Klaus's world narrowed to himself and the trash can beneath him. Eyes watering and the oppressive taste of bile in his mouth, the man groans softly when he looks up to a mint held out before his face. Jumping noticeably at The Fixer's voice, Klaus slowly looks upwards to the man in question, his brows furrowing in confusion at what he assumes is a Master Chief cosplay; nonetheless, a warbly smile is offered and Klaus answers in a quiet, hoarse voice, "Thanks."
[break][break]
With a grimace at the taste in his mouth, Klaus coughs a few times before pushing his hair out of his eyes - once upright again he takes the offered mint with a visibly shaking hand. The young man spits one last time in the trash can and then gratefully pops the mint into his mouth in an effort to be rid of the horrid taste.
[break][break]
Any relief he feels, however, is quickly destroyed by the reappearance of oscar clayton. Klaus's expression hitches into confusion as 'big cat' is levelled at him, his head cocking faintly to the side as he tries to parse what, exactly, is happening. "Big cat?" He repeats in bewilderment, though soon turns utterly still as he takes note of the nearby Genesect. "I'm fine. Really," he coughs out, his voice raw while a blush of embarrassment overcomes his features. Then, in a softer voice he murmurs to Oscar, "Thanks."
[break][break]
He's almost grateful when he feels his phone buzz in his pocket, his hand immediately moving to pull it out for a welcomed distraction from this overall disastrous day. Using the excuse to momentarily ignore his surrounding company, Klaus's expression blanks as he's greeted with a photo of himself from just minutes ago. Taking note that Martín del Mar sent it, Klaus's magenta-rose eyes slowly raise towards the overview where several of Rocket's administration reside; the young man gives serious consideration to texting back a string of swears, but ultimately decides against it, the phone instead shoved roughly back into his pocket and arms crossing over his chest in an effort to self-comfort.
[break][break]
Thoroughly aware of the attention his has accidentally managed to draw, Klaus keeps his attention glued onto the ground, his face a brilliant scarlet despite his best efforts.

[break][break]

+ Klaus's no good very bad day continues

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

"Ah," Klaus replies, his nose wrinkling faintly. He had seen his own share of corpses in the ocean and could not find it in himself to envy anyone who willingly went searching for them. He blinks once as the woman before him continues to talk, her self-assured comment as to things too dark and bloody for this sort of event certainly unexpected.
[break][break]
A flighty, uncertain laugh spills from Klaus as he's prompted further about his job, his expression momentarily hesitant. "Nothing that exciting," he assures Elaine. "I usually work nights. Have to upkeep the property. Make sure the radios and such are working." With a shrug he adds, "Sometimes we get middle school trips out of Lilycove. Those are always fun, actually. They come out for the afternoon and have their lunches and we give them a little tour."
[break][break]
Offering a half-smile he pivots the conversation with, "Any hobbies? I play viola for the kids sometimes."





[break][break]

+ Elaine Highland

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Wholly oblivious to anyone he might have known in the crowd, BARNABY FINCH is quite safe for the time being, Klaus instead wrapped up in knots in his own head. Why did there have to be so many people? Glancing swiftly around the room with deep consideration given for simply leaving, a noise directed in his direction stops Klaus dead in his tracks.
[break][break]
Oh no.
[break][break]
Klaus attempts to sink further back but ultimately fails as oscar clayton and priam conrad round upon him. A barely-heard "What?" sounds from Klaus as he's rounded upon, his hand automatically lifting to touch his hair as it's commented upon. His eyes widen as he's subsequently called "Frosty" and is assured the entirety of the room were friends. Klaus was fairly certain he didn't know anyone here, save Elisabeth Fiorelli, but he couldn't see her.
[break][break]
Realising not a few eyes are now upon him, panic grips Klaus; his throat seized shut and breath temporarily halted as his face turns white as a sheet. He was alone in a sea of people making an absolute fool of himself. Worse, nothing had even started yet. Klaus gives a little shake of his head as Oscar inquires if he's alright. No. No he was not. This was too much - why did there have to be so many people?
[break][break]
Priam's comment about auditions seems to be the tipping point, unfortunately. His stomach roiling, hands shaking, and a thin sheen of sweat evident on his brow, Klaus looks dumbly at Priam for half-a-beat before he turns suddenly, bolting the short distance to a nearby trash can and leans over it. Gripping its sides for dear life the young man heaves up the contents of his stomach, an utterly wretched look overcoming his expression.
[break][break]
"I'm f-" he tries to say before another heave silences him, his hand lifting to indicate just a moment. "I'm fine," Klaus whispers weakly again, a cough sounding from the young man before he spits out a mouthful of stomach acid.


