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Post by KANE on Jan 6, 2012 10:47:52 GMT -5
Take What the Water Gave Me
5 Weeks after the Battle of Olivine
| [atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][cs=2][style=font-size: 25px; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -2px; text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: #E0A1FF 2px dashed;]A PLATINUM GIRL LIVES INSIDE OF YOU[/style] | [atrb=style, vertical-align: bottom;][style=padding: 5 5 5 5; margin: 0 5 0 0; border: solid #F96EAD 2px; width: 100px; height: 215px;]
[/style] | [atrb=style, border-left: 2px dashed #E0A1FF;][style= width: 300px; text-align: justify; font-size: 10px; margin: 10 0 0 10;]A part of her worried that Alyssa wasn't the same person she knew from Hoenn, when they'd met when the war had only just started to brew in earnest. They'd kept in contact, even met occasionally, but that was it. People change--war makes monsters of people, Platinum knew that for a fact, but not all people. The other part of Platinum knew that even a war like this wouldn't dampen Alyssa's will. If it did, well, Platinum would be very disappointed, and she had her lucario outside his pokeball, resting at the bow of the ship just in case anything went terribly wrong.
The S.S. Odessa was a majestic but small ship, light and quick, shallow upon the water. It was a pirate's ship, in short, the sort that only carried enough weaponry to defend itself while its superior speed let it flee the scene. For Platinum's purposes, it was the best sort of ship. No one would trust her if she cruised up to Olivine City with a sea dreadnought, even if she flew white flags. She wasn't going to sail up to enemy territory (it was weird thinking of Olivine that way) in a little fishing vessel either. That'd just be stupid.
When she'd first fled the city, it felt like half the mess in Olivine was her fault. She'd given her garchomp the orders for both earthquakes and a final outrage, but every time she returned, the damage from the fallen lighthouse shocked her. Even it's absence sent a chill through her. Technology for most ships had surpassed the need for a lighthouse, and the small boats without modern gadgetry didn't sail out at night anyway, but the lighthouse stood for something: for safety at night, security in the day, a light leading the way home.
The lighthouse was gone now. It'd left behind a cloak of rubble, dust, and debris, burying still breathing bodies and corpses both beneath its ruin. Platinum had fled the battle when she'd been defeated at the foot of the lighthouse. Her only thought now was that she should've stayed and fought on, with only her revolver if that's what it came down to, but it was a vain thought at best. She couldn't have turned the tide of the battle on her own.
No, the best thing for her to do was what Platinum did now. Cianwood City, strong in the seas as always, had quickly set up a naval blockade as soon as the Lux refugees fled to their shores. There were people in Olivine City still--good, faithful Lux supporters, and even Nox sympathizers that had done nothing wrong--and they needed food, medicine, and supplies to rebuild. Lux cut them off by land and sea. The city's only hope were airdrops, but even the skies were guarded by a flight of birds and dragons. It was a siege, and a stupid one, in Platinum's opinion. If Nox held ground here, the people of the city shouldn't suffer for it, not like this.
She'd talked Cianwood down, but it'd only be a brief respite in the naval blockade to allow necessary supplies through, and only if she could claim a hostage. Platinum promised them Alyssa herself, Hoenn's own leader, and a flurry of texts was all she'd needed to confirm the plan with Alyssa. Platinum suspected that any lesser hostage wouldn't have been good enough.
The ship pulled into what remained of the harbor at Olivine City, water lapping at its dark hull, and Platinum waited at the prow, her lucario standing in her shadow. She looked out, searching for Alyssa, nervous but hopeful.
tags: alyssa
notes: tired so there's probably typos like whoa. hopefully nothing too severe though.[/style] |
[style=text-transform: uppercase; font-family: courier new; letter-spacing: -1px;]CREDIT TO DAZZLE @ PREDORMITUM 4 KATYA ONLY[/style] |
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Post by KANE on Jan 6, 2012 11:10:57 GMT -5
Alyssa swallowed uncomfortably as she rifled through the items in her bag. She was nervous, to say the least. The evening of the Battle of Olivine, when Nox finished the initial seige on the port city of Johto, she had left, wanting to leave the burning dislike of what she’d done. She was one of the people, if not the person, that was directly responsible for the toppling the majestic lighthouse. Although the lighthouse was brought to the ground by the efforts of many from Nox, she had dealt the first, powerful, direct blows that started its descent to the ground...and for that many people put the ‘accomplishment’, as they saw it, under her name.
Just one problem... she thought glumly as she exited the Pokemon Center. I don’t see that as an accomplishment... She swallowed and gripped the armholds of her knapsack as she made her way towards the shores. I see that as needless destruction...I’m not proud of it. I may have been following orders, but I’m not happy to have done it. She sighed. Sometimes she understood what Lux meant when they accused Nox of certain things, but she could not forgive some key motives of the opposing organization. The aftermath of the battle was something she’d wanted to get away from. As soon as she’d saved Amphy she’d fled to Sinnoh to Pastoria. Despite the dislike that she felt for the constant rain, it was something that drummed her thoughts out.
