[Video] "Mom" Does Not Approve

[kingkingcxiii]

[When the video starts, it shows Regis behind the counter at Valeo.  Oddly enough, while it is obvious Regis knows he's recording, his eyes keep shifting off camera--even when he's speaking--as if he is watching someone or something he doesn't quite trust to be left to their own devices.]

I apologize that I haven't had the chance to post this sooner.  For those who knew Will, he has been sent back home.  Strangely enough, his Pokemon team has remained behind.

[There is a scuffling off camera and Regis actually turns toward the sound this time, frowning slightly as he does, before turning his gaze back.]

Since they have spent so much time with Will at the house, I think it's a good idea for them to remain there; however, I did want to let anyone who was close with the Pokemon know they are welcome to visit them at any time.  As those of you who are familiar with Pokemon know, they are just as intelligent as we are, and they obviously miss their partner.  Once the weather warms, the large back yard at the house will be per-

[Regis' words cut off as the arm that is not holding his tablet is suddenly pulled to the side.  As he turns in that direction, he pans the tablet as well so everyone can see it's Will's Chansey, Arete, who he has been watching all this time.  The round, pink creature has what can only be called the most disapproving "Mom" look on her face.]
 
Yes?

[Arete makes an unhappy sound and once more pulls on his arm.  A little harder this time.  A resigned look crosses his face, but instead of closing the video when he turns back to the tablet, his expression changes to one of desperation as he very clearly mouths the word 'HELP!"  Another sharp tug on his arm results in him being dragged away, the tablet clattering to the counter and giving everyone a nice view of the shop's ceiling before eventually timing out.]

Comments

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

[He had to consider whether to post or not. He considered himself an emotional man, but those emotions tended to revolve around projects he was passionate about. He did not cry or show weakness in front of people.

Nor did he tend to behind people, either. He was a proud man who believed himself greater than that.

So the roundabout inner argument he had with himself revolved around not wanting to give way any possible sadness and telling himself there should be no concern because he was in complete control. All he had to do was concentrate on his work like he always did.

When he responded it was some time later.]

They are aware that they are welcome at my abode or center anytime.

[A simple statement. He wasn't prodding for a lengthy conversation.

The problem with that being that if he were in complete control he would be blathering away endlessly like usual.]

[Audio]-Private

[kingkingcxiii]

[Regis has to admit that he was hoping Verstael would answer the post. He's not sure what he was hoping for beyond that, but he did want to attempt to connect with the scientist in some way. Back home, he is fairly certain Verstael never had time for a relationship like he had with Will. Now that the young man was gone, Verstael had to be hurting whether he actually was able to recognize it or not.]

Indeed. Those places are basically their second home.

[It's not surprising that Verstael seems to be taking the emotionally distant route. It's how he is, but this seems a little more distant than usual. Is it a sign of Verstael's pain or is Regis just looking for something that isn't actually there?]

How are you holding up?

[Audio]-Private

[original_is_best]

I am... 'holding up' perfectly fine. He is far from the first comrade I have ever lost.

One can either waste their time blubbering about it or get something done.

[It was probably easy to guess what side Verstael placed himself on.

Hopefully he wouldn't get himself in too much trouble...]

[kingkingcxiii]

I see.

[The sarcasm is thick. You know, there is such a thing as "middle ground," right Verstael?]

I shall let Arete know her care package is not needed, then. Hopefully, she won't be too upset.

video

[the_tailor]

Will is... He's...?

[Yeah, Lance knows that people come and go here. But this one in particular hurts; Will's been here from the beginning, as long as he has, and has been his best friend aside from Keith.]

...Oh.

Re: video

[kingkingcxiii]

I am so sorry, Lance.

[Having been here from the beginning as well, Regis would be hurting even if he had not become so close to Will thanks to Cor. Every time one of the long-timers leaves, it's like part of the story is lost. The beginning of this whole thing fades just a little bit farther away.]

Would you like me to bring them by to visit? Once Arete lets me up that is.

[Because right now, there is a Chansey giving him a death glare which means he's not going anywhere at the moment.]

[the_tailor]

Oh, um... Yeah. Yeah, that'd be nice. Arche, especially.

[He takes a deep, shaky breath. For all that he loves this place for giving him a break from the war, things like this remind him that it's far from permanent in every way.]

I'm sorry, too. I know you were close with him too. Kinda wish... I could have at least said goodbye and given him well wishes and stuff for home, y'know?

[kingkingcxiii]

Arete has taken it into her head that she needs to make little care packages for everyone who was close to Will. I will send yours out with Arche so you can visit.

[Regis nods, understanding the sentiment completely.]

It's harder when it's one of us who has been here from the beginning, isn't it? After so long, you start fooling yourself into thinking they are going to stay forever even when you know better.

[action]

[scourgingstars]

[joke's on you regis he's absolutely not spending much time in an empty house. However, that did mean he arrived to...whatever in Shiva's name this whole scene was.]

Oh, dear. Are you quite alright?

[kingkingcxiii]

Help...

[The word comes out embarrassingly like a squeak as Regis manages to raise a hand and wave it from behind one of the couches. Once Ardyn comes closer, he will find Regis pinned down to the couch by one very determined Arete who is sitting on him and seems to have no plans of moving anytime soon.]

Can't. Breathe.

[Arete for her part makes an annoyed sound almost as if she is saying "Are you calling me fat?" Priorities. She's got them.]

