Fifth.

[azumods]

ENCOUNTER. It's taken some discussion on the part of the elders of the town, but it seems that a decision has been made regarding allowing the lot of you to see the Celestic Ruins; it's worthwhile, they think, even if they believe your overall mission to be dangerous to the point of recklessness - after all, those that oppose Team Galactic, as a rule, do not succeed. But every rule has its exceptions, and the evidence stands strongly in favor of the notion that you may be the exception to this one; the good you've done for the region is undeniable, and they wouldn't be capable of passing this sort of decision at all were it not for you. As such, your patience will be rewarded today; the person who leads you into the place late this morning beckons you inside with the promise of giving you the knowledge they have regarding the legends, information that may help you on your journey from here on out. The ruins are massive and cavernous, the walls of the cave reinforced with heavy stone columns surrounding large mural depictions of the various legends of Sinnoh; most are foreign to you, though there are some that are not (flowers springing up to cover a barren valley, a massive creature with bright cores pulling the landmasses of the world into place with ropes wrapped around its arms) - however, what's most pressing is the depiction in the center, three vague beings of light surrounding another, larger entity, all of it very nondescript and yet seeming to depict a very specific event despite its simplicity. This, your guide explains, is the beginning of the world. In the beginning there was the Creator, and from the Creator came all things - the rulers of Time and Space, followed by the Lake Guardians to govern over all people, humans and Pokémon alike. In their arrogance, Team Galactic believed that they could take control of those Legendary Pokémon responsible for all life, and use them for their own means. Not to change the world as they lived in it, but rather to create a new universe altogether. During this lesson, life goes on in the town just outside the ruins; people and Pokémon alike can be heard going about their day. Perhaps you'll realize it before your guide stops speaking; perhaps it won't be until there's a lull in the explanation. Either way, it will soon become noticeable that everything has suddenly become very, very quiet. A stark, staring silence has fallen over the town, and with it comes a sense that something isn't right. That something unnatural has happened, that something is present that shouldn't be; whatever it is, it seems to demand reverence. Not in the way that the Lake Guardians demanded reverence, but in a way that's glaringly and blatantly terrifying. When the man enters the cavern, he doesn't look like anyone you've seen before. Like all members of Team Galactic, he's dressed strangely, though his outfit differs greatly from those of the grunts and the commanders alike; it's difficult, honestly, to tell exactly how old he is - he moves with all the abruptness of someone rather young, though his general appearance would imply that he's seen more than enough of the world to be thoroughly tired with it. He carries himself well, straight-backed and tall, with the sort of countenance that implies that he's used to being listened to; the sort of person that receives respect not because he demands it explicitly, but because he already seems to have earned it somehow, and he expects it, and very few people argue the point. His bright blue hair is spiked up and back, away from his face; his gaze is piercing, and his expression is almost alarmingly unreadable. When he speaks, his voice isn't relaxing to listen to; it's a bit too rough in timbre for that. At the same time, he doesn't seem worked up or agitated. He isn't blank, either, not like the affected; he's just very, very calm as he stops a reasonable distance away, folding his hands behind his back as he regards the group evenly. "My name is Cyrus; I serve as the leader of Team Galactic, and the creator of the ideal world. I've found your efforts to be remarkable, the strength of your collective spirit undeniable... And yet as one who seeks a permanent end to pointless strife and hostility, and you being those who seek to restore such things to this world... I believe our meeting is long overdue."

Comments

[radiantflame]

[SHIT.]

Cyrus. We've heard a lot about you.

[Morag manages to look and sound as calm as usual, but she's absolutely screaming internally right now.]

[azumods]

...Likewise.

[He tips his head slightly at that, more in acknowledgement than anything; it doesn't seem to be an unpleasant response, at least. Very even, but not displeased.]

[discutio]

[If Cynthia's demeanor had brought up uncomfortable reminders of Ardyn's 'helpful' nature, the atmosphere that settled in now felt more like what they'd confronted in Insomnia; someone detached from a world that went on without him, a madman who had already won. Cyrus felt more like the stillness of the night hiding the daemons within it, and it was that which caused Ignis to shift a step closer to Noctis and Hemera to bristle at his feet.]

Ignis Scientia. And though I should agree that it is, to what do we owe the pleasure today specifically?

[azumods]

Is that agreement not enough, in and of itself...?

[The response is perhaps surprisingly lacking in arrogance; there's a definite sense of things simply being what they are, surely, but it isn't as though he's expecting genuflection and adulation for deigning to show up. The fact of the matter is that he's here, and you're here, and that's enough.]

[perfectselfie]

"You mean, brainwashing everyone. You mean sucking the life out of people, sucking the life out of the Lake Guardians, sucking the life out of all the Pokemon. That's not ideal. That's..."

Aya shakes her head.

"It's awful. It's heartbreaking."

[azumods]

[That doesn't seem to get any sort of derision from him, nor does it get any sort of large response in general. His gaze remains piercing, but quietly so; there's no agitation present when he answers.]

That you would see it that way... I don't fault you for it. I've never asked for the understanding of this world, nor did I request its permission for bringing about this ideal. I imagine that the response would have been similar to your own... It doesn't surprise me, that your heart should ache for the incomplete creatures of this world.

