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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE   Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Fri, 05/04/2024 18:38 (2 Months ago) |
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I NEED more than one project to focus on another when writer's block hits one. That said, I do see his point. I have so many Writing Projects I WANT to work on. I get mad that I'm not working on all of them, but I know I'd be overwhelmed as hell if I were actively focusing on all of them. I'm considering scrapping Arcanum Magicka because I didn't care for D4 anyway. I just thought it would be a cool story. I'm thinking of scrapping Angel of the Shadows as well. The original concept of saving Shadow Pokemon was nice, but I don't want to write over 1k chapters on anything, and I'm not a huge Pokemon fan either. Not to mention that I still resent the project because of that one jerk from Wattpad. Morrigan's Vision will no longer be necessary because I've gotten rid of that roleplay character and about ten others I rarely used. Selkie Spirit will also be scrapped, mostly because it was meant to be as huge an undertaking as Angel of the Shadows. I'm on the fence about Terrorific Trio because I really wanted to write about journies with Yoko Kurama from Yu Yu Hakusho. However, I've had little motivation for that one since I came up with the idea, so I think I'll shelve it. Sly Fox Eyes will also be shelved, though I'm considering turning it into an actual series. That won't be until I can prove I can commit to something. If I had to choose between one each, it would be Forevermore for Main Projects Guardians of Sanctuary for Fan Fictions Spooktacular Short Stories for Short Stories All while also doing roleplay. Maybe this will help me prioritize better. But the most important thing is that it will teach me to commit to something and prove him and myself wrong. It's only April, so if I start this selectivity now, I might actually have a completed project by the end of the year. MAYBE even Forevemore finally in the process of being published?! That would make me so very happy! ^.^ Edit: Dad said to shelve them all rather than scrap, and return to them at a later date. I like that idea better as I do have three projects I scrapped long ago that I would now like to return to at some point. Thankfully I still have the progress saved. He also said that I can work on as many as I want at once providing weekly, not monthly, progress is made. So I'll also be working on Vampiric Embrace, my poems, and the occasional short story. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Fri, 05/04/2024 17:54 (2 Months ago) |
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Going through my Baldur's Gate 3 outline and separating sections into potential chapters while also trying to organize all the jumping around I did. 36 Chapters to reach the Underdark. It looks like another 10-15 while in there, and then I still have all of the Githyanki Monastery to do. So, looking at about 70 Chapters for Act 1 alone! :O It's a much bigger undertaking than I'd originally expected it to be, but I'm still looking forward to it. I want to write about all the cutesy stuff I wanted to say and do to/with Astarion that the game wouldn't let me. <3 [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Fri, 05/04/2024 01:07 (2 Months ago) |
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Me: *runs by Lizardman for the third day in a row while looking for eggs* Me: Kind of feel bad for this guy. He's trapped, and nobody will rescue him. Dad: Let him out, then. Me: No. He's a bad guy and needs to learn his lesson. How did he get there anyway? And why hasn't he unstuck himself? Dad: He's from the champ spawn up there. He keeps trying to return to his family, but the AI doesn't account for the wall. He's basically too stupid to walk out and around. *two days later, I run by, and he's gone.* Me: Where'd Mr. Lizard go? Dad: I helped him get back to his family. Me: *whines* Why? I was going to do that. Dad: Were you really? Me: ... Eventually. Did he at least learn his lesson? Dad: He learned it real good. Won't be harming anyone again. Me: :O To clarify. Dad actually did simply let him go. But he figured it would be funnier making me think otherwise. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Thu, 04/04/2024 07:55 (2 Months ago) |
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Got the season complete! Had to ask for help for my last three tasks, but I can finally relax and focus on other things now. First step is to get that chapter of Guardians of Sanctuary done so I can start work on my Baldur's Gate 3 fan fic. This was I think day three of dad's new routine for me. Hating how much pain I'm in and how much work I've done. Buuut. The kitchen, living room, and my room look so much better now. Also complained about having to do all this work. And dad told me he neither wants nor expects me to work the full five hours. So apparently i misunderstood that part of the original conversation. I can read, work on my fan fics/main project, and practice digital art since they're all more productive than doom scrolling to procrastinate on everything. Don't think I have any more to add. So, good night! May the Force serve you well! ^.^ [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Tue, 02/04/2024 17:54 (2 Months ago) |
