Set in the original region of Arciel, Legends Rising is a route-inspired, but not strictly route-based, Pokemon roleplay. Pick a faction, pick a class, and strike out into the wild to take on the League, master Contest coordination, research the mysteries of Pokemon and Arciel, and much, much more. Will you be a classic trainer? A criminal? A farmer? Choose your destiny on Legends Rising.
Adelaide was glad she was already freaking out about the repeating herself thing, or else she would have also began freaking out about being insensitive and talking about contests when he obviously couldn't see it and further dwelling on how he pointed to his glasses. Her ramblings thankfully weren't able to continue, cut off by his 'easy kiddo' and being told to take breaths-
Her head was pounding, or was that her heart? Or the tears threatening to escape because yet again she'd messed up and the media would punish her for it? She managed in a shallow breath, only pausing as he said it wasn't unforgiveable and that there wasn't any harm? No, there was obvious harm! People hated when you repeated yourself, they'd think you weren't paying attention or weren't listening, or that you were just stupid! People were always assuming things, and they'd call you out for every little mistake, every little issue. His voice though... it... didn't hold malice, maybe he believed his words but Adelaide struggled to.
She didn't rebute him though, she only brought her hands to squeeze Lathyrus' hand gently, the pokemon still radiating concern. She waited until she was sure he was done, so she didn;t interupt and wasn't seen as rude or an awful excuse for a girl who probably should rethink every little think that had led her up to this point, before speaking. "....U-Unique? B-But it's not- i-it's the story of e-every singingle u-up and coming coordinator, m-move to a big city to g-get started on their dream- it's l-like the plot of some kids movie, u-unorignal and i-if I spent a moment even- even attempting to tell e-even the press- e-even a c-coordinator- they'd laugh- a-and then because i-i'm so bad at it t-they'd rip me a-apart and- and-" Annnnd her breathing spikes. Adelaide stopped herself and took in the deepest breath she could, it probably audible. A soft outake followed until she spoke once more.
Post by Atticus Evans on Apr 10, 2020 17:31:16 GMT
“Breathe, kiddo,” was repeated. Atticus slowly looked forward again. She needed… a lot of medication. He was already diagnosing her in the back of his mind. If he had his prescription pad with him, he would have been doing so right then. “You come down kind of hard on yourself a lot from the sounds of it,” he said instead. “That’s not really healthy.” That was the understatement of the year, but Atticus was used to keeping things light and gentle. "Self depreciation can have long lasting side effects."
She was trying to breathe! The ginger was trying to force one out, seven counts, one in five, but she was rushing. His next words had her swallowing a harsh lump in her throat, her grip on Lathyrus tightening. A soft coo from Primrose, who was behind her followed and Addy managed to at least relax ever so slightly. It was okay. This guy was a therapist, he wasn't trying to hurt her. He wasn't a trained spy for the paparazzi mafia, he wasn't here to assasinate her career!
A soft, "Y-yeah well- w-well that's why I w-was coming to A-Ash for my a-a-appointment- b-b-because it's one thing being told- s-stop... stop doing something- a-and it's...." She paused, her gaze moving up to catch the last glimpse of the sun through the trees, squinting at the gleam against her glasses for a moment. "....I-It's... another to... a-actually...." A headshake, and she brought her gaze back to the floor. She was gonna talk to whoever the guy was tommorow, she'd come- or was on her way to Ash anyway.. he would probably hate her, he definately would.
"A-And I don't- I d-don't depricate myself- I g-go out of my w-way to ensure I l-look perfect s-so- s-so people can't point out any flaws- a-any inconsistancies- oof course I c-can't compare to a-any other girl b-but i-i-it's far from- from deprication- i-it's being realistic!" She was getting defensive now. Adelaide knew it wasn't healthy, she couldn't even talk to people sometimes without fainting from the mere pressure of mucking up, from getting so lost in her own head that she literally blacks out. She's began crying over assuming the wrongs things, hell she can't even do what she came to Arciel to do! "I-I-It's realistic... because... p-people, right... t-they're theyy're... t-there are so many j-j-judgmental people out there- t-t-there's the press at every corner, p-people at your schol- p-people w-w-willing to do anything to r-r-ruin you- i'm... i-im just... i'm just... i'm looking out for that!"
She let go of Lathyrus' hand to gesture outwards, as if Atticus could notice, her voice getting higher and higher before ending it a shaky breath. She moved to tuck her hands deep into her pocket and letting out a soft sniff, blinking back tears once more. "...S-Sorry... y-you're just a stranger... Tawny t-tells me that I t-talk too much...I-I'll be quiet- s-sorry...."
Post by Atticus Evans on Apr 10, 2020 18:14:33 GMT
“It’s another to actally put it into practice, especially by yourself,” Atticus answered softly. “I understand.” A pause. “Medication can help with that sort of thing. A lot of naysayers will argue that it’s a crutch, but when your body doesn’t feel well, you go to a doctor. Same with the brain.” Just in case she was implicitly one of those people who argued against it. “It won’t do everything. A lot of it is practice, but I can give you an edge when things seem overwhelming.”
