[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

All the preparation done, the large group of pokemon follow Roserade and Rhyperior deeper into the dungeon...

Woodland of Storms 1F

Much like Platina, Roserade dons a pair of X-Ray Specs, looking around carefully for items and wild pokemon as the trees close in, forming the typical walls, rooms, and passages of a Mystery Dungeon.

And both of them are the first to spot trouble brewing.  Roserade has to take off her X-Ray specs briefly and clean them with a scarf she's wearing, then put them back on to make sure she's not seeing things.

"Oh dear.  That's not good.  Not good at all."

Through the walls formed of trees, both Platina and Roserade can see a gigantic snake pokemon coiled in the center of a room.  Dark, shadowy clouds tinged with red energy swirl over its head, and a low, menacing hisssssssss can be heard echoing through the passageways.  There are no items nor other wild pokemon on this floor.  No sign of Gallade yet either.



Roserade takes an orb out of her bag and smashes it.  It doesn't appear to have much of an effect at first, but Roserade focuses for a moment, as if looking for something.  Platina's not sure what Roserade's looking for or why she used that orb initially, but it doesn't take long for Roserade to find whatever it is the X-Ray Specs weren't showing her.

"...I was afraid of that."  Rhyperior gives Roserade a questioning glance as the flower pokemon turns to address everyone.

"Well, what'd that Stairs Orb show you?  Where's our exit?"

"It's being blocked by a giant Sandaconda.  Unusual to see a rare pokemon like that here, if I'm being honest.  It's far too large though.  Maybe ten times your height, Rhyperior.  And it's surrounded by clouds of that dark energy we encountered earlier."

"...and we're going to need to fight our way past it while Gallade's dealing with who knows what.  Fun."

Roserade pauses for a moment, crossing her arms as she ponders what to do.

...and then she has an idea.

"Well technically, we don't all need to fight it..."
 
She looks at both team Omega Seekers and Team Night Wardens, then at all of the other assembled pokemon.

"I think it's going to take almost all of us to take down that giant snake in a timely manner.  It looks incredibly durable, and it's large enough that it could easily stop a large group of pokemon from getting past it.  Smaller groups might be able to sneak past while it's preoccupied though."

"Hold up, are you suggesting that we send these kids deeper into the dungeon to potentially face Landorus alone?  They've not even evolved, Roserade!"

"And yet, they managed to take down Tornadus and Thundurus because there are humans among their number.  I think they could manage to defeat Landorus as well with their combined strength, especially if they find Gallade and enlist his aid.  Or at the very least, hold the Legendary pokemon off until we can get there."

Rhyperior shakes his head, still skeptical.  "Listen, I know humans have pulled off some pretty crazy feats before as unevolved pokemon, but isn't this a bit much?"

Roserade turns to Teams OS and NW.  "Well, how about we hear their thoughts on this?  This next foe looks like it'll be incredibly powerful.  Maybe a bit too much for your current forms.  But if you wish to fight together with us instead of splitting up, I would not fault you for that.  I would feel better though if you continued on and looked for Gallade while the rest of us distract the snake.  We must find him as soon as possible.  And while I'm confidant that you could fight Landorus on somewhat equal terms if you encounter him, this giant Sandaconda might be a bit...rough to fight, if I'm being honest.  It will likely be a long, drawn out battle, and something of that size will probably be incredibly powerful as well as resilient."

"Alright, I'll bite, even though I'm worried about these kids' safety.  What do you all want to do, huh?  Fight the giant snake with all of us, or sneak on ahead and keep looking for Gallade on your own until we catch up?"

Kogeki think for a few seconds. That enemy is dangerous, and powerfull. And that Aura is very menacing...He thinks for a few more seconds and then said. "I vote for go after that creature. Be separated at this moment is not a good idea...I have a idea, but I need to discuss with some members of both Team Omega Seekers and Night Wardens in private. More specific Platina/ @Lord Windos, Kee/ @PhantomUnderYourDesk, Karen/ @Mikaruge108, Hoopa and Daxter/ @no one. One minute Roserade and Rhyperior."

