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Post by Ink on Jul 23, 2015 15:19:37 GMT
TJ woke up to find the triplets sprawled all over him, like normal. They had hammocks of their own in his room but chose mostly to sleep with him. As he got up and looked around, wincing in pain from his wounds he saw that Arthur had chosen to come home with him and was guarding the door. He was glad that he was able to save the Machoke from his father. He would be an excellent friend.
Getting out of bed, letting the triplets rest, he put on his own temple clothing. Hearing a rattling off to the side in a small wooden crate he smiled. It was good timing for that. He gathered up the crate and headed out the door, only stopped momentarily by Arthur, who just patted his shoulder and made sure his wounds were still covered.
When he reached the temple, luckily without getting spotted by his mother who would ask about the clothing because he rarely wore the temple garb, he found that his sister was already there praying. He would figure that his sister would be taking things rough. She had experienced a side of herself that she had never had to see before.
He padded over to her and knelt down beside her, the slightly wobbling crate sitting in front of him. He lowered his head and offered up a prayer to his ancestors. He knew that he had done some bad things, but for the sake of his family and others he knew he had done the right thing. But he ha come to terms with that moral choice. Umi had not.
Once finished praying he spoke to her softly, not looking at her, "You know... Grandpa once said that he wished that you would have spent more time in the Dojo with us, instead of in the temple with grandma. He worried that you would develop a one sided perspective of the world that could potentially cause you to snap if it was contested. You and grandma are so alike... kind, soft, stern but gentle and guiding.. and fully unprepared for anger or rage when it chooses to rear its ugly head. You've been caught unprotected from the darker side of human nature because you just didn't have to see it. That is why I did not wish you to be a part of this... because i wished to maintain that purity... That it is now gone is my fault and a burden I must bear."
He slid the box open to reveal a shaking pokemon egg and slid it to Umi. "I got this egg a few months ago and have been taking care of it to try and get it to hatch. It seemed to know that today was the day to come meet its family. Let it be a reminder of the purity and sanctity of life that we should be revering, only straying when we must."
(((Its a smoochum!)))
TJ got up and started to clean up the temple. He had not done morning chores in a long while, but it brought some ease to him this morning. Just how much was lost for their freedom?
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Post by maestro on Jul 23, 2015 16:31:34 GMT
Umi heard TJ approach, but remained in her praying position as she continued to pray for forgiveness over her actions. When TJ began to speak, she finally came up and say there on her knees, hands folded in her lap and her gaze staring at the alter as if in a far away place. This wasn't the first time she had been associated with her grandmother, and probably wouldn't be the last. That was fine, Umi felt more attuned to her grandmother than her grandfather, not to discredit him either. TJ, however, was shouldering the burden of her mental state now, and normal Umi would have fought him tooth and nail on that...but she just didn't have the energy to do so at this point in time.
When the egg hatched and a little baby Smoochum popped out, Umi just stared down at the little baby Pokemon as it began its first walk of life. It wobbled out of the box and fell into Umi's lap, chirping up at her as if imprinting itself onto her. "Hey there...." she said softly to the cheerful little one. When TJ began the chores around the temple, Umi offered no argument. Her entire spirit was broken from her actions, and she had no idea how to handle herself. She just sat there, staring off at the shrine and petting her new Pokemon.
After a few minutes passed, Megumi showed up at the temple at her usual time. The air from her children was thick, and she knew that they both had heavy hearts on them. She silently approached both of her beloveds and gave a small smirk at the sight of TJ wearing his temple clothes, let alone actually doing chores. Her daughter seemed to be off in a distance, as if something was eating at her soul. Without a word, Megumi came over to the shrine and bowed her head in respect and sat down next to her daughter. "You both have burdens you are carrying...I feel it. Both of my children are hurting, are at conflict. There is nothing I can do to heal your souls, but as your mother, I am here to help soothe the pain" she offered. Umi, now overcome with emotions at the kindness and gentle nature of her mother, lost control and lunged herself into her mother's embrace and crying out the pain of her actions.
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Post by Ink on Jul 23, 2015 17:33:22 GMT
As his mother entered and his sister broke down TJ continued to do his chores and cleaning of the temple. He was not comfortable with the high level of emotions going on and he was doing all he could to just ignore the pain of his wounds. Thinking of those specifically he looked down to see that his arm, where his sister had almost cleaved it, was bleeding again. He wondered if Umi had been able to stitch properly in her state last night. He just pulled his sleeve down over it hoping it would not bleed through and kept working.
