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[Okay. Emmet has been...sort of informed. Gladion still doesn't want to think about that "she's my mom" business too hard, but he feels a lot less.......unbalanced.

On the other hand, he has a new reason to not want to roam around the caves too much. So he's just going to...hang around near Ingo's quarters until his shift is over...

No shortage of things to brood about in the meantime.]

[Ingo is, at least, very easy to locate! It turns out that he's extremely punctual when allowed to develop a routine rather than just scratching out a living in the streets, and he arrives back at his quarters after his cleaning shift just when he's meant to. Gladion's presence doesn't immediately strike him as unusual. They've kept quite close to one another for most of their time in this world - maybe a little less so, of late, but this still feels entirely natural.]

Good afternoon, Gladion!

Hey. [A completely normal greeting. Gladion seems tense, though.] I need to let you in on something that happened today. Got a few minutes?

[Ah, yes - he's picking up on that now. Ingo sobers, though of course it's only a tiny shift in expression.]

Of course. Please, have a seat.

[There's only the basic furniture in here, but he does have chairs!]

[Works for him. He's too busy running through what he rehearsed in his head to worry about the amenities.]

I already told Emmet about this. [To get that out of the way.] It's about someone living in the caves who I need to avoid for now.

[Ingo nods.]

Are they a danger?

I don't know, and that's the problem. Because if she's not, I don't want to end up harming her.

[Okay, rewind to some context:]

She's related to me, but our history is complicated, and we're not on good terms. She's been in this world for a while now, apparently.

[Well then! Ingo's hardly a stranger to family relationships with complex history - at least, not as of the past few days - but this sounds quite the opposite of his own situation. Potentially a threat isn't not a threat, but it's too close for his liking. More observation may be necessary.]

I see. What does she look like?

Older than me. Long hair, the same color as mine. When I saw her she was wearing white, that's normal for her, and her monster aspects look Bug-type. Also, she has a Pokemon with her. It's called Bewear. Tall, pink and black fur, white muzzle...

[...actually wait, he should...warn Ingo about the species...and Emmet too when he sees him again. Hm.]

...She's a friendly Pokemon, but Bewear are, uh, physically affectionate and very, very strong, so just look out for that in general.

Edited 2022-10-19 03:58 (UTC)

Thank you for the warning.

[Ingo, from his tone, is not unfamiliar with the type!]

Would you like me to speak to her, if I see her? It sounds as though you need more information, before deciding which tracks to follow. [And Ingo is...not above lying, or at least concealing the truth, in such circumstances!]

[Holy crap it is such a relief to just have people be on the same page as you. Thank you for being a mildly shady bitch, Ingo.

Gladion sighs heavily and pushes a hand back through his bangs.]

I...told Emmet to be careful about mentioning me if he runs into her, because it might...I don't know, provoke her. But she already saw me, so...I don't know. If you meet her, just act normal, I guess. And I would like to know... [mmmrrrrg] ...how she's doing?

Of course.

[Ingo thinks for a second - this seems a bit precarious - before asking:]

If I may ask...what kind of danger might she pose?

[Fuck. fuuuuuck. He's already, like...committed to threading a needle on this. How does he explain without just...airing all her dirty laundry.

Rubbing his hand back down his face...

...He has to get into some of it. And he'll just have to...trust Ingo's good judgment. Which actually sounds...fine? That really might be all it takes. Huh.

Okay.]

If she's changed, maybe nothing. The last time she and I talked, things were...not like they are now. Here or back home. But if she's still like she used to be, she can be unpredictable. She decides how she wants things to be, and if you don't let her have her way, she'll just...do whatever she has to do to make you give in or get out of her sight. So if the way she wants things to be doesn't involve me, hearing about me will probably just set her off.

Edited 2022-10-20 02:13 (UTC)

[Good to know! Though honestly, Ingo's more concerned about how she may be dangerous to Gladion than to himself. If something happens between him and this mysterious woman, he'll just deal with it.]

Do you think she may try to...do anything to you?

[He's thinking of ex-Commander Kamado. That's another man who made up his mind and made things happen, no matter what anyone else said.]

[See, he doesn't think so. But that's just his hunch, because she'd never done anything to him specifically - she would always go around him, do something that he would have to react to. That intuition comes from before Lillie ever told him about how she got worse. He can't imagine it, but she's done plenty of things he never managed to imagine.]

Probably not. [And then there's the other side of this question, in the present, where he needs to shake off Ingo's concern like Silvally needs to shake off a few gallons of water after a downpour.] If she hasn't changed, she'll try to ignore what bothers her before anything else. I'd just have to let her.

[ie stay out of sight.]

Very well.

[That's his first concern, really: safety. Though it's still a Pokemon world, he's not exactly from a place where safety was guaranteed - not from Pokemon, not from other people.

It's not the only thing, though.]

How are you doing? As you are aware, I have...little experience with family myself, but this must be a stressful situation.

[Emmet nudging him over and over to "share his troubles!" is still fresh in mind, as is how natural it feels to recoil from the idea. And he knows - he's spent months being practically baited away from it, like some kind of rescued Pokemon being tempted with treats to do its exercises - he knows he shouldn't do that.

But past the embarrassment is a yawning void he can't see any way across. How? How is he supposed to talk about this to someone who wasn't there to see enough to understand? How does he explain that this really is his responsibility to someone if they're already committed to insisting that it isn't?

Of course he's stressed. But he's capable of handling it, because leaving it alone for other people to handle would be so, so much worse. And Lillie was able to face her down at her absolute worst, so he needs to do his part too; he won't be a kid forever, if he really even still is, and he needs to keep up with her.

(But she got ahead of him in the first place by reaching out.)

Gladion has to chew on that for a little too long. He's clearly aware of the awkward length of the pause, and looks uncomfortable as it drags on, but can't find the words to end it right away.]

...I wasn't ready for this. [As if Ingo was ready for any of what happened with Emmet? Ugh. He's trying to sound less grave about this, more aware of the absurdity and less invested in the disappointment, but...] Someday I was going to talk to her again, but it wouldn't have happened this soon if things were normal.

[But if things were "normal", Ingo and Emmet also wouldn't have been able to meet, so...

He's still trying.]

[Yeah, that's...that's a long and concerning pause!]

You do not have to speak with her if you do not wish it. No one is entitled to that. Emmet and I can... [Ingo blinks. Hm.] We can intervene if need be. I think we may have done things like that before.

I want to. [He wants to be able to bring her back, too. He doesn't have to speak with her, but if he doesn't, then she just...goes on like that?] I'm just not sure...how...yet.

[Between words, he appears to think of something that surprises him.

(That's what he can seek help with. Learning how. It feels...incredibly obvious, in hindsight, like the foothold had been there the whole time and he just hadn't bothered to look. Or listen. It's exactly what the twins have been talking about when they offer to talk to her for him, isn't it?)

(Whatever. No need to get embarrassed. He has a goal and a clearer head now.)

For the first time in a few minutes, Gladion looks back up at Ingo, as if returning to the surface from whatever burrow he'd backed down into to brood over the whole topic.]

What would you do if you had to "intervene"?

One of us would provide a distraction, and the other would manage the escape. Or else we would simply be a barrier.

[There's something he's...not remembering. Feeling out, like someone grasping in a dark tunnel. But that is less important than Gladion's present problem; he'll see if Emmet can place it later, if he remembers to ask him.

Ingo thinks he might know what prompted the question, though! He looks a bit embarrassed.]

I do not...typically react as I did with Emmet. [He panicked! Badly! Swear he won't sucker-punch Lusamine the second he sees her!]

[Oh god he hadn't even thought of that. Caught off-guard by the idea, Gladion snorts, and also looks a bit horrified.]

Ha, yeah, that would end badly. [Voice kinda light. He's almost smiling though! Even if it is kind of a grimace!]

[Ugggh, he feels so bad about that now - but at least it seems to have amused Gladion somewhat?]

I will ensure that Emmet does the same.

[For some reason, he's got the sense his brother might very well get up in someone's face?]

It's fine. [Not the telling Emmet part, just in general. This is good! We're good. He still feels mixed up about the whole situation but this has been a good talk. None of this will get said out loud because he's a teenager. You know.]

...Emmet suggested "getting up in her business" to investigate. [do you like being right] Told him that was a bad idea.

[so. gladion actually did not say that specifically, he just implied it. for the record.]

Edited 2022-10-24 04:15 (UTC)

I...suppose he does that.

[Ingo blinks. It is nice to be right, if slightly surprising!]

But I am sure he will respect your judgement on the matter! [He hopes, anyway? He doesn't feel like he really knows Emmet that well...but maybe a part of him does.]

[His judgment on the matter...

Man. Maybe it's been long enough now since The Encounter for some of his thoughts to have started sorting themselves out, because suddenly he just has this...wad of things he wants to tell Silvally. (And, of course, he can't. And, you know, he might never get to.)

(His face falls again without him really realizing it.)

(How did Lillie ever get over this uncertainty? He should know how. But, how?)

Gladion is thinking, solemnly for a first few moments with his eyes on the table, then restlessly for a few moments more with his gaze roaming anywhere but Ingo's face. Brain Lillie is back, and she's suggested that he say what he's feeling, and he's fighting with himself about it.]

I, uh. [When you fight with yourself, every victory is also a defeat, and vice versa. He looks uncomfortable uncomfortable, though thankfully not in a dire-situation way.] I don't know if - I'm not sure if I tru- no. Uh.

[His ears are turning red. He doesn't expect Ingo to laugh, but also....like......please don't laugh.......]

I - honestly - my judgment on the matter. Not too confident in it. I guess. I - think I know how she'd react to things, but figuring out the right thing to do, that's more...

[He. Shrugs, as if to dismiss the whole thing, but it's clearly out of embarrassment because come the fuck on now. He's so torn because it does, in fact, feel kind of good in a gross way to air an insecurity like that, but also it kind of feels bad as hell too and Lillie are you sure this is what makes you less cringe.]

[Ingo doesn't laugh! He doesn't even look amused - though, probably Gladion hasn't seen him that way often enough to be able to read it on his weird face anyhow.]

We cannot always know the right thing to do before we do it. You can only do what you think is best, and adjust your strategies if you find the need. [...] Would it help to discuss your plans?

[Not without explaining more about her. And he just...can't do that yet. Not until...not yet. On the chance, on the sliver of hope that she's better and all this worry is for nothing.

He shakes his head slowly.]

Nah, I barely have a plan yet. Just wanted to [hear that it was fine to not have everything under control?] be honest.

Very well. But should you ever wish to talk more about it - or, indeed, if you need anything at all - please know that I am always here for you.

[He leans forward in his seat as he says this, painfully earnest in a way that clearly indicates he's not fully picking up on this particular flavor of Teenage Embarrassment.]

[internal screaming. external staring at the table.]

Thank you, Ingo.

[overwhelmed + self-conscious but he can manage to be genuine for that much at least.]

Of course. I do not know what I would have done in this place, if you were not here.

[Maybe he'd have fled E+L on his own. Probably he would have. But maybe, alone and so terrifyingly vulnerable, he wouldn't have been able to defy them. Regardless, it was certainly easier to muster the will to escape and survive when he was not alone.]

Ho ho ho! Your Secret Santa giftee is KAZUICHI SOUDA. Didn't get a network call-sign for this one, but I have total faith in your ability to figure it out.

Buy or make Souda a gift by December 26, or Santa will come down your chimney and box your ears.

If you need more information, contact me C/O Hawkeye Pierce at Crowe Clinic, and I'll delegate him to tell you to do your own research.

[Inside the irregularly-shaped wrapping is...

A bowl made from a small, conch-like seashell. The interior surface is nacreous and fades from white to a rosy pink. It's about the right size to fit on the Pearl shrine.

(It was purchased from the craftswomen of Merain at the Night Market!)

There is also a gift for both Ingo and Emmet. This one is much more rectangular. It's a 3000-piece jigsaw puzzle! Have fun, guys.]

[Ingo is delighted by this gift! He will be using it as a regular part of his morning ritual from here on out!

Also he gets unreasonably sucked into the puzzle at first and has to be dragged away because no one can finish a 3000-piece puzzle in one sitting!]

[Ingo's gift comes in wrapping paper decorated with smiling little snowmen. Inside is an artisan clay wall hanging, bought from the Nattenfest market!]

Something nice to decorate your new home with! - Triffany

[How nice! Triffany will receive a handwritten thank-you note a couple of days later, because...well actually he doesn't know if this is what you do for Nattenfest but it seems appropriate?]

[You know, Emmet was just going to wrap this up and give it to you like a normal person, but then you snuck a jacket into his closet. Soon after that, next time Ingo checks his closet, there will be a copy of Emmet and Ingo's iconic coat in black. In the pockets will be various snacks (no chocolate though!) that Emmet crammed in.]

[There is also a Nattenfest Card. It has a cheerful drawing of the Nattenkatt on it. Inside is a note to 'Big Brother Ingo' about how glad Emmet is to get to spend the holiday(s?) with you and can't wait to spend many more with you.]

Edited 2022-12-21 16:24 (UTC)

[WELL JUST FOR THAT, YOU DON'T GET TO SEE INGO CRY WHEN HE FINDS THIS

Though he will be seeking Emmet out almost immediately afterwards! He is wearing the coat, and spreads his arms when he sees him as if to show it off. Or invite a hug. One of those.]

EMMET!

[Emmet sticks his head out of the blanket fort where he has currently set up camp with his Nattenkatt gift of Ms. Noodles, the life-sized plush joltik. Emmet's smile widens as he sees Ingo has found the coat! He crawls out of the fort and launches himself at Ingo.]

You found it.

Ah - !

[Moving entirely on instinct, Ingo shifts his weight back on one heel and catches Emmet in a hug!]

Uh. Yes. I did.

[You're gonna need to give him like two seconds to process everything that has just occurred, sorry.]

I am glad it looks like it fits right, yup.

[Emmet was worried the changes would make it fit odd.]

[Ingo sucks in a sharp breath, which sounds abruptly like he is crying.

...oh, dear. He is crying.

It's a strange feeling. Not the tears, though Ingo has always been rather stoic. The hug. He's never hugged Emmet before. He has hugged Emmet before a thousand times. No concrete memory presents itself; there's too many. Dizzying. He clutches Emmet closer, presses his face into his brother's collar, and says in a muffled voice.]

It fits perfectly.

[Emmet rests his own head on Ingo's better shoulder. He wasn't going to call out the crying, but he will rub Ingo's back. Ingo was one of the few people that Emmet was willing to let touch him, much less hug him.]

[But Emmet has missed this over the past two months and he was only going to let go when Ingo did.]

[Ingo doesn't even know why he's crying in the first place. He's just - overwhelmed.

First the coat. He's never let anyone try to fix it. Whether from sentiment or superstition, he was just too anxious about altering what few remnants of the past he still had. That was why he always wore the coat and hat. It felt like if he didn't keep them always, just as they were, something would break. But since coming to Bavan, he grew so worried about ruining it entirely that he stopped wearing it at all. It was safe...but being without it felt awful.

And then, Emmet himself. Ingo's held back out of fear there too. He'd been afraid to ruin everything, so he did nothing. He shouldn't have. He thinks - especially here and now - he thinks he's starting to realize:]

I missed you.

[He hadn't known what he was missing. But he missed him.]

[Emmet blinked. Missed him? When? Was it back when everything was weird between them? Emmet knows he really wasn't himself then- but was he that bad?]

[He tightens his own grip on Ingo though, digging his fingers into the fabric of the coat. Emmet is trying to ignore the tears building up in his own eyes. This was one of those moments where his tongue would refuse to operate and his mouth would clamp itself up. So all he does is hold on to Ingo.]

[Ingo stays there, clinging to Emmet, until his breathing begins to even out and everything clanging around in his mind starts to settle down. Out of the noise, something begins to resolve. His grip loosens, and he suddenly pulls back enough to look Emmet in the face.]

You... [His gaze is a bit odd, like he's not really seeing Emmet at all. Focused somewhere else.] You did that...before. When we were much younger. We had - won some important battle, I think, and you jumped on me. You knocked me over!

[Probably Emmet has done that Many Many Times, but this instance is what comes to mind right now. Something about...they beat someone important? Ah, but how important can the person have been if they were only children? He thinks they were quite young.]

[Emmet can think of many times when he has done that, to be honest. The first gym battle they won, as they got further along in the Gym Challenge and were able to make it up to the champion.]

[Emmet brought a hand up to his face as he pondered this.]

I've done that a lot, but I will tell you about all the times I can remember, yup.

Hm.

[Ingo blinks his way back to the here and now, pressing the heel of his palm against one eye for a second. It doesn't exactly hurt - the headaches are really when he's straining to remember, not when things just happen. But it's always sort of disorienting.

Still. He wants to know.]

Yes, yes! Come, let us sit!

[He's gonna try and get into that blanket fort Emmet just came from, tucking his wings very close against his back! Once safely inside, he takes a candy bar (white chocolate, not real chocolate!) from one of his pockets and automatically snaps it in half to offer Emmet a piece.]

[Emmet automatically accepts the bit of white chocolate and takes a bite.]

When we were younger, we did the Gym Challenge as part of our Pokemon Journey. A Pokemon Gym is where someone specializes in a type of Pokemon and the one in charge of the Gym is a true specialist in that particular type.

[Ingo’s first thought is, It would be very easy to battle someone who uses only one type. His second is that it would be equally easy to formulate counters for a challenger who tried to rely solely on type advantage, and his third is that these journeys are usually undertaken by children anyway, right? Maybe it is meant to teach them! Serious battles are the best, but beginner trainers must learn first!]

And children on their journeys go there to train?

[Emmet nods.] Yup. You learn how that type works, the skills it has, and its defenses and weaknesses. And when you beat the leader, you get a gym badge which usually comes with perks such as traded Pokemon listening to you if they were too strong before and maybe a TM.

Bravo! What a useful teaching tool!

[He's definitely picturing there being eighteen gyms, one for each type - but that is a neat way to teach children how type matchups work, as well as providing a deeper look into each type itself! These are the foundations for battling!

Ingo has no idea what a TM is, or what gym badges have to do with a Pokemon respecting you, but he decides to shelve both these questions. They're practical, not personal. That halfway-memory wasn't about how the gym system operated.]

What was the first gym we trained at? Our first Pokemon were not the same types.

Well, we were going to try and do our Uncle's gym. But he is verrrrry strong and pretty much told us to go to another gym. So we went to a Normal-Type Gym.

[Ingo blinks in surprise. Not that their uncle would send them away - even as a child, he thinks he'd have been upset if someone went unfairly easy on him. But - ]

We have an uncle?

[IMMEDIATELY DISTRACTED! He supposes that, logically, they probably do have other relations. It's just never really occurred to him to ask.]

Yup. He trains Dragon-Types. He wrestles them sometimes.

I did something like that once.

[Ingo looks faintly haunted at the recollection, and does not elaborate further!]

What is his name?

{Emmet will not prod on that one, simply because of the look Ingo is giving.]

Drayden. He is also a Mayor. He is verrry busy, he is our mom's big brother.

[Which was why people would be so surprised to find out the close relationship between the twins and Drayden, people would assume the same surname at least!]

[It's a bit odd, to hear this information and not...really feel much about it. That's probably because they aren't here. Family was always an idle hypothetical notion before. He'd been a little bit sad to think he might not have had any, but then he'd be a little bit sad to think he might have, and he'd abandoned them, and then he'd always set the whole matter aside as useless theorizing anyway.

It never seemed real enough to really worry about until he met Emmet. Even now, these other figures are distant. If he ever does meet them, though, Ingo knows he'll feel awful.]

Tell me about our parents?

Mom runs a preschool outside of town and Dad works in a Pokemon center in the back assisting Nurse Joy.

[Emmet, that's like four concepts he doesn't really recognize? But Ingo thinks he can glean what a "preschool" is, so...]

That is...somewhere for Pokemon care?

[He nods.] Yup, trainers and Pokemon hang out there a lot. You go there to get your Pokemon healed after battles.

[Emmet forgets things that are just so common place to him are now alien concepts to Ingo.]

Like the Galaxy medical wing! Though I do not know that many people hang out there.

[The nurses are nice enough, but Ingo's never felt much need to loiter about the place! He often tends to his own Pokemon in any case. He's used to doing that when he is on the mountain, just as Akari and the rest of the Survey Corps do at their base camps.

His ears shift further back for a quiet moment. But he must be more forthright with Emmet! Even if he worries that his thoughts and feelings on these matters might be painful for his brother to hear, it is worse to hide them. Emmet does seem to know when he isn't saying things.]

It is strange. I never felt certain whether or not I had any family, before. I feel...guilty, that I do not remember any of them.

[The fault isn't in Emmet's descriptions. Ironically, words alone have never seemed to trigger much for him.]

Don't feel guilty. [Emmet said easily, breaking off another bit of the white chocolate and eating it.] Because that means you did something wrong.

[Emmet appreciates how honest Ingo is being. But, it is a bit sad to think about, being forgotten.]

Besides, you had many irons in the fire, yup. And it is not like there was any proof of us being there to help you.

I suppose it is better to know for sure. I never did care for the option where I didn't have any.

[Sure, it would mean he left no one behind to worry for him! In a lot of ways, that might have been best for everyone, or at least it had seemed that way at the time. But it had always left him feeling rather lonely all the same.

Emmet always makes these things sound so simple. He has a point, though. Whatever did happen, Ingo's sure he didn't choose it, and tying himself up in knots over it never helps anyone. He idly takes a bite of his own white chocolate. At any rate, he did just remember something, even if it wasn't much. Maybe he should focus on that.]

The Normal-type gym leader...were they a woman?

I wouldn't like to think about that option either. [Family was important to Emmet. He couldn't imagine not being without one, it sounded...so lonely.] After all, where family is, you have a home, right? [Be it biological or found. Family is family.]

[Emmet nodded.]

Yup, so is the current one, Lenora.

Well...yes. I just never liked the idea of having left anyone behind, either! But there were no truly good options.

[No matter which was true, it meant that someone was alone where they shouldn't have been. Ingo often tried to convince himself that he'd rather it were him, but alone at night on the mountain, it grows difficult to be quite that selfless.

Though...when Ingo pauses for a second this time, what he's really thinking about is Gladion. Who has made his home with them, and not with his mother. Does Lusamine know that? What might she do if she ever finds out? She already knew Gladion was around, but she didn't breathe a word of it when Ingo met her. He can't imagine knowing a family member was in Ryslig and not dropping everything to find them. But that only makes him more resolute in his decision not to say a word to her about any of it. He and Emmet are looking out for Gladion now.]

I remember a woman laughing at us, after we won that battle and you tackled me. Not in an unkind way! Looking back, she must have been amused by our youthful antics!

[In the moment, Ingo's pretty sure he was embarrassed, if only briefly amid the joy of victory. But he's got a different perspective looking back now. He thinks he would probably get bored if his job were only teaching, but he has enjoyed seeing the people of Hisui build their battling skills!]

She was proud of us too, I bet! We learned a lot and we got our Basic Badge. Our first step as professionals!

There must be a great many professional battlers, if there are so many gyms!

[Of course he'd known professional battlers were a thing! That was their job! Or half of it, at least! But the potential scale of it is hitting him now. Anything beyond a handful seems like a lot to him!]

It must have been an important moment to me!

It was important to me. [Emmet grabs Ms. Noodles and sets it down between the two of them.] There are. But it is tough to do, yup. You really need to have a bond with your Pokemon.

Then I am glad to have remembered it! Though I would like to know more about how the battle went.

[Objectively, it probably wasn't that interesting by his current standards, but it must have been exciting indeed to his child self! He's intrigued by the entire notion of double battles anyway; it's something he's done once or twice in Hisui, but rarely.

Ingo picks up Ms. Noodles to study her idly. It isn't the first time he's seen her, but they haven't really spoken about it.]

What manner of Pokemon is this?

It is a Joltik. I breed them. Wanted to get cross-poison on a Galvantula.

They do best in groups because they are one of the smallest Pokemon.

Ah, breeding! That's quite rarely done in Hisui!

[Really, he can't say it's done at all, though Ingo at least has always had the possibility floating around in the back of his mind.]

Breeding Pokemon is fun. You can make sure they get good natures and everything when you are the one making sure they are the best they can be. Strong, full of energy, healthy, nice and fluffy. Also Egg Moves and good IVs.

[Because look at Joltiks, you know they are fuzzy feeling.]

I have thought about it. I believe I knew how to go about it, even if I did not remember the practice itself - but I was already keeping very busy! And I suspect the Galaxy Team would not appreciate it.

[Probably very few people would, if Ingo just started wildly increasing the population of any given Pokemon!]

They can deal, yup. And what kind were you thinking about breeding?

I do not believe I ever came that far in my planning. [...] Perhaps Sneasel. I know all of the strongest Sneasel in the area, and in theory that could be within my Warden's duties. Especially now that the Johtonian Sneasel population is increasing.

[Obviously Lady Sneasler would not be involved, but protecting her bloodline generally is also, theoretically, his responsibility! Also, creating a large wild population of incredibly powerful Hisuian Sneasel just appeals.]

Are they coming from the time distortions or just traveling up north? [a beat.]

I would like to see a Hisuian Sneasel.

Perhaps both. But the individuals I know certainly came from distortions.

[Akari caught one there! Though he could see them traveling north as well - they're ice-types, and Hisui's climate is hospitable to those.]

