-Maul nods at Sholto.-

Maul: ~This is fine.~

-He glances back at Jim.-

Maul: ~I have lots of names. They're all at home though, so you can call me Maul.~

-The Pawniard look at Kalida and Valerie, then at each other.-

Pawniard #12: <We gotta stick by our candidate! Who cares who's more birdy?>

Pawniard #39: <I dunno... I do like shiny things... and headpats...>

Moon Tribe Ruins

Alyesha slowly lowered her hands, now looking around as well

Alyesha: "Say, Nena, what is this here then? You said facilityx, but... for what?"

Celadon Hotel Roof

Jacob: -He nods- "Great. I can hold on to it until the fight, unless you'd prefer to."

Shaun: "I just wanted to leave for Unova..."

-Jessica raises her hand.-

Shaun: "You cannot have a Dragonite's Breath shotgun."

-Jessica lowers her hand.-

Ace: <I don't know how to feel about this in general.>

Sholto: <Okay!>

<Granted I need to figure out how to do th->

He is then hugged and given headpats.

<Heh, thanks.>

Moon Tribe Ruins

Nena: <Research facility. I dunno how it ended up here after our world ended, I was just supposed to help guard it.>

Celadon Podium

Valerie: -looks between Maul and Kalida- <Hmph. Which of you has more bird rights knowledge? I'm inclined to believe the human for-> -glances at Jim- <...Obvious reasons.>

Mt. Lanakila, "Victory Road"

-The Glalie fires a surprise Ice Beam from the shadows around the ceiling before an Arcanine's Flamethrower takes it out.-

Ludmilla: Why are these Ice-Types so aggressive?!

Cu Sith: <I think somebody told them to be really aggressive.>

Gelert: <Yeah, well, I'm getting tired of having to scout out every single area for ambushes! Can't we just have Sandnix up front bashing everything?>

Sandnix: <Dirtypup have wrongthink idea! Sandnix no rollypounder!>

Ludmilla: It's slow going, but we can still take them. Let's keep going!

The 6th Anniversary Un-Retirement Holiday Hullabaloo! Part 3

Celadon Center

-Umbra is sleeping, dreaming...-

Umbra's Dream

-Umbra is sitting around on a bench when Tagg approaches him-

Umbra: Oh, hello, Tagg, how's it goi-

-Tagg suddenly presents him with a bouquet-

Tagg: Figured this would interest you... dear.

Umbra: -blushing- Oh Tagg, thank you!

-Duke suddenly approaches as well with a box of chocolates-

Duke: Umbra, my love, I got this for you!

Umbra: Duke, you're too kind!

-Human!Seishirou and Human!Fuuma approach with platters of brownies-

Human!Fuuma: We made these just the way you like them, Umbra!

Human!Seishirou: Psst. Mine have more chocolate chips.

Umbra: For me? You're both too kind!

-is suddenly glomped from behind by Odin-

...I thought Ilya had you for lunch?

Odin: I came back in this dream for you, my love~

Umbra: Er, than-

???:    Enjoying all the attention, aren't we, Umbra?   

-The "sutors" vanish, and Umbra promptly turns to see a shadowy but ultimately still familiar figure-

Umbra: Y-you...

???:    Yep, it's me. You've had all these feelings recently... Feelings you, want, need, to deal with... But to deal with them you have to deal with me. And you're too weak to to that... You always have been.   

Umbra: -stares in shock, then shakes his head- No... I can't tell anyone... Not Lina... Not Duolis... N-not Ammy...

???: -grins sadistically-    Then I'll haunt you for all of eternity...   

-Barbed tendrils extend from the shadowy figure aimed straight at Umbra's heart...-

???: <UMBRA WAKE UP>

Reality

-Umbra jolts awake, panting, before turning to see his Chandelure Lumos looking at him with concern-

Lumos: <For the millionth time, you gotta start having less freaky dreams, man!>

-Maul looks down at Valerie.-

Maul: ~Excellent question. Next question.~

-He looks back at Sholto.-

Maul: ~Take your time. Or someone's time, at least.~

Celadon Center

-Umbra just stares back at Lumos for a bit before groaning and lying back down where he was.-

Umbra: Thank you, Lumos... But... I'm not sure how to handle all this...

