4141/Lute and Medusa Talk About Sanary

Lute and Medusa Talk About Sanary
Date of Scene:	23 May 2016
Location:	Pokemon World
Synopsis:	Lute and Medusa talk about Sanary becoming Drowned.
Cast of Characters:	22, 188

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Lute (188) has posed:
     It's a beautiful sunny day in the Orre region, the bright hot sun shining down on this desert region. But, the area around Lute's house isn't unpleasant, due to some mist in the air. It's one of the nice things about having a home close to the aqueduct wall of the place.

     Lute himself is in his front yard at the moment, a yard mostly filled with pebbles and desert plants. Such is how one has to live, in a desert. Sure, he /could/ get enough water for grass. But, ehh. He just hasn't gotten around to it yet.

     Either way, the yard is still spacious enough that he can play with his pets. He throws a frisbee across the yard. The frisbee is then caught by his Arcanine.

     Who promptly accidentally melts it with his breath.

     Lute pauses. "...Oh right, that's why we stopped playing fetch."

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    From up above, a silhouette becomes visible against the sun, a sharp contour that comes closer and closer. It's clear that whoever it is, they're not trying to hide their approach. And when a certain familiar witch gets close enough to be recognized, it should be easy to tell why. Medusa Gorgon is pretty certain that she has little to fear from the Pokemon trainer.

    A light chuckle leaves her as she witnesses the short-lived attempt at playing fetch, and the witch slips off of her broom once it's only a few feet above the ground. "At least your Pokemon is enthusiastic, Lute dear~" she greets him, picking up the broom as she steps towards the younger man. Seems she's only slipped her usual snakeskin coat over the black dress she usually wears in medical. And strangely enough she doesn't seem to be sweating either. Just what is this woman made of?

    Unless Lute stops her, Medusa will walk right up to him, wrap her arms around him and offer him a peck on the cheek.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute covers his eyes a little to look up towards the approaching shadow. A smile, as he sees who it is. His entire body relaxes just a little bit more, taking on a sort of comfortable slouch. Fingers slide into the pockets of his labcoat a little, smirking just slightly.

     "Mmm. Maybe I'll just have to find something fireproof to play with him."

     He wraps his arms around Medusa as well, closing his eyes as she kisses him on the cheek. He holds her tight, squeezing with his hands a bit, moving to kiss her back. But, on the lips. He breaks the kiss, smiling, speaking again.

     "So. What brings you here? Just miss me?"

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    "I'd recommend staying away from asbestos in that case," Medusa teases him back, letting Lute pull her as close as he wishes to, and when he leans in to kiss her on the lips, she complies and closes her eyes, returning the kiss in kind until he pulls back.

    While she is still smiling, there's something there in her eyes when Lute poses his question. "Ah, I'm sad to say that isn't the only reason I'm here... there is important business to discuss regarding Sanary's current state." It might be reassuring that Medusa doesn't appear to be upset. But she does look determined, and... a tad annoyed despite the smile crossing her lips.

Lute (188) has posed:
     There is a blink from Lute. Sanary's current state? He pauses a bit, looking at her. It's actually a bit more of a worried look, than anything. Somewhat nervous. He looks away a little, considering. It's been... a while since he has been in touch with anyone. He's made comments here and there, checked in, but...

     "...What happened to Sanary? I've... been out of the loop. I've been preoccupied with research. Massive migrations of Pokemon that were unusual, lots of rare types and species appearing, and also a bunch of new ancient ruins were found. ...Been /too/ much out of the loop."

     A pause. He looks back to Medusa, guilt on his face. "...Please don't tell me it's anything too terrible."

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Where to begin...? The witch withdraws her hands from Lute's back, sighing. "We should probably sit down... do you have anything cold to drink, perchance...?" Medusa inquires as she steps away, looking around. Perhaps sitting outside to talk is okay enough for now.

    "Sanary is... relatively okay. Though things could be far worse." What's far worse is the situation. That somebody thinks they can interfere with what the serpentine witch regards as /her/ pawns. "You might talk with her on the radio later, though... I thought it would be better to give you a warning."

