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.]
[Jacinthe's eyes almost dare close for a moment, nuzzling into Scolipede without thinking for a brief moment if allowed--it's when he speaks again that her eyes open, her own expression unsurprised but...
It makes sense, doesn't it? That this place would be a home to so many. Even during the worst of days, the Rust Syndicate has given their all for their leader. To call them mere servants, as she has...is it really fair to them, when they're here out of choice? When they're here out of what Jacinthe can only assume is love, out of the same hand that Corbeau reached toward her when her parent's cruelty was on full display? It makes something sting, Jacinthe realizes. She's always been able to force her way, to march forward like the hurricane she is (was?) and make others follow her. Corbeau has earned the loyalty of so many in this city, who serve him unflinchingly, loyally.
...Jacinthe can't even begin to imitate such gestures, but it makes a pit settle in her stomach as she wonders just how much she's actually done for the SBC. They all act nice and go along with her when it suits them, but she's always been distant in a way.
How strange. How envious she is, all be told, of the loyalty he's earned. She could never be that person, and yet he still...]
...You're making that offer all the more tempting, Corbeau. [Jacinthe's gaze averts.] It gladdens me to hear that, though. That they have a warm, kind home like this to come to, after taking care of our dear city for so long.
[Scolipede doesn't mind at all, he moves so she can settle in against him easily, nuzzling up to her once she's settled. Cozy.
Her response is... not quite what he was expecting, but probably something he should have expected. She wants to get away from her parents - and for damn good reason. Why wouldn't she want to escape to somewhere she can feel marginally more safe?]
Then think about it. It's not an offer I'm taking back.
[But it isn't a decision she needs to rush into either.]
The Rust Syndicate looks out for everyone it can. Lumiose as a whole, of course, but we prioritize our own. If there's trouble for one of us, there's trouble for all of us.
[A roundabout way of saying that she'd be someone they'd look after too, if she'd let them. Granted, even the entire might of the Rust Syndicate may not be enough to combat old money if her parents truly wanted to drag her back kicking and screaming, but damn if they wouldn't put up a fight.]
I'm glad we can offer so many a place to call home. Finding a new meaning for that word can be difficult, and it takes some of them a long time to truly settle in, but it's worth it when they do.
[Then think about it. It's not an offer I'm taking back.
Jacinthe's gaze has to avert at that, feeling so struck in a strange way that's...it's nice. It's really nice, and she doesn't know what to do with it if she's being entirely honest with herself. If it really is true that they're looking to replace her, then she won't have a home to go back to soon, most likely. Either that or her parents will try to take her back with them, and...
Something icy tears through her briefly at the thought. No, no, she doesn't want that. She doesn't want that at all, she can't let it come to that. She just can't. She'll never be able to see any of her friends again if they do that, she's sure.
But hearing Corbeau say all of that, it really does help. She's...not alone. She's really and truly not alone, anymore.]
...I'll continue to think about it; if something happens with the SBC and they... [She considers telling him. Philippe will probably say something if she doesn't, but this is meant to be reprieve, not further stress.] Thank you. I truly do appreciate having the option, my dear friend.
It is good that they have a home with you, though. Their devotion has always been clear to you, but now...I see much better, why they are. You've truly given them something irreplaceable, and they in turn give you their loyalty.
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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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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...]
no subject
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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It makes sense, doesn't it? That this place would be a home to so many. Even during the worst of days, the Rust Syndicate has given their all for their leader. To call them mere servants, as she has...is it really fair to them, when they're here out of choice? When they're here out of what Jacinthe can only assume is love, out of the same hand that Corbeau reached toward her when her parent's cruelty was on full display? It makes something sting, Jacinthe realizes. She's always been able to force her way, to march forward like the hurricane she is (was?) and make others follow her. Corbeau has earned the loyalty of so many in this city, who serve him unflinchingly, loyally.
...Jacinthe can't even begin to imitate such gestures, but it makes a pit settle in her stomach as she wonders just how much she's actually done for the SBC. They all act nice and go along with her when it suits them, but she's always been distant in a way.
How strange. How envious she is, all be told, of the loyalty he's earned. She could never be that person, and yet he still...]
...You're making that offer all the more tempting, Corbeau. [Jacinthe's gaze averts.] It gladdens me to hear that, though. That they have a warm, kind home like this to come to, after taking care of our dear city for so long.
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Her response is... not quite what he was expecting, but probably something he should have expected. She wants to get away from her parents - and for damn good reason. Why wouldn't she want to escape to somewhere she can feel marginally more safe?]
Then think about it. It's not an offer I'm taking back.
[But it isn't a decision she needs to rush into either.]
The Rust Syndicate looks out for everyone it can. Lumiose as a whole, of course, but we prioritize our own. If there's trouble for one of us, there's trouble for all of us.
[A roundabout way of saying that she'd be someone they'd look after too, if she'd let them. Granted, even the entire might of the Rust Syndicate may not be enough to combat old money if her parents truly wanted to drag her back kicking and screaming, but damn if they wouldn't put up a fight.]
I'm glad we can offer so many a place to call home. Finding a new meaning for that word can be difficult, and it takes some of them a long time to truly settle in, but it's worth it when they do.
[...He'd know.]
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Jacinthe's gaze has to avert at that, feeling so struck in a strange way that's...it's nice. It's really nice, and she doesn't know what to do with it if she's being entirely honest with herself. If it really is true that they're looking to replace her, then she won't have a home to go back to soon, most likely. Either that or her parents will try to take her back with them, and...
Something icy tears through her briefly at the thought. No, no, she doesn't want that. She doesn't want that at all, she can't let it come to that. She just can't. She'll never be able to see any of her friends again if they do that, she's sure.
But hearing Corbeau say all of that, it really does help. She's...not alone. She's really and truly not alone, anymore.]
...I'll continue to think about it; if something happens with the SBC and they... [She considers telling him. Philippe will probably say something if she doesn't, but this is meant to be reprieve, not further stress.] Thank you. I truly do appreciate having the option, my dear friend.
It is good that they have a home with you, though. Their devotion has always been clear to you, but now...I see much better, why they are. You've truly given them something irreplaceable, and they in turn give you their loyalty.
I...hope I can do that, someday for someone.
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