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As much as Cass adores Gominha, there's always a struggle to keep a straight face when Gominha makes a deflating balloon noise, which is to say, that happens quite a lot of time due to her, well, balloon-ey nature. She does manage to not let it transfer into her hands, however, with her lower lip instead trembling like crazy as she's holding back, her entire face twitching here and there. "We do make a formidable duo, hm?" she grins then, sounding a bit like a deflating balloon herself as she finally is able to speak Words again.

But it is strange how long Pic is taking, given his drawing speed and enthusiasm. It's a marvel how sometimes, he's truly just quantity over quality, and sometimes, it's simply ... still speed drawing. She's not sure if she's ever seen him draw calmly. "Belle, thank you dear!" she calls after the Minccino, before giving Gominha a last rub with the towel. "Alright, this is you finished up Gominha ... anything you're still unhappy with?" Cass fixes up some of the fur with her hands and fingers, but it might also be an excuse to keep her hands buried in soft fur for a moment longer. And also, of course, to look for anything she might have missed. Yep.

Pic is almost reaching a point where he's dizzy from all the praise, drowning in it but also happily so. He's ecstatic so many like his art so much! But the arrival of Belle does lead him to focus his attention on her a bit, waving his sketchpad and taking his tail to-

OH MAMMA MIA!

He looks at her in shock as the memory hits him like truck-kun, hastily waving thanks and goodbye at the dojo pokémon, motioning that a matter of great importance has come up! He then grabs Zeus and Belle- he moves to grab Belle, but remembers how Cass told him not to just touch everyone, so his arm will make an akward curve if she'd flinch away. Then, he rushes over to the dojo entrance. ... and then stops, pensive.

He has no idea where he has to go, actually.

Thea Naito

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Philomena the Silcoon is quite calm in this unfamiliar environment - one could almost say she's the very opposite from anxious and scared. She's arrived with her new trainer, Cass, travelling by her favourite way of being attached to her backpack, and now floats in the area, looking at the other Bug type pokémon with curiosity.

Despite being rather lacking in the communication department, she somehow, with only one red eye, manages to appear relatively approachable. Maybe the fact that she stands in front of a display saying that Silcoons naturally can only learn Harden helps, as she has zero offensive capabilities nor desires. She willingly lets the students pet her while Cass is keeping watch that nothing bad happens, just in case.

Oh- hang on, woops- one student turns away, ready to try and approach some other Buy types, as Philomena just ... has attached herself to that student's backpack by accident. Oh well. And Cass is also distracted, or something - it's really hard to see if you only have one eye.

Oh well. She'll figure something out! At least the student doesn't freak out when they finally realise they've carried Philomena out for a walk around the school.

John Sullivan Andrea Vaneau Shalin Nariya El Sunderland Elise Calcifet Eris Halla Jack Napier

[attr="class","emapkmn"][attr="class","emapkmn"][attr="class","emapkmn"]

It's a melancholic mood that brings Cass all the way up here, slightly huffing and puffing as they climb and hike half of the easiest path up on Mt Pyre. She should literally be doing anything else - studying, for example - but she finds herself here, accompanied as always by Jon in her arms and Martin resting beside her. For some reason, Delilah seems to have sensed her mood and has also come up, after giving Sona a loooong look, as if wanting to make sure she'd be safe.

(She still doesn't really understand what's going on between those two, but also, Thalia and Eira also are waaay beyond her, so she might have given up trying. But only a bit. After all, gossip is quite fun ...)

She finds a suitable place to sit down for a while on a rock. Since she's not at the top or much above the usual ground, the mood here isn't all too special and the view isn't really that breathtaking, but ... she takes a deep breath.

CASSANDRA KUBRICK

17, student (slateport private school)

PUBLIC

• attends a prestigious private school in slateport city; one of the top students there (but shows signs of declining in ranks).
• essentially always seen with her trubbish.
• best friends with THEA_NAITO and KNIGHT_NAITO, trio's often together. generally has a medium-sized to large friend group, a social creature.

LEAGUE

• child of the infamous CALPURNIA_KUBRICK.

ROCKET

• child of the infamous CALPURNIA_KUBRICK, but make it more dubious now.
• possibly known to be a future recruit; quick on her head, ruthless, anti-league and cautiously rocket-favouring in all this uncertainty.

PRIVATE

• delulu.
• cares more for pokémon than for human in most given situations.

LUTGARDIS
DIJKSTRA-NIEMANTSVERDRIET

24, ranger cadet

PUBLIC

• only ever called "lutgarde". always seen with their sylveon sylv who's dyed in black-red hues.
• originally from kalos and stationed in hoenn since january '24.
• usually doing work around cities and urban environments, but seems to have expanded since coming to hoenn. doesn't have a permanent station.
• (almost) exclusively favours fairy types. known to have a set team of at least sylveon, togekiss, primarina and galarian rapidash.
• most often seen in (gothic) lolita fashion or variants thereof.

LEAGUE

• has personally requested the transfer kalos to hoenn.

