Fragments of Alarayne | The Memory of the Goddess

[Kogenta]

"I hate the city," Asylum commented casually as he stepped off the train, shouldering his bag. Waves of sound beat against his eardrums, accompanied by a wash of bright sunlight that was almost painful to him after the indoor dimness of the train station. Sliding the fake ID he had used at inspection back into his pocket, Asylum glanced silently about. The boy resisted the temptation to use his goggles, instead forcing his eyes to adjust as he rubbed one of his temples. Eventually he lowered his hand and turned to Oneiro. So what do you say? Follow the red-head, track the mental princess, look for some place that won't make my ears bleed, or just ditch this city altogether?

"Sy, don't joke like that," the Solrock reprimanded a little more sharply than it meant to.

Asylum did not seem bothered. Who's joking? Or do you have any better ideas?

Oneiro did not respond. Thinking of ideas was not a problem, but the Pokemon knew from experience that its trainer was not likely to listen.

Asylum took the silence as an indication that the Solrock had nothing worthwhile to offer--or at least, nothing it knew its trainer would consider. Thought so. Anyway, I'm curious to know a little more about the people I might have to work with. See if they're tolerable and all. He yawned little. Though finding some place to sleep doesn't sound like a bad idea, either.

What if they're not tolerable, Sy?

Then I don't do the mission. Asylum stared at the Solrock as though it ought to have already known the answer to its question. Oneiro did, but asked in the hope that it might be wrong.

Mika said you didn't have a choice.

I'm not deaf, Oneiro. Asylum glanced about in mild annoyance at the milling crowds. Not yet, anyway.

The psychic type mentally sighed. Why do you always have to be like this?

Its trainer gave no answer, instead beginning to weave and circle about people casually, though purposefully. Oneiro quickly followed. Extending its consiousness, the Pokemon recognized an psychic print moving in the same direction as Asylum. You're following Sera?

Don't know where princess mental is. I'd suggest we split up so we can track them both, but I don't think you'd consent.

---------------------

Asylum followed Sera cautiously and at a wary distance. Before long, he learned the pattern of her footsteps, though distinguishing them amidst the steps of Goldenrod's citizens still proved challenging. Occasionally, the purple-haired boy would drop back around a corner and track his quarry by sound or with Oneiro's abilities. After a few hours, Asylum dropped down onto a sidewalk bench and tilted his head skyward. This is boring. She's still mad, and she feels awkward around people. That's all I've gotten out of this, and I probably could have guessed it anyway. He closed his pale eyes. And the noise . . . Though by now Asylum was farther away from the general populace of the city than he had been since he had stepped into the streets, the sounds of people and life remained audible to him, irritatingly constant like someone eternally rubbing an open sore. Maybe we should've done something else, Oneiro. Or better yet, nothing.

Oneiro hovered silently near Asylum's shoulder, staring in Sera's direction with what might have been an intent expression. Not receiving a response from his Pokemon, the male considered opening his eyes, but never moved beyond the thought. What is it?

I'm sensing something. Listen.

Asylum did not move. Someone else is coming. He paused. The steps stopped near the girl's position. Before he had time to consider whether this meant anything significant or not, voices began to echo out of the alley Sera had disappeared into. The first was Sera's, and therefore of little note. The second was unfamiliar. Asylum listened intently.

After the conversation had finished, the youth stood and hid behind the nearest building to avoid notice by Sera. "Think she knows him?" he remarked ironically as he prepared to move.

Knowing Sera's situation now, I suppose her reaction earlier--

Asylum straightened. Quiet. The familiar tones of buttons on some sort of electronic device being pressed emanated from the dark passage in which Cyril remained. As he listened to the conversation that followed, the Rocket agent grew increasingly interested. Unfortunately, Oneiro's apprehension simultaneously rose. Sy, once you get the information you need, we should leave before he notices us. Besides, the meeting time . . .

What's she going to do, fire me? And what's the worst that could happen if I'm caught?

You have a responsibility to get this information to your team leader.

Not really. Have you memorized his psychic print yet?

Yes. Is that enough for you?

