[break]

Since Zev's encounter with Necrozma in November, he had disappeared from the public eye. He'd closed down his bar and moved out of his apartment in Slateport City. Instead of going out during the day, he only snuck out at night beneath the cover of darkness. But such an arrangement could only last for a short time. [break][break]

On that cold and blustery day in January, he walked down a crowded street in broad daylight for the first time. But he did not wear the face of Zev Harcourt, former bar owner, known member of Team Rocket. [break][break]

Shoulder-length blonde hair, tied back into a low ponytail, replaced his short mess of black hair. Instead of their usual blue color, his eyes were a light hazel. Even the angles of his face were slightly different, just enough to transform him from a terrorist to a civilian. [break][break]

His shiny Zoroark stalked by his side, the reason and source of the illusion. As an added measure, she herself had taken on the appearance of an Obstagoon, a Pokémon Zev did not possess. [break][break]

As the man approached the boardwalk, he spotted the figure of a woman he knew well. But his newest false identity, that of Unovan transplant Jason Kellner, had never met her before. [break][break]

In fact, it was their first date. [break][break]

"Neffatari Nzingha?" Zev asked as he neared his wife, replicating a genuine mix of uncertainty and hope in his voice as he extended a hand. The smile he offered her was light, charming. "I'm Jason. Nice to meet you."

TAGS – Neffatari Nzingha[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

NOTES

- Zev Harcourt.[break]
- Mission: Vs Thundurus.

MADE BY GUNSMILE

[break]

Zev widened his smile at her positive reaction to this stranger he'd become. "Nenet," he repeated, as if to test the name on his tongue. "Yes, definitely. It's way too fucking cold out—oh, pardon my Kalosian." [break][break]

He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "I passed by a cozy-looking café on my way here. Want to see if there's a quiet little nook where we can enjoy some coffee?" he offered. [break][break]

Zoroark-as-Obstagoon peered at the Clefable before turning to follow her master and his date down the street. The Illusion Fox Pokémon was certain that her and Zev's disguises were immaculate; if Nenet touched her husband's face, she would even feel the difference in form. [break][break]

How could a simple Clefable see through them? Impossible.

TAGS – Neffatari Nzingha[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

NOTES

- Zev Harcourt.[break]
- Mission: Vs Thundurus.

MADE BY GUNSMILE

[break]

Zev cast a glance over his shoulder at the pouring rain outside the café before joining Nenet at the counter to peruse the menu. He was grateful that the two of them did not have a habit of public displays of affection, as it made the façade of a first date that much easier. [break][break]

"Work, actually," he replied, the answer coming naturally. Ever since acquiring his Zoroark, he'd spent time fabricating a basic false identity, the details of which he hoped to refine over time. Nenet's question actually helped in that regard. [break][break]

"I used to be a cop back in Castelia City, but decided I needed a change in career—and in scenery," Zev explained as he paid for both their coffees, plus two packets of Pokémon treats for Clefable and Zoroark. [break][break]

The group made their way to a small alcove with a table and comfortable armchairs. He gave the Pokémon one bag of treats each before settling into a chair with his coffee. [break][break]

"I own a security company now, so we contract out to various buildings throughout Hoenn and also offer personal security contracts. You know, for high-profile people. VIPs. We're still small, though. Not super well known." [break][break]

After taking a sip, he turned the question back on Nenet, though he knew her answer intimately. "What about you? Were you born here, or did something draw you here like it did me?"

TAGS – Neffatari Nzingha[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

NOTES

- Zev Harcourt.[break]
- Mission: Vs Thundurus.

MADE BY GUNSMILE

[break]

Zev smirked at Clefable, amused by the Pokémon's mistrust. Though Clefable's behavior was not an act but genuine dislike of the man, it only reinforced the image that the two humans were strangers to each other. [break][break]

Turning his attention back to Nenet, Zev said, "No uniform, though we all dress the same while on the job." Then his smile widened, and a teasing quality entered his voice. "Does that disappoint you?" [break][break]

Just then, a great boom of thunder shook the café, and the lights flickered ominously. Other customers murmured among themselves, marveling at the great downpour of rain from the safety of the indoors.

TAGS – Neffatari Nzingha[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

NOTES

- Zev Harcourt.[break]
- Mission: Vs Thundurus.

MADE BY GUNSMILE

[break]

Zev adopted a pleased, hopeful expression at Nenet's words. Sipping his coffee, he reached out and brushed the back of her hand with his knuckles in a subtle caress. [break][break]

"I'd love that," he said, further distancing his new persona from his true self by using that word. [break][break]

Then he withdrew his hand, resting it casually on the table. "I'm glad you took a chance on me, Nenet. Dating apps are always hit or miss, but I think I scored the jackpot with you." [break][break]

For the next hour, they continued to chat, touching on various shallow topics common to first dates. When the rain finally abated, they bid each other farewell and went their separate ways. [break][break]

Much later, Zev returned home without his disguise, kissed Nenet all over, and laughed with her over how silly their fake date had been. And in the privacy of their home, he thanked her for her being so helpful.

TAGS – Neffatari Nzingha[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]