[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

[kingkingcxiii]

[Verstael tries. He certainly tries...]

I...

[Regis starts to object and then laughs guiltily.]

I kind of got off the topic, didn't I? Apologies. I wasn't attempting to do so on purpose.

[Habits can be hard to break, especially when they are second nature.]

[shroudedsecrets]

... Somewhat. I imagine that you are ever seeking distraction, with what has occurred. Though you have not allowed yourself time to... process it all, have you.

[ Which she considers, must be the root of why even the pokemon are starting to bully him in this way. He can prioritize them, feel as though he must present himself as Kingly as he must in this time, but losses add up. He and Ardyn are alone and she can't imagine him wanting to burden Ardyn, either. ]

[kingkingcxiii]

Guilty as charged.

[Well, at least he is willing to admit it when he would not have even done that not long ago.]

You told me once I needed to expand my circle, but it seems many of those I let in are now gone, and now I am not sure who to turn to. Once more I find myself worried I will just burden people who I do not want to even though I know better.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ The way he does admit it suddenly is unexpected, but it is also far easier to advise others than to deal with that kind of situation first hand.

It hits her, that Regis had lost those around his household at a steady rate throughout their time here, and now only he, Ardyn, and the collection of creatures between them remained. ]

It can be difficult, to form bonds with others. That is something... you would have to consider personally, your lines between what defines a burden and... your companionship. Where you would offer that trust or not. You carry much with you. Not all needs to be said, either.

[ There are lines between trusting others with information and then feeling as though you have given too much. And those that might demand too much, leading to complications later. But having people to not feel so lonely with... that was another matter. Lives were complicated. ]

[kingkingcxiii]

You understand that more than most.

[Even if he didn't know what he does about her, the thoughtful way she speaks makes it clear.]

That is why I trust you so much. You are also not afraid to tell me when I am being a fool.

[Despite the serious conversation, he can't help but let a small smile cross his face.]

I have this habit of surrounding myself with people who aren't afraid to speak their mind. It's worked well so far.

[Except when those people are sent home unexpectedly, of course.]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ She's surprised and touched by his acknowledgement of trust, as her ears briefly but noticeably flicker. When suggesting to him of such things before she had not considered that he would potentially come to view her in such a way. ]

We both have... our share of experiences. As a King you have had every reason to take caution with whom to allow into your life. As a person, you've had less opportunity to do so, as your priority is to see what's around you first.

And yet... I wonder, that for all of your losses, that you still remain yourself, or... so you seem. It is a lot to maintain, and you... shield yourself, do you not?

[ Yes he's had a particular person in his life called a "shield" but that's not quite what she means. ]

[kingkingcxiii]

It is a necessity, shielding myself.

[And, just as she knows she isn't talking about his personal Shield, she should also know he doesn't just mean casting a magical shield.]

Perhaps not so much here, but back home who I am as a man must be hidden almost all of the time. Even more with my wife gone now. I am suppose to be impartial and not favor any one side over another. Indeed, for a while, I thought the man I was may have died with my wife, but now that I have had time to heal here, I am not so sure that is true. I just buried him farther down than I ever had before.

[shroudedsecrets]

Forgive me, but... you do not... seem to me as a man who is so shielded from loss that he cannot feel.

[ The consideration does cut too close to home, in ways he likely can't comprehend, whatever she might have mentioned of it. ]

But... grief is more complex than any of us might realize, especially the more responsibilities that exist upon a person before such a thing strikes. Throwing yourself more into your role... might have been the only option you saw for yourself. While in this world, it is not so defined, and thus you are more aware than before.

[kingkingcxiii]

Oh, I am not. I just hide it well, or at least well enough until I am alone and feel I am safe from prying eyes.

[Some people may not see a difference in the two things, but Regis obviously does. Just because he can hide his emotions behind shields, doesn't mean he doesn't still feel them.]

I think that you are right on all fronts there. Back home, I only gave myself three days to grieve, and there were parts of me that felt bad for taking that much because so much depended on me. Here, there has been no need to limit my grieving time.

[shroudedsecrets]

The line between suppressing it and being consumed by it are both far too thin... easy enough, to go to extremes if you are not careful.

[ Being in a world outside from it could only give perspective, but emotions were emotions. ]

[kingkingcxiii]

It's a little frightening how thin that line is, if I am honest. Especially when there is no manual to tell us how we are suppose to deal with our emotions.

[Though, even if there were, emotions are still emotions, and going by the book usually flies out the window in situations with high emotions.]

[shroudedsecrets]

No manuals, no true "right way"... feeling it is natural. But it might warp choices, or your entire way of thinking, and one can't quite prevent that if they seal themselves off to deal with it alone... or are taken advantage of in that state.

[ Like taking it out on others around you, or even your entire world, or multiple ones... that happens. Perhaps not always to such an extreme, but... it happens. ]