[gekkaju]

C...Cyrus.

[Atsushi curses the way his tongue feels heavy in his mouth, making it impossible for him to speak without faltering on his words. His two Pokemon hide behind his ankles, though Natto is more in the business of bristling at him, baring her teeth and growling softly but otherwise not trying to get any closer.]

...how long have you been here?

[Because holy shit you just sort of walked up on them??]

[azumods]

...It hasn't been long.

[That said, of all questions he expected to field right off, that wasn't...quite among them, and that one kind of gets him to tip his head a bit? Child.]

[eudaimonikos]

Ah!

[Michael is just going to shift his position a tiny bit, so he's more between Cyrus and whoever is closest.]

Well, I'd make introductions, but perhaps that would be moot.

[azumods]

Perhaps so.

[Again, there's not much in it in terms of agitation; things are what they are, really.]

[takestheblame]

Why are you here?

[Kiryu immediately gets his guard up, stepping forward and intending to protect some of the younger group members if necessary. Cyrus is the guy in charge of Team Galactic, therefore he's a fearsome man they need to be wary of.

So of course he goes straight to the point: why is Cyrus here?]

[azumods]

[At the very least he can appreciate the bluntness, in his own way.]

I would think that the state of the world speaks for itself...?

[anythingforyou]

[...You know, of all of the things Camilla expected to deal with today, this. This was not one of them. The vibe he gives off gives her an uncomfortable, and it hits a little too close to home, but...

"But if he does... He won't harm you, or become violent. He abhors violence. Do what you think you should, but don't hurt him - he won't strike first."

This is going to take every ounce of restraint in her being, but she's going to try not to look like she's screaming internally too much. She's likewise getting between him and some of the younger members of the group, however; she's going to ensure their safety no matter what.]

So, you're Cyrus...I suppose this meeting was indeed inevitable.

[Camilla's choosing her words very carefully, along with her tone.]

I do suppose we may have to disagree on what constitutes pointless strife and hostility, or at least the cost required to remove it.

[azumods]

I'm not surprised by that sort of response. Again, I never sought permission for what I've done, nor have I ever demanded understanding. I understood full well that I would be granted neither.

[It doesn't seem to trouble him, though; his words aren't casual in the least, but they're cold and unaffected. It is what it is, nothing more.]

[heritrix]

[Even if he hadn't introduced himself just now, or the town hadn't gone so quiet, Rin thinks she would still be wary around this man. There's something about his demeanor that's so off-putting, right down to his posture; she can't immediately put her finger on why that is.]

It is. [She can agree to that, at least, bland and business-like.] Not that I thought we'd be fortunate enough to put it off for much longer.

[Still facing him, she angles her head in such a way that implies she's trying to focus not just on what's in front of her, but behind her. The town is still too quiet.]

Have you done something?

[azumods]

...Not for the time being.

[And there's something in that, the notion of not yet, the idea that something may come to pass that people will find very, very unpleasant eventually; it's not a threat so much as it is something he seems to be taking as a given.]

[semistableman]

[Bucky doesn't speak, just freezes up very, very suddenly, not like he's about to attack, but like he's shut down from the lack of ability to get the hell out of dodge.

It's Flora who, like usual is by his side, looks incredibly protective of the two.]

[azumods]

[He'll notice, but he isn't going to call Bucky out on it; he's used to responses to his presence being a little mixed, nowadays.

After all, everyone in this world knows what he did to it.]

[greydients]

[....oh. Rey had been incredibly excited when they'd been granted the opportunity to enter the Celestic Ruins - particularly after her conversation with Cynthia - so there's a small part of her that's frankly quite annoyed their visit has been interrupted.

The rest is a mixture of fear, curiosity and rage - for now, the former two are winning over the latter. Not for the first time since they started their adventure in Sinnoh, Rey wishes Cynthia was here. They were never supposed to face Cyrus alone, were they? Why has he chosen now, of all times? Because they're trapped in here?

...that doesn't quite seem right. Mentally collecting herself, Rey straightens her posture and does her best to look this frightening man in the eyes.]

...why have you chosen the Ruins, to meet with us? This is a sacred place, so...we shouldn't fight here.

[azumods]

[That... It's an interesting angle to take, he supposes, though it isn't as though his demeanor shifts any in response to it.]

It wouldn't be the first time this place has seen battle, between myself and someone interested in protecting it... It isn't something I intend to pursue, however. Your ruins will remain untouched. They're nothing more than a monument to what was once, at any rate.

[enjoymyatelier]

...

God, Mars and Saturn have no taste whatsoever.

[we're going to die, his nice ruin appreciation was ruined, we're going to die, kayneth you have no business criticizing another dude's weird eyebrows]

I suppose you're here to try and drag us back to do your bidding, then?

[discutio]

[for shiva's fucking SAKE, kayneth]

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

[Strangled squeaking noise.

WHY THIS, WHY NOW.]

W-w-wait. I-I-If you're not here to...to off us, or whatever, and you don't think what we've done so far is w-w-worrying, th-then why are you here?