If the members accept Kogeki request, he taken a place a bit more private to discuss without the eyes or ears of the others members. He sight and said. "I have a idea in a possible way to weak the creature. But it is dangerous. Platina, remember when I told there was somethig I wanted to talk with you? Well, it is related. The others members know, but I will explain to you Platina: Normally, Riolu and Lucarios have the ability to sense the aura, and somehow use at their favor upon evolution: But by my colors you can see I am not a regular Riolu."

"Instead of Fighting-Type, I a Ghost-type. And Delta Riolu also have the same Aura sensibility. But...with a difference. Instead of Detect Aura, I can Drain Auras. More or less like a Vampire. And before you ask: No. I never Drain the Aura of a Pokemon and kill him. I only used Aura Drain on Pokemon we beat to the point of unconscious. And the only side effect we could see so far, is they get take more time than normally to wake up."

Kogeki than look at distance the Giant Pokemon. "My plan is use my Aura Drain ability to absorb some of the energy of that Pokemon, who might weaker. However...he is a shadow Pokemon. And well, we defeat a Shadow Pokemon once, a Shadow Zoroark. We though they were freed of the darkness...but..." Kogeki show his hand, with some dark energy. Platina might reconize some of that dark essence from the battle against Tornadus. "I get infected. I learn a Shadow Move. And felt closer to become a Primal Pokemon. Or worse, a Shadow Pokemon."

"With this plan, I could might be able to weak him by draining some its energy and make the battle balance in our favor. However, there is a chance I could not be able to handle the energy from Sandaconda, and the Shadow Aura. The infection could get worse, and I there a chance in become either a Primal Pokemon, or worse: A Shadow Pokemon. However I still have my logic pretty hight, so I can survive the side effects, albeit with some psychological wounds."

Kogeki look at Daxter in the eyes and tell him. "Look, I know you hate me...and I not proud of my previous actions. I not asking you to forgive me, nor to we both become friends. But one thing you should never tell me: That I am a coward. I always go forward, risking my life for my team. I was rude back there? Yes. But never dare to think I never risk my life. And at the moment, you are the currently leader of Team Wardens. All emotions must be leave behind. What you feel and I feel must be left behind for the sake of the mission."

Kogeki than look at Platina, with determination in his eyes. "Chief, you are the currently leader of Team Omega Seekers. Everyone can speak their opinion, but you ask and Daxter have the final word. Do you guys want me to try absorb the Aura of Sandaconda and try to weak him?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(...)Roserade turns to Teams OS and NW.  "Well, how about we hear their thoughts on this?  This next foe looks like it'll be incredibly powerful.  Maybe a bit too much for your current forms.  But if you wish to fight together with us instead of splitting up, I would not fault you for that.  I would feel better though if you continued on and looked for Gallade while the rest of us distract the snake.  We must find him as soon as possible.  And while I'm confidant that you could fight Landorus on somewhat equal terms if you encounter him, this giant Sandaconda might be a bit...rough to fight, if I'm being honest.  It will likely be a long, drawn out battle, and something of that size will probably be incredibly powerful as well as resilient."

"Alright, I'll bite, even though I'm worried about these kids' safety.  What do you all want to do, huh?  Fight the giant snake with all of us, or sneak on ahead and keep looking for Gallade on your own until we catch up?"

There are like a billion² questions and throughts running through Kee's beegsmol head all at once - 'How da heck did dat snek became THAT big' and 'We REALLY have to get past that snek to get to Landorus?' are the basic outlines - almost making him feel physical dizzyness and severe brain fog. He shakes himself in an attempt to clear his mind (which only helps so much), glances in the direction of HugeSandaconda™, the back at Roserade and Rhyperior, then at everyone, then back at the Snek, then back R&R.