She’d stayed there for a much shorter time than originally planned. She had intentions to use a few days there to let her mind go as far as the war was concerned, but an unexpected call had interrupted that. She’d met Ruby there – one of the trainers to which she was ever-grateful for helping to save their native region of Hoenn from Team Magma and Aqua’s destructive conflict – and became quick friends with him. They’d even had some fun. However, her improving mood had been washed over with unhappiness when she received word that she was the new Leader of Hoenn for Nox. She’d gone back to Olivine as soon as possible, and arrived late yesterday night.
She’d been informed of difficulties getting needed supplies and medicine from Cianwood City because of a blockade, and she was called in to help. The white-haired trainer had a feeling that the intentions from the request were to force their way through, but she’d wanted to avoid that at all costs. Luckily though, she’d been contacted by somebody...an old friend. Platinum Berlitz, a Lux. She remembered Platinum from their first meeting a few years back, and that Platinum had tried to sway Alyssa’s relatively neutral decision about where to stand in the war towards Lux. She had almost convinced her, too, but certain events had taken a toll that solidified her alliance with Nox.
She’s probably not happy about that... Alyssa thought as she turned to stand in front of the people lined on the beach, edgily anticipating the arrival of the ship drawing near. If she’s here already...she was at the battle too... The Veteran Trainer turned her gaze to the fallen lighthouse and shuddered. She’s definitely not happy about that, given how fast word in the pokemon world spreads... She looked at the ship as it pulled into the dock. She’d already informed the soldiers that they were to honor the white flag being flown from the ship. That they were not to fire upon the ship at all costs or suffer the consequences handed down by one of their leaders – her. The arrangement had been set up that would allow Olivine to get much-needed goods from Cianwood.
She was to be taken hostage and detained for one week.
At least it’s Platinum...I can trust her.
”You all remember your orders, correct?” she asked sharply, her voice betraying her feelings. Nods met her words and she gave the rows of Nox Grunts and Soldiers stern looks. ”Good. See to it that you continue to remember them, lest you dare find out the consequences.” With that, the diminutive Leader called forth her Flygon, who crouched, ready for his trainer to mount his back. Stepping over his neck, he rose, clasping her legs protectively in his clawed hands against his body.
As she curled her arm around his neck, he took off into the air at a moderate pace, flying out to the ship. Here goes nothing...this will be an interesting week... Tapping Flygon’s neck, he descended, almost entirely vertically down to the ship, twelve feet in front of the young woman she had not seen in a while. Upon ‘landing’ – which was actually hovering for Flygon – the gentle, mysterious hum of Flygon’s wings echoed across the quiet deck of the ship in the silence that greeted her. She hopped off the Dragon and quickly returned him to his Timer Ball, ignoring the unhappy look on his face. He, along with the other pokemon on her belt, knew what was going to happen.
I don’t blame them...but Olivine must get those supplies...
She put the shrunken ball back on her belt and turned, putting her hands in the pockets of her hoodie. She walked forward slowly, as not to appear threatening if Platinum was nervous enough to register her approach as such. Attempting (and failing) to give a half-smile, the new Leader of Hoenn spoke.
”Hey, Platinum...” she said with a smile, stopping about five feet away. ”Long time no see...”
...I just wish we could meet each other underb etter circumstances...
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Post by KANE on Jan 7, 2012 10:59:33 GMT -5
| [atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][cs=2][style=font-size: 25px; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -2px; text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: #E0A1FF 2px dashed;]A PLATINUM GIRL LIVES INSIDE OF YOU[/style] | [atrb=style, vertical-align: bottom;][style=padding: 5 5 5 5; margin: 0 5 0 0; border: solid #F96EAD 2px; width: 100px; height: 215px;]
[/style] | [atrb=style, border-left: 2px dashed #E0A1FF;][style= width: 300px; text-align: justify; font-size: 10px; margin: 10 0 0 10;]She'd been civil to Alyssa on the phone, and her well wishes for a bright new year were honest. She'd already gone back to Olivine City after the battle, a quick mission to retrieve important documents, so it wasn't the first time she saw the disaster zone around the lighthouse and, quite frankly, the rest of the city. The best thing Platinum could say about the battle was that it was fiercely fought on both sides.