ROCKET

• yet another one of those annoying leaguers.
• vaguely could be known for being soft when it comes to condemning individuals. forgiving; gullible in this regard.

PRIVATE

• has dealt with anger issues in their youth by "simply repressing" them; it haunts them still.

For now, Cass has given up on trying to convince Knight that there are other regions, letting him believe whatever he wants. She also, indeed, might have been too busy to play dress-up, anyway, as she arrives to their agreed meeting place in full old-timey steampunkey fashion with a top hat and something of a fancy suit in brown and white colours. "I don't think you can detach those hats from them, however," Cass replies to Knight's words, having just arrived in time to catch them.

"Sorry, bit late, the hat was in a worse shape than I remembered." Which did remind her of the last time she wore it, and the really hairy situation she's got herself in with it. "They're like an anti-thesis to pollution." Which also makes her grimace with disgust and fondness, both sentiments directed at, in her mind, vastly different groups of people. Pokémon evolve, but humanity stagnates so goddamn badly.

She sighs, shaking off these thoughts for now, and then readjusts her hat - just in time for one of the Weezing to actually come close, too! "Well, hello," she says, and bows slightly, and sees that the Weezing actually returns it in kind - and she could just not take this opening to throw a pokéball, right?

Knight Naito Thea Naito
BUpDKj_n

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Cass grins at Thea's shower of compliments while she's massaging the shampoo into Gominha's fur, before washing it off and switching to get another furcare product. "Must be sign that she's got the best trainer in the world," Cass diverts the stream of affection towards her good friend with a laugh. Upon meeting eyes with Hammy, she has a hard time not cooing - gotta stay focus on the princess for now !!

After another shorter while, since she doesn't do any cuts this time, she deems Gominha as finished as well, fondly drying the Wigglytuff with a soft towel. "Alright, we should be done with you in a moment ... " Maybe she also buries her hand in soft fur for a bit longer than strictly necessary. Who's to tell! "Pic should be back any moment now, too ... they're taking quite some time, huh?" she laughs. With Zeus at his side, she isn't particularly worried about her Smeargle.

Who is, in fact, kind of having the time of his life. Pic is quite relieved to see his move being recognised by the one and only Zeus, and then quickly afterwards also by all the other Dojo pokémon. He stands there, being vaguely embarrassed but also clearly not minding the compliments - even seeking them! - as he shows off his new move a couple more times. But he can't help but think like he's forgetting something in all that commotion ...

Thea Naito

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Cass hasn't realised her mind drifting to even worse times, but upon Thea's touch and words, she looks up, and returns the smile faintly. "Yeah, we will," she lies, and makes a good effort in appearing more hopeful than she is. Or maybe it's the mask covering most of her face. She straightens her posture, still caught in near endless possibilities - it's actually only around 6² or 6^4 ... or worst case, they've got all of them.

The violent, gruesome scenario unfolds before her and she could not bear to look away. She notices Thea's efforts to shield Knight from the happenings, and she unconsciously also moves to block, without averting her own eyes. It's like she's burning the imagery to her mind, stomping every fiber of her that wants to be defiant like so often. (But, as she knows too well, ill weeds grow apace.)

She regards the mochi with apprehension, clearly remembering their encounters with them before, but ... She takes a deep breath, and eats one after Knight and Thea ate theirs. "At least they got the decency to make them taste," she says, "like some faerie food." And sure enough, the chains are reminiscent of those tales - don't eat their food, or you will never leave them anymore.

It only seems fitting that they'd be put to work then, and she simply follows. Thea's fall hits her with shock, but she also finds herself unable to move until after, following after Knight. She bites her lip, almost wanting to draw blood herself - but an infection here would be bad. She really needs to focus up, instead of wallowing in misery. "Guess we just got to be good little worker combees," she tries with a lighter tone, as she picks up some shards among the grit. Despite her featherlight grip, the edges would still cut, and she winces, flinches. Keep going, keep going ...

She would often look at Thea and Knight, but not have to offer anything to say. At Thea's frequent glances at their warden, Cass wonders if she's thinking what she often thinks. Part of her really wants to cover and help Thea's try, but she gently bumps her friend's shoulder, then shake her head a bit. "Not worth it. Nowhere to hide," she whispers to her. If offending has been met with gruesome death, she's not sure what the punishment for stealing would be - and it's just too easy to prove with unfamiliar clothes with no pockets (okay, that latter part is too familiar).

Knight Naito Thea Naito
tl;dr dummy ward
- eats mochi, goes to work
- discourages thea from stealing a tera shard atm

MjQf5RN3

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(Eira = Cufant)
(Thalia = Weavile)

"Funny doesn't even start to cover it," Cass replies with a feigned gloomy expression, before laughing and grinning. "I actually had to use Ice incense to finally find an Ice pokémon ... and then caught someone who has some history with Eira, actually." She thinks back on Thalia ... these two still need to talk it out properly, but for now, they do seem to cautiously get along ... until the problem start up again.

