On Route 123, tucked between the trees and shoreline, lies a small tavern. Quaint, casual, a bit off-route perhaps, but its homely vibes and fair prices bring a decent amount of people around to fill their tables.

It's here the assassin has asked to meet councilwoman Livy, on a surprisingly chilly morning, to discuss the manilla folder that made its way into her hands. Briefing on a job well done, if so to say.

One hand holds a steaming cup of take-out coffee, as dark and bitter as she herself had pretended to be during the State of the Region. The other held a cartboard coaster with a second one; waiting for the councilwoman's appearance. Her proverbial gifted bird.

She extends the cup nonchalantly. "Took the liberty of eavesdropping on your assistent for your regular order, hope you don't mind."

PENELOPE LIVY

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"And I am there to make sure that if they ever do get past you, they do not get to her." she notes matter-of-factly.

"But to answer your question; no, I have not. Nothing that wasn't already noticed and handled accordingly by the HBIC's keen eyes. You leave me fairly little work, you know." she says it jokingly, lets the laugh reach her eyes even, but there's no mirth in it for her.

She's been weighing the pros and cons of letting him in on the knowledge of her true profession, but the question remains... she was not sure whether Gunner's loyalty laid with the councilwoman, or with the League itself as a whole. With "Hoenn".

So she'd rather play a bit dumb. Carefree. Let him underestimate her, just a little.

"What I did notice however was Rocket's movement. It wasn't pointedly at Miss Livy, surmising you've already been aware of this, but they've been trying to go for the League's figureheads. To undermine. Their attack during the State of the Region... it was far too calculated. The timing. The effectiveness. All of it. With how heavily guarded the area was it shouldn't have been allowed to happen."

Her eyes grow darker as they focus on Gunner's.

"I fear we have a mole."

Gunner Graves

☉

"Isn't that how we all survive in this world?"

In any world. Not just this one. They'd all taught her the same thing, and she'd been busy teaching it to those that hadn't come with her. It was a good thing Cin was a fast learner, and a ballsy one to boot.

But he wasn't fast. The fanged jaws that spring forth from the broken ground underneath him too fast too dodge or outrun. The Chimchar can only watch as the Gible's maw close around his foot. It screeches in pain, trying to pull itself free but failing to do so. Panic is keen on settling it, until anger sparks in the little chimp.

Kyrenai doesn't even have to explain it what to do next.

Payback gleams in his eyes as Cin inhales deeply; it might be stuck, but in hindsight, so is the Gible. And that's what it's finally realised as flames threaten to spill from his mouth. A Flamethrower at point blank range should get his opponent to let go... or at least damage them appropriately if they prove as stubborn as him.

Navy

☉

She rose her eyebrow almost inconspicuously to his question, eyeing him with the same keen interest as he did her.

"Exactly that which I've been hired to do, Mr. Graves. The moment Miss Livy gets on stage I am to act as her shadow, prioritize her safety above all else, and act as her shield if necessary."

Nothing in her posture betrays any lie. Most importantly because there is none. Every single word spoken is a cold hard truth. She wonders whether the HBIC agent will catch on to the underlying connotation it holds. Whether he'll show it if he does; and whether he'll ask her plain and simple, or search for it in his own time.

Gunner Graves

☉

”I’d expect nothing less from you,” The smile gracing her radiates with confidence; but no confidence in a battle victory. It’s a confidence in the fact that by merely stating those words, Kyrenai knows she’s chosen wisely to go to Navy for her first gym challenge.

He seems to understand the ways of combat and war far more than the others did. Albeit youngsters who’d proven their metal and earned their titles fair and square, it just wasn’t the same. What she was looking for is something only those who’ve lived the moment can truly grant her.

Her and her pokémon.

The Gible he’s decided on to be Cin’s challenger whips up a Sandstorm, while at the same time the entire arena comes to life, descending into the nothingness of mystery.

”Cin, I want you to focus.” she speaks to the little chimp hidden from her eyes by the cutting sands. ”Use Nasty Plot, and then as we’ve practiced. Let your gut guide you if your eyes cannot see the enemy.”