No, but it's a little difficult to eavesdrop with you nagging me. Asylum turned toward his Pokemon, grimacing a little before finally relenting and slipping quietly away.

---------------------

By the time he drew near to the Pokemon Center, Asylum had slowed his pace to a leisurely saunter.

"You're moving awfully slowly," his Solrock commented.

Want to carry me?

I'm just saying that you're likely to be late for the meeting if you keep moving at this pace.

Asylum stopped in front of a store to look through its display window. That's the idea.

You're hopeless.

 

[Mika]

-OoC-

I know I've lacked an update, I'm trying to extend as much as possible for Alter's sake. But with Marsy being able to be active, expect more posts (I'll catch you up Alter, don't sweat it.)

-IC-

Can you hear me?

I've been waiting​

I wish I could see you​

My voice, can you hear it?

I've been alone you know​

Won't you come and play with me?​

I can hear your heart

by myself, behind the gate​

You can hear me, right?​

You cry, but you don't shed any tears

It's scary, to be alone​

It's okay, I'll keep your secrets​

Don't be afraid

But you know that better than anyone​

It's alright, I'll always be here​

*maniacal laughter of a small girl*

- - -

Eyes snapping open, pulse racing thru her viens, Mika woke from that blasted re-occuring nightmare she'd been having since she'd gotten out of Kain's super evil ward of doom and realized she didn't have a clue as to where she was or, more importantly, how she got there. Where am I…? She was staring at a white ceiling, the soft beep of machines echoing as the darkness faded into an unfortunately painful white. Raising an arm, she discovered an IV and several other monitor-ish wires sticking out of her hand. Obviously annoyed, her hand dropped to the flat disgustingly uncomfortable mattress she was lying on and she blinked, her green eyes flickering in light pain as they finally began to adjust to the bright light. How… How long was I out…? Wincing, she pushed her hands up, holding her head in her left hand for a moment, she inspected herself and her surroundings. She was in a black tank top, a pair of grey sweats, no socks and her hair was out of its normal ponytail, pooling in deep emerald pools around her waist. Groggy, she looked from side to side, noting the various basic monitoring equipment on her vitals beeping in that annoying beeping way, the IV full of just delicious looking green goop slipping into her viens next to her and a TV screen above her head in the windowless room with one door. She wasn't quite sure where she was until she caught site of a small purple flower drawing in the right corner of the room, a child's masterpiece on a wall that hadn't been washed off. Knowing now, exactly where she was, she flopped back down. This wasn't good. Sighing, she slammed her hand onto a button, "Kain. I know you're watching. What the fudge is going on here?"

A calm deep bass voice came over the intercom, crackling once (much to the frazzled executive's dismay) with a soft little laugh before it transformed into words, "How'd you guess? Oh yes, that is your normal room, isn't it? Well, the basics of what happened are rather simple. You showed up at the base, located below the casino, as it always had been, and after asking for me, simply blacked out. I found you on the floor of the Executive Waiting room and when I brought you down here, I found out why." The voice paused for a moment and Mika couldn't help but tense. She knew what was coming, "You're tensing, aren't you." There came a long heavy sigh, "…It's been nearly two months since you've taken a full dosage. May I ask as to why? No, I already know the answer. You know my response. I gave you what you've been missing, you'll be free to leave tomorrow evening."

"Kain, I have to-"

"Don't worry. We found a replacement, for the two you decided you didn't want. She's gone ahead to fetch the two at the Pokemon Center and bring them here. She's a good match to you. Very much… like Maxie. But more, manageable? There's also another, a boy, he'll meet up with you as soon as he finishes the route he's on. He's already an executive but he's a lower rank than you so he'll obey but he's had a bit more experience... Like, Luna, in a way. If you don't mind me saying so."

"…."

