[IC] To Become Whole Again

A Pokémon RP between Ninian playing Arceus, and rebornfan320 playing Brendan.

[Ninian]

@rebornfan320

Jagged Pass. It was a treacherous path that few traveled, and really then only the strongest and most determined of Trainers or Hikers would be seen scaling its heights. Some adventurous mountain-bikers may be seen getting the thrill of their life, but for the most part, it was a quiet area.

Standing within visual range of Mt. Chimney was an ominously-robed man. Dressed in black, the garment was adorned with silver and purple accents, and his hands were covered with only what could be described as a clawed gauntlet. If one were to attempt to search his face, they would find a strange, foreboding red mask obscuring his eyes. Despite their menacing appearance, however, they were not dressed in the uniform of any known criminal Team. Though, it was possible it was yet another team forming to threaten all of Hoenn.

The tall figure began to mutter to themselves, "Is it here...? Hmmm. It is difficult to say... my senses have all but dulled, and it is simply infuriating." Gritting his teeth and clenching a fist, he looked towards the towering volcano. Letting out a dejected sigh, he wilted before shaking his head, "...but what if it is not here. I have been following too many leads that have gone cold. I am tired. Tired of being incomplete, tired of being all but powerless... I shall have what is rightfully mine, and those who stand in my way will regret their decision."

As he spoke to himself, he did not pay much mind to the volume of his voice, and to any within earshot, he would be more than audible.

[rebornfan320]

Jagged Pass had the reputation of a treacherous path, it was also what some people called a alternate way to Lavaridge Town as Trainers or Hikers have been on different levels of this place before. Though generally a quiet area Brendan was there on this day to do a bit of exploring and to check on the various pokemon that could be found there.

Pokedex and Pokemon in his arsenal for this task on behalf of himself and Professor Birch knowing he had more of a tendency to be into his fieldwork research more than anything else though Brendan cared for pokemon but made sure to have time for himself and for his pokemon as a whole, the feel of the grass on his legs when he walked through the wild grass, the fresh air and different environments he had traveled through he felt at times happier than most.

He was walking up the stairs to Mt. Chimney when something felt off, or something he did not really know for sure. Was it the air? He shook his head, he did not think that would be responsible for such a thing while he would look around first to see if it was what he felt was the wind but would be proven wrong. But a few more steps soon he saw what was a robed man in black, was he a threat? So far he was not disturbing the people here or causing destruction so that was a process of elimination crossed out. Plus hearing the ending to what he had to say also gave something of bad right now, what decision? What belonged to him or to this guy?

Brendan being the kind person he was he walked up to the person but not too close. "What's going on?" He asked as since he did not know what the guy was saying but figured to at least try to be a reasonable person.

[Ninian]

The figure was startled by the new presence, scowling to himself for a brief few moments before turning to face the teen with a smile. "Ah, I hadn't expected anyone to come this far. Truly, most children these days are far too busy playing video games to become a true Trainer." After a moment, a wry smirk played across his thin lips, "Though, you do not appear to be one of them. Why else would you travel all the way to this forsaken Volcano? Ah... unless it is not Pokémon you seek, but power?"

Waving a hand, the masked man continued, "Forgive me, it has been overlong since I have been in the company of another. So then, I must ask, what brings you here? I am certain you have already overheard my own reasons. And to that effect, I must warn you. If you are here for the same reason as I, know that it is mine. I do not wish for conflict, but some things are inevitable."

Eyes widened, he paused for a moment, "But, it would appear I have forgotten my manners. You may call me The Architect, or Emet-Selch if you prefer. By what name shall I call you, Trainer?"

[rebornfan320]

Brendan was puzzled so far from the guy's behavior, it seemed not as normal boarding on unstable to his eyes. Though again this was a unfamiliar situation he found himself with in terms of this mysterious person. The person was not putting up a fight in any way, so he had no reason to call out any of his pokemon at all looking at him. Though hearing him kind of explain himself this was one of those situations when it seemed like talking was keeping things on a somewhat stable level. "Well I play those, but try to avoid being sucked in." Brendan replied though he did the air quotes around 'sucked in'. "I'm just here to explore and to have some fun outside, power isn't everything."

