[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

A/N: AAAA so much RP today, we just started the first gym battle in SE and now there's a whole lot of morality convo happening here 

Daxter chuckles. "A challenge is something difficult. I enjoy doing something more difficult than doing something easy, because pretty much anyone can do easy stuff, but only the really skilled ones can do more difficult stuff. It sets you apart from everyone else, and gives you a sense of accomplishment, if you get what I mean. I always feel a little thrill when I can do something that other people can't. Makes me feel unique, and respected. Well... I think that's what always happens. I say a lot of stuff like I have tons of experience, but I really don't know if I do. Besides the point though. I just like that feeling, is all it is. And I'll say it again. It was just training. It's not like they ambushed us in the middle of the night for no good reason. Staravia and his friends were helping us.

Dax is not sure how to respond to her callous response, but he decides to try anyway. "Uh... That's the sort of thing someone self centered and conceited would say Pyra. I hope you're not that type of person. Your reputation is how others see you Pyra. It's a very good thing to not care how others see you, but it can matter at times. If you have a bad reputation, people won't respect the things you say or do. And a little respect can go a long way anywhere. I get it. There were definitely a few chaps around here who were rude to us the past few days, but I can kind of see where they were coming from. They've been here a while, and earned respect. We're the newcomers here. Nobody knows anything about us, and that means that they'll make assumptions about us to fill those gaps in their knowledge. It's up to us to rectify that. It's natural for anyone to do that. Sure, being feared is one way to go about being respected, but it's a horrible relationship to have with others. You'll just make more and more enemies that way. In my opinion, you should be able to put your pride aside and get along with people who've wronged you. Only if they're willing to make things right, though. I'd be willing to make peace with almost anyone, as long as they prepared to make up for anything wrong they've done. Or if they feel actual remorse. I'd even befriend Team Artificers if they were willing to genuinely apologise for trying to push us around."

Sensing that Pyra's on the backfoot, Daxter pressed his advantage. "See? Feelings and thoughts are so bloomin' complicated! You haven't known any of us for that long, but you were willing to trust us for absolutely no reason. You were willing to trust me despite my outburst about protecting Klink, and through every time I've contradicted you. Even when you-" Daxter bends forward and whispers the next part. "wanted to eat that other Pokemon. I stood against you, and yet here you are, hugging me and congratulating me for clearing the practice dungeon. There are plenty of nice Pokemon out there, and I think that you could stand to show a little more kindness and compassion like you've been showing all of us. There's definitely potential for you to be the gentle, kind giant of the guild. Uh, sorry if that's insulting or something. You are like, almost twice as tall as me, and anyone would imagine you'd get bigger and pretty damn scary as you evolve. You just need to... Temper, those urges that make you treat 'outsiders' with such carelessness.

That's not to say you should treat enemies like that. We should absolutely beat the shit out of those guys. But there's always the chance that they'd feel sorry for what they did and try to make up for it. Mercy is just as strong as power, if you ask me. Think about it, Pyra."

Pyra raises an eye ridge at him at first as he describes the concept, but by the time he finished she gave him a short, firm nod back after mulling it over for a few seconds. "I see, understand clearly now. Then 'challenge' , if it be what you say, is something I say that I would normally disdain and refrain from, as I find unnecessary risk or difficulty undesirable for me-you-us. Many ways for such and such to cause us harm or havoc, yes yes. But....I can see what you find so appealing about it, I think-believe, wanting for more adversity to pit yourself against. Makes you feel good, yes, and better at what you accomplish and wish to excel in, so 'challenge' has boons and benefits in exchange for its inherent danger or risk. Hmm....mayhaps I should 'challenge' myself in the future, to improve and ready myself and our Team for our trails and journeys ahead...."

The brimstone imp shrugs in a devil-may-care way at his semi-accusation, as if to say 'Don't know, don't really care,' but the rest of his explanation grabs her attention, looking at the draco newt at surprise at first before a look of eureka dawned on her as she connected it (the explanation) to what Karen was trying to teach her in the Bug Training Maze. Being nice and generous with others, or rather faking it and/or putting effort to do/appear so if you genuinely can not (like herself the vast majority of the time), makes them more cooperative and pliable to work/deal with and makes it easier to do the same with others tightly connect or vaguely associated with them! That, and it minimizes the amount of enemies she or the group has to handle and creates opportunities everyone can exploit for maximum benefit! It was heady revelation that nearly made her zone out completely, before she shook her head and started to enthusiastically applaud Dax.

"Oh oh oh, NOW I get what you are saying, trying to convey to both me and Kogeki! Being compassion-kind to others, making them feel good and positive about us, creates many many benefits for everyone thus! Such an amazing concept, useful idea, that I bel-think I shall put more effort and practice into improving and making for we-me-us great reputation! Thank you for giving me-us this boon of Insight, Salamangreat Dax!"

Uh.....not quite the right idea, but given her personality I suppose that could be good enough?

Unfortunately for him, and most regrettably too, any ground that Daxter was making at 'tempering' her was arrested and throw back with his eagerness to double down on his attempt, as he quickly overwhelmed the poor lil' fiendess in her sensitive state half-way through and prompted a rather snappish backlash, swiping an arm across and bearing her teeth at him with a low, irritable, and flustered growl.

"No, nay, stop, enough."

Her natural Intimidation was fully active as she stared hard at the aquatic salamander, panting slightly from the anxiety he inadvertidly caused. Then, slowly, she settled down, retracting her arm to her side and letting out a long, tired *Sigh*  as she started eyeing him with a odd mix of unease and apology.

"Enough, enough.... Done I am thinking about this matter, this curiosity, for now. Not ready yet to search and ponder answers to it, no, need time to further develop my own ideas and opinions before I can make be another attempt. Need not.....forceful suggestions, persuasive intent, waylaying me to an end-conclusion I would not have reach on my own. So please, please, let us drop this topic for now. Apologies for my rude and untoward reaction too, for I meant not ill will to you for your impassioned words, Daxter."

One step forward, and two steps back. Not the greatest outcome, but at least he didn't manage to alienate her entirely, or worse yet wholly reject the ideas he presented. Sometimes, with some people, patience and a gentler approach is for the best when they are in a delicate state.

Soon after she'd get up and leave for Team Artificer's table, now partially to put some distance between herself and Daxter after his untoward intrusion. She'd forgive him soon enough, for she could never stay made or vexed with her true friends for long. For the time being, though, she's a bit at odds with him, which is something that also bothers her too since she doesn't like being so with her aforementioned true friends. Yet another troublesome murky brain twister she had to deal with, oh dear....

*Flashback End*

(Welp, Pyra was doing so well in learning how to act 'right' , but trying to rush the progress ended up causing some panicked and irritated pushback and stall it entirely for the time being. She tends to react rather poorly to unexpected surprises or unwanted intensity, and she's smart enough to tell that Daxter was trying to use her vulnerability to try and manipulate her for his own reasons [well meaning as they are] and was not impressed. Maybe later he or the others can make another crack at it, but for now.....no more. Feel free to end this Flashback Scene for yourself too, though, no one !)