Takara Wilton
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Public Figure
Posts: 305
Gender: Other / Decline to State
Linked accounts: @admin @dew @mya
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Post by Takara Wilton on Nov 26, 2022 18:50:09 GMT
"Even if it's not your fault, it's your responsibility." -Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky And I scream at the top of my lungs, "What's going on?"
Takara was a quiet, patient person. They much preferred to sit on the sidelines, not make a scene, and do their work without any flash or flair. They didn't enjoy attention and would much rather exist in a quiet corner somewhere, only being spoken to if it was necessary or by someone they already knew. That was why Takara had kept their head down and in the shadows about their position in Salve Co. A known individual of that rank always opened themselves up to things like public appearances and interviews and constant pestering by people that never could see the big picture of their work. People that would rather only see the bad and never acknowledge the good, always judging it so harshly they were unable to escape their own sour-tinted glasses and look at the long term. At the ultimate goal.
And that was why Takara was in such a fight, growing more and more angry by the second, his Galarian accent growing a touch thicker with every passing moment--something they picked up from their mother. Employees of Salve were strict to never mention Takara's position if they knew them. Others never knew who the CEO was. Which lead to problems such as this. Takara was reminding himself that these nurses were doing their job. They didn't intend to get in his way, but another part of Takara was growing more and more angered by the sheer disrespect when this was important. He already lost his oldest college friend and he was going to be damned if he couldn't even-
"Mx. Wilton!" Takara recognized the voice, his eyes turning to the hospital's president. The man froze in place at the fire he saw and quickly did a double take before approaching more cautiously than before. The man very carefully put a hand on Takara's shoulder, taking careful note of the growling lucario and luxio. "It's fine. Mx. Wilton here is a... very generous donor to the hospital and- it's fine. I take responsibility."
The nurses were about to speak, but Orion stepped forward this time, eyes glowing a dangerous blue. A warning. The nurses backed off, Takara giving the hospital's president a glance and a nod before walking off, quickly breaking into a run as they made their way up the stairs to the next floor.
"Shri, where are they?" they asked as they made it to the recovery hall. Shri looked around and pointed to one of the doors. Takara knocked quickly before opening the door, looking panicked. "Farrah!?" they asked, not thinking in the slightest to ask if it was okay to come in or anything. This was important! Farrah had to be okay! If they weren't then- then-!
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Post by Farrah Whitaker on Sept 21, 2024 6:46:35 GMT
The ever present beep… beep… beep… of the machines in the room are starting to drive Farrah insane. She knows that they’re important; between the IV in her arm, the oxygen tube under her nose (which she feels is highly unnecessary…), the monitor on her finger, and the multiple heart rate sensors causing the infernal beeping… She knows that they’re there to monitor her vitals. To let the doctors and nurses keep an eye on her. To help her heal. But great Arceus above if they aren’t simultaneously the most obnoxious thing in the world.
Farrah had been in the hospital for… they couldn’t remember, really. Alfie had just told them when she’d visited a day or two ago, too. That’s what Farrah gets for thinking she’d be able to remember anything on pain meds, she supposes. Oh well. They’d talked about a lot that day. She thinks. What did they talk about again?
…Ah. Right. A couple of weeks, more or less – most of which Farrah had been almost entirely unconscious for. A few touch and go surgeries. There were a lot of bandages. Most of the diagnoses had gone in one ear and out the other, too complex to grasp onto. Most of… everything had, really. Farrah could barely remember what happened at the exposition match. It’s frustrating, to have her mind so full of holes, but the doctors did say with the sustained injuries it could happen… but what is most frustrating of all is knowing that her absence, taken out of the equation like this, means that she couldn’t – that she wasn’t able to take care of–
A sleek head lifts up from her bedside and gently nudges against her palm. The soft fur of Decibel is comforting under Farrah’s fingertips, and the heart monitor returns to a much calmer beeping. Oh, Dec… She’d been told that she got lucky. That if it weren’t for Decibel evolving in the moment, mid-attack, just to save her… well. She probably wouldn’t be here to run her fingers through his fur, or to get angry at what had transpired. Farrah sighs and looks down at the beautiful Linoone stretched out on the hospital bed along her side. “You’re the absolute best Pokemon in the world, you know,” she mumbles quietly. “Alfie said she was… that she’s taking care of the traitor, so we can rest. So I just gotta be here and recover with you, eh? Don’t suppose you’d jailbreak me…”
The quiet gruff rumble from Decibel gets her to smile. “Didn’t think so. Worth a shot.”
Farrah closes her eyes, and is just starting to drift off back to sleep, desperately ignoring the sounds of the hospital machinery and the obnoxiously too-bright fluorescent lights, when a very sudden ruckus spills out from the hallway. Normally, Farrah would ignore it – after all, a hospital can be an incredibly chaotic place. But Decibel very suddenly gets up and stands over them, growling at the door, at the same time that she hears a familiar voice.