[break][break]

+ Someone get that boy some pepto

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Gretel visibly preens as Ruin gives a huffed laugh, the compliment taken with grace and aplomb. Yes, she deserved this sort of admiration, as did her companion in turn. All should recognise her beauty, grace, and power. Her expression turns wholly wicked, however, as their pact is sealed with a touching of fin and maw. A diabolical trill sounds from the Skrelp's muzzle, a demented laugh sure to strike terror into the hearts of her enemies. Or at least plankton.
[break][break]
The little Skrelp's laughter is cut short by the roar which rips from Ruin's maw. Now alert, her ruby eyes narrow as the Tyrunt charges, a brief flicker of white-hot anger spiking in her gut - betrayal! But... no? It seems this would prove to be a true alliance after all.
[break][break]
Gretel cocks her head to the side as the would-be usurper is dropped before her; something cracks in her frosty little heart at the offering, the Skrelp's fins puffing up in admiration at the gift. Flitting nearer, the Skrelp settles herself on top of the Marill, making a throne of the conquered orb.
[break][break]
Looking upon Ruin with utmost devotion, Gretel warbles softly at the Tyrunt, her King amongst the rabble of the yard. The sound of the Daycare's backyard door, however, suddenly draws her attention. Interlopers! Thinking fast as a bewildered, "What the hell?" sounds from the Daycare worker, Gretel releases a Smokescreen from her muzzle to obscure the pair.
[break][break]
Danger!
[break][break]
With a frantic look towards Ruin, Gretel nudges his leg for the Tyrunt to follow. If they worked together they could slip past the worker and continue their rampage inside.



[break][break]

+ The Fixer

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Wordlessly observing the ocean from the back of his Lapras, the two cruising at a leisurely pace, Klaus hums absently along with his music; his fingertips idly drum against one of the shell spikes he sits behind, his arms crossed over its top and chin resting there comfortably. Klaus's magenta-red eyes fall half-lid as the sun washed over him, the man nearly falling asleep until the warbling trill of Anwhistle draws his attention.
[break][break]
"Yeah, yeah," Klaus mumbles out with a good-natured grousing. Rummaging through his pack, the young man pulls out a collapsible fishing rod which he pieces together. Deciding to be utterly lazy for his expedition, Klaus attaches a pokeball to the end of the line and tosses it into the water. If he failed to catch something, so be it.
[break][break]
Settling onto his Lapras's back again, a soft, contented sigh spills from Klaus's lips as he observes the sun glow upon the ocean, the shimmering silver light shifting and dancing like the scales of some great leviathan. His breath evening out, Klaus slowly falls asleep as he fishes, his dreams filled with jumping Magikarp in place of Wooloo.
[break]

[break][break]

a2YIc24d

[break][break]

+

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Turning fully, something akin to relief washes over Klaus's expression at the news there are other syringes, a low "Oh thank god," spilling from his lips before he laughs awkwardly. "This would have sucked if we only had one." He then reaches out to take the syringe from Elisabeth, an almost shy nod offered at her question as she goes to see if one of the pipes will work.

[break][break]
Glancing at his hands, he fumbles for a moment while shuffling the hex nut and glue, the man wisely sinking onto the ground to fiddle with everything involved. "I wouldn't want your pokemon to get hurt," Klaus answers as to Elisabeth's speciality, his brow furrowing minutely as he struggles to yank the cap off the glue - finally releasing, he begins to carefully apply a pea-sized dollop of glue onto the syringe's plunger, the hex nut soon following.