The captain of the ship hovered at her shoulder. "Ma'am, there are Lux faithfuls here, a few families. They want a ride out of the city. That wasn't in the terms, but--"
"I'll see what I can do," |
[/color] Platinum replied shortly. When they spotted the Hoenn leader's infamous flygon, the ship's crew tensed as one, many of them reaching for the pokeballs or their gun holsters, but Platinum threw out an arm. "Stand down, lads," she said, ignoring that most of them were older than her. "If she's addled enough to attack, then it's me she fights. The rest of you sail back to Cianwood--tell the admin: no deal."[/color] Alyssa landed without any draco meteors thrown at them, and Platinum smiled out of courtesy, distrust plain enough in her eyes--the state of the city had dampened her hopes. The Alyssa she'd known wouldn't have stood for any of this, not this ruin. "Certainly has,"[/color] Platinum replied, too coolly to be polite. "People change, don't they? I don't remember you having a taste for fear and destruction."[/color] Over the side of the S.S. Odessa, Platinum could see people gathered, still carrying the emblems and insignias of Lux, but not the uniforms, crying for passage. They were supporters then, not actual Lux members. There weren't that many of them, but by the looks of it, they were master builders and sailors, good working people that the city would hurt to lose--and the most faithful Lux supporters tended to be the heads of guilds, with skills so valued that they were spoiled by the faction. "Look at those people for me, will you? Are there any of your spies amongst them? It doesn't matter to me; if even one of them truly wants to leave, I will take an anarchist hive with me just for the one to be happy. I'll let them all onboard, if you're alright with it. We hadn't agreed on me taking any citizens away with me, but..."[/color] In part, Platinum made the request in earnest, on those people's behalves. Mostly though, she wanted to see what Alyssa would say. Would she keep them here against their will? They were working people, the sort a city needed to function. But if she were alright with letting them go, perhaps it'd only be because there were planted spies amongst them. You couldn't even trust old friends anymore, it seemed. "It's your choice, anyway. Once you make it, we'll sail off as quickly as we can. I'll let Cianwood know that I've got you here, and then the supplies should be sailing right on through."[/color] tags: alyssa notes: more just bitter on this end, really. and disappointed. EXTREMELY disappointed.[/style][/td][/tr][/table][style=text-transform: uppercase; font-family: courier new; letter-spacing: -1px;]CREDIT TO DAZZLE @ PREDORMITUM 4 KATYA ONLY[/style][/center][/quote] |
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Post by KANE on Jan 7, 2012 10:59:42 GMT -5
Alyssa had stopped and the poor attempt at a smile she’d forced onto her face faded rather quickly. Her expression had dropped simply because she didn’t have enough truthful feeling in it to keep it surviving for all to see. Of all the false smiles she had ever had to make in her lifetime that was the emptiest she could recall. Platinum had been somebody she saw as a friend, somebody that had known what the white-haired Leader stood for. What she believed in. Alyssa knew the events that had taken place were a disgrace to her real beliefs, a complete opposite of what she wanted. Alyssa had not wanted destruction, she didn’t even want to be here right now, but her duty and alliance had called her to do such, and she would remain loyal to it. The only thing I won’t do is kill someone... she thought, moving her cerulean eyes to Platinum when the younger female spoke.
Her response was even and cool, something that had no inviting tone to it. Alyssa couldn’t blame her. Despite the outwardly ‘open’ or ‘relaxed’ demeanor she was giving now, she had just as much reason to mistrust Platinum as the trainer of Sinnoh did for Alyssa. I don’t blame her...not at all. Especially not after this Battle... War changed people, that much was a common fact. But Alyssa had tried to avoid being changed by war however possible. I guess it’s inevitable...no matter how hard we try. It’s something everybody experiences, even if they don’t want to. Until fighting at Olivine I guess I was too naïve to fully realize that.
”People change, don’t they? I don’t remember you having a taste for fear and destruction.”
Alyssa flinched visibly, though she kept her eyes linked to Platinum’s. Hoenn’s new Leader refused to look at what remained of the lighthouse after the assault only a few nights ago. She didn’t want to be reminded of it at all, and were it somebody instead of Platinum, she would have lashed out at them with her words, driving the point home rather efficiently that she would greatly prefer that it remained unmentioned.
”I don’t.” was her quiet reply. Though she had no taste for it, she would do what was necessary. You can’t always like everything you have to do in life... It was bitter truth, but there was no escaping it. Now, though, Alyssa fell silent again, holding Platinum’s cool gaze and listened to her as she spoke.
Alyssa had no spies with them, she knew that much. She didn’t even need to look, however, to humor Platinum’s request she did so, looking at the faces of the people indicated. There were no spies, she’d given specific instructions upon her arrival to make use of themselves more than trying to infiltrate things. Securing boundaries and starting cleanup were two things Alyssa had placed at high priority, alongside helping people. She disliked the thought of somebody disobeying her after an order like that, and they would know they would not escape consequence. Alyssa drew in a quiet breath, sighing slightly seconds afterwards. She was tired. She didn’t want to be back in Olivine. If anything, she wantedto be back home in Hoenn, in her Secret Base and away from everything.
”No.” she stated simply, looking back at Platinum. ”I have no spies among them. They need passage, I’m not going to stop them even if I could.” she looked at the ground, thinking. Raising a hand to adjust the red beanie on her head, she found her thoughts moving in all directions, trying to figure out how this week would end, or what would even go on in it. I imagine she has a fair few words for me... Alyssa thought, dreading the thought of being reminded any more about what she’d done.
”Let’s get moving.”
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Post by KANE on Jan 7, 2012 20:31:28 GMT -5
| [atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][cs=2][style=font-size: 25px; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -2px; text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: #E0A1FF 2px dashed;]A PLATINUM GIRL LIVES INSIDE OF YOU[/style] | [atrb=style, vertical-align: bottom;][style=padding: 5 5 5 5; margin: 0 5 0 0; border: solid #F96EAD 2px; width: 100px; height: 215px;]
[/style] | [atrb=style, border-left: 2px dashed #E0A1FF;][style= width: 300px; text-align: justify; font-size: 10px; margin: 10 0 0 10;]Platinum stared at Alyssa, her gaze watching, unblinking, and judging. She didn't make a habit of measuring other people up to anything--she'd forgiven crimes of war, understood them, even understood Nox's fear tactics. People fighting for what they believe, Platinum could only respect the extent they would go to stand up for their beliefs, but this? This was too much.