Her eyes open again in the same moment that the door opens barely a moment after a knock raps against the wood. And there they are – her Tara, sweet Tara, and Shri, and – and everyone, really. Farrah’s heart rate monitor picks up, giving away the flip of affection in her gut, and Decibel only stops growling the moment his eyes meet Takara’s; then the Linoone looks to Shri with a bit of surprise. She’d gotten bigger. So had he, he supposed, but – she smells the same. It’s still Shri. “Tara,” Farrah rasps out, voice heavy with relief and joy combined. She tries to sit up at the same time Decibel ducks to press down on the bed’s incline button, and reaches a hand out, IV and all be damned, toward Takara. “I’m here, we’re here – it’s okay. Come in, come here – …please?”
 |  |  | DECIBEL
(Lv. 30) | ANDANTE
(Lv. 10) | ELEGY
(Lv. 30) |
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Takara Wilton
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Public Figure
Posts: 305
Gender: Other / Decline to State
Linked accounts: @admin @dew @mya
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Post by Takara Wilton on Sept 21, 2024 18:40:03 GMT
"Even if it's not your fault, it's your responsibility." -Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky And I scream at the top of my lungs, "What's going on?"
At just the sight of her being alive, Takara let out a huge sigh of relief, leaning on his cane. He gave her a smile, one that had been waxed with worry and panic, but a smile nonetheless as he approached, taking her hand and being mindful of the IV and wires. He also smiled to Decibel for making things a bit easier on Farrah. The discussion of his new looks would have to wait.
Takara knew that all too well how awful this all must be. He was lucky to have avoided the hospital thanks to Jess' careful handling of that situation. The private team that cared for him helped as well but... he'd have to thank Jess for that. The hospital was a place of questions. Of loose lips. It wouldn't fit for him but it was less fit for Farrah. If he had known before he would have made arrangements. His own doctor would have... He let out a shaking breath, tears at the corner of his eyes.
"Farrah, my love, I'm so sorry I didn't come sooner I was out on Salve Island and- I- the reception there was so- are you okay?" he asks, ignoring the shooting pain in his leg as he stood, trying to put more weight on the cane to ease it. The running had done a number on him, but not that he cared at all. "I'm so sorry... your exhibition match. I really meant to be there, I did. If I had canceled my trip then maybe... you wouldn't be stuck here."
Shri gave a smile to Decibel and a little wave. Yes, she was bigger now--taller mostly, but that was nothing compared to the evolution of her friend! She would need to ask all about it when it was more appropriate of course. For now, she moved one of the visitor's chairs in the room closer and forced Takara to sit down. Finally she was big enough to manhandle her trainer. "Thank you, Shri," he said to her before turning his attention back to Farrah.
The Lucario let Orion in, the Kirlia standing at attention nearby, ready to do a cheer-up dance if needed. He gave a big grin at Decibel and a curtsy of greeting. Shri closed the door and leaned against it, using her full weight to keep it closed. Unless it was important there would be no interruptions from those damned nurses. She had enough of them at the entrance.
"Are they treating you well? Enough pain medicine? Good food? If you need anything I promise I'll get it for you. Just say the word." Service. It was one of the only ways Takara felt he could help. He wasn't very good in these sorts of situations. His panic would get to him. He was shrewd and clever and ruthless when he had to be but when it came to Farrah all of that just melted away into a warm puddle of adoration. If she said jump he'd ask how high. There was very little he wouldn't do for her, and even then he'd have to really think about it.
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Post by Farrah Whitaker on Sept 22, 2024 19:29:06 GMT
It takes Farrah perhaps a beat too long to notice certain developments. The sheer feeling of relief coursing through her veins, seeing Takara – after all the stress of everything… it's just so much. The tears that spring to his eyes bring tears to her own, and in lieu of an immediate answer, she simply pulls Takara’s hand closer, pressing a soft kiss across the back of his knuckles. “I’m just glad you’re here,” she says. And it really is as simple as that.
Decibel huffs a little noise at her as Takara sits, and it pulls her out of her reveries to react properly. “Don’t you apologize, my dearest. I’m okay, on the mend, see? They’re taking good care of me, and I’ve got the best little nurse right here to make sure I behave. I should be up and out of here soon, I hope. But I’m just glad you’re here. That’s all I need.” The smile she offers is meltingly sweet – it really is the magic of Tara’s presence. Any of the stress, the anger over that traitorous little– it just…. Fades. Fades like mist in the morning, inconsequential in the wake of most beloved affection and care. “I’m glad all of you are here – you’ve all gotten so big, my goodness! The time just flies right on by, doesn’t it? Or maybe I really have been napping that long.” She squeezes their hand again, so gentle, before reaching up to caress Tara’s cheek, thumbing tenderly across his cheekbone.