Well, he answered two of his questions so far. He was not here for conflict in anyway though he knew in cases it could not have been helped as of right now he would think back to some of the things this person was saying, though he would not try to give away too much right now in terms of his intentions until he had a better idea of what this person had in mind to do.

"Well..Emet, well that will be easier on the tongue for now anyways." He said before his thinking muse he cut off and he looked at him. "Well call me Brendan."

[Ninian]

Flatbrowing as the teen mentioned he too played video games, Emet-Selch let out an irritated sigh, "Yes, of course you do. Every teen does, apparently. No no no. I create the perfect world full of wonder, adventure, excitement! All of these brilliant, magnificent beasts, and yet you children would rather escape the miracles around you to do what exactly? Live out a veritable fantasy!?" Holding his head high, the taller man looked down at Brendan, "Hmph. I thought you were all better than this. I made you better."

Wilting, the man let out a dejected sigh. "My apologies. Perhaps I got a touch carried away." Looking a tad bit more calm, he continued now averting his gaze, "Anyway, it is nice to see you out, exploring." Looking back to the youth, he smiled, "There is so much to see when you open your eyes. Given that you seem fearless, you must have a Pokémon partner or three? Brendan you said? Out with them. I would have a look at them."

[rebornfan320]

Okay now Brendan was unsure of what to make of this guy, creating a perfect world? That sounds fantasy enough in his mind but the thing that stuck with him was the statement that he made him better. What was he talking about? Was it his father? But that couldn't be it, he knew his father was assigned to being one of the gym leaders here and had called his mother and himself from Johto in order to live closer to him. In a way, that worked out for everyone.

Seeing this guy moving in a wilting manner and then he saw him smile and this still did not change anything of the guy. He still had a mixed vibe around him and so far talking did not clear this up at all. He didn't know the intentions of this person at all and at the same time all he could really do was to go along with what he was saying. "Well I do have pokemon with me." He stated. Though the way he asked for them was odd while he knew he could show this guy but he did not trust him. "But how do I know you won't harm them or me? As far as I see, you don't seem to have pokemon with you but they could be hidden on you." Brendan was trying to be as logical and smart as he could play this so in a way he could at least get a leg up on him for now.

[Ninian]

When the teen seemed hesitant the man shrugged, "Oh dear. That's right. Trust is difficult to earn, and easy to lose." Thinking on his words for a moment, he continued, "Well, while I cannot prove that I do not mean you or your Pokémon harm, I can prove that I am unarmed, and without Pokémon to call my own. Now, before you ask how I made it up here unscathed, I shall tell you that is better off remaining a mystery."

Frowning for a moment, he continued, "Now, how shall we do this? You could search me, this is true, but all that is covering me is this robe. While I do not object this is likely not how you imagined spending your afternoon. Hmmm... I could change into something less conspicuous, but I'm afraid that's... not really an option right now." Not liking the limited options to gain the boy's trust, he put the back of his hand to his lips in contemplation, "How about this? A small concession. I could show you my face, perhaps then you would trust me?"

[rebornfan320]

Brendan looked at him while he only hesitated for at least a moment or two while he was unsure of the guy's intentions while he was listening to what he had to say though offered no real snapback or rebuttal as of yet, he was trying to figure him out through his words while knowing the mystery of this guy was starting to irk at him slowly.

Hearing this while he would be interested. To show his face? Well it would be a start, plus remembering his mother's words of "Eyes are like the windows to the soul" he would be wanting to see this in order to have a much better pinpoint feeling of the mysterious man in front of him while he would nod. "Okay, show me your face." He said. Sure it was forward and to the point, plus at the same time he would at least respect someone who went through with it.

[Ninian]

Letting out a sigh, the man shook his head while shrugging, "Very well, then. If you don't like what you see, you do not have to show me your Pokémon, but know I will be very disappointed."

