Post by PFA on Jan 16, 2015 22:18:37 GMT -5
~*Athena's Therapy Booth*~
"Hello and welcome to Athena's Therapy Booth! My name's Athena Cykes, and I'm an analytical psychologist. It's come to my attention that this city doesn't really have... any therapists, like, at all, so I thought I'd offer my services as a trained professional! Just drop by for all your psychiatric needs. Five shinies per visit, but the first visit is free! If that's not incentive, I don't know what is!"
~*~*~
...Are you sure about this, Athena?
Of course I'm sure! This town needs a professional psychologist, and I'm offering them one. Besides, work at the office is slow.
Yeah, just people out here are probably going to have some pretty... weird problems, is all.
I know that! What, you think I can't handle it?
Just warning you.
Hmph! I'm not worried. Anyway, get out of here, here comes a customer...
~*~*~
CONFIDENTIAL: Jernath Tanlion
Uh, hello?
Hello! My name is Athena Cykes. Can I help you, Mr...?
Jernath Tanlion. And, uh, maybe. People have said I've been really agitated lately, so I might as well talk to someone about it...
Well, have a seat! I'm happy to help however I can.
...Alright. *sits*
*boots up Widget*
Uh, what's that?
This is Widget! Don't worry, he's friendly.
"Hello!"
He helps me read into your emotions when you're speaking, which can be useful in determining the root of your problems.
...Huh. That's pretty neat, I guess.
Anyway, you said you've been agitated lately. Why do you think that is?
...I don't know, I guess... You weren't when the arena was first built, were you?
Um, no? Why, what happened?
Well, it all started just after the first duels...
"People were bugging Mr. Wright to make use of his powers or something, when Kindleflare decided to take matters into her own hands...
"She came up with a crazy plan to stage an attack against him without telling anyone, and tried to get me involved. I said no, of course.
"Since I wouldn't cooperate, she erased my memories and got... someone else. Someone I knew.
"I have no idea how she found him, but he was an old friend of mine... except now he wants me dead.
"It's been years since that happened, but I haven't seen him since. I don't know why, maybe just because PFA is lazy, but... I keep worrying he'll show up again."
Wait, wait, hold the phone... did you say Kindleflare did this?
Yep. That woman is a loose cannon.
That's... huh. I guess that's not important right now. You were really shocked to see this man again, weren't you?
Yeah... I thought he was dead before that.
There was a little bit of happiness in your voice when you first mentioned him. You were happy to hear he was alive, right?
...I guess, yeah. I honestly thought all of my old friends had died.
But you didn't expect him to be so angry at you?
I was completely surprised. The last I saw him, we were friends...
No bad past at all?
No.
Hm... so then you must have done something to upset him that you weren't aware of doing. Any idea what that would be?
...
...Mr. Tanlion?
I guess... I guess he probably thinks I abandoned him.
And what makes you think that?
I watched him die right before my eyes... or at least I thought I did. I thought I was the only one who survived, so I left with that band of ninjas. But if he was alive, then... then I guess I left him to die.
...
...Sorry. I guess this might be a little heavy for a kid your age.
No, no, it's fine! Don't worry about me. Besides, I'm here to help you. You couldn't have known that your friend was still alive. If a fight like that happened in front of you, you must have been in terrible shock.
...I guess. I still feel like I should have checked.
No, that's what I was trying to say. You were in shock, a lot was going on—you shouldn't be so hard on yourself for not realizing. Besides, it sounds like he turned out alright, right?
Yeah, and that's the problem. Whether or not I feel guilty, he still wants me dead.
Well, it sounds to me like you need to talk to him.
What?
It sounds like there's a pretty serious misunderstanding going on here. What I'm suggesting is you track him down, so you can explain yourself and hopefully get things settled in a peaceful way.
But how? He's been in hiding for... years.
Well, Kindle found him somehow. I'm sure there must be a way, right?
And if he tries to kill me?
...Wear body armor?
Heh. ...I guess you're probably right. If nothing else, it's safer to approach him than to wait for him to catch me off-guard.
That's the spirit! Take matters into your own hands!
I'll look into it. Thanks for the advice.
No problem! If you need anything else, let me know.
Thanks. I will.
Hello! My name is Athena Cykes. Can I help you, Mr...?
Jernath Tanlion. And, uh, maybe. People have said I've been really agitated lately, so I might as well talk to someone about it...
Well, have a seat! I'm happy to help however I can.
...Alright. *sits*
*boots up Widget*
Uh, what's that?
