I am a Subway Boss, Ingo!

His advice maybe wasn’t the best, but to hear about Ingo suffering from these thoughts & nightmares—the deity could sympathize. Clawed hands moved to gently take Ingo’s balled up hands into his own, thins gently brushing overtop of his knuckles in hopes to soothe. A hand moved to take the other man’s chin in his own, turning his head to look at him and tilting his own.

“I’m…Not sure. It sounds like it, however…You don’t have any psychic abilities you’re not telling me about, are you?” His smile widens, trying to be a little light hearted in the situation—trying to help him relax. He knew these feelings more the. So go could ever know. It was hard. There’s a idea that pops into Marea’s head, and he lets go of the others him to take his free hand once more.

Ingo offered a gentle touch upon other's hand, shying away from taking it in his own. "Yes, you have told me of her. She is someone worth remembering, Marea. My past, however, is of people who do not deserve another second of thought from me." He exhales and closes his eyes—thinking back on the time he was told of the happy couple, once upon a time. A tragedy that she was not around right now. Loss changed people, and love lost took a piece of the soul with it, didn't it?

The unspoken desire was granted with the brush of Marea's hand against his, the clawed hands alone being capable of the softest, most loving touch there is. When his chin was raised, Ingo tenses up visibly, but only for a moment as he registers it is the present. The safe, happy present that he had worked hard to achieve, breaking free from his old bounds.

Ingo's frown saddens at the confirmation which he hoped the deny—why did Marea have to entertain the idea that those dark nightmares could have a meaning? He shakes his head. "Unfortunately I do not possess any abilities psychics might have. I was of the belief that you loved me the way I am—an ordinary man. How unfortunate indeed. I shall begin on my studies and maybe ask our Elite Four Caitlin for apprenticeship." He was not the one to cope with humor...usually.

The proposal catches Ingo off-guard—too used to never relying on others, other than his twin. Too used to hiding his burden lest it became too much for one person to bear. He wasn't alone anymore, was he? Eyes widened momentarily, and he stares at Marea with joy that illuminated his face despite the frown. "I hardly want to sidetrack your plans, however, I would not refuse your gift either. Allow us to make the few days you can spare before going back to Hoenn count." And take me with you when you go, a plea echoes in back of his mind, but he would be damned if he would be an ingrate who would ask more and more.

"Say... Would you like to climb up the gear station with me? There is a small nook up there where you can watch Nimbasa in all its colors and lights, without the noise or the crowd. I shall put my best efforts to make Nimbasa a place you would like to visit again, so that I can see you again."

“I think you look more tired then usual, Ingo.” Golden eyes blink as the deity gets right into Ingo’s space, blinking over to examine his features, golden gaze focused and head tilting; blue hair moving like a waterfall as he did so. A low hum leaves him and he pulls back from the other, hands clasped in front of himself.

“You can talk to me.” His tone is soft and soothing; he knows what it’s like to feel so tired. For the centuries he had slept…He felt as though he could atleast be there for his friend if he needed it. There’s a moment of thought before Marea speaks again, gaze glancing away briefly before falling back onto the other man.

There had been better days--everything going on right track, his train of thought never in threat of derailment. However, there were also the days where the old wounds opened up anew--the inhumane burden he used to carry as a young soul now in shape of a surprise derail that were put on his tracks every so often.

"It is an accumulation of the ghosts of old pains, Marea," Ingo speaks softly, scoffing at himself as he shakes his head. "There is nothing to do but hurry onward."

The silver eyes shine as the caring, gentle gaze washes over him, the golden heart Marea has reflected in that golden gaze he came to love. The sound of the ocean filling his heart as he loses himself in the waterfall of soft hair. He does not think, instinctively reaching out to caress the beautiful blue hair.

( It is for a moment, however, as Marea pulls away. )

With a soul so earnest, and words felt like the warmest of the sunshine itself, Ingo surrenders to his fate. Leaning forward, though hesitant to look directly at him.

"I have to keep everything together. It has been my expertise from the day I have known myself. My purpose, as I have fully devoted to it. However, I have recurring nightmares. I know that dreams are not always an indication for what's to come, especially for someone ordinary and plain. Despite what logic dictates, I find myself dreading what's ahead."

He lets out a brief chuckle, a bitter one, more so to himself for the absurdity of it all.

