"Oh will you shut up? Gonna kick your ass." Leave it to Enzo to give him the dumbest fucking names possible. It was annoying how it even reminded him a little of the old days. There was still annoyance back then, but it was harmless at best. They'd never been the types of people to be soft or careless or friendly with one another and likely would never change (especially not now).
[break][break]
Though was it just his imagination or was Enzo being decent? No way, that was simply impossible. Albeit, it certainly wasn't as difficult right then, even if he still wanted to strangle him a little bit. Maybe it was simply because he was too tired to put much thought into their mutual vehemence, this was most likely at least. Maybe they were both tired, which was unfortunate because Miu was just getting started.
[break][break]
Blue really was just as much of a child as Miu was. The Riolu was around the same age as her, so it made sense. Maybe a year or two older, though he had too shit of a memory to know for certain. Kosei had managed to keep from having to bring the ponyta, because if he had to bring that out Enzo would never leave him alone about it. Dumbass would gush over how he still had his stupid gift pony. Then Kosei might really hit him.
[break][break]
"You gonna quit calling me that anytime soon?" He grumbled. Dedennsei, what an idiot. Truly the worst human being. For now their tempers were suppressed, seemingly mutually aligned in their desire to get this over with. "Before too dark, gonna let her have fun, I guess but... she turns into such a snot past 8. Why you got a hot date or something?"

[break][break]

+ vincenzo de luca | m: tricking or treating

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

This wasn't exactly a conventional way to meet up with someone again. It wouldn't have been the place he'd chosen, but then again he had met her by chance at a berry farm because his kid kidnapped her pokemon. They seemed to have a knack for this, meeting up under odd circumstances. [break][break]
For a moment, Kosei almost forgot where he was and what he was there to do (why was he there again?). Then she gestured to the grave and his eyes were drawn back to poor deceased Robert. The idiot who didn't know when to stop, who protested against the wrong people and was unlucky enough to have Kosei called to deal with him.
[break][break]
Was he a friend of yours?
[break][break]
It wasn't like he could tell her the truth that. No, I put him here because he was a good person and good people don't live long when faced with bad people. "No, can't say he was. Just... someone I knew. Poor sod died over something dumb." If saving the environment from a corrupt organization counted as dumb (it did not).
[break][break]
"What brings you to these parts?"


[break][break]

+ @nikita | m: AUTUMN'S OMINOUS WIND (WW)

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Moral dilemmas were impractical. He’d made a choice and his hands were bloodied with it. Really, it was a simple matter. There was no going back because he’d already fallen in the hole a long time ago. The debts he’d accrued over time were his decision and he had to deal with them one way or another. [break][break]
This was simply the more natural means of handling it. Maybe if he didn’t have a child, he’d be more willing to disregard his well-being and anyone else’s, for that matter. Then again, even though he had a kid, he really wasn’t any better than he’d led himself to believe. It was no more than a nice coat of paint to hide the blood stains beneath.
[break][break]
It was a nasty cycle, which always ended up circling back on him. One step forward, three steps back. Or something, whatever. He was tired. Even Blue was looking depressed in this environment, but the riolu was likely wishing to be anywhere else other than this grim place. This part of the city didn’t bother him. Kosei had certainly been in worse places and, at one time, he’d been the person that people would’ve feared to meet in these streets.
[break][break]
The voice caught him off guard then and he wasn’t able to suppress the jump of his nerves. It was a little ridiculous, feeling like he was caught like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar. He shouldn’t be there, he reminded himself. The fact he was, was stupid enough. He twisted around to see the approaching woman. @nikita was a hard woman to forget and he didn’t often forget faces anyways. Strangely though, this didn’t seem like the place a woman like her would frequent. Though he too also shouldn’t have been there in retrospect so…
[break][break]
“Oh— Nikita, fancy seeing you here.” Considering it had been a brief meet at a berry farm, he’d never anticipated seeing her again though he’d once heard something about similar paths graced by like fellows, or some shit. She was not like him though, even if he was fairly certain that her opinion of him was based off the illusion of a kind father. "Wasn't expecting to see you again."

