Though still, relatively, new to the region... It'd be stupid for Ceres not to familiarize herself with those in opposition to Rocket. Of course, it'd be just her luck to run into the champion-ranked trainer. Fear sobered her quicker than any cold water could, as her body tensed, an uncomfortable amount of hostility bristling internally.

Quickly, Ceres smothers her discomfort though, perhaps quicker than even the fastest man in Hoenn himself. Her smile only grows. "That's a relief." She lets out an incredulous huff soon after, however. "Say's who? I recently came from Sinnoh, and Mauville is..." Ceres lifts her hands, gesturing all around her. "Huge. Confusing. Scary!" She laughs.

Josh Devlin

"Hah..?" Ceres' lip curls in a look of disdain— of course, expecting a rocket man to know any practices of chivalry was her own mistake. "Figures. Might hold your kid hostage if you don't pay up." She declares under her breath with an outward sigh. Like a true Rocket, of course, ransom was the first idea that came to mind instead of simply asking.

As much as the idea of actually managing to somehow strong-arm her own admin into giving her an 'early bonus' appealed to her, it was abundantly clear she was, probably, joking.

Probably.

Loosening her grip on the chick if only to appease it, she shuffles it closer. Holding something so gently, Ceres realizes, feels odd. She doesn't particularly like it.

"You've managed to weasel your way to the top of a brass filled with scoundrels, and you're worried about being disrespectful?" The words came out slightly more judgmental than she wanted them to— but, there was genuine curiosity in them, too. She was learning, however slightly. "You're odd."

---

howard slayte

A certain tension, however briefly, seizes over the woman's body. Quickly, and with a hint of distaste for such an undisciplined reaction, Ceres shakes it off. Returning to her typical unbothered disposition, she offers a begrudging dip of her head in respect.

"Boss." The words leave her lips similar to a low purr, as though pleased at his appearance. In actuality, the taste of the word on her lips strokes eager fantasies of, one day, her own name reflecting such a title.

Lips curl further into a knowing smile as pale grey eyes flicker to her absol before returning to Theo again. "...Something like that." She retorts gleefully. "All for the good of Rocket though, rest assured. Always for the good of Rocket." The words she's repeated time and time again leave her tongue easily.

"Yourself? Needing a break, maybe?" Words steeped in gentle inquiry hide a more ravenous curiosity.

The appearance of two new pokemon don't go unnoticed by the woman. However, she has no reaction to them— a command Absol knew well; get rid of it. On swift and silent feet, it tears into the shroodle first, easily knocking the poison-type aside with a psycho cut.

---

THEO BECKETT

There's a faint purse of Ceres' lips in an inaudible 'mhm' at the admin's disgruntled retort, disbelief apparent. She doesn't press it further though, merely eyeing the chick as it's placed into her hands. Unfortunately for the bird, she may as well have been the equivalent of the crotchety old woman next door— his cuteness had no effect on her.

She eyes the pokemon for a moment before finally settling it in her arms akin to holding a baby. Except, much tighter. She didn't need peck marks on her arms by the time this dumb babysitting farce had run its course.

"I'm sure a researcher could look into fixing that for you if you asked the right person." A gentle prod for more information, as she curiously eyes his face. Eventually, however, she offers a slight shrug even if she internally preens at his casual praise.

"Offering to take me on a date so soon? Oh, my! I guess the moniker 'fox' does fit you." Ceres hums, the corner of her lips quirking upwards faintly.

---

howard slayte

It was way too loud. Way too bright.

The constant roar of the crowd whenever a score was made earned a tight squeeze on the drink Ceres nursed, her headache growing all the more. Tonight had been a bust— a lead for a curious inquiry that'd caught her nose had fallen through terribly. It... admittedly bruised her self-inflated yet terribly critical ego more than she wanted to admit. And at a low point, the insecurities she always held stung a bit more than usual.

The miserable person was miserable. Go figure.

But, that was nothing a very alcoholic beverage or a few couldn't fix. Habits learned well from an early life filled with alcohol-induced denial and pleasure, but Ceres would vehemently disagree with that if asked.

Blinking back the uncomfortably bright lights of the bar, a reach for her glass sends her phone sliding across the bar table and falling. Swallowing back gross tears of emotional (and alcohol-induced) frustration, she steels herself as she always does. Standing and moving to collect her (hopefully not broken) device, she instead bumps right into someone.