".....Are ya really sure it'd be, uhm, DAT MUCH 'f a good idea t'split up 1.in a dangerous MysteryDungeon where G'llade themselves(!!!) got lost and 2. with a heckin' HUGE Sandaconda blockin' our way?" Kee sounds genuine in these words, worry swings by in his voice. Immense worry sprinkled with massive anxiety. "Cuz ya know, I'd feel better if we stick together no matter what. Even if that means we ALL need to battle dat snakemon... But... .......BUT!! ( ÒωÓ)و☆ Workin't'gether and piling up on our various powers, we gonna make it an' succeed, am sure!! I'm, hehe... somewhat? sure?? I guess?? But if, if, eh... If we win 'gainst Sandaconda, winning 'gainst Landorus should work just fine, right? Cuz, experienced and managed harder challenges and all! σ(￣v￣〃) "

(...)Kogeki than look at Platina, with determination in his eyes. "Chief, you are the currently leader of Team Omega Seekers. Everyone can speak their opinion, but you ask and Daxter have the final word. Do you guys want me to try absorb the Aura of Sandaconda and try to weak him?"

When Kogeki mentions and speaks about 'psychological wounds', something within Kee winces. Strong enough that he (Kee) notices and wonders why, subtle enough for none else except possibly Karen due to empathy to pick up. He dwells for a moment before responding to the deltadoggo - and yay for another wave of worry and anxiety. "Uh, K'geki, are ya not trying to, ya know, bite off more than ya can chew? Like, seriously, look at Sandaconda, it's HECKING HUGE. There's at least shadowy energy twice as huge as them within them. And, well, given what happ'ned to ya last time ya absorbed shadowy 'nergy from a fainted foe - who knows what effect drainin' it from a live source the size of Sandaconda may do to ya. ...Worst that may, possibly, maybe, happen is that ya'll go feral and turn against US, and I really really would like to, uh, avoid having to hurt or fight a friend."

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

When Kogeki mentions and speaks about 'psychological wounds', something within Kee winces. Strong enough that he (Kee) notices and wonders why, subtle enough for none else except possibly Karen due to empathy to pick up. He dwells for a moment before responding to the deltadoggo - and yay for another wave of worry and anxiety. "Uh, K'geki, are ya not trying to, ya know, bite off more than ya can chew? Like, seriously, look at Sandaconda, it's HECKING HUGE. There's at least shadowy energy twice as huge as them within them. And, well, given what happ'ned to ya last time ya absorbed shadowy 'nergy from a fainted foe - who knows what effect drainin' it from a live source the size of Sandaconda may do to ya. ...Worst that may, possibly, maybe, happen is that ya'll go feral and turn against US, and I really really would like to, uh, avoid having to hurt or fight a friend."

Kogeki look at Kee, and then Sandaconda. "...Its because it is huge that we need to weak him first. The battle will be difficult. Thats why it is necessary for us to weak the enemy so it will a bit more balance fight to our favor. If we avoid him, most of us will be left behind Kee. And the battle itself either against Landorus or that giant Sandaconda would be difficult with ALL of us together. Imagine separated. In a more strategic approach it is better we all stick together against both enemies. Or are you willing to leave our companions behind?"

Kogeki do show a little smile though. "However...I do appreaciate you calling me a friend. I...grateful you consider me a friend, despite our differences." Then his smile disapear to return to his serious demeanor. "I have a plan B, in case I go beserk. IF I begin to go feral, I plan in take my kunai and take my own life by cutting my throat." Kogeki said those words in a pratical way, and someway cold. "I a ninja. If there is one thing a ninja is familiar is ending lifes. I no stranger in ending lifes if it is necessary. And thats include my own life. Hopefully we will not need such drastic action. But if we need...the fatal wound could be enough to kill me, or at least deeply affect my fighting power. Thats where you enter Hoopa/@Dragonstrike. You can teleport things to other places using those portals right? Think you could do that on me just in case I go feral and begin to turn against my friends?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Spoiler

When Kogeki mentions and speaks about 'psychological wounds', something within Kee winces. Strong enough that he (Kee) notices and wonders why, subtle enough for none else except possibly Karen due to empathy to pick up. He dwells for a moment before responding to the deltadoggo - and yay for another wave of worry and anxiety. "Uh, K'geki, are ya not trying to, ya know, bite off more than ya can chew? Like, seriously, look at Sandaconda, it's HECKING HUGE. There's at least shadowy energy twice as huge as them within them. And, well, given what happ'ned to ya last time ya absorbed shadowy 'nergy from a fainted foe - who knows what effect drainin' it from a live source the size of Sandaconda may do to ya. ...Worst that may, possibly, maybe, happen is that ya'll go feral and turn against US, and I really really would like to, uh, avoid having to hurt or fight a friend."

