The days after the incident up on Mt Pyre had been... Interesting. Certainly, nothing in these past days could top 'your boss had managed to temporarily summon the draconic jaws of a deific pokemon and nearly got bitten in half in the process'... But there was still the question of actually making sure that said boss was healing, and not getting any crazy ideas that'd possibly lead to him reopening the stitches and like.

Which was part of the reason for these visits. Around noon each day, Makoto would arrive with some lunch for the both of them and check in on him. To make sure the meds were doing their job, to make sure nothing was infected (though they had to wonder whether a tera-manifested set of bony jaws would really have the germs and bacteria of an actual mouth,) and so on.

(In truth, they didn't really like going to the submarine - everything felt so much more restrictive and closed-in, here. Perhaps due to the Pressure of Lugia's occasional presence in the waters outside? But, they still would visit as always.)

Today was no different from the prior. A short while past twelve, there would be a knock at the office door - polite and professional as always. And as always, once invited in, Makoto would have a couple bags with takeout for the both of them.

Makoto was a little surprised to see Amor going through some files on the grunts in the syndicate - most of the surprise being just that they were used to him focusing on other paperwork. Such as the reports for the whole Regidrago situation, for instance. This was different, though...

... But all the same - even if their gaze briefly drifted to see if they recognized any of the people the files were on - Amor himself was the focus today. "Good afternoon; how are you feeling, sir?" They'd ask, just as routine as everything else about their visits. "I got us our usual." They'd set the bag down on one of the empty spots on the table, working to unpack the two's food.

At their side, Tsukiko followed - her tails swishing eagerly. She would already be readying a Wish for Amor - to try and help him feel better - her illumina markings taking on that characteristic shimmer. (And perhaps, if she was really cute about it, the two of them would give her a bite of their lunches!)

The food smelled good even though he knew it was bad for his body, he would just have to workout twice as hard when he recovered to get back on track. Still he didn't complain, and it tasted delightful.

"You're wonderful Makoto...." He praised them honestly, and he sat up with a grimace on his face for a moment before he let it fade. Normally he'd put a shirt on, but the fabric agitated his wounds, so he locked himself up in his office where no one would be able to see his very scarred body. In fact Makoto Kurumi was the only person he had ever willingly shown them too. Lulu Flint had seen them in the nightmare, so it hadn't been choice, but he trusted Makoto enough that he didn't mind. They had proved invaluable to him, and whether they knew it or not they were seeing a rare sight.

Aside from the jaw marks, there was a fresh looking cut from a sword across his chest from one Yuina Higashi. There were a dozen or so faded blade like cuts all over his arms, and torso from either training, or Palkia's Spatial Rend when it tried to erase him, and a dozen others from existence. Along his shoulder curving onto his back were large claw marks that looked as if they belonged to a canine like pokemon. All in all, his physique did not fit the typical narrative for one who was suppose to practice science.

"I feel alright, the medicine is at least making it possible for me to walk around the office....Hopefully in a few days I'll be able to wear a shirt without pain, and leave...." He smiled at them wryly. "I hope I'm not to much of a nuisance keeping you from your normal day to day duties? If anyone complains, just tell them I need you...." Of course he'd said this before, but he didn't want them to get into trouble.

Seeing the Alolan Ninetails he smiled as the Wish worked his magic, and further soothed his pain, and eased along the healing of his wounds. The pair were very thougthful, and he was more than thankful for it.

"Anything interesting happen while I'm locked away in here for the time being?"

Makoto Kurumi

As always, the praise made their heart flutter and warm in a way that had their cheeks flushing as well. Makoto, however, did their best to keep a straight face at it all - even if they felt bashful deep down. "I don't know if food delivery is that amazing," They murmured - half to themself.

They were a bit more used to Amor being shirtless and the presence of his scars by now, given their prior visits the past few days... But all the same, it didn't do much to help that aforementioned bashfulness - Amor was attractive, undeniably so. And all the same, it did not necessarily deter the vague inklings of curiosity that would arise as they glanced to a few of the more distinctive scars.

It was no secret to them by now that Amor was a bit of a maniac in the face of danger; but they couldn't help but wonder where some of those scars came from.

As Amor spoke though, Makoto nodded along. "It's fine, sir; I haven't run into any trouble." They responded simply; which was true. Getting around quickly wasn't too hard with Kuro's Phantom Force - a trick that they endeavored to teach him thanks to Cillian Quinn 's Dhelmise - and they had a feeling their status as a part of Team Nebula gave them some freedom to focus more on Nebula-related tasks, rather than their usual thievery and smuggling.

Which, helping care for one of the two Head Scientists that were part of the team was probably a notable enough task, they figured.

The question of anything interesting happening, though, would have them hum. "Since I'm here on the submarine more often... I've tried out the RKS Simulation a couple of times with another Rocket member. It's been... Interesting, for certain." They spoke, thinking back to the chaos that they had faced with ameena abadi . "I... Actually think one of the scenarios it shows would be of interest to you; I saw a pokemon of the same species as Erebus."

