"You have reached Solus zos Galvus. I fear I am unavailable at the moment, but should your query be of an urgent nature, pray leave a message. I shall endeavor to return it anon."
[Tyler starts eating as Solus starts talking. Look, if he doesn't, with how much he's been talking, it's going to go stone-cold before he can actually get to it. He's still actively focused on Solus, watching his expression and subtle body movements as Isis assists with the audio portion of this performance.
See, was that so hard?]
With all due respect, I and another Rocket have experience with capriciously intelligent beings from another plane of existence who have made habits of being, in your own words, the architects of others' lives. I've been something like the apprentice to one, in fact. So please keep in mind that while I am probably the most willing to talk to you at this moment, I can't in any good sense trust you with more than surface conversation.
[Solus hardly minds that Tyler has started eating as he explained, after all, they were here for more than just chatter. But, with Tyler's admission to being familiar with beings of a similar nature, Solus tilts his head curiously.]
Nor would I expect you to. I know well we are forged by our pasts, and it would be folly to expect you to shed such shackles for the sake of a stranger—let alone one that bears such resemblance.
[See, he can be reasonable!]
Perhaps in time you will learn that I am no fiend to be feared without provocation, but such is a distinction earned of merit.
I didn't learn to fear my master until well into my tutelage, benign and egotistical as he first presented himself, so forgive me for erring on the side of caution in future.
[The waitress returns for a moment, delivering a cappuccino to Tyler, and topping up Solus's coffee; Tyler gives her another brief smile.]
But since we now have something of an understanding, we can begin to fill in the gaps your knowledge has here, about Pokemon and battling and such.
There is naught to forgive for caution—would that all proved sensible enough to be wary.
[Even other Ascians weren't as cautious as Solus, and he found them fools for it.]
Yes, I would much rather that, than to continue apace with that stale conversation. I do grow tired of repeating the same boring spiel, and I am certain the same could be said for you.
[He takes a moment to pick up his cup of coffee to actually indulge in it. He had barely noticed the waitress, or seemed as much. Truly, he just ignored her entirely, seeing as her purpose did not require his attention.]
I had spoken with Steven, as you know, and he did indeed tell me quite a bit about my Yamask. In fact, we even ran a small experiment of sorts, ere...well, things went sour between us.
[He shrugs at that, dismissing it outright.]
Aught you have to offer about the Ghost type would be of great benefit to me. I have heard a little of the Rotom and Gengar respectively, but aught else I ill have information regarding.
[Battles and such he'll...tackle after. He's far less of a violence guy, if it can be avoided. If it can't, then sure, he leans hard into it, but with his Yamask being able to do what it does, well...]
[The news about Steven doesn't make him react one iota. Since. Steven already told him how skeezy the guy made him feel.]
I'm mostly familiar with Ghosts in context to their relation to Psychic Pokemon, albeit coming from a somewhat different direction. They have both have great strength in obfuscation, mental impairment and strength of will, as opposed to force - though Ghosts are, in my reluctant opinion, often more powerful than Psychics, not least due to the fact of their superior typing. Ghost Pokemon are strong against Psychics, [he adds, as if that wasn't clear.]
Their physical presence is much less limited than ours. Many are capable of passing through walls, or have gaseous bodies that can sneak through the smallest gaps. Some have more than one type, which allows them to do things like possess electrical appliances, or poison people.
[He pulls out his 'gear, opens the Pokedex, and turns it to show off a particularly large ghost - it's listed as being over nine feet tall.] I'm not going to show him off indoors, but my Dusknoir, Jester, has an attack that allows him to slip into shadows and appear elsewhere in order to sneak up on something. As well as an attack I mentioned earlier, where he can damage himself in order to lay a curse upon someone that causes them to suffer periodically until they fall unconscious. I'm lead to believe that's actually a fairly common Ghost-type move.
[With earnest he nods, taking in the information with undivided attention. Tyler has earned this much, at least, and any stray thoughts that might otherwise occupy his mind does not seem to distract him as they did over the network. Partially because he's not contemplating the relevance of his Yamask to himself, but rather readily absorbing this information.
The type advantage makes total sense to him, in a way. What with Ascians like himself, beings made of incorporeal aether overwhelming the minds and will of mortals. Not that he considers himself a ghost, though others might liken him to one, but he would be foolish to dismiss the similarities.
The sight of the Dusknoir certainly seems to interest him, if the upward tick of his eyebrows says anything.]
...All and all they sound a rather useful sort. [not surprised] You spoke of superior typing, yes? What would be considered superior to ghosts, then?
[He still finds it rather strange the near pedantic measure of types, instead of straight up elements. But he does suppose even the beasts of his world had their advantages against one another. Vilekin would have an awful rough time against Cloudkin, for example.]
