[Don't what? Don't pay them? He's going to have to pay for his medical bills, and that money will still be better used with the Rust Syndicate than in the coffers of a rich family. But he still doesn't like the idea of being paid for being inconvenienced. It just doesn't sit right. Being paid to do a job is perfectly fine - and he did do his job. If she'd worded it as renewing the contract, he wouldn't have had a problem with being paid more. But something about that specific wording just pisses him off and now is not the time to be arguing pointless semantics.
Philippe's giving him a questioning look and Corbeau shakes his head as if to dismiss it. Whatever. That's not the important thing.]
Of course. I'm not letting anything happen to you. You'll be safe here.
[It's extremely unlikely any of his own are after her, after all. Each member of the Rust Syndicate is personally vetted by either Philippe or Corbeau himself. They're all trustworthy. So everything should be fine from here on.]
If you need anything, feel free to ask any of our members. They're aware you'll be staying here and will help out as they can. Philippe and I will likewise be around; you're free to visit me here whenever you'd like.
[But for now he nods to Philippe and his right hand moves to accompany Jacinthe out - may as well let her get started on gathering her things since she'll likely need a bit...]
[Jacinthe merely bows her head as she and Philippe take their leave; she's...definitely got a lot to gather, though most of it is thankfully pretty easy to leave behind. Her phonograph, records, and her barrels are the first priority; second comes enough clothing to last her, to make her look presentable at the base and to make sure that she has enough she can wear. After that, it's...pretty much just essentials. The servants belong to the family, after all; her father is stepping back in to take the reins of the SBC while she's gone, from what she's hearing. Though there's talk of someone else looking to take the inconvenience...
Philippe doesn't let her dawdle for too long, even if he seems to be keeping his ear low to the ground as well. No need to let Jacinthe get worked up when it's damn clear that she's reckless enough to act on her impulses to such a degree.
(There's a few other things Gardevoir grabs, in her lady's stead; make-up. Pictures of her and Lebanne. The chaise from her boudoir, even if it's likely just going to be her bed. It's practically been so for years, now.)
But Jacinthe and Philippe are back after quite a few hours, at least, and she and Gardevoir take the primary bulk of getting everything unpacked into their new room. It's not much smaller than the boudoir in the first place; she'd always felt those private quarters to be more like a home than her actual bedroom designed by her parents, and in a way, it's...nice, to have a room that feels like it's actually hers, now.
Of course, there comes the awkward realization that she...really can't keep avoiding Corbeau like she had before, after this. Sure, she'd talked to him with the mask on, but she'd gotten so upset at being shut out. She's still really not over it, if she's going to be honest, and she's not entirely sure why she can't just apologize. Or do something.
But, well...Philippe has confiscated her barrels (he didn't tell her why. part of her wonders if corbeau's worried she's going to fall into it more. part of her just thinks this is the inconvenience payment they want to go with, and you know what, sure. that's the one she's hoping for, at least), and with everything set up properly now, she's not entirely sure what to do. Part of her wants to wait for him to come to her, part of her wants to keep listening to her records in peace without the worry of her mother barging in. He'll likely hear them throughout the next few hours, at least, as she settles in.
...But she elects to visit Corbeau in the evening, because she can't actually stay silent for too long.]
[While they're busy moving her things, Corbeau naps. He kind of hates that he actually does rest, but he's so damn tired so what else is he going to do? He's up by the time they return, and then he's the one shooing Philippe off to go visit the damn doctor and make sure he's recovering alright. Things have settled for the evening, and he's back in his office. Scolipede is out of his Pokéball, though he's lounging on the sofas taking a nap and only looks up when Jacinthe enters.
Corbeau's still working his way through paperwork, but this is a much better use of his time. Besides, Philippe will probably be annoyed with him if he spends all of his time awake working.]
Now's fine, yeah. Make yourself at home. Scolipede will move if you want to sit over on the couches.
There's no need for that, come now. He's so delightfully comfortable!
[Jacinthe's going to take a...well she's actually going to sit on the floor like some kind of heathen for the moment, right by the couch where Scolipede lays down. Do you want pets? You about to get so many pets--]
But I would like it if you could join us here. [...] I...really am glad to see that you seem to be recovering okay, all things considered.