Their fur is similar to this. [He holds up one of his recently-furry hands.] Though they have purple markings on their shoulders and neck that I do not. And a Sneasel would not have yet grown such claws.

I am now imagining a purple Sneasel. Can they also evolve into Weavile?

No, only Sneasler. A Razor Claw is still needed, but they will not evolve at night!

[Being naturally interested in Sneasel, he's already learned plenty about the Johtonian ones! They're still rather rare in Hisui, but being friends with Akari has its benefits.]

They won't? [Emmet leans forward.] I wonder if there is a way to breed them to make a Johotian Sneasler now. [Emmet thinks Sneasler would look cool in black and red, or pink and yellow after all!]

They are clearly closely related.

[So it seems as though it should be possible? Ingo doesn't quite know how you would go about it, but a dark/ice Sneasler is an interesting notion. Possibly slightly heretical, but no one said it had to become the sitting Noble!]

We should figure it out. [Emmet is now going to think on this, although he has never encountered a Hisuian Sneasel before, it should be possible right? Maybe a few generations of cross-breeding would work...?]

It might bait some psychic-type attacks. Like having a Zoroark disguise itself as something weak to fighting moves.

[A Sneasler that was unaffected by psychic attacks would certainly confuse an opponent! At least at first, but that moment is often all you would need to gain an advantage!]

But Zoroarks are weak to fighting already. Why would it need to disguise? [Emmet said, thinking of non-Hisuian Zoroarks.]

You have non-ghost Zoroark?

[Now that is a weird one!]

Yupyup. They are Dark Types. Very protective, but can hold grudges.

How odd! Our Zoroark are Normal and Ghost types. That is fundamental to their nature! It is said that they are born from the grudges of Pokemon who perished in the cold after they were driven out by humans long ago. I have known some to be won over by kindness, at least when they are met as Zorua, but...wild Zoroark are cruel.

[It's rather unlike Ingo to make such a broad statement about an entire species of Pokemon like that, especially one that's so negative. He doesn't seem like he wants to discuss it.]

[Emmet frowns a little, it is odd for Ingo to say something like that.]

[He wants to ask what happened and it shows. But he won't vocalize it. He knows Ingo will tell him when he is ready, but until then...]

[He thinks the whole story about the thing with the Zoroark will probably just upset Emmet. It doesn't really bother him that much. Maybe a bit more now in retrospect, but - well, it's done with.]

You know. I spoke with someone on the network who was able to have a creature from their home summoned here by Mana.

[Emmet still frowns but will accept the segue into a different topic.]

Are you thinking about bringing a creature from home here?

[Thats what Emmet would do actually.]

I am...considering it.

[Ingo takes the deep breath of "about to SUPER think out loud", and then actually launches into it this time.]

On one hand! It seems incredibly unkind and irresponsible to deliberately bring one of my partners into a place such as this! Ryslig is dangerous, and not in the way any Pokemon would be accustomed to! I do not wish to act selfishly! And...well, I would not like to frighten them.

[With how he's changed. With how he's going to change. He's meant - they’re all meant - to protect people, not prey upon them.]

But on the other, as I have already been told, they would likely choose to accompany me on a dangerous journey if they were aware I was on one! And I cannot deny that I would like their company...but, I cannot present all of this to them and give them the choice. That is not how it works.

[Emmet nods, their partners would like to be with them if they knew, Emmet knew that much. But he could also see the other point, he would rather his Pokemon be safe at home.]

Maybe you can ask this Mana person for the partner who would most want to accompany you here? You don't pick, but they do?

I think that might make them argue...

It could, but then you know for sure the one here is the one who is most willing to go through it for you, yup.

I suppose that's true.

[It still makes him feel a little bad, though! But, then, there are other Pokemon around. From what little he's seen of them, they seem to be doing well enough. Plus...they could have battles, maybe?]

Would you do it?

Wish for one of my team members? [Emmet brings a hand up to his chin to ponder this.]

I would probably wish for a new team member who is best suited for this environment. I miss Archeops and Escavalier, and I know they would want to be with me, but...

But they are verrry spoiled actually.

Interesting! It had not occurred to me that you could do that. You are afraid that this environment would be too much for them?

[He'd just figured they had to come from somewhere. Can you just ask Mana to catch a new Pokemon for you? Granted, Ingo isn't sure he'd do the same; while Ryslig is far worse than anything Hisui has to offer, it's not unheard of for humans to get eaten there from time to time. He thinks they could probably handle the average day here.

He...hadn't actually thought about the fact that he has another team somewhere else until just now. But he doesn't know his Unovan Pokemon anymore. And they're with the other Ingo, in any case; he's not going to tear them away from their home.]

I'm not sure what sort of Pokemon would be best suited.

Maybe ask for a Ryslig Regional Variant?

[Isn't that what Ingo is already, now?]

That could be alarming!

We could start a Rysligian Pokedex.

Laventon would be pleased! Though, can you draw? I am no illustrator on his level.

Nope. But we could get a camera and take pictures.

Ah, I believe that was considered briefly, but it is difficult to convince them to stay still long enough!

Long enough? Just snap a lot of pictures in a row.

[After Peter realizes Ingo (and by extension Emmet, his strange little informant) live in the apartment complex, the teenager makes a point to drop off the gift at their front door. Whenever someone opens the door, they'll find a carefully wrapped package on their doorstep. Ingo's name written across the tag on top.

When opened, the package will reveal a red and white knitted scarf. The colors are broken up in color blocks of red then white.

A more intricately hand sewn patch of Ingo's clan mon/symbol is sewn into the end of the scarf, so no matter how its turned the symbol faces outwards.

Peter also included a note.]

Hey, Ingo!

I'm your Secret Santa, Peter.

I hope you enjoy your gift! Hopefully it keeps you warm for the rest of this winter.

[Oh! He loves it??? Ingo obviously shows this off to Emmet and Gladion, and gets Peter's contact info from the former.]

Greetings! This is Ingo!
Thank you very much for the scarf! It is a wonderful gift!

No problem! I'm just happy you like it! Its one of my first attempts at finger knitting stuff. Hopefully it keeps you warm!

It is quite warm! And very necessary, too, given that my transformation has left me far more vulnerable to the cold than I am accustomed to.
Though I suppose Emmet may have mentioned that? He tells me he spoke to you about this!

We did speak. He mostly gave me a hint about the design. I just kinda winged it for the scarf itself.

I probably should have asked him more questions, but we kinda got derailed by Emmet talking about how much he likes following people around and insisted I should follow you.

[Tattling, you bet your sweet bippy he is!]

Oh, dear!
I thought he had stopped doing that!

[At least one of them is normal? At least, about this?]

I'm glad you know at least?

And no, he has not. I at least kinda got him to think about asking someone before he starts following them?

I have seen him do it before! But not lately!
That would be more polite, but I cannot see it going well.

Did he happen to mention if it is something he did back home as well?

[It's a bit awkward to ask - Ingo should know this! But he doesn't, and he's trying to get a read on whether or not it might be some sort of Ryslig-induced thing.]

He said he was only doing it recently? We didn't talk about how long it has been going on. Just me trying to explain its pretty weird.

I see.
Well! Thank you for letting me know! I will see what I can do!

Good news, bad news;

Bad news; I was shucked once again!

Good news; you didn't have to clean it up this time!

also hello, its Leo, how are you?

Leo!
How on earth did that happen again?

I asked that Mana lady to make me a turtle

It would've been 1000% worth the shuckening part 2 if I was actually a turtle.

Oh, dear.
If I may ask - what are you, now?

Besides a disappointment ;)

A spider, somehow! Very rude of Mana to do, T B H. I'm clearly meant to be a turtle! Born a turtle and I'll die a turtle. I'll figure out how to get to being a turtle again soon enough.

Leo! Do not say such things about yourself!
I may not know you well, but you are a remarkably resilient and good-humored young man!

[yeah this is just how being around Ingo is]

I'll admit, I'm not sure what a turtle is myself.
But perhaps you could research what sort of monsters resemble one, and then ask for that instead?

Hey I was just joking, Train Guy. Don't sweat it! Thank you though??

Are you like Gladion and from a weird world with different animals going on?
Maybe a mermaid would be close enough? Turtles are aquatic.

Gladion and I are from the same world!
We have Pokemon, not animals, but I suppose it is a similar concept!
If that is so, it may work! Mermaids seem to come in quite the wide variety of shapes!

o m g

I can't believe it!! You and Glads are from the same place???

similar but diff. Glads and I went to the zoo to look at animals. He was writing in this little notebook comparing them to pokeman.

We are!
Not the same place precisely - he is from an island region across the ocean, and a few hundred years in the future besides! But the differences are not so great that we cannot understand each other!

[There's a certain level of understanding between those who have known Pokemon, he thinks, that isn't quite there with others.]

Oh, yes? He could likely tell you what Pokemon resemble turtles, then!

Huh. That is cool, unexpected, but cool. The cultural diffs must be a little staggering in places. I mean, this place isn't modern, but, it's sooner than where you were. Cool that you guys are on the same wavelength. He's kinda broody, but nice once you manage to break through the 'I'm unreachable' veneer.

I'll ask him. I did show him actual turtles while we were there.

Gladion and Emmet have mentioned that Bavan is not quite up to their standards of "modern". I can hardly imagine what those might be!
This place was extremely overwhelming to me when I first arrived!
Even now, it often seems like a lot.

[The description of Gladion reads oddly to Ingo, who met him under entirely different circumstances. Well, maybe that's how he is with peers, when things are...relatively safe.]

Gladion has been very helpful since I've been here!

One day, you'll see. See in a way that's not a police state.

If you ever need any Sick Tips, I'm here. I'm from New York, it's waaaay bigger than this. Though Glads already got you covered. I'll just be backup for the backup.

That's cool. Sounds like you need the help getting used to a city. He's got that on lock, at least some of it. He takes all those notes too.

Edited 2023-01-19 01:42 (UTC)

See what?

Yes - we are considering moving out of the city, though not entirely on my account. But we all still work here, so we will be returning regularly!

See a real city!

Are you guys going to just live in the wilderness?

No - I would be happy with that, but I believe Gladion and Emmet would prefer to have a building involved!

[And admittedly, it's probably safer anyway. He hasn't got Pokemon here to stop anything from knocking over his tent.]

But outside of city limits, at the very least.
From what I have seen, and what longer-term residents have said, it seems that disasters often center upon Bavan itself. We may in fact be safer to be more isolated.

Living in buildings is usually way better tbh. Less chance of weather or animals coming to get you.

Yeah, Bavan seems like it gets messed with like constantly. Can't picture living out of a city tho, feels too weird to me at least.

I have never lived in a building before coming here.
Or in a place with more than thirty or so other people.
This has all been very strange to me.

were you like homeless before? Or just like my fam? We live in a sewer back home.

The apartment is exciting but weird, a lot noisier than the sewer system.

I lived in a tent! That was very typical of a Warden!

[He doesn't feel like it was a terrible way to live at all - no matter what other people seem to think of it! Also, he's not entirely sure what a sewer is and he isn't sure how to ask!]

It is quite loud here, isn't it? That has certainly been striking to me as well.

Well, you're warden no more. Just local cool guy supreme.

I'm used to New York being loud, but when you live underground and just hear the water or trains rushing by it seems a lot more distant tbh.

That is not how it works!

[You do not leave your station just by walking away!]

I do enjoy the trains.
I have been working in the subway with Emmet.

I've decided that's just how it be now.

I've only been on the subway for real once. We usually lived like under them or near them in the tunnels. Very cool, but too many humans. At least back home.

They are very crowded! That has been difficult to get used to!
But evidently I used to work in one, so it seemed interesting to try it again!

[Also, admittedly, it was sort of an olive branch towards Emmet.]

If you're used to being Mr. Loner Lives In A Tent, I can see why. Subways contain like way too many people in one space.

Has it been fun doing that again? I guess you don't remember working there before?

No, not at all!

It is interesting! I enjoy helping people find their way to their destination!
But Emmet tells me that I had a much more advanced position before, and I am starting to feel that myself - as I am getting more used to it, my current position is not very exciting. I cannot even see the trains most of the time!

Are you an amnesiac like Bucky is? He says he doesn't remember a lot of stuff either.

Do you just stay on the station all the time now helping people? What kind of position was it before? Did you drive the trains? That seems pretty important.

I am an amnesiac, though I cannot speak to the similarities. My memory for the past five years or so is good, but I cannot recall anything before that.

I was in charge of both station operations and the Pokemon battle competitions that happened on the trains! A position I shared with Emmet, of course - it would likely be too much work for one person!
Certainly it must have been more involved than customer service!

Hello. This is Joshua. Beat gave me your information last night and asked me to contact you regarding some... memory issues, I believe it was?

Ah, yes! I am Ingo. It's excellent to meet you!

To keep a long story short, I lost all of my memories roughly five years ago. Beat thought that you might be able to help with recovering some of them?

It's a pleasure, Ingo.

All of them, hm? Well, so long as they're still buried somewhere in there, I should be able to bring them back to the surface. It's much easier than suppressing, at any rate. Once they've been brought up, they'll stick. Considering the amount of them, however, it may take a few times before I'm able to get them all.

Really?
Would it really be that simple?

I think they must be in there. I have recovered a few fragments over the years. But it has always been very difficult.
There is no risk of side-effects or anything like that?

I do this for a living back in my world. It's really that simple. Just a bit more exhausting here than usual.

There is no risk. Taking it slowly and doing it bit by bit isn't just a precaution so it doesn't exhaust me too quickly. It's also a safeguard against overwhelming your mind by recovering too much at once.

I see.

Have you ever done this before, with someone like me?
I am not questioning your credentials! I am only curious. I have only met one other person with similar troubles, and she had not lost quite so much.

Something like it, at any rate. You see, in my home world, I'm sort of like how the Fog and Elias are here. Typically I'm holding on to memories, either whole or fragments, to be returned later. I may not exactly bring memories to the surface, typically, but it's simple enough for me to do.

[..........]

Do you think that people are roughly the same without memories as they are with them?

It depends on the person, honestly. But... overall, our experiences make us who we are.

If you're concerned about being different once your memories have returned, I wouldn't worry about it. The experiences you've had since losing your memories have shaped you into the person you are today. Those experiences aren't going to disappear just because you've regained what you lost.

The me from before has always felt so distant that he may as well be someone else.
It is a little frightening.
My brother says that I am still myself, but he tries far too hard to spare my feelings.

That's likely because you don't have the experiences of the you from before, because you don't remember them. Therefore, the you from before feels like an entirely different person. A stranger. It's hard to equate a story to yourself when you don't remember it happening.

I'm sure that it is intimidating. However, the decision is entirely yours to make. I won't force anything on you. I'm simply here to help if you decide you want it.

No, no. Emmet deserves for me to at least try.

[His own feelings are more mixed, especially since this isn't really the same as letting them return naturally. Some part of him is afraid that he'll just be...overwritten, somehow, by the man who used to be. That the land and people he cares for so deeply now will suddenly cease to matter to him. But that's Emmet's brother. It would be terrible not to let him have that chance, wouldn't it?]

So, you want to give it a shot, then?

[It certainly sounds like it, at any rate. Ingo will receive two addresses - if he looks them up, the first one is a book store in downtown Bavan. The other is the community center.]

The first address I've sent you is where I will be reliably from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. If you can't make it during those hours and/or on those days, we can make arrangements to meet at the second address. Both are public locations that can be made private, if you have a preference.

[Yes, he...guesses he does. Ingo steels himself. He'd better.]

Very well.
I would prefer it to be private, certainly.
Though I will ask my brother if he would like to come. It will most likely be after sunset - I think he will, and he is a gargoyle now. I shall speak to him and let you know a day.

Good to hear it.

I do not mind if he comes along with you. If we need to do it after sunset, the second address sounds like the way to go. It's the newly established community center.

I'll be waiting to hear from you.

[On the morning of the 14th, and every subsequent day after so long as the groundhog week persists, Ingo will open the front door to his home to find a gift of boxed chocolates and a card, reading:]

Happy Valentine's day Ingo-kun,

I didn't know if you liked chocolates or not, but I wanted to give you something to show my thanks and appreciation for all that you help me with. Please enjoys these, people tell me they're very good!

-Komaeda Nagito

[Every day of groundhog week, Ingo opens his door and is surprised to find these! Is it possible that he's entirely misunderstood the premise of this Valentine's celebration? He must have! He'd been under the impression it was exclusively a couples' thing! Should he have gotten gifts for people...?

Oh, well. Better late than never. His return gift will not arrive until a week later, which Ingo personally thinks is the next day, because he does not understand what is happening to time here!]

Komaeda-san,

My apologies if I have missed some Valentine's Day tradition! Please enjoy this mochi - I have been experimenting with the local flavors available!

- Ingo

[It's literally just strawberry, and it took him two months to try eating one because he just doesn't understand why they're red.]

[Let's go to the zoo!!

It's perhaps all the better that Silvally is sort of worn out from several days of Adjustment; it won't let Gladion go anywhere without it (this is, literally, nominally, what a Pokeball is for), but it's content to not spend the day physically looming over his shoulder, meaning he and Ingo can head into town together the "normal" way.

Not that normal travel is a truly normal experience, as a monster - you get stared more than the average person - but, you know. And it's better, going as a group. Better in sort of the same way that being with Silvally has been (selfishly) better these past few days, giving him something, someone to focus on when otherwise he'd just be very conscious of being alone.

...But, hey! It's the zoo! Gladion's been here enough times to know where the maps are; he beelines for them to hand one off to Ingo.]

There are a few climate-controlled indoor facilities for small and tropical animals, and the larger ones live in the outdoor enclosures on this circuit.

[Ingo's experience with being among humans, as a monster, is a little different. Some people might see nymphs as a less dangerous species, but certainly no one thinks that about manticores - especially one who always seems to be frowning and glaring at them. The scrutiny stresses him, which only makes him look more dour; it's a vicious cycle.

But it's fine! Nothing unpleasant has happened during this particular walk or anything!

He takes the map, reading through it with interest. The concept of a zoo is a little strange, but less so than it would have been before he started going to the cat cafe. Animals are just...not Pokemon.]

Are there any lions or tigers? I spoke to another manticore who said that he is like a mixture between those two species! And also that they are not directly related to cats!

[Don't they seem like they should be in an evolutionary line together? Ah, well.]

Both. They're on the west side. [Pointing that out on the map. They can start walking.

Gladion ties his vines down somewhat when he's out and about. At home, they'd idly wind themselves around his body while he went about his business; here, he keeps a mostly-human silhouette, but the last foot or so of the tail-vine hanging in a loop at his hip still tries to grab and ungrab his pocket as he walks.]

They're more...related across a family tree, I think. Like Skitty to Glameow. But people will also call them "big cats", as if that's not vague. And it's only cats, too, as far as I know. There aren't "big dogs". Just wolves, and whatever's going on with all those breed-forms.

[christ.]

There are quite a number of those! I found a book about them! There are also cat breed forms, but it seems as though those are not considered quite so important, for whatever reason.

[He's certainly never heard a person refer to a cat's breed when discussing them. Just "cat"!

There's a number of birds flying and walking around the area, probably attracted by crowds of humans with food from the vendors near the zoo entrance. Despite them, Ingo's keeping his focus pretty much entirely on Gladion, only really glancing over if one happens to take flight very close by. Seems like hunting really does sate the instinct for a while.]

It's rather curious how few animals are considered appropriate companions. And not even any of the common local types!

[He sort of keeps expecting to see a kid with a squirrel or something, even knowing that isn't how it works.]

[It's odd to notice, because Gladion thinks Ingo definitely seems more relaxed today and then he has to think back and determine exactly when the last times he saw Ingo actually relaxed in public were. There's always some little qualification on it like except for the stress about looking monstrous.]

Supposedly pigeons are a domestic species that just went feral. Rats aren't, though. [He likes pigeons. They oscillate really quickly between seeming very stupid and doing things that are so clever it feels like having Pokemon hanging around.]

My education involved a lot of reading about interspecies dynamics in modern cities, and things like that. There's a lot that's similar. Like how the most common species are considered the least interesting, even without a barrier like this.

[Something kind of cosmically sad about the local rodents being overlooked AND just intrinsically less able to communicate.]

Is that so? It is not entirely the same in Hisui! Certainly, there are some who are more interested in befriending rarer types of Pokemon, but many people...well, they are still overcoming their fears. It is often easier for them to keep company with a Bidoof or Starly - Pokemon they have seen often in the wild already, whose behaviors they understand! But if the changes I hope for do come about, I suppose "frightening" may become the new "interesting"!

[Sounds dangerous. Sounds exciting! In a rare occasion, it's something about the future that Ingo finds himself eager to potentially witness! He's long since crossed that line himself, of course; his first partnership with Gligar was generally considered far too risky by others.

The pigeons, though...he frowns at those nearest the path. A domestic bird? They're a little bit like a Starly, or...oh. No. They're like Pidove. He's seen those before; they live in Unova. They're common there.]

That is rather sad! That they were partners with people once - or even pets! - and so very much not now!

"Interesting"...

[Definitely. And the world is definitely better for it. But at the same time - there sure are plenty of Pokemon that have suffered for being "interesting". And not just because of people like his mother.

Monsters swing back and forth between "frightening" and "interesting", too. And that's not philosophy, that's just an everyday observation. An every-week conversation. So...hm.]

Is it weird to imagine that there are Pokemon like that in the future? So...habituated to living with humans that they can actually be abandoned.

Are there?

[A question that's an answer in itself: yes, that's a very strange thought! Ingo tucks his map into a pocket - he's got their route down, and anyway there's signs - and folds his arms behind his back as he walks. His wings shift a little.]

My own companions...those of other trainers I know. We are like family! It would feel very much like an abandonment, if I were to... [Well. Do what he's done, in fact.] But...none of them were raised by humans. Perhaps within a generation or two such things will happen, but for now, the nearest anyone has come is the way Wardens help with their Nobles' young. Any Pokemon I know could survive perfectly well on their own again, if put to it. Indeed, I am the one who would truly have difficulty, if we were all to suddenly part!

[In Hisui. He's having difficulties here, but mostly of an entirely different sort.]

Is that...something that happens?

Yeah. [yeah... He puts his hands in his pockets.] I mean, it varies. But in more urbanized regions especially, there are a lot of Pokemon that were hatched and raised in human care. And there might not be a wild for them to just go "back" to, because their species came from some other region entirely. Sort of the upsides and downsides of how much more travel there is.

[Which is also not unlike the animals here, actually. He's had an exchange with Leo about that, even - how many of them are meant to be somewhere that hasn't existed in...however long it's been since the Fog did what she did.]

I see.

[Ingo's quiet for a moment, thoughtful. Emmet mentioned that the Aether Foundation takes donations to help Pokemon. He'd assumed they were sick or injured, but...he has a sudden certainty that at least some were just abandoned. Is that what comes of a future where people and Pokemon live more closely together?

Maybe he should have known. If it all gets bigger, as one day it will, it won't always be just two or three people helping new trainers find suitable partners, one-on-one, case by case. Anyone could come by a Pokemon, and not everyone ought to.

But it must still be worth it. Surely it's still better than the fear and enmity he's seen?]

Yes, there has been much more travel lately. Not out of Hisui, so much, but the Galaxy Team attracts new recruits from many other regions! We've all known for some time that we were reaching a breaking point - things were going to change very much, if they were permitted to stay. The Clans were on the verge of driving them out several times! I am glad it never came to that.

Would have changed the future a lot, I bet. [Like. Maybe things would have just changed later rather than sooner - swept up, like Alola, in the section of his history books that starts with the invention of the mass-produced Pokeball and ends with The Modern World. But also, it probably would have Beautifly-effected Moon out of existence, and then where would he be??] If I was paying attention in history lessons, something similar was happening in Alola right...around the same time. The islands unified, trade took off. People came mainly to work on new farms, I think.

[Suddenly wondering if there was something going on in Johto specifically that was driving a bunch of people off, or if that's just a coincidence.

Guess they'll probably never find out.]

My family doesn't have relatives there or anything. We're recent arrivals, with the Foundation.

[His tone isn't going anywhere in particular, but there is always a little...like...a little awkwardness inherent to the subject.]

I don't know where our family is from.

[He says it casually enough, with just a bit of a furrowed brow. Ingo's long since grown used to the voids in his own head - these days, the strangeness comes from realizing all the things he's gotten so used to not knowing that he hasn't even thought to ask Emmet.]

Perhaps I should not be speaking as a native-born Hisuian! But I do not know how to do anything else. [With the truth, he supposes he's from even farther off than most of the Galaxy Team. And of course, he doesn't resemble the rest of the clan much. But it's been years since that seemed to matter to anyone.] Ah, but that is strange! I wonder what caused it all to happen at once like that?

Uh. [Sound of the gears in a teenager's brain whirring as he tries to remember shit he just really really really did not care about memorizing when he was twelve.] Technology...probably. It was the...that was when factories started to be built, so all the trade for raw materials...and it started out of Galar. Coal power. Or steam?

The first successful journey of a steam-powered locomotive was in Galar around that time. On a circular track near an ironworks in Spikemuth City!

[Ingo pauses, frowning. He's not entirely sure where that came from!]

Or...so I...believe? That sounds right to me now that I have said it, but...as always, it is probably best to confirm with Emmet!

[...pfffheh.]

I'll believe it.

