⚔ // stress in solitude

[discutio]

[Once Saturn had left, Ignis took a slow breath to steady himself before standing and speaking again.]

I think we have a fair amount of things to discuss, after that. But we'll also need to rest and recover here; We may be able to take it at Saturn's word that he won't alert Cyrus to us, but overstaying our welcome by more than a couple of days is unwise--that means we need to take advantage of this as much as we can.

[Strategy was easier. The words came naturally, and he was able to hold focus.]

If anyone needs me or wishes to assist, I'll be in the kitchen. I'm aware we just ate, but I presume we'll all be more comfortable if one of our own makes breakfast in the morning.

Comments

[takestheblame]

[The Magikarp, who doesn't seem to be that bright without its personality, pretty much latches onto Lickitung's tongue. Goddamnit, fish]

You did rather well, princess Zelda. Rather diplomatic.

[Not that he knows much about diplomacy!]

1/2

[hyruglyphics]

I'm pleased to hear you say so--

[hyruglyphics]

[ But whatever else she is going to say is cut off by the fact that the Lickitung is now going to roll the Magikarp up into it's mouth using the tongue. And Zelda starts, rushing towards it- ]

Stop it! Not food!

[ ... She might need a shorter command to yell ]

[takestheblame]

[One moment he's starting an amicable conversation with Zelda, the next moment Kiryu's running towards a pink overgrown Pokemon that's trying to eat his newest team member.

How did things get to this point. Without saying a word, Kiryu hurries to Lickitung. Should he try to wrestle Magikarp free. Should he let Zelda handle this? He goes with the first option because this is his team member and therefore his responsibility. Kiryu grabs what he can of Magikarp, unwilling to let go]

Zelda!

[This is turning out to be an eventful night for Kiryu, apparently]

[hyruglyphics]

[ I mean, good reflexes? The tongue keeps pulling, but Zelda scolding the thing does get through to ti's brain and- ]

Not food! Stop it!

[ annnnnnddd... Then she points a finger between it's eyes and labels it, ]

I shall have a one word command for you to stop it, Lickitung!

[ But it does... release... the fish... ]

[takestheblame]

[Kiryu presses Magikarp against his chest protectively while he looks for Magikarp's Pokeball. Not trusting Lickitung at all]

What's the deal with this...Lickitung?

[And why do you have one, Zelda? That's what he wants to ask]

[hyruglyphics]

She seems to want nothing more than food at any given time. I am working to train her.

[ But this seems to be her quirk. To purely devour all. ]

[takestheblame]

[Once Magikarp is safe inside the Pokeball, he allows himself to relax a little]

Is that normal for this species or is it a quirk that's waking up?

[Because if this is her personality instead of an instinct the species has, then Kiryu dreads to think how it'd be if Zelda doesn't get this under control before Lickitung recovers from the lack of spirit!]

[hyruglyphics]

In truth, I'm not sure. ... My reading on the species has revealed a few things, that they are a normal type, that their saliva can paralyze with a lick, and that they are known to be somewhat gluttonous. But her quirk could be .... her singlemindedness. She has not been with me long.

[ She does bow her head in apology for the Lickitung who has... gone back to the tongue dangling into the water, fishing. Assuming Kazuma got off it. ]

[takestheblame]

I admit this isn't the kind of teammate I thought you'd catch.

[Certainly different from the kind of Pokemon he had noticed she had been interacting with! There's nothing metallic about this one!]

[hyruglyphics]

Does it...? I wonder, what did you envision for me?

[takestheblame]

More mechanical creatures, or mystical in some way. There was this species I saw as a nightlamp back at Veilstone that seemed like the kind you'd observe. [how to describe it...] It looked like it was made of clay.

[Claydol. That's the one he's talking about]

[hyruglyphics]

I can't deny that sounds fascinating to me. Truthfully, even as you're describing it, it makes me want to see it.

[ She laughs a little, smiling as she does, brushing back some of her hair ]

... In truth, I was hesitant to capture another.

[takestheblame]

You felt unprepared to have two teammates at once?

[In a way it's surprising so many got more Pokemon despite being new to the world of Pokemon training]

[hyruglyphics]

Yes. I wasn't even sure if I was prepared for the first... Miphanus has shown more of themselves over time, but as long as they eye remains so glassy, I didn't feel worthy to work with more.

[takestheblame]

I think one of the reasons why they're healing is because of constant contact with us. Another partner could be beneficial for them in some similar way.

[hyruglyphics]

I've started to theorize that myself. Saturn's statement that they need to continuously adjust their system only reinforces that idea to me.