While Johanna hadn’t spent much time in Sootopolis City, she figured in light of recent happenings, perhaps she should familiarize herself with the place. And when the city stores were offering free candy for children and Pokémon alike, then who was she to deny herself a moment of fun and respite?

And so she joined with @bishop, though perhaps he wouldn’t recognize her upon first glance. For she had truly indulged in the spooky season. She had done the attire of an old-timey medical practitioner, fitting given her family’s profession.

With a mask resembling the beak of a Corviknight, and clothed attire with several protruding spikes, as well as shoulder guards and vials, with eerily green liquids, at her hip. She had done all to cover her identity, her long blue hair was even hidden by her uniform. However, if one truly looked, then one peculiar information could be gleaned from her costume, her gender, for while it shrouded her identity her form was accentuated. Somehow artists always found ways to appeal to the baser instincts of humanity. But she could not complain for she had not the skills to replicate it, yet.

Anyhow, by her side, a happy-looking Shiinotic walked, empty bag in hand ready for all the candy it would acquire. Shiinotic wasn’t without costume either. Though it was simply painted on with make-up. Lightly radiation green makeup had been applied to its face, all with a bit of fake blood at strategic places, all to give the impression of a radiated zombie mushroom.

Her steps were casual as she walked up to Ethan. For a moment she considered it a good idea to do a little play with him. Perhaps she should not, but she did it anyways. “Greetings good sire, you look rather pale. Perhaps I can offer a cure for what ailment thou suffers by?” Her voice straining to sound less feminine than what it usually did, all helped along with the mask’s muffling effect.


OOC Mission thread for Tricking or Treating
LOCATION: SOOTOPOLIS CITY
COSTUME FULL COSPLAY

@bishop

“Boredom and Lethargy, eh?” She looked pondering for a moment. “Candy and Mischief will treat the symptoms, aye, but t’is not a permanent solution – “ She pulled one of the baubles from her costume and held it up. The liquid swirling around. “Now THIS will cure you of both boredom and Lethargy, and MORE!” She gestured towards the Shiinotic who played along as it raised its arms in the most zombie-like way.

And then the act finished, she placed the bauble back in its place as Ethan asked her, not as the crazy doctor but as Johanna Joy, if she was ready. To this, she could do naught but reply with a nod. “Yeah, I am. Figured I’d dress up for the occasion.” She smiled, though her mask hid it.

“So, which route are we taking?” Johanna gazed at Ethan, only now taking in his appearance. His and his Pokémon’s lack of costume disappointed her. But she figured there was no need to comment on that.

OOC Mission thread for Tricking or Treating
LOCATION: SOOTOPOLIS CITY
COSTUME FULL COSPLAY

@bishop

“Sounds like a good plan.” Johanna nodded in acknowledgment. And so she went to walk by Ethan’s side. The costume she had picked kept her warm, perhaps a bit too much. But she would not let a bit of discomfort get to her.

As she gazed out over the bustling street. She felt a sense of amazement and wonder. To think even though the threat of WORMHOLES, ULTRA SPACE, and its’ BEASTS loomed about every citizen of Hoenn Rocket aligned or not, they still found time to celebrate the little things in life, to remember the dead and so on.

“I’ve been doing all right. Been doing a lot of training, and thinking, mostly.” The big meeting had sown seeds, seeds which still threatened to sprout.

“How about you? I presume you’ve been kept busy, right?” She tried to turn the subject. Realizing that her mouth had perhaps suggested information that had been better left unspoken. These were not times for doubt, hopefully, the appearance of a store would distract Ethan from her doubts.


OOC Mission thread for Tricking or Treating
LOCATION: SOOTOPOLIS CITY
COSTUME FULL COSPLAY

@bishop

The sense of dread that Johanna experienced for a moment was pushed away as Ethan regaled her with the tale of what he spent his time with. While most of the answers didn’t surprise her, what did was when he mentioned that he worked at one of those high-end art galleries, Specifically one in Slateport City. For a brief moment she remembered the pictures that hung at home, a fond warmth spread as she decided to reply.

“No you haven’t told me, and I will admit it does surprise me. I did not take you for the artsy type.” But who was she to judge, surely she didn’t exactly strike him as the heir to the Joy family fortune either.

It didn’t take long for them to reach the first store. After letting those who came before them have their turn, the Scrafty and Shiinotic made their way over to lay claim to their well-deserved spoils. And in doing so Johanna was offered some compliments on her choice of costume. She replied back with a thumbs up and a “Thank you.” But did otherwise allow her Pokémon to do the primary interaction with the store staff.

The Shiinotic returned to Johanna’s side one chocolate bar and a tiny pack of gummies richer. The zombie-Mushroom almost glowed vividly with happiness and appreciation for this small treasure trove of goodies. The Shiinotic was about to take the Chocolate bar when Johanna spoke. “Wait until we are finished. Would not want you to get sugar rush before the tour is over.”

