MARCH UPDATE

5'11'' height

But I, I will, go on howling and hollow

awards

1,109 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @ashley

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 8:46:56 GMT

Cillian Quinn likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ashley1"]

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

Always hated Rustboro. City streets filled to the brim of manufacturing power, streetlights that buzz to life at night, and on nights like tonight, where the cool air are in, that rain does its best to illuminate it all, and blind the eyes. Makes it hard to adjust when its so dark, save for those lights.[break][break]

Peeking out from a small bus stop, Ashley Sawyer stands in a hoodie, pants, and some white shoes he just bought. His hair is in its signature side-sweep he's grown to love, and his hoodie is a little worn. Adorned above him an umbrella, doing little to stop the rain that just has a desire to smack him in the face.[break][break]

Today, he's teaching one of the newer recruits the same task he had back with Cillian Quinn way back when: what they do with deserters. A task like that once upon a time gave him chills, goosebumps. The idea of taking life... it wasn't something he ever wished upon his worst enemy. But he didn't. He took that punishment himself. He let it rip into him. To dull that sense thanks to teachings from Zev Harcourt. If anything, he took this mission not because he had to, but because he wanted to.[break][break]

So that way, he could do for this newbie what Cillian had done for him almost a year ago.[break][break]

Standing near his nameless Zorua, the little beast staring at him with a look of disdain, uncertain of her trust in him. Ashley can't help but agree to that, but it's not something he really can think about. Either she trusts him, and this job goes smoothly...[break][break]

Or she doesn't, and this job is a little more difficult.[break][break]

Checking his pocket watch, he opens it, hearing the small ticking. Recruit should be here any time now. Just had to wait.[break][break]

Mission was simple, at least. Outside Devon Corp, it was as simple as offing some sap who happened to be an informant for the League. Should be a simple affair, at least. Especially since they should be walking out themselves soon. Could execute them in the rain under cover of night. That'd be the ideal way to go.[break][break]

Where is she?

Naia Kayode [break][break]

NOTES

- MISSION, OUTFIT[break]
- Waiting at a bus stop for Naia near Devon Corp, Ash waits with his nameless Zorua.[break]
- Hoping this can be done easily enough in the streets. Zorua does not like Ashley at all.

[attr="class","ashley1pkmn"]

[attr="class","ashley1credit"]

MADE BY GUNSMILE

[googlefont=Poppins]
[newclass=".ashley1"]--accent:#4066E0;font:12px Poppins;[/newclass]
[newclass=".ashley1 b"]color:var(--accent);font:800 14px Roboto;[/newclass]
[newclass=".ashley1 i"]color:var(--accent);[/newclass]
[newclass=".ashley1 u"]text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-color:var(--accent);[/newclass]
[newclass=".ashley1 a"]font:12px Poppins;color:var(--accent);[/newclass]
[newclass=".ashley1 h1"]font:16px Poppins;color:var(--accent);font-weight:800;[/newclass]
[newclass=".ashley1 h2"]font:14px Poppins;color:var(--accent);font-weight:800;[/newclass]
[newclass=".ashley1 .ashley1body"]background-image:url("https://image.ibb.co/cpf8Wc/flower_patt.png");background-position:bottom;background-repeat:no-repeat;text-align:justify;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:18px;[/newclass]
[newclass=".ashley1 .ashley1pkmn img"]margin:-10px -7px 0px -7px;[/newclass]
[newclass=".ashley1 .ashley1credit"]width:100px;background-color:#232323;font-size:10px;margin-top:7px;padding:3px;[/newclass]
[newclass=".ashley1 .ashley1credit a"]font-size:10px;[/newclass]

close tab

played by

.Yandere

She/Her

September 3

Saffron City, Kanto

Graysexual

Business Heiress

Doctor

5' 8" (152.4cm) height

A Hero Would Sacrifice You to Save the World. A Villain Would Sacrifice the World to Save You.

awards

182 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @naia

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 18:58:53 GMT

dorian westcliff likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","minimal naia"]

[attr="class","top"]

[break][break][break][break]

This was another first for Naia. If anything ever since joining Rocket her monotonous cage has been filled with new things and experiences, she could almost say that it was worth all the extra stress they gave. And stress it was, rarely does Naia never get jitters but on while she was waiting for her coffee order to be finished she found herself tapping her finger against her arm impatiently, constant flutters in her chest to only remind her of her uneasiness. Logically it wasn't impossible that Rocket could have figured out about her blind date with @remiel and now put into question about her and her mother's loyalty to Rocket. It could all just be a coincident or this mission was to show her what happened when you left.

