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[victory road] IC CONTACT
[For private communication, Pokegear or otherwise!]
[Chip really looks up to you. Felicity said the same thing, and Felix isn't sure how to feel about it. He doesn't want to be some...role model, some aspirational figure. And maybe that's not even what they mean by it, but still, the thought feels strange.
Those blasted Indeedee...why couldn't they keep their stupid intrusive psychic powers to themselves? How is he supposed to explain to Grant the complicated mess that is his feelings about Dimitri when he doesn't fully understand it himself? Not to mention that he doesn't want to talk about it.
Five years ago, maybe even six months ago, he would simply have told Grant to mind his own business and walked away. But here, he's made himself vulnerable, and conversations like this--and giving a shit about how they go--is a consequence of that. Just like Seteth, Grant's gone to all this trouble to connect with him, so...maybe he should make an effort, too.]
...look. My history with Dimitri is...complicated. I don't know what he's told you, and I don't really care. The point is, you're the kind of person Dimitri should have had by his side a long time ago, but didn't. And when you first...expressed interest in him, and I saw how much better he was after spending all that time with you, I couldn't believe some stranger did what none of us ever could.
[He pauses, not particularly wanting to get into the rest, but having trouble figuring out how to fully explain without it.]
During the war, nothing we did worked to pull him out of that madness. It was my father's death that first woke him up. Seeing that all it took for you was a few months of wandering around...I was furious. Maybe I did want to hate you then, but I couldn't, because you were so good to Dimitri. Good for him.
Obviously, you're not a stranger anymore, and now I understand you and this place better, and I know the two situations aren't comparable at all. That understanding doesn't just erase my emotions, though. And I despise wrestling with them.
So yes, it would be easier for me if I could hate you, but I can't and I don't.
Those blasted Indeedee...why couldn't they keep their stupid intrusive psychic powers to themselves? How is he supposed to explain to Grant the complicated mess that is his feelings about Dimitri when he doesn't fully understand it himself? Not to mention that he doesn't want to talk about it.
Five years ago, maybe even six months ago, he would simply have told Grant to mind his own business and walked away. But here, he's made himself vulnerable, and conversations like this--and giving a shit about how they go--is a consequence of that. Just like Seteth, Grant's gone to all this trouble to connect with him, so...maybe he should make an effort, too.]
...look. My history with Dimitri is...complicated. I don't know what he's told you, and I don't really care. The point is, you're the kind of person Dimitri should have had by his side a long time ago, but didn't. And when you first...expressed interest in him, and I saw how much better he was after spending all that time with you, I couldn't believe some stranger did what none of us ever could.
[He pauses, not particularly wanting to get into the rest, but having trouble figuring out how to fully explain without it.]
During the war, nothing we did worked to pull him out of that madness. It was my father's death that first woke him up. Seeing that all it took for you was a few months of wandering around...I was furious. Maybe I did want to hate you then, but I couldn't, because you were so good to Dimitri. Good for him.
Obviously, you're not a stranger anymore, and now I understand you and this place better, and I know the two situations aren't comparable at all. That understanding doesn't just erase my emotions, though. And I despise wrestling with them.
So yes, it would be easier for me if I could hate you, but I can't and I don't.
Thaaat does make some sense.
[He nods, just barely raising his eyebrows. That's concerning, alright. Just like when Claude mentioned Chip reminding him of himself as a child.] Too worn out not to get pulled into all... [He... gestures vaguely at their surroundings. You know.] This, huh?
[He nods, just barely raising his eyebrows. That's concerning, alright. Just like when Claude mentioned Chip reminding him of himself as a child.] Too worn out not to get pulled into all... [He... gestures vaguely at their surroundings. You know.] This, huh?
[Is there any better feeling than having someone take genuine interest in his work, and apparently be pretty familiar with magic themself? Grant thinks not. He nods enthusiastically.]
Yeah? Claude told me a little bit about the magic from you guys' world, but I don't think we talked much about the means of harnessing it... so, if it's based in knowledge combined with faith or reason, the process of using in your world sounds to be... a pretty internal process? Correct me if I'm wrong on that.
