The Hardest Part is Saying Goodbye (Jay/Castle)

[KARP KARP!]

Today wasn't an average day; as anyone who lived in the castle would instantly notice. The atmosphere screamed that something was wrong. Just by smelling the air. The scent was...bland. Nothing was cooking, nothing was baking, water wasn't even boiling. Worse, there was nothing on the table, save for a half-empty cookie jar. In the corner, where Joel's Slowpoke usually lay, were nothing but a suitcase Something was DEFINITELY wrong here...

Joel emerged from his room, into the kitchen, with another suitcase; not even dressed like himself. He had on a black shirt, a worn leather jacket, and some old slacks with tennis shoes; and his bald head wasn't covered by his hat. A wrinkled, stained piece of paper was in his hand, and tears stained the man's face. It was obvious something was eating him.

The well-known sound of the lunch bell rang throughout the castle, but this sure as hell wasn't a dinner call....

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/FelisRosa2.png);color:#45632c;][atrb=height,347][atrb=width,472][atrb=style,border:0 black none,bTable][scrolly:h(250),w(275),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:107px;)]It had been a short few... ok a week or so after the bombings in central capital, and it had been vicious on Feliciano Rossi. The blond haired man had been fretting and moving about worriedly going from the capital to home on repeat throughout the days. However, he was home at the moment having passed out on the couch in the lounge from lack of sleep. However as the bell vibrated in his ears, a blue eye opened and looked sideways towards the hall that eventually led down to the kitchen. It was past lunch time and far from dinner, and because of this, the blonde found himself confused. It was this confusion that actually prompted him to go see. If it had been the right time, he would probably have remained on the couch and simply missed the meal entirely. Mentally groaning, he forced himself up off the couch and started to walk towards the kitchen. Rosa, meanwhile, had been playing with her toys as best she could. Though she had tried not to show it, she had seen the images of the destruction of the capital, and she was very well aware of the tension and stress that it was bringing to Felis. However, she was unable to figure out anything that could be done and ended up blocking it from the forefront of her mind... as best she could. It really wasn't working. As the bell was rung, Rosa looked up confused. Hu? It wasn't food time yet... Why? Slowly forcing herself up, the young girl walked to her door and started down the stairs of her tower. Meanwhile, Felis got to the kitchen first and was now standing in the doorway. He didn't smell any food, and this worried him... As he saw the suit case, Felis paled before looking quickly to Joel with an unblinking stare. What... what was going on? He couldn't find his voice and ended up standing there just staring mentally praying there was something more that he was missing. Was... Was Joel going away again like he had when the entire war had started up? At a time like this? The anxiety of losing someone spread through Felis like blood. However, he didn't speak, just stared. [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Miguel had been outside, doing his usual guard duty which he had been doing more so ever since the bombings to ensure that all who resided in the castle remained safe. He had just about finished his rounds when the dinner bell rain, bringing a rather confused look to Miguel's features as he turned to head towards the kitchen where the bell came from. Entering the kitchen, Miguel immediately saw that something wasn't right ... Joel had packed his bags and was standing there with a piece of paper in his hands. Though before Miguel could say anything, Elayne approached the man and voiced the question they all had been thinking. Elayne was outside in the gazebo, drawing a nearby vine to try and get her mind off of what had happened. No matter what she did, Elayne couldn't get the image of all those people ... dead because of this bomb ... . She had gone over it again and again but still couldn't see why anyone would do this and just ... kill all those people in an instant. Hearing the dinner bell, Elayne didn't think much of it being distracted by her own thoughts at the moment. However, when she reached the kitchen Elayne immediately knew something was wrong. Approaching Joel, Elayne put a gentle hand on his arm, eyes wide with alarm,"Joel ... ? What's wrong ... ?"[/scrolly]

[KARP KARP!]

Joel waited as the others came into the room, wiping a tear from his face and carefully putting the folded piece of paper in his jacket pocket. The look on the man's face was unlike any expression Joel had ever been seen with before.

"I uh...I have...something to tell you all..." he stammered, his voice very serious yet broken. He paused, thinking of exactly how to say this. "I want you to know it's nothing no one here did...this is just something I need to do. I'm leaving. I may be back, I hope I come back, but I don't know when..."

He paused again. "I'm not running away....I have my reasons, and I love each and every one of you like my own family...but..." He looked at each and every face in the room. "I have to do this."