[Of course he spontaneously recovers train trivia. That makes sense. Gladion is grinning, for the moment.

(Now approaching the tiger!)]

[Ingo doesn't crack a smile, of course, but he chuckles lightly. Yes, yes, fair enough.

And, oh! There is the tiger! It seems to be a popular animal, but it's easy enough for two monsters to make their way through the crowds to a position where they can easily see into the exhibit. Ingo raises his eyebrows. Of all the animals he's seen, the tiger is the one which most looks as if it could be a Pokemon.]

Oh! It looks as though you mixed an Arcanine and a Luxray! I would have taken it for a fire-type, if I saw it anywhere else!

Reminds me of a Persian, in the body. [Sort of Incineroar in the face, but eh. Gladion goes into his pocket for Silvally's Pokeball and holds it by his chest so it can have a look too, if it wants.

The zoo has still not stopped being kind of novel, as a concept. Like, yeah, zoos and parks and gardens where rare Pokemon just live for viewing exist, Gladion's been to a few, but they're not usually this...general? This controlled? This casual? The vibe just isn't the same.]

Persian...yes, I have seen those! You're quite right!

[It often takes him a moment to place the names of Pokemon that aren't native to Hisui, but he can usually do it! As a professional trainer, he supposes it behooved him to be familiar with many different kinds of Pokemon!

Now that he's really looking at an animal in an exhibit, the entire concept of a zoo is really hitting him in earnest. The tiger is sleeping, apparently perfectly content, and the enclosure seems both large and natural enough to be comfortable for it. Ingo expected all of that, of course; Gladion wouldn't patronize an establishment that treated its animals cruelly! It's just that there's really nothing like this in Hisui at all. He can't imagine anyone there even coming up with the idea for one!]

Are there...zoos like this, in the future? We do not have any such thing, of course - though I suppose some of the townsfolk in Jubilife like to watch Pokemon in the pastures!

...Sort of. [Is there something to lean against? Gladion wants to lean on a lamppost or railing or something. There is now, and he does.] Most of the Pokemon viewing attractions I can think of are more like...nature preserves. Or gardens. Or aquariums, since there's the whole issue with [vague gesturing like a tank, or glass?] seeing underwater.

[Once again, there's a conversational door into Perilous Territory! Once again, Gladion turns it over in his hands and thinks, okay, maybe this isn't such a huge deal.]

The conservatory at Aether Paradise was open to the public. That was kind of like this, where you stayed up on walkways instead of walking right through the habitats. But most of the Pokemon there rotated through, since they were still actually wild, just being rehabilitated. Mostly, people see rare Pokemon in person if they're with a trainer, I think.

[Ingo hums thoughtfully, nodding. That all sounds about right. Pokemon aren't like animals - you wouldn't have to take such pains to prevent them from escaping or attacking visitors, he supposes. Not if they were living there of their own accord, and surely it would be illegal to keep them in such a place against their will!

There are likely such people anyway. But at least they wouldn't be able to openly set up shop as a tourist attraction.]

Rather like the pastures that way, then! Most of the Pokemon who live there were captured for study, for the Pokedex. The Survey Corps will train with them for a while, and I suppose they also take that opportunity to study us in their own way! So few Pokemon in the area have trained with people before, after all, so they have no way of knowing what it might be like! Some of them choose to stay with a person they've grown fond of, and others depart for the wilds again after a time!

[Ingo's trained a few of those, who were very interested in competition if not in a permanent residence. He doesn't begrudge their going; even a temporary partnership can bring about opportunities for many new and exciting battles! They're probably out there terrorizing their wild rivals though.]

I quite enjoyed the aquarium here in Bavan! I've taken a ride with Lord Basculegion once or twice, but it was a...rather alarming experience. I find I prefer dry land.

Water is...I think it's just a lot less of a hassle when it's not so cold. [But he might be a bit spoiled on that front. SHRUG.] I like the aquarium, too. Feeling kind of...surrounded? In a peaceful way. [again SHRUG.] Might just be that there wasn't exactly a lot of foot traffic that night.

[Whereas there are plenty of people here right now!]

That was certainly a factor for me! Though I have gotten far more accustomed to the crowds here!

[He certainly doesn't seem frazzled by the number of people here at the zoo, like he would have been in the early months! It's mostly a good thing! But also a tiny bit discouraging, because Ingo knows that part of it is the wide berth people tend to give him since his changes. Even now, despite how popular the tiger exhibit is, he could easily spread his wings without hitting anyone.

He doesn't, of course. That'd be very inconsiderate! Instead, he reads the little "tiger facts!" plaque in front of the railing.]

Ah...they are the largest in the cat family! Their territories are usually...elsewhere, I suppose.

[He doesn't recognize any of these place names, really! And, oh, they mark their territory by scratching and scent marking. Ingo flashes back to his urges to claw and rub on everything around their house!]

[How about he doesn't bring up the whole "I wonder if they know they're supposed to live somewhere they'll almost definitely never get to see" thing to Ingo...]

I don't think any of the big cats live wild in Ryslig.

[don't! worry about it!!!]

I have not heard of any who do! They say strange creatures live in the depths of the woods, where there is lingering fog, but I do not imagine those are natural animals. In any case, I have never seen anything out there larger than a deer!

[Not that he's been making a habit of venturing very deep inside. Ingo's not eager to run into those fog pockets himself. But he's gone up the trees nearer the house pretty often; the desire to be tall doesn't strike him as an instinct that needs to be suppressed because he's always rather liked heights.]

Yet.

[thinking about the katt and that groundhog. God knows what other kinds of Unauthorized Fucking Creatures are roaming around out there, conveniently undocumented and excluded from everyone's assurances that "oh no animals definitely don't breathe fire". He should probably expand his research to mythical animals, if things like that are going to keep happening.

The tiger, in the course of doing its tiger things, bats a big rubber ball into its pool and jumps in after it, splashing and rolling and gnawing at its toy...]

There is always a "yet", isn't there? One cannot make any predictions around here.

[Who knows what might happen? But, at least for the present, he's pretty sure there's nothing worth worrying about out in those woods. Even if he met a tiger...Ingo cocks his head. Normal-type, can't resist flying or poison attacks. He could probably beat it in a battle.

His ears swivel forward as the tiger attacks the ball.]

That looks fun! [For...tigers, obviously, is what he means. Not for manticores.]

[True this...and Gladion hums, never super enthusiastic about not being able to predict or prepare.

But for the present...

Uh-huh.

A tiny little tapping noise from Silvally's ball seems to agree with him. Gladion squints a bit at the tiger.

No points for guessing what he's thinking.]

...I was thinking of taking Silvally to the junkyard now and then. For exercise on some broken furniture or something, since there aren't many appropriate opponents here. [To say the least.] Reminded me.

[Hint, nudge.]

Oh, yes? That sounds like a good idea! It must be difficult, to be a Pokemon with no one to battle here - certainly, that little Rockruff would not be an appropriate opponent!

[He Does Not See It!]

[lord.]

You and Emmet should check it out as a training spot, too.

[Alas! His bluff has been called! Ingo looks the other way for a moment, apparently flustered. Maybe it's unreasonable - quite possibly it is - but he still feels rather a lot of shame about indulging his instincts.]

Ah - well, yes. That might be a good idea! I do not know if Emmet has had quite the same issues...

But his monster type is another physically strong one. [DON'T WORRY INGO HE HAS AN OUT FOR YOU.] Easier than finding a good boulder to hit around here, and a lot more options for materials. That's what Silvally and I did to figure out the extent of its strength, back at the very beginning. That and logs.

[...]

But, you know.

[He is becoming a little protective of their woods and wanton log destruction would be extremely annoying.]

Ah. That is a good idea. We have wrestled once or twice, but of course we did not do anything in earnest!

[Just, you know, it happens sometimes when you are siblings and also hunting monsters! And yes, he knows about Gladion's feelings regarding the trees....he always goes pretty far away when the urge to scratch becomes too powerful.

Ingo considers his claws for a moment, slowly extending them.]

I've never been in a real fight at all, like this.

[But it seems likely that it'll happen eventually.]

I've gotten some sparring in. [With Chie.] But it doesn't cover all the bases.

[He'll hit to knock her off her feet or drive her back, but he won't test the far end of his vines' grip strength on her. And that's really the only potentially-deadly-to-monsters attribute he has at his disposal - his venom doesn't work well on them, his claws are sharp but not all that sturdy, and the plain strength of his limbs is easily outclassed by most other types.

With ripping claws, or a gargoyle's searing touch, it would be a different story.]

[Ingo nods.]

If...if we are preparing for a fight with another monster, I ought to practice with my venom. But that is not something I would risk outside of a life-or-death situation! If I am much like a Gliscor, I think I could learn to administer different doses, but there is really no way to test how much would be non-lethal.

[Outside of, you know. Just risking killing someone? Another person might experiment on their prey, but Ingo won't risk killing a person slowly. Really, he doesn't much like the idea of fighting someone at all...but he remembers the red haze. Sooner or later, something will go wrong.]

But of course, it is foolish to rely on a single powerful move. Some more claw practice would not go amiss! It's quite different from fighting with a knife!

[don't worry about his knife fight history]

[Moon would have some idea about how to handle that whole...venom situation. And thinking of that makes him wistful about another thing or two about her, and wondering if there's really nobody from home he'd rather tell about what's happened to him here than some girl he's met fewer than ten times. Genius hero or not.

Oh well.]

I want to think... [Hm. He's not sure how to come at what he's thinking - as something he hopes, or something he's planning out, or something he wants advice on? Gladion crosses his arms and watches the tiger for another second or two, rethinking. And then giving up on that specific train of thought, vague as it was. He shakes his head. Instead: something a few steps to the right.]

Silvally was the second Pokemon I ever trained. First was a Porygon. Lycanroc is all I have to compare them against firsthand, but I'm under the impression that both of them were a little different from the "average" [literally one-handed airquotes this] experience.

[this is going somewhere]

[Ingo tilts his head in agreement.]

You are the expert on Silvally, of course! But I have trained with a Porygon in the past! Only briefly - it was a wild one I befriended shortly after it arrived in Hisui, and it did not ultimately decide to remain with me, but I did help it adjust in return for some demonstration of its abilities. It was certainly a unique experience for me! Though of course, that may simply come down to a lack of familiarity.

[He's told Gladion about how alien the creature appeared to everyone in Hisui, after all. Ingo's good at reading Pokemon who aren't what one might call "normally" expressive. He'd feel like rather a hypocrite if he weren't! And of course, he even has an unknown futuristic Pokemon as a part of his primary team. But Magnezone and Probopass had not quite prepared him for Porygon.

Was that because it was created by humans in the future? But that's true of Silvally as well, and it's never really struck him as unusual. Maybe it's just because he still doesn't really get computers.]

[Yeah...]

They have a lot of their own quirks, even in the future. The main one is the way their capabilities change over time. Obviously they do change, but a lot of what they can do was programmed into them, and practice doesn't improve those specific things the way it does for most Pokemon, or you or me.

Like, accuracy. [One of the first systems he figured out the nuances and limits of.] If I practiced shooting arrows, over time I'd get more accurate, both from getting used to the motions and because doing it over and over sharpened my understanding of how aiming works.

Porygon use algorithms to aim at moving targets. In any one situation, they can tighten the accuracy of their next move by spending time collecting data on a target's movements, as long as they have the spare processing power for it. But they can't change or update the algorithms they use without evolving.

...In practice, a Porygon can improve its overall accuracy - by improving other functions, freeing up processing power. But those differences mean it doesn't benefit from aiming drills the same way a more biological Pokemon does.

[Ingo listens, brows arching slightly.]

I wish I had understood that at the time! I practiced with it much as I would have any other Pokemon! But in retrospect...I suppose I can see what you mean. It did improve overall, but in some areas there was a certain...rote quality.

[He doesn't sound frustrated or anything by that! Once Ingo realized that things were simply going to be that way, he'd let it go - but he could see it frustrating another trainer. One who both didn't understand how Porygon worked and didn't know what it was to be unable to do things that seemed to come naturally to others. Like, say, making proper facial expressions.]

Right. There's a lot of aspects like that, where they don't get more efficient, just more powerful. Or they learn by collecting more data, but the way they make decisions is a lot slower to change...

[And there's so much he could explain about Porygon (and can't just refer someone to user manual for all the theoretical nuts and bolts, anymore), and it scratches one of those lingering itches, but he had a point and needs to follow it. Some other time, he'll explain the soft stuff - how people don't usually catch Porygon by accident, and what's expected of them, or maybe how he got along with his first Pokemon.]

Anyways. [Uncrosses his arms, sticks his hands in his pockets.] Where Silvally was different wasn't because it doesn't learn. It was...the other way around from Porygon, actually. It learns fast. It had to learn a lot about accuracy, and...about everything. But I've never seen it improve in overall power - like it was made to be as strong and fast and sturdy as it could possibly be, from the beginning. It didn't have to grow into that power over time. So we had to start with control. And that was most of the rest of it, too.

That must have been very difficult! And quite dangerous.

[Ingo's tone is very serious. He's seen Pokemon grow from the egg; he spoke at their very first meeting about the baby Sneasel, and how often he ended up poisoned by them. Of course they never meant it. They just didn't have the control required to not use their venom, when they scratched him. But they were only babies, so while it could be unpleasant, they weren't strong enough to do him lasting damage.

If they hatched with Lady Sneasler's power, it'd be a very different story.]

[It was absolutely dangerous. In a way that's, weirdly, a lot harder to admit to Ingo than it ever has been just to think about; looking at Silvally's clawmarks on his sleeves has made him feel proud and sturdy since the first of them, but for all that he's sure Ingo The Mountain Man wouldn't actually wring his hands and fret over it, Gladion's stomach twists a little at the thought of bringing up any of their closest calls, here and now. The discomfort is vague, and hard to pin down, because it's not the familiar burn of shame. It's just...uncomfortable?

Instead:]

Sometimes it was too easy. I might have gotten a little too used to having the strongest Pokemon in the region on my side. [And that's when you start displaying Idiot Behavior.] Definitely dangerous. And it took a little while to actually...understand what was going on, what to do with it. One of the first little breakthroughs was finding somewhere it could show me the absolute upper end of its strength. Then, working back stepwise from there. Cut back on a lot of nasty surprises.

[The number of times before then that Null startled him somehow - and if he got startled, things got messy. He's sure it was after that point that they both got a lot less jumpy, around each other and in general.]

[Ingo nods knowingly at the first bit. He's never trained the strongest Pokemon in the region - at least, he never had the temerity to challenge a Noble - but he's spent most of his life as the strongest trainer in the region by far. It can breed complacency!]

You must have been quite a new trainer, still. It would be a challenge for anyone!

[He was young too, though in Ingo's mind that's a little less relevant than a lack of hands-on training experience. In a perfect world there would have been someone else on hand to help teach the both of them...but he knows why there wasn't.]

So - you believe that we should seek the outer limits of our monster abilities, first? That does make sense! We have stories from other monsters, but each one of us is so unique...it is difficult to know exactly what we are capable of!

It's just an idea. [Not totally a humility thing here! He's genuinely sorta uncertain about it, and not afraid to say so, because he does want Ingo's input. If he were to treat this like Pokemon training - step past that hurdle that Gladion expects is there because it's certainly there for him too - surely he'd have a lot of insights.] It's what makes sense to me, and it probably can't hurt. We seem so...malleable, though.

[His real concern is what if finding our limits, itself, makes us more dangerous, but at that point you might as well just stay very still and do nothing. So he'll leave it at that, make it a what do you even focus on thing.]

...I do not know how it could be any worse than what we have already done.

[Ingo feels different, after having hunted and killed someone. Of course he does. But he hasn't felt any more violent urges than usual - which is a terrifying form for that thought to take, but it's true! Surely if anything were going to make him worse, it'd be that?]

The idea of fighting other monsters frightens me. But it seems likely to happen at some point, no matter what any of us want. And I...I lost control of myself, when I...during that hunt. I would not like to find out the extent of my abilities in a similar situation.

[It'll definitely be a lot less traumatic to find out precisely what he's capable of against a junked car than a person! Anyway:]

And perhaps practice will help us maintain control!

Hey, whenever you're free, I have the patches done for you! Sorry they took so long.

Edited 2023-04-30 20:38 (UTC)

Oh, no! Please do not apologize! It is perfectly fine!
I am happy to come pick them up at any time! Would this evening work for you, after five? I will be done with work then.

Still, I wanted to get this done for you way sooner. I just got a bit overwhelmed.

That would be perfect. I'll be in Bavan, we could meet at A Tower if that works for you?

That is really the name of that building?

[Obviously he knows which one it is, but that's just so incredibly straightforward!]

Yes, that will work for me!

Its a building from my world, and it had a lot more... weird name in retrospect. The A makes it easy to find even without context.

Ah, really? That must have been quite a large Mana purchase for someone.
Very well! I will see you there!

[And he will be lurking around the building at the appointed time! At least, it looks like lurking; he is a manticore dressed in black who perpetually looks dour. He's just chilling though!]

[Peter for his part appears from amongst the crowd, a little overwhelmed by the amount of people milling by on their day to day tasks. He really should just ask Mana for longer shapeshifting at this rate so he could avoid being lost in crowds at leg height.

He trots over, his backpack bouncing with his movement until he manages to stumble to a stop. He smiles up at the manticore.]

Hey, Ingo! [He adjusts the backpack straps vaguely.] Sorry if I kept you waiting.

Not at all! I have been people-watching - it is interesting, though I do not do it often.

[Gives people the wrong idea sometimes, when you're a manticore.]

[Given what Peter knows about Emmet, he can't blame Ingo for not doing it too often.] People watching can be really fun.

[He motions for the manticore to follow him up the steps of the building to the entrance.

The stairs leading to the main entrance and lobby seem to be full of humans, the two being the only monsters really present in the space right now.] I need to put my bag down to find what I made for you, so going inside would probably be a good idea.

Of course!

[Human-only surroundings do make Ingo rather uncomfortable. He can feel their fear - their judgement. But it's near impossible to read that on his face; he just sticks close to Peter as they enter.]

[Peter is aware to some regard of the discomfort two monsters bring to a mostly human area, but he mostly sets it aside.

The humans in the A Tower know who he is, so they nod or wave vaguely. Peter offers smiles in kind as he leads himself and Ingo towards a small table in the main lobby. He sets his backpack down.]

Lemme see. [He flips open his backpack to skim through what he has in there. His attention shifts down to his backpack.] I made a couple more than I intended, so you'd have some spares.

That is very kind! You really must let me do something in trade, at least...is there anything you would like carved?

I feel like even if I insisted its all good you'd probably try to carve something for me. [He jokes a little back as he shuffles through his bag. He finds the tissue paper wrapped bundle after a moment or more of searching.]

I didn't know you carved stuff though, that's really cool. I honestly dunno, like- what do you usually make?

[He pulls the bundle out, offering it to Ingo with a smile. Once unwrapped the manticore will find at least a few of his clan mon symbols in patch form within. Peter clearly made more than he really needed to.]

Oh - well, I am only a hobbyist! I've mostly only made things for myself! Figures, for fun, or something useful and simple. Some basic cookware, that sort of thing.

[Ingo demurs as he accepts the little bundle. There's certainly more patches than they originally agreed on. Peter's correct; he's certainly got to do something in return!]

Ah, these are lovely!

That's still cool though, I haven't carved anything before. It seems really fun, but you need a really good eye to make things look and feel right like that.

[Peter might have gone overboard with making patches, but, it helped him wind down at night, so it felt like a fair trade.]

Only carve me something if you want to, I mean, this is my hobby too.

I suppose! I have had rather a lot of practice!

[Ingo nods, refolding the bundle and tucking it away into a pocket.]

Well, then, I would like to! Do you have any requests?

I can't think quite like that, not without a lot of math on my part at least. I can build a computer or work off a drawn pattern for something.

[Peter has to think about it for a second.] Could I ask for an animal or would that be too much?

That would not be too much at all! I often make such things - they are more intricate, but I enjoy the work!

[It appeared today Emmet decided to be chatty. He was playing with his plush Joltik and just talking about them. For a long period of time. It seemed today was the day he decided to get Ingo back up to date about that particular Pokemon and has been going about it for a...rather long time for him.]

-with an EV yield of only 1 in speed, it is best just to go on Route 6 and EV train with the Emolgas there, despite the 20 percent chance of finding an Emolga vee the 39 percent chance of encountering a Joltik on the first level of Chargestone Cave, you're able to fit in more speed EV per level.

[Emmet glitched again into his much smaller self, as he kept playing with the toy.]

Sensible!

[Ingo’s listening! It's a bit of a role reversal for them, but if Emmet is feeling up to speaking at such length, of course he's happy to listen! Anyway, it's interesting!

He's idly turning a half-worked wooden figurine over in his hands. It was going to be a Joltik. It still is, but he's been glitching through shapes enough that handling a knife felt a little unsafe! For now, he's in his floppy-haired young teen body again. He looks up at the glitch, pushing the bangs aside.]

Ah! You're so small!

[He's been trying not to interrupt, but! Cute!]

[The Joltik plush, despite not having changed at all, appears much bigger now in tiny hands. Emmet stands up with a frown.]

[Then has an idea!]

[He opens up the binder that hangs from him with a strap and starts looking through it, there are multiple pictures of things in it. Toys, drawn people doing things, pictures of actual people, and finally what appear to be food items. He rips out one of the pictures with a tear from Velcro, he walks over and hands Ingo the picture.]

[It is of a glass of juice. Emmet smiles widely.]

...oh?

[This entire exchange is plainly baffling to Ingo! Where did that thing come from? Was it just tied to him all the time at that age? But he accepts the picture automatically, and that at least seems fairly straightforward!]

Oh, are you thirsty? That makes sense! I do not think I have ever heard you speak so much at once!

[He's the only one here who can reach the glasses in the kitchen, at their current heights. He'll just go do that!]

[Emmet follows Ingo as he heads to the kitchen, quite proud that Ingo understood how the book worked! He took the picture of the glass of juice and put it back in the book.]

It's nice to talk about Joltiks.

Oh, yes, I know how that is!

[Ingo snorts self-deprecatingly - we all know how he is. He'll hand over a glass of juice, having taken the request rather literally, and peers down at the book as Emmet puts it back in order. That's a lot of pictures!]

What is this? Did our...parents make this to help you communicate at this age, before we learned to sign?

[He's a little doubtful; this book does not look handmade. But it's also a very specific item!]

[Emmet started to drink some of the juice, then he put it down and handed Ingo the book so he could look at it.]

Nope, the person who worked with me then made it. They didn't think I would have the motor skills to sign for a while. Everyone was quite pleased when I caught up there.

Like a tutor?

[Ingo flips through the book, scanning through the pictures. They all do seem suited for a young child to communicate needs, wants, or feelings! He doesn’t spend a great deal of time with children quite that young...but he supposes it woukd take them a little while to learn to sign intelligibly.]

Bravo, it seems quite useful!

It was, I would get frustrated because I would need something, and Mom and Dad would get frustrated because they couldn't figure things out and I would get more upset because it should be obvious what I needed.

[Ingo hums thoughtfully. He's a little surprised that it sounds like he couldn't translate...but he was also very small then. And, he supposes, Emmet usually signs now when he is not up to speech. He's not sure how good he'd be at reading him without that!]

It is lucky that they were able to hire a tutor, then! We do not have anyone like that in Hisui, really...no teachers who are not responsible for teaching all of the children together. But older Clan members would help if needed! Things were more...collective, there.

Yup, she was verrrry good. Our insurance covered her working with me and she figured out things really quickly with us.

[Then it hits Emmet. Ingo must be thinking she was like...a general education teacher?]

She was less of a tutor and more of a...therapist?

Why on earth would you need a therapist?

[Ingo is only really familiar with the concept of a therapist from people saying things like "everyone in Ryslig needs a therapist to help them with the constant horrific trauma." So obviously he's immediately alarmed that Emmet had one as a small child!]

Because she knew how to get me to respond to my name and things.

[It is just now hitting Emmet how much 'I remember nothing but my name' means]

And she figured out you weren't just mimicking my play.

[The way he says this has a bit of a tone of 'This was important!']

Edited 2023-05-12 12:40 (UTC)

...I'm sorry, I don't -

[Ingo glitches again, this time turning into a Sneasel-manticore much closer to Emmet’s current height! He sighs - he's been plainly disappointed every time he returns to a monster form - but goes on. This sounded important to Emmet?]

I don't know what you mean.

[Emmet reaches for the feather. He frowns a little.]

Have you ever noticed, things that seem to be normal to us don't seem normal to other people-including Gladion?

[Emmet wasn't sure how to approach this!]

Like how it is verrry fun to talk about Joltiks or trains and it seems like we hardly mentioned it because there is so much to it but people say it's too much? Even though its really cool and fun and interesting and you want them to know about it to have fun too?

Edited 2023-05-12 18:07 (UTC)

[Ingo’s feathered ear twitches reflexively, but he doesn't move his head away.]

Ah...well, yes, I know I can be long-winded. You are not! Though I do not mind if you want to talk more about Joltik!

You're not long-winded.

[Emmet was trying to find the words. It was like describing Pokemon to someone who has never seen one, how to explain the color red to someone, you just point and say red.]

[He chewed on his bottom lip for a moment.]

Long-winded means you just want to hear yourself talk or you think someone is dumb and have to explain it. Not trying to share everything fun. A lot of people don't get that. You and I are wired differently than most people, yup.

