-07 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
O-Oh... All right... [Thomas looks at Dodger, who stares back at him with a slightly exasperated expression. Thomas shakes his head slightly and gestures for the Teddiursa to come closer, out of the way of N and Zorua.

Silently, he watches as N directs Zorua and Zigzagoon, seeing the efficiency and feeling humbled. He puts his hand to his forehead and tries to concentrate on what N is saying though a mixture of low, throbbing pain and unsettled emotions. He realizes that having two Pokemon out would be a smart move, and pulls another Pokeball out of his coat pocket. Quietly, he calls out the Pokemon:]
Come on, Ratter. [A Lillipup is released, her fur bristling as she sizes up the situation. Dodger moves to stand next to her, feeling far more confident than Thomas.

Thomas grimaces at N's question, hating that he ever got himself in a position to deserve condescension. Swallowing his pride, he nods.]
Yes.

[He searches his memory, trying to recall all the information he'd gleaned from the strategy book. He had paid special attention to the bits about Lillipup and the very small blurb about Teddiursa tucked in with other Normal types. His headache made it somewhat fuzzy, but fortunately he remembers a few relevant bits. He is somewhat relieved to recall the straightforward battle protocol that the book described. It is similar to fencing, really; all the terms and ceremony...]

Ratter, um. Leer at them! Right? [It seems like such a foolish thing to say to Thomas, but the Lillipup springs forward, snarling at the rushing Baltoy. Distracted, their defense is lowered. Dodger glances back at Thomas expectantly.] And Dodger... oh, damn, I -- Fury Swipes! The thing! Fury Swipes it! [Good enough. The Teddiursa grins and launches into the fray, scratching wildly at the nearest Baltoy.]

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-08 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[N's eyes dart about the battlefield, trying to keep watch of everything at once; and he seems to be doing rather well. In any other situation, he probably would have some amusement at Thomas' first attempts at battling, and zealously provided some advice on further strategy. Instead, he approves almost mechanically:] Good. Continue.

[His gaze falls on one of the Baltoy, and he briefly eyes Zorua and Zigzagoon. Zorua nods, and before she runs forward to attack, she covers herself in an illusion-- taking on Zigzagoon's appearance. N gestures toward the Baltoy.] Pursuit, Headbutt! [The pair attack simultaneously, and the Baltoy can't retaliate quick enough, apparently disoriented by the twin Zigzagoons. Taking the attack head on, it is sent spinning backward until it finally topples over, unconscious.]

There. You see? When they have fainted like that, they cannot attack us. [Of course, it would wake up eventually, but it was unlikely to return at full strength after the barrage of attacks it's taken. Zorua and Zigzagoon are quick to move closer to Dodger and Ratter, ready to assist them. N turns to Thomas.] That is all you must do-- make it faint.

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-08 11:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Make them faint. Oh, lord. [Thomas shakes his head helplessly, realizing the magnitude of his mistake. No wonder killing Pokemon was such a crime, if they all just fainted like that.] I didn't know they did that...

[Frowning deeply, Thomas looks back to the Pokemon to see that a Sigilyph is approaching. It floats eerily downward, barely moving its wings. Thomas steps away from it, giving a shudder of revulsion. These things are truly frightening, the most alien thing he's ever seen. And dangerous. He clenches his fists and glares at it, feeling, perhaps irrationally, that these things are the cause of all his current trouble.]

Dodger, Fury Swipe this one, too. And Ratter, Bite it! [The two Pokemon move forward, the Lillipup leaping valiantly upward to Bite onto the Sigilyph's tail, dragging it downwards. Dodger takes the oppurtunity to scratch at its body, but the Sigilyph, weakened by the super-effective Bite, surges forward desperately. It Zen Headbutts Dodger, who is thrown back by the force of it.]

Oh, damn; watch out! [Thomas takes a step forward in concern, but the Teddiursa is already shuffling to his feet, growling at the Sigilyph. Without waiting for a new order, he rushes at the restrained Sigilyph, slashing at it with his claws. Thomas bites his lip, glancing at N briefly, vaguely wondering if he is going to be scolded for letting Dodger get hurt.]

Ratter, Bite it again! [She does, and Dodger continues a barrage of Fury Swipes. It attempts to Zen Headbutt Dodger again, but he is wary this time and manages to avoid it. Eventually, Ratter and Dodger hop back as the Sigilyph falls still. Thomas sighs in relief and, with a pang of guilt, realizes he enjoyed that.]

