2024-04-30: Climbing The Walls
- Log: Climbing The Walls
- Cast: Nina Chiyome, Anne Aomori
- Where: Armlock City, Energy Nede
- Date: April 30, 2024 (506 PC)
- Summary: Anne finally tracks down Nina after their trip on the train. They talk, including about Sable.
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
Nina's out and about. Her hands are almost literally red, but she was wearing gloves for once! (Well not for once, but she's becoming more cautious with or without the voice of Sable reigning in her bad habits.)
She didn't really make a flashy piece. Just someting of a bit of defiance.
She's out in Armlock looking for gear though. Her wood and rope equipment isn't going to cut it, literally.
She's starting to trust that her pokemon are there to help against non-pokemon fights. A thing she also wants to work on, but.. that's a slower process. She's too deadset on protecting them.
Right now, she's peeking into shops. Looking to see if anything catches her eye. Not that she's planning on stealing it of course! But if you're out and about already, might as well browse.
All that said, she has her kit on her.
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
Anne Aomori is also out and about; she isn't tagging anything, but she does have reasons to be in the city... despite the fact that she has someone to see here, now.
The only real difference between Late Night Anne and regular Anne is that Late Night Anne wears soft-soled shoes instead of the heels she likes otherwise.
So the next corner Nina turns around--there is Anne, standing near one of those very same shops Nina's been looking into.
"Hi there," Anne says. "Having fun?"
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
Nina doesn't jump. That's a habit she got herself out of a long time ago. Makes you look suspcious you see! Not that she was doing particularly well on that front back on the train. "I was looking to see what late night pokemon I could find. And you know, looking for new tools." She pats her pack where the kusarigama's rope hangs just visible.
She does raise an eyebrow though. "Didn't think you'd be out looking.. around here." she gestures around, that part hinting at genuine surprise in her voice.
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
Nina straightens up after and dusts her hands. Quietly using the gesture to nudge the gloves deeper into her pack like she's just adjusting the rope. "What's up? Been a bit since... well." she waves a hand again.
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
It does make you look suspicious! Anne notes with some internal pride the fact that Nina does't jump. "Oh, so?" Anne asks, and glances to the rope, then back to Nina. "I was looking for you," Anne explains.
"And I'd ask you the very same thing! Things are good for me, of course. I'm in town visiting Edgar." That is, Sable's father. "And I just found you."
"But it is easier to get things from stores during the daytime, when they're open, as it happens."
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
There's a scowl, brief, but noticeable. "Why were you looking for me?" Nina asks, that makes her sound a little guilty. It's hard to hide when you think you've already been busted though.
She does recover quickly though and says, "Going pretty well, all things considered." not that her tone completely matches. "Made some mistakes. Poppy's evolved. Tell him I said hi." All in one go. She does sound happier about the latter too at least.
She points, "It is, but I can see if anything catches my way on the way back to bed and visit when I wake up." And get better pictures after!
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
"I wanted to talk. Especially after that business on the train."
She notices the guilt, of course. It's terribly amusing. Bu Nina mentions mistakes. "Congratulations," she says of Poppy. "A Typhlosion is a very reliable ally, as we both know. I'm happy for her, and you." A beat, "I will."
"True enough. And you're going to need a real weapon if you keep making trips over to Filgaia," she says. "You had to choose one of the most difficult to master, too."
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
Nina does tilt her head and adds, "Did you know she wasn't the usual kind of typhlosion when you gave her to me?" That's an honest question. She hadn't suspected it until very recently.
She does cross her arms and says easily enough, "I was just exploring when the train stuff happened." Which.. actually was true. She's not sure why she went so hard into not getting caught. (It's the incriminating evidence she carries on her.)
