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Mewtwo's Lair
- Thread starter Namohysip
- Start date
Cresselia92
Monster Coach
- Pronoun
- she/her
Silver took a cautious step back when Giovanni started glowing with the unmistakable light of evolution, his eyes as wide as plates. Since when could Mewtwo evolve?! He found nothing about potential evolutions or power boosts in any file, so how—?
He waited with bated breath, wondering how a supposed Mewthree looked like… only for the light to vanish and reveal a much more mundane-looking Nidoking in the Mewtwo’s spot.
“………Is this for real?”
Silver blinked once, twice, and a slower third time, his brain stalling as he couldn’t figure out how a Mewtwo could turn into a freaking Nidoking. The Sneasel turned around to glance at the others and mumbled, “…Okay, anyone else’s about to undergo a major growth spurt or something?”
For good measure, Silver looked at himself, waiting for the evolutionary light to envelop him and to bask in the great and glorious surge of power…
…
…Nope. Seconds passed and nothing happened. Still stuck as the same young Sneasel. That was… disappointing, and also a tad anticlimactic.
“Well, huh, congrats for your evolution?” he muttered as he turned back to Giovanni, hiding his annoyance at his own short stature. “How’d, um, you feel?”
He waited with bated breath, wondering how a supposed Mewthree looked like… only for the light to vanish and reveal a much more mundane-looking Nidoking in the Mewtwo’s spot.
“………Is this for real?”
Silver blinked once, twice, and a slower third time, his brain stalling as he couldn’t figure out how a Mewtwo could turn into a freaking Nidoking. The Sneasel turned around to glance at the others and mumbled, “…Okay, anyone else’s about to undergo a major growth spurt or something?”
For good measure, Silver looked at himself, waiting for the evolutionary light to envelop him and to bask in the great and glorious surge of power…
…
…Nope. Seconds passed and nothing happened. Still stuck as the same young Sneasel. That was… disappointing, and also a tad anticlimactic.
“Well, huh, congrats for your evolution?” he muttered as he turned back to Giovanni, hiding his annoyance at his own short stature. “How’d, um, you feel?”
- Pronoun
- He
"I don't think... Mewtwo evolve into that," Owen said when Mhynt summoned her blade.
"I think he wasn't ever a Mewtwo," Mhynt said, arms crossed. "He had us intimidated by his presence all this time... but now that I think about it, his Psychic abilities were very basic. I'm sure even I could outpace him."
Giovanni's eye twitched. "The time I spent recreating that suit..." His smirk eventually returned, though, as he said, "But I suppose with that... I can say my mission here was a complete success. Indeed, I was in a more... diminutive form until recently. But even though I was denied the form I wished here, it seems my will was enough to overcome that limitation. Like Red, I gained the ability to Transform... though it was limited.
"But I suppose now, I don't need the disguise anymore. I do feel... power in this form all the same." He nodded at Silver.
Mhynt squinted. "Are you saying if we ever truly picked a fight with you, we would have won handily?" she said. "It was all... bluster?"
"The difference between bluster and a proper mind game," Giovanni said, "is if you're convincing enough that nobody would ever call the bluff." With a wry smile, he said, "I believe it's clear who won this time."
"I think he wasn't ever a Mewtwo," Mhynt said, arms crossed. "He had us intimidated by his presence all this time... but now that I think about it, his Psychic abilities were very basic. I'm sure even I could outpace him."
Giovanni's eye twitched. "The time I spent recreating that suit..." His smirk eventually returned, though, as he said, "But I suppose with that... I can say my mission here was a complete success. Indeed, I was in a more... diminutive form until recently. But even though I was denied the form I wished here, it seems my will was enough to overcome that limitation. Like Red, I gained the ability to Transform... though it was limited.
"But I suppose now, I don't need the disguise anymore. I do feel... power in this form all the same." He nodded at Silver.
Mhynt squinted. "Are you saying if we ever truly picked a fight with you, we would have won handily?" she said. "It was all... bluster?"
"The difference between bluster and a proper mind game," Giovanni said, "is if you're convincing enough that nobody would ever call the bluff." With a wry smile, he said, "I believe it's clear who won this time."
Cresselia92
Monster Coach
- Pronoun
- she/her
“Hmph! I shouldn’t really be surprised at this point,” grumbled Silver, mustering the most shark-like smirk a weasel could muster. “Diversion is one of Team Rocket’s most successful strategies — it can be surprisingly easy to make fake stuff seem very real or to lead people into seeing what you want them to see with the right words and resources. Kinda like… a big chess game of mirrors.”
