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Thea, had she known these two were actually criminals with ill intentions, would have been absolutely blown away by the convincing performance the two put on. Of course, one of them is the stronger actor, but she doesn't see through it at all. There's no reason to, she genuinely believes they're both there on research duty.[break][break]

After all, the requirement to wear lab robes and coats and carry scientific tools wasn't exactly mandatory, and Thea had a group of excited, babbling children to focus 90% of her attention on.[break][break]

She relaxes only slightly on her heels as the blonde young man takes over, explaining every detail. The class is at attention, eyes wide, eyelashes batting in amazement, hanging off of his every word. The man manages to use big words and detailed explanations and goes even further in depth than she had at first anticipated - but it was all very convincing in letting her be oblivious to anything different.[break][break]

The children likely catch on, however, as despite their young age they are enrolled in a private school and are incredibly intelligent kids.[break][break]

And then the unexpected happens: a Slowpoke's tail is snagged by a Shellder and the miracle of evolution occurs. The children are none-the-wiser to the danger lurking within, enrapt with the glowing light as the Slowpoke turns into a Slowbro.[break][break]

Thea, however, has noticed something amiss in the cave, the hurried and unexpected movement from the blonde. Something isn't quite right, but she's at a loss.[break][break]

And then the blonde is gone entirely, melted into the dark of the cave. The children continue to be preoccupied with the evolution, but Thea's brows are furrowed and suspicious. Just what the fuck is going on?

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The floor is ultimately an easy challenge and they pass onto the next with ease. Lance replaces his Rattata with the Shedinja that continues to pique her interest, and Oscar releases a three-headed dragon. It dwarfs the Shedinja in the room and would dwarf both Asher's Vibrava and her own Drifblim as the two Pokemon take the scene.[break][break]

She doesn't need to swap Eva out in favor of her Mimikyu for this instance, as she watches the Drifblim slowly float above the ground. The fissure passes and crumbles at her feet, encouraging her to side step and not fall in herself. As a result, she misses Asher's appreciative smile.[break][break]

Thea does, however, look up to speak with Oscar.[break][break]

"You need to be firm with a Pokemon such as Hydreigon. If you lose the respect of one head, the rest go with it."[break][break]

Her tone depicts harsh criticism, and her severe expression replicates that.

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Thea's expression is severe as she observes the battle. It is intense and evenly matched, both Pokemon and trainer know what their doing and what their motives are - to an extent.[break][break]

However, the moment Drifblim separates from the Sylveon as a result of her strength sap, Marcel commands a retaliation. Given their close proximity the DRAINING KISS would be a direct hit. [break][break]

"Shadow ball, Eva."[break][break]

Whether or not the move comes too late is unknown, but the attempt is there to blast the approaching Sylveon with a close-quarters SHADOW BALL to put distance between them. In the process however, the attack would also injure the Drifblim herself slightly when it exploded.

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"I am always careful not to overdo it, but I appreciate the concern, Mr. Leivern."[break][break]

Her smile is small as she looks away and back to the Cufant who had tired herself out. The sleeping frame lays by the water, unbothered by the waves as they splash up her side.[break][break]

"I'll take a vacation when I know my students don't need me."[break][break]

Thea glances at the man as he offers his funds. She can't' help but feel a little uncomfortable with the notion in some manner - as if he regards her as an investment opportunity to lend money to. Or something. [break][break]

It's unlikely he truly sees her that way, but it's enough for her to politely decline his offer anyway.[break][break]

"Thank you again. And... feel free to reach me with less mysterious methods, Leivern. People do talk."

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Thea's hand falls back to her side, the other rising to brush sweaty hair from her cheek. There's heat in her cheeks as she avoids his gaze. He's right, after all, this isn't about him. But in a way it is, because he reminds her so much of the person this is about. And it's why she's so angry.[break][break]

Instead of responding, she huffs, a sharp exhale that indicates her frustration. There's no response from her because she doesn't know what to say. She isn't willing to lay bare her demons.[break][break]

"Let me go, Lance."[break][break]

Compared to the composed, powerful bite she had delivered before, these words come across weaker. But she still doesn't meet his gaze and instead forces herself to keep running.

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He chases her and she feels the dread increase, her desperation to evacuate the situation is dire. Her breathing is rapid because she's focusing on shutting down the emotion and the dread and the grief. Oh god, she needs air. [break][break]

Thea slips, skidding and gasping as gravel sends her further down the path. The hike up had seemed difficult, but each step had been measured and careful. The steps down were precarious, slippery when in the heat of a moment.[break][break]

"Don't."[break][break]

She holds her hand out to stop him, or maybe herself. Her expression is a contorted mess that is ultimately unreadable.[break][break]

"Just.. forget it, I'm going home. I have more important things to do than discuss common sense with a grown man."[break][break]

Her words are meant to be biting, a defense mechanism to drive him away.

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Thea is set in her ways, and the stiffness in her jaw depicts that quite clearly.[break][break]

He speaks but she's not listening to him, she's already decided that she's had enough and he's repeating an old conversation with someone that she wasn't prepared to relive. [break][break]

"But they are."[break][break]

Her voice is firm as she says this, as she shoulders her back and leans back on her heels. There's a look in her eyes that's telling, but what it's saying is illegible.[break][break]

While she watches, waits, listens to his explanation, his reasoning, she can hear the thud of her heartbeat in her ears. The deja vu. The frustration.[break][break]

"Black and white is what keeps us safe. If you'll excuse me, I- I'd- I'm--" [break][break]

It's clear she's reliving something, fighting for words, for the right words, the words she should have said.[break][break]

"You took that choice away from me."[break][break]

And then she turns around, aiming to detach from the situation and leave them behind. She's hasty, losing traction on disturbed gravel, reaching out with one hand to prevent herself from slipping.