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/FelisRosa2.png);color:#45632c;][atrb=height,347][atrb=width,472][atrb=style,border:0 black none,bTable][scrolly:h(250),w(275),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:107px;)]Felis continued to stand there frozen and staring at Joel with an almost blank expression now. He was leaving? He had to do this? What exactly did he have to do? Why did he have to leave in such a time as this? Didn't he know it wasn't safe out beyond the castle walls? Why... However, he couldn't ask these questions. His throat and mouth had been frozen shut, and he just stood there saying nothing. He was being abandoned. That was all it was. "WHY?" Rosa's shrill voice snapped and crackled the air. She had been slower than the rest, but she had come in just as Joel explained. Suddenly pushing past Felis, Rosa rushed over towards Joel with a suddenly very determined but unsure face. "I don't want you to go, Joel! WHy do you have to go?" she asked as her face softened to something beyond weak. She was scared... was anyone else scared? She was... [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Miguel frowned when he heard what Joel had to say but nodded, his usual friendly demeanor now serious,"I understand ... take care Joel. But pray tell, what has happened to make you leave so urgently? Is your family safe?"he asked in a kind yet serious voice. Elayne removed her hand from Joel's arm and covered her mouth with it, fighting back the tears that threatened to overwhelm her before turning away from Joel, too overcome for words.[/scrolly]

[KARP KARP!]

Joel stopped, picking up Rosa and hugging her tightly. "I'm sorry, Rosa. I have to do this." The chef looked at Miguel, sighing softly.

"On one of my recent trips out west to find special ingredients, I met a girl; we exchanged addresses, and have been sending letters back and forth. Today...I got one....her family was killed in the bombing, she was still at home....Said this letter was her last. I fear the worst." he paused, crying. Joel wasn't a man known to cry.

"I'm going out, taking Cyrus for air surveillance, along with the rest of my Pokemon. I have to find her...Help her...or at least....." his voice trailed off, and he choked.

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/FelisRosa2.png);color:#45632c;][atrb=height,347][atrb=width,472][atrb=style,border:0 black none,bTable][scrolly:h(250),w(275),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:107px;)]Rosa froze, yet her heart beat like a drum in her ears. A girl was in trouble? And Joel was going to find her? Upon seeing the tears in Joel's eyes, Rosa physically shivered. She had never seen Joel cry, and it vexed her. But why did she have to leave? Why couldn't he just.....? Rosa realized she couldn't finish her thoughts, and this vexed her more. "But Joel..." Rosa tried. "But Joel I'll miss you..." she finally whimpered. Felis sucked in a good deal of air before stepping forwards finally. His face was somber, yet he managed to offer a smile for a brief moment. "You met a girl?' he teased slightly though even in this he failed to really use the correct tone. The woman was in trouble..."Joel...I...." Felis tried to find the right words but ended up falling silent again unable to look directly at Joel. Looking sideways towards Elayne instead, Felis stepped wrapped a comforting arm around Elayne's shoulders. "I understand..." Felis finished. "I understand." He did... or he partially did, anyways. He knew that Joel felt he had to do this, and though he didn't quite understand, Felis knew Joel did. [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Elayne barely heard what was said from then on out but she heard enough to know that this was important to Joel and ... though she hated to see him go, knew that was exactly what he needed to do. Turning to look back at Joel, Elayne nodded,"Do ... what you need to ... do ... Joel ... ," she managed, though it was clear that she was upset about the thought of Joel leaving. Feeling Felis wrap an arm around her shoulder, she leaned her head against him and closed her eyes, turning slightly away from Joel so that he wouldn't see the tears that spilled down her cheeks. Miguel nodded and closed his eyes briefly as Joel explained why he had to leave. He understood ... of course ... if it had been one of his friends, Miguel would be out there in an instant looking for them to make sure that they were all right. Hearing Rosa, he approached the young girl put an arm around her in a comforting gesture,"None of us wish for Joel to leave princess ... ,"he said in a gentle voice before looking back at Joel,"Go ... do what you need to do ... find her. But Joel, promise us that you'll be safe and when you get the chance to, I would appreciate it if you would write us. I believe that it would help set everyone's mind at ease ... ."[/scrolly]

[KARP KARP!]

Joel just held onto Rosa. "I'm not leaving forever. I'll come back someday soon. I promise." Looking around the room, he wiped another stray tear. "I'm going to miss all of you, but I'll keep in touch as I can. If I had a way to send letters regularly...I would. But I'll find a way if I have to catch another Flying type and train it to deliver to you guys."

Joel lowered his head. "You're all like my family....But I have to help her. I feel she needs me."

Looking around, Joel had a thought, but it was interrupted as one of his Pokeballs burst open, and a very frantic Shiftry ran outside with some unfinished business to take care of.

Joel blinked. "....I guess Lily liked it here better than she let on..."

