ohmyarceus | March - April Test Drive Meme

[What's he gonna do? Sue Hydaelyn for damages?

Really. He's not an idiot, he'd recognize a circle when he's walked it. His attention to detail is pretty damn impressive, even if he doesn't have his usual sight. In fact, these eyes kinda suck compared to what he's used to, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't realize it all the same!]

Awful presumptuous, aren't you? I do not make a habit of jumping too and fro between bodies all willy-nilly, nay, I tend to stick with my mortal host till my task is complete.

[He spent seventy-something years in Solus' old flesh bag, after all.]

But, there are advantages I lack being robbed of my power. Though, you too feel this, if not so keenly. Say, dragoons are known for the height of their leaps, are they not? How poorly has yours suffered?

[That's why it'd be a big circle. And he's not quite childish enough to do that for real, so it shall remain an entertaining thought, nothing more.]

Your comrades do not share your convictions.

[Elidibus is just body hopping errywhere. Into dead people even, speaking of not having shame.

He is...not saying anything. No more than five yalms, it's a disgrace and he hates it. His jumps haven't been that short since he was in training as a child.

That, and he doesn't feel the whispers of Nidhogg's aether or his rage anymore, and it's strange. He'd gotten used to it, the knot of the wyrm's remnant power resting beneath his breastbone. A reminder of what he'd been through, of what he needs to not allow himself to turn into.]

[A big enough circle, then he might not realize till partially through it again. But fortunately for both of them, Estinien matured since his time of making fun of a young boy for worrying about his friend.

Look, he used to be more conservative about that, maybe Lahabrea's bad habits rubbed off on him! Right now Emet seems to hold the record for longest possessed mortal, and it's probably going to stay that way.]

Yes, to their detriment.

[He says that idly, but he's quick to dismiss it all the same, seeing as Estinien is incriminatingly silent. Though, Estinien isn't alone with the deafening silence, since being here Emet had felt a disconnect from...well, the other Ascians, but so too to Zodiark. It's perplexing, but he's chosen to ignore it.]

Mm, that bad?

[That was like teasing a younger brother, not at all the same.

Estinien watches his Vulpix dive into and out of the brush on the side of the trail, seemingly perfectly content with their walkabout.]

Is it taxing for you, I wonder?

[He means the general you, but if you want to take it personally that's fine. He actually sounds...somewhat curious. Nidhogg subsumed him so completely that there wouldn't have been the opportunity to ask questions even if he wanted to, it was all he could do to keep his own self together under the onslaught.]

Enough to take to the trees and leave you here should I wish.

[You are thirty-two summers, Estinien.

The movement catches Emet's eyes for a moment, but then the question brings his attention back to Estinien.]

Aye, 'tis no trouble if one takes care, but should one get overzealous... [Like Lahabrea did... He shakes his head.] 'Tis a contest of wills, a battle of souls, and while ours will win every time, it does not change that there are drawbacks to such practices.

And, if you do make off for the treetops, I only hope that your ability to land has not likewise suffered. 'Twould be a pity if you made a right fool of yourself in your haste to flee.

[LOOK. You never grow out of the instinct to tease little brothers. Let him have this.]

Hm.

[He doesn't have the expertise to know if it's the same mechanic. If it would feel the same should an Ascian try to take over his body and will like Nidhogg did. (He also doesn't want to find out, this is not a science experiment.)]

Landing is the simple part.

[Anyone can learn how to fall properly, it's the jumping that's hard!]

[Fine, fine. But only because it's funny.

Honestly, Emet doesn't really know, either. How often do you hear about dragon phantoms possessing people? Estinien might be a world first there.]

Care to demonstrate?

[Look, he just wants to see Estinien's pitiful leap. Maybe he's being a bit petty here, but he's grasping for anything to make himself feel better about being as stunted as he is.]

[Doesn't he just feel lucky?

Estinien casts a glance back at Emet. He might not get the impression that feeling better about yourself is what you're going for...]