[break][break]In midst of her thoughts Naia, had already taken the coffees, balancing them in a tray while the other hand held onto her umbrella, naïve hope led her to believe that she wouldn't have to be out in the rain for long, but seeing how their meeting was at a bus stop she may just have to get used to the uncomfortable wetness. Noticing a man standing in the distance, Naia made a quick scan of the area to make sure that this was supposed to be the person she was supposed to meet before getting closer.

[break][break]The thing she was mainly fixated on was his attire, it seemed that both of them went for a more casual look but given how Naia's family situation was like nothing she wore was anything less than designer. Perhaps next time she should stop somewhere more common, there was still a lot to learn about espionage that made her head spin. Then when her eyes landed on his shoes she couldn't help but furrow her brows slightly. Was white shoes really a good idea? First there was mud, then you have to worry about the blood.. If Rocket were murderers like dorian westcliff then it surely won't be clean.

[break][break]Worse case she can always buy him new ones.

[break][break]"Here."

[break][break]Mid way through that single word did she peel her eyes from his shoes and looked him in the face for the first time. She was at this point using both hands to hold the tray, attempting to carefully balance her umbrella between her cheek and shoulder though without much success. Not that it really bothered her at this point, it was just an inevitability.

[break][break]"It's black. I have stuff in my pocket." She's swing her hip to expose her hoodie pocket, and thus giving him permission to search it "You know, for milk or sugar."

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","milkycredit"] [attr="class","fas fa-cookie-bite"]

[newclass=".naia"] --accent:#82697B!important; [/newclass]
[newclass=".minimal"]--accent:#7C6678; position:relative; z-index:1; [/newclass]
[newclass=".minimal blockquote"]width:350px; margin:0px auto 20px; font-size:12px; line-height:15px; border-radius:0px 0px 10px 10px; border-top:none; padding:30px 50px 50px; letter-spacing:0.2px; [/newclass]
[newclass=".minimal blockquote img"]margin:1px 15px 12px 1px; border-radius:10px; [/newclass]
[newclass=".minimal blockquote b, .minimal blockquote i"]color:var(--accent) } .minimal blockquote b { font-size:14px!important } .minimal blockquote u { font-style:italic; color:var(--accent); text-decoration:underline dotted; border-bottom:none; letter-spacing:1px; [/newclass]
[newclass=".minimal .top"]background-color:var(--accent); padding:10px; height:15px; background-image:url(https://image.ibb.co/dMFuMc/flower.png); background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:bottom right; width:430px; margin:0px auto; border:1px solid #232323; border-radius: 10px 10px 0px 0px[/newclass]
[newclass=".minimal .ooc"]border-top:1px solid #222; padding-top:15px; text-align:center; margin-top:15px; [/newclass]
[newclass=".minimal .ooc a"]font:bold 15px 'Poppins';[/newclass]
[newclass=".minimal .pkmn"] text-align:center; margin-top:-20px;[/newclass]
[newclass=".minimal .pkmn img"] background:none; border-radius: 0px; box-shadow:none; border:0px; float:none; width:50px; [/newclass]
[newclass=".minimal .milkycredit"]font-size:15px; position:absolute; z-index:99; left: 103px; bottom:10px; border-radius:100px; color:var(--accent); opacity:0.6; } .minimal .milkycredit a { transition:0.5s all; color:#212121; } .minimal .milkycredit a:hover { transition:0.5s all; color:var(--accent)!important; [/newclass]

[newclass=.minimal .pokeclass] position:absolute; right:95px; bottom:-30px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.minimal .pokeclass img]background:#2b2b2b;border-radius:100px; border:1px solid #solid 1px #232323; border:1px solid #232323; margin-top:-30px; transition:1.5s; margin-left:8px; box-shadow:2px 2px transparent; padding:0px 0px 12px 0px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.minimal .pokeclass img:hover]background:var(--accent); transition:1s all; box-shadow:2px 2px #232323 [/newclass]
[newclass=.minimal]position:relative;[/newclass]

close tab

played by

Kiwi

Ash

He/Him/Them

December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

Pansexual

Picking up the pieces

5'11'' height

But I, I will, go on howling and hollow

awards

1,109 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @ashley

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 19:45:48 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ashley1"]

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

The first thing that comes to his mind is simply Wow. She's pretty. A smile curves up his lips, as he holds a hand up in greeting, though she seemed preoccupied looking at his feet.[break][break]

Ah. That makes sense.[break][break]

"Coffee?" Wow, he was impressed. Woman was super sweet too. That's a gesture he could get behind.[break][break]