[It's so true, he is, but he can lounge on the couch whenever he wants!! Corbeau sighs, though it sounds playfully exasperated rather than annoyed, and he gets up to come on over, taking the couch across from Scolipede. He wouldn't have a problem sitting on the floor normally, but he doesn't trust himself to be able to get back up in his current condition...]
I am. Rest assured that Philippe will force me to take it easy occasionally, regardless of if I want to or not.
[It's wry, though. He can acknowledge his own faults!!]
[She is going to spoil this centipede horse SO DAMN MUCH.]
Good! I would most hate to have to worry about you more than I already do. I truly am glad that you have someone to help share the load with now, though I do hope that he manages to rest as well! He's certainly quite a hardy man, though, I will give credit where it is due.
[Still, she smiles up at Corbeau from where she's sitting, just. Spoiling the big guy. Who's a good little shitwrecker--]
I do hope you will let me know if there is anything I can do to assist as well, my friend. Ward of yours I may be, I would rather not sit idle.
[Scolipede is absolutely rolling around like a cat. He is on his back now, wiggling his feet in the air. Corbeau rolls his eyes.]
Don't worry, I'll make sure he takes a break too. Wouldn't do to have him taken out of commission again.
[And it goes without saying that he's damn relieved to have Philippe back.]
Hah, fair enough. Consider yourself a guest, though. We aren't going to leave you idle, but we're not going to put you to work for the Rust Syndicate either.
Good! [Jacinthe looks over to him when he mentions Rust Syndicate work, and she does find herself chuckling just a bit.] And here I was hoping to get fitted for a uniform to fit in with the rest...almost a shame, that. But I do thank you. I admit, I've never truly done much work myself, but...
As a guest, it is always proper and polite to assist the host, if one can.
[...Still, she can't resist just making the most heart eyes expression at this big old bug, oh--]
You never told me your partner was so precious though, Corbeau! Oh! I only have a little experience with bug types myself, but this handsome man right here is just melting my heart into a puddle!
Yeah, yeah, let me know when you want to officially become a member.
[He waves it off airily before resting his elbow on the armrest and his chin on his hand, watching Jacinthe and Scolipede. The gushing gets a scoff from him.]
He knows he's supposed to look intimidating most of the time, but this time of night? That couch is his and someone better be lavishing attention on him. Absolutely spoiled rotten.
I'll submit my paperwork promptly when the time comes, don't you worry!
[Joking aside, Jacinthe listens and can't help but laugh a little when Corbeau talks about his absolutely spoiled partner.]
And he absolutely deserves it, the precious thing! Though, I imagine that he must get quite a bit of that attention from you, hm~? Fierce in battle so he can be so fiercely loved in kind!
[Jacinthe sighs, practically delighted.]
And here I thought Beedrill was the most precious bug type there was, but I do believe they have competition now!
[Anything for her spoiled baby!!! Okay technically Corbeau's but she is now his godmama, okay, she is absolutely gonna pet his back--]
I've no doubt about that! But it is good to hear that you have some in training; they are quite steadfast friends, when one raises them well. I've never liked the simply awful reputation that most seem to give them; one must simply adjust their approach in order to appreciate them, non?
My parent's villa used to have them, before Mother and her Spinarak obsession took over the garden. I used to play with them all the time! The Beedrill themselves were quite wary at first, but I researched how to befriend them and each year, I would watch as their new Weedle came into the world, evolving over time into just the sweetest darlings. Truth be told, I regret not pushing harder to have one as my first partner...
If they happen to be amendable to my company...would you show me them, sometime? They barely come around the garden we keep here, and the wild ones in town have a tendency to flee from me. I would very much love to see them again.
It's no wonder they end up so aggressive, considering how some people can be around them.
[can "bee" around them hahahaha—]
Sure thing. We do a lot of training together - especially with Steel- and Poison-types - to ensure everyone's doing a good job of raising their partners. You're welcome to join us. Having some Fairy-types that'll pose a real threat ought to be good for some of our cockier younger members.
[Jacinthe gets to battle and see cute Poison-types, win/win!!]
Hmm, I suppose that is true; most people simply do not know when to buzz off, hm?
[Jacinthe couldn't resist--she titters a bit into her hand, but at the idea of joining them on the battlefield, her eyes practically sparkle.]
