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It wasn't even old enough to be a nightmare, yet Ashley still lived through it again. It played over and over in his head. The anger. The elevator up. The bloody slaughterhouse, watching couches topple, men suffer, and the gun placed upon his temple. He can still feel the pistol's trigger, the itch of it to pull, the final hesitation. The knife to his side, and the full magazine emptied.[break][break]

Your soul is forfeit.[break][break]

Who was that for?[break][break]

One final act of resistance from a father that never deserved a child, that deserved to be more than a stain upon the streets of Unova, that never deserved more than a cushy spot in the underworld.[break][break]

Isaac's words are... they have him wince. Because he's right. He doesn't want to. But the thing about therapy he still had learned from his days before Hoenn Rocket come back. "Thing is, man. I really don't want to." He shrugs his shoulders. "But if we don't talk about it, that shit festers into something worse. Trust me. First rule about therapy is being able to talk it over. Just haven't... processed it all yet."[break][break]

He takes a moment to look out towards their destination. They were just out to swipe treasure, right? They could go over it on the way.[break][break]

Kepler could probably hear them over comms... might as well just get it all out in the open.[break][break]

"I killed my birth father last night. Years of no child support. He got a cushy job. He tried to overdose my birth mother while pregnant with me. He fixed up his act. He attempted to bury any evidence of me. He got promoted and made much more money. He was behind a hit on my birth mother, leaving my half-sister without a mom." Ashley was judgment in that moment. Last night, he felt right in the choice. But the way he spoke was almost mechanical. Like he felt nothing now having done the deed. That glint in his eye was gone. Holy Diver lets his hand go, and just makes a small cry as he hides behind Isaac. He doesn't like how cold Ashley refers to it. Like a negative lesson learned.[break][break]

Then he turns his head. "Tell me. If you had the chance to kill a man like that, would you?" His silver eyes, bagged as they were, were filled with self-loathing. "Did he not deserve to die? I'm asking. Because I don't know anymore." He begins to tear up. Training had messed him up. Holy Diver quickly races over to hug his leg.

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Isaac's comment has him laugh, only for Kepler's to make him do so more. It was nice, having just a wee bit of levity to help level it out. Ashley sure is on edge since last time. After all.[break][break]

Last time they were here, he nearly lost Kep and Isaac both.[break][break]

To put it bluntly, he's freaked, panicked beyond belief. But he masks it well now. He learned that from Zev. And there's a little of that Sawyer charm there. He even puts sassily enough. "You kidding? The views! And the neighbors are so quiet, they're almost like phantoms! We could run around in booty shorts if we want to!" He cackles, a sassy smirk on his face.[break][break]

With Bongo doing his best to walk about the camp with a inquisitive monkey eye, he does so counter-clockwise to spot threats while staying inside the salt ring, as Ashley looks over the salt.[break][break]

An entire mansion was one thing for salt. But... Isaac has a point, and while Kep is appreciative, anxiety grips Ash like a squeaky toy. It's not just fear over Kep or Isaac, it's the fact they have to spend a night here. Of course he should have at least seen this coming, considering Kep was okay now after that scare, but maybe he was just a little seduced at the time to mind. But...[break][break]

In truth, Ashley was scared of this place now. He just has to keep hiding it.[break][break]

"We should have one of us keep watch with our Pokemon at a time. If we sleep in three hour shifts, we can... probably get through the night okay." He can feel a tightness on his chest? Shortness of breath?[break][break]

Why now?

