She should’ve brought her own pack of cigarettes.[break][break]

It’s a thought that comes to her after the fact, and only when she notices her assigned companion lighting up one of his own. But they were in her other jacket, so she’ll have to live with the fomo as the smell of nicotine smoke begins to mingle with damp, musty cave smell, because she’s stubborn and she’s not about to just ask this guy if she can bum a smoke.[break][break]

She’s too proud over stupid, inconsequential shit, she guesses.[break][breaks]

There was a whole lotta fuss about this place, and the rift that expanded here in Granite Cave. Maybe she’d be unnerved if she were on her own, but in her mind, she’s been to far gloomier places.[break][break]

Mostly, it’s been silent. Save for the drip of water wicking off the rock surface of the cave’s natural ceiling. The sound of gravel crunching underfoot. The strike and wisp of River’s matches lighting, only to go out.[break][break]

When he speaks, it rings through the quiet, low and even as his voice is. “Smell what? Amazing you can smell anything with all that smoke around you.” It’s not even necessarily an insult thrown at him as she shifts in his direction.[break][break]

But she’s never been the best at mitigating her emotions, or designating the proper feeling to couple with a statement. Like curiosity and observation, rather than blunt derision.

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] River Marx[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-lucario"]

A sudden cut from the air to her lungs forced Blue to recalculate. If she could’ve twisted her head to bite down on the curve of his thumb and forefinger, she would’ve. But his hand was nested just enough under her chin to make the angle impossible. The bloom of blood through his clothing was good, though.[break][break]

Maybe not good enough to win, but enough to know she’d left a mark as they go down in a flurry of flailing and tangled limbs as she attempted (and failed) to twist free like a hissing, spitting meowth.[break][break]

The headbutt doled out by the garchomp hit Fang straight in the center of his chest. Momentum drove him back, but his hind legs dug into the floor of the ring and he pulled in tightly to maintain his center of gravity. At that range, the lucario unleashed a fury of blows–once again using CLOSE COMBAT to his advantage as Blue herself went down.[break][break]

Back against the mat, her face twisted in a snarl as her fingers pried at his grip on her throat. Size wasn’t advantageous for her at this angle, pinned as she was. The best she was able to do as her vision began to dart and spot was an attempt to drive her knee up–be it gut or groin or ribs where that blunt bone made impact like a battering ram.

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] onyx straub | m: bare knuckle beat down[break]





[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-lucario"]

[attr="class","icon"]

There’s a part of Blue that’s aware of Gia’s presence, but another part that isn’t. Apart from the necessity of her fulfilling their interrogation needs, there’s only the work that clouds her mind now. The only thing that eats up her attention. There’s no shame felt in doing as she’s been instructed to do.[break][break]

She’s not embarrassed to be seen like this. She’s only ever been a cruel, blunt edge to batter with. A tool.[break][break]

I already told ya, I’m not saying jack shit–[break][break]

Blue's temper runs short.[break][break]

Her fist cocks back against, and this time it’s leveled straight at his nose. The crack of cartilage reverberates through the curl of her knuckles as it folds under her force.[break][break]

“Reconsider your choice,” she spits back at him, the red of her eyes glowing with warning. “She asked nicely.”[break][break]

Or maybe it’s a promise of what waits for him should he choose to continue resisting the request to open his trap and start talking.

[attr="class","bottom"]giada morgan [break]

She could feel her hits land, that was good. It was clear enough to her that he was guarding what she could only guess were prior injuries. That could be used in her favor if she continued to batter his sides, his back. But in trying to plan for those next moves, she allowed herself to get distracted.[break][break]

Her opponent did manage to snag Blue by the throat. A snarling grimace filtered across her face as she tried to twist away, hands coming up to clamp down on his wrist. Slightly lifted from their height difference, she swung out with her legs instead to try and drive the wind from his diaphragm instead.[break][break]

On the other hand, Fang also failed to avoid the attack sent his way–limbs locking from the initial stunning effect of the dragon breath. Conjuring his inner focus did little to will his arms back into movement. The lucario snarled at the garchomp, forfeiting the time to failing in retaliation to send a quick heal pulse through his system–unfortunately leaving a short, open window of time.


[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] onyx straub | m: bare knuckle beat down[break]





[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-lucario"]

Callie doesn’t know the bitter feelings stored up inside Blue’s chest. Doesn’t know the resentment she holds for where they grew up no matter how nice and how good the orphanage might have been. She doesn’t know how far Blue’s fallen.[break][break]

It’s better that way.[break][break]

All the while, it makes Blue’s self-distaste burn something awful in the pit of her stomach. She doesn’t deserve the kindness offered. And yet, she’s too selfish to deny it when it’s sent her way.[break][break]

“Well, once it’s done, more free time, I guess.”[break][break]

Blue can’t say she sees much appeal in sweeping and tidying, either. From a back pocket, she grabs a rag she’d stuffed there. Then begins wiping at higher surfaces halfheartedly.[break][break]

“Could always ditch.” Yeah, that’s a good way to keep your cover, Blue.


[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] CALLISTA MOON     | m: sanctuary safeguarding[break]


[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-lucario"]