“There was no predicting what happened out there, Tara, sweetheart. You can’t possibly blame yourself. For all I know, there were so many injuries, if you’d been there, you could’ve been–...” She can’t bring herself to say it. But she doesn’t have to – her gaze dropping down to eye the walking cane says it well enough. “But something did happen, didn’t it? I’m on the mend, but what about you? You were out on Salve Island? Sweetheart, what happened? Are you okay? Do you need to recline your leg? Dec, darling, I think the bed is too high – can you get that stool from the cabinet? Good boy.”
Decibel pauses only to sniff gently at Takara before grunting softly, hopping down off of the bed in a long sleek motion. He pauses to bow back to Orion with a toothy grin, waving to both Bast and Shri before dutifully approaching the closet. Oh, these sweet foolish humans. To be in these kinds of scrapes… only Pokemon are built to withstand such beatings. Not their fragile little bodies. He pulls the stool out, and then stands on it to reach up and pull down a pillow. He pulls both over, resting the stool near to Takara, pillow on top of it for comfort, and stares at him meaningfully for a few long moments before returning to the cabinet with an apologetic snuffle, digging through Farrah’s things to look for something.
| | | DECIBEL
(Lv. 30) | ANDANTE
(Lv. 10) | ELEGY
(Lv. 30) |
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Takara Wilton
•
Public Figure
Posts: 305
Gender: Other / Decline to State
Linked accounts: @admin @dew @mya
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Post by Takara Wilton on Sept 23, 2024 1:18:01 GMT
"Even if it's not your fault, it's your responsibility." -Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky And I scream at the top of my lungs, "What's going on?"
He felt his shoulders finally relax. They had been tense since he got the news, stress having filled his very being as he rushed out from home to find her as fast as he could. He should have been more careful about checking his phone and the news and... he felt like he was so late. It looked like Farrah had been here for a while, but he understood why he wasn't told. His own recovery was important, but he knew he'd be in for a lecture when he got back home. Sure he was no longer in direct treatment but he was supposed to be taking it easy and rushing off to the hospital and running down a hallway was not 'taking it easy'. But this couldn't wait.
Takara takes in a bit of a breath. "Good... good... Decibel really is the best nurse, huh? I know you're in good hands. I'm glad they're taking good care of you. I couldn't bare the thought if they weren't..." he trailed off with thoughts he didn't like to think. He shook them off and smiled as he looked at all their pokemon. Shri gave a smile and a nod, not budging from her post at the door. Orion gave a happy cheer and gave a twirl. The emotions he was feeling were so wonderful! He knew Shri could see it, the sadness, the joy, the hope, the love! How fantastic! He looked to Bast for agreement and the cat continued to groom. She didn't have the same senses of aura or emotions as her compatriots, after all.
Takara leaned into her touch and gave a small smile, but a flash of anxiety as she looked down at his cane. He cleared his throat and took her hand again, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles as he watched Decibel get a stool and pillow. He thanked the loyal pokemon once he had returned, offering ear scritches in thanks. Takara didn't want to prop his leg up, but a glare from Shri made him. It did feel much better now, though.
"I'm..." he hesitated. How much did he want to say? He didn't want to cause any worry or upset especially when... "I'm sorry, Fari. I didn't visit earlier because I was in my own recovery. I'm better now, doctor let me go back to doing my own thing with some... advice to follow. Jess has been helping me out and I just... guess we were in the same boat for a while--lots of sleep." He took in a breath. "I visited Salve Island and there was an explosion. Its thanks to Orion I'm even alive. His psychic abilities protected me from the worst of it, though I did end up with some shrapnel in my leg and tinnitus in my ears." He gave a bit of a chuckle. "Engineering gone wrong, I guess you can say! Old boiler..."
None of it was a lie. It was an engineering accident. One he manufactured sure. Getting a water boiler to overheat, pack the are with c4, and put c4 along support pillars of the lab was easy. It was just a matter of setting it off and not getting caught with the detonator. Orion's psychic powers coming in handy again. Takara had expected to die, honestly. It was good he didn't but...
"News has been crawling all over me recently. Always racing after that next story so I recovered from home to try and avoid them. Company policy not to talk about Salve Island and all, you know? I was the uh... I was the only survivor, it seems. No one else made it out in time..." Orion walked over, putting a little hand on Takara's leg and giving a little sad smile. There was a knowing look there, one that would be mistaken for adoration of a trainer, but Takara could read it for what it was. They had succeeded in their goal. That was all that mattered. But would Farrah even look at him the same if she knew the truth? That he and his pokemon had... he closed his eyes.
He took in a breath and let it out, smiling at Farrah and gently squeezing her hand. "Water under the bridge now. I'll be okay. Just need to carry this damned cane with me now."
"The expo, though... I... I only know a little about what happened. There was an attack? Who was it? What for? Why did they target you and Yew?"