Carefully, the man plucked the red and white mask from his face before brushing back his hood, revealing a rather tired-looking face with bright golden eyes. He did not appear to be older than forty—likely mid-thirties—but he did have an odd patch of white hair amongst brown. Though, aside from massive bags under his eyes, the most curious feature would be the jewel that appeared embedded into his forehead. It appeared silvery, and reflected black and pink when viewed from different angles.

Flatbrowing with an unamused face, the man spoke up once more, "There. Satisfied?"

[rebornfan320]

He would see the man's face and part of him was surprised, seeing bright golden eyes and likely twice as old as himself he wondered what happened to make him look so drained. Or tired as he was not sure on what word would have been correct to use here while he held up his end of the deal.

The odd jewel in his forehead still gave him some pause while he would also note the white hair amongst the brown. Just who was this guy? Brendan had more questions now while he would look at him. "Yes. Because you held your end of your word." Brendan began saying. "It shows honor, and I'll show you my pokemon."

Sure it was something he would have not done under normal circumstances but this was beyond normal, plus with it being a area where people came he knew pokemon were abundant here and battles also took place as he would take the first ball he had before letting it out and revealed a Skarmory, then Ludicolo, Manectric, Blaziken, Gardevoir and Flygon.

[Ninian]

A small smile spread across the man's lips as the youth honored their arrangement. Eyes lighting up slightly, the man crossed his arms, eager for the teen's revelation. Once they had all materialized, the man smirked, "Well, well. It would appear you have not been remiss in your duties as a Trainer. Your partners are strong indeed. Though I must wonder, who of them is the strongest I wonder?"

Waving a dismissive hand, he continued, "No, no, that's an idea you will have to entertain later. I am far too busy to witness what would like as not be an overlong series of matches to determine the victor. Still though, it is a curious thought." Looking over the group of Pokémon, he furrowed his brows as if in deep thought. After a few moments, he seemed to come to some sort of a conclusion, "Now this is Hoenn... the professor would be... no, that was... Professor Aspen?" Blinking he continued, "No? Off by a century... let's see... ah! Yes, Professor Birch. That is the one correct? And he would like as not... Professors normally import Pokémon from faraway regions so... yes! They would be from Alola. Very rare Alolan Pokémon on the verge of extinction."

Pausing, he thought for a moment before continuing, "What I mean to say, is, my assumption is Blaziken was your first partner?"

[rebornfan320]

The small smile from the guy and hearing him speak about this and his partners he would look at him while then noting the smirk he had and he would see something at least in his view as something of satisifaction while he heard his curious of his wondering of the strongest but he already knew there could be no one single strong pokemon, which is why his team he raised with balance.

Hearing him speak to him like this and hearing what he was talking about he knew something was off about him, well it sounded like something was off in order for him to say something of Professor Aspen that was something off by a century while he would look at him and hearing all this he would decide to at least try to keep some of the things this person was saying in order.

"Well, rambling aside." Brendan said while he was at least trying to make a degree of sense right now he would answer this guy. "He was the first I got, as a Torchic of course."

[Ninian]

Smiling at the teen, the tired man responded, "Ah yes, as I thought. The Torchic line is an interesting choice for a beginner. Not a bad one, mind you. More like... ah it starts off as a feeble, yet loveable creature. Docile. Yet... as it grows into adolescence, it becomes increasingly more ferocious! Yes, a partner worthy of the greatest Champions. Do you not agree?"

Looking over the strong avian, the man leaned over, inspecting it with a smile. "Yes, your Blaziken is truly a fine specimen. Do they have a name...?" After a few moments, the unusual man righted himself, looking the Fire-type in the eye, "My apologies. I was oogling you as if you were some sort of a painting. You have to forgive me, it's been such a long time. Now then, how do you like him? Your Trainer that is." Flatbrowing for a brief moment, he continued, "Yes, I am talking to you. I will ask once more. Is your Trainer treating you with kindness? Are you enjoying your time with him?"