I suppose? I've never thought of it like that.

[Ingo knows he can be irritating, but Emmet's right - he never does it for those reasons!]

Have you watched children play with toys, and ever go- it would be nice to make them into a nice long line, neat and straight, like a track? Everything may be crazy with children screaming, or throwing things, but you got that line and it is nice to look at.

Oh, yes! I do enjoy making things organized!

[He has no idea where we're going with this, but whatever! Talking with Emmet is fun!]

Lining things up is verrry nice. But- it isn't what most people would consider normal for children. You and I were like that, finding fun sounds to mimic, or finding it stressful if you stared into someone's eyes so you learn to stare at the tip of their nose or their cheek so they know you're paying attention.

[A sigh.]

Not what most people would consider normal or correct, but Mom and Dad didn't mind, they worked with me and eventually you when it was discovered. Because we are normal and correct for us.

Irida says that I should stare into people's eyes less. I have been working on that! It is easier if you time it out!

[Ingo, the entire time he is speaking to you: 👁👁]

But ah... [Ingo is sort of worried about what to say here, actually!] Do you mean that...well, I do not like to bring it up again. But when we had that fight as children, or rather when I shouted at you, I do recall...well, the concept of "normal" came up rather a lot that day...

[Was that because they weren't normal?]

[While Emmet avoids eyes and thus why he mentioned it.]

Yupyup, because you tried really hard to act like everyone else, you always have. Even though it is uncomfortable. It's exhausting.

[Emmet wonders for a moment...]

Waaaaay back when, I know people used to think children like me to a greater extent than you- were actually not human. That a Pokemon like a Zoroark would come in and steal the real child and leave one of its own in its place.

[Even more reason why Emmet hated being called a Zorua when a child! It was disgusting and cruel.]

Eventually, people got smart and realized that wasn't it at all. They have a condition called 'Autism' and it is a verry wide spectrum. But most people don't think it is normal.

Emmet...

[Ingo moves towards him automatically at the Zoroark talk, but hesitates. He isn’t sure what to do; this body is too unfamiliar. He ends up doing nothing.]

So...you are saying we both share a condition. [Is that. Bad. It sounds bad.]

[Emmet looks down at the book and pulls up one of the pictures, enjoying the ripping sound of the velcro.]

You were always worried about the stigma around it. Even though there is nothing wrong. Mom and Dad always thought you were mimicking my play, trying to show me how to talk, if you see someone with a broken leg, you think the person with the sprained ankle is okay.

...are you okay?

[It's making Ingo a little uncomfortable - something about the apparent difference between them. They've always been different, in that they are different people, but this feels...well. Not like that.]

I've always been okay. It has been everyone else that isn't.

[Emmet sighs a little.]

From Mom and Dad expecting different things, you always fighting to be what everyone expects you to be, friends not taking the time to understand even if they accept it, to people who don't even try because it doesn't fit in a nice line.

[Ingo makes a short uneasy noise before leaning forward to butt his head into Emmet’s chest. Cat brain is the only one with any kind of idea how to physically express itself occasionally. He's still not sure he entirely understands, but:]

I'm sorry.

[Emmet leans into it, wrapping his arms around his brother.]

Not you're fault. I worry a lot about you. It is tiring to try and be like everyone else. I never understood why you wanted to do it.

[Prompted by the hug, he puts his little Sneasel arms around Emmet in turn.]

...I do not know what to say. I suppose I remember a fraction of what I thought when I was young, now, but I should like to think that is not representative of how I felt before the wormhole!

[As to how he feels now? Ingo isn't sure. This is a lot of new information!]

I have not...well, I suppose I have tried to be polite, since. In not speaking over people and the like! But I am not sure I know what you mean exactly. [.....] I...do recall trying to practice smiling properly. When we were young.

[Which at this point almost invariably means "when we were thirteen and I was an asshole."]

[Emmet remembers that too.]

Yupyup, because you really wanted to fit in. I remember you working on it a lot, and never being happy with how it looked or how it didn't just happen when it was 'supposed to'.

I am still bad at that. But I did not own a mirror until coming here.

[So while he remains sort of embarrassed and unhappy with his failures in that realm, he hasn't been doing anything to try and fix it. There's bigger problems here.]

People often think I am angry with them. I hardly ever am!

Thats their own fault for assuming. Anyone who talks to you would be able to tell.

Oh, that isn't fair! It's only natural for them to think that - and I have only gotten more intimidating-looking since.

[He's a monster! That's scary enough without glaring and shouting!]

And it is natural for me to assume everyone is crazy with their reactions to simple things, rude for not wanting to be a part of when we start talking about something fun and trying to include them, and they are over-sensitive when just stating a fact.

[Emmet frowns some more.]

But I adjust, and so can they.

...it's alright, really.

[They have probably had this conversation a million times before.]

So this is only...about how we work? There are no health concerns I should know about?

There are common co-morbidities like I do have stomach and sleep issues. But it is really social and behavioral issues.

I had more difficulty sleeping before becoming a manticore...perhaps that will help you as well?

[His sleep lately hasn't been good - nightmares - but it seems that manticores at least sometimes fall asleep faster than people!]

While I would rather do almost anything than sleep, it does get frustrating when I can't.

[Another reason changing to a Gargoyle was hard for him, he had a schedule of when to sleep and when to wake up, and that got all wonky!]

So I guess that would be good.

Indeed! It cannot be easy to adjust to sleeping in the day, in any case...

[Ingo's tried not to get too invested in Emmet's changes. It's Emmet's body, after all; he should do what he wants! Even if he changed his mind and went for a different monster type, perhaps! Being a scavenger like a pooka probably would be easier on him...

Still. As the promised date approaches, he's starting to become sort of excited for them to be the same again.]

Do you...think there are books here about this autism? I would like to understand more - I am sure I must have, once.

[And he doesn't want to try and make Emmet verbalize everything! He knows how difficult that can be for him, and this also seems like it might be a little emotionally difficult to discuss?]

They are probably grossly out of date. Just filled with bad ideas and notions. Like the idea of a 'refrigerator mother' and stuff.

[Emmet looks down as he glitches again, this time to being a shade like before.]

I...can do my best to explain.

[Ingo's gaze darts very obviously over to the refrigerator. This clears up nothing! But it seems like it was bad, so he'll just - not ask!]

I'm afraid I do not have any specific questions just yet...but if you would like to speak more on the topic, I'm glad to listen! Just please do not feel obligated! I simply think...well, it seems to have granted you some understanding. I have never felt particularly like I do not understand myself, or you, but if there is something significant I do not know, I should remedy that!

I just worry if it would have been significant to you.

[Why didn't he mention this earlier? It has been half a year, and he remembered how much Ingo did try to be 'normal' when they were younger. Did he think he was doing Ingo a favor?]

[Ingo was known for being polite, Ingo brought out the best in people. Yes, he may have talked more than other people would have liked- but a minor fault! Everyone is allowed to have faults, and if they didn't it was an act.]

[Ingo wouldn't have to worry about being 'normal' or not.]

...well, as far as some of those things go - my inability to express myself properly, and how I cannot seem to hear how loud I am being - I have always believed that it was damage left over from whatever took my memories! That is what we all thought! There was no sign that I had been physically harmed, of course, but we thought perhaps a psychic Pokemon was involved, or something of that nature...

[Well. It doesn't matter now. Ingo doesn't resent any of that old speculation; none of it was ever meant unkindly! He'd wanted to know the answers more than anyone, after all!]

At any rate. I suppose I'm glad to know that isn't the case.

Did anyone treat you mean for it?

...no one of importance. Perhaps Warden Melli, now and then, but that was simply his way. Everyone else became used to it fairly quickly, I suppose...there were always much stranger things about me to concern themselves with, if they cared to do so!

[An amnesiac wandering in a blizzard, very obviously not from Hisui and with some strange ideas about Pokemon? It took people a while to get used to everything else about him, and by that point his volume and manner weren't so odd anymore.]

I'm glad they didn't then. I am glad they are nice people.

...I'm sorry you have known so many unkind people.

[He continues to be concerned! But Emmet is now too insubstantial to be touched, so Ingo moves past him to go sit back on the couch instead. At least they can be sitting together when Emmet stops being a shade!]

But you will tell me if anyone says anything here?

I will, but everyone has been verrry nice so far.

[But then again, Emmet mostly interacts with people online now-a-days]

[Battling used to keep him social and now- well! There is always trying to beat STH's scores!]

That is good!

[Ingo's known pretty much since they all began living together that Emmet socializes much less than he does! Quite frankly, he's worried some about it! But their preferences are different, too, so he's never said anything about it. It's hard for him to tell if this is just how Emmet likes it, or if he really would like more friends and just isn't sure how to get them. Certainly, he's pushed a few other people towards Emmet...but never Emmet himself.

But things will be different when they are both manticores. They can go out together more often.]

Is there...I don't know, anything I ought to know for your sake? I suppose I already know how I am, even if I have not had these words to put to it.

[He probably doesn't know enough, but how would he know that?]

[Emmet shrugs, but it is obviously one of those- THERE MIGHT BE BUT I'M NOT TOO SURE ones.]

[After all, Ingo has a lot on his plate, and he doesn't want Ingo to think he had to add on more- but they also both agreed to be more honest with each other.]

...Emmet...

[That's not a no! What does that mean!]

[It is obvious Emmet is trying to figure out the words. Again, it has been something Ingo has seen in the past many times before but doesn't remember.]

[Glitch to teenage him, jeans, a large white sweater, a shirt with what looked like a mascot character on it. He spread his fingers out over the sweater sleeves.]

Hm! I like this!

[Ingo reaches up to put a little Sneasel paw on Emmet's shoulder, looking the sweater over.]

The way I dressed at this age...I do not think I care for it now. It was very...loud? Yes, rather loud! But this seems rather like something you would still wear now! It even resembles your coat!

[He doesn't know how to help. He's noticed, since their very first real talk after the red fog, that sometimes him talking instead can help. Emmet will borrow his words, if they're useful. But then, they were both upset about similar things. Now, he's not sure what to say that might be of use. He can still fill a silence, though.]

I wish that I could still wear mine. I feel very strange without it! It just keeps on vanishing when I become young!

The weight is nice. I like how it makes my arms feel when I walk.

[Emmet had always been very particular about things like that.]

What I do, always the same.

The weight is nice!

[He says, like he's never really thought of it that way before! But he does! If this is something that they are meant to have in common, maybe if he just...speaks about what he thinks, it'll help?]

I always feel strange when I am not wearing mine! Or something like it, at least! Though I do miss my old one...it was nice to play with the tatters of the sleeves. I could still wear it, I suppose, but I know that I would feel too horrible if it were destroyed! It has been with me through so much!

What do you like about the feeling of the tatters? Maybe we can find a way to mimic it for you to keep on you.

The...texture, I suppose? Please do not misunderstand me! I like the new coat very much, and I greatly appreciate it!

[He's worried about sounding ungrateful for the gift now! But...well, obviously the texture isn't the same, the other coat was very weather-worn! Besides, those big cuffs are not as easy to play with!]

I'm know you do, but if we can find something with the same texture to keep on you, it might be nice, right?

...yes, I suppose that would be nice.

[He's plainly never even thought of that!]

Is that, uh... [He also never thought that was a particularly unusual thing to enjoy?]

[Emmet cocks his head to the side waiting for the question.]

...related?

[He's just trying to phrase everything super carefully!]

Could be, I know a lot of people just like certain textures, but some just feel exceedingly better than others.

I see. That's strange - I never thought that was particularly unusual!

Some people don't understand the joy of feeling something nice for a while.

That's strange. I know other people enjoy petting Pokemon! That is very similar!

[Not exactly the same thing, because there is a Pokemon to benefit from it as well! But often it benefits the human as well, in Ingo's experience!]

Joltiks have a nice texture and make a nice sound when you pet them right.

None of my team are particularly furry...but I like petting the Sneasels. And Magnezone is very smooth.

I like their feathers. Archeops had some lovely feathers.

One of your other Pokemon? Yes, the feathers are quite nice! Lately I - ah, well, never mind.

[GOT TOO COMFORTABLE THERE ALMOST SAID SOMETHING EMBARRASSING]

[Emmet cocks his head to the side, curious as to what was going to be said next!]

Tell me more about Joltik!

[underhanded!]

Verrry mean, about to tell me something fun then try and distract.

It is not fun, it's embarrassing!

Do you really think I don't know things that will make you cringe to this day even without you remembering it?

[NO SHAME ZONE]

Emmet, that is worse! You do see how that is worse?

[CONSTANT SHAME ZONE]

No judgment zone with me.

[Unless it was something worth judgment, like if Ingo suddenly decided he was going to suddenly stop Pokemon training and become a professional underwater basket weaver!]

You are not going to let this go.

[It isn't even a question, just an observation. Ingo sighs.]

You know how feline Pokemon will often lick their paws and groom their heads and face with it? I often feel the urge to do that. Especially lately - I am shedding my winter coat, and I am constantly itchy!

Thats it? I thought it was going to be something verrry embarrassing.

[DISAPOINTMENT!]

It's disgusting! And a monster instinct, too!

So is hoarding blankets but it hurts no one.

[Emmet...may have a few too many blankets now.]

Well, I think that's rather different.

[it isn't LICKING PEOPLE]

Consensual licks.

Emmet, people do not just run around licking! It is unhygienic and undignified!

That is why it has to be consensual. So they can wash before hand.

I didn't even say anything about other people.

[He has definitely thought about it though!]

Then nothing wrong with licking yourself as long as you wash your hands afterward.

Of course there is! People do not do that!

Who is going to stop you, and it's not the worse thing you can do.

I am going to stop me! Though...well, I suppose you are right about that.

[He certainly has done much worse, hasn't he...]

Why though? Seriously if it hurts no one, and makes you feel nice- no harm. Just wash your hands.

I don't know, it is just...wrong! I would be ashamed if anyone saw me do such a thing!

[we've looped back around to the masking thing and he doesn't even understand that]

[Emmet sighs.]

It sounds like you just want to torture yourself.

[Brittle, after the last time that sort of topic came up:]

It is hardly torturous not to lick one's paws like an animal. I should be trying to maintain control!

It would niggle at me until I could do it.

[Ingo flexes his claws, tail tapping against the couch. Yeah...yeah, it's nagging at him.]

...yes, talking about it isn't really helping. I should try to think of something else! Come, I can't be the only one, haven't you got any...gargoyle things?

Laying with all my blankets. Also wanting to take anything shiny.

Those are all very ordinary things!

[it is. slightly frustrating how normal those are!]

In all honesty, I thought you had started bringing the blankets home on my account! Though I suppose you do have rather a lot of them in your room, if it were only that!

Added benefit, I one time lost Mr.Cupcake in a blanket pile.

Her fur is very short and thin. Especially for the sort of winters we get around here.

It is, thats why I got her a coat and some shoes. Have you seen her in her shoes?

[EMMET DOESN'T REMEMBER]

I have seen the coat, but I don't believe I've seen the shoes.

Let's put them on, she acts like she forgets what feet are when wearing them.

Mean.

[But he cracks a bit of - well, not a smile, but an Ingo-smile.]

Not mean, protects her tiny little paws from the cold.

You are not doing it now for that reason, and you know it!

Training to get her ready for next winter.

[And with that Emmet is off to get the dog shoes and his chihuahua. He quickly comes back and sets her on the table. Mr.Cupcake seems irritated, but used to this.]

[Ingo snorts. She is obviously annoyed, but it's also a little funny.]

Is her species from a warmer clime?

Yupyup. I heard they used to be used for food in ancient times, they don't look like they have enough meat for even a sandwich.

[Emmet starts putting the shoes on, oh she is just glaring at Emmet, then looking at Ingo as if asking him to save her.]

Inefficient at best.

[But he doesn't want to talk about killing things for food. He flexes his claws again, tilting his head as he looks at the dog. It's not hard right now; he isn't hungry, or eager to hunt.]

Oh, you poor thing!

[It keeps on staring at Ingo, as if it is saying 'If I am a poor thing, why don't you save me?' as Emmet finishes putting on the highlighter pink booties and he backs off a little.]

[She stays extremely still.]

Look at her! She is sad!

[He is weak to all creatures!]

No, she's not. She is just upset she is wearing her shoes.

[Emmet gently nudges her rump, and she takes a few, very large, very awkward steps forward on the table.]

The shoes make her sad!

[Scooping her up!]

Look at her face!

[She is giving the glare that chihuahuas seem so very adept at.]

I don't think she is sad.

She is crying!

[She's just got them little-dog watery eyes. Ingo is being successfully emotionally manipulated by a dog!]

No. Her eyes are always like that.

[He reaches over to fold over one of her ears.]

That is because your trainer is cruel and unyielding, isn't it?

[In a baby voice to Mr. Cupcake!]

[Mr. Cupcake turns her head to Ingo, yes, she likes this attention.]

I'm not cruel.

A mean, mean father!

[Cooing and patting her head with his free hand!]

[Oh yes, she is liking this a lot! Her tail is wagging excitedly!]

I am not mean to Mr. Cupcake.

[Emmet is trying not to get jealous!]

[Ingo had just sort of been going on instinct here, but the repetition pulls him up short. He still doesn't know where exactly the yellow line between them is.]

- ah, I am only joking! I know that you are not!

She's going to like you more than me.

[He wants to be his dog's favorite!]

I very much doubt that!

[He's the one with frequent urges to hunt and eat her, after all! Except...she really has no way of knowing that. Ingo frowns.]

Ah...perhaps this is a bad idea, actually. [He moves to hand Mr. Cupcake back to Emmet.]

[Emmet feels bad! He steps back.]

No. I am being jealous. I should not be. I know you won't try.

[Emmet is just...missing the bond of a Pokemon. The bond he had with Mr. Cupcake was great and amazing, but it was't like a Pokemon Partner!]

She is just not smart.

[Is that the right word for what he is feeling about her in comparison to Pokemon?]

[It doesn't feel right! Its that feeling when you have to pick between two deserts you really like at a restaurant because they are both great, but there is just something about one that tugs.

No...well, no, I know what you mean. Hasumi is the same - it is really not the same as being with a Pokemon. This...well, this feels as though it may be awful to say, but I do not...feel like she is my partner, as I would if she were a Pokemon. It is as if she were one of the Sneasel kittens, except she has not really gotten any older. Mentally speaking. Physically, I believe she is full-grown, but she is still like a baby! I would not allow her to battle even if she knew any moves, it would feel...wrong! As if she could not really knowingly agree to combat!

[Ingo got distracted there, and automatically pulled Mr. Cupcake back against his chest for a more secure hold as he spoke. But - no, he has not changed his mind on this!]

Really, though, I am not certain the two of us should bond!

That is how I feel about Mr. Cupcake.

[Verbaitum! But it is a well-known fact that Emmet will say fewer words instead of more.]

You should. You're both great and want you two get to experience each other.

[Emmet is fully unaware of Ingo's urge!]

Trust me, it is a bad idea.

[Ingo doesn't really want to explain this! But it's probably better if Mr. Cupcake...well, she's never really run away from him, but she doesn't tend to run towards him a lot right now either!]

...

[He stroke the top of the dog's head. Emmet can tell when Ingo is being serious- but he honestly can not imagine what Ingo could be so hesitant to explain more.]

[It was frustrating. It made Emmet want to itch.]

[Emmet did not know how to say this.]

[Ingo takes advantage of the silence to sort of foist Mr. Cupcake back on Emmet.]

It is for the best.

[It makes him feel bad. Ashamed of the need, and honestly a bit sad to reject the dog so. But she cannot protect herself or know when he is dangerous, so he must take responsibility!]

[Emmet takes the dog and holds her close.]

[He stares at Ingo and is silent. He is holding his breath, unsure of what the next one might bring.]

[The tenor of the silence is different from Emmet's usual. Ingo drops his gaze and folds his arms behind his back, unsure of what he ought to say. It is obviously on him to speak first, but he...there must have been other times in the past when he did not know how to, right? What did he do then?]

[Emmet moves to sit back at his laptop and takes the shoes off the dog.]

[He ruined everything by getting jealous. They were having fun, they were supposed to watch Mr.Cupcake walk around like a fool. The teasing would've stopped and they could have been okay and Emmet not discovered that there is more he is hiding!]

[And involving the dog he got- over something as minor as that.]

[He sets the dog on the ground and it trots off to its water bowl.]

[Ultimately - Ingo isn't sure how to ask. Would Emmet even know what it was he used to do when he didn't know what to say? Or did he just do it, and not even let on how he felt? His past self feels less like a separate person, these days, but there are still times...

He moves to sit on the opposite end of the couch. Sometimes it seems like he cannot have even an hour here, without some awful aspect of his own monstrous nature rearing up and ruining things.]

...I'm glad that she and Hasumi get along well. I was a little worried about that - because Hasumi is made out of cake.

[The other reason Emmet simply could not comprehend Ingo's real reason- his dog is a cake. Another reason it was so far away from his idea what could be going on, it could not be detected by the HERA array.]

[And any other reason would just seem so...minor not to tell him.]

[He ruined it didn't he? Ingo was just being sensitive to Emmet's jealousy.]

[He dug his claws into his legs, the scales not being damaged at all by his claws.]

Not that I considered it truly dangerous, or I would not have brought her home at all! I would never be that thoughtless! Though...admittedly, it was still a bit of an impulse. I - well, I was the only one left in the house without a companion. I knew it would not be the same, but even so.

[Lonely, to be the only person around who was alone! Even if Gladion's the only one of them who actually has a proper partner! Ingo is continuing on - not quite oblivious to the fact that Emmet seems upset, but not really realizing the severity. Talking usually seems to help; he knows the quiet bothers him.]

[It was oddly loud for Emmet. The slow release of breath had been completely unheard, but that intake- when his lungs forced him to take a breath.]

[It was quick, just as much as was needed and not an ounce more.]

[He knew he should be listening to Ingo. He knew he should not be upset. That he was taking this personally when he knew he shouldn't.]

[He hated it here. He hated how this was making him act. He hated how Ingo was in this same fucking situation and trying to pad him from everything even if it was as minor as a dog issue.]

[Did Ingo really think he was incapable to handle anything of value? Ememtt's thoughts were running away too fast, he was trying to keep the same expression on his face he could feel like he had something of control.]

[There was a tiny voice in the back of his head that found this hilarious.]

[Emmet being quiet while Ingo talks is not that unusual. But that sound gets Ingo's attention; he turns to face him properly.]

...Emmet?

[He heard his name.]

[He only heard his name. It did not register. He could see out of the corner of his eye, Ingo turning to look at him.]

[Don't look at me. Don't register me. Do not label me as even existing right now. Even labeling himself as 'me' felt like too much.]

[In another life, Ingo probably would have been able to recognize this and know what to do. But he isn't that person anymore. Alarmed in earnest now, he scoots down the couch closer to Emmet.]

Emmet? What's wrong?

[If anything, it reminds him of himself in an arcade, or in a heavy crowd - when it all gets to be too loud, too bright, too much. But nothing has happened!]

[Everything was wrong! Nothing was wrong! How do you scale the mountain of 'What's wrong?' here? He was clawing at his upper thighs now. His wings and tail curling up against him tightly.]

[His mind was ripped in two directions, one being overly aware of everything around him down to the texture of his teeth. The other side was thinking too fast about everything since coming here. Ingo not telling him things, murdering people, not being able to wear his favorite shirt simply because it isn't here, turning into a monster, not knowing the names of the people on the radio, Ingo going to Hisui, not keeping up with that mobile game he downloaded a long time ago...]

Ah - ! Careful!

[Ingo notices the clawing, and immediately reaches out to try and take Emmet's hands in his own. It's not like he doesn't get it; he does the same thing, and he hasn't even got the benefit of scales to protect him. But that doesn't mean he wants to just sit here and watch Emmet potentially hurt himself!]

[Emmet glitched, him in a butler outfit, him as a Depot agent, him as a gargoyle again.]

[Ingo touching him hurt he pulled away- a reflex as he gracelessly threw himself away. A strange reaction to someone who is normally all about that physical affection with people he likes!]

[Ingo recoils like he's been burned. Emmet's never refused his touch before, much less flung himself away.]

I'm sorry! I did not mean to -

[This must be about something he's done. But Ingo doesn't know what it was! They weren't even fighting, at least not just now, were they?

Unless...unless Emmet intuited what the problem with Mr. Cupcake really was.

A leaden weight presses suddenly on Ingo's chest. Of course - Emmet is better at reading Ingo than vice versa. And they were only just speaking of Ingo's instincts, and how much self-control it takes to do something as simple as not lick people. They've spoken about his hunting instincts lately. Of course he could put it together, and of course he wouldn't want to be around him right now. Stupid, how stupid can he be?

Doesn't matter. If his presence is bad, then - he needs to give Emmet space. Ingo rises, hands clasped behind his back again, fighting to keep his voice steadily neutral.]

I will - give you the room. I'll come back for breakfast.

[This last note, because he actually intends to exit the house entirely! He turns to go out the back, motions jerky and unnatural.]

[Another sharp intake of breath. Trying to get even more in a shorter amount of time. He did not realize he had moved from 'holding my breath so I won't lose control' to 'I have lost control and I don't remember how to breathe and it is just a forced reflex']

[He is clawing at himself again. He feels tears building up in the corners of his eyes, scalding, he wants to wipe them away- they weigh too much. He can not though, it would be too much to un-tense his muscles, his claws are digging into his wrists. He got under the scales this time.]