She holds a hand up at the last comment though, "It's not that hard is it?" She actually.. is skilled with it. The complexity probably does help her stay focused as odd as it is. "And I agree. That's kinda why I was out here looking." She adds in something of an undertone, "And I was hoping to find a few other things too. Pinches of this and that." Which. She shouldn't be talking about. Oops
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
"Yes," Anne answers simply. "I was interested to see whether under your training she'd evolve into the Hisuan style after all. It's not guaranteed, even for a Cyndaquil of the right lineage."
"Hmmm, yes? Well, so was I. But I was exploring a different way." A pause. "Remember, hiding in plain sight is a good option, too. It's less suspicious and harder to do a lot of the time, but gets you closer to your targets than raw stealth can."
But, "Not for a skilled wielder like you. But when I was little, I found it frustrating." A beat, "Yes, you need more explosive supplies, don't you?"
"You do realize I know what you and Sable studied together, yes?"
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
She tilts her head, actually confused. "Is it not hereditary?" Looking down at her hip where the pokeballs usually sit. Nina rubs the back of her head and laughs, "Guess if I'd had a chance to get a pokedex I could have looked that up." Or used her phone.
She does hold a hand up at that though, "I do that when casexploring a place. You don't have to draw attention to yourself, but you uh. Know me and it'd be kinda hard to hide ninja tricks on a narrow tube with you right behind me." She does add, "It's a good reminder though." Something of a thanks.
She does hold a finger up to her lips at the mention of explosive supplies, "People get jumpy when you're on the nose like that!" And probably for good reason with her involvement.
The last statement gets a simple, "Ninjitsu?" That's the obvious answer and a good cover after all
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
"Partially," Anne answers. "But it primarily has to do with the energies the Pokemon absorbs over the course of its life. With the style your family uses, I thought it was possible that that energy might happen even without the environmntal factors."
"And it would appear that I was right."
A smile, then. "True," she says. "I had to hold back a bit for my part...
Thanks will do. And then she laughs about being on the nose. "True. But no, not just that. Alchemy, compounding. ...Art."
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
Nina Chiyome looks genuinely confused at that. Tilting her head as she asks, "Is it the embracing of some tradition, or more the.. other thing? Because I know I err towards the more uh-" she waves her hand, "Brash? Side of it." And the Typhlosion is, well. Laid back and chill. "I know I didn't always stay awake in class, but I did study-"
She sounds almost upset that she didn't know this.
She does nod though, "You were. She's got purple flames. And is a bit bite-y, but I think I know why."
She scratches the back of her head though, "Yes though. That was the other thing I needed. I've burned a few of my fun party tricks dealing with.. a jerk, an armored jerk and a traitorous jerk."
She doesn't go into details!
She does cross her arms eventually though. "Alchemy's one I should get more into. Helps with.." well. Less reasonable parts of her family history. That would be useful though.
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
"Tradition, and the spiritual awareness of our practices," Anne explains. "You do trend brash, but that's not a bad thing. It's a useful quality in a Trainer." She did study... Heh. "You did. Don't worry; this was esoteric stuff even for us."
"She should have the Ghost type as well as the Fire type, now. Hence the purple flames. Why do you think she's bite-y?"
Then, "Jerks, hm? Well, that's as good a reason as any to burn through tricks."
She pauses then, to add, "Sable can help you with that. She's the most adept with it we've had in generations."
"Either way, you don't have to hide from me. You're old enough to be making your own decisions, now. If you're old enough for the Journey."
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
Nina's actually paying attention as it stands. She's got her arms crossed and looks a lot more serious than usual. Though being called brash by another is a sore spot of sorts. She does look a little relieved at being reassured she wasn't sleeping during interesting parts of class at least!
"She does. I knew the attack even if it's from memory rather than anything.. else." She waves her hand again. Though she does seem pleased that embracing her heritage, for what it's worth!
"Yep. One got a nice new paintjob to boot." She pauses and adds, "Apparently I'm not the only one that did that to her." She found this funny in a 'this person is terrifying' sort of way. "Definitely a jerk or two in there."
She does.. nod though. "I knew she was good, but I hate being a burden asking for help from her." Which is, she knows she's a bit too out there and it worries her.