Despite shrugging casually, it was clear from his gaze and tone that he was genuinely impressed. “You even managed to trick me when we shook hands, so… I gotta tip my hat to you, Giovanni. You got me good.”
Despite shrugging casually, it was clear from his gaze and tone that he was genuinely impressed. “You even managed to trick me when we shook hands, so… I gotta tip my hat to you, Giovanni. You got me good.”
- Pronoun
- He
"Oh, yes, do you mean Purple?" Giovanni said with an amused smile. "He did feel like a real prankster when he chose that form when working with the Rangers. I suppose now that will be a more permanent identity... I don't think having a Mew working for the Rangers will be the kind of attention they want."
He smirked and nodded at Silver. "It's no illusion," he said. "I did take on that form... though I suppose in either case, it's no longer necessary."
It was surprising, but he looked quite dignified despite his suit being in tatters.
He smirked and nodded at Silver. "It's no illusion," he said. "I did take on that form... though I suppose in either case, it's no longer necessary."
It was surprising, but he looked quite dignified despite his suit being in tatters.
- Pronoun
- He
"Hmph. Well." Giovanni stepped back. "I suppose that will be all for me. Feel free to use these facilities as you like. I suppose now it will be Red's abode."
He turned around. "As for me... I suppose I will no longer be directly interfering with things in this realm any longer. You have what you want... Powehi, and others watching." He glanced skyward, smirking. It seemed like little filaments of light were starting to flake off of the Nidoking's body.
He turned around. "As for me... I suppose I will no longer be directly interfering with things in this realm any longer. You have what you want... Powehi, and others watching." He glanced skyward, smirking. It seemed like little filaments of light were starting to flake off of the Nidoking's body.
Cresselia92
Monster Coach
- Pronoun
- she/her
Already? But… but…
Silver bit his lower lip, caught completely off-guard. There were still so many questions he wished to ask; so many moments they could have shared to know each other better; so many opportunities to, who knows, forge a strong bond.
But there was no more time left, and all those questions were going to be left unanswered and those moments unfulfilled.
“So, this is it,” he muttered, his claws flexing unconsciously as he hurriedly tried to come up with something to say. Anything. “Well, hmm… Such a pity that you’re leaving! Would’ve wanted to challenge you, now that you’re a powerful Nidoking! Y’know, poison versus poison? It would’ve been so damn badass!”
Silver forced himself to quiet down the sudden rush of emotions, and once the building tension flowed out of his body, a tiny but genuine smile spread on his muzzle.
“…Keep doing good, yeah? You’re on the right track, so don’t you dare mess up when you’ve gotten so far!” Silver took a deep breath. “Also, if you get the chance… Try to spend some quality time with your Silver, okay? Even if he might appear aloof and indifferent ‘bout it, I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.”
Silver bit his lower lip, caught completely off-guard. There were still so many questions he wished to ask; so many moments they could have shared to know each other better; so many opportunities to, who knows, forge a strong bond.
But there was no more time left, and all those questions were going to be left unanswered and those moments unfulfilled.
“So, this is it,” he muttered, his claws flexing unconsciously as he hurriedly tried to come up with something to say. Anything. “Well, hmm… Such a pity that you’re leaving! Would’ve wanted to challenge you, now that you’re a powerful Nidoking! Y’know, poison versus poison? It would’ve been so damn badass!”
Silver forced himself to quiet down the sudden rush of emotions, and once the building tension flowed out of his body, a tiny but genuine smile spread on his muzzle.
“…Keep doing good, yeah? You’re on the right track, so don’t you dare mess up when you’ve gotten so far!” Silver took a deep breath. “Also, if you get the chance… Try to spend some quality time with your Silver, okay? Even if he might appear aloof and indifferent ‘bout it, I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.”
- Pronoun
- He
The Nidoking eyed Silver with some curiosity at first, lights flaking off of his body little by little.
"It's something to consider," he agreed with a thoughtful hum. "He's already defied me once or twice... In that sense, I can say I'm proud of him."
"Even with his imposing presence," Mhynt said, "I don't think he would stand up to us very well at this point. It appears... most of that 'power' that a typical world-hopper would get has been channeled into that intimidation and little more. If you fought now... Giovanni's grand illusion would evaporate before our eyes."
"Hmhmhm..." Giovanni brought his claws to his chin. "Very astute observation. I suppose there's no harm in admitting that. In the end... Red's stronger than I am. Perhaps a spar with him will satisfy you. But it seems... you do have a question for me, Silver.
