Novelux Teardrop Station

[Shiny Phantump]

"It would no doubt be interesting to meet this Sage," they replied, thinly. "I can assure you, however, that I am perfectly able to handle a little irregularity within my aura. You need not worry yourself about my wellbeing, Gladion."

"-Khm," coughed Julius. "Sir, in the event that your full and undiluted faculties are required, whether in dialogue or – Saints forbid – in combat, then—"

"I am fine, Julius. Thank you for your concern."

“Can’t help myself,” Gladion said, despite trying to look as unworried as possible. “I mean, I hardly think it’s likely you’re gonna end up in a violent fugue…”

(Careful phrasing, implying he’d discarded the chance of it happening without expressly saying he had. By now, Articuno would know him well enough to see right though to the truth of it: He did dread that it was possible.)

“…But you haven’t been exposed to any sources of Shadow recently, which suggests it’s been lingering for a while, and only showing rearing it’s head now that Radiance is involved. They’re harder to manage together, I’ve felt. Sage has made an art form of using them to keep each other in check instead.”

Hmm. Ben paused. I'd like to be more confident, myself...

Yeah, well, Radiance burns you up from the inside if you use too much of it. And you certainly might say or do some... embarrassing things before that. It's like being drunk.

Likewise, I would advise caution with Radiance. You sure you wanna know what you’re like without your inhibitions? At least Shadow’s the devil you know.

Gladion supposed he couldn’t entirely blame Ben for being sick of having to deal with devils he knew. Somehow, though, he had the funniest suspicion that that wouldn’t land well with either side of his present Wayfarer company.

He shrugged, undercutting and distancing himself from the sincerity of both his spoken and mental threads of conversation at once.

“I’m sure you’ll manage it alright. We’ll make sure to be ready on our end, too.”

 

[Jackie Cat]

“I mean, I hardly think it’s likely you’re gonna end up in a violent fugue… But you haven’t been exposed to any sources of Shadow recently, which suggests it’s been lingering for a while, and only showing rearing it’s head now that Radiance is involved. They’re harder to manage together, I’ve felt. Sage has made an art form of using them to keep each other in check instead.”

Articuno gave a stiff, minute nod.

"I may look into it. If the opportunity arises. Your concern, while of course unwarranted, is... acknowledged." A pause. "Appreciated, that is. Naturally I wish only the best health for you as well."

Hard-edged as they sometimes were, at least the bird sounded sincere. Was it hubris, or something else that kept them from discussing their lingering corruption more frankly? Divining that would be challenging for anyone. Perhaps Julius would have a better idea, if approached alone, later...? The Lopunny was very likely more familiar with Articuno than anyone else.

“I’m sure you’ll manage it alright. We’ll make sure to be ready on our end, too.”

"We'll inform the rest," Andre replied.

The Saint nodded, and took a slightly deeper breath than usual – a controlled inhalation and exhalation, perceptibly deliberate.

"Very well. I expect you in upstate Alexandria in due time. Thank you for your visit, and good fortune to you all."

They inclined their head to Julius, and the rabbit – with a brusque bow – went to show the Wayfarers out.

As they left, if they looked back, they would see Articuno still absorbed in the globe on their desk, their hooded eyes troubled.

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