[Marik visibly relaxes, his smile genuine again. That's... a huge relief that it's not something he did. Still, it's hard to keep the mind from wandering even if it's pointless until he gets there.]
Mango. Got it. I'll be there in about 5 minutes.
[And true to his word, Marik's there right on time. Because why walk when you can be carried? Once he's close enough, he hops off of Usi's back and walks briskly towards Kaiba. Chenzira floats behind, holding on to his trainer's half finished drink.
The Egyptian offers the other teen his mango smoothie before taking back his own and sits down next to him, trying his best not to get covered in sand.]
[ Kaiba accepts the drink with a little smile and nod, settling in his little paradise for the afternoon. He has a sheet laid out, but...well, sand. It gets everywhere, just what it does. ]
I'm sorry I was so vague. I didn't want you to see before I had the chance to tell you, and I thought being more specific would make you look.
[ Look at what, though...? He takes a deep breath. ]
The Pharaoh arrived in New Bark Town this morning. He's going to meet me at the tournament in a few days.
[Now, if this had been back when Marik first arrived, he wouldn't think anything of it. That's the thing though. He's thought about it. Too much, perhaps. That's what happens when you're left by yourself for an extended amount of time with only animal companions to talk to. How everyone just forgave him for everything so easily. How he didn't actually feel sorry for what he had done, just sorry that his other personality got in the way and muddied things up. Like catching a kid with their hand in the cookie jar. You know they didn't regret it. That just meant they needed to be more prepared next time.
There was one scenario he didn't really put much thought into though: How he might go about the handling of people from his world if they started showing up. He'd just convinced himself it would never happen.
But it did. Kaiba wasn't a huge inconvenience for him. Things had turned out really well between them but then again, they hadn't really directed interacted much due to him getting kicked out of his body before the Finals so outside of a few things, it's been an easy relationship to... mend? Grow? Whatever term fits it, he's not sure.
The Pharaoh on the other hand. Combine that with the fact that he has no idea what time he's from and Marik finds himself worrying far too much than he probably should be. Things will... be alright, right? Just like nothing happened. Not like he tried to kill him and his friends or steal the God Cards or anything. Right?
Marik suddenly regrets wearing a leather jacket because it feels gross on clammy skin.
He sits silent, pale (as pale as someone of his complexion can be), inner monologuing with himself for what feels like an eternity but it's only for about a minute or so.
[It isn't until Chenzira leans against him that he snaps back to reality and looks to Kaiba. His eyes look unfocused though and his voice is eerily calm and quiet.]
I see.
[Another pause, this time he taps on the top of his drink's straw.]
You might not have to, actually. He seemed to be aware of his true name, so in his timeline you likely did that already.
[ He gazes out at the sea for a few moments, then back to Marik, but that's enough for Mizuchi to jump out of the water and float over. She curls at Kaiba's feet, wanting to be near her humans. ]
He seemed pleased that we were together, so I think so.
[That is. Not something that occurred to him at all. He blinks a few times with a surprised expression. At least the panic has stopped. Marik looks down at Chenzira, the Yamask looking back up at him.
... It is strange how his luck has managed to work out in this place. His second (first?) personality was banished and he'd be able to show the Seal to the Pharaoh shortly before his arrival here. Now the Pharaoh has shown up and he... doesn't need to do anything.
He really needs to look into these pokémon Gods when he gets the chance. Marik doesn't believe in coincidence. The fact that everything has worked out surprisingly well in his favor shows something out there seems to be keeping an eye on him.
Sensing that his trainer has relaxed, Chen takes it upon himself to finish the smoothie he assumes Marik has no interest in.]
That's... That's good. That's really good.
[He manages a smile. The Egyptian is still nervous about interacting with the Pharaoh and still holds a bit of resentment for everything he'd been forced to endure as a child - but there's an odd sense of pride he feels knowing as well that in the end things do come to pass as they were meant to.
He's also thankful to Kaiba for not saying the Pharaoh's name. Marik wants to hear it from the man himself.]
... Guess I could say hello? Provided he didn't seem overwhelmed by everything.
[Marik scoops up the hiccuping Yamask and passes him along to King. Chen hangs like a ragdoll with his little tongue sticking out in exasperation. This is a terrible sensation!]
If he's regained his memories, that might explain the shift in his demeanor. I guess we're... lucky he arrived from the time he did. I would have stayed hidden if he were from any point before the tournament.
[Gods, talking about time lines is weird. Marik shakes his head.]
I'll... message him later. Once this fool-[which is somehow said with affection]-gets rid of his hiccups.
[Chen lets out a tiny groan that's interrupted by said hiccups.]
... Think we should give the Pharaoh some of our Meowth money to help him start off?
[ King is happy to take over as the Team Dad. He comforts Chenzira as best he can, patting him firmly to get everything under control. He's a slimy boy, he doesn't mind. ]
I can wire him some. I'm going up against Whitney tomorrow, and if I've prepared enough we'll have another windfall soon.
