asmywitness | IC Inbox

[Not once does Tyler try and make conversation with Solus, not even turning around to look at him. Likewise, Isis does not pop up from her nest inside his jacket to do checks. She's staying safe.

The silhouette of the Bell Tower appears in the distance after they gain some height, but it's still another three hours before they finally reach the outskirts of the city of Ecruteak itself. (He's pretty sure he can see Lydia's house from up here.)

However, it's the Pokemon Center he sets down in front of, rather than his fuck-buddy's house. Better to get Solus the warp, so they never have to do this again.

He jumps off first, as soon as Ox lands, and gives the Aerodactyl some well-deserved snout pats.]

[Surprising as it may be, when necessary, Solus can indeed stay quiet and behaved. Only when there's something to gain, but it's still a testament to his willingness to do so. The flight is long and boring, and sitting straddled like that for so long does nothing for his stupid leg--thus he's further reminded of the frailty of humans.

Once they finally make their destination, Ox landing and Tyler disembarked, Solus follows suit. Wincing despite himself as he lands on his feet. Looking at Tyler briefly, before he stiffly walks into the center to register himself at the warp. It doesn't take long, but he assumes that Tyler may very well have left him upon his return, but perhaps not since their true destination is with Lydia.]

Edited (wording) 2020-05-14 07:50 (UTC)

[Normally that would probably be the case, if there wasn't someone that... looks a hell of a lot like Lydia, but male, waiting inside the Pokemon Center proper. Though he's ignoring Solus as he walks past, to get outside to Tyler.

Which just nets him a brief momentary nod and motion towards the building in question. No words being exchanged, but that could just be because there's no reason to try and do so.

In reality, that's a zoroark and he hasn't really gotten the talking thing down yet.]

[Tyler's not unfamiliar with the idea that Lydia has a brother, at least in passing, and he sure as shit knows about Edward the Zoroark; but it's still a mild surprise to see him dressed up so attractively and greeting him.

It gets the most genuine smile Tyler's had all day, and he withdraws Ox into his Pokeball, and releases Jester instead - a lumbering Dusknoir, whose single eye turns to watch Solus, once the man returns, before both he and Tyler follow Edward.]

[The likeness to Lydia is striking, but he doesn't say anything as he sees Tyler and this Lydia-like man exchange no words at all, yet seem to head off together. Tyler's Dusknoir is rather impressive to behold in person, versus the mere photo he had seen of it before, but he withholds any commentary of such. Instead, merely follows the trio, his Yamask watching them as his trainer does.

Silent, observant, and though Solus is far from wary, Yamask certainly is. Ironic as it is, he's a little antsy to get to Lydia, if only so this insufferable silence and boredom will cease, but to keep the peace at the moment, he must needs endure. Once they get there, he'll make amends with her, hopefully Tyler will get over himself, and all will be well! If not, then one cannot say he didn't try. Mortals always were so petty, but hopefully Lydia wasn't much the same.]

[There's no real reason to be wary, Edward is very much the most chill of Lydia's Pokemon. He only really does this for funsies. Or when Lydia requests for him to as it's much easier to get someone to follow a handsome man than a zoroark, after all.

Luckily it doesn't take him too long to lead them towards a rather normal looking building, no signage on it just yet. For a good and particular reason. It's also rather pointedly not next to other entertainment venues, for other good reason.

Edward remains silent as he goes to fetch the door and usher them both inside, polite as he can be.

As for the inside it's particularly nicely done. With black, gold, and reds and with a lot larger of a stage than the picture really has. There's no one in here right now other than a gardevoir and a breloom milling about.

Except for the stage where two poles have been set up and someone is very much practicing some nonsense. In reality, it's Lydia, and she's easily noting their entrance and very pointedly making some lovely eye contact with Tyler through... certain... aspects of this mess.

But once it's done she's just stretching and seeming to pop something before moving to the edge of the stage and perching on it.]

