Well, this was way better than the fucking submarine, she would give ‘em that much. Lex felt like she could actually breath out here in the open rather than suffocating under the stale air of the steel beast they called a headquarters. Now that they were out in the open, she prayed a more terrestrial base was in the works. If that’s all this meeting was about, she would be thrilled.

The thief leaned against the trunk of a tree about midway through the Rocket crowd, keeping to herself as she observes those around her. A fairly rowdy group of younger recruits laugh and jest before the commanding voice of Declan Walsh interrupts their childish behavior. It was hard to believe she was no longer a “new” recruit.

Lex shifted to face the center stage where Declan stood, cape and all billowing in the wind. It looked rather silly, who needed a cape on a sunny, remote Hoenn Island? To each their own, she lightly shrugged, lifting her hands to clap when prompted at the announcement of new promotions.

As she waited for Gavin to acknowledge the leader’s request, her amber eyes shifted back into the crowd, searching for any sort of familiar face.

It has been months since Declan made an appearance for Team Rocket.

He would not really count the one priam conrad made up claiming that it was the Rocket Boss's birthday, although he'd consider the event successful for making a huge turnout. This one, on the other hand, holds much gravity considering the situation that they are now in. Team Rocket is finally unveiled in the eyes of the public—it is different from what they originally planed to—or at least that's how Valerio interprets it.

But Valerio appreciates the resolute decision of planting the seed of curiosity in the Hoenn soil. Isn't this the best time to cast doubts and suspicion especially when the enemy is crumbling and weak?

The redhead Beast is walking around the island, finding his way through the crowd as he looks for familiar faces. Despite his esteemed position in the organization, he prefers the company of his common folks, especially when it is his way to fulfill the duties he is asked of the Rocket Boss.

“I should've known you're the kind of good girl who doesn't miss meetings like this.” He sneaks from behind Alexandra Briarwood, who also have busy eyes scanning the sea of grunts and associates. “First time attending such meeting?”

EVENT: A TRANSFER OF POWER PT. 2
Alexandra Briarwood

As Lulu Flint, Alek Xanders, and Chu-e Choi are formally welcomed to their positions within Rocket hierarchy, Rocket's stoic underboss claps along with the rest.

Gavin stands among his fellow Rockets upon a windy isle, a briny breeze rippling through his blond hair and tossing it into his eyes. In sharp contrast to the palpable tension that had gripped him during Declan's initial rise to power, Gavin's aura is relaxed; while it could certainly be attributed to the fact that they are no longer underwater, there is something deeper that burns behind his gaze. In the months since, Walsh had managed to secure not just Gavin's loyalty, but his confidence.

It's for this reason, perhaps, that there is no hesitation when Walsh calls upon him. Though unaware of Declan's intent, he dips his head and steps forward.

Shadow Lugia's beast ball is heavy in his grip, a reminder of the burden carried by the corrupt creature within. In spite of Lugia's heightened hostility and aggression, Gavin has learned to trust in his ability to rein it in.

He tosses the ball high, and dark wings cast their oppressive shadow over the gathered crowd. Lugia shrieks, a horrible sound that puts the bellowing Exploud to shame. Its red eyes burn with malevolence, but Gavin's presence keeps its smoldering fury at bay. It fixes its stare upon him, and he gazes back without flinching. He has not forgotten the Blackout, when Lugia had been the difference between life and death. It does not stop the involuntary chill that snakes down his spine in spite of the Hoennian heat.

Without words, Gavin commands Lugia's calm.

He inclines his head to Declan, as if to invite, do as you will.

Most people were standing, but Chu-e has chosen to sit.

There was a particular bit of exhaustion clinging to his bones today. A deep line of dark marks under the eyes, a pallidness to the skin. Whatever ails him is clear. He is not the type to let his pokemon out or roam at events like this, but this once he can overlook his own pride. The Drampa lays on the ground, subservient and quiet, for him to lean and rest against. Yet, his head is raised high.

Unlike Cillian Quinn, or many of the other upper escelon of Rocket, Chu-e is in the back. His eyes are sharp as he watches the crowd of them, eyes drawn to anything amiss. Sharp and observant, like a cat stalking a field mouse. He keeps to himself this one time in favor of keeping watch.

He still claps for Lulu Flint and @aleks. They deserve the praise. He isn't sure how to feel about his own name leaving Walsh's mouth. Even after being Underboss for a few months now, even after being a Beast for so long before that, the new skin of power was one he was getting used to. It was uncomfortable and felt too large for his small frame, at times. Others, it felt too tight.

Sighing, he closed his eyes when Gavin let out The Ocean's Light. He had seen the beast before, had worshiped it as a child, and the raw malice and anger it gave off always took the breath away. His eyes fell away from Lugia themselves, resting on Walsh and the Floette. He puzzles over the pokemon and it's flower- normally, the species picked much brighter ones than the strange, dark flower this one held.

A thought clicked into place and Chu-e groaned lightly and pushed himself to his feet, hand rubbing down his face. A chesire grin curled on his face. He was being as brooding and emo as the rest of Rocket. That was dumb.

Idly, he left his seat/pokemon and pushed through the crowd, idling up to Lulu Flint's side. He didn't look at her when he spoke, voice low and just for her in the crowd.

"Are you well, Miss Flint?" It is plain and cordial, as if he truly cared of her health.

Like Chu-e Choi, Oscar was staying close to the back of the gathered crowd. Sure he was one of the Four Beasts, but he doubted he'd be needed on the stage today. If this was anything like last time, Walsh would just be giving the summary of their future plans. Oscar was intrigued by what the future would hold for a now revealed Rocket, though he wished Walsh would have just sent an email or something.

Luckily he had priam conrad to keep him from getting bored. The two had met up shortly after arriving and were passing the time with idle chitchat. Oscar was about to tell Priam the secret to his amazing brownie recipe when Shadow Lugia was called forth. Oscar had to pause to marvel in its majesty once more, it was just as majestic as the first time he saw it. 

Oscar slumped, groaning with envy. "Fuck man, that thing gives me goosebumps every time I see it." Oscar pulled out a cigarette case, flipping it open to reveal a selection of brightly colored lollipops. He pulled one out for himself and turned the case toward Priam to offer him one. "So what do you think Walsh is gonna do? My guess is attach a laser to its head or something."