"Or is it... that you have a question for your Giovanni? Our circumstances may be wildly different, you know. My answer will not be the same as his."
"It's something to consider," he agreed with a thoughtful hum. "He's already defied me once or twice... In that sense, I can say I'm proud of him."
"Even with his imposing presence," Mhynt said, "I don't think he would stand up to us very well at this point. It appears... most of that 'power' that a typical world-hopper would get has been channeled into that intimidation and little more. If you fought now... Giovanni's grand illusion would evaporate before our eyes."
"Hmhmhm..." Giovanni brought his claws to his chin. "Very astute observation. I suppose there's no harm in admitting that. In the end... Red's stronger than I am. Perhaps a spar with him will satisfy you. But it seems... you do have a question for me, Silver.
"Or is it... that you have a question for your Giovanni? Our circumstances may be wildly different, you know. My answer will not be the same as his."
Cresselia92
Monster Coach
- Pronoun
- she/her
Silver felt a jolt of unease traveling along his spine, and the temperature of the hideout instantly dropped to glacial levels. Right. He wanted to talk about that thing, but would the already limited time be enough? Also, other people were there, in the same place, listening.
N-No, I… I can’t! Silver made it to turn his head and look at his teammates, but caught himself in the act and didn’t budge. I shouldn’t!
All I care about are strong Pokémon that win every time. The rest of them don't mean anything to me.
Speaking of weaklings, the city's Gym Leader isn't here, and is supposedly taking care of a sick Pokémon at the Lighthouse. Hmph! Boo-hoo! Just let sick Pokémon go! A Pokémon that can't battle is worthless!
Kill them all. They don't deserve you. They're all weak. Power is the rule of all worlds.
…I thought I was better, that I was becoming a good person. And yet, I almost… let myself turn back into the worse version of myself and dipped into that horrible, disgusting mindset. Maybe… I’m still a bad person, after all…
However, his rational side quickly brought up an important point: that was his last chance to get the answer he wanted from the person he wanted, and if there was someone who could understand that flurry of hideous thoughts and the inner turmoil he was going through, it was Giovanni. That wasn’t the right moment to let his hesitation take control, and the fact he was questioning his own morality surely meant something.
Hence, Radiance burned into his chest to give confidence and break the lock to his heart while the shadows tinged his thoughts to give them emotional depth and meaning they needed. And then came out the question in a raspy and distorted voice, barely louder than a whisper.
“How d’you cope with and forgive yourself for hurting or thinking of hurting the people you care ‘bout most, Dad?”
N-No, I… I can’t! Silver made it to turn his head and look at his teammates, but caught himself in the act and didn’t budge. I shouldn’t!
All I care about are strong Pokémon that win every time. The rest of them don't mean anything to me.
Speaking of weaklings, the city's Gym Leader isn't here, and is supposedly taking care of a sick Pokémon at the Lighthouse. Hmph! Boo-hoo! Just let sick Pokémon go! A Pokémon that can't battle is worthless!
Kill them all. They don't deserve you. They're all weak. Power is the rule of all worlds.
…I thought I was better, that I was becoming a good person. And yet, I almost… let myself turn back into the worse version of myself and dipped into that horrible, disgusting mindset. Maybe… I’m still a bad person, after all…
However, his rational side quickly brought up an important point: that was his last chance to get the answer he wanted from the person he wanted, and if there was someone who could understand that flurry of hideous thoughts and the inner turmoil he was going through, it was Giovanni. That wasn’t the right moment to let his hesitation take control, and the fact he was questioning his own morality surely meant something.
Hence, Radiance burned into his chest to give confidence and break the lock to his heart while the shadows tinged his thoughts to give them emotional depth and meaning they needed. And then came out the question in a raspy and distorted voice, barely louder than a whisper.
“How d’you cope with and forgive yourself for hurting or thinking of hurting the people you care ‘bout most, Dad?”
- Pronoun
- He
Giovanni's smile faltered for a moment, though it didn't seem to be out of guilt. Scorn, surprise? Without psychic empathy, it was hard to get a read on it...
The smile returned, though this time it was almost respectful. Just a hint. "The answer won't satisfy you. And I'm sure the answer is not one you will come across often, nor will it help most. But the plain answer is... there is nothing to cope with. Nothing to forgive." He paced even as the lights became just a bit more frequent. Giovanni's voice was slightly more distant, though he was still corporeal enough.