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Honestly, they were both lucky. Astoundingly so. Yes, Isaac and Cygne were lucky, but... his friend having cancelled the lunch day the day he found Kep. Luck was something he thanked daily. But Kepler wasn't wrong in that.[break][break]

"I wanted you to be there. The sub, it's stuffy..." And he rubbed the back of his neck. His cheeks heated up. "You needed it more than me anyways. All I wanted was the kitchen."[break][break]

Once in his arms, Ashley's eyes soften as he holds Kepler tightly. Letting him inhale. Exhale. Breathe it all in.[break][break]

Ashley missed this. Fuck knew, April couldn't come sooner. He bit his lip, because much like Kepler, he was now thinking about it. Letting him take him all in. Fuck, he was thinking about it. He needed to stop. He responds.[break][break]

"G... go for it, babe." His heart is beating erratically. Kepler could easily feel it. He always felt this way. He wanted to keep it like this.[break][break]

"We-" The heist comes to his mind. He WOULD succeed. "Come with me. Alola, Kalos, Galar. Anywhere with you." Nothing compared to Kepler. Being here with him, that was his personal oasis. The rest of the world may have been crazy, but this? This was serenity. "In June."

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Kepler's reassurance does help him relax. But hearing how the procedures are, he attempts to put it together in his head. A heart with electric signals being detected. Taking blood from a syringe, and finally, like an X-Ray. It made it a lot better. "I'll come watch, sure." But as soon as Ash felt Kepler's heartbeat, he smiles warmly in return. He closes his eyes.[break][break]

"My favorite feeling." He's cheesy, so cheesy in fact that he just quietly lets it beat as he continues to listen.[break][break]

He realizes then... how much stress he had put on Kepler. The hopeful tone he gives is one thing, but when Kep explains how this was just the same, his hand stays where it does. "Right." And he stops, and eyes gaze forward. His lips turn up. He can't apologize for it, and neither can Kepler. It doesn't mean they can't be worried for each other. They will. That's what they would do.[break][break]

Of course... the laugh shines light on it all. Kep apologizes, and as he pulls an arm around Kep, he shakes his head.[break][break]

"I can wait for you." He doesn't mind at all. And he even adds in. "Sides, in three months, I'll be buff enough for you to climb like a tree." He jokes.[break][break]

Half-jokes, anyways.[break][break]

As he holds Kep there, he has to ask. "And it means you can still do science stuff. Since that room is your lab." He smiles, closing his eyes. "It'll be like a stay-at-home husband kind of thing. Just for a little while. Still can kiss, hug, cuddle, watch shows together. Nothing changes." And then he decides to go into some levity.

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It's like arrhythmia a moment.[break][break]

The door opens, and he sees the sultry robed body of his heart, and Ashley, standing in his gym attire, didn't even change out of it before rushing home. A bag hits the floor, as he feels his heart rate accelerate. His eyes try to not undress him, and he's staring. He's staring so much that his silver eyes try to trace every nook and cranny.[break][break]

Then comes a corny line, and a giggle. Ash is in love again, as he takes a step further, and instead of letting Kepler think he's dropped it, he plays it off. "Oh, I thought I'd come to visit." A step forward, to close the distance. "After all, you seem like you could use some company." He still smells like the gym. Dammit, he should have showered. He should have. Ashley curses himself under his breath.[break][break]

He's another step closer, and his hand attempts to move to Kepler's side. A charming tone, he tries to use that southern Unovan tone he used on Kepler on their first date.[break][break]

"Mighty fine robe you got. But it might look better on the floor."[break][break]

He's trying to be smooth, and his eyes aren't even moving to the bedroom. Because in his mind? Ash has no intention of making it that far.

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With the confusion, Ashley is sure the pup is about to crash to earth. It works, but not without its own troubles. That is to say, the STOMPING TANTRUM makes him click his tongue. Dammit. It worked out in her favor. Yes, damage to the Lycanroc was good, but the tower suffered. Which meant...[break][break]

Ashley was still holding back.[break][break]

He bites the inside of his cheek, and points down to the ground, as the Noivern speeds down back to hover above the air. He turns to Francie, and decides to let loose.[break][break]

"Knock it out. Air Slash." He orders, as the sound dragon begins to pulse from his ears again to force vibrations in the wind, slicing up every direction in his AIR SLASH, to cause a slicing wind to strike the confused pup. Ash turns towards Francie. Why am I still hesitating? He's grimacing now, silver eyes waiting to see what the blondie does next. Air Slash won't do much to the dog. Rock Type. He knows this. He has strong Dragon Moves that would overwhelm her, he figures.[break][break]

So then why?