"Silence. I guess I should expect that. Anyways, I want to run some tests tomorrow, to make sure the link is better established. The cybernetics haven't been working as well as I like. You've probably noticed you're having more problems connecting to Yggdrassil? That's why. We'll run them tomorrow, it should shut them up. Oh… There's also… The matter of Yoh. Since you left, he's been uncontrollable. We're going to send him with you. Aza knows him decently well, he's used her as a surogete you so you won't be completely on your own…"

"Kain, will she be able to handle Sy and-"

"Yes, I've given her instructions to either make them come or leave them there. She's got your authority until they enter this place. Now, do I have to come in and sedate you or-"

"Is Koji free?"

"Yes… why do you ask?"

"Can he come sit with me later?"

"…sure. Will you go to sleep now?"

She sighed, wincing once as she snuggled under the warm sweet-smelling (Kain hated the sterile smell more than his patients) blankets after she braided her hair, sticking her tounge out at Kain (He hated it up, it always got in his way) and was out within seconds. Well… let's hope hell didn't break lose from all this.

 

[YoshiRiRu]

OOC: Um, meep? I encountered junior year in high school and things got ugly. I'm not sure if I missed too much, but.. Mika, I think I can post fairly regularly. Let me know what you think. I've read everything up 'til now, so I think I have a fairly decent grasp of what's up.

 

[Marsy]

OOC: This feels horribly insignificant compared to all of your HUGE posts...but sorry. ^^;;

-meebles and hides in corner-

IC:
Aza sulked in the corner of the Poke'mon Center, waiting for the two people she had been sent to pick up. She hated Kain, and having to do his work just irritated her even more, but she was here, she was trying to be happy about it, and she was under control. That was good wasn't it? She hardly thought that Khol was a good first impression and she wasn't quite convinced that Kain was right in saying she could only "become" Khol in certain circumstances. Then again, why would he lie? He was the cause of it. Because it's Kain, that's why. She thought with a scoff. The sad thing was, that was the same answer for why she was here. Because it's Kain. She loathed being under his control, and the sooner she was out from under it and on this mission, the better.

Chewing on her bottom lip, Aza took out her Poke'nav and flipped through all the different things--past messages, maps, information, Poke'mon, all that fun stuff--wondering what these people she was supposed to meet were really going to be like. She had gotten pictures, descriptions, videos, and written profiles on both of them and she wasn't quite sure what she exactly thought. Sera seemed rather annoying in her opinion but yet...not? Sy...she wasn't sure about him at all. He seemed like they'd get along fairly well, but who knew. Maybe if they were here...and not late, she'd be able to form her opinions on actually meeting them instead of all the files Kain had given her to look at.

After a few minutes, she looked up seeing the Solrock that singled out Sy, one of the two she was searching for. Flipping the Poke'nav shut, she drew a strand of bright orange-red hair from her face and fixed her green stare in his general direction.

 

[YoshiRiRu]

OOC:I come forth! Con posteh! Alter, whenever you read this, you owe me an effin' cookie. Actually, now that I'm done writing it, never mind. I don't get a cookie for this one. I never realized how much trouble it is to RP after not RPing for almost a year. and simultaneously trying to catch up a years worth of posts in one post. Um, so if it sucks, I'm sorry?

IC:

...Alright alright, you win! I'll contact Kain and get him to send me the stuff, kay...


...no more talk of worries...


And with a wave of her hand, Mika was gone. Slipped out of his grasp once again. He turned away, fuming. When was that stupid girl going to learn?! As soon as he heard the car door close, he slammed his fist into the wall of the car in anger. Looking down, he saw a little sleepy eyed girl holding a stuffed Teddiursa open the door, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

"Whuyouwan, mister? I'ma tryna sleep!"

With a brief apology, Blue made himself scarce.

------------------------------------------------------

Blue didn't go back to the car; he decided not punching Askan nor his little sister in the face was a pretty good idea. Instead, he made his way to the junction of two cars and stood on the small steel platform on the edge of the car, the morning sun blasting his face and the brisk wind toying with his hair. A blaring announcement informed him, quite politely, that they had roughly 25 minutes until they were to arrive in sunny Goldenrod City.