Dark types, but also Ghosts as well. It's an interesting theological paradox, but in practical terms it mostly just means be wary if your opponent puts a Ghost out as well.
[His hands pause for a moment, as a thought occurs, and he continues.] It's not just Pokemon that have types, though - attacks do as well. So just because someone puts out a Pokemon you would have an advantage against, it doesn't mean that it hasn't been taught an attack with a type that specifically counters yours.
[Dark types, so like his Murkrow. Interesting, but so too is it interesting that ghosts are effective against themselves, but he does suppose there is a logic there.]
That does make sense—we Ascians are dark aligned in our aspect, though we are not so limited in only being able to perform magics of that persuasion. It is only logical that such beasts are similar in that regard.
Though, I disagree about it being a theological paradox, for the corporeal exist on a different plane than the incorporeal. Viewed thus, it is reasonable that those of a similar form would have an advantage against each other, for they can strike their fellows far more true than aught else—save for those Dark types whom strike in equal measure.
[Mostly he's just glad that Solus is engaging with the discussion fully and not brushing him off for stating something that felt obvious. He's honestly surprised how successful this has been so far.]
Most Ghost types are also capable of possession. Not necessarily of humans - while it's possible, of course, that falls more broadly under Psychic's domain - but largely of objects. My Rotom is capable of possessing electronics, which can alter its typing and attacks, but some Pokemon come with predisposed connections to items, like teacups and teapots, or golem-like bodies. Your Yamask will evolve into what's known as Cofagrigious, a large ceremonial coffin.
[Despite popular belief, and all evidence otherwise, Solus can be reasonable. Should he feel respected, and the conversation engaging, he finds little reason to be inflammatory. Particularly when it's beneficial to refrain from such.
Solus at heart is a seeker of knowledge.]
Ah, yes I had heard of Rotom to some extent. I plan to look further into the capabilities of such a creature, and how I might be able to apply its affinity for machinery.
[Like using it as the power source and AI for possible mechas. You know, nothing too big.]
But Cofagrigus, hm? Do you know aught else about it? Does it retain its ability to possess humans, and such like?
[If it doesn't, he might seek to keep his Yamask from evolving. Sure, the evolution is likely to make it more powerful, but there is far more strategy and tactics with possession, than raw power.]
Not as such, but according to legends and rumours, it's supposed to turn anyone that is placed inside it into a mummy, or trap them inside forever. [He pauses briefly to take a sip from his coffee. Isis, still staring at Solus, hops off his shoulder onto the table and starts packing at a small chocolate-chip biscuit that was brought with it.] I've never actually encountered one myself, this is largely just conjecture Steven has told me before. Ghosts have rather horrifying reputations sometimes.
[That answer clearly piques his interest, his head slightly tilting with interest. True or not, there's certainly potential there, that's for certain.]
Not surprised, it is the wont of mortals to twist that which they do not understand. Too easy for them to assign things as "evil" before they truly know aught about it.
[Something he sounds almost personally annoyed with, but he waves his hand flippantly and dismissively.]
Regardless, I suppose I will put the proof to the test when my Yamask eventually evolves, eh?
There's nothing keeping you from catching a second one. They're supposed to live at the Ruins of Alph, though I'm lead to believe they're quite rare. Steven enjoys seeking out Ghosts, but he hasn't managed to acquire one yet. There are far easier ones to catch in Ekruteak - that's where I caught my Dusknoir in its earliest form of Duskull.
Mm, this is true. Mayhap I will pay the Ruins of Alph a visit, though I did have designs to travel to Ecruteak after I quit this place. Indeed I had heard of their ghosts from Lydia—I believe she is your current flame, yes?
[She said toy, but he's not about to say that when things are going so well!]
[Oh look, quite a bit of colour suddenly enters the young man's cheeks.]
I wouldn't quite phrase it as such. [back on topic please] Lydia has an affinity with ghosts, as part of her once being a lich, so she's quite fond of Ecruteak. I'd imagine she wouldn't mind showing you, if you hadn't also offended her.
Perhaps she misunderstood me, for I find her to be much better than any human.
[Which is true, but he also kinda views everyone non-Ascian as lesser beings. Still, there's layers to his discrimination. Still a creature, just one that's preferable to humans.]
Currently I'm the only person who you'd said as much to. [His hand movements are firm and flat, glaring despite the colour still dark in his cheeks.] You're going to need to explain yourself to more than just me if you want to try and win back any sort of respect.
[He sighs, shrugging with his arms out at his sides, palms up.]