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Ever since dad got Covid and Cancer, I have been doing less and less around the house. I don't understand why, and I never realized it. But I went from making full meals almost every day to making a microwave meal because it was "healthier". My 30 hours a month of regular activity is what "paid" for my rent, food, internet, stuffies, etc. The $100 a month I get in allowance has only been for the last 16 months, and that's part of the rent my mom and brother pay. The amount of hours I work each month has gone down to about five, and, as a result of various things over the last two months, he's gotten fed up with it. This is his major source of issue with me, and why he's been really pushy and agitated over the last three years. I've lived with him for ten years this October and am still practically as helpless and useless as I was when I first moved in. Yes. He understands and has admitted that much blame falls on him for not doing his part. But that was due to his belief that "I can't force someone to do something that I won't do myself." But he's concluded that if he can't, someone needs to. He wants to know that I'm capable of taking care of myself. And like I've said before. I know that, in his way, this is what he has been trying to push onto me for so long. Even if he yelled at me or made me cry, he wanted to make me feel bad about myself to get the point across. And he knows I'll work off the steam if I get angry enough. But he wants me to take care of things by choice. Not when they get so overwhelming that I have no clue where to begin. So, his solution is something I'm unsure about. I see its intention and its positive benefits in my life. I still hate being forced to do anything. On the other hand, if I'm not pushed, I will never get out of my comfort zone. Since I've now become as worthless as my ex, doing the extreme bare minimum and hoping to reap all the rewards and benefits (he did not compare me to my ex, but when I realized I'd become him, it motivated me somewhat to attempt to see this through), I am having my internet shut off for five hours five days a week. During those five hours, I will do various household tasks, earning my keep. Sounds like chores, right? I have no problems doing chores. What I have an issue with is that a lot of this is going to be teaching me things like how to cover up a hole in the drywall, how to repair an outside water faucet, and all those other things that I've repeatedly said I don't want to learn because I see no point whatsoever in doing so. He still wants to hand me the business when he passes, as he thinks a steady income like that will benefit me, even if I get a job at the library. It means I'd never have to want for anything and not have to work as hard as he and my grandma did to earn the several million they have over the last thirty years. It's not that he sees me as lazy and thinks this is the only thing I'll be able to do with my life. I mean, kind of. But he doesn't think I have the emotional and mental maturity to have a job. And based on how angry I get about some facets of life, my anger and tongue would keep getting me fired. In his mind, this is my best option. Despite several friends trying to convince me that I have it in me to get a job or drive a car, I know I don't. It's not an idea or belief that's been conditioned into me. When I had the job at my library back in 2008-2009, I HATED working three hours a day after school, despite it being at a library. I was always so terrified of dealing with patrons, even though I was excited at remembering where things were if they needed something. And for driving? Thirty-minute car rides make me so freaking sleepy. And I regularly daze out thinking about writing, gaming, or roleplay. My eyes cross, and I see nothing in front of me. If I can do that as a passenger, there's a high chance I'd do that as a driver. It's simply not worth the risk to myself or others. This is why dad wants to teach me some of the minor repairs and maintenance I must do. He's also trying to get me to stop asking his permission and make minor decisions for myself, such as whether or not to buy tamales from the guy who comes around. It's always a yes, by the way. Homemade tamales are so yummy. He has also apparently unblocked Tumblr, and the fact that I haven't had the instant desire to go to it shows a lot of growth. April 16th makes for about four months that I have avoided looking at the drama blogs AND removing people from my life who are toxic pot-stirrers. I still think of and want to look on occasion, but I see how much my mental health and mood have improved from taking care with who and what I let into my life. What all does this mean? It