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute sits down for a moment, upon his front porch. He doesn't have any chairs set up, outside. So, it isn't ideal. But, he already has a good guess that he isn't going to like the news. He whistles a bit, for his Arcanine. "Hey. I know you don't have hands, but. Urm. Can you find one of the Pokemon who does to help get us drinks?"

     He looks up towards Medusa, listening, while the Arcanine heads inside the open front door. Lute rests his hands on his lap, closing his eyes a bit as he listens. Well. 'Relatively okay' is alright, but... That could mean a lot of things.

     "...Just... Go ahead and tell me what happened. If she's okay, that's good. But. I want to know what is going on, and I don't need it sugarcoated."

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Following Lute, Medusa walks over to the front porch and sits down next to Lute, resting her broom against her thigh, and placing her hands on her knees while she gets straight to business. "I am not sure whether you've read the reports or not lately, but there is a relative new one which describes some of the events," she begins in a calm and collected manner.

    "Briefly explained, a new ally to the Confederacy, Drowned Ophelia has been rather enthusiastic in spreading her misery across the multiverse. Personally I have nothing against it, but she's been taking Sanary with her. And used Sanary for her ability to link with her. Due to Ophelia's... rather affected mental state, it's taken its toll on Sanary. To the point where she was lethargic and mentally exhausted. I'm not sure she was able to withstand linking with Ophelia several times. Which is Ophelia called for me."%R    The Confederate nurse leans back where she sits just a bit, half closing her eyes as she peers up at the sky. "It's clear that Ophelia has become... possessive of her."

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute bites his lower lip a little as Medusa talks, his fists clenching a little. He looks up towards the sky, before closing his eyes. He is trying very hard to remain calm. A deep breath is taken, filling his lungs quite a bit. He has several guesses at what might be going on. He'll need to read the reports in more detail. He pauses for a moment, thoughts flowing through his head.

     "...Sanary is probably at fault. She seeks power. And, if this misery has its power? Well. Sanary might want some of that power. But... Mm. The main question now is... What are we going to do about this situation?"

     He looks towards Medusa, a fierce look on his face. His anger is obviously barely constrained. His teeth are clenched. And his fists are tightening just a bit more.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    As expected Lute doesn't appear to be happy about this. Still, Medusa isn't done talking. "Let me finish. Ophelia called me to assist her in restoring Sanary's mind. Which involved drowning her, which is a sort of corruption. She was rather vague about the entire procedure, and when we got there she initiated it without giving me time to properly prepare." As she explains, Medusa's pupils turn into thin slits akin to that of a snake, and she looks rather displeased. "If it were not for quick thinking, Sanary would have been even less like herself. Rather than ensuring that I had the information I needed in order to assist her to the full extent of my skills, our dearest musician seemed to place more importance in reciting dramatic words that only sounded beautiful. Poetry without substance," the witch adds with a slight snort of disdain.

    Then Medusa narrows her eyes and turns her face more towards Lute. "She needs to be watched. And to be taught a lesson, especially when it concerns rank and respect." Sure, Medusa doesn't exactly place too much importance in rank. But she at least pretends to.

Lute (188) has posed:
     "...So she corrupted Sanary, pushed the process forward /more/, and now ruined her even more." After saying that? It takes him yet another moment to calm down. More and more deep breaths. His fists clench, his body tenses. He's doing everything he can to control himself right now. Too much anger, and he'll enter his 'Berserk' state. He can't let that happen, especially when he needs to be absolutely clear minded.

     It's at this point, though, that his Pokemon arrives. A Gardevoir. The elegant white and green Pokemon holds two glasses in its hand, and a bottle of chilled white wine in the other. It pours the glasses, before using its psychic powers to lift the glasses to the two of them. Lute takes his glass, and chugs it.

     And then he reaches for the bottle in Gardevoir's hand, takes it, and starts chugging directly from the bottle. He tosses the bottle aside, breaking it.

     "...So. What are we going to be doing about this problem? Because, whatever you have planned? I'm in."

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Well, she can't fault Lute for him summarising events, and Medusa simply nods once. It's easy enough to tell that he is upset by this, and it was expected. So she sits still, clearly intending to give him whatever time he needs to process the information regarding their mutual friend. Good, he's focusing on breathing.