Oh, I would love nothing more! The opportunity to show them that mere type advantage cannot be enough to sway the battle in your favor...I would be most honored to show them whatfor, indeed! It would be an absolute delight. Do let me know when you do so, I will gladly bring them down!
[As for the question...Jacinthe pauses at that, going a little quiet as she just focuses on petting Scolipede for a little while, a little softer this time.]
They did, yes. Clefable was my first because they wanted me to specialize in a specific type, but over time, they kept giving me Pokemon to add to my team in order to strengthen it. It was sort of like homework, for me; to learn to adapt to my new partners and learn how to make them shine in battle. I love them all dearly, of course.
[Corbeau rolls his eyes, the laugh entirely devoid of humor but the smirk gives it away. Puns.......
Anyway, he nods at the first part, but the second part is what has his interest. It isn't really a surprise that her parents chose her Pokémon and even the type she'd train, but that feels... artificial, in a way. Her bond is clearly strong with Sylveon and Gardevoir regardless of if they were of her parents' choosing or not, so ultimately what matters is what she makes of the Pokémon partners she was given, but still...]
Of course. I can see the appeal behind studying to do better with one type above all others; it is what I ended up doing, after all.
[Well, mostly. Gyarados and Barbaracle are outliers and should be counted.]
[Jacinthe just kind of keeps idly petting Scolipede, barely registering Corbeau's words for a moment as her smile softens, though her look goes a little forlorn. She loves each and every one of her darling partners, of course; they were chosen and they were chosen with care, and Jacinthe can't really love anything but they're dear friends of hers. Partners, Pokemon who would support her through thick and thin. She doesn't regret knowing them at all, but...
Some part of her wonders how things would've gone, if she had a choice.]
Mmm. It's quite an undertaking, to love one type above all else. You must account for it's weaknesses and make up for it with it's strengths; I've heard it said that Pokemon can truly change one over time, to adapt their needs. Perhaps that is a love above all others, oui?
[...]
When this irrational foe of ours is defeated, I may have one more job for you. I...want to catch a Pokemon of my own someday; I do hope I can count on your support, when that time comes.
But...you have made me so very curious. How did you and your darling partner meet? Why, he's so babied I'd assume you raised him from an egg!
Indeed. I'm not surprised that you've found ways to counter against Poison-types so well.
[Even with the advantage, she's still destroyed him multiple times in their matches. She knows damn well what she's doing. He's not sure he could manage an entirely Poison-type team for serious battles, frankly. But...
Well, that request gets a soft smile from him.]
Sure, Jacinthe. Just let me know when.
[A Pokémon of her own. She deserves that much. He wonders what she'll end up choosing...
But the change in topic is fine, though he does look to Scolipede before starting. The Pokémon turns to look at him for a moment before huffing and rolling over again. Belly rubs!!!]
Not quite. We met when we were both quite young. He was a Venipede back then, and a bit of a small one too. Some kids in the neighborhood were bullying him - trying to beat him up with their Pokémon; a three-on-one fight. I stepped in to protect him.
[Corbeau scoffs at that, eyes darting away as he adjusts his glasses.]
Even a Tackle from a low-leveled Pokémon still hurts, but it was worth it to keep him safe. Venipede decided he was sticking with me from then on.
[And then he grew up to be a big bug and now he bullies anyone who crosses the short king.]
[Belly rubs for the perfect baby coming right up, big man!!!
Jacinthe can't help but smile though, once Corbeau confirms he'll help her; realistically she might just end up charmed by a Weedle once more, but the idea that she'll have a choice for once, and someone to assist her...well, it makes her happier than she can believe.
But of course, she comes back into focus to listen to Corbeau's story, and she finds herself gasping a bit at first--three on one is completely unfair in terms of battle, and she finds herself listening with rapt attention, and the idea of Corbeau standing in to take those hits for this poor little darling...
...Little man, you're getting some extra love, okay--]
I can see why you won his devotion. Why, I wager you looked like a knight in shining armor to him in that moment, gallantly stepping in to protect this poor darling from such hurtful children...
And look at what a beautiful creature he's grown up as, as a result of that love. [He almost looks like a gallant steed when mega evolved--okay no, Jacinthe shakes her head rapidly to get that thought out of her head.] I am so glad that he has managed to flourish, under your care.