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Right hand man...[break][break]

Ashley runs a hand over his face, and through his silver hair. He was sweating? No... he must have been crying. Shit. "Ah. Sorry, man." He yawns, and tries to make excuses again. Again. "Didn't get much sleep." It wasn't just that. So it's a half-truth.[break][break]

Charles came out, and thankfully, the Heal Pulse alleviates his mind, and his wound. It closes up more from the bandages, and he nods, stretching. It was a dick move to have a knife pulled on him there at the end. "Thanks." It did wake him up a little.[break][break]

Holy Diver grabs his left hand, and holds it with his paw, with Ashley holding the Buizel, and closing his eyes. Would be nice... to...[break][break]

"..." He takes a moment and... then he decides to crack. "How are you holding up since last night?" Ash asks Isaac. Knowing damn well seven men were dead now. And Ashley was the direct cause of that slaughterhouse. The red of the walls, the splatter and gore. Him. All him.[break][break]

He didn't have trouble looking at himself in the mirror anymore. That part was worse.

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[attr="class","wizzcred"]❤ wizz

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It's definitely no standout performance, but that last round, Ash and Bongo truly did get into sync. And while they didn't win, they didn't reach the summit they wanted, they had fun. But moving up to fourth place had Ashley grab Bongo's hand, the gorilla and the monke of a man looking into each other's eyes. Homies. Bros.[break][break]

"This is all because of you buddy. Even if we burnout here, you are the star. You got us this far. Okay?" He assures Bongo. The big gorilla beginning to tear up, pulling Ashley into a heavy bear hug, as the last challenge is given, they hug like brothers. As the Rillaboom lets Ashley fall back to his feet...[break][break]

They both have fire in their eyes, and wordlessly, they hit the pantry again. But instead of revealing their hand, they return minutes later with Ashley holding the basket, Bongo holding his brother like a bride-to-be. "Get ready to be dazzled! This one is dedicated to my love back home. I wouldn't be half who I am without you." he announces to the crowd, and as he is set to the ground, he looks to Bongo. "Or you, ya big lug." the Kronk-and-Yzma dynamic high-five is made.[break][break]

They hit the ground running, chopping dark chocolate with the mezzaluna together, one hand each for the duo. Once chopped up, Bongo throws it in a bowl, and Ash in another microwaves some heavy cream for a minute. The duo high-five, and with the most energetic hold-out from Bongo, Ashley takes the heavy cream out, and pours over the chopped chocolate together.[break][break]

Next? Ashley gently mixes it, until the chocolate is melted, combined and smooth. And, a nice little dose of vanilla extract for an added kick. This mixture goes in the fridge. Needs to get thicken. This endeavor would take about an hour. They would be one of the last ones in, but that was okay. Ashley was a gambling man. Bongo was a gambling gorilla. The duo together would be the worst gacha players of all time. Or extremely competent Wailords.[break][break]

Now. The fun part. Time to sift almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder in a bowl. Then, using Ashley's favorite implement, the stand mixer, he fits a whisk attachment on to whisk egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Then, Bongo comes in, adds cream of tartar. Mixer comes to life on medium-high, and now the granulated sugar is getting added in gradually. Not all at once.[break][break]

Once Bongo finishes pouring in the sugar, Ashley nods to Bongo, and Bongo nods, turning it to the highest setting. One big gorilla hand to make sure the stand mixer stays in place, as he watches Ash get a baking sheet.[break][break]

Lining it with a silicone mat, Ash prepares the oven for 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and as the mixture is properly stand-mixed, he uses a spatula to fold the saved flour, sugar, and cocoa ingredient in, and makes sure to do it half-and-half. First half, second half. Once he makes a figure 8, he pulls the spatula away. Now, comes the piping bag.[break][break]

