Is it the ending that's hard? [Mod]

[Justice]

Justice looks around him. He has been walking for quite sometime now, and he has come to the base of a mountain. Not just any mountain, no doubt. This mountain is the imfamous Diamond Mountain, the supposed dwelling place of the "Legends" that are Dialga and Palkia.

Justice knows, however, that the "supposed" can be ommitted from that last sentence. He knows just how real the Gods are, and he knows that, if anything, most of the legends he once thought incredible, have been proven credible by as many means necessary. Apparently, the Gods choose certain people to be completely aware of the supernutural, and Justice is sure he can list a good portion of them.

Justice wanders around, clenching his little Egg in his arms, remembering to tread lightly because of the other egg in his pack. He doesn't quite know what he is here for. Perhaps he is merely on a walk, perhaps he is trying to give his eggs some gresh air to aid in their hatching process, perhaps he is searching for something or someone to aid in his newly founded, slowly building rebellion, perhaps he is subconsciously searching for the Gods he so readily believes in, perhaps he is searching for a new companion, either human of Pokemon in nature to travel with, or perhaps this is Justice's own form of personal punishment for the guilt arroused by Camellia's comments about his breakout. No matter what the reason is for Justice's wandering, the facts are that he is wandering, and he is searching; he merely doesn't quite know what for just yet..

"Grace.. do you think the Gods look down on me for my actions? Do you think maybe.. what I'm doing isn't truly in the best interests of Diamond?" Justice says, talking to and egg that can't even understand him. For some reason, his analytical sense that he normally has isn't as present at the moment, and the lost prince has some time to reflect. Whether this reflection is good or bad will soon become evident..

[Palkia]

"Well. You're the one Dialga chose, then?" Behind Justice there was a clean-shaven man in a white uniform, not unlike those of the prison guards from within the nearby mountain. This uniform was decorated with pink epaulets and buttons, and was remarkably spotless, given they were out on a dirt road. The mans hair was palest of white, with a strange iridescent sheen to them, which refracted light into a rainbow. His face is one of scrutiny, and has a certain nobility to it.

"Not much to look at, are you? So what are you doing out here? You're not likely to find your sister out here, after all." The man holds a cane with a pearl pommel, and uses it to point at Justice accusingly, although his face is one of nonchalance.

[Justice]

        Justice quickly swivels his body around to look at the 'man' that adressed the lost prince as one chosen by Dialga. Who..Who could possibly know of my past now? All memory of me has been supplanted by Camellia's power.. Justice thinks as he examines the man's attire. He notices the similarities between the man's clothing, and that of the guards he knows far too well.

       Other than the clothing likeness, however, Justice can find no reason in his mind for a guard from the prison to be way out here.. Besides, no one at the prison would even remember the purple-haired boy's existence, save Loki perhaps..but that is another matter altogether, and this man is definitely not Loki.

       Justice's mind wanders to the condition of the clothes, along the the object in the man's hand. Justice wonders how the man could have clothes so clean, despite the color and surroundings. Justice's attention then shifts to the man's hair; the white color seeming almost opalescent in shade.

       Then, as the man speaks again, asking questions to Justice, the possibilities dwindle down even more. Justice ignores the "question" about his appearance, and he doesn't feel that the second question holds much more within it either. However, the question about his sister, and how he could find her out here, that gets to Justice.

      Justice's mind begins to race. Who could possibly know exactly who he is? Who could know not only of his "predestined" birth, but also his relationship with the queen, and thus his true identity? Justice has made sure to keep his identity a secret to all but those he knows he can either trust, or wouldn't remember or care. So how? Out here in the winderness, Justice has kept his head low and protected, not only for protection from the cold, but also for the protection of his identity. So, now Justice begins the process of cancellation. Kane: No. Camellia: Obviously no. Odette?: Obviously not. Someone from his advisory: Not possible considering the common color..