This is Widget! Don't worry, he's friendly.
"Hello!"
He helps me read into your emotions when you're speaking, which can be useful in determining the root of your problems.
...Huh. That's pretty neat, I guess.
Anyway, you said you've been agitated lately. Why do you think that is?
...I don't know, I guess... You weren't when the arena was first built, were you?
Um, no? Why, what happened?
Well, it all started just after the first duels...
"People were bugging Mr. Wright to make use of his powers or something, when Kindleflare decided to take matters into her own hands...
"She came up with a crazy plan to stage an attack against him without telling anyone, and tried to get me involved. I said no, of course.
"Since I wouldn't cooperate, she erased my memories and got... someone else. Someone I knew.
"I have no idea how she found him, but he was an old friend of mine... except now he wants me dead.
"It's been years since that happened, but I haven't seen him since. I don't know why, maybe just because PFA is lazy, but... I keep worrying he'll show up again."
Wait, wait, hold the phone... did you say Kindleflare did this?
Yep. That woman is a loose cannon.
That's... huh. I guess that's not important right now. You were really shocked to see this man again, weren't you?
Yeah... I thought he was dead before that.
There was a little bit of happiness in your voice when you first mentioned him. You were happy to hear he was alive, right?
...I guess, yeah. I honestly thought all of my old friends had died.
But you didn't expect him to be so angry at you?
I was completely surprised. The last I saw him, we were friends...
No bad past at all?
No.
Hm... so then you must have done something to upset him that you weren't aware of doing. Any idea what that would be?
...
...Mr. Tanlion?
I guess... I guess he probably thinks I abandoned him.
And what makes you think that?
I watched him die right before my eyes... or at least I thought I did. I thought I was the only one who survived, so I left with that band of ninjas. But if he was alive, then... then I guess I left him to die.
...
...Sorry. I guess this might be a little heavy for a kid your age.
No, no, it's fine! Don't worry about me. Besides, I'm here to help you. You couldn't have known that your friend was still alive. If a fight like that happened in front of you, you must have been in terrible shock.
...I guess. I still feel like I should have checked.
No, that's what I was trying to say. You were in shock, a lot was going on—you shouldn't be so hard on yourself for not realizing. Besides, it sounds like he turned out alright, right?
Yeah, and that's the problem. Whether or not I feel guilty, he still wants me dead.
Well, it sounds to me like you need to talk to him.
What?
It sounds like there's a pretty serious misunderstanding going on here. What I'm suggesting is you track him down, so you can explain yourself and hopefully get things settled in a peaceful way.
But how? He's been in hiding for... years.
Well, Kindle found him somehow. I'm sure there must be a way, right?
And if he tries to kill me?
...Wear body armor?
Heh. ...I guess you're probably right. If nothing else, it's safer to approach him than to wait for him to catch me off-guard.
That's the spirit! Take matters into your own hands!
I'll look into it. Thanks for the advice.
No problem! If you need anything else, let me know.
Thanks. I will.
CONFIDENTIAL: Dick Gumshoe
Hey, uh, is this that new therapy place?
Yep! I'm Athena Cykes, how may I help you... ...um... Detective Gumshoe?
Eep! Y-you won't tell Mr. Edgeworth about this, will you?!
Don't worry! All psychiatric sessions are kept strictly confidential.
Okay, good. *sits* Because I really respect Mr. Edgeworth and we've been partners for as long as I can remember, but...
*reaches for Widget* But?
I dunno, pal, sometimes I think he doesn't appreciate me! I work super hard and stuff, and he still yells at me and threatens my salary and stuff! What am I to do, pal?!
Isn't, uh... isn't Lt. Nighthawk in charge of your salary now?
Y-yeah, and he pays me pretty good, better than I ever have been... but then Mr. Edgeworth will say stuff like "don't make me talk to Lt. Nighthawk about your salary again" and I don't want to go back to ramen noodles, paaal!
Okay, okay, um, try to relax. Maybe what you should do is, um... ask him what he wants?
*sniff* What do you mean?
You said you work hard, but Edgeworth isn't satisfied. So maybe you're not working hard in the way he wants you to... if that makes sense.
...
So what I'm suggesting is trying to figure out what he really wants you to do, so you can work on that. Does that make sense?
...Yeah, you're right, pal! Whatever comes out of his mouth, I'll do it! If he wants me to investigate a crime scene, I'll scour every inch! If he wants me to bring him paperwork, I'll bring it to him faster than he can say "Objection!" And if he wants me to scrub the toilets, I'll make sure he can see his face in them!!