[He does not register Ingo.]

[It is downed out by the roaring rush of thoughts in his head. He messed up. He failed again. He got jealous. Ingo won't talk to him. Ingo would rather not talk to him. Ingo doesn't trust him. He hates it here. He hates it here. He hates it here.]

[Another gasp. Tears are now streaming down his face. He wants to scream, he wants everything to stop. He wants to stop glitching. He wants to be human shaped.]

[The claws go in deeper.]

Edited 2023-05-18 11:59 (UTC)

[Ingo goes into the woods.

He walks mechanically, in a haze, until his legs feel too heavy to lift again. He sits abruptly. It is, at least, quiet here; the animals of the forest know him for a killer, and silence themselves when he's near. He tucks his arms close to his body, slips his hands up into the wide loose sleeves of his kimono, and buries his claws in his biceps. The pain is a bright clear point in an otherwise dark rush of - how do I fix this? should I go back at all? what if that was the tipping point, now he finally sees me the way I actually am, I cannot fix that - and when his nails glitch back into short blunt human ones he goes on pressing them into the little wounds left behind.

At home, his Pokemon knew he was prone to occasional - moods, or fits, whatever you might say. They'd look after him. He could usually tell when one was creeping up, and would try to at least make sure he was in camp first. So he knows it isn't safe to be out in the wild alone, in this state - but he can't process that right now, isn't even really processing where he is in the first place. He stares fixedly at the ground, shoulders hunched to try and block out as much as possible.

This goes on for some time.]

[Time passed, as it always does. Eventually, it became deep in the night and Emmet calmed down, now sitting in front of the couch- he hated himself more than anything. He ruined everything, of course, he would! It was a standard he met regularly for himself.]

[It was embarrassing. He was watching the entrances for the living room for Ingo, so he could throw himself at Ingo's feet and apologize. Try and correct the issue. He was already thinking of what he could do to prevent this from happening in the future.]

[Maybe if he didn't mess it up, maybe one day Ingo would actually talk to him about personal things again.]

[Eventually, the weight lightens. It always does.

At some point between when Ingo first sat down and when he finally shifts sideways off of his aching legs, he'd glitched back into a manticore without noticing. Ruefully, he looks over his paws - the white fur there makes it nearly impossible to hide the blood on them. He's pretty sure he isn't near the stream, and wiping it on his clothes is little better.

After looking over his shoulders, he ends up carefully licking them both clean like a Sneasel. Something in the repetitive motion unspools some more of the tension he's carrying, though shame just creeps in to replace it. He really is little better than a beast anymore. And now Emmet knows that too.]

It is for the best. It was a safety issue.

[Even if there were anyone around to hear, they probably wouldn't really understand him; he's just mumbling to himself. He tries not to do that in front of people who are not Emmet or Gladion, but it's always easier to think when he isn't also keeping the thoughts in.]

We can take better precautions now. I should - no, I should not actually suggest moving out. I was just being dramatic. It'd upset him. Don't want to anyway, stupid idea. Maybe I could take the third floor? A little extra space? We could put a dog gate up. Yes - yes. I can live with that.

[The idea doesn't exactly excite him. He enjoys their little space in the basement! They are close enough to hear each other if anything happens, and their Go board is there. But the proximity also means that he'd probably wake Emmet with his nightmares if they were sleeping around the same times, which soon they will be - maybe it's better to get out now.

Ingo sighs and looks up at what little sky peeks through the leaves.]

Ah, it is getting late! Or, early - I should get back. Any blood?

[He checks himself over. No, he's good. The multiple layers he usually wears keeps anything on his arms themselves from being visible on the outside, and his paws are clean now. He rises, brushes himself off, and heads home. Luckily, he knows the forest well; even having wandered in a daze, he knows how to get back.

Anxiety starts to well up again as he gets close. What if Emmet's still upset? What if he makes it worse again? But he can't know any of that without going inside to see, and he has to - he promised. Even if Emmet's angry at him - afraid of him, some corner of his mind whispers - alright, yes, but even if that is true, he'll probably be more upset in the long run if Ingo disappears into the woods. He has made that very clear in the past! It would be particularly nasty to do it again when he knows what that means!

So he screws up his courage and slips in through the back door again as quietly as he can. He's not at quite the right angle to see Emmet sitting on the floor.]

[Emmet hears the door open and looks up. He stands up and words start spilling from his mouth.]

I'm sorry I messed everything up, I shouldn't have been jealous. I shouldn't have made you think it would be better if the dog wasn't near you. I will get rid of her if it makes you feel better, you're more important than a dog. I will do better, I will do better. I'm sorry.

[It was all said very quickly, saying whatever came to mind- anything to make this better. Hoping whatever he says would be the right response.]

Edited 2023-05-18 23:03 (UTC)

[Ingo puffs up like a startled Meowth! At first he's just surprised, both by Emmet's sudden appearance and the uncharacteristic flood of words, and then he's very quickly alarmed by - what is he talking about.]

What are you talking about? Do not - do not get rid of your dog?! What are you sorry for?

[Emmet did not quite get the individual words-just a meaning as he started to explain.]

I made things weird. I shouldn't have been jealous over her giving you attention. I should not have made it where you don't think you should interact with her.

[Still rushed. Trying to break things down into bite-sized ideas. His emotions got out of control. Ingo tried to make it better by willingly giving up time with the dog just so Emmet wouldn't be insecure. Because why else would Ingo want to do that? Ingo would always do the honorable thing even if it was dumb and hurt.]

But she likes you, and it would be hard for you to just ignore her because you never disliked any of my Pokemon or anything before so there must be something seriously upsetting about her.

[YES THAT IDEA MAKES NO SENSE, but it was the only one he could think of when everything was mentally a mess.]

Please slow down!

[Ingo's hands feint briefly towards Emmet, but after what happened earlier, he doesn't want to initiate touch again.]

I - Emmet, I thought you knew why - I did not even think you were being serious about being jealous! Or - well, I don't know, I could not actually tell for certain, but - I thought you might have been annoyed that I was teasing you?

I don't know because you don't tell me. You don't tell me anything. I've been trying verrry hard to be reliable but I keep messing it up and getting you upset and I am wondering if it was always this way and you hid it better or if it is when Ryslig's pressure is put against me I shatter so you think you're protecting me and I have just become a burden because you can't trust me to bear this and I am just proving you right.

[It is like the dam has broken. Emmet's conclusions, Emmet's worries- Emmet knows he overlooks Ingo's flaws, but was easy to do when someone has always proven their quality as a person again and again. And years of knowing how people put more on Ingo than him because they simply expect more, and he less. How Emmet had always thought Ingo would want to share the burden with him because he knew that Emmet could handle more than people thought.]

And because you're hiding more and more from me, over stupider and stupider things. And-And- I know you're doing everything in your power the best way you see it, I know everything you're doing is the best course of action in Truth of your world. And right now, in this situation, your Ideal of me in this world can't handle more. And I know it is bad I say this, I know it stresses you out, but I am bad with this and I need to do better.

[Guilt mounts in Ingo as he listens. Certainly he keeps things from Emmet. Most of them, he still thinks he's right to hide; it doesn't do any good for both of them to be unhappy! Still, perhaps he ought to find ways to be more subtle?]

I...there are certainly things I do not tell you for that reason. You should not have to do anything, Emmet! You should not have to deal with any of this! But...in this, perhaps I was just being selfish.

[There's a burden there for Ingo, sure, but it genuinely is nothing that Emmet could help with. He can't control what goes on in Ingo's sick mind. He can only feel afraid for his pet, and disgusted with his brother...Ingo lets out a shaky breath. What did he decide earlier? Safety concerns? It's better for Emmet to be disgusted with him now than caught unawares later on.]

I did not want you to think less of me. But I believe that it is a safety hazard for myself and Mr. Cupcake to spend time together.

[When Ingo says this, this is when it comes together for Emmet. How Ingo hunted, and how that kind of Pokemon interacted with creatures smaller and more skittery than them.]

[There is an obvious moment that it 'clicks' on his face.]

Thats it? You do realize your dog is a literal walking piece of cake.

[Flatly:]

I am a carnivore, Emmet.

[That is why he has a dog that is made of cake!]

Do you not eat cake anymore? I still eat cake.

[Emmet says this amazingly flatly.]

I have always wanted to bite an Alcremie and never have. I have licked each in the Vanillite line because I refused to accept it didn't taste like soft-serve.

I do not feel an overwhelming urge to storm bakeries! But I have hunted and killed animals!

[Ingo is almost immediately getting annoyed! Why is Emmet acting like this is a joke!]

And I think that you should take an active threat to your dog's welfare more seriously!

I actively wonder what your dog would taste like. Because it is a cake. I have literally wondered if it would have the same mouth-feel texture as a cake.

But I know when I start badly craving a slice of cake dog I should go get an actual slice of cake.

[What Emmet is trying to say: he is so used to living around a crazy number of Pokemon that look like food- and food that looks like Pokemon. That it only makes sense you would naturally get cravings for things and learn how to redirect.]

Would you eat a Pokemon that looks like sushi? Or at least go 'That looks like a nice piece of sushi'

Yes? Probably? That is what you make sushi with in the first place!

[Ingo has eaten Pokemon that just look like Pokemon! This is how hunting works???]

Emmet. This is not like wanting cake. I need you to understand that very often when I see your dog, I feel a powerful drive to pounce on her and break her spine.

Then we treat it like an Arbok is on your team situation. Supervision around the dog, when the sensation to do that arises we try and satisfy that urge in another way. Careful observation, and trust in your Pokemon's ability to want to be around its team members.

[Emmet says this flatly.]

Being a dog doesn't make it any more special than any other animal we eat and hunt. Being my dog doesn't make it immune to the horribleness of this place and what it influences us to do. We control what we can, and the rest is up to the will of Ryslig.

[His voice is getting rough from talking so much! He hates it!]

[And Emmet's bleak outlook on their situation has made it where he isn't blind with rage and frustration. That he has to accept that this place, perhaps, as he read in one person's thread on the network, is a suffering engine- and try to figure out how to adapt.]

[What he can manipulate here he will, but he refuses to fight the things he doesn't even understand how to face. Not until there is an idea- or something...]

I do not understand. I have just told you that I am untrustworthy -

[Ingo stops himself, closing his eyes. He's angry, but he's directing it at the wrong person. It just - Emmet is acting like this is a simple and easy problem. Like it's normal and fine for him to have to arrange his life around his brother's murderous impulses.]

She is your dog! Of course that makes a difference! What if I stayed on the third floor instead? We could set up a gate, and I would come and go via the balcony.

I do not want you to do that. I like sharing the downstairs with you. It would be too lonely without you.

[Emmet would not be willing to bend around someone else's life. But Ingo's- he was, easily and willingly do that.]

Being nocturnal already makes it hard to see you regularly.

Maybe that is a good thing! I don't understand why you want to spend more time with someone who wants to kill your pet! I have long thought that you must have greater standards for how the people around you behave, but really, Emmet, it is not right that you should have to live like this!

[Though. He's sort of letting the third-floor idea drop a little bit because he also does not want to do it.]

[Emmet felt like those words were supposed to hurt him. Perhaps it is because he did have that bit of a break and a short nap on the floor afterward, he just doesn't feel it.]

I don't think you would willingly do it.

.....no. Of course not. But that will not matter very much if it happens.

And do you forget with how Ryslig is, there is the very real possibility that next month everyone suddenly decides we have to cannibalize one another just so the Fog God can have a good morning, or make a skin suit out of someone or whatever?

I hardly see how that makes it any better.

[Actually seems to do the opposite!]

This is not like that, this is just - what I am now. I - I'm not good for you, Emmet, I wish you could see that. You are already acting as if my violence is for you to manage!

No, I trust you to manage it. I trust you would help me help you with that.

[He sighs. Voice rough.]

I'm trying to...accept this place is horrible. And makes us do horrible things, and want horrible things. If I hold everyone accountable for what this place forces them to do, I might as well give up on even trying to survive here because what would be the point? I would be trapped here with people as horrible as me because I am not above the influence, I would be disgusted with them and not the cause.

What is the point in surviving at all, when we are this?

[A foolish question - the point of surviving is that they'll only return hungrier if they die. Ingo knows that. If he didn't, he would have died well before now. It's just an angry outburst, one he quickly digs his claws into his pawpads in silent reproach over.]

...you are speaking too much.

Because I like to think, you would miss me if I were gone.

[Just a simple reason, and obvious to Emmet.]

Ah - of course I would! I did not mean - ah, nevermind.

[Obviously he wasn't talking about Emmet. But it does no good to say these things; he oughtn't to have said that to begin with.]

Though if you ever get the chance to leave this place, you must take it! I would be happier to know that you were somewhere safe.

I would miss you if you were gone too. But I would be happy if you were somewhere safe.

[Emmet is trying to explain how he feels, and it is hard.]

Because it hurts me when you're hurting, and I want you to be as happy as we can. I used to be able to help you- if you had an idea, I could follow through. Here...I can't follow through even though I try.

[Because you're not allowing him too.]

On Pasio, you wanted to introduce something like the Battle Subway there. I knew how to get it going, I knew what to do. It makes me happy to see you happy. Which I can't do.

Emmet...

[He's said this before. It seems plainly obvious. But he needs to be patient - he'll try and rephrase.]

It seems wrong for me to try and be happy, when I have this blood on my hands. Why do I deserve happiness any more than the people I have killed did? At least if I am unhappy, I am paying for it somehow.

[Emmet lets out a frustrated sound, move forward and clings to his brother.]

Then explain why it would be right for me to be happy- which you want. Explain why you think just because you're 34 minutes older, you are much more importantly the big brother to carry this. Explain why- when I have been killing people longer than you have, and eating them for much longer, I am exempt and you're not.

[He moves to rest his forehead on Ingo's shoulder.]

You're mean, and stubborn, and stupid, and a hypocrite.

[Emmet, master wordsmit of insults here.]

[Ingo lets out a surprised bark of laughter. Emmet's never insulted him before! Not outside of the red fog, at least - it feels very much like relief! The way Emmet always goes on about how good he is...it was like he was seeing someone who isn't here.]

I don't know. Because I love you. And - I think you feel the hunting urge less than I do. You never would have gotten an animal if you were like me. But -

[Well. Would he feel differently if Emmet were more like him? Probably not. He thinks that would be frightening, but even then, more for Emmet's sake than anything else.]

- I love you. [..........] And I am at least five years older than you, technically.

[Of course he felt the hunting urges less, one he was a lizard and they are not known to be on the hunt often, and two- his following people tends to help him disperse the urges better.]

[Give into them small and all that.]

And I think the same of you for the same reason. It hurts me to know you are hurting and I can't do anything for you.

[All Emmet could do was love Ingo when Ingo didn't love himself.]

[And it felt like Ingo wasn't allowing him to.]

Thats not important, me in the future is still 34 minutes younger.

I will be hundreds of years older by then!

[And like, definitely long dead. But Ingo isn't thinking of that; he's trying to be a little lighter. He doesn't feel light. It's a shivery feeling, like he could break down in either laughter or sobs all at once, at any second. He lets out a long shuddering breath and drops his chin onto Emmet's shoulder, finally bringing his arms up to hug back.]

I don't know. I don't know what to say. It is - all the time. If it is not the hunting it is something else. I cannot sleep, I cannot relax without - clawing or something - I'm sorry, I do not want to make things worse for you! I know that you have your own troubles!

I can handle them with your help like you can handle yours with mine. Because you may have things that seem big to you that are not for me, and it goes the other way.

[He said softly.]

Then we will find a way to help with that. Because you only make things worse for me when you allow yourself to suffer. When you carry everything when I can help. There are two of us after all.

...is that...how we did things before? It does not feel right - perhaps with ordinary problems, but this is all too much. I do not wish to burden you.

Of course, it is a lot. But it just a simple issue of rearranging the packs. If you give me some of your problems, I know you have room for mine.

[He looks up.]

If it would be a burden, I would tell you. But I could at least give suggestions on to how better carry it.

Would you tell me? You have always been more worried for me than for yourself. You let me go too far, too often, because - because you do not want to expect too much, because of how I was even before this!

[Ingo accepts the majority of the fault for how things were immediately after they both arrived here. But Emmet's always seemed to let him get away with too much, without saying anything. Ingo knows he's hurt him before and only realized later.]

I told myself I would be a better brother to you.

And you are, we are just refinding our footing, which is going to take a bit because our steps are out of sync. But as long as we both try, it will work out.

[He sighs.]

Before coming here, I have been told I need to express what's in my heart more, yup. I even said then I would. Have my heart on my sleeve. It's just hard to do- I don't know why people make it look easy.

It is not that easy.

[Ingo knows he has a much easier time expressing himself than Emmet does - when he wants to. But that doesn't mean it's just simple and easy for him to say everything.]

But...I will...try. [It still feels wrong to say. But, at least, it feels equally wrong not to.] If that will truly make things easier for you.

It will, I promise.

[He says with a nod.]

Please keep being patient with me while I try my best.

Ah, you have done nothing wrong! There's little call for patience!

[He says, despite having been upset with Emmet and deliberately reminding himself to be patient like. Literally two minutes ago.]

Ingo, even before all of this, there would be times I test your patience in the best of scenarios.

[Because it was fun! Which is an even greater test of patience then when it is serious!]

Like you'd test mine.

[Ingo snorts.]

Oh, well then!

[No, but that does make sense. He pulls out of the hug, mostly so that he can look at Emmet properly.]

I am sorry I upset you earlier. I should have been clear about why I was nervous from the start - I did not think about what bonding with her might mean, at first, and then I was worried that you would be frightened or angry with me! But...well, I do not like it, but she is your dog, so...I suppose if you are comfortable with it, I could be around her. With supervision! And - and I will tell you if you must take her away at any point.

[It's all a scary notion to him. That's obvious in his tone! But...well, if he really tries to remove all emotion from the question, Emmet's ideas are logical. And he said he'd try to let Emmet help, so...they should at least attempt it. If things go badly, he can always insist on his idea later on.]

Even if I were, I would get over it. Have my meltdown, take a nap, carry on.

[SIMPLE FORMULA FOR HIM!]

...I do not want to frighten or upset you to begin with!

[did you take a nap while he was gone, he's jealous]

[Get jealous.]

On accident is still better than on purpose, like when we were eight.

[A prank, in which Ingo discovered Emmet would have a 'fight' response, actually!]

What happened then? Wait -

[...no. The way his sessions with Joshua have been going, it could easily take years for him to randomly stumble across this specific incident.]

- no, nevermind. What did happen?

We were spending the summer watching horror movies and eating fast food at our Grandparents house.

[He started, looking a bit embarrassed.]

They were old money, so the house of course was big and kind of creepy. You know with old folk things.

[Ingo tilts his head; this is not a cultural thing in Hisui, but...alright, wealthy people, an old structure. Like some of the buildings in Jubilife a few decades on? He guesses he gets the gist, at least.]

Okay.

So, one night, you found a creepy old mask in an old toy box in the attic. And I would always go to bed before you.

[Gives Ingo a moment to process what he might have done.]

Oh. I see!

Grandma found it hilarious, Grandpa was worried we would have to take you to the hospital for a broken nose.

Emmet!

[Ingo sounds indignant, but also clearly amused. He obviously brought that one on himself, after all!]

Well, feel free to do that again if you must! It will all heal!

I will if you ever set that up again.

[He dares you.]

...really, though. If anything like the red fog happens again, do whatever you need to do. My - well, you have seen what my venom can do.

[He's never tested it against another monster. But it kills humans quickly. That month would have gone so, so much worse if he had been transformed then.]

Only if you do the same with me. It would suck to have to follow through on so many threats without you trying to win.

[Ingo grimaces, but...oh dear, he's already said it.]

I suppose it would make you feel worse if I did not and got hurt for it...

Absolutely. And we both remember it's the Fog's fault or something. Because wow, hate it.

Let's cross that bridge when we get to it.

[In a tone that very plainly says that he will absolutely blame himself, but he's trying very hard not to blame himself for something that hasn't even happened right now.]

...may I ask you a personal question?

Ask away.

...as long as I can remember, I have had these - passing fits. When things get too stressful, I tend to...stop, for a little while. Warden Calaba said that it was because my brain had been rattled so badly when I arrived.

[Again, Ingo doesn't mind. Even if it was a misdiagnosis - no one ever really looked too askance at him again once she made that pronouncement. Lasting injuries, of one sort or another, were common enough that no one would make too much of one.]

But, ah, just now...

[Well. He isn't sure how he looks from the outside. He doesn't think it's really like whatever happened with Emmet. If they hadn't just had their talk about their shared autism he probably wouldn't have said anything at all, but they really did just have that talk.]

[Emmet cocked his head to the side, trying to figure out what the question was.]

[Ingo doesn't entirely know how to ask directly!]

Well, you did not seem entirely - well?

[Ah- that- it was embarrassing to think of happening.]

When things get too much I kind of stop working?

[Emmet was trying to figure out how to explain it.]

Too many programs running at once, system meltdown.

[Again, it came with sensations Emmet could not explain, so he tried to visualize it and explain it, forgetting Ingo might not know the lingo!]

[He doesn't know what that means! But the first sentence was enough.]

We have that in common? Did I always do things like that?

Yup, but a lot of people don't notice it with you.

[Not that he could tell earlier, but Emmet had other things to worry about!]

[He considers this! People have said that he mostly just sits there and stares at nothing for a while. He thinks he'd have noticed eventually if Emmet were just doing that too, but the crying was certainly much more obvious. Anyway, he's usually not around people...though no one has mentioned the few times recently that he failed to retreat to his room.

Ingo gives a one-sided shrug.]

My Pokemon do. That is what matters! It could be a safety issue otherwise!

Pokemon are great at that, Eelektross is the perfect weight.

Alakazam hasn't been with me for so long, but she is good at helping! She can help me put it off for a little while, if need be. It isn't terribly pleasant, and the fit afterwards is usually worse...but there are times when that is still better.

[For safety reasons, generally! Ingo is not around crowds often enough to worry as much about appearances - at least, in Hisui.]

And Tangrowth's vines are like that. Heavy.

It just feels nice to have a 170-pound elefish lay on you.

That does sound nice.

[...should he ask if Emmet's noticed how frequently he's been doing that of late, or would that be giving himself away?]

Well, it is nice to know it's not likely to turn into a seizure, then! That was a concern early on!

Oh yeah, they don't. I do act ridgid and stuff simply because too much stuff touching me.

For a while, someone was always with me in case that did happen! I - well, in my earliest days in Hisui, it happened quite a bit more often. Everything was new, then.

[And he'd been continually distressed by his lost memories, and the uncertainty about what was going to happen to him. He evened out a lot once the clan adopted him, and he had a steady place to be.

He wants to say he's doing better now. He sort of isn't. So he just shrugs again.]

You got to familiarize yourself with things and start a new schedule.

[A sigh.]

It is hard when a lot changes at once.

...yes. It is.

[.......they literally just talked about it. He should just say it.]

You have been there when I...woke up from that a few times, recently.

["Woke up" is not precisely the phrase he wants. It isn't like being asleep at all; he's still generally aware of what's happening around him, even if he can't really process it. Emmet's presence has never startled him, like he was snuck up on. He just isn't sure how else to put it.]

I do not mean to do things like that in the living room.

It happens.

[Emmet says this pretty laissez-faire tone, for him at least.]

I would sit down and wait it out with you in case you needed anything, yup. Mine are embarrassing for me, so I didn't want to draw attention to yours.

Thank you. I... [Hmmmm. This is a bit embarrassing for him to talk about, that's plain. He's not sure that knowing it's innate and not some sort of brain damage helps?] I know that it is not always that noticeable, especially now that I am napping so often anyhow...but I would feel bad if Gladion saw I was awake and tried to speak to me.

[He couldn't answer, even if he was able to parse what someone was saying. Rare, when Ingo can't or won't speak, but there it is.]

Is there...anything I ought to do for you?

I don't remember what you would do to be honest- but somehow it always helped when you were around.

[Because Ingo would sit near Emmet and eventually, Emmet would start copying his breathing.]

[A small thing, really noticeable, and Ingo may not even had been doing it knowingly! It just made Emmet follow a pattern of breathing!]

Things just get too much, you know.

...I'm sorry for leaving, then.

[Though not that sorry - he sort of suspects his presence is only helpful if he remains calm himself.]

You didn't know, and I couldn't explain anything. So it would make sense to leave, yup.

I thought it seemed best at the time.

[Certainly, sitting there and watching would only have stressed him much more acutely! But Ingo can forgive himself fairly easily for this, knowing that he had to go have his own moment.]

Well, next time I shall know better.

I also try and hide when I feel one coming, mostly because it is embarrassing. As I have been told before 'I'm a 'grown-ass' adult and shouldn't be doing this.' and all that.

That seems...harsh.

[Ingo sounds less certain of this than he would have, back in the day. Emmet is, after all, his only real guide for understanding these things; it's difficult to contradict him. But Ingo knows that no force of will can stop his episodes. Even if they could - well, it happens because things are difficult already, there's no call to be mean about it.]

It is, but most people just think I am having a temper fit.

...but that is not it at all! At least - I suppose it is an excess of emotion, in a way, but it is not as though you simply...decide "ah, yes, this is what I shall do now!" Like someone shouting, or some such thing!

