greydients | Letters

Letters

[Receiving her journal back had felt like fate to Rey, after Saturn had agreed to exchange letters with her; it had been a while since she'd written anything, so it was nice to receive the reminder that...well, she could. Tearing out pages of her beaten old journal simply wouldn't do for this project, however, so she was sure to pay a quick visit to the department store before her group moved on to Hearthome City.

The paper she's chosen is plain, but of a nice quality. It feels good under her fingers and there's a satisfying resistance against her pencil (which is also new - if she hadn't had to go, she would have lost quite a few hours in that stationary section....) as she writes.

It takes a few days for the first letter to arrive, but whether that's to do with the sender or the...unique delivery method remains to be seen.

Rey's handwriting is neat and orderly, and looks practised, as if she's spent a lot of time perfecting it. There are no niceties at the start, no 'Dear Saturn' or anything heading the letter. Rey had considered doing so, but it hadn't felt authentic; that, and the fact that she spent far too long trying to work out if 'Dear' or 'To' was more appropriate, before just deciding to can the whole idea.

Maybe it would come to her as the conversation progressed and she got used to the idea of writing while actually expecting a reply from someone - for now....]

I hope this finds you well. I've taken to flying on Golett rather than using Drifblim, which frees it up to be our delivery Pokemon. It'll hang around until you're ready to reply - just call for it.

We've made it to Hearthome with no issues; it's beautiful. Sinnoh certainly has a lot of incredible cities within such a small area. Despite everything, I've really enjoyed being able to see so much of the region. Have you travelled through much of it? At the rate I'm going, I'll be able to give you tips on what to see, if you haven't.

I know you didn't go into much detail about your conversation with Cyrus, but I do hope he wasn't angry with you. If I was a more suspicious - some people might say smarter - person, I'd be concerned that you were back in his employ and this letter would do nothing more than lead Team Galactic right to us.

What I have learned throughout my time here, though, is to listen to my emotions and not to underestimate the importance of them; they say to trust you, so that is what I'm going to do.

It's what I want to do, after all.

Anyway, take care of yourself.

- Rey

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Saturn -

I won't deny that there's some truth in what you're saying. I can't count the number of times that I've wished I could pretend my loneliness didn't exist, that I could physically rip it from my body so I wouldn't have to feel the pain any more. It does hold me back, in more ways than one. In comparison, however, it's because I've known the agony loneliness can cause that I truly appreciate when I'm with friends, can feel the joy of those encounters spreading to every part of my body. It's almost euphoric.

We seem to be on two different sides; I prefer to know both the dark side and the light, while you choose neither. I don't think there's any way for us to determine who is truly right - as I said, I don't think you're completely wrong. Like all things in life, it's complicated.

Even if we do disagree though, and despite the fact that you still consider yourself in Cyrus' service, isn't it something, that we can talk like this? Having a discussion over our differing views, rather than trying to force them on one another. I'll take whatever progress I can, I suppose. A win is a win.

I do believe you still owe me a battle, however.

- Rey

Rey -

I suppose, when neither side can truly be said to be right or wrong, that's when it should ideally become a matter of compromise. Considering that mantra of your order again, one might say that it could be about control as opposed to elimination - your peace and serenity will come to you when emotion and passion are no longer all there is, when they aren't ruling you to an extent that you can't experience the desired outcome. Assuming that makes any sense, that is.

It's something I was promised by Master Cyrus at the start, control like that. It's what encouraged me to join Team Galactic, to be honest with you - control over my own misery and negativity, a way to no longer be so consumed by my own flaws. It was appealing, to put it gently; I suppose, in a way, that Master Cyrus has helped me attain what I wanted, though this isn't quite the way I'd envisioned it back then.

I'm not going to try to force my views on you, however - I've missed being able to talk to people like this, to debate with them and share ideas and concepts with one another. It's one of the things I don't care for very much about the world as it is, being unable to do that anymore.

That said, I do owe you a battle. Let me know if you're in town sometime and I'll gladly meet up with you.

- Saturn

[There's a slight delay between the letter he last sent, and Rey's response arriving; it's early Sunday afternoon when Drifblim finally reappears. There's something...slightly off about Rey's handwriting, as if she'd been writing under mild duress, or was finding it hard to put all her thoughts onto the page.

It should quickly become obvious as to why that is.]