"You don't," |
[/color] she repeated. "So, Hoenn's famed leader just... what? Lost control of her men? Wanted to visit Olivine for a cup of tea with Amphy? I was there, Alyssa, I was fighting. That was a planned assault, and I don't see any other of Nox's greatest leaders here. I know war's not anyone's fault--no one person's to blame for what our world's become--but from where I'm standing, it's truly very difficult to see you blameless in all this."[/color] The captain heard Alyssa give her permission for the people's passage as well, though he stood a fair distance away. Platinum nodded the go-ahead, and the captain left, yelling for his crew to help the people on for a voyage. The captain was adjusting their plans on the fly, but only because the ship didn't have enough food to feed all these mouths for an entire week. She wasn't sure if they were planning for another ship to meet them so transfer the passengers or just to restock the larder, but she trusted that the captain could see to the people's needs on his own. Platinum's expression finally softened, but mostly because she looked away from Alyssa and back towards the city. "I was there,"[/color] Platinum said again, her voice far away now. "I was at the foot of the tower--finally defeated there, I couldn't make it inside. I don't think I could've done anything but die in there even if I had won."[/color] She looked at Alyssa, a brief glance, but fiery, no longer wading through memories. "Crack troops, Alyssa, they stopped and trainers better than me. Those weren't green soldiers I fought to get even that far, those were ace trainers. Am I supposed to believe the lighthouse was an accident?"[/color] Platinum watched as people piled onto the deck of the ship, the foremen hurriedly ushering them down into the cabins so they could sail sooner. Tentracruels and a single lapras were released by the crew to ferry everyone onto the ship faster. Both Platinum and he captain felt that the longer the stayed here, the more they tempted Nox anxiety and violence, even with Alyssa safely aboard. At Alyssa's suggestion, Platinum turned to the captain, but he had preempted them. They lifted anchor even before the last of their supporters made it onto the ship, the final group surfing alongside them on the lapras, awkwardly lifted onto the ship as it bobbed in the water, the S.S. Odessa making distance from Olivine City as quickly as it could. "Congratulations on the victory here, by the way,"[/color] Platinum said in even tones. Quite frankly, and she was sure both of them knew it by now, there were no victories in war. Lives were always lost on both sides, the responsibility that came with winning was often heavier than the losses. "You would be wisest to leave, you know. I don't mean that spitefully. Nox's message was sent. Lux is vulnerable, even here in Johto, at our heart. We got that loud and clear, but rebuilding a city after tearing it down yourself--well, were it so easy."[/color][/style][/td][/tr][/table][style=text-transform: uppercase; font-family: courier new; letter-spacing: -1px;]CREDIT TO DAZZLE @ PREDORMITUM 4 KATYA ONLY[/style][/center][/quote] |
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Post by KANE on Jan 7, 2012 20:33:46 GMT -5
Platinum had waited – mostly – until Alyssa had finished speaking before speaking herself. Alyssa mentally prepared herself for judgemental accusations, which she had a feeling would be more true than not, unlike most accusations handed out from a person with conflicting views of another. The white-haired Leader waited in silence, her eyes remaining unmoving from the younger womans. She listened quietly to her old friend, showing no visible reaction other than the occasional blink, partially to acknowledge the words, partially because she was making a mental note of what to respond to and further, how to respond. She knew words wouldn’t be totally convincing here, but they could at least rightfully defend their speaker, seeing as she wouldn’t lie.
Alyssa’s gaze didn’t leave Platinum, not even when she turned to look back at the City Alyssa didn’t want to see again, for a long while at least. The words continued to come easily from Platinum, making Alyssa’s mind race. How she stood with views on the war and how to behave in such had been undecided until the Battle, but now they raged through turmoil, even though her new appointment to one of the five Leaders proved where her alliances fell solidly. She would never break from Nox, even if she had remained a simple Grunt. Once she tied her loyalties to someone, or something, they would remain that way unless extreme circumstances took hold and the extremity was enough to push Alyssa to change. Until I was on the front lines for the first time here...I never truly realized what this war meant. she thought, ...I was as naïve as I had been as a young trainer. So stupid...trying to live as though the war wouldn’t affect me...it took the death of my grandparents for me to fully realize it would...
She sighed silently, letting out the breath she realized she’d been holding when Platinum congratulated her on the victory. What victory... Alyssa couldn’t help but wonder. Platinum was mature for her age, Alyssa knew. Surely she realized that there was no such thing as victory in war? The price was always so steep, and would continue to be such until the war ended. As it stands, that doesn’t look like a possibility. She let her gaze fall to the ocean before back at Platinum, as it appeared the younger female opposite her had said her piece...at least her initial one.