As his chores neared an end and his sister seemed to be letting up on the waterworks to hopeful prepare herself for the day he made his move. "While I have you two here... I need to let you know that I will be leaving soon. Now that the TGT will be here in Bitterspring and will be looking out for this area in particular I can be sure that you two will be safe without me. I intend to find out where my failure of a father transferred to and I'm going to hunt him down because we need to have a little chat. I remember once, when he was visiting in JNPR that he mentioned his family having something very precious that would be passed down to me when I was older. I intend to find out what precious item this is and see if it can be used against the syndicate. Once that's done I intend to get stronger until I can take on the Fighting gym in River City. I may even continue on and gather my badges for challenging the elite four. All I know is that I need to be on the move and stopping bad things that happen where I go. The syndicate is a virus and I'm planning on being the cure where ever I can."
He set down his broom off in the closet and then returned to the alter to light more incense.
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Post by maestro on Jul 24, 2015 11:15:49 GMT
As she settled down, Umi's mind became more clear. She had succumb to her blood lust, a side of her she had never known existed, and she was scared. It was a part of her now, and she did not know how to handle it or even control it. The Smoochum just cuddled up in her lap as she calmed her emotions and her mother let go of her. Saito suddenly made an appearance, teleporting himself onto a nearby table and immediately collapsing forward.
Once TJ spouted out his plan, his mother had to retort "TJ...you have done enough. Please, rest and tend to your wounds. Your arm looks like it needs proper stitching and you cannot be feeling well after whatever happened to you and your sister" she pleaded. Suddenly, Umi stood up from her spot without saying a word. She walked over to a small chest and opened it to get her first aid and sewing materials. She shuffled over to TJ, her head still down to the floor, "I did that...didn't I?" she inquired.
Umi had not given anyone a chance to reply before she continued, "Last night...a part of me ventured out that I never knew existed. It was powerful and...scary. Cold, and unfeeling. I...don't know how to deal with a side of me that is so polarizing. I...I need to find answers as well, for my own well being. If mother is protected, TJ....may I come with you on your journey?" she pleaded.
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Post by Ink on Jul 24, 2015 14:01:44 GMT
TJ slammed his hand against the wall in retort to his mothers words. He winced as he fully tore open the sword wound and blood ran down his arm freely. He looked at Umi who had her first aid kit and shook his head. "I did this to myself. You were attacking Arthur because my life was in danger, I protected Arthur... because I thought he was worth protecting. He was just a puppet in My father's game. This wound is my fault because I chose to take it. But If you like I'll let you stitch it up."
He sat down and pulled up his sleeve to reveal he serious wound he had. It was much worse than he let on. He returned his focus to his mother and let his sister do her work. "You say I do to much, that I've done enough. Its because of you adults that don't do anything that the syndicate became so powerful. I love you, and I've now provided protection for my family, But my job is far from done. I cannot stand by and let this continue. Sure I could relax and wait for someone else to come, but what if they don't. What if we all just sat here saying the same thing and no one rose up to help. Fuck that. I'm doing it my way. If I sat around and did nothing, knowing that I could do something if I tried, My grandfather would be ashamed of me..."
He looked to his sister again and sighed. "As for you, as my elder sister I can't stop you from coming. I wish you would stay home and run the shrine for mom but we both know that you never take orders from me and even if mom asked you to stay you'd end up running off because you've got it in your mind to do so...do as you wish, but I don't know if I can keep you safe in unknown territory..."
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Post by maestro on Jul 27, 2015 11:21:00 GMT
His mother just let her son vent, sitting in silence and giving him the time he needed to let his words out. Umi just stayed silent under her brother's anger, dressing the wound that claimed most of his arm and began to prep her sewing needle and thread. His words were aggressive, but Umi knew that TJ was angry, frustrated, and down right pissed. She couldn't blame him, she was upset as well but was much more subtle about it. Where TJ was an explosion of emotion, Umi generally kept her frustrations and anger to herself unless it was to scold her younger brother. This time, however, she could not find the words to use against him, just silence.
Once TJ was finished, Megumi nodded in acceptance and walked over to her son with a blank look on her face. She wrapped her arms around his head and pulled it into her chest, speaking softly. "No matter what you do, you will always be my children. You have grown up so much and your decisions are yours to decide. I will not stop you all from leaving...you both have your own journey ahead of you" she agreed. Once she released TJ, she smiled down to her son "You have your grandfather's fire and passion. Never let go of that, my son. As for my daughter..." Megumi said as she held up her index fingering, signaling them to wait a moment as she went into the shrine. Umi looked puzzled, but then went back to stitching up TJ's arm, with the intent to nurse his hand as well. "I know you don't want me to come along, brother, but...I have to find answers...answers about this world, and about myself. I know it is against your will, but thank you...for accepting my company" she said.