No, I don't.

[...but he still doesn't want to perform on cue. He is not a trained beast here for your amusement.]

[Could have fooled him, but he supposes even mortals aren't quite as lowly as beasts. Barely.

Honestly it's a little of column A and a little of column B. Seeing Estinien struggle a little would make him feel better about his own situation, a little ol' schadenfreude, but also...maybe he takes a little pleasure in being a right pain in the ass.]

Oh, very well, I'll leave it be.

[Well, for the moment, anyway. Though he's hoping the town isn't too far off, he honestly can't remember how long of a walk it was... No wonder he laid down for a nap after going out to the lake.]

[If you ask him for a piggyback ride he is leaving.

Estinien guesses they're about halfway back, if this is going to continue for a while he's going to go round the bend. Do you plan on accompanying him past that too? Halone help him if so.

Maybe it's best not to let Emet drive the conversation, but small talk. He is not good at that. It's one of the many reasons he avoids people. (Or maybe because he avoids people he's not good at small talk? This may be a chicken or the egg scenario.)]

...you prefer to keep your...Pokemon...confined?

[That is a strange, strange word. "Familiar", he could understand, but they were not arcanists and this is not their world. So.]

[If this goes on much longer, he just might. Maybe his little old man ankles are giving out on him!

Everything is so much easier when you can just teleport—something even Eorzeans can do, even if they're limited to Aetherytes. Hell, even having a proper mount would go a long way, and yet they're forced to walk around like uncivilized savages.

Here he was going to let the conversation die for a spell, but look at you! Talking all on your own, if he wasn't revolted by your existence, he might be proud.]

Why? Would you like to see them? I see little reason to release them if there's no purpose for them to serve.

[He also thinks Pokémon is a strange, if somewhat stupid word. But who is he to judge such? It's not like he hails from a society that had a field of academics in creating fantastical beasts or anything. Oh, wait...]

Edited 2020-05-02 06:00 (UTC)

[~~You need to be level 20 to unlock mounts, everyone knows that.~~

Darn it, foiled again. Can he take the question back so they can continue walking in uncomfortable silence?

And if you're so revolted by him, you could leave. Or let him leave. He'd be happy to see the back of you.]

Most seem to keep them at hand.

[The idea of stuffing animals into little balls seems too mean even for him.]

[~~He was level 20 before Zodiark was even conceived~~.

Nope, can't take it back. But what's that? Estinien wants to see his backside, does he? Isn't he a little old for you?

With a sly smile:]

Do you think it unfair I keep them confined?

[Despite himself, he cannot help but enjoy how soft of heart this brutish man truly seems to be. It's almost comical. More and more he thinks that delicate looking fox suits him.]

Edited 2020-05-02 06:13 (UTC)

[~~Not here you're not. Sprout.~~

Your back, not your backside. No one can see that under all the layers you wear anyway, you troll.]

...They seem more intelligent than mere beasts.

[You say that out loud and he will go more prickly than his armor. That he was gifted after showing respect for Ratatoskr and named Iceheart out of sentimentality and respect for a woman he once hated.

He has such a soft center buried under all that steel and grump.]

[~~I'm too old to be a sprout. I'm like, petrified wood at this point.~~

Can't go spoiling the mortals with a peep show, now can we? Nope, gotta wrap that rump up, even top it with a stupid bow.]

...Very well.

[He sighs the words out, like Estinien is being such a bother in pointing out the fact these creatures seem to be sapient to some degree. Pulling out both Poké balls, one in either hand, he releases a Yamask and a Murkrow. Both of which survey their surroundings, before looking to Estinien. The Yamask floating to Emet's side, as if to hide from the other man.

While the Murkrow is far less modest. Jumping immediately up onto Estinien's shoulders with a thoughtless flap of his wings. Quickly waddling about as he looks for something. Probably food.]

Have you only the one?