That is really incredible, though - where I'm from, humans just don't have the natural means to manipulate our world's latent magic, unless one has heritage from outside the plane. We can't do much of anything unless we use rituals to form a conceptual conduit.
Yeah? Claude told me a little bit about the magic from you guys' world, but I don't think we talked much about the means of harnessing it... so, if it's based in knowledge combined with faith or reason, the process of using in your world sounds to be... a pretty internal process? Correct me if I'm wrong on that.
That is really incredible, though - where I'm from, humans just don't have the natural means to manipulate our world's latent magic, unless one has heritage from outside the plane. We can't do much of anything unless we use rituals to form a conceptual conduit.
That, or to pretend not to care.
[ Now there's an admission she never thought would come to light. ]
But they've got you. Sounds like they're coming out on top to me.
[ Now there's an admission she never thought would come to light. ]
But they've got you. Sounds like they're coming out on top to me.
[ For a moment she looks... upset? ] As much as I hate to admit it, I think losing my magic actually helped.
Mm. ... I don't think you'll do a bad job there. You're a good person. And you listen well, even to the people who'd normally get written off.
Mm. ... I don't think you'll do a bad job there. You're a good person. And you listen well, even to the people who'd normally get written off.
One could consider it linked to the sciences in a way. It's not something any fool can just stumble through, however- intent is a great part of it, and it is largely internal, you're correct. Some have staves or other artifacts to act as catalysts, and you can certainly learn more through tomes but we are the harness and the caster.
I see! That's actually interesting... I wonder what makes the magic of our realms different?
I see! That's actually interesting... I wonder what makes the magic of our realms different?
Oh, same for us! Highly specialized sciences are still sciences, after all... and that element of intent is important for us, too. Sounds like there are some key points in common, even if the details are different.
That's the big question, isn't it...? There are species that can harness magic naturally on the Red plane - the, uh, the specific plane of reality humans live on in my world, there are three others we know of - but humans aren't one of them... [He sighs, pushing his fingers through his hair as he thinks it over.] I feel like there could be something there, more information to piece together why they're so different... but we know so little about dragons, there isn't a lot to work with as far as the mechanics of why they can use red magic at will and we can't.
That's the big question, isn't it...? There are species that can harness magic naturally on the Red plane - the, uh, the specific plane of reality humans live on in my world, there are three others we know of - but humans aren't one of them... [He sighs, pushing his fingers through his hair as he thinks it over.] I feel like there could be something there, more information to piece together why they're so different... but we know so little about dragons, there isn't a lot to work with as far as the mechanics of why they can use red magic at will and we can't.
Where I'm from, some people with magic can be born with an affinity for certain types of magic. An element or a concept, basically. People can also be born with too much magic for their body to actually contain- it constantly spills out somehow, whether they want it to or not. People with too much magic can be physically altered by it somehow, but if you've got too much magic and an affinity, you're never going to look like a normal person. Like, ever. Those with more obvious changes are called the Stained, because... well. It's like staining wood, or glass. Or clothes, I guess.
I'm Stained. My affinity is misfortune, and I have too much of it. From the day I was born I was just... bad luck. It even keeps me from using anything but hexes and curses- because, you know, misfortune.
[ You tell a kid that literally everything is their fault enough, and they believe it. Something he's probably familiar with. ]
But it's gone, here. It's. I feel... empty. But I can walk down the street without worrying if my excess magic over misfortune is gonna cause a car crash or not.
I'm Stained. My affinity is misfortune, and I have too much of it. From the day I was born I was just... bad luck. It even keeps me from using anything but hexes and curses- because, you know, misfortune.
[ You tell a kid that literally everything is their fault enough, and they believe it. Something he's probably familiar with. ]
But it's gone, here. It's. I feel... empty. But I can walk down the street without worrying if my excess magic over misfortune is gonna cause a car crash or not.