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As much as she wanted to believe him and believe that the situation was fine and the giant dangerous rock-type Pokemon blocking their path was fine, Thea was anything but. She remains composed and delicate and perfect in her muted expression, but she doesn't draw near at his insistence. Rather, she remains where she is and regards the both of them with scrutiny.[break][break]

Lance's hand remains on the Pokemon's craggy surface and she can't help but feel the tingle of dread pool in the hollow of her back. [break][break]

She exhales softly as the Pokemon settles down into the ground, but given how quickly it had detached itself from the wall nearby to begin with, she isn't convinced it won't just reanimate and come after them again. There was a reason you don't feed strays.[break][break]

"That isn't the same theory I've read."

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He's painfully nonchalant about all of this and it only encourages Thea to plan her escape route. She's never been one for dire measures but she's absolutely preparing to jump and pray that Drifblim can carry her.[break][break]

Thankfully, it doesn't come to that. [break][break]

Thea places a hand against the security of the mountain, digging her fingers into the rocky surface for support, despite knowing she won't fall off unless something really outrageous happens. But Lance stands his ground and doesn't seem at all phased or nervous.[break][break]

Had she not been genuinely intimidated, she might have found that incredibly attractive and brave. Instead, she's questioning his intelligence, facing such an immense and dangerous wild Pokemon.[break][break]

It baffles her further when he asks it if it's hungry as if expecting an answer. To her surprise, it does. The low rumble sends a shiver of dread down the back of her neck and she remains quiet and passive.[break][break]

But after a berry is given and an understanding met, the Gigalith's imposing approach seems a little less... death-threat-like.[break][break]

"Is... everything okay? We can turn around."

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Thea is all business - any notion of stiffness between her two friends was unnoticed or ignored. As Mimikyu's disguise breaks and the Pokemon's body flops over, Thea quickly returns the beast not long after the Nosepass is defeated. They climb the stairs and make it to the next room, their next challenge.[break][break]

And this one is equally difficult as the group watches the Swellow fly up to the ceiling. Fortunately, the rest of them manage to find a way to tear at the Swellow despite it's height. She can, too.[break][break]

She releases her Drifblim and the Pokemon copies the Venomoth's GUST with her own. She deflates in the effort, expending all of her hot air to force it up to the ceiling to assault the bird Pokemon.

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Thea pulls herself away from the view to see Lance drinking from his water bottle - she's missed his eyes lingering on her. Even still, she seems aware of something, especially given his slightly ominous response. It leaves a distinctly warm feeling in her chest that she can't shake, and she doesn't respond. She merely watches him in return as he appreciates the view.[break][break]

However, her moment of quiet appreciation and silence is soon dismissed in favor of surprise and fear. She watches as a Gigalith peels itself off of the craggy rock wall. It cracks and breaks, pebbles tumbling off the side of the path. The Pokemon's every movement is a rumble and she feels the pit in her stomach fall away with dread.[break][break]

She manages to compose herself both as a result of Lance's calm reaction and because he is positioned in front of her. But the Pokemon begins to approach and she feels her mouth go dry.[break][break]

"Lance?"

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Thea notes the confused look and locks it away in the recesses of her mind. It is clear her own forward gesture was ill-received, or at the very least, not reciprocated or appreciated in the way she had hoped.[break][break]

As such, as quickly as she had grown warm and affectionate as a result of his generous gift and good company, it quickly reverts back to Thea's cool politeness. She would not overstep a second time.[break][break]

She follows his gaze back to the Copperajah and baby. Her eyes grow fond as she watches the child continue to frolic in the surf. Sand is kicked up with every step. [break][break]

"I will, Mr. Leivern. Thank you."[break][break]

Unfortunately, she can't help but detect a note of stiffness in his voice - one that she directly relates to her lapse in judgement. It's due to this that she ultimately decides to break away or at the very least change the subject.[break][break]

"I'd hate to keep you, however, and I probably should be going. Summer classes are underway and there is much to be done."

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With the back of her thumb, Thea wipes away sweat from her cheek. She's taking a moment to catch her breath and stretch out her back. The hike is putting a strain on every muscle in her body and she could really use a sit-down, but admitting weakness in front of someone who almost certainly would laugh at her? Preposterous.[break][break]

And so she opts to focus on sipping her drink and not breathing too heavily, not drawing too much attention to the fact she was absolutely not keeping up the same way he was able to just keep going. Not that he probably didn't already know - but she preferred to remain oblivious to that knowledge.[break][break]

"There's always sightseeing if you're willing to look."[break][break]

She voices her opinion flatly, an instinctive reaction as she slips back into her typical Thea response chain. As if to prove her point, she gestures to the view they have from their current position.[break][break]

"You're missing out on this right this very moment, so eager to reach the top. You'll miss what's right in front of you."[break][break]

Because she's busy looking at the region from her vantage point, she misses Lance's display of hair tousling and muscle-bound flair. [break][break]

Of course, her attention quickly returns, eyebrows raising in surprise at his forward comment. It reminds her of their coffee date. Had that been a date? She hadn't been on a date in years. [break][break]

"Y-yes, it's nice we ran into each other."[break][break]

She clears her throat, masking the sound of the pebble dropping from her end of the conversation. Though she doesn't miss the heavy footsteps that practically made the ground beneath her feet tremble. She's quick to try and catch her balance, keenly aware of how precarious their position is - depending on how close to the edge of the trail they were.

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