Uh, yeah. Good luck with that?
Thanks for the suggestion, pal! I think things are looking up for ol' Gumshoe already!
Glad to hear it. Let me know if you need anything else, okay?
Sure thing! Thanks again!
Yep! I'm Athena Cykes, how may I help you... ...um... Detective Gumshoe?
Eep! Y-you won't tell Mr. Edgeworth about this, will you?!
Don't worry! All psychiatric sessions are kept strictly confidential.
Okay, good. *sits* Because I really respect Mr. Edgeworth and we've been partners for as long as I can remember, but...
*reaches for Widget* But?
I dunno, pal, sometimes I think he doesn't appreciate me! I work super hard and stuff, and he still yells at me and threatens my salary and stuff! What am I to do, pal?!
Isn't, uh... isn't Lt. Nighthawk in charge of your salary now?
Y-yeah, and he pays me pretty good, better than I ever have been... but then Mr. Edgeworth will say stuff like "don't make me talk to Lt. Nighthawk about your salary again" and I don't want to go back to ramen noodles, paaal!
Okay, okay, um, try to relax. Maybe what you should do is, um... ask him what he wants?
*sniff* What do you mean?
You said you work hard, but Edgeworth isn't satisfied. So maybe you're not working hard in the way he wants you to... if that makes sense.
...
So what I'm suggesting is trying to figure out what he really wants you to do, so you can work on that. Does that make sense?
...Yeah, you're right, pal! Whatever comes out of his mouth, I'll do it! If he wants me to investigate a crime scene, I'll scour every inch! If he wants me to bring him paperwork, I'll bring it to him faster than he can say "Objection!" And if he wants me to scrub the toilets, I'll make sure he can see his face in them!!
Uh, yeah. Good luck with that?
Thanks for the suggestion, pal! I think things are looking up for ol' Gumshoe already!
Glad to hear it. Let me know if you need anything else, okay?
Sure thing! Thanks again!
CONFIDENTIAL: Lord Joffery Jade
Ah, hello?
Hello there! My name is Athena Cykes. How may I help you?
I'm not actually certain. Miss PFA directed me here and said I should talk to you.
Um, well, I'm a psychologist, so... any ideas why she would say that?
A... psychologist?
Oh, um, it's kind of like a doctor for people's mental health.
Oh. ...I don't know why PFA would send me here, then. My mental health is fine, as far as I know.
(I can hear some discord in his voice, but...) Well, there must be something bothering you, or she wouldn't send you here.
...
... How about this? *boots up Widget* You tell me about yourself, and we'll see if we can find out what might be bothering you. Is that okay?
Well, I suppose I... ...What is that?
This is Widget! He helps me analyze people's emotions and find out how they're feeling.
"Nice to meet you!"
Oh! That's very neat.
Thanks! So why don't you tell me about yourself? I don't even know your name, come to think.
Oh! How rude of me. I am Lord Joffery of House Jade, eldest son of Lord Everett.
Oh... wow. That's an impressive title.
Haha, yes, I suppose it is. *pats down hair*
Just to make sure we're on the same page here... you said "eldest son of Lord Everett" like it was a big deal. Is your father someone important, then?
Oh, without question! He's the great Lord of Embers, the Lord of House Jade!
(Okay, there's more impressive titles...) Sorry, I don't mean to sound ignorant, but what does that... mean, exactly?
What? Oh, er... he's the House patriarch. Everyone in Corvus respects him unquestioningly.
And Corvus, I'm guessing here from context, is some land your House owns?
Yes, precisely. House Jade rules over the Corvus region.
Sounds like a pretty big deal.
*nods* It's a very prestigious position, yes.
And, from what I understand about nobility and inheritance, if you're the oldest son... that would mean you're next in line, right?
*smile falters slightly* ...Yes, that's right.
(Now we're getting somewhere.) That must be pretty stressful, having to take on all that responsibility.
I suppose so. I worry if I'll ever be as good as my father, but... I try not to worry about it too much.
But you do worry about it, don't you?
...
"It's... a little daunting, I admit. My father's such a great man, and I hope I can be half as good a leader as him.
"I do worry sometimes, because... I don't feel like I can do it. Not as it is.
"But... it's a process, you know? When the time comes, I'm sure I'll be ready."
Okay, um... sorry to pry, but what do you mean by "not as it is"?
