It appeared as though the fine weather earlier that morning had been little more than a hope spot for those eager to get their day started. Lin had not spent much time outdoors, but she had seen that the skies were mostly clear, and she wasn't entirely sure when that had changed.
Hm, another downside to spending too much of her time cooped up in that house was that she couldn't get an accurate read on the temperature and weather fluctuations. As a Pokemon that had been born and raised in the snowy mountains of the coldest region, Lin had developed a knack for predicting the weather based on factors such as wind direction, speed, and cloud formation, to say nothing of obvious signs like temperature and scent.
However, Johto was a different flavor, so to speak. Whereas Sinnoh had an unfortunate tendency to be hit with abrupt and intense weather shifts, Johto seemed far more stable, and Lin had not spent enough time here to learn the various clues that the sky and patterns had to offer her.
The morning had started off rather bright and cheery, but now the sky was covered with pale gray clouds, much like one of the previous days had. It wasn't raining yet, but Lin had a hunch that it was only a matter of time before the clouds opened up to deliver their bombardment of water droplets.
Cecilia seemed to be getting a similar vibe, because she kept glancing upwards as they walked, and her blue eyes seemed thoughtful each time she did this.
"Expecting rain?" Lin wondered, watching the Quilava from the corner of her eye. Cecilia blinked at the question, but then smiled at the Weavile.
"Looks like it," she replied cheerfully. Now that they were no longer standing within a wooden residence, Cecilia had reignited her flame vents, which were crackling with vibrant red and orange flames, sharing the sound of her mood to everyone in the vicinity. Lin smirked in spite of herself. One might think it strange for a Fire-type Pokemon to be in such spirits when confronted with the possibility of rain, but Cecilia was an unusual case. She didn't enjoy being caught out in the rain, but she appreciated the weather for what it was, and liked to listen to the pattering of raindrops from within the comforts of a warm den.
She also used to say that rain showers provided almost perfect opportunities to invite someone to wait out the rain with her. Lin could confirm the accuracy of that claim, for it seemed that Cecilia almost always had a guest at her den in the wake of a rain shower. Come to think of it, that was even true the last time the Weavile had visited Cecilia at her den, around the time that Kaito had finally returned to Sinnoh after the winter. How long ago had that been? A little over a week?
Lin paused mid-step, but Cecilia kept walking, realizing only after she was a few paces ahead of the Weavile that Lin had stopped.
"What's wrong?" the Quilava asked, her expression genuinely concerned.
Lin waved her paw in a silent reassurance that she was physically fine, but the thoughtful expression in her red eyes betrayed that her mind was elsewhere. Cecilia glanced around uncertainly, before nodding her head in one direction, where the flow of humans and Pokemon in the area seemed drastically reduced. Lin accepted the suggestion, and the two of them made their way towards the western edge of the city, where the remains of one of the fabled towers still stood, a husk of the monument it once was.
"What's up, Lin?" Cecilia wondered, settling herself into a seated position on the side of the path leading towards the demolished landmark, her blue eyes fixed upon the Weavile with a serious expression. Lin selected a nearby tree trunk and reclined her back against it before allowing herself to slide to the ground, and she folded her legs into a cross-legged sitting position. She remained silent for a moment, merely adjusting the scarf at her neck and verifying that each of the trailing ends were roughly the same length.
"Nothing so serious that you have to look so worried," Lin replied finally, flicking one end of her scarf over her shoulder, a tiny smirk gracing her face. "It just occurred to me that with all that's been going on lately, we haven't had much opportunity to discuss things."
Cecilia cocked her head towards her friend with blank curiosity. "Like what?" she wondered, a faint trace of hesitance within her tone. Lin considered her words carefully before speaking, searching for an angle she could aim for that wouldn't cause the Quilava to become defensive or uncomfortable. Almost every conversation she held with the members of the group were examined under this lens, for it was one of the only ways Lin could get beneath their guard without conflict.
"Anything. Everything," Lin answered finally, offering a vague shrug to punctuate the statement with a reminder of how broad the subjects could reach. "We haven't had any real opportunity to speak, one-on-one, since...just before winter?"