Kogeki look at Kee, and then Sandaconda. "...Its because it is huge that we need to weak him first. The battle will be difficult. Thats why it is necessary for us to weak the enemy so it will a bit more balance fight to our favor. If we avoid him, most of us will be left behind Kee. And the battle itself either against Landorus or that giant Sandaconda would be difficult with ALL of us together. Imagine separated. In a more strategic approach it is better we all stick together against both enemies. Or are you willing to leave our companions behind?"
Kogeki do show a little smile though. "However...I do appreaciate you calling me a friend. I...grateful you consider me a friend, despite our differences." Then his smile disapear to return to his serious demeanor. "I have a plan B, in case I go beserk. IF I begin to go feral, I plan in take my kunai and take my own life by cutting my throat." Kogeki said those words in a pratical way, and someway cold. "I a ninja. If there is one thing a ninja is familiar is ending lifes. I no stranger in ending lifes if it is necessary. And thats include my own life. Hopefully we will not need such drastic action. But if we need...the fatal wound could be enough to kill me, or at least deeply affect my fighting power. Thats where you enter Hoopa/@. You can teleport things to other places using those portals right? Think you could do that on me just in case I go feral and begin to turn against my friends?"

Ziggy Kee listens, holds still, holds his breath for a moment, keeps staring into the deltadoggo of a ninja's eyes with his own deeply-red ones... Then kinda LOOSES IT and throws a Sand Attack (yes the actual move) right into Kogeki's face, now seething with RAGE. "KOGEKI. DUDE. MAH BOI. Please do tell me, ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO YARSELF RIGHT THERE??! Are ya even THINKING THIS THROUGH, are ya comprehending tha COMPLETE SET OF CONSEQUENCES of yar planned action there??!" *twitches and winces, trying to hold himself together* "By all respect I hold for ya, by all good bl00d we are sharing, by all the ninja background ya have, I have da feeling that YOU DO NOT."

*in a less angered tone but with just as much emphasis, if not more* "Do listen to me. PLEASE. *stares* You WILL NOT go ahead and d-die a heroic farewell right there, YOU WILL NOT go ahead and ABANDON our quest and second chance here in an act that sounds a whole lot more costy and risky than it may be worth it. NOT AS LONG AS I AM AROUND. I will not let you do that. I CANNOT let you do that. Throwing it all away, down the trash and goodbye in a - I have to give you that - noble and well-meaning action, which down the line will not be as worthy as it has been in retrospect? Like, no. NOPE. Haven't we came here to da world of Pokemon with A QUEST? Yes we HAVE. And you are up to high-risking to opt out of it because of ONE ACTION right here??! When we have only LATELY started to actually settle, get used to it and progress on our quest? Ahahaha - NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Just and simple, nope."

Kee's literally shaking now, fur all bristled and all-action and everything. He's almost PLEADING to Kogeki now: "PLEASE. DO. NOT. DO. THAT. I will not let that happen. I CANNOT let that happen, not to YOU. I'm all in for a moar difficult fight than it already is 'gainst huge Sandaconda, if it means that you are safe and well. Because I... BECAUSE I CARE FOR YOU, ya know." ..."And if that means that I have to beat some SENSE into ya, then I will. But r'member - if ya talk shit, you will get hit."

