[Game] Lord Windos' PokeRole Adventure: Celadon City Vandel

[Lord Windos]

(...)
Well then, back to the hotel we go!

...but not before sending a text to The Merchant requesting 6 Risuko Berries (totaling 9k).  He'd wait for their delivery outside the AV.  Still wearing the bulky armor (yeesh, this is hard to move around in...), but with the helmet off and face camo reverted back to default so she'd recognize him.

You spent the next 15 mintues or so alone getting your head drenched by the torrential rainfall as you stood outside the AV, until you hard the all too familiar laughter of The Merchant as they smoothly and soundlessly appeared from the nearby ally and glided over to greet you and initiate the transaction. While it was hard to tell with them, being the egnimatic businessman that they are, you faintly detect trace amounts of amusement and surprise in their body language as they swept their gaze over your body until they looked you straight in the began speaking.

"Hehahehahehahe......Well well well, luks like yue've hed en exciting 'n interesting dey since Ai lest sew y!. Didn't think Ai ever see yue in stroting eruond in cotting edge Imperious Machina tech end weering one of the Masked Salesmans 'Special Stock', bot yue jost keep cumming with weys to soprise me! Most be quite eh stury behind all of this, eh Reiner? Hehahehahe....ah well, it ain't me bosiness tu pry in yuer affairs unless esked, su hand me the Poke over end yue'll get those Risuko Berries! Nut sore why yue need su meny, bot the mure yue spend the mure profit Ai meke, su Ai ain't cumpleining!"

At their prompting, you handed over $9000 Poke in exchange for 6 Risuko Berries, each in their own herimetically sealed see through cube to preserve their freshness. Only the best for one of her best customers, so he can keep on coming back to spend more Poke, heahehahe!

Anything else you wish to buy/discuss with The Merchant before heading to your room?

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

You spent the next 15 mintues or so alone getting your head drenched by the torrential rainfall as you stood outside the AV, until you hard the all too familiar laughter of The Merchant as they smoothly and soundlessly appeared from the nearby ally and glided over to greet you and initiate the transaction. While it was hard to tell with them, being the egnimatic businessman that they are, you faintly detect trace amounts of amusement and surprise in their body language as they swept their gaze over your body until they looked you straight in the began speaking.

"Hehahehahehahe......Well well well, luks like yue've hed en exciting 'n interesting dey since Ai lest sew y!. Didn't think Ai ever see yue in stroting eruond in cotting edge Imperious Machina tech end weering one of the Masked Salesmans 'Special Stock', bot yue jost keep cumming with weys to soprise me! Most be quite eh stury behind all of this, eh Reiner? Hehahehahe....ah well, it ain't me bosiness tu pry in yuer affairs unless esked, su hand me the Poke over end yue'll get those Risuko Berries! Nut sore why yue need su meny, bot the mure yue spend the mure profit Ai meke, su Ai ain't cumpleining!"

At their prompting, you handed over $9000 Poke in exchange for 6 Risuko Berries, each in their own herimetically sealed see through cube to preserve their freshness. Only the best for one of her best customers, so he can keep on coming back to spend more Poke, heahehahe!

Anything else you wish to buy/discuss with The Merchant before heading to your room?

*Raised eyebrow*

"Well, can't say I thought you'd notice one of those details. But then again, I guess that's not surprising, either. Frankly, though, I kinda wish my day had been LESS interesting. I won't bore you with the exact details."

All said rather strangely nonchalantly, obviously. He hands over the cash for the berries, then bags 'em. They'd see use very soon...

"Anyways...one quick question before ya go...wherever it is you're going. Do you have anything that might help with mental and emotional trauma? Or can you get your hands on something like that? It's been an...especially rough day, to say the least. Not everyone's feelin' okay right now."

(Side note: this day isn't gonna be over just 'cuz Reiner's back at the AV. Oh no, it's still FAR from over...)