"Everything I did to get to this point was not out of malice but necessity. Every evil act, every grand scheme, it was all for the power to do what I wanted, and the power to have more people below me than above me. There is a certain... sweet spot near the top, but not at the top, that I am eyeing. Enough power to do as I please... but not so high that you get extra scrutiny. I'm sure you can understand what that means, the nuance behind it.
"This... power of friendship. It's become one of my most valuable assets to investigate. And had I not taken certain steps in the past, evil or otherwise, I would not have reached this point. This... Overworld, the Overseers, it does not matter what scope something exists in. It's all societal. All about power, who has it, who does not.
"I'm merely playing with what works best. That... is power. Wouldn't you agree?"
The smile returned, though this time it was almost respectful. Just a hint. "The answer won't satisfy you. And I'm sure the answer is not one you will come across often, nor will it help most. But the plain answer is... there is nothing to cope with. Nothing to forgive." He paced even as the lights became just a bit more frequent. Giovanni's voice was slightly more distant, though he was still corporeal enough.
"Everything I did to get to this point was not out of malice but necessity. Every evil act, every grand scheme, it was all for the power to do what I wanted, and the power to have more people below me than above me. There is a certain... sweet spot near the top, but not at the top, that I am eyeing. Enough power to do as I please... but not so high that you get extra scrutiny. I'm sure you can understand what that means, the nuance behind it.
"This... power of friendship. It's become one of my most valuable assets to investigate. And had I not taken certain steps in the past, evil or otherwise, I would not have reached this point. This... Overworld, the Overseers, it does not matter what scope something exists in. It's all societal. All about power, who has it, who does not.
"I'm merely playing with what works best. That... is power. Wouldn't you agree?"
Ambyssin
Uh oh! Back to the lab again!
- Pronoun
- He/Him
"Oh, so you're only working for the greater good out of self-convenience for now." Nova squinted. "Yeah, you're him all right." And he was seriously questioning just how reliable these Overseers were if this was the kind of personnel they worked with. What did that mean for him? And his deal back home?
Then again, that light dragon had said he was "not well-liked or respected" amongst Overseers. So maaaaaybe that was a good thing?
"Try not to let the universe door hit you on the way out, I guess."
Then again, that light dragon had said he was "not well-liked or respected" amongst Overseers. So maaaaaybe that was a good thing?
"Try not to let the universe door hit you on the way out, I guess."
Cresselia92
Monster Coach
- Pronoun
- she/her
Silver didn’t know what else he was expecting out of Giovanni, but there was a vague comfort in getting a straightforward response from someone extremely logic-oriented. And even though that wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear, it sure was the answer he needed to hear.
Such a pity they only had a few seconds left at best to discuss that matter. Silver had to make them do.
“I… thank you for the answer. And, hm, I understand your point.” He truly did, and he hated the fact that he followed that rationale perfectly. It made sense, it was logical, it worked in all universes. “It’s kinda like aiming to be the Queen of chess — powerful and versatile, but not nearly as targeted or coveted as the King and his throne.”
Silver looked away, his emotions shrouded by an inexpressive poker face. “Doing what you must do because of necessity was a lesson I had taken to heart all those years ago. It didn’t matter if I had to steal Pokémon, or ransack shops, or crush the competition without mercy. All that mattered was to get stronger and to achieve my goals.”
Giovanni was shining brighter and brighter, his spirit growing more distant by the second. With a low guttural rumble, Silver shook off the icky distortions infesting his thoughts. If he had to make a point, he needed a clear mind.
“…But as I’ve met more people, I’ve learned that spending your entire life pursuing power only for yourself without considering other aspects of life, well… that’s an excruciatingly long and lonely journey. It’s only by sharing your power with others and by letting others share their power with you that’ll you’ll become much more than the strongest person you can be. You’ll become… the best person you can be.”
Silver shook his head and stared hard at Giovanni. The flood of uncertainty that swirled in his gaze was now tinted by a faint veil of hope.
“My words might not make much sense to you right now, but maybe, someday, you’ll understand them, too.” He took a deep breath, feeling lighter after that exchange, and he smiled faintly. “…Goodbye, Giovanni. Best of luck in… whatever place you’ll end up being.”
Such a pity they only had a few seconds left at best to discuss that matter. Silver had to make them do.
“I… thank you for the answer. And, hm, I understand your point.” He truly did, and he hated the fact that he followed that rationale perfectly. It made sense, it was logical, it worked in all universes. “It’s kinda like aiming to be the Queen of chess — powerful and versatile, but not nearly as targeted or coveted as the King and his throne.”