Saturn -

We met Cyrus yesterday. He was in the lighthouse, the only part of Sunyshore that still exists. It's just a grassy field; he's wound time back to before the city was even contemplated. I'm going to put my faith in you and assume you didn't know that that would be the case, or that he would be there - I'm already angry enough at one of our allies, I don't want to be angry at you too.

Since there was nothing else for us to explore, we went up to the top of the lighthouse. That's where we found him. We had to engage him - what else could we do? Turn around and run? When I say 'engage', though, I fortunately mean in conversation and not combat. We're not quite that stupid.

Although in a way, the conversation felt like a battlefield in itself. We spoke at length, he and I, for what felt like hours, but I barely know anything more about him while I feel like he tore my body open and peered down at my soul, analysed the contents and gave me his conclusions. What I can't come to grips with is how I let him, I just couldn't stop telling him things once I started and he understood, I even told him about my parents and what they did to me and he just listened and gave me advice, actual advice that showed he understood why it was so painful for me and he acknowledged that my anger was valid and I've never had anyone treat me like that, like what happened to me is worthy of anger and I need to find a way to deal with but I shouldn't feel bad if I don't forgive them because I can never forgive them for what they did

[That's the end of the first page; the second's writing is slightly neater, as if she'd finally gotten her emotions under control.]

Apologies for the previous page. I was contemplating just tearing it up, but I feel like you might want to read it. That's my reaction to interacting with your Master for the first time; take it as you will. When you said you didn't want to leave him, I admit that I didn't understand. I judged you a little bit, actually, because why would you want to stay in the service of someone so awful?

I understand, now. In that moment we shared, it was so calming to talk to someone who understood me. It felt genuine, like he really wanted to hear me, and advise me.

You must have had many conversations like that, over the years; no wonder you don't want to truly leave his service.

I don't agree, but I most certainly understand.

- Rey

Rey -

The first time I spoke with Master Cyrus - really spoke to him, about more than superficial things - it was like that for me as well. It was exhausting, and in the end it left me feeling strange and almost hollowed-out, but it was in such a good, cathartic way that it was far more fascinating to me than it was alarming. It brought everything I had buried for so long to the surface; it felt very exposed in a way that I think would have upset me if it were anyone else. But Master Cyrus is different, in that he understands everything. You can tell that he does, just by speaking to him, and listening how he speaks to you.

That sort of understanding is rare in the world. And I do believe it to be genuine - Master Cyrus wants to help people, even those that are like me or the other Commanders. I'm not surprised that he wanted to help you, even if you oppose us, because that's just the kind of person that he is. He wants to provide comfort and safety and peace not only for the region, but for everyone.

I'm not remaining in the service of an awful person. I'm remaining in the service of someone who looked at me and decided that I was worth saving, and that even though he understood everything about me I was capable of bringing lasting peace to the region. That he would decide that meant more to me than I can properly express.

I know that it's likely that you don't believe me when I speak highly of him like that, and that's fine. It just pleases me in some way to know that you've experienced it too, and that you understand what I'm talking about when I say that I can't simply leave him, and that I wouldn't want to leave even if I could. I didn't realize that he would be there - he usually doesn't return to the region much anymore - but if I'm going to be honest, I can't regret that he was, either.

I ask that you keep and consider that experience, and those thoughts, and that sense of understanding. Should you ever want to return to us, I'm certain something could be arranged.

I know that I personally would like that.

- Saturn

[Rey reads the letter a few times before she starts trying to formulate a response. A part of her expected this sort of reaction, and she can't say she's too surprised to see Saturn gently trying to encourage her to return to Team Galactic. That's his job, after all.

What frustrates her most of all, however, is that there's a part of her that wouldn't mind. Belonging to a group where she would be accepted, welcomed, being able to work on machines with Saturn and not have to constantly fight against the anger and misery threatening to burst to the surface...

...

...this was more dangerous than she anticipated.]

Saturn -

I won't lie to you and say that I wasn't affected by my experiences with Cyrus. As I said before, I've never spoken to someone who managed to get to the heart of what troubles me so quickly, and with such apparent ease. I'll admit that a part of me wanted our conversation to continue, I just wasn't sure how. That, and some other more pressing topics came up with the group. But I definitely experienced the same feelings you did.