[He says, while Estinien's being hassled by his bird, like nothing out of the ordinary is going on at all. Look, buddy, you asked for this.]

[Yet one more thing to think he's bothersome about.

He watches curiously--noting that there seems to be a theme going here, a shadowy creature wearing a death's mask and a strange crow. Seems appropriate for an Ascian to be followed about by such ill omens.

~~It's fine, his hair is already a birds' nest anyway.~~]

Aye.

[He...does not know that Team Rocket starts with two, or even much of what it is. He also is not shooing the crow away, though he does lean his head away if it comes too close to his face.]

Edited 2020-05-02 06:57 (UTC)

[Emet's still a little salty about the Yamask. Seriously, how more on the nose could they be? A ghost carrying around a mask, one that it looks at and cries about, even... He might find it amusing, if it didn't feel so deeply personal, which might be why he's pointedly ignoring it. Even as it tries to stay close to him.

His Murkrow seems to give up for now. At least in terms of taking anything from Estinien (no food to be found, it seems), and instead clambers to the top of his head. Bird nest indeed.]

How very interesting. I suppose whomever spirited us away recognized I was worthy of two. But I'm sure you'll catch up soon enough.

[It's better that Estinien doesn't know, and if he can keep him from finding out about his involvement, he will. After all, it's not like he'll be up to anything good within their organization.]

[It's almost as if some higher power wishes to make you suffer for the irony.

Estinien almost feels sorry for it--it seems to want something, protection perhaps? Though if what he's learned about his own creature is accurate, these want not for ways to protect themselves. But they each have their own personality.]

I confess to not understanding the point of all this.

[Why drag them away from their world? Why give them strange beasts to train to defend themselves, instead of letting them have their skills and weapons so they can do it themselves? Why is this happening?]

[Yeah, weird!!

Maybe somewhere Emet feels a little shitty for being so...distant, it's not the wretched thing's fault it's more or less a mockery of him and his people. Doesn't change the fact that he's also pretty petty at times.]

Neither do I, though I am loath to admit it. However, I intend to find out, one way or another.

[Finally, he glances to the Yamask, which seems to glow from the acknowledgment! But Emet's face reflexively recoils with disgust as it draws nearer, tilting his head away from it. Deflated, it backs off, settling to float off to the side once more.]

These beasts are nearly comical in design. You would think whomever had the power to bring us here and rob us of our abilities, could at least design something halfway decent.

[He's of the mind that these creatures are constructs of some sort. Perhaps not unlike the phantasms of eld found within the walls of Akademia Anyder. Just...of poorer design and power.

Maybe this is why he doesn't feel so bad leaving them in their balls, for those creatures mocked life, but were not truly living.]

[Estinien stumbles a bit as his Vulpix leaps to his chest, and reflexively curls his arms under her back paws so she doesn't fall back down. She puts her front paws up on his shoulders so she can sniff at the Murkrow perched on his head.]

Design?

[He doesn't know what evolution is, so some power making these creatures out of thin air is...as good an explanation as any for where they came from, he supposes. But he's never really put much thought to it before. Some distant thought niggling in the back of his head from when he was a simple farmer's son pipes up about breeding particular animals to pass on desired traits, but...]

[Murkrow doesn't seem to like the sudden Vulpix in his vacinity, cawing and flapping his wings in distaste, but he eventually settles once more. Keeping a scrutinizing stare on the fox.

Emet-Selch, however, pauses a moment at Estinien's question. He could explain, but then he wonders if doing so would be lost on the man. Then again, he's seemed a fair bit more clever than he rightly gave him credit for.]

Yes, design. I'm certain by now you are familiar with primal summoning, even the lesser version of that you mortals dabble in with your arcane beasts. Think of it like that--after all, look at these creatures.

[He gestures to the Yamask, then to the Murkrow and Vulpix.]

Do you honestly think them the product of anything natural? I doubt not they can breed on their own, but little do I believe they were of nature's design.