When she exposed her hoodie pocket for the milk and sugar, he would nod, and with a singular hand, scoop up two packets of sugar, and a packet of milk, before placing it on the tray. "You can put your umbrella away, we can share mine. It's big." It was merely meant as a friendly gesture, as he could tell that the struggle was real. Though her balance game was strong, he scoops the tray with a singular firm hand beneath it, lifting it up while keeping the coffees from spilling.[break][break]

"Kayode, right? Name's Sawyer, but you can call me Ash." Finally introductions, as he goes over his own name. "This here is-" He gestures towards the little white Zorua, who glares at him, throwing her gaze to the side. "-... no name yet, but just call her Grumpy for now." A little vein sprouts on the little female Zorua's head, as she growls. Ash tries to fight anger with friendliness, hoping to dilute it in geniality.[break][break]

"You got a briefing on the mission?" he inquires, making sure to shield her and the tray from the rain, keeping ample balance of his grip strength on the tray.

Naia Kayode[break][break]

NOTES

- MISSION, OUTFIT, VIBE SONG[break]
- Ash scoops some sugar and milk from her hoodie, places it on the tray, introduces himself, and helps her get balanced.[break]
- Introduces his angry little goblin Zorua, and asks her if she had been briefed.

[attr="class","ashley1pkmn"]

[attr="class","ashley1credit"]

MADE BY GUNSMILE

close tab

played by

.Yandere

She/Her

September 3

Saffron City, Kanto

Graysexual

Business Heiress

Doctor

5' 8" (152.4cm) height

A Hero Would Sacrifice You to Save the World. A Villain Would Sacrifice the World to Save You.

awards

182 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @naia

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 20:23:07 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","minimal naia"]

[attr="class","top"]

[break][break][break][break]

Naia couldn't help but watch the other man's hand rummage through her pocket and in that moment couldn't be more grateful that her sweater was thick enough to not really feel it.

[break][break]"You can put your umbrella away, we can share mine. It's big."

[break][break]She.. didn't know how to take this. It would be really strange to have two random strangers just meet up and hang out near a bus stop at night, in the rain of all things. But it would all make sense if it was some form of rendezvous, it was always amazing to see how many people from rocket can think ahead like this. As he took the coffees from her Naia, didn't step under his umbrella just yet and would just simply swing down her umbrella, taking her time to pull it up and lock it in place. She didn't want him to get wet, and at this point a little extra rain never killed anymore.

[break][break]"Kayode, right? Name's Sawyer, but you can call me Ash."

[break][break]Ah. Her shoulder would slump slightly at her realizing she didn't introduce herself yet, the obnoxious scolding of her mother ringing in her ears. While he continued his introductions, Naia stepped under his umbrella, focusing her attention on the strange looking Zorua at their feet.

[break][break]"-... no name yet, but just call her Grumpy for now."

[break][break]"Naia is fine.." she faintly said, she didn't like people calling her Kayode, it always made her think they were talking to her mother. Despite how aggressive and angry the little Zorua was, Naia still dropped down to a crouch and offered an open hand towards it. "This must.. be a Hisui Zorua? She looks so different from Colie."

[break][break]"You got a briefing on the mission?"

[break][break]She didn't pull her hand back nor stood back up, instead she'd just look up at Ashley. Naia went to open her mouth to speak but instead pressed her lips in a tight line when she found it hard to say the word kill. She spent so long trying to find another way outside of death but even she couldn't find another way. Turning away from him, she'd continue while watching the fiery Zorua, "We're just here to visit someone, no?"

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","milkycredit"] [attr="class","fas fa-cookie-bite"]

close tab

played by

Kiwi

Ash

He/Him/Them

December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

Pansexual

Picking up the pieces

5'11'' height

But I, I will, go on howling and hollow

awards

1,109 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @ashley

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 20:51:23 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ashley1"]

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

As she steps under his umbrella finally, her shoulders slumped, he immediately feels bad, awful even. Did he say it wrong? Maybe he mispronounced it? When she corrects it with her first name, he understands. With a nod, he continues to hold the umbrella and smiles.[break][break]

"Naia. Got it." Simple. To the point. She likes her first name to be used, and he can understand that. He can't blame her for that.[break][break]

When she asks about the little Hisui Zorua, his eyes turn to see the little beast again, and... she places her face in Naia's hand? Enjoying pets? His brow raises, and he makes a frown. "Okay, that's just unfair, Grumpy." And... the anger just explodes again, as she mews viciously with all the venom of a rabid Yamper. Like. With a gun.[break][break]

Intimidating.[break][break]

Her question no the little grumpy mew mew's heritage has him stare back. "Huh... I had no idea." The hecks a Hisui? He just looks to her and back to Naia, before rubbing his cheek. He hadn't dealt with many, but maybe that's why the little fox hated his sweeter confections...? He had no idea. He'd have to try a different kind of treat.[break][break]