Good job, you two. I don't -- N, I dropped my backpack. All my potions and things were in it. [He searches through his pockets quickly -- there were two bullets left... -- to make sure that was true.] Don't we need to heal them?

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-08 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[Of course Thomas wouldn't know that Pokemon simply fainted. Maybe if he had told Thomas... He sighs quietly, and stays silent as the battle ensues, watching every move carefully. He's a bit impressed that Thomas doesn't require his help, but he keeps his astonishment quiet.

He watches the Sigilyph fall, then turns his concern to Thomas' Pokemon.]
Yes, but we can go to the Pokemon Center for that. [He glances off in the direction of the Center.] It may be busy right now-- considering all the trainers caught in this situation-- but it is wisest to save your Potions for later. The wait is worthwhile-- the nurses at the Center will heal any trainer's Pokemon free of charge.

Besides... we can afford to rest for a while. [His eyes scan the battlefield, and he points at something in the distance-- a burly man plowing through attacking Pokemon seemingly effortlessly with a Serperior, Emboar, and Samurott.] That... Don George person has Pokemon much more experienced than our own. [And it was the same Don George that convinced N to stop battling long enough to at least get his bandage applied. N couldn't protest much; the man had literally yanked N out of a battle and insisted on it. N certainly didn't enjoy being manhandled, but he did have respect for Don George after seeing his Pokemon in action.] Perhaps he is outnumbered, but I trust he is capable enough to do without us for a while.

[Promptly, he returns Zorua and Zigzagoon to their Pokeballs and starts off toward the Center. Can't waste time and risk being attacked again.] Come.

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-09 04:05 am (UTC)(link)
[Thomas looks where N pointed and gasps in surprise.] But those things are enormous! [A giant snake, some kind of armored thing as big as a horse, and a... it almost looks like how Thomas imagines a storybook troll might look, except it was on fire. He is stunned for a moment by the appearance of the three Pokemon.] I should hope he's capable enough, with beasts like those taking his orders...

[He blinks, realizing that N has recalled his Pokemon. Fumbling, he does the same, holding one Pokeball in each hand somewhat awkwardly. He frowns slightly at the brevity of N's command but he follows without comment. He'd promised to do whatever N said, after all.

When they near the Pokemon Center, Thomas spots his walking stick lying on the sidewalk. He veers towards it and picks it up, smiling a bit in relief that it isn't lost forever. His backpack is nearby, kicked aside by someone or something. Thomas checks it quickly, but none of the pockets were open so nothing seems to be missing. It is a bit dirty, which normally would have given Thomas pause, but he puts it on without thought now, and hurries back to N. He remarks quietly:]
Found my things.

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-10 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
Mm. [They are rather impressive; he continues to observe them quietly as he begins to walk. That brings up the question of evolution... What if Thomas-- or any of the outsiders for that matter-- experienced a Pokemon evolving and took it the wrong way? How was he to explain that?

He does stop when Thomas goes to fetch his missing backpack, watching curiously by the Pokemon Center doors. When he lays his eyes on the backpack, however, something occurs to him, and he shies away from it as if he expects it to bite him.

Thomas did say he had two weapons with him, didn't he? And while N is far from familiar with firearms, he knows that Thomas could very well have many more bullets hidden away. The two bullets he took suddenly seem very insignificant.

He abruptly lifts a hand, apparently to snatch the backpack away, but he decides against it. He drops the hand back to his side and clenches it into a fist, scowling at nothing in particular.]

Your Pokemon are more important. [He says it snappingly, and, looking oddly fearful, retreats through the Pokemon Center doors. Maybe it's childish-- lashing out at everything like that just to run away-- but he can't help it. He makes a beeline for the counter, standing behind a couple other NPCs trainers in line. Wrapping his arms around himself, he begins to quietly seethe. All aboard the emotional roller coaster!]

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-10 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
[Thomas blinks in surprise at N's reaction, taken aback by his apparent anger. He is about to reply -- to say that N is correct, he probably should have gotten the things after healing the Pokemon -- but already N is rushing into the Pokemon Center. Hesitating for a moment and feeling somewhat flustered, Thomas shoulders his backpack and follows him inside.