       Justice doesn't know what to think; the only people who could know of his existence are most definitely not this man, an yet, he knows enough to expose Justice's survival and position to the kingdom. Justice has to do something, and he has to do it now, but he doesn't know what. Then, all of a sudden, Justice notices the pearl on the end of the man's staff. Pearls..Pearls.. Justice thinks as he tries to remember where pearls were significant in all of his readings of literature. Ah.. Justice thinks with a smile.

       Justice now has to make a decision: Ask the man who he is, or make his assumption. What's the worst that could happen.. Justice thinks, now calculating every possible outcome. Well.. Justice thinks, now realizing how the outcomes could be if he doesn't play this right. If he's wrong, and the person before him isn't who he assumes he is, he will merely come off as insane or, at the least, slightly paranoid. However, if he's right, a whole slew of options becomes available for both Justice, and his visitor.

       Justice formulates a plan as quickly as possible before regaining his almost noble composure. He begins to speak, sheilding his egg from the cold as his voice carries through the wind.

       "So.. What..are you doing here? To think..The God of Space has come to visit me? It is an honor to be in your presence, however, I can only assume your being here.. is not connected with your wish to chat..correct?" Justice says with a bow.

       Now, Justice has made his..extrapolation. What he said about honor, is true, and what he said about his assumption, is true. Nothing of what Justice has said is in anyway a lie; merely a representation of the thoughts Justice has, layed out in his own mind, in perfect order.

[Palkia]

The man smiled, nodding his head. "Well at least your mind is sharp. I hate talking with dim mortals. I," The man paused, raising his eyebrows, "am here because that is where you are. And you would be wrong, or at least half-wrong. I am here because, while I know a great deal about your past and my brother's plans for you, I don't actually know you, as an individual. I find the best way to know someone like that is to actually talk to them." Palkia motioned with his staff for Justice to sit at a table with a pair of chairs that Justice could have sworn wasn't there a second ago.

Without waiting to see if his guest joins him, Palkia walks to the table and sits down, standing his cane next to the table, where it fails to fall, in spite of gravity. With one leg setting on the other, the god turned to Justice. "So, who are you, Justice? According to the warden's notes, you were very helpful to your fellow inmates. You were frequently noted to be friendly to the other prisoners, and managed be there for several years and didn't make a single enemy. Most men having lost what you have lost would have turned to either violence or silence. Why did you help these strangers, who your own country had put away for crimes to numerous to list?" The god stared at Justice, his face studious, but otherwise blank, giving away no indication of either judgement or approval.

[Justice]

Justice is almost surprised to hear the Deities response. He was slightly expecting a lie, or at least a covering up of the truth. It wouldn't be that hard to explain away what Justice had said. While it is true, the purple-haired boy most likely would have seen right through that, he was still expecting more..resistance.

Justice doesn't take much from Palkia's comment about mortals, however, the comments that follow take Justice's attention. My brother's plans Justice repeats in his head. Dialga? What does Dial.. Justice thinks as his mind wanders over hundreds of possibilities. Justice merely listens quietly as Palkia finishes his first few sentences.

When Palkia shows Justice the table and chairs, Justice knows for a fact that they weren't there when he first arrived. Justice would have been surprised any other day, however, he puts this off as the work of a deity, or, more likely, as a proof of the man's deity.

As the man, who Justice can't seem to picture as the God of Space, begins by asking one of the hardest questions to answer, "Who are you", Justice's mind wanders back to the God's reason for being here. So..He really is serious..

As Palkia speaks of the Warden's notes, Justice's mind begins to panic, however, it only begins. The Warden's notes? I burned all of those? How could he have gotten a hold of those? Ah..He is the God of Space..I doubt..it is all that difficultfor him to simply.. piece it all back together.. Justice says, clarifying his owns thoughts.

Justice thinks about the deity's comments, and he thinks about the fact that those comments are all true. Justice hadn't really thought about all of that very much. Truly, though he wouldn't admit it, it wasn't even his own idea to use the "breakout", to allow his escape; it was his fellow inmates.