"That's true..." Cecilia agreed slowly, but she wasn't making eye contact, instead gazing around the area with a critical eye. Lin was torn between labeling this behavior as Cecilia being self-conscious of those who may overhear, or whether she was being evasive. Of those options, she was leaning towards the former, because Cecilia had warmed up to the Weavile impressively quickly compared to her usual acquaintances and tentative friendships, and this openness and warmth had not faded over the past year or so that they had known one another.
"There are a few...specific details I would like to touch upon, because although I have a general understanding of things that have happened, the details have eluded me," Lin continued pleasantly.
"Okay," Cecilia answered, but Lin couldn't help but notice that her earlier show of enthusiasm had simmered down significantly. Considering how forced her mood had seemed back at the house, this didn't surprise the Weavile at all.
Lin again paused to consider how best to phrase her next sentence, not only to receive an honest answer, but also to avoid asking for information that she didn't actually want to have. The problem with Cecilia being open with her at times was that she sometimes crossed the line between 'open and honest' and 'revealing way too much', which was why Lin had made a point of insisting that Cecilia refrain from revealing certain details to Shadow for their private discussion last week.
"It's a small thing, really, but it's so bizarrely crucial to the recent events that I can't help but wonder. The other day, when I stopped by your place to inform you of Kaito's return..."
"Ooh, you mean the time you randomly started talking in code?" Cecilia interrupted, grinning at the Weavile. Lin rolled her eyes and sighed softly.
"Yes, but it was meant to be a precaution if you had a guest at the time," Lin conceded, and her red eyes flicked towards Cecilia to make momentary eye contact. "Am I correct in my assumption that Shadow was your guest at the time, Cece? Because by the time you arrived at the Chateau that evening, you were incredibly agitated, and you almost immediately confronted Diablos. I assume you learned the information in the intervening time, but my question is...'how?'"
Cecilia's expression soured a little, and she broke eye contact with a downcast expression. Lin waited patiently for her friend's response. She had done what she could to make the transition to the subject as delicate as possible, but it was nevertheless prodding at a sore subject. Despite the fact that Cecilia had cheered up in the aftermath of the confrontation, the incident had been followed by the conflict at the Solaceon Ruins, and the serious discussion she and Shadow must have had afterwards. Doubtlessly, the matter still weighed heavily on her mind and heart, but that was why Lin found it necessary to address it directly.
Lin was not an emotional Pokemon by nature. She was seen as aloof and even cold at times, but there were few others that Cecilia was willing to confide in. Their bond was one of trust, despite the seeming contradiction of their personalities. Polar opposites in almost every way, but the closest of friends and allies all the same.
After what seemed like an eternity, but in reality was less than fifteen seconds, Cecilia looked up and nodded unhappily. "Our minds linked by accident, for only a few seconds," she said quietly. "I saw flashes of his past memories, including when his family was attacked. I recognized Rio...and Force...and Diablos' eyes. He had earlier told me he and his brother were traveling, so I knew in my gut that his parents were out of the picture...but I needed to confirm it with Diablos directly. Careful what you wish for, huh?"
Cecilia's voice cracked a little at her last comment, and Lin spotted the glistening in her blue eyes. She averted her gaze politely, as if lost in thought, providing Cecilia the opportunity to wipe her eyes within a window of 'privacy'. A useful tactic to employ, really. Some Pokemon, including members of their group, found it difficult to openly express emotional pain in Lin's presence. It was a side effect of Lin's species and demeanor, for Cecilia had once admitted that seeing Lin always so calm and unfettered made her feel weak for being openly emotional. The Weavile had swiftly torn that argument down, insisting that emotion was not a sign of weakness, only a lack of emotional control.
It had taken some time for the others, such as Cecilia and Iris, to accept the notion that Lin had no intention of judging them for expressing their emotions. Even so, Lin understood that there was still a sense of embarrassment lingering when one lost their composure due to emotions, and she consciously aimed to relieve that awkwardness whenever possible.
"I see," Lin murmured, and she turned her gaze towards the sky, silently noting how the clouds were gradually blotting out the sun's rays, causing the surrounding area to appear darker, or later in the day than it actually was. After another moment, the Weavile refocused on Cecilia. "And what about the talk you had with him last week? Did that go okay?"
"I guess so," Cecilia answered with a mild shrug, "Why?"
"These were things that took a significant emotional toll on you," Lin pointed out seriously. "We haven't had the opportunity to go over them properly, and I wanted to know how you've been faring since."