He stands silently behind N in line, his eyes downcast. Idly, he puts his hands in his pockets, but he frowns suddenly when his fingers touch the two bullets. Right. He glances up at N, who is clearly withdrawn and upset, then down at the bullets which he covertly pulls from his pocket. Well, damn. Still looking at them, he sighs.]
N.

[He clenches his fist around the bullets before clearing his throat and trying again.] N. Before, when I... well... [He frowns, finding it harder than he'd expected to do this. He still hasn't looked up.] I had six bullets in the gun when I left London. You have two of them now. I lost one earlier, when I dropped everything, and one, um. Was shot. [A slight pause.] That... leaves two. [A bit sadly, he raises his hand and reveals the two bullets.] I think you should take these, also... I... don't need them. And I don't want you to worry that I might use them. [The unsaid sentiment was that he didn't want to be tempted to use them, either. Thomas gazes at the bullets for a moment more, then looks away. He holds his hand out.]

I know I've done something terrible, but... I must win your trust back. I'll do anything. N, you're... [His eyes dart to the side nervously.] You're the only one who knows my secret. I owe you more than I can say.

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-10 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
[N refuses to even turn around to look at Thomas, instead glaring silently at the floor. But his shoulders do give little subconscious twitches at appropriate moments-- "six bullets", "shot", "leaves two"-- to show he's listening.

And, when he realizes just what Thomas is doing, he does turn around. His eyes are wide, and dart back and forth between the bullets and Thomas' face. Is this genuine? Or some kind of trick? He can't tell.

He reaches tentatively for the bullets, touching them experimentally (to make sure they don't burn him or do something else horrible) before he scoops them up into his hand. He stares at them in his open palm for a moment, puzzlingly.]


... The only one? [That is a bit irking. Is that all he is? A confidant? A part of him still actually liked Thomas a little... He closes his hand around the bullets. Hm. Still not burning him. He keeps his eyes on his fist as he begins to speak again, reluctantly:] ... Why can't you just tell other people? I don't want to forgive you. I can't. [Did everyone deserve a second chance? He got a second chance, didn't he? He narrows his eyes and clenches his fist tighter around the bullets. He drops his arm back to his side.] I shouldn't...

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-10 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
[Thomas pulls his hand back quickly once N takes the bullets, closing his fingers weakly. His gun is just a useless lump of metal now. He looks up when N speaks, hearing the strange tone in his voice and wondering if he'd messed up again.]

I can't... tell other people. I -- ah. I mean... You're not the only one who knows. My parents, they know, if they haven't forced themselves to forget. And my valet, he knows; but I have to pay him extra because... because of the danger. Or he'd leave. [He inhales deeply and runs his hand over his hair, feeling unsettled to be readdressing this.] There have been a few... that found out... Luckily all of them were greedy and came to me first rather than the police. Gave me a chance to pay them off. [He frowns, remembering the money he'd borrowed from his father under different guises -- investment oppurtunities, building projects -- none of them real. He shakes his head.] But you are a different kind of person. You are -- you were my friend. You -- [A weak laugh] -- you said I could talk to you about it.

[Unused to such emotional speeches, Thomas looks up at the ceiling for a moment. This is all very far from his high society persona, and he's finding it hard to behave correctly.] You tried so hard to help me, and clearly I didn't deserve it. I broke my promise and... well that's the least of it, isn't it? You don't have to forgive me, just... give me a chance to redeem myself.

1/2

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-11 01:07 am (UTC)(link)
[He listens silently, his eyes trained on Thomas' expressions. Humans are always exceedingly difficult for him to read, but he tries all the same. A part of him still doubts any of this is genuine; he's learned that you never can tell, after all. His gaze eventually drops down to the floor as he shifts uncomfortably on his feet. It takes him a while to say anything.]

... It seems the nature of humans may be the same everywhere.

[Another pause. He pockets the bullets and continues-- quietly and haltingly:] ... Very well. I... suppose I could... give you that much.

2/2 i just had to use this icon

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-11 01:07 am (UTC)(link)
I have seen too many Pokemon abused and killed by the foolishness of humans. And I am also... very tired of being used-- betrayed... [He trails off, realizing just how fragile he sounds. That just won't do, will it? He takes a step forward, standing dangerously close, and glares into Thomas' eyes. His voice is cold and authoritarian, a drastic shift from the fragility.] I have had enough and I will stand for it no longer. You will not get another chance-- do you understand me?