[no no you're right, scolipedes are definitely horses.]
We both wanted to become stronger, not just so that we'd never face that sort of bullying again, but so we could protect others from it.
[Scolipede lets out a low sound in response - something somewhere between a rumble and a vocalization.]
It wasn't particularly easy, but we learned a lot along the way.
[And like Jacinthe said, you learn how to maximize your strengths and compensate for your weaknesses when you're relying on one type - or in this case, one Pokémon.]
[corbeau as a shining knight riding his bughorse into battle is never going to leave jacinthe's mind now, thanks!!!]
I can imagine so! But you both have become something so very incredible in the process; like something out of a fairytale, almost! But made real, and made to protect those who cannot do so themselves.
[Jacinthe sighs a little dreamily...]
What of the rest of your team, if I may ask? I take it you share quite a precious bond with them, as well?
[you get that image out of your mind right now, missy!!!
Anyway, that gets a scoff from him; Corbeau's not the sort to truly enjoy fairytales and he definitely doesn't strike the image of someone from one!! He's a mob boss!!! His reputation is in shambles...]
You're right, though. For quite some time, it was just the two of us. We ended up bringing Garbodor onto the team when we found him as a Trubbish struggling to find food. Roserade - a Budew at the time - had gone exploring and gotten lost and was eager to join the first friendly trainer he came across. Barbaracle, as a Binacle, was the only one I went out of my way to catch, and that was entirely because I wanted something to help balance out my team's weakness to Ground-types.
[Look how well that worked given Barbaracle's also a Rock-type...]
Arbok and Gyarados were obtained even later, with the latter further helping against my team's weaker matchups and the former being a gift from Philippe. Apparently he considered importing a foreign Poison-type Pokémon, but ended up distracted by taking down a smuggling ring operating under our noses. Ekans was an apology for that "failure" to notice the group.
[...Though that doesn't really explain Gyarados's origins very well. No point going into the Lysandre Buneary hole today. Or ever, actually.]
[Jacinthe continues to listen with rapt attention, and really, she's absolutely enthralled to hear each of those stories. It feels more...
It feels organic, in a way that sees Jacinthe entertained and enraptured like she's listening to a fable. Like when she was younger and her parents would read her stories, and yet...never gave her the opportunity to make her own. Everything was decided for her, with perfect Pokemon that she's bonded with, sure, but...
If you notice any brief dampening of Jacinthe's expression, it's your imagination.]
...Your partners truly are the greatest friends with you, aren't they? Even Barbaracle and Gyarados, those added to help enhance your team's strengths--I can feel their love for you when we battle together. I think that's a beautiful thing, all be told.
Thank you. For sharing that much with me. [...] It's genuinely quite nice to hear other's stories like that, I confess. I feel like it helps one learn more about the person training them, perhaps...or at least it does now!
[It's strange to see her hanging on his every word, like he's telling the most fascinating of stories. Kind of sad too, knowing that she didn't get the opportunity to pick her partners. She never had experiences like that, where she just stumbled across a little guy needing assistance and being unable to turn a blind eye and ending up with a new friend because of it.]
Took awhile for some of them to warm up to everyone, but yeah. We're a pretty good team at this point.
[Scolipede makes another one of those sounds, a pleased rumbling as he bumps Jacinthe's hand to remind her to keep petting.]
It's not often I talk about this sort of thing. Bit of a shame you've taken a peek behind the curtain and seen my softer sides. My reputation may never recover.
[He's smirking as he says it, though; it's not as though she was entirely unaware of his true nature before these stories, after all.]
[--Oh dear, and here she forgot to keep spoiling her little man! Jacinthe will absolutely redouble her petting efforts, chuckling a bit as she listens to him talk like that. She knows he has to keep his reputation in line or none will fall in line; it's how she's always operated too, though she can imagine her current reputation is in shambles in entirety. And it's...
It's strange, how freeing it is the more she thinks about it. A little bit like she's freefalling, too, but being here in this office right now feels...safe. She feels safe right now. It's a far cry from when she first came in here weeks ago, naive to the events of the world around her and the suffering of others.]