Well, I just... the thought of that much responsibility is a little intimidating, you know?
Yeah, I get that. But you reacted so strongly when you said it, I just wonder if there's something in specific that's causing this anxiety?
Well... I've heard people say things about me. I don't think they expect me to hear it, but...
Are you saying people talk bad about you?
...Yes... mostly that I'm a careless fool who doesn't take matters seriously.
What? That's terrible! And rude!
I-I suppose so, but... maybe they're right?
Hey, you shouldn't let rude people get you down! I mean, it's obvious that you care and take things seriously.
Thank you, but... I don't know. Father says I sing too much, and maybe he's right, but...
Wait, I feel like I'm missing context here. You like to sing?
*brightens at this* Yes! Music is a beautiful thing that always cheers me up when I'm down. I've always had an excellent singing voice, as well, so why not share it with the world? *sings* When there's a song in my heart, it must break free~
*blinks* Wow. Um, not bad.
Thank you! I pride myself in my musical ability~
Okay, so if I'm understanding this correctly, you sing... a lot, and because of it, people think you don't take things seriously?
I suppose that would be accurate, yes. I've always thought that any problem could be solved with a smile and a good song.
...Okay... um, I'm going to go on a limb here and say there are problems you can't solve by singing.
...I'm starting to realize that, yes. And... maybe they're right? The responsibility frightens me, and maybe I'm avoiding it by trying to sing my cares away... but I don't want to stop singing because it makes me happy.
Well, I don't think you have to stop singing? You just have to learn when to... not.
Yes, I've been trying to be better at that. Like I said, it's a process.
And that's good! No one's ever going to be perfect at something right away.
I suppose so. Ideally it won't happen for several years, anyway...
Right. So, um, running a noble House isn't really my expertise, and I can't tell you what you need to do. So feel free to take this with a grain of salt, but it sounds like you're going to need to learn to accept your responsibility. I know it's a lot to deal with, so maybe you can... ease into it?
Well, I have handled diplomatic affairs before.
Yeah! You can do stuff like that, and work your way up so it's not such a big deal when the reigns are suddenly handed to you. Does that make sense?
...Yes, I suppose so.
Also, this is just an idea, but have you tried asking your father for advice? If he's half as good as you say he is, I'm sure he'd have some good pointers.
I... I suppose I could...
...You're... on good terms with your father, I hope?
Oh! Y-yes, of course, I just... What if he thinks less of me for asking?
Why would he think less of you?
I don't know, it's just... there's so much expected of me. What if he thinks I can't do it?
Hey, if anything, I'd think expressing your real concerns to him would show him that you're taking your responsibilities seriously. And he hasn't disinherited you yet, right?
Well... no.
So what's the harm in asking? I'm sure he'd be more than happy to help. And believe me, you'll feel a whole lot better for getting it off your chest.
...I guess... I guess you're right... I'll try to remember that. Thank you, Miss Cykes.
You're welcome! Just let me know if there's anything else you need.
Well, I have other duties to attend to, so I probably shouldn't stay too long. But I'll keep that in mind, thank you.
Yeah, no problem. *closes down the Mood Matrix* Good luck!
Yes, thank you. You as well.
Hello there! My name is Athena Cykes. How may I help you?
I'm not actually certain. Miss PFA directed me here and said I should talk to you.
Um, well, I'm a psychologist, so... any ideas why she would say that?
A... psychologist?
Oh, um, it's kind of like a doctor for people's mental health.
Oh. ...I don't know why PFA would send me here, then. My mental health is fine, as far as I know.
(I can hear some discord in his voice, but...) Well, there must be something bothering you, or she wouldn't send you here.
...
... How about this? *boots up Widget* You tell me about yourself, and we'll see if we can find out what might be bothering you. Is that okay?
Well, I suppose I... ...What is that?
This is Widget! He helps me analyze people's emotions and find out how they're feeling.
"Nice to meet you!"
Oh! That's very neat.
Thanks! So why don't you tell me about yourself? I don't even know your name, come to think.
Oh! How rude of me. I am Lord Joffery of House Jade, eldest son of Lord Everett.
Oh... wow. That's an impressive title.
Haha, yes, I suppose it is. *pats down hair*
Just to make sure we're on the same page here... you said "eldest son of Lord Everett" like it was a big deal. Is your father someone important, then?
Oh, without question! He's the great Lord of Embers, the Lord of House Jade!
(Okay, there's more impressive titles...) Sorry, I don't mean to sound ignorant, but what does that... mean, exactly?
