azume | Test 2.

WILLPOWER

The chamber at the back of the cave is not unlike the one before it - it's large and oppressively dark, with shallow pools of water puddled on the floor. However, it isn't entirely impossible to see; off in a far corner of the cavern, there's a dim light shining pale blue, the soft glow pulsing steadily like it's keeping time, like a heartbeat.

It's likely, however, that you're not going to get a good look at whatever is causing it before a voice rings out from the entrance behind you, immediately setting the Spiritombs off with loud, ringing shrieks that indicate over half a thousand souls aren't pleased with what seems to be happening here, and as the words register, you'll realize it's probably for good reason.

"In the name of Team Galactic, I'm going to have to ask you all to leave. The Guardian is rightfully ours."

It's immediately obvious that at the very least, the voice doesn't belong to Saturn - it's higher-pitched, belonging to a woman from the sound of it. Turning to face the source will reveal a woman in full Galactic grunt uniform; she seems young in the face and she's rather short, though she's built as though she's likely strong for her size. While she's clearly here to do a task, her eyes are noticeably just as devoid of spirit as the others that you've seen - she's just as heavily brainwashed as the rest.

The Spiritombs you've encountered will do their jobs; they'll protect the Lake Guardian physically, promptly proceeding to get between it and...well, everyone else here. They aren't going to back down until the perceived threat is dealt with; they really, really don't like Team Galactic.

What happens now is up to you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ She does worry about her knocked out Miphanus and Saber but... this is what they came for. In the chamber, following Ignis and Camilla in, she looks in awe at the thing. It's obvious to her immediately, this is a deity. This one is the lake guardian. She smiles for it, and while she considers giving a prayer or something she really doesn't know the procedure...?

So she'll...

Go with the plan they had. She reaches around the egg on her backpack to get out a potion or two and head closer to the creature. ]

[It doesn't react, but you get the feeling that it knows you're there and what you're trying to do. You're welcome to approach, the Spiritomb won't stop you and the deity won't either.]

[ Well then... she will! She will, and as she does, she whispers softly, ]

My name is Zelda. We've journeyed for some time to meet you, guardian. [ She says it lightly, but then with a smile, her courage soaring some after everything, she uh... well, doing what she can to shield it's eyes, it's sure time to spray it once with the potion. ]

[It doesn't react much, but it will let Zelda spray it with the potion. The injured spot she sprays heals up immediately, but there are still other spots to attend to. Keep going?]

I wonder if a Pokemon Center could restore you entirely, if these work...?

[ She sort of wonders aloud here, because, yes, keep going. ]

[It doesn't move until Zelda has taken care of all the spots on the side she can reach. It opens its eyes then and moves so she can get at the other spots.

There's suddenly a thought in your head that isn't yours.]

I will be fine here.

[It's a strange experience, but it doesn't feel wrong or terrible.]

[ Whoa.

...

Uh.

Well, she'll keep it up, but she blinks all the same and mutters with some surprise. ]

Oh I- [ A voice. Her mind races, like the voice in the master sword... the ancient spirits which had been deaf to her... ] ... I apologize I do not know the procedures of your reverence.

[ . . . Shit uh ]

But are you certain?

Do not worry. You're doing fine.

[Once she's gotten the last of the injuries, Azelf's aura has become much stronger. It nods a bit at her words, though.]

Yes. I wish to remain here.

[ Zelda is reassured a lot by that, honestly. ]

Team Galactic will likely likely know you will be here, though? Might you be better... elsewhere, or perhaps with us?

[ She doesn't necessarily question its choice, per se, though. After all, if this is its font of power, or even just its own home, she can make sense of its desire to remain. ]

I will be fine now that I am healed.

[Though the thoughts are in her head, it doesn't seem as though it's bothered by the offer any. It's certainly not upset that she'd ask.]

[ I mean you were clearly defeated before somehow she sort of finds herself thinking but then... god? So she nods and folds her hands in front of her. ]

If you are certain. ... Cynthia sent us to meet you, if you know of her.

[Azelf nods.]

I am familiar with her. Thank you for coming to help me.

Of course! ... It was also her belief that you may be able to help us?

Help you in what way?

She seemed to believe that, with your assistance, we would not fall sway to the brainwashing of Team Galactic again. And it would be a step on our journey to return to our homes.

[Hmm...]

If I could, I would help you. I cannot return you to your homes on my own, however.

... I at least would not return until this land is saved. But - I understand. Can you offer any of that protection she mentioned?

[Azelf shakes its head at that.]

I am afraid there is not much I can do on my own. If you find the other two, we will be able to do more to aid you.

[ Mmm.

... She had hoped that- ]

... Do you know why we were freed from the grip of their control? I remembered a bright light, and was that you?

It was us, yes. I am pleased to see your spirit returned to you.

Oh-! All of you were there?

[ Well, that explains something or another but uh - ]

Thank you very much! ... Is that another power you cannot do without the others?

(no subject)

azumods - 2018-07-01 01:09 (UTC) - Expand

hyruglyphics - 2018-07-01 01:11 (UTC) - Expand

azumods - 2018-07-01 01:15 (UTC) - Expand

On your own...I wonder, would it be possible for all the lake guardians working simultaneously to perform a feat like that?

It might be possible.

I understand...Thank you, that's a reassuring thing to keep in mind.

You're welcome. Good luck.