She might be spelling it out what exactly she expects, but she’d rather do so now she still has the chance. Now imminent destruction does not loom beyond the sandy veil.

Defeat, perhaps.

But not destruction.

The chimp nods and stares into the sandstorm, trying its best not to cover its eyes from the sand. Its face scrunches as it thinks, thoughts it will never share… but that makes it grow that little bit more cocky. His stance grows taller, more confident, but it does not attack. It waits. Watches.

Navy

☉

Kyrenai nods solemnly and crosses her legs, getting comfortable on the sofa. She gives the phone a once over before focusing back on Gunner.

"Kyrenai Black. I've been working for Miss Livy since August of 2022, fulfilling the role of her personal bodyguard. Intention was to remain in the shadows to better fulfill said duties, but recent events have been... less than optimal in retaining that arrangement."

Gunner Graves

☉

Her silent repose is interrupted as the doors slam open, a young trainer with tear-stained cheeks bursting through. The assassin looks at them only mildly curious before shaking her head, allowing her focus to shift towards the man following along after the youth.

Michael Navidson was as the people had described him; a man of intrigue, dressed as if he’d stepped straight out of a Western movie, with all the stoic heroism and mystery surrounding him. Polite, by hat-tipping standards.

Kyrenai nods in return to his greeting. ”That would indeed be me, Mr. Navidson.”

”--Navy it is then. Kyrenai Black, or Kyr if you so prefer,” she smiles, extending her hand for a brief but powerful handshake. ”This is Cin, he will be your challenger today.” she introduces herself and her Chimchar, who seems excessively eager hopping on her shoulder.

Following him as they venture into the room beyond, a large battle field opens up for them, a final question left to be answered before they truly begin.

”Glory or fame are beyond me. I’ve seen more than enough battles in my time to keep me sated, but with how times are changing I realize my team could benefit from the experience vigorous battle grants them. Preferably in a controlled environment that would not claim their lives if and when things go wrong.” she takes her place upon the field, setting Cin down so he can take his place as well. In her hand a second pokéball lingers.

”They need to learn the hard way, as I have, but without the fear of permanent harm. I hope you can grant me that experience, Navy.”

Navy

☉

Kyrenai cannot help the smile lingering when she opens the door to Gunner Graves. Whereas his bespoke suit exudes professionalism, her black high-waist pantsuit looks a lot more casual chic. "Not at all, I was expecting you to show up sooner or later, Mr. Graves. Please, do come in."

She gestures for him to go forth and opens the door wide, granting the agent entry to the spacious apartment. The contemporary interior shows no sign of clutter, only a handful of personal effects in plain sight. A large part of the wall has been taken out in favor of a glass variant, sporting a decent view over Slateport's harbor.

"Make yourself comfortable. Can I get you anything before we start?"

Gunner Graves

☉

The explosion leaves the assassin struggling to stay on her feet as she braces against the impact. The moment the smoke circles towards her she pulls out a piece of cloth from around her neck, covering her mouth while handing PENELOPE LIVY another. There's enough time to do a quick headcount and make out no wounded are among the party of four.

And then her focus turns on the Rocket that has joined them through the smoke, a tall figure ordering its minions to retreat.

Objective achieved.

longer than necessary... right now.

They'll do this again. Had it not been obvious before, it was crystal clear the moment those words left the man's mouth.

For any and many a reason those present could not be left to retreat. Keep them from leaving the building through whichever means necessary.

Switching her Hydreigon out for a more keen-eyed sharpshooter, her Decidueye Hana entered the stage among smoke and debris, its feathers ready and loaded. "Aim for their legs and shadows, don't let them get away!" Kyrenai hisses through her mask, leaving her Decidueye to hinder their retreat--- and in particular, the supposed leader of this attack.

JjmynsQo

Tldr;
- Switches out Hydreigon for Decidueye
- Decidueye uses Spirit Shackle to help Gunner Graves keep the Rocket leader from fleeing

@

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"Your continued presence is the reason the citizens remain endangered," Kyrenai adds without missing a beat.

