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

[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.

[niceoppai]

Someone? You mean Cynthia, or... someone else?

[Chelsea is trying so hard not to visibly shake and she's really not succeeding.]

[azumods]

[That does get a brief pause out of him. Not long, but enough.]

...Someone else.

[niceoppai]

[Someone important, then. Huh.]

Aren't a lot of things monuments to what used to be? Nothin' wrong with that. I mean, I know you hate life and all that, but, uh... yeah, sorry.

[she is not angelica she cannot sass the final boss how does she not die]

[azumods]

[...Wh...]

I don't...hate life, in and of itself.

[niceoppai]

You don't? Then why d'you hate all the emotion and free will stuff?

[azumods]

Free will isn't a negative thing, per se. A hindrance, in some circumstances. But not altogether terrible.

I seek only to eliminate the source of strife and unnecessary torment.

[niceoppai]

I mean, I guess that sounds kinda noble, but...

[She gulps and looks around at the others. She should probably just shut up. But after everything they've done, what would that help?]

Don't you think it's more painful now?

[azumods]

In what way...?

[niceoppai]

Y'know, all the happiness people're missing out on, how they're just too scared to face you. I mean, uh, we're kind of a mess, no wonder you thought we weren't important enough to deal with, but at least we can feel.

[She flinches like she's said too much.]

How do Ignis and Camilla and them do this?

[azumods]

What I've done is ensure a lack of pain among them. Any that remains is residual, and will fade over time... Once the imperfection has been purged entirely, it will guarantee lasting peace.

I believe it to be worth the price.

[niceoppai]

Everything's imperfect! I mean, it's terrifying, going through life, but so's this whole non-life. This isn't peace, is it?

[azumods]

My own efforts... My attempts to bring about peace and a lack of strife... I imagine they speak for themselves, regarding what I believe on the matter.

[greydients]

[That comment drives Rey to glance around the cavern, taking in the murals once more; there's so much history here, an entire world's story laid out across the stone walls...until Cyrus had arrived, she'd felt completely at peace. There's comfort in knowing he isn't planning to attack them, at least, although that doesn't surprise her.]

Cynthia mentioned you weren't a fan of violence, but still...that's good to know.

[The thought of accidentally damaging one of these beautiful murals makes her feel sick, after all.

...that and the fact that they would probably lose miserably, but that isn't the point.]

...this isn't your first time here, then.

[azumods]

[You have some interesting priorities.]

It isn't. Though it's been some time.

[greydients]

[Everyone else seems to have the OH GOD IT'S HIM, THAT GUY reactions covered, so she might as well try another angle. That being said, one of Cynthia's comments from their conversation has been sticking in Rey's mind ever since Cyrus walked in.

But I won't say that I understand him - that's not something I can do without hearing what he has to say, and no one's had that opportunity for a long time.

....if they aren't going to fight - this time - maybe it's worth giving that whole 'listening' thing a shot. What does she have to lose?]

I take it you're not here just for nostalgia, then.

[azumods]

I'm here as a point of courtesy. It doesn't strike me as altogether inappropriate, meeting with those that are so determined to "save" the world. Or am I mistaken...?

[greydients]

[Well you could have like. not interrupted their tour of the Cool Ruins but you know what, she'll take it.]

I'm not about to thank you for taking the time, but I suppose you coming here personally means we're doing something right.

[She's never met a God before, but she's assuming they don't usually just pop up when people least expect it.

...]

...are you curious about us? I'm happy to answer your questions if you'll answer some of mine.

[azumods]

...I won't guarantee answers you'll be fond of.

[But he isn't saying he won't answer, straight-out.]

[greydients]

I'd be surprised if they were, honestly.

[...although the fact that he's open to giving answers in general is a good sign, so.

...]

Why haven't you had us stripped of our spirit? You've obviously been keeping an eye on us.

[azumods]

...You overestimate how much of a concern I should find you, or how much of an impact you're truly managing to have.

[...jesus, cyrus, really.]

[greydients]

[Well damn, don't hold back or anything-]

...well you obviously must think we're worth your time in some manner, since you're here. Or is this visit more for your own amusement?

[...

are you bored or something]

[azumods]

I've explained my presence here multiple times. I would suggest not dwelling on it, if it troubles you so much.

[greydients]

[Alright, point taken. Time for some curlier questions, then.]

Are you going to let us return to our homes?