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/FelisRosa2.png);color:#45632c;][atrb=height,347][atrb=width,472][atrb=style,border:0 black none,bTable][scrolly:h(250),w(275),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:107px;)]Felis stood with Elayen simply trying to keep himself under control. He had already allowed himself to cry enough in these last few days, yet it was still pressing and still very stressing. What if he didn't come back? No... he had to believe that the man would come back, someday... someday soon. He would convince himself of this... he had to. It was the only way he could deal. "When you come home.. I'll cook for you," he said slowly smiling. "So you better come home soon." Meanwhile, Rosa was fighting back tears, yet they were spilling down her cheeks now. It wasn't fair! It WAS NOT FAIR. Her shoulders shook a little, and she shook her head several times. However, when Joel talked of sending letters, a thought suddenly came to her. Looking suddenly very determined, Rosa fished a pokeball out of her pocket and thrust it into Joel's hand. "Take Thomas!" she said surprisingly sternly. "And send me letters every day. Every day.. and he'll come and find me.. If I don't get a letter from you after two days, I'm hunting you down Joel!" she sad with this surprising amount of force that was gushing into her. "And when you come home.. give me my pokeball back. I don't want to hear any excuse you hear me?" she finished by thrusting an index finger up at Joel as though trying to prove she was serious. This... would be alright. Felis blinked, surprised by the sudden amount of strength and almost commander-like orders with witch Rosa commanded. Where had she gotten that? It was... odd.... [/scrolly]


[img]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/a/af/Spr_5b_468.png[/img]
Name: Thomas
Species: Togekiss
Gender: Male
Ability: Super Luck
Personality: This Togekiss fears being late, and is always in a rush to be places. He's also rather gullible, especially when it comes to the time--even if it's obviously early afternoon and he's told it's eight PM or the like, he'll rush off like he's actually that late (until he realizes otherwise). This is especially true for taxes, somehow. His previous trainer obviously was an interesting person, as this Togekiss not only wants taxes done on time, but can do them for you given information.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Elayne remained silent as Joel continued to explain ... there was nothing more she could say ... or at least that she hadn't said already. Upon hearing Rosa's demands, Elayne looked at the young girl and smiled slightly. This was good .. at least now they'd be able to stay in touch with Joel. Miguel blinked when he heard Rosa's rather forceful words and chuckled softly. Indeed it was good to see her so determined even if she was being a little bossy at the end of it all.[/scrolly]

[KARP KARP!]

Joel gave a nod, taking the Pokeball. His eyes shifted to the door, which had just slammed shut as his Shiftry ran outside. Pulling out a Pokeball, he held it out to Rosa. "Here. It's Lily's. I know she'd rather stay, and I know you'll take care of her until I get back." He chuckled, kissing Rosa's forehead. "I'll keep in touch often. And Felis, I look forward to seeing how well I've taught you."

Meanwhile, the Shiftry was running around outside. <Cecelia?>

[img]http://img.pokemondb.net/sprites/black-white/normal/shiftry-f.png[/img]

Name: Lilly
Species: Shiftry
Gender: Female
Ability: Early Bird
Personality: This Pokemon usually keeps to herself. She doesn't say much, and all she seems to do is wander around. Uninterested in males entirely, she does deem herself rather beautiful, but is easily embarrassed when around females. The only male she likes is Joel, and she'd do anything for her trainer.

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/FelisRosa2.png);color:#45632c;][atrb=height,347][atrb=width,472][atrb=style,border:0 black none,bTable][scrolly:h(250),w(275),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:107px;)] As Joel took the pokeball, Rosa relaxed considerably, yet a look of surprise came to her face when she found another pokeball in her hand. Oh! Lily's.... That meant... he'd have to come back! He'd have to come back even more now! Beaming, Rosa's face colored slightly at finding her forehead kissed, and a quiet giggle escaped her. "I'll take care of her! Just like I know you'll take care of Thomas!" she smiled nodding her head as a determined look came to her face again. Felis smiled and sighed quietly. This was good... this... he could deal with. At Joel's words, Feliciano broke into a larger grin. "I'll make only the best. You can count on that," he reassured. "Just... take care, always," he said quietly feeling a few tears threatening to come to his eyes. He'd fight them off, for now... He... he had to. Slowly stepping forwards, Felis hugged Joel once before stepping back again. "We'll see you soon then..." he grinned softly. [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Elayne smiled when she saw Joel give him Lily's pokeball, feeling oddly reassured by the exchange. Perhaps then ... Joel would return if only for his Pokemon."Be safe ... ,"Elayne replied quietly, voice filled with emotion. Miguel smiled upon seeing the exchange between Rosa and Joel,"Have a safe journey my friend. I hope to see you again sometime soon."[/scrolly]

[KARP KARP!]