The denial that came after the fact earned a hum and a shake of head. So people can’t point out any flaws…. “I hate to break it to you, but that is self-depreciation,” he answered. “Right in saying that, you’re valuing the opinions of others over your own.” As she went on, he tilted his head sideways at her. “How do you know they’re right?” A pause. “Are you comfortable with how you look when by yourself?” Arceus lord, he was about to go down the rabbit hole, wasn’t he? Still, Atticus had to ask… and he had to be calm about asking. Because that was how he was.
Her apology, however, had him looking forward again. “It’s ok to talk about your fears… though also, one coping mechanism of psychology is actually to write down your fears, anxieties, and whatever else and actually sit down and determine how real they are for your current situation. Set up options on what you would do in such situations if they did arise, and give yourself some direction. ”
His words had her fidgiting. He said he understood, sure, and... then he brought up medication. If her parents were here they would have just given her herbal tea and told her that it wasn't neccesary, that she'd be fine. But what he was saying... kinda made sense, she guessed. She took a shaky breath, her shoes kicking slightly into the dirt one more. "...Y-You speak as if you're my t-therapist." it was mumbled out, because that was the truth. This guy didn't have to humour her, sure he was a therapist but she was supposed to see one tod- no, tommorow now. But there was always the issue of prices, because she wasn't a resident and because she was just a teen, of getting scripts and all that fun stuff, and how did she know if she was given medicene that it wasn't like... illegal drugs or soemthing-
Or- or that somebody was giving her the wrong thing so she'd be out of the running as a competitior in a contest? And that this guy was told her location and sent just to draw her in before ruining her!? Sure, he seemed genuine but what was the chances that when going to Ash for a therapist another one claiming to be one just found her in the middle of the woods, as if they'd been looking specifically for her all along?! Her breath hitched and she kept quiet for a few more moments. "....M-Mum would have just g-given me tea... b-but... t-this is... s-s-something i'd h-h-have to discuss with- u-uh- t-the... the person i-i'll have to reschedule an a-appointment for tommorow... n-not... somebody who's j-just walking me into town- I d-didn't mention it before b-but= uh- im seeing a.... y-yeah... s-so..."
At least her sniffles from before hadn't turned into actual tears again, and she continued forwards with her hands around herself, anchoring her back down into the real world. Atticus was back to telling her that what she'd just clearly explained wasn't self deprication was? She didn't understand, it clearly wasn't... oh. Valuing others opinions over her own... Well, they were very important, especially that of reporters and journalists, they could make or break her! Did he not get that... probably not. He was questioning her, one question after another. How does she know they're right? Is she comfortable with how she looks by herself?
They hit her right in her core and Adelaide didn't respond, at least for a second. "Y-You're a spy, aren't you?" Were the words that left her lips. She'd heard things similar uttered by reporters, told to her when she went to watch her sister compete when she was younger, when she tried to compete. Is she comfortable looking like she does while her sister looks like she does? How could she ever compete with somebody as pretty as her, as pretty as all the other competitors? How could she think she could face them? One step back then, she was shaking again. "I-I've been asked that before- over a-and over a-and over- i-it's always Adelaide- Adelaide- a-and these double e-edged questions, t-they flip them- t-they try and act n-nice only to t-turn your words against you...." Hands moved to pull through her hair, her curls were slowly dropping, she could feel them. Just flat, slightly wavy hair that she could tug her fingers through.
"N-No matter how I a-answer that, i-it's either t-the v-vain s-sister of c-contest megastar t-thinks she h-has a chance- o-or s-something about h-how the g-gladstone s-sister is j-j-just digging- digging f-for compliments- I c-came here to get away from that!" Her voice raised before a sob wracked her body, no! Adelaide! If he was a spy, this was the last thing she wanted! "I-I'm okay with how I l-l-look, is that what you want to hear? I-I'm fine if I have a-all my makeup on- i-if I out my glasses o-on- a p-p-pretty dress, i-if I curl my hair, b-because I have to look a certain way- i-if I look like a s-s-star then people are less l-likely to go- to go..." Lathyrus had put a hand on her shoulder and she sniffled ever so slightly, "T-They're l-l-less likely to call me out- i-i-i've spent years working on h-how I look- j-j-just so the same thing doesn't happen again, and i-i-i'm fine with it, sir."
She barely listened to his next words, still reeling from what she'd said. Her head hurt, and there was a high chance Dia had hired this guy, or he was somebody after the next scoop. She was immediatly terrified of that thought. She can only manage off a soft, "E-Everythings real- a-and likely- I s-said everything is founded... f-founded in realism- if I s-sit down to write things down i-i'll be going on f-for hours, d-days- because I just c-can't stop..."