means that from 8-11.30 am and 5-11 pm PST (15.30-18.30 and 0-6 Server Time), I have to be very selective about what I do with my time. I have to pick and choose what's more important to me to feel the most accomplished that day. This means there will be days at a time when I barely do anything here, but I am active on Pokefarm Q, and vice versa. There will be days when I'm active on neither because my focus is on writing, Baldur's Gate 3, Diablo 3, or other things. I have become a working-class citizen whose time is limited and valuable. This has been a long time coming, and he plans to adjust it each month based on how well I performed the previous month, with December being the finalization of what my life will be like moving forward. I THINK he said summer is a free-for-all where I can play on the computer as I have for the last nine years, but I'm not sure. It would make sense because he's unable to work in the heat. He might have me help him a few hours a week then, but most of the time would be my own. Anyway, this is already long enough, and I've wasted an hour of precious time writing it. But I just wanted you to know, in WAY more words than necessary, about a major change in my life. Edit: I forgot to include. For those messaging dad (Bishop) on PokeFarm Q. I'm sorry. His absence is my fault. I repeatedly promised to help him obtain all the sprites for his database and help keep it maintained, but I made excuse after excuse not to help him. In addition to chores and business, another option for the five hours is to have internet access but spend that entire time helping him with data collection for the games that he wants to play. He's been building macros for Ultima Online Dante's Inferno (also with my promised and unfulfilled help). We swear that we'll get it completed. Just as I swear, I'll start updating and maintaining my website. I'll share the link when it looks prettier and more filled out. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Sun, 31/03/2024 20:25 (2 Months ago) |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Sat, 30/03/2024 23:14 (2 Months ago) |
 !
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Sat, 30/03/2024 02:51 (2 Months ago) |
 Makes me wish I still had the focus to participate. Might go ahead and do so this next one since it's been so long. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Fri, 29/03/2024 21:11 (2 Months ago) |
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Don't get me wrong. I'm very happy with the new method of Tadbulb, and that Gimmighoul wasn't released like Zerarora and the other clickfest ones. But Easter wasn't the time for it, and nobody wants to spend 2+ hours EACH DAY going through a Site Map and hoping to find A SINGLE Egg. At least finding a couple every trip through felt more rewarding. It doesn't seem much thought went into the event regarding how to make people not hurt their wrists by interacting like crazy AND not give them headaches or eyestrain by trying to find a sprite on one of our 100+ pages. No matter what, people will risk their physical health over pixels. Events like Tadbulb are the best way, but even that should relax slightly. 200 was barely in range for even the most active players. We need to find a balance where the average player has to work for it but doesn't feel the need to go overboard. And don't start in on me. I am NOT saying hand it to us. I am NEVER EVER EVER EVER saying that, and neither are MOST people who bring something like this up. I reached 100, and I had several busy days in real life. I wish I could have reached 125, but I never even thought I'd reach 100. I am concerned about the loss of sleep I know a few people suffered just to reach Shiny Wo-Chien, and they were active the entire event. I am bringing up an issue concerning other people's physical and mental health. Because, like I said, no matter what, people are going to go for pixels. It's why people drop $30+ on skins and cosmetics for games. If you can't stop them, you should ensure they don't push themselves too far. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Wed, 27/03/2024 21:13 (3 Months ago) |
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Mom and Dad roll their eyes and shake their heads as I blind myself. I'm just like, "What? Seeing how bright it is is part of the initiation process. Wait. Why are you purple?" Dad rolls his eyes and shakes his head again. "You know you could just angle it toward your eyes. The center's going to be much brighter than the outer cone. If it blinds you barely in your eyes, it will hurt far worse directly on." While off, I point it toward my face again and say, "The most dangerous weapon in the galaxy." "And you point it at your face." ^.^ I love it when he gets my references. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Wed, 27/03/2024 16:29 (3 Months ago) |