Send ♡(ŐωŐ人) to meet our muses’ lovechild!

NAME: Aurea and Carina. Aurea means "golden", and Carina is an expression of love for the child bearing that name. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: They grow up with golden or light brown hair that turns silver as they grow into their teens. Aurea is more likely to dye her hair blond anyway. Note: They don't inherit Volo's ocular degenerative condition. PERSONALITY: Aurea's demeanor is similar to that of Emmet; she's a stubborn mule who loves winning more than anything. That said, she gets this from Volo moreso than she ever could get it from Uncle Emmy. Aurea enjoys sports and dresses in cute preppy fashions. Carina is quieter, more down-to-earth, and likes gothic fashion. That said, she's also a powerful battler in her own right, looking up to figures like Cynthia and both of her parents. FUTURE: They absolutely take over as Subway Bosses. Also: Aurea and Carina are not their birth names, but chosen from a list of potential girls' names + meanings bc Volo is very much on the "names have prophetic power" train when they express a desire to change. It's nice, though, it's like taking their destinies into their own hands. IMAGE REFERENCE:

( @ingovercast ) "Hello, sir. I am Subway Boss Ingo from Unova. My Haxorus requested that I ask you if you would care for a dance with her as well!"

hassel directs his attention to the towering haxorus besides ingo. " greetings, ingo && haxorus, it is a pleasure to meet the both of you. thank you for traveling so far for our ball. " his lips pull into a grateful smile, giddy to add another dragon to his dance partners of the night.

Ingo offers a smile [not realizing his lips doesn't even stray from the permanent frown], and pats Hazorus on the back to allow the dragon to go ahead. "It is you who have our thanks for hosting this wonderful event! My brother and our partner Pokemons are having a great time and fun thanks to your efforts."

"Haxorus... We both studied your battles to reach even greater heights, so we are both happy to see you in person. You are a legend that is as mighty as the dragon-type itself, sir. Honestly, we are both overjoyed."

"Well, then." A light smile. A hand absently tucked a bit of hair behind his ear. (It would surely fall back down in a few moments' time.) "I don't suppose you've plans to go with anyone? An especially remarkable someone?"

A froggy smile adorned his face as he listens, feeling like he was witnessing a beautiful sunrise, with Volo's words warming him and making him like him even more.

"I do not think I do. Reserving that spot for a remarkable someone has been in my plans from the beginning, if I may add. I sincerely hoped my tracks would meet with his, and it seems that might be the case."

He reached up to pull on the brim of his hat, a bubbly feeling settling warmly in his chest. Just existing in the same space as his companion seemed to wash away his worries, and give him a calm sense of the home he missed still.

Spring is just around the corner!

The Paldea league formally invites all trainers the world over for a special gala!

The event will take place ALL DAY starting the morning of the 21st, and ending at midnight on the 22nd (US Eastern time)

We wish for any and all participants to post relevant posts under the tag "FlorgesBall2023"! (Threads, Art, drabbles, anything!)

The Ball is a great time to break the ice with your fellow RPC members, and hopefully make new connections and friendships! If you have any questions, feel free to DM/Inbox the host (@monterraverde)!

“Have you ever regretted bringing me back here?”

“What?” He wheezed, his brother’s words hitting him like a freight train and leaving him feeling winded and entirely out of breath. He immediately stopped what he was doing, pile of medical and anatomical and alchemical texts abandoned in an instant as he rushed over to Ingo, grabbing one of his hands in both of his own. There was an immediate shudder as he failed to account for how cold his brother’s hands were now- he was still getting used to it- but he didn’t let go. Things weren’t the same as they’d been before, but Ingo was still Ingo. He was still his brother. So what if things were different now? At least Ingo was here! That alone was a major improvement. Besides, wishing that things could go back to normal wouldn’t get either of them anywhere. Emmet hadn’t gotten this far by wishing. If he wanted to change things, he had to do it himself- like how he’d brought his brother back in the first place.

“Ingo-” Voice cracked, devastated that such a thought could even cross Ingo’s mind, but he powered through it, trying to remain as calm as possible as to not upset or worry his brother any further. “No. Never. You are my brother.” Words meant to reassure not only Ingo, but Emmet as well. He’s still your brother. He’s still Ingo. He didn’t do all of this for nothing. It’s him. It’s still him, he just… hadn’t remembered how to be himself again, yet. But that was okay!!! He would remember! It would just take some time, but all of him was there somewhere, Emmet just had to help him find the missing pieces and glue them back together.