I expected one of you, but not both. Edward, darling, if you would? [She's motioning off to the side and that handsome man is reverting back to... oh, well, that is a zoroark and he's slinking off towards that gardevoir.]

[Oh man, she really has done the place up wonderfully so far, Tyler is genuinely impressed. He almost doesn't see her on the pole until movement catches his eye, and.

Oh. Well then. Someone is rather hot under the collar now; he even starts unbuttoning his jacket in idle thought, nearly causing Isis to fall out and she quickly teleports to sit on his shoulder.

That gets him to catch himself. So even if he's still a little bit more generously red than he was a few minutes prior, his hands are at their usual brusque speed when he signs at Lydia.]

Don't ask. He's a fucking nightmare to travel with.

[Solus, unfortunately, gets none of that.]

[Consider Solus charmed.

Not only does the place have a lovely set up, but so too is the color choice one he finds most favorable. Not that anyone could tell, what with him dressing himself in similar hues! Catching sight of Lydia and her little...routine, he can't help but smirk as he crosses his arms over his chest and admires.

When she stops and addresses them both, Solus shrugs a bit casually, though he does watch Tyler as he signs...catching some of that. He's been memorizing his movements and the translations there of. His eyes narrowing slightly, getting the general impression of the statement, but quickly turning his attention back to Lydia. The Zoroark does not go unnoticed, either, and thus he makes note to most certainly obtain one for himself in the future.

Such control over glamours would be most helpful indeed.]

Yes, well Tyler here has ever been gracious in providing me transport to this fine city, though such purpose is not entirely unrelated to you, and thus here I stand.

[His Yamask, quiet and still on his shoulders, looks to her, then to Solus, trying to discern the nature of this whole thing, but he's quite obviously lost. Solus seems fit to ignore the confused Yamask, and instead brings a hand to his chest, and bows to Lydia.]

'Twas brought to mine attention that you have a false impression from our exchange some days past, and I felt it prudent to correct such folly. Little would I want ill impressions to linger unabated.

[Rising from his bow, he keeps his eyes on her, that smile never fading.]

Tyler has delivered me to achieve just that. As such, I would hope that you might lend me your ear as I rectify such misgivings?

I can imagine that would be the case, darling. Which makes why you brought him here all the more pressing of a question. [Not that she has to wonder for long, what with... Solus' everything.

She's raising a brow slowly as she watches his entire little display, shifting her position to cross her legs and seem all the more closed off by her carriage alone. She knows better than to take someone at their word, she's done the same sort of shit, after all. Which is why she can't help a soft bit of a snort.]

I'll let you speak, but I am not an easy person to win back after insulting me in a way you have managed.

[Though Solus might want to be careful as that's just a loud female voice, very much not Lydia's, screaming BITCH inside his head. And a kadabra slowly moving over towards the group and plopping herself down in a chair.

Oh.]

I am going to salvage what is left of my dignity and refuse to answer that.

[Please let him have that much.

He doesn't realise Solus is talking until Lydia pointedly turns her attention towards him, and it's with a small jerk of surprise that he even realises that. He's gotten complacent to Isis translating people he wants to talk to - it hadn't occurred to him that she would outright ignore someone she didn't want to.

Not that he can blame her, frankly. The bastard had nearly strangled her.

He can tell by Solus's body language that he's doing some pointless soliloquy or another, and he takes a seat at one of the nearby tables to watch the insufferable display. He isn't expecting Allure to take a seat nearby him, but it's not like he'll protest.

He does object to the sudden sharp BITCH in his mind from Isis reading her mind, because it makes him jump violently.]

[Solus is about to start again, but then that word is SCREAMED through his mind, and his expression shifts from the smooth smile to something more like annoyed surprise as he resists the urge to break his gaze from Lydia and look to the offending source of the hollered profanity. Instead, he forced that smile back, refocusing on the task at hand.

Nay, I would not think you easy in any sense of the word, [Don't think too deeply on that, because it starts to get insulting,] rather I am certain you've high standards much the same as I.