She does nod at the whole, don't hide from her thing though. "Well. It's out of the bag either way. I told my parents too so.. uh. Yeah."
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
"Good," Anne says. "Pokemon understand a lot of things that might seem strange to us. They learn in ways that people don't."
"Good to know," Anne says of the jerks. But...
"I understand," Anne says, "But you know her; reciting facts and showing techniques isn't a burden on her. It's other things that she has trouble with."
"Did you think I wouldn't approve?" Anne says. "I have pictures of all of your tags that I've been able to find. Not that I keep them anywhere people are likely to stumble over them, of course."
"I'm proud of how you and your sisters are getting on. But concerned, too. Filgaia and Lunar..."
"They won't hesitate to harm you."
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
Nina glances down at her hip again and adds, "And I think she's bite-y because I'm being too protective." Which means she is paying more attention than she usually lets on. In a way.
"It is! You should be careful. Bunch of people up to shady things." And not her brand of shady.
There's a bit of hesitation there when Sable's brought up. "I think she's fine-" not wanting to even gossip a little behind her back in a way. "I still feel bad relying too much on her. I shouldn't have to. Makes me a bad friend."
There is a wry look as she says, "I think most adults think kids shouldn't be trying to start fights with armored jerks."
Then she goes white when she gets called out. "You aren't supposed to know about THAT." she looks about ready to bolt.
"I know they won't. It's why I'm taking some.. things over there to be forged, but I need a backup until then." Said things being fossils that will probably get traded because other people are more concerned than she was in that regard! And space metal. Lots of that.
"I'm being careful, but I'm not letting some jerks from the past, some jackasses from another world or some goons in uniforms from here and now ruin anything either."
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
"That would do it. If you don't let a Pokemon act according to her nature, she'll get frustrated." Anne would know! She knows a lot about Pokemon behavior. And careful for her, too?
"I'll keep an ear out. I've heard some of what's going on, anyway."
Then a shake of her head. "Friends rely on each other. You've always been a good friend to her. I expect you to continue to be."
Then a laugh. "True," Anne says. "But you're not most kids, are you? I'm worried about you, to be sure. But we have skills like this to use them. ...If you ever feel in over your head, though, you can always come to me."
Then a laugh. "I wouldn't be much of a mentor if I ididn't, would I?" she asks. "They're very good. You have a lot of talent. More importantly, you have skill."
Things to be forged, and a backup... Hmmm. "Well, Armlock is the place to be for that. I'm sure you'll find something good."
Jerks from the past; the Ten Wise Men. Jackasses from another world; Solaris. Goons in uniform... Heh.
"Do what you feel is right," Anne advises. "It's good to understand your enemy--but understanding yourself is more important."
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
The trainer ninja in training rocks on her feet and adds, "All of them are frustrated I think. I don't like putting them at risk against our problems." She also stands in front of Sable if not stopped and.. just about anyone else really.
She does nod at that, "There's a lot going on. Definitely." She doesn't sound happy about that. "Some of them insist they have the same motivations I do for.. a lot of what I do, but then they set everyone else back." She makes a dismissive gesture. She clearly thinks either her leg's being pulled or..
"I will be, but being a nuisance isn't.. I don't want to feel like a weight to anyone. I'd rather be out front helping."
She does brighten briefly though. Any reinforcement is good. She also clearly doesn't know she might be trash talking Anne's boss and/or goons!
She does nod once more, "I guess. I still don't.. think I have quite the same touch you did when teaching. That was more Nanoha's thing." She gestures back over her shoulder- then pauses. Pulls her phone out and holds it up, "Lemme get a picture. I'll send it to them and let them know you said hi."
"I hope so." She states, with regards of finding good gear.
"I plan on it. Always have. If I didn't I'd probably try to climb the walls in frustration."
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
"You should let them help," Anne advises. "They have as much right to defend you as you do them. Work with them."