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Post by Farrah Whitaker on Sept 24, 2024 10:30:07 GMT
Decibel finally returns with a last disgruntled glare at the cabinet. He steps gently across the room, offering affection and gentleness with each step. A friendly grin and a pat to Orion’s back. Claws running gently over Bast’s head with affection. And for Shri the gentlest smile of all, reaching up for a gentle squeeze upon her own paw, entirely like his trainer for a moment. It really has been too long. And he can see, under all the happiness of the reunion, a weight upon the shoulders of every person in the room. It is a darkness his typing is attuned to, lurking low beneath the surface. And then, dutifully, he returns to the humans’ side, gently depositing two other Pokeballs on the bed next to Farrah before leaning in for the offered ear scritches from Takara with a pleased hum.
But for the moment, Farrah has eyes for only Takara. Her gaze softens, both with worry and affection both, with something more dancing low just below the surface. “Love, you’ve naught to apologize for. Nobody plans for these kinds of injuries. What matters is that we’re both alive, and well, and recovering.” She listens dutifully, gently squeezing Tara’s hand to offer reassurance, her own nerves relaxing by the moment with the gentle touch across her knuckles. Gods above, but she loves them so much. “Oh, sweetheart…”
To think – an explosion, enough to level an entire… to level all but – The thought is almost unspeakable. For anything to have happened to Takara, for… for shrapnel and tinnitus and the cane, and being the only… A low ripple of anger and hatred ripple up from somewhere deep in her gut. Salve. To have put her Tara in such harm, to have almost lost him – Something had to be done. For the people of Deprin. For the Pokemon. And for her own, vicious vengeance, for daring to harm this precious star that she holds so dearly. Yveltal bless her crusade.
She takes a low, soft breath, holding it for a few moments. But now… now is not the time. Right now, there is nothing to be done but heal. When Farrah exhales again, she leans over, ignoring the twinge that goes through her stomach, to gently brush the fingertips of her free hand over Orion’s horns as the Kirlia approaches. “You’re a miracle worker, my little star. Do you know that? Thank you. All of you, for keeping Tara safe. And for being here, alive, and well yourselves.” As she readjusts herself gently, she feels the Pokeballs shift on the bed and looks down at them. It takes a moment before the realization dawns on her, and she murmurs a soft thank you to Dec as she releases the other two teammates. “Ah. I… must’ve been asleep when Alfie brought them up.”
Andante stretches, and then relaxes, looking about the present company before waving hello, taking everything in stride. Calm and collected as ever, Farrah’s most level-headed companion, the Golett greets friends old and new politely before taking up their position next to Shri by the door, standing like a polite if not artificial butler on standby. Elegy on the other hand, is tense upon release. The Houndour looks around with concerned wary eyes, hackles on end until he sniffs and realizes these are scents he knows. His tail wags a little, and he carefully lies himself down next to Bast, resting his chin on his paws.
Once everyone is settled, Farrah turns back to Takara, smiling back. She squeezes his hand in turn, quiet amusement dancing in her eyes despite the gravity of the horrors they’ve both seen. “That damned cane will help you heal. Things can’t be rushed – which based on that look from Shri, my busy Combee, you should be listening to that advice from your doctor.” She gently boops him on the nose with her free hand, tutting with all the affection in the world. “Silly.”
She simply tilts her head for a few moments, just watching Takara with that sweet expression. She’d do anything for them. Truly. If only life weren’t so… much. “Right… the expo. Tara, I – I still don’t know what happened. It all happened just… so fast. Things were fine – the battle was going well, people were excited, we were excited…”
Farrah sighs, chews the words in her mouth very carefully for a moment. “One moment, all was well. And the next thing I knew, a man had torn right through security with this big, mean looking Blastoise, yelling and cursing about ‘corporate scum’ and that’s… about as much as I remember. I remember being pulled from the wreckage, I remember… hearing screaming, and the paramedics, and then being here. Apparently I was touch-and-go critical for a while, and Yew… From what Alfie said, the man set his Pokemon loose on the people. That Blastoise brought down the arena on our heads while his other Pokemon wreaked havoc. But…”
Careful, Farrah. “It doesn’t… none of it makes sense. I don’t understand why.” A truth. “Neither the League nor the Lab are corporate, so Victoria or myself being targeted – it doesn’t add up.” Also a truth. And now… “He’s still on the run, currently. Hasn’t been caught. News stated he apparently aligned with this ‘Team Schism’ group… but that doesn’t track either, Tara.”