Oh dear, it certainly wouldn't if this got out! But lucky for you, I'm quite good at keeping secrets when asked; I'll Fairy Lock this one away for safe keeping. You may count on it.
[Corbeau's kind nature can remain her little secret to keep; she even mimes the gesture of zipping her lips, locking them up, and throwing away the key for good measure. And for a little bit, she'll be silent, even; just petting Scolipede and enjoying the first real ease she's felt in a very long time, without the assistance of her booze and her records. But she looks relaxed, briefly, and it's...
It's nice. Corbeau's bleeding heart feels like a home she's always wished she had, in a way.]
...Merci beaucoup, my dear friend. Keep this up and I might feel like I'm in a real home, you know.
[It earns another soft heh from him, but he's content to let the silence settle between them, eyes on Scolipede who is greatly enjoying the attention. Spoiled brat. But he does deserve it, since he usually has to look intimidating when he's out and only ever gets to pester Philippe for pets otherwise.
Eventually Jacinthe speaks up again and Corbeau looks back at her, expression unreadable for a moment as he tries to work out how to respond to that.]
The Rust Syndicate is a home to many of our members, you know. We've taken in a lot of people who don't have anywhere else to go, for whatever reason. I wouldn't go so far as to call us all family, as for some this is just a job, but for others... Well, it's the closest thing they've got.
[It's the closest thing he's got too. They aren't anywhere near a normal family. But does it really matter? It's not like he's ever going to have a normal family anyway, so this is good enough.]
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clefablite) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sranks2025-10-22 06:33 pm
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[Don't what? Don't pay them? He's going to have to pay for his medical bills, and that money will still be better used with the Rust Syndicate than in the coffers of a rich family. But he still doesn't like the idea of being paid for being inconvenienced. It just doesn't sit right. Being paid to do a job is perfectly fine - and he did do his job. If she'd worded it as renewing the contract, he wouldn't have had a problem with being paid more. But something about that specific wording just pisses him off and now is not the time to be arguing pointless semantics.
Philippe's giving him a questioning look and Corbeau shakes his head as if to dismiss it. Whatever. That's not the important thing.]
Of course. I'm not letting anything happen to you. You'll be safe here.
[It's extremely unlikely any of his own are after her, after all. Each member of the Rust Syndicate is personally vetted by either Philippe or Corbeau himself. They're all trustworthy. So everything should be fine from here on.]
If you need anything, feel free to ask any of our members. They're aware you'll be staying here and will help out as they can. Philippe and I will likewise be around; you're free to visit me here whenever you'd like.
[But for now he nods to Philippe and his right hand moves to accompany Jacinthe out - may as well let her get started on gathering her things since she'll likely need a bit...]
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Philippe doesn't let her dawdle for too long, even if he seems to be keeping his ear low to the ground as well. No need to let Jacinthe get worked up when it's damn clear that she's reckless enough to act on her impulses to such a degree.
(There's a few other things Gardevoir grabs, in her lady's stead; make-up. Pictures of her and Lebanne. The chaise from her boudoir, even if it's likely just going to be her bed. It's practically been so for years, now.)
But Jacinthe and Philippe are back after quite a few hours, at least, and she and Gardevoir take the primary bulk of getting everything unpacked into their new room. It's not much smaller than the boudoir in the first place; she'd always felt those private quarters to be more like a home than her actual bedroom designed by her parents, and in a way, it's...nice, to have a room that feels like it's actually hers, now.
Of course, there comes the awkward realization that she...really can't keep avoiding Corbeau like she had before, after this. Sure, she'd talked to him with the mask on, but she'd gotten so upset at being shut out. She's still really not over it, if she's going to be honest, and she's not entirely sure why she can't just apologize. Or do something.
But, well...Philippe has confiscated her barrels (he didn't tell her why. part of her wonders if corbeau's worried she's going to fall into it more. part of her just thinks this is the inconvenience payment they want to go with, and you know what, sure. that's the one she's hoping for, at least), and with everything set up properly now, she's not entirely sure what to do. Part of her wants to wait for him to come to her, part of her wants to keep listening to her records in peace without the worry of her mother barging in. He'll likely hear them throughout the next few hours, at least, as she settles in.
...But she elects to visit Corbeau in the evening, because she can't actually stay silent for too long.]
Corbeau, friend? Is now a good time?