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

*Raised eyebrow*

"Well, can't say I thought you'd notice one of those details.  But then again, I guess that's not surprising, either.  Frankly, though, I kinda wish my day had been LESS interesting.  I won't bore you with the exact details."

All said rather strangely nonchalantly, obviously.  He hands over the cash for the berries, then bags 'em.  They'd see use very soon...

"Anyways...one quick question before ya go...wherever it is you're going.  Do you have anything that might help with mental and emotional trauma?  Or can you get your hands on something like that?  It's been an...especially rough day, to say the least.  Not everyone's feelin' okay right now."

(Side note: this day isn't gonna be over just 'cuz Reiner's back at the AV.  Oh no, it's still FAR from over...)

The Merchant just gives you an low chuckle and all too knowing look as you VASTLY understated your epically Byronic day and expressed interest in her Insightfulness, respectfully keeping her mouth shut as she pocketed the Poke, though you could still clearly feel their good humor carry throughout the transaction.

Your request for medication causes them to straighten up in surprise and regard you with an tilt of their head and an askew look as she answered, their accent now completely abscent.

"Yeah, of course I got plenty types of meds that can treat all sorts of illness, whether it be sickness in the body or in the head. If its shock or something  relatively minor, I have plenty of Dopamine and Adrenalin lying around in my inventory, but if its more severe cases I have selves of Antidepressent and antipsychotic like fluoxentine and olanzapine taking up space. Got Level and weaker mood stabilzers if emotional stability is the issue, and benzodiazepines and stronger stuff if a fast acting traquilzer is what's needed. More specific you can be with what type of illness they have and the symptoms they are showing, and the less picky you are about price, side-effects, and what have you, the more likely I can find something to treat it, even if I have to go out of my way to get it. That being said...."

They lean in closer to you, and you could now see their eyes regard you with what looks to be.....concern? Suspicion? Confusion? You can't tell.

"Why are you asking for them in the first, Reiner? Now, I know I'm not too nosy or have too many qualms when it comes to my customers purchases, but you wanting to buy these types of meds? Not in a million years, unless somebody close to you is really feeling under the weather bad. So what's the emergency that your asking me to play pharmacist for you, instead of using your Team Rocket connections to help you sort this out?"

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

The Merchant just gives you an low chuckle and all too knowing look as you VASTLY understated your epically Byronic day and expressed interest in her Insightfulness, respectfully keeping her mouth shut as she pocketed the Poke, though you could still clearly feel their good humor carry throughout the transaction.

Your request for medication causes them to straighten up in surprise and regard you with an tilt of their head and an askew look as she answered, their accent now completely abscent.

"Yeah, of course I got plenty types of meds that can treat all sorts of illness, whether it be sickness in the body or in the head. If its shock or something  relatively minor, I have plenty of Dopamine and Adrenalin lying around in my inventory, but if its more severe cases I have selves of Antidepressent and antipsychotic like fluoxentine and olanzapine taking up space. Got Level and weaker mood stabilzers if emotional stability is the issue, and benzodiazepines and stronger stuff if a fast acting traquilzer is what's needed. More specific you can be with what type of illness they have and the symptoms they are showing, and the less picky you are about price, side-effects, and what have you, the more likely I can find something to treat it, even if I have to go out of my way to get it. That being said...."

They lean in closer to you, and you could now see their eyes regard you with what looks to be.....concern? Suspicion? Confusion? You can't tell.

"Why are you asking for them in the first, Reiner? Now, I know I'm not too nosy or have too many qualms when it comes to my customers purchases, but you wanting to buy these types of meds? Not in a million years, unless somebody close to you is really feeling under the weather bad. So what's the emergency that your asking me to play pharmacist for you, instead of using your Team Rocket connections to help you sort this out?"

...Reiner leans in as well to quietly tell her.  Good thing the rain is muffling it so eavesdroppers won't be able to hear.

