[Game Thread] Lord Windos’ PokeRole Adventure 2: The Wild Lands

[Lord Windos]

@PhantomUnderYourDesk

(Apologies for the wait, but at long last here is the continuation of Bernard's and Zephy's heart to heart!)

OG Post

And so Bernhard, with the help of Zephy, makes it back to the living room, letting himself quite crudely and unrefinedly slump down on the sofa again. He sighs longly, covers his eyes and forehead with an arm once more, needing to catch up on breath for a bit. Because even with Puppeteering it was quite taxing to move around, and not going to speak about taking the stairs up and down to Saph's room!

*deep breath, gathering courage and trying to find the right words* "You see, I am honestly sorry for what I have tried to do to you, Zephy. ...No, do hear me out first. While I DO disapprove of you having flown around unattended(!) in this city, in hindsight it was partly my fault as well, because it...wasn't fair or sensitive of me to have tried to lock you in you PremierBall. Yes, even under the aspect that it has been a sudden reaction out of fear for you and meant as a safety measure to shield you from dear Morgana lashing out on you or to hinder you from attacking her again. All of that does not warrant my course of actions nor shall it excuse it in any way, no. I am very much aware that you absolutely despise being a prisoner in ANY way, even if it would be just for a short period of time and for a greater good of things, and I should have known better indeed..." They hesitate at first and just musters Zephy, but eventually reaches out to stroke through the white hair and neck ruff of the rodent artist that is their trusted partner with honest(!) affection(!!) and care(!!!), mixing in gentle headpats every now and then. For an indeterminable amount of time there's nothing but comfortable silence as Bernhard lets Zephy perch on their arm/shoulder, absentmindedly pets her fur + feathers and feeds her roasted almonds - which are her secret fave snackie, Bernhard will almost always carry a small amount of it around (but he'd never admit that those are especially for her, nope!) All while the oh-so-stoic Scimitar allows himself to display a soft and docile side to his longest and closest Pokemon-partner... Yes his bond with that whimsical and artsy Mythicmon came with the complete loss of Bern's former team of Pokemon built up during their early travels (most importantly, his partner Sirocc the Minun... May it rest(?) in much-deserved peace, until we may hopefully meet again...), but it also is thanks to Zephy that Bernhard is who and where he is now - a fact that they silently but greatly so treasures and won't forget. Ever.

Bernhard can only hope and guess whether Zephy holds him in similar high regards - but after what she has told before, he's positive that she indeed does, and that is a divine gift in and on itself. After all she's been his partner for what feels like ages. He's been her partner and wielder for these ages. It feels like she has been with him always and ever, she was there with him as he discovered his magical talents and kept climbing up the social ladder in Scimitar society. Likewise he was there as she slowly spread her wings again, getting used to freedom again after all this time of being sealed away; and when she presented a new artistic masterpiece after having poured countless amounts of time and energy into it.


After quite a long while during which nothing and everything has been said: "Please also do accept my sincere apologies. A gift to you." Bernhard shoves - and winces at the pain it triggers! - two pale-blue colored discs into Zephy's smol paws, suddenly visibly uncomfortable with his open display of feelings. "*cough* Here. For you. Found these in a TM Store yesterday night and bought them as sort of a...compensation for my unsolicited and indelicate behaviour to you... They will allow you to summon a raging hailstorm and cast a protective and magnificient auroa borealis on our side of the field... Truely a sight to behold, wouldn't you think? We can't test both just now, but I'm certain it will be a useful skill of yours on our journey ahead... *anticipated smile* I also ask for your aid on testing and practicing a new Spell with the help of these moves, if you permit... One that shall make those oppossing us falter and freeze in combat, and one that shall become just as useful during exploring of unknown territory. But that's a thing for another Day, perhaps and mayhaps."