And with it, she would lead the way to the next store, this one a toy store that had gone out of its way to celebrate the holiday. The store front was decorated as only professional people could. The staff disguised as a friendly-looking version of what Johanna could only assume was ULTRA BEASTS.

Children crowded the storefront as two members of staff, one on each side of the entrance handed out candy to all the kids and Pokémon. One of them dressed like a Blacephelon and the other a rather plumb-looking Buzzwole. Faces were hidden by very authentic-looking masks, but voices carried a friendly tone.

It definitely seemed like Shiinotic and Scrafty would have to wait in line for this one.

OOC Mission thread for Tricking or Treating
LOCATION: SOOTOPOLIS CITY
COSTUME FULL COSPLAY

@bishop

The shrug did not come unexpected, her assumption had seeming been correct. Ethan’s further elaboration made this known to her.

She gave him an agreeable nod. “I am not much of an artsy person either. But I certainly don’t mind looking at it.” And with that, she agreed to have a look at the place at some undefined point in time in the future.

Anyhow, fast forward to the present. Like everyone else, both Bishop and Johanna had to wait in line. Here their status as members of Team Rocket, however unknown it might be, meant nothing.

While they waited Ethan pointed toward some of the items displayed in the shop’s window. For a moment she was thoughtful, but then she spoke. “Well, I’d personally go more for the Espeon or Sylveon ears. But it’s your choice.” Johanna said. She kept eying the accessories. But she managed to contain herself. Her costume was already complete.

Meanwhile, Shiinotic was tensely awaiting the anticipated candy shower. Giddy with the energy he could barely stand still. But he managed somehow. Perhaps only because Johanna was present.


OOC Mission thread for Tricking or Treating
LOCATION: SOOTOPOLIS CITY
COSTUME FULL COSPLAY

@bishop

Eyes went wide as Ethan left her with his Scrafty, which from her mere glance she could see was a fair bit tougher than her own Shiinotic. Perhaps it was more accustomed to the thug life? Either way, she tried to appear secure in front of the little fighter as they awaited Ethan’s return, moving quietly along as the line grew smaller and smaller.

By the time Ethan returned the two Pokémon were just about to be handed their candy. Each ULTRA BEAST would supply both Pokémon with ample amounts of candy compared to the last place, at least a hundred percent more.

However, Johanna’s attention moved to Ethan, who with a grin on his lips proclaimed his arrival. She smiled, even chuckled a bit though the mask tried to hide both well. But then surprise took its hold as Ethan handed her a pair of Espeon ears.

“Oh, thanks, you shouldn’t have.” And yet he had. She would surely remember this kindness. She gently pulled down the hood of her costume, revealing her blue hair, before taking off the plague doctor’s mask. She took a deep breath of the fresh air as she was released from the stuffy prison. Then she gently placed the pair of Espeon ears upon the top of her head, carefully making sure that it was placed there properly. “So, how do I look? Is it too much?” She beamed a smile toward Ethan.


OOC Mission thread for Tricking or Treating
LOCATION: SOOTOPOLIS CITY
COSTUME FULL COSPLAY

@bishop

Her pale cheeks suddenly felt warm, if she had had a mirror she might’ve even noticed a light reddening. But that might very not have been all that noticeable in the face of her beaming bright smile growing perhaps tenfold. “Thank you.” She replied, her voice timidly hit by a bout of shyness.

Luckily before things got awkward the Scrafty and Shiinotic joined them. Ethan delighted in the truckload of candy that the Scrafty had acquired. And the same did Johanna, albeit not as audibly. And with such celebrations finished the group continued on.

It didn’t take them long before their stroll resulted in filled candy vessels, and a bit of thievery performed by Ethan. Johanna had decided to not do so, trusting that her Shiinotic would share with her the spoils if she asked nicely. With their vessels filled Ethan suggested heading back to the sub. However, his Scrafty was of another opinion.

Their debate was a short-lived one. Johanna and Shiinotic simply kept out of it, as they had both decided to just go with the flow. And the flow demanded one more shop.

And a shop they found. A tiny Boutique that seemed to focus on hats. It reminded her of one that she had visited so long ago, back when she had to look fancy and presentable for the masses. However, the shop owner seemed less inclined to more visitors. Though she had been summoned to the door and proclaimed the place closed, the sign still said open.

Ethan looked at her. She sighed. Guess he wants me to take this one? She thought. “Oh, it’s just that your sign said you were open. But we apologize for the inconvenience.” Perhaps it wasn’t what Scrafty nor Ethan had expected of a Rocket member. But she wasn’t the bloodthirsty sort. If anything, she preferred kindness to threats.

Shiinotic was of the same mind, kind mushroom eyes turned to the owner of the store. It would not press on if it was a bother to the woman.

OOC Mission thread for Tricking or Treating
LOCATION: SOOTOPOLIS CITY
COSTUME FULL COSPLAY

@bishop