We can donate supplies in person at the tournament as well.
[ King makes a gentle shushing noise as he cuddles Chen, making sure the little guy's okay. He'll hand him back to Marik in a moment, he just wants to be absolutely sure he's fine. Kaiba watches them with a little smile as he sips his own smoothie slowly and carefully. ]
I'll go with you. Your team's really grown the last few weeks, and I'm eager to see what you do.
[ Speaking of a strong team, King hands Chenzira back to Marik. All good now! ]
[Marik leans over to take Chenzira back and slumps him over his shoulder, patting him on the back like a baby.
... He's not sure why he's surprised to hear Kaiba wants to go with him. He stares at him for a bit, at a loss of what to say at first.]
You will?
[Of course he will. Kaiba's the reason he was able to get to where he is now. Why wouldn't he want to see how much Marik's grown? It makes sense.
Still, the blonde manages a sheepish smile. He wants to make his friend proud.]
I... I appreciate it. I've been writing down some strategies while you've been at the beach. I'm thinking... by the time the tournament is over, everyone but Oba should be strong enough to use. Oba can stay with you and King to watch. If you're alright with that, that is.
I can use the extra time to catch and train a deeper bench of team members. I love my main team, but I'm thinking of raising more for different situations. And we might be able to buy more useful items at the battle convention...
[ King warbles happily at the mention of his baby brother! ]
Oh? Why not just buy TMs? That's what I was planning on doing. I want Chen, Usi, Oba, and Anippe to always be on my team. I'm not sure about my last two yet...
[He doesn't like collecting too many pokémon. Having them sit in an electric box seems... cruel even if they're in stasis like and don't mind...? It doesn't sit well with him.
Hm. If it's after the meetup... Marik shifts a bit.]
Do you think... the Pharaoh will want to... travel with us?
That's true. I believe the core of my team's going to be King, Mizuchi, Zephyra, and Leizi...but I think I'll be rotating the last two slots for different situations. I'll make sure they all get to come out and play at every town stop.
[ Mizuchi lets out a small stream of bubbles where she's curled at his feet, and he rubs her head. ]
It's possible. We can see how our meeting in person goes, and if we both agree, we could invite him. But I don't want to do it if you're not comfortable.
I'd be upset with you if you had thought about switching out King, Mizuchi, or Zephyra.
[Especially King.
Marik smile returns at Mizuchi's display even as they discuss the topic of their newly arrived acquaintance. Adversary? Colleague? Yeah, colleague sounds better. He still looks a bit uncertain but nowhere near as nervous as he was before.]
I need to get used to interacting with him eventually, right? Like ripping a bandaid off. It's better for the injury underneath in the long run. Maybe getting to know him better might help put some of my... issues to rest.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Mango. And you didn't do anything wrong, we're fine. Just hurry, all right?
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Mango. Got it. I'll be there in about 5 minutes.
[And true to his word, Marik's there right on time. Because why walk when you can be carried? Once he's close enough, he hops off of Usi's back and walks briskly towards Kaiba. Chenzira floats behind, holding on to his trainer's half finished drink.
The Egyptian offers the other teen his mango smoothie before taking back his own and sits down next to him, trying his best not to get covered in sand.]
So what's up...?
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I'm sorry I was so vague. I didn't want you to see before I had the chance to tell you, and I thought being more specific would make you look.
[ Look at what, though...? He takes a deep breath. ]
The Pharaoh arrived in New Bark Town this morning. He's going to meet me at the tournament in a few days.
1/2
There was one scenario he didn't really put much thought into though: How he might go about the handling of people from his world if they started showing up. He'd just convinced himself it would never happen.
But it did. Kaiba wasn't a huge inconvenience for him. Things had turned out really well between them but then again, they hadn't really directed interacted much due to him getting kicked out of his body before the Finals so outside of a few things, it's been an easy relationship to... mend? Grow? Whatever term fits it, he's not sure.
The Pharaoh on the other hand. Combine that with the fact that he has no idea what time he's from and Marik finds himself worrying far too much than he probably should be. Things will... be alright, right? Just like nothing happened. Not like he tried to kill him and his friends or steal the God Cards or anything. Right?
Marik suddenly regrets wearing a leather jacket because it feels gross on clammy skin.
He sits silent, pale (as pale as someone of his complexion can be), inner monologuing with himself for what feels like an eternity but it's only for about a minute or so.
He really shouldn't be worried.]
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I see.
[Another pause, this time he taps on the top of his drink's straw.]
... Is he doing well?
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[ He still needs to figure out what's going on with the man's Pokémon. ]
I...just thought you might not want to talk to him. I slipped, so he knows you're here---but I can run interference if you want me to.
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No, you're...
[He takes a deep breath and slowly exhales.]
You're fine. It's not that I don't want to speak to him. I have to help him with his memories anyways.
[That's literally his purpose. No point in fighting it.]
I just...
[Time to absent-mindedly stir the smoothie while Chen climbs into his lap.]