"Well... Zephy, my trusted and treasured one..." He gently scratches her under her chin with one hand while putting the other on forehead, letting out a somewhat suffering sigh. - "Listen, I'd have to...lie to you if I were to say it was not quite the shock for me to realize that you have slipped my care. Double so as I unfortunately failed to retrieve you upon Morgana letting me go for the night. However, now to think back to it, for what has happened - you escaping the situation and avoiding Morgana all together - maybe, just maybe it has in the end been for the better; as we have gotten to spend some time to our personal liking that the other one of us would disapprove or only suffer through. You have gotten the chance to live out your freedom and express your artistic skills to your dear heart's content - ", and leaving him to pick up the shards and clean up any remains of her artistic chaos, but Bernhard abstains from saying that, " - while I have had the pleasure of teatime and a private talk with the very fine Fairy Queen in her precious gard- " *suddenly moves a hand to their lips, remembering Morgana's tender and no-hidden-strings(!)-nor-foul-fae-tricks(!!)-attached kiss~ gifted only to him~ and how he HAD THE GUTS to recriprocate(!!) and enjoy(!!!) it when he really should NOT play with fire like it is nothing, causing Bernhard to internally scream in agony and be very torn between wanting to forget it entirely and fondly remembering it - it also causes a - in Bern's terms - suprisingly VIVID blush to appear on their face, despite their best effort to fight it* "...In hindsight, yes, it much likely was for the best of BOTH of us that we ventured on a seperate path yesterday, uhm, evening... No, I would not want to force you being witness to...*coughs*...that upon you, no..." *looks to the side to avoid Zephy's gaze, still blushing, failing to hide a bashful but highly-flattered smile, and handgesture of waving it all off* "Let's not speak of it anymore, okay? OKAY, thank you. Some things are better left...unspoken, you see..." End of discussion, from Bernhard's side that is. Unless Zephy wants to rile up and embarass her destinied partner even more...? Heaven and Arceus forbid!

...However, now to think of it, what did Morgana say again? ...Giving her a Day and a Night and Bernhard shall receive...'it', right. Oh boi... How much of a smart idea it was to request 'it' in response to his fae fancy's generous offer Bernhard does not know, but he...cannot help to silently but eagerly anticipate receiving 'it', and he'll sure as heck make THE MOST of 'it' and savor 'it' greatly during the journey ahead. Least it'd be very rude towards a lady of Morgana's position at best and (in his books) borderline heretic towards the Scimitar society at worst not to. Bern simply hopes and prays that Zephy will take it at least somewhat well...

Also, 'ploys for many Magi'? *cue for an impercible but very suffering sigh* She left him guessing on what she means by that, naturally so. ...But, and Bernhard gotta give his most dear maiden of fairies and flowers ('You fool, stop calling her by any pet names, now will you!? You are not supposed to be fond of her!', he mentally scolded himself) that much, she was insightful enough to make sure he does not get caught in the crossfire or drama, and that is gratefully appreciated for he is busy enough already. Is that another subtle proof that Morgana does care for him like any...*winces*...beloved to one another, in her very own warped and far-from-the-ordinary - but at the same time genuine and real - way? Most likely it is, Bernhard's not quite certain what to make of that fact. It's weak moments like this where he loathes himself the most for unintentionally having gotten his hooks into her (yes Bernhard remembers that as clear as day).... But he does know that it irks him to be forcefully apart from the place he'd call 'home', least alone away from his comfy private quarters and treasured alchemistic lab.

What irks Bernhard even more is how he keeps putting up with her antics, continues to see her and everything. Being quite protective towards her. Ask him about it and he'll deny it all with all might though.

Dear heaven and hell, just thinking back of all the mixed signals and hints combined with her beguiling words, aromas and fae brews Morgana gave him this shared teatime causes Bernhard's head to spin, as used to it he may be by now. Waaay too many allusions that he didn't pick up right away and which now come back to bite(!) and embarrass(!!) him in their fullest. Like or mostly: "Let us enjoy the rest of our Tea Time, savor most the moment now we share, and - perhaps, maybe more - savor and enjoy a different kind of union most sweet, oh ho~" - her words, mind you! - that's enough to intensify his bashfulness greatly, as h...honored as he also feels.