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According to an article I just read, you are Abrosexual. I've never heard the term before, so just in case y'all haven't either. Hope this helps you! ^.^ A person who is abrosexual may also have changes in their sexual orientation over time. For example, a person who is abrosexual might be attracted to men at one point, then not attracted to anyone weeks later. Someone who is abrosexual may have periods of different intensities of attraction. Edit: Thank you to the one who corrected my improper term usage in the first paragraph! And for teaching me that just because a label fits by definition, it won't necessarily fit the person. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Wed, 27/03/2024 01:20 (3 Months ago) |
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One of them was a photo that said: "You are some bunny special" When I saw the picture, the first thing out of my mouth was: "Some bunny once told me the world is gonna roll me", and then I got embarrassed when I realized I'd said it aloud. Dad and the receptionist laughed. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Tue, 26/03/2024 00:44 (3 Months ago) |
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Right now, I have: -Lazy Right Eye -Speech Impediment -Anemia (Long ago. Not sure if I still do) -Slight curvature of the spine (12 to the left, last I knew) -Right leg slightly shorter than left -Wolff-Parkinson-White -Duplex Collecting System in the right kidney -ADHD -Anxiety and Depression -Avoidant Personality Disorder -Auditory Processing issue in right ear -Occasional Auditory/Visual Hallucinations -Extreme Sleep Issues -Forgetful/"Error 404 Brain not found" Issues -Trauma-like shutdowns to raised voices and disagreements -Possible Autism (still working on diagnosis) -Possible Long Covid -Possible GERD *sighs* How much more messed up can I get? :'( [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Sun, 24/03/2024 22:05 (3 Months ago) |
 Oh. Please note that completing Ch 4 and Guardian also gets you a Pet and Wings These gorgeous wings and this Raven were from completing Guardian Rank last Season! 
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Sat, 23/03/2024 05:24 (3 Months ago) |
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I probably could have written more, but it's almost 10.30, and I feel like my brain is shutting down already. Thinking this chapter will end at almost 2k words. Hopefully, I'll finish it tomorrow and post it by Monday. ^.^ Then I have a chapter of Arcanum Magicka to do. Which might take some time, as that one likes to be stubborn After that, I'll take a break for a few days and try to progress in Season 30 of Diablo III. And then finally turn my focus to Vampiric Embrace (My Baldur's Gate 3 fanfic)! So super excited for this one! [PokeFarm Q] I hatched two Melans so far today! A Spicy at 215 and an Any at 286. The first one stays with me, and the second goes to dad. And I still have 126 Adopts left for the day. Waaaay more if my Supplier comes in or I use Daycare Passes. The strangest thing is, I could have sworn that I activated my Dragon Crystal today at reset. I didn't. :O And got two Melans already? I activated it as soon as I noticed because what are the odds of a third without it on? [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Fri, 22/03/2024 20:48 (3 Months ago) |
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I did not have kidney stones. But I do have a Duplex Collecting System with my right kidney. This just means it has two tubes instead of one to the bladder. This DCS will not create pain, so there is something else wrong. It's been a 3/10 for the last two days, and I'm still positive it's not a hurt/pulled muscle, as those usually go away after 2-3 days for me, and this is day 10. Was also informed that people with Wolff-Parkinson-White (an extra signal nerve in the heart) can occasionally pass kidney stones, and they have no clue as to why. So, since I've chosen not to get surgery on this, kidney stones are still a possibility I will have to deal with. The doctor also informed me I was extremely dehydrated. I was told to drink 5 16 oz bottles of water a day. NOT HAPPENING. EVER. Halfway through the 24 oz I had to drink before the ultrasound, I wanted to throw up. That said, I've decided to get water anyway and drink one 16-oz bottle daily. Blegh. Then, I can either continue to drink four cups of coffee a day while going to Light Blend or lower my scoops from 2 and 1 tablespoons to 1 and 1/2 (The first number is the first pot with a new filter, and the second number is each pot until the filter gets full) Or I can look into returning to tea (since it's lighter than coffee). Dad wants to drink tea and was quite disappointed when I switched to coffee, so this would work out for him and be healthier for me. It's not as healthy as going all water, but as I said, it's not happening. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Fri, 22/03/2024 18:36 (3 Months ago) |