Lumos: <Umbra, I'm your starter. I've been your friend for over six centuries, ever since you saved me from all the ghosts that picked on me even when ghosts as a whole were picking on you. I know full well what's going on: You're re-realizing you're bisexual. That's perfectly OK. What's not OK is you clinging to one bit of baggage related to that regarding you-know-who.>

Umbra: Wait, you-

Lumos: <Yep. I recognised that shadowy-figure-that-totally-definitely-wasn't-him-nope as well as you did, and while I was, er... overly occupied with other stuff back then I certainly recognised your feelings in hindsight.>

Umbra: Oh... But yes, I need to talk this out with someone, just have no idea who aside from one person in particular I most certainly can't tell!

Lumos: <Who are yo- Oh. Yeah, that'd be outright suicidal.> .++.

Umbra: Of course... But who do I tell?

Lumos: <Well... You could be honest about your bisexuality and that particular issue with Ammy and Duolis to start out?>

Umbra: I'm not sure Duolis would be receptive right now... I feel like I need to talk it out with someone else who would understand, but I don't know-

-his eyes widen-

...Wait. I do know. There's someone I've gotten to know particularly well - someone who I suspect is in a similar boat as I am!

-he quickly gets up and starts getting dressed-

Lumos: <Wait, who?>

Umbra: -smirks- You'll see...

edited 30th Dec '17 1:49:33 PM by Umbramatic

Moon Tribe Ruins

Alyesha: "Oh? That sounds interesting, what were you researching?"

Sholto: <Oh, actually! I think I can just...>

-He pecks Maul-

<Should notice tonight.>

Celadon

-Robin is idly humming to himself, though entirely too loudly-

-Suddenly, a hand pulls him into an alleyway-

-Robin finds himself sitting in front of Umbra and Lumos, the former with a rather panicked expression on his face-

Robin: Er, hey Umbra, how's it-

Umbra: Robin! I need your help! You're the only person who'll understand! Or at least not try to kill me!

Robin: ...Wait, what the hell's going on?

Lumos: <Let's just say it's a problem that goes way back. 600 years back.>

Robin: ...I'm going to need more than that...

Umbra: Well... You might as be one of the people I out myself to first...

...I'm bisexual. I... I've only been in relationships with women, but... I've had feelings for men long ago, centuries ago... And recently they've started to come back...

Robin: -blinks- You're... You're like...

-shakes his head-

Never mind. Anyway, I don't see the problem here; there's nothing wrong with that in the slightest.

Umbra: I know... Bigger problem is one way it manifested way back when.

Robin: ...Go on?

Lumos: <Exactly how much has he told you about his Ransei days?>

Robin: Let me think... Married to Duolis, got insanely enhanced Obscura powers, became an evil overlord, had an evil plan to use that pendant that eventually turned into Arika for world domination only for Ammy to kick his ass and lead him into self-exile... Oh, and apparently had a rivalry with the neighboring kingdom ruled by Lina and her hus-

Umbra: THAT LAST PART'S THE CLINCHER

Robin: -blinks- So... This involves Lina and Kaius?

Umbra: ...Yes.

-shifts uncomfortably-

...What did Lina tell you about him?

Robin: -thinks a bit- She met him when they were kids when he stopped some bullies... they fell in love, he ended up being her first husband, they had a happy marriage for many years until...

-he frowns-

Until he died in a fire...

-Umbra fidgets and hangs his head low in immense discomfort-

-Robin, on the other hand, smiles again-

She always remembered her years with him fondly, even after all those centuries... has comfort in the fact the two have a legacy in the Amarin family... She even gave me his old swords, though I gave one to Kai... I always considered it an honor...

-Umbra is deeply, uncomfortably still and silent at this point-

Robin: ...But how exactly do you play in that?

Umbra: ...

...I... I can't... I feel so...

Robin: Umbra. Just tell me. If you've really been keeping this such a secret for six centuries it'll be far healthier for you to just get it off your chest.

-Umbra stares at Robin for a while then sighs-

Umbra: ...I assume she also told you how he and I got along.

Robin: -blinks- Oh right, your nations' rivalry... According to her you absolutely hated his guts and sent raids on their nation and sent assassins after him, and the only reasons she ever gave you a second chance when she found out you were the former Ghost Lord was because she could tell you'd genuinely changed for the better - and that she sent more assassins after you than you did him.

-looks at Umbra quizzically-

But again, what does that have to do with anything?

-Umbra looks nervously at Lumos-

Lumos: <Go ahead, buddy.>

-Umbra turns back to Robin and gulps-

Umbra: You see... I never actually hated Kaius.