[Mikaruge108]

Karen's reaction to Kogeki's noble(?) gesture is similar to Kee's.
"You might think you have to do this, but you don't. I won't stand idly by and watch a friend throw away his life!" You can almost see a glint in her eyes from behind her hair. "You might think you're being heroic and all, but this self-assigned suicide mission is a coward's way out." She sighs and, while she has been keeping her distance from the doggo ninja, she attempts to steel herself and
*rolls*
despite wanting to get closer, she just can't force herself to do so. "Kogeki, no bravado is needed, you don't have to prove yourself to anyone. We're in this together."

[no one]

Daxter scoffs at Kogeki's suggestion. "Stupid idea. Mate, I don't like you very much but I'm not gonna just sit by and watch while you do this very stupid thing. We're all gonna fight and we're all gonna win without any of us becoming a bloody martyr. Understand? I don't think we should leave the others to fight this thing, though. It'd be better if we stick together. I know the Gallade's dealing with... whatever's up there all by his lonesome but splitting up is just gonna weaken each group. Better if we bash the sandpile first..."

As he mentions the sandpile, Daxter trails off as something in his brain itches. Ten times the size of a Rhyperior with... energy? "Oi, listen up. It sounds like a Dynamax Pokemon. I... think I've seen them before. I'm not sure, it's probably something I came across in my human days. Anyway, if we beat it, it'll shrink back down to a more sensible size. I guarantee it. It'd just be plain irresponsible to leave something like that kicking up a fuss in a nice place like this."

[Lord Windos]

In response to Platina's words of 

(...)"Kee, I shouldn't have to tell you this, but please control yourself better in the future. I can't imagine how you managed to survive as long as you have with your flagerant lack of restraint, but one day it will lead you to ruin if you continue to let it go unchecked.(...)

the monochrome crittercoon at first huffs a little, looks a little bewildered, mildly confused on second glance, the eventually smiles a little at her. "...Ya're right, maybe ya shouldn't have t'tell me this. But r'gardless of that, it's noted and understood, and if it's giving yar pretty head headaches or keeps ya 'wake at night, I can AT LEAST TRY t'nat give ya a heart attack with my 'flagerant lack of restraint', as ya call it? If ya wish or if it makes ya uncomfortable?" *sympathic and dear smile, but there's little to no remorse in it. And Kee does not fake an either, he's honest here* 

He leans a little closer, and in a more quiet voice so that solely Platina hears opens up to her: "Ya know, I feel like that's mah inner Pokemon an' respective senses running wild. It's like, I see a strong opponent or foe and WHOOSH I go for tha challenge an' fun!~ It's kinda just...like I HAVE TO act? HAVE TO battle? HAVE TO test my strengths an' challenge mah boundaries? I dunno, I haven't been a Pokemon for that long yet. *confident huffing*...But I like it. I don't quite yet r'member what sort of human I've been, have I been a lot more quiet? Bitter? Da life of the party called life? Or that guy who does rather stay for himself an' avoids company? ...Do I act in a stark contrast as a Pokemon than I would have as a human? Where does my human mind and Pokemon mind blend? Why am I here, is there MORE to it than the Quest given by Arceus, MORE REASON to why I have been giv'n a second chance as a Pokemon? Are there any missed chances or pendin' issues that I may resolve now? ...Was I happy as a human? (...) (.....) (.......)"

"...All of that I do not know. But neither do I regret bein' given dat Quest an' second chance. If it comes with bringing mahself into danger or gettin' hurt by acting like a Pokemon or lacking restraint at times, so be it then, 's long as you all are safe and well."

(Thanks for the reminder, dear!)

*Flashback!: The Return!*

The ironclad avian looks a bit relieved and comforted at Kee's easy agreement, though his smile doesn't inspire much confidence in her. It appears he'll likely get into more trouble whether he intends to or not, oh bother....

His aburpt intrusion into her personal space almost earned him a squawk and a swift thwack on the head, but his fast talking managed to save him. The punk star's words actually give some pause to Platina, her expression going contemplative and a bit of surprise. In the end, though, she gave him a.....look as understanding, as she tilted her head and tried to gauge who he really was.