[break][break]

+ @nikita | m: AUTUMN'S OMINOUS WIND (WW)

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Admittedly, it was a little exhausting having to be like this, bristly and angry. But god damn it, he was feeling petty and there was really only one person that could provoke this kind of unfiltered pettiness. So, while he was stuck with that person, he was going to be bristly about it. Even if it would have been all too easy to drop it, to fall back into the good old times where they didn't hate each other.
[break][break]
Truthfully, he had no reason to hate Enzo and it wasn't necessarily that he did. He was, after all, the one to drop this life like a bad phase and with his support for the other man's business. Considering they'd started it together, it was a shitty thing to do and Kosei wasn't oblivious to that fact. He was simply too proud to admit that he'd made a mistake.
[break][break]
"I didn't exactly get a choice." Because his life was run by a six-year old, not exactly a good look but it was already out there and plaintively obvious by this point in time. Kosei was still, to this day, figuring out how to dad. Miu wasn't exactly an example of pristine manners, but she wasn't poking dead animals with a stick so it seemed alright. To do otherwise felt too much like taking out of his own parent's handbook, which he didn't like the idea of doing.
[break][break]
"Cassius looks rather fabulous though, if I do say." He didn't need more reason for the hellhound to dislike him, but he couldn't help himself. One of the pokeballs in his bag was throwing a fit and Blue decided to let himself out. Halloween was the Riolu's favorite holiday after all. He was dressed in a Decidueye cape and was running after Miu to likely steal some of her candy.

[break][break]

+ vincenzo de luca | m: tricking or treating

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Beggars can't be choosers.
[break][break]
It really was that simple. Even if his ego was grieving the cost that this would have on him, he would have to deal with it. He'd have to swallow up all this personal shit he had with Enzo and just do the job. Get it over with and part ways and hope this wasn't ever necessary again. However, reflecting on his debts, it wasn't likely that this could possibly be the last time. Not if he wanted to, you know, keep his knees unbusted or not end up at the bottom of a river somewhere for owing money to awful sorts.
[break][break]
It felt even shittier to know he was dragging all of his personal shit on Miu, and by extension, maybe even Enzo. This wouldn't be necessary. Maybe they wouldn't even be bickering and bitching with one another if he didn't have to sway back and forth between high and mighty or desperate. It was stupid, he was stupid. This was the life he chose for himself. It was really that simple.
[break][break]
His throat twisted up as he responded, "You're... right. I'm sorry, I am grateful." It sounded more like he was being forced to speak at gun point, but he was still saying it, wasn't he? It still counted. He, depressingly, couldn't afford to lose whatever job Enzo had for him. Even if he knew that it was unlikely the other would deny him if it came to Miu's detriment. Though he couldn't understand why the bastard even cared about what happened to his kid.
[break][break]
Having them compared at all, wasn't something he enjoyed. As far as Kosei was concerned, they were most certainly NOT the same. Though, that also depended on what time the claim was made. Right then, he was worse than Enzo. It made him feel a little disgust that the job involved another person, clearly a good person at that.
[break][break]
"Permanently or temporarily?" He muttered, not looking at his kid. It didn't make him feel good to ask it, but some clients were particular about how things were done. He opened the file briefly, before snapping it shut. He'd read it on the way. "Don't let her eat any junkfood. She needs a nap soon or she'll raise hell." With that he stepped over to Miu, kissed her on the head. "Gotta go out for a bit, monkey, I'll be back in a little. Do your homework." She waved him off with a quick, "Okay, bye bye!" Likely she would realize he was gone in ten minutes and raise a stink, which was fine by him.