Swallowing, Alyssa drew in a breath as she considered her words before speaking.
”...before this Battle, it was my name contending with a handful of others for the full title of Hoenn’s Leader. I was under our order just as everybody else, not trying to put myself above other Grunts or flaunt my potential authority. People had told me that I was a favorite to prove myself more worthy than the rest with the title I now hold. It wasn’t until shortly after battle that I was informed I would now have responsibilities that I didn’t think I would carry. That is why I came back...I had previously left as soon as possible, but came back because it was necessary. You contacted me only a short while after I returned.”
Her breath caught as a cold sea breeze whipped through the air, taking the breath she had just inhaled away as it cut through her. It took the Veteran Trainer a moment to get it back before she continued.
”I fought at the base of the tower, too, Platinum...” she said, holding eye contact unwaveringly. ”It was planned, and no accident. It wasn’t until tables turned in our favor that Nox realized we had a chance. Coming to Olivine I have a feeling we –“ she used the term loosely to describe the majority of people. ”- even doubted our own potential. We came prepared for an assault...and in the end that’s what we wound up giving.” Her gaze darkened as she admitted it. ”Having a taste for destruction is different from causing it. I answered what you stated – I lack a thirst for the taste of destruction. I only did what I was told, and coming from me now sounds like I’m hiding behind the fact that my position only recently changed...”
Her voice trailed off as she sighed. ”I never said that I was blameless...” she stated, a bit affronted that Platinum would suggest such, even if it had come across like Hoenn’s Leader was trying to remove herself from blame through her words and/or tone. ”...if anything...I’m perhaps...” she paused for a moment. ”...no, not perhaps. I am the person that most of the blame falls upon for the result.” She silently amended her statement If not all of the blame..
In Nox, she was praised for her swift and decisive actions of attacking the lighthouse directly and dealing two powerful blows during her battle at the base of the lighthouse with Wally. The explosive sound of the Solarbeam from Flygon hitting it, and then quickly followed by the greater explosion of Hyper Beam resonated in her mind as she thought of it. In silence, stewing in her thoughts, she allowed Platinum to interpret the words however she would.
Undoubtedly, she’ll come to the correct conclusion...if she doesn’t already know
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Post by KANE on Jan 8, 2012 17:10:36 GMT -5
| [atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][cs=2][style=font-size: 28px; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: -2px; text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: #E0A1FF 2px dashed;]SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS[/style] | [atrb=style, vertical-align: bottom;][style=padding: 5 5 5 5; margin: 0 5 0 0; border: solid #F96EAD 2px; width: 100px; height: 215px;]
[/style] | [atrb=style, border-left: 2px dashed #E0A1FF;][style= width: 300px; text-align: justify; font-size: 10px; margin: 10 0 0 10;]The ship drifted away, slowly at first, but once the lapras and the people riding upon it had been recalled, the captain yelled at the crew, and the ship chugged along at an impressive clip. The S.S. Odessa wasn't the single most impressive ship--heavyweights like the S.S. Anne would always be more majestic on the water--but it was blazing fast, equipped with pidgeottos throwing gusts and mareeps powering the anachronistic ours, the combination making the ship capable of outpacing even most water pokemon easily.
"You give me your excuses, and you don't think you're trying to shrug off the blame? It's an interesting world you live in, Alyssa--do you even still call yourself Alyssa? Haven't picked up any fancy epithets yet?" |
[/color] Platinum closed her mouth by sheer force of will--she was being petty. All things considered, she knew she had plenty of reason to be petty. Lives taken, homes destroyed, futures ruined, these sort of things deserved a bit of scorn, but that's not what she was here for. Platinum looked to Alyssa again, met her eyes, and to her own surprise, Alyssa held her gaze. Maybe something still remained of the woman she remembered then, or maybe she'd just developed a good, strong stare like liars developed an honest man's handshake. She listened to Alyssa's words, giving them a fair chance, but something didn't click. "We met at the beginning of the war. I--and I apologize for this--preached Lux ideals to you. I don't try to force my opinions on people so much anymore, but back then I did. There was a war brewing, and everyone had to pick a side. I did, and so did you. I never thought I'd see you as a leader for Nox. A loyalist, certainly, everyone I respect has it in them to fight to death for what's right, but a leader?"[/color] Platinum shook her head, not understanding. "Did you want the job? You must've known how your own faction strikes. Lux comes with tanks and guns, like conquering warlords--not something I'm proud of. Nox attacks from the shadows, unpredictable and so terribly lethal. Last I saw you didn't even want to kill. When I heard of your rank, all I could wonder is how much blood you must've gotten on your hands to earn it."[/color] Platinum didn't confirm it out loud, but with her lips pursed thin and her expression unforgiving, it was clear that she had seen Alyssa bring down the lighthouse. She didn't know if she had been part of a team or operating on her own, but she knew for a fact that the older woman had taken part, and now she knew that Alyssa had participated willingly in the terror of that battle, perhaps even eagerly. "And what now? Will you fight for peace? Poor start, if that's what you intended. Lux will isolate Olivine City and assault it to its best ability. That I could convince Cianwood City to relent was a miracle, it won't happen again. Unless Nox can find the organization to support it day-in and day-out by airlifts, it will be a very hard winter for you there. But you can hardly sue for peace now anyway. You dragged the lighthouse down: the light that led Johto's sailors home for a century or more. I know you can only make peace between enemies, but I think you've angered us enough that peace is no longer an option--although perhaps it never was one to begin with."[/color][/style][/td][/tr][/table][style=text-transform: uppercase; font-family: courier new; letter-spacing: -1px;]CREDIT TO DAZZLE @ PREDORMITUM 4 KATYA ONLY[/style][/center][/quote] |