"I'll take you up on it," she grins. She's always been alone when catching pokémon but hey, maybe having company wouldn't be quite as bad either? "That would be very cute! I generally don't mind any pokémon, almost, so ... I'm happy with anything." It's true, her growing collection is proof of that - and also the fact that she really never looks long for a pokémon before she's already having a ball in her hand.

The prospect of food definitely makes the steps to the canteen easier, but there truly is a little bit of haunting to the vibes of an empty school. "Yeah ... I mean, it sometimes is similiar after-school, but ... that degree is kind of strange." Seeing it all in quiet just doesn't really feel right, and also a more melancholic, nostalgic feelings creeps up on her, even if she wouldn't leave that soon.

The canteen gladly is enough to shake off all these feelings, and they made the delivery without problems. "What are you cooking?" Cass asks sweetly as she puts her basket down.

The cook's definitely onto her, but they don't seem to mind. "We've got some stew in the pot and some piroschki in the oven. You're the ones doing the gardening right now, right? You look like you could use a snack or two."

Knight Naito

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(Eira = Cufant)

Cass nods in agreement - it really doesn't seem like a stretch that Thea could do that, if they'd stack the bugs one over another. "Truly ... she's really strong," she smiles fondly. She adjusts her hold on one of the bugs as Knight asks about Umlaut, and she looks over her houlder back at the Toedscruel, pensive. "Kinda funny store, I suppose ... I went to Shoal Cave to find an Ice pokémon, and instead met that guy there. He was frozen to the ground, and me and Eira managed to get him unstuck ... he'd almost jump away to make an escape, but I managed to throw the pokéball fast enough, and well. It seems like he didn't hate me," she laughs, a faint smile on her face. "I thought he's really cool, but he's kinda not, honestly," she adds, with a quieter, conspiratory voice before laughing again. "Eira and him actually are the two 'mons I found while trying to find an Ice pokémon ..."

Once they've finished that, it would be time to get the berries back to the canteen, and fix up the garden! "Sounds good," she grins, "Hey, do you think maybe we can also get a snack before we start the last part of our work?" While she may not look like it, she's always down for a snack or several, and food in general.

Jon rustles happily at the compliment, glad to have been of use as he retreats to a shadier area of the garden. Martin floats nearby, providing him with some company while Umlaut's doing his intense-stare-hovering again. "Umlaut, you're gonna stay here too, ... no, actually, come with us. You should and shouldn't jump people that just come by." The Toedscruel looks at her for the longest moment, before caving in. "Awesome." He trots behind the duo - then next to the duo, so Cass could keep a better eye on him - as they walk over to the canteen with the rescued berries.

During break, there's not much going on - however, it's also not the summer break, so there were some people preparing for the new school year, fixing things and restocking whatever can be stocked up already.

Knight Naito

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Cass smiles at Thea's affectionate wink, and blows a little kiss towards her friend as she finishes up preparations for the pokémon. She grins at Gominha's approach and chatter, returning it with "Ahh, mh-hm, yeah, yeah," and other nonsensical, agreeing phrases. She is glad, however, at Thea's translation because as much as she adores Gominha, she is not quite fluent in understanding her proper. "Good, the usual it is!" Cass smiles, inviting the balloon into the tub to start with all the shampooing and conditioning. "I've got your favourite from last time again, so you will also smell amazing."

(It's weird of Cass is a connaisseur of scents and also can go days without realising she smells like garbage left out on a summer day.)

"Hey, Gominha, is that true?" Cass stops her gentle movements with feigned shock at Thea's words, before laughing. "You've got so much love to give, huh, it's just impossible to rank, isn't that right?" she decides to help out the affection- and attention-seeking pokémon a bit with this accusation.

She also smiles as Thea reassures the Pawmo once more, hoping that the little one will let her take care of him later, too.

Pic is, for once, not focused on the shower of compliments at all, even if at times, it seems like he needs those more than he needs literal air. Instead, he focuses on Zeus, then on himself, and he feels it ... Cross Chop, just like how Zeus did it! He's happy as he manages, but also very, very careful- did Zeus hate it?! He literally falls down onto the floor, dramatically, as Zeus gave his approval, before laughing and standing up again, joyous and very satisfied with himself. He repeats Cross Chop another time, just because, really happy. It's been the first time he actually sketched a move, and he's glad it has worked without any problems.

Thea Naito

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Cass is relieved that Knight also wakes up - what if he hadn't - and is able to help, as they are somewhat lose after the part where she just clings to Thea for dear life and is clung to in return. It's a relief to see Thea calm down, and she hopes her friend isn't in such a state of fear any longer. At least for the moment. "It's alright," she says softly, giving Thea a gentle squeeze before removing herself a little bit to look around, too.

She tries to swallow, but her throat is dry. "We're in ... a prison cell, I think," she says, staring at the clothes that she's wearing now. At least nothing too hideous ... ... "I don't know how we got here."

At the topic of pokémon, she gets very quiet. In fact, she doesn't say a thing anymore until prompted, just staring at the floor with her fists balled, her knuckles are turning white.

Thea Naito Knight Naito
tl;dr comforting thea, realising/voicing surroundings, trying not to panic pt2