"...a certain pink pokemon is currently in a rather severe state of shock.  I can barely get any kind of response out of her, even when doing and saying things I know would normally have snapped her out of that kind of stupor.  You're about the only one I could possibly trust to help with that..."

[Lord Windos]

...Reiner leans in as well to quietly tell her.  Good thing the rain is muffling it so eavesdroppers won't be able to hear.

"...a certain pink pokemon is currently in a rather severe state of shock.  I can barely get any kind of response out of her, even when doing and saying things I know would normally have snapped her out of that kind of stupor.  You're about the only one I could possibly trust to help with that..."

The Merchant goes still as you explain Mew's current condition, arms hanging loosely by their side and their eyes so wide that it would have been comical in any other situation. Once you finished with the summery of your partner's condition they were silent for several minutes as their mind picked over the details like a flock of hungry Mandibuzz.....

......until she let out a remarkably snake like *Hiiiissss!* in pure undiluted rage and started spewing forth a tidal wave of downright caustic curses in a gutteral, ancient sounding language you've never heard before and don't comprehend whatsoever, but it still manages to send involuntary shivers down your spine as part of its meaning settle heavily on your mind.  

In the next moment, they round on you, their eyes ablaze with barely restrained fury and have taken on unearthly yellow color as they regarded you with utmost severity and hissed out her response in a distinct tone. 

"Explain. Now. In. Full. Detail."

Ruh Roh. Your not sure if she's angry at you or what's happened, but either way this is the most furious you've ever seen her. Better come up with an good explanation fast, or else! 

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Arial thougs for a few seconds and nod his head. "I understand. I will think better when to act and when to obey. I not...very used to protect someone. I more used to protect myself or my pokemon. Whatever Reiner gonna say, I will accept as full responsability." Then Arial smile a bit. "Thanks the advise and the tips Mr. Mime." Arial was ready to say that Kyubi is a luck woman to have a almost father figure was Mr. Mime, but Arial didnt say that. No need to press his luck more than he already have.

Arial did ask another thing to Mr. Mime. "Sir, could you bring some good berries for my pokemon? I did promise to Sekmet reward her for the awesome perfomance in the battle along with the other pokemon. If its not a problem of course." Arial see Riza blank face and about she not respond to his questions. "Oi? Uh Riza? Riz? Wake up bug-girl, I talking to you." Arial snapped his finger in her face to drawn back her attention. "Earth calling Riza. Houston, we have a problem. *Sigh* Alright, plan B." Then Arial take a piece of meat, and stuck in Riza mouth, making her both EAT something, and TAKE her out of this blank state. "You must be really hungry to have this kind of blank face. Eat something already for Mew sake, I mean it dear!" Say Arial suffed comic his cheeks. Even around with Riza, he feel comfortable and a honest goofball. Hey, everyone deserve to be happy right? Even someone as Riza.

The only thing you received this time in response was a solumn nod from the butler at that point in time, as nothing more needed to be said on the topic. Your request for delicious berries later on, however, was meet with a bow followed by him saying: "Yes sir, that can be arranged. If you excuse me....." before he left to carry out your food order. He may be tattling on you to Reiner in the iminite future, but that doesn't interfere in serving you and fulfilling your wants/needs. Well, until your boss orders otherwise, that is. Then you are up the river without a paddle!

Sticking the juicy chunk of slowly roasted and finely seasoned pot roast in front of Riza's 'mouth' she automatically opened it (and....interesting sight to be sure) and slowly started to devour it with unique meticulous care that can't really be adequetly described. Just take my word that it looked....weird. Regardless, the burst of flavor that rushed across their taste bud was enough to jolt her out her disbelieving stupor, causing the former? vampire to shake her head rapidly side to side as her body swayed from being taken off so off balance by your antics. Such zaniness, such unexpected gestures, his easy going rhythm and generosity towards her.....it was all so mystifying and strange. Yet att the same time, so.....nice. Welcoming. Accepting....