The more vicious parts of her nature want to rise, but she chokes it back, offering an apologetic smile. "My bad!"

---

Josh Devlin , here we are! let me know if you need any changes! <3

In the ornate bustle of the Persian's Purr, as most patrons settled in for the night, those 'in the know' readied themselves for all that went on behind closed doors. It seemed that the temptation of money could sway even the cleanest of hands. Businesses, especially during such tense times, were no exception.

Hidden to most of the general public who boarded at the hotel, a lavish room typically used for poker or other table sports would be cleared to make way for the nightly bunch. Unsavory sorts who had hands in things they shouldn't, the rich who had too much time and curiosity, and those who had information to barter would gather in a sinful communion to exchange, sell, and fraternize. It was a disgusting ritual, truthfully.

So of course Ceres would be drawn to it.

As an information broker herself, the irresistible pull of gaining knowledge or... extending her relationships was far too tempting. There were a few familiar faces she'd recalled from prior nights or other similar gatherings at different locations. There were new faces, too, though. Some of whom looked far too innocent to be part of a crowd that'd, gleefully, eat them alive.

They'd garner no warnings from her, however. After all, at some point, everyone needed to learn. And sometimes, bloodbaths of magikarp in sharpedo infested waters were amusing.

Ceres doesn't immediately involve herself, instead opting to seat herself at a table and watch the eager bumble of the crowd, idly nursing a glass of wine.

Truthfully? As much as she'd hyped herself up for tonight... Arceus, she hated everyone in this room. Disgusting— all of them. Such ire left a bad taste on her tongue that she tried to wash away, alongside the stinging thoughts that reminded her she was scarcely better than any of them.

---

Remiel Calcifet here we go! please let me know if you need anything changed <3

None had particularly asked for Ceres to do so, but, here she was. Always, there was a supply and demand for pokemon needed for the various machinations of Rocket's science division. Some uses were more... ethical than others. Unfortunately, with her own life very much taking front and center at all times, Ceres often didn't bother to wonder about the cause and effect of her actions.

Quite frankly, after joining Rocket, the consequences of aforementioned actions often became the consequences of others. Such was the life most Rocket members lived— they never faced what they'd done until they died, it seemed.

So why worry about it now?

Regardless, she'd taken up this particular task as her own today for no reason other than the... kindness of her heart. Lucky them.

"Leave it, it's not good enough." She instructs her absol from where claws dug into the small poochyena it pins. Soundlessly, the disaster pokemon let the wild pokemon escape, watching it disappear into the foliage with a whimpering yelp. Immediately, however, as though sensing something steeped in danger, the thick fur of the dark type's scruff bristles, its head canting towards the source.

---

THEO BECKETT , I tried to give you an 'in' but lmk if you need something changed pookie

"Far better than you, I'd say. Bringing your children on the job is against the rules, you know?" The woman whimsically chides, glancing at the duo from the corner of her eyes.

"Four. There was one hidden in that alley we passed— the one between the mart and flower shop." The lie leaves her lips easily. She can't resist the appealing lull of finding any way, subtle or not, of showing herself as more capable. As better. Especially under the enticing eye of an admin.

It was too early into their task for her hourly power trip though, so Ceres swallows the budding satisfaction as quickly as it arrives. Instead, pale hues fixate on the shimmering little pokemon.

"I can hold it if you'd like." Truthfully, the offer came before she could stop it, and the overwhelming urge to bite her tongue after was immediate. Her own desires, once more, culled by her insistent need to please others, as though any 'point' in her favor was better than none.

Of course, her tiny smile remains relatively authentic as she pauses in her walking to offer both hands to the admin and his troublesome chick.

---

howard slayte , thanks for starting!

Ceres

Outwardly, there's nothing necessarily wrong with Ceres. Sociable despite her oft lackadaisical nature, her personality remains relatively fluid, capable of adjusting at a dime as though having no real solidity to it. To most, however, she is rather friendly. Perhaps even kind, should the occasion warrant it. And like a false sun, she can possess warmth, too.

Ceres is masterful at that; pretending. She'll pretend to be a fantastic friend and is seemingly capable of holding close relationships, even if they couldn't be more one-sided. She'll often appear as supportive; happy to tell you what you'd like to hear. Ass-kissing, if you will— especially to those who may hold some authority or power over her. Her own anxieties keeps her almost fanatically in tune with the wants and emotions of others, even if she seems to scarcely recognize her own. She's a mockery of an empath.

