victory_road | 3rd 💀 Video; backdated around 8/5

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3rd 💀 Video; backdated around 8/5

[As the feed cuts in, the viewers are treated to the sight of what looks to be some ancient temple-like room of some sort, completely filled with water, and the drift of the view shows that all exits are indeed sealed off—like an aquatic tomb. Which, probably makes for a grim opening to this whole thing, is this someone's gear after they've perhaps—]

Well, this is embarrassing.

[Oh, nope. Still very much alive it seems.

As the voice cuts through the silence, so too does the visage of Solus as he turns the camera back on himself. He is decidedly less wet than the room he has showcased, an effect from that neat little move called Dive. Encased in some sort of bubble, so too are his companions from their own Pokémon.

The smile he bears is one of performative embarrassment, not even a true attempt at playing up the sentiment he so claims in this predicament. Look, he can be a decent actor when he feels like it, and right now maybe he's not feeling inclined to put on the most spectacular performance. As he begins again, he turns the camera to show Jane off to the side looking rather despondent and genuinely embarrassed, then focusing on Dirk as he seems to be filing away at a mural of Arceus as it created the world.

Particularly Arceus' face.

However, within the shot is an altar that has three items upon it: an ornate helmet that looks similar to Giratina's own crown-like head, a chestplate that is reminiscent of Dialga's own with an icy blue gem in the middle, and a gauntlet made in likeness of Palkia's own arm. He focuses the camera on that, but the viewer can still see part of Dirk as he seems pretty damn focused on defacing Arceus—literally.]

You see, we were able to enter this chamber after we made quick work of the tiresome mechanism which barred our entry. After which we found one of our desired slabs and we likewise found these trinkets. But upon their removal, it would seem we've been locked inside, with little means of escape.

[With that said, he turns the view back onto himself as he gives a disarming and almost apologetic smile.]

Which is to say, we have not the ability whatsoever to open this door from the inside and these walls are proving rather robust in their fortitude. Putting the artifacts back has proven fruitless as you can see.

[Using his Relicanth, he approaches the altar, grabbing the ridiculously ornate helm, placing it upon his head like he's attempting to provoke the gods themselves. Maybe he is. Or maybe he's showing that at this point it doesn't matter what they do with them, because they're stuck in this watery prison.]

And so, I wish to call upon those whom are brave and willing to play the part of being our heroes. This chamber is deep within the temple, by no means is it an easy journey, nor the mechanism one so simply disarmed. This excursion will require no small amount of courage, strength, and intelligence.

Though, in lieu of any rescue efforts, I do suppose dying down here—while undesirable—is not the worst fate we could face, slow and grueling it will likely prove to be. Then again, that would likely leave the slab locked away...

[He looks off for a moment, as if wistfully contemplating the likelihood of such a fate, his free hand idly touching one of the curved gold pieces of the helmet...before he focuses back on the camera with a smile.]

Right then, pray do not keep us waiting, heroes!

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[Removing Arceus from the carved mural entirely is a bit time consuming, but Dirk came ready. He has a whole kit in his backpack; wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, drill. Dremel. He has no doubt he's making archaeologists the world over weep bitter tears, but he proceeds remorselessly.

All remorse is being provided by Jane, who is not coincidentally the only person in the room without a god complex.

Dirk's contribution is actually keeping his mouth shut for once, at least until Emet wraps up his network 'plea.']

Nice.

I especially liked the part where you pumped up their egos before ruminating on the length of time it'd take us to starve down here.

[Speaking of mortality--

He glances towards Jane.]

How're you holding up?

[You know, if only for the fact that they weren't in a completely submerged room right now, Jane would be laying on the floor and quietly groaning to herself for her own stupidity right now. As it is, she's settled down on the ground as well as one can feasibly do, one of those neato breathing thingies in her mouth. Her Primarina - the only Pokemon she thought to bring - has her tail laid around Jane protectively, and she makes soothing sounds as she pats her trainer's head. It's going to be okay! They'll figure it out!]

I'm such a dumbass, Dirk, that's how I'm holding up.

[There's literally no venom in the words, no blame - none but for herself. She ought to have paused, said no, maybe let's not try to take these back with us, but the idea of studying the chestplate in the open air, seeing if museums could determine things like the era which it was made, where the materials came from, how that might help unravel some of the more practical secrets of the temple...too tempting, too logical. It made too much sense to do it. And now she might very well die down here.

She's already had to die once. She'd rather not do it again.]

Enjoyed that did you?

[Is his quick reply, but then he turns his attention towards Dirk and Jane. Her self-ridicule isn't surprising, she always read as one with less confidence than what was warranted. That this situation would so keenly ail her makes sense, though he finds it a bit much.]