Her final question finally wipes the smile away... when her lips press together, Ash can almost feel a pang in his chest, because he knows what she's going to say. He doesn't want it either.[break][break]

It's definitely not the pouty lips.[break][break]

When she finally says it, Ashley turns his gaze to the side, taking a moment to just... let it sit in the air. He swishes it around his mouth, he ponders how to say what he wants to say. All the training from Zev, and he still had inhibitions. No, that's not right, he had no desire to, but the potential to. He's taken a number of lives now.[break][break]

...[break][break]

No time to be selfish. He would act as her safety net for now.[break][break]

"In a way. We're actually in front of the building they work at... so we're waiting for them to walk home. Once they do..."[break][break]

He makes one big toothy smile, and says something that lets him die a little death in his heart.[break][break]

"I'll take care of it." he declares. Knowing exactly what that entails.

Naia Kayode[break][break]

NOTES

- MISSION, OUTFIT, VIBE SONG[break]
- Acknowledges Naia's preferred name, as little Zorua enjoys Naia's hand. Ash has no idea of the heritage.[break]
- A rather tragic, painful smile given, as he explains the plan, and tells Naia "I'll take care of it."

[attr="class","ashley1pkmn"]

[attr="class","ashley1credit"]

MADE BY GUNSMILE

close tab

played by

.Yandere

She/Her

September 3

Saffron City, Kanto

Graysexual

Business Heiress

Doctor

5' 8" (152.4cm) height

A Hero Would Sacrifice You to Save the World. A Villain Would Sacrifice the World to Save You.

awards

182 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @naia

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 21:20:57 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","minimal naia"]

[attr="class","top"]

[break][break][break][break]

Despite the adorable antics just a few minutes ago the atmosphere was far heavier than before, even Naia couldn't just simply overlook it. Naia was forced into medical school by her parents' ambitions and wishes, but despite never putting an once of love into that occupation she fully understood what it took to keep a person alive, and as well how to end it. Like a child who knew they were wrong to stick their hand in the cookie jar, Naia felt that same anxious feeling when it came to going against her vows, but she picked this job so she should also keep the bad parts of it too.

[break][break]She couldn't help but watch Ashley go through what seemed to be an internal struggle, from the moment his smile faded to him for the first time avoiding eye contact with Naia, this sort of thing seemed to bug him. That much she could tell.

[break][break]"In a way. We're actually in front of the building they work at... so we're waiting for them to walk home. Once they do..."

[break][break]She tensed up at his smile, despite him trying his best to look up beat and act like it was nothing; it just felt wrong. This tension and uneasiness Naia felt was foreign to her though not in the sense that she never felt it before just that she didn't know what to call it. And the only way she knew how to release this pent up tension was to let it out in an audible sigh, now her eyes focusing on his nameless companion.

[break][break]"I'll take care of it."

[break][break]She stayed silent for a moment, her brain trying to rack how she was supposed to reply to this as her fingers would carefully brushed and pet the soft little Zorua. Once she came to her own conclusion, she'd pull her hand away and push herself to a stand.

[break][break]"I guess I'll show you Colie later." Once she was fully up, she'd turn back to Ashley throwing her palms up to gesture him to had over the tray. Their coffees at this point is going to get cold after all.

[break][break]"Thanks but no." She was going to keep it at that but.. maybe it would be okay to speak her mind a bit. "Um.. Will you be.. uh.. always following me every mission?"

[break][break]The moment she strayed from just short responses her voice wavered, betraying how uncomfortable she actually was with talking. "E-eventually I'll have to do it.. um.. myself. And this, it's supposed to keep everyone safe.."

[break][break]The tension built up too much again and she was getting overwhelmed. With a short breath in, her shoulders dropped with a heavy sigh. None of this was her style, "I'm more concern with what to do with the body.. Do.. do you think Zweilous can eat people?" She really didn't want this to get back to them after all.

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","milkycredit"] [attr="class","fas fa-cookie-bite"]

close tab

played by

Kiwi

Ash

He/Him/Them

December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

Pansexual

Picking up the pieces

5'11'' height

But I, I will, go on howling and hollow

awards

1,109 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @ashley

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 21:44:52 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ashley1"]

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

The little Zorua still enjoyed whatever pet time she gets. It's nice at least, to feel that affection, and though her idiot of a twunk trainer had a dumb brain, she knew he had a good heart. She just didn't give him the time to express it. Naia, on the other hand, she enjoyed quite a bit more, and promptly, upon her rise, she hops up the railing and onto Ashley's shoulder, as he hands the tray over.[break][break]

No?[break][break]