    It's only when the Gardevoir arrives with refreshments that Medusa looks away from Lute, offering the Pokemon a nod of appreciation as she reaches out to take the levitating glass. Unlike Lute she only sips from her glass, clearly intending to spend some minutes finishing up the glass. No comment is offered to Lute's drinking habits for today, as it would most likely go unheeded.

    When he finally asks the obvious question, Medusa taps her fingernails against the glass, narrowed eyes watching Lute. "I suggest we teach her what real power is. Which can be done in many ways, for instance ensuring that she ends up in my care." The meaning should be clear, shouldn't it? "Or we can be less obvious about it and enlist a fellow Confederate who also cares for our dear Sanary. She's not exactly disliked, considering she even has some Unions whom she is on friendly terms with..."

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute ponders the options. The alcohol, chugged that fast, was probably not the best idea. But, it will help him calm, and help him deal with things a bit. The more intelligent part of his mind, the alternate personality, wants to take over. But, alas. He won't let it, right now.

     "...Normally, I'd wanna go for her myself. But. If Sanary consented, there is less we can do directly. So. We might just want to get outside help. The Union can be manipulated in order to help her. They'll wanna make her less corrupt. So. We can do this. Totally. I might not be the best person to contact the Union, though. But... I do have /some/ contacts in it, myself."

     A pause. "...This Ophelia person, though. Has she made enemies with the Union, yet? Because that could help, too."

     His Gardevoir stays just behind the two. Normally, Gardevoir would go back to his normal things. But with Lute in this sort of mood? He is staying around Lute, just to make sure nothing bad happens.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    "There's the fact that Sanary was probably not all that able to give informed consent. Sure, she said yes... but did she really know what she said yes to?" Medusa points out. Outside help, now that is a slightly more lucrative option. "From the reports it does appear she's been gathering the ire of the Union. And it sounds like they are just as happy with her in return." So yes, it does appear Ophelia is regarded as a threat by the Union. How absolutely wonderful for them.

    "There might be a third option. Hire somebody who can make it appear like they are from the Union..." Medusa adds, arching en eyebrow as she looks at Lute, reaching a hand out to rest it on his back.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute nods, leaning forward a bit. His elbows rest on his knees, his hand propping up his head. Hrm. This... Yeah. That's another option. The wheels in his head start turning a bit.

     "...Right. We'll need to figure out how to get Sanary out of this... Drowning thing. But, if we can hire someone else, blame the Union? Yeah. Good plan."

     He takes another deep breath, before letting out a long sigh. Wordlessly, he leans against against Medusa, wrapping an arm around her. Resting his head on her. He tries to slow his breath down a bit more, and calm himself even more.

     "...I swear. Every time I step away from my duties, this sort of thing happens. I... really need to focus more."

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    When Lute leans closer, the witch carefully wraps her arms around him, letting him rest his head on her shoulder. One of her hands moves up to stroke his hair in a careful manner, and she lets out a soft murmur. "It's not your fault. But we will handle it. For Sanary's sake."

    And to teach Ophelia a lesson to ensure such a situation doesn't happen again.

    "I will make sure to keep a closer eye on Sanary as well under the guise of medical observation," she adds, then kisses Lute on the top of his head.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute lifts his head up after the kiss on his forehead, moving in towards Medusa's cheek. He closes his eyes, kissing upon it. His arm squeezes her closer, just a little bit. Something comforting. He nods a little bit, looking at her.

     "...Well. Thanks for giving me the heads up. Let me know when I'm needed, and I'll be there. But. For now..."

     He looks back towards his house, and then back towards Medusa. "...Want to spend some time with me? I mean. I understand if you've got to go back to work, but..."

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    There's little surprise that Lute seeks out those closest to him when he's upset, it's normal human behaviour. It might or might not be the reason why Medusa strokes his back and hair in what might be a motherly fashion, hugging into him as he kisses her cheek.

    "I will keep an eye on matters and inform you about the progress on the ask at hand. And let you know when you're needed," she promises in a soft tone.

    The offer wasn't entirely unexpected, and Medusa doesn't answer at first, at least not verbally as she shuts Lute up by pressing her lips against his. It's only briefly, because a few seconds later she's rising to her feet, pulling Lute up with her. "My patients are stable at the moment, I do think you need me more at the moment."

    Nothing more is said for now as she leads Lute inside by the hand.