Inwardly? She's fucked. A terrible individual who is, often, quite miserable. She is selfish to a fatal degree, capable of acting charitable only when it doesn't matter. Her well-being will, always, come first even if she's adept at acting humble. Her utter inability to trust others manifests as greed and paranoia. It's a conundrum, really— how she manages to have such a relaxed bravado despite being an utterly anxious mess internally.

Likely, she doesn't like you despite whatever lie she's fed you or others. Her need for control and enjoyment of power over others manifests in wanting to be depended on by others, even if she hates the responsibility of it. And of course, Ceres lies. She lies, and lies, and lies, to such a degree that she's gaslit herself before.

Ironically, Ceres' most toxic traits are typically only visible to those that know and, genuinely, befriend her. Whether it's a self-destructive habit or done purposefully has yet to be seen.

CURRENT PLOTS

Weaving Webs
It's genuinely difficult to tell how rotten Ceres is to the core. Capable of playing the 'long game' for months, her ability to befriend others seems sincere. She'll often take the initiative in cultivating bonds, getting closer, and becoming someone important to them. Someone they can trust. Rocket and League alike, her need for connection, regardless of how vile her intentions, is a prevalent thought.

SEEKING:

• Characters (both league and rocket) for social threads— with the intention of building a bond (for totally innocent reasons), or pre-existing friendships. Ofc I'm always happy to slap two characters together and see if something naturally builds!
• Characters who are just down for a good time, even if she's probably faking it, Ceres can be a riot & will 100% enable others
• Especially passive or timid characters drawn to confidence and the promise of a friend who seemingly, genuinely, cares. Ceres is great at pretending. She is fantastic at pretending to be a comfort character. Let her comfort you.
• You can try to improve her for the better or indulge her fully and make her worse. We love character development here.

Beast of Burden
Ceres plays the part of a loyal rocket quite well. Always willing to be front and center, if a task needs to be done, she'll do it. Especially if requested by someone in the upper brass. Anything to earn her brownie points in the eyes of those who matter, she's happy to assist. Otherwise, she may have a habit of sticking her nose in places it shouldn't be when it comes to the affairs of other Rocket members, too. She can't help you better if she doesn't know all that you're involved in, after all.

SEEKING:

• Missions with other Rocket characters
• Social threads with League members of potentially inhibiting or disrupting their goals/missions/peace (harmless and harmful).
• Characters of higher rank or prestige in Rocket who want someone to boss around (she will remember this).
• Rocket characters who may be sus of her seemingly affable nature. Let the shenanigans ensue.
• Building seemingly genuine bonds with Rocket members. Gotta strengthen those social links.

OTHER PLOT HOOKS

PAST CONNECTIONS

• Former Friends. Especially for those who managed to genuinely get close to Ceres before going 'ew' and promptly retreating. Directions aplenty this could go, with a juicy potential for character development.
• Rockets who came from Kanto. She used to be in Kanto's Rocket up until a month or so ago.
• There are plenty of people she's exploited in the past. Manipulated into precarious positions, used and then abandoned, or potentially even gotten hurt or worse on her behalf. Ceres does not expect to pay for the consequences of her actions. Maybe you're someone who has, though?
• An ex or past fling. She's probably only had 1 (one), and there's so many different ways it could've gone lol. We could make this juicy.

NEW CONNECTIONS

• She's new to Hoenn, a tour guide would be nice.
• Currently, she sometimes works at a Bar (a part-time shift) as a bartender when not doing Rocket things. Come drunkenly air out your blues and she definitely won't keep note of it.
• Rivals in Rocket. Likely to be secretive, but Ceres does intend to rise in ranks either literally or metaphorically (via her connections— a puppetmaster if you will). Don't get in her way.
• She's easily dragged into hobbies or stupid events because she struggles saying no. Yes, she'll go to your dumb kid's soccer game.

RELATIONS

ACQUAINTANCES & COLLEAGUES

• @tag - Brief description of relationship.

FRIENDS

• @tag - Brief description of relationship.

LOVERS

• @tag - Brief description of relationship.

FAMILY

• @tag - Brief description of relationship.

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