It is all true, and Farrah’s concern and apprehension are equally genuine, despite her carefully chosen words, as unknowingly curated as Takara’s own regarding Salve Island. “I’ve heard of this Schism before. People talk, especially around the music venues and bars. They’ve started getting a bit of a reputation, getting under Salve Co.’s feet, but from what I hear, they’ve never hurt people. Punks, maybe, but… not domestic terrorists. This isn’t their MO. Why would they stray so far and put out a hit like that? I just… maybe I’m just still addled, Tara. It just doesn’t make any sense to me. It didn’t feel organized, just… chaotic and terrible.”
| | | DECIBEL
(Lv. 30) | ANDANTE
(Lv. 10) | ELEGY
(Lv. 30) |
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Takara Wilton
•
Public Figure
Posts: 305
Gender: Other / Decline to State
Linked accounts: @admin @dew @mya
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Post by Takara Wilton on Sept 27, 2024 1:50:05 GMT
"Even if it's not your fault, it's your responsibility." -Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky And I scream at the top of my lungs, "What's going on?"
The affection from Decibel was well received from the team. Orion gave a happy little trill and performed a pirouette with a bow for his amusement. Bast gave a happy 'muuuurph' at the scritches and her purr began to fill the air. It was filled with an electric quality. And as for Shri, she took the paw squeeze with a smile, kneeling down to pull her old friend into a tight hug. She gave him some scritches under his jaws and then returned to guarding the door.
Orion, however, gave another happy trill and pirouette at Farrah's praise. Yes! The Kirlia had evolved to protect his trainer from harm. Having been just a small Ralts and once the heat of the explosion reached them, had extended all his psychic powers to protect his family. If he hadn't then well... the Kirlia gave a bright smile. No time for that! Happy vibes! He could not afford to allow any negativity to escape from him in this moment, he had to support his most cherished humans and fellow pokemon.
Takara smiled. "How is Alfie? Well, I hope? Not injured during the expo?" Alfie. In his mind, Alfie was like Farrah's Jess. A competent, loyal, effective friend in whatever was needed. And being the head of the Pokemon League meant that Farrah needed someone like that in their corner. He understood all too well how important it was, after all. Jessica was the main reason Takara had kept his name and face out of the news when it came to Salve Co. The faceless CEO, protected by a lethally competent personal assistant. The woman was downright terrifying when she has to be... now if they could only get her over that fear of pokemon... Takara took in a breath and smiled at the pokemon, but he soon turned his attention back to Farrah as all their partners mingled.
Shri gave a nod to Andante. Two calm pokemon, level-headed, waiting for orders. Every trainer needed at least one, especially ones as busy (and reckless) as theirs. Elegy, though, did not get by with just a nod. Bast, who had been grooming, pinned the puppy down and began to give him a proper cleaning behind those ears. She purred the whole time, treating the pokemon like one of her own kittens and she would hear no argument about it! Orion gave a chuckle at this, beginning a dance nearby for any who wanted to enjoy it.
Takara stuck out his tongue as he was booped. "I keep forgetting the damned thing at the office. Jess often has to run it back out to me... or I forget it on walks." Shri snorted. 'Forget'. Yeah. Right. Takara did not forget things. Her eyes narrowed as she shot him a glare. Takara ignored it, though he felt the look piercing into his skull. He and Shri quickly began to pay attention though. Yes, the expo. The big mystery. Between Jess only letting him watching bad reality TV or read mystery novels during his recovery. Kept all news away on account of it 'causing anger and stress'. Pfft. That was the normal reaction to news, Jess!
He continued to run his thumb over her knuckles while he listened. He did feel anger rush up inside him which cause Orion to pause in his dance from the sudden flood of emotions. If Takara could get an ID on that man then nothing would stop him from using all the power he had at Salve Co. to find him and- well. Takara never wished death on anyone, but there are some obituaries he would read with glee. Takara forced his jaw to relax and take in a breath. Now was not the time. Farrah was the center of his world and he would not allow rage to shadow that fact.
But the look on his face as Team Schism was mentioned could not be missed. Ugh. Schism. Just a bunch of wannabe vigilantes who didn't understand how the world worked and that progress took time. Sure, massive revolution sounded great until you brought up how many people would die from disrupted shipment lines, hospital outages, and- and- he took in another breath. Now was not the time. He could always take care of Schism whenever he had time, but as far as he was aware, that was just another group that was responsible for Yew's death and Farrah's injuries.
"I-" he began, but he stopped a took a breath. "I'm so sorry, Farri. That must have been... so horrifying. Being in an attack like that. It really doesn't make sense. You and Yew... you've both worked so hard to help this region and... someone flying off the handle like that just to cause destruction and terror. I hope they're brought to justice soon." He sniffed a bit, the thought of having almost lost Farrah just... he took a moment to compose himself, blinking tears away from his eyes. "Thank Arceus you're okay..."
He shook his head. "I don't know, Fari... some people just get too far gone in things like that. Sounds like this one felt like if he killed the 'right people' then whatever it is he wants to accomplish would have been accomplished. And sadly that was you and Yew, but... yeah, neither of y'all are involved with the corporate world other than maybe the lab getting some donations from Salve, but that wasn't you or Yew's fault." His brow furrowed and he squeezed her hand a little tighter.