A sudden thought. A question, quiet and timid, slipped past his lips without his permission.

The question never left the station ever since he was woken up from the deep, dark sleep. With all kinds of signs pointing out to what he was missing, what he had lost--pieces of him torn apart, pieces he would never get back. His mind filled with a fog that never dissipated, his body frozen beyond human recognition. Too stiff to move with ease, too cold to ever comfortably feel.

( He came out wrong. He knew he did. He failed Emmet for the second time. )

Never was it his intention to hurt his brother who had an uphill battle to bring him back, however, the question shot out off him like an arrow that left the bow. Emmet did not deserve one more worry, one more thing going wrong. Yet, Ingo... Ingo had to know. With the texts of hardwork before his baby brother, Ingo thought it would lessen the blow of his words. That the alchemy performed on him would be able to distract Emmet enough from the unpleasant topic.

His eyes, far too white compared to his brother's, widened when Emmet appeared before him. His perception was slow, too slow, perhaps even more than the old faulty machines they still had at the Gear Station. Therefore, Ingo had no time to pull his hand back-- wasn't he unsightly? Too cold. Too cold to touch. "My apologies, Emmet. You don't have to--..." He gave a gentle tug to pull his hand away. "You don't have to."

No? Ingo listened to those words: too kind, too comforting. Not wanting to worry Emmet further, he hid his emotions to best of his ability, his frown frozen on his face. Yet, the dead white eyes couldn't hide the sadness. He opened his mouth to say something, but none of the cars of the train of thought made it to the station: derailed, beyond salvation.

With the next question however, he could muster up some courage.

"Emmet.. I cannot answer that. It was never your responsibility to save me from my own mistake. It is my fault, what happened." His gaze fell to the floor, feeling like the world around him got heavier on his already broken body. "What I want shouldn't matter. I have broken our promise. I should have been by your side. Yet, I've reached my terminal. I have hurt you." He took a step back. "I would have understood if you accepted that. I also understand that you did not give up on me. You gave everything to assure my arrival. I..."

... He bit down his lower lip, lowering his head to hide the tears trailing down his face.

[TEXT]: Greetings, Volo. How have you been? I apologize for my absence. I am still trying to adjust to my new work and home. I do not wish to make excuses, however.

[TEXT]: Do you think I could go back? I love my brother. I know he would be heartbroken if he knew I am homesick. Yet, I keep finding myself worrying over my clan, or my noble Pokémon. I have left them behind as if they had meant nothing to me.

[TEXT]: my apologies. i shouldn't have

Temporarily, or for keeps? Well... That wasn't Volo's decision to make, was it? Emmet would be... furious with him... but. If the younger brother needed a scapegoat, Volo was a better target than himself now, wasn't he?

Ingo didn't know how to respond, flattered that his companion would offer him a solution without doubting him, remorseful that he might be putting undue burden on him. Thus, it had been some time before he could even open the text messages again. ... If they could even be called texts. Just some sentences without even a greeting or how-do-you-do. No formality offered to his dearest friend.

[TEXT] : Dear Volo,

I hope this text finds you well. My apologies for the abrupt messages from before. I have found myself in quite a dilemma, where I could not navigate my way out of the darkness my heart feel ill into.

How have you been, if I may ask? I heard about the baby. Once I am in a better position, mentally, physically, I would like to assist you in any way I can. I know how much you love family, and I hope, despite the circumstances, you will get it.

I have been thinking about your kind offer. I found myself in the crossroads, with my duty to serve my clan who I have tossed aside with no second though, and my duty as a brother and a subway boss, which I have already failed to serve for the past four years. If I go back, a part of me finds spending my years there to help the clan as much as I can, and once I have performed my duty, I could come back to carry on the modern time's needs.

However, I think my body would age with me, even if I could come back only a few minutes later like you said. I would never match with Emmet again. I might become too different to understand him.

This is my burden to bear. I have time to consider my options. Any advice you can offer me, I would be happy to hear it.

You have my gratitude for your patience with me. I hope to see you soon.