"Aww, that's sweet," Cecilia giggled, but her expression sobered again almost immediately. "It...went better than I thought it would, but it still didn't go great, you know?"
"I don't follow," Lin said bluntly. "Call me a pessimist, but-"
"You're a pessimist," Cecilia echoed promptly, flashing a grin in Lin's direction.
Lin pressed her paw to her face, partially from exasperation, but mostly just to keep Cecilia from seeing that she had cracked a smile at the Quilava's response. This was always the problem with being the serious one - every so often, the antics of her peers could cause the serious face to falter at an inappropriate time, but she didn't want to encourage the behavior by reacting favorably to it. At least not in a way they could see.
"Seriously, Lin," Cecilia began, and Lin raised her head so that the two of them were making eye contact again. "It's nothing to worry about. Just...something I have to work through on my own. Everything's fine, really."
"Hm, if you insist, I won't press the matter further," Lin stated simply.
"Thanks. I appreciate that," Cecilia said, and she smiled. The two of them fell into an awkward silence, broken only by the crackling of the Quilava's flames and the distant chatter and sounds of those moving about the city.
"I have nothing more I wish to address at the moment," Lin stated abruptly, and she climbed back to her feet. The nagging feeling of restlessness was returning again. It was the type of discomfort similar to when one was thirsty, but drinking a glass of water wasn't enough to provide immediate relief. Moving about outside was a start, but it wasn't enough to fully relieve the symptoms. "So unless you have something to ask me about, I think we should move on."
"I do have a small thing, actually," Cecilia said slowly, and the Weavile blinked. When she had provided the offer, she did not legitimately think that Cecilia would take her up on it. Not that this was a problem, but it came as a surprise.
"Yes?" Lin prompted, raising her eyebrow curiously.
"I don't know if Kaito's explained it to you or anything, but...I just remembered that when I explained things to Shadow, there was one question he had that I couldn't answer, because I didn't even know it myself," Cecilia said quietly, and she looked up at Lin.
"You're not really narrowing things down for me, Cece," Lin noted with a wry smirk. "My current hunch is it's about our Spiritomb...associate's agenda."
"No...well, yes, that too, but more specifically...what is the whole inner darkness thing?" Cecilia wondered. "It gets mentioned a lot, but it's almost never a good time to ask what it means...but if it's that important to everything."
Lin was quiet for several seconds. Her immediate impulse was to confess that she also did not fully understand the significance of what inner darkness was, in the context that Diablos seemed to use it in, but her mind was just as quickly pulled towards a different line of thought, one that seemed more appropriate to follow.
"Hm, I expect it to be similar to the sort of qualities that get one labeled as a Dark-type," Lin mused aloud. This understandably earned a baffled look from the Quilava, but Lin paid it no mind. "That is how I would approach the concept without guidance," she explained, tapping her chin with one claw. "Dark-types are viewed often times as the most...primal and even vicious classification of Pokemon. I would know, being one myself."
"Uh huh...you're going to have to give me more than that, because I don't follow at all," Cecilia complained. Lin smirked, unfazed by the lack of comprehension on her friend's part.
"Very well. I will use Dark-types as an example, but I want you to apply the definition to all Pokemon in some form or another, even yourself. My pack was big about battling, to gain and show off their strength. Battle strength was crucial to all areas of survival. Enemies would be overcome and dominated. Food would be acquired through hunting, and even mate selection could be simplified by excelling in battle. The pack mentality continued in that every individual could be viewed as a rival, in a constant contest to surpass one another, and your own limitations."
"Right..." Cecilia agreed, but the confusion in her eyes told Lin that she wasn't yet putting the pieces together, but this was to be expected with such a vague example.
"Much of these qualities are seen as part of a Dark-type's instincts. The desire to dominate, the viciousness of hunting, the urge to settle things with violence. Primal urges, but honed into a way of life, rather than buried. This is how I would view inner darkness. The desires that manifest within you at a primal level, always struggling to be displayed and let free," Lin murmured, her eyes glittering and she flexed her claws.
"So...how does that apply to everyone, or even me?" Cecilia wondered. Lin chuckled softly, and the Quilava's look of confusion intensified.