...Enough of that, enough of letting her occupy his mind much more than he wants it to, sudden and forced change of topic, Q-U-I-C-K! Bernhard is way too tired and exhausted to deal with any of her tricks and shenangians now, he does not need the mental load of THAT now!

*musters Zephy again, trying hard to play it cool* "It was certainly nice and pleasant to see you having returned to my side in the end when it became morning of a new day. I have greatly appreciated it indeed... I did not manage to catch enough sleep over...worry for you, being all by yourself in the region's capital. But you have eventually returned to my side, I was eventually back at your side, as it should be. Nor fate nor the world could seperate us for long, my precious..." There's another long pause, as Bernhard just lets these words sink in and savor the reunion of kuudere Master Sky-Scimitar and whismsical artistic Mythicmon. "Your state wasn't...the most optimal and you have ruined one of my prefered sleepshirts with still wet paint and a fragrance of alcohol - Neither of that was of a too big matter however, as I managed to clean up both you as well as after you to a decent degree. I could clearly see you have...enjoyed yourself, which is pleasant to know."

He gives Zephy another fond headpat and ruffle - and a soft smile to boot, one that's only for her. One that is looking weirdly out of place on the otherwise deadpan expression of Bernhard, but one that is honest and genuine regardless. Blink once, blink twice, and it's gone without a trace.

Then, suddenly, Bernhard leans in clooose and gives Zephy a stern, half-lidded and quite piercing stare. "I...only and solely hope that you were behaving yourself  in your artistic craze? That you haven't gone overboard  in terms of intaking alcoholic drinks? I mean, behaving yourself as in it won't cause any, well, long-lasting issues for the both of us...? You do draw enough attention to yourself already simply by being you." *pauses, then much more quitely adds* " ...But I do appreciate that quirk of yours, as much hassle it at times may be to shield you from prying eyes. Always onward to the next stage, you and me are..."

You cute and normally mischievous mousey friend is briefly taken aback by your forcefulness, mouth closing as you cut them off. Her expression slowly evens out as you explain, crossing her arms and leveling you with an uncharacteristically serious glare.

"No, it doesn't. It's why I decided to have a night out on the town in the first place - I need the time and opportunity to unwind. So I wouldn't flip my lid and dunk you in lead-based paint you in front of all our new associates. You're lucky forbearance and 'live and let live' is much of a virtue for me as it is for you Bernard."

Despite their sternness your heartfelt carass does cause them to soften up a tad, melting into your touch with closed eyes and smiling ever so slightly. Your plying her favor with treats and scritches also does wonders in getting her to lighten back up. The melancholic mood you had, however brief, was noticed by the mused maestro, and she used her powers of puppeteering to capture your attention as she favored you a sad but determined smile.

"We'll get them back someday, Bern. I promised, and I am a woman of my word. Until then and after, I'll always have your back."

Somehow, she just knew what was on your mind, like always. Zephy was no Psychic, but she always had the uncanny ability to understand just about everyone around her in her own special way. Most chiefly of all you. It was not ALWAYS accurate, but more often than not she could hone in on unseen details and paint a picture of it clear to see. It complimented your own more narrow scope of vision and laser focus on what needed to be done plainly and obviously. She handled the broadstrokes and little details, and you handled the picture, big and small. Truly, there were seldom few duos better than you two.

Once, she was shy, meek, and painfully withdraw, out of touch with the world after so, so long. You, though, set her free, spread her wings, and taught her how to fly again. You helped reignite the passion she had in life, her love of the arts, and how to be herself again. For that and much, much more she would be forever grateful.

Such was it, such as it is, and such as it will be. Together, with you, her one true Partner in all the walks of life.

Zephy startles as you briefly wrench free of her control, and her expression turns cross again as she got ready to scold you for the overexertion. Until she felt the TMs in her paws, causing her to look down at them and back to you in plain surprise. Her eye grew wide as you spoke, a smile break out as she cradled the Ice blue discs to her chest.