[This would be absolutely fascinating if he weren't learning about it in the context of how it's hurt someone. He can't quite help making a mental connection between the idea of those "affinities" and the different colors of planar magic back home - but, of course, that's most likely just a trick of his mind, trying to sort new information into prior associations.
What she's saying, in itself, is more important than trying to make sense of it within the framework of how he's used to thinking of magic. And what she's saying is... well. Fuck. No wonder she feels like losing her magic might've helped her get more involved with people here.]
...I see what you mean. And... I can't claim to fully understand how you feel, but I can say you're not alone in that feeling of-- well, of relief and emptiness at the same time. I'm just sorry it took losing a piece of yourself to get that relief.
What she's saying, in itself, is more important than trying to make sense of it within the framework of how he's used to thinking of magic. And what she's saying is... well. Fuck. No wonder she feels like losing her magic might've helped her get more involved with people here.]
...I see what you mean. And... I can't claim to fully understand how you feel, but I can say you're not alone in that feeling of-- well, of relief and emptiness at the same time. I'm just sorry it took losing a piece of yourself to get that relief.
Yeah. It's... it's complicated. But I'll manage. I always do.
[ It's still hard not to expect things going wrong being blamed on her, though, or to instinctively blame herself, seeking out that familiar tingle of her magic acting up and lashing out at whatever. ]
[ It's still hard not to expect things going wrong being blamed on her, though, or to instinctively blame herself, seeking out that familiar tingle of her magic acting up and lashing out at whatever. ]
[Envy usually at least has SOME idea of where his Pokemon are when he's outside of Goldenrod. Unless, of course, he's distracted by finding the thing Heather needed and it's these three particular Pokemon.]
[The terrible puppies are loose.]
[Which means that Grant will have one small Poochyena bouncing up to him, wiggling and yipping and looking oh so very cute and as attention grabbing as possible.]
[The terrible puppies are loose.]
[Which means that Grant will have one small Poochyena bouncing up to him, wiggling and yipping and looking oh so very cute and as attention grabbing as possible.]
[Oh. Oh no, that is a baby, and if there's one thing Grant is weak to (other than most kinds of social pressure), it's pretty much any kind of baby.
So, of course, he kneels down to the little guy right away, holding out a hand to sniff.] Hey, buddy... where'd you come from, huh?
So, of course, he kneels down to the little guy right away, holding out a hand to sniff.] Hey, buddy... where'd you come from, huh?
[The Poochyena hops in place and barks again, tongue lolling before she leans out her neck to sniff the offered hand. Glim has always been the most gregarious of the three, all the better to win over potential marks.]
[Well, sir?? Any treats? Anything nice for her brother and sister to perhaps obtain?]
[Well, sir?? Any treats? Anything nice for her brother and sister to perhaps obtain?]
[He opens his hand and rotates it for her, smiling sympathetically.] Sorry, nothing there... Your trainer know you're going running up to strangers like this?
[Because, like... listen, he knows some wild Pokemon can be pretty friendly, but this one is expecting something. He's got to assume she's spoken for, in which case... maybe her trainer is nearby? Grant glances around at his surroundings, looking away from the puppy for just a moment.]
[Because, like... listen, he knows some wild Pokemon can be pretty friendly, but this one is expecting something. He's got to assume she's spoken for, in which case... maybe her trainer is nearby? Grant glances around at his surroundings, looking away from the puppy for just a moment.]
[If she could talk, she'd surely have an entire story to spin about being a poor little lost girl, possibly an orphan.]
[But as it is, she'll have to respond with a sheepish little whine, her ears drooping as she scratches one paw at the ground uncertainly. Oh, right, her trainer....oh no, she just doesn't know where he is......]
[Although as soon as he's glancing away, she's scooted closer, sniffing and darting her eyes around his person to see if he has a bag or maybe something good in his pockets.]
[He might catch sight of another fuzzy gray tail behind a nearby trash can, though.]
[But as it is, she'll have to respond with a sheepish little whine, her ears drooping as she scratches one paw at the ground uncertainly. Oh, right, her trainer....oh no, she just doesn't know where he is......]
[Although as soon as he's glancing away, she's scooted closer, sniffing and darting her eyes around his person to see if he has a bag or maybe something good in his pockets.]
[He might catch sight of another fuzzy gray tail behind a nearby trash can, though.]
[Grant's got a bag, alright, slung over his shoulder. Perhaps.... there could be secret treats within??
Or it's just Pokeballs and potions and his wallet, but, hey, no way of knowing from the outside. Schrodinger's Treats.
Meanwhile, he does glimpse that fuzzy tail and takes a moment to squint at the trash cans, brow creasing.] Somebody else over there?
Or it's just Pokeballs and potions and his wallet, but, hey, no way of knowing from the outside. Schrodinger's Treats.
Meanwhile, he does glimpse that fuzzy tail and takes a moment to squint at the trash cans, brow creasing.] Somebody else over there?
[Ooohhh, promising! Glim does a full Point at the bag, signaling...but then.]
[UH OH. PLAN POSSIBLY COMPROMISED. She yips again, rolling over on her back to WIGGLE FURIOUSLY. Over here! Pay attention here again!]
[The spotted tail freezes in place, and quickly scoots fully behind the trash can. Fiddle was supposed to stay hidden until the signal. Oh no oh no oh no.]
[But there is one more puppy, and Coin is sneaking out from her own hiding place, one more behind Grant. SHE saw the signal too. If she can, she's going right for that bag.]
[UH OH. PLAN POSSIBLY COMPROMISED. She yips again, rolling over on her back to WIGGLE FURIOUSLY. Over here! Pay attention here again!]
[The spotted tail freezes in place, and quickly scoots fully behind the trash can. Fiddle was supposed to stay hidden until the signal. Oh no oh no oh no.]
[But there is one more puppy, and Coin is sneaking out from her own hiding place, one more behind Grant. SHE saw the signal too. If she can, she's going right for that bag.]
[Everything is happening so much. First there's probably a second puppy, now the first puppy is losing its entire mind wiggling around on the ground... which certainly does get Grant's attention long enough for the Trash Can Interloper to hide, at least.] Oh-- hey, what are you--
[--And then something yanks on his bag. Grant sort of yelps and clasps a hand to the strap, twisting around to try and get a look at the culprit.] --Whoa, hey, what now?
[--And then something yanks on his bag. Grant sort of yelps and clasps a hand to the strap, twisting around to try and get a look at the culprit.] --Whoa, hey, what now?
[SUDDENLY TOO MANY PUPPIES.]
[Especially because now that Coin has grabbed hold of the bag, Fiddle is no longer trying to hide and comes blasting out, barking. Glim is also barking, turning in circles. Coin is just tugging with all of her tiny might in the hopes that the bag will come with her.]
[MAXIMUM CHAOS]
[Especially because now that Coin has grabbed hold of the bag, Fiddle is no longer trying to hide and comes blasting out, barking. Glim is also barking, turning in circles. Coin is just tugging with all of her tiny might in the hopes that the bag will come with her.]
[MAXIMUM CHAOS]
[Oh god
The good news about having a gang of puppies apparently trying to rob him is that... it's hilarious, and also even with regular human non-werewolf strength, holding his bag in place while a puppy tries to steal it is... it's not super difficult? She's making an impressive effort, but, sweetie, you're very small??
The bad news is that this is a truly bizarre thing to be happening, and having so much going on at once makes it... a little difficult to process it all.
So, for now, his solution is to just... lie down on the ground so that the strap of his bag is pinned under his shoulder, and see if he can tug the bag itself loose from her tiny puppy jaws.] Okay... no, nope, that's not yours. C'mon, can I have my bag back?
The good news about having a gang of puppies apparently trying to rob him is that... it's hilarious, and also even with regular human non-werewolf strength, holding his bag in place while a puppy tries to steal it is... it's not super difficult? She's making an impressive effort, but, sweetie, you're very small??
The bad news is that this is a truly bizarre thing to be happening, and having so much going on at once makes it... a little difficult to process it all.