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Corbeau's still working his way through paperwork, but this is a much better use of his time. Besides, Philippe will probably be annoyed with him if he spends all of his time awake working.]
Now's fine, yeah. Make yourself at home. Scolipede will move if you want to sit over on the couches.
[rude, you didn't ask him???]
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There's no need for that, come now. He's so delightfully comfortable!
[Jacinthe's going to take a...well she's actually going to sit on the floor like some kind of heathen for the moment, right by the couch where Scolipede lays down. Do you want pets? You about to get so many pets--]
But I would like it if you could join us here. [...] I...really am glad to see that you seem to be recovering okay, all things considered.
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I am. Rest assured that Philippe will force me to take it easy occasionally, regardless of if I want to or not.
[It's wry, though. He can acknowledge his own faults!!]
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Good! I would most hate to have to worry about you more than I already do. I truly am glad that you have someone to help share the load with now, though I do hope that he manages to rest as well! He's certainly quite a hardy man, though, I will give credit where it is due.
[Still, she smiles up at Corbeau from where she's sitting, just. Spoiling the big guy. Who's a good little shitwrecker--]
I do hope you will let me know if there is anything I can do to assist as well, my friend. Ward of yours I may be, I would rather not sit idle.
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Don't worry, I'll make sure he takes a break too. Wouldn't do to have him taken out of commission again.
[And it goes without saying that he's damn relieved to have Philippe back.]
Hah, fair enough. Consider yourself a guest, though. We aren't going to leave you idle, but we're not going to put you to work for the Rust Syndicate either.
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Good! [Jacinthe looks over to him when he mentions Rust Syndicate work, and she does find herself chuckling just a bit.] And here I was hoping to get fitted for a uniform to fit in with the rest...almost a shame, that. But I do thank you. I admit, I've never truly done much work myself, but...
As a guest, it is always proper and polite to assist the host, if one can.
[...Still, she can't resist just making the most heart eyes expression at this big old bug, oh--]
You never told me your partner was so precious though, Corbeau! Oh! I only have a little experience with bug types myself, but this handsome man right here is just melting my heart into a puddle!
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[He waves it off airily before resting his elbow on the armrest and his chin on his hand, watching Jacinthe and Scolipede. The gushing gets a scoff from him.]
He knows he's supposed to look intimidating most of the time, but this time of night? That couch is his and someone better be lavishing attention on him. Absolutely spoiled rotten.
[gee i wonder whose fault that is!!!]
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[Joking aside, Jacinthe listens and can't help but laugh a little when Corbeau talks about his absolutely spoiled partner.]
And he absolutely deserves it, the precious thing! Though, I imagine that he must get quite a bit of that attention from you, hm~? Fierce in battle so he can be so fiercely loved in kind!
[Jacinthe sighs, practically delighted.]
And here I thought Beedrill was the most precious bug type there was, but I do believe they have competition now!
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[Scolipede flops back over so Jacinthe can work on his back now, looking very pleased with himself. Damn right he's earned the pampering!!]
You've got good taste in bugs too, unsurprisingly. Beedrill are a delight; we've got a few who are training some right now.
[No Mega Stones though, sadly. Corbeau would 110% use a Mega Beedrill on his team if he could, but then he'd only Mega Evolve Scolipede anyway...]
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I've no doubt about that! But it is good to hear that you have some in training; they are quite steadfast friends, when one raises them well. I've never liked the simply awful reputation that most seem to give them; one must simply adjust their approach in order to appreciate them, non?
My parent's villa used to have them, before Mother and her Spinarak obsession took over the garden. I used to play with them all the time! The Beedrill themselves were quite wary at first, but I researched how to befriend them and each year, I would watch as their new Weedle came into the world, evolving over time into just the sweetest darlings. Truth be told, I regret not pushing harder to have one as my first partner...
If they happen to be amendable to my company...would you show me them, sometime? They barely come around the garden we keep here, and the wild ones in town have a tendency to flee from me. I would very much love to see them again.
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[can "bee" around them hahahaha—]
Sure thing. We do a lot of training together - especially with Steel- and Poison-types - to ensure everyone's doing a good job of raising their partners. You're welcome to join us. Having some Fairy-types that'll pose a real threat ought to be good for some of our cockier younger members.