With Bongo wiping away his sweat, Ashley attachs a large round tip, and slowly, very slowly, makes small 1 inch rounds, with Bongo helping to squeeze. It's not perfect, but once they get enough on a pan, Bongo and Ashley take toothpicks and push out air bubbles from the future of their chocolate goods. And now, time to let them sit.[break][break]

The duo waits, watching contestant after contestant put in their work. All they can do, is give it 30 minutes. "They got no idea what's coming." With an 'mhmm' sound coming from Bongo, the duo laugh.[break][break]

And so then, as the oven is ready, and the little rounds are thrown in, they wait another 15. Ashley goes to check on the melted chocolate in the fridge. He tests it with a spoon. Thickened. He smirks. "Damn right." It was ready to be the whipped filling. And with that, their treat was almost ready. Now comes the best part.[break][break]

As their little cookies are done, and the piping bag is filled with the thick chocolate, Bongo pulls out the cooked cookies baking sheet, and sets it on the table. They wait another few minutes to cool off. Finally, as they cool down, Ashley puts a little chocolate on the first and third row. And then on the second and fourth, does much smaller lines of chocolate, with Bongo having the most important part; sprinkling the ingredient of choice. Sea salt, baby. Like an Oreo, mash em together, with that chocolate filling. Guess what you got?[break][break]

Now it may not seem like sea salt was important, but it adds the burst of flavor that these cookies desperately need.[break][break]

Putting them on a plate, Ashley sets the plate with the dish on the judge's table himself. "Dark chocolate sea salt macarons." This, was a gamble. But if it works?[break][break]

"Worth every bite." Damn right. If these were good? He'd serve some to Kepler in an apron. So help him.[break][break]

[break]

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Chaos ignites, and the boom of the quintet fans out.[break][break]

Theo's Banette releases, and with a Psychic to throw the sitting man into the wall, his left leg is slammed into it as he cries in pain. The other man, the left-seated man still surprised, fumbles for his Pokeball before a Shadow Ball collides into his chest, and he is thrown from the couch. Alive, but injured. However, out releases his own Pokemon; a Salazzle that begins to spit back at the Banette with POISON GAS, hoping too to hit the other men by the gas spread.[break][break]

Zev's Hatterene, in the same motion, Brutal Swings the two men on the couch, throwing them down to release a Scolipede and a Gabite. Defense. One man bleeds from his head, shaky in his stance. The other stands strong, hand to his jacket pocket. A pistol at the ready for Zev and his Hatterene. With a POISON TAIL and a TAKE DOWN, they attempt their best to strike the monster down.[break][break]

Gavin's Lucario had perhaps one of the swiftest kills though. The Extreme Speed flip throws the couch up, and the Aura Sphere... hits true. The gorey image of a man with half a head would haunt most people in their dreams.[break][break]

The Haxorous however roars out from the other man's Pokeball, and readies himself. The men were at a disadvantage, yes, but the Haxorous comes in for a DRAGON CLAW, attempting to come not for Faolan, but for Gavin himself. It charges recklessly.[break][break]

One man down.[break][break]

But the man that Theo's Banette had Psychic'd into the wall had attempted to reach for the door. The exit. He was bargaining. Begging. Pleading to get in, with all his might. His left leg looked twisted, as he wanted to go. To flee this hell. The blood and viscera already too much. But to no avail.[break][break]

Isaac's endeavors paid off in spades. The locks were already in place. The elevator, a free fall drop down dozens of floors. The emergency exit, under lock and vine. Which meant the men could fight to their heart's content; these men were going nowhere.[break][break]

Like a man on a mission, through this battlefield, Ashley was walking slowly through it.[break][break]

His vision was red.[break][break]

All he can see is red.[break][break]

All it is is red.[break][break]

The man sitting down watching, sweating, was pale.[break][break]

A bullet will paint that soon enough.[break][break]