Takara took in another breath. "It doesn't matter. What's done is done. Hopefully that asshole gets caught soon and you can put this behind you the best you can. I don't know what I'd do if you had... if..." Nope. He wasn't going to think about it.
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Post by Farrah Whitaker on Sept 29, 2024 10:35:51 GMT
Farrah smiles softly at Orion and the sweet Pokemon’s little twirl. Such a good sweet fellow. Her gaze drifts to the side where Elegy has flopped with the most happy put-upon sigh known to mankind, submitting to the thorough cleaning. His stubby tail is wiggling ferociously, of course. They’re all such good Pokemon, with such good hearts, their silly little family.
She soon turns her attention back to her partner, though. The emotions she sees play over Takara’s face are… complicated. The way he works his jaw for a moment, the look of undisguised contempt at the words schism. It is… a shame, really. But working for Salve… Takara has such a good heart – always looking for the best outcome for everyone, for doing the most, giving the most… she can understand how they might not see the good Schism can do. Does. Putting power back into the hands of the people, freeing them, and – and looking out for the betterment of Pokemon. But she has faith. Surely, one day Tara will see the light. He’ll understand. Surely.
“Alfie is fine. She’s an actual angel, making sure the League is being taken care of, reaching out to the Lab… I think she said she had some minor scuffs, but she waved me off, and I don’t think she’d play it down if it was something serious. Thank Yveltal, sparing her that…” She was such an incredible person, a woman of many hats. Keeping the team together while they hunted down the traitor, looking after the League and the Lab, fielding peoples’ worries while recovering herself… But while Farrah could sing Alfie’s praises any day, her Takara needs her more right now. The sniffle draws her attention, and she immediately squeezes his hand. “Oh, sweetheart…”
Arceus but she hates being stuck in this damned hospital. She feels so… so – helpless. Helpless to help Tara, helpless to take care of the League, her own Pokemon, herself. “I’m here, honey. And in one piece. And you are too, thank the gods. Nothing can take that from us. Nothing we can’t get through with each other. Justice will be served, I believe that. These people, they just – I just… they – oh damn this thing!”
Completely ignoring how much of a hypocrite she is for her comments about listening to doctors and using the cane, Farrah grumbles in frustration and moves to pull away the oxygen tube. Decibel immediately perks up with a little warning growl, eyes sharp like that of a scolding father. Don’t you dare. “Dec, if my lung were really that fucked up, they’d have me on a ventilator. For heavens’ sake, I will be okay, I promise.” He looks affronted, thumping his tail, but Farrah disobeys anyway and rips the dumb thing off so it’s no longer impeding her. The IV, at least, isn’t crossing over in the way. Farrah gently pulls her hand away from Takara’s for a moment – but only so she can use the hand to push herself up so she can sit, and then immediately lean over the side of the bed to wrap her arms around his shoulders and hug him instead.
It hurts, a little. The bruises from the wounds in her abdomen and chest are still healing. But any pain in the world is worth it to hug Tara like this, her light, her star. She buries her nose into the crook of their neck, and inhales deeply, and it feels like home. Her hand not burdened by medical devices immediately raises to just gently stroke along Tara’s scalp. “I’m just so grateful that you’re alive, that you’re okay.” She sniffs. “That’s all that matters. These terrorists – I don’t know what their gain was, or why. But justice will come. There’s no right in any of it – but we’re going to be okay, Tara. We’re alive. We’re a little – a little busted, but. But we’re here. I’m just… I’m so glad you’re okay. I’m so glad. After everything that’s happened, I just… I just – I can’t lose you.”
| | | DECIBEL
(Lv. 30) | ANDANTE
(Lv. 10) | ELEGY
(Lv. 30) |
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Takara Wilton
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Public Figure
Posts: 305
Gender: Other / Decline to State
Linked accounts: @admin @dew @mya
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Post by Takara Wilton on Oct 1, 2024 23:17:19 GMT
"Even if it's not your fault, it's your responsibility." -Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky And I scream at the top of my lungs, "What's going on?"
"H-hey!" Takara protested, looking just as worried as Decibel as Farrah began to remove the oxygen tubes and move around, but all complaint soon melted from him as he was pulled into the hug. Takara went limp save for wrapping his arms around her, squeezing as gently as he could as to not cause any harm. He fought back the sudden well of tears, using his whole check to try and keep them down, but a few escaped anyway. It wasn't that he was afraid to cry, but he didn't need to soak Farrah's shoulder. "You're not," he whispered, "you're not going to lose me, I promise. I'm not going anywhere."
A wave of terror washed over him. When he had gone to that island, he hadn't planned on hurting anyone. Not originally. But the deeper he looked, the worse it was. The corruption, the torture. If anything, Takara had planned to die there that day. His whole team had agreed--but Orion had saved them all. A sudden burst of whatever strange power allowed pokemon to evolve gave him the strength he needed. But sitting here, Takara only felt awful. Not a single feeling of satisfaction at having freed those pokemon was left in him. He could have left Farrah behind. Alone...
