azume | Second.

ENCOUNTER 2.

Saturday evening arrives, and with it the time to follow through on that invitation.

Upon entering the resort area, the group will be greeted - inasmuch as the emotionless can properly greet anyone - by staff that evidently works there. They don't appear to be affiliated with Team Galactic, at least not outwardly; they're all dressed similarly, but not in Galactic uniforms, and their hair is down and noticeably not covered in identical wigs. They seem to have retained some aspect of individuality, in other words, as opposed to being absorbed into what appears to be the Team Galactic hivemind, and while they don't seem genuinely pleased to see the lot of you, they'll smile politely as they usher you in, albeit in an odd, uncanny-valley sort of way that doesn't reach their eyes. A purely mechanical reaction, their bodies smile while they do not.

It's probably a little difficult to say whether that's preferable or not to the usual blankness you may be getting accustomed to.

However, they seem cordial enough as they escort all of you further into the resort proper, past several bungalows that likely contain a few rooms apiece for people to reside in for the duration of their stay. The walk will take you up a few sets of stairs built into the rock formation the resort is built upon, leading eventually to a restaurant that likely overlooks Lake Valor from the north side of the building - it certainly seems elevated enough, and the positioning is right. The seating area itself seems to have been prepared in advance for your arrival; rather than several separated tables, there's one long arrangement draped in white, with twelve chairs arranged down each side - twenty-four total - and one at the head of the table. That one appears to already be occupied with your host for the evening; the smile Saturn is offering is soft but it isn't nice, disingenuous in a way that's only slightly less unsettling than the mechanical expressions of the staff.

"It's good of you to join me." His voice is likewise soft but it isn't nice; just the same, he'll gesture at the rest of the table easily. "Feel free to have a seat, and keep your Pokémon out if it pleases you; this used to be a battling establishment, so the staff is more than accustomed to things like that."

Food will be brought out shortly after people are seated; there are no arranged seats, so you're free to sit wherever suits you along the table. It's likely noticeable once things are laid out that either the people here don't hunt or Saturn is aggressively vegan; either way, there's no meat involved and nothing that would insinuate that Pokémon were harmed in any way to obtain what's in front of you, though the food is still decidedly nicer and more substantial than anything you've had for the past week - high-class and freshly-prepared, and not...you know, relying on berries and nonperishable stuff from a department store shelf.

"Enjoy yourselves." Saturn's voice is still even, still calm to perhaps infuriating levels regardless of whatever the atmosphere in the room may happen to be, "since I did say that this was intended at least partially to apologize for the incident at the lakefront. And of course, you're welcome to ask whatever you like, seeing as you did have questions and I'm no longer strictly on company time. After all, a peaceful solution to this entire...situation is what we're all striving toward, isn't it?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ . . . You know actually, if he's being that accepting- ]

Saturn, may I propose something of an experiment to you?

I'll hear it, at least.

You've said to others that we should go to Pastoria and rest up, and you have also said that you spoke with us out of curiosity. Just now, you confirmed we will not be reported to Cyrus despite the statement of intent Ignis gave. [ . . . ] And I do not wish to put words in your mouth, but it appears to me that you have doubts in this world order.

[ . . . She glances at Miphanus and then back at him. Does she mention - no, probably not ]

I would ask that you make turning a blind eye to us a policy as opposed to a whim, and consider our journey to be an experimental viable. To see if we will either come to understand the peace of this world, or if our influence and understanding might cast a light on things you may have missed before now.

[He isn't going to give that a direct yes or a no, but just to reiterate...]

...As I told Ignis, I found nothing worth reporting at Lake Valor. I don't foresee that changing in the next while, and as such we won't be returning there.

So there shouldn't be the issue of that blockade you mentioned. I did say I would find a way to apologize for that.

[...If you follow what he's telling you without technically telling you anything.]

[ She prefers to have things more straightforward and would have preferred a more explicit statement but she ... nods. She nods and she smiles. ]

You did, and you have truly come through for us.

[ . . . Mmm ]

If it becomes possible for us, I want to help you and your pokemon as well.

Don't worry about me. I'm here willingly, remember?

Yes, and I fear for a day I may have to oppose you. [ she would apply a "we" she she doesn't want to speak for everyone in her whole I want to save this land thing. ]

... Even so, [ glancing at the Toxicroak... ] I hope that we can present a different outcome.

...I don't fear for that day at all, actually.

[It isn't said through arrogance; it's something calmer than that. More accepting than anything.]

Whenever that day comes, I'll face you with all I have. For this world, and for Master Cyrus, and for lasting peace. [His gaze follows Zelda's toward Toxicroak.] I'm sure she will, too.

I can't offer you much, as your opponent. But I can sincerely wish you luck, can't I?

[ . . . Inhale.

exhale. That fist at her side holds a long moment, and then she closes her green eyes. And when she opens them again, it's with a strong determination, the same sort that she had when she promised she wanted to help this world to Cynthia. She's sure of it now, if he's wishing her luck and he's gone this far, even if he won't approve of it, he'll accept it. ]

I shall do my best, Saturn. It seems wrong to not state it more plainly; that unless I see evidence to the contrary in future, this "peace" that Cyrus has created strikes me as cruel and wrong. And if we can gain the power and the support of the gods and ancient spirits of this land... I have traditionally had no talent for battle, but I sense Miphanus may-

So if that day comes, I pray we have the strength to defeat you, for your sakes.

Second.

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