Eventually she fully recovered from her second cause of food borne shock, twisting around to face you with a clear and open fascination on what little you could see her face, like you were so amazing and spectacular she could take her eyes off you. Which, in her opinion you were, but this is a Insane bug lady we are talking about here.

{Food.....good. Yummy, warm. ....Not Hungry, Though. Went To Old Nest. Before Big BOOM. Collect Stuff, Took Blood Stored. Drank Some.  Filled Up, Not Thirsty Now. Have Enough For Awhile.... No Worry About It, Arial.......}

The Bug Metahuman looked down and away from you, as speaking of her blood thirst was very much a shameful thing for her, least of to you. She needed it to live, but that didn't stop her from feeling extremely guilty and horrible about it.

She shook her head once more, this time in a slow, jerky motion to regain her insect like calm as she held out her long, black talon tip hand towards you and started to wiggle her fingers......questionably? At least, that is what vibe you are getting from her.....

{Arial.....Have Other Question? Me Answer Them, If Want."

Spoiler

Spoiler

Arial thougs for a few seconds and nod his head. "I understand. I will think better when to act and when to obey. I not...very used to protect someone. I more used to protect myself or my pokemon. Whatever Reiner gonna say, I will accept as full responsability." Then Arial smile a bit. "Thanks the advise and the tips Mr. Mime." Arial was ready to say that Kyubi is a luck woman to have a almost father figure was Mr. Mime, but Arial didnt say that. No need to press his luck more than he already have.

Arial did ask another thing to Mr. Mime. "Sir, could you bring some good berries for my pokemon? I did promise to Sekmet reward her for the awesome perfomance in the battle along with the other pokemon. If its not a problem of course." Arial see Riza blank face and about she not respond to his questions. "Oi? Uh Riza? Riz? Wake up bug-girl, I talking to you." Arial snapped his finger in her face to drawn back her attention. "Earth calling Riza. Houston, we have a problem. *Sigh* Alright, plan B." Then Arial take a piece of meat, and stuck in Riza mouth, making her both EAT something, and TAKE her out of this blank state. "You must be really hungry to have this kind of blank face. Eat something already for Mew sake, I mean it dear!" Say Arial suffed comic his cheeks. Even around with Riza, he feel comfortable and a honest goofball. Hey, everyone deserve to be happy right? Even someone as Riza.

The only thing you received this time in response was a solumn nod from the butler at that point in time, as nothing more needed to be said on the topic. Your request for delicious berries later on, however, was meet with a bow followed by him saying: "Yes sir, that can be arranged. If you excuse me....." before he left to carry out your food order. He may be tattling on you to Reiner in the iminite future, but that doesn't interfere in serving you and fulfilling your wants/needs. Well, until your boss orders otherwise, that is. Then you are up the river without a paddle!

Sticking the juicy chunk of slowly roasted and finely seasoned pot roast in front of Riza's 'mouth' she automatically opened it (and....interesting sight to be sure) and slowly started to devour it with unique meticulous care that can't really be adequetly described. Just take my word that it looked....weird. Regardless, the burst of flavor that rushed across their taste bud was enough to jolt her out her disbelieving stupor, causing the former? vampire to shake her head rapidly side to side as her body swayed from being taken off so off balance by your antics. Such zaniness, such unexpected gestures, his easy going rhythm and generosity towards her.....it was all so mystifying and strange. Yet att the same time, so.....nice. Welcoming. Accepting....

Eventually she fully recovered from her second cause of food borne shock, twisting around to face you with a clear and open fascination on what little you could see her face, like you were so amazing and spectacular she could take her eyes off you. Which, in her opinion you were, but this is a Insane bug lady we are talking about here.

{Food.....good. Yummy, warm. ....Not Hungry, Though. Went To Old Nest. Before Big BOOM. Collect Stuff, Took Blood Stored. Drank Some.  Filled Up, Not Thirsty Now. Have Enough For Awhile.... No Worry About It, Arial.......}

The Bug Metahuman looked down and away from you, as speaking of her blood thirst was very much a shameful thing for her, least of to you. She needed it to live, but that didn't stop her from feeling extremely guilty and horrible about it.

