[As if on cue, the little fox poofs her fur up, looking even fluffier. Between the Vulpix's display and Angel's reaction to her, even Anders smiles just a little in spite of himself. His hand rubs at one of her ears, soothing her back into a less "threatening" position.]
She seems to believe herself to be ten feet tall. But she's content enough to snuggle, as well. You'll get along, I think.
[A cloud indeed. Angel looked as if she might absolutely burst into tears, though she didn't say as much. Instead, she stared at the small creature, a hand over her mouth.]
I, uh. Well. Not really. [It was hard to get her thoughts together, staring at the creature. Already she was scrambling to think of a name for her. Something to do with clouds, hopefully, not not too scientific sounding.]
[Right, focus.]
We're traveling at the moment. On our way to the Sevii Islands. Jean's birthday is coming up!
[Ciri! Though have to say anything aloud, her face likely spoke volumes with the way it lit up. It was a perfect name, and she'd have to thank Anders for it later.]
I don't think we're too far from the city. Let me check my map in a moment. [As she rifled through her 'Gears programs, Angel nodded to the man.] According to Armin, it is. And I think he would know best.
Perhaps I should wait for you here, if that's alright. I must be here to embarrass Jean, after all.
[He is innocent. More innocent than Ciri pawing at the Gear and putting her paw up against the screen to high five Angel. Because that is a thing she can do.]
That's perfectly alright, Anders. I'll be looking forward to seeing you. [She paused, then reached out to touch her own screen. It's definitely a high five. The highest.]
[Of course, with all the excitement out of the way, Angel now had time to mull over what Anders had said to her. More importantly, she was able to make sense of the tone in his voice, which immediately resulted in a pit forming in her stomach.]
Anders? Forgive me if I'm reading into things too much but... are you alright?
[Yep. These two are gonna get along great. Ciri gives an approving trill before hopping down to go about other important Pokemon business. She's kind of a big deal.
Meanwhile, Angel. Why did she have to bring that back up. What did Anders ever do wrong in his entire life. He doesn't deserve this. Angel why.]
Why would you think... [Well, at least by now he's caught on that deflecting things doesn't actually help. He just sighs deeply and shakes his head.] Not particularly, no, but I'll manage.
You'll manage? [Her voice positively dripped with doubt, and she crossed her arms over her chest before realizing that Anders couldn't see it. She summoned her best, most stern look and fixed him with it.]
[Don't call him out like this. Let him stew in his misery in peace.
Anders' eyes fall and he takes a deep, shaky breath.]
It... seems my companion has left Johto. [This becomes more awful to explain every time. He can't even say she went home; there's no home left for her but the Void.]
[Every word she could think of died before reaching her throat. Every sympathetic word seemed more like an empty platitude than anything. It was the exact sort of thing she feared most, the kind of thing that she, thus far, had not experienced. It was an unimaginable cruelty, and she couldn't think of a single way to lift the unbearable weight that she knew was resting upon the blond's shoulder.]
[Somehow, the obligatory response hurts more than the events themselves. He wasn't trying to fish for condolences, and how painfully awkward it is does nothing to reassure him. Of course Angel means well and he doesn't blame her, but she isn't actually aware of the situation.]
You shouldn't have to make do... [Making do was what she had done for the better part of a decade. Making do was a bitter half-measure, something that Anders assuredly didn't deserve. Not in a moment like this, when that which he undoubtedly cared most for had been ripped away.]
You should come see me, Anders. You shouldn't be alone right now.
Okay. [She didn't like it, didn't like any of it, but she wouldn't say as much out loud. Anders knew himself best, and so she would trust what he asked for. At least for the time being.]
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brokencode) wrote2016-08-22 05:17 am
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She seems to believe herself to be ten feet tall. But she's content enough to snuggle, as well. You'll get along, I think.
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She's perfect. Thank you Anders...
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[The Pokemon herself gives Angel a hearty pix! and waggles her tails at the screen.]
I'll be flying back to Olivine soon. Then we can meet up with you. You're still in Ecruteak, yes?
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[Right, focus.]
We're traveling at the moment. On our way to the Sevii Islands. Jean's birthday is coming up!
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[COOL UNCLE MODE ENGAGED, TROUBLES FORGOTTEN.]
Is it?
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I don't think we're too far from the city. Let me check my map in a moment. [As she rifled through her 'Gears programs, Angel nodded to the man.] According to Armin, it is. And I think he would know best.
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[He is innocent. More innocent than Ciri pawing at the Gear and putting her paw up against the screen to high five Angel. Because that is a thing she can do.]
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[Of course, with all the excitement out of the way, Angel now had time to mull over what Anders had said to her. More importantly, she was able to make sense of the tone in his voice, which immediately resulted in a pit forming in her stomach.]
Anders? Forgive me if I'm reading into things too much but... are you alright?
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Meanwhile, Angel. Why did she have to bring that back up. What did Anders ever do wrong in his entire life. He doesn't deserve this. Angel why.]
Why would you think... [Well, at least by now he's caught on that deflecting things doesn't actually help. He just sighs deeply and shakes his head.] Not particularly, no, but I'll manage.
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Anders, what's going on?
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Anders' eyes fall and he takes a deep, shaky breath.]
It... seems my companion has left Johto. [This becomes more awful to explain every time. He can't even say she went home; there's no home left for her but the Void.]
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[Every word she could think of died before reaching her throat. Every sympathetic word seemed more like an empty platitude than anything. It was the exact sort of thing she feared most, the kind of thing that she, thus far, had not experienced. It was an unimaginable cruelty, and she couldn't think of a single way to lift the unbearable weight that she knew was resting upon the blond's shoulder.]
I'm so sorry.
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As I said, I'll make do.
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You should come see me, Anders. You shouldn't be alone right now.
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I've endured [He starts to say worse, but that isn't entirely true] quite a lot, I assure you. I appreciate it, but I need some time to myself.
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Is there anything I can do?
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Nothing pressing at the moment. I'll let you know if anything comes up.
Who are you traveling with? [Distractions are also good.]
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[Distraction is go, even if she still looks worried.]