Then, a lot going on... hmmm. "Set everyone else back, hm?" Anne inquires. "Maybe some do," Anne says of motivations. "Maybe they don't. Your motivations are more important than theirs, to you. Remember your own."
Out front helping... Hmm. "You're not a nuisance. You are young. You don't have to do it all on your own--remember, an operation has muliple operatives for a reason. Together, we can accomplish more than we could on our own."
"There are many ways to help."
But Anne doesn' really mind trash talking; if the goons Nina faced weren't good enough to make a better impression, then that's on them. For now, at least.
"Sure," Anne answers of a picture. "And after that, I'll let you go."
"...Climbing the walls can be fun just to see if you can, too."
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
Nina does admittedly nod and admits, "I've been trying to get into the right mindset. I just worry about then and others like Sable and-" she shrugs. "It's hard.
She crosses her arms and says, "I mean turning a lab into a fiery mess isn't exactly helping forward anything at least." She taps her foot and adds, "Did manage to almost bounce a pokeball off the back of one of their heads though." She took some pride in that. It was funny.
Still, she looks back to Anne. "I don't want to do it all on my own either, but I don't-" she pauses. Running in circles again. "What did she need help with?" She has theories, but hearing it sometimes.. from someone else at least gives a more clear picture. She means Sable.
"The bad kind of climbing the walls. Like some pokemon do when you put them in terrariums for vet checkups sort of things." She holds her hands up and mimes it. She thinks it's cute in a sad way.
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
"Right," Anne answers. "...It's natural to worry. The only thing for it is the discipline to act without being overwhelmed by it. I know you have the training for tht."
A fiery mess of a lab. That's always interesting. "Heh. Just be careful. You might find that not all of them are as easy to deal with s that."
"Mostly I want you to give her emotional support. She might be in for a rough time, with what she's taking on. I'm more than concerned at the fact that she's decided to put the Gyms on hold to handle this other business. So if you can look after her, go ahead. Just remember--you have to look after yourself, too. Don't make her worry about you."
It is pretty funny, that miming. "Heh."
"...Still, I'll let you to your wanderings. I just wanted to catch up."
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
Nina once again nods and adds, "I worry about her a lot really." Which is at least true. She doesn't really show it, but that's Nina. She'd rather just seem straight forward!
As for the lab though, she does say in a wry tone, "It's why I tried to go for a shot to the back of the head."
Nina doesn't fight fair. She is a ninja! She does miss the obvious part of the warning. Something she'll kick herself for later.
That she might need emotional support, "I mean.. I always have an eye out for her." She rocks on her feet, hadn to the back of her head looking oddly less confident. "I don't think it's going to go that badly though. There's a lot of aliens running around helping too." She'll eventually learn their real name. Or at least maybe using it.
She does smile though, at least she got a laugh out of the audience tonight!
"I uh, it's been too long. I meant to stop by when we were down in Cinnabar, but you were gone when I was still there and... yeah." As an aside, she adds, "And thanks for not making it a lecture. Gotten a few of those lately." Which, to be fair. She's taken the few she got to heart. Even if some weren't actually lectures.
<Pose Tracker> Anne Aomori has posed.
"I've noticed," Anne says. "I won't complain. So long as you remember to worry about you, too. Your parents wouldn't be happy if I didn't remind you."
Fighting fair is for suckers! But, "That's true. The Visitors are involved, and by all means accept their help. But I don't aim to let them decide alone how things should go."
She did get a laugh! Then, "That's all right. I may move back to Cinnabar soon; I'll probably be spending a lot of time in Armlock upcoming."
Pause. "...You're welcome. Just be careful, Nina. You have a habit of leaping before you look."
She starts to turn. "...Good to see you."
<Pose Tracker> Nina Chiyome has posed.
Glancing around, Nina pads forward, gives Anne a hug because she spent most of her childhood with Anne's family as much as her own, then bounds off, "Seeya later!"