People are weird, they don't understand.

I know that not everyone has those exact experiences, but surely everyone becomes upset? Or - well, I suppose other people do manage the city much better.

[A lot of that was Felfri-born trauma. A lot of it is also just that the place is overstimulating. There's a lot of reasons Ingo struggles with places like the arcade!]

Its the entire 'You should handle your feelings differently' thought. They don't understand the programs stop running.

...I don't understand what you mean by that.

[He wasn't going to say anything but this is the second time Emmet's brought up programs!]

Oh, modern things.

[Emmet paused trying to explain a program.]

The thing your laptop runs are called 'Programs' like the program to connect to the network, or make a Word document, or draw a picture. If your computer runs too many of them, it can make the computer stop working.

It can draw pictures? I thought it was only for communication!

[Ingo knows how to use the network and That Is It!]

You never investigated it more?

I know how to use the network! What else do I need?

Word documents, art programs, games! There is one called V-Pets I downloaded.

Are the word documents like books?

Not really, think of it like a digital scroll. Did they have scrolls in Hisui?

Yes, parchments. But what is in them, then?

Whatever you write, or what other people write. Back home I used to save stories that Independent Authors would write on my computer. And tried to write one once myself, yup.

[Emmet was reading fanfiction.]

...I'm not sure I understand how this is any different than paper, but I do like reading stories.

[nightmare scenario ingo attempts to find new romance novels from "independent authors" on the internet now]

Think of your laptop. Now imagine over a million books on it.

That is far too many!

But imagine how nice it is to have them all in one neat area. You don't need shelves or anything.

[Emmet knows a lot of people like the book smell, but it just makes more sense to go digital!]

But what if something happened to the laptop?

Have backups. Or store it on the cloud or something.

Now you are just saying words!

[Ingo laughs and stands. Breakfast is coming up, which means that Emmet will have to go to sleep soon - he'll cook something up real quick for all of them to share before that happens!]

No, I'm not. I'll buy you a dictionary.

[Emmet yawns, because despite the nap, it had been a long night.]

[Now that things have settled, Beat will hit Ingo up.]

yo brotha!! this is beat! you wanna check out the cube??

Oh! Alright - I am not busy.
Would you like me to meet you there?

[He doesn't actually know where it is, really, but he can figure it out!]

sure yo! you know how to get there? decided on bringing yer brotha?

I'd prefer to! I shall ask him!

sweet! heres the way to the cube

[Good fucking luck Ingo, because Beat doesn't say street names. No he says okay starting from here you want to go here and down a couple blocks then go this way and. It's a mess.]

[Emmet...had been quiet. Not his normal quiet where if he could get away without saying something he would, but actively quiet. Shorter answers than normal, not initiating conversations. And actively trying to be alone.]

[He felt bad, and not merely because his arms had recovered from the encounter in the woods (which he kept neatly hidden under long sleeves) but because of the incident in said woods.]

[Slamming that man against what he thought was the ground, over and over and over.]

[He watched Mr. Cupcake watch a bird outside.]

[Ingo's been noticeably quiet himself. Becoming a simulacrum was terrifying. Being one was...surprisingly nice, if in a way that's unnerving to him now. He's torn between being terrified of that placid void of emotion and desperately wanting it back. Not to mention, he still can't stop thinking about the Fortress, and how he could best get himself confined there without it bothering anyone too much...

He hasn't done a lot to seek out Emmet when he's alone. Maybe it's better in the long run that he pull away from Ingo.

But he hasn't been actively avoiding him either, so when he walks into the room and sees him there, he nods.]

Emmet.

[He sits on the floor, back against the couch, and starts to watch the dog as well. He didn't come in here for any greater reason. None of his hobbies have seemed interesting lately, there is nothing that needs cooked, and while he's devoted most of his spare time to cleaning the couch he isn't willing to kick his brother off it to do that. So, you know, this may as well happen.]

[Emmet says nothing, just looking at Ingo, and then looking sad- like he wants to say something but doesn't.]

[He turns his head away in shame. He killed someone, mindlessly, and not in a frenzy or a need, but simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.]

[He dug his claws into his wrists, a sign to those who know how to read him that he is upset. When he noticed he was doing it, he quickly tried to correct.]

[It's been plain enough that Emmet is upset. Ingo's pretty sure that he's at least partially upset at him - although, Ingo has often thought that and been wrong. Either way, he still owes him an apology, so after a moment, he goes on.]

I'm sorry that I was not able to be there for you more during all of that. I - could not understand why you were upset to have that form, then. Well...no, that is not quite it. I understood in theory, but I could not feel it.

[He'd remembered Emmet's history with Zoroark, and his reaction to the one in the museum. But as a simulacrum, it had felt dull and distant. He was not a Zoroark, but a werewolf. It was temporary. No one here knew what a Zoroark even was. So, logically, there was no reason to be upset.]

...Doesn't matter, this place does that.

[This place may have turned them into Monsters, but Emmet's own anger made him kill that man. That was fully on him.]

[Anger that made him blind to everything around him besides his own self-hatred and hatred for here.]

[How much everything disgusted him. Claws back on wrists.]

It still matters.

[Maybe that fact makes it easier to forgive, but it still matters. Everything they do under Ryslig's influence still matters.

Ingo has been refraining from sitting on the couch lately, as he knows Emmet's bothered by the fur on the upholstery, but turning to see Emmet clawing at himself is enough to make him shift up to sit beside him anyway. He takes one of Emmet's paws in his. He doesn't have much room to comment - he does things like that all the time - but he'll check to make sure he isn't bleeding if Emmet will let him.]

[Emmet is, he didn't even realize he had hurt himself.]

Nope. Small beans.

[His voice is small, and weak. Like he is obviously thinking of something else.]

If you say so.

[Ingo sounds doubtful. But at least he wasn't actively antagonizing Emmet or anything like that? Maybe it's better to just let it go.]

Come to the kitchen with me? I would like to clean this.

It will heal. Like almost everything else.

[Emmet is not making an effort to move.]

...I suppose, but it heals faster when you take care of it.

[They aren't serious enough that he's going to drag Emmet away, though. He drops the hand - really, he probably should have asked before grabbing him like that, especially when he can already see that Emmet is unhappy.]

You seem distracted.

Because I am bad.

[He stated simply.]

And I don't know how to fix it.

[Ah.

Months ago, when Emmet first killed, Ingo had pushed back against this line of thinking. Now, he no longer remembers how. They are bad. They're monsters, evil by nature, and they can never take back what they've done. It feels wrong to think of Emmet that way - he wants, instinctively, to argue. But what argument could he possibly make?]

...it is not just you.

No, it is.

[He barked out.]

I killed someone- mindlessly and not in a frenzy.

[He felt his eyes start to water up.]

I am an actual murderer.

...what do you mean?

[What - he just randomly killed someone? When did this happen? Why? It crosses Ingo's mind to point out that they were both actual murderers already, and have been for the better part of a year, but the rest is just too alarming.]

I was mad, so I went to the woods. And someone approached the area I was in.

[He still watches Mr. Cupcake.]

I pounced on them and slammed them into what I thought was the ground, over and over and over...

Why?

[Ingo's still completely baffled, and growing rather frightened. Not for himself. He's under no illusions that Emmet would attack him, outside of a Red Fog incident. But something is pretty clearly happening to Emmet.]

Because I wanted to be alone, and they didn't leave me alone. I didn't care then. I was verrry mad.

[Emmet's voice is cracking.]

I killed a human, they won't come back next fog.

I am bad.

[Ingo looks at him for a moment, thinking. Is this because Emmet is always giving in to the monster? Leaning into manticore instincts, biting and pouncing and scratching? That seems likely. But pointing that out won't change anything; it feels cruel. Ingo hasn't got any right to point fingers at anyone else for killing, anyway.

He puts an arm around Emmet, one wing flapping open to try and drape over him as well.]

I know.

[The thing that always makes Ingo angriest is when people try to tell him that the horrible things he's done are somehow completely fine. So he won't do that to Emmet.]

We are monsters. We are bad by nature - that is the entire point of the Fog doing this to us at all. It is good that you can still recognize that it is bad. Many people here do not.

I wish I could lock myself away, but you two made me promise not to.

[He said weakly.]

But I am bad, I am verrry bad.

[...ah. The Fortress again.

Ingo goes still, mind whirling. Does he really have any right to ask Emmet not to do that when he himself wants to so badly? Emmet's trying to do the right thing, just like him. But...while he doesn't care if he gets tortured by some demon in the name of justice, his stomach turns at the thought of the same happening to Emmet.]

...I did not know what the Fortress was, then. Gladion was the one who said not to. I don't know where he heard about it. But Beat told me that it is operated by a demon who tortures the prisoners.

At least the prisoners don't kill anyone else. Just because they were mad they were a stupid Zoroark.

[It feels like a dream come true. It feels like a nightmare. If they both went together, Emmet couldn't be upset at him for going - but if they both go together, then Emmet -

Ingo pulls his brother into a tight hug, suddenly terrified.]

I - I understand. I didn't before, but I do now. When I think about finally being able to ensure that everyone is safe from me...I want that so very badly. Sometimes it is difficult to think of anything else.

[Emmet lets himself be pulled into the hug.]

I am Emmet, I hate myself so much.

[And Emmet is too lost in his own self-disgust to see anything else right now. He is the bad one here. He didn't kill because he was forced, but because he was mad.]

[Ingo isn't rubbing Emmet's back or stroking his hair the way he usually might. He's just clinging to him, claws digging in strongly enough to border on painful.]

I know. But I still love you.

[Is he wrong to keep Emmet from doing what he knows is right? They're both evil monsters, risks to the people around them. Is he wrong to lead his brother into such a thing, like an Ekans in the grass? He's supposed to take care of him. At the expense of the entirety of humanity, though?]

Do you - really want to go?

I can't break my promise though.

[His voice is cracking.]

I promised Gladion and you.

I should not have asked that of you when I did not understand. I was thinking of myself, and how I want you around - not of your peace of mind, or of anyone else. Though - I suppose there is still Gladion. At least one of us ought to be around for him...

[And obviously it ought to be Emmet. Gladion wants Ingo around out of obligation, but he thinks that Emmet is actually good company to him. It's not fair to propose that Ingo alone gets to go to the prison, though.]

You're right, I should go.

[Emmet says that with a finality. Ingo must think he deserves it.]

Because you would not have let your anger let you kill a person like that. You're still kind.

Absolutely not! If you go, then we are both going! I am not any good for Gladion, and I am certainly no less of a murderer than you are! My victims and their families do not care why I killed them - and in any case, if I have not killed someone out of anger yet, it is only a matter of time.

[He's been so angry lately. The only reason all of his arguments have been with other monsters is because Ingo avoids humans whenever possible. But he's a monster. Monsters can't be kind.]

You've only killed because you've had to. Ingo, we both know I am the worse between the two of us. You're kind, I am selfish. You care about other people, I really only care about you. You want to be helpful to people, I look at most people about how much fun I can have with them and that's it, yup.

It is an actual loss if you go.

[Ingo draws back, pressing his forehead to Emmet's.]

If you were selfish, I do not think you would be proposing any of this. And if I were all that good, I would have gone far sooner, rather than kill all the people I have. I knew there was some sort of prison since Gladion mentioned it, since before I had killed anyone at all, but I took this long to even seek out more information about it.

[And he still hasn't actually gone. He'd have waited a few months more, at the very least, and maybe he never would have found a way to do it without hurting Emmet too much at all.]

I thought if you made me promise, you were promising also.

Perhaps that is part of why I did not.

[Ingo doesn't consider himself to have made any kind of promise...but he also knows that Emmet would have asked him to, if it had ever come up. He could have tried harder long before now. He had not forgotten the ominous name Gladion mentioned.]

But it still would have been better for humankind, and this world.

It would be better if the Fog and E+L wasn't here at all. I don't want to be here, I don't want you to be here. I want you to go home and be safe and happy even if you will forget me again, even if I do not want to forget Ingo ever.

[Welp, there it is.]

[Him forgetting Emmet again is probably on the table, given Ingo's many issues. It's Emmet forgetting him that draws him back.]

What do you mean?

On the network, someone told me we forget we were here if we go back home. I don't want to forget you. Even if I am bad, I would want to remember this place if I could remember you.

Emmet...

[Ingo's eyes well with tears. He'd want to remember everything awful here just to keep him? Even when he'd be going back to the other Ingo? He butts their heads together, then runs his tongue once over Emmet's hair. The idea is alarming, but right now he's just weirdly touched.]

I - I do not know if anyone can say that for certain. I have not heard much about it myself, but...some of the people who returned in May still remembered this place, didn't they? I spoke to Triffany and she had not forgotten anything! Though, she did not seem to realize just how long she had been gone from here...

What about the us that was here before? Same monster and everything?

Gladion -

[Ingo abruptly realizes that this isn't a great argument at all. What more does Gladion know about it than any of them? Still, he goes on.]

Gladion thought that they were from different worlds than you and I. Similar, but not exactly the same.

Different worlds?

[WHAT? Emmet is still getting used to different worlds that are similar but different]

I did not entirely understand it. This was very shortly after we arrived in Bavan.

[Not that he's become an expert on different worlds since then, but at that time Ingo was still getting used to things like electricity. He'd pretty much taken anything Gladion told him as gospel.]

But he...seemed confident?

I hope they are happy then.

[He said gently.]

And one day they can meet again.

I hope so too. I never learned a great deal about them...though I did not try. I find the topic a little unnerving. But I know that they were together while they were here.

[People who knew the previous Ingo have also known that Emmet is his brother. So if they had already found each other, then they must have some idea of how to do it again in their worlds, right?]

That is because Emmet will always want to be near Ingo, yup.

A constant across universes?

[Well, that just sounds impossible! But also not really worth thinking of. Hypothetically, if there's millions of them, there are probably Ingos and Emmets who dislike each other - but they aren't here and thus aren't important.

Really, Ingo isn't sure it's worth worrying too much about what comes after this. He doubts they'll ever escape. But Emmet seems to like this topic a little better; he doesn't want to drag him down again.]

[To Emmet it's not impossible, he could not even imagine them disliking each other, it- like Ingo wanting to hunt Mr. Cupcake for a while and not telling him- was so far off his radar the possibility didn't even show up.]

Yup, always.

[Ingo shifts so that he can lay his head on Emmet's shoulder.]

What if I joined that...gang who does not like Pokemon? The one in Unova who did that thing with the dragons?

Team Plasma? We would have to have a long talk. And wonder made you stop liking Pokemon.

Maybe there is a universe where I started the gang! Oh, but I would not call it Team Plasma. I do not understand what plasma has to do with any of their stated goals.

Well, if you started the Gang, I must have helped somehow. It is a lot of work to start a Terrorist Organization and raise a kid who talks to Pokemon.

I can be a single terrorist father if I like! Maybe you are a cop. Maybe we were separated at birth and you are on the run for my crimes, because no one knows you have an identical twin at all!

[now he's just doing his dramatic yarn thing again]

Would we have an epic Pokemon battle on a collapsing building with one of us shouting out 'You are my brother!'?

In the air! On dragonback! And then I shoot you off with a fireball! Because I am evil and you have not had time to try to talk me down yet. You survive, of course, Reshiram will catch you. Or Zekrom. I don't really know why I would have either one in this instance but clearly it happens!

[Emmet laughs.]

Maybe you have Kyurem and are trying to use the DNA splicers to merge it with the one I have. Because I am not very good with water types, I would have an electric type, so maybe Zekrom.

Your ideals would be stronger. Although I do not know what my truth is. Or what a DNA splicer is.

Something our Mom's side of the family had, our Uncle was keeping them safe- they were used to fuse Kyurem with Zekirom or Reshiram.

[A beat.]

He was going to have Iris take over keeping them safe. Because neither of us wanted to take over the Gym.

...isn't she a child? Why couldn't we just have them and still work at the subway?

Because Mom's side is rich and stupidly traditional.

...well, it does add drama if I must attack the long-lost family of my birth to get them. So yes, that is what it shall be.

[in this weird au fanfic that exists only in their heads right now]

You emerge from the shadows, our Uncle is standing there, ready to defend the splicers, you defeat him despite his rank as a Gym Leader. He falls to his knees and realizes something- this was not Emmet who had betrayed the family, but the missing twin.

[Ingo laughs.]

Ah! The terrible family secret that he alone knows! Well, our parents must too, I suppose...

[But they are regular people and thus hard to fit into the story; he dismisses that wrinkle with a slight shrug.]

I cannot believe your own family thought that you were the terrorist! Ah, but with so much video evidence of you committing your horrible crimes, how could they not? It was terribly heart-wrenching, and they did not wish to accept it, but who can deny reality when they see it? And of course, if you truly had turned to villainy, it makes sense that you would only scowl!

[He pauses to think for a moment, then asks:]

Is it very clear when twins are infants that they are identical? Babies all do look very similar anyway, at least to my eyes.

I can't tell either, the only way I can tell us apart in baby pictures is because Mom and Dad painted our toenails.

Well, then, perhaps they did not even know that! And they must have assumed I was dead in any case, instead of being raised by old-fashioned cultists in the mountains!

[which is evidently a part of this now]

Your only friend was a Foongus you found on a tree.

Hm...yes, but that is secret from everyone. Because...well, goodness, how did they justify battling alongside Pokemon in their quest to separate people from Pokemon? I understand they probably did not really believe in it, but they must have said something!

That it is like recruitment for War! The Pokemon are fighting side by side for now for their own liberation.

Oh, I see. Well, obviously I am a true believer in all of that!

[Apparently a universe where he founded Team Plasma is within the bounds of reasonable, but one where he is just a total hypocrite is beyond the pale!]

And I still have a very cool long coat to flap behind me!

Why would you even be a villain if you didn't have a cool long coat to flap?

You have a detective's coat. Like Detective Berglund on Peninsula of Passion! You joined the force to prove yourself, because our parents were overprotective and smothering of you after the loss of their other son!

Plus I was jealous of the brother I never knew because they idealized who he could have been, and held me up to that expectation.

[A beat.]

Detective Berglund was a jerk last episode.

It is because he does genuinely believe that Elsa killed Anders! He does not know their love was true!

[Not that Ingo is a particular Detective Berglund fan, but he tends to sympathize with most characters who aren't just outright awful!]

Yes, that too. But you all think that he is dead, so there is certainly no thought in anyone's mind of all that when I appear! It was decade ago! And I suppose I would not see you until much later in any case, or else we would have just had a dragon battle then.

It is so obvious even I picked it up, who does he think she loved? The record shop clerk?

[Emmet on the other hand, does not sympathize with or like Detective Berglund and had made this clear in the past.]

Maybe it is like a slow build-up, seeing each other in a crowd and stuff.

He is struggling with the loss and wants someone to blame!

[This guy isn't even Ingo's tenth favorite character, he is just too soft-hearted.]

Ah, yes - I do not know we look alike at all, only that there is one detective coming after me very intently, and you probably think I am using some sort of disguise to frame you on purpose! And then I think that I have killed you in the dragon incident, so there is nothing more to do about it!

He should just read some sad stories and call it a day. Not blame Elsa.

[Emmet thinks.]

Maybe you think I am an angry ghost after the dragon incident?

Ah! Bravo! An angry ghost! How exciting! I must be in a poor state by then - even if I did not know you, it must be upsetting to find out one had a twin brother who one has been accidentally framing for crimes and then immediately kill him over ideological differences!

That must suck to kill your identical twin over ideological differences, but I am sure it happens sometimes.

Rich historical precedent, in Unova.

[He's not actually sure whether or not either of the original kings ended up killing one another, but they started a whole war about it?]

I think I one time read a fanfic, based on a musical, based on the Twin Heroes that did that.

What happened to them in real life?

Went off somewhere after their sons decided to pick the war back up again. Guess they got tired of everyone fooling about.

Well, perhaps they should have thought of that before starting a war! And over something so nebulous, too!

Well, speaking from the future, we can see how Truth and Ideals are really hand-in-hand but back then they probably didn't.

Even excusing all of that, it's a foolish thing to start an actual war over. Most wars are about...resources, or land rights! That is worth nothing more than a regular argument or two!

What about clan conflicts over what came first, the space or the time?

Or religious differences, I suppose. I am hardly claiming that was not foolish! It always made me feel a little bit disloyal to my Clan, in early days, but I never really could muster up the level of concern about it all that most people did. Suppose it was true, and the Diamond Clan really were worshiping Palkia, and had mistaken its nature - clearly it did not mind very much! Why should we?

People like to have something to fight or complain about. I think we are like Pokemon in that way.

That is why we need to come together! They are better at solving such conflicts among themselves without widespread bloodshed - and, when they are not, the presence of a powerful trainer can help! Ah, but I am preaching to the choir, talking to a man of the future!

You're also a man of the future, and the past, and the present. Verrrry special. Rarer than taking 230 steps in the Safari Zone without an encounter.

I do not feel entirely like one yet. All of the memories I've recovered are still scattered like so many beads - I have not strung together any longer periods of time yet.

[It seems pretty random; sometimes they're from childhood, sometimes from adulthood, never really having anything to do with the last one. Emmet is typically there. They really were around each other pretty much every day, he supposes - but that's not too surprising, given that they're the same now.

He stretches, and settles back against Emmet's side.]

But that is alright! I do not feel so alienated from them anymore. I suppose they will return in their own time.

They will, and when they do, I am sure it will all add up into a nice picture.

[And this is Emmet leaning against Ingo.]

Like I one time saw a TinkaTok about this thing they do in Kanto or Johto or something where they fix broken things with gold and celebrate that, maybe your memories will be like that?

Oh! I think I have seen that! Like pots or plates, right? I do not recall what it is called...

[But that's a thing he's forgotten in a regular way, if he ever knew. Ingo shuts his eyes for a second, to tilt his head for a sideways headbutt. It is difficult to think that he is repairing things in gold. Not when it is happening in Ryslig. But Emmet's mood seems better now; he isn't going to say anything to upset him again.]

...well, in any case, perhaps it is like that.

I wish I knew too, I just liked watching how they got fixed.

We could probably find out! I do not suppose this place is very much like Kanto or Johto - oh, the local version of that is called Japan, actually! But maybe someone in town does it? I do not have anything that needs fixing, but I have never seen it done.

Japan huh? I really thought it was like Javan or something.

[Idea.]

We go and find out if there is one, and then we buy a bunch of cheap plates to break when mad then go get them fixed.

That is a thought...

[A little wasteful, to his mind, but he's certainly not going to go against any ideas Emmet has for managing anger right now. Anyway, Ingo does often wish he could break something himself. And it would be pretty.]

Cheap, but pretty! So that there is something to work with! There are a remarkable number of goods that seem nicely made to my eyes that are cheap here!

Probably got a factory somewhere that's making them crazy. Maybe if we can't find someone to do it, we can do it ourselves.

The gold mending? I'm not a...goldsmith!

[THEY ABSOLUTELY CANNOT?]

Maybe we can find something similar, like colored clay or something.

Is there such a thing as colored glue?

Yup, comes in fun colors too.

Then perhaps we could just do that! I admit, the idea of learning a new craft sounds like a challenge - [Which is, of course, exciting!] - but we're liable to hurt ourselves mucking about with molten metal, without so much as a teacher!

Or we could take it very slow and build up to it, someone had to do that to start it all, yup.

We'll burn the house down!

I am Emmet, I am sure we could melt a little in a pot on the stove.

Edited 2023-08-05 22:12 (UTC)

We'd need something much hotter than that, if it is anything like blacksmithing! I suppose we could find out about that much easier than the gold repairs...there must be people making things of gold in the city! They have jewelry!

I thought gold was a soft metal. And there must be!

I suppose I don't really know. This is certainly not something I did in Hisui! We did not have much metalworking in the Clan in general...but surely it takes more heat than cooking?

What if you put the flame up all the way?

They wouldn't make it hot enough to melt pots, would they? We should just go to the library. Or ask the network, I suppose.

[Ingo has learned enough about the internet that he's not sure it's a good source for factual information anymore!]

We can do both, so that way if someone says something that matches the books, we can trust them, yup.

Sensible!

[He sort of wants to ask: are you feeling better now? But it seems an absurd question to ask under the circumstances. He doesn't really want to bring it back up anyway.]

Besides, I need to go pick up more hobby things soon, I have used up my kits.

[Which is why if you go into Emmet's room, there is a bunch of loose art stuff and a small variety of crafts- like knitting, crystal growing, cross stitch, and a few model trains.]

Hmm. I do not know how you jump between them so easily.

[Ingo, on the other hand, has been slowly letting his hobbies drop. He finds he rarely has the energy - emotional, if not physical - to start on a project. It's a lot easier to just lie around, or maybe watch TV.]

Because if I don't have something to think about, I will hate myself and want to die. Easy.

[Said pretty brightly for the context of the sentence you know.]

[.............well.]

I just clean. Or organize.

[He does still do a lot of that, even if it's not really a hobby! And if he still can't keep the place clean enough to meet Emmet's standards!]

Cleaning is boring.

[Even though Emmet knows Ingo likes doing it, wouldn't Ingo prefer to do something else fun?]

And it seems like as soon as one mess gets cleaned up, another one spawns.

I'm doing the best I can. [slightly nettled!] In any case, it must be done!

I know you are, but life is messy. And Mr. Cupcake refuses to eat her food in the bowl.