Joel gave a nod, then looked around the room one more time. "I should be on my way..." He then went around the room, first hugging Miguel, then Elayne. When he got to Rosa, he knelt, scooping the girl up in his arms, giving her a firm, loving hug. "I'll come back, Rosa. In the meantime, be strong for me. Take care, and on occasion give Muse a good whack on the head with a rolling pin for me~" He smiled after this last part, which was intended as a joke--mostly.Setting her down, he moved to Felis, hugging him firmly. "Take care of yourself. Don't let anyone kick ya around; stand firm and take good care of everyone. I have faith in you. If you ever need anything, be it a good meal or a few skulls cracked, you can count on me." Releasing the hug, he moved toward his suitcase, picking it up with his left hand.

At that moment, Lily dragged herself back into the room, knowing it was time to leave. Joel looked at her. "Lily, you get to stay back with the family. Take care." The Shiftry did her best to hold in her joy, but still ended up bouncing very uncharacteristically. Then, the chef brushed another tear away as he made his way out of the kitchen, down the hall, and out the door. "Till we meet again..."

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/FelisRosa2.png);color:#45632c;][atrb=height,347][atrb=width,472][atrb=style,border:0 black none,bTable][scrolly:h(250),w(275),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:107px;)]Watching as Joel left, Felis forced a smile and tried to keep the pain of it all from showing on his face. they'd see him again, soon... someday soon. "You know it!" he called watching as Joel left. Slowly sighing as the door closed, Felis sank to his knees and ended up sitting there on the floor like some sort of child. Rosa listened with care and took in every word before Joel finally left. Sucking in some air, she bit her lip and stood there quivering for a few seconds. Upon hearing Felis's motion behind her, she whipped around on her heels and gave Felis a surprisingly fierce look. "He'll come back! He will, Felis! Ok? Don't be sad!" she insisted with every fiber of her being. Felis's eyes widened at Rosa's words, yet after a few seconds, he managed to smile before suddenly reaching forwards and pulling Rosa into a hug. "Thank you, Rosa...." was all the blond haired man answered back. He had to be strong for her, and he wasn't doing a good job now was he? Rosa... was becoming stronger than him, heh... What in the world? [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Elayne hugged Joel back tightly when he hugged her, letting go only when he pulled back and put a hand to her mouth to hide the sob that threatened to come. Sure Elayne understood why Joel had to leave but that didn't make the truth of it any less painful. Hearing Rosa insist that Joel was coming back brought a smile to Elayne's face and found herself nodding in return,"You're right ... ,"she replied quietly before kneeling as well and putting her arms around both Felis and Rosa. Miguel returned the hug and watched as Joel walked out the door, sorry to see him go but knew all too well that Joel thought he had no choice. Miguel would certainly have done the same thing if he was in Joel's position, but he wasn't about to voice this thought to the others, not when they were still clearly saddened over Joel's departure. Turning to look at the others, Miguel smiled sadly upon seeing them huddled all in a group. "That's right princess, Joel will return to us someday, and with Thomas we'll know that he is safe ... ."[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/FelisRosa2.png);color:#45632c;][atrb=height,347][atrb=width,472][atrb=style,border:0 black none,bTable][scrolly:h(250),w(275),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:107px;)]Felis sighed a little and shook his head slowly before standing up again and looking towards Miguel with a near blank expression on his face. He... needed to get work done... something to do... or he'd... lose it. "I'll... be in my office... if you need me," he stated before turning and starting to walk out of the kitchen. Rosa deflated a good bit and ended up simply falling on her butt after Fels had left the room. Fresh tears were in her eyes, but she didn't want to let anyone see, and because of this, she brought her knees up and set her head on them before wrapping her arms around her legs. "I..." she started before falling silent. In another moment, she was on her feet again, and in one quick motion, she had dived into a cabinet and slammed the door. It was... her safe spot... for now. [/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Elayne stood up shortly after Felis did and watched him leave ... she knew that Felis wasn't taking Joel's departure well and though she knew she would miss Joel, Elayne knew that it was for the better. Hesitating for but a moment, Elayne eventually followed Felis, heading towards his office with Elly, her ever present Espeon trailing close behind her like normal. Normal ... heh ... at the moment Elayne wasn't sure that anything could be consider normal again ... but ... she had to try at least. Miguel watched as Felis and Elayne walked out followed by the quiet thump of a cabinet closing. Mildly amused at Rosa's actions, Miguel knelt near the cabinet Rosa was hiding in,"Oh where or where is my little princess ... oh where oh where could she be ... ,"he said in a sing song voice as he started to open adjacent cabinets, pretending to have completely lost the young girl.[/scrolly]