She shook her head once more, this time in a slow, jerky motion to regain her insect like calm as she held out her long, black talon tip hand towards you and started to wiggle her fingers......questionably? At least, that is what vibe you are getting from her.....

{Arial.....Have Other Question? Me Answer Them, If Want."

"Whoosh. Thanks Mutios." Arial was relieved to her okay and awake from her stat. "It's indeed very good. I have forget how much hungry I am after the battle. My body might be heal but I still need to recover my stamina. Even more today since we are going to face a nuclear facility filled with Nucmons..."

When Mr. Mime bring the fruits Arial release his pokemos, along with his new Alomomola. "Friends, meet Alomomola, the newest member of our team. Carracosta is for now out for a vacation with training session with Nelly. To help her calm her behavior and all. She will return soon but I would to like if you guys could be with her and introduce yourselves." Then Arial talk with Alomomola. "Be welcome Alomomola. The name Arial. Nelly, your trainer, trade with me and now I your new friend. She is a friend of mine. Feel welcome in our team. Feel free to eat too if you feel hungry. Durandel please be nice with her."

Then Arial talk again with Riza. "I gladly you are stuffed and not thristy." Then Arial noticed the way Riza avoid to look him about drinking blood and anything. He feel simpátic with her and Arial put a hand in her shoulder to make her feel better. "Hey Riz. Don't feel that way. It's not your fault. You must drink because it's something you need to do to survive. If you feel like that, then it's a good signal to show you not lost your humanity. I should have do more to get rid of that blood thristy." Then Arial touched Tobias to think for a second. "So much power and I was not able do more for you. I sorry..."

Then Arial begin again with the question. "Anyway, I have a few questions indeed. I did notice you were watching my Pokemon battle with Nelly back there. And I may not be a psychic but I did notice you feel a little.... I don't know. Uncomfortable I guess? Is something bothering you Riz? You can tell anything. We are partners and friends remember? You can count with me."

"Also there is other thing we must discuss now Riz." Say Arial calling her by the nickname he have give to her. "As you can imagine, we are going to enter the join Reiner in the mission to the Nuclear Facility. That place is filled with Nuclear Pokemons. Nuclear Pokemons are pokemon who once touch nuclear energy and have become a more powerfull typing. The Nuclear Pokemon in general are pretty dangerous, and sometimes even when you caugh one, they will be likely to attack their trainer, unless you have a strong bond with them. Well, not ALL nuclear pokemon are dangerous, since Sekmet here its a sweet thing." Then Arial take a care in the head of Sekmet to make sure Arial trust her with his life. "She is a sweet thing and she would never attack me, humans or other pokemon, unless I give that order. Also, Nuclear-type can beat all the others types of pokemon: Fire, Water, Grass, Dragon, Bug, etc. The Nuclear-type its the most super effective against any type. But they receive Super Effective damage too against all types. They are glass cannons."

"The super effecvitness of the Nuclear-type its even worse against pokemon with Dual-typing. And get worse: They can corrupt other pokemon and turn them into Nuclear-type. Thanks godness Sekmet here didnt turn any pokemon in nuclear-type under my care. The only pokemons who can resist the Nuclear-type its the Steel-type like Metalynx here." Then Heart show Metalynx who was eating the berries. "And of course another Nuclear-type pokemon. Since I have both with me I am okay, but you will need some good protection Riz. Since you have more easily bond with bug pokemon, your mission before we go to the nuclear facility is to find a steel/bug pokemon for you for better protection. A few options I can think you should add in your team for temporaly protection." Then Arial show a few pictures with the pokemon he have in mind. "Forretress, Scizor, Wormadan with his trash Cloak, Escavalier and Durant. All of them are Bug/Steel Pokemon, and except Wormadan, all the others is pretty strong. And you dont need to be worry about me, since I wil stay here in the Hotel to recover my strengh before we head to our mission in the Nuclear Facility."

