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a monster in the mirror

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in the aftermath of per paspera ad astra, there are many difficult days that follow. some good, some bad. as both hoenn and rocket recover from the difficulties created by the meteor crash, jayden himself finds himself buried to the chin with work. it's not anything less than that he expects — especially considering the months leading up to the meteor — but it makes things difficult nonetheless.

[break][break] still when word comes of the two new admins that join the ranks, jayden is fully aware of the responsibilities that accompany it. the ache from Remiel Calcifet's departure is felt keenly — but no more keenly than the sabotage and betrayal of those that have left him prior. at least ambassador calcifet remains within rocket's ranks. at least, people like Ashley Shepard have come back to them.

[break][break] he cannot say the same for others.

[break][break] (the reminder of CIAN MAHER leaves a bitter taste in his mouth, even still.)

[break][break] but as much of the terrible things that follow, there are good things too. he remembers the emboldened look in dialga's eyes as it descended upon him, crashing diamond hooves into his chin and nearly his entire person. he remember the fierce sense of pride he felt at knowing that rocket had not only fought the league back, but discovered the energy source underneath. sure, there was paperwork upon paperwork to be filled out in the aftermath, but it was almost enjoyable knowing everything that was to come.

[break][break] and of course, there was the fact of fern delaney's appointment.

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"are you ready?" he asks the other, as they meet at the corner-stone of their houses. in his gloved hands is a tray of brownies that he had prepared the day previously. last time that he had met Elisabeth Fiorelli, he had come empty handed without gifts. he did not intend the same for today's meeting.

[break][break] jayden joins the newly-minted admin as they step towards their meeting point, snow-crunching underfoot as they step towards the city's inner crater. holiday lights are strung up around the city proper, an attempt at creating seasonal cheer, but the real display was toward's the lake where a large christmas tree was set up.

[break][break] before it was an elegant table — perhaps not as esteemed as that found in the calcifet manor — with tablecloth and several chairs set out. jayden's two umbreon leap out from behind him, leaping into the piles of snow like children, and the admin has to sigh a little bit at the behavior. it isn't one of annoyance, but of resignment. he knows better than to tell the two of them what to do by now.

[break][break] hearing the sound of crunching boots against snow, he turns.

[break][break] he flashes a polite smile.

[break][break] "welcome."

[break][break] it'd be nice to see old friends again in the wake of months of potential disaster. his own ribs ache as a constant reminder of it, and his wrist and ankle bandaged beneath his obsidian peacoat. there's still gauze bandaged to his cheek where the legendary struck him.

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