Through knit brows, he listens. Will he be there, and certainly not. He can't always be here to protect the newbies. Doing so was overprotective. They had to fly on ther own eventually, and her logic and reasoning are sound. Even so far as to how to handle the body... in a very odd, though weirdly charming kind of way.[break][break]

However.[break][break]

"Have you done it before?"[break][break]

The only question that needs to be given. Because it's in that question, Ashley has grappled with for years. He has fended it off, wrestled with it, and fought against since his teens.[break][break]

"Usually, I agree. You would. But let me be clear. I'm used to it... but the guilt? That never leaves. You can dull it out with repetition, desensitization, and therapy. But the memory never fades. You always remember." Spoken from experience. Jubilee the little Raichu from Alola was never coming back. All because of...[break][break]

No. Can't blame Theo for everything there. All because of he, himself. Ashley had to do it to survive. It was his own fault.[break][break]

Sulking quietly, the Zorua decides to lean over and attempt to stick her tongue in Ash's coffee, wanting the taste of something bitter.[break][break]

"I'll be there to make sure it doesn't haunt you as bad as it does to me. Not seeing the body helps too, so believe it or not, that might be a good idea." Ash offers, trying to smile, as he begins to put some sugar into his coffee, the Zorua attempting to scratch his hand to stop it. This work of art given by this goddess of a woman would NOT be ruined with something so sweet.[break][break]

Unfortunately, her little paws can't reach that far. Thusly, the bitter loses to the sweet. She mews out irritated.

Naia Kayode[break][break]

NOTES

- MISSION, OUTFIT, VIBE SONG[break]
- The little Zorua is attempting to drink bitter black coffee, as Ash hears Naia out.[break]
- Asks if she's ever done the deed, and explains what comes after. The haunting.[break]
- Tells Naia he will be present, and her idea isn't a bad one.[break]
- Begins 'ruining' his coffee with sugar, Zorua is MAD.

[attr="class","ashley1pkmn"]

[attr="class","ashley1credit"]

MADE BY GUNSMILE

close tab

played by

.Yandere

She/Her

September 3

Saffron City, Kanto

Graysexual

Business Heiress

Doctor

5' 8" (152.4cm) height

A Hero Would Sacrifice You to Save the World. A Villain Would Sacrifice the World to Save You.

awards

182 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @naia

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 22:08:08 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","minimal naia"]

[attr="class","top"]

[break][break][break][break]

"Have you done it before?"

[break][break]Seeing how it was only her coffee left, she'd just simply twist her drink from it's clutches and quickly looked around them for a garbage or place to put it down. Finding that the bus stop bench was good enough, she'd just toss it onto it, "Not really." This was probably the most honest answer she could give, she tried to keep some people alive with her father's back alley business for rocket and failed. And then other times she succeeded when she really shouldn't have, for them perhaps death was the best option for them.

[break][break]"Usually, I agree. You would. But let me be clear. I'm used to it... but the guilt? That never leaves."

[break][break]She had to stop herself from speaking up, and instead just let him continue. At this point she was understanding where his pain was coming from, at least this fraction of it. And even when he stopped for a bit, Naia felt he had more to share. At least that's what people normally do, once you open up a little bit, it isn't hard to let go of the rest.

[break][break]"I'll be there to make sure it doesn't haunt you as bad as it does to me. Not seeing the body helps too, so believe it or not, that might be a good idea."

[break][break]That should could agree with, despite the dark conversation it was kind of cute and relieving to see the very normal antics between him and his Pokémon.

[break][break]"Isn't it normal to feel guilt?" She was back to quiet responses, at least for the time being. While she spoke, she carefully popped the lead off from her coffee, and carefully poured some of it into her lid. "It's uh.. overwhelming to think of them having family. Each person has their own dreams.. but so do we."

[break][break]To make it easier for the Zorua to drink from the make shift bowl Naia made, she'd step closer to Ashley, close enough to stand shoulder to-- upper arm in this situation. "My dad told me.. you'll never save people if you get overwhelmed with the guilt of the dead. Your decision making will get clouded, you'll hesitate, and those seconds you lose could be another life on your hands."

[break][break]She'd pause to drink her coffee, the bitterness complimenting this rain, "O-Of course we aren't doctors right now." she tried, at least this helped her feel better.

