azume | Week 2.

Week 2.

WEEK 2.

The new week begins with new surroundings.

The city you've been growing accustomed to over the past week is now well behind you as you set out on your journey proper; the terrain still seems rocky and steep here as you move downhill and to the south, dotted here and there with small ponds to the east and rocky outcroppings that you can climb on to the west. There are also large expanses of tall grass here, and the entire route is flanked with tall trees leading off into the forest a short ways. You're more than welcome to explore; just don't stray too far from the group - you wouldn't want to be left behind out here, for any reason.

Wild Pokémon are abundant here, as anyone venturing into the tall grass will discover; they aren't inclined to attack you, however, simply watching with dull, dead eyes as you stumble through the area they've come to call home. The trip is difficult, and it's a lot of walking, but it's not unmanageable; fortunately enough, the route you're on should lead you directly to Valor Lakefront, assuming there are no complications along the way.

From Thursday and beyond, the route takes a sharp turn west; in front of you lies what's clearly the ocean, large rocks jutting out just offshore tempering the waves. It's safe to go in the water if you so choose - assuming you can swim, that is - and the forested terrain has given way to a large beach with patches of tall grass here and there.

Interestingly, there's a house located on the beach; whether it's inhabited or not is difficult to tell. Of course, exploring slightly north of the beach will reveal a path. Maybe it leads somewhere important...

CURRENT LOCATION: ROUTE 213
POKEMON AVAILABLE: NEAR WATER

SUNDAY | MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY
[OOC: Welcome to week two of Azume; feel free to make as many top levels as you'd like and tag out to other characters! This post is for all of your interactions this week... at least until the weekend. Don't forget that a write-up is due next weekend!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[There was something in that tone which visibly set Ignis on edge, standing rigidly straight in his Kingsglaive uniform and leveling a frigid stare at Saturn regardless of whether or not he could see him.]

['Fancy meeting you here! It occurs to me I never formally introduced myself-']

[The more things changed, the more they stayed the same. Just another imperial blockade they lacked the strength to break through.]

How magnanimous of you, Commander. You must be terribly busy to not simply deal with us now and be done with it. Astrals forbid we should interfere with something so time-consuming.

[The laugh that gets out of him is soft and brief; he doesn't seem troubled, but he's refraining from being openly mocking in tone.]

I'm a very busy person, it's true. Though I have to wonder what you would consider am acceptable way of "dealing with you"...?

[Perhaps it's an odd question to ask; its being asked anyway.]

Far be it from me to give you ideas, where I already know so little of your true intentions.

Oh, don't worry, you won't change my mind. It's more that I'm curious as to whether you think I have any interest in killing you.

[It's blunt, unashamed, standing in sharp contrast to the ease of his tone.]

You all seem a little barbaric about things like that.

If that's your perspective on the matter, then I should think it safe to assume neither of us truly understands what manner of place the other comes from. Personally I find it distasteful not to fight one's own battles, and am accustomed to more direct ways to dispatch a threat to one's life or safety.

[In other words, you don't get to wear the My Chemical Romance jacket without stabbing a few soldiers.]

However...'when in Altissia', as they say. Even presuming you've an aversion to lethal force, my impression of your associates does not fill me with the greatest of confidence as to your methods. There are far worse fates than death.

[The humming noise that gets out of him is quiet, contemplative. Something of a placeholder while he gets his thoughts togwrher.]

Team Galactic's stance is one of peace. We don't condone the usage of lethal force, as we believe that a solution that leaves half of the equation dead to be a poor one.

But that isn't to say that we haven't known violence, or that this world has never known atrocities and destruction. I can assure you that we have, many times over - our position isn't one of inexperience.

Your stance, by my own impression, is peace at the cost of all else. Your definition twists the very concept and can ill be called 'peace' at all.

You've left far more than half the equation dead in all but the physical, Commander. I'm just stunned and a touch repulsed that I can see that more clearly than you.

[Mm...]

I would be interested in discussing this with you further sometime, as disgusted though you may find yourself with the world we've created. It sounds like it would be an interesting time, if not a strictly worthwhile one.

I can't imagine much in the way of results coming from such a discussion, but I would put forth a poor impression if I refused the diplomatic path when it was offered. I was raised a bit better than to resort to violence before anything else.

I'm aware that some of you were. Believe me, it's appreciated, as is the willingness to talk.

Perhaps once our business is done here, I can find time; I'm certain at least half of you will want to get the yelling out of your system, if nothing else, but perhaps we can find a way to benefit everyone.

I've always believed in mutual benefit and understanding being the path to peace, after all.

My belief lies in moving forward. I've no use for looking back--or in remaining stagnant. [That carried a pointed tone, however brief it might have been.] So I have very little doubt we'll meet again, considering your apparent goals and ours share some yet unknown overlap.

[The icy stare and cold posture remained, even though his tone was as diplomatic as it was going to get.]

Ignis, son of House Scientia, Kingsglaive and advisor to the Lucian crown. I highly suggest you drop the serial numbers you used with Morag and remember it, along with the rest of us.

[Then he broke out into a smile; unmistakably the mask of a career politician with a polite tone to match.]

After all, I should think basic manners the very foundation of mutual understanding, Commander Saturn.

Edited 2018-06-13 00:06 (UTC)

[Ignis, you are so damn cool.

If they end up in a place with alcohol, Bucky owes you a drink.]

[Very sotto voice from the other side of the group where he's probably herding Chelsea or someone away:]

BOOM! [And he holds up a hand for a high-five from like, anyone]

[And somewhere in the background, behind a tree or some shit, there is a tiny pink child applauding.]

[no fair your title is longer than mine >:U]

[technically he's probably also a count so have fun with that]

[canon is unclear on literally everything]

[The smile crossing his features is enough to color his words; you likely know exactly what he's doing with his face without being able to see it, and it's likely something that would normally warrant being slapped.]

It's been a while since I've spoken with someone quite like you, you know. But then, overestimating one's cleverness by halves isn't something we encourage among our ranks.

Our peace is lasting. As long as you ensure it remains that way, I'm more than willing to leave you be for now. We aren't unreasonable people, and I don't fault you for your thoughts on this current matter, or your thoughts on me. As long as this resolves cleanly, I forgive your self-importance as a sign of your imperfection.

You'll understand once we can discuss it, I'm certain of that much. I'm sure we'll meet again before long; don't worry about finding me, I'm more than capable of finding you.

Until then, I have business to return to. Surely you understand.

Fuck your peace.

The only difference between you and HYDRA is the shitty blue wig.

[He's sure not standing in silence now.]

[Ignis held out a hand slightly at his side, a wordless signal of not here.]

[Eventually, yes. But here and now wasn't the place for a confrontation.]

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semistableman - 2018-06-13 01:19 (UTC) - Expand

HYDRA...? I'm afraid I don't understand; your reference is lost on me.

[He tips his head a little, though; just seeing if you'll be a good boy and listen to Ignis.]

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semistableman - 2018-06-13 01:44 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

azumods - 2018-06-13 02:12 (UTC) - Expand

What a tool.

[that's called 'pulling a Chancellor Izunia' where he's from, and Ignis is highly familiar. In fact, it only served to solidify the fact that Saturn was going to be a problem.]

Of course. [He didn't even miss a step, not remotely rising to the implied provocation.] I should say much the same, so if you'll excuse me.

Look at all the hypocrisy on this fellow. My god. I think it's pouring out of all his pores.

I think a doctor should look at that.

...I would forgive your attempts at wit as well, but there's not much there that's worth salvaging.