[What is your strategy even, sir.]

[azumods]

It's a matter of courtesy, at this point. Meeting with those who are so determined to "save" this world, misguided though those efforts may be... It seems appropriate on at least some level.

[ventulus]

[ It's not something that Ventus expected, so he just kind of stares there, a little kind of surprised ( more than a little, um ) and actually kind of really apprehensive. You know, if we're putting this lightly, before his expression gears into something else, like ... one that's tense. ]

What happened to Jupiter and Saturn? Did you do anything to them?

[ Okay that's the first question he can think of, if anything. He's not sure a proper greeting is necessary, considering what he has at his disposal. ]

[azumods]

[His gaze remains impassive at that question, though the answer is...considered, before he speaks.]

My commanders have returned to me. I can assure you that they're safe, and no harm has befallen them.

Does their condition concern you...?

[divinedescendant]

[It takes a moment to overcome the trained instinct of standing back and being guarded, but Emmeryn joins the other few who step towards the front of the group. god, fine, here we the FUCK go—but she's drawn herself up at Cyrus's entrance; not that she doesn't always hold steady, and she is ever the diplomat, but against a presence like this, for the first time in months now, she has to stand as queen.]

Cyrus. [A polite nod of greeting.] My name is Emmeryn, in case introductions are necessary. I must say, I was not expecting these to be the circumstances under which we finally met—least of all if you have gone rather out of your way for a group you haven't concern with. Is there something you came to ask of us?

[azumods]

[He can appreciate the diplomacy, if nothing else.]

Consider it a matter of professional courtesy, if it pleases you to do so... I wouldn't say that this is any more out of my way than anything else.

[redbellion]

[ keith wasn't prepared to meet cyrus now, but it is what it is. and he has questions. he's not interested in negotiations or diplomacy, and if anyone else is ready to throw down then he's 100% here for that. but it doesn't look like things are going in that direction, so he takes in a deep breath to try to keep his anger from bubbling to the surface. ]

Were you the one who brought us here?

[azumods]

Not individually, but it was on my orders.

[azumods]

[Cyrus continues to remain calm throughout the discussions being had; his expression remains as impassive as ever, his posture rigid and straight, hands folded behind his back. His gaze, however, is cold and hard, and it seems after a while that he's steeling himself for something, pulling his focus inward for a moment before addressing the group as a whole.]

It's good to see that my curiosity regarding you wasn't entirely unfounded, nor was it a waste of time. I admit that you're more haphazard than I would have expected, but I believe it to have been worthwhile to meet those responsible for the recent alterations to the region.

Unfortunately, however, our time together ends now. I came here because I wished to speak to you before the world ends.

As remarkable though I find you, you cannot be permitted to continue to exist. As Sinnoh has been tainted and therefore rendered worthless, this world and all within it will be destroyed in the interest of starting anew. Spirit cannot be allowed to develop in my perfect world; those affected by it will be recreated, and those inducing that affectation will be eliminated.

[He pauses for a moment once that's out there, though.]

...In another world, another time, perhaps things could have been different. But I can't allow for that possibility now.

[gekkaju]

[This. This is what renders Atsushi completely speechless. Part of him knew something was coming, but this...

He's not sure he could say anything if he even wanted to.

...actually anyone standing nearby might wanna just...stay nearby just in case, because he's looking pretty pale all of a sudden, his expression distant and completely struck numb.]

[azumods]

[Between the sudden appeals to whatever Bucky and Rey believe they're doing, and Ignis and Rin attempting to provide an alternate solution, and...well, the generalized yelling from everyone else, it doesn't seem to be bringing Cyrus out of whatever simply shut down in his head; his gaze darts downward, though he doesn't seem to be seeing anything - rather, he's focusing rather tightly on the empty space a few inches in front of his face, and despite all his distance his hands have formed tight fists at his sides.

But that doesn't last long, and even though his breathing is heavy his movement is sharp when his right hand comes up, reaching skyward in one strong, abrupt upward sweep.

And when he speaks he only offers one word, and even if his movements are harsh, the syllables are quiet.]

Judgement.

[And with that, the world ends.

It ends in a split blast of countless beams of light raining down from on high, and even as you're in the cave and sheltered from most of the blast there's something about a world ending that you can feel, something that rattles through you and threatens to shatter you from the inside, and even as the world is dying there's suddenly something in the cave with you - something that started from the shrine and emanated its way inside, bright lights in shades of blue and yellow and pink that glow softly just above your heads and there's something there then, something that keeps you steady and in place, something that anchors you and keeps your soul at ease and even though everything is ending around and outside of this place you know for a terrible, heartwrenching fact (It doesn't surprise me, that your heart should ache for the incomplete creatures of this world) that somehow, you're going to be all right.

You're not going to die here.

You don't register much else, after those bright beams of light smash into the ground; just that you're safe, and something has rendered you that way, and something strong pulses through you to give you strength. Whichever resonates with you most.

Willpower and determination.
A drive to make things better.
Emotional fortitude to push you through.

You black out.

But something saves you, because something has decided that your journey isn't over yet, even as the rest of the world is reborn around you.]