Post by Atticus Evans on Apr 17, 2020 23:46:57 GMT
A small snort escaped from Atticus. “Can’t help habit,” he answered. “Even off the clock.” Even if he was absolutely sure now he was her therapist. As her breath hitched, though, he was aware of it. As she started speaking, though, he half smiled. What a fidgety kid. “Yeah, of course, just speaking what came to mind was all,” he answered.
Topaz shot Atty a look but didn’t say anything before shaking her head and looking forward again. All this vaguing around was annoying. Pirouette was internally stressing but unwilling to show it right then. She could feel those emotions off of the other human and it was…. unfortunate.
The question after earned a shake of head. “Ah… no I neither a spy nor interested in hurting others. I became a doctor to help others.” As Adelaide went on, however, Atticus stopped walking. “Top…” The Lycanroc sighed and stepped sideways guiding him the few steps back towards Adelaide again. Atty’s hand raised. He’d been aiming for her shoulder but ended up setting it on top of her head instead.
“Sorry, kiddo, that was a poor choice of words on my part,” Atticus spoke quieter now but still audible enough. “I was concerned…. I am concerned how you react to others and their criticisms, though.” He paused, took in a breath, and went on. “It sounds like you’ve been through a lot and are coping with a lot….” A lot to work through if she stayed with him for however long treatment was going to go on for. “But what your feeling right now doesn’t have to be normal.”
Even as he spoke Adelaide was too lost in her mind to really realizing, he said he wasn't a spy but that's just what a spy would said! That's just what a journalist working for her sister would say- that's jsut- that's... A breath. And then a hand was on her head. A stumbled series of confused syllables that didn't equate to any proper words left her lips and Adelaide could only stare up in moderate alarm!? Hello?!
His apology had her blinking rapidly in confusion, she was shaking like a leaf from working herself up and she fight the urge to push his hand away, instead swallowing spit and clasping her hands tightly together. He was concerned, which at least explained his words she guessed. But- but that also meant he was viewing her in like- in a bad light- he probably thought she was weak! She didn't come accross like that, right? Or... maybe she did- as Atticus kept talking Adelaide only drew her hands closer to herself, taking a deeper breath.
"....I d-didn't mean to make a stranger concerned... I w-was just talking...:b-being percieved as- l-like- a-anything but... b-but good is c-career ending, you k-know?" Is was left her, and she peered up at Atticus again, sniffling softly. "B-But it is normal- or- at least- f-for me? S-Sometimes i'd b-burst into tears b-b-because sometimes sailors w-would ask too m-much about D-Dia- a-and all mum would say is t-that's just normal for A-Addy..." She sounded slightly confused, and leaned slightly against her fire type once more. "B-But! B-But that's why i'm getting help! I think- B-But I have to make sure they're n-not u-undercover spies- o-or- or working for my sister before I d-do..."
Post by Atticus Evans on Apr 22, 2020 23:13:01 GMT
Atticus’s lips pressed together as Adelaide spoke. Her fear of failure was plain to see yet again, and he had to wonder how on earth she managed to cope with it up to this point. Her mother calling it normal was anything but reassuring. Atticus frowned a little before slowly nodding. “It’s good you’re getting help, neh, the first step is always the hardest, or so I find,” he decided on before stepping back, grasping Top’s harness, and leaning slightly on it again.
Topaz stared up at the human with a pang of sympathy on her muzzle. Poor pup. The Lycanroc hoped that she could find some solace soon. Atticus was good at that. Pirouette, meanwhile, was wishing to goodness to be anywhere but here right then. She was really starting to get emotional exhaustion or whatever it was called listening to this girl.
Luckily at least to the Pokemon, the end of the Weeping Forest was upon them, and the light of the city flooded in passed the trees. Even Atticus could see it on looking forward. “Looks like we made it,” he assessed after a moment.
At his words about how it was good she was getting help Adelaide could only nod, though... he obviously didn't see it. There was a few more sniffles that eventually died down and the girl continued walking forward. She ended up gently holding onto her Delphox's hand, trusting him more then herself at the moment, and Bayleef instead moved to take up her other side so she didn't get distracted by her surroundings. Her Archen continued to fly overhead, squawking every so often to keep the other two alterted as to where she was.
Adelaide's gaze stayed on the ground, she couldn't find it in herself to speak again, thoughts swirling around and often become a giant mess that she was sure no stranger would want to hear, about her uncertainties, about how she was like every scream queen ever in a horro movie at this moment, how the air felt dry-er than usual and she could be cursed by some witch, how her curls had fallen and she'd forgotten to bring a curler and the paparazzi could find her at any second- it wasn't until she heard Atticus' voice again that she looked up, a shudder of rlief leaving her.
Oh- oh mew- oh jirachi, she made it. She'd have to get in contact with whoever the therapist was and reschedule her appointmnet for tommorow, and find a pokecentre or a hotel to crash in so she could charge her phone at the very least and let Tawny know what happened. She had so much to do- she just hoped this man could show her to a place she could stay the night or else shed be further lost...
With a deep breathe Adelaide mumbled a, "O-Okay... that's... that's... o-one thing done- now I just... find a place to stay..." and began into the city.
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