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

The Merchant goes still as you explain Mew's current condition, arms hanging loosely by their side and their eyes so wide that it would have been comical in any other situation. Once you finished with the summery of your partner's condition they were silent for several minutes as their mind picked over the details like a flock of hungry Mandibuzz.....

......until she let out a remarkably snake like *Hiiiissss!* in pure undiluted rage and started spewing forth a tidal wave of downright caustic curses in a gutteral, ancient sounding language you've never heard before and don't comprehend whatsoever, but it still manages to send involuntary shivers down your spine as part of its meaning settle heavily on your mind.  

In the next moment, they round on you, their eyes ablaze with barely restrained fury and have taken on unearthly yellow color as they regarded you with utmost severity and hissed out her response in a distinct tone. 

"Explain. Now. In. Full. Detail."

Ruh Roh. Your not sure if she's angry at you or what's happened, but either way this is the most furious you've ever seen her. Better come up with an good explanation fast, or else!

Good thing Reiner's got that dead calm effect still...

"...things got dicey earlier.  It was a do-or-die situation.  Had to take a risk, or we were all gonna be toast.  As in, the city was going to be destroyed.  Unfortunately, that risk ended...badly for us as individuals, even though it paid off for the greater good.  She lost control after using Me First since she copied a Lethal Outrage, and...did something rather...graphic.  She took a Lethal blow earlier in the fight too, which might be why she..."

...

"...it shouldn't have happened that way...but it did.  She's having difficulty trying to cope with it.  We weren't trying to kill anyone...shouldn't have been able to kill anyone...and yet it happened anyways..."

Silence.  The sound of Rain filling it.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"...things got dicey earlier.  It was a do-or-die situation.  Had to take a risk, or we were all gonna be toast.  As in, the city was going to be destroyed.  Unfortunately, that risk ended...badly for us as individuals, even though it paid off for the greater good.  She lost control after using Me First since she copied a Lethal Outrage, and...did something rather...graphic.  She took a Lethal blow earlier in the fight too, which might be why she..."

...

"...it shouldn't have happened that way...but it did.  She's having difficulty trying to cope with it.  We weren't trying to kill anyone...shouldn't have been able to kill anyone...and yet it happened anyways..."

The Merchant's eyes bore into you as you explain in minimal detail what happened to the currently vegatitive divine feline, the yellow glow and purity of FURY smoldering within them enough to penetrate even the dead calm you were experiencing the longer she stared at you.

Such glaring persisted even after you concluded the report, with the foreboding and gnawing sense of fear and panic  it instilled within you magnifying more and more as time went on. The seconds ticked away at a tortuous crawl that you thought meant this would never end well for you, until FINALLY the businessman tore their gaze from you and directed it skywards, covering it with one hand and angrly snarled out something in a language you could understand.

"Damn fucking God..."

They then started taking several deep breaths, huffing and puffing with barely restrained frustration and wrath as they tried to vent such negative feelings into the cold, rainy night , with you involuntarily letting out an instictual *Sigh* of relief the reprieve of their attention on you. Eventually the Merchant managed to calm down enough to the point their preserve no longer made you fear for your very slow, as they turned to address you once more, eyes still that unearthly yellow but the glow far less intense in them.

"Let me see her. Need to get an assessment of how badly she's shaken up, to see what I can do."

Voice clipped and their manner curt, but at least they were not speaking in the previous tone that made your skin crawl. Progress!

[Dragonstrike]

Reiner has a bad feeling about what those yellow eyes and that hissing seem to be implying...

Without a word, though, Reiner sends Mew out.

As she hovers there, mostly oblivious to her surroundings, Reiner just looks at her, hoping to see some kind of spark in those eyes of hers...

...he doesn't.

"...she barely responds to anything that happens.  At best.  Anything she does is either mindless or purely instinctive."

...

