"i get it. but you need to, nina."[break][break]

too blunt, perhaps? maybe. maybe not. but niko's seasoned enough to know of the terrors she'll soon face.[break][break]

"otherwise that fucker's going to be haunting you forever. and i can't have that."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

he does notice, but he's too far. this is an obstacle she'll have to face on her own, unfortunately.[break][break]

fortunately, he believes in her. so much so that he doesn't even bother looking back. he chooses to focus on the rest of the mightyena.[break][break]

"let's hurry and trap 'em!"[break][break]

and so they do.

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-mightyena"][attr="class","pkspr pkmn-rhyperior"]

his own ditto, pink shit, regards jessie's with a curious smile. though that could just be the nature of its face.[break][break]

"oh. right. we're not used to this."[break][break]

he calls out his rhyperior, taking a step back due to its big size and frame.[break][break]

"try this."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"][attr="class","pkspr pkmn-rhyperior"]

"so many options..."[break][break]

which makes it difficult to choose. his eyes scan over the different designs of the boats, admiring each one for its craftsmanship.[break][break]

eventually, he pulls them towards one painted in the design of a wailord. big, strong, and powerful.[break][break]

"alright. now how do we move this? just cycle?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"what do you mean?"[break][break]

perhaps too tired to understand the definite oddity of the situation, niko blinks, completely unaware of her disposition. he assumes she'll come in like she always does so he takes a step back, turning to invite her in.[break][break]

"he's my baby."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

niko's walking around the space of his home when he hears the knocks from the door. he puffs out his lips and makes an awkward sort of noise — funny enough to garner a laugh. his smile lingers even as he approaches the door.[break][break]

it opens.[break][break]

"jessie!"[break][break]

to say he's relieved to see her is an understatement. it shows in the way he looks at her; almost with a sense of longing. but he's sure her attention is elsewhere.[break][break]

on the baby by his chest, perhaps.

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

it's been a while since niko manner has made an appearance anywhere other than in his bar, and even then he stays an hour or two at best. rumors may be circulating but it's not like he gives a shit. why would he?[break][break]

there are more important things in his life now.[break][break]

but his priorities have started to tilt back. it's why he finally reaches out to jessie, inviting her over to his place.

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"shit, your howl's almost as good as my roar!"[break][break]

he barks out a laugh, watching as the wave of SURF roars into existence only to freeze moments after. iridescent light shines, almost beautiful against the sun above.[break][break]

but now they're on a timer.[break][break]

"run, run!"[break][break]

his ditto's already there, ready to hold them off. but as tough as pink shit is niko knows it'll need a bit of help. so, he releases his rhyperior who charges on ahead to join them.

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-mightyena"][attr="class","pkspr pkmn-rhyperior"]

"the fuck? why not?"[break][break]

he knows why. he had been in the same position she's in now, once upon a time. so he understands some of the things she might be feeling.[break][break]

grief, rage, and helplessness. why wasn't he strong enough to protect them? why was he too weak to do anything?[break][break]

"you'll get him next time, i'm sure."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

it's not something he'd usually partake in but obligations to rocket have forced him here. so, to make it a bit better, he invites jessie along, realizing it might be a good opportunity for them to start training together.[break][break]

"you kiddin'? i'd love that."[break][break]

unfortunately, rocket would be up in his ass for abandoning this mission. the fact sours him.[break][break]

"we'll get this done in no time, i'm sure."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"that's the one."[break][break]

accepting her guidance, he follows after her towards the lake. he's already pretty much in awe the moment it comes into sight, like a kid in a candy store, and it's then that he starts pulling her towards the paddle boats.[break][break]

"holy shit! they got all kinds of colors and designs. this shit's cool."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

niko's never been picky about where he lives. as long as there's a roof over his head and running water, it's good enough. so now that he has the luxury of being able to choose his home, decorate it, and make it as nice as he wants, it almost feels surreal.[break][break]

perhaps that's why the thought of decorating has never occurred to him before this.[break][break]

her question pulls him out of his thoughts.[break][break]

"not at all. please stay, jessie."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"don't think i've ever seen you 'round here."[break][break]

naturally, she stands out from her choice of drink. nobody drinks a vodka cranberry in this bar. it's by sheer luck the bar just has it stocked up.[break][break]

he slides into the seat next to her with a vodka drink of his own.[break][break]

"you just visiting?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@ari[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-mightyena"]