Robin: ...You didn't?

Umbra: I didn't even view him as a threat; I was too powerful and arrogant and batshit insane to view ANYONE as a serious threat - not even Izumi, who I genuinely despised back then.

Robin: But... The raids on his nation... The attempts on his life...

Umbra: All elaborate shams! My whole vendetta against him was a bigger load of hooey than the one I made up to keep everyone else in Ransei conveniently distracted from my whole Lunar Pendant gambit!

Robin: But why the hell would you ev-

-his eyes suddenly widen-

Wait... You...

Umbra: Yes...

-he blushes profusely enough to give the entire Cain lineage a run for their money-

...I had an absolutely massive crush on him the whole time.

-Maul looks down at where he was pecked by Sholto.-

Maul: ~Oh my, how forward.~

-He looks back up.-

Maul: ~I should start knocking on doors, but there's something for you in return afterwards.~

-He blips away.-

Placeholder

Robin: You... Did? ._.

Umbra: How could I not? His luxuroious locks, his amber eyes, his-

Robin: Er, no intention of outright dismissing your feelings, but nix the waxing poetic and get to the point?

Lumos: <Yeah, you were starting to sound like my old love poetry.> -++-

Umbra: Er, right, sorry...

Robin: Anyway... How the hell did this all start?

Umbra: Our first-ever diplomatic meeting, of course!

Umbra's Meeting Room, Spectra Castle, 600 years ago

Thanks to Bitters for spagging this one with me.

-Umbra, in full armor, is sitting at the end of a rather long table, drumming his fingers on it-

Umbra: That upstart from Dragnor should be here any minute now...

-The doors open. In walks THE MOST MAGNIFICENT, DAZZLING, HANDSOME GORGEOUS MCGORGEOUSFACE MAN UMBRA HAS EVER SEEN. A rather nervous guard stumbles in after him, and stands by the door.-

Kaius: I believe you requested a visit, sir?

-Umbra just stares in shock-

Umbra: This man... He's... Gorgeous...

...Er, yes, I wanted to talk dic- I mean, diplomacy.

-The guard shifts nervously-

Guard: Sir, I don't think this is safe—

Kaius: Please, we are guests, show the Ghost Lord some respect, no matter how unsettled by the undead you are.

-The guard shuts up as the door finishes closing, resulting in a small gust of wind that blows Kaius's hair slightly as he approaches Umbra and sits down next to him.-

Kaius: Disregard him, he's skittish. Anyway, go on?

Umbra: Er, yes, I am considering an alliance of multiple senses between our two kingdoms?

-to himself-

You idiot! You're embarrassing yourself in front of the new guy! And what would Duolis think?

-Kaius stares in confusion.-

Kaius: ...Multiple senses?

Umbra: Erm, like, trade, commerce, warfare, that sort of thing.

Nice save.

Kaius: Ah. Well, of course I must be careful not to go in blindly, it would be poor form to make a naive action as my first major action as Dragnor's Dragon Lord, but I would certainly be willing to take it into consideration.

-He offers a friendly, dazzling smile.-

-Umbra makes this◊ face. Somewhere in the dungeons one of the security flame jets goes off spontaneously-

Umbra: Er, I'll let you start then.

Kaius: Right, very well. Now, with the growing threat of Valora and their new leader, I feel it is crucial that blah blah warfare blah politics et cetera blah blah Dragnor...

-Whatever the rest of Kaius is saying is lost to time, because Umbra is uncomfortably lost n the sound of his voice. Also can't stop staring at him-

Umbra: Help me.

Random Haunter: <With what, sire?>

Umbra: My emotions.

Haunter: <I believe that is a Psychic-type's specialty or something.>

Umbra: Now I know how Lumos feels...

-to Kaius-

Er, that is all well and good, but on my end, I want your ass- assets, as well.

Kaius: Well, of course. I wouldn't ask for yours without offering my own.

-He sits forward-

Kaius: Anything in particular you were particularly expecting of me?

-Umbra starts sweating-

Umbra: ...Nothing in particular... You are dismissed! Go back to that nice little castle and wife of yours!

-Kaius just sorta blinks-

Kaius: ...I'm sorry, pardon?

Umbra: Go! They need you! Slightly more than I- Go!

Kaius: ...Er. Very well?