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He felt faint a moment.[break][break]

"It's okay, Kep. We're okay." He mumbles those words like he did the previous night. He remembers needing to cry, to let it out, to pull Kep in. No tears. He wanted desperately to tell Kepler that he had done something good in the world. That justice was brought back. Some semblance of balance. But the façade was up, and Ash knew it.[break][break]

He can still feel those beautiful black locks between his fingers...[break][break]

"Huh?" Out of his daze, his dream-like nigh-unconscious flow, he sees the hand that extends out to him. Ash feels upon his belt, and for a second, he's still there. No. That's not quite right. He IS still there. That person that was there. Hardened, certainly. But still present.[break][break]

He grabs the ball, and eyes it. Which one was that? He feels on the exterior, feeling for etchings he's made in them. H.D. He gives a small smile, and lets the ball fall from his hand.[break][break]

The orange weasel comes out. Holy Diver, and his gaze is on Isaac a spell, as Ashley gives the weasel a soft smile through the mask. Silver gaze softening. "Hey bud. I'm not doing too well. My body still hurts." He moves a hand to a wound on his person, and feels on the bandaging beneath the hoodie. He winces. "When'd you get here, Isaac?" As exhausted as his mind is, he's still present. Just a little slow on his own uptake.[break][break]

He's still Ashley.

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Everything is a little worse now. It was supposed to make him feel better. Catharsis for what what the man did to his birth mother. A bullet was supposed to make it all better. It would fix his mind, his heart, and the years of struggling to eat he had to endure without a single family member.[break][break]

Turns out, Zev Harcourt's training worked almost too well. THEO BECKETT's too. Even Cillian Quinn's.[break][break]

He would lay in bed at night next to kepler brueshaber, awake. Watching him sleep. He felt comfort. But it couldn't help him now. It didn't solve the issue at hand, the dull white noise in his ear. He used to have blood on his hands, but he rejected the responsibility that it was his fault, forego the conclusion he was a bad person, and assumed everyone in Rocket must be. To deny the aspect of himself entirely.[break][break]

Hypocritical as it was, it saved his soul before.[break][break]

Now, there is no comfort. There is realization. Epiphany that what sits within his vacant soul now is a cruel, twisted man. He cannot deny that now. Truth be told, Mr. Adam Byron's corpse was a steadfast reminder that any innocence he had was forfeit. His soul, forfeit.[break][break]

Mr. Sawyer was a murderer. A killer. He had the capacity. That was enough.[break][break]

So here he is. The day after. The warfront. A simple mission, something to ease the mind, to distract the brain. He didn't get any sleep last night. He couldn't. Black bags weigh heavy with the sin of a monster within. And so, to Isaac, he just gives a sluggish nod to his greeting. "You too." Insomnia didn't suit him.[break][break]

In the end, Isaac was right to be worried. Ashley made a bad decision. Now he paid the price in more ways than one. All because of yesterday. Even know, sins of the father had tainted him so.

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She's... too chipper. It's almost infectious. Ash can't help but give a smile underneath the mask, and a sigh. Was she just one of those battle-heads?[break][break]

He's one to talk.[break][break]

As the Lycanroc scales the tower, Ashley looks to Bass and smiles. "Fly above, and confuse it." The Noivern nods, and stops their afterimages. It was true, this woman had gotten Ashley's strategy to fail, but that didn't mean he had to hurt the dog.[break][break]

With a lovely SUPERSONIC above the Lycanroc, aimed down, Bass attempted to fire off, landing on the comms tower and hanging off like a bat. A wonky bass drop, let's see how well that dog handles that.[break][break]

Ashley turns to her. "..."[break][break]

A less Rocket Ashley would tell her he didn't intend to hurt her, but he does thumb the pistol in his inner jacket pocket. He decide against it. He wasn't that far gone. Not yet.[break][break]

"Make sure he hits the ground, and hard." Ashley calls out to Bass.

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