It doesn't bother you, however, to be so bound to someone? There was something incredibly magnetic about Cyrus, almost hypnotic, and I felt that if I spent any more time with him I'd be drawn closer and closer, until the pull was too much for me to escape. I fear that is what has happened to you, considering the lengths you've gone to to prove yourself to him. I can imagine that he asks more and more of you, until you feel like offering your very soul isn't enough, but you still want to give anything you have because that's the effect he has on people.

I will say, however, that he definitely cares about you. He made it very clear that we were not to harm you in any way; if we did, retribution would be swift.

I can promise the both of you that I won't be doing that, at least. Not consciously, anyway.

- Rey

Rey -

First of all, thank you - for both the promise, and for telling me about what he said regarding me. It's greatly important to me, hearing things like that, though I find it hard to articulate the exact reason why - it feels oversentimental, I suppose, though that's not to say that it isn't appreciated.

With regards to being bound to someone like that, however... I suppose my thoughts on the matter are complicated. I'll admit to feeling as though I can't possibly offer enough, but I also know that he can't ask anything of me that I wouldn't be willing to give. I acknowledge that I can't leave him, but it isn't a matter of wanting to escape and feeling unable to; I simply have no desire to in the first place. I'm willing to follow him as far as I can, regardless of what he asks of me along the way; perhaps there was a time when I would have wanted to leave, but those times are well behind me now.

Sometimes things don't happen in the way that I'd like, and I know I've been afraid of what's been asked of me in the past. But I'm still here, and those doubts and fears are gone now.

You don't have to be concerned on my behalf. Everything is all right now, and so am I.

- Saturn

Saturn -

I'd assume it's because of how much you care about him; of course you'd value his opinion of you. I mean, I doubt you need to worry all that much. You said it yourself that he intends to leave Team Galactic to you, should something happen to him.

[Rey pauses, after writing that sentence, momentarily unsure of how to continue. If they get their way, Saturn will be taking control of Team Galactic, but she's reluctant to point that out, for obvious reasons. Hmm.....]

I suppose that's an interesting question, and I think we've touched on it briefly in the past; what is your personal vision for Team Galactic? Like I said; I can't see a man like Cyrus - especially now that I feel like I know him better - leaving you in control of his life's work if he didn't have implicit trust in you and what you would do with it.

I do know one thing he may like; perhaps you could renovate the Sunyshore Lighthouse. He told me that he likes to go there to think, and used to as a child. It means a lot to him. He'd probably like to see it given another life as something even more modern.

[Not that there are any ships for it to guide, but...that doesn't matter, does it?]

Don't be afraid to share with me; I like getting your opinion of things. It means a lot to me, that you continue to respond to my letters. I've never had anyone to correspond with like this, and I'm finding that I like it very much.

Stay safe.

- Rey

Rey -

Sunyshore used to be a good source of solar energy, actually - the roads were all elevated and created using solar paneling. I think, were it up to me, I would focus more on things like that as a whole - alternate energy sources and what can be done with them have always interested me, and they've always seemed in line with what Team Galactic has claimed to do with regards to improving the world.

I would like to impact people's lives as a whole, I think, through quality-of-life improvements and relieving some of the pressure that's put on people simply over the course of going throughout daily life. Improving quality of life overall and solving problems at the source would likewise be a way to lesson strife and suffering in the world - altering the world itself rather than the people in it seems a valid course, should the current solution fail. I'm not claiming that it's an easy solution, or even a viable one, but it seems worthwhile as far as I'm concerned.

I do appreciate the information regarding the lighthouse, however - it's something I'll keep in mind, regardless of what happens.

Do take care.

- Saturn

Saturn -

I really like your plan. I think it's fantastic. There really isn't much more for me to say, other than if Cyrus knows this is what you want to do, it says a lot about the both of you. Because that's what it is, isn't it? At the end of the day, all of this is about helping people. It took me a while to realize it, in the face of everything that has happened, but that's what everything boils down to. Helping people. That's what Cyrus is attempting to achieve with his plan.

I do hope you won't be upset if I say I like yours a lot more than your master's.

If I didn't have urgent business back home, you might actually be able to convince me to rejoin Team Galactic, if that's what you were doing. It sounds incredibly satisfying, to be able to design and develop new technology while helping people in the process. Like a rather quiet way of being a hero, and I think we both deserve some peace.