-He exits, exceedingly perplexed. The guard scampers out in fear for his soul.-

Haunter: <Aw, I would have loved to taste that guard's soul...>

Umbra: Did you see how handsome he was? Did you see how horrifyingly charismatic and drop-dead gorgeous he was? I haven't felt that way about a man since I was a teenager!

-He slams his fists on the table-

Duolis must never know...

Present

Robin: ...So you pretended to hate him to hide your real feelings?

Umbra: Yep.

Robin: So the raids on his kingdom and the assassination attempts really were a sham?

Umbra: Most of my battles against him were Ransei's normal ceremonial sort when I usually preferred brute force, and even then I sent the most incompetent of my forces. Hell, even with the assassins I made damn well sure they were the worst ones I could find!

Dragnor Castle, 600 years ago

Thanks to Bitters for spagging this one with me.

-Kaius has had the incredible misfortune of having a non-life-threatening, but still nonetheless very unpleasant illness. As such, he is resting.-

-Allegedly.-

Kaius: Lina, please. I have responsibilities I need to take care of! I cannot be bedridden at a time like this!

Lina: Yes you damn well can! You are going to sit here and take care of yourself, and you are going to like it!

Kaius: I can manage just fine standing up!

-To prove his point, he stands up.-

Kaius: ...

-And then immediately vomits into a garbage pail.-

Kaius: ...That was a fluke.

Lina: -points- Stay. Here.

-she steps out of the room and slams the door-

Kaius: ...Yes dear.

-He sits back down, looking about as green as his name marker would indicate.-

-For a few minutes, around Kaius, there is silence. Perfect peace and quiet.-

-Which is promptly interrupted by a Greninja in orange garb crashing through the window-

Greninja: <SNEAK ATTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!>

Kaius: WHAT IN RAYQUAZA'S MIGHTY LEFT TAILFIN—

-Kaius immediately grabs a nearby hairbrush and throws it at the intruder-

-The Greninja is smacked head on by the hairbrush-

Greninja: <Owwie! That hurt! Geez... But never you mind, I am Kobayashi, Discount Ninja, and I am here to... to...>

-Starts flipping through notes-

<...Kidnap? No, that was the last guy... Extort, not until Tuesday... Dress in a humiliating outfit, that's from last year, how did that get on my current schedule... Aha! I am here to kill you on behalf of the Ghost Lord!>

-Kaius stares.-

Kaius: ...Are you certain "dress in a humiliating outfit" isn't what you had planned for today? Because you certainly look the part.

Kobayashi: <Hey! Orange is a perfectly stealthy color!>

Kaius: If you're trying to hide in a pumpkin patch, maybe.

Kobayashi: <Enough! Prepare to meet your doomity-doom!>

-He flings a Water Shuriken...-

-that hits a mirror on the opposite side of the room from Kaius, bounces back, and goes sailing out the window to angry Purrloin noises-

<...Whoops.>

-Kaius mutters grumpily.-

Kaius: Damn it, we just got that replaced from the last mediocre assassin. Look, just jump back out that window and carry on with your life, I'm really not in a good state to kill you for attempting to kill me. I'm sick.

Kobayashi: <But I've got a job to do! And you've barely fought back yet.>

-Kaius throws another hairbrush.-

Kaius: There, I'm fighting back, are you happy?

Kobayashi: -rubs his nose- <Good enough.>

-Backflips out the window and to the horizon. Kaius just stares, before vomiting again and flopping back into bed.-

Kaius: ...Guess the fever dreams are setting in.

Present

Robin: ...What about that deadly game show Lina said you tried later on?

Umbra: I had a plan for that, and someone ended up rigging it anyway! 600 years later and I still had no idea who...

-Robin blinks then shakes his head-

Robin: Look... I... I know full well how you feel...

-he frowns-

But you should know better than to keep a secret like this from Ammy. Especially after what happened with her in the Ransei days.

Umbra: -scowls- I damn well know that.

-his expression softens and he sighs sadly-

...That's why I've been trying to figure out how to tell her for the past couple years about my sexuality as a whole... especially given something else that happened between the two of us...

-Robin smiles and puts a hand on Umbra's shoulder-

Robin: Umbra. I know how much you love her. You're getting married to the woman soon enough. She'll be fine with your feelings, don't worry.

Umbra: ...

-smiles-

...You're right. Thank you, Robin.

Robin: You're welcome, though given she's more closely tied to this you should definitely tell Duolis as well.

