Eye contact without the ability to see the other person had become even easier to avoid. Where he manages to look away, she does the same, somehow following his gaze out to the sea. Waves crash, lapping at the shore to tickle toes before receding. Another wave of grief tugs at her chest. It probably was beautiful.

"I want the same thing Gavin does, you know."

He mentions Orion and she overlooks it. She's already familiar with him and what pull he could bring to Rocket. It still doesn't sit right with her, as she isn't convinced that the black market Pokemon in his possession had been for malicious intent.

"But the League is already crumbling, and we're forcing the people to choose between two impossible evils. They think of us as evil, Theo. I want to change- but not like this."

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"we're both two sides of the same coin."

league, rocket; what separates them are their ideals, their stances, but their core value remains the same:

they all want control.

"i suppose we just have to shift theirs."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

"Will you help me do that?"

Her voice is barely above a whisper because, as much as she wants the answer, she doesn't know if she'll like the answer. She and Theo had always been on opposite ends to each other. To ask him now to stand beside her rather than against her.. it seemed like an impossible ask.

"I won't be in Sootopolis in my current condition, as much as I would like to be. I'd like you to be my eyes and ears in the field. Rocket wants control of Sootopolis, but lethal force isn't necessary."

And she knew just how bloodthirsty Gavin had become, and how perceptive and responsive their organization could be. It wasn't any one person's fault, she knew. All of the blame for this bloodshed and violence could be traced back to one source: the avatars and their Gods.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"i will."

theo had always stood against her for the betterment of her survival. it was the only way he saw how. but being away has allowed him to see more paths now — and not all of them lead down violence.

"i'll keep them in check; some, however, are out of my control."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma exhales, her breath almost shaky and uncertain. Her thoughts are elsewhere, her attention tugged away by the soft sound of waves against the shore. What should be peaceful only brings her a sense of dread.

It smooths against her exposed skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake. She stifles a shiver, clenching her teeth together tight to refrain from expressing anything other than absolute control.

"I know. I just need you to try. There has to be a voice of reason."

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"i'll try."

finally, theo turns away to take a step towards the ocean. he lowers to both knees, then reaches both hands up to scoop shelly off his shoulder. he lowers her to the sand, splashing water against her after.

he does the same for rabbit.

"anyone in particular you'd like me to look out for?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

"Gavin."

This time, the woman's voice feels thick. She pauses as if mulling over what she's said. Her hands ball into fists and she feels empty for a moment. That feeling worsens where he steps away from her, the cold brushing her skin where once he'd braced it for her.

It takes her a moment to collect herself, grief rising to the surface suddenly so that she doesn't have the chance to control it.

"He trusts you. Don't let him do something he'll regret."

Emma doesn't hide the wobble in her voice. Or maybe she can't. It spills from her lips as if she were on the verge of tears. Somehow, she reigns it in, but it is not without a toll on her strength and posture.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]theo's expecting it but he tenses all the same, involuntary because he isn't sure if he'll be able to.

but,

"i'll try."

a wave washes over both rabbit and shelly; the both of them coo, enjoying the warmth of the water.

"and vela?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

She knows that it is an impossible ask, but she asks it all the same. And she stands strong until her feet begin to ache, until the weight in her chest brings her to her knees.

The woman sinks, feeling water lap at her legs. She's close enough to reach one or both of Theo's Pokémon, and she does because the motion seems natural.

He mentions Vela and she begins to nod her head silently. What tears had fallen continue the same path, carving damp rivers against either cheek. She doesnt brush them away for fear she'd draw attention to herself. And the sand is annoying.

"She's important to me. Keep her safe, please."

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]it's the pyukumuku she reaches for. rabbit purrs under her touch, shifting closer.

"cillian's watching over her."

despite that, he doesn't feel at ease, so he sighs, nodding.

"but i'll try."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Gently, Emma brushes her fingers against Rabbit's soft spines. It's calming in a way she isn't expecting, helping to soothe the waves of emotion she's feeling. For now, it is enough.

"Cillian is dangerous."

But the fact that he will try is enough. It has to be.

Emma does not rise from the sand, and instead seems to sink deeper into it. Where she leans forward, her shirt rides up just enough to display the bandages holding her together. Binding tightly so as to not agitate cracked ribs.

"What did you call me out here for, Theo?"

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]her bandages don't go unnoticed, but he makes no mention of them. instead, he shrugs, responding honestly:

"for your company."

the pyukumuku purrs under her touch.

"rabbit seems to appreciate it."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Her fingers slow, despite, or maybe as a result of, Rabbit's purring. She hesitates, pulling away just enough that she isn't touching the Pokemon, but not far enough away that Rabbit couldn't stretch to reach her again.

"Do you?"

THEO BECKETT