033 [Video/Action for Goldenrod + Anon Text]

[soggypastry]

[Private Text to: Riku and Xion]
Team Rocket's list of targets changed. You're both on it now, so stay sharp and watch your backs. I don't know when they'll move on any of us.
[/private texts]

[It's been almost three months since he left, with only a letter to say goodbye. To say that Lightning hadn't been thinking about him as the day that would have been thier first anniversary drew nearer would be a lie, and she's taken it with remarkable grace when all things are concerned.

Or maybe she's just used to getting left behind. Who knows. All she knows is there's a house on the beach with too many memories and dreams, and she can barely look at Lucky or Strike without expecting him to be right at her side. She has to put that part of her past to rest if she's going to be able to lead the Corps in the best way she can, and so she's come to the seaside once more. Something a young boy once taught her matters more than she ever thought it would now.

Those passing close to the Radio tower will find her crouched at the railing, a lit sparkler in one hand and a bottle with a letter in the other as her Lucario stands guard nearby, gear in paw. Today would have been special, if he were here. But he isn't and it's just one more anniversary of loss. One more thing that needs to be shaken off.]

Turn it off, Sen.

[The Lucario in question yelps, but it's only in surprise, not fear. Lightning's voice is steady and quiet, and she rises to her feet as the sparkler burns out and leaves ash in the wind. She moves to the railing now, but Sen manages to end the feed just as the bottle that was in her hand drops out of sight and into the ocean.

A few minutes later, however, something else hits the network. The fact that it's an anonymous text may make people wary, but there's nothing untoward about this one. No, this one is the exact opposites of the others that have gone out.]


[Anon Text]
If someone gave you a chance to help protect this world and everyone who lives here from the people who want to harm it, would you do it? Or would you stand by and watch it burn like the Lighthouse?

Comments

[Anon Text]

[soggypastry]

[Sadly. This can't end well.]

Clearly.

But if that's the way you feel about things, then this may not be the place for you. We work in groups here; if you think they'll slow you down, all you'll do is be a liability to us.

[soggypastry]

Hard to forget that when you've already been burned. Hypothetically speaking, anyway. I guess we'll see.

[Text]

[soggypastry]

Not really. If you don't do anything, and the world ends up in worse shape than it was before, is your life really worth anything?

action;

[eagletalons]

Mm, yes. Though I'm apprehensive about some of them.

[Like that anon text and the possible pyromaniac.]

Do you have a follow-up once we get some new recruits?

action;

[soggypastry]

You and me both.

[Especially since someone already in the Corps responded...and yet she doesn't do anything already. Ain't that peachy.]

Get them to meet up somewhere, so we can see how they act in person. It's easy to lie when you're using text, and I'm not risking the people we do have just because we need stronger numbers.

[Text]

[babel_hacker]

I'd do it.

[The answer came very easily to him. If he standby, people will get hurt, when there's a chance he could prevented it.]

[Perma-Anon Text]

[soggypastry]

Even if it meant putting yourself in danger and working with other people? You wouldn't be working alone if you go through with this, no matter how you feel about that.

[Perma-Anon Text]

[babel_hacker]

Even if means being put in danger. I'd be nervous, but it won't stop me from doing things. But if I'm not alone in it, I can deal with danger.

[Just knowing that he's not alone was what made him swallow any fear he have.</small.]

[soggypastry]

And what about your team? Are they strong enough to fend off any attacks that might be led against you?

[babel_hacker]

Yeah. My main fighters are all level 100.

[text]

[leaveyourstarburning]

That would depend on the methods used, and how much information there is regarding those who are behind the attacks.

[text]

[darkenedgales]

course I'd protect it.

[There's no question about it. That's what he's been trying to do for quite a while, after all, but... well, there's so much a single person can do.]

[infinitejustice]

I know what you mean. Between people disappearing and events like the problem with the Shedinja last year, it's a wonder that more people aren't more traumatized than they've been.

[Anon Text]

[beforethedarkness]

[This is all stuff he's heard before. Time and again, his mentors and friends comrades have tried to drill this information into him in some form or another. But, somehow, having a complete stranger telling him these things is worse.]

If he can become that strong on his own, so can I.

[He's not even sure which 'he' he's talking about anymore, but he can't let it sit. This stranger won't understand, and he isn't about to do what he thinks is needed to make them understand. It's a waste of effort that could go to increasing his strength.]

[heartdive]

Yeah... Not really.

action;

[eagletalons]

Just like a job interview then-- I understand. In that case, our main problem would be finding a meeting point that would be favorable for those involved. Even if we try for even just a one-on-one, we need a good place to meet, and still make sure that the Rockets wont notice.

[Travel's his main priority though.]

It would be easier to have a flier-- do you have the HM?

Anon Text

[meikyuubutterfly]

But we all know that all actions come with consequences.

[video]

[paladinlost]

...You might have better luck reaching him by sending it to the skies.

[Even if he doubts it'd be so easy.]

text; this is why he really should just stick to video... (...or is it?)

[dreamsofahero]

That is an interesting question to pose; I presume it must be provoked in part by the rather poor response by the local law enforcement to the incident? After all, it's rather surprising that they are apparently entirely ignoring the individual who captured and broadcast the images of the event in the first place, not to mention providing such commentary on it. Lacking a positive identification of the possible culprit may be a factor, I imagine, however, they still might have put out a notice for a likely or presumed suspect even so. Keeping though to your original question, or rather, returning to it, I should think that any decent person would wish to be able to protect the entire world, but speaking more practically, no matter how desirous it may be, it's a rather difficult goal, isn't it?

*....and this is why Sion shouldn't be texting, ladies and gentlemen.....*

TEXT - PRIVATE

[greatestcool]

Ooh, sounds like someone's mad. What, irritated that you couldn't be there to help out or something?

[Sorry, Lightning. Ryuunosuke just loves trying to troll. Trying being the key word here.]

The lighthouse explosion was beautiful. I don't have any interest in playing hero. Besides, wouldn't it be more fun to watch the world go down? Just imagine! You'd be witnessing the greatest cool!

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

When was this? I don't recall being burned before.

[Cobra has a pretty selective memory when it comes to successes and failures.]

[grapecape]

Of course I would help. I actively intend to.

[He's been thinking about the topic for the past week, even.]

[roemance]

probably wwatch it burn

[YUP.]

[video]

[soggypastry]

Maybe. But I don't have any way to get it up there. [No way that he could still read it later, anyway; ashes are very hard to put back together, even if they stay together.]

[video; locked]

[soggypastry]

[There's a short delay before the next reply, mostly because Lightning has to switch filters and she's still learning how, but...have a smile for your troubles.]

It's good to know that hasn't changed, Sora.