"I promise," he repeated, slowly moving away from her. He never fully let go, keeping a hand on her arm and the other moving to one of her own to give another gently squeeze. Enough of the doom and gloom! That would not help her recover. "Ya know... I hear that a new fairgrounds is about to open up. When you're feeling up to it, we should go visit maybe?" He gave a little wink. Games, rides, shows. The whole nine yards would make a splendid date in his mind.
"And after that I was thinking of... maybe... paying a visit to a certain gym and trying my luck in battle with their gym leader. I don't know if you know her but she's this really intelligent, beautiful, talented musician who just managed to revive the whole Pokemon League on her own. Just... really awesome. Music's great, too. I think you'd like it." He couldn't stop the grin from spreading across his face. "Maybe you'd like to come cheer me on?"
Shri rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue. She was not one for... whatever that just was, but Bast just gave her a look as she finished grooming the puppy. Her purring was audible across the whole room as she settled down for a nap next to her buddy. Orion, though, seemed to be enjoying the new happy emotions. Yes! Everyone think happy thoughts! Do happy things! That's what kept him twirling with his dace. He offered his hands out to Andante to dance with him with a large grin.
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Post by Farrah Whitaker on Oct 4, 2024 21:35:13 GMT
Farrah has to take a few long, slow breaths, just to calm herself down from the welling emotions. It wouldn’t do to just go to pieces, even if that nagging anxiety eats at the extremities of her mind. Neither disaster had been planned, and yet both had come so close to either of them paying the ultimate price… Even her fury at the traitor to progress couldn’t come close to the cold lurking dread deep in her chest. Yew had died, and while Farrah didn’t know the full disclosure of the news report, she was certain others had too. And then Tara also had a similar stare-down with death, barely scraping by?
She thinks for a moment, the gears slowly turning in her head as she holds onto Tara, leaning into the hug and nodding quietly into his neck at the affirmation, the promise. …Could this be connected? The timing was… impeccable. What if the traitor isn’t alone – could they have been in tandem? Attacking both the League and Salve Island…? It’s a lot to consider. But she can consider it with Alfie later. Right now, she leans back just that little as Takara moves away. She never quite lets go either, raising a hand to wipe at her eyes before lacing her fingers with her partner’s once more. “Sorry,” she clears her throat and sighs before smiling again. “It’s just... a lot. You don’t have to worry about me either, Tara. I’ll be out of here and humming along probably faster than Dec wants it.”
Certainly so. Decibel levels Farrah with a look before giving up and returning to the other Pokemon, settling himself by the sink. He looks over at Shri with a look of fond disbelief. Humans. Silly, precious, dumb humans. Farrah chuckles at the look on the Linoone’s face before looking back, curious. “A fairgrounds? Oh sweetheart, I’d love to.” She beams, nodding. That sounds like a wonderful date. “All the more reason to recover quickly, mm? I hadn't heard there was one opening!”
And even more so – Farrah’s smile turns into an amused grin, even as a faint pink flush spreads over her cheeks at the praise. “Oh, you,” she shakes her head. “You’re so cute.” Farrah leans forward to press a sweet grinning kiss across Takara’s lips, and another to his nose, huffing with amusement. “Consider your challenge accepted. I’ll be there – have the lil banners waving and everything. And with as incredible as you are? I think you’re gonna rock her world.” A sassy little wink, yes – but Farrah means it. With as hard as Tara works? A gym challenge would be nothing short of wonderful – perhaps the best challenge her team has had so far, in her (perhaps biased) opinion.
Decibel rolls his eyes fondly, but snickers anyway, especially as he catches the look between Shri and Bast. Elegy seems entirely unaware of anything but the good vibes on the whole. Nice and clean, he offers a happy little woof as he snuggles in, little tail still going a million miles a minute. It’s all so positive – so good despite the undercurrent of fear, and if Andante had muscles, they think they would find them to be finally relaxing. Or perhaps, tensing in a different way! The lights upon the Golett’s face flicker with a low hum, indicating content joy, and they bow before reaching out to take Orion’s hands, dancing carefully with the graceful lithe Kirlia around the room. Yes… all is well, for now. Finally.
| | | DECIBEL
(Lv. 30) | ANDANTE
(Lv. 10) | ELEGY
(Lv. 30) |
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Takara Wilton
•
Public Figure
Posts: 305
Gender: Other / Decline to State
Linked accounts: @admin @dew @mya
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Post by Takara Wilton on Oct 5, 2024 23:20:29 GMT
"Even if it's not your fault, it's your responsibility." -Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky And I scream at the top of my lungs, "What's going on?"