[Jacinthe gets to battle and see cute Poison-types, win/win!!]
Did your parents pick your first Pokémon for you?
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[Jacinthe couldn't resist--she titters a bit into her hand, but at the idea of joining them on the battlefield, her eyes practically sparkle.]
Oh, I would love nothing more! The opportunity to show them that mere type advantage cannot be enough to sway the battle in your favor...I would be most honored to show them whatfor, indeed! It would be an absolute delight. Do let me know when you do so, I will gladly bring them down!
[As for the question...Jacinthe pauses at that, going a little quiet as she just focuses on petting Scolipede for a little while, a little softer this time.]
They did, yes. Clefable was my first because they wanted me to specialize in a specific type, but over time, they kept giving me Pokemon to add to my team in order to strengthen it. It was sort of like homework, for me; to learn to adapt to my new partners and learn how to make them shine in battle. I love them all dearly, of course.
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[Corbeau rolls his eyes, the laugh entirely devoid of humor but the smirk gives it away. Puns.......
Anyway, he nods at the first part, but the second part is what has his interest. It isn't really a surprise that her parents chose her Pokémon and even the type she'd train, but that feels... artificial, in a way. Her bond is clearly strong with Sylveon and Gardevoir regardless of if they were of her parents' choosing or not, so ultimately what matters is what she makes of the Pokémon partners she was given, but still...]
Of course. I can see the appeal behind studying to do better with one type above all others; it is what I ended up doing, after all.
[Well, mostly. Gyarados and Barbaracle are outliers and should be counted.]
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Some part of her wonders how things would've gone, if she had a choice.]
Mmm. It's quite an undertaking, to love one type above all else. You must account for it's weaknesses and make up for it with it's strengths; I've heard it said that Pokemon can truly change one over time, to adapt their needs. Perhaps that is a love above all others, oui?
[...]
When this irrational foe of ours is defeated, I may have one more job for you. I...want to catch a Pokemon of my own someday; I do hope I can count on your support, when that time comes.
But...you have made me so very curious. How did you and your darling partner meet? Why, he's so babied I'd assume you raised him from an egg!
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[Even with the advantage, she's still destroyed him multiple times in their matches. She knows damn well what she's doing. He's not sure he could manage an entirely Poison-type team for serious battles, frankly. But...
Well, that request gets a soft smile from him.]
Sure, Jacinthe. Just let me know when.
[A Pokémon of her own. She deserves that much. He wonders what she'll end up choosing...
But the change in topic is fine, though he does look to Scolipede before starting. The Pokémon turns to look at him for a moment before huffing and rolling over again. Belly rubs!!!]
Not quite. We met when we were both quite young. He was a Venipede back then, and a bit of a small one too. Some kids in the neighborhood were bullying him - trying to beat him up with their Pokémon; a three-on-one fight. I stepped in to protect him.
[Corbeau scoffs at that, eyes darting away as he adjusts his glasses.]
Even a Tackle from a low-leveled Pokémon still hurts, but it was worth it to keep him safe. Venipede decided he was sticking with me from then on.
[And then he grew up to be a big bug and now he bullies anyone who crosses the short king.]
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Jacinthe can't help but smile though, once Corbeau confirms he'll help her; realistically she might just end up charmed by a Weedle once more, but the idea that she'll have a choice for once, and someone to assist her...well, it makes her happier than she can believe.
But of course, she comes back into focus to listen to Corbeau's story, and she finds herself gasping a bit at first--three on one is completely unfair in terms of battle, and she finds herself listening with rapt attention, and the idea of Corbeau standing in to take those hits for this poor little darling...
...Little man, you're getting some extra love, okay--]
I can see why you won his devotion. Why, I wager you looked like a knight in shining armor to him in that moment, gallantly stepping in to protect this poor darling from such hurtful children...
And look at what a beautiful creature he's grown up as, as a result of that love. [He almost looks like a gallant steed when mega evolved--okay no, Jacinthe shakes her head rapidly to get that thought out of her head.] I am so glad that he has managed to flourish, under your care.
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We both wanted to become stronger, not just so that we'd never face that sort of bullying again, but so we could protect others from it.
[Scolipede lets out a low sound in response - something somewhere between a rumble and a vocalization.]