Nevertheless, you were left with the thought I think you less than people, but that is far from the case. Nay, I think you far above these mortals and their petty foolishness. You and I are of a league entirely separate of them, and certainly I thought our last conversation made such clear, but it would seem that was not the case. As such, you have my deepest apologies.

[He knows by now Tyler can't hear him, if his little start earlier at noticing Solus speaking didn't make it obvious. So he's been cut off, has he? Very well, he'll use that to his advantage.]

'Twould seem the boy is rather fond of you, it's quite charming, you know.

[It's not Allure's fault that that's literally the only thing she knows how to project into someone's mind. Thanks to a certain other someone.

But she's pretty sure she knows what happened and can't help a slow smirk crawling to her lips. Ah, yes, her lovely little kadabra there. Right, right.

Unfortunately it doesn't shut him up for long and she's forced to listen to something absolutely a lie and she knows damn well that it is. Or, well, she thinks she does.]

Differentiating between moral and non in a place such as this is an absolutely moot point, you know that, correct? Despite what you or I had been in our own worlds, we are not that here and, unfortunately, waving it around as if it's some sort of dick measuring contest does no one any good. Other than make you hated among a group you're going to have to work with at one point or another.

And given the nature of Team Rocket alone, that means a far higher and likelier chance of being thrown under the bus should anything go wrong.

As much as it pains me to be in a mortal body again, I've come to deal with whatever laws this world has set in place. Whether I like them or not. Which I suppose isn't something you have come to realize.

[Though her eyes do narrow for a brief moment at that last sentence, good lord.]

What my business with him is is between him and I, no one else. I'd prefer you keep your mouth shut regarding things you don't understand. Nor do I think you capable of understanding. This is my establishment and while you're in here, you're under my rules.

[She could try a little harder and learn some better words!!!

As she responds, seemingly like she's scolding him, his smile preserves. Letting her get that all out, crossing his arms over his chest by the end of it. Lightly his eyebrows raise, the corner of his mouth quirking upward.]

If I may—'twas you who alerted me to the nature of your relationship, so by all accounts what I am privy to, and what I now notice is in direct relation to the information you granted me. I was merely admiring it.

[Lifting one hand from the cross of his arms, he gestures a little dismissively.]

But by all means: your establishment, your rules. That I can abide. Moving along, however, I disagree with your account that the difference between mortals and immortals are a moot point here, for it is quite the contrary. While our physical essence is all the same, it changes not the lives we've lived, the sheer mass of our experience, knowledge, and wisdom we are given over them. They are but children in the face of eternal beings such as our ilk, and to pretend that we are truly on equal grounds is disingenuous at best, idiotic at worst.

Well do I realize that such distinction will mark me an outsider among these mortals, such is their wont, but little am I worried. Just as we discussed before, they are pathetic, senseless things, easy to manipulate, and easier to break.

[He glances at Tyler for a moment, before fixing his gaze on Lydia once more.]

Unless you mean to tell me you have grown attached?

[She's still pretty much a baby!

Of course this is the response she somewhat expected and she's merely rolling her eyes in turn, one hand moving to play with a stray bit of hair to curl around a finger. Not a nervous habit, but more of her being so bored with this whole affair.]

There's only the basics that translate from there to here. While I have a vast knowledge of magic, though more in certain aspects than other, that means very little here. Other than having an affinity for a particular kind of Pokemon, it would seem. Faerun is little like this place, geography and culture alike. Whether from the homes of drow to the homes of humans, none of it becomes relevant in this place. Humans may seem the same here and there, but these ones grew in other ways that I had not witnessed before. Even more so those from other worlds that ended up here.

While I certainly do not claim that they have the years or knowledge I do, when it comes to the knowledge of this world we're all on the same level.

My feelings on humans aside, there is very little that can be done here or is there any reason for me to do so. What I did is a moot point in this world, because it's not a method I need to use to survive here. Not anymore.

[As for that glance, her posture tightens. She really is not a fan of this nonsense right about now.]

