victory_road | Video, Backdated to 9/8

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Video, Backdated to 9/8

The grief was crushing, the knowledge that not only had they failed - that he had failed, their last and final hope - but that the sun had shone once more and they were not here to see it shine. His brothers and sisters, his brethren, his loved ones gone forevermore in a fight none of them wanted from the start. He feels his form fade, tears vanishing from his cheeks as the aether which comprises his soul begins to drift away. The tower draws him near, draws him close, and Elidibus isn't sure what is to come next as grief and pain bury him. But surely it cannot be as lonely as-

Suddenly, things change.

The sun warms his cheeks.

The wind caresses his face.

An unfamiliar voice sounds in his ears, and pale eyes snap open behind crimson mask to take in his surroundings - a bedroom? unfamiliar - before an adult woman enters his line of vision. The next few minutes are a whirlwind and Elidibus cannot make sense of exactly what is happening, not after his defeat, his death, not after-

He stands outside now, door locked behind him and pack in his hands. Beside him hovers a creature whose like he has never seen before, and a soft, whispering voice sounds inside of his head. The conversation is brief, but it releases the suffocating grip of emotion in his breast somewhat.

A heavy sigh, before he straightens up, opening the pack to inspect its contents. Gilded claws are careful as he sifts through, and wasn't that a comfort, to still remain dressed in his raiment of office. He finds a change of clothes and strange technology of an unfamiliar make.

Well, should others have been sent here - wherever here may be - perhaps he could use this to contact them. His duty may have been made null in this place, no fragments which he may rejoin, no salvation for the star he had been taken from, but he would still serve as Emissary.

--

[The video begins, showing a man with crimson mask and white cowl. His robes are unmistakable - it is Elidibus. His mouth seems to tighten, before he speaks.]

[The voice is smooth, musical:]

I am Elidibus, Emissary, bearer of the word of Zodiark. It has been brought to my attention that upon my arrival I should make an announcement such as this, and you behold that result.

[He looks to the side, out of the frame, before turning back. His voice wavers, ever so slightly.]

Should there be any among you who know of me, I have been informed that my current location is in one New Bark Town.

[He hesitates, mouth opening to say more, but instead of speaking he closes the video.]

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[There are far too many things going through Emet-Selch's mind as he checks the network and sees none other than Elidibus. Honestly, at first he wonders if he's fallen asleep without realizing it. If this is some strange dream, or perhaps he's accidentally consumed some of Hythlodaeus' gloom juice.

No, he's fairly certain that is not the case.

So then...that means that this is happening, that the Emissary himself has been brought into this half-formed world. Honestly, what is he to do with this? Idly, he wonders if Dirk will notice this announcement, if he will say aught at all to Elidibus—but the thought is gone quickly enough.

As the feed turns on, Elidibus is gifted with Emet-Selch's visage.]

Ah, I had wondered if you would likewise be so churlishly plucked from our reality as I had been moons ago.

[His voice is casual, lacking any trace of surprise that one might assume to hear. As was his way. He considers mentioning Hythlodaeus, but then he chooses not to. Bitter as it is to remember that Elidibus likely would not remember Hythlodaeus. Something he would...rather avoid.]

Worry not, I will not leave you to walk your way to me, fortunate for you I am ever the productive sort when I must needs be, and so I shall send for you. No need to thank me.

[He is curious about his place on the timeline, knowing that different times existed between those that were brought here, but...he can save that for later.]

[The response is almost instantaneous, Elidibus appearing to Emet-Selch. There is relief in his voice, on his face - he had been alone and had expected to never see this face again. He knows not of timelines, of how this world works, not yet.]

Emet-Selch, you too have been pulled here? Have you knowledge of how this happened? Are there others here?

[His voice is slightly more rushed than the usual even tone. When next he speaks, his voice cracks on the first syllable, but he continues as if naught has occurred.]

What do you remember last of our world?

[He does not address the usual attitude of his fellow, not shaken as he is. It can be addressed later.]

[Ah, right to the punch. How efficient. How very Elidibus.]

Indeed, several moons ago as I stated. It has ever been a most vexation situation, but I suppose you will learn that first hand, eh?

[And then he privates the conversation. Little does he need others being privy to his and Elidibus' personal business. Not that much ill can come of it, but better safe than sorry. His casualness dries up quick, and something more solemn settles in, so too does his voice get lower. Bereft of the usual nasally tone.]

Last I recall, I was in the midst of combat, contending with a certain hero. I am confident I need not specify which. And what of you?

[That simplifies things, then, to have a time frame. His shoulder rise and fall as he shudders out a heaving sigh.]

I come from after you, then. You fought. You fell. I dealt with the consequences as best as I was able, but...

[His voice grows uneven, but he pushes onward.] I fought. I fell. The rains ceased and the sun began to shine, but none of you were there to see it.

Edited 2020-09-13 07:26 (UTC)

[Emet-Selch's face loses what remnants of put upon neutrality with each point of what Elidibus says. Each their own jab to his heart. Part of him is...glad to hear the success of his wager, or rather, the beginning of such success.