He happily returned the kiss, giving a smile as he just appreciated this moment of being with her. "We'll be ready to take you on," he chuckled. It soon faded as he took another moment to squeeze her hand. "The island--Salve Island--will be opened up to visitors once a check is made to ensure its safe. There are a lot of pokemon on that island. If you want an invitation, let me know. Its a... highly selective process to get in, but I can put in a good word?" The invitations were already in the works. Everything he had at Salve Co. was being put into this to try and get some relief to those poor pokemon. He knew Farrah would make an excellent trainer for them.
Shri suddenly stood at alert as Orion stopped dancing, tilting his head to the side as a sudden wave of emotion hit him. In a start, he jumped and Bast was at his side, inspecting the Kirlia for damage. Finding none, she looks to Shri and then to the walls. The Lucario made a noise as she stepped towards the door. It opened and the hospital's president walked in, looking meek. Takara's smile suddenly faded as he leveled a look that could kill at the man.
"Mx. Wilton, I'm very sorry, but I need you to leave. Our patient need rest and-"
Takara squeezed Farrah's hand and then stood up, hitting his cane against the ground for emphasis as he did so and moved to tower over the man--impressive given they were nearly the same height.
"I do greatly apologize... am I being a disturbance?" Takara asked, voice dripping with poison.
The president took in a gasping breath like a fish stuck on land. "W-well no, but... the nurses are distressed given your entrance earlier and they don't feel safe providing care with you in this room, s-so... I mean! I know you'd never do anything, but you really rattled them!"
"Good," Takara said with a dryness to match the Arrigan Desert.
"They say if you don't leave then I'll have to call the p-police to forcefully remove you." The president straightened his back, saying the sentence with as much bravery as he could muster. Takara stared at him. The longer he stared, the more bravery seeped straight back to wherever it was mustered.
Takara rapped his nails against the head of his cane, never breaking eye contact or blinking. "Then I guess you'll have to call them."
About 15 minutes later, Takara was being forcefully dragged from the hospital room, Shri looking disappointed. This was not a surprising turn of events. She gave everyone a hug--and a very gentle one to Farrah--before following her trainer out who was howling with rage all the way down the hallway and out of the hospital.
They would meet up again after everything--trips to the island and more--hopefully for a date and/or a gym battle, but until then, it was time for everyone to rest and recover. Orion seemed to agree with his, giving a bow as he departed with Bast trotting after them.
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Post by Farrah Whitaker on Oct 9, 2024 10:13:00 GMT
Farrah tilts her head slightly as she becomes aware of the sweetness of the moment fading into something more somber. What she doesn't expect is the mention of the invitation. All of this… all of this, what happened to her sweet Takara — and now Salve suddenly opens the island? After almost getting him killed? She struggles to wrap her head around it. Around why Salve, notoriously closed-ranks company, with its iron-clad defenses, would suddenly expose such a vulnerability like this after an accident this public.
But well. Farrah's never been one to look a gift Ponyta in the mouth. If it means striking back like the hidden Seviper in the shadows over a seemingly innocuous and perhaps fortuitous happenstance, she won't turn it down. One more step to beheading the hydra… for Takara's sake now, too. "I'll take you up on that," she says gently, squeezing their hand back with a quiet smile. "Your word means the world, sweetheart. I—"
Whatever words Farrah had are lost on her tongue as her peripheral vision catches Shri suddenly straighten, the other Pokemon reacting. She and Decibel meet eyes from across the room, sharing a look of concern. Then her team too, is on alert — Elegy moves in an instant from happy puppy to intense guard dog, standing by the foot of the bed, hackles up. Andante remains near Orion, the runes of the automata's face slowly pulsing with light, and Decibel himself takes a step to the side near Shri, looking dangerously relaxed for the severe look in his eyes. When it's the hospital's president who enters, Decibel's countenance doesn't change in the slightest, though a gesture of his claws puts Elegy at ease.
"…President," Farrah says quietly. Gone is the sweetness from her voice, leaving nothing but dry apathy and mild wariness layered over the thinly recognizable Kalosian accent. The man looks as though he's facing down a demon of his own making. A glance to the expression on Takara's face makes her think that might very well be the case. "What might we do for you?"
The audacity of the man's reply would have Farrah's hackles up, if she had any. Watching the exchange, she finds herself at a complete lack of words. She opens her mouth, closes her mouth, settles herself to sit back on the bed, and offers the president an expression of due incredulousness. How could the damn nurses feel unsafe with Takara safe and at ease with her? Absurd. And a police threat? Really? He couldn't be serious.
Turned out, he was.
Farrah gives Shri the gentlest hug outside of Decibel himself, rubbing her thumb over the grown pup's cheek with a fond smile. "You take care of them, love. And yourself. I love you so much, Shri, sweetheart. I'll check in this evening, but we'll see each other again before you know it. All of you be good. Soon. We promise."
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| | | DECIBEL
(Lv. 30) | ANDANTE
(Lv. 10) | ELEGY
(Lv. 30) |
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