"....I understand. A little bit, at least. Instincts are hard to fight against, particularly when they are strong and dominant. The competitive drive almost all Pokemon share doesn't help with self-control either. Nor your.....circumstances, to say the least. Finding yourself with all this working against you must be....hard. Still. I want you to act more wisely yourself, Kee. You don't have to abandon all sense of adventure to act safely, but would say doing a bit more to curb your boldness and use your head for things other than slamming into enemies is not a big ask. And yes, sometimes you do have to put yourself in danger, for others or for the cause of the mission. I will not deny that. But....I want you to do everything to minimize such possibilities. Be yourself, but be Smarter about it Please."

*Flashback End!*

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Original post

In response to Platina's words of 

(...)"Kee, I shouldn't have to tell you this, but please control yourself better in the future. I can't imagine how you managed to survive as long as you have with your flagerant lack of restraint, but one day it will lead you to ruin if you continue to let it go unchecked.(...)

the monochrome crittercoon at first huffs a little, looks a little bewildered, mildly confused on second glance, the eventually smiles a little at her. "...Ya're right, maybe ya shouldn't have t'tell me this. But r'gardless of that, it's noted and understood, and if it's giving yar pretty head headaches or keeps ya 'wake at night, I can AT LEAST TRY t'nat give ya a heart attack with my 'flagerant lack of restraint', as ya call it? If ya wish or if it makes ya uncomfortable?" *sympathic and dear smile, but there's little to no remorse in it. And Kee does not fake an either, he's honest here* 

He leans a little closer, and in a more quiet voice so that solely Platina hears opens up to her: "Ya know, I feel like that's mah inner Pokemon an' respective senses running wild. It's like, I see a strong opponent or foe and WHOOSH I go for tha challenge an' fun!~ It's kinda just...like I HAVE TO act? HAVE TO battle? HAVE TO test my strengths an' challenge mah boundaries? I dunno, I haven't been a Pokemon for that long yet. *confident huffing*...But I like it. I don't quite yet r'member what sort of human I've been, have I been a lot more quiet? Bitter? Da life of the party called life? Or that guy who does rather stay for himself an' avoids company? ...Do I act in a stark contrast as a Pokemon than I would have as a human? Where does my human mind and Pokemon mind blend? Why am I here, is there MORE to it than the Quest given by Arceus, MORE REASON to why I have been giv'n a second chance as a Pokemon? Are there any missed chances or pendin' issues that I may resolve now? ...Was I happy as a human? (...) (.....) (.......)"

"...All of that I do not know. But neither do I regret bein' given dat Quest an' second chance. If it comes with bringing mahself into danger or gettin' hurt by acting like a Pokemon or lacking restraint at times, so be it then, 's long as you all are safe and well."

(Thanks for the reminder, dear!)

*Flashback!: The Return!*

The ironclad avian looks a bit relieved and comforted at Kee's easy agreement, though his smile doesn't inspire much confidence in her. It appears he'll likely get into more trouble whether he intends to or not, oh bother....

His aburpt intrusion into her personal space almost earned him a squawk and a swift thwack on the head, but his fast talking managed to save him. The punk star's words actually give some pause to Platina, her expression going contemplative and a bit of surprise. In the end, though, she gave him a.....look as understanding, as she tilted her head and tried to gauge who he really was.

"....I understand. A little bit, at least. Instincts are hard to fight against, particularly when they are strong and dominant. The competitive drive almost all Pokemon share doesn't help with self-control either. Nor your.....circumstances, to say the least. Finding yourself with all this working against you must be....hard. Still. I want you to act more wisely yourself, Kee. You don't have to abandon all sense of adventure to act safely, but would say doing a bit more to curb your boldness and use your head for things other than slamming into enemies is not a big ask. And yes, sometimes you do have to put yourself in danger, for others or for the cause of the mission. I will not deny that. But....I want you to do everything to minimize such possibilities. Be yourself, but be Smarter about it Please."