Folly of me to assume that one of a similar immortal nature would not be so thin skinned. Very well, if she needs succor for her ego, then I shall provide it.
[After all, he doesn't want to potentially cut himself off from what Tyler can provide him in the moment, and he knows how irrational love can make someone.]
[Tyler doesn't look convinced, funnily enough, as he eyes Solus off over the coffee he's drinking (he needs a moment to calm down alright, Solus got to him).]
You know that phrasing it like that to her face won't win you any favours, right?
His food's more or less finished by now, so he gently pushes his plate away before he continues.]
She's setting up a business in Ecruteak at the moment. While I rather doubt you'd be a welcome patron, it's the easiest place to find her. If you don't mind the four and a half day trek that it takes to walk there from here.
[He does nothing to hide the exhaustion that clouds his features at the thought of a four and a half day walk. That's right, Carly had mentioned that most of the traveling was done by foot...or riding a beast or a bike. None of these options sounded remotely pleasant.
Perhaps riding a Pokémon aerially would be fine, but he had no such resource.]
...Pity that this world does not have more ample means of transportation. Or, at the very least, not yet available to me.
[He rubs at his eyes with his thumb and forefinger, what an ordeal to go anywhere. Maybe Goldenrod was fine to stay in...it beat walking anywhere else.]
Mayhap I will come across her in time...what means of business is she getting herself involved in?
[Oh good, he has the upper hand in this conversation again. Tyler can relax a little.]
You could always travel to Violet City and get the badge required for permission to Fly. Although the actual HM is elsewhere... [He can't help looking just a little bit smug for a moment there. Let him have this.] Once you've travelled there once, however, you can register at the warp in the Pokemon Centre and quick-travel through that.
I believe Lydia's setting up a performing lounge. Dance is a big thing in Ecruteak, there's a regularly performing troupe of traditional geisha there.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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See, was that so hard?]
With all due respect, I and another Rocket have experience with capriciously intelligent beings from another plane of existence who have made habits of being, in your own words, the architects of others' lives. I've been something like the apprentice to one, in fact. So please keep in mind that while I am probably the most willing to talk to you at this moment, I can't in any good sense trust you with more than surface conversation.
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Nor would I expect you to. I know well we are forged by our pasts, and it would be folly to expect you to shed such shackles for the sake of a stranger—let alone one that bears such resemblance.
[See, he can be reasonable!]
Perhaps in time you will learn that I am no fiend to be feared without provocation, but such is a distinction earned of merit.
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[The waitress returns for a moment, delivering a cappuccino to Tyler, and topping up Solus's coffee; Tyler gives her another brief smile.]
But since we now have something of an understanding, we can begin to fill in the gaps your knowledge has here, about Pokemon and battling and such.
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[Even other Ascians weren't as cautious as Solus, and he found them fools for it.]
Yes, I would much rather that, than to continue apace with that stale conversation. I do grow tired of repeating the same boring spiel, and I am certain the same could be said for you.
[He takes a moment to pick up his cup of coffee to actually indulge in it. He had barely noticed the waitress, or seemed as much. Truly, he just ignored her entirely, seeing as her purpose did not require his attention.]
I had spoken with Steven, as you know, and he did indeed tell me quite a bit about my Yamask. In fact, we even ran a small experiment of sorts, ere...well, things went sour between us.
[He shrugs at that, dismissing it outright.]
Aught you have to offer about the Ghost type would be of great benefit to me. I have heard a little of the Rotom and Gengar respectively, but aught else I ill have information regarding.
[Battles and such he'll...tackle after. He's far less of a violence guy, if it can be avoided. If it can't, then sure, he leans hard into it, but with his Yamask being able to do what it does, well...]
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I'm mostly familiar with Ghosts in context to their relation to Psychic Pokemon, albeit coming from a somewhat different direction. They have both have great strength in obfuscation, mental impairment and strength of will, as opposed to force - though Ghosts are, in my reluctant opinion, often more powerful than Psychics, not least due to the fact of their superior typing. Ghost Pokemon are strong against Psychics, [he adds, as if that wasn't clear.]
Their physical presence is much less limited than ours. Many are capable of passing through walls, or have gaseous bodies that can sneak through the smallest gaps. Some have more than one type, which allows them to do things like possess electrical appliances, or poison people.
[He pulls out his 'gear, opens the Pokedex, and turns it to show off a particularly large ghost - it's listed as being over nine feet tall.] I'm not going to show him off indoors, but my Dusknoir, Jester, has an attack that allows him to slip into shadows and appear elsewhere in order to sneak up on something. As well as an attack I mentioned earlier, where he can damage himself in order to lay a curse upon someone that causes them to suffer periodically until they fall unconscious. I'm lead to believe that's actually a fairly common Ghost-type move.