[You know Emmet, you could help out by cleaning up your spaces more.]

We really ought to just put it outside.

[He could help out more, but far be it from Ingo to mention that!]

But then I would have to watch her as she eats so a raccoon doesn't think she is dinner or something.

Do it on one of the upper balconies?

Thats a good idea, yup.

[Fortunately, Donnie had been able to point out a direction for Bucky to follow, although...Bucky had other things on his mind. And he wasn't sure how well he was going to do at this moment. The way one of his wings hung a bit limply at his back might tell something as well. But for the moment, he simply approached the indicated door, took a deep breath, holding the locket in one hand...then reached out to knock with the other.]

[There's a screech and a clatter from the other side of the door, and then it's very quickly opened.

Ingo's been sitting up and waiting. Emmet left several hours ago, and he isn't quite sure where it was he was planning to go...it hasn't been long enough to logically be concerned yet, but he is still growing a little concerned. He's been trying to manage the feeling, though. He and Gliscor were in the middle of watching some Peninsula of Passions rereuns; the television is still slightly audible, though it isn't visible behind the large scorpion-bat peering at the visitor and the nearly identical-to-Emmet manticore shouldering it aside.

Ingo isn't surprised to see somebody who isn't Emmet. Emmet wouldn't knock. A bit odd, though, to have a visit from a stranger who isn't Gladion's age.]

Ah...good evening? Can I help you, sir?

[Noises...unexpected. But...he hadn't known Emmet beyond their brief interactions earlier today (and some network chat, not that Bucky had put any of that together yet), so he shouldn't have any expectations, really.

And...God, he'd had this talk with Sherlock before, about how notifying families was the worst part, hadn't he. They were monsters, and death wasn't permanent, apparently, but...

Still, with a grimace, Bucky considered, before holding out the locket, speaking softly.] Are...are you...Ingo?

Yes, I -

[Ingo's facial expression doesn't shift. But his eyes widen slightly when he sees the locket, and without thinking he reaches out to snatch it away. All courtesy abruptly vanishes from his tone.]

Why do you have this.

[No resistance, Bucky let the locket go easily, without a fight, grimacing a little more.]

Your...um...Emmet, he...

[Take a breath. Try again.]

My name is Bucky, I...run the Lou Jitsu dojo, and Emmet came to me there. My son Leo ran into some...trouble with humans, that I'm still trying to figure out, and Emmet overheard and came to warn me. He took me to where they were, we were...hoping we could find Leo, and...I'm sorry. They were monster poachers, and...I...

[Another quick swallow.] I killed one of them, and...I didn't let them take him, after...his body is at my dojo, if...if you...need it...

[He was waiting to find out if he was going to be punched in the face. He wouldn't be surprised by it.]

[Ingo doesn't truly register much of the explanation. He already knew, more or less, what he'd hear. The world contracts; Bucky's voice, the sound of the television, everything around him seems to fade away. He stares at the locket in his hand, and there's nothing but a vast rushing in his ears.

Emmet's dead. Emmet was killed, and where was Ingo? Just sitting around at home -

Gliscor whines and nudges his side. The contact snaps him back to reality enough to draw his lips back and snarl:]

Leave.

[Bucky had enough of his own situation to deal with at the moment, getting his throat bitten out by a grieving relative wasn't going to help anyone right now. He held his hands up, starting to back away.]

My...my friend Sherlock works for the morgue. I'll...we'll...I'll make arrangements with him, and...you can...check there...I'm...sorry...

[Ingo's breathing is starting to come too fast, a low wheeze in his chest. Without looking - at Bucky or much of anything else - he reaches out to slam the door in Bucky's face.]

[Once the door is shut, Ingo just stands where he is, panting raggedly. Gliscor butts against him again.

Absently, he reaches into his pocket for the Pokeball and recalls Gliscor to it. He can't accept that comfort. He doesn't deserve that comfort.

Emmet is dead, and he wasn't there.

He leaves the house. It's not much of a conscious decision. Nothing feels like one; his mind is incapacitated, too full of your fault your fault your fault, and so his body has taken the lead. Out to the woods. He walks, with no destination in mind.

Emmet died, and he was just sitting at home.

Eventually he slows to a halt. The claws of his right hand are sunk into the flesh of his left arm, leaving rivulets of blood to slowly trickle down beneath his sleeve. In his left hand, there's a knife.

He blinks slowly down at it for a moment. It's one of his knives, from the butcher's room. One of the ones he uses to skin people and slice them open. He doesn't remember going there and getting it. But the sight of it brings him back to a terrible clarity. Of course - he's deserved death this entire time. Failing Emmet, of all people, simply means that there's no longer anything holding him back.

There's neither time nor reason to think it over. Watching with some sick fascination, Ingo brings up the knife to press against his stomach. A dull point of pain. With a practiced stroke, the same one he's used on so many innocent humans, he digs it in and brings it up until it hits bone.

His knees give out. He falls to the ground hard, one wing crushed awkwardly beneath his body. The pain comes after, blooming like fire. Ingo can't help but cry out. For some reason, he's filled with a sudden gripping terror; tears are already streaming down his face, and he sobs and gasps and presses his paws against the wound. Slick blood pours over his fingers, clumping and staining his fur. His claws are extended in his pain and fear, and they prick against something hot and pulsing - ]

You - you deserve this.

[He pants raggedly to himself. He does not get to be afraid. He doesn't get to wish for comfort, and he certainly doesn't get to regret. He's done this exact thing to so many people. He let his own brother bleed out alone on some unknown forest floor somewhere. This is exactly what he deserves.

He goes on mumbling it to himself as the air fills with the scent of blood and damp earth. Eventually, his hands sag away from the ruin of his abdomen, and he finally goes silent.]

[Emmet had woken up cold and alone, on a rack in the morgue. He had laid on the cold metal, staring up at the ceiling of the rack, and it not even registering where he was.]

[When the rack was opened up, Ememt silently grabbed his things and left, heading straight home. He wondered if Bucky gave Ingo his locket or if he was going to have to hunt Bucky down for it.]

[He did not even register how he got home, it was automatic. As soon as he got home, he moved to sit on the couch. He knew he needed to change his clothes and take a shower, but that felt like too much energy. So he sat, staring blankly at the TV, his normally pristine clothes covered in dried blood.]

[He knew he would have to throw away the shirt, he was glad the jeans were decently enough clean. He wanted to find Ingo, but he did not have the energy. He was hungry in that monstrous way.]

[The house is quiet and still. No sign of Ingo.

At least, until Gliscor comes hop-flapping up the stairs from the basement. Emmet hasn't made much noise, but those big ears pick up near everything! Upon seeing Emmet, he lets out a happy screech and flies forward to greet him - possibly with a little too much speed and force, but you know how it is!]

[Emmet doesn't say anything, just makes a noise. Not an upset one, just, one of accepting the greeting as he wraps his arms around the Pokemon, nuzzling it.]

[He knows Ingo must be upset, he should go find him. But also, right now, he just wanted to hold something that loved him.]

[Gliscor cuddles up close, nuzzling Emmet fiercely enough to maybe knock him over! He's missed you!

But when Ingo hasn't followed him up the stairs after a few moments, he lets out a chirp and sits back up on his little hind legs. That's a little disappointing, but also not...all that surprising. He understands that Emmet died, and so of course Ingo hasn't been happy even after coming back home again. But Emmet is back now! Things can be better again!]

Sciiii.

[He flaps back over to head down the stairs again. He'll see if he can get him!]

[Emmet decides to follow. Maybe Ingo was asleep? Maybe he was mad at Emmet for dying like that?]

[Emmet padded down the stairs to look for his brother- he...he should face this head on and not be a coward!]

[What could he say? Words did not die in his throat, there were no words for Emmet to express how he felt right now.]

[His jaw clenched tight, his tongue touching the roof of his mouth, right behind his teeth. His mouth tangled up with itself.]

[Ingo had been alright when he first got home. He was up and talking, at least. But after confirming Emmet wasn't back yet, he hadn't known what to do with himself. Maybe that gargoyle said where his body was, but Ingo could hardly even remember that conversation clearly. So, with nowhere to go, he'd just lost momentum.

He's lying on the floor of his bedroom, curled up on his side and staring at nothing in particular. He doesn't much respond when Gliscor reappears and starts trying to drag him out of the room by the ankles! Just lets out a low, disgruntled groan.]

[Emmet rushed over to Gliscor and Ingo. The groan only proving to Emmet that Ingo was alive.]

[He batted Gliscor away gently, only so he could get on his knees, and lay down on the floor next to Ingo.]

[His mouth was still refusing to operate, so he simply reached out to touch his brother.]

[Nothing much has been reaching Ingo, wherever he is right now. He doesn't want it to. If he thinks about things, or talks too much to anyone, he's afraid he'll fall apart entirely. And he can't do that. He has to still be here when Emmet comes home.

More movement. His reaction is slow, sluggish in eventually glancing over - were it anyone else, he'd probably have just tuned right back out. But he's come home.]

Emmet -

[Ingo's voice comes out in a too-quiet gasp. It isn't easy to force himself out of that fuzzy, half-present state, but it's Emmet. Being here for Emmet now is the only thing that matters. He drags his heavy limbs into motion. One hand clutches at Emmet; the other is already closed in a tight fist, and just presses against him as well.

He is, at least, wearing a clean shirt. He had just enough presence of mind to change, and hide his own bloody clothes somewhere they won't be found until he can burn them.]

[Emmet made a noise. It was obvious from the tone of the noise that Emmet was trying to communicate 'Ingo'.]

[Emmet took Ingo clutching at him as a sign to move closer, bumping his head against Ingo's shoulder. Pressing it harder and harder as if he could press hard enough, he wouldn't feel that fear and loneliness that he felt in his last moments before waking up cold.]

Emmet, Emmet, Emmet.

[Ingo's babbling. His motions are entirely awkward and uncoordinated; he tosses one arm over Emmet to draw him closer and flops an entire wing over him as well, both probably too hard. There's more he ought to be asking, and certainly more he ought to be doing, but he does not have himself together half as well as he'd hoped to.]

[If it is too hard, Emmet doesn't notice or care. it is proof Ingo is there. Emmet slips a hand between them and presses a fist between their chests. He moves his fist in a clockwise motion. Then another. Then another.]

[Emmet was apologizing.]

[Emmet was shaking, trying to keep from crying.]

[It takes Ingo a minute to process the sign, and then he bursts out:]

NO! No, no - I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

[He's not crying. He hasn't cried once. What does that even say about him? He just feels hollow, like there's nothing inside him at all, not even tears.]

[What did Ingo have to be sorry about? Emmet was the one who went out and up and got himself killed.]

[Emmet did not want to think, so instead, he just kept with the motion, kept on trying to press his head into Ingo.]

[Ingo clutches at Emmet, still muttering apologies into the top of his head.

At least until Gliscor flops down on top of both of them, knocking the air out of him!]

[Emmet lets out a sound at the sudden flop, then upon realizing it is Gliscor, Emmet tries to move so he could also add the Pokemon into the pile.]

[Ingo just sort of lies there, letting both brother and Pokemon shove him about as they see fit.

This whole resolution he had about holding it together for Emmet isn't working out particularly well, is it? He stops whatever his runaway tongue is saying - more apologies - and buries his face in Emmet's white fur to try and collect his thoughts. This is fine for right now. Emmet needs this, so it's allowed. But Ingo cannot get so caught up in what he wants that he loses track of what actually matters.]

You smell like blood.

[oh no that probably wasn't a helpful observation]

[Emmet nodded. Two signs against Ingo.

SHIRT. RUIN.]

[At least it wasn't a shirt Emmet was overly fond of. But still, it was ruined. Holes in the back from where he was shot. The blood on the front. There was no way of saving it!]

You should put on something clean. It will make you feel a little better.

[Not "better", because it won't. But the feeling of dried bloody fabric against his skin had bothered Ingo quite a bit.]

Perhaps wash, too. [That he has not done. His energy gave out after doing the bare minimum of hiding evidence.]

[Emmet knew he had to get cleaned up. He wanted to get cleaned up in fact, he even knew he would feel better if he did so! But right now the idea of just getting wet seems too much.]

[He wished he lived in some space-age hellscape instead at the moment because then they could just...teleport the filth off of him or zap it with some special laser.]

[Emmet did not make a move to change or go wash up though.]

[He instead petted Gliscor.]

Edited 2023-08-16 03:41 (UTC)

[Ingo’s not really making much of a move to let go of Emmet and get up, either.

Finally, he just hooks the claws of his left hand carefully into the fabric at Emmet’s back and tears. More than one way to take off a shirt! It's a little awkward with his non-dominant hand, but his right is still curled into a fist. He's sort of forgotten how to unclench it.]

[Okay, that works. He removes the rest of the shredded shirt and goes back to laying down.]

[MISS. YOU.]

[REGRET.]

[WANT. MORE. TIME. YOU.]

[Ingo flails behind him for a moment before giving up.]

The blanket, please?

[Gliscor drags the knit blanket - a birthday gift - off Ingo's bed and drops it on them. Ingo immediately sets about wrapping it around Emmet. It isn't terribly cold down here, but ever since his first winter as a manticore, he worries about these things! The remnants of the bloody shirt get tossed blindly into a corner.]

Thank you. It's alright, Emmet, I'm here now. [He presses his forehead against Emmet's again.]

[Emmet moves as close as he can to Ingo. It was scary, Ingo. And not the fun kind either.]

[But Emmet isn't signing anymore, his hands are too busy kneading the blanket now.]

[Ingo goes quiet as well, though on his end it's mostly because he's begun grooming Emmet's hair with his tongue again.]

[Emmet is not fighting this at all. He just lays quietly next to Ingo as Ingo grooms him, kneading at the material of the blanket and Ingo.]

[Emmet is keeping his eyes open, focused on seeing what he could of Ingo, trying to store up as many memories of he could of the Warden so when he dies again, he does not have that regret.]

[A low purr builds up in Ingo's chest as he grooms. It's satisfying - it makes him feel like he's doing something concrete to take care of Emmet, even if really he knows it's not helpful at all. Really, it's probably alarming that he's so easily fallen into such a monstrous behavior.

The purring helps that part of him that starts to itch if he's silent too long, but it's an unconscious action. It doesn't totally fill the need.]

Gladion will want to see you. When he gets back.

[Emmet doesn't say anything, he is just also purring softly. Emmet knows he should check on his dog, Emmet knows he should check in to work to make sure he hasn't been fired, Emmet knows he should get cleaned.]

[But all of it seemed like too much right now.]

[Between licks, he goes on:]

You must let me know if you are hungry. I can get you something. Nothing too big right now. I do not - want to cook.

[Really, he doesn't much want to let go of Emmet for long right now. Though he nearly trips over himself to add:]

Though of course if you want something fresh, I will make it!

Edited 2023-08-17 01:15 (UTC)

[Emmet's stomach rumbles, answering the question for Ingo. Emmet was very hungry, but the idea of eating right now- especially the meat he knew he needed and craved from dying just the idea of it felt wrong in his mouth.]

[Too hard, too firm, too stringy.]

[He also did not want to leave Ingo's side.]

[Ah. That makes sense - in truth, Ingo had rather suspected he must be hungry. Ingo himself was hungry when he came back to life, far more so than he ought to have been so early in the month.]

Do you want to come upstairs with me to get something?

[He doesn't really want to go anyplace without Emmet, either.]

[Emmet nods as he slowly starts to sit up, still keeping a hand someone on Ingo, be it on a sleeve or back.]

[Ingo starts rising as well, reaching out to pull Emmet up with him.]

Are you thirsty? We can make tea, too.

[Emmet shrugs at the question, was he thirsty? He didn't know.]

[Emmet follows Ingo to the kitchen. Staying consistently within arm's reach.]

[Ingo keeps hold of Emmet, keeping half an eye on him as he leads the way out of his room and back upstairs. It's for the best anyway. Lying on the floor may be all he deserves, but Emmet ought to be somewhere more comfortable.

The pair head into the kitchen. Ingo stops at the pantry first, reaching into the back of the top shelf and withdrawing the Special Jerky to offer it wordlessly to Emmet. That's another thing - he couldn't send Gliscor for that, he doesn't like involving him in such matters.]

[Emmet takes the jerky, but looks down at it. Jerky was hard! But also Ingo made it (sometime in the past).]

[Emmet rips a small bit off and slips it into his mouth, he doesn't chew- he is hoping it will get softer. Or perhaps break down enough for him to just swallow.]

[He looks back at Ingo.]

[Ingo knows the jerky isn't something Emmet favors, though not quite the reasoning. Who would want it, really? For all that they're necessary provisions, it's a rather vile concept.]

Nothing fresh, I'm afraid. I have...not been cooking. If you'd like, I could make something quick?

[There's still some fresh meat left in the fridge; they both died too soon after their hunts to have used it all. Ingo doesn't especially want to cook anything now; he'd rather just focus on being with Emmet, since it seems he needs that. But he'll do whatever his brother wants.]

[A pang of guilt. If he hadn't died, Ingo wouldn't be this sad, he would have at least not laid on the floor.]

[Emmet shook his head, moving to bump his head against Ingo again. He was hungry, but he didn't want to not be near Ingo, and cooking would mean Emmet would have to get out of the way.]

[Once it felt decently soft, he swallowed the bit of jerky. He ripped off another piece. Put it in his mouth. A part of him hoped this would give him the energy to soon stop smelling like blood. Like cold, despite knowing he didn't- it was still in his nose.]

Edited 2023-08-17 03:52 (UTC)

Alright.

[Should he put up more of a fight? Go against Emmet's wishes in order to make sure he's properly fed? No - Ingo doesn't want to part so quickly either. He turns to put a kettle on with one hand, then links his arm around Emmet's to wait for the water to boil.]

Mr. Cheesecake has been well.

[That was good.]

[He kept on staring at Ingo. Tears trying to form again, he was sorry Ingo. It was scary.]

[He wanted to say something, vocally or sign. Something to communicate to Ingo, but again- nothing was coming to mind.]

[Ingo rests his head against Emmet's in turn. He ought to be talking. But it's hard to know what to say. Nothing has happened to him since Emmet was gone, really; nothing he thinks is worth being said.]

I, ah...I will make something decaffeinated. Better not to stay up, perhaps. And there is some sweet mochi left over, if you want some of it after you are done with that!

[He might have offered it first, but...well, it's that hunger, you sort of need to see to it.]

[Emmet nods, mochi is nice- it is soft, which meant Emmet didn't have to work with chewing it too much.]

[Emmet slowly finished the rest of his jerky, which should satisfy his urges for now. He brushed his hand off using his jeans. They were covered in dirt down the front, proof to Emmet of how he was laid on the ground.]

[He now focused on brushing the dirt off the jeans now too.]

...pajamas?

[Ingo himself is in some PJs - having already gone through that exact thing - though they're mismatched and messy. Not exactly his typical vibe.]

[He should change shouldn't he? He should also shower. He did not want to get wet though but he also did not want to get into clean pajamas while dirty.]

[It is obvious on his face Emmet is torn on what to do.]

[He scans the room as if the answer to what he should do would just appear in thin air.]

[Hm. Ingo might not know exactly what the issue is, but he can guess at a chunk of it.]

...you could put on a robe for a while? A fluffy one? Or just one of my kimono, you do not need to fasten it correctly or anything like that.

[That was an idea! He nodded but didn't move to leave Ingo's side. When they are down in their area next he will go change into one.]

[Emmet wished he could say something, or decide on something, or anything. He felt like when they were kids again, the younger twin hanging onto Ingo as if anything outside the two of them was something to be cautious about.]

[It frustrated Emmet that he was like this at the moment, but right now, the calm of just staying near Ingo outweighed that.]

[The water's boiling. Ingo pours it into the teapot. It'll need time to steep now...]

Let us go and do that, then.

[Decisive, but still quiet. He doesn't really have the energy for his normal volume levels. But Emmet needs him, so he can keep going as long as he needs to. He takes his brother's hand to lead the way back downstairs.]

[Once they are downstairs, Emmet heads to his room so he can grab the robe. He keeps Ingo within sight at all times.]

[As he starts to change his clothes, he sighs a little. Finally deciding he is 80 percent of the way there as he heads into the bathroom and turns on the shower.]

[He showers at amazing speeds, as if he is away for too long, Ingo would disappear into the aether.]

[Emmet barely dries off and quickly gets dressed in something clean. He looks like a drowned Sneasler with how little he waited to dry.]

[Ah - Ingo had not expected Emmet to go shower right this second, but it's probably for the best. He lets him go without comment. The intervening time is spent hovering around Emmet's room, unwilling to sit on the bed but not sure what else he ought to do.

He blinks at Emmet when he returns.]

Oh! You are going to get your clothes all wet! That is not good for keeping warm, you know!

[COMING IN TO TOWEL DRY HIS HAIR AT LEAST]

[Emmet will allow this, he just wanted to get back to Ingo as quickly as possible!]

I know that may be a little silly, given that it is still summer, but that was something very important to keep track of back in Hisui. Not to mention, I am not always warm enough inside even now. The air conditioning, and all that.

[He suspects it's a reasonable temperature for non-manticores, though, and so he doesn't say anything. At that point it's his responsibility to dress more warmly.

Anyway. The towel sort of leaves Emmet's hair a mess, but he's dryer!]

Better?

[Emmet nods, and once they are back upstairs, Emmet is heading over to the air conditioning to adjust it a few degrees warmer, to see if Ingo prefers it and Gladion won't get too hot.]

[Emmet had just always had it set to what he was used to back home and didn't seem to think about how it felt colder than usual because he didn't hear any complaints from Ingo and he didn't want to experiment to find a new temperature.]

[He's going over to finish up with the tea, but he sees this.]

Ah, don't do that! It might not be good for the plants. I can always wear a coat.

[Emmet looks over at the plants, then at Ingo. And leave the temperature where he newly set it to then heads over back to Ingo.]

[COLD. ALSO.]

Ah...well, I suppose that is alright. Gladion will say something if it is too warm, I'm sure.

[Of course this being a need Emmet shares changes things entirely.]

Please, sit -

[He's just pouring two mugs of tea and getting a package of mochi out; he'll bring them over to the couch in a second. And hey, look: the couch is practically entirely free of black fur!]

[Emmet doesn't notice, to be honest, he really hired the defurring to try and make Ingo's life easier.]

[As soon as Ingo sits down, Emmet flops uselessly onto Ingo's lap, using all of his self-control not to just go into travel form because he knows he needs to communicate with Ingo. But Ingo makes him feel safe, Ingo makes him feel like there is some form of stability in Ryslig.]

[Someone Emmet can turn to when it is all just too much for him.]

Oh, Emmet...

[He leans over his brother's body to set everything down on the coffee table. Maybe tea was optimistic. Sitting back, Ingo starts to idly pet Emmet's hair.]

It's alright. [It isn't.] You're back home now.

[He is, but that doesn't change what happened.]

[Emmet shakes his head.]

[It's not alright. What if he dies again and doesn't actually get brought back? What if each death here affects them on an even deeper level than psychological?]

[He died. He woke up in a cold box. There were no marks on his body that even proved he died- but he remembered the pain—the choking on his own blood—the regret of not just being better and losing in quite frankly- the ultimate way.]

[The thought of not seeing Ingo again. That fear that always haunted him since arriving here and finding out about Hisui- and the idea of putting Ingo through that horrible fear.]

[Well - yes, maybe that was a stupid thing to say. Ingo runs his claws carefully through Emmet's hair. His own death was...

His stomach hurts. It doesn't matter. He doesn't think of it.]

I am here now. We can stay here like this for as long as you like. [Though it's a little hard to know what to say. It's not like anything he could say would help.] Would you like me to feed you some mochi?

[Emmet shook his head again, his mouth reached that comfortable yet tense locked position, tongue pressed against teeth.]

[Another apology.]

[He did not think of Ingo when going out, he did not plan, he just wanted to make sure Gladion's friend did not get hurt.]

[Emmet already knew the friend did get hurt and most likely killed. There were multiple people about it. If they would just do that to a random monster, then what about one they actively disliked?]

Do not apologize! It is not your fault at all!

[If anything, Ingo's a little sour at Bucky in retrospect. He runs a dojo; why wasn't he keeping Emmet safe? But, ultimately, that's not Bucky's job. It's Ingo's.]

[I. NO. THINK.]

[He made sure to use the sign that showed how little effort he actually put into thinking everything out.]

[OVERLEVEL. NO. STRATEGY.]

You were...looking for Leo, were you not?

[Ingo's not exactly clear on everything that happened. That's plain in his tone. All Bucky really said was that there were "monster poachers" - which is something Ingo didn't even know existed.]

You were trying to help someone, that is all.

[LEO. MAYBE WILL HAPPEN. DEAD.]

[Emmet was frowning, thinking about it.]

...I'm afraid I don't know.

[Ingo frowns to himself. He should have tried to find out after he got back. But the thought of reaching out to anyone else - of even speaking to anyone else at all - was just too overwhelming.]

[Emmet nodded. he reached out for the mochi and started to rip it apart, shoving a small bit in his mouth.]

...I could try to find out, if you want?

[Guilt and dread twist his stomach. But he will, if Emmet wants to know.]

[Emmet shakes his head, he wants to avoid...everything else right now.]

[He just wanted to do anything else but face anything that is outside of his immediate area.]

Alright.