That he would fall. That Elidibus would fall, too. Maybe his faith was not poorly placed, yet such a victory is hardly worthy of the name. Nearly lost in thought, his expression betraying this fact with how distant and grim it has grown, he's brought back to the moment when he hears that last bit.

Did...did he hear that correct? Forgive him the stupefied expression as he stares at the feed for a moment longer than he'd have liked, but really he—]

...You remember.

[He should probably say more than that, shouldn't he? When he speaks, it isn't a question, but a statement. One filled with what sounds to be relief.]

That would suggest that our little hero delivered your crystal—as well as found Azem's... I suppose I should apologize—

[The broken smile that breaks out on Elidibus's face would have been uncharacteristic of him...save for the resurgence of his memories. The nature of his departure from their world.]

That I do. Everything.

[He raises a hand to halt Emet's apology.]

You have nothing for which you must apologize. If anything, I should thank you. [His voice grows more fervent.] You returned me to myself. I cannot... I do not have words, for that.

[And brought your demise, he chooses not to say. Allowing it to become an added weight upon his heart in the privacy of his mind instead.]

I had tried sooner, you know. [He chides softly.] Would that it were not under such grim circumstances...

[He shakes his head.]

Better not to dwell, I suppose. Though you need not thank me. You would do the same for me, after all.

That I would, but...dearest Hades, I must offer you an apology of mine own.

[His lips turn down, slightly, and his voice wavers yet again.]

I left you alone, for untold years. With Lahabrea in the condition he was, it was not fair to do such a thing. Regardless of my physical presence, you were alone to hold on to...everything. I will do everything in my power to rectify this.

[To the unobservant, his expression remains the same. To those who know the subtle affect that his expressions sometimes endures, the sorrow that clenches his jaw and tenses his gaze is all too obvious. His pale gold eyes dance with grief as he looks on, but the flash of emotion behind them is all too obvious when he hears his name.

Elidibus had already stated that he remembered all, but this was undeniable proof. That he would call him by his name and not his title, that he would remember it unprompted...

But so too would his voice waver, that he would apologize to Hades for leaving him alone. As if it was not Hades who had hid behind his mortal portrayals, and while he indeed did his duty, he cannot in good conscience deny why he preferred their company to that of his compeers.

It was not resentment for them, but grief. That they were so worn down, that they were shells of who they once were, that he would be the one burdened to remember, burdened to solitude through a mind not yet frayed nor burnt to ash.]

...We were all completing our duty as best we knew how, that I would be the one to retain my faculties was naught more than chance. And I suppose a little bit of foresight, admittedly. You need not apologize for aught beyond your control, my friend.

You have not a debt to repay.

Edited 2020-09-13 08:27 (UTC)

[One side of his lips quirk up, a familiar smirk that until now had lost much of what had made it his. Warmth hides behind it, and knowing.]

Then neither do you. Perhaps my demise was orchestrated, but yours was not the blade that felled me. Nay, spare your grief, I will not have you grieve for me while I yet live, dearest Hades.

[The smirk grows into a true smile, one Emet would not have seen in many years.]

Such a thing would be a waste of energy, and we both of us know how much you detest needless exertion.

[Perhaps had he known Emet for less time, he would miss the tells, but knowing someone for such a great length of time - eons - allowed him some insight into how the other man's mind worked. Doubtless the other man would continue to take on more responsibility that was demanded of him, be it emotional or otherwise. But Elidibus was here, possessed of his memories, with a chance he would not dare squander.

He would lighten Hades's heart, one way or another. It was only right.]

[Karamatsu certainly doesn't know this guy but he really likes the way he speaks! such polish, such flourish!]

Welcome, traveler! I am certain you are curious as to how you arrived in this place. I wish I knew, myself! But we are happy to have you.

[he doesn't even know this man, he simply likes to hear himself talk]

My name is Karamatsu. I am, as you would say, a Pokémon Breeder. Have you been assigned a role?

[Lips quirk up into an amused smile, and when Elidibus speaks in return it is smooth and polite.]

Your welcome is most appreciated. As you may have gathered, I am a new arrival to this place, and as such the terminology remains foreign to me.

[One gilded claw from his glove taps his chin and lower lip in thought.]

It appears that my well of knowledge is lacking, but I do believe my assignment is of a Pokémon Trainer. What, pray tell, is a Pokémon Breeder intended to do?

Edited 2020-09-14 05:02 (UTC)

[A laugh leaves him, though it is one more of relief than humor. That he would see that smile, hear those words after so many centuries... It was as if the Elidibus that was fresh to the Convocation, new, young, and starry-eyed, had never left.

As if all those eons with the husk he was slowly becoming over that span of time never existed--would that were the case. But, no, here he had his compeer back--but truly more than that: his brother, his friend.

Truly, what is he to do with this? He really wasn't prepared to contend with this possibility. Never thought he'd see the day that the Elidibus he had lost would be returned to him. Though, he supposes, were it not for this world, truly he never would be.

The sting to his eyes is two fold in its cause: both the gratitude and joy of having his Elidibus back, and the thought that this ridiculous, half-formed world would be the only reason he could. He supposes he should be grateful.

