Week 2.

[azumods]

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!]

Comments

[discutio]

[Though he heard Zelda's steps (indicated by no more than the briefest tilt of is head in her direction) Ignis stayed focused entirely on the task at hand. His orders were sharp and certain as expected of a soldier's, posture straight and confident. When the last Wingull was knocked for a solid loop, both canine and bell-shaped partners returned quietly to his side--and the commander in black knelt down to carefully check the pair for injuries.]

[Then, once he was confident it was no worse than some scratches that could be handled back at camp:]

...Apologies for keeping you waiting. Was there something I could help you with?

[hyruglyphics]

No, not really- I merely was ... watching you and the two work. They're very coordinated.

[ Even if the bell doesn't seem to be able to do as much, but hey. She bows her head slightly, responding when talked to, and shifting perhaps a little bit closer as she does. And it's the truth. In a lot of ways, she was just lost in thought, watching the battle happen. ]

[discutio]

[he is doing his best, and right now 'his best' amounts to a threatening jingle passing for Growl.]

I think we're starting to find some sort of rhythm to it even if I do still feel a bit out of my depth. I'd much rather be doing the fighting myself, but the situation is what it is.

[hyruglyphics]

I think that sentiment is shared by all of those among us with some talent for combat. ... I have never had that ability, and so it is perhaps different for me.

[ It's said a little sheepishly with a glance towards Miphanus, but her gaze then turns back to Ignis. A little nod to herself. ]

[discutio]

I suppose it is advantageous in that regard; placing us all on a relatively equal field. I hadn't considered that facet of the situation yet.

[hyruglyphics]

Though I have yet to really train with them.

[ Like that, for combat. She probably should, right? Mmmmm ]

[discutio]

Are you having trouble with it?

[hyruglyphics]

Not as such, more that... it did not seem natural to me, to issue orders for combat.

[ With another glance to Miphanus, she sighs and she admits, ]

... and I did not want to view them as a weapon.

[discutio]

...I should think that just means you possess a compassionate heart, if you wish my honest opinion.

[hyruglyphics]

I thank you for saying so.

[ she's not sure it feels that way, it in a lot of ways feels like she was hesitating to what was destined for them again. Like she should have the power to help others. She's not sure where she was going with the conversation. She's not sure what she wanted?

But she ends up pulling a grip on her chest here. ]

[discutio]

Zelda...forgive me for prying, but is something bothering you?

[hyruglyphics]

[ A soft exhale. ]

No more than bothers everyone else.

[ Even if she was being reminded of her lost time (bucky), and of her missing memories (saturn) and of her lost powers (ignis) and... mmm. It's not really the heaviest thing, but it's making her pause a bit. ]

... Though I do suppose I ought to be prepared to fight with them.

[discutio]

Would you like assistance? You needn't bear such a thing a-

[...That was a strange catch to his voice, as if Ignis was abruptly reminded of something he'd rather not have been.]

-alone.

[hyruglyphics]

It isn't - it is not some sort of weight which must be bore. But honestly... yes, I think your insights would be quite helpful.

[ It seems it's just the way to life here, so. ]

[discutio]

I would be only too happy to offer my help in whatever way should be deemed necessary.

[hyruglyphics]

[ . . . I mean - ]

... Where is there to begin, I suppose is the first thing.

[discutio]

Straightforward and unsettling as it is, I'm afraid it seems like the best thing to do is cut right to the point and jump into combat, more or less.

[hyruglyphics]

Are you and the others just... picking fights with wild ones?

[discutio]

A bit, when we're not facing one another. They don't seem too terribly harmed by it, or at least nothing that won't recover.

[hyruglyphics]

- One another?

[ Have people been fighting each other??? She didn't know that, uh. ]

[discutio]

Sparring matches, nothing more. I haven't heard anyone getting into legitimate arguments just yet. Apologies, I should have specified.

[hyruglyphics]

I was not aware even of sparing among our number. I suppose that would be a sensible course, even if it does exhaust our energy during the march.

[discutio]

Most of us thought to pick up curatives apparently geared towards our partners back in Veilstone, and I don't...think we're in dire need of restocking yet. So far, I'm not aware of it being a problem.

[hyruglyphics]

Injuries are a different thing than fatigue, Ignis.

[ . . . Or so she says, looking at the gulls there and then sighing ]

... But I am one to talk. Having done nothing but forage or run around doing what I can for the camp.

[discutio]

You're only doing what you feel is right. You're neither the first nor the last to put all you have into the task at hand because you find it necessary.