[break][break]
vincenzo de luca

[attr="class","milkcredit"] [attr="class","fas fa-cookie-bite"]

Kosei shouldn't be there. Hell, this was the last place he should be, paying respects to a dead man he didn't know. Well, he did know him. He knew the details he'd been handed when he was given the job.
[break][break]
Of course, little details had been left out that Kosei only found out after the job was done. Details like the man's life, his family, the people left behind after he was gone. It wasn't intended. Hushing someone up didn't have to mean killing, but sometimes things just happened. At some point, that excuse had become as acceptable as any other.
[break][break]
Maybe this was an attempt to beat himself up, but he didn't feel the things he thought he might. Guilt, disappointment, self-hatred — all exceptionally strong, but appropriate responses to an untimely end. Yet he felt more so the sting of realization that it was all entirely too easy to return to that lifestyle he'd forsaken for Miu's sake. Real easy.
[break][break]
It was always strange, not having Miu around as a constant background noise to fuel his life. She was with Enzo, which was the last person he wanted her to be with, but to deny her that was an entirely different event he wasn't yet ready for. "Well... sorry, I guess." He muttered down at the chiseled headstone of Robert Ormond — renowned environmentalist, beloved husband and father. Shit sucked sometimes, he guessed.

[break][break]

+ @nikita | m: AUTUMN'S OMINOUS WIND (WW)

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

For a moment, his attention was divided between the attacking pokemon and the girl. If this were half a decade prior, he likely wouldn't have cared much what happened to the girl, but having his own kid had a way of prioritizing things that never mattered to him beforehand. Yet his attention was quickly stolen away and he could only hope that she could handle herself enough not to get killed.

With a quick command, his Onix lashed out at the attacking Skorupi with a powerful Rock Slide. Rocks crashed down from the roof of the tunnel and the Skorupi vanished beneath it. He twisted around to focus on the Golbat, which seemed stunned by whatever attack the girl's drampa had used. He was about to redirect the Onix to focus on the Golbat, when a Grimer appeared with another crackle of sound. He could see the shadows of other lurking pokemon likely not far off. The Grimer lashed out with Sludge. Onix twisted to block Kosei from the attack. It was time to move before things got dicey.

---

golbat is paralyzed.
grimer used Sludge.

+ surviving space-time | open

This was supposed to be the highlight of being a dad, right? He was told that halloween was better having kids around and, honestly, he’d been willing to buy that sentiment even after Miu determined they would be matching Dedenne. He had the whiskers and the ears and, yes, even the stupid tail. Miu was thrilled with it, so he was perfectly fine. That was until he realized they would not be alone, that Miu wanted to go trick or treating with “Uncle Enzo”. [break][break]
He was not jealous, of course.
[break][break]
However, now, it was considerably less fun and okay. He felt stupid, both for his constume and for the fact Enzo made him feel self-conscious. The latter was definitely more annoying. What was so great about Enzo anyways? Nothing. He didn’t read her the same damn story every night or make her cinnamon pancakes that looked like pikachu. No, that was him. Oh… whatever, it didn’t matter.
[break][break]
He still wasn’t jealous.
[break][break]
”You’ve told me… five times now. Asshole. Like I’ve said, it was her idea.” And, sadly, he lived to serve queen Miu. It probably wasn’t good parenting and, considering how bratty she could be, it was clear that he wasn’t doing a great job. But he didn’t need to think about that.
[break][break]
”Your costume is lacking in originality, mind you.”

[break][break]