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Usually, I use the names Wildfyre or Rhoslyn for my player characters in games. My Diablo 3/4 Fanfics already have my Wizard named Wildfyre. So I've been struggling with what to name my Wizard from Baldur's Gate 3 in her fanfic. I've had her name in the game as Eirena, and I was going to use that, but the more I thought about it, the less I felt like it was the right choice. You know. Because Eirena is not only an NPC in Diablo 3, but she and Lyndon are shipped with that Wildfyre. Yesterday, I walked over to dad's computer while he was training Spellweaving on Ultima Online Dante's Inferno. He was at the point where he was casting the spell "Wildfire". Its cast word is "Haelyn", and I thought to myself, "Yes, this is perfect!" Since I don't plan on ever writing a major fanfic about Ultima Online (it's not really my thing; dad just loves it), I have no issues with using Haelyn as my BG3 Wizard's name. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Thu, 21/03/2024 19:53 (3 Months ago) |
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There are 85 Tasks to reach Guardian Rank in Diablo III. Some of these are "Get Blacksmith to Level 10", "Get Jeweler to Level 10", "Get Mystic to Level 10", and "Get all Artisans to Level 12". I think it would be dumb of me to make a chapter each for them. So, I think I will have one chapter about getting all Artisans to Level 12 and have a couple of paragraphs of conversation with them. That's four chapters to one. Since it would also be a few additional paragraphs per person, I guess I could also include the Craft tasks in that. So that would be eight chapters condensed into one. *scrolls through list* It looks like I've got a few other tasks I can do this too. With all the filler chapters I have planned, I might still end up with 85 chapters, but I feel this would be better. [Read more] |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Wed, 20/03/2024 03:55 (3 Months ago) |
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SakuraWolf23 OFFLINE Forum Posts: 1,094 |
Posted: Wed, 20/03/2024 00:30 (3 Months ago) |
Title: 15. Meowtastic MotivationHer Pokémon knew how it made her feel and made efforts to avoid it as best as possible. However, Sylvie would do it in rare situations anyway. Usually, it was only when he felt it would help far more than it would make her uncomfortable, and she was actually grateful for those moments. It took a true friend to know when to force their affection and when to hold back out of respect. Dreamer could also regularly be found with his upper half on her chest. It was a compromise she allowed since it only made her partially uncomfortable. She felt movement and then heard a chirp beside her right ear. It was Sylvie, who then nuzzled his face against hers. She chuckled and lifted a hand to pet his face. At her movement, the two Meowstic finally stirred and awoke. It took them a minute to stretch and clean their eyes, and she groaned in pain when she could finally sit up. When it came to cats, there were very few circumstances where she would disturb them if they were comfortable. Typically, only if she’d gone numb or had to use the bathroom. “Did you have a nice nap?” Nap was an understatement since they’d been asleep for at least three hours. The male responded with an adorable purr, but the female turned to her and spoke. “Thank you. We don’t know how you managed to get us away from that witch, but we are eternally grateful. Topaz and I were taken from our friend in Kalos many years ago. His name is Jayden, and we would appreciate it so very much if you could return us to him.” “Uhm. I wish I could, but I’m doing something important at the behest of Giratina.” Their ears twitched and then laid back against their heads, and she couldn’t stand to see them cry. “Well…| Angel brought out her Pokénav and drew up an image of Primarcina. It looked like Kalos was only a few weeks’ journey from Kanto. It would be quite a way out of her way, but…She looked back up at the Meowstic, and her heart melted at the look in their eyes. “I’m sure Giratina wouldn’t mind if I helped you out. That said, I still need to do something first if that’s all right with you.” Maya. She still needed to see and confirm if she was alive, and if so, face her and question why she’d never mentioned her alliance with Team Rocket, even though she would have known that Angel was a member. Not just because of the stories she told but because, unlike Angel, she would have had access to that information. Angel remained silent as she watched the Meowstic speak amongst themselves. After a few minutes, they nodded. “It’s okay. We couldn’t have expected you to drop everything to help us.” “If it were something else, I may have. But, like you, I’m in search of a friend. Something may have happened to her, and I want to verify that she’s okay. Once I’ve done that, I’ll gladly take you to Kalos to find your friend.” At that, Topaz and his partner made a chirrpurr and began to knead their claws on the ground. Angel chuckled at how such a simple statement could make them so happy. The same could be said of people, too. Sometimes, a few kind words or a single small action could make a world of difference in someone’s life. She changed position to where her legs were at an angle