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","milkycredit"] [attr="class","fas fa-cookie-bite"]

close tab

played by

Kiwi

Ash

He/Him/Them

December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

Pansexual

Picking up the pieces

5'11'' height

But I, I will, go on howling and hollow

awards

1,109 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @ashley

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 22:32:33 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ashley1"]

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

Still virgin when it come to rosy palms... Ashley can't help but smile. When he was younger, he could have said that too. Could have. But the amount of dead men behind him was staggering in number. He could count a few that stuck out. Jubilee. The candidate for Kanto political power that nearly had Kep killed in the Border. The missing person Zev trained him for. The one person who tried to be a hero and paid for it in Ultra Sea.[break][break]

And his birth father. Bitter, though the knife wound had healed. But the memory stayed like the scar on his side, one that he'd never get rid of.[break][break]

Naia raises philosophy, as Ashley cranes his head over, the little Zorua moving to suck up as much bitterness from the coffee as she could. Even if it was ruined by the sweetness of lesser beings, she could still enjoy it, so much so that she was hopping onto Naia's shoulder to drink from the coffee, seeing as she was lower to the ground than Ash. It was working.[break][break]

His lips part as Naia speaks. That was wisdom he didn't have, and much needed. His silver eyes blink, and for a moment, that same smile, much more genuine, took its place.[break][break]

"Your dad's a smart cookie." He can feel himself wishing to wax poetically about it all, but the rain is helping him clear his mind. "Glad you're the recruit I got assigned to. I needed that." That really was saving his soul a bit. A lesson he touched on in Mt. Pyre during Meteno, now exemplified in a few short words with a recruit he hardly knew.[break][break]

As the Zorua continues drinking, he looks down, and raises a brow. "Maybe I'll call you Cocoa?" The little Zorua stops, face turning, genuine for a moment... and for the first time to Ashley, she shrugs, before taking another coffee gulp.[break][break]

Ah. Bingo.[break][break]

"Who knows. Maybe I will have more missions with you after all." It's a sweet friendship-inspiring moment.

Naia Kayode [break][break]

NOTES

- MISSION, OUTFIT, VIBE SONG[break]
- Naia steered him closer to the Good Route! YAY! Congrats, that really did help him a lot![break]
- Zorua continues to drink, hopping on Naia's shoulder to do so.[break]
- Ash affectionately names her Cocoa, and she has no fuss.[break]
- Tells Naia he hopes to get more missions with her. He enjoys her company.

[attr="class","ashley1pkmn"]

[attr="class","ashley1credit"]

MADE BY GUNSMILE

close tab

played by

.Yandere

She/Her

September 3

Saffron City, Kanto

Graysexual

Business Heiress

Doctor

5' 8" (152.4cm) height

A Hero Would Sacrifice You to Save the World. A Villain Would Sacrifice the World to Save You.

awards

182 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @naia

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 23:24:56 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","minimal naia"]

[attr="class","top"]

[break][break][break][break]

"I guess so." To Naia her father wasn't much of a force in her life, her mother dominated the household and smothered anything that opposed it. She picked the perfect submissive man to her antics, the perfect man who could still contribute to the family funds and one that wouldn't raise a brow at their activities.

[break][break]"Glad you're the recruit I got assigned to. I needed that."

[break][break]Ah. She finally did something right.

[break][break]It felt alien, was she supposed to be happy or just disappointed she couldn't do this every time. She stare wavered again, unconsciously unable to face him and possibly see the same dissatisfied look she used to see on her mother's face. Thankfully she had a distraction, she just needed to pretend to be focused on her drink and offering them to.. Cocoa now it seemed. Though with them standing together at the bus stop, Naia couldn't help but feel maybe this in itself could be suspicious.

[break][break]When was the next stop?
[break]When they leave will there be multiple people too?
[break]Would they have body guards? They were Rocket runaways after all.
[break]Would we need to stalk them to their home?
[break]If so, would they have family there..?

[break][break]"Who knows. Maybe I will have more missions with you after all."

[break][break]It broke Naia's train of thought, she didn't notice she was intently staring at the front of the building, her eyes meeting up with his in an attempt to process what he could mean by that. "If... you want." the shift in her expression went to confusion, it always puzzled her whenever people showed interest in her. As far as Naia was concerned there was nothing special or good about her, subpar by her mother's standards.

[break][break]"I haven't been on much.. So uh.. there is a lot I need to learn." Her voice got quieter as she continued, typical of her anxiety she'd tense up, "I've only.. battled a couple of times too."