*Flashback End!*

*Flashback!: The Return 2.0!*

Ziggy Kee smiles softly in response, glad that she (Platina) understands and that he didn't burn any bridges with her here. "Dat's understandable. I am working on it an' keep workin' on it, as one of da last things I wanna is cause worries to dear people like you. Can't properly protect y'all if me an' my thick skull is floored after all, and I'm gonna need my head on more adventures!~"

*Flashback End!*

[Spiritmon]

Stupid idea. Mate, I don't like you very much but I'm not gonna just sit by and watch while you do this very stupid thing. We're all gonna fight and we're all gonna win without any of us becoming a bloody martyr. Understand?

You might think you have to do this, but you don't. I won't stand idly by and watch a friend throw away his life! You might think you're being heroic and all, but this self-assigned suicide mission is a coward's way out. Kogeki, no bravado is needed, you don't have to prove yourself to anyone. We're in this together.

PLEASE. DO. NOT. DO. THAT. I will not let that happen. I CANNOT let that happen, not to YOU. I'm all in for a moar difficult fight than it already is 'gainst huge Sandaconda, if it means that you are safe and well. Because I...BECAUSE I CARE FOR YOU, ya know.

Kogeki listen to words of his friends. Each one showing their concerns...He was confuse for a instance. He is a ninja. A soldier. A soldier must be always be ready to throw away his life for his cause. One life in comparisson with so many others it is a small price to pay.

And yet...his friends refuse to him go forward with his decision. He would get annoyed with such bold decisions, thinking they would not just understand...but...his friends words ring with him:

We gonna win without any of us become a martyr.

I wont stand and watch a friend throw away his life!

No bravado is needed. You dont need to prove yourself to anyone. We in this together.

I will not let that happen to you if that means you are safe and well.

I care for you.

All these words...these...emotions. For some reason it affect affect very deeply...His body tremble, and almost could hear a little boy in the back of his mind, saying:

"Father! I will not let that happen to you! I care for you. We in this together!"

He doesnt know where these words came from, but...these words, and his friends words was enough to move him. And without him wanting...Those words was enough to make him feel foolish in even think in throw away his life.

Little by little his eyes begin to feel more watery...And then his friends see something the stoic, serious and focus Riolu do something he never did before.

He cried.

He didnt sob or anything. But his eyes begin to drop more and more tears, some of them droping his feet and in his scarf. For some reason, he could feel more embraced in the scarf. He then was quickly, and grab his team to give a hug to them...he refrain himself to not hug Daxter, to keep boundaries.

"...I am a ninja, and a soldier. And a ninja must be always be willing to sacrifice his life for his cause...But...I also forgotten I not just a ninja. I a person. And with people who care for me and my well being." He then release the hug, and see in the eyes of Daxter. "And even those who cut ties once, also said he would not let me throw away my life...I am indeed a great fool. A warrior, but a fool warrior I am." Kogeki then clean his own eyes from his tears.

"You all right. I cannot throw away my life. Not like this. Even if I not remember my previous life, I know there is people waiting for me. Throw away my life like this is not only a disgrace to me as a ninja...but would be a disgrace for the friendship and care my friends and team have for me. And thats something I cannot forgive myself."

"We gonna defeat that Sandaconda. We will survive this. AND WE will go back home to safety with the spoils of our victory."

"Thats something that I, Kogeki "Anubis" Kurayami promised. And thats something not even the gods can change. I will fight against the whole world if necessary. And spill in the face of the gods if they even dare to hurt my team and friends."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Seeing the oh-so-stoic deltadoggo of a ninja react like THAT kinda, uhm...reassured Kee. It gives him to understand that his words reached Kogeki, that it's not a lost cause, that all is fine. Or seems to be. Or hopefully is, for now.

He smiles softly, quietly accept the hug, and gives Kogeki an gentle headbutt of affection in return. "There, there. NOW ya sound a lot more like you. You're good. We're good! Glad to hear that ya show some 'nderstanding, all's well, all's well now, right?~ *nods* Right!~~" In a more quet voice: "If I can also give ya some advice, do scrap that 'a ninja should' and 'a ninja must', ya're so much more than just a ninja. It's a huge part of yar personality and identity, but it's not all! You're your very own person indeed, a unique person, one in a million so to say. Do your own thing, follow YOUR rules."