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Post by KANE on Jan 8, 2012 17:11:53 GMT -5
[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 320; font-size:10px; text-align: justify; border: 5px solid #000000; padding:15px; background-image:url(http://colourlovers.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/patterns/2048/2048203.png);background-repeat:repeat-x][style=float:left; border:4px dotted #FFFFFF;opacity:0.9; margin-left: 2px;margin-top:36px;] [/style][style=float:left; border:4px dotted #FFFFFF;opacity:0.9; margin-left: 10px;margin-top:6px;] [/style][style=float:left; border:4px dotted #FFFFFF;opacity:0.9; margin-left: 10px;margin-top:36px;] [/style][style=float:right; width:330px; background-color:cacaca; margin-top:30px; margin-left:-165px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; opacity:.8; font-size:9px; padding:10px; text-align:justify; font-family:arial;color:000000]Alyssa was pleased by the fact that Platinum held her gaze while she spoke. It showed maturity in the younger girl, unlike the ruthless Grunts that were more riled up for destruction that was only satisfied by harming people or pokemon. That sort of person disgusted Alyssa; she even feared falling to a level like that. She loved pokemon for all they had to offer, and it tore at her heart every time she saw one in any sort of pain outside of having taken a hit from a battle. Even further, indirectly harming a pokemon through her actions was something she almost couldn’t bear the thought of. She was glad that she managed to save Amphy alongside Silver after she started the destruction of the lighthouse. If she had failed, well, she would have damn well died trying...literally.
The white-haired Leader’s unfortunate habit of developing a mental commentary to whatever was being spoken kicked in at that moment, and she found herself silenty responding to everything Platinum said with a fierce, defensive, out-lash with her thoughts, though her expression remained calm, reflecting the person that battled her instinctive, defiant train of thought. Frankly, she was annoyed with herself for not having learned how to curb her silent tongue by now, but, it wasn’t as though it would be any short task either. Some people focus on etiquette and making a stand for themselves in civil society... Alyssa thought, using Platinum’s short silence to think. ...others cast that aside and let their instincts lead them, or focus on battling and achieving status as a trainer before all else. I chose the latter, I guess that explains it, if anything.
Luckily for her, her tongue was not as free as her mind. Then again, if ones mind and will was no longer free, they themselves werent free.
Platinum’s last words stung Alyssa, although she knew they were true. She had mentally barred herself to prepare for someone that said that. Nox was whispering it as well, and Alyssa didn’t want to deal with it...as irresponsible as that sounded. Johto’s Leader can prioritize that on their list... she thought, ...it’s their responsibility more than it is mine. Alyssa knew she sounded like a child to think like that, but it was true. Johto’s Leader had more power in this Region, as well as familiarity with it. Alyssa knew Hoenn like she knew herself, to her Johto was comparable to somebody she’d met only a few times before, but become friends with. There was still more of it to be figured out. The Leader will make the right decision of how to deal with that....if they’re smart. she thought.
Sighing slightly as she figured how to respond, a tired, haunted look slipped into Alyssa’s eyes, a dark light covering the energy that had seemed undying for so many years. When she spoke, her voice remained even and unwavering, though quiet. Her eyes never left Platinums as well, as she would hold the younger woman’s gaze for as long as needed.
”...what you call excuses is my reason. I’ve never been a person to lie or beat around the bush – for too long at least. When I speak on a matter such as this, I don’t jump in simply with my defence, I give reason for it. It’s prevented me from having my head bitten off once or twice from someone who would otherwise think that I was simply stating that they were wrong and openly defying them.” Alyssa cracked her knuckles audibly by bending her fingers slightly backwards against her hipbone. She was bound to do the same in a few minutes, seeing as the cold did that to her.
” I am, and always will be, Alyssa. The three nicknames I gained for myself through the years on my pokemon journey remain, and only my new position gives me a new title...more of a job description, actually. ”
She sighed slightly as she knew what she’d answer next. Truly, the situation regarding her still recently appointed position as a Leader was a complex one that made sense to few, if any, aside from Alyssa. It just goes to show how unique a person’s mind and thought process is...sometimes it can only be understood by them.
”When I first joined Nox, I never saw myself as a Leader, either.” she informed the young woman with an even tone. ”My ambitious mindset is restricted to only a few things, and until a few months ago being a Leader was not one of those. As I stated, it was my name competing with others, and I never expected to have the title stamped upon my brow. It came as a shock to me...just as much as it appears to have gotten to you.” That was true. As she’d stated, she prefered not to lie unless it was absolutely necessary. However, the response that Platinum had triggered next was sharper and more defensive than Alyssa had wanted the younger female to see her – her voice gained an icy edge and her cerulean eyes gained the same, something that told Platinum not to argue what she was about to say.