+ vincenzo de luca | m: tricking or treating

Kosei wasn’t a stranger to Enzo’s tenacity, if that was the word he could use. The word he required to describe the other’s will was something dirtier, far more brutal and opportunistic. To believe though that they were not hewn from the same cloth though, was idealistic at best and ignorant at worst. Sparking the other man’s ire would only lead to a greater headache so, for now, he remained silent on his bickering retort.
[break][break]
Even if he really wanted to smack the bastard back. He was taking the high ground, for now. Even if he couldn’t exactly take the high ground in a petty situation he definitely started. This whole stupid idea was his and exacerbated by him, so there really was no one else to blame for it. It kind of reminded him of camping with his family, an awful affair where he’d always ended up barely surviving because no one dared help one another. He was bad at playing with others as a result, as proven right then.
[break][break]
Enzo’s own youth was nothing to mock. He knew that even his own shit family was a step above what Enzo had at the same time. It was no laughing matter and to suggest the other couldn’t survive was a lie. However, once again, he was a petty bastard and just because Enzo survived the streets didn’t mean he could make it out in nature on his own without help.
[break][break]
In a way, the luxuries of life had likely made them both somewhat softer than they used to be. It was a depressing thought.
[break][break]
He glanced back to see the other following and quickly hid an eyeroll and a little smirk. What a dumbass.
[break][break]
Kosei found a decently flat place safely located away from the tide and started putting up camp in that location. Night was setting in quickly though and they wouldn’t have much time. Yes, they as he wasn’t going to entirely leave the man to suffer if he couldn’t keep up. Maybe. ”Relax, will you? You’re looking rather miserable, it’s not that bad.”

[break][break]

+ vincenzo de luca | deserted island

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Enzo could very easily tell him off and then tell him to leave. It would have been all too easy and that was part of the reason why Kosei brought Miu, hoping that would entice him not to chop his head off quite so immediately. However, it did leave a sour taste in his mouth that he was essentially using his daughter as a bartering chip. Enzo made him stoop low, as was proven by this entire situation. However, he’d be lying to say there wasn’t a familiarity of standing in that office that didn’t remind him of a far more carefree time. No responsibilities, just himself.
[break][break]
Sure, he’d been a shittier person back then, but this was proving that he was still mostly a shitty person. His daughter couldn’t make him a better man, she was just a useful excuse not to do shitty things. Yet here was Enzo giving him that shit eating smirk saying all the things he hated hearing.
[break][break]
”Oh honored am I?” It was probably poisoned, he had half the mind to ask even as the other man sipped at a twin mug. After a moment of stilted silence, he finally sat down. He glanced over at Miu, who was wholly thrilled to have the opportunity to pester the fiery mutt instead. Admittedly, Kosei was relieved to have a moment of peace. Though at what cost?
[break][break]
”Shut up, I’m here to do a job and don’t need your criticism.” He grumbled, maybe encompassing some of Miu’s bratty energy as he sipped at his own coffee. He grit his teeth, swallowing down a slew of insults that could have so easily graced his tongue and ruined the only opportunity he had right then. Day care and school wasn’t cheap. Enzo knew as much, considering. ”Sometimes we don’t get the luxury of clean hands, Enzo. How long are you planning on tormenting me, by the way?”

[break][break]
vincenzo de luca

[attr="class","milkcredit"] [attr="class","fas fa-cookie-bite"]

This was far from what he'd anticipated for the day. Granted, the alternative was a wasted trip out here, but this wasn't the alternative he'd been asking for. Kosei wasn't expecting the voice behind him and whipped around to see a girl. She looked extremely out of place in the bleak vacuous space of the distortion and clearly wasn't ready for the danger. "It's a distortion, you shouldn't be here. It's dangerous." Maybe it was the dad in him that could only see from the perspective of his daughter being caught in a place like this.

"We need to—" Before he could state that they needed to make a hasty escape, something shifted in the atmosphere. He'd felt this before, within a distortion very much like this. It only meant one thing. There really was no time to explain to the girl before the space opened up and a pokemon was dropped between them. A large Golbat appeared with a shrill Screech, far larger than any he'd seen before. It was hard to see in the bleak darkness, but there was nowhere to hide (nor did Kosei frankly want to). Another crackle that made his ears pop and a Skorupi appeared as well.

He sent out Onix, which let out of hefty roar at the approaching pokemon. The Skorupi lashed out with a fierce bite.

---

Golbat used Screech
Skorupi used Bite




+ surviving space-time | @makana