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The type advantage makes total sense to him, in a way. What with Ascians like himself, beings made of incorporeal aether overwhelming the minds and will of mortals. Not that he considers himself a ghost, though others might liken him to one, but he would be foolish to dismiss the similarities.
The sight of the Dusknoir certainly seems to interest him, if the upward tick of his eyebrows says anything.]
...All and all they sound a rather useful sort. [not surprised] You spoke of superior typing, yes? What would be considered superior to ghosts, then?
[He still finds it rather strange the near pedantic measure of types, instead of straight up elements. But he does suppose even the beasts of his world had their advantages against one another. Vilekin would have an awful rough time against Cloudkin, for example.]
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[His hands pause for a moment, as a thought occurs, and he continues.] It's not just Pokemon that have types, though - attacks do as well. So just because someone puts out a Pokemon you would have an advantage against, it doesn't mean that it hasn't been taught an attack with a type that specifically counters yours.
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That does make sense—we Ascians are dark aligned in our aspect, though we are not so limited in only being able to perform magics of that persuasion. It is only logical that such beasts are similar in that regard.
Though, I disagree about it being a theological paradox, for the corporeal exist on a different plane than the incorporeal. Viewed thus, it is reasonable that those of a similar form would have an advantage against each other, for they can strike their fellows far more true than aught else—save for those Dark types whom strike in equal measure.
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Most Ghost types are also capable of possession. Not necessarily of humans - while it's possible, of course, that falls more broadly under Psychic's domain - but largely of objects. My Rotom is capable of possessing electronics, which can alter its typing and attacks, but some Pokemon come with predisposed connections to items, like teacups and teapots, or golem-like bodies. Your Yamask will evolve into what's known as Cofagrigious, a large ceremonial coffin.
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Solus at heart is a seeker of knowledge.]
Ah, yes I had heard of Rotom to some extent. I plan to look further into the capabilities of such a creature, and how I might be able to apply its affinity for machinery.
[Like using it as the power source and AI for possible mechas. You know, nothing too big.]
But Cofagrigus, hm? Do you know aught else about it? Does it retain its ability to possess humans, and such like?
[If it doesn't, he might seek to keep his Yamask from evolving. Sure, the evolution is likely to make it more powerful, but there is far more strategy and tactics with possession, than raw power.]
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Not surprised, it is the wont of mortals to twist that which they do not understand. Too easy for them to assign things as "evil" before they truly know aught about it.
[Something he sounds almost personally annoyed with, but he waves his hand flippantly and dismissively.]
Regardless, I suppose I will put the proof to the test when my Yamask eventually evolves, eh?
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[She said toy, but he's not about to say that when things are going so well!]
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I wouldn't quite phrase it as such. [back on topic please] Lydia has an affinity with ghosts, as part of her once being a lich, so she's quite fond of Ecruteak. I'd imagine she wouldn't mind showing you, if you hadn't also offended her.
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Offended her, have I? What ever did I do?
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Amazingly, some people don't appreciate the insinuation of being seen as less than human.
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[Which is true, but he also kinda views everyone non-Ascian as lesser beings. Still, there's layers to his discrimination. Still a creature, just one that's preferable to humans.]
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Folly of me to assume that one of a similar immortal nature would not be so thin skinned. Very well, if she needs succor for her ego, then I shall provide it.
[After all, he doesn't want to potentially cut himself off from what Tyler can provide him in the moment, and he knows how irrational love can make someone.]
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You know that phrasing it like that to her face won't win you any favours, right?
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[Yeah, we'll see about that.]
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His food's more or less finished by now, so he gently pushes his plate away before he continues.]
She's setting up a business in Ecruteak at the moment. While I rather doubt you'd be a welcome patron, it's the easiest place to find her. If you don't mind the four and a half day trek that it takes to walk there from here.
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Perhaps riding a Pokémon aerially would be fine, but he had no such resource.]
...Pity that this world does not have more ample means of transportation. Or, at the very least, not yet available to me.
[He rubs at his eyes with his thumb and forefinger, what an ordeal to go anywhere. Maybe Goldenrod was fine to stay in...it beat walking anywhere else.]
Mayhap I will come across her in time...what means of business is she getting herself involved in?
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You could always travel to Violet City and get the badge required for permission to Fly. Although the actual HM is elsewhere... [He can't help looking just a little bit smug for a moment there. Let him have this.] Once you've travelled there once, however, you can register at the warp in the Pokemon Centre and quick-travel through that.
I believe Lydia's setting up a performing lounge. Dance is a big thing in Ecruteak, there's a regularly performing troupe of traditional geisha there.
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