What? Oh, er... he's the House patriarch. Everyone in Corvus respects him unquestioningly.
And Corvus, I'm guessing here from context, is some land your House owns?
Yes, precisely. House Jade rules over the Corvus region.
Sounds like a pretty big deal.
*nods* It's a very prestigious position, yes.
And, from what I understand about nobility and inheritance, if you're the oldest son... that would mean you're next in line, right?
*smile falters slightly* ...Yes, that's right.
(Now we're getting somewhere.) That must be pretty stressful, having to take on all that responsibility.
I suppose so. I worry if I'll ever be as good as my father, but... I try not to worry about it too much.
But you do worry about it, don't you?
...
"It's... a little daunting, I admit. My father's such a great man, and I hope I can be half as good a leader as him.
"I do worry sometimes, because... I don't feel like I can do it. Not as it is.
"But... it's a process, you know? When the time comes, I'm sure I'll be ready."
Okay, um... sorry to pry, but what do you mean by "not as it is"?
Well, I just... the thought of that much responsibility is a little intimidating, you know?
Yeah, I get that. But you reacted so strongly when you said it, I just wonder if there's something in specific that's causing this anxiety?
Well... I've heard people say things about me. I don't think they expect me to hear it, but...
Are you saying people talk bad about you?
...Yes... mostly that I'm a careless fool who doesn't take matters seriously.
What? That's terrible! And rude!
I-I suppose so, but... maybe they're right?
Hey, you shouldn't let rude people get you down! I mean, it's obvious that you care and take things seriously.
Thank you, but... I don't know. Father says I sing too much, and maybe he's right, but...
Wait, I feel like I'm missing context here. You like to sing?
*brightens at this* Yes! Music is a beautiful thing that always cheers me up when I'm down. I've always had an excellent singing voice, as well, so why not share it with the world? *sings* When there's a song in my heart, it must break free~
*blinks* Wow. Um, not bad.
Thank you! I pride myself in my musical ability~
Okay, so if I'm understanding this correctly, you sing... a lot, and because of it, people think you don't take things seriously?
I suppose that would be accurate, yes. I've always thought that any problem could be solved with a smile and a good song.
...Okay... um, I'm going to go on a limb here and say there are problems you can't solve by singing.
...I'm starting to realize that, yes. And... maybe they're right? The responsibility frightens me, and maybe I'm avoiding it by trying to sing my cares away... but I don't want to stop singing because it makes me happy.
Well, I don't think you have to stop singing? You just have to learn when to... not.
Yes, I've been trying to be better at that. Like I said, it's a process.
And that's good! No one's ever going to be perfect at something right away.
I suppose so. Ideally it won't happen for several years, anyway...
Right. So, um, running a noble House isn't really my expertise, and I can't tell you what you need to do. So feel free to take this with a grain of salt, but it sounds like you're going to need to learn to accept your responsibility. I know it's a lot to deal with, so maybe you can... ease into it?
Well, I have handled diplomatic affairs before.
Yeah! You can do stuff like that, and work your way up so it's not such a big deal when the reigns are suddenly handed to you. Does that make sense?
...Yes, I suppose so.
Also, this is just an idea, but have you tried asking your father for advice? If he's half as good as you say he is, I'm sure he'd have some good pointers.
I... I suppose I could...
...You're... on good terms with your father, I hope?
Oh! Y-yes, of course, I just... What if he thinks less of me for asking?
Why would he think less of you?
I don't know, it's just... there's so much expected of me. What if he thinks I can't do it?
Hey, if anything, I'd think expressing your real concerns to him would show him that you're taking your responsibilities seriously. And he hasn't disinherited you yet, right?
Well... no.
So what's the harm in asking? I'm sure he'd be more than happy to help. And believe me, you'll feel a whole lot better for getting it off your chest.
...I guess... I guess you're right... I'll try to remember that. Thank you, Miss Cykes.
You're welcome! Just let me know if there's anything else you need.
Well, I have other duties to attend to, so I probably shouldn't stay too long. But I'll keep that in mind, thank you.
Yeah, no problem. *closes down the Mood Matrix* Good luck!
Yes, thank you. You as well.
~*~*~
...And with that, I open it up to you guys. If your characters would like to unload their problems on a listening ear, feel free to PM me or leave a message on this thread or whatever you choose to do!
((DISCLAIMER: I am not in any way a professional therapist, so please don't come in expecting that. In-character problems only, please. :'B))