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[amaure]

[When the feed cuts on, it's later in the evening, well after the first day of Rocket training, and thus Emet-Selch is not wearing his uniform while in his little dormitory. What he is wearing is far more extravagant. Yes, he took the time to put that thing back on, he wasn't about to suffer the alternative longer than what was necessary. Of course there are likely those who saw him in that most abhorrent uniform, if others were in training or aiding in the training that is. All of which he's been entirely quick in mastering, almost as if he's already...mastered such trivial skills. He has, and plus some.

Regardless, that's not what this is about. Well, it kinda is, actually.]

Good evening, I am Solus zos Galvus—your newest recruit to this fine organization of unscrupulous villains. Certainly prompt with the training, aren't they? That sort of rigid discipline I can most certainly respect—after all, with poor foundation, you cannot expect aught else but for everything to come crumbling down around you.

[He settles back in his seat, resting his elbow on the desk he's clearly sitting at, cupping his cheek with the palm of his hand as he lazily gazes into the feed.]

Regardless, such training is wasted on one such as I, but I understand rules are rules, and even I am no exception. [There's the slightest edge of annoyance to his tone, but it disappears as he continues.] Regardless, 'twould do us well to know each other properly, wouldn't you agree? So come, introduce yourselves to me. For I will know each and every one of you, as well as what rank you hold—what skill sets you have, and so forth.

If I am to familiarize myself with this team, to know which holes my expertise should rightly fill, then I must take your measure.

Comments

[amaure]

[Steven's gaze is met with Solus' own, his cat-like smile never dropping.]

That is a talk for another time--for it is of no consequence in the present. But know you this: your words and mine are but wind, till the truth of them is put to the proof.

I doubt not that Jack met his mortal limits, nor that his limits are impressive among those of his kind. But limits are not universal, try as this realm might to stifle me, I will put the proof to my claims ere long.

[Man is it gonna be embarrassing when he doesn't.]

[fingersandteeth]

[Steven is going to tell him 'I told you so.' He's already looking forward to it.]

I look forward to seeing your attempt, [he says diplomatically.]

[amaure]

[That's fine, he'll be too drunk and miserable to hear him.]

Tell me...is your lack of faith in me because of our unfamiliarity, or because you cannot bare the thought that your lover might not be as brilliant of a man as you believe he is?

Neither is of consequence to me, rest assured, for I would have expired long ago if I needed the acknowledgment of mortals to achieve aught at all.

[fingersandteeth]

Unfamiliarity, mostly, [he says, studying his hands. Oh, he's going to enjoy it when you're proven wrong. And he's not going to give you any help now when it comes to not setting off Tyler.]

Hm. I think I've already covered most of what you'll need to know as a new Grunt. Oh-- the weird weekends. I should apprise you of those. Mind you, it's nothing that's happened since I've been here, but I'm told by the others that ever so often, maybe twice a year, the forces that keep our abilities confined and make us human just-- turn off. And for the space of a weekend, we're ourselves again, with more or less our proper capabilities. [Except they still can't kill anyone, evidently. Which is a pity.] You won't know when. None of us will. But you should keep in mind that it will happen at some point.

[amaure]

[There's the slightest raise of his eyebrows at that answer, but he doesn't comment on it. Like he said, it doesn't matter to him whether or not this single mortal thinks he can do exactly as he claims...but boy is he going to feel like a fucking idiot when reality slaps him in his smug mug.

At that rich nugget of information, Solus looks almost devilish, but then allows his features to return to something more neutral-leaning.]

How veeeery interesting.

I shall look forward to this random weekend—and perhaps I shall repay your warnings in kind: you do not want to be mine enemy. Particularly when such a time as this weekend happens. I am a foe like no other, but should you continue to prove yourself useful to me and, dare I say it, pleasant company, then you have naught to worry about.

[fingersandteeth]

[Ah, space tyrants. As much as he enjoys the familiarity of Solus' florid manners, the threat itself is... well. It's a little gauche. Here Steven is, doing his best to fill him in on what he needs to know, and he insists on spoiling it all by talking down to him and acting as if Steven's his minion to command and not his superior in this organization.]

I'll keep that in mind, Solus, [he says, pleasantly as ever--and imagines, for a brief moment, his hands around the old queen's neck, squeezing.]

[amaure]

[It just comes with the territory, dear Steven. Nothing personal! Honestly, it's a sign that he likes you, to some extent. Otherwise, he'd give no warning at all. He doesn't want to have to kill you because you decided to be an idiot.

Also wow, Steven. Keep Solus out of your asphyxiation fantasies!]

See that you do. [He offers a little cheerily, but then his eyes fall to the suitcase in the chair, an eyebrow quirking, before his gaze goes back to Steven.] Moving along: you had mentioned research material about the Yamask and wanting to meet it, correct?