Hmph. Any city that can be sunny at this hour has kudos in my book. Blue thought bitterly. As the morning cold nipped at his face, Blue kept watch for any remaining G-men personnel that might have ended up on the train; they often did that. "Ended" their search and then restarted it on the down low hoping to catch anyone stupid enough to let their guard down. However, he none were to be found. They probably decided that nobody would be up to anything at this godawful hour. They were right. As the profile of Goldenrod City showed itself on the horizon, Blue made his way back to the train car where all his stuff was. Bracing himself for Mika's stupid bravado and Askan's plain ol' stupid, he stepped into the room. But, it was empty. Not a soul was in the room.

Hah... did Mika try to get rid of me? He laughed. Am I too sensible for her team of wackjobs? Well, it's not like this little ditch job is going to deter me any; I have the damn briefing, I know exactly where they're going.

He brought a pokeball from his belt and enlarged it. I.. wonder where they are now? he thought, casually lobbing the ball to the floor to release a Sneasel.

<Yo!> Lash yawned, stretching his claws. <Why the early wake up call..?>

"Mika was in here a little while ago, now she decided to play hide and go seek with me. Do you know where she might be?"

<Uh.. sure. I'll see what I can do.> Lash yawned again and began to look around. After a while, he stood up straight. <Argh. There are waay too many smells in here. There must have been at least 6 pokemon in here, in addition to 6 people. I can't pick out that one trail specifically. Sorry.> Lash shrugged and sat down on the seat.

"Whatever. If she wants to play her little games with me, let her. I don't have time for this-" Blue was cut off by a sudden jerk and another polite announcement over the loud speakers.

Please take your seats, please. We'll be stopping at Goldenrod station momentarily.

-------------------------------------------------

The car came to a halt, and Blue and Lash were shuffled off the train like mareep. Heading south along the main boulevard, they eventually made it to the Pokemon Center quite uneventfully. As the sliding doors of the Center opened, a blanket of warm air covered them and raised their spirits along with the temperature. In fact, when Blue saw someone sulking around, he was almost glad to see them. She was one of the few people in the room, but there was something a little bit different about her. He made his way over to where she was and as soon as he got within close proximity, he knew. She was one of Kain's. It was the eyes. He flashed her a curt nod.

"I'm assuming that you're a buddy of Mika's.." he glanced once more at her eyes and shuddered. "..and Kain's."

 

[Kogenta]

Asylum strolled down the street, staring blankly skyward and bumping into whoever he felt no desire to avoid. Whether he was deep in thought or had emptied his mind almost entirely, no one could quite decipher. Oneiro and Somnio always could, naturally, but never found cause to tell anyone. The purple-haired boy's dim eyes never seemed to focus on a single point, but slowly roved about as though he was constantly forgetting to hold his eyes still. Then, pausing in front of a store for the third time in two blocks, Asylum turned and gazed at its window.

"What now?" Oneiro asked, its tone simultaneously edging on interest and impatience. When it received no answer, the Solrock began to look about. Before long, its gaze found Aza. Sy, someone's--

--The redhead, right?

Yes. Her emotions at the moment seem unsure and unpleasant, but I do sense that she is focusing on you. How did you know--

--Reflection. Store window. What else can you tell me about her?

Holding a Pokenav, maybe green eyes. She feels almost familiar. Perhaps she is a teammate?

Or an enemy. Or no one to us at all. But we'll find that out soon enough. Any sign of our nutjob of a boss?

None.

Then let's meet our secret admirer. Before Oneiro could reply, Asylum straightened and turned toward the Pokemon Center.

As he crossed the street, Asylum's eyes tracked someone familiar entering the center and approaching the person in question. That one . . . Blue, right? And he has a Sneasel.

He's talking to the girl. Does he know her?

The trainer mentally shrugged in reply, then sauntered through the PokeCenter's front doors. Without a word, he walked directly toward Aza, stopping directly in front of her so that he almost seemed to stand over her. For a moment he looked down at her--his eyes too dull to be piercing and too expressionless to break the awkwardness. Finally, he spoke. "Hey."

 

[Alter Ego]

OOC: Ehh...I still sort of don't know what is expected of my characters here, but I suppose I'll try posting anyway. Sorry if it turns out sort of...pointless. xP

And like, Yoshi, I think that's a good call you made about the cookie. See, while waiting for you it's gotten a bit...chronologically gifted? xD

Ahem, anyway...

