~02

[tinytactician]

[Action]

[((Dated to post-cave exploration))

Tiny recluse is still tiny, but not so reclusive -- especially not now that he has a new friend to visit and care for (new friend is a Steelix named Gertrude, fyi). Armin thinks it rude to leave his buddy all alone in the Habitats all the time, so an escape attempt has been performed!

Granted, his grandfather has been extra-busy with council-y business in the wake of the ore crisis, so it wasn't that hard for Armin and Meredith to sneak out. But still, they're free! They're out! He should be feeling very proud of himself, walking along the streets like a normal civilian. He should be all but skipping along the sidewalk, perhaps whistling a cheery tune.

Except he's not. Because, as it turns out, bonding with an enormous Pokemon sort of leaves you drained, mentally, physically and emotionally, and Armin doesn't have much emotion strength to spare. So he's sort of creeping along the street, frowning, radiating a tangible -- literally; if any passers-by aren't psychically prepared, his emotions are going to bleed over onto them -- aura of discomfort, nausea and exhaustion.

This also means that if anyone with a particularly potent emotional state passes by, it's going to hit Armin like a ton of bricks. Case in point: the loving couple who sidesteps boy and Ralts, drawing an uncharacteristic scowl from both.]

Ug. Indecent.

Comments

[tinytactician]

-- sick? I'm. I'm not ill. [Armin looks confused and a bit offended, really. He honestly isn't even aware of the invisible cloud of emotion hanging around him.]

[antiseptic]

[He takes a step closer, smiling pleasantly.]

No? Nausea, depression, exhaustion... Perhaps the beginnings of a migraine too, if I'm not mistaken.

[tinytactician]

[Ooops. Well, it's logical that there be someone in Union who can also do the whole feelings-reading thing. Armin works very hard to keep his expression blank, at least, holding onto his Ralts tightly, almost protectively.]

I'm tired. That's all.

[antiseptic]

In that case, perhaps you ought to consider going home and rest. Or do you enjoy causing everyone you walk past to be miserable as you feel?

[tinytactician]

[Armin's eyes go wide with shock and he shakes his head hard.] N-No, I didn't -- I didn't realize I was -- I-I'm sorry, I...

[antiseptic]

[It's probably not a good thing that he doesn't feel any sort of pity or concern for the boy, only a detached curiosity. Armin's stutterings go ignored as Jade pushes on.]

You're some sort of Enlightened, I presume? Psychic-type?

[tinytactician]

[Meredith the Ralts notices this, sending out a brief, intense pulse of annoyance in response. Armin, on the other hand, just sort of nods, helplessly.]

Y-Yes, we think so.

[antiseptic]

It's quite dangerous for an Enlightened to be wandering around if they can't control over their powers, you know.

[Despite the warning in his words, his tone is extremely mild.]

[tinytactician]

I'm not wandering. I have a specific destination in mind. [Armin's protests are sort of lame, but he has a stubborn look on his face, clearly unwilling to be dissuaded from his goal.]

[antiseptic]

And what might that destination be? Are you going to turn yourself in to the Swords?

[tinytactician]

I'm going to the Habitats, to visit Gertrude.

[Gertrude = the Steelix he bonded with in the caves.]

[antiseptic]

I doubt your new friend would enjoy having you bring all that negative energy to them.

[tinytactician]

...oh.

Oh, you're probably right, I.... [He trails off, then frowns seriously, making a concentrated, almost tangible effort to rein in his emotions. Meredith helps, reaching up to pat at Armin's face encouragingly.]

[antiseptic]

[He breaths an inward sigh of relief as some of that negative emotion drains away. It's still not completely gone, but it's faded enough that it's easier to compartmentalize it and ignore it.]

That's quite an interesting ability you have.

[tinytactician]

[It takes most of Armin's effort and almost all of Meredith's attention, but at least now the gloomy depressed feeling is only accessible if one is standing directly next to him.]

It's...yes, it's certainly interesting.

[antiseptic]

[Unfortunately, that's where Jade happened to be standing, but even from there he can feel the change.]

It must be a rather inconvenient one too, if it causes you so much difficulty with being around people.

[He hadn't failed to note the way Armin had reacted to the couple.]

[tinytactician]

I...don't usually venture outside. It's safer if I stay at home.

[Woeful expression goes here, accompanied by a stray wave of sadness, but Armin pushes it away, lifting his chin stoically.] But I have a friend to visit, so I decided to risk it.

[antiseptic]

[Jade really does think Armin should go home and rest instead, especially when his "friend" happens to be capable of swallowing him whole, but he's already said as much earlier and has no desire to repeat himself.]

[Besides, this isn't really his business.]

Is that so? Well then, I won't delay you any further.

[He considers, very briefly, if he ought to recommend tutors who may be able to help Armin gain better control over his powers, but dismisses it quickly. There's too much hassle involved, and he simply doesn't know Armin and his abilities well enough.]