Justice thinks back to all of the inmates he got to know, he thinks of how none of them ever truly did seem to hate him, despite his royal blood. Justice realizes just how true what Palkia said was true. The people of the prison truly grew to enjoy the young man's presence, and eventually, many of them became firm believer in the boy's cause, bringing many to the point of blind worship.

Justice tries to think of a reason for the way he acted. He tries to think of a way of explaining the way he acted, despite his conditions. This matter, is the type he knows Camellia could never understand, Justice's analytical side won't help him here, however, his emotional side, the side Camellia never had, will.

"Well..I suppose..I had no reason whatsoever to become violent or silent. While in prison, I didn't change my ways..because I still believed that I was the same person. I know in my heart that what Camellia did to me was a lie, and that is all I need to believe in myself. And, as to the prisoners..Well..They are all people, just like the rest of humanity. Many of them were placed there wrongly, but even so..Perhaps they had issues, assume they all had reasons for being there..but they all still have hearts and minds..they all have wills..they all have life. Lives which don't need to be corrupted. I hoped to be the light that would guide them out of that corruption; and becoming like the worst of them would never help me reach that goal.

And..before you assume that perhaps I did what I did to get out of that place. That it was all a facade. That none of it was real. I swear to you, the moment I realized the darkness and sadness that filled that place, my goals and ambitions all shifted to the people of that prison; thoughts of rebellion and ascencion were replaced with thoughts of repair and alignment. The only reason I escaped, was because the inmates I was so desperately trying to help..did everything in their power to help me. Me escape. At first, I didn't even catch on, but soon it became apparent that the people were planning on freeing themselves..but then..on the day of the breakout..they all told me to run, to free myself and help save Diamond. So I did, and now I have, and now I am. And now That, is who I am."

Justice finishes speaking, realizing that, amidst his own explanation, he was also speaking to himself. He realizes that the truth that he has just told Palkia, was not even truly apparent to the young man before now. Justice looks into the God's eyes, not afraid for some reason, not intimidated, yet humbled.

[Palkia]

Palkia smiled, his eyes never leaving the young man. "Yes...I thought as much. Don't mistake me, I recognize the nobility in your actions. I would even applaud them. But you were in prison, surrounded by criminals. Even if all of them were imprisoned illegally, they defied the law of the land when they attempted a jailbreak. They warned you, and instead of stopping them by warning the guards, supporting the structure of society, you utilized their attempt to stage your own escape, further destabilizing society by burning your records on your way out. In short, while you followed your heart, you sacrificed the law which society has chosen. These aren't even rules your sister had made since your incarceration, but ones set in motion generations before your birth." Palkia uncrossed his legs and sat forward, gesturing with an open hand at Justice.

"Without structure, without law, society crumbles, for what is society, but a smaller example of reality itself? What would happen if I were to abandon the rules of reality for a moment? People, cities, even whole countries would change locations haphazardly. water would flow in any direction it very well pleased. many mortals would die when they suddenly found themselves without air. If you make an exception for one, then everything else demands an exception as well. If those who help you escape had all made it out, then the criminals who remained would attempt the same. There would be more breakouts. Fewer courts would send their criminals to the prison, leaving them free to roam and commit more crimes again. And without a punishment for crime, more people would commit them, until the law would be nothing more than a word." Palkia sat back, his tone having never wavered, despite the growing intensity of his actual words.

"Which is why I believe your sister is better suited to the throne. She will support the structure that is already there, and only change that which is unconducive to society. In your mind, I can tell you think ill of your sister. She has hurt you, and I assure you I am sympathetic. My family is not a happy one, and disagreements tend to last several thousand of your lifetimes. But she is a good queen. She will make Diamond as strong as she can, and keep the people happy. These two things are vital for society to support itself. And I fear you would, in your softness, give up the first to gain the latter."

Palkia paused, giving Justice his chance to respond, his face betraying a hint of somberness, his mind on the trades he spoke of Justice making...