Before long, Megumi came back from inside the shrine with a sword and placed it on the ground next to Umi, who was now shocked and surprised by the act. "Mother...what is..." she said, before Megumi interrupted. "This is a ceremonial sword that has been passed down through generations of your family. It has never once been tainted with ill will. It has been used to guide many members of the family through their journeys, and its blade has yet to dull. It was said to be given to the member of the family who needs it the most, one who will benefit from their heritage. I bestow it upon you, my daughter, in hopes that the weight of its responsibility will be the burden, and gift, that you need." Umi didn't know what to say as she picked up the sword, her entire body shaking from the presence of it. "I...don't know what to say, mother. But...thank you....I will do my best to make you proud." Megumi smiled at her children as she picked herself off the ground "I have two very fine children, and I can see my parents in both of you. My only wish, is that you both return to me once your quest is done. I will make sure the triplets have fresh cookies, and Saito will have a nice warm bed to sleep in" she offered.
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Post by Ink on Jul 27, 2015 15:19:19 GMT
TJ stood up after his mother presented his sister with the blade. "I need to inform the head of the TGT that his men can now make base here in Bitterspring. They will look after this area when I leave. He is a good man, a man of his word. I know that I may always return here mother, but I do not know when I will. I love you, but my heart tells me I need to leave and learn and travel. I look here at the shrine and it reminds me of home with Grandpa. It reminds me that my grandfather can still at his age best me and the triplets by himself without his pokemon helping. I wish to be that good one day, to make him proud. to master our family style and one day pass it on to my children. I can not do that here mother. I will send sister home one day when she has learned what she needs... maybe we'll find her a husband on the road, not that any man would want that..."
And with that last glib jab at his sister he hopped forward, hugged his mother and kissed her on the cheek and then bolted out the door heading towards the Raven's tail pub. The triplets and Arthur were waiting for him outside the shrine with a clean set of street cloths, just some black pants, a white tee, and a black button up shirt that he left untucked and unbuttoned. He slid into his shoes and grinned. "Much better." And the group jogged away from the shrine. Not like Umi wouldn't be able to find him at all.
When he got to the Raven Tail pub he kicked the door open to be greeted by TGT members raising weapons and capture balls. "Hey Thunder God Sempai, I've got news for you you might want to hear.... Permission to speak? Or do I have to make a mess again to come back there this time?"
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Post by maestro on Jul 27, 2015 18:25:20 GMT
Umi's cheeks puffed up at her brother's jab at her "Hey! You little..." she sneered as TJ had already taken off. "The nerve of him...I can't believe I'm sister to such a immature little pre-pubescent gremlin!" she snarled in a huffy fit. She then looked at her mother "I'm going to get changed and then chase after him. Someone has to keep that kid in line" Umi stated, bowing to the shrine and her mother and then leaving to change out of her robes, her Smoochum humming a tune in her arms and Saito teleporting after her. Megumi just smiled as both of her children went on their ways. She thought to herself As teasing as they are towards each other, they both really know how to bring each other out of their own pools of despair. I truly am blessed to have such wonderful children. With that, Megumi began to tidy up more around the shrine where TJ had been, making sure it was actually clean and not just glanced over.
At the Raven's Tail, once TJ made his entrance the head of the TGT immediately looked up and rose his hand to stop his goons from attacking. "Do you boys really want a repeat of the last time the boy entered this place? Let's try to keep the damage, both building and self, to a minimum, shall we?" he said. He then turned his gaze to TJ "Well, boy, I've heard some reports that three Syndicate warehouses have been abandoned. Two blown up and one, well, let's just say that the clean up crew is still trying to get the floor back to its original color. You sure work fast, gotta hand it to you. Although subtle is not the word I would have used, but it seemed to work. So, tell me, how was it that one boy and his three Pokemon took down three Syndicate warehouses in one night" he demanded.
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Post by Ink on Jul 27, 2015 18:37:00 GMT
TJ wandered back to the far end of the pub where the head of the TGT sat waiting. "how? Simple. I didn't play by their rules and I did what I had to do. It's not pretty, it's not good, and its a burden I have to bear for making my choice I know, but I'll do what I must to protect those I love. I swiped two Electrodes from a Syndicate transport. No clue where they were going but I almost ashed myself finding out that they had tortured the two pokemon to the point of auto self destruct."
He took a seat and motioned for the triplets to do the same. Arthur just sat down behind him on the floor. "I sent the triplets and my sister to two of the warehouses to blow them up... The third main warehouse had to come down physically. See my Father is a low ranking syndicate official now and he was causing all the issues here. I wanted him gone and i was gonna do it personally. Umi... well when she heard our dearest father give the order to nix both his children without a thought she kind of lost her temper. I was able to save Arther though... ' He pointed back at the Machoke that just smiled at the lead in front of him.
"My father fled, I intend to hunt him down as apparently the family has access to something very valuable... I intend to get it, and then I'll make sure he never hurts anyone ever again. From there I'm going to travel, get stronger and stop the syndicate wherever I can, wherever I go... I assume that since I'm good on my half of the deal you're men will now come in and protect this area correct?"