”If you think I’ve turned into a cold-blooded killer than I ask you to think again. Don’t use the lighthouse as an example either.” she cringed slightly, the tendons in her neck trembling as she supressed a grimace at her own mention of it. ”On that battlefield I was no more than a soldier following orders. Following through there is what gained me the title I have now. I was recruited for the opreation and given no real choice to say ‘no’. I regret that people and pokemon --“ her voice wavered slightly. Pokemon were the dearest creatures to her. Earlier in her journey, she placed them even above people. ”—were harmed to accomplish what Nox wanted. But for anything, most prominently in war, you cannot gain without momenous sacrifice.”
The Veteran Trainer swallowed. ”I’m not proud of anything that happened at the Battle of Olivine, nor will I ever be.” She would not admit that it felt like she had to tear her heart out to bring down the lighthouse. ”Furthermore...” her voice hardened again, as it had wavered and lost some of its strength at mention of the lighthouse. ”...I will never kill another person or pokemon if I have the chance not to and am not under orders to do something that would result in their death. If the tables were turned here and you were my hostage while I had orders to kill you in some way, I would not do it. I would refuse, no matter what it would cost me.”
Her voice and gaze lightened somewhat.
”I have no thirst for blood unlike some of the mindless robots working for Nox. Refusing to kill if I can help it will probably kill me one day, I know. But, quite frankly, I dislike blood almost to the extent of having crippling hemophobia.” That was something not many people knew or had observed, seeing as Alyssa would never kill in a manner that was as stealthy as poison so she could watch her victim suffer, nor stain a pokemon’s heart by having them kill somebody.
”As far as peace goes, my belief that it was possible diminished to almost nothing years ago when...certain events solidified my support for Nox, even after I’d given your encouragement to join Lux fair consideration...you even almost convinced me, I’ll tell you that.” Hoenn’s Leader swallowed, something close to regret tampering with the even gaze she held. ”But what I’ve seen is nothing of peace, with both Lux and Nox to blame. This war will not end with peace, it will end with casualties. I much prefer peaceful negotiations like this, but...unfortunately I seem to be close to alone in that. I can only hope that I can influence the other Leaders to share the same views, but...” her voice trailed off as she shut her eyes for a moment, mostly because she hadn’t blinked in at least two minutes. She shook her head slightly.
”...peace can never come when neither side is willing to cooperate with the other, and in the greater scheme of things, I fear that’s where Lux and Nox stand with each other...and will continue to do so until the other side is annihilated in some way, shape, or form, no matter what is done to ease tensions and make peace between them.”
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MUSIC Guilty - The Rasmus
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CREDIT TO LUNE OF PREDORMITUM[/style][/STYLE] |
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Post by KANE on Jan 8, 2012 21:19:20 GMT -5
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[/style] | [atrb=style, border-left: 2px dashed #E0A1FF;][style= width: 300px; text-align: justify; font-size: 10px; margin: 10 0 0 10;]Reasons and excuses were more or less the same to Platinum when it came to the Battle of Olivine City.
"Have you talked to any of the people yet? We have plenty of them on board now, you might want to ask when whether they think reasons or excuses matter all. You led your army to deliver them fear and death--that's what you did. It wasn't your idea, it wasn't your plan--what, are you simply weapon now? Like a sword in someone else's hand, unthinking, unknowing, no morals of your own? Please, I've always admired your will. Do you think the ends justify the means now? Tell me that you do, and maybe I can wrap my mind around the person you've become.