They weren't sure if the Deoxys was Erebus, or if there were multiple of its kind out there - but there was no doubt that they were of kindred species either way.

"You don't know how strict my diet usually is...." He explained to them, as he began to devour his food. It was true, Amor was not blessed with this physique, he had earned it through blood, sweat, and tears. It sucked sometimes, but he needed it. He set aside a few bites for the Ninetails as a treat, and thanks for healing him over these past few days, and gave it a wink. It could take them when it wanted to.

Upon hearing of their travels in the RKS he listened intently he had heard something similar from howard slayte, and was planning to do a dive here shortly with Lulu Flint to see exactly that same scenario. "I see....You're the second person to tell me that....But it's good to know that it isn't a fluke. I'll be checking it out here shortly." He expressed to them with an easy smile as he nommed his food happily. There was discomfort, but it wasn't as unbearable as it had been.

"Mmmmm I have a mission for you....If you're up for it, but it has to be top secret. No one is allowed to know about it. Not even the Underbosses." He said to them easily with a smile on his lips. Though he was sure if he explained the situation to Cillian Quinn, and THEO BECKETT they would both be understanding. He couldn't be sure with Elisabeth Fiorelli, but he was willing to deal with them. This had to be dealt with absolutely secrecy lest he alert his target.

"Tell me do you know of another grunt by the name of Taika Cadell?" Came the question, because if they did know this person he wanted to get as much information about them as humanly possible. Perhaps he was just being paranoid, but then again....He was also rarely wrong.

Makoto Kurumi

Score! Tsukiko's tails would practically vibrate with excitement as she saw the food nudged aside for her - and she made no attempt to be sneaky, as she snatched up her treat. Yumyumyum!

Makoto couldn't help a faint smile at this - and they'd lightly poke Tsukiko on the nose. "You're gonna get fat, if you keep eating human food." They spoke with lighthearted humor. They honestly didn't mind Tsukiko having little snacks like this as long as she didn't make herself sick... But at the same time, all things in moderation.

Tsukiko, in response, would blow a raspberry at Makoto - playful yet cheeky as always.

Makoto simply sighed with that same smile, before glancing back to Amor and nodding. "If it's of any interest to you, my runs through the simulation were with another scientist, ameena abadi. Maybe the two of you would get along?" If anything, perhaps she'd be able to handle his eccentricities better than they can.

But, then came a change in subject - that of a mission of upmost secrecy. Makoto blinks a bit - somewhat caught off guard with how casually he spoke of what otherwise sounded pretty damn serious, if even the Underbosses weren't meant to hear of it. Was Amor really allowed to hide things from the Underbosses like that? It seemed like it'd get him in trouble - as well as them, if they ended up questioned about it.

However, as Amor asks about a particular grunt... "... No, he doesn't ring a bell to me, sir." They responded; they tended to keep to themself in the organization for the most part (less out of any actual aversions, and more out of just general shyness.) It was just by a stroke of fate that they ended up able to bond with sorts like Amor, Tempest Quinn, or howard slayte (and they were honestly happy to have such bonds.)

He would take note of that name, and perhaps seek them out for some ventures in the future then. If Makoto was introducing him to someone then he was sure that they would be worth his time. Filing that away he got back to the heart of the matter, and smiled at them. It was fair if they hadn't heard of them, they were a recent transfer in from another region. However that didn't matter since they had piqued his interest.

"I see....I'm sure you're well aware that yourself, and I are outliers within Rocket....In regards to killing that is, it's why I prefer to use Beeheeyem, and it was why I told you about how I do things....Killing is a messy affair....However I have no doubt that I could do it, and of course if you were left with no choice I know you could do it as well." Amor had absolute faith in them, because he had chosen them. "But remember that we are the exception not the rule....So when I come across files of another who vehemently refuses to kill....It makes me raise my brow...." There was plenty to be suspicious of, and if anything Amor was a borderline paranoid person. He would take extreme measures if needed.

"So....I want you to spy on them, gather intel....I've picked out a few missions I want you to undertake with them....All of these missions require the target to be 'dealt' with....At least on paper....Feel free to take my Beeheeyem, and erase their memories, leave them a vegetable whatever is required....However Taika Cadell is not to know that. He is to think you are there to kill these people....I want to know how he reacts, what he says....Everything." His eyes narrowed at Makoto deadly serious. "Do you understand? This mission is of the upmost importance, and the less people who know about it the better....I don't want him to get put on guard."

He felt that they would understand, but he wanted to drive it home regardless.

Makoto Kurumi

The subject of killing put a slightly discomforted expression on Makoto's face. Killing was indeed a messy affair - although while they felt as though Amor mainly steered away from it for the messiness, they mainly steered away from it on a moral level. One of the few lines they didn't want to cross, if they could at all help it.

Which had made Amor's use of Beheeyem something they found far more comfortable. Something more palatable; because at least a wiped memory meant that there was no longer a reason for someone to die. Retribution was made utterly pointless, and the person wouldn't leak any sensitive information. They've even had their two psychic types - Onji and Himitsu - work with Amor's Beeheeyem so that they could perhaps learn from it...