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Post by maestro on Jul 28, 2015 11:30:50 GMT
The head of the TGT just clapped his hands at TJ after he finished his story. "Gotta say kid, I like your style. I gave you three weeks, and you got it done in one night. A deals a deal, the TGT will put JNPRsprings under its watch" he said as he snapped his finger, signaling a scantly clad female to come out with a notebook. "Hey toots, take a memo for me and make sure it gets sent out to all divisions of the TGT. JNPRsprings is our turf now, and no one causes issues in it. We protect those that can't protect themselves, and if we see any Syndicate activity you report it to me immediately" the girl nodded as she wrote the memo and then left them.
"Well, is there anything else I can do for you?" the head asked TJ. Suddenly, some yelling could be heard in the front room "Hey girl, you can't just barge in here...AHG!" "Hey, what did you...oof!" "Ow my back! Ow my back!" which gave the leader a raised eyebrow "More company, I assume..." he said as if he wasn't surprised.
Before long, Umi appeared in the back room, looking like she was stricken with minor annoyance "I swear, I can't just ask one question without some goon trying to sneak a feel in, can I?" she sighed as her Smoochum followed along, skipping and humming and Saito just teleported in. Umi looked over at TJ and then the head of the TGT, bowing her head as she entered "Pardon the intrusion, but I have come to catch up with my brother. I apologize for the damage that has been done to your men" she said. The head just shook his head "No no...that's quite alright. If they welcomed you the same way they welcomed your brother...and if his story about you is true, I'd much rather them learn their lesson the hard way. So....the sibling duo, who took down three Syndicate warehouses in one night...guess I should consider myself thankful that I am not on the receiving end of your anger."
The head snapped his finger again, another scantly clad female answered the call, this time carrying a small emblem. "Since you guys did the job in such a short amount of time, I'll extend my end of the bargain to you, as a token of partnership between us. I assume your sister is going with you to search for this father of yours. Here..." he said as he grabbed the emblem and tossed it to TJ. "That's a TGT badge. Kind of an unofficial gym badge, but it will mark to all TGT members around the region that you have the respect of our gang. Any TGT member who sees it will know it came from me and will be willing to help you out on your journey" he offered.
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Post by Ink on Jul 28, 2015 14:47:55 GMT
TJ took the badge and slipped it into his inner jacket pocket and clipped it there. "We thank you for your assistance, and I thank you personally for the peace you will bring to my mind knowing that my mother will be able to walk the streets without hassle now. If you guys are real nice to her she'll bake cookies. Best baker in JNPR Springs...
As for the syndicate fearing me or us or just being wary... What happened the other night was no fluke. It went off just as I planned... well mostly... but it happened because I had a plan, and resources and the man that ran them was incompetent. I'm not so stupid to think it'll be that easy ever again. But that won't stop me from trying. Boss, I've heard some terrifying things about you as both a Man and a Trainer. When I return I wish to challenge you to a official pokemon battle, you and yours versus me and the boys. I'm thinking that if I can match up to a legend like you I won't have turned out half bad..."
With a surprisingly respectful bow to the leader of the TGT, TJ turned and left the building, his pokemon wandering about him. He took a deep breath once outside, the sun shining down upon him. "Now we just have to find him.. again... but where too first..."
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Post by maestro on Jul 28, 2015 18:22:33 GMT
The TGT head just brushed the air with his hand "Don't worry about your mother, raising the two of you has earned her my respect. The boys might even enjoy cookies, lord knows that's the only thing from a woman some of them will get. As for the battle, you will have your fight when you are ready...but only when you are ready. I don't like wasting my time with weaklings, leaves a bad taste in my mouth if I feel like I'm bullying someone" he said. He then looked over at Umi "You got a brother with balls of steel girlie, I can only imagine how fearsome you can be to command such respect from him. I wish you both luck on your journey" he stated as TJ began his bow. He gave a small, dismissive hand gesture in the air as TJ bowed.
Umi looked over at TJ, surprised that he would display the traditional respectful bow as he exited. She did the same "Thank you, sir" and then followed TJ out of the establishment, stepping over the bodies of the injured gang members that she had beaten earlier with just the sheath of her sword. Bruises abound! Her Smoochum followed, making sure to give each injured person a kiss in an attempt to make them feel better.
When they were outside, Umi stretched and then looked over to her brother. "Hey TJ...uhm...listen, I just want you to know that I do appreciate you allowing me to come with you. I'm honestly not too sure about what to make of everything that happened last night...but..." she shifted back her gaze back and forth, and immediately lunged to her brother and gave him a hug "...I'm just glad that I have my little brother her with me" she said, uncharacteristically sweetly.
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