If it's of any comfort, it seems we have heroes wishing to come to our aid--Claude, to be precise.

Were I you, I would not allow this to burden me so. 'Tis but the natural course of removing ancient, deific artifacts. There truly was no other way about this.

[Which implies that he knew this was going to happen, or assumed as much, yet he had no designs in not doing it, just like Dirk. And like two vipers in the garden of Eden, did they lead Jane to take the forbidden.]

Edited 2021-08-15 05:22 (UTC)

[Medea is completely clammed up under my feet, but she's making an excellent base on which to brace myself while I work. Every so often she cracks open just a millimetre or so and releases another bubble of air from in there for me.

This is the most cooperative she's been since the Elite Four.]

And what else were we going to do? Practically speaking. Even if I wasn't advancing some obvious secondary agenda--does this look smooth to you?--do you really think we could have come in into some puzzle-locked, never-before-unsealed mystical chamber, and kept our hands off?

[The question about smoothiness is obviously about the wall I'm buffing out. It could also apply to taking some offerings clearly meant for a god and getting trapped inside a secret chamber, but the answer to that one has everything to do with how a man (or woman, or god) handles himself in that situation, not the scene itself.

You could accuse me of pursuing an agenda with those words, but the only agenda I'm pursuing here is one I like to call 'calling it like I see it.']

'sides, it's not like you snatched that piece off its dais with dollar signs in your eyes, right? We'll get out of here and if it's any kind of benevolent power like everyone claims, Arceus will get over your involvement.

[I've gotten a decent amount of Arceus erased now. Mostly just legs left, and maybe some lines of action or divine influence, if I'm feeling that inclined.]

If it's going to mete out some portion of divine wrath to anyone here, it better be me.

[A pause. A sigh.

Jane looks up at Dirk's handiwork.]

...I guess? It's kind of hard to tell in the water. Does it feel smooth?

[Part of her is like, this shit might as well happen. If she just doesn't do anything else, maybe this entire situation won't be so bad.

But Claude is coming to get them...? Oh, she really wishes he didn't feel obligated. If Claude was coming, so was Dimitri, and Felix, and the entire merry band of them - or at least whoever could convince the others they ought to come. The water may be cool and refreshing, but her face is so very red.]

Indeed, I cannot well imagine that out of our trio, it would be you that Arceus extends its wrath.

[Honestly, Emet would like to see first hand what Arceus can and will do. If Jane is caught in the crossfire, well, that will be that. However, he doesn't feel her being in the warpath is at all necessary, so if Dirk and himself could keep the so-called deity's attention, that would be a much better alternative.

As Jane responds to Dirk's question concerning his handiwork, he too turns his full attention to it. Likewise taking it in as he can through the distortion of water. From that which he can gleam, Dirk's done a rather wonderful job demolishing most of Arceus now, and he cannot help but be amused by his determination.]

You are almost there, dear boy. I can see a measure of unevenness, but it is ever so slight, just a little more work and you will achieve your desire.

There's no telling just by touch. Not when the human fingertip is so sensitive. Active touch can distinguish surface wrinkles with wavelengths as small as 300 nanometers. Static touch can detect a discrepancy one-fifth of a millimetre small. That's one micron, half the width of an eyelash. Convert that to 1/400,000th of an inch, or one thousand nanometers. That's the diameter of a bacterial cell. You see where this is going, right?

[... God damn it.

This is my fault, I know that. I told him it wouldn't matter whatever Jane thought our relationship was about. At the time, it was a reasonable assertion, and the risks I was taking were calculated for the situation. Emet could say whatever he wanted, and I know that short of a heartfelt declaration of undying love and devotion from him, Jane wouldn't broach that kind of subject matter, especially not with other, more material concerns to keep us busy.

I can't tell him not to, of course. Not with Jane here. So I don't say anything at all; not right away. I let his words hang for just a second, just enough silence to let him know that kind of language isn't welcome right now.]

....

Dear boy. Very cute. Extremely normal thing to call me. Not weirdly intimate or out of place in this conversation at all.

[I squint at the wall. I'd stick my head out of Medea's oxygen bubble if it would help, but the way water refracts light does my human eyes no favours. All the practise I've had gives me a smaller margin of error, but there's no eliminating it completely.

Not within a human lifetime, anyway.]

Are you still talking about the wall, or something else?

Edited 2021-10-03 11:38 (UTC)

[Depressed and barely functional as Claude has been recently, he hasn't been entirely idle. He hasn't gone anywhere or done much of anything, but he does occasionally need things to divert his attention. Besides, sometimes he wants to know what's going on outside the small bubble of misery he and the others have been in since Sylvain disappeared.