from her body and reached out to pet the female. To her surprise, the female approached and stood against her chest as she rubbed her face against Angel’s. “My name is Amber, and my partner is Topaz. We have another request for you. If it’s not too much trouble, that is.” From the looks on their faces and their posture, it was clear they hesitated to ask. Angel knew that response. She recognized it all too well from looking in the mirror every day. It was the hesitance of someone who’d been abused. Deep down, Amber and Topaz seemed to fear she would be another Mally, even though her current actions so far said otherwise. It was not only understandable but expected. That was how people like Mally drew you in. They promised you a happy future and did everything to support and encourage you and make you trust them. All the while, they slowly separated you from your friends and family, making you dependent on them for everything. Once they knew you couldn’t make it on your own and had nobody to turn to, the true “fun” began. Where they chipped away at your soul, destroying you piece by piece. Angel shook the thoughts from her head before she spoke. “My name is Alexandria, but you can call me Angel. You don’t have to say anything if it’s too hard on you. All you need to know is that you will always have food and shelter with me. And I will make sure your needs are met before my own. I can’t promise that nobody will ever hurt you again. What I can promise is that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe until you’re reunited with your friend.” Amber and Topaz leaped into her arms again, and she hugged them tightly as they cried. “Dreamer, darling?” Angel spoke as she reached a hand down to rummage through her knapsack. The deftness with which she drew out her wallet, opened it and pulled out her credit card with one hand clearly showed how often she’d had to do things while carrying around an attention-seeking Pokémon. Once she handed the card to Dreamer, he ran off toward the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy would instantly recognize him, and know that he wanted food for the gang. There likely wouldn’t be enough food for all of them because Dreamer couldn’t tell Joy there were two extra mouths to feed. But she knew everyone would gladly take smaller portions to ensure Amber and Topaz had their fill. Angel turned to the Meowstic and sighed deeply. Her Pokémon laid their ears back at that, but not in fear. They were more concerned about her emotional state, as they knew that sigh meant she had something on her mind. “I’d rather you hear this from me and have time to think about it than throw it at you at the worst time. But…I used to be a member of Team Rocket.” When their only response was to lay their ears back, she continued. “Mally was as well. Or rather, is. And the friend I want to find might be, but I’m unsure. If she is, she hid it really well, for I didn’t catch on to it in all the years I’ve known her. It will bother me if I don’t find out the truth about if she’s alive and whether she’s with Team Rocket. Perhaps I can persuade her to end her association with them if she is.” Rosie nuzzled her head against Angel’s chest, who absentmindedly gave scritches to the Leafeon as she continued. “The only reason I bring it up is because, if she is Team Rocket, I didn’t want you to see her and think I was placing you right back into their hands. Although truth be told, Maya would be a much better owner for you than Mally was. You definitely wouldn’t be mistreated.” “Why?” Topaz asked, and Angel tilted her head, confused. “It makes no sense for us to question your actions and motives when everything we’ve known for the last few years has fallen apart. You promised to return us to our friend, and you smelled honest. We would be fools to think for a second that you meant to betray us.” “Besides,” Amber interjected, “Your heart is in the right place. You aren't a bad person just because you are a member of an evil group, and anyone who lives by that logic is a fool. Look at the most notorious trio in all Primarcina, and how they care for their Pokémon despite their obsession with kidnapping Pikachu. Then, look at people like Mally. What you do, not who you know or ally with, defines you. She averted her gaze to the ground. “I hate to tell you, but there are people in this world who will pretend to be your friend. Pretend to care for you and make you feel special or important. Only to not only stab you in the back when you least expect it but make you believe it was your fault.” Amber walked to where Angel stared so that their eyes met. “You seem like a cat person. What is the most important difference between cats and dogs?” When Angel shook her head, Topaz appeared and answered Amber’s question. “Dogs trust anyone, even when they shouldn’t. Though they can acknowledge when to end their loyalties.” Back to Amber. “Cats, on the other hand, aren’t very trusting. If a cat chooses you, there is no doubt in their mind that you are someone worthy. And unlike dogs, they will break ties at the first