Umbra: Oh, of course.

-he gets a slightly panicky look on his face-

Now I'm most worried about how to tell Lina; I'm afraid she'll try to mur-

Lina: -is suddenly right next to him-

-icily enough to give a Kyurem the chills-

Sorry, I heard every word.

-Umbra does an instant ninety-degree-turn towards Lina-

Umbra: O_O

Lumos: O++O

Robin: O_O

...

-sniffs-

I hope that smell isn't what I think it is...

edited 30th Dec '17 2:11:45 PM by Umbramatic

With everyone in, the scenery was far from what any of them were probably expecting. The inside of the Grand Palkia made no sense. Twisted turns and corridors everywhere.

The Reality!Blight sat on a pedestal not too far off, a wide grin on its "face".

"COME AND GET ME A-HOLES!"

<I look forward to removing this incursion.>

The Ice!Blight is struck, but it grins and looks over the two, "Do you not feel the chill? I will make ice pops out of you!"

The temperature is dropping. Best move fast.

Around the village were various boosting scarves, bows, and such, with a few healing items such as red potions and for some reason, red hearts.

"I await your entrance."

Celadon

Umbra: Ehehe, hey Lina, how about that little conversation we just had he-

-Umbra staggers back and stumbles from the punch-

Lina: You know, Robin was right. I genuinely thought you'd changed for the better, learned your lesson, that any retribution I could give wouldn't be worth the effort. But whoops, I was wrong. You're just as petty and slimy as ever.

-she grabs the keeled-over Umbra by the collar and leers viciously into his eyes-

   YOU FAKED A WHOLE FUCKING VENDETTA AGAINST MY HUSBAND THAT HAD ME SCARED FOR HIS LIFE FOR MOST OF OUR TIME TOGETHER BECAUSE HE MADE YOU HORNY?!   

Umbra: L-Lina, I-

Lina:    GIVE ME ONE GOOD REASON I SHOULDN'T WHIP UP A SHADOW CLAW AND RIP YOUR SPINAL CORD RIGHT OUT OF YOUR FUCKING BACK WITH IT LIKE I SHOULD HAVE DONE OVER FOUR YEARS AG-   

-Lina suddenly finds that Robin is pointing one of Kaius' swords directly at her face.-

Robin: -scowling- Lina. Stop this instant.

-Lina scowls herself, then unceremoniously drops Umbra, who simply lies on the ground in shock as a worried Lumos floats toward him, and turns to Robin-

Lina: And what makes you think I shouldn't give finally give that disgusting piece of shit what he deserves after 600 years, especially with how well-off he's been - or will have been once I'm done with him, so to speak.

Robin: First off, I've met far more disgusting excuses for a human being than him. Number one on the list happening to be my own father.

-his expression softens-

And... You heard him. The whole point is the malice wasn't real. He had no intention of truly hurting Kaius. He was scared - scared the people he cared about would feel disgusted or betrayed because of his feelings, and still feels that way to this day. And while the way he handled it back then certainly wasn't right or mature, the way he's trying to deal with it now is just the opposite - and you wanting to outright murder him for it certainly isn't helping his fears.

Lina: Rrrr... maybe not, but that still doesn't change the fact that my "fear" was real the whole time.

Robin: ...Didn't you just say four years ago you were willing to put that aside when you thought both that fear and the reason for it were real? Along with all the fully awful evil overlord antics he did out of genuine malice? And that you did both keep moving on from it all until this very moment?

Lina: ...

Robin: And... I... I can empathise with him on that regard... Because...

-he takes a deep breath-

I'm bisexual too. And while I wasn't as immature or stupid about the way I hid my feelings as he was back then, I hid it up until now for much the same reasons.

Lina: ...You are? Because in your game you could only hook up with gir-

Robin: This isn't that fucking game! This Is Reality! And I really did feel that way about other men - both back home and in this world.

-Lina promptly stares at Robin in shock for a bit before seemingly realizing something and adopting this◊ expression-

Lina: ...The fangirls were right and you really did have a crush on Chrom, didn't you?

Robin: -smirks equally as smugly back- Nope. That was pure unleaded bromance right there, especially since he married Sully.

Lina: -blinks- Wait, if not him than who?

Robin: -blushes and rubs the back of his head-

Well... It was actually Gaius.

-Record Scratch-

Everybody Else: ...

WHAT?!