IC:

Despite what awaited her, Sera was in high spirits as she made her way towards the pokémon center, even deigning to give a grimace vaguely resemblant of a smile to a passerby. Her situation was still far from secure, especially since what she had already done already amounted to an open act of treason against the team, but to her mind, it was well worth it now that she knew that Cyril was in her corner again. Her older brother had always come through for her, against odds that had - at the time - seemed far more intimidating than these, and she was confident that he would do so again. And when he did...the girl's smile briefly contorted into a vicious smirk, well...that green-haired witch would learn that she had picked precisely the wrong person to blackmail. Cyril had never responded kindly to threats to his own person, but threats to his baby sister earned a level of retribution far deeper than even that. Oh yes, Mika would be sorry.

As she stepped into the pokémon center lobby, her previous confidence fully returned, the redhead was fully prepared for the inevitable war of words with her supposed 'superior'. Much to her dismay, however, the deluded girlchild was nowhere to be seen, despite Sera having come in with at least a few minutes to spare. After a quick glance, the girl spotted some familiar faces, however; the two most tolerable males from the train, no less. They both seemed to be unusually fascinated with a red-haired reed of a girl sitting in the corner. Sera scoffed at the sight, experiencing a strong urge to mumble something along the lines of 'boys'. The lot of them were wanted criminals walking around in broad daylight, on a mission that was supposedly poised to determine the fate of the world, no less, and these two were trying to pick up chicks? Sure, she supposed that this type of behavior could be expected from Blue, but Asylum too? She had honestly thought the boy...beyond that, somehow. But then, the whole strong, silent type thing might just have been an act cultivated for this particular reason.

Donning the disapproving expression shared by all who witnessed others get the kind of attention that they claimed not to want for themselves but which they expected nonetheless, the redhead strode over to her teammates, cutting into the conversation with a brisk tone of voice.

"Oy, casanova squad." she called, "If I ain't interruptin' yer babe watchin' too badly, have ya seen the wicked witch around here?" she cast a disapproving glance at her watch, "For all her stressin' on the meetin' times she seems to have missed her own."

 

[Kogenta]

[OOC: Short-ish post. ^-^;;]

Before he could receive a reply from Aza, Asylum heard a familiar set of footsteps approaching, followed by an unmistakable loud voice. Asylum did not look at Sera as she spoke, but rather slid his dull eyes half way toward Blue, as though asking if he was planning to answer the question. Though the girl seemed rather displeased, she also appeared unaware that she had been tailed for most of the day. In theory, this should have been a positive point from Asylum's point of view, but following someone for several hours had made him even less appreciative of their presence and of their doing something to incite energy expenditure from him. And while entering the Pokemon Center had provided a welcome dimming of if the city noises--albeit partially replacing them with the humming of machines and new voices--it had not made Asylum any more favorably disposed toward being polite or amiable. I don't feel like talking . . . Why don't you talk to her, Oneiro?

You know I can't speak.

But I always thought you should learn. Go ahead. I believe in you.

Had it had movable eyes, the Solrock would have been rolling them. You shouldn't be so difficult. Answer Sera's question. Then, after a moment of thought, "And look at her while you speak."

If I had a mother, I imagine she'd never find a way to nag as much as you.

Still not looking at Sera, Asylum instead made a slight gesture in Aza's direction using a nod of his head. His reply to Sera's complaint/inquiry was brief. "Ask her."

 

[Marsy]

OOC: I figured I should probably post that I will most likely not be continuing this roleplay.
Things have happened and I'm sure I'm not really welcome to post on this board anymore if being completely deleted off one of my other sites is sign enough.
I really did enjoy the board and most of the people on it and I loved my character, I'm sorry to have to leave.
Any further questioning should be taken up with Mika as it's because of her I know I'm not welcome anymore. That and she'd probably say anything I told you was a complete lie anyways.
My Apologies,
Mars
-hugs to Kogenta and Alter-