red flag. When they do, they are highly unlikely to trust you again unless you can prove it was an accident.” Her lip curled up in a smile, and she made a strange sound as tears filled her eyes. “I’m sorry. You must think I’m crazy for getting so worked up about this. Most of the people I’ve known in life have faked being my friend. In most cases, they were after a chance to meet with my father, hoping I could persuade him to contribute to their research or get an easy win at the gym, among many other things. When you’re always lied to, manipulated, and used, it becomes the only thing you expect. So, I never know how to react when people and Pokémon like you come along. Part of me is hopeful I found a genuine friend. While most of me is scared to open myself up yet again.” “It’s okay,” Topaz assured her as he hugged her. “Everyone has things that hurt and broke them. But it’s how you react that defines who you are. Not only do you keep going, but you refuse to let it take your ability to love. You haven’t allowed it to make your heart bitter. And you seem to be someone who is willing to learn from their mistakes. That’s more than what most people do. Whenever you feel worthless, remind yourself that you’re better than those who hurt you. Tell yourself that, even if you don’t believe it, because once you do, you can move forward.” “Pardon my interruption,” a male’s voice sounded from behind her, and Angel leaned her body back to look at the newcomer upside-down. He had striking blue eyes and curly blonde hair to his shoulders. It wasn’t until she saw the red “R” stitched on his shirt above his heart that she spun around in fear to face him. All her Pokémon, even the Meowstic, went between her. Strangely enough, the action made the man smile. “Didn’t you just get done telling her that not everyone from Team Rocket was bad?” Angel gasped at his words, only to realize that it made sense for him to understand the Meowstic pair if he was a member of Team Rocket. Then again, he should only be able to understand the Meowstic pair if he’d spent a lot of time around Mally. She scooted back a foot at that realization, which caused the others to growl at him. He approached anyway but stopped and knelt before her Pokémon. That was a smart move on his part. It let him put her at ease while ensuring they could bite him if he made a wrong move. “My name is Asher, and yes, I’m a member of Team Rocket. I heard the news, and I think it was courageous of you to do what you did. At least you could escape. I can’t. My mother’s grip on me is very tight. She probably wouldn’t even approve of me talking to you.” “Odds are, neither will anyone else. There or here.” Angel frowned, really concerned about what this man was up to. He shrugged at those words. “Like you, I’m a nobody. Mostly. I’m an Agent and can only go out in the field because of my mother’s station. I know what you plan to do and would like to help if you let me.” “Even if I could trust you to help, why should I? What’s in it for you? Do you plan to betray me when I least expect it? I hate to tell you, but if you want to get on my father’s good side, you’ll have to do that on your own, as there’s no way right now he would take me at my word for anything.” “Because I want to get to know you better.” He smiled at her, possibly hoping to put her at ease, but it only made her more uncomfortable. “I’ve followed your progress since the day you joined. At first, I despised you, thinking you had some goody-two-shoes act that helped you get the job done better than any other Agent. That you had a plan on shooting to the top. It wasn’t until the Silph Company I realized it wasn’t an act. You were yourself. After so many years as an Agent, you hadn't let Team Rocket corrupt you.” “So, I dug around a bit more and discovered some things about your past and what you went through. You’re amazing, and I wanted to be the one to help you see that.” “And you chose to seek me out like some stalker?” Angel was flattered by his words, but she wouldn’t dare tell him. Asher blushed and lifted his left arm to place that hand in embarrassment on the back of his head. “Yeah, well. No. I knew you’d been arrested, so I came to speak to you in the cells, but when I found out you’d been released, I figured you couldn’t have gotten far. When I saw Mally, I just headed in the direction she’d come from. So. What do you say?” He moved the hand from earlier and held it out for her to take but kept it in front of her Pokémon. Angel stared at the hand for nearly a minute as she contemplated what to do. A small part of her felt accepting his offer would be a mistake. But she was never sure if she felt that way because it would come to bite her or if she was simply scared. A glance at her Pokémon showed them as all calm. Yet, she knew that didn’t matter, as unless they felt the choice would be extremely harmful to her, they let her make all decisions on her own. Eventually, she inched forward, reached between Sylvie and Rosie, and placed her hand in Asher’s. 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