[He relaxes slightly. Ingo really didn't want to do that either. He doesn't reach out to take any mochi himself, just leans back into the couch cushions and continues petting Emmet's head. It's the most comfortable he's felt since coming back to life. It's an indulgence - but it's for Emmet, and that changes things.]

[I. TRY. NOT. DIE. AGAIN.]

[Ingo lets out a sharp breath and leans over Emmet. He can't hug him well at this angle; one of his hands just clutches at his front.]

That would be - nice.

[His voice is choked. It's a stupid thing to say, but that's what comes out.]

Please don't.

[Emmet apologized again.]

[SCARY.]

Yes.

[Ingo agrees immediately. His own death was - justified, it was deserved, he wanted it - and still, it was terrifying.]

Yes, but - please do not apologize. It is not your fault.

[THOUGHTLESS. ME]

That still ought not to lead to death. I did not think that humans could really kill us, in any case...

[Ingo likely would have done the same thing - though, in his case, he also just wouldn't care enough to put much effort into protecting himself.]

[Emmet drew a line across his throat, the angle of his finger suggested more of a skinning instead of a slicing angle though.]

[But you know, it could also be because Emmet was just feeling a little lazy!]

[Ingo cringes a bit, looking away. That is already more detail than he really wanted, no matter how literally one takes the angle. Of course a part of him wants to know what happened to his brother, but...he also knows well enough to know he doesn't.]

I - suppose that would...do it.

[Of course he knows they can be killed that way. It's just - humans getting the chance to begin with.]

[Emmet shoved the rest of the mochi in his mouth, slowly chewing it. Trying to focus on anything except how he needed to act 'normal'.]

[But he didn't want to. It was nice not to have to think about what words could imply or what a tone might suggest. He didn't want to think what other people's words and tone might imply too.]

[He could trust Ingo. It was always 'listen to Ingo.' even when he was showing himself to be a grown man. He knew it frustrated Ingo more than it frustrated himself. But then there were times like this, where Emmet didn't try to think 'What would Ingo want me to try and do?' and it blew up in his face.]

[He was a Magikarp out of water, splashing.]

[After a moment, Ingo returns to petting Emmet.]

...you do not have to describe it.

[Non-verbally, of course. Ingo doesn't usually specify; it's understood when Emmet is not going to be speaking aloud. Either way, there's no reason for him to go into it.]

[Emmet nods as he moves so he can wrap his arms more easily around Ingo.]

[Ingo embraces him back.]

Would you...like me to talk about something else?

[It's difficult to think of anything. He hasn't felt much like talking since coming back. But he can do it, if Emmet wants.]

[Emmet shrugs, he doesn't want to decide. He doesn't care if Ingo decides to read the phonebook out loud.]

[Ingo couldn't possibly care less himself. He'd rather Emmet make the choice, so he can't possibly mistake what his brother wants. But, well...]

I...well. I'm not sure. [...] The poison rain is still happening, is it? I think there are other things going on in the city, but I am not entirely sure. Gladion is well, at least, though Rindo has not been by recently.

[Rindo doesn't always stay here, though, so he isn't sure if you can make anything of that.]

[Emmet nodded as he listened to Ingo.]

[But he can tell Ingo is stumbling a little.]

[TELL. CLAN. FRIEND. I. MEET.]

[Tell him about someone Emmet should meet one day if he ever gets the chance!]

Ah. Well...I have told you about Irida already, I suppose. And certainly Palina.

[So who's left...]

Have we spoken much of Warden Gaeric? He is Lord Avalugg's Warden, and the one of us whose territory is nearest to the Clan settlement. He remains among them more often than not, for that reason, and is the primary guardian of their boundaries. He is a quite...outgoing fellow. Oh, I do believe I told you about the time he engaged me in his exercise routine! But he is also quite kind. He's actually quite good friends with the nearest Diamond Warden, Sabi! She is only a child, about Lian's age, so it would be a bit ridiculous to carry on a feud with her, but I always respected him for it all the same. She is very distant from her own clan, so he has been looking out for her, since Lord Braviary chose her. Warden Mei has done the same for Lian, to a degree...he's rather less willing to accept such attention. Luckily, Calaba is not so far from him...

[Emmet thought for a few moments and got up and headed downstairs. He quickly came back up with something that was wrapped, a while ago in fact, there was some dust on it and the wrapping paper might look familiar from the Birthday party.]

[It was obvious Emmet wanted to give it then, but something held him back. But he did die once, what if he dies again and stays dead? What if Ingo finds the wrapped painting but never actually gets it?]

[He held it out to Ingo.]

Emmet...?

[Ingo gets up to follow him downstairs, but returns to the couch when they meet on the stairs. Alright, it was just a quick trip!]

Oh - [He reaches out - he's still holding something in one of his hands.] ...oh, that's right, how foolish of me.

[Stupid! He pries his fingers open and hands it over - it's Emmet's locket! Judging from the stiffness of his paw and the impressions left on his pads, he's been clutching it for quite some time.]

Here, trade. What is this? A leftover birthday gift?

[Emmet takes the locket and smiles a little, he is glad Bucky did bring it to Ingo. He was glad Bucky did that.]

[He nods, he has been worried about giving Ingo the painting Worried what sort of reaction it might get from Ingo, but...better do it now instead of Ingo maybe never finding it.]

[Ingo does that annoying thing where he very carefully unwraps the gift in such a way that he can fold up the paper for later re-use, like someone's grandpa! It takes way too long!

When it's done, he holds up the painting to look at it. Something in his chest seems to...crack.]

Oh. Oh, this is beautiful - ! Where did you get this?

[He thinks he'd know by now if Emmet were a painter!]

[Yeah, no, Emmet isn't. Emmet's own art style is that he has been quite happy with his skills since he was nine and never decided to improve.]

[COMMISSIONED.]

[Well, the person was giving away paintings. Emmet had to force a tip on the delivery boy. Artist vehemently refusing to accept one.]

It's...it's lovely.

[Ingo's voice was already slightly strained, like that little monologue was the most he'd spoken in a while, but now he's choked up. It's a beautiful painting: Hisui, some of the people he's left behind, but Emmet's there as well.

He doesn't deserve it. He doesn't deserve any of them.

What right does he have to pine over his Clan? They'd be ashamed, now, to have any association with him. But...he can't let go. He hasn't been able to let go as he should. His stomach aches - selfish, selfish. He shouldn't keep this. But he has to, it'd be horribly rude not to!]

[Emmet could practically hear what Ingo was thinking.]

[Emmet is avoiding looking into Ingo's face.]

[Emmet's presence is what decides him. It does not matter what Ingo thinks or feels. The only thing that matters is Emmet. He swallows, so that he can keep all conflict out of his voice as he says:]

Thank you, Emmet. I will treasure it.

[If holding it to his chest feels a little too good - well, he'll find some way to make it up later.]

[PEARL. CLAN. IMPORTANT. TO. YOU. TO ME.]

[Emmet had often worried if he seemed jealous of Ingo's connection with the Clan because they shared a part of Ingo's life that Emmet will not- have not]

[How sometimes, Emmet knew he probably seemed like he would simply tell Ingo to cut them off if they somehow upset Ingo and did not care about it.]

[But that is always easier said than done, because they were important to Ingo, and so they would be important to Emmet.]

I - yes. Yes, they are. I am...glad that you can...feel close to them as well. Clan is important.

[His words are stilted. Both because he's trying to keep any of his negative emotions out of his voice (he presses the bottom edge of the frame into his stomach, a silent reminder to himself to shut up for once) and because...well, he isn't exactly sure how to verbalize what he feels, about Emmet and the Clan together. He's not sure what he does feel.]

They were my family for a long time. It is...nice to imagine my families meeting. Though of course it will never happen.

[For...any number of reasons, really.]

[Emmet looked down again and moved to sit on the couch. Just hearing Ingo brush it off as never happening- just stung.]

[Ingo sees the reaction, but doesn't quite follow the cause. He's not wrong.]

Well - with any luck it will not. I would not wish for anyone to come here.

[And there's really no other chances for it. Ingo might return to the future, in some hypothetical reality where they all get to go home one day, but he certainly won't be dragging the entire Clan behind him.]

[While Emmet was thinking if Ingo didn't come to the future, you could bet your last Pokedollar Emmet would go to the past.]

[Again, a case of Emmet thinking too much.]

[Ingo would love if Emmet came to the past temporarily! But he'd never ask him to stay there long-term.]

In any case...let me put this downstairs where it will be safe. We can hang it later.

[You wanna come with? He's literally just going to go put it up on a shelf, where none of the Creatures are going to jump.]

[Emmet nodded and moved to follow Ingo.]

[Once it's set up carefully, Ingo looks around the room for a moment. Since Emmet's here and all, he will have to hang it up, however little he's done to earn such a thing...]

Perhaps over the bed. But some other time.

[He doesn't really have the energy to go find tools and do that right now. Back upstairs!]

[See this, this is Emmet staying within arms reach of Ingo.]

[Back to the couch! Ingo sits down heavily, ignoring the food and drink that he set out; it was all for Emmet anyway. Except the tea he poured himself, which even then he doesn't especially want.

Wordlessly, he gestures for Emmet to join him.]

[And without a further word, Emmet is already on the couch trying to twist himself around Ingo.]

[Back to the way they were, then!

...which means Ingo is probably supposed to talk again. Dangit.]

The moon still isn't back. I don't know if anything is happening with that. I have not looked at the network for some time.

[Emmet expected Ingo not being on the network. He sighs and signs something against Ingo about how he bets next month a giant creature will come from the sea and attack Bavan or something.]

Ah, perhaps it will. Why not?

[Ingo doesn't even care if it does, at this point.]

[Emmet starts to pick at some of his own fur.]

[He knew he should try and perk up some, sit up, place his hands on his hips and try and make it fun. Or silly.]

[Be he didn't want to.]

[No problem! That's Ingo's job, regardless of how much he's falling down on it at the moment. He takes a breath and tries to rally.]

It has been difficult to take the dogs out, or let Gliscor go hunting, because it has been raining poison! I hope that will stop soon, at least. But whatever else might be happening in town does not seem to be reaching this far, this time - I'm sure there is more to it than the rain.

[It had hardly registered to Emmet about the rain.]

[LET. IT. STAY. THERE.]

[Emmet just wanted some peace. Emmet just wanted to forget about everything outside of the perimeter of the couch right now.]

Yes, yes. I quite agree.

[He goes quiet again. It seemed like such a simple plan when he was coming back from the site of his own death: going forward, have no further feelings about any of it and just behave normally for Emmet. In practice, it isn't quite working out. But then, what did he expect? He's failed at everything else.]

Do you want to take a nap here? I'm rather tired.

[It's like early afternoon at best but sure]

[Emmet decided to change into travel form then, so they could just stay there and if Ingo wanted to nap, he could, and if Emmet just wanted to lay on his brother's chest and look down at him like a weird cat, he could.]

[Ingo stretches out and closes his eyes.

He's absolutely not actually sleeping he's just laying there failing to sleep, just like he fails at everything else]

[Emmet just moves enough so he could watch Ingo. After a small period of time, Emmet curls up on Ingo's chest then stretches out so his head could be right underneath Ingo's chin.]

[Emmet read the card over, he also read the terms and conditions, along with the amount of money that one would get for various amounts of filling out the card.]

[Normally, Emmet would only seriously ponder this if everything looked fun. After all, he liked to imagine he had some sort of pride left despite everything. But now, he was seriously pondering it because not only would the money feel like a score, but said money could go into things needed and wanted around the house.]

[Matching bookshelves, maybe put some down payments on a few goats, maybe pay someone to make an underground storage to store non-perishables in. Maybe seriously start working on that model train set for the basement to surprise Ingo with one day (There was a Z scale set he saw that he knew Ingo would like.)]

[Normally, Emmet wasn't this materialistic, but right now he had a beer in his system, lack of access to Pokemon Amazon, and wanting to do some retail therapy.]

Billionaires.

[Ingo's reading over the card as well. He is not enthused about the idea of being on television, and even the promised money isn't really making him consider it. As much as he's used currency over the past year, and as much as he's grown used to it, it still feels like a bit of an abstract concept when it isn't right in front of him.

But, he realizes with a sinking feeling when he notices the clause about matching donations to charity, he is probably going to end up doing this anyhow.

Emmet's comment jars him out of his thoughts.]

What?

Billionaires.

[He repeated looking up at Ingo.]

Can you imagine how much money this man is willing to put out for a [air quotes] Good Cause?

[Emmet was half expecting there to be some Elias gets your soul thing attached to this.]

...I thought it was quite nice? Well, I suppose he could just give it to charity on his own and leave the rest of us alone...

[But it seems like he's trying to play a game? Maybe people who aren't Ingo would have fun with it?]

Think about how much he is spending, a year's worth of money for a blackout.

[It was obvious Emmet was doing the calculations in his head.]

Then the match to charity, then paying the camera crews. Advertisement, the mailers.

And it is coming from his personal coffers, yup.

[This is all fairly well beyond Ingo! He can do math fine, but he still doesn't tend to know what things might cost unless it's something he buys regularly himself. He gets the point, though - it must be quite a lot!]

What does he do for work? Is he a miller?

[Millers: the rich guys in fucking ancient times!]

I don't think he works. I think it is generational wealth.

.....so his parents made all the money?

Probably even further back, old money.

It cannot be that long, surely? Or they would have simply spent it by now?

[If the man has that much money right now, how could his ancestors possibly have accumulated enough to support the whole family up until now?]

Nope, because they were able to get lucky. Made good investments and stuff, so it kept generating money while the newer generations did nothing, yup.

...investments.

[He knows what the word means but not really in terms of? Finance?]

Something like 'You need a loan of 100,000 solars? I can give it in exchange for 5 percent of your profits' And with that, give money to other businesses who need it for similar reasons, yup. Maybe buy some rental properties with it.

...five percent forever? Not until they have paid back the original loan?

Nope, because then they won't make money that way.

But it is a loan. That is what a loan is.

They turned it into an investment. Like rental properties. Buy a house, charge someone to who can't buy one to live in it.

Why would they not just stay in their own house?

[You know, just the normal houses the city provides? Ingo can comprehend buying houses generally - the standard homes in Jubilife are all more-or-less identical, just like the normal Clan tents. If you want something special or very large, you'd have to do extra work! But it hardly seems a necessity!]

Because they don't have one of their own.

[Emmet wonders if Ingo forgot about his friends in the Subway Tunnels!]

They could have lost it due to fiscal reasons, or kicked out, or something.

Well, what about the city housing? I know they are often too full, but peoples' homes cannot be destroyed in such numbers that frequently?

[Obviously the city housing system is overwhelmed, which is rather shameful and ought to be dealt with! But there have been very significant disasters recently, and he supposes re-construction of anything destroyed before the apocalypse window must have just started?]

You mean like housing assistance?

[That is what Ingo must mean, right?]

A lot of landlords don't take housing vouchers, if there is even a program like that here.

No, the human 38-8. Whatever it's called.

[Ingo's never sought it out, because...well, why would he?]

There is no 'Human 38-8'.

Oh, are they individual homes?

Big Brother, there are no houses for them. Society does not give away homes because they would see it as a luxury instead of a need. They would say the houseless can get tents and boxes and go live in alleys and the woods.

[Emmet seems a little surprised Ingo doesn't know that.]

...but that's what a town is. Jubilife Town builds homes for all the settlers who come! I think they are rather too strict about who may do that, but if one of their workers was unable to work for a while, I do not suppose they would throw them out.

[He's heard only vaguely of what happened with Akari; he was nowhere near involved with the town at that time. Mostly he's aware that everyone there, even she who was not expected, just got a house!]

Of course we do not have permanent dwellings of that sort, but if we needed another tent, we would just make one. It happens often enough, when children grow old enough to require their own space.

[Emmet reaches for his beer and takes a swig. Of all the conversations Emmet could have had with Ingo, Emmet could only think of one that might be more uncomfortable.]

They don't build houses for people here unless they pay for the materials, labor, and stuff. Or buy someone else's old home. You can take out a loan but you usually need to be in a decent standing financially and they will add interest to the repayment. If you can not do this, you can pay to live in someone else's home. It is usually the amount of the mortgage plus an amount for 'wear and tear', plus a little more on top of that for profit. If you lose your job and can not pay for the loans or rent, they will evict you from the house.

...but that's just terrible! There are so many buildings in that city, there must be more than enough room! Space is a gift for everyone, which belongs to everyone!

Lots of people don't think that way, sadly. They have this verrry bad idea that if you can't afford a house or apartment, you're being a drain somehow.

There's plenty of them. It's wasteful to let them stand empty if someone needs it!

I think it is wasteful too, yup. But if a soul-eater tried to eat from a landlord or a banker, I don't think they would get anything.

Hm...

[Ingo goes a little quiet, mulling over the people down in the tunnels. He always assumed they must have been crowded out of the public housing after some disaster; a lot of them move about, and he figured that when they were not in the subway, they had found a proper place to stay. But do they just really have nowhere to stay at all? Temporary accommodations are one thing, but the space could be improved if it's for something permanent...

He doesn't verbalize this. He hasn't been talking a lot about all that in general - he already knows it's absolutely nothing compared to all the harm he's caused, he doesn't need to hear about it from Emmet.]

Plus I hate how it creates a self-feeding cycle, yup. They lose their job, they lose their home, they can not find a new job because they do not have an address...

Why do they need an address to get a job?

Because it makes employers think that they just won't up and leave overnight.

Anyone can do that.

[But it's sort of just grumbling. There's really no point in arguing about this with Emmet; they're clearly in agreement about how much sense it all makes.]

Yup, but they feel if people have made the investment of a residence, they won't.

[A beat.]

Can you imagine how much money a billionaire has?

A billion, I suppose?

[He knows about numbers!]

I cannot imagine what could possibly cost that much. I do not think I have ever spent more than a hundred at a time.

Nothing costs enough for that, but to put it in perspective how much more money that is why billionaires should buy a few million bikes and get over it. I would have to work 69,000 years to get that much.

[Emmet knew this factoid from a Tinkatok video!]

He ought to just give it away. Without these games.

[Ingo frowns, more intentionally, at the card. He'd sort of thought that already, but especially if the man just has that much money for no reason!]

You would think, yup. But rich people don't experience empathy. Have a distant cousin like that.

Do we?

Yupyup, verrry much a trust-fund Baby. Thinks people in the 'lower' [finger quotes] ranks need to work harder to get where she is. Doesn't seem to understand the safety net she has in comparison.

Well, that is just rude!

More money than sense, yup.

Hm...

[.....]

We do still have to do the bingo, though.

Yup, luckily my card isn't bad at all. I can just do what I normally do with you but in a park.

Can't get the hair done with you though, nope.

Mmm.

[Today's one of those days where Ingo couldn't even stand to look at himself in the mirror. He can't muster any response to the jab.]

It may take two sessions anyway. We both have work now, and we are not sharing shifts this week.

[The lack of pepper to the teasing made Emmet move so he can bump his forehead against Ingo's own.]

I'm sad we're not.

It hardly matters. It isn't as though we can just stand around and chat.

[He leans back anyway.]

Still nice to see you.

You see me plenty. Anyway, I think they do not like having us scheduled together. Better just one monster than two.

So?

[Emmet questions.]

One: They should like we're hard workers. And Two: wouldn't it be smarter to schedule us together then, in case one flips out because of Fog-related chaos?

We might both do it. These things sometimes seem to go by monster type, after all - like when all the Mers were drowning people. Anyway, they have no reason to trust us.

Yup, for sure, but some seem to like us.

[Emmet had noticed how some of the workers have started to come to both him and Ingo about issues around the station.]

Attempting to curry favor is one way to try and protect oneself from monsters. If only specific ones.

[He's noticed that too! But honestly, he's been back on the job for less than a month, what other reason could there be?]

Do you really think Lars would suck up?

[A younger station worker who mostly sweeps, flirts with anything female and one time loudly said that the 'Fog could shove the 'lake bitch' up it.']

In order to not die horribly? Yes, I think most people would.

I think he would be too proud. He broke up with one of his girlfriends because of hair gel. Even after she threw that coffee in his face.

I suppose we'll see.

[Chances are good that sooner or later one of them is going to go nuts and kill a bunch of their coworkers.]

Oh, yesterday he got back with her.

[Since they were on the subject.]

I sometimes wonder if they see us the way we see Pokemon sometimes. Sans noble hearts and stuff.

Do not say that! Pokemon are absolutely nothing like us!

I am Emmet, hear me out. Back in Hisui, non-clan folks. Until recently, did they see Pokemon as friend or horrible beasts?

[Then without waiting.]

Example: a Hisuian Zoroark comes up to a town, will they give it a warm blanket and kibble? They will probably do what they can to throw it back to the woods.

[Emmet had to specify Hisuian, because Unovan are different personality wise.]

Now think of the modern era, yup. A Hisuian Zoroark comes into town, what do you think they will do? About five people will come up with potions and berries. Probably try and get a Pokemon with Sing to get it asleep, to take it to a Pokemon Center then release it once it checks out.

The Zoroark was wild each time, you don't go into tall grass without a Pokemon, because it will attack, people will pull people out from taking a step into tall grass in case of that.

Everyday life for me in Unova, remember how I forgot that for a bit?

[Even though because battling is second nature to Emmet, and he always has a Pokemon on him he legit forgot about that for a little bit.]

[Carrying on.]

Monsters have been a part of Ryslig forever. While it is new to us, nowhere in Lars' genetic memory is a time without monsters. Something horrifying and disgusting loses those traits when it has been a part of everyday life since before his Grandpa was born.

Edited (REREAD AND DIDNT LIKE THING) 2023-11-16 03:59 (UTC)

I don't think it does, when it's spent your entire life murdering those around you and destroying your world on a regular basis. If Unovans were regularly eaten by Hisuian Zoroark, I doubt they would be so friendly to a stray one they happened to see. People do not just stop caring about their own safety - or each other - because monsters have always been around.

At least, they shouldn't.

[There is always those people at Nai'a.]

I think the ones who like monsters are simply doing their best to save themselves. And rather forsaking their own kind in so doing. It's as if I went and became best friends with those poachers, and ignored what they did to you entirely.

They shouldn't, but they do, they have grown numb. All probably have a victim-blaming attitude or something.

That isn't good. We shouldn't encourage it. Besides, making friends with humans will only put them in greater danger, both from us and from other monsters - they should not start thinking that we are safe.

I don't think they are actively deciding that or pondering it. I think they are aware of what we are and decided they don't care and the only way we could change their mind is by actively hurting them, yup. Like those underqualified trainers who borrow a friend's level 50 Nidoking and forget that pokemon can turn at any moment.

...people really should not be loaning those out like they are hammers.

I guess they don't understand rental Pokemon have special training.

[Ingo nods; he remembers those existing, at least, if not the specifics of their training. Probably he wasn't personally responsible for it anyway.]

I would let new trainers command Pokemon I had trained for mock battles sometimes. The ones from the Paths of Solitude, not my own team! But only the ones who had a good temperament for it, and only while I was present.

Lots of people don't think like that, nope. It will be like 'You're going against Elesa? Here uses my level 100 Hippowdon!'

Simplistic thinking. She must have a counter for ground-types. What sort of an electric specialist does not think about that?

Her Emolgas, but also if it has a normal move it would still work.

Which one? Going at each other with normal-type moves is inefficient - better to learn Grass Knot, if Emolga can. A great many Pokemon can! And the challenger should have rock moves, but likely they would be relying on pure strength and ground-type advantage, if bringing a powerful borrowed Pokemon was their strategy to begin with.

You're assuming her opponent isn't just going to cheese it.

Is that not what relying on pure strength is?

My brain frazzled for a moment. Didn't hear that part, nope.

Ah.

[.....]

Why is it even called that.

Not sure, wish I knew why.

[And Emmet puts his hands on his hips like he just said the right answer very confidently.]

Season's greetings! Kris Kringle's assistant here, reporting to you in his stead, as he is a very busy man this time of year. Your Secret Santa recipient is Ermes Costello. (I don't have a network username for them, I'm sorry.)

Get Ermes a present by December 26, and if you can't figure out how to deliver it, you can drop it off (clearly labelled, please!) at Crowe Clinic up until the 24th.

If you need more information, I'm afraid I cannot be of assistance. Maybe attempt something generic, or do some detective work? Should be a good challenge.

Happy Nattensfest holidays.

[On the morning of December 25th, a package will be delivered to Ingo's door. It's small and in a bag, but rather than be delivered by hand via a human courier, it's brought by a small, green cake hound, who will whine if he is not appropriately given ear scritches behind the sakura flowers that make up his ears before he's sent on his way.

When Ingo opens the package, there is a small, wind-up toy in the fashion of local toy makers, but it's in the shape of a familiar Sneasler. Along with it is a folded piece of paper, with a note written in neat handwriting:

I saw this in your mind a time or two during our sessions. Thought I might get my toymakers to recreate it for you. Hopefully it's a good association.

-- Your Secret Santa

When wound up and let go, the Sneasler will do a sort of stiff-legged march for six inches or so, followed by a pause where it lifts and waves it's arms. Then, it turns sharply by 90 degrees and repeats the process until its tiny motor has unwound entirely.]

IC Contact

here we go

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cw emotional abuse. probably applies further up tbh. aether family hours

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<KrisKringle>

a Nattensfest gift

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Nattenfest Gift

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NATTENFEST!

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