[His voice is gradually elevating in volume, and... he's getting some worried looks from the nearby trainers. N doesn't seem to notice them at all, or maybe he just doesn't care.]

hahaha perfect icon

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-11 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Thomas's eyes dart side to side quickly as N steps closer, and he draws back a bit. He feels the weight of the other trainers' looks much more than N does, apparently; a by-product of living in society theater. But even the threat of such a public debacle doesn't distract from the disconcerting shift in N's manner.]

Yes! Yes. I understand. [He takes a deep breath, allowing himself a few seconds to construct his next statement. He leans forward slightly, lowering his voice in a subconscious attempt to get N to do the same.] I will not betray you again. I -- [A pause -- the thought has just occured to him and he considers it for a moment. He speaks somewhat slowly as he tries to figure out the details.] I could -- You said you were traveling with some others? If I went with you... I could ask you questions and not make... impulsive decisions? And if I can help you in return somehow I would do so. [He says the last part somewhat guiltily, acknowledging that they both knew he had very little to offer that was helpful.]

[The trainer in front of N in line takes his Pokeballs from the nurse and hurries off, giving N and Thomas a covert glance as he passes. The nurse looks up at N expectantly.]

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-11 04:36 am (UTC)(link)
[He stares for a moment longer, but is quick to hand his Pokeballs to the nurse. His Pokemon are what's most important, after all. But he doesn't look her in the eyes; she's giving him a look. N doesn't look very sane, snarling at Thomas in the middle of the Center with the side of his face coated with dried blood. Still, she whisks away his Pokemon, and he turns to face Thomas again. Fortunately, the interlude seems to have left him calmer.]

You want to come with us? [That's what he would have preferred; it would be easiest to keep an eye on Thomas that way. But N doubted Thomas would even consider the idea... He looks a little stunned.]

... Okay. That would... be best, I suppose... [He trails off awkwardly, averting his eyes. A short musical tune plays from somewhere behind the counter, and the nurse returns with N's Pokeballs. They work fast! He takes them and steps aside, but just close enough to still be heard.]

... You... truly want to learn? [He recalls demanding Thomas watch and learn from him during the battle, but it was one thing to have to force him to change, and another if he actually wanted to. He's getting less reluctant as time goes on.] You'll listen?

[identity profile] thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com 2011-09-11 05:11 am (UTC)(link)
[He gives a quick sigh of relief when N doesn't reject the idea outright. Thomas had been worried that N was far too angry to consider it. If anything had been revealed by this chaotic event, it was that Thomas was rather terrified of the idea of being alone in this world. He steps forward when N gets his Pokeballs back, absently placing his on the counter and giving the nurse a brief nod as she takes them away.]

I do want to learn, and I have been listening. I remember everything you said. [He sighs.] Even earlier, I remembered what you said. You said Pokemon wouldn't attack people unless something was wrong. But it was just insanity; that horrible bird did something to my mind and there was this strange girl... she was being attacked by the... clay Pokemon. I panicked. [The nurse returns the two Pokeballs and Thomas takes them, murmuring a quick 'thank you'. He turns back to N.] But I know now, how to react. I don't know why I'm in this world, and I don't know how long I'm going to be here... I want to learn how to make the best of that. [A weak, half-hearted smile.] And I'm growing rather fond of Dodger, and he does seem to enjoy talking with you. He'll be excited to learn that we're going to be traveling together.

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-09-11 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
[He listens carefully, and nods slowly when Thomas has finished talking. He does understand why Thomas did what he did; it is just that he doesn't want to. He may be trying to change himself, but his bias will always be there.]
... A... Alright. Good.

[But there's apparently something that aggravates him. If N is going to teach, he might as well start now.] But that "horrible bird"... [Thankfully, he has an idea of what a "bird" is, thanks to Paprika. He now thought it synonymous to "Flying-type".] ... is called a Sigilyph. It likely attacked you using its psychic abilities-- that's what caused the pain in your head, as well as my own injury. But it is by no means deserving of being called "horrible".

And the clay Pokemon... is called Baltoy. Both species are ancient. Supposedly, they can live for hundreds-- possibly thousands of years. [The idea of all that time and experience destroyed in a moment is tragic. Maybe he should go back, gather what remains he can and have a burial... Just do something more.] Sigilyphs used to protect cities built by ancient Unovans... That's why they are attacking-- they see us as a threat.

[His eyes wander to the Center doors-- strong enough to hold back the attackers, but transparent.] They are far from home too...