[Justice]

       Justice listens to every single word Palkia says with deep and utter interest. Other than when speaking with his own sister, very few have ever made Justice think quite so hard. However, once again, it is not the logical side of Justice that must keep up with Palkia's words, it is the emotional side. As the white haired deity speaks of law and order, Justice's heart is torn apart just as it was with Camellia.. Justice then realizes the truth, however, that doesn't even matter right now.

      Justice's analytical side, if that alone inhabitst Justice's body, would instantly agree with everything the God of Space before him says, however, the truth of the matter is, that Justice, unlike his sister, cannot function without emotion, and that is the part of him that feels so torn.

      Justice realizes just how true every word Palkia is saying really is, however, Justice's being can't believe it all. There's no part of Justice that could believe that Camellia is a good queen. Justice thinks on every single word Palkia has said as he formulates his own response. Justice struggles to keep his eyes dry as he begins.

       "You know... I believe that what you say about law..and what you say about society..it is all completely logical..it is all completly foundational..and it is all completely real. Everything you've said about my mistakes..I suffer the guilt from the decisions I made every single day..But. I cannot allow you to merely say all that..and not look to the other side of the picture. 
 
       "You say, that what I did, could corrupt society, correct? That it could corrupt reality, because the influence of my actions could affect others to make similar actions, which in turn could create a damaging ripple through the world we call our own? You say all that..And yet you don't consider what my own sister did the exact same rippling effect?

      "I will never, ever try to say that I myself am perfect. Nor will I ever say that what I did is right, for I feel the guilt that proves my iniquity. But has Camellia been so much better? While it is true, she would never sacrifice the good of the Kingdom for the happiness of the people, has she not sacrificed the good of the few for the benefit of one? If I may use myself as an example: When, has it ever been lawful for a monarch to be overthrown by the power of nonexistent evidence? When did lying become a way of attaining power? When did success exceed law in the grand scheme of importance?

       "If that is not enough, consider..Odette. The poor girl Camellia took in and sheltered. You, from what I believe I know of you..You know full well that it was never in Camellia's true wishes to help the poor girl. You know her feelings for that young girl are in no way sincere. You know, that Camellia has the power and influence to not only rid the girl of her personality disorder, but also of the bond that holds her to my sister."

       "And if that also, is not the evidence you need, must I bring up the way she actually came to the throne? For while my loss of power evoked a gain in Camellia, it in no way caused her to be set on the throne. Does the law you so firmly hold to, for the sake of reality, state anything about murder? I believe it does, and I believe it does rather clearly. You say that what I did was wrong, but you cannot say that what Camellia does is good, withouth examining what I have just said."

       "And finally, beside my sister, I would like to point out to you something about society. About this concrete reality you so strongly yearn for. Is it so wrong to say that if all we abided by is law..that the reality of living would not be living..at all? If the only reason we grew crops was to earn money for food, would there be any satisfaction in giving to those in need when we harvest more than plenty? If the only reason we have the royalty we do, is so that we can maintain the law, would the happiness of the people truly be maintained? If the only reason we live, is to uphold the law of reality, then where is the purpose, the drive to live?"

       "Surely one could say that this drive is merely an "instinct" of humans inately placed withing us, but truly, what makes people, Pokemon, society, happy? What makes a Kingdom happy and prosperous? Is it law? I think not. And, you may say that I would sacrifice the happiness of my people for the strength of the Kingdom, however, I stand to say, that without the happiness of the people, there can be no true strength in the Kingdom."

       Justice finishes his..point..by sitting down, as his body appears to have raised itself from the seat as a result of the sheer emotion Justice felt while speaking. Justice looks into Palkia's eyes, wondering if a mortal's words could ever truly sway the thoughts of a deity..

[Palkia]

The god stared at the man, unmoving, for several moments. "Yes...I thought you might say something like that. It's true, your sister broke the law, at least in spirit, if not outright it's letter. And yet this rule, is one of weakness. A ruler should not be chosen by the pick of a god?

