Eva is busy inspecting an area in the grass when Matias speaks to her. Emerald eye cast a subtle look over her shoulder with a smile, “Everything I do is important,” Duh. It was Blade who forced her to accept the request. Apparently, self-care was just as important as her research and getting outside helped with that.

Eva stands to scan the area, eyes settling on an out cropping of rocks, “Hey, follow me. But be quiet,” she softly called out to both the photographer and Matias. A hand reached out to grab him and tug him along quietly through the grass.

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]her confidence, as unabashed as it may be, is heard, understood, and appreciated. he of all people could relate, so he dips his head, acknowleding, before being pulled away by an order. literally as well.

"you know i'm not good at being quiet."

the comment leaves as a whisper as he's strung along by her hand. he nears her, then spares a look over his shoulder. the photographer trails behind, perhaps as excited as eva.

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales // [x]

Eva stifles a laugh but can’t hold back the grin as she continues to pull him forward with careful, quiet steps through the grass, “Well, you’re gonna have to be unless you wanna get torn up by a Night Slash,” The promise of danger excites her. The camera man trailing behind them takes a sharp breath in.

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]he could think of worse ways to go. but he does as he's told and silences himself, at least for the time being.

there's a certain spring in her step and in the way she's leading them that tells him enough about her. but it's something he's long learned about her and it's something she's likely long learned about him.

they both crave danger.

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales // [x]

Part of the reason the photographer requested an officer escort was to get picture of dangerous pokemon right? Well, Eva thinks she’s on the trail of something that might be a real treat for all of them: great photos and a thrill.

They creep closer to the massive rocky formation on the border of the grassy field. Route 114 is quite diverse it seems. Dark types are a common finding here because of the plethora of dens and small caves like the one they are approaching. It’s raised above the grassy valley. Only a pokemon with a powerful leap could make it up there. As they round the corner, Eva stops suddenly, smiling brightly and pressing a finger to her lips to encourage caution.

Below the den two large Absol sit, tending to their two small cubs that are wrestling in the grass. Spring meant babies, and this would be a hell of a shot for a photographer looking for rare pokemon.

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]talk about a shot.

it's difficult to imagine something else beating the sight of this den of absols and their cubs. it's so intimate that it almost feels intrusive. matias takes note of eva's gesture, remains quiet, and reaches a hand out to usher the photographer forward.

he leans close, whispering:

"good eye."

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales // [x]

Obviously, Eva is a sucker for pokemon. She dedicated her whole life to healing and protecting them. There’s a sense of awe and pride in the way she watches the small family carry on about their business like they don’t have a care in the world. She’s a little jealous too, if we’re being honest.

The photographer steps forward, carefully as instructed. Eva watches as he patiently sets up the perfect shot. She feels Matias lean in close and she smiles, “Thanks,” she never takes her eyes off them.

SNAP.

An adult snaps to attention, crimson eyes settling on the photographer. A low growl is released as a threat.

“I hope that was a great shot cause we gotta go now,” Eva whispers, reaching forward to pull the photographer back.

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]naturally, his hand curls around a pokeball, ready to react should the situation escalate. but he knows this isn't their place. they're intruders, and if their roles were reversed he would not hesitate to fight for his family.

matias is the last to move back. steady eyes keep on the absol, watching for any subtle movements. it isn't until eva and the photographer brush by him that he starts moving back, slow in his steps.

unsurprisingly, the absol doesn't rise to the challenge. all it wants is to keep its family safe, and they've given it that much by leaving.

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales // [x]

Much to the Gallade’s distaste, there was a reason Eva put him in his pokeball. The fact that they don’t have any pokemon with them is probably their saving grace. A pokemon with them may have been much more intimidating than three humans.

Eva keeps a good grip on the back of the photographer’s jacket as they move back. She can feel the photographer quivering with nervous energy and excitement. Similar to Matias’s, her eyes never leave the Absol. Her other hand hovers over her waist, ready to snatch Syah’s pokeball if necessary. Luckily, it isn’t.

“So, did ya get it?” she asks eagerly, leaning into the photographer’s personal bubble to get a look at the display on his camera. It flips to a pretty unique image of the cubs playing as a centerpiece while the regal silhouette of an adult stands guard behind them, “Awww~ They’re so cute~” she coos, encouraging Matias to take a look.

MATIAS SILPH

[attr="class","matias"]even now his grip remains tight over the pokeball and it isn't until eva calls out to him that it finally slackens. the pokeball shrinks before being pocketed, stowed away for another time.

"one big happy family."

it's a cute picture. though the photographer makes no mention of it, he's certain a picture of that quality would garner some awards. maybe even a magazine feature. maybe he'll ask Ezra Zeke for a favor.

"that was one fight i'm glad we avoided."

[attr="class","noodles"]Eva Morales

“Yeah, one big happy family!” Eva agrees with a nostalgic sigh. It’s been a long time since she’s seen hers. She shakes off the thought before it can take hold with nod of her head. She’s found it’s best to just not let memories like that take root. Then they can’t haunt you.

The photographer smiles, eating up all the praise like a hungry Munchlax. He seems quite content with his work but their time with him had really only just begun, “Alright, let’s see what else we can find ya, shall we?” Eva gives them both a pat on the back before skipping (yes, literally skipping) off down the path to look for more clues. This is fun. Blade would be happy to see her enjoying herself.

MATIAS SILPH