Alison stood next to Ameena with a light smile, trying her best not to look too uneasy at the Alakazam that hadn’t taken its eyes off her since she arrived. She had heard of Ameena’s family’s service in Galar, their long history within the military that spanned decades and the research she had compiled in her company Abundance Connections. While not fully understanding the full array of her achievements, Alison knew that Ameena was accomplished - and that told her everything she needed to know; that she was standing next to someone successful, someone intelligent, someone with a lineage that adorned their name, and someone – she assumed – with many medals.

Self-conscious, Alison nodded at Ameena’s words.

“It’s okay. I appreciate the offer to meet. We all must be ready for what’s to come.

“I used to compete in the Pokémon Performances back in Kalos and tried for Kalos Queen a few times. Performing, modelling, that’s been my whole life. But, a few things happened, and I – changed my career. I joined Rocket.” She gave her Mismagius a quick look, one that saw sadness cloud her eyes for a moment. Mismagius floated next to Alison, watching her with silent understanding.

Alison blinked it away before it was noticeable.

“I rely on myself, mainly. My father. Rocket. There’s not many I can say I trust to have that honour. What about you?”

ameena abadi

☉

“I hope you’re right,” Alison hummed in response. “It’d be nice to have more people I can rely on again.”

As far as Alison believed, her previous experience of supportive “colleagues” in the world of contests and pageantry had left her with an almost fatal encounter of falling stage lights. She could only hope at Rocket camaraderie wasn’t a ploy to hide ulterior motives; and from what Ameena seemed to offer through her words, Alison so far remained optimistic.

“Uhhh – I wouldn’t say pure power is what my team are good at.” Alison sheepishly smiles at her Mismagius. A flat look is returned by her Pokémon. “I’m severely lacking in that department. I can create a spectacle, perform, plan, organise, beautify anything – but brute force? I wouldn’t say it’s my strong suit…”

Ringing her hands together, Alison looked at the lady beside her under her lashes. Ameena seemed so starkly different to her. Strong-willed, determined, resilient, accomplished – Alison felt like nothing more than a vain, performative industry plant beside her soldierly grandeur. Yet, no matter how diffident she felt, Alison knew she needed to soak in as much as you could from someone in such a field. To learn, adapt, and pursue strength now that she was in Rocket was her number one priority.

With a sharp inhale, Alison turned fully to face Ameena, straightening her spine.

“…I was hoping you’d be able to help me change that.”

ameena abadi

☉

Alison nodded at her words, her eyebrows furrowing as she listened. She often forgot she had entered Team Rocket at a perilous time. It was unfortunate, really. With a war looming over the horizon, it was practically guaranteed she would be called upon to fight. No matter how terrifying the thought, she knew hiding in a dressing room wouldn’t help her.

And hearing Ameena note her skills may be of use, Alison hoped she wouldn’t be as weak as she thought herself to be when the time came.

At her question, Alison paused for a beat, her gaze fixated to the floor. Memories flashed across her vision – feelings of anger, upset, frustration, vengeance – before dissipating like a thin veil of smoke. There was so much she hoped to achieve. Too much.

“There are people who need to be brought to justice” she responded, her tone sharp – hurt, “People I hope to one day hurt as they have hurt me. But I need to be stronger before I can do that. I need to be more than just a performer if I am to make them regret their decisions.”

She ruffles her fringe with her hands, smiling at Ameena as if her previous sentences hadn’t been uttered.

“I appreciate all that you offer. Any opportunities to gain more, Pokémon, build a team, and become stronger I am happy to try. What do you have in mind?”

ameena abadi

☉

Ameena’s praise for Alison’s choice of Rocket filled her heart with child-like admiration. It was heartening to know she was around the right people – the sort of people who could help her achieve what she wanted to, no matter the consequences.

“Thank you, all of this sounds - perfect.” 

A small, confident smile painted her lips at the mention of undercover work.

“I believe I may be of use in that department, if it is needed. I don't think I'll have any issues making connections in League - I still have my own connections in the performance scene. I’m sure I could benefit Rocket and uncover important information for our cause, if necessary.”

Even with Alison’s inward fear of the underbosses and their authority – particularly from her own encounters of them thus far – she desperately desired to showcase her value to them and impress them. She was, if anything, a people pleaser – and if Ameena’s advice could help her in aiding Rocket’s war movement, gaining influence, and pursuing her own desires, she was keen to take it.

“We can definitely battle – or, well I can try to. That is something I definitely must work on before the inevitable war…” Alison trailed off, careful to control her cheeks from blushing from embarrassment at her weakness.

At the mention of Ultra Space and RKS, she shook her head, unfamiliar with the subjects.

“I can’t say I’ve heard of those - or been there. Should I have? What are they?”

ameena abadi

☉

Alison responded with gentle nod of her head.

It was an overwhelming position being in Rocket. Preparing for war, learning combative skills, building strength – she was struggling to keep her face from scrunching at the temple at all the information offered to her.

Ultra space sounded interesting enough, especially with its chance at offering powerful Pokémon, but perhaps a simulation would be better for now.

“I see. Well, that sounds interesting. I would love to give it a go. The ‘RKS’.

Ultimately, Alison knew to succeed the go-go boots and sequin dresses had to be put away for a while. Risks had to be taken, and she had to venture into new ways of training. It was the only way she could become strong enough to achieve her goals. Even if the RKS – as Ameena said – could make you question your sanity, she had to try it.

“If you are available, I’d definitely appreciate your helping hand in it – or I’ll find someone else if you are busy. I can imagine you do get quite busy.”

Alison paused for a moment in thought, her eyes flitting to the other’s Alakazam.

“Are there opportunities similar to the RKS that can help train my Pokémon – or is it an ‘all-in-one’ sort of – thing?”

ameena abadi

☉