I'll let you in on a little secret: my brother doesn't choose specific events very often. He just sprinkles them about. While I have not discussed it with my brother, I would not be surprised if the fact that you would make an good leader is almost purely happenstance. He might have chosen you purposefully, but it's very much a possibility he chose you at random, and even if he didn't, half the nobility have their good names because of his whim. That is not how a country should be run.

Camellia broke the law because the law was not right. I have nothing against her for that, though I would have changed the law from within, I will not hold it against her, for she didn't have the weight to change it, even through you. There are many in your country who have noble spirits, who like your sister, would have been judged by their birth and not their actions. I find this reprehensible." Palkia repositioned himself, leaning back on the chair and draping one arm across it's back.

"So, let's talk of something else. You're not stupid. If anything, our little conversation has been quite refreshing. So why have you not asked the obvious question. As you pointed out, it would serve my interests best to be doing something quite different than talking to you." The god's eyes darkened ever so slightly, his gaze a reminder that he could snuff Justice's life like a candle, if he chose...

[Justice]

As Justice thought. The deity answered, exactly as Justice thought he would. Justice realizes that it won't at all be possible to completely sway Palkia in his direction, nor is there any true redemption in trying. Justice thinks about what Palkia said about the God of Time, Dialga. To think..Time and Space..to think they are so.. Justice ponders the deity's words for a bit before responding.

"I suppose a difference of opinions can be expected..when dealing with Time and Space. Justice says with a smile, possibly out of place..

Well..I assumed if you were going to kill me..you wouldn't be speaking with me..however..It does pique my interest a bit as to why you did not just get rid of me in the first place..But, it wouldn't have mattered to me. If my only true reality that I could experience happened to be death..I don't believe I would have any place to argue that now would I? My only regret..is that I would have not only failed the Guardian of..well..the Guardian..but I also would have failed in my quest to save my sister." Justice looks off into the sky rather that into Palkia's eyes to prevent him from getting too emotional.

"But I'll admit, the years you allowed me..I did always wonder why you spared me them..

[Palkia]

Palkia's eyebrows rose significantly. "I would not have pegged you a fatalist. Well, you have been honest with me, I will do the same with you; The reason you did not die of a sudden and lethal case of not-existing many years ago is because me and my brother realized something many centuries ago: If I kill you to stop his plans, there's not a terrible lot I can do that would stop him from killing your sister to stop my plans. At that point, the only way either of us would win would be to have an all out god-fight with him. And while it's possible one of us might win every once in a while, most of the time we would both lose.

And even if one of us DID win, you mortals would pay a hefty price. While we disagree on many things, both of us wish you mortals well. So we have agreed to a code:" Palkia held both hands back and in the air. "Strictly hands off when dealing with the affairs of mortals. It's a bit more complicated than that, but the point is, if I want to support Camellia, it must be through blessings or curses on other mortals. and the same goes with my brother if he chooses to help you." The god looked up at the sky as though judging the time, and made a face.

"I have other business I must attend to today, and I've already spent far more time than I intended. As I said, you have been very open, so I shall be the same. While I'm here, do you have anything else you wish to ask? I will not help you overtake your sister, obviously, but there are other ways you can support the country, and I'm quite willing to help you along those paths." The god stood up as he spoke, preparing to leave, but paused to let Justice speak.

[Justice]

As Palkia continues to speak, Justice wants to interject on his bit about fatalism. Justice truly believes in more than fate. Justice believes in free will moreso that many he has ever come across, but Justice decides to remain silent, as it seems from Palkia's words that the lost prince will have his chance to prove just how true that is.

As he listens to what Palkia ways about blessings and curses, he wonders if, perhaps, that is how the battle between Camellia and himself will end, in using others to fight for them. Justice shakes his head. No..I mustn't think like that.. Justice thinks as he assures himself that if either of the siblings is win, neither can rely on another for help.