When he sees Emet's video...it's enough to make him sit up. There aren't many things that could rouse him right now, but people he knows being in danger (albeit...a rather gradual danger) is one of them. No amount of grief could justify his not doing something here - Jane deserves his help.

(Emet and Dirk...well, it's debatable. But at the very least, he has no interest in seeing either of them die deaths he could do something to prevent.)

He's not really in a state where he's willing to switch video on, but that's what text is for.]

How do we find you? Can you give directions to where you are once we're there? How long can you maintain what you're doing?

[Since they're not anywhere near the temple right now...but for Jane, they'll go. Claude knows that for Jane, they'll almost certainly all go.]

[Well, if Claude wants to be shy, then he's allowed to be. Likewise, Emet swaps to text.]

To think we may have the pleasure of being saved by you, how marvelous. I must admit I was surprised when I hadn't seen you make an appearance, what with all this adventuring and exploration to be done. I had wondered if perhaps you had left us, full glad am I that such is not the case.

As for your concerns, I memorized our path and I will be able to instruct you and your companions on your way. As for how long we can maintain ourselves, well, mortal bodies tend to survive three days without water, though I do suppose our water Pokémon could conjure us drinkable water.

Starvation on the other hand would take a moon or two, so I do suppose there isn't any immediate rush on your end. However, the water here is particularly colder than it is elsewhere, so that might hasten our eventual demise.

Things have been rough here.

[There's no elaboration, and Emet shouldn't expect any if he pries. There are plenty of subjects Claude can endure Emet's jerking him around on, but certainly not this one; he has no intention of giving him any opportunities.]

Let Jane know help is coming, okay? I know it'd take a lot to faze you or Dirk, but I think it'll mean something to her to hear that she's got friends on the way.

We're pretty far, but the Seekers offer transportation, right? We'll be there before any of those theorized scenarios play out.

My condolences.

[It's fine, now isn't the time to pry, but he will. Eventually.]

Do not worry, I will assure Ms. Jane that her heroes are on the way. I am full certain she will fine some relief in knowing that her end shall not be a watery one.

As far as I am aware, the Seekers are not particularly useful. If you are without an adequate Pokémon, you may find it difficult to reach us.

Shall I refrain from getting our fair maiden's hopes up, then? Or will you be capable of making damsels of us after all?

Her friends, not heroes. You don't have to be a hero to help out a friend. It's actually kind of expected that you'll help them if they need it, and that they'll help you in return. If you didn't care about what happened to them, then you wouldn't call yourselves friends in the first place.

We've got plenty of pokémon to get places, but I thought the Seekers were helping people get to where they needed to be for all this, so I figured that'd be easiest. One way or the other, though, we'll get there.

Thank you for this elementary explanation about friendship, indeed, I was wholly without the concept ere you could enlighten me.

Ah, yes they will transport you there should you find yourself lacking in such capabilities. Regardless, whether it takes you a day or several, we'll be here. It is irony's fortune we need not hold our breaths while we wait, despite the current circumstances as they are.

If you don't want people to explain basic concepts to you like they're unfamiliar, you could try acting like you're aware of them. I don't know what you're getting out of mocking my offering the help you asked for, unless this is just your petty way of coping with the embarrassment of having to ask for help at all, but we both know your effusiveness over my 'heroism' is disingenuous and you also should know by now that I'm not so oblivious that I can't tell. But hey, if you want to act like a child, I can treat you as one. It's just a little ridiculous to complain about the consequences of an act you've chosen to commit to.

[This is considerably sharper and less diplomatic than Claude usually is, but as he said - he's been having a rough time. Emet's shenanigans and attitude aren't new, but Claude's level of tolerance for them has been drastically reduced.]

Then am I to assume, by your logic, that you are unaware of banter? Of playful teasing? Need me to explain it? I have plenty of time to do so, after all.

I must say, whatever has you in a mood has done quite the job. Even after all those times I talked you in circles, you have never acted so aggrieved. Well, if naught else, I do hope this hero's journey serves you as a suitable distraction from your personal ailments.

You have time for it, but I don't. I'd think you were aware of that, considering I have traveling to coordinate. You should be finding your entertainment elsewhere, with people who've got time to kill; I'm not one of them.

And, as you've astutely observed, I'm not in the mood for games right now.

Considering that this is a conversation over text, I could explain away, while you busy yourself with your task. You need not offer me immediate replies, in truth you need not read it immediately either.