... Though, they've considered getting one of their own, as well.

The talk of Taika, however, and the mission at large... Makoto frowned a little more at the idea of having to take missions that required someone being 'dealt with'. There was the comfort in the fact that it wasn't as though they had to actually kill anyone - just convince the other person that they did...

... But at the same time, they felt as though that'd open a can of worms. That because they'd supposedly offed a few people, that others would simply look to them for further such missions...

The serious gaze that they were affixed under, however, made it hard to truly say no. So did the fact that Amor had come to them, specifically, for such an important-seeming task.

So after a moment's thought, they'd simply ask "... Why me? I mean--... Why did you choose me, over any of the others - like Temp - sir..?" Tempest was no stranger to killing, after all.

He just chuckled at Makoto he didn't expect them to worry about why he had chosen them over others. Though there was a very simple reason, he trusted them implicitly more than anyone else in Rocket. Out of every other member in Rocket, only Makoto Kurumi held his unvarnished trust. Not that they needed to know that.

"I like Tempest Quinn, but this is not suited to their skillset. If I simply wanted Taika Cadell dead then yes....Just like if I wanted to erase their identity I'd go to howard slayte. You have to use the right tool for the situation, and for what I want you are the best....You have the best record of gathering intel, your pokemon are suited to deception, and you will be able to glean the most out of them in the end...." He expresses to them shifting his weight so his bruised, and cracked ribs could have some semblance of comfort.

"Sure I could just get Taika Cadell into a room, and torture the information out of them....But pain doesn't always break someone....Sometimes pain allows them to focus, physical scars heal...." He pointed to the numerous ones that he carried, and his currently healing wounds from the Regidrago Remnant. "But the mind doesn't heal so easily....It's why I use my Beeheeyem....The mind is a powerful thing, but it's also a humans weakest point....You can trick someone into trusting you, and when you shatter that trust, it will leave a scar so deep that it haunts them for years upon years....You can make someone fall in love with you, and when you break their heart it has the possibility of crushing them so thoroughly they never recover...." He explains to them with an easy smile.

"What I want to understand is his mind, so if he turns out to be a traitor I can reduce him to dust on a level so thorough no one ever thinks of defecting again....I can't have another Isaac Merlo...." For as much as he liked @isaccmerlo, he needed to dissuade others from taking that route. He would use Taika as an example to this end, and if he got rid of another traitor in the process that was just a bonus.

Makoto Kurumi

Makoto nodded along, as Amor explained his reasonings. As much as they were still a little unsure, it... It made sense why they were chosen, over one of the others within Nebula. And given some of the general feelings he had expressed about Rocket at large, they understood why he might favor those he knew over those he didn't.

But, the ease with which Amor speaks on how to break someone - on how fragile the mind truly was - unsettled them. Did he really need to smile so serenely, as he spoke about that? And the ease with which he speaks on reducing potential traitors to dust...

... It reminded them that this was still Rocket, in the end. That Nebula was just another part of it. They had to stay useful. They had to keep up with these expectations. Or else. (Or at least, that's what their own mind believed.)

How was it, that others like Isaac Merlo were able to pull themselves away from Rocket, knowing that it'd keep snapping at their heels? Those sort of people felt almost mythical, to them. A whole other breed of person.

Keeping their expression as stoic as possible, they'd nod their head. "I understand, sir." They speak - as much as they wished they didn't understand, there was haunting logic in it all. That there were more ways to ruin someone, than with a knife.

Eager to move on and get this done with though, they'd decide to try and advance the conversation - asking "Do you know the specifics of the missions I'll be sent on?"

"Yes, they are simple reclamation missions, business owners who owe Rocket money for one reason or another. However these people have either refused to pay, or have put our people in harms way, which is why you are authorized to leave them as a blank slate....However as stated before....Your partner is to not know of this, he is to think you are there to kill them. Can you pull that off? I recommend wearing a mask to conceal your face...." He expresses to them with a smile, and then his face furrows as he shifts, and the pain comes with it. It subsides quick enough, and he breathes a sigh of relief.

"All of these missions are already cleared with the higher ups....They just won't be aware of your secondary objective....Do you understand?" He was also testing them. To be able to work deception on not just one or two levels, but several. If they succeeded in this regard then he would have even more reason to want to keep them at his call. Someone with talent like that was invaluable. It could be nurtured, and molded into something that was greater than the sum of it's parts.

"I believe you will bring in results....Otherwise I wouldn't ask it of you....Don't worry....I have faith in you Makoto." He expressed to them and took a long drink, and felt the heat leave his skin, and he breathed out another sigh. "Besides....If you succeed you'll show all the other grunts how far behind they are in terms of real skill....Maybe they'll pick up their slack, and you'll be responsible for getting them to actually train a bit harder....We are going to need it soon enough...." Because they always did....It felt like the calm before a storm.

Makoto Kurumi