At the mention of 'being redundant', Matilda frowns ever so slightly. Her expression shifts to something a bit more neutral when Mirri brings up her brother. "Ah, so your brother is what brought you to Hoenn then," she repeats, almost as though she's clarifying what the other woman had said. "What makes you think he's goofing around?" An amused smile tugs at her lips. Mattie continues swirling her glass gently, waiting for Mirri to respond before taking a slow sip.


[break][break]

Mission: Festival Fantasies [WW][break]
Mireille Wynter [break]
Open thread <3

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","credit"]milky

His question causes her to tilt her head up to him but her expression doesn't change. She ponders the question, having never really thought of taking on Gym challenges. Mattie suspected no one who knew her would say that she was exactly 'Challenger material'. [break][break]

Mars' sharp whistle completely breaks Matilda's concentration and she watches the small scuffle with interest. It could hardly be called a battle - the Xatu never had a chance against those two Raichu.[break][break]

Mattie runs her thumb over one of her own Pokeballs, doing her best to think about what Mars had asked her when Sarin lands on her shoulder and with a chirp and a sharp jerk of his beak over her shoulder, Matilda turns around to see a Combusken just a few yards away. It scratches at the ground and exhales sharply as though preparing to charge the two. Completely out of self-preservation Matilda hurls the Pokeball at the Pokemon, her eyes widening as she takes several steps backward despite the Pokeball hitting its mark perfectly, pulling the Combusken into the capsule just as it steps forward. Sarin and Mattie both stare at the Pokeball for a few moments making sure the capsule doesn't break open. When it seems all is safe, Sarin flies over and grabs the Pokeball in his talons, flying it over to Mattie and depositing it in her open and waiting hand.[break][break]

The sound of her name on Mars' tongue pulls Mattie out of her disbelief. The remnants of a memory from the Christmas party put a slight blush on her cheeks, but she meets the banker's gaze. "Mmhmm?" She asks, having completely forgotten the previous topic at this point.


[break][break]

Double Wild Thread w/ Martín del Mar[break]
Gon catch dat Combusken!!

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","credit"]milky

Spotting a pink and black blob off to the left of the path, Sarin swoops down and alerts Matilda, attempting to lead her back a bit. She frowns at Sarin and hands her bag to Metis before gesturing him to move back. Sarin looks over to where he'd spotted the wild Pokemon, and Matilda creeps up to see it, using the rocks as cover. [break][break]

Sarin flies over and lands on her shoulder, hoping to get a better look along with his Trainer. Together the two spot the large Bewear scavenging a small tree for berries. Mattie giggles softly, the sight too cute to...bear! Get it?? Bear...Bewe...eh, she made herself laugh and that's all that mattered. As she turns to leave her foot slips on a loose rock and she nearly falls. Though she manages to catch herself in time, she doesn't manage to keep her feet under her silently and the Bewear's snuffling ceases. His large head whips around and Mattie's grin is instantly gone. Her face pales and she continues backing away moving as quickly and silently as possible.[break][break]

Metis peeks his head around a bend in the path a little ways back. Locking eyes with his Trainer, he points to a small rock a few feet away from her that she could maybe possibly *barely* fit behind. A curious grunt from the nearby Bewear sends Matilda scrambling for the rock Metis suggested as Sarin takes off into the sky, drawing the Bewear's attention to him. The wild Pokemon watches the small bird for a moment, then lumbers over the rock the two had initially been sneaking a peek from. He sniffs the ground where Mattie had fallen and takes one slow, sweeping look around, then heads off back to his berry bushes.[break][break]

Curled up in the smallest ball she could contort herself into, it takes Sarin landing on her for Mattie to open her eyes again. With the bear gone, she exhales and relaxes. "Thank you so so much, little guy," she whispers to Sarin, giving him a gentle pet along his head. Sarin enjoys the love for a moment, but Metis quickly shows up and sets Matilda's bag down next to her. "Woof, that was close. Let's keep on keeping on, yeah?"[break][break]

Wings brush against Matilda's cheek as Sarin takes off once more, scouting the path for them as Mattie and Metis keep an eye on either side of the path.



[break][break]

Single Wild Thread[break]
Pass on Bewear (2/3) <3

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[attr="class","credit"]milky

The sound of loud thumps pulls Matilda and Sarin away from their snacks. Metis doesn't even flinch, still deep in his meditation.[break][break]

The Trainer and her Taillow step carefully across the stones to where they hear the noise, and peek over a large rock. About twenty feet away is a large Primeape repeatedly punching a giant boulder, his fists leaving giant divets in its makeshift punching bag. The two silently lower themselves back behind the rock and tiptoe back over to Metis. Whether he was angry or just practicing, they both figured it best to leave a grumpy Primeape alone.[break][break]

Eventually Metis finishes up his meditation break, and the three of them head back out along the path. "Sarin, fly around and scout for any Pokemon we might come across, okay? We definitely don't want to stumble across another guy like that without a heads up." Sarin nods and takes off, flying in large circles over his companion's heads, keeping watch for any nearby Pokemon.