He supposes that he is.]

Indeed, ever am I one possessive of my rest. Dwelling upon what has passed would do neither of us any good, and it most certainly would not change aught merely because we might wish otherwise.

[He sucks in a measured breath, before letting it out just as steadily. Offering his own smile, he continues.]

It is good to have you back--the real you, that is. I should be glad to behold you in person. Convenient as it may be, this network makes a poor substitute.

Edited 2020-09-14 18:47 (UTC)

[how cool! Karamatsu puffs out his chest proudly. he gets to explain something!]

I have not been here long, but I believe my purpose is to breed Pokémon! I hear that there are some Pokémon... ah, those are the little animals in this world... that can be born with special abilities and moves, and they can be stronger than, say, a Pokémon you may find in the wild.

[Now this was someone Ardbert hadn't expected to see ever again, nor wanted to. Just seeing him was enough to make him feel angry, bitter, and frustrated. That he should get that sort of reaction after such a long time, well...

It was mostly self aimed. He had let himself fall into a bit of a rut after his trip to Sinnoh and Elidibus just happened to be a reminder of all his failures. This wasn't a post Ardbert was going to reply to, but one he comes back to after the initial flood of emotions. He couldn't trust Emet-Selch not to mention him eventually.

He clicks his video on, stern bitter expression on his face. He was not in his armor today.]

Little did I ever expect to see you again.

[ At Emet-Selch’s behest, Hythlodaeus is now on a very silly adventure with a much less silly end. He dresses in his black robe and mask for the practicality that such affords him on his journey. It takes a full day to arrive there and when he does he gives the pokegear but a moments scrutiny before he calls up Elidibus. ]

Oh, my venerated Elidibus. Where have you hidden yourself away in this strange little town? I’ve come to rescue you.

[Ah, so Ardbert had been brought here as well - it hardly surprised Elidibus, or if it did he was careful to not show it upon his face. Instead, he slowly changes their video conversation to be a private one. Far be it from the Emissary to prevent the man from airing his grievances with some privacy, dignity besides.]

Nor I you, though now that we are both here perhaps it is best we hold this discussion sooner rather than later.

[A pause.]

If you have questions, I will answer them as best as I am able.

[A small smile creeps onto Elidibus's face, knowledge gained is always worthwhile, and this young man seems eager to supply him with more.]

You have my thanks. I do suppose that the logical conclusion would be that, as a Trainer, my purpose would be to train them, though perhaps there is more to it than such. It appears that upon its surface, this world is simple, but looking further yields the truth of its complexity.

[A pang strikes Elidibus through the chest as he recalls the last time he heard mention of this individual - and his subsequent failure to recall them. It had been many, many years since Elidibus had last heard that voice, but now that he remembered the tones were unmistakable.]

Hythlodaeus, truly, is it you?

[He shakes his head and dismisses the question. At such close proximity, further conversation and rumination upon the subject could wait.]

My current whereabouts are along the outskirts, near what is known as Route 29. Would it be to your preference to seek me out yourself?

[Karamatsu just likes to act important. the fact that he can give guidance makes him happy]

Ah, yes. Trainers do train Pokémon. That is correct! The animals grow stronger, and are used for battle. It seems that, in this world, Pokémon battles are more than simply sport. People measure the strength of other trainers by how many of those battles they have won.

It is good to be back.

[Elidibus laughs - he cannot help it, so much in such a short span of time - shoulders shaking from his mirth. Rather laughter instead of more tears for the moment. Slowly, he quiets himself, quiets the swell of tempestuous emotions within his breast.

There will be time to sort through everything, time to sort through his newly regained memories. And by His Dark Grace he would not be alone while he does such. The smile makes its reappearance, more gentle, this time. Familiar.]

Indeed it does. Unfortunately my newly arrived state renders me unable to navigate this world. [A breath, and he hums softly.] Though I doubt you have remained nearby.

[There. A goal to focus on. And focus he does, Elidibus latching on for stability. Visibly he settles, back straightening, shoulders lowering, and the tension drains from his face.]

You spoke of sending for me?

My my, who else? [ He knee he had a distinctive voice, and Elidibus had A well-tuned ear. ]

It would be most efficient for me to find you, though...

[ He steers his Tropius, Banania, towards the outskirts. He was already very close as it was. He peers past the neck of his companion and sees a figure in white. ]

Ah, look up.

[ And as he does, he lands Tropius a few paces away. He pulls one leg over and lets his feet touch the ground. ]

Come, come, the journey won’t be quick, but we must make our way to the next town and let Banania rest.

[A dark, bespectacled man peers at the pokegear camera.]

I don't know of you specifically, I'm afraid, but I've met people from your world. Hythlodaeus and Emet-Selch?

[When in unknown territory, it is best to make friends. Elidibus rather approved of Karamatsu's guidance and willingness to do so as well.]

Again I offer you my thanks. But if I may be so bold, was your arrival as... sudden, as my own? I confess that the transition was quite jarring.

Yes! It was very sudden. One moment, I was at home, the next, I was here with very little explanation. It was quite disorienting.

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