... Is he... alright with me?
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[ He gazes out at the sea for a few moments, then back to Marik, but that's enough for Mizuchi to jump out of the water and float over. She curls at Kaiba's feet, wanting to be near her humans. ]
He seemed pleased that we were together, so I think so.
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... It is strange how his luck has managed to work out in this place. His second (first?) personality was banished and he'd be able to show the Seal to the Pharaoh shortly before his arrival here. Now the Pharaoh has shown up and he... doesn't need to do anything.
He really needs to look into these pokémon Gods when he gets the chance. Marik doesn't believe in coincidence. The fact that everything has worked out surprisingly well in his favor shows something out there seems to be keeping an eye on him.
Sensing that his trainer has relaxed, Chen takes it upon himself to finish the smoothie he assumes Marik has no interest in.]
That's... That's good. That's really good.
[He manages a smile. The Egyptian is still nervous about interacting with the Pharaoh and still holds a bit of resentment for everything he'd been forced to endure as a child - but there's an odd sense of pride he feels knowing as well that in the end things do come to pass as they were meant to.
He's also thankful to Kaiba for not saying the Pharaoh's name. Marik wants to hear it from the man himself.]
... Guess I could say hello? Provided he didn't seem overwhelmed by everything.
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He'll probably be fine. His starter's a Sigilyph...fitting, I suppose. It just orbits around him all day, apparently.
He seemed to be in a good mood. We'll be fine.
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Marik chuckles at the description.]
I think I briefly saw one of those when I was at the Ruins. That is... really fitting for him.
[There's a hiccup from his lap. Marik doesn't even need to look down to know what happened.]
I told you not to drink too fast.
[And without missing a beat he continues his conversation with Kaiba.]
... Huh. It's odd picturing him in a good mood. I've only ever seen him be serious and commanding.
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It was strange for me too. We've never exactly been on great terms, but he seemed happy to see me. Maybe he can take the time to loosen up too.
We'll find out what's going on in a few days together, I guess.
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If he's regained his memories, that might explain the shift in his demeanor. I guess we're... lucky he arrived from the time he did. I would have stayed hidden if he were from any point before the tournament.
[Gods, talking about time lines is weird. Marik shakes his head.]
I'll... message him later. Once this fool-[which is somehow said with affection]-gets rid of his hiccups.
[Chen lets out a tiny groan that's interrupted by said hiccups.]
... Think we should give the Pharaoh some of our Meowth money to help him start off?
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I can wire him some. I'm going up against Whitney tomorrow, and if I've prepared enough we'll have another windfall soon.
We can donate supplies in person at the tournament as well.
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Alright. That works.
[He smiles.]
I'm really looking forward to watching the match. I know it'll be just as awesome as your previous one in Violet.
[Marik looks over at Chen for a moment then back to Kaiba.]
I think... after the tournament, I'll finally try my hand at challenging Falkner.
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I'll go with you. Your team's really grown the last few weeks, and I'm eager to see what you do.
[ Speaking of a strong team, King hands Chenzira back to Marik. All good now! ]
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[Marik leans over to take Chenzira back and slumps him over his shoulder, patting him on the back like a baby.
... He's not sure why he's surprised to hear Kaiba wants to go with him. He stares at him for a bit, at a loss of what to say at first.]
You will?
[Of course he will. Kaiba's the reason he was able to get to where he is now. Why wouldn't he want to see how much Marik's grown? It makes sense.
Still, the blonde manages a sheepish smile. He wants to make his friend proud.]
I... I appreciate it. I've been writing down some strategies while you've been at the beach. I'm thinking... by the time the tournament is over, everyone but Oba should be strong enough to use. Oba can stay with you and King to watch. If you're alright with that, that is.
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I can use the extra time to catch and train a deeper bench of team members. I love my main team, but I'm thinking of raising more for different situations. And we might be able to buy more useful items at the battle convention...
[ King warbles happily at the mention of his baby brother! ]
Don't worry, we'll look after him.
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[He doesn't like collecting too many pokémon. Having them sit in an electric box seems... cruel even if they're in stasis like and don't mind...? It doesn't sit well with him.
Hm. If it's after the meetup... Marik shifts a bit.]
Do you think... the Pharaoh will want to... travel with us?
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[ Mizuchi lets out a small stream of bubbles where she's curled at his feet, and he rubs her head. ]
It's possible. We can see how our meeting in person goes, and if we both agree, we could invite him. But I don't want to do it if you're not comfortable.
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[Especially King.
Marik smile returns at Mizuchi's display even as they discuss the topic of their newly arrived acquaintance. Adversary? Colleague? Yeah, colleague sounds better. He still looks a bit uncertain but nowhere near as nervous as he was before.]
I need to get used to interacting with him eventually, right? Like ripping a bandaid off. It's better for the injury underneath in the long run. Maybe getting to know him better might help put some of my... issues to rest.
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[ He smiles. That...feels about right. ]