[fingersandteeth]

[Oh no, Solus, that wasn't the pleasant kind of asphyxiation he was thinking about in regards to you in the heat of the moment. Well. Not pleasant for you.

A man has his pride, you see. A man doesn't like being dismissed after he's gone to such trouble for you, even if it's because you've decided you like him.]

If possible, yes. [He opens the briefcase on the chair and retrieves various print-outs that he sets on the table.]

So. The first thing we should note is that Yamask are one of the ghost-types that were assuredly human at one point. The masks they carry are meant to be replicas of their faces in life.

[amaure]

[A fantasy is a fantasy, it doesn't mean it has to be enjoyed between both parties. But, unfortunately, Solus has a weird idea of kindness. Where, at times, he does what most people would qualify as kindness. Like say, saving one of his enemies' lives, where as other times he tags along and says pointless and rude commentary to piss everyone off and acts like he's the one wronged in the situation.

For the first time in this conversation Solus' face shifts with that bit of information. He hadn't known the full details of it, but he had surmised something. After all, his kind were ghosts of sorts, wearing masks that meant something in the life they had lost eons ago.

The momentary tension in his face eases, and that smile returns in short order.]

Would not the fact they are ghosts already imply they were once human? Or are some of these ghosts the remnant souls of beasts? One would wager beasts unlikely candidates to have enough presence of a soul to truly remain after their demise, but I am coming to realize that this world defies logic to an insufferable degree.

[fingersandteeth]

There are some very clever beasts among the pokemon here, yes, [Steven acknowledges.]

But yes. They are the remnant souls of humans. They commonly roam around ancient ruins--which would explain why you can only catch them in places like Alph. If a mortal human puts on the mask, it seems, said human will be possessed by Yamask. It cannot talk in its natural form, but can when possessing another's body.

[amaure]

Cleverness has never been the indicator of a soul. Even the most idiotic mortal still has one, after all.

[At this news, Solus cannot help but scoff. This was horrifically on the nose.]

Well, isn't that useful. 'Twould seem this partner of mine has more at his disposal than I previously gave him credit for. Or so it seems, you say. Mayhap we should do a little experiment?

[As he ask, he draws the ball from his coat, holding it up as he examines it idly.]

[fingersandteeth]

[Steven smiles.] Who on?

[He has some thoughts, but he's waiting to hear what Solus thinks first]

[amaure]

Well certainly neither you nor I—perchance some hapless fool.

[After all, who knows exactly what this possession's side effects could be. When an Ascian possessed a body for too long, it greatly made the form susceptible to aether of all sorts.]

Unless you have a better suggestion, that is.

[fingersandteeth]

No, [Steven says, thoughtfully.] Some hapless fool should do well. Let's find one of the native grunts.

[Actually—wasn't that pendejo who'd leaked security footage of Connie and Dirk sitting in the far corner of the mess hall from them? Steven smiles once more, this one a bit colder than his others, and indicates the uniformed figure subtly.]

Him.

[amaure]

[With similar subtly, Solus glances the man's way, the corners of his mouth curling into a sly grin.]

Very well.

[Releasing his Yamask, the ghost Pokémon surveys its surroundings with a slightly anxious air, before it focuses its attention on Solus. However, as Solus looks at it, there's clear animosity behind his eyes, yet he seems to keep back whatever he's feeling from his expression otherwise, a lilt to his voice as he speaks. Such a contrast to the edge in his gaze.]

Yamask, do you see that yonder fellow in the corner there? [Less than subtly, the Pokémon looks directly at him, to which Solus quickly corrects with a gentle, yet somehow threatening, caress to its...face? Regardless, he forces it to look at him.] I want you to put your precious mask upon him and possess him for me, would you?

[Almost desperately, the Yamask nods, glances at Steven, then looks to the target once more before seemingly vanishing. Solus looks to Steven for a moment, before shifting to sidelong watch as his creature goes to work. The unsuspecting man none the wiser when Solus' Yamask makes itself visible once again, though out of his view. Quickly, it slips his mask upon the man's face—disappearing once more as there's a momentary struggle, and then the body goes limp in its chair, the mask still tight upon his face.

A moment later, he rises, looking towards them. Then, with a clearly unpracticed gait, he approaches them. Solus looks delight at the success.]

Well, will you look at that. It doesn't seem so, it is so.

[fingersandteeth]

Oh. [Steven rises to his feet, so that he can meet the possessed Grunt part-way. He reaches out to gently stroke the cheek of the mask and in a soft, proud voice he says,] Oh, you did very well. Very, very well. Thank you, little ghost. Thank you.

[He glances back at Solus.] What should I call him?

[amaure]

Whatever you wish--I have not given him a name.

[And he doesn't plan to. However, the possessed grunt makes a small, strained noise, like someone trying to speak when they haven't in ages. Less so the problem of an under used voicebox, and more the unpracticed formation of words by the ghost at the wheel.]