[break][break]
"We have to improvise all sorts of shit at the lighthouse," Klaus answers absently between blowing on the glue to dry it. "This should work. Here," he says as of a sudden as he leverages onto his feet, the syringe handed to Elisabeth for safekeeping. His has already stained with oil and grease from the compressor, Klaus rummages through the pipes until finding the diameter he assumes he'll need, and then strides over to the cage.

[break][break]
Standing a respectable distance away, Klaus thoughtfully positions the pipe on one of the bars and gives it a little wiggle, the motion drawing the Pangoro's attention. Earning a roar for his efforts, but not an outright attack, an almost manic grin spreads over Klaus's face as he takes the pipe over to another section of the warehouse, pulls up several pieces of scrap, and begins soldering metal together - a few moments later and a makeshift nozzle-attachment has been created for his efforts.

[break][break]
"Now or never," Klaus chirps. His head cocking to the side, he asks, "How's your aim?"

[break][break]

+ Elisabeth Fiorelli

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

As a new pokemon is let into the yard Gretel pays little mind, her sleek form cutting through the pool and threats of poison keeping back a particularly invested Totodile; small shots of gunk in the form of haphazard Sludge Bombs litter one corner of the pool, the wary Totodile eventually giving up to sulk beneath one of the shady trees some distance away. Preening at her successful defense of the water, the Skrelp slowly turns at the sounds of nearby stomping, her ruby eyes narrowing as her attention settles upon the Tyrunt.
[break][break]
Snuffing once in warning, Gretel eventually, slowly, makes her way to the opposite end of the pool to examine her new potential foe. The greeting, however, seems well received, and the little Skrelp dips below the water to resurface a short distance away from Ruin; Gretel leans forwards, her muzzle nearly but not quite tapping against the tip of the Tyrunt's own broad face.
[break][break]
Her curiosity piqued when the dragon-type fails to retreat, Gretel's attention suddenly snaps to the sound of movement behind her. Eyes narrowed dangerously as she spies the Totodile attempting to once more encroach upon her domain, a shrill cry of anger fills the air as the Skrelp spits out a Smokescreen followed by a Dragon Pulse, water spraying everywhere from the force of its impact.
[break][break]
How dare that Totodile!
[break][break]
For its transgressions, the Totodile lies upside-down against the nearby tree, its eyes dizzy with confusion as to what, exactly, just happened. Another glance over her shoulder is spared to ensure that Ruin has not moved, her muzzle twitching with an itch to spray Acid, Gretel reins in her reign of terror as she remembers her trainer's admonishment to Behave. Snuffling instead, she glides back over to the Tyrunt, and, with a little trill, dips her head in a pretty movement of greeting.
[break][break]
She could behave. She could be have so well. A gleam in her ruby eyes, Gretel extends a translucent fin of friendship.





[break][break]

+ The Fixer

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

"You'll have fun," Klaus goads his increasingly doubtful Skrelp, Gretel, as he kneels before the pokemon in the lobby of the Daycare. The poisonous sea dragon in question looks away with a snit, and Klaus sighs deeply, his hand reaching out to lightly pat Gretel; with that accomplished he finishes checking in the Skrelp and waves goodbye, an unspoken 'Behave' levelled at Gretel
[break][break]
Allowing a worker to escort her back to the grassy playground of the facility, Gretel immediately floats over to a small pool and flops within it. A malevolent gleam settling into her vibrant red eyes, the little Skrelp begins to make a menace of herself as she begins to foul the water with gobs of poison, resulting in the evacuation of several other water-types from the pool.
[break][break]
A queen overseeing her newly acquired kingdom, Gretel swims languidly without a care in the world.

[break][break]

+ The Fixer

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

"Elaine," Klaus repeats. "It's nice to meet you."

[break][break]
Once he releases Elaine's hand the young man fidgets in his seat, his fingers moving to idly pick at one of his nails in nervous habit. Klaus gives a nod as to his profession, his gaze casting sidelong to the Dhelmise that fades into view just on the edge of his peripheral vision. Good - he wasn't getting into too much trouble with so many people around.

[break][break]
His head cocking to the side, Klaus muses aloud, "So you like, find people? Figure out who killed people?" His attention once more focused on the woman before him, Klaus offers a half-smile as his hands continue to fidget against one another.