"Would you rather they die because you prefer a warrior's death? Does your pride bereft you of such common logic-" she pauses deliberately, getting under his skin for the sake of it before adding the proper credentials."sir, that we endanger them more so you may save face?"

On the tip of her tongue lay unspoken words.

By all means go play and die, see if I care.

"Crux!" The Hydreigon lowers itself like a canonball until it is mere inches away from the ground, and doesn't even hesitate when it twists and erupts in a fully powered Hyper Beam at the three incoming Rockets. He wanted them dead in spite of potential casualties? Then she would act accordingly as to show him the error of his ways.

What's a casualty more in the face of irking this man?

"You are mayor before you are soldier now, sir. We deal with them once you and the councilwoman are out of our way. Now choose."

There was no choice, really. Gunner Graves might be civil, but Kyrenai? She could care less.

"Or we choose for you."


tNAdyT_8

Tldr;
- Throwing arguments and taunts at the mayor hoping he backs down
- Hydreigon uses Hyper Beam on the three rockets (hoping for a better shot since bird's eye view before attack)
- Very much threatening the mayor, WILL probably knock him out if necessary

@

☉

Having positioned herself just outside the sting of the spotlight, Kyrenai's focus is on the crowd in front of the stage, gaze slithering across like a snake. Questions come and answers go as her focus starts to sharpen on something.

Odd movements.

When the chaos erupts, the assassin's Hydreigon erupts with them. The three-headed dragon takes to the air above, a Tri-Attack charged in its maws. "Crux, the Salamence and the Drapion, now!" Two heads direct their part of the attack at the Salamence, intercepting its attack and blasting it back, while the third takes aim at the Drapion, halting its assault.

Hopefully long enough for Gunner Graves to make his escape with the mayor.

"On it!" she shouts, now beside PENELOPE LIVY .

"Stage-time's over, ma'am."

Her arm's already around the Councilwoman, ushering her away from the chaos erupting before them. Albeit deplorable, the civilians caught in the crossfire weren't her concern. The Councilwoman was, and unless she ordered so, the only one Kyrenai would be saving or worrying about today would be just that.

With her Hydreigon covering their retreat, and Gunner Graves 's Smokescreen obscuring them, Kyrenai nearly drags PENELOPE LIVY along, following close behind him and the Mayor.



CKtrdsb0

Tldr;
- Hydreigon uses Tri-Attack; two heads aim for Salamance, one head aims for Drapion
- Taking Penelope to safety, following suit after Gunner
- Hydreigon covering retreat

@

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Nods are given as she moves about the floor, silent acknowledgement she returns in kind. She listens in when the team responds to Gunner Graves's clear; but she doesn't call in just yet.

"Likewise. Good luck." she replies to paxton concordas, watching as he makes his way towards PENELOPE LIVY. The councilwoman in question seems on her way to address a few familiar faces in the crowd, but a quick glance her way grants Kyrenai a short nod. Nodding in turn, the assassin readies to return to the agreed-upon meeting spot.

She waits till Concordas joins the councilwoman, then turns and weaves her way back to the backstage, radio-ing in as well. "Black here, taking position. Standby and ready."



Tldr;
- Returns everyone's nods/greetings
- Returns backstage and awaits PENELOPE LIVY's arrival

 

@

☉

The best thing about not being in the public eye very often is the chance to go unnoticed, among the crowd and among the people she works with. They know she's around, but her proper purpose is never fully revealed. Hiding a killer among one's security detail always has its risks, but she knows she's not the only one. Which makes them all the more lethal, knowing several of them are in attendance today.

Suited up she's made her rounds a final time, taking the time to speak with some of the other guards present. It's more a focal point than a lay of the land she's after; to see who's in the crowd. What to keep an eye on, and who to look out for.

As soon as the conference starts she'll become PENELOPE LIVY 's shadow once more, but under the watchful eye of Gunner Graves and paxton concordas she's allowed herself the luxury to move seperately. An earpiece keeps her available at all times, just in case, but she's satisfied with what she's seen for now.

Keeping to the edges of the room, the redhead's making her way back to the backstage.



Tldr;
- Made her rounds, on her way back to the stage
- Open for interaction (will go/be backstage next post)

 

@

☉