Robin: He was cute, we got along pretty great, he called me "bubbles..." . But we're getting off-topic. Lina... Just... Let Umbra have a say in this.

Lina: ...

-turns to Umbra, tapping her foot impatiently-

Well?

-Umbra looks up at her for a bit, then sighs and gets to his feet.-

Umbra: Lina... I have no problem with how you feel about me over this. How I dealt with my feelings for your husband... it was a huge mistake, just one of a huge shitstorm of mistakes that all added up to my tenure as the Ghost Lord being the biggest and most horrible mistake of all my life, one I full well know I can never truly atone for even if I somehow live to the end of the universe.

-he hangs his head-

And yet... all this time I've just wanted to move on as best I can. And with my resurging feelings I had to get Kaius' role in them dealt with in a way better than what I did back then.

Lina: ...

...Alright. I understand. And if you're as ashamed of the way you dealt with it back then as you are everything else... I'm sorry I doubted you changed. And, you know, wanted to murder you.

Umbra: Again, I'm the one who needs to be sorry... but thank you.

-he hugs Lina-

-Lina hugs back-

-Robin smiles, as does Lumos as much as a Chandelure can-

Umbra: -breaks the hug- Now, there's one question I still have about Kaius...

Lina: ...Oh?

Umbra: -smirks mischievously- Was he any good with... bedroom matters? -winks-

Lina: ...

-Umbra is promptly on his knees, clutching his nether regions and grimacing in pain-

Robin: ._.

Lumos: .++.

Umbra: THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A JOKE

Lina: Well even so, he was better than you ever were when we were dating.

-Sam immediately pops out of his Pokeball-

Sam: -in Ammy's voice-    <Burn!>   

Robin: ...Did you just literally steal Ammy's catchphrase?

Sam: <Yep!> :3

Robin: ...You better give it back before she tries to murder you.

Sam: <...Duly noted.> ^_^;

edited 30th Dec '17 2:34:31 PM by Umbramatic

Sholto: <Ehe...>

Lisa: <...Is that him knowing about your crush or just him being him.>

Sholto: <Knowing him? Both.>

Celadon

-A bit after the groin kick, Umbra's pain has decreased to the point he can stand up again-

Umbra: ...Yeah, that was probably in poor taste.

Lina and Robin: Yes it was.

Umbra: ...Right.

-rubs his chin-

But at least I got telling you about all this out of the way, Lina... Well, sort of.

-Lina just smirks-

-Umbra then frowns-

Umbra: But I'm still a little worried about Duolis and Ammy...

Robin: I stand by what I said earlier. They'll be fine.

Lina: Yeah, at the very least I doubt they'll be as pissed as I was.

Sam: <If Duolis tries anything, I'm sure I can think of something unethical but unharmful to help out!>

Lumos: <And on the off chance Ammy tries to    burn    you...>

-flares his flames-

<Flash Fire, bitches.>

-Umbra smiles-

Umbra: Thanks, guys.

-he thinks-

Though there's one other Wailord in the room I should take care of first...

Dream!Dragnor, soon after

Spagged with Bitters again!

-Kaius is in the middle of a game of Go with a local spirit in limbo. Neither one seems particularly like they're all that invested in the game.-

Kaius: -sigh- Your move.

-The ambiguous spirit starts halfheartedly contemplating his next action.-

-Suddenly a hole in a nearby wall is bust open as Umbra emerges dressed in full Ghost Lord regalia-

Umbra: Hello everyone! It's the Ghost Lord! I'm here and I've got a score to settle!

-The ambiguous spirit experiences the first major emotions he's probably felt in decades, and screams and runs away. Kaius, however, just sighs.-

Kaius: ...Well, I can't say I never expected this. Is it finally time to drag me kicking and screaming to the Distortion World?

Umbra: Well I'd be six centuries late if that were the case! But I'm not here for that, Kaius - I've stewed over all my horrible, horrible feelings about you for said six centuries and it's about time I made them clear.

-He pulls Kaius up to his face. Kaius looks unamused.-

Kaius: Oh, I'm fairly certain the numerous attempts at killing me made them clear enough. Although, really, the orange frog?

Umbra: He was cheap! But you are a fascinating human being, Kaius... You make me sweat, make me shiver, make me green with envy, because ultimately, for all the little things about you that make me doubt myself, they all add up to one thing!

Kaius: Your massive inferiority complex?