If you do end up at the head of Team Galactic, know that I, at least, am positive you'll make Cyrus proud.

I wish you the best.

- Rey

Rey -

The notion that you like my plans better than Master Cyrus' doesn't upset me at all, and if anything I find it rather flattering that you approve. Were I to be so easily displeased, I doubt I would have come up with my own plans in the first place - I would just want to proceed with his, regardless of whether he was capable of knowing about it or not.

I've been trying to consider where I stand when it comes to all of that. What I want, and what he wants, and why I'm staying on in the first place. I still find myself unwilling to abandon the organization or to leave Master Cyrus in any way - I'll see things through to the end, one way or another. And part of me hopes that I won't have to assume control of Team Galactic anytime soon. If Master Cyrus wills it then I'll do so, of course, but I know he won't of his own volition; he's entirely too dedicated to his goals and his plans for the world, so I know he isn't going to step down. The only way I'm going to end up taking control of the organization is if something happens to him - if he's rendered unable to lead for some reason, or if he abandons us, willingly or otherwise, or if he dies - and...

The thought of something like that used to terrify me, to be blunt; nowadays I don't feel anything toward it, which I suppose is strange in and of itself. It isn't unpleasant to me, it's just odd; just the same, i know I would certainly prefer his presence to his absence, even if the idea of his absence can't upset me in the same way it used to.

That likely sounds horribly odd; I suppose you have my apologies for that much.

When we last spoke, you told me that you had been taking time to decide what you want for yourself. What did you end up deciding?

Take care of yourself.

- Saturn

Saturn -

Don't apologize for your honesty. I like hearing your thoughts, and I can understand your confusion. It's confronting, I can imagine, to think about what your life would be like without the figure that's guided you for the past five or six years. While I know that most of the...lack of feeling, I suppose, is down to the red chain, I like to think that you're generally becoming accustomed to the thought of leading Team Galactic yourself. I certainly have faith in you, regardless of the outcome of the next few weeks - I say that because I can feel we're getting close to a climax. There will come a time, soon, where your Master's ideals will need to compete with those of my friends and I, and I fear only one of us will emerge intact.

If we fail, try not to forget me, won't you? I'd like to think I can live on in someone's memory, at least. If Cyrus returns us to Team Galactic instead of deleting us from existence, I'd like to work for you. If that's alright. I won't feel anything either way if it happens, so take this as evidence of my preference. Assuming it matters.

You're probably wondering why I'm suddenly being so gloomy, for want of a better word. We're in Eterna City; I'm actually writing this from the Galactic base. Mars and Jupiter are here with us - does that tell you everything? Palkia is just as terrifying as Dialga was, but in the end, we managed to free it, and return the space around the city to where it should be. That's two released deities now, and three Galactic commanders. The next stop is Cyrus himself. He wants to meet us, at the Hall of Origin...that's going to be our final meeting with him. I can feel it.

Sorry; I haven't even touched on your question. I promise I will, at some point. I think I'm still trying to put my desires into words.

Thank you for letting me write to you like this, by the way. I've never had the opportunity to express myself so privately to someone.

All the best.

- Rey

Rey -

I don't know if I'm capable of offering you reassurances, or if you would even want to hear such a thing from me in the first place. As it is, I don't want to take sides in this particular conflict; I will if Master Cyrus asks it of me, of course, but as a matter of personal preference I don't want to wish for either his downfall or your group's failure.

I'll honor your request should something happen to you, however. I won't forget you, or any of the others for that matter; I wouldn't want to.

Incidentally, I appreciate that Mars and Jupiter remain apparently unharmed; I'm aware that they can be... Well, "difficult" is likely the politest way to put it. Dialga and Palkia are interesting creatures, in my experience; their anger is terrifying, but I've always found them to be more impressive than frightening. I like them, I suppose, even if they hate us for what we've done.

The Hall of Origin... It's a beautiful place, honestly, though I suppose that's to be expected from the Creator's domain. I've seen it several times by now, though it isn't somewhere I go often or casually. Spear Pillar is likewise beautiful; you'll see it before you reach the Hall of Origin, and I imagine you'll see what I mean when you arrive.

Jupiter has contacted me, regarding going back to Master Cyrus. I haven't really given her an answer yet, however.

Look after yourself.

- Saturn

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Letters

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject