prayreturn | IC INBOX

Hey. Emet-selch filled me in on your shit. Here's your fursona.

[Attached is an anthropomorphic dog that really does have an uncanny resemblance to her. He's drawn the dog wearing her clothes.]

[ There is a long long pause until he gets a reply.

The reply? ]

?

You are Minfilia Warde, right? This is going to be real fucking awkward if not.

Yes, I am Minfilia Warde.

Everything you wrote does not make sense.

However, your art is impressive.

Okay. What part of this isn't making sense to you? I thought this was pretty straightforward.

One: I have heard of a man called Emet-Selch, but I do not think he would know of me.
Two: What is a fursona?
Three: Why does that dog look like me?

One. He's definitely heard of you and he knows a lot about you, actually. Ergo, I know a lot about you.
Two. See Three.
Three. See Two.

Who are you, to work with the Ascian.

Lol. "The" Ascian.

Who am I, though? Hm. That's such a loaded question.

Where I come from, I'm practically God. There's nothing I don't know and nothing I can't do; at most, it just takes a little cognitive elbow grease. I know there's like a 50% chance you think I've outed myself as a rich politician with a god complex, but I'm actually dead serious. Not to worry, though.

Here, I'm just some guy. Art's one of my hobbies.

You can call me Dirk.

[ ...So he's a Primal, she assumes. With a name like that and the boasting. ]

I understand.

[.......

Wait.]

What.

Dirk. I know this land alters our abilities and forms. And you may be from a different star then I.

But I doubt you are a politician. And I doubt your influence is as strong here.

Huh.

You're right about literally everything you just said. Which is a little uncanny, and makes me wonder what the hell you're missing because I know I basically didn't tell you jack shit just now.

It's also possible I'm missing something, but that's actually impossible. So it's gotta be something on your end.

My organization was made - in part - to deal with threats like you. Beings that call themselves Gods. While I have no influence or allies here, that will not stop me.

....

Yeah, okay. Something is definitely hinky but that's aight. You'll figure it out eventually. Or not. It's not really my problem what you decide to do. I mean, it sounds like you plan to make it my problem, for some reason? I literally just told you. Here I'm just some guy. But if you want to tangle with me, that's cool. I look forward to it. Might even be fun.

In fact. The more I think about it, the more this sounds like the start of a grand new something or other. I've been pretty bored. So yeah, here's hoping you'll make it worth my time.

Come and get me.

Wait.

Wait.

Hang on.

Before you get all fired up about stopping me from producing another movie or whatever.

It only seems fair to warn you: that has, historically, been a losing position. Stopping me, in general, is pretty much futile. Catching me is also pretty notorious for being doomed before it's even attempted. I'm sure to you this sounds completely nonsensical, but I'm actually being completely sincere. And more importantly, everything I am saying is both true and well-precedented. And in doing so, I have laden this exchange with a considerable weight of prior significance, thereby granting one of us a distinct advantage in the future.

Knowing this, you still choose to make an attempt at... whatever it is you think you're doing? I'm still not completely clear on what 'dealing with' 'threats' 'like' me is supposed to entail. But don't tell me. Finding out will be part of the fun for me.

[ She is not a primal slayer. She knows she's not. But in this land, everybody is depowered, and everybody cannot die.

She cannot stop him. But she can protect others. She... can stop others from being hurt. (She had to be stronger.) There is so much she could say.

But there is so much she does not type or say. She does not know how much he knows about her. (And how, technically, he knows more then she does.) ]

I know I am at a disadvantage. I also understand that you may work with the Ascian Emet-Selch to create more of a disadvantage.

I am prepared for such. As such, I shall not share my plans nor my thoughts - else there would be no point in planning.

Good. I'll leave you to it, then.

Oh. And by the way--

Your fursona's name is 'Argos.'

If this fursona is meant to be me, why would it not share my name?

Lol.

?

[She can wait all she wants, but there will be no reply.]

[It hadn't been until after Emet's match that G'rhyf had even realized his name itself would be an issue. They'd known the connection for so long, and Solus as history knew him had been such a non-entity they still struggled to remember it. The regalia just a unique quirk of the man, as had been so many other details. But seeing Minfilia afterward, the tight draw of her expression...]

[They should have realized, said something sooner. Gods blast this whole secret!]

[But her reaction to this alone is enough to tell them she can't take all of what's left right now. Not the truth of the Source and it's reflections, the nature of Zodiark and Hydaelyn. They still remember the cold chill that had washed through their bones when Emet first said it. But still...]

[G'rhyf walks up to where Minfilia is preparing herself, making sure their steps are loud enough she won't be startled when they lay a hand on her shoulder.]

Do you have a moment?

[ Not many things could rattle Minfilia to her core. Or, at least, that's what she told herself. She'd adjusted to this world. To the technology, to the fact that battles were held this way.

But she had not adjusted to the fact that she was ignorant. Of so damned much. She knew she had to watch the other fights to figure out how to adjust how her Pokemon fought - especially since she had been automatically advanced. But that name - that damned name - had shaken her very way of thinking.

So she had retreated. To go over strategy again. She was now talking with her Meowstic, about how she may not have time to set up. That she may need to use her abilities at lower power then expected. (It is easier to ignore your worldview collapsing slightly when you have work to do.)