[rebornfan320]

Brendan noticing his smile he was wondering what was he really thinking. Due to how this guy was with questions it sufficed to say that he seemed more curious than he was letting on which was a worry to him while he would be listening to all this. Even if his Gardevoir and Blaziken were unsure of what to make of the person in front of them despite their defensive postures.

Blaziken was unsure of the questions but at least answer in his pokespeak that Brendan treated them all fairly and with kindness, Blaziken not really sure on what to make of the guy kept things short and to the point at least while Gardevoir watched over the two and Brendan protective of it's trainer.

[Ninian]

Letting out a sigh, and hanging his head dramatically, the man muttered something under his breath upon seeing how the teen's Pokémon regarded him, "Why did I expect anything different?"

However, upon their response, the man seemed to be in slightly better spirits."Good. Excellent, even. Precisely as I had hoped. And don't look at me like that." Furrowing his brows, he looked straight to the Gardevoir, "Really. If I were here to hurt you or your Trainer, don't you think I would have done so already?" Rolling his eyes, he continued, "No, that is not why I am here. I am here to find something that was stolen from me, and nothing else. You are nothing but a welcome distraction."

[rebornfan320]

Brendan looked at him while he was surprised, a distraction? He wondered what that meant until remembering he had said he needed to find something that was stolen from him. Though at the same time, hearing he could possibly not like the idea of him hurting him or his pokemon so that was a no as well while he would be puzzled by this but he decided to at least try to continue this for right now.
"A distraction from the thing that was stolen from you? What could that be?" Brendan asked. He did not like thieves so if something was stolen from this guy it depended on how long ago was this, if it was recent well Brendan didn't see anyone suspicious at all.

"But if a possession was stolen from you recently can you explain what it looks like?" He figured asking some questions maybe it would allow him to maybe figure out if he could help, he didn't know the size of it but since this was the first question he asked him it was in his mind a start.

[Ninian]

A smirk played across the man's lips, "And finally you ask the right question. I am here for what your scientists call the Flame Plate. It is a stone tablet that has the ability to boost the power of Fire-type moves. And it is mine" The playful tone of his voice soured towards the end, bitterness evident in his deeply furrowed brow.

Waving a dismissive hand, he continued, "It was stolen from me long ago, but I have heard a certain Team Magma may have come into possession of it. Like as not, they brought it here in hopes that it may interact with Mt. Chimney, or some such nonsense. Now supposedly the group has since disbanded, and I cannot say for certain whether it is here, or still rotting away in one of their myriad bases."

[rebornfan320]

Brendan was surprised to what he had said, hearing something called the Flame Plate while he would not have heard of it in detail before this guy was now explaining what it was and now hearing Team Magma could possibly have it his expression hardened while he would look at him while he was listening to it all.

"Well if they have it, then it is not good then." He said. "Well they do have one base here aroud the Mt. Chimney area really." He was not sure on how accurate their activity could be but for now all he can do was to at least figure this out.

[Ninian]

"Around here, you say?" Beaming at the teen's response, he then continued, "You wouldn't happen to have a precise location now, would you? I would be happy to follow, oh, and on top of that I could certainly reward you for your efforts. But what would a youth like you want, I wonder?

Taking a few steps in the direction of Mt. Chimney, Emet-Selch turned to face Brendan, "With any luck, we may be able to get in and out without so much as a fight. This is assuming there's truth to their disappearance. Now, if there's a few of them.... ah, but I'm sure a strong young Trainer like yourself would have no problem, mmm?"

[rebornfan320]

Brendan looked at him and he would nod confirming there was at least one opening they could have as a base and then enter into while he was now listening to this mysterious guy. "Well it is halfway away from the cable car station. And we're pretty close to that." He explained.

He took a few steps following while not sure of the guy's motives so far he was somewhat more listening while he would look at him while he would at least be listening or more of pondering as he would walk along. "Well not really...But we don't know what they could use the Flame Plate for."