"Think about, Cece," Lin stated, fighting back a smile as she observed the Quilava. "Within you are powerful drives and desires to do things some might view as primal or vicious. Everyone is different, so what triggers the response can vary, but it's definitely there. When you're angry, when you're scared, or just very determined...your primal desires surface, and even the tamest of Pokemon may act in an uncharacteristic manner to achieve what they want. Much like a Dark-type...push us into a corner, we strike back twice as strong. No holds barred, if pressured significantly."
Cecilia was quiet for a long time, simply digesting Lin's explanation. "This is...what you interpret it to be like?" she wondered.
"That's my interpretation, yes," Lin confirmed. "I am willing to test it against specific examples if you think that will help you comprehend it, Cece."
"Um...well, I'm just thinking right now," Cecilia said, biting her lower lip thoughtfully. "I'm trying to remember what Diablos said when I confronted him that one time...something about how Shadow's loss will nurture his darkness, and...I don't remember what else."
"Logical enough," Lin mused, and Cecilia shot her a dirty look. "No, no...see, if you apply the situation to my pack...if someone attacked and killed a pack member's family, they would seek retribution at all costs. Gain allies and train endlessly in pursuit of this cold justice. Hatred, fear, anger...all the fuels to drive them to rapidly grow strong enough to avenge their loss. Simply put...Shadow losing his family would spur him not only to protect those close to him, but also to return his pain back to the one who inflicted it. Such an event would trigger the primal desires in his heart. His inner Dark-type, as I put it."
"Well...damn," Cecilia muttered.
"But everyone is different, and not everyone would react in such an extreme way. It's just as possible that instead of seeking revenge, one might instead cling more tightly to what they have left...and I would label that as closer to what you do, Cece."
"I...what?" the Quilava jerked her head up, bewildered.
"You feel for Shadow's loss, but not in the same way that he does, if I'm not mistaken, because you've never really had a family to lose," the Weavile stated delicately. "You were harmed by the event because you lost a close friend, and it wounded another friend because he was manipulated into acting against his ideals. You have not abandoned the group despite this event, and while it visibly troubles you to continue forward, you've clung tighter to your friends. I'm certain that if one of us were threatened, you would protect us, even at personal risk."
"Y-you think so?" Cecilia squeaked. Lin regarded the Fire-type with a critical eye.
"I lack concrete evidence, as too little time has passed since you learned of this, but that is my impression, from what I know of you, Cece," the Weavile remarked, speaking barely above a whisper. "Grief and guilt hold you back for now, but I pity anyone foolish enough to put any of us in danger when you're around. I expect you'd even rival my strength."
"Aww, now you're just flattering me," Cecilia protested, her cheeks reddening, but she was grinning, basking in the compliment despite her words.
"I'm not one to give needless compliments," Lin noted smoothly, and she gazed around with noticeable restlessness. "Now if you don't mind, I need to burn off some energy, so any assistance you can lend me in locating a worthy adversary would be greatly appreciated."
"Huh? Oh, um..." Cecilia frowned and gazed around them. They were still to the side of the path leading towards the ruined tower, and no one had gone past them since they had come this way, so it seemed like she'd have to rely on her knowledge of the city. "Did you try the City gym?" she wondered.
"Ghost-types," Lin snorted. She couldn't really explain it, but she found Ghost-types to be incredibly unsatisfying opponents, no matter how formidable they were. They just lacked something that could satisfy her thirst for battle. If she desired a strategic challenge, they were worthwhile, but right now she wanted something else.
"Oh. Um...then I'm not sure," Cecilia admitted sheepishly. "Plus, it looks like it might rain soon, so the number of possible opponents in the area might dwindle, if you wanted to challenge like...a trainer's team or something."
"Worth a shot, I suppose..." Lin mused, although it immediately occurred to her that the Pokemon Gym would probably be the best-suited environment to locate and challenge Pokemon trainers. "City outskirts might work, considering how high traffic the city tends to be."
"True, can't go picking a fight inside the city limits," Cecilia agreed with a giggle. "You could maybe try the Theater, I heard sometimes they have small-scale Pokemon battles as an opening act, so maybe their Pokemon need to train or spar to stay in shape? You could maybe help out on that front. And I think Sorin and Celes planned to drop by there to ask around. He knows one or two of them, I think."
"That's as good a reason as any," Lin shrugged. If nothing else, she could maybe discover whether Sorin had any contacts that were competent battlers, or if he himself was a force to be reckoned with. That was all the motivation she needed to make her decision, and set her sights on the Theater as her destination.