So, for now, his solution is to just... lie down on the ground so that the strap of his bag is pinned under his shoulder, and see if he can tug the bag itself loose from her tiny puppy jaws.] Okay... no, nope, that's not yours. C'mon, can I have my bag back?
[Luckily for Grant is that as terrible as the three may be when it comes to scamming strangers out of their treats and/or potential chewtoys, they aren't exactly vicious. Lying down isn't putting his face in any danger of a bite.]
[Less luckily for him, getting a Poochyena to let go of something once it's bitten down is no small feat. Coin growls from around the mouthful fabric, tugging even harder. Glim and Fiddle are still making a big racket, with Fiddle enterprisingly clambering up on top of Grant's chest and howling.]
[Unfair! Lying down is cheating!]
[Meanwhile, all the noise has managed to attract some attention...]
[Envy and Thimblerig have been trying to track the missing three down for a while now, but it hasn't been easy; the Mightyena may be a dog, but she's not exactly an expert tracker, and the city is unfamiliar and full of fishy ocean smells. But they aren't so far away that she can't hear her miscreant children. She lets out a bark and makes a beeline in the right direction, Envy following behind at a jog.]
Damn, how'd they get so far?! Why are they so fast?!
[HERE COMES THAT TRAINER. AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, HERE COMES MOM.]
[Less luckily for him, getting a Poochyena to let go of something once it's bitten down is no small feat. Coin growls from around the mouthful fabric, tugging even harder. Glim and Fiddle are still making a big racket, with Fiddle enterprisingly clambering up on top of Grant's chest and howling.]
[Unfair! Lying down is cheating!]
[Meanwhile, all the noise has managed to attract some attention...]
[Envy and Thimblerig have been trying to track the missing three down for a while now, but it hasn't been easy; the Mightyena may be a dog, but she's not exactly an expert tracker, and the city is unfamiliar and full of fishy ocean smells. But they aren't so far away that she can't hear her miscreant children. She lets out a bark and makes a beeline in the right direction, Envy following behind at a jog.]
Damn, how'd they get so far?! Why are they so fast?!
[HERE COMES THAT TRAINER. AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, HERE COMES MOM.]
[This is his fate. Lying on the ground with one puppy trying to drag his bag away, one standing on him, and one just Yelling. For all he knows he might just be here for hours, trying to figure out how to get at his Gear to let someone know where he is or oh never mind there's a big dog, either he's being saved or he's truly doomed.
And then he sees and hears the human. Saved, then. He lets out a relieved breath and raises a hand, smiling weakly from where he's lying on the ground.] Your puppies seem... very organized!
And then he sees and hears the human. Saved, then. He lets out a relieved breath and raises a hand, smiling weakly from where he's lying on the ground.] Your puppies seem... very organized!
[Thimblerig slows down as she approaches, sitting down a few feet away and barking once, with authority. Get over here, children.]
[Glim and Fiddle whine and huff, but do scurry right over to her. Coin nearly looks like she's going to keep hold of the poor bag ANYWAY, but with a much louder huff releases it and goes over as well. While their mother seems to count them and give the three a growled warning about wandering off all alone (and good thing nobody here speaks Pokemon because some of the scolding is about trying to pull off an unsupervised heist), Envy finally catches up, having to stop and catch his breath a second.]
Thanks, they're hardened criminals.
[It's a joke, probably. He runs a hand back through his hair, shaking his head.]
And way too fast. Did they knock you over?
[Glim and Fiddle whine and huff, but do scurry right over to her. Coin nearly looks like she's going to keep hold of the poor bag ANYWAY, but with a much louder huff releases it and goes over as well. While their mother seems to count them and give the three a growled warning about wandering off all alone (and good thing nobody here speaks Pokemon because some of the scolding is about trying to pull off an unsupervised heist), Envy finally catches up, having to stop and catch his breath a second.]
Thanks, they're hardened criminals.
[It's a joke, probably. He runs a hand back through his hair, shaking his head.]
And way too fast. Did they knock you over?
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