[break][break]
"That must be exciting, right?"

[break][break]

+ Elaine Highland

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Klaus immediately regretted responding to the invitation he had received - why there were so many people in the room already? Was this all of them? Would there be more? His hands subtly shaking, the young man pulls his hood up further in an attempt to disguise his features. Much to his own annoyance his pulse began to race. This was too awkward. Too much to embarrass himself over.
[break][break]
And yet.
[break][break]
Swallowing hard, Klaus begins to pick at one of his painted nails before quickly shoving his hands into his pockets to keep from fidgeting. He should have brought his headphones. That would have discouraged people chattering at him more than likely, and given him something to focus on.
[break][break]
He was going to have a damn panic attack at this rate.
[break][break]
Observing the group, it seemed several of members present knew each other already. He considers, briefly, grabbing one of the nearest bodies to introduce himself to, but ultimately shrinks back from the crowd the best he can. Better to wait for instructions than make an unmitigated fool of himself in front of so many people.

[break][break]

+ Participating and having a panic attack! He can multitask!

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Klaus offers a lop-sided grin as he's recognised, the sight rather ghoulish when paired with his blood-stained chin and shirt. "Bit hard yeah," he quips as to any attempt at a handshake. His expression shifts minutely following the name offered and Klaus immediately places Mars from several conversations with his Rocket contacts; Klaus always did his best to keep his head down metaphorically, but information such as the admins' names were important knowledge to possess.

[break][break]
A rumbling, "Hmm?" sounds from Klaus's chest at the observation of the weather, his head tipping up wards to look at the gathered clouds in a seemingly localised weather front. Brow furrowed, he begins to scan the waters, his sight immediately landing on the languidly swimming Aurorus.

[break][break]
Well. That was certainly unique.

[break][break]
"The fuck," he utters in a bewildered tone as he shifts forwards from where he sits, the man pushing onto his knees with his hands balanced on Lapras's shell spikes to get a better look at the decidedly out-of-place dinosaur. "Yeah," Klaus answers in distraction as he continues to watch the Aurorus, the man wholly oblivious as Mars's Vaporeon takes down a Clauncher which the CEO catches.

[break][break]
While it seemed his trip to check his smuggling locations was on hold for now, at least the outing had provided him with pokemon. "Hey," Klaus calls, garnering his Lapras's attention. With a tip of his head towards the Aurorus, the Lapras trills in a sing-song voice and lunges forwards, much to his trainer's chagrin.

[break][break]
"NOT BODY SLAM," Klaus roars in a panic, his hands scrambling for purchase on Anwhistle's shell spikes. "For fuck's sake use Ice Beam," the man snarls, his Lapras appearing quite put out at the directive as the nearby Skrelp belonging to Klaus seems to smirk. Nonetheless, an Ice Beam and pokeball later saves the Aurorus from further swimming and a later study as to whether the thing actually enjoys the water.

[break][break]
As his Skrelp drives to retrieve the pokeball, Klaus glances over his shoulder to Mars and offers as casually as he can manage despite his very-near heart attack from his Lapras, "You should come by the lighthouse sometime. I can give you a tour."

[break][break]

+ Martín del Mar

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Giving a little wave of goodbye to his first date, Klaus exhales an audible puff of air when he goes to collect his next partner: Elaine Highland. His nerves now somewhat burned away, the man takes a moment to smooth the front of his shirt and adjust his tie, his expression critical when he examines his blue nail polish. He should have changed the shade last night.

[break][break]
With a little wrinkle of his nose he shoves his hands into his pockets and saunters up to the appropriate table with what he hopes is a charming smile at the sight of his new partner. Pulling one hand out to extend it, he greets brightly, "Hey. I'm Klaus. It's nice to meet you."

[break][break]
The man then flops down into a chair on the opposite side of the table, his head cocking to the side as he looks over the woman. "I'm one of the lighthouse keepers over at Lilycove," he supplies by way of conversation. "What do you do?"

[break][break]

+ Elaine Highland

[attr="class","pokeclass"]