As you have pointed out, you have not the time to spare! Which then begs the question why you are wasting time replying to me over this instead of coordinating your traveling. Does your need for my attention distract you so? Flattered though I am, I would much prefer you get a move on it, who knows how long this chamber will suffer our presence.

Edited 2021-08-15 05:15 (UTC)

[HELLO -WHAT-]

Obvious need for help aside, and I really hope someone at the temple is answering this because I'm still at 2 Island-

How on earth are you getting a signal in there!! I know these things even work in the caves, but you're in the bottom of the undersea temple aren't you!?

Indeed, I was surprised to learn that this device still yet carried a signal. Rather reliable little machines, aren't they? When the chamber closed, I had worried that we may very well meet our end here--temporary though it would prove to be.

Yet, with the marvel of technology was I granted hope to avoid the inconvenience of death. Potentially, anyway. Whether or not we can be saved has yet to be seen.

Well, if no one's picked up in an hour, I'll have what I need to head there myself at least- the wait will uh. Be a lot longer! But it'll be something...Geeze where did I leave that ride pager...

[Ahem. Search for dive mons aside-] I'd say at least in the worst case you'd end up at a Pokemon Center, but not only would that be one of the worst ways to get there that I can think of, [Thanks for the personal experience story, Kiryu,] But there's no way it's that easy.

[DIRK WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT REAL FAST OTHERWISE she's just sayin'.]

It seems Claude wishes to play hero, but we'll see how successful of an endeavor that ends up being.

But I am not too worried about dying, it would not be the first time, nor the last. Even if this world scarcely allows one to fully fall into death's sweet embrace. My concern--generous though it is to name it such--is far more along the lines of the spoils that would be left behind. Not to mention the inconvenience of collecting them once more.

[Clearly both Emet-Selch and Dirk have their priorities straight... Poor Jane, why did she agree to join them, again?]

Edited (phone tags...) 2021-08-14 08:50 (UTC)

[She sure hopes Claude succeeds, if at least for poor Jane's sake!!!]

I mean, chances are the end of the loophole wouldn't be 'finally, for real!', so I'm more worried about you guys just waking up in the same room. Or even a different room! Somehow that one doesn't seem like it couldn't be a possibility.

...Er....

...On that note, you're pretty determined to steal what's probably offerings huh....

[You called them trinkets in your post Emet-Selch. Why, why would you go through the effort-

No scratch that she knows exactly why and she hates it.]

Well, offerings aside--[said while still wearing one such offering upon his head,]--we have one of the slabs required to open a sealed door. Somehow I doubt it will be on our persons should the unfortunate come to pass and we arrive at the Pokémon center.

[A momentary pause as he thinks about something.]

...Although, I must admit I am curious what would become of us should we expire within this chamber. If, perhaps, our meddling with such toys has earned us more than a mere locked chamber door.

[Did they make you mad, Arceus? Are you gonna go apeshit on them? He sure hopes so.]

[Yes she sees that 'offering'....]

Yeah that's definitely not great. Uhhhh...

...I also definitely don't think testing that kind of fate is a good idea, especially when you're not the only one in there! ...Not that I'm sure Dirk wouldn't join in but, y'know.

[Ahem.]

How's it looking for the rescue party by the way? [Ride Pager- Located!]

Oh, certainly. I may have my curiosity, but I am not so prone to its wiles to forget myself and those around me.

As for the rescue party...from Claude's sudden non-responsiveness I can only assume he has busied himself with preparations for travel. However, should he fail at the task, I believe you are next in line for our would-be savior.

Edited 2021-08-16 20:17 (UTC)

[A small mock salute, though she is at least taking this seriously.] Hoooo, noted! I should probably head out that way anyway to check on Jolyne's granddad anyway if I think about it, so it's good that I started preparing regardless...

...You going back into the search after this?

[He is isn't he. He totally is.]

Most likely. I cannot well leave these mysteries alone, even if the consequence is being trapped in a chamber. Hardly the worst danger I have faced for the pursuit of sating mine own curiosity.

[Yeah. That's totally what this is about it...]

All the same, I do hope your travels are fruitful, whether that means you play the part of the hero for myself, or even Jolyne's grandsire. Or, in lieu of a savior, that you earn aught for your troubles all the same.

[Emet....

Carly just sort of holds her hand at her chin, making no comment. Well.] Well something's bound to happen at least, so that's a good point...

I guess you'll see me around either way.

[He sure will...]

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3rd 💀 Video; backdated around 8/5

Meanwhile....

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Oh I forgot to keep this first person with the brackets

\o/

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VIDEO

VIDEO

CW: casual references to death

When Dirk requires his own CW... anyways more uh death talk

when the lads are made for the other....................

disasters, the two of them

god they sure are...

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