Umbra: ...Not quite.

-And he pulls Kaius into a kiss-

Kaius: ..................................................................................

-Umbra breaks the kiss-

Umbra: Uh, yeah, so, uh, you are one dynamite guy in multiple senses of the term and, uh, refusing to admit it is why I, uh, struggled with my sexuality for a whopping six centuries? Uh?

-Kaius takes a moment to process what, exactly, just happened...-

-And then lands a punch square in the center of Umbra's face.-

Umbra: GAH! Geez, I deserved that...

-Kaius puts his hand on his forehead, groaning.-

Kaius: Of course. Of course, this explains everything. I should have figured that out after seeing my descendant turn into such a major disaster every time she lays eyes on that Lucius boy. Dear Rayquaza, you two are complete wrecks.

Umbra: Kai's a good kid! Just... Yes, also a total romantic and sexual mess.

-Kaius shakes his head-

Kaius: Nevermind that. The curse of Cain was bound to hit my bloodline eventually. Anyway, you. You plunged all of Ransei into civil war because you were having trouble keeping it in your pants?

Umbra: Correction! All of Ransei was for that Pendant who is now one of my best friends somehow. The Dragnor/Spectra grudge specifically was over me trying to keep things in my pants.

...But still, not my proudest moment.

Kaius: I'll say! You could have at least taken my offer for an alliance seriously. Nowhere in your mind was the thought that maybe, just maybe, you'd want to be on the good side of the man you were swooning over?

Umbra: ...

...It would have been. But I was too scared of Duolis getting the wrong idea. I didn't want to lose her over a crush I couldn't control. I am the first to admit I didn't exactly handle it healthily, and I apologize for everything.

Kaius: ...

-Kaius sighs, hand against head.-

Kaius: Dear Rayquaza, this is giving me a massive headache. I didn't even know I could get headaches anymore. Look, I've been expecting you to drag me to the depths for the past six centuries, so I'm not exactly in a state where apologies from you mean much. But... you seem to have gotten along fine with my wife, and my descendants. I suppose that means something.

Umbra: To be honest, I'm done with grudges against anyone from the old days. Have been a while. You don't deserve to coop yourself up here because you're afraid of me dragging you off screaming and not in the good way. You're better than that. Better than me.

Kaius: ...I'm not afraid. I haven't been afraid.

Umbra: -grins- That's one thing I've always liked about you. You're the good kind of stubborn.

Kaius: Nah, it's entirely out of spite. I'm not giving you the satisfaction of me ending up in the Spirit World. Fuck that. Plus, I have Lucanus to keep company, we can't have every Cain going crazy.

Umbra: Still stubborn~

Kaius: ...

-Kaius pushes Umbra back through the hole in the wall.-

Kaius: Go back to being immortal! You're not supposed to be with us dead people!

Umbra: You're extra-cute when flustered!

-and flees through the hole-

Kaius: AND STOP TRYING TO FLIRT WITH ME! I STILL HAVE A GRUDGE!

-Umbra snickers all the way back to the waking world-

edited 30th Dec '17 3:04:35 PM by Umbramatic

Clavis Party

Echo: Oh, he's doing very well.

Somewhere in Celadon

Echo: Still gets himself into trouble from time to time, but always seems to pull through.

Aliens From Outer Sporbs

Creepfrog: <I think it looks like— >

-And the symbol flashes, beeps, and reverts him to human form.-

Evan: ...Uh. Like someone we want on our good side? Ah-heh.

Celadon

-So! Options!-

-We have any combination of Kai, Diane and Skye (a package deal), Vierr, Rose, Mason, Echo, Evan, and Corrin available.-

edited 30th Dec '17 3:17:48 PM by BittersweetNSour

Celadon

-Umbra and Ammy are sitting together on a bench, watching the clouds go by-

Human!Ammy: ...You know, up until four years ago I thought I'd be stuck in a cave with a godawful stepmother of a Haxorus and never truly be free.

-she leans against Umbra and closes her eyes-

But then you came along and everything changed... For the better. And I'm still grateful for that..

-Umbra smiles, only for it to be quickly replaced with a frown before clearing his throat-

Umbra: ...Ammy? There's something I have to tell you.

Human!Ammy: ...What?

-Umbra looks over to a nearby tree, which Lumos pops out from behind-

Lumos: < Remember I've got your back if she goes pyro.> -hides again-

Umbra: -gulps and turns back to Ammy-

...Ammy? I'm bisexual.