I suppose it would depend on what you consider "attached". I would call it more a mutually beneficial arrangement. [He's a good fuck and nice company, fuck off.]

[She's like a 13 year old compared to toddlers, ok!!

But hey, he feels her there. He was the one who brought up the whole being immortal thing, but man did he not expect the mortals to be so sensitive about it. Maybe he should have, mortals are goddamn petty and obsess over the most useless things.]

If that's all it is, I suppose there's no need to worry. I am confident you are not wont to fall for something as fickle as charm.

[He offers a little flippantly, before moving along to address the rest. Gesturing with his hands as he talks, albeit a little languid and half-hearted.]

I wish to be candid with you, since you have the perspective to understand: little am I in denial of my state or lot in this world. That is a misconception, nay, rather I well know and am very much familiar with a world that has risen above such heights of technology, for I am a fair talented engineer and scholar.

Well have I lived in a civilization that dwarfs this one in terms of technological and cultural sophistication, and the knowledge I possess—that I have been made privy—comes not so arbitrarily to me. 'Tis born of my eternal nature. Thus when I speak of being an immortal, of my place above these mortals who squabble over the gulf between them and I, know that it is scant under the delusion that my physical form and magical capabilities are different than those here. I speak only of my wisdom—and I do suppose, the chasm that lies between the intrinsic nature of mortals and immortals, but that goes without saying.

[Crossing his arms over his chest again, he shakes his head, offering her that same placid, tired smile.]

As such, little will I stand for mortals attempting to sell me nonsense alluding to them and I being as equals, for we are not. We cannot be—by mere experience alone. Viewed thus, I have more than been reasonable in the face of such absurdity, and would rather put this stultiloquence to rest, if it is all the same to you.

[She's still working on words!

Though she lets him speak, a soft sigh slipping past her lips. Of course, yes, that whole... thing. She can somewhat understand where he comes from, seeing the same failings time and time again with no one wishing to take advice on the matter. Mortals, in her experience, rarely learn until they experience whatever it is on their own.]

It's not as if I have some sort of power or sway over you, nor do I pretend to do as such. But it would do you some good to look at perspective, which I assume is only to come in due time when you see what is in front of you. I'm becoming accustomed to this world, with or without the longevity I had prior. And I find it rather... I suppose curious, fascinating, something of that ilk.

But if you want to continue on this trajectory, then it is hardly my place to stop you. However, I would appreciate you keeping me out of your affairs unless it becomes particularly necessary. I don't care what anyone in this place does until it comes back to me and mine, after all.

Which, as you've since noted, extends to him as well.

[She merely shrugs and pushes herself to stand. Though she's merely heading towards the stairs that lead from the stage to the floor proper.]

Now, if you're done trying to win me over in a bid that would take more than palliative words, leave me be. I have other business to attend to, after all. Ecruteak is a fine city and I'm sure there's things here that would attract your attention far more than myself and this establishment. [Meaning get the fuck out of her face, Solus.]

[Bless her, maybe she can move on to shapes and colors before long!

Her admission to having no power over him, while plainly obvious, does amuse him. But he lets her finish her part, long winded the pair of them are, he understands well the need to be verbose. To her comment about being kept out of his affairs he merely nods, seeing no reason to involve her anyway. Little does she have what he'll be needing in his grander scheme, after all. As she rises, heading towards the stairs, saying her last bit, he once again bows—graciously and formally.]

Worry not, 'tis little intent of mine to involve you and yours with aught I've devised. Quite contrary, for you are not mere pawns for the game.

[Rising once more to stand at his full...well, slouched height, he continues to give her that sly smile of his.]

I wish not to delay you much further, and so I would be glad to be off. Know that I am grateful for your audience which scant was I owed.

[He turns to head out, but then jolts with a thought, turning briefly to look back at her.]

Ah! Ere I forget—and if you do not mind my query—to what end is this establishment's performative arts? It would be remiss of me to mention not the curiosity it has piqued.