[He sighs.]

Such theories would be put to the proof, if not for my Sight being taken from me...alas.

[He didn't dedicate 20 years of his life to non-stop physical training and hyperfocus on avenging his family against an implacable draconic foe to get typecast as a musclebound simpleton. Sigh.

He glances down at his little fox companion, who's settled back down, decided she wants to be carried, and is now slightly chilling his arms through his sleeves and gloves.]

I had not thought on it.

[He seems to be, now.]

They seem more...animated, than those summons. I must admit, the practice is not so widespread in Ishgard save for the odd adventurers passing through, and so I could not say for certain.

[When was the last time you saw a Carbuncle decide it wants to perch on someone's head, or be carried about like a pet?]

[Look, for what it's worth Emet thinks everyone who is sundered are morons. Not their fault, what with only having 8/14ths of the minds they should, but it doesn't change they're all a lot of bit dumb comparatively.]

Well, yes, because you have not bore witness to true creation magic, nor the nigh indescrutable difference between it and life itself.

[He seems to be getting more animated as he talks, the slow languid movements getting a slight more peppy.]

But say that the one responsible of our capture is intrinsically talented in all forms of arcane arts, shall we? 'Twould require a wide range of study--one of which goes beyond even an immortal being like myself. Whomever brought us here, did so through both time and space--not a simple feat, I assure you. Now, 'tis not only our reality in which he has plucked from, but several.

[As he talks, he gestures with his hands. Almost more talking to himself, than Estinien proper with how little he's looking at him, or how he barely even gives him a chance to get a word in, if he even tries. Murkrow is watching him, as if he understand even a little bit of this at all, and the Yamask seems fit to merely float along beside him. Perhaps gaining a sort of energy from his trainer's excited explaining.]

Do you believe that such a mage would not be able to make creatures so true to life, so convincingly real, that most could not tell the difference? Particularly when he can spirit away someone as powerful as I, while likewise nullifying my power?

[Does he even breathe??]

If these creatures are real beasts or arcane, I am ill equip to determine, but I know well the mark of Creation, and while I cannot be full certain of my theory, I have yet to be convinced otherwise.

[Wow, and here people think Estinien is an asshole. Sure, he's confident, but that's a whole other level of self-absorption.

He just keeps walking as you talk and gesture to yourself. Honestly, he's only half paying attention. Sure, this is interesting information, but do you really have to use so many words to explain it?

(Seriously, do you breathe?)

Emet's little tirade took up so much time, the trees are visibly thinning and the edges of buildings and roads are starting to come into sight.]

Twould mean they were more skilled than you, would it not?

[That's gotta rankle. Makes him feel a little warm and fuzzy thinking about it.]

The alternative being whatever force brought us here is skilled or powerful enough to pull us between worlds, remove our abilities, and that is all. That these creatures are merely natural to this world.

[Look, facts are merely facts, he doesn't make the rules, that was Zodiark's job!

It's fine, he figured you wouldn't be able to keep up, and some of this is just putting to words what he's already been thinking. Already been working out. The more he sees of these Pokémon, the more he's convinced they are not natural beings at all.

Have you seen a Magnemite, Estinien????]

...There's no sense in denying it. Yes, one being more skilled and powerful than I—though I am sure it pleases your ears to hear me admit it, this is naught to be smug about. He is as much a villain to you, as he is to me, and for this purpose, we are allies.

[He glances at Estinien finally, seemingly ignoring the town's growing proximity, but he does take note of it. Thank Zodiark for that, honestly.]

My failures are your failures. But regardless of the nature of our selfsame foe, and whether or not these beasts are naturally occurring—though high are my doubts of that—the true problem remains ever the same: whomever is behind this would have a power nigh equal to Zodiark or Hydaelyn.

Naught else explains their ability to so keenly rob me of my sense.

Edited 2020-05-02 22:32 (UTC)

March - April Test Drive Meme

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)