[break][break]

Single Wild Thread[break]
Pass on Primeape <3

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","credit"]milky

Mattie smiles and bounces up on her toes, seemingly having more energy than her body could retain. "It's true, good help is so hard to find," she says in a mockingly wistful tone as though she could empathize. Garnet cuts her eyes at her Trainer and Matilda quickly backpedals. "No no Garnet, I don't mean you," she assures the almost human Pokemon, pink gently coloring her cheeks as she clears her throat uncomfortably.[break][break]

Garnet nods once in forgiveness, and Matilda informs her that she'll double check the list they'd made together while she shops. Seemingly satisfied but not entirely happy with the situation, a flash of light pulls the Gothitelle into her Pokeball and Mattie sighs quietly in relief. "I'm gonna have to make up for that," she mutters, partially to herself and partially to Mars.[break][break]

"I just received a large sum from my aunt, so I purchased a house here in Hoenn! It's completely bare though, definitely in need of some TLC. I heard Mauville was the place to buy if you've got some disposable income, so - here I am!" Mattie throws her arms out and turns on the balls of her feet, her dress flowing around in a circle as she spins. Looking around, a questioning look crosses her features. "You...live here?" She asks a bit incredulously.


[break][break]

Mission: New Year, New Me [WW][break]
Martín del Mar[break]
Open thread <3

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","credit"]milky

Excitement dances in her eyes at the offer of learning from a Trainer with a gym badge. "Oh that would be so great! I haven't taken on any gym challenges yet, but I definitely have a few Pokemon who would be happier in that kind of environment. Rigel is definitely one of them. Sarin here is another." The Taillow flits about above the group, happy to stretch his wings.[break][break]

Mattie's lips turn downward in an uncharacteristic frown as Mars explains his relationship to Eris. The small girl seemed to enjoy her days and the time she spent adventuring, but what a horrible way to grow up. Parents never around, leaving you to be raised by a Pokemon and whoever's around that cares more about you than them, the people who are supposed to love and protect you. Not like she had much room to talk, mind you, but at least her parents found a good place for her and sent her away out of love and a sense of protection, not a lack thereof. [break][break]

Staring quietly ahead, Matilda gets lost in her thoughts as the two walk, completely unaware of her troubled expression.


[break][break]

Double Wild Thread w/ Martín del Mar

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[attr="class","credit"]milky

Matilda giggles and waves back to the Raichu. "I actually have a Pichu - I'm hoping he evolves into an Alolan Raichu. They're so cute." Matilda takes a moment to connect with the two Psychic Raichu, waving back and showering them with pets and snacks, as long as Mars approves. "Psychic and Water types - excellent choices." Watching the two Raichu play, Sarin takes flight and stretches his wings, enjoying his new companions. [break][break]

"Psychic types are unbelievably powerful," Mattie mentions offhandedly. "My Gothitelle, Garnet, is more useful than I ever would've thought." She pauses, glancing over at Mars. "Hey, I've been meaning to ask - of everything you find important, Eris Halla seems to top the list for you. Is she maybe..." Leaving the question open-ended so as to not offend the man, she looks up at him through her eyelashes, waiting for an answer.


[break][break]

Double Wild Thread w/ Martín del Mar

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[attr="class","credit"]milky

The cable car ride had been fairly quiet. Mars was a busy man, and if he'd been on his phone for most of the trip, she was sure he'd had a good reason. Business things, or...personal things. Either way, she kept to herself about it and spent her time on Sarin, her Taillow who had yet to see much in the way of training.[break][break]

He was a brave soul though, and Matilda figured there probably was much more he could teach her than the other way around. She was sure to give him words of encouragement and (almost) all the snacks he wanted on the way down, so he could fly unimpeded by his stomach whether it be too empty or too full.[break][break]

Once they'd begun their hike Mars seemed a bit less distracted, so Matilda took the opportunity to try to get to know him a bit better. "So, you specialize in Psychic types? What made you choose Psychics?" Mattie would occasionally glance at her companion, but more often than not she was focused on where her feet were placed so she hopefully wouldn't embarrass herself this time around.


[break][break]

Double Wild Thread w/ Martín del Mar

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[attr="class","credit"]milky

Inhaling deeply, Mattie savored the cleanliness of the air. It was no Littleroot or Verdanturf, but it was worlds better than constantly wearing a mask to keep ash out of your lungs.[break][break]

Metis took a look around and, finding a spot he found appropriate, began working through some yoga poses. Matilda and Sarin shared a look, then both shrugged and found a place to rest - Matilda on a nearby boulder, and Sarin on her shoulder. Sarin peeps and hops a few times, making eyes at Mattie's backpack. "You hungry, bud?" Before she even finishes the question he's chirping happily. Mattie giggles and pulls some dried fruit out of her bag. "Okay okay, here you go. Gotta fuel up before you fly." The two share some snacks, being sure to keep their voices lowered so as to not interrupt Metis' meditation.