"Oh Berni...you silly, serious, thoughtless, overthinking man."

She hovers closer to your face before giving it a nuzzle, sending tingles down your spine as the restrained energy and emotion that gesture held.

"You didn't need to ply me with mystics and new Icy colours to play with....though I most appreciate it. Mmmn....no, I'm just happy you care so much and think so greatly of me. *Giggles* Well, when you don't let your stuffiness, paranoia, and worries Growlithe you down, but you wouldn't be half as Charming without lil' flaws like that. I'm more than happy you test your spells anytime - well, maybe not while I'm - or we're -in the middle of an art project, but you get the point!"

While you two probably could've ended things here on a high note, successfully buoying each other spirits once more, you decision to circle back around to your feelings on her 'night out' banked those cozy feelings for the time. The artistic whimsy floated back and frown as you spoke at length about it and the undertext thereof. Said frown deepens as you wax lyrical about them, rolling her eyes and huffing but still saying nothing. Ugh . Why couldn't her Partner have better taste in women than a twisted, borderline monstrosity like them ?

While thinking of your most Special friend you could almost her her tinkling laughter and feel her gentle, nearly maddening featherlight touch on your chin, and the memory of the ____ you two share was still fresh and bold the moment it was made. Morgana was truly a challenge to handle, let alone hold any enduring relationship, and she never ceased to be unpredictable or was without hazard to deal with. Still. Still...it was worth it, you think. Worth all the trouble, all the ups and downs, all the whimsical desires, sudden dangers, and  ever playful moods, and all the mixed up feelings you still hold for hold. Worth it all....to be together.

Morgana was Morgana, and Morgana was Morgana. Somehow, that suited you just fine - and the very same could be said of her with you, you feel.

Best remain on your toes, though, or she'll sweep you up and carry you off, dancing through the night and Fae again.

...And perhaps you shouldn't dwell on her too much either, least you end up bewitching yourself without her direct involvement, no doubt to her great amusement and delight! Unless this that is all her plan to begin with? Or, dare you think, more? Oh dear....why did you ever entertain her fancies again...?

From your Bond you could sense the growing impatience and irritation Zephy had as you were daydreaming about Morgana so blatantly in front of HER, and your abrupt diversion to other topics didn't spare you a near withering glare and another huff as she shook her head and covered her eyes.

"Oh by the Primary Colours your hopeless, Bernard. Most people with good sense run for the hills once they escape a tigress stalking them, not pick it up by their paw and dance dance dance. Ugh. What are we going to do with you...?"

'We' meaning her and Acrowls, who was also very much in the 'What the Hell?!' camp about your relationship with the most flowery and fae of ladies. To say things turn awkward whenever she becomes a topic of interest between you two is an understatement.

Mercifully, your other whimsical Partner lets you off the hook with only that, though that may be in part due to her cringing and looking away as you laid out her own recent excesses, rubbing the back of her head and giggling bashfully.

"Ehehehe....in my defense I didn't expect the drink I had to clear my clock like a Fire Blast to the face...? *Hangs head* Urgh. I don't even remember what I did afterwards! What's the fun in getting drunk if you don't even remember half the funny things you did?! *Sighs* Hopefully I didnt make too much mischief for my own good - or at least the kind everyone could enjoy..."

Oh the irony.

She grumps as you headpat her, but she is soon giggling and smiling as you continue to coax out the best and brighten out of her. Your whispered but firm and foreboding warning does cause her to freeze for a moment, before once more she rubs her head and looks away.

"Yeah....I hope so too, 'Erni.'Last thing we need is another 'Fresco Frenzy' , eh he he... "

Your last words brings a bright, warm smile to Zephy face, her drawing close to give you a hug around the neck and chest.

"And I ever enjoy your own intricacies and ways, no matter how much of a fuddy duddy or overly aloof wizard you act around others. ....We'll make a performance that shines like the stars..."

And with that, I leave this scene in your hands, Phantom.