"What end could you possibly be going for that justifies this war? We want peace and harmony--and obviously we're as flawed as anyone else--but what society do you fight for? What can you promise the people that will make all their suffering worth it?" |
[/color] Platinum nodded, accepting that Alyssa at least kept her name, whatever it was worth. Somehow, it comforted her that she saw a spark in Alyssa--perhaps the woman thought she had done something that needed defending? That perhaps, just perhaps, she'd done something wrong, and that troubled her. Platinum found that thought comforting--up until then, she'd truly feared that Alyssa saw no wrong in her actions. Her friend wasn't completely lost then. Platinum listened, but when she responded, it didn't seem like she followed up on the conversation. "My journey as a trainer never allowed me to keep my hands clean. The first time I killed, I was fifteen--a pokemon, a Galactic agent's puruguly. I suppose it wasn't really me, it was my empoleon, prinplup at the time, but what difference does it make? I caused the death by being a concerned citizen, sticking my nose where it didn't belong. No regrets on my part, I wouldn't change anything I did back then. I have no pride in it, but no regrets either."[/color] She turned to Alyssa, less judging now and more thoughtful, pondering. She was almost lost in her own thoughts and the words tumbled out of her mouth near subconsciously. "Do you really think you haven't killed? You brought down the lighthouse, and it fell, ruining homes at best, lives at worst. You... didn't kill anyone in that? Perhaps not, perhaps Arceus took mercy and the bricks and stones fell where no one stood. What about the men you led? What about the men you will lead? The ones that see in you an inspiration? You're leader so they fight in your name now. What if they have blood on their hands? Is that not your responsibility? Perhaps Nox is so different from Lux that there simply is no chain of responsibility..."[/color] The thought of peace was a laughable one now. If peace were so easy to gain, then the world would never have had any wars to begin with. If people were so eager to be well behaved, criminal teams wouldn't have cropped up. Lux sought to end that era, and now Lux sought to end the war. "Peace would be easy if you'd live by Lux's rules."[/color] Platinum sighed. "I'm sorry, Alyssa. I asked you here in a gesture of hope and trust, with the vain hope that trust might bring us peace. I didn't mean for it to become an interrogation. Look, I understand your loyalty to Nox and your belief in freedom, but I don't understand your actions here. I doubt I ever will. Let's leave it at that? Come, I'll show you around the ship. You'll be here for a week after all, please make yourself at home."[/color] tags: alyssa notes: KANE. TL;DR MAN. TL;DR[/style][/td][/tr][/table][style=text-transform: uppercase; font-family: courier new; letter-spacing: -1px;]CREDIT TO DAZZLE @ PREDORMITUM 4 KATYA ONLY[/style][/center][/quote] |
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Post by KANE on Jan 8, 2012 23:23:55 GMT -5
Alyssa simply stayed silent as Platinum spoke. Alyssa’s silence remained unbroken, and only changed slightly with her expression. Her eyes did little to betray any thoughts or emotions, aside from the occasional change in light that altered to show what she felt overall. She wouldn’t respond to what Platinum said now, not for a while, at least. I feel like I’d be going in circles if I responded... either she wasn’t being clear or Platinum hadn’t understood the meaning of her words. Although Alyssa had decided she would not respond to the words that were beginning to make her look like a bigger enemy than Alyssa felt she was, that wasn’t to say she ignored her younger friend’s words.
She was fifteen when she’d killed for the first time? Alyssa was slightly surprised about that, but she maintained her expression. Alyssa had not killed a pokemon or person without being under orders to do something – like topple a lighthouse – that involved it...not directly at least. Every time she shut her eyes to sleep since this war began, she couldn’t help but wonder who had been lost since the war had begun. What pokemon had been lost. What partnerships had been shattered...what friendships had been ripped apart, not just between people but pokemon and people as well? The white-haired Leader’s naïve nature that had been so prominent as a teenager had ceased to exist as the war began, but powerful blows that hurt her heart.
From the death of her grandparents to the practical exile she’d been forced into from her hometown, and being disowned by her parents was more than enough to drive the Veteran Trainer into a spiraling train of thought that never seemed to end. Even when she wasn’t trying to sleep her thoughts got away from her, as they just had. She shook her head slightly, blinking a few times to clear her mind and look at Platinum. I never said I havent killed... Alyssa thought. Only that I havent directly if I can help it at any cost. Orders like Olivine are one of the unfortunate times when I fear that I may, but hope I didn’t.
”Peace would be easy if you’d live by Lux’s rules.”
Alyssa knew now that would never happen. If she ever switched sides, she’d be a prisoner or under constant watch at best, killed at worst. Peace...it seemed like an illusion. Some sunset that the citizens of the Pokemon world could ride into at the end of a long day, after everything had been resolved...just like in those novels children ready to immerse themselves in the world of literature.
”I’m sorry, Alyssa.”
Alyssa’s gaze dulled slightly, to reflect Platinum’s sigh through her expression (if that was even possible).
”I didn’t mean for it to become an interrogation.”
More like a butting of heads and clashing of wills...
”Look, I understand your loyalty to Nox and your belief in freedom, but I don’t understand your actions here.”
Alyssa sighed silently. ....you and me both, Platinum...you and me both.
Closing her eyes, she exhaled, she felt herself deflate a bit, as though the first brunt of an assault had been averted. She was tired, but now she had to resign to staying on a ship full of Lux members and Lux supporters for a whole week. ...I have to make do with what I’m given. I don’t plan on dying here anyway. She felt her chin lower subconsciously and she knew her gaze would now be glued to the ship’s deck.
She opened her eyes and raised them to meet Platinum’s higher gaze. Quietly, she responded with few words.
”Right....you lead the way.”
Dropping her hands from where they’d managed raise – crossed against her chest – to her belt, she nodded slightly, her eyes scanned the horizon before at the other Lux supporters on deck – sailors that she assumed were under Platinums command. They all gazed distrustfully at her, their eyes filled anger, hate, and even some fear. She looked away, at the horizon again. Her fingers curled protectively over the pokeballs on her belt, three on each side.
So far I’ve been allowed to keep my pokemon...that much is good. If they wind up being taken for the time... she steeled herself mentally. ...I refuse to let anybody other than Platinum to handle them. She knew that wouldn’t be taken kindly too. Platinum’s the only person I trust here. Nobody else. If they wind up taking my pokemon... she shuddered. The thought of somebody handling something like her pokemon without her express permission discomforted her greatly.
”I’ll just...follow you.”
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