Then, as Palkia announces his soon to be departure, and gives Justice a choice, the young prince's heart begins to race just as if often does. Justice thinks of all the possibilities that he could go about. The questions that could be answered, the means he could gain, all under the facade of "helping" the people of Diamond. What am I thinking?! Justice thinks, wondering where thoughts like that could have possibly originated.

Justice slows down his mind, assuming that what he was thinking might have been a result of quick mind work on his part. Justice imagines all of the possible things that he could ask for, this time, thinking of those options that would actually help the people he loves so dearly. Justice makes up his mind, creating a wish that he hopes could appeal to Palkia enough to be considered.

"It's funny really..how many things I could ask of you..and really..for some reason..my mind considered tricking you..And I have no reason why..Perhaps I am my sister's kin..Anyway..I've decided on a request. Truthfully...There's a request I wish for even more than this..but I doubt my ancestors would look kindly on me using their abilities..without first utilizing their kindness. I wish..for prosperity throughout the kingdom, regardless of ruler. And..because I don't know of the true reach of your abilities..I at least request that my-- that the people of Diamond have a harvest like no other. If you can do that?"

Justice looks to Palkia with eyes that almost resembles the eyes the prince had as a boy. Perhaps..

[Palkia]

Palkia's head slammed backwards as he burst into laughter, every inch of his body rocking with the motion. The god turned to look out past the mountain, towards the rest of the kingdom. "ah...I should have known. I give you the chance at anything other than ruling the kingdom, and you choose to hand it to everyone else...very well, Justice. The kingdom will prosper like it never has before, regardless of who rules. You think too little of me if you think all I can do is make the crops grow..."

The god turned back to Justice, and bowed deeply and dramatically, his cane 'jumping' to his hand in a fluid motion. "And I bid you adieu, Justice. Remember, Just because I'm not present doesn't mean I'm not watching..." and with that the man, the cane, and the table and chairs vanished into thin air, leaving Justice alone on the mountain once again.

[Justice]

Justice smiles as the deity explains that the prince's wishes will be met, although he inwardly wonders if Palkia would have granted his other wish, considering the phrasing Palkia used.

As Palkia gives his own rendition on the "I bid you fare well" bit of the conversation, Justice nods before being left on the mountain alone once again. Well..What do I do now? Justice says as he begins to walk once again, this time higher in elevation, up a slope of the mountain. Justice doesn't know what he is searching for, but he knows he isn't quite finished with his journey on this mountain..

Justice looks down at the ground, and then back up the to sky. It's going..to snow soon.. Justice's mind, for a fleeting moment, considers allowing himself to be buried in the snow, and once again the lost prince wonders from where such thoughts come. Justice looks ahead now, as he treads forwards, not allowing the snow, nor the cold, nor his thoughts to hinder him.

[Dialga]

After exactly half an hour of climbing, Justice finds another unrecognized face on the path. this one also out of thin air. The man was in a blue cloak, with medium-length white hair slicked back. At his side he has a sheathed short-sword with a surprisingly thin blade, which seams to hum with a pale blue glow. The man merely stands in the snow, expectantly waiting for Justice to acknowledge his presence.

His face is refined, but his expression is one of mild consternation, his diamond-blue eyes fierce behind the illusion of patience. Justice gets the feeling that making this man, if he is a man, wait would not be a smart move...

[Justice]

After thirty minutes of walking through the now falling snow, Justice is releived to see another being on the mountain. Justice looks at the man, his figure, his sword. He looks at his demeanor, his aura, his emotion, and yet again, Justice is grasping for answers that he can't quite seem to attain.

"Hello there, sir, quite a cold day would you not agree?" Justice says, carefully wrapping the egg in his arms with a cloth. Justice looks the man in the eyes as he awaits a response. Justice doesn't exactly know why, but he feels that the man before him is far from just that. But of course, there is little in Justice's heart that proves fact, so Justice just waits for a reply, not allowing the strange sensation in his bones dilute his thoughts that are still raging from his converstion with Palkia.

To think that Palkia..of all the deities..would appear to me here..The irony..