Silver looked away, his emotions shrouded by an inexpressive poker face. “Doing what you must do because of necessity was a lesson I had taken to heart all those years ago. It didn’t matter if I had to steal Pokémon, or ransack shops, or crush the competition without mercy. All that mattered was to get stronger and to achieve my goals.”
Giovanni was shining brighter and brighter, his spirit growing more distant by the second. With a low guttural rumble, Silver shook off the icky distortions infesting his thoughts. If he had to make a point, he needed a clear mind.
“…But as I’ve met more people, I’ve learned that spending your entire life pursuing power only for yourself without considering other aspects of life, well… that’s an excruciatingly long and lonely journey. It’s only by sharing your power with others and by letting others share their power with you that’ll you’ll become much more than the strongest person you can be. You’ll become… the best person you can be.”
Silver shook his head and stared hard at Giovanni. The flood of uncertainty that swirled in his gaze was now tinted by a faint veil of hope.
“My words might not make much sense to you right now, but maybe, someday, you’ll understand them, too.” He took a deep breath, feeling lighter after that exchange, and he smiled faintly. “…Goodbye, Giovanni. Best of luck in… whatever place you’ll end up being.”
- Pronoun
- He
Giovanni listened with what respect was due. His eyes closed, looking thoughtful, or perhaps only putting up a show about it. But finally, with a small exhale as the lights became brighter and brighter, he said, "Perhaps I will. One day."
He glanced at Red and nodded. A little bit of luck. Then, he address them all. "I'm sure the Overseers send their regards... Oh, and one more thing. I did catch something... interesting during our scouting, Wayfarers, about the foe that remains here. Know this: While you may be facing a strong foe in the future, do not expect them to be your biggest obstacle. If you are facing them directly, you have already won.
"Your true foe... will be the institutions they have already set up. I would know... It is how my empire came to be." he glanced at Silver at that one, smirking.
It seemed that while Alexander was a very straightforward foe, clawing his way to gain some establishment in one last-ditch effort to outpace the Wayfarers, their true foe in Forlas--and the reason they'd been called at all, perhaps--had already entrenched themselves in the systems they needed to live with.
The lights were brighter than ever, completely overwhelming any visual they could have on Giovanni.
"Goodbye. And good luck... I hope to see your efforts in the future."
With one last pulse, the light drifted into the ceiling. Nothing but his tattered suit was left behind.
He glanced at Red and nodded. A little bit of luck. Then, he address them all. "I'm sure the Overseers send their regards... Oh, and one more thing. I did catch something... interesting during our scouting, Wayfarers, about the foe that remains here. Know this: While you may be facing a strong foe in the future, do not expect them to be your biggest obstacle. If you are facing them directly, you have already won.
"Your true foe... will be the institutions they have already set up. I would know... It is how my empire came to be." he glanced at Silver at that one, smirking.
It seemed that while Alexander was a very straightforward foe, clawing his way to gain some establishment in one last-ditch effort to outpace the Wayfarers, their true foe in Forlas--and the reason they'd been called at all, perhaps--had already entrenched themselves in the systems they needed to live with.
The lights were brighter than ever, completely overwhelming any visual they could have on Giovanni.
"Goodbye. And good luck... I hope to see your efforts in the future."
With one last pulse, the light drifted into the ceiling. Nothing but his tattered suit was left behind.
- Pronoun
- they/them
Jade had to admit that Giovanni's response... was about what she'd been expecting. Of course he wouldn't feel guilty for using people, even his own son. It'd never been about malice, or hurting people... just power. That was the case for the Giovanni she knew as well.
(Man, it would have been even more surreal for Starr, if she'd been here.)
At least he'd been their ally while he was here, which was something. Jade found herself vaguely wondering how he'd gotten on the whole 'power of friendship' kick in the first place.
Oh well. Silver would probably need a moment, so Jade gave a friendly wave to Red and saw herself out.
(Man, it would have been even more surreal for Starr, if she'd been here.)
At least he'd been their ally while he was here, which was something. Jade found herself vaguely wondering how he'd gotten on the whole 'power of friendship' kick in the first place.
Oh well. Silver would probably need a moment, so Jade gave a friendly wave to Red and saw herself out.
- Pronoun
- He
"No, not now," Mhynt muttered to Owen. She glanced at the others. "Well, anyway," she said, "I'm... going to take some time to unwind. Catch up with Owen. See if there's anything we can do immediately. Find some therapy. I'll be seeing you." She nodded, formal, and also looked for the proper exit with Red and Jade.