[break][break]

Single Wild Thread

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","credit"]milky

The sound of her footsteps can't be heard over the hustle and bustle of the department store. It was for the best, really; given her size, she could easily weave through the crowds and keep her eyes on the porygon calmly gliding to its next destination, wherever that may be.[break][break]

Rigel was silent, a surprising change of pace for him, but without looking Matilda could feel his intensity. At least he took things seriously when they were on a job. Dodging through a small crowd, Matilda emerges - and the porygon is nowhere to be seen. [break][break]

Dammit. Panting lightly with the effort of having chased the angular bird through several stores and floors of the building, Mattie takes a seat on the nearest bench. The sound of the water feature behind them was...well, as calming as it could be given the circumstances. [break][break]

Rigel mutters under his breath, but Matilda knows it's not entirely directed at her. She gives the small Pichu on her shoulder a little scritch on his head and reassures him. "Don't worry, we'll find it."


[break][break]

Mission: Data Leak [break]
@jessica

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","credit"]milky

Keeping an eye on Eris around the Slugma, Matilda can't help but let out a small squeal of joy when they yawn. As the fire slugs depart slowly Cass is the one to bound forward and grab one of the exothermic stones, happily hugging it to her chest. The small Cinccino ensures that Eris gets a stone without the Slugma causing any issues for her before climbing back up to Matilda's shoulder, still clutching the fire gem.[break][break]

Without hurrying the small girl, Mattie makes sure that she returns back to the group safely. Clearly she was important and...had absentee parents?? Regardless of her situation, if Mars was looking out for her, Matilda would too.[break][break]

Once the three were safely reunited with the main group of excavators Mattie heads back over to Mars to show him the companion stone to the ones they'd found together. Her fingers brush against his shoulder gently to get his attention but an earthen mass darts between the two and she stumbles back a couple steps, watching it pinball around the group before disappearing.[break][break]

Staring for a few moments at the spot where it had disappeared, Mattie eventually lets out a small stunned, "...huh." She steps forward and reaches up, once again just about to show Mars the fire stone when the roar of dozens of underground Pokemon charging forward breaks out behind her.[break][break]

The Trainers all scatter in different directions yelling orders to their Pokemon. Matilda darts through the crowd, her small size coming in handy as she makes her way to the edge of the cavern and climbs up onto a boulder. Neither she nor Cass were big enough to take a front line position so staying out of the way was how she could best help the group and she knew it; and making sure she was somewhere safe that Dom could still keep an eye on her would ensure he, and therefore Mags, would be more useful in the fight.[break][break]

Still holding the warm stone, Cass leaps across a few boulders further into the Excadrill swarm. None of them paid much attention to her given her positioning - Mattie watched her warily, but didn't call out to her so as to not draw the horde's attention to her. The little Cinccino closes her eyes and focuses for a moment before opening her mouth to Sing. Clear, sweet notes ring out as she lulls a small group of the Excadrill below her to sleep. The acoustics in the cave are excellent and for a moment she considers projecting and just putting all of them to sleep, but she catches sight of Matilda letting out a yawn and stops herself. She doesn't want to put everyone to sleep. Content with the handful of Excadrill she'd neutralized, she leaps deftly back over to Matilda and pats her Trainer's cheek to keep her awake.[break][break]

jMR63_|9

[break][break]

TL;DR:[break]
-Keeps an eye on Eris around the lava slugs to make sure she stays safe[break]
-Gets pushed away from Mars by the Drilbur's hasty exit[break]
-Climbs up on a boulder at the cavern's edge to stay out of the way during the fight, but still be visible by the Trainers so they know she isn't lost again[break]
-Cass Sings a handful of Excadrill to sleep
[break]

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[attr="class","credit"]milky

Whirling around at the sound of her name, Matilda spots a familiar face nearby. "Mars!" She cries out excitedly. Dashing over to wrap him in a hug she holds him tight, her cheek resting on his chest.[break][break]

It isn't until her arms are around him that she reminds herself Not everyone likes hugs, you should've asked. Her eyes flutter open and she lets go of him, clearing her throat and flashing him her signature sunny smile. Gesturing to all the shops around them she asks, "What're you doing here? You strike me as the kind of guy who has people to do his shopping for him." A wink is added to emphasize the latter sentence's sarcasm, but her question is genuine.[break][break]

From behind Matilda Garnet slowly approaches, her stride never breaking a calm stroll. The Gothitelle raises an eyebrow at Mars and the corner of her lips curl into the barest hint of a smile before her expression returns to its neutral stony mask.


[break][break]

Mission: New Year, New Me [WW][break]
Martín del Mar[break]
Open thread <3

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

[attr="class","credit"]milky