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","milkycredit"] [attr="class","fas fa-cookie-bite"]

close tab

played by

Kiwi

Ash

He/Him/Them

December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

Pansexual

Picking up the pieces

5'11'' height

But I, I will, go on howling and hollow

awards

1,109 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @ashley

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 23:34:56 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ashley1"]

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

Ash smiles, happy to have made a new friend. Naia was a sweet girl, and being a greenhorn wasn't a bad thing. Maybe... in some way, Ashley wanted to precede over her training aspects on the field, so to her response, he parrots back.[break][break]

"That's that then."[break][break]

It was so simple in his head. If she wasn't great at battles? Ash would help get her on the right path. If she needed to learn, he'd teach her how. In Ash's mind, it went that easy. Hopefully, Naia would be okay with that too... after all, Cocoa could see her more. She apparently liked Naia, so-[break][break]

Naia must have been a positive influence.[break][break]

From the front door of the Devon Corp building, a man in black holding an umbrella began to walk out into the city, Ashley's silver eyes looking that direction. He takes a breath in, as he watches him mingle into the streets.[break][break]

Using the moment to their advantage, he looks to his recruit. "Grab onto my arm and walk with me. Look inconspicuous. Smile. We're going to tail him." He smiles, and holds his hand out to a loop. It was just one mission. It was all pretend anyways, he'd hope.[break][break]

Waiting on her mark, he begins walking, umbrella covering them through the rain, hunters in the summer rain.

Naia Kayode[break][break]

NOTES

- MISSION, OUTFIT, VIBE SONG[break]
- Like a protective mentor, Ashley settles on it. He'd help teach her the ropes.[break]
- The target exits the Devon Corp building, heading into the rainy streets.[break]
- Ash suggests merely acting like a happy couple as they tail him. Inconspicuous that way.

[attr="class","ashley1pkmn"]

[attr="class","ashley1credit"]

MADE BY GUNSMILE

close tab

played by

.Yandere

She/Her

September 3

Saffron City, Kanto

Graysexual

Business Heiress

Doctor

5' 8" (152.4cm) height

A Hero Would Sacrifice You to Save the World. A Villain Would Sacrifice the World to Save You.

awards

182 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @naia

POSTED ON May 20, 2023 0:17:17 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","minimal naia"]

[attr="class","top"]

[break][break][break][break]

Typically everything she said would turn someone away, but in Ashley's case it seemed to cause the opposite. With a lighthearted yet defeated sigh, her tense shoulders relaxed again.

[break][break]However with just the opening of a door Naia was brought back into reality again, she couldn't help but jolt in place and soon her main propriety would be in making sure she didn't spill her topless coffee. She really only thought it was in video games when the main character's demeanor would suddenly shift to serious and professional, but she was watching it in real time with Ashley. How quickly he assessed the situation and gave such confident commands awed Naia.

[break][break]"A-ah.. uhm!" Clumsily she'd re-lid her drink, and a bit roughly squeezed his arm with her own. She knew that this was the best option, but she never walked like this with someone before, was she supposed to lean into him? Would that just make it harder for him to move? Wait she still had her umbrella from before, wouldn't that look suspicious. It was awkward maneuvering on her part, having to switch which had had her coffee, dragging his arm with her all so that she could do her best to stealthily toss her umbrella away.

[break][break]Ah right. Smile.

[break][break]That's when she'd turn over at him and give him her best smile, it wasn't a toothy grin or anything, but her awkward attempt left it lopsided and strained. She knew she failed it and just dropped it instantly and started walking if he hadn't already at that point. She just needed to figure out how to make this situation more natural, meaning she'd need her imagination.

[break][break]If she was walking like this with someone she trusted... she'd probably be tired. With a mental apology as she'd take in a deep breath and completely allow herself to lean into his shoulder, she'd have to unfortunately push Cocoa onto his shoulder with her head, but if need be Cocoa can just go on Naia's other shoulder. Even with her best attempt to hide her nervousness, she couldn't help but have a slight tremble to her voice and fingertips, "T-today's been a long day."

[break][break]And still is. She'd pull in his arm closer to herself, her ears heating up from how self-conscious she felt. Then again she'd rather this than think about what they'll have to do later.

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","milkycredit"] [attr="class","fas fa-cookie-bite"]

close tab

played by

Kiwi

Ash

He/Him/Them

December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

Pansexual

Picking up the pieces

5'11'' height

But I, I will, go on howling and hollow

awards

1,109 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @ashley

POSTED ON May 20, 2023 0:58:51 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","ashley1"]

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

While her smile definitely seemed more awkward than normal, it was the thought that counted. Being completely honest, her attempts were almost precious, and Ashley just kind of shot one back at her, only to respond with "Takes practice. Don't sweat it." Cocoa immediately finding her way around the girl's shoulders, and enjoying the sight.[break][break]

He could feel his arm getting closer, and it wasn't that Ashley wasn't self-conscious, but he was unafraid. It didn't bother him so much as the killing part did. If anything, this was two friends walking the street who were making it look different so they didn't draw attention.[break][break]

And once they got the deserter alone, it'd be done. The deserter turns a corner into an alleyway up ahead.[break][break]

