[ti]private[/ti]Dear Agony

It's one of those things, isn't it?

Muin is someone who prefers to avoid places like the Briarbane Settlement; places often frequented by other players. Too many people. Too much going on all the time. Too bloody loud. But, see, sometimes even a guy like Muin can compromise. Even he can say 'To hell with it... It will be alright. It's not like a stranger will suddenly approach me to talk to me or anything.'

Spoiler alert: that's exactly what happens.

The stranger in question is a cat. A cute cat, by cat standards (Muin is more of a dog guy). A green cat. A Grass type.

"Oh. A Sprigatito." He points out the obvious in that delightfully British lilt of his. Just like many Pokémon fans, Percy too had gotten himself a copy of Pokémon Scarlet when it had been released (the futuristic look of Pokémon Violet just isn't for him). Sprigatito had been his starter of choice, of course, so admittedly he does have a bit of a recent-gameplay-induced soft spot. And, admittedly, perhaps it's this soft spot that causes him to actually listen to what this Sprigatito has to say, because let's be honest: if Muin wanted to spend his time hearing about other people's problems, he'd be at his office.

"What happened to your trainer?" The question is inevitably raised, and it's only then that Muin looks away from the Pokémon, eyes like amethyst scanning their surroundings until falling on someone who looks rather... worse for wear.

Oh gods.

How does he end up getting caught up in these sort of situations?

There's a deep breath to ground himself, as if needed for the sake of being ready for the interaction that's to come, and then, exactly two seconds later, a question for Lacrimosa:

"Excuse me. Are you alright?"

It would be very difficult for Muin to feel any sort of pity or sympathy for Lacrimosa, much less concern. First of all, he's not exactly the 'caring for every stranger he meets' sort of guy, and he isn't enough of a liar to pretend otherwise. Even if he were, how could he feel bad for this man when he had just admitted that this all his fault? If anything, what he does feel bad for is the Sprigatito since its stuck with such a trainer, but Percy has always liked animals better than most people (and by extent the same goes for Pokémon).

"No, of course I haven't." He responds matter-of-factly. He likes rules, he likes order, and he doesn't play this game to end up getting himself in needless danger. A calm UNOVR experience is all Muin wants, so he definitely has no interest in the Corruption Zone. Despite all this, his gaze assess the stranger's condition — mostly for the sake of the Sprigatito... and also because it would be awkward to refuse to help now that he had already engaged in conversation. If there's one thing Muin dreads more than rule breaking, that would be awkward social situations.

"I could have my support Pokémon heal you, but I'm not sure how much good that would do. Have you tried going to a shrine?... What exactly caused this, anyway?"

Perhaps understanding the problem will make it so he can give better advice, right? Plus, he may just be a tiny bit curious after hearing about something angry living in the Corruption Zone, but it's not like Muin would ever admit to that!

For the purpose of engaging storytelling, most games — especially MMOs — have a 'big bad' that needs to be defeated in order to 'save the world', but that is also too powerful or too mysterious or whatever the hell else, making it so the battle against them is an ongoing and seemingly endless process. Muin has seen it many times before, and while in the past he had thought certain legendary Pokémon would take 'Villain of the Week' sort of roles, it is clear to him now that Corruption is shaping up to be the real problem here. It's an interesting approach.

"So, corruption... attempts to get a fear response out of you?" He considers this for a moment. Muin is no scientist, but he's smart enough to realize that this is something that is easy enough for the game to do, considering the WorldScreen is all too aware of a player's thoughts and physical state. He can only assume it is being done on purpose; giving the game a spookier aspect.

He reaches for a Pokéball then, releasing a Swadloon out of it. Currently his only support Pokémon, who upon release looks at him, at the Sprigatito, and at Lacrimosa, and frowns just so slightly.

<'You need healing.'> It declares.

"Evidently." Muin agrees. "If you don't mind."

The Swadloon nods, utilizing its abilities as a support Pokémon to reinvigorate the other Gardener, increasing his ENDURANCE.

"It would be wise not to engage with the corruption, or you might end up like this again." Or worse. That much is also obvious, so Muin does no more than quirk a brow while looking at the stranger. Obviously he won't go back to Mistra, right? Why on earth would someone go back after ending up like this? What would be the point of that?

He could ask, but as Muin sees it, that's none of his damn business.