[scourgingstars]

[Truly, this is a terrible situation. Ardyn made his way over with a gentle headpat for Arete, trying very hard not to laugh.]

Now, now. He can't very well take care of himself with crushed ribs, can he?

[kingkingcxiii]

[Arete does her best to roll her eyes at Ardyn as if he is missing something very important he shouldn't be.

Regis sighs, dropping his arm over his eyes.]

She knows where I am if she's sitting on me. That also means I'm not getting into trouble. I'm positive Cor taught her that.

video

[iustaegis]

[ First off-- Will. Second-- That's a Regis clearly mouthing the word "help". ]

Erm-- Regis?

[ R U still alive?? ]

video

[kingkingcxiii]

[When Regis finally is able to respond to Pyra, she is greeted by him looking a fair bit more disheveled than he was when he posted the video. His hair is flopping ungracefully over into his eyes and there is a smudge of...potting soil on his cheek.]

I've escaped...for the moment. I...think.

[Considering the way he looks back over his shoulder after saying that, though, he must not think he's freed himself for long.]

Re: video

[iustaegis]

[ She appears relieved when she sees him return to the video, and she can't help but smile a bit at seeing some soil upon his cheek. ]

Um, you have a little spot right there. [ She scratches at her own cheek, as if to indicate where on his face the dirt mars. ] Do you need help taking care of the pokemon?

[kingkingcxiii]

I..uh...

[He takes a moment to rub at his cheek, frowning a little when he sees the dirt that comes away.]

I had a close encounter with some potting soil.

[As in, a bag almost fell on him. Looks like it was a closer call than he thought.

He can't help but look relieved at her question, though.]

I can't talk to them like Will could. I know they are upset he is gone, but I don't know how to soothe their pain.

[video]

[carbungle]

[...Dad you're a dingus sometimes. Luckily he knows you'll survive.]

I'm sorry about Will... I won't ask if you need anything, you'll probably just say you're fine. [Because Lucis Caelums, obviously.] You want strawberries? I've got some leftover chocolate dips. Might all be sick of it at this point, but it's worse to let it go to waste.

[video]

[kingkingcxiii]

[No, son! He's in mortal danger. You must save him!

Or...strawberries and dip may do. Maybe he can bribe Arete with them.]

I've actually not tasted it yet. Mostly, I've just been dodging it on the way to the store and back.

[Yeah, yeah. Apparently the sweet tooth doesn't consider something falling from the sky food, no matter how much it may look and smell like it.]

Does it actually taste as good as it sme-

[His words are cut off by a pink paw that reaches over the middle of the tablet and pats the picture. After a nervous laugh, Regis gently pushes Arete's paw away.]

Yes, yes. That is Noctis. Do you want to say hi?

[Congratulations, Noctis. You now are facing a big pink and white fluff ball who is waving at you. At least she's not sitting on your dad anymore?

He's very grateful for that, by the way.]

[carbungle]

[At... least there's that...! Have an awkward returned wave.]

Er, hi. Maybe stop sitting on my dad for five minutes? [Fluffball is cute but weird, sorry Will.] Okay- since the rain's stopped I can bring some over. Are you gonna be heading back to the house or should I come to the shop?

[Video]

[pinkxeno]

What's a poke--

[ a pause

and then a loud gasp ]

What is that?!!? It's so cute!!!

[kingkingcxiii]

[The first response that Mina gets is not from Regis, but from a very happy, very pink pokemon. It is an extreme close up, so close in fact, the waving paw that accompanies the happy look can't be seen. At least once Regis takes the tablet back, the full effect can be appreciated.]

Her name is Arete and she is a Chansey. Pokemon are native to the world my friend Will was from. They are very intelligent creatures who all have special abilities depending on their type.

[pinkxeno]

[ and mina OH SO EXCITED waves back ] Hi Arete!!! You are so cute and pink, I love it!!

[ but since it was mentioned they are intelligent, Mina is curious ] Can she understand what I say?

[video]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Time to save this footage to put music to it later-

Well, no, okay. Everything he has remarked upon is concerning, since she knows how it can be to lose a housemate and how the sudden absence of one can be so jarring, even if her personal reaction tends to be to shut down and huddle with the person left behind. Still, she knows it is not the first of these losses that Regis or Ardyn has endured specifically. ]

I believe I am more concerned with you at the moment. Ardyn can likely get there quickly, but is there anything else you need?

[kingkingcxiii]

[Honerva, he would be disappointed if you didn't. It's tradition!

When Regis replies, it is clear he is sitting on a couch. One could say 'safe' from certain well-meaning Pokemon, but every so often a pink paw will come into view at the top of the screen as if Arete is randomly bopping it just because she can.

That is totally what she is doing too.]

If you have knowledge of an easy way to remove pink and white fur from dark clothing, I would be quite happy to gain it from you.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Tradition it is. To be shared when it is... less painful to do so. As it is, they don't usually do video, do they? Her own backdrop is a booth in Affurgato. ]

We usually use magic to take care of our fur accumulation, though there are some... mundane methods to remove it as well, though they tend to be less effective. You might try a light application of a removeable adhesive, or a brush made of rubber if it has gone in too deeply.

[ There's also a chance that if the pokemon are left behind, then something to take care of them would be as well, but... given the situation, she doesn't want to bring that up too carelessly. Mostly she's observing him to see how he looks now. ]