Still. Had to get to that phase first, and as Ashley turned his head to respond, he merely turns his head forward. "I know the feeling. They only get longer." He still remembers the one hour of sleep he got from the hit on his birth father. That day was long enough to drag on and on and on and on and on and on and on.[break][break]

Didn't invalidate her day though. Maybe she had a lot happen today, so he just tries to comfort her. "... last chance before we turn the corner. You do it? Or me? Giving you the option."[break][break]

And in his hand was the deadly instrument; a pistol with a silencer, held out for only the duo, and Cocoa, to see. His silver eyes are serious, no air of smile on his face. Pure, unadulterated confidence. Him. Or her. One of them was going to gun them down.[break][break]

And that would be that.

Naia Kayode[break][break]

NOTES

- MISSION, OUTFIT, VIBE SONG[break]
- Ash finds Naia cute. AW. Little Cocoa is running to her other shoulder. She likes her more than she likes Ash.[break]
- As their target rounds the corner, he holds up the pistol with a silencer.[break]
- The target is in an alleyway. It's either Naia or Ash. Her choice.

[attr="class","ashley1pkmn"]

[attr="class","ashley1credit"]

MADE BY GUNSMILE

close tab

played by

.Yandere

She/Her

September 3

Saffron City, Kanto

Graysexual

Business Heiress

Doctor

5' 8" (152.4cm) height

A Hero Would Sacrifice You to Save the World. A Villain Would Sacrifice the World to Save You.

awards

182 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @naia

POSTED ON May 20, 2023 4:27:40 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","minimal naia"]

[attr="class","top"]

[break][break][break][break]

"I know the feeling. They only get longer."

[break][break]How she didn't realize how much longer this night was going to be. The sight of their target heading down an alley, triggered a foreign feeling within Naia. Perhaps it was a sense of foreboding to what they needed to do next, or more scary, the possibility of experience the thrill of the hunt that she had seen in other Rockets. Either way, the naive shy feeling she had been feeling moments ago slowly faded out because of this and was completely gone by the sound of Ashley's voice.

[break][break]"... last chance before we turn the corner. You do it? Or.."

[break][break]His voiced faded out when Naia noticed the glint of a weapon in his hand, it was like for a second time had stopped and suddenly all heavy thoughts in her head disappeared along with it. The last time Naia has seen a gun it was pointed directly at her and that bloody fight for her life was the last thing she wanted to experience. The true and depressing irony was that she was going to be the attacker.

[break][break]It was when she was going to reach for the gun did she realize how hard she was gripping onto his arm, the joints of her fingers had gone white, how fortunate it was that she was holding slowly on the fabric of his sweater than his actual arm.

[break][break]"I'll do it." There was a lump stuck in her throat, making the first word out of her mouth waver, but still she'd let go of his arm and place a hand over his own. The way she'd take the gun out from his hand wasn't using any force, but instead gentle coaxing as if she was handing glass than a gun.

[break][break]It was heavy in every sense of the word.

[break][break]It was much like holding a scalpel, the very real sensation of knowing that someone's life was in your hands. The minor knowledge she had of guns was enough to know if it ready to fire or not, and that she needed the lock to not be on. Once it had her seal of approval, Naia would closed her eyes for a quick second and took a breath in. On exhale she'd look over at Ashley and nod.

[break][break]She was already on high alert the moment that gun was in her hands, her original plan to turn into the alley with Ashley close some distance however a foreboding feeling came over her when she noticed their target wasn't further down the alley than anticipated. It was that same gut feeling she had with the construction crew at the docks-- she needed to shoot. Instead of giving into her fight instinct, she opted to shove Ashley back. There was a strong possibility that they could have been aiming for either person and since they were an Ex-Rocket, they'd most likely recognize Ashley.

[break][break]The zip of a bullet pasting past her face went chills down her spine, from how fast her heart was pounding she barely registered the pain coming from her cheek and ear. If it hadn't been for Ashely's presence she may have had stood still and shot instead--

[break][break]Naia's blood ran cold. She couldn't tell if it was blood running down the nip of her neck or blood from her fresh wound, and if people were speaking she couldn't register it anymore. Perhaps it was because too much information was filling in; one maybe two people and with Pokémon, based on their shapes maybe a Gengar and Breloom.

[break][break]If they planning to counter attack, who knows when a third one could come behind them.

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Ashley Shepard

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","milkycredit"] [attr="class","fas fa-cookie-bite"]

close tab

played by

Kiwi

Ash

He/Him/Them

December 2

Aspertia City, Unova

Pansexual

Picking up the pieces

5'11'' height

But I, I will, go on howling and hollow

awards

1,109 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @ashley