I would hope we aren't involved in your game to begin with. [Little is she interested in playing games she doesn't have control over, after all. She's never been... great with being told what to do or to be manipulated at any due length of time.

That was her thing, after all.

Though she does pause when she reaches the floor proper, a brow raised at his questioning. Well, she supposes that's a fair enough thing to answer.]

There are a few different things lined up. That is my... particular fondness, but there are others who do things from cabaret, to performance theater, to singing, pretty much anything that is interesting enough. I'm still working on a semi-final list of performers, but they can come and go as they please. [She moves to finally take a seat, a hand moving to scratch behind Allure's ear who makes a pleased humming noise.]

Other nights I may just turn it into a proper club, who knows. It depends on the night and the feeling.

[He offers no comment to the first, since whether or not she and hers will become a pawn will yet to be seen. For now, she isn't, but later? Perhaps.

To her explanation, he looks duly interested, nodding shallowly with interest.]

I see, a rather flexible and all encompassing array of entertainment—as any such performative entity should be. How marvelous. Well! You may yet have yourself a patron, I would be glad to see this place take to the skies, to witness how well it soars.

But, I do believe I have overstayed my welcome, and thus I shall take my leave. So long, friends, till we meet again.

[And, despite the pain in his goddamn leg, he muscles through to his usual gait, waving that usual wave on his way out.]

Edited 2020-05-17 20:22 (UTC)

[It isn't until Solus is physically out the door, and it's shut behind him, that Tyler finally unclenches, and slouches heavily into his seat.

He knew he was tense but holy shit was it a relief to see the back of That Motherfucker.

His signs have a somewhat stiff edge of exhaustion to them, now.]

If he comes near me again I swear to God Isis is going to try and throw him off a bridge. She already did it once on the flight over.

[It's not just him who's tense, if Lydia's slow sigh and stretch is anything to note. Though she's glancing at his hands for a moment, noting the difference and frowning at him after she's done with her nonsense.]

Honestly, I couldn't blame her for doing such a thing. I think that's why Allure and Lussios in particular seem particularly tense. Not a great reading. [Though she does switch her gaze to the tiny bird, wherever she decided to roost, with a small bit of a smile.]

Though, I do believe someone has earned herself some head scratches, if she wants to cash those in.

[Tyler notices the look on her face, but meets her with an almost blank evenness, like a challenge.

There's a large red feather and a small eye staring out from underneath the collar of Tyler's overcoat, staring at Lydia. But at the offer of scratches, Isis bodily wiggles her way up and out of the jacket with a sharp peep and hops across the table for the attention.]

He fucking grabbed her when he started falling. She stopped hearing him for me - I know he noticed, too, you were talking about me.

[He doesn't care what you said, he can already assume.]

[She's not about to challenge it, that would make things go sour and she's not keen on doing that. However, she can't help but be amused at Isis'... well, everything, to be perfectly honest.

And is happily just reaching out to lightly scratch her little head with those nails, because of course she is.]

Whether he noticed or not doesn't really matter, does it? All it was was him rambling on and on to try and win my favor or mitigate the damage he's done. While trying to nose into business that he has absolutely no reason to know about. Same as Steven, come to think of it. [That should give him enough information on what he was saying, after all.]

Was she translating just me, then, or was she entirely ignoring the conversation because of him?

[The comparison gets a sly, brief smile out of Tyler.]

Don't tell Steven you said that, he'll get legitimately offended.

[Isis immediately nestles down and fluffs up under those scritches, and very nearly closes her eyes for it. She's gotta keep them open for Tyler, but boy howdy scritches.]

Just you. I doubt I missed anything actually relevant. He gives Isis a headache anyway.

As if I tell Steven anything, come on now~ [She really doesn't unless it benefits her, oops.

God, Isis is too cute and she'll continue those scritches until otherwise needing to stop.]

... Ah. So you heard some of what I said, then. [Shit. That wasn't what she had meant to happen, but that stupid jackass sure dragged her through it.]

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