he feels an iota of amusement, perhaps, even for just a moment, enjoying this game of cat and mouse.
[break][break]
but let not the mouse think it had the upper-hand.
[break][break]
"i'm here for much the same reason you are - i've found something interesting." the dog at his hip brushes past to stand a few feet in-front of the larger man. its hackles were raised, and a low, guttural growl vibrated through his throat.
[break][break]
"i simply wish to speak with you."

[break][break]

[attr="class","notes"]ana fell[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

"i have siblings," he says cryptically, effectively avoiding milky's probes at the greater Black family lineage.
[break][break]
"perhaps." it was true that the legendaries and their human-flock were notoriously difficult to put down, but, that didn't mean impossible. "at the end of the day though, they are still mortal."
[break][break]
well, most of them that is.
[break][break]
the two steel-dragons rise from their lax position, their barrels having cooled down from a previous barrage.
[break][break]
"keep me informed of any issues, won't you, mr. morales?" on the turn of his heel, he makes his way from the training grounds, two lumbering siege weapons in tow.

[attr="class","notes"]ollie morales[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

ignoring the gathered men and women, gabriel turned his imposing gaze onto the two beside him. something about this group felt off; as if they were chasing down the wrong lead.
[break][break]
"anything, kingsman?"
[break][break]
the optics of coming in here with a straight up larry-the-lobster pokemon weren't exactly positive, but results were all that mattered to him.

[attr="class","notes"]Raziel Beckett illeana reyes[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

smoke still hissing from their barrels, the patience of the skyscraper pokemon was commendable, if perhaps foolish. having their opponents on the backfoot meant keeping up the pressure - easing up on their assault could prove to be a dangerous tactic. nevertheless, they wait, even as the earth shudders beneath the force of boruta maher's attack, they keep their composure.
[break][break]
then, like a thousand cicada, a crackling, hissing like noise erupts from the debris. a pink, steam-like mist, pulses out, and from it, a gathering of energy. the NATURE"S MADNESS fires out in a shockwave, washing over the dome in violent power.
[break][break]
having no real means of defense, the two dragon-types take the blow, suffering a loss of half their stamina, grunting beneath the pain. but their training holds true and, in seconds, they barrage the spot of the attack, littering it with hellfire.

[attr="class","notes"]boruta maher[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

his arcanine has little to work with, not truly having the scent of the woman beforehand. however, it could clearly smell the presence of an individual vividly. so, unless they've teleported out...
[break][break]
"hm."
[break][break]
without a manifest he would be unable to determine what was missing. things here were valuable, but not entirely irreplaceable. it was the thought, however, that counted. the idea that someone could steal from this place was insult enough.
[break][break]
"come out," he says in an even tone, piercing gaze slowly appraising the large room, "or must i raise the alarm?"

[break][break]

[attr="class","notes"]ana fell[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

uriah's question sparks a moment of consideration for the flame-haired youth. the man had made an impressive, and unexpected, turn-around from the naive boy in canalave such a short time ago. perhaps AKURA had a place yet, in the future of hoenn.
[break][break]
"make it so," he says with a nod, placing his glass down as another replaces it in seconds. a familiar face shines through the crowd, and gabe takes a step out in advancement to it. he pauses, however, for a brief, singular moment.
[break][break]
"keep up the good work."
[break][break]
then he's off, mind working on how to secure his family's foothold in this region even further.

[attr="class","notes"]URIAH BLACK[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

"a subsidiary of AKURA, newly implemented." something that could relate to the company through their authority, but not be traced directly back to them. after all, politics and business, as much as they worked hand in hand, shouldn't look like they do.
[break][break]

"A.Q.U.A.'s success is our success," he answers simply. "they are composed of the most powerful, and influential people in this region. by affixing our name to them, and ensuring their name resonates with good media, we in turn rise with them."

[attr="class","notes"]URIAH BLACK[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

cursores. he doesn't recognize the term, even as well travelled as he was. he shelves that somewhere in the back of his mind, moving on to the point at hand.
[break][break]
"a threat that originates not from our world, or yours, but would, through their interference, ensure the destruction of one, if not both." vague and opaque, like their intentions.
[break][break]
he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a tablet. on it, the details of the meteor deemed safe for public knowledge. he hands it out for the doppleganger to take.
[break][break]
"here, take a look. this meteor is set to destroy our region very soon."

[attr="class","notes"]Raziel Beckett | illeana reyes | MATIAS SILPH | Melody Miro | PENELOPE LIVY | Elinor Anderson[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

gabriel appears in the middle of rustoboro facility, immediately inciting a threatening response. they stand down immediately, eyes wide, when they note the rather impressive size of their visitor, recognizing him.
[break][break]
"impressive response," he compliments casually, removing his hand from the arcanine's back, "continue as you were. make no log of my presence here." with that he makes his way down the hall quietly.
[break][break]
ana fell has chosen well, for her part. this facility was rarely used and its staffing reflected that. it was unfortunate for her, that gabriel's rotom had been testing a sub-routine designed to detect intruders. he'd have to implement this league-wide, after working out a few bugs.[break][break]

but, back to business, as they say.
[break][break]
"the door," he instructs his rotom, who unlocks it easily. pushing the handle, gabriel and arcanine step in.

[break][break]

[attr="class","notes"]ana fell[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

he knew she didn't, and was simply being polite. the intracies of politics were as painful, and complex, as that of running a business. it helped he had that prior experience.
[break][break]
"you're welcome," he says, not pointing out she had cooked with him. no need to turn that on her and make things uncomfortable.
[break][break]
he exhales through his nose, heavily, as a suddenly a sharp pain erupts up his arm. the small of his back takes on a cold sweat, and he leans back into his chair, teeth grinding.
[break][break]
reaching into his pocket, he fumbles for the bottle of pills, attempting to twist it open with one hand. after a moment, he does so successfully, but the pain-filled motivation forces the bottle to spill over, contents slipping out onto the table.
[break][break]
"god dammit," he whispers angrily, moving to put them back.

[attr="class","notes"]@mad[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

the FOCUS BLAST pulls the diety's attention, and with a loud thump, almost like a door being slammed, it shuts its shell close around it. both FLASH CANONS impact first, rocking the legendary. then the fighting-type move slams against the shield, staggering it, and forcing it to rocket back down to the ground. it lands with an impact that sends dust flying upwards.
[break][break]
both artillery pokemon search the debris, their vision LASER FOCUSED, but they find nothing. and for a moment, just one, silent holds...
[break][break]

[attr="class","notes"]boruta maher[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

advice. he had plenty. but, there was something about the youth that made him give out so little.
[break][break]
a kindness, then, for now.
[break][break]
"the best advice i could give you is, do not mistake powerful positions for power." perhaps a more novel concept; perhaps more cryptic.
[break][break]
he checks his watch.
[break][break]
"it's been a pleasure, elinor, but i'm afraid time is escaping me." he whistles, echoing the sharp sound throughout the cavern. lions rise to their feet, grumbling with low growls. "stop by the office if you need something."
[break][break]
nudging his head sharply, he ushers the group out.


[break][break]

[attr="class","notes"]Elinor Anderson + skip[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉

gabriel nods, the relationship between melody and dahlia meaning nothing to him. simply appreciating the information that she was already in the know.
[break][break]
"then are you satisfied with my answers?" he had work to get back to, after all. and something new to look into, of course.

[attr="class","notes"]Melody Miro[break]

[attr="class","wizzcredit"]☉