Yaa...mmm. My--my name was. Nour.

[Solus perks at that, at the Yamask speaking through his host, curiously tilting his head as he watches and admires.]

Look at you. Possessing and speaking both, I'd wager you have done this before, hm?

["Nour" nods, then brings a hand up to Steven's own on his mask, tentatively touching it.]

Well you heard him, his name was Nour, if you feel the need to honour that, or whatever.

[fingersandteeth]

[Steven smiles gently at the Yamask, not at all flinching at the hand on his.]

I'm very pleased to meet you, Nour. At some point when we have time and you've someone to possess, we ought to talk about your life together. I'd love to hear about that.

[amaure]

Mm... I would...like that, yes.

[The expression is hidden behind the mask, but Nour is smiling all the same. It's been a long time since he's been able to communicate with humans properly. Sure, he could have possessed someone, but that hardly had favorable results. Who knew most people didn't want to talk to a Pokémon possessed person! Weird!]

...Shall I give you two privacy? Or shall we conclude this little experiment of ours?

[There's sarcasm to his voice, and the nasally tone only enhances it.]

[fingersandteeth]

[Steven glances back at Solus and for the briefest half-second, his own pleasant mask slips to show a twinge of irritation-- and then it's gone.]

I suppose we shall. [He removes his hand from the cheek of Nour's mask and takes a step back.] Thank you for the demonstration, [he tells Nour.] We'll talk another time, okay?

[He'll just return to his seat at the table now.]

[amaure]

[Solus merely keeps his smile at Steven's irritation. Pardon him for withholding his sympathies towards the creature, though the fact it can possess someone at all...and was once indeed a human, proves to him that this apparition is unlike the other creatures. At least in his mind.

Nour nods again, then looks to Solus for instructions. After all, he's still a Pokémon, human-soul aside. With a raised hand and a snap of his fingers, the instruction is wordless but clear: the mask unseals itself from the man's face, and the Yamask emerges from his host. Floating over to hide behind Solus, as the afflicted grunt nearly falls to his knees as he regains control of himself.]

Do you mind? We're trying to have a private conversation here, and little and less do we need you gawping at us. [With an exaggerated shooing wave of his hand:] Begone, will you?

[Pointedly confused and bewildered both, the man looks at him, then Steven before nodding with just as much puzzlement before returning to his seat across the way. Clearly shaken by his sudden lapse of memory and...teleportation?

Solus shrugs, turning back to Steven.]

Anyroad...what a most useful little trick. I say, this will have boundless uses. Mayhap I judged this Yamask too quickly.

[Pointedly avoiding its name. Can't go humanizing it, he might actually start to care about it.]

[fingersandteeth]

[Steven's pleasant mask is back, seamless once more.] You might have, yes. Although I'd have been happy enough to take Nour off your hands if you weren't reconsidering.

What did they give you besides him, by the by? I know it's team policy to start everyone off with two, whereas those who wake up at the false mother's house only get one.

[amaure]

Nay, for all my initial misgivings, I will not part with him. [He's still salty, but...he can deal with irritation at one's existence if he gets some benefit from it.]

A bird of some sort—Murkrow, I believe its name to be. Clever creature, that. Familiar with them?

[As he talks, Nour seems to draw closer and closer to Solus, while Solus pointedly ignores the Pokémon's clear want for attention.]

[fingersandteeth]

[Jeez, what a dick. For someone Steven honestly did want to like, you're doing a really good job of making him side-eye you. Or, well, mentally side-eye you while keeping Nice Steven up, because after that little threat regarding Steven being useful and pleasant, he really does not feel like showing you what's underneath.]

I am. I have one of my own, named Matthew. They're nocturnal, mostly. And very fond of sparkly things--if they like you, they'll sometimes bring stolen treasures to you. And they can learn how take you flying with them--although you'll have to be licensed at either Celadon or Violet for that, as well as get the hidden machine to teach them how to do it at Olivine or Saffron.

[amaure]

[Look, he's only this way because he can't afford to get attached to things. If you've lost the sheer amount of what he has, you'd understand!

And jeez, it's not a threat, it was a word of warning! Advise, even! Talk about ungrateful!]

The fondness for what sparkles did indeed make itself apparent. [He further explains by gesture to himself. Considering the gold trimmed outfit, the gold epaulettes, his gold and diamond earring, and so on. Finally, he looks to the Yamask with trace annoyance, before patting it begrudgingly on the head. Like it was a child, or something.]

But licensed flying, you say? Do the authorities here truly chase one down to assure they've a license?

[Sounds like the sort of bureaucracy he'd actually be behind, if it were the case. The only problem is that he doesn't actually respect the authority of anyone here, and least of all any that'd believe themselves actual upholders of the law.]

And what's that about a hidden machine? Not so hidden if everyone knows where to obtain it, eh?