"...we did what had to be done, took the risk we had little choice but to take...but damn the price we paid for doing it..."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Reiner has a bad feeling about what those yellow eyes and that hissing seem to be implying...

Without a word, though, Reiner sends Mew out.

As she hovers there, mostly oblivious to her surroundings, Reiner just looks at her, hoping to see some kind of spark in those eyes of hers...

...he doesn't.

"...she barely responds to anything that happens.  At best.  Anything she does is either mindless or purely instinctive."

...

"...we did what had to be done, took the risk we had little choice but to take...but damn the price we paid for doing it..."

The only acknowledgement of your words was a grunt as the Merchant stepped closer and crouched down on the sidewalk to stare directly in Mew's dull, lifeless eyes, headless of getting their britches soaked by the rainwater. Their eyes glow started to incrementally increase the longer they gazed into your partner's, narrowing sharply and growing more vexed as stared into their depths, as if they didn't like what they saw. Finally, they heaved a great big extremely unhappy and troubled *Sssssigh* that again sounded very snake like as they got up off the ground and looked at you with a flat, flinty , before motioning to the mindless pink panther.

"Return her. I've learned all I can, and even if white noise is filling her consciousness right now, I don't want her getting soaked to the bone out her for no reason."

Once you presumably do so, they cut right to the chase, their tone of voice frustrated, unkind, and not the least bit light as they gave you a run down of your partner's condition.

"Reiner, let me express my opinion, blunt as I possibly can: you bloody fucked up monumentally.  Don't get me wrong, I understand why you thought you had take the gamble, what with the stakes being the entire city and all, and what happen to Mew was and will always be awful , but you still fucked up big time. What's done is done, and their isn't anything you can do to change it short of getting Celebi or Dialga in on the action- and all I can say to those prospects is good luck that with that! - , but I felt the need to get it off my chest and to express how utterly furious I am about this. You know, just in case it wasn't clear enough to you already, Reiner."

They crossed their arms at you, looking distinctly unimpressed and hardly sympathetic to your side of the plight, until they let out another hissing *Ssssigh* that sounded less wrath and more defeated as they continued.

"Putting that and my sore feelings aside, I can tell you right now that this isn't the first time I've seen Mew like this, but its easily the worst . Despite her feckless and unbothered attitude towards her interaction towards mortals and how underhanded and pragmatic she can be, she doesn't have a heart of stone toward the 'bad and nasty' stuff in life, even after all the eons she's been puttering around pulling tricks and being anti-social. If she see something downright horrific, or worse, had a hand in it and feels what she did was unjustified, she just ups and shuts down as a means to cope with it, or simply just avoid thinking about whatever happen. Typically this last for a few weeks until she can finally digest what happened and move on, but if the trauma is particularly bad like this it can be months or years until she's able to return to her normal bubbly self. All the medicine I listed can help shave time off the recovery period, but half a month or year is still a pretty damn long time. Simply put Reiner, she's going to be stuck like that for a long, long time, so if you two had any plans together they are now completely scrapped unless you can do them without her....."

"....However," The Merchant says, pausing right here and pinning your with an uncomfortably intense stare, getting your full attention if they hasn't already as she spoke, their next words offering a spark of hope.....

.....but not without price.

"I know a few ways to snap her out of this state. Let me stressssssss this, however: I don't like them, you won't like them, she won't like them, and they'll do as much harm as they will do 'good', if not worse.  She'll be pretty sore, hurt, and messed up regardless of what you end up doing to 'cure' her if we go down those routes, so their are no 'good' options, just choosing which poison you prefer inflicting on her."

"The choice is still yours to make, though. Your responsible for her being a vegetable to begin with, and she puts enough stock and faith in you that I feel you deserve the choice to unscrew up this situation, even if it just means screwing up in a different way to do it. That, you came to me in the first place to fix this, so I might as well do my part since I care about the pink fuzzball too."

...

"Well? What will it be, Reiner?"