Human!Ammy: ...You are?

Umbra: Yes...

-he looks away from her off into space-

I had those feelings early in my life before my exile suppressed them... But recently, they've been coming back, and I've grown so worried you'll think I'm growing disloyal or-

Human!Ammy: Umbra. Enough.

Umbra: ...Huh?

Human!Ammy: Your feelings... They're fine. Even if you're attracted to other men I would never doubt you still cared about me.

-she frowns-

Especially since as stupid as you can get I know full well you'd never make the same mistake I did three years ago.

-Umbra frowns himself before smiling again and putting a hand on Ammy's shoulder-

Umbra: ...Thank you, Ammy.

Human!Ammy: -smiles back- You're welcome.

-Umbra then rubs the back of his head sheepishly-

Umbra: ...Though... I should probably tell you about one man in particular I had feelings for....

Human!Ammy: ...Who?

One Explanation Later

Human!Ammy: ...So you had a crush on Kaius this whole time? ._.

Umbra: Er, yes... It was pretty hectic, I-

-he's interrupted by her bursting out laughing-

-after staring at her in shock for a few seconds he starts laughing with her-

-once she stops laughing Ammy gives Umbra an impish look-

Human!Ammy: Seriously, though, what's the deal with you falling for your enemies? First Kaius, then Lina, then me... You've got a problem, buddy.

Umbra: -gives a similar look back- Well, I'm just glad you're part of the problem.

-Ammy playfully nudges him as he grins before they both hug-

PEFE!Every: It's best if you hold onto it, yes.

-she hands over the gun. The moment her hands leave it...-

PEFE!Every: On an unrelated note, I did figure out that you're not yourself.

Brie: No, I haven't seen her. But there are bigger issues.

Ever: Oh no, what's happening?

Brie: An Alakazam is attempting to become president of Unova on a birds' rights platform.

Ever: ...And so he's campaigning in Kanto.

Brie: It's insidious. Apparently.

Ever: ...Cool. I'm gonna go find PEFE!Every.

Brie: She can take care of herself!

Ever: Can she?

Brie: This is way more important.

Celadon Hotel

Jacob: -He takes the gun and laughs- "Yeah... I've been feeling pretty weird lately. Not used to Kanto. I've been to Johto... like, twiceeee...? But yeah. I've been trying to hide it and the whole Shard thing didn't help either, so."

-He looks it over- "... I really appreciate the work you put into this. For me. We don't talk that often but I do really appreciate how much you went out of your way to help me."

PEFE!Every: I would agree, Kanto is excessive as a concept. That said, I prefer it to Unova.

-she purses her lips at the compliment-

Thank you. I think it's important to help people. But I am not, to clarify, referring to culture shock, accumulated trauma from interactions with the Shards, seasonal affective disorder, holiday blues, illness, or general malaise. I am referring to a belief that the person in front of me is not, in fact, Jacob Iridis.

Evidence: Your behavior regarding the Chaos fragment has been utterly inconsistent. You claim that your access to it should be limited, and yet you insisted on being present while it was not only in the room but actively gathering data. Further, despite refusing to be involved in the tinkering process, something which I am well aware you enjoy, you have consented to hold onto the weapon I've created until an indefinite future date, undoubtedly risking exposure during that time for a far less interesting reason. For some reason, you want the Chaos fragment on hand, and while you were willing to relinquish it after being exposed to it a first time, you are far too willing to have it in your possession again.

Conclusion: Though I derive no pleasure from making this accusation, I believe that you are severely compromised by Chaos, to the extent that you are serving its interests rather than those of Jacob Iridis.

Celadon Hotel

Jacob: -He stares dumbfounded for a moment, then he thinks-

-Then he nods- "I mean, that's relatively sound logic." -He hands the gun back-

"I'll be honest, I want to see Tragedy destroyed and put all this Shard business behind me but that... thing. It scares me. I want to limit my exposure to it but also, I'm interested in seeing your handiwork and I was intending to keep the thing stored until I had to use it. I think... I think I've been acting out of fear. I'm sorry for worrying you, Every. I can't really refute anything you've thrown at me, under these circumstance it is suspicious. Maybe more testing is in order? Maybe Chaos isn't as gone as I thought? But I'm me. I'm still Jacob in here. But believe what you want, I have nothing but the the truth to defend myself with."