It wasn't particularly easy, but we learned a lot along the way.
[And like Jacinthe said, you learn how to maximize your strengths and compensate for your weaknesses when you're relying on one type - or in this case, one Pokémon.]
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I can imagine so! But you both have become something so very incredible in the process; like something out of a fairytale, almost! But made real, and made to protect those who cannot do so themselves.
[Jacinthe sighs a little dreamily...]
What of the rest of your team, if I may ask? I take it you share quite a precious bond with them, as well?
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Anyway, that gets a scoff from him; Corbeau's not the sort to truly enjoy fairytales and he definitely doesn't strike the image of someone from one!! He's a mob boss!!! His reputation is in shambles...]
You're right, though. For quite some time, it was just the two of us. We ended up bringing Garbodor onto the team when we found him as a Trubbish struggling to find food. Roserade - a Budew at the time - had gone exploring and gotten lost and was eager to join the first friendly trainer he came across. Barbaracle, as a Binacle, was the only one I went out of my way to catch, and that was entirely because I wanted something to help balance out my team's weakness to Ground-types.
[Look how well that worked given Barbaracle's also a Rock-type...]
Arbok and Gyarados were obtained even later, with the latter further helping against my team's weaker matchups and the former being a gift from Philippe. Apparently he considered importing a foreign Poison-type Pokémon, but ended up distracted by taking down a smuggling ring operating under our noses. Ekans was an apology for that "failure" to notice the group.
[...Though that doesn't really explain Gyarados's origins very well. No point going into the Lysandre Buneary hole today. Or ever, actually.]
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It feels organic, in a way that sees Jacinthe entertained and enraptured like she's listening to a fable. Like when she was younger and her parents would read her stories, and yet...never gave her the opportunity to make her own. Everything was decided for her, with perfect Pokemon that she's bonded with, sure, but...
If you notice any brief dampening of Jacinthe's expression, it's your imagination.]
...Your partners truly are the greatest friends with you, aren't they? Even Barbaracle and Gyarados, those added to help enhance your team's strengths--I can feel their love for you when we battle together. I think that's a beautiful thing, all be told.
Thank you. For sharing that much with me. [...] It's genuinely quite nice to hear other's stories like that, I confess. I feel like it helps one learn more about the person training them, perhaps...or at least it does now!
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Took awhile for some of them to warm up to everyone, but yeah. We're a pretty good team at this point.
[Scolipede makes another one of those sounds, a pleased rumbling as he bumps Jacinthe's hand to remind her to keep petting.]
It's not often I talk about this sort of thing. Bit of a shame you've taken a peek behind the curtain and seen my softer sides. My reputation may never recover.
[He's smirking as he says it, though; it's not as though she was entirely unaware of his true nature before these stories, after all.]
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It's strange, how freeing it is the more she thinks about it. A little bit like she's freefalling, too, but being here in this office right now feels...safe. She feels safe right now. It's a far cry from when she first came in here weeks ago, naive to the events of the world around her and the suffering of others.]
Oh dear, it certainly wouldn't if this got out! But lucky for you, I'm quite good at keeping secrets when asked; I'll Fairy Lock this one away for safe keeping. You may count on it.
[Corbeau's kind nature can remain her little secret to keep; she even mimes the gesture of zipping her lips, locking them up, and throwing away the key for good measure. And for a little bit, she'll be silent, even; just petting Scolipede and enjoying the first real ease she's felt in a very long time, without the assistance of her booze and her records. But she looks relaxed, briefly, and it's...
It's nice. Corbeau's bleeding heart feels like a home she's always wished she had, in a way.]
...Merci beaucoup, my dear friend. Keep this up and I might feel like I'm in a real home, you know.
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Eventually Jacinthe speaks up again and Corbeau looks back at her, expression unreadable for a moment as he tries to work out how to respond to that.]
The Rust Syndicate is a home to many of our members, you know. We've taken in a lot of people who don't have anywhere else to go, for whatever reason. I wouldn't go so far as to call us all family, as for some this is just a job, but for others... Well, it's the closest thing they've got.
[It's the closest thing he's got too. They aren't anywhere near a normal family. But does it really matter? It's not like he's ever going to have a normal family anyway, so this is good enough.]
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