But she is listening all around. So even before a hand goes to her, she glances over. ]

...Ah. G'rhyf - I believe I have time, yes.

[Oh, Minfilia. Their smile is small, weak, but warm as they settle down to sit next to her, offering a quiet greeting to Topaz before sighing and letting their gaze drop to their hands.]

I...owe you an apology. I'm too used to thinking of him only as 'Emet-Selch', rather than the role he once played. I didn't even think to warn you of that.

...Perhaps I should have brought him up earlier. [ She blames herself. She's not used to sharing herself freely. ] He only used the name Solus to me.

[If anyone knows how hard it is to open up about their woes, it's G'rhyf. They don't blame her in the slightest.]

Knowing exactly how this discovery would affect you, I'm sure. [The bitterness in their voice isn't directed at Minfilia, but they quickly cast it away none-the-less.] But the rest of us knew--someone should have said something. Being too used to who he is is no excuse.

[ A secret kept by accident. Minfilia should be angrier. Perhaps she will be, later. But she can't muster that right now... ]

How much of what I know is a lie...? [ She asks it more of herself. She knows that they have the answer, but Minfilia... she almost looks fragile, for once. ]

...some things. Details about the history of our star that we had no way of knowing. But I can tell you one truth right now.

[They take her hands in theirs, and lean down to catch her gaze. Sisters...please let this give her strength.]

Solus, Emet-Selch, however you want to think of him, has no future to return to. I--his Warrior defeated him just as surely as we defeated Nabriales. Lahabrea was as well, and Elidibus. They were the true leadership of the Ascians, and in my time they are gone. We won.

Edited 2022-09-29 06:00 (UTC)

[ So the White Auracite worked. (And those three were the leaders. She is Noting This Internally.) She cannot imagine that it was done without sacrifice.

But then, a thought. One that distracts her, lets her hide for a second. ] You are not his Warrior?

[ ...But she cannot hide her feelings, as she continued to tremble. In both anger and sorrow. ] I, too, have not much of a future to return to.

No. He knew a Hyur man, though I know little more than that.

[Oh...oh, it hurts to hear her say it. Her fate in their time was too cruel...they wish they had kinder portents. G'rhyf reaches around with one arm to pull her close, though with enough room to pull away if she wishes.]

I know. We have a chance in this place to find another path for your time...I just pray we can find it, somehow.

[ She doubts it. She doubts it so much - her hope has been drained. And for once, she cannot hide it. ] I could not survive if it means that others must die for it. Even if we found a way, would it not doom those I love?

[ Oh, she sounds fragile for once. And she does not struggle... ]

[They sigh softly and lean their cheek against her head.] That's what I meant...a way to save you that won't undo the things that must be done. Perhaps someone or something here could lend Hydaelyn the strength she needs, and...

[Their throat closes for a moment, thinking of Ardbert and his friends, the First...Ryne, and all the girls that came before her. What else could halt the Flood, protect Nordvrant until Sasaxia could cross the Rift? Some other way that wouldn't hurt Minfilia's heart just as much?]

If there's even a chance, I want to try and find it.

...I'm meant to do something important, aren't I. [ Her voice sounds dry. She's doing her best, okay. Something she can't just stop. But...

There's a thought. Her eyes flutter close. ] I wish not to ask too much of the Gods of this star, and yet, if I could reach them...

[ Oh. There's a little whimper again. ] My worry about technology is-- it's because of Garlemald. [ She's still trying to think everything though. ]

[They don't have much response for her first question but another small squeeze, a soft sigh that says more than words ever could.] The towers in Ecruteak, they were once temples, weren't they? Perhaps we can learn something there, to able to approach Them on their terms...

[A small frown then, and G'rhyf straightens up a little bit to offer better support. They aren't entirely sure they follow, but anything with technology tended to just confuse them.] You...worry that it could be turned against us like the Empire did?

We saw Arceus... a true god, like Hydaelyn. [ o u c h. ] If we could petition Him, or the other Gods of this star...

[ But there's a soft sniffle. A nod. ] If there are enemies to be had, they could be spying on us, at the very least.

[This is fine. They're Fine.] It's worth a shot.

Mmm, that's true. But we've also the Pokemon to assist us, and we can learn how to use this technology as well. Or...well, you probably could, I've always been a mess with Allagan nonsense. [A small, self-depreciating chuckle.] But it's not exactly the same, here. We can catch up, make those tools our own as well. And in the meantime, we'll be careful. Linkpearl rules, and all that.

Hey, Minfilia?
I was wondering, are you in or nearby Goldenrod City at the moment?
If not it's okay, but if you are, I wanted to know if you'd be interested in going thrifting with me?
I've been here for some time, and I like to budget accordingly when I can, so I often go to thrift stores and the like to find clothes or furniture or gifts that aren't baked, and usually there are some incredibly unique items on display!
Some are definitely quite beyond the scope of a trainer's price range, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy seeing them, or perhaps trying the clothes on or the like!
The thing is, most everything has been preowned or donated from someone's attic or garage or whatnot, so I understand if it sounds a little...not fun?
Let's go with not fun.
But I thought...well, I think it's fun! I like all that old-timey charm and whatnot, and you never know what sort of treasures you'll find hidden away!

Ah, all this to